bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel differentiation pathway from CD4+ T cells to CD4− T cells for maintaining immune system homeostasis
Authors: Zhao X , Sun G , Sun X , Tian D , Liu K , Liu T , Cong M , Xu H , Li X , Shi W , Tian Y , Yao J , Guo H , Zhang D
Published: April 2016

CD4+ T lymphocytes are key players in the adaptive immune system and can differentiate into a variety of effector and regulatory T cells. Here, we provide evidence that a novel differentiation pathway of CD4+ T cells shifts the balance from a destructive T-cell response to one that favors regulation in an immune-mediated liver injury model. Peripheral CD4−CD8−NK1.1− double-negative T cells (DNT) was increased following Concanavalin A administration in mice. Adoptive transfer of DNT led to significant protection from hepatocyte necrosis by direct inhibition on the activation of lymphocytes, a process that occurred primarily through the perforin-granzyme B route. These DNT converted from CD4+ rather than CD8+ T cells, a process primarily regulated by OX40. DNT migrated to the liver through the CXCR3-CXCL9/CXCL10 interaction. In conclusion, we elucidated a novel differentiation pathway from activated CD4+ T cells to regulatory DNT cells for maintaining homeostasis of the immune system in vivo, and provided key evidence that utilizing this novel differentiation pathway has potential application in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Parthenolide and DMAPT exert cytotoxic effects on breast cancer stem-like cells by inducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and necrosis
Authors: Carlisi D , Buttitta G , Di Fiore R , Scerri C , Drago-Ferrante R , Vento R , Tesoriere G
Published: April 2016

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive forms of breast carcinoma associated with a high rate of recidivism. In this paper, we report the production of mammospheres from three lines of TNBC cells and demonstrate that both parthenolide (PN) and its soluble analog dimethylaminoparthenolide (DMAPT) suppressed this production and induced cytotoxic effects in breast cancer stem-like cells, derived from dissociation of mammospheres. In particular, the drugs exerted a remarkable inhibitory effect on viability of stem-like cells. Such an effect was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine, suggesting a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the cytotoxic effect. Instead z-VAD, a general inhibitor of caspase activity, was ineffective. Analysis of ROS generation, performed using fluorescent probes, showed that both the drugs stimulated in the first hours of treatment a very high production of hydrogen peroxide. This event was, at least in part, a consequence of activation of NADPH oxidases (NOXs), as it was reduced by apocynin and diphenylene iodinium, two inhibitors of NOXs. Moreover, both the drugs caused downregulation of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), which is a critical regulator of the intracellular antioxidant response. Prolonging the treatment with PN or DMAPT we observed between 12 and 24 h that the levels of both superoxide anion and hROS increased in concomitance with the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, during this phase dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential occurred together with necrosis of stem-like cells. Finally, our results suggested that the effect on ROS generation found in the first hours of treatment was, in part, responsible for the cytotoxic events observed in the successive phase. In conclusion, PN and DMAPT markedly inhibited viability of stem-like cells derived from three lines of TNBCs by inducing ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell necrosis.
Estimation of a general time-dependent Hamiltonian for a single qubit
Authors: de Clercq L. E. , Oswald R. , Flühmann C. , Keitch B. , Kienzler D. , Lo H. -Y. , Marinelli M. , Nadlinger D. , Negnevitsky V. , Home J. P.
Published: April 2016

The Hamiltonian of a closed quantum system governs its complete time evolution. While Hamiltonians with time-variation in a single basis can be recovered using a variety of methods, for more general Hamiltonians the presence of non-commuting terms complicates the reconstruction. Here using a single trapped ion, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a method for estimating a time-dependent Hamiltonian of a single qubit. We measure the time evolution of the qubit in a fixed basis as a function of a time-independent offset term added to the Hamiltonian. The initially unknown Hamiltonian arises from transporting an ion through a static laser beam. Hamiltonian estimation allows us to estimate the spatial beam intensity profile and the ion velocity as a function of time. The estimation technique is general enough that it can be applied to other quantum systems, aiding the pursuit of high-operational fidelities in quantum control.
Explosive cell lysis as a mechanism for the biogenesis of bacterial membrane vesicles and biofilms
Authors: Turnbull Lynne , Toyofuku Masanori , Hynen Amelia L. , Kurosawa Masaharu , Pessi Gabriella , Petty Nicola K. , Osvath Sarah R. , Cárcamo-Oyarce Gerardo , Gloag Erin S. , Shimoni Raz , Omasits Ulrich , Ito Satoshi , Yap Xinhui , Monahan Leigh G. , Cavaliere Rosalia , Ahrens Christian H. , Charles Ian G. , Nomura Nobuhiko , Eberl Leo , Whitchurch Cynthia B.
Published: April 2016

Many bacteria produce extracellular and surface-associated components such as membrane vesicles (MVs), extracellular DNA and moonlighting cytosolic proteins for which the biogenesis and export pathways are not fully understood. Here we show that the explosive cell lysis of a sub-population of cells accounts for the liberation of cytosolic content in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that explosive cell lysis also produces shattered membrane fragments that rapidly form MVs. A prophage endolysin encoded within the R- and F-pyocin gene cluster is essential for explosive cell lysis. Endolysin-deficient mutants are defective in MV production and biofilm development, consistent with a crucial role in the biogenesis of MVs and liberation of extracellular DNA and other biofilm matrix components. Our findings reveal that explosive cell lysis, mediated through the activity of a cryptic prophage endolysin, acts as a mechanism for the production of bacterial MVs.
A vacuole-like compartment concentrates a disordered calcium phase in a key coccolithophorid alga
Authors: Sviben Sanja , Gal Assaf , Hood Matthew A. , Bertinetti Luca , Politi Yael , Bennet Mathieu , Krishnamoorthy Praveen , Schertel Andreas , Wirth Richard , Sorrentino Andrea , Pereiro Eva , Faivre Damien , Scheffel André
Published: April 2016

Coccoliths are calcitic particles produced inside the cells of unicellular marine algae known as coccolithophores. They are abundant components of sea-floor carbonates, and the stoichiometry of calcium to other elements in fossil coccoliths is widely used to infer past environmental conditions. Here we study cryo-preserved cells of the dominant coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi using state-of-the-art nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy. We identify a compartment, distinct from the coccolith-producing compartment, filled with high concentrations of a disordered form of calcium. Co-localized with calcium are high concentrations of phosphorus and minor concentrations of other cations. The amounts of calcium stored in this reservoir seem to be dynamic and at a certain stage the compartment is in direct contact with the coccolith-producing vesicle, suggesting an active role in coccolith formation. Our findings provide insights into calcium accumulation in this important calcifying organism.
Doublon dynamics and polar molecule production in an optical lattice
Authors: Covey Jacob P. , Moses Steven A. , Gärttner Martin , Safavi-Naini Arghavan , Miecnikowski Matthew T. , Fu Zhengkun , Schachenmayer Johannes , Julienne Paul S. , Rey Ana Maria , Jin Deborah S. , Ye Jun
Published: April 2016

Polar molecules in an optical lattice provide a versatile platform to study quantum many-body dynamics. Here we use such a system to prepare a density distribution where lattice sites are either empty or occupied by a doublon composed of an interacting Bose-Fermi pair. By letting this out-of-equilibrium system evolve from a well-defined, but disordered, initial condition, we observe clear effects on pairing that arise from inter-species interactions, a higher partial-wave Feshbach resonance and excited Bloch-band population. These observations facilitate a detailed understanding of molecule formation in the lattice. Moreover, the interplay of tunnelling and interaction of fermions and bosons provides a controllable platform to study Bose-Fermi Hubbard dynamics. Additionally, we can probe the distribution of the atomic gases in the lattice by measuring the inelastic loss of doublons. These techniques realize tools that are generically applicable to studying the complex dynamics of atomic mixtures in optical lattices.
Scalable photonic network architecture based on motional averaging in room temperature gas
Authors: Borregaard J. , Zugenmaier M. , Petersen J. M. , Shen H. , Vasilakis G. , Jensen K. , Polzik E. S. , Sørensen A. S.
Published: April 2016

Quantum interfaces between photons and atomic ensembles have emerged as powerful tools for quantum technologies. Efficient storage and retrieval of single photons requires long-lived collective atomic states, which is typically achieved with immobilized atoms. Thermal atomic vapours, which present a simple and scalable resource, have only been used for continuous variable processing or for discrete variable processing on short timescales where atomic motion is negligible. Here we develop a theory based on motional averaging to enable room temperature discrete variable quantum memories and coherent single-photon sources. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach to scalable quantum memories with a proof-of-principle experiment with room temperature atoms contained in microcells with spin-protecting coating, placed inside an optical cavity. The experimental conditions correspond to a few photons per pulse and a long coherence time of the forward scattered photons is demonstrated, which is the essential feature of the motional averaging.
A new instrument to predict smoking cessation among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational longitudinal study of the Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire
Authors: Lundh Lena , Alinaghizadeh Hassan , Törnkvist Lena , Gilljam Hans , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: April 2016

The Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire (TTQ), was developed to measure pressure-filled mental states, use of destructive pressure-relief strategies and ambivalent thoughts about quitting smoking among patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the TTQ (available in an extended and in a reduced version) can be used to predict smoking cessation outcomes in smokers with COPD. As higher TTQ scores indicate higher degree of psychological distress, we hypothesised that TTQ scores at baseline would be negatively correlated with the probability of making a quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence during the 3 months. Smokers with COPD were recruited during planned or unplanned visits to primary healthcare centres, and 109 completed the TTQ at baseline and 85% participated in the follow-up after 3 months. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between the original (19 items) and the brief (14 item) version of TTQ scores and three outcomes: making at least one quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence. In a primary analysis among all the participants higher total score in the original version of TTQ was significantly associated with a lower probability of quit attempts. In a secondary analysis of subgroups of patients classified according to their readiness to quit, high TTQ scores at baseline were associated with lower probability of complete abstinence among patients not ready to quit (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53–0.99). Among patients ready to quit, high score on pressure-filled mental states was associated with lower probability of quit attempts (OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.66–0.94) but with higher probability of reduced smoking (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.05–1.66). Ambivalent thoughts were associated with lower probability of all outcomes, but estimates were not statistically significant. Destructive coping strategies were inconsistently associated with the outcomes. TTQ in its original version and two of its subscales predicted smoking cessation outcomes in the anticipated direction. Therefore, this instrument may be useful in tailoring smoking cessation counselling for patients with COPD.
Pregnancy-associated serum N-glycome changes studied by high-throughput MALDI-TOF-MS
Authors: Jansen Bas C. , Bondt Albert , Reiding Karli R. , Lonardi Emanuela , de Jong Coen J. , Falck David , Kammeijer Guinevere S. M. , Dolhain Radboud J. E. M. , Rombouts Yoann , Wuhrer Manfred
Published: April 2016

Pregnancy requires partial suppression of the immune system to ensure maternal-foetal tolerance. Protein glycosylation and especially terminal sialic acid linkages, are of prime importance in regulating the pro- and anti-inflammatory immune responses. However, little is known about pregnancy-associated changes of the serum N-glycome and sialic acid linkages. Using a combination of recently developed methods, i.e. derivatisation that allows the distinction between α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids by high-throughput MALDI-TOF-MS and software-assisted data processing, we analysed the serum N-glycome of a cohort of 29 healthy women at 6 time points during and after pregnancy. A total of 77 N-glycans were followed over time, confirming in part previous findings while also revealing novel associations (e.g. an increase of FA2BG1S1(6), FA2G1S1(6) and A2BG2S2(6) with delivery). From the individual glycans we calculated 42 derived traits. With these, an increase during pregnancy and decrease after delivery was observed for both α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialylation. Additionally, a difference in the recovery speed after delivery was observed for α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialylation of triantennary glycans. In conclusion, our new high-throughput workflow allowed the identification of novel plasma glycosylation changes with pregnancy.
Meiotic chromosome mobility in fission yeast is resistant to environmental stress
Authors: Illner Doris , Lorenz Alexander , Scherthan Harry
Published: April 2016

The formation of healthy gametes requires pairing of homologous chromosomes (homologs) as a prerequisite for their correct segregation during meiosis. Initially, homolog alignment is promoted by meiotic chromosome movements feeding into intimate homolog pairing by homologous recombination and/or synaptonemal complex formation. Meiotic chromosome movements in the fission yeast,Schizosaccharomyces pombe, depend on astral microtubule dynamics that drag the nucleus through the zygote; known as horsetail movement. The response of microtubule-led meiotic chromosome movements to environmental stresses such as ionizing irradiation (IR) and associated reactive oxygen species (ROS) is not known. Here, we show that, in contrast to budding yeast, the horsetail movement is largely radiation-resistant, which is likely mediated by a potent antioxidant defense. IR exposure of sporulatingS. pombecells induced misrepair and irreparable DNA double strand breaks causing chromosome fragmentation, missegregation and gamete death. Comparing radiation outcome in fission and budding yeast and studying meiosis with poisoned microtubules indicates that the increased gamete death after IR is innate to fission yeast. Inhibition of meiotic chromosome mobility in the face of IR failed to influence the course of DSB repair, indicating that paralysis of meiotic chromosome mobility in a genotoxic environment is not a universal response among species.
Carboxylesterase 1 Is Regulated by Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α and Protects Against Alcohol- and MCD diet-induced Liver Injury
Authors: Xu Jiesi , Xu Yang , Li Yuanyuan , Jadhav Kavita , You Min , Yin Liya , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: April 2016

The liver is a major organ that controls hepatic and systemic homeostasis. Dysregulation of liver metabolism may cause liver injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) regulates hepatic triglyceride metabolism and protects against liver steatosis. In the present study, we investigated whether CES1 played a role in the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced liver injury. Both hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and CES1 were markedly reduced in patients with alcoholic steatohepatitis. Alcohol repressed both HNF4α and CES1 expression in primary hepatocytes. HNF4α regulated CES1 expression by directly binding to the proximal promoter of CES1. Global inactivation of CES1 aggravated alcohol- or MCD diet-induced liver inflammation and liver injury, likely as a result of increased production of acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Knockdown of hepatic CES1 exacerbated ethanol-induced steatohepatitis. These data indicate that CES1 plays a crucial role in protection against alcohol- or MCD diet-induced liver injury.
Facilitated receptor-recognition and enhanced bioactivity of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on magnesium-substituted hydroxyapatite surface
Authors: Huang Baolin , Yuan Yuan , Li Tong , Ding Sai , Zhang Wenjing , Gu Yuantong , Liu Changsheng
Published: April 2016

Biomaterial surface functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is a promising approach to fabricating successful orthopedic implants/scaffolds. However, the bioactivity of BMP-2 on material surfaces is still far from satisfactory and the mechanism of related protein-surface interaction remains elusive. Based on the most widely used bone-implants/scaffolds material, hydroxyapatite (HAP), we developed a matrix of magnesium-substituted HAP (Mg-HAP, 2.2 at% substitution) to address these issues. Further, we investigated the adsorption dynamics, BMPRs-recruitment, and bioactivity of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) on the HAP and Mg-HAP surfaces. To elucidate the mechanism, molecular dynamic simulations were performed to calculate the preferred orientations, conformation changes, and cysteine-knot stabilities of adsorbed BMP-2 molecules. The results showed that rhBMP-2 on the Mg-HAP surface exhibited greater bioactivity, evidenced by more facilitated BMPRs-recognition and higher ALP activity than on the HAP surface. Moreover, molecular simulations indicated that BMP-2 favoured distinct side-on orientations on the HAP and Mg-HAP surfaces. Intriguingly, BMP-2 on the Mg-HAP surface largely preserved the active protein structure evidenced by more stable cysteine-knots than on the HAP surface. These findings explicitly clarify the mechanism of BMP-2-HAP/Mg-HAP interactions and highlight the promising application of Mg-HAP/BMP-2 matrixes in bone regeneration implants/scaffolds.
Mechanical properties and failure behavior of unidirectional porous ceramics
Authors: Seuba Jordi , Deville Sylvain , Guizard Christian , Stevenson Adam J.
Published: April 2016

We show that the honeycomb out-of-plane model derived by Gibson and Ashby can be applied to describe the compressive behavior of unidirectional porous materials. Ice-templating allowed us to process samples with accurate control over pore volume, size and morphology. These samples allowed us to evaluate the effect of this microstructural variations on the compressive strength in a porosity range of 45–80%. The maximum strength of 286 MPa was achieved in the least porous ice-templated sample (P(%) = 49.9), with the smallest pore size (3 μm). We found that the out-of-plane model only holds when buckling is the dominant failure mode, as should be expected. Furthermore, we controlled total pore volume by adjusting solids loading and sintering temperature. This strategy allows us to independently control macroporosity and densification of walls and the compressive strength of ice-templated materials is exclusively dependent on total pore volume.
Persistent and energetic bottom-trapped topographic Rossby waves observed in the southern South China Sea
Authors: Shu Yeqiang , Xue Huijie , Wang Dongxiao , Chai Fei , Xie Qiang , Cai Shuqun , Chen Rongyu , Chen Ju , Li Jian , He Yunkai
Published: April 2016

Energetic fluctuations with periods of 9–14 days below a depth of 1400 m were observed in the southern South China Sea (SCS) from 5 years of direct measurements. We interpreted such fluctuations as topographic Rossby waves (TRWs) because they obey the dispersion relation. The TRWs persisted from May 24, 2009 to August 23, 2013, and their bottom current speed with a maximum of ~10 cm/s was one order of magnitude greater than the mean current and comparable to the tidal currents near the bottom. The bottom-trapped TRWs had an approximate trapping depth of 325 m and reference wavelength of ~82 km, which were likely excited by eddies above. Upper layer current speed that peaked approximately every 2 months could offer the energy sources for the persistent TRWs in the southern SCS. Energetic bottom-trapped TRWs may have a comparable role in deep circulation to tides in areas with complex topography.
DNA context represents transcription regulation of the gene in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ha Misook , Hong Soondo
Published: April 2016

Understanding gene regulatory information in DNA remains a significant challenge in biomedical research. This study presents a computational approach to infer gene regulatory programs from primary DNA sequences. Using DNA around transcription start sites as attributes, our model predicts gene regulation in the gene. We find that H3K27ac around TSS is an informative descriptor of the transcription program in mouse embryonic stem cells. We build a computational model inferring the cell-type-specific H3K27ac signatures in the DNA around TSS. A comparison of embryonic stem cell and liver cell-specific H3K27ac signatures in DNA shows that the H3K27ac signatures in DNA around TSS efficiently distinguish the cell-type specific H3K27ac peaks and the gene regulation. The arrangement of the H3K27ac signatures inferred from the DNA represents the transcription regulation of the gene in mESC. We show that the DNA around transcription start sites is associated with the gene regulatory program by specific interaction with H3K27ac.
MgO:Li,Ce,Sm as a high-sensitivity material for Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimetry
Authors: Oliveira Luiz C. , Yukihara Eduardo G. , Baffa Oswaldo
Published: April 2016

The goal of this work was to investigate the relevant dosimetric and luminescent properties of MgO:Li3%,Ce0.03%,Sm0.03%, a newly-developed, high sensitivity Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) material of low effective atomic number (Zeff = 10.8) and potential interest for medical and personal dosimetry. We characterized the thermoluminescence (TL), OSL, radioluminescence (RL) and OSL emission spectrum of this new material and carried out a preliminary investigation on the OSL signal stability. MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has a main TL peak at ~180 °C (at a heating rate of 5 °C/s) associated with Ce3+ and Sm3+ emission. The results indicate that the infrared (870 nm) stimulated OSL from MgO:Li,Ce,Sm has suitable properties for dosimetry, including high sensitivity to ionizing radiation (20 times that of Al2O3:C, under the measurement conditions) and wide dynamic range (7 μGy–30 Gy). The OSL associated with Ce3+ emission is correlated with a dominant, practically isolated peak at 180 °C. Fading of ~15% was observed in the first hour, probably due to shallow traps, followed by subsequent fading of 6–7% over the next 35 days. These properties, together with the characteristically fast luminescence from Ce3+, make this material also a strong candidate for 2D OSL dose mapping.
Elevated Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 not Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Contributes to Progression of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Wei Ting , Zhang Haihong , Cetin Neslihan , Miller Emily , Moak Teri , Suen James Y. , Richter Gresham T.
Published: April 2016

Extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare but dangerous congenital lesions arising from direct arterial-venous shunts without intervening capillaries. Progressive infiltration, expansion and soft tissue destruction lead to bleeding, pain, debilitation and disfigurement. The pathophysiology of AVMs is not well understood. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are thought to play an important role in pathologic processes underlying many diseases. This study investigates the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-2 in aggressive extracranial AVMs. The differential expression of MMP-9 and its regulatory factors is also examined. Herein we demonstrate that mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-9, but not MMP-2, are significantly higher in AVM tissues compared to normal tissues. The serum level of MMP-9, but not MMP-2, is also elevated in AVM patients compared to healthy controls. MMP-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) complex is also significantly increased in AVM tissues. The MMP-9/ tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) complex presents as a major form detected in normal tissues. The increased and aberrant expression of MMP-9 and specific MMP-9 forms may help explain the constitutive vascular remodeling and infiltrative nature of these lesions. Specific MMP-9 inhibitors would be a promising treatment for AVMs.
A pharmacological inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome prevents non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a mouse model induced by high fat diet
Authors: Yang Gabsik , Lee Hye Eun , Lee Joo Young
Published: April 2016

The activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely associated with the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet. Therefore, we investigated whether oral administration of sulforaphane (SFN) prevented high-fat diet-induced NAFLD in mice by regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver. Daily oral administrations of SFN reduced hepatic steatosis scores, serum ALT and AST levels, and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in mice fed a high-fat diet. These were correlated with the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the liver by SFN as evidenced by decrease in mRNA levels of ASC and caspase-1, caspase-1 enzyme activity, and IL-1β levels. SFN inhibited saturated fatty acid-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in primary mouse hepatocytes, accompanied by the restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction. The suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by SFN was mediated by the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase-autophagy axis. Our findings demonstrated that the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by an orally available small molecule inhibitor leads to the alleviation of the hepatic steatosis symptoms associated with NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet.
First-Principle Electronic Properties of Dilute-P GaN1−xPx Alloy for Visible Light Emitters
Authors: Tan Chee-Keong , Borovac Damir , Sun Wei , Tansu Nelson
Published: April 2016

A study on the electronic properties of the dilute-P GaN1−xPx alloy using First-Principle Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations is presented. Our results indicate a band gap energy coverage from 3.645 eV to 2.697 eV, with P-content varying from 0% to 12.5% respectively. In addition, through line fitting of calculated and experimental data, a bowing parameter of 9.5 ± 0.5 eV was obtained. The effective masses for electrons and holes are analyzed, as well as the split-off energy parameters where findings indicate minimal interband Auger recombination. The alloy also possesses the direct energy band gap property, indicating its strong potential as a candidate for future photonic device applications.
Association between PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and insulin resistance is modified by circulating lipids in Mexican children
Authors: Stryjecki Carolina , Peralta-Romero Jesus , Alyass Akram , Karam-Araujo Roberto , Suarez Fernando , Gomez-Zamudio Jaime , Burguete-Garcia Ana , Cruz Miguel , Meyre David
Published: April 2016

The Pro12Ala (rs1801282) polymorphism in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) has been convincingly associated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Europeans, in interaction with a high-fat diet. Mexico is disproportionally affected by obesity and T2D however, whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with early metabolic complications in this population is unknown. We assessed the association of PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala with metabolic traits in 1457 Mexican children using linear regression models. Interactions between PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala and circulating lipids on metabolic traits were determined by adding an interaction term to regression models. We observed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity (49.2%), dyslipidemia (34.9%) and IR (11.1%). We detected nominally significant/significant interactions between lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol), the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and waist-to-hip ratio, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IR (9.30 × 10−4  ≤ Pinteraction ≤ 0.04). Post-hoc subgroup analyses evidenced that the association between the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala genotype and fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and IR was restricted to children with total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol values higher than the median (0.02 ≤ P ≤ 0.03). Our data support an association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism with IR in Mexican children and suggest that this relationship is modified by dyslipidemia.
DRAMP: a comprehensive data repository of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Fan Linlin , Sun Jian , Zhou Meifeng , Zhou Jie , Lao Xingzhen , Zheng Heng , Xu Hanmei
Published: April 2016

The growing problem of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms results in an urgent need for substitutes to conventional antibiotics with novel modes of action and effective activities. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by a wide variety of living organisms acting as a defense mechanism against invading pathogenic microbes, are considered to be such promising alternatives. AMPs display a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and a low propensity for developing resistance. Therefore, a thorough understanding of AMPs is essential to exploit them as antimicrobial drugs. Considering this, we developed a comprehensive user-friendly data repository of antimicrobial peptides (DRAMP), which holds 17349 antimicrobial sequences, including 4571 general AMPs, 12704 patented sequences and 74 peptides in drug development. Entries in the database have detailed annotations, especially detailed antimicrobial activity data (shown as target organism with MIC value) and structure information. Annotations also include accession numbers crosslinking to Pubmed, Swiss-prot and Protein Data Bank (PDB). The website of the database comes with easy-to-operate browsing as well as searching with sorting and filtering functionalities. Several useful sequence analysis tools are provided, including similarity search, sequence alignment and conserved domain search (CD-Search). DRAMP should be a useful resource for the development of novel antimicrobial peptide drugs.
Tristetraprolin inhibits gastric cancer progression through suppression of IL-33
Authors: Deng Kaiyuan , Wang Hao , Shan Ting , Chen Yigang , Zhou Hong , Zhao Qin , Xia Jiazeng
Published: April 2016

Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an adenine/uridine (AU)-rich element (ARE)-binding protein that can induce degradation of mRNAs. In this study, we report that TTP suppresses the expression of interleukin-33 (IL-33), a tumor-promoting inflammatory cytokine and thereby inhibits the progression of gastric cancer (GC). Overexpression of TTP decreased the level of IL-33, whereas knockdown of TTP increased IL-33 levels. We also discovered that TTP inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of GC cell lines through regulation of IL-33. Furthermore, TTP RNA and protein levels were remarkably reduced in GC and inversely correlated with IL-33 level and they were also closely associated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, as well as survival rate. Taken together, these findings identified TTP as a downregulator of IL-33 and further suggest that TTP can serve as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of GC and as a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
Inter-polysomal coupling of termination and initiation during translation in eukaryotic cell-free system
Authors: Sogorin Evgeny A. , Agalarov Sultan Ch. , Spirin Alexander S.
Published: April 2016

The recording of the luciferase-generated luminescence in the eukaryotic cell-free translation system programmed with mRNA encoding firefly luciferase (Luc-mRNA) showed that the addition of free exogenous mRNAs into the translation reactor induces the immediate release of the functionally active protein from the polyribosomes of the translation system. The phenomenon did not depend on the coding specificity of the added free mRNA. At the same time it depended on the “initiation potential” of the added mRNA (including the features that ensure the successful initiation of translation, such as the presence of the cap structure and the sufficient concentration of the added mRNA in the translation mixture). The phenomenon also strictly depended on the presence of the stop codon in the translated mRNA. As the above-mentioned features of the added mRNA imply its activity in initiation of a new translation, the experimental data are found in agreement with the scenario where the molecules of the added mRNA interact by their 5′-ends with terminating and recycling ribosomes, stimulating the release of the complete polypeptides and providing for the initiation of a new translation.
Different extent in decline of infant mortality by region and cause in Shenyang, China
Authors: Huang Yan-Hong , Wu Qi-Jun , Li Li-Li , Li Da , Li Jing , Zhou Chen , Wu Lang , Zhu Jingjing , Gong Ting-Ting
Published: April 2016

To compare the pattern of cause of death of infant mortality rates by urban/rural areas as well as to generate knowledge for potential strategies to decrease this mortality, we carried out a study by analyzing the infant mortality data from the Shenyang Women and Children Health Care Centre. From 1997 to 2014, 970,583 live births and 6510 infant deaths were registered. Infant mortality rates, percent change, and annual percent change (APC) were calculated. The infant mortality significantly decreased by 5.92%, 7.41%, and 3.92% per year in overall, urban, and rural areas, respectively. Among the categories of causes of infant death, congenital anomalies (APC = −7.87%), asphyxia-related conditions (APC = −9.43), immaturity-related conditions (APC = −3.44%), diseases of the nervous system and sense organs (APC = −6.01%), and diseases of the respiratory system (APC = −6.29%) decreased significantly in the observational periods. Additionally, among selective causes of infant death, pneumonia, congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and intracranial hemorrhage of the newborn significantly decreased by 5.45%, 5.45%, 16.47%, 2.18%, 10.95%, and 10.33% per year, respectively. In conclusion, infant mortality has been continuously decreased in Shenyang from 1997 to 2014, although further efforts are still needed to decrease the infant mortality in rural areas.
Associations of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide and Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide with Metabolic Syndrome: A Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Yanjun , Ma Jixuan , Lu Wei , He Jintong , Zhang Runbo , Yuan Jing , Chen Weihong
Published: April 2016

Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) could reflect underlying inflammatory and oxidative stresses, which play important roles in pathogenetic pathways of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, epidemiologic evidence was limited. We conducted a study in Wuhan-Zhuhai (WHZH) cohort of 3649 community participants to investigate the association between eCO, FeNO and MetS in both cross-sectional and prospective ways. The results showed that higher eCO and FeNO were associated cross-sectionally with a higher prevalence of MetS. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for MetS at baseline were 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 1.35) associated with per log eCO and 1.14 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.30) associated with per log FeNO. During a follow-up of 3 years, 358/2181 new developed MetS cases were identified. Compared with lowest quartile of eCO and FeNO, the multivariable-adjusted risk ratios (95% CI) for MetS were 1.48 (1.06 to 2.06) related to the highest quartile of eCO. These findings remained consistent across sex but not smoking status, eCO was only associated with MetS in non-smokers when stratified by smoking status. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that eCO and FeNO were independently and positively associated with the prevalence of MetS cross-sectionally, while only eCO was positively related with the incidence of MetS prospectively.
Gold nanoparticle-based novel visual diagnostic method for the detection of specific IgE to test for food allergies
Authors: Bose Partha Pratim , Mandal Gautam , Chatterjee Urmimala , Singh Meenu , Chatterjee Bishnu Pada
Published: April 2016

Visual test for food allergy by GNP-based plasmonic detection of specific IgE in sera.
Active corrosion inhibition of mild steel by environmentally-friendly Ce-doped organic–inorganic sol–gel coatings
Authors: Mosa J. , Rosero-Navarro N. C. , Aparicio M.
Published: April 2016

A bi-layer siloxane-methacrylate coating (26 μm) doped with cerium on mild steel combining a barrier effect with self-healing in 3.5 wt NaCl.
Sugared biomaterial binding lectins: achievements and perspectives
Authors: Bojarová P. , Křen V.
Published: April 2016

Glycan-decorated biomaterials binding lectins are applied in bioimaging, targeted drug delivery, diagnostic and analytic methods. They comprise glycosylated nanoparticles, quantum dots, glycoarrays, glycopolymer clusters, micelles, and scaffolds based on aromatic, calixarene cores, glycopeptides or polysaccharides.
Excimer-induced high-efficiency fluorescence due to pairwise anthracene stacking in a crystal with long lifetime
Authors: Liu Haichao , Yao Liang , Li Bao , Chen Xiankai , Gao Yu , Zhang Shitong , Li Weijun , Lu Ping , Yang Bing , Ma Yuguang
Published: April 2016

An anthracene-based crystal exhibits excimer fluorescence with an unprecedented fluorescence efficiency (up to 80%) among anthracene excimers.
The enhancement of chain rigidity and gas transport performance of polymers of intrinsic microporosity via intramolecular locking of the spiro-carbon
Authors: Zhang Jian , Kang Hong , Martin Jacob , Zhang Shouhai , Thomas Sylvie , Merkel Tim C. , Jin Jianyong
Published: April 2016

We present a new strategy to improve the rigidity of PIM-1 through the introduction of 8-membered ring locking into the flexible spiro-carbon pivot point to produce a more rigid interlocked polycyclic structure.
Convenient synthesis of allenylphosphoryl compounds via Cu-catalysed couplings of P(O)H compounds with propargyl acetates
Authors: Shen Ruwei , Luo Bing , Yang Jianlin , Zhang Lixiong , Han Li-Biao
Published: April 2016

A novel Cu-catalysed substitution reaction of propargyl acetates with P(O)H compounds is developed to afford allenylphosphoryl compounds in high yields. A plausible mechanism involving the nucleophilic interception of Cu-allenylidene intermediates is proposed.
Theoretical investigations of absorption and fluorescence spectra of protonated pyrene
Authors: Chin Chih-Hao , Lin Sheng Hsien
Published: April 2016

Franck–Condon calculations of protonated pyrene molecules predict optical transitions in the spectral region of the unidentified diffuse interstellar bands.
High-performance organic broadband photomemory transistors exhibiting remarkable UV-NIR response
Authors: Du Lili , Luo Xiao , Lv Wenli , Zhao Feiyu , Peng Yingquan , Tang Ying , Wang Ying
Published: April 2016

High-performance organic broadband photomemory transistors by photogenerated minority carrier trapping and accumulation kinetics.
Conformational distortion of α-phenylethyl amine in cryogenic matrices – a matrix isolation VCD study
Authors: Pollok Corina H. , Merten Christian
Published: April 2016

MI-VCD spectroscopy reveals conformational perturbations of a chiral amine due to matrix packing effects.
Catalysis on Zeolites – Catalysis Science & Technology
Authors: Čejka Jiří , Morris Russell E. , Serrano David P.
Published: April 2016

Editorial for the themed issue “Catalysis on Zeolites”.
Tuning the adsorption behaviors of water, methanol, and ethanol in a porous material by varying the flexibility of substituted groups
Authors: Sha Yunfei , Bai Shizhe , Lou Jiaying , Wu Da , Liu Baizhan , Ling Yun
Published: April 2016

The adsorption and separation of water, methanol, and ethanol have been studied based on three iso-reticular metal–organic frameworks, in which the pore surface is decorated with propargyl (–CH2–CCH), allyl (–CH2–CHCH2), and propyl (–CH2–CH2–CH3) groups respectively.
Reaction of stannylene phosphorus Lewis pairs with dichlorides of germanium, tin and lead – the formation of base stabilized stannyl stannylenes/germylenes and redox reaction with PbCl2
Authors: Krebs K. M. , Maudrich J.-J. , Wesemann L.
Published: April 2016

The reaction of intramolecular stannylene phosphorus Lewis pairs with heavier dichlorides of group 14 (GeCl2, SnCl2, PbCl2) is reported.
Degradation and stabilization of lithium cobalt oxide in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Ramanujapuram Anirudh , Gordon Daniel , Magasinski Alexandre , Ward Brian , Nitta Naoki , Huang Cindy , Yushin Gleb
Published: April 2016

We report herein the exceptional cycle stability of lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) in aqueous electrolytes of high lithium salt concentrations.
Characterization of a series of absolute isotope reference materials for magnesium: ab initio calibration of the mass spectrometers, and determination of isotopic compositions and relative atomic weights
Authors: Vogl Jochen , Brandt Björn , Noordmann Janine , Rienitz Olaf , Malinovskiy Dmitriy
Published: April 2016

Three different MC-ICPMS instruments were calibrated by means of synthetic isotope mixtures to enable absolute Mg isotope ratios with expanded uncertainties of ≤0.15‰.
Non-substrate based, small molecule inhibitors of the human isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase
Authors: Butler Kyle V. , Bohn Kelsey , Hrycyna Christine A. , Jin Jian
Published: April 2016

Screening and subsequent medicinal chemistry gave a new chemotype for hICMT inhibitors.
Nanostructured materials for non-volatile organic transistor memory applications
Authors: Shih C.-C. , Lee W.-Y. , Chen W.-C.
Published: April 2016

Over the past decades, the demand for organic memory has rapidly increased due to the development of flexible electronics.
Novel indium(iii) phthalocyanines; synthesis, photophysical and humidity sensing properties
Authors: Keskin Bahadır , Okuyucu Olcay , Altındal Ahmet , Erdoğmuş Ali
Published: April 2016

Novel indium(iii) phthalocyanines were synthesized. Photophysical properties and the humidity detection capabilities of their films have also been investigated.
Remarkable NLO responses of hyperalkalized species: the size effect and atomic number dependence
Authors: Srivastava Ambrish Kumar , Misra Neeraj
Published: April 2016

The large first order static hyperpolarizabilities (βo) of hyperalkalized species establish their strong NLO responses.
Hmboff/on as a switchable thiol protecting group for native chemical ligation
Authors: Qi Yun-Kun , Tang Shan , Huang Yi-Chao , Pan Man , Zheng Ji-Shen , Liu Lei
Published: April 2016

A new thiol protecting group Hmboff/on is described, which has a switchable activity that may be useful in the chemical synthesis of complex proteins or peptides.
Autonomous fluorescence regulation in responsive polymer systems driven by a chemical oscillating reaction
Authors: Xu Guohe , Zhou Hongwei , Li Jie , Yin Lv , Zheng Zhaohui , Ding Xiaobin
Published: April 2016

A new autonomous luminescence-regulated mechanism in responsive polymer systems based on autonomous structure change driven by a chemical oscillating reaction.
The effect of glassing solvent deuteration and Gd3+ doping on 13C DNP at 5 T
Authors: Kiswandhi Andhika , Lama Bimala , Niedbalski Peter , Goderya Mudrekh , Long Joanna , Lumata Lloyd
Published: April 2016

We report the influence of glassing solvent deuteration and Gd3+ doping on 13C dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) performed on [1-13C] sodium acetate at B0 = 5 T and 1.2 K.
Thermo-reversibility, ergodicity and surface charge–temperature dependent phase diagram of anionic, cationic and neutral co-gels of gelatin–BSA complexes
Authors: Pathak Jyotsana , Rawat Kamla , Bohidar H. B.
Published: April 2016

We have investigated the gelation behavior of polyampholyte gelatin B (GB) in the presence of colloidal plasma protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a function of mixing ratio (r = GB : BSA = 1.5–4), entire pH range, and temperature (20–45 °​C).
Impregnation vs. coprecipitation dispersion of Cr over TiO2 and ZrO2 used as active and stable nanocatalysts in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene by carbon dioxide
Authors: Talati Azadeh , Haghighi Mohammad , Rahmani Farhad
Published: April 2016

The catalytic performance of Cr/ZrO2 and Cr/TiO2 nanocatalysts, prepared by coprecipitation and impregnation methods, was examined in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene using CO2 as an oxidant.
A core–shell Si@Nb2O5 composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Guanqin , Wen Zhongsheng , Du Lulu , Li Song , Ji Shijun , Sun Juncai
Published: April 2016

Si@Nb2O5 with high electrochemical stability is fabricated via solvothermal method with silicon nanoparticle and NbCl5 as the precursors in ethyl alcohol.
Unique nanotubes from polynorbornene derived graphene sheets
Authors: Mukherjee Madhumita , Ganivada Mutyala Naidu , Venu Parvathy , Kanjilal Pintu , Shunmugam Raja
Published: April 2016

Graphene functionalized polynorbornene nanohybrids (PNAGRs) have been synthesized successfully and their interesting self-aggregation in organic solvent (tetrahydrofuran, THF) has been investigated thoroughly for the 1st time in our present study.
Thermally stable sandwich-type catalysts of Pt nanoparticles encapsulated in CeO2 nanorod/CeO2 nanoparticle core/shell supports for methane oxidation at high temperatures
Authors: Zhang Zhiyun , Li Jing , Gao Wei , Xia Zhaoming , Qin Yuanbin , Qu Yongquan , Ma Yuanyuan
Published: April 2016

A sandwich-type Pt nanocatalyst encapsulated ceria-based core–shell catalyst (CNR@Pt@CNP) was designed and synthesized, which exhibited high catalytic activity and remarkably thermal-stability at high temperatures up to 700 °C.
Development of ionic liquid mediated novel polymer electrolyte membranes for application in Na-ion batteries
Authors: Singh Varun Kumar , Shalu Shalu , Chaurasia Sujeet Kumar , Singh Rajendra Kumar
Published: April 2016

Polymer electrolyte membranes based on polymer PEO, ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium methylsulfate (BMIM-MS), and salt, sodium methylsulfate (NaMS), were prepared and characterized by SEM, XRD, TGA/DTGA, DSC, ac impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.
A ruthenium derivative of quercetin with enhanced cholesterol-lowering activity
Authors: Cuccioloni M. , Bonfili L. , Mozzicafreddo M. , Cecarini V. , Pettinari R. , Condello F. , Pettinari C. , Marchetti F. , Angeletti M. , Eleuteri A. M.
Published: April 2016

A ruthenium(ii)p-cymene derivative of quercetin was synthesized and functionally tested for cholesterol-lowering abilityviadirect 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibition.
Encapsulation of a photosensitizer into cell membrane capsules for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Han Lijie , Chen Ying , Niu Jie , Peng Lihua , Mao Zhengwei , Gao Changyou
Published: April 2016

CMCs were used to encapsulate MB (CMCs@MB) using temporary permeation of the plasma membrane and resealing. Encapsulation in the CMCs leads to sustained release of MB with enhanced stability against enzymatic reduction and reduced toxicity.