bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a junctional epitope antibody that stabilizes IL-6 and gp80 protein:protein interaction and modulates its downstream signaling
Authors: Adams Ralph , Burnley Rebecca J. , Valenzano Chiara R. , Qureshi Omar , Doyle Carl , Lumb Simon , del Carmen Lopez Maria , Griffin Robert , McMillan David , Taylor Richard D. , Meier Chris , Mori Prashant , Griffin Laura M. , Wernery Ulrich , Kinne Jörg , Rapecki Stephen , Baker Terry S. , Lawson Alastair D. G. , Wright Michael , Ettorre Anna
Published: January 2017

Protein:protein interactions are fundamental in living organism homeostasis. Here we introduce VHH6, a junctional epitope antibody capable of specifically recognizing a neo-epitope when two proteins interact, albeit transiently, to form a complex. Orthogonal biophysical techniques have been used to prove the “junctional epitope” nature of VHH6, a camelid single domain antibody recognizing the IL-6–gp80 complex but not the individual components alone. X-ray crystallography, HDX-MS and SPR analysis confirmed that the CDR regions of VHH6 interact simultaneously with IL-6 and gp80, locking the two proteins together. At the cellular level, VHH6 was able to alter the response of endothelial cells to exogenous IL-6, promoting a sustained STAT3 phosphorylation signal, an accumulation of IL-6 in vesicles and an overall pro-inflammatory phenotype supported further by transcriptomic analysis. Junctional epitope antibodies, like VHH6, not only offer new opportunities in screening and structure-aided drug discovery, but could also be exploited as therapeutics to modulate complex protein:protein interactions.
The iSelect 9 K SNP analysis revealed polyploidization induced revolutionary changes and intense human selection causing strong haplotype blocks in wheat
Authors: Hao Chenyang , Wang Yuquan , Chao Shiaoman , Li Tian , Liu Hongxia , Wang Lanfen , Zhang Xueyong
Published: January 2017

A Chinese wheat mini core collection was genotyped using the wheat 9 K iSelect SNP array. Total 2420 and 2396 polymorphic SNPs were detected on the A and the B genome chromosomes, which formed 878 haplotype blocks. There were more blocks in the B genome, but the average block size was significantly (P < 0.05) smaller than those in the A genome. Intense selection (domestication and breeding) had a stronger effect on the A than on the B genome chromosomes. Based on the genetic pedigrees, many blocks can be traced back to a well-known Strampelli cross, which was made one century ago. Furthermore, polyploidization of wheat (both tetraploidization and hexaploidization) induced revolutionary changes in both the A and the B genomes, with a greater increase of gene diversity compared to their diploid ancestors. Modern breeding has dramatically increased diversity in the gene coding regions, though obvious blocks were formed on most of the chromosomes in both tetraploid and hexaploid wheats. Tag-SNP markers identified in this study can be used for marker assisted selection using haplotype blocks as a wheat breeding strategy. This strategy can also be employed to facilitate genome selection in other self-pollinating crop species.
Computational predictors fail to identify amino acid substitution effects at rheostat positions
Authors: Miller M. , Bromberg Y. , Swint-Kruse L.
Published: January 2017

Many computational approaches exist for predicting the effects of amino acid substitutions. Here, we considered whether the protein sequence position class – rheostat or toggle – affects these predictions. The classes are defined as follows: experimentally evaluated effects of amino acid substitutions at toggle positions are binary, while rheostat positions show progressive changes. For substitutions in the LacI protein, all evaluated methods failed two key expectations: toggle neutrals were incorrectly predicted as more non-neutral than rheostat non-neutrals, while toggle and rheostat neutrals were incorrectly predicted to be different. However, toggle non-neutrals were distinct from rheostat neutrals. Since many toggle positions are conserved, and most rheostats are not, predictors appear to annotate position conservation better than mutational effect. This finding can explain the well-known observation that predictors assign disproportionate weight to conservation, as well as the field’s inability to improve predictor performance. Thus, building reliable predictors requires distinguishing between rheostat and toggle positions.
Time-reversing a monochromatic subwavelength optical focus by optical phase conjugation of multiply-scattered light
Authors: Park Jongchan , Park Chunghyun , Lee KyeoReh , Cho Yong-Hoon , Park YongKeun
Published: January 2017

Due to its time-reversal nature, optical phase conjugation generates a monochromatic light wave which retraces its propagation paths. Here, we demonstrate the regeneration of a subwavelength optical focus by phase conjugation. Monochromatic light from a subwavelength source is scattered by random nanoparticles, and the scattered light is phase conjugated at the far-field region by coupling its wavefront into a single-mode optical reflector using a spatial light modulator. Then the conjugated beam retraces its propagation paths and forms a refocus on the source at the subwavelength scale. This is the first direct experimental realisation of subwavelength focusing beyond the diffraction limit with far-field time reversal in the optical domain.
Tree cover in Central Africa: determinants and sensitivity under contrasted scenarios of global change
Authors: Aleman Julie C. , Blarquez Olivier , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Bremond Laurent , Favier Charly
Published: January 2017

Tree cover is a key variable for ecosystem functioning, and is widely used to study tropical ecosystems. But its determinants and their relative importance are still a matter of debate, especially because most regional and global analyses have not considered the influence of agricultural practices. More information is urgently needed regarding how human practices influence vegetation structure. Here we focused in Central Africa, a region still subjected to traditional agricultural practices with a clear vegetation gradient. Using remote sensing data and global databases, we calibrated a Random Forest model to correlatively link tree cover with climatic, edaphic, fire and agricultural practices data. We showed that annual rainfall and accumulated water deficit were the main drivers of the distribution of tree cover and vegetation classes (defined by the modes of tree cover density), but agricultural practices, especially pastoralism, were also important in determining tree cover. We simulated future tree cover with our model using different scenarios of climate and land-use (agriculture and population) changes. Our simulations suggest that tree cover may respond differently regarding the type of scenarios, but land-use change was an important driver of vegetation change even able to counterbalance the effect of climate change in Central Africa.
A novel approach to analyze lysosomal dysfunctions through subcellular proteomics and lipidomics: the case of NPC1 deficiency
Authors: Tharkeshwar Arun Kumar , Trekker Jesse , Vermeire Wendy , Pauwels Jarne , Sannerud Ragna , Priestman David A. , te Vruchte Danielle , Vints Katlijn , Baatsen Pieter , Decuypere Jean-Paul , Lu Huiqi , Martin Shaun , Vangheluwe Peter , Swinnen Johannes V. , Lagae Liesbet , Impens Francis , Platt Frances M. , Gevaert Kris , Annaert Wim
Published: January 2017

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have mainly been used as cellular carriers for genes and therapeutic products, while their use in subcellular organelle isolation remains underexploited. We engineered SPIONs targeting distinct subcellular compartments. Dimercaptosuccinic acid-coated SPIONs are internalized and accumulate in late endosomes/lysosomes, while aminolipid-SPIONs reside at the plasma membrane. These features allowed us to establish standardized magnetic isolation procedures for these membrane compartments with a yield and purity permitting proteomic and lipidomic profiling. We validated our approach by comparing the biomolecular compositions of lysosomes and plasma membranes isolated from wild-type and Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) deficient cells. While the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids is seen as a primary hallmark of NPC1 deficiency, our lipidomics analysis revealed the buildup of several species of glycerophospholipids and other storage lipids in selectively late endosomes/lysosomes of NPC1-KO cells. While the plasma membrane proteome remained largely invariable, we observed pronounced alterations in several proteins linked to autophagy and lysosomal catabolism reflecting vesicular transport obstruction and defective lysosomal turnover resulting from NPC1 deficiency. Thus the use of SPIONs provides a major advancement in fingerprinting subcellular compartments, with an increased potential to identify disease-related alterations in their biomolecular compositions.
CASCADE, a platform for controlled gene amplification for high, tunable and selection-free gene expression in yeast
Authors: Strucko Tomas , Buron Line Due , Jarczynska Zofia Dorota , Nødvig Christina Spuur , Mølgaard Louise , Halkier Barbara Ann , Mortensen Uffe Hasbro
Published: January 2017

Over-expression of a gene by increasing its copy number is often desirable in the model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It may facilitate elucidation of enzyme functions, and in cell factory design it is used to increase production of proteins and metabolites. Current methods are typically exploiting expression from the multicopy 2 μ-derived plasmid or by targeting genes repeatedly into sequences like Ty or rDNA; in both cases, high gene expression levels are often reached. However, with 2 μ-based plasmid expression, the population of cells is very heterogeneous with respect to protein production; and for integration into repeated sequences it is difficult to determine the genetic setup of the resulting strains and to achieve specific gene doses. For both types of systems, the strains often suffer from genetic instability if proper selection pressure is not applied. Here we present a gene amplification system, CASCADE, which enables construction of strains with defined gene copy numbers. One or more genes can be amplified simultaneously and the resulting strains can be stably propagated on selection-free medium. As proof-of-concept, we have successfully used CASCADE to increase heterologous production of two fluorescent proteins, the enzyme β-galactosidase the fungal polyketide 6-methyl salicylic acid and the plant metabolite vanillin glucoside.
Solar-Pumping Upconversion of Interfacial Coordination Nanoparticles
Authors: Ishii Ayumi , Hasegawa Miki
Published: January 2017

An interfacial coordination nanoparticle successfully exhibited an upconversion blue emission excited by very low-power light irradiation, such as sunlight. The interfacial complex was composed of Yb ions and indigo dye, which formed a nano-ordered thin shell layer on a Tm2O3 nanoparticle. At the surface of the Tm2O3 particle, the indigo dye can be excited by non-laser excitation at 640 nm, following the intramolecular energy transfer from the indigo dye to the Yb ions. Additionally, the excitation energy of the Yb ion was upconverted to the blue emission of the Tm ion at 475 nm. This upconversion blue emission was achieved by excitation with a CW Xe lamp at an excitation power of 0.14 mW/cm2, which is significantly lower than the solar irradiation power of 1.4 mW/cm2 at 640 ± 5 nm.
Guided magnonic Michelson interferometer
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad H. , Jeske Jan , Greentree Andrew D.
Published: January 2017

Magnonics is an emerging field with potential applications in classical and quantum information processing. Freely propagating magnons in two-dimensional media are subject to dispersion, which limits their effective range and utility as information carriers. We show the design of a confining magnonic waveguide created by two surface current carrying wires placed above a spin-sheet, which can be used as a primitive for reconfigurable magnonic circuitry. We theoretically demonstrate the ability of such guides to counter the transverse dispersion of the magnon in a spin-sheet, thus extending the range of the magnon. A design of a magnonic directional coupler and controllable Michelson interferometer is shown, demonstrating its utility for information processing tasks.
Time-domain analysis for extracting fast-paced pupil responses
Authors: Zénon Alexandre
Published: January 2017

The eye pupil reacts to cognitive processes, but its analysis is challenging when luminance varies or when stimulation is fast-paced. Current approaches relying on deconvolution techniques do not account for the strong low-frequency spontaneous changes in pupil size or the large interindividual variability in the shape of the responses. Here a system identification framework is proposed in which the pupil responses to different parameters are extracted by means of an autoregressive model with exogenous inputs. In an example application of this technique, pupil size was shown to respond to the luminance and arousal scores of affective pictures presented in rapid succession. This result was significant in each subject (N = 5), but the pupil response varied between individuals both in amplitude and latency, highlighting the need for determining impulse responses subjectwise. The same method was also used to account for pupil size variations caused by respiration, illustrating the possibility to model the relation between pupil size and other continuous signals. In conclusion, this new framework for the analysis of pupil size data allows us to dissociate the response of the eye pupil from intermingled sources of influence and can be used to study the relation between pupil size and other physiological signals.
Conversion from long-term cultivated wheat field to Jerusalem artichoke plantation changed soil fungal communities
Authors: Zhou Xingang , Zhang Jianhui , Gao Danmei , Gao Huan , Guo Meiyu , Li Li , Zhao Mengliang , Wu Fengzhi
Published: January 2017

Understanding soil microbial communities in agroecosystems has the potential to contribute to the improvement of agricultural productivity and sustainability. Effects of conversion from long-term wheat plantation to Jerusalem artichoke (JA) plantation on soil fungal communities were determined by amplicon sequencing of total fungal ITS regions. Quantitative PCR and PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were also used to analyze total fungal and Trichoderma spp. ITS regions and Fusarium spp. Ef1α genes. Results showed that soil organic carbon was higher in the first cropping of JA and Olsen P was lower in the third cropping of JA. Plantation conversion changed soil total fungal and Fusarium but not Trichoderma spp. community structures and compositions. The third cropping of JA had the lowest total fungal community diversity and Fusarium spp. community abundance, but had the highest total fungal and Trichoderma spp. community abundances. The relative abundances of potential fungal pathogens of wheat were higher in the wheat field. Fungal taxa with plant growth promoting, plant pathogen or insect antagonistic potentials were enriched in the first and second cropping of JA. Overall, short-term conversion from wheat to JA plantation changed soil fungal communities, which is related to changes in soil organic carbon and Olsen P contents.
Contributions of age-related alterations of the retinal pigment epithelium and of glia to the AMD-like pathology in OXYS rats
Authors: Telegina Darya V. , Kozhevnikova Oyuna S. , Bayborodin Sergey I. , Kolosova Nataliya G.
Published: January 2017

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of blindness in developed countries, and the molecular pathogenesis of early events of AMD is poorly understood. It is known that age-related alterations of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and of glial reactivity are early hallmarks of AMD. Here we evaluated contributions of the age-related alterations of the RPE and of glia to the development of AMD-like retinopathy in OXYS rats. We showed that destructive alterations in RPE cells are a primary change during the development of retinopathy in OXYS rats. Furthermore, a defect of retinal maturation and decreased immune function at the preclinical stage of retinopathy were observed in OXYS rats in addition to the impairment of RPE cell proliferation and of their capacity for division. At the active stage of the disease, the atrophic alterations increased, and reactive gliosis was observed when disease progressed, but immune function stayed weakened. Unexpectedly, we did not observe migration of microglia and macrophages into the photoreceptor layer. These results and the wide spectrum of age-related retinal alterations in humans as well as individual differences in the risk of AMD may be attributed to genetic factors and to differences in the underlying molecular events.
Three-dimensional ordered mesoporous Co3O4 enhanced by Pd for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Qu Qing , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wang Jing , Li Qing-Yu , Xu Chang-Wei , Lu Xihong
Published: January 2017

Considerable efforts have been devoted recently to design and fabrication of high performance and low cost electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, catalytic activity of current electrocatalysts is usually restricted by high onset potential and limited active sites. Herein, we fabricated three-dimensional (3D) highly ordered mesoporous Pd-Co3O4 composite materials as excellent electrocatalysts for OER in alkaline solution with high activity and stability. Three-dimensional highly ordered mesoporous Co3O4 material was firstly synthesized using mesoporous silica KIT-6 as hard template. Then, Pd-Co3O4 nanomaterials were prepared by a simple reduction method. The as-prepared 3D mesoporous Pd-Co3O4 catalysts have ordered mesoporous structure with a high surface area of 81.0 m2 g−1. Three-dimensional highly ordered mesoporous structure can facilitate diffusion and penetration of electrolyte and oxygen. Moreover, the catalysts can also keep catalyst particles in a well dispersed condition with more catalytic active sites. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the 3D mesoporous Pd-Co3O4 catalysts exhibit superior performance in alkaline solution with low onset potential (0.415 V vs. SCE) and excellent long-duration cycling stability.
Risk factors of acute kidney injury after orthotopic liver transplantation in China
Authors: Zongyi Yin , Baifeng Li , Funian Zou , Hao Li , Xin Wang
Published: January 2017

In this study, we determined the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in China. We collected 5074 donation after cardiac death (DCD) OLT recipients who underwent surgery between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, in 86 academic hospitals or transplant centers in China. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate the criticality of donor, graft, or recipient variables in the development of post-OLT AKI. In all, 4482 patients were included (median age, 49.31 years). Post-OLT AKI occurred in 3.97% patients, and 73.6% of all OLT patients were male. The 1- and 5-year cumulative survival rates (CSRs) of the AKI group were 33.95% and 25.24%, respectively, compared with 86.34% and 70.05%, respectively, of the non-AKI group (P < 0.001). The independent risk factors for post-OLT AKI were blood loss, cold ischemia time, warm ischemia time, preoperative serum creatinine, the treatment period with dopamine, overexposure to calcineurin inhibitor, and combined mycophenolate mofetil use (P < 0.05). These had a high prediction accuracy for post-OLT AKI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.740).
Fluorescence circadian imaging reveals a PDF-dependent transcriptional regulation of the Drosophila molecular clock
Authors: Sabado Virginie , Vienne Ludovic , Nunes José Manuel , Rosbash Michael , Nagoshi Emi
Published: January 2017

Circadian locomotor behaviour is controlled by a pacemaker circuit composed of clock-containing neurons. To interrogate the mechanistic relationship between the molecular clockwork and network communication critical to the operation of the Drosophila circadian pacemaker circuit, we established new fluorescent circadian reporters that permit single-cell recording of transcriptional and post-transcriptional rhythms in brain explants and cultured neurons. Live-imaging experiments combined with pharmacological and genetic manipulations demonstrate that the neuropeptide pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) amplifies the molecular rhythms via time-of-day- and activity-dependent upregulation of transcription from E-box-containing clock gene promoters within key pacemaker neurons. The effect of PDF on clock gene transcription and the known role of PDF in enhancing PER/TIM stability occur via independent pathways downstream of the PDF receptor, the former through a cAMP-independent mechanism and the latter through a cAMP-PKA dependent mechanism. These results confirm and extend the mechanistic understanding of the role of PDF in controlling the synchrony of the pacemaker neurons. More broadly, our results establish the utility of the new live-imaging tools for the study of molecular-neural interactions important for the operation of the circadian pacemaker circuit.
Associations of triglyceride levels with longevity and frailty: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Liu Zuyun , Burgess Stephen , Wang Zhengdong , Deng Wan , Chu Xuefeng , Cai Jian , Zhu Yinsheng , Shi Jianming , Xie Xuejuan , Wang Yong , Jin Li , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: January 2017

Observational studies suggest associations of triglyceride levels with longevity and frailty. This study aimed to test whether the associations are causal. We used data from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study, a population-based cohort study performed in Rugao, China. A variant in the APOA5 gene region (rs662799) was used as the genetic instrument. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to examine the associations of genetically predicted triglycerides with two ageing phenotypes – longevity ( ≥95 years) and frailty (modified Fried frailty phenotype and Rockwood frailty index). C allele of rs662799 was robustly associated with higher triglyceride levels in the comparison group (β = 0.301 mmol/L per allele, p < 0.001), with an F statistic of 95.3 and R2 = 0.040. However MR analysis did not provide strong evidence for an association between genetically predicted triglyceride levels and probability of longevity (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.35, 1.07 per 1 mmol/L increase in triglycerides). In the ageing arm (70–84 years), genetically predicted triglyceride levels were not associated with the frailty index (β = 0.008; 95% CI: −0.013, 0.029) or the frailty phenotype (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 0.84, 4.37). In conclusion, there is currently a lack of sufficient evidence to support causal associations of triglyceride levels with longevity and frailty in elderly populations.
Modulated DISP3/PTCHD2 expression influences neural stem cell fate decisions
Authors: Konířová Jana , Oltová Jana , Corlett Alicia , Kopycińska Justyna , Kolář Michal , Bartůněk Petr , Zíková Martina
Published: January 2017

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are defined by their dual ability to self-renew through mitotic cell division or differentiate into the varied neural cell types of the CNS. DISP3/PTCHD2 is a sterol-sensing domain-containing protein, highly expressed in neural tissues, whose expression is regulated by thyroid hormone. In the present study, we used a mouse NSC line to investigate what effect DISP3 may have on the self-renewal and/or differentiation potential of the cells. We demonstrated that NSC differentiation triggered significant reduction in DISP3 expression in the resulting astrocytes, neurons and oligodendrocytes. Moreover, when DISP3 expression was disrupted, the NSC “stemness” was suppressed, leading to a larger population of cells undergoing spontaneous neuronal differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of DISP3 resulted in increased NSC proliferation. When NSCs were cultured under differentiation conditions, we observed that the lack of DISP3 augmented the number of NSCs differentiating into each of the neural cell lineages and that neuronal morphology was altered. In contrast, DISP3 overexpression resulted in impaired cell differentiation. Taken together, our findings imply that DISP3 may help dictate the NSC cell fate to either undergo self-renewal or switch to the terminal differentiation cell program.
Impact of small vessel disease in the brain on gait and balance
Authors: Pinter Daniela , Ritchie Stuart J. , Doubal Fergus , Gattringer Thomas , Morris Zoe , Bastin Mark E. , del C. Valdés Hernández Maria , Royle Natalie A. , Corley Janie , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Pattie Alison , Dickie David A. , Staals Julie , Gow Alan J. , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J. , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz , Wardlaw Joanna
Published: January 2017

Gait and balance impairment is highly prevalent in older people. We aimed to assess whether and how single markers of small vessel disease (SVD) or a combination thereof explain gait and balance function in the elderly. We analysed 678 community-dwelling healthy subjects from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 at the age of 71–74 years who had undergone comprehensive risk factor assessment, gait and balance assessment as well as brain MRI. We investigated the impact of individual SVD markers (white matter hyperintensity – WMH, microbleeds, lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces, brain atrophy) as seen on structural brain MRI and of a global SVD score on the patients’ performance. A regression model revealed that age, sex, and hypertension significantly explained gait speed. Among SVD markers white matter hyperintensity (WMH) score or volume were additional significant and independent predictors of gait speed in the regression model. A similar association was seen with the global SVD score. Our study confirms a negative impact of SVD-related morphologic brain changes on gait speed in addition to age, sex and hypertension independent from brain atrophy. The presence of WMH seems to be the major driving force for SVD on gait impairment in healthy elderly subjects.
Opportunistic spawning of tropical anguillid eels Anguilla bicolor bicolor and A. bengalensis bengalensis
Authors: Arai Takaomi , Abdul Kadir Siti Raudah
Published: January 2017

Information on the spawning migration, spawning ecology and life history of tropical eels in the Indo-Pacific region is very limited. The physiological and morphological characteristics of tropical freshwater eels, Anguilla bicolor bicolor and A. bengalensis bengalensis collected in Malaysia were examined in relation to their downstream migration patterns. A total of 455 eels were collected over monthly intervals between February 2014 and January 2016 and we examined both gonadosomatic index and gonad histology features. In both species, close positive relationships between advanced maturation stages and eye, fin, gonadosomatic indexes were found in males and females. A. bengalensis bengalensis was found to be larger and heavier than A. bicolor bicolor at the time of seaward migration. The final stage of maturation for seaward spawning migration occurred throughout the year in A. bicolor bicolor, although that of A. bengalensis bengalensis was estimated to six months due to the limited number of samples. These results suggest that year-round spawning in the open ocean occurs in the tropical eel. This non-seasonal spawning ecology is notably different from that of temperate eels, which are known to follow a well-defined spawning season, with spawning migrations generally taking place during autumn months.
Hydrocracking of Jatropha Oil over non-sulfided PTA-NiMo/ZSM-5 Catalyst
Authors: Yang Xiaosong , Liu Jing , Fan Kai , Rong Long
Published: January 2017

The PTA-NiMo/ZSM-5 catalyst impregnated with phosphotungstic acid (PTA) was designed for the transformation of Jatropha oil into benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX) aromatics. The produced catalyst was characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3-TPD). The catalytic performance was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC). The liquid products were 70 wt% of the feed oil, and the majority of the liquid products were BTX. The aromatization activity of the catalyst was improved by the addition of PTA and the hierarchical process. The favorable PTA amount was 20 wt% and the yield of BTX was 59 wt% at 380 °C, 3 MPa, H2/oil (v/v) = 1000 and LHSV = 1 h−1 over the PTA20-NiMo/HZ0.5 catalyst (PTA 20 wt%) without sulfurization.
Isolation and characterization of centromeric repetitive DNA sequences in Saccharum spontaneum
Authors: Zhang Wenpan , Zuo Sheng , Li Zhanjie , Meng Zhuang , Han Jinlei , Song Junqi , Pan Yong-Bao , Wang Kai
Published: January 2017

Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrids spp.) is the most important sugar crop that accounts for ~75% of the world’s sugar production. Recently, a whole-genome sequencing project was launched on the wild species S. spontaneum. To obtain information on the DNA composition of the repeat-enriched region of the centromere, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of the DNA sequences associated with CenH3 (a mutant of histone H3 located in eukaryote centromeres) using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) method. We demonstrate that the centromeres contain mainly SCEN-like single satellite repeat (Ss1) and several Ty3/gypsy retrotransposon-related repeats (Ss166, Ss51, and Ss68). Ss1 dominates in the centromeric regions and spans up to 500 kb. In contrast, the Ty3/gypsy retrotransposon-related repeats are either clustered spanning over a short range, or dispersed in the centromere regions. Interestingly, Ss1 exhibits a chromosome-specific enrichment in the wild species S. spontaneum and S. robustum, but not in the domesticated species S. officinarum and modern sugarcane cultivars. This finding suggests an autopolyploid genome identity of S. spontaneum with a high level of homology among its eight sub-genomes. We also conducted a genome-wide survey of the repetitive DNAs in S. spontaneum following a similarity-based sequence clustering strategy. These results provide insight into the composition of sugarcane genome as well as the genome assembly of S. spontaneum.
Effect of bilirubin concentration on the risk of diabetic complications: A meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Zhu Bo , Wu Xiaomei , Bi Yifei , Yang Yang
Published: January 2017

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body and is associated with serious complications. Oxidative stress is a major contributor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications and bilirubin has been shown to have antioxidant effects. The number of studies on the effect of bilirubin on the risk of diabetic complications has increased, but the results are inconsistent. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the relationship between bilirubin concentration and the risk of diabetic complications, and to investigate if there was a dose-response relationship. We carried out an extensive search in multiple databases. A fixed or random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates. We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis to analyze the association between these estimates. A total of 132,240 subjects from 27 included studies were analyzed in our meta-analysis. A negative nonlinear association between bilirubin concentration and the risk of diabetic complications was identified (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73–0.81), with a nonlinear association. We also found that there was a negative association between bilirubin concentration and the risk of diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that bilirubin may play a protective role in the occurrence of diabetic complications.
Prevalence and Predictors of Atherogenic Serum Lipoprotein Dyslipidemia in Women with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Xia Yunyan , Fu Yiqun , Wang Yuyu , Qian Yingjun , Li Xinyi , Xu Huajun , Zou Jianyin , Guan Jian , Yi Hongliang , Meng Lili , Tang Xulan , Zhu Huaming , Yu Dongzhen , Zhou Huiqun , Su Kaiming , Yin Shankai
Published: January 2017

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with dyslipidemia. However, no study has focused on dyslipidemia in women with OSA. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for dyslipidemia in women with OSA. Between 2007 and 2013, 570 eligible female patients with suspected OSA were consecutively recruited. The analyzed data consisted of polysomnography parameters, biochemical indicators, and anthropometric measurements. Serum lipid levels and dyslipidemia were compared. Binary logistic regression and multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the independent risk factors influencing serum lipids. After multivariate adjustment, there were essentially no major differences in serum lipid levels among patients with no to mild, moderate, and severe OSA nor did serum lipid levels change with OSA severity. Dyslipidemia in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoproteins(apo) B and apoE increased with OSA severity, but only in non-obese subjects and those <55 years of age. Age, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, glucose and insulin were major risk factors for most serum lipids after multivariate adjustments. Our results indicate that, in women with OSA, age, obesity/central obesity, and insulin resistance are major determinants of dyslipidemia.
A glasses-type wearable device for monitoring the patterns of food intake and facial activity
Authors: Chung Jungman , Chung Jungmin , Oh Wonjun , Yoo Yongkyu , Lee Won Gu , Bang Hyunwoo
Published: January 2017

Here we present a new method for automatic and objective monitoring of ingestive behaviors in comparison with other facial activities through load cells embedded in a pair of glasses, named GlasSense. Typically, activated by subtle contraction and relaxation of a temporalis muscle, there is a cyclic movement of the temporomandibular joint during mastication. However, such muscular signals are, in general, too weak to sense without amplification or an electromyographic analysis. To detect these oscillatory facial signals without any use of obtrusive device, we incorporated a load cell into each hinge which was used as a lever mechanism on both sides of the glasses. Thus, the signal measured at the load cells can detect the force amplified mechanically by the hinge. We demonstrated a proof-of-concept validation of the amplification by differentiating the force signals between the hinge and the temple. A pattern recognition was applied to extract statistical features and classify featured behavioral patterns, such as natural head movement, chewing, talking, and wink. The overall results showed that the average F1 score of the classification was about 94.0% and the accuracy above 89%. We believe this approach will be helpful for designing a non-intrusive and un-obtrusive eyewear-based ingestive behavior monitoring system.
Collapse of the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic CO2 sink in boreal spring of 2010
Authors: Ibánhez J. Severino P. , Flores Manuel , Lefèvre Nathalie
Published: January 2017

Following the 2009 Pacific El Niño, a warm event developed in the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic during boreal spring of 2010 promoted a significant increase in the CO2 fugacity of surface waters. This, together with the relaxation of the prevailing wind fields, resulted in the reversal of the atmospheric CO2 absorption capacity of the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic. In the region 0–30°N, 62–10°W, this climatic event led to the reversal of the climatological CO2 sink of −29.3 Tg C to a source of CO2 to the atmosphere of 1.6 Tg C from February to May. The highest impact of this event is verified in the region of the North Equatorial Current, where the climatological CO2 uptake of −22.4 Tg for that period ceased during 2010 (1.2 Tg C). This estimate is higher than current assessments of the multidecadal variability of the sea-air CO2 exchange for the entire North Atlantic (20 Tg year−1), and highlights the potential impact of the increasing occurrence of extreme climate events over the oceanic CO2 sink and atmospheric CO2 composition.
Fingolimod Limits Acute Aβ Neurotoxicity and Promotes Synaptic Versus Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptor Functionality in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Gabrielli Martina , Ponzoni Luisa , Pelucchi Silvia , Stravalaci Matteo , Beeg Marten , Mazzitelli Sonia , Braida Daniela , Sala Mariaelvina , Boda Enrica , Buffo Annalisa , Gobbi Marco , Gardoni Fabrizio , Matteoli Michela , Marcello Elena , Verderio Claudia
Published: January 2017

Fingolimod, also known as FTY720, is an analogue of the sphingolipid sphingosine, which has been proved to be neuroprotective in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several cellular and molecular targets underlying the neuroprotective effects of FTY720 have been recently identified. However, whether the drug directly protects neurons from toxicity of amyloid-beta (Aβ) still remains poorly defined. Using a combination of biochemical assays, live imaging and electrophysiology we demonstrate that FTY720 induces a rapid increase in GLUN2A-containing neuroprotective NMDARs on the surface of dendritic spines in cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, the drug mobilizes extrasynaptic GLUN2B-containing NMDARs, which are coupled to cell death, to the synapses. Altered ratio of synaptic/extrasynaptic NMDARs decreases calcium responsiveness of neurons to neurotoxic soluble Aβ 1–42 and renders neurons resistant to early alteration of calcium homeostasis. The fast defensive response of FTY720 occurs through a Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1P-R) -dependent mechanism, as it is lost in the presence of S1P-R1 and S1P-R3 antagonists. We propose that rapid synaptic relocation of NMDARs might have direct impact on amelioration of cognitive performance in transgenic APPswe/PS1dE9 AD mice upon sub-chronic treatment with FTY720.
RNA-binding protein RBM3 prevents NO-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells by modulating p38 signaling and miR-143
Authors: Yang Hai-Jie , Ju Fei , Guo Xin-Xin , Ma Shuang-Ping , Wang Lei , Cheng Bin-Feng , Zhuang Rui-Juan , Zhang Bin-Bin , Shi Xiang , Feng Zhi-Wei , Wang Mian
Published: January 2017

Nitric oxide (NO)-induced apoptosis in neurons is an important cause of neurodegenerative disease in humans. The cold-inducible protein RBM3 mediates the protective effects of cooling on apoptosis induced by various insults. However, whether RBM3 protects neural cells from NO-induced apoptosis is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of RBM3 on NO-induced apoptosis in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Firstly, we demonstrated that mild hypothermia (32 °C) induces RBM3 expression and confers a potent neuroprotective effect on NO-induced apoptosis, which was substantially diminished when RBM3 was silenced by siRNA. Moreover, overexpression of RBM3 exhibited a strong protective effect against NO-induced apoptosis. Signaling pathway screening demonstrated that only p38 inhibition by RBM3 provided neuroprotective effect, although RBM3 overexpression could affect the activation of p38, JNK, ERK, and AKT signaling in response to NO stimuli. Notably, RBM3 overexpression also blocked the activation of p38 signaling induced by transforming growth factor-β1. Furthermore, both RBM3 overexpression and mild hypothermia abolished the induction of miR-143 by NO, which was shown to mediate the cytotoxicity of NO in a p38-dependent way. These findings suggest that RBM3 protects neuroblastoma cells from NO-induced apoptosis by suppressing p38 signaling, which mediates apoptosis through miR-143 induction.
Treatment Outcomes of Patients with Locally Advanced Synchronous Esophageal and Head/Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Receiving Curative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Yen-Hao , Lu Hung-I. , Chien Chih-Yen , Lo Chien-Ming , Wang Yu-Ming , Chou Shang-Yu , Su Yan-Ye , Shih Li-Hsueh , Li Shau-Hsuan
Published: January 2017

The present study investigated clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with locally advanced synchronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and head/neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and determined whether synchronous ESCC/HNSCC patients had worse prognosis compared to isolated ESCC patients. Using propensity score matching method, we compared 60 locally advanced synchronous ESCC/HNSCC patients with 60 matched isolated ESCC patients. Compared to 60 matched isolated ESCC patients, synchronous ESCC/HNSCC patients had significantly worse prognosis (13.5 months versus 17.2 months, P = 0.01), more grade 3–4 CCRT toxicity, and higher percentage of CCRT interruption. For synchronous ESCC/HNSCC group, the 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 52% and 13%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that early ESCC stage, non-T4b disease, and salvage operations were significantly associated with superior survival. In multivariate analysis, ESCC stage represented an independent prognosticator. For chemotherapy regimen during CCRT, cisplatin/5-fluorouracil had significantly more grade 3–4 mucositis/esophagitis and neutropenia than weekly cisplatin. In conclusion, synchronous ESCC/HNSCC patients receiving curative CCRT have worse prognosis and poorer compliance of CCRT compared to isolated ESCC patients. For these patients, ESCC stage and T4b disease were significantly associated with clinical outcomes, and salvage operation may improve overall survival.
Mode Coupling and Nonlinear Resonances of MEMS Arch Resonators for Bandpass Filters
Authors: Hajjaj Amal Z. , Hafiz Md Abdullah , Younis Mohammad I.
Published: January 2017

We experimentally demonstrate an exploitation of the nonlinear softening, hardening, and veering phenomena (near crossing), where the frequencies of two vibration modes get close to each other, to realize a bandpass filter of sharp roll off from the passband to the stopband. The concept is demonstrated based on an electrothermally tuned and electrostatically driven MEMS arch resonator operated in air. The in-plane resonator is fabricated from a silicon-on-insulator wafer with a deliberate curvature to form an arch shape. A DC current is applied through the resonator to induce heat and modulate its stiffness, and hence its resonance frequencies. We show that the first resonance frequency increases up to twice of the initial value while the third resonance frequency decreases until getting very close to the first resonance frequency. This leads to the phenomenon of veering, where both modes get coupled and exchange energy. We demonstrate that by driving both modes nonlinearly and electrostatically near the veering regime, such that the first and third modes exhibit softening and hardening behavior, respectively, sharp roll off from the passband to the stopband is achievable. We show a flat, wide, and tunable bandwidth and center frequency by controlling the electrothermal actuation voltage.
Rapid authentication of Indonesian edible bird's nests by near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Shi Jiyong , Zhang Fang , Li Zhihua , Huang Xiaowei , Zou Xiaobo , Zhang Wen , Holmes Mel , Chen Ying
Published: January 2017

A rapid and simple method for identification of genuine/adulterated EBNs, discrimination of PDO/non-PDO EBNs, and grading PDO EBNs was proposed using NIRS.
Backbone-modified oligonucleotides for tuning the cellular uptake behaviour of spherical nucleic acids
Authors: Song Woo Chul , Kim Kyoung-Ran , Park Miri , Lee Kyung Eun , Ahn Dae-Ro
Published: January 2017

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) were prepared using sugar backbone-modified oligonucleotides, and the effects of the oligonucleotides on the cellular uptake efficiency of SNAs were investigated.
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CO on Cu(100): a new insight into the C–O bond breaking mechanism
Authors: Sheng Tian , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: January 2017

Using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and an aqueous interfacial model with explicit water molecules, we firstly identified a new C–O bond breaking mechanism in the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO on Cu(100) via proton–electron transfer, which is different from the traditional surface catalytic mechanism.
Anion sensing with a Lewis acidic BODIPY-antimony(v) derivative
Authors: Christianson Anna M. , Gabbaï François P.
Published: January 2017

Modification of a BODIPY dye with a Lewis acidic antimony group affords a fluorescent fluoride and cyanide sensor.
Long time and distance self-propelling of a PVC sphere on a water surface with an embedded ZnO micro-/nano-structured hollow sphere
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Lujia , Yi Liting , Yuan Bin , Hou Yongping , Meng Xiangfu , Liu Jing
Published: January 2017

In this research, a zinc oxide micro-/nano-structured hollow sphere (MNHS) with a large specific surface area is applied as energy storage material to encapsulate poly(vinyl chloride) solution and control the fuel release.
Facile silicification of plastic surface for bioassays
Authors: Hong Seonki , Park Ki Soo , Weissleder Ralph , Castro Cesar M. , Lee Hakho
Published: January 2017

We report a biomimetic surface chemistry to modify plastic substrates for point-of-care nucleic acid extraction.
Fluorescence microscopy image-analysis (FMI) for the characterization of interphase HO˙ production originated by heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Quan Xie , Wang Dong
Published: January 2017

The FMI visually revealed the inhomogeneity and intensity of interphase HO˙-production, performing as a quick-response method to evaluate HO˙-assigned heterogeneous catalysis.
Highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of spirooxindole-cyclohexaneamides through N,N′-dioxide/Ni(ii)-catalyzed Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Lu Yan , Hu Xinyue , Mei Hongjiang , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: January 2017

New kinds of spirooxindole-cyclohexaneamides were achieved in up to 99% yield, >95 : 5 dr, and 99% ee via N,N′-dioxide/Ni(ii)-catalyzed Diels–Alder reactions.
Optical, electrical and magnetic properties of lanthanum strontium manganite La1−xSrxMnO3 synthesized through the citrate combustion method
Authors: Turky Ali Omar , Rashad Mohamed Mohamed , Hassan Ali Mostafa , Elnaggar Elsayed M. , Bechelany Mikhael
Published: January 2017

The role of strontium ion concentration on the optical, magnetic and electrochemical properties of lanthanum strontium manganite prepared by the citrate precursor method.
Mode specific THz spectra of solvated amino acids using the AMOEBA polarizable force field
Authors: Esser Alexander , Belsare Saurabh , Marx Dominik , Head-Gordon Teresa
Published: January 2017

We have used the AMOEBA model to simulate the THz spectra of two zwitterionic amino acids in aqueous solution, which is compared to the results on these same systems using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations.
Reducing density-driven error without exact exchange
Authors: Janesko Benjamin G.
Published: January 2017

PBE calculations, performed non-self-consistently on densities evaluated with Rung 3.5 density functionals, give improved performance for hydrogen transfer reaction barriers.
Temperature dependence of X-ray absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra: probing quantum vibrations of light elements in oxides
Authors: Nemausat Ruidy , Gervais Christel , Brouder Christian , Trcera Nicolas , Bordage Amélie , Coelho-Diogo Cristina , Florian Pierre , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Errea Ion , Paulatto Lorenzo , Lazzeri Michele , Cabaret Delphine
Published: January 2017

Probing the quantum thermal fluctuations of nuclei in light-element oxides using XANES and NMR spectroscopies.
Stability, and optical and electronic properties of ultrathin h-BNC
Authors: Bevilacqua Andressa C. , Köhler Mateus Henrique , Azevedo Sérgio , Baierle Rogério J.
Published: January 2017

First principles calculations have shown ultrathin h-BNC to be a promising material for catalysis using solar energy.