bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basal forebrain control of wakefulness and cortical rhythms
Authors: Anaclet Christelle , Pedersen Nigel P. , Ferrari Loris L. , Venner Anne , Bass Caroline E. , Arrigoni Elda , Fuller Patrick M.
Published: November 2015

Wakefulness, along with fast cortical rhythms and associated cognition, depend on the basal forebrain (BF). BF cholinergic cell loss in dementia and the sedative effect of anti-cholinergic drugs have long implicated these neurons as important for cognition and wakefulness. The BF also contains intermingled inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic cell groups whose exact neurobiological roles are unclear. Here we show that genetically targeted chemogenetic activation of BF cholinergic or glutamatergic neurons in behaving mice produced significant effects on state consolidation and/or the electroencephalogram but had no effect on total wake. Similar activation of BF GABAergic neurons produced sustained wakefulness and high-frequency cortical rhythms, whereas chemogenetic inhibition increased sleep. Our findings reveal a major contribution of BF GABAergic neurons to wakefulness and the fast cortical rhythms associated with cognition. These findings may be clinically applicable to manipulations aimed at increasing forebrain activation in dementia and the minimally conscious state.
The paracaspase MALT1 cleaves HOIL1 reducing linear ubiquitination by LUBAC to dampen lymphocyte NF-κB signalling
Authors: Klein Theo , Fung Shan-Yu , Renner Florian , Blank Michael A. , Dufour Antoine , Kang Sohyeong , Bolger-Munro Madison , Scurll Joshua M. , Priatel John J. , Schweigler Patrick , Melkko Samu , Gold Michael R. , Viner Rosa I. , Régnier Catherine H. , Turvey Stuart E. , Overall Christopher M.
Published: November 2015

Antigen receptor signalling activates the canonical NF-κB pathway via the CARD11/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) signalosome involving key, yet ill-defined roles for linear ubiquitination. The paracaspase MALT1 cleaves and removes negative checkpoint proteins, amplifying lymphocyte responses in NF-κB activation and in B-cell lymphoma subtypes. To identify new human MALT1 substrates, we compare B cells from the only known living MALT1mut/mut patient with healthy MALT1+/mut family members using 10-plex Tandem Mass Tag TAILS N-terminal peptide proteomics. We identify HOIL1 of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex as a novel MALT1 substrate. We show linear ubiquitination at B-cell receptor microclusters and signalosomes. Late in the NF-κB activation cycle HOIL1 cleavage transiently reduces linear ubiquitination, including of NEMO and RIP1, dampening NF-κB activation and preventing reactivation. By regulating linear ubiquitination, MALT1 is both a positive and negative pleiotropic regulator of the human canonical NF-κB pathway—first promoting activation via the CBM—then triggering HOIL1-dependent negative-feedback termination, preventing reactivation.
Perfluorocarbon nanoparticles enhance reactive oxygen levels and tumour growth inhibition in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Cheng Yuhao , Cheng Hao , Jiang Chenxiao , Qiu Xuefeng , Wang Kaikai , Huan Wei , Yuan Ahu , Wu Jinhui , Hu Yiqiao
Published: November 2015

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) kills cancer cells by converting tumour oxygen into reactive singlet oxygen (1O2) using a photosensitizer. However, pre-existing hypoxia in tumours and oxygen consumption during PDT can result in an inadequate oxygen supply, which in turn hampers photodynamic efficacy. Here to overcome this problem, we create oxygen self-enriching photodynamic therapy (Oxy-PDT) by loading a photosensitizer into perfluorocarbon nanodroplets. Because of the higher oxygen capacity and longer1O2lifetime of perfluorocarbon, the photodynamic effect of the loaded photosensitizer is significantly enhanced, as demonstrated by the accelerated generation of1O2and elevated cytotoxicity. Following direct injection into tumours,in vivostudies reveal tumour growth inhibition in the Oxy-PDT-treated mice. In addition, a single-dose intravenous injection of Oxy-PDT into tumour-bearing mice significantly inhibits tumour growth, whereas traditional PDT has no effect. Oxy-PDT may enable the enhancement of existing clinical PDT and future PDT design.
Suction-based propulsion as a basis for efficient animal swimming
Authors: Gemmell Brad J. , Colin Sean P. , Costello John H. , Dabiri John O.
Published: November 2015

A central and long-standing tenet in the conceptualization of animal swimming is the idea that propulsive thrust is generated by pushing the surrounding water rearward. Inherent in this perspective is the assumption that locomotion involves the generation of locally elevated pressures in the fluid to achieve the expected downstream push of the surrounding water mass. Here we show that rather than pushing against the surrounding fluid, efficient swimming animals primarily pull themselves through the water via suction. This distinction is manifested in dominant low-pressure regions generated in the fluid surrounding the animal body, which are observed by using particle image velocimetry and a pressure calculation algorithm applied to freely swimming lampreys and jellyfish. These results suggest a rethinking of the evolutionary adaptations observed in swimming animals as well as the mechanistic basis for bio-inspired and biomimetic engineered vehicles.
Onset of two-dimensional superconductivity in space charge doped few-layer molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Biscaras Johan , Chen Zhesheng , Paradisi Andrea , Shukla Abhay
Published: November 2015

Atomically thin films of layered materials such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are of growing interest for the study of phase transitions in two-dimensions through electrostatic doping. Electrostatic doping techniques giving access to high carrier densities are needed to achieve such phase transitions. Here we develop a method of electrostatic doping which allows us to reach a maximum n-doping density of 4 × 1014 cm−2 in few-layer MoS2 on glass substrates. With increasing carrier density we first induce an insulator to metal transition and subsequently an incomplete metal to superconductor transition in MoS2 with critical temperature ≈10 K. Contrary to earlier reports, after the onset of superconductivity, the superconducting transition temperature does not depend on the carrier density. Our doping method and the results we obtain in MoS2 for samples as thin as bilayers indicates the potential of this approach.
Aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg for long-term maintenance treatment of schizophrenia: a 52-week open-label study
Authors: Peters-Strickland Timothy , Baker Ross A , McQuade Robert D , Jin Na , Eramo Anna , Perry Pamela , Johnson Brian R , Duca Anna , Sanchez Raymond
Published: November 2015

Background:

Long-term maintenance treatment with an antipsychotic is often required to prevent relapse and mitigate functional deterioration in patients with schizophrenia.

Aims:

This study assessed the long-term safety, tolerability, and maintenance of the therapeutic effect of aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg (AOM 400) in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:

This 52-week, open-label study included patients previously enrolled in 1 of 2 AOM 400 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and de novo patients. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs), suicidality, extrapyramidal symptoms, injection-site pain, and clinically relevant changes in clinical and laboratory values. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of stable patients at baseline who remained stable at the last visit of the AOM 400 maintenance phase. All endpoints were assessed with descriptive statistics; there were no formal planned statistical analyses.

Results:

Of 1,247 patients screened, 1,178 enrolled in the study (194 de novo and 984 patients from the RCTs) and 1,081 received maintenance treatment with AOM 400. The maintenance phase completion rate was 79.4% at 52 weeks. Treatment-emergent AEs in ⩾5% of patients during open-label AOM 400 treatment were headache (7.6%), nasopharyngitis (7.0%), anxiety (6.8%), and insomnia (6.6%). There were no clinically relevant changes in safety parameters of interest. Ninety-five percent of stable patients at baseline remained stable at their last visit during the AOM 400 maintenance phase.

Conclusions:

The long-term safety and tolerability profile of AOM 400 was comparable to the RCTs, and the long-term therapeutic effect was maintained.
The association between antibodies to neurotropic pathogens and schizophrenia: a case-control study
Authors: de Witte Lot D , van Mierlo Hans C , Litjens Manja , Klein Hans C , Bahn Sabine , Osterhaus Ab D ,   the GROUP Investigators
Published: November 2015

Background:

Exposure to neurotropic pathogens has been proposed as an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and can be evaluated by measuring pathogen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). Seroprevalence of pathogen-specific IgG reflects prior exposure, whereas IgG levels are associated with reactivity or reinfection. Several studies have examined these parameters in schizophrenia. However, results still remain inconclusive, as several previous studies did not correct for important confounding factors.

Aims:

To investigate whether schizophrenia is associated with prior exposure to neurotropic pathogens, or with their reactivation.

Methods:

We examined the seroprevalence and titer of IgG antibodies against herpes simplex virus-1 and -2 (HSV-1/HSV-2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Toxoplasma gondii (TG) in plasma of 368 adult patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and 282 controls using ELISA.

Results:

We did not find evidence for an increased exposure to HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV, and TG in patients. There was a significantly higher seroprevalence of VZV (98.9% vs. 95.6%, P<0.05) and CMV (40.4% vs. 27.7%, P<0.001) in controls as compared with patients, which did not remain statistically significant after adjustment for various potential confounders. We did not find significant differences in antibody titers of seropositive patients and controls for any of the six pathogens.

Conclusions:

Our results do not support the hypothesis that increased exposure to neurotropic pathogens after birth is associated with schizophrenia.
NFAT isoforms play distinct roles in TNFα-induced retinal leukostasis
Authors: Bretz Colin A. , Savage Sara R. , Capozzi Megan E. , Suarez Sandra , Penn John S.
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the role of individual NFAT isoforms in TNFα-induced retinal leukostasis. To this end, human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMEC) transfected with siRNA targeting individual NFAT isoforms were treated with TNFα and qRT-PCR was used to examine the contribution of each isoform to the TNFα-induced upregulation of leukocyte adhesion proteins. This showed that NFATc1 siRNA increased ICAM1 expression, NFATc2 siRNA reduced CX3CL1, VCAM1, SELE and ICAM1 expression, NFATc3 siRNA increased CX3CL1 and SELE expression and NFATc4 siRNA reduced SELE expression. Transfected HRMEC monolayers were also treated with TNFα and assayed using a parallel plate flow chamber and both NFATc2 and NFATc4 knockdown reduced TNFα-induced cell adhesion. The effect of isoform-specific knockdown on TNFα-induced cytokine production was also measured using protein ELISAs and conditioned cell culture medium and showed that NFATc4 siRNA reduced CXCL10, CXCL11 and MCP-1 protein levels. Lastly, the CN/NFAT-signaling inhibitor INCA-6 was shown to reduce TNFα-induced retinal leukostasis in vivo. Together, these studies show a clear role for NFAT-signaling in TNFα-induced retinal leukostasis and identify NFATc2 and NFATc4 as potentially valuable therapeutic targets for treating retinopathies in which TNFα plays a pathogenic role.
Ontogenetic development of the auditory sensory organ in zebrafish (Danio rerio): changes in hearing sensitivity and related morphology
Authors: Wang Jiping , Song Qiang , Yu Dongzhen , Yang Guang , Xia Li , Su Kaiming , Shi Haibo , Wang Jian , Yin Shankai
Published: November 2015

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an important model organism in hearing research. However, data on the hearing sensitivity of zebrafish vary across different reports. In the present study, the hearing sensitivity of zebrafish was examined by analysing the auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) over a range of total lengths (TLs) from 12 to 46 mm. Morphological changes in the hair cells (HCs) of the saccule (the main auditory end organ) and their synapses with primary auditory neurons were investigated. The AEPs were detected up to a much higher frequency limit (12 kHz) than previously reported. No significant difference in the frequency response range was observed across the TL range examined. However, the AEP thresholds demonstrated both developmental improvement and age-related loss of hearing sensitivity. The changes in hearing sensitivity were roughly consistent with the morphological changes in the saccule including (1) the number and density of HCs, (2) the organization of stereocilia and (3) the quantity of a main ribbon protein, Ribeye b. The results of this study established a clear baseline for the hearing ability of zebrafish and revealed that the changes in the saccule contribute to the observed changes in TL (age)-related hearing sensitivity.
Glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)-induced metabolome changes in healthy males suggest prediction of response and side effects
Authors: Bordag Natalie , Klie Sebastian , Jürchott Kathrin , Vierheller Janine , Schiewe Hajo , Albrecht Valerie , Tonn Jörg-Christian , Schwartz Christoph , Schichor Christian , Selbig Joachim
Published: November 2015

Glucocorticoids are indispensable anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs with high prevalence of use at ~0.9% of the adult population. Better holistic insights into glucocorticoid-induced changes are crucial for effective use as concurrent medication and management of adverse effects. The profiles of 214 metabolites from plasma of 20 male healthy volunteers were recorded prior to and after ingestion of a single dose of 4 mg dexamethasone (+20 mg pantoprazole). Samples were drawn at three predefined time points per day: seven untreated (day 1 midday - day 3 midday) and four treated (day 3 evening - day 4 evening) per volunteer. Statistical analysis revealed tremendous impact of dexamethasone on the metabolome with 150 of 214 metabolites being significantly deregulated on at least one time point after treatment (ANOVA, Benjamini-Hochberg corrected, q < 0.05). Inter-person variability was high and remained uninfluenced by treatment. The clearly visible circadian rhythm prior to treatment was almost completely suppressed and deregulated by dexamethasone. The results draw a holistic picture of the severe metabolic deregulation induced by single-dose, short-term glucocorticoid application. The observed metabolic changes suggest a potential for early detection of severe side effects, raising hope for personalized early countermeasures increasing quality of life and reducing health care costs.
Thickness effect of ultra-thin Ta2O5 resistance switching layer in 28 nm-diameter memory cell
Authors: Park Tae Hyung , Song Seul Ji , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Soo Gil , Chung Suock , Kim Beom Yong , Lee Kee Jeung , Kim Kyung Min , Choi Byung Joon , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: November 2015

Resistance switching (RS) devices with ultra-thin Ta2O5 switching layer (0.5–2.0 nm) with a cell diameter of 28 nm were fabricated. The performance of the devices was tested by voltage-driven current—voltage (I-V) sweep and closed-loop pulse switching (CLPS) tests. A Ta layer was placed beneath the Ta2O5 switching layer to act as an oxygen vacancy reservoir. The device with the smallest Ta2O5 thickness (0.5 nm) showed normal switching properties with gradual change in resistance in I-V sweep or CLPS and high reliability. By contrast, other devices with higher Ta2O5 thickness (1.0–2.0 nm) showed abrupt switching with several abnormal behaviours, degraded resistance distribution, especially in high resistance state and much lower reliability performance. A single conical or hour-glass shaped double conical conducting filament shape was conceived to explain these behavioural differences that depended on the Ta2O5 switching layer thickness. Loss of oxygen via lateral diffusion to the encapsulating Si3N4/SiO2 layer was suggested as the main degradation mechanism for reliability and a method to improve reliability was also proposed.
E. adenophorum induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Splenocytes through the Mitochondrial Pathway and Caspase Activation in Saanen Goats
Authors: He Yajun , Mo Quan , Hu Yanchun , Chen Weihong , Luo Biao , Wu Lei , Qiao Yan , Xu Ruiguang , Zhou Yancheng , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , He Wei , Wei Yahui
Published: November 2015

The precise cytotoxicity of E. Adenophorum in relation to the cell cycle and apoptosis of splenocytes in Saanen goats remains unclear. In the present study, 16 Saanen goats were randomly divided into four groups, which were fed on 0%, 40%, 60% and 80% E. adenophorum diets. The results of TUNEL, DAPI and AO/EB staining, flow cytometry analysis and DNA fragmentation assays showed that E. adenophorum induced typical apoptotic features in splenocytes, suppressed splenocyte viability and caused cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner. However, westernblot, ELISA, qRT-PCR and caspase activity analyses showed that E. adenophoruminhibited Bcl-2 expression, promoted Bax translocation to the mitochondria, triggered the release of Cytc from the mitochondria into the cytosol and activated caspase-9 and -3 and the subsequent cleavage of PARP. Moreover, in E. adenophorum-induced apoptosis, the protein levels of Fas, Bid, FasL and caspase-8 showed no significant changes. E. adenophorum treatment induced the collapse of ΔΨm. Moreover, these data suggested that E. adenophorum induces splenocyte apoptosis via the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in splenocytes. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of E. adenophorum cytotoxicity on splenocytes.
The K167I variant of DNA polymerase β that is found in Esophageal Carcinoma patients impairs polymerase activity and BER
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Zang Wenqiao , Du Yuwen , Chen Xiaonan , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: November 2015

DNA polymerase β (pol β) is a key enzyme in DNA base excision repair and an important factor for maintaining genomic integrity and stability. Esophageal carcinoma (EC) patients who have been identified as carrying the K167I variant of pol β have been shown to have decreased life expectancy. However, it is unknown if the variant affects pol β’s functions and/or how it contributes to the initiation and progression of cancer. In this study, we expressed and purified the K167I variant. Moreover, we found that K167I significantly reduced polymerase activity. As a result, the K167I substitution reduced base excision repair (BER) efficiency when assayed in a reconstitution assay or when using cellular extracts. Finally, we observed EC cells expressing the K167I variant to be sensitive to DNA damaging agents. These results suggest the K167I variant affected pol β biochemical activity resulting in impaired BER function, which might subsequently contribute to genomic instability and cancer development.
13C-tryptophan breath test detects increased catabolic turnover of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Teraishi Toshiya , Hori Hiroaki , Sasayama Daimei , Matsuo Junko , Ogawa Shintaro , Ota Miho , Hattori Kotaro , Kajiwara Masahiro , Higuchi Teruhiko , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Altered tryptophan–kynurenine (KYN) metabolism has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). The l-[1-13C]tryptophan breath test (13C-TBT) is a noninvasive, stable-isotope tracer method in which exhaled 13CO2 is attributable to tryptophan catabolism via the KYN pathway. We included 18 patients with MDD (DSM-IV) and 24 age- and sex-matched controls. 13C-tryptophan (150 mg) was orally administered and the 13CO2/12CO2 ratio in the breath was monitored for 180 min. The cumulative recovery rate during the 180-min test (CRR0–180; %), area under the Δ13CO2-time curve (AUC; %*min) and the maximal Δ13CO2 (Cmax; %) were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in the controls (p = 0.004, p = 0.008 and p = 0.002, respectively). Plasma tryptophan concentrations correlated negatively with Cmax in both the patients and controls (p = 0.020 and p = 0.034, respectively). Our results suggest that the 13C-TBT could be a novel biomarker for detecting a subgroup of MDD with increased tryptophan–KYN metabolism.
Biogeographical patterns of biomass allocation in leaves, stems and roots in China’s forests
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Kelin , Xu Xianli , Song Tongqing , Xu Yanfang , Zeng Fuping
Published: November 2015

To test whether there are general patterns in biomass partitioning in relation to environmental variation when stand biomass is considered, we investigated biomass allocation in leaves, stems and roots in China’s forests using both the national forest inventory data (2004–2008) and our field measurements (2011–2012). Distribution patterns of leaf, stem and root biomass showed significantly different trends according to latitude, longitude and altitude and were positively and significantly correlated with stand age and mean annual precipitation. Trade-offs among leaves, stems and roots varied with forest type and origin and were mainly explained by stand biomass. Based on the constraints of stand biomass, biomass allocation was also influenced by forest type, origin, stand age, stand density, mean annual temperature, precipitation and maximum temperature in the growing season. Therefore, after stand biomass was accounted for, the residual variation in biomass allocation could be partially explained by stand characteristics and environmental factors, which may aid in quantifying carbon cycling in forest ecosystems and assessing the impacts of climate change on forest carbon dynamics in China.
Proteomic profiling of host-biofilm interactions in an oral infection model resembling the periodontal pocket
Authors: Bao Kai , Belibasakis Georgios N. , Selevsek Nathalie , Grossmann Jonas , Bostanci Nagihan
Published: November 2015

Periodontal infections cause inflammatory destruction of the tooth supporting tissues. We recently developed a dynamic, in vitro periodontal organotypic tissue model in a perfusion bioreactor system, in co-culture with an 11-species subgingival biofilm, which may recapitulate early events during the establishment of periodontal infections. This study aimed to characterize the global proteome regulations in this host-biofilm interaction model. Semi-quantitative shotgun proteomics were applied for protein identification and quantification in the co-culture supernatants (human and bacterial) and the biofilm lysates (bacterial). A total of 896 and 3363 proteins were identified as secreted in the supernatant and expressed in the biofilm lysate, respectively. Enriched gene ontology analysis revealed that the regulated secreted human tissue proteins were related to processes of cytoskeletal rearrangement, stress responses, apoptosis and antigen presentation, all of which are commensurate with deregulated host responses. Most secreted bacterial biofilm proteins derived from their cytoplasmic domain. In the presence of the tissue, the levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces oris and Campylobacter rectus proteins were significantly regulated. The functions of the up-regulated intracellular (biofilm lysate) proteins were associated with cytokinesis. In conclusion, the proteomic overview of regulated pathways in this host-biofilm interaction model provides insights to the early events of periodontal pathogenesis.
Heterobimetallic Zeolite, InV-ZSM-5, Enables Efficient Conversion of Biomass Derived Ethanol to Renewable Hydrocarbons
Authors: Narula Chaitanya K. , Li Zhenglong , Casbeer Erik M. , Geiger Robert A. , Moses-Debusk Melanie , Keller Martin , Buchanan Michelle V. , Davison Brian H.
Published: November 2015

Direct catalytic conversion of ethanol to hydrocarbon blend-stock can increase biofuels use in current vehicles beyond the ethanol blend-wall of 10–15%. Literature reports describe quantitative conversion of ethanol over zeolite catalysts but high C2 hydrocarbon formation renders this approach unsuitable for commercialization. Furthermore, the prior mechanistic studies suggested that ethanol conversion involves endothermic dehydration step. Here, we report the complete conversion of ethanol to hydrocarbons over InV-ZSM-5 without added hydrogen and which produces lower C2 (<13%) as compared to that over H-ZSM-5. Experiments with C2H5OD and in situ DRIFT suggest that most of the products come from the hydrocarbon pool type mechanism and dehydration step is not necessary. Thus, our method of direct conversion of ethanol offers a pathway to produce suitable hydrocarbon blend-stock that may be blended at a refinery to produce fuels such as gasoline, diesel, JP-8 and jet fuel, or produce commodity chemicals such as BTX.
Non-Contact Measurement of Thermal Diffusivity in Ion-Implanted Nuclear Materials
Authors: Hofmann F. , Mason D. R. , Eliason J. K. , Maznev A. A. , Nelson K. A. , Dudarev S. L.
Published: November 2015

Knowledge of mechanical and physical property evolution due to irradiation damage is essential for the development of future fission and fusion reactors. Ion-irradiation provides an excellent proxy for studying irradiation damage, allowing high damage doses without sample activation. Limited ion-penetration-depth means that only few-micron-thick damaged layers are produced. Substantial effort has been devoted to probing the mechanical properties of these thin implanted layers. Yet, whilst key to reactor design, their thermal transport properties remain largely unexplored due to a lack of suitable measurement techniques. Here we demonstrate non-contact thermal diffusivity measurements in ion-implanted tungsten for nuclear fusion armour. Alloying with transmutation elements and the interaction of retained gas with implantation-induced defects both lead to dramatic reductions in thermal diffusivity. These changes are well captured by our modelling approaches. Our observations have important implications for the design of future fusion power plants.
Welding of Semiconductor Nanowires by Coupling Laser-Induced Peening and Localized Heating
Authors: Rickey Kelly M. , Nian Qiong , Zhang Genqiang , Chen Liangliang , Suslov Sergey , Bhat S. Venkataprasad , Wu Yue , Cheng Gary J. , Ruan Xiulin
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate that laser peening coupled with sintering of CdTe nanowire films substantially enhances film quality and charge transfer while largely maintaining basic particle morphology. During the laser peening phase, a shockwave is used to compress the film. Laser sintering comprises the second step, where a nanosecond pulse laser beam welds the nanowires. Microstructure, morphology, material content and electrical conductivities of the films are characterized before and after treatment. The morphology results show that laser peening can decrease porosity and bring nanowires into contact and pulsed laser heating fuses those contacts. Multiphysics simulations coupling electromagnetic and heat transfer modules demonstrate that during pulsed laser heating, local EM field enhancement is generated specifically around the contact areas between two semiconductor nanowires, indicating localized heating. The characterization results indicate that solely laser peening or sintering can only moderately improve the thin film quality; however, when coupled together as laser peen sintering (LPS), the electrical conductivity enhancement is dramatic. LPS can decrease resistivity up to a factor of ~10,000, resulting in values on the order of ~105 Ω-cm in some cases, which is comparable to CdTe thin films. Our work demonstrates that LPS is an effective processing method to obtain high-quality semiconductor nanocrystal films.
Biochemical and structural characterization of a novel ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 from Agrocybe aegeria reveals Ube2w family-specific properties
Authors: Qi Chao , Li De-Feng , Feng Lei , Hou Yanjie , Sun Hui , Wang Da-Cheng , Liu Wei
Published: November 2015

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that is involved in myriad cellar regulation and disease pathways. The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2) is an important player in the ubiquitin transfer pathway. Although many E2 structures are available, not all E2 families have known structures and three-dimensional structures from fungal organisms other than yeast are lacking. We report here the crystal structure of UbcA1, which is a novel ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme identified from the edible and medicinal mushroom Agrocybe aegerita and displays potential antitumor properties. The protein belongs to the Ube2w family and shows similar biochemical characteristics to human Ube2w, including monomer-dimer equilibrium in solution, α-NH2 ubiquitin-transfer activity and a mechanism to recognize backbone atoms of intrinsically disordered N-termini in substrates. Its structure displays a unique C-terminal conformation with an orientation of helix α3 that is completely different from the reported E2 structures but similar to a recently reported NMR ensemble of Ube2w. A mutagenesis study on this novel enzyme revealed that an intact C-terminus is significant for protein dimerization and enzymatic activity. As the first crystallized full-length protein of this family, UbcA1 may supersede the truncated X-ray structure of Ube2w (PDB entry 2A7L) as the representative structure of the Ube2w family.
A novel approach combining self-organizing map and parallel factor analysis for monitoring water quality of watersheds under non-point source pollution
Authors: Zhang Yixiang , Liang Xinqiang , Wang Zhibo , Xu Lixian
Published: November 2015

High content of organic matter in the downstream of watersheds underscored the severity of non-point source (NPS) pollution. The major objectives of this study were to characterize and quantify dissolved organic matter (DOM) in watersheds affected by NPS pollution and to apply self-organizing map (SOM) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to assess fluorescence properties as proxy indicators for NPS pollution and labor-intensive routine water quality indicators. Water from upstreams and downstreams was sampled to measure dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and excitation-emission matrix (EEM). Five fluorescence components were modeled with PARAFAC. The regression analysis between PARAFAC intensities (Fmax) and raw EEM measurements indicated that several raw fluorescence measurements at target excitation-emission wavelength region could provide similar DOM information to massive EEM measurements combined with PARAFAC. Regression analysis between DOC concentration and raw EEM measurements suggested that some regions in raw EEM could be used as surrogates for labor-intensive routine indicators. SOM can be used to visualize the occurrence of pollution. Relationship between DOC concentration and PARAFAC components analyzed with SOM suggested that PARAFAC component 2 might be the major part of bulk DOC and could be recognized as a proxy indicator to predict the DOC concentration.
Electrodeposited Ultrathin TiO2 Blocking Layers for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Su Tzu-Sen , Hsieh Tsung-Yu , Hong Cheng-You , Wei Tzu-Chien
Published: November 2015

In this study, the electrodeposition (ED) of ultrathin, compact TiO2 blocking layers (BLs) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is evaluated. This bottom-up method allows for controlling the morphology and thickness of TiO2 films by simply manipulating deposition conditions. Compared with BLs produced using the spin-coating (SC) method, BLs produced using ED exhibit satisfactory surface coverage, even with a film thickness of 29 nm. Evidence from cyclic voltammetry shows that an ED BL suppresses interfacial recombination more profoundly than an SC BL does, consequently improving the photovoltaic properties of the PSC significantly. A PSC equipped with an ED TiO2 BL having a 13.6% power conversion efficiency is demonstrated.
Neurotoxicity induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles: age-related differences and interaction
Authors: Tian Lei , Lin Bencheng , Wu Lei , Li Kang , Liu Huanliang , Yan Jun , Liu Xiaohua , Xi Zhuge
Published: November 2015

This study mainly investigated the neurotoxicity induced by zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NP) in different-aged mice and the interaction between age and ZnO NP exposure. Sixty adult and old male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to four groups based on a two-factor (age and ZnO NP exposure) design. Results showed that ZnO NPs (5.6 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) induced increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and the brain of mice. A synergistic reaction between aging and ZnO NP exposure occurred regarding serum interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). In the brain, increased oxidative stress level, impaired learning and memory abilities and hippocampal pathological changes were identified, especially in old mice, following ZnO NP exposure. Then, a potential mechanism of cognitive impairment was examined. The contents of hippocampal cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB, synapsin I and cAMP were decreased in an age-dependent manner and the most substantial decrease occurred in old mice treated with ZnO NPs. These findings demonstrated for the first time that aging and ZnO NP exposure synergistically influenced systemic inflammation and indicated old individuals were more susceptible to ZnO NP-induced neurotoxicity. One of the mechanisms might due to the supression of cAMP/CREB signaling.
The role of host genetic factors in respiratory tract infectious diseases: systematic review, meta-analyses and field synopsis
Authors: Patarčić Inga , Gelemanović Andrea , Kirin Mirna , Kolčić Ivana , Theodoratou Evropi , Baillie Kenneth J. , de Jong Menno D. , Rudan Igor , Campbell Harry , Polašek Ozren
Published: November 2015

Host genetic factors have frequently been implicated in respiratory infectious diseases, often with inconsistent results in replication studies. We identified 386 studies from the total of 24,823 studies identified in a systematic search of four bibliographic databases. We performed meta-analyses of studies on tuberculosis, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-Coronavirus and pneumonia. One single-nucleotide polymorphism from IL4 gene was significant for pooled respiratory infections (rs2070874; 1.66 [1.29–2.14]). We also detected an association of TLR2 gene with tuberculosis (rs5743708; 3.19 [2.03–5.02]). Subset analyses identified CCL2 as an additional risk factor for tuberculosis (rs1024611; OR = 0.79 [0.72–0.88]). The IL4-TLR2-CCL2 axis could be a highly interesting target for translation towards clinical use. However, this conclusion is based on low credibility of evidence - almost 95% of all identified studies had strong risk of bias or confounding. Future studies must build upon larger-scale collaborations, but also strictly adhere to the highest evidence-based principles in study design, in order to reduce research waste and provide clinically translatable evidence.
Transgenerational Developmental Programming of Ovarian Reserve
Authors: Aiken C. E. , Tarry-Adkins J. L. , Ozanne S. E.
Published: November 2015

Exposure to an adverse early-life environment leads to long-term health problems, many of which are recapitulated in subsequent generations. The female reproductive tract is particularly sensitive to early-life influences and plays a pivotal role in programming the conceptus. We examine the influence of suboptimal grandmaternal diet on reproductive potential of granddaughters in the absence of any further dietary manipulations in the daughters in a rat low-protein diet model. Exposure to low-protein grand-maternal diet leads to decreased ovarian reserve and increased intra-abdominal fat mass in granddaughters, accompanied by accelerated accumulation of oxidative stress and mtDNA copy number instability in the ovaries. Ovarian telomere length declines more rapidly in the exposed granddaughters, indicating accelerated ageing in the reproductive tract. Thus, we demonstrate that suboptimal grandmaternal diet during pregnancy accelerates reproductive ageing across subsequent generations. These findings have important implications for understanding both individual rates of decline in fertility with age and the clinical impact of current global trends towards delayed childbearing.
High throughput optical lithography by scanning a massive array of bowtie aperture antennas at near-field
Authors: Wen X. , Datta A. , Traverso L. M. , Pan L. , Xu X. , Moon E. E.
Published: November 2015

Optical lithography, the enabling process for defining features, has been widely used in semiconductor industry and many other nanotechnology applications. Advances of nanotechnology require developments of high-throughput optical lithography capabilities to overcome the optical diffraction limit and meet the ever-decreasing device dimensions. We report our recent experimental advancements to scale up diffraction unlimited optical lithography in a massive scale using the near field nanolithography capabilities of bowtie apertures. A record number of near-field optical elements, an array of 1,024 bowtie antenna apertures, are simultaneously employed to generate a large number of patterns by carefully controlling their working distances over the entire array using an optical gap metrology system. Our experimental results reiterated the ability of using massively-parallel near-field devices to achieve high-throughput optical nanolithography, which can be promising for many important nanotechnology applications such as computation, data storage, communication and energy.
Controlled stepwise-synthesis of core–shell Au@MIL-100 (Fe) nanoparticles for sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection
Authors: Liao Jia , Wang Dongmei , Liu Anqi , Hu Yuling , Li Gongke
Published: November 2015

A novel porous Au@MIL-100 (Fe) core–shell structure in which a Au nanoparticle (AuNP) core is coated with a controllable uniform metal–organic framework shell has been fabricated by using a facile step-by-step procedure.
A sensitive and selective sensor for biothiols based on the turn-on fluorescence of the Fe-MIL-88 metal–organic frameworks–hydrogen peroxide system
Authors: Sun Zheng Juan , Jiang Jun Ze , Li Yuan Fang
Published: November 2015

A novel and simple spectrofluorometry method for the recognition of biothiols using metal–organic frameworks Fe-MIL-88 and H2O2 is developed.
Uncoiling collagen: a multidimensional mass spectrometry study
Authors: Simon H. J. , van Agthoven M. A. , Lam P. Y. , Floris F. , Chiron L. , Delsuc M.-A. , Rolando C. , Barrow M. P. , O'Connor P. B.
Published: November 2015

Two dimensional mass spectrometry can provide structural information on all peptide ions simultaneously from the tryptic digest of a large protein complex.
Comparison of key modalities of micro-scale spatially offset Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Conti C. , Realini M. , Colombo C. , Matousek P.
Published: November 2015

We compare several basic embodiments of a recently proposed and demonstrated micrometer-scale Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (micro-SORS).
Raman spectroscopy based method for the evaluation of compositional consistency of nanofibrous layers
Authors: Kotzianova Adela , Rebicek Jiri , Zidek Ondrej , Pokorny Marek , Hrbac Jan , Velebny Vladimir
Published: November 2015

Analysis of the nanofibers based on Raman spectroscopy and singular value decomposition is presented. The calibration of results is included and local homogeneity of samples is shown through Raman maps. SVD results after and before calibration curve application and recalculation to percents.
An efficient, sensitive and accurate method for the detection of astragaloside IV in Chinese functional spirit by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Zhan , Yu Xinyu , Zhao Hongyan , Wu Xinyue , Chen Xiang , Zhou Xinhu , Li Lei
Published: November 2015

Mainly consisting of Chinese white spirit and traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese functional spirit is a popular health food in China due to its healthy effects, such as resisting fatigue and enhancing immunity.
Terminus-free siRNA prepared by photo-crosslinking activated via slicing by Ago2
Authors: Kamiya Yukiko , Iishiba Kazuki , Doi Tetsuya , Tsuda Kouki , Kashida Hiromu , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

We report the development of photo-crosslinked siRNA strands modified at each terminus withp-cyanostilbene.
The existence of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-formylcytosine in both DNA and RNA in mammals
Authors: Zhang Hao-Ying , Xiong Jun , Qi Bao-Ling , Feng Yu-Qi , Yuan Bi-Feng
Published: November 2015

We developed a novel strategy by oxidation–derivatization combined mass spectrometry analysis for the determination of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-formylcytosine in both DNA and RNA.
Synchronous double C–N bond formation via C–H activation for a novel synthetic route to phenazine
Authors: Seth Kapileswar , Raha Roy Sudipta , Chakraborti Asit K.
Published: November 2015

Pd–Ag binary nanocluster-catalysed synchronous double C–N bond formationviaC–H activation during self-coupling of anilines to form phenazines.
A mechanistic DFT study of low temperature SCR of NO with NH3 on MnCe1−xO2(111)
Authors: Song Weiyu , Liu Jian , Zheng Huiling , Ma Sicong , Wei Yuechang , Duan Aijun , Jiang Guiyuan , Zhao Zhen , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: November 2015

The mechanism of low temperature SCR of NO with NH3 catalyzed by MnCe1−xO2(111) has been explored by density functional theory.
Pd–Ru/TiO2 catalyst – an active and selective catalyst for furfural hydrogenation
Authors: Aldosari Obaid F. , Iqbal Sarwat , Miedziak Peter J. , Brett Gemma L. , Jones Daniel R. , Liu Xi , Edwards Jennifer K. , Morgan David J. , Knight David K. , Hutchings Graham J.
Published: November 2015

The selective hydrogenation of furfural at ambient temperature has been investigated using a Pd/TiO2 catalyst.
La-modified mesoporous Mg–Al mixed oxides: effective and stable base catalysts for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from methyl carbamate and methanol
Authors: Wang Dengfeng , Zhang Xuelan , Ma Jie , Yu Haiwen , Shen Jingzhu , Wei Wei
Published: November 2015

The incorporation of a suitable amount of La into Mg–Al mixed oxide catalysts was beneficial for the production of dimethyl carbonate.
Diolefins with an ether/thioether functionality as ligands in the coordination sphere of Ni and Rh
Authors: Lichtenberg Crispin , Bloch Jan , Gianetti Thomas L. , Büttner Torsten , Geier Jens , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: November 2015

A diolefin ether, trop2O, and a diolefin thioether, trop2S, were prepared and coordinated to Ni(0) or Rh(i). A comparison of the electrochemical data with corresponding amine diolefin complexes reveal the differences in stabilizing various oxidation states of these complexes.
Membrane-mediated aggregation of anisotropically curved nanoparticles
Authors: Olinger Alexander D. , Spangler Eric J. , Kumar P. B. Sunil , Laradji Mohamed
Published: November 2015

Using systematic numerical simulations, we study the self-assembly of elongated curved nanoparticles on lipid vesicles. Our simulations are based on molecular dynamics of a coarse-grained implicit-solvent model of self-assembled lipid membranes with a Langevin thermostat. Here we consider only the case wherein the nanoparticle–nanoparticle interaction is repulsive, only the concave surface of the nanoparticle interacts attractively with the lipid head groups and only the outer surface of the vesicle is exposed to the nanoparticles. Upon their adhesion on the vesicle, the curved nanoparticles generate local curvature on the membrane. The resulting nanoparticle-generated membrane curvature leads in turn to nanoparticle self-assembly into two main types of aggregates corresponding to chain aggregates at low adhesion strengths and aster aggregates at high adhesion strength. The chain-like aggregates are due to the fact that at low values of adhesion strength, the nanoparticles prefer to lie parallel to each other. As the adhesion strength is increased, a splay angle between the nanoparticles is induced with a magnitude that increases with increasing adhesion strength. The origin of the splay angles between the nanoparticles is shown to be saddle-like membrane deformations induced by a tilt of the lipids around the nanoparticles. This phenomenon of membrane mediated self-assembly of anisotropically curved nanoparticles is explored for systems with varying nanoparticle number densities, adhesion strength, and nanoparticle intrinsic curvature.
Perspectives and visions on CO2capture and utilisation
Authors: North M. , Styring P.
Published: November 2015

This article summarises and contextualises the debates which occurred during the Carbon Dioxide Utilisation Faraday Discussion meeting. The utilisation of carbon dioxide is discussed in terms of both conversion to fuel, with a potential impact on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and conversion to chemicals with a potential impact on sustainability.
The Twelve Principles of CO2 CHEMISTRY
Authors: Poliakoff Martyn , Leitner Walter , Streng Emilia S.
Published: November 2015

This paper introduces a set of 12 Principles, based on the acronym CO2 CHEMISTRY, which are intended to form a set of criteria for assessing the viability of different processes or reactions for using CO2 as a feedstock for making organic chemicals. The principles aim to highlight the synergy of Carbon Dioxide Utilisation (CDU) with the components of green and sustainable chemistry as well as briefly pointing out the connection to the energy sector.
High efficiency single-step biomaterial-based microparticle fabrication via template-directed supramolecular coordination chemistry
Authors: Lai Kwok Kei , Renneberg Reinhard , Mak Wing Cheung
Published: November 2015

A single-step biomaterial-based microparticle fabrication procedure combining template synthesis, biomolecule assembly and partial-purification for high efficiency fabrication of pure biomaterial-based microparticles is reported.
Design of a microfluidic device to quantify dynamic intra-nuclear deformation during cell migration through confining environments
Authors: Davidson Patricia M. , Sliz Josiah , Isermann Philipp , Denais Celine , Lammerding Jan
Published: November 2015

Quantitative measurements of subcellular deformation in microfabricated environments provide an improved understanding of how cells overcome the resistance of the large and rigid nucleus during 3-D migration, with direct relevance to invasive cancer cells and immune cells.
Fundamentals and applications of inertial microfluidics: a review
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yan Sheng , Yuan Dan , Alici Gursel , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid , Li Weihua
Published: November 2015

We provide a comprehensive review describing the fundamental mechanisms of inertial microfluidics, structure design and applications in biology, medicine and industry.
Correlations of microRNA:microRNA expression patterns reveal insights into microRNA clusters and global microRNA expression patterns
Authors: Chaulk S. G. , Ebhardt H. A. , Fahlman R. P.
Published: November 2015

Correlations of miRNA:miRNA expression.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of piperazine group-linked bivalent β-carbolines as potential antitumor agents
Authors: Sun Rongqin , Liu Rui , Zhou Chi , Ren Zhenghua , Guo Liang , Ma Qin , Fan Wenxi , Qiu Liqin , Yu Huijuan , Shao Guang , Cao Rihui
Published: November 2015

A series of bivalent β-carbolines with a piperazine group spacer between 3-methylene units were synthesized and their cytotoxic activities in vitro were evaluated. Compounds 7e and 7g exhibited potent cytotoxic activity.
Endless resistance. Endless antibiotics?
Authors: Fisher Jed F. , Mobashery Shahriar
Published: November 2015

The practice of medicine was profoundly transformed by the introduction of the antibiotics (compounds isolated from Nature) and the antibacterials (compounds prepared by synthesis) for the control of bacterial infection.