bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A population-based study on the association between the intake of soft drinks and periodontal disease in Taiwanese adults aged 35–44 years (KCIS no. 33)
Authors: Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Lai Hongmin , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: September 2015

Objective

To elucidate the association between the intake of soft drinks and periodontal disease (PD) among Taiwanese middle-aged adults.

Design

The cross-sectional design was employed to assess a dose–response relationship between the intake of soft drinks and PD after controlling for relevant confounding factors, with adjusted odds ratios obtained from a multivariate logistic regression model.

Setting

Keelung Community-based Integrated Screening (KCIS) programme, Keelung, Taiwan.

Subjects

Participants (n 10 213) aged 35–44 years who had undergone oral checks for PD between 2005 and 2009.

Results

A dose–response relationship between the intake of soft drinks and elevated risk for PD defined by community periodontal index ≥3 (the current status of PD) was noted (P=0·02 by trend test). Compared with infrequent intake of soft drinks (≤2 times/week), the adjusted OR increased from 1·05 (95 % CI 0·92, 1·20) for the frequency of 3–4 times/week to 1·17 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·34) for the frequency of ≥5 times/week. A similar trend (P<0·01) was also observed for PD defined by loss of attachment ≥1 (representing the long-term cumulative gum damage due to PD).

Conclusions

A dose–response relationship between the intake frequency of soft drinks and PD was observed in Taiwanese middle-aged adults. Such evidence could be used in health promotion to support reductions in soft drink intake.
Rise and fall of mercury (Hg) pollution in sediment cores of the Thames Estuary, London, UK
Authors: Vane Christopher H. , Beriro Darren J. , Turner Grenville H.
Published: September 2015

Fifty six sediment cores were collected along a 100 km longitudinal transect of the Thames estuary. Total Hg ranged from 0.01 to 12.07 mg/kg, with a mean of 2.10 mg/kg (n=351). Concentrations of the toxic metal decreased downstream from London to the outer estuary and were positively correlated to total organic carbon (TOC) content. Many Hg profiles showed a clear rise, peak and fall, reflecting changing anthropogenic input through time. Surface concentrations averaged 1.27 mg/kg, confirming the effectiveness of recent environmental legislation and improved river management. Sediments at >40 cm depth from London reaches of the river (Waterloo Bridge, Cuckolds Point (Rotherhithe), Butlers Wharf (Tower Bridge), Millwall, Deptford and Millennium Dome) were highly contaminated, with levels of Hg of >7 mg/kg. The outer Thames had lower Hg, with the exception of Rainham, Crossness and Cliffe. Benchmarking against UK guidelines for the disposal of dredged material revealed that 88 samples from 21 sites exceeded the 3 mg/kg criteria (unsuitable for disposal at sea); 173 fell between 0.3 and 3 mg/kg (further assessment required); and 90 were of no concern. Using Hg as a generic pollution marker, the tidal Thames is one of the world's most contaminated river–estuarine sediment systems.
How Powerful Is Jupiter's Aurora?
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: September 2015

Scientists have mapped Jupiter's spectacular aurora in unprecedented detail with the Hubble Space Telescope.
Importance of salt fingering for new nitrogen supply in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Fernández-Castro B. , Mouriño-Carballido B. , Marañón E. , Chouciño P. , Gago J. , Ramírez T. , Vidal M. , Bode A. , Blasco D. , Royer S.-J. , Estrada M. , Simó R.
Published: September 2015

The input of new nitrogen into the euphotic zone constrains the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean and thereby the biologically mediated long-term CO2 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. In low-latitude open-ocean regions, turbulence-driven nitrate diffusion from the ocean’s interior and biological fixation of atmospheric N2 are the main sources of new nitrogen for phytoplankton productivity. With measurements across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, we show that nitrate diffusion (171±190 μmol m−2 d−1) dominates over N2 fixation (9.0±9.4 μmol m−2 d−1) at the time of sampling. Nitrate diffusion mediated by salt fingers is responsible for ca. 20% of the new nitrogen supply in several provinces of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our results indicate that salt finger diffusion should be considered in present and future ocean nitrogen budgets, as it could supply globally 0.23–1.00 Tmol N yr−1 to the euphotic zone.
A flexible codon in genomically recoded Escherichia coli permits programmable protein phosphorylation
Authors: Pirman Natasha L. , Barber Karl W. , Aerni Hans R. , Ma Natalie J. , Haimovich Adrian D. , Rogulina Svetlana , Isaacs Farren J. , Rinehart Jesse
Published: September 2015

Biochemical investigation of protein phosphorylation events is limited by inefficient production of the phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms of full-length proteins. Here using a genomically recoded strain of E. coli with a flexible UAG codon we produce site-specific serine- or phosphoserine-containing proteins, with purities approaching 90%, from a single recombinant DNA. Specifically, we synthesize human MEK1 kinase with two serines or two phosphoserines, from one DNA template, and demonstrate programmable kinase activity. Programmable protein phosphorylation is poised to help reveal the structural and functional information encoded in the phosphoproteome.
Telomeres are partly shielded from ultraviolet-induced damage and proficient for nucleotide excision repair of photoproducts
Authors: Parikh Dhvani , Fouquerel Elise , Murphy Connor T. , Wang Hong , Opresko Patricia L.
Published: September 2015

Ultraviolet light induces cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and pyrimidine(6–4)pyrimidone photoproducts, which interfere with DNA replication and transcription. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) removes these photoproducts, but whether NER functions at telomeres is unresolved. Here we use immunospot blotting to examine the efficiency of photoproduct formation and removal at telomeres purified from UVC irradiated cells at various recovery times. Telomeres exhibit approximately twofold fewer photoproducts compared with the bulk genome in cells, and telomere-binding protein TRF1 significantly reduces photoproduct formation in telomeric fragments in vitro. CPD removal from telomeres occurs 1.5-fold faster than the bulk genome, and is completed by 48 h. 6–4PP removal is rapidly completed by 6 h in both telomeres and the overall genome. A requirement for XPA protein indicates the mechanism of telomeric photoproduct removal is NER. These data provide new evidence that telomeres are partially protected from ultraviolet irradiation and that NER preserves telomere integrity.
Emergence of multicluster chimera states
Authors: Yao Nan , Huang Zi-Gang , Grebogi Celso , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: September 2015

A remarkable phenomenon in spatiotemporal dynamical systems is chimera state, where the structurally and dynamically identical oscillators in a coupled networked system spontaneously break into two groups, one exhibiting coherent motion and another incoherent. This phenomenon was typically studied in the setting of non-local coupling configurations. We ask what can happen to chimera states under systematic changes to the network structure when links are removed from the network in an orderly fashion but the local coupling topology remains invariant with respect to an index shift. We find the emergence of multicluster chimera states. Remarkably, as a parameter characterizing the amount of link removal is increased, chimera states of distinct numbers of clusters emerge and persist in different parameter regions. We develop a phenomenological theory, based on enhanced or reduced interactions among oscillators in different spatial groups, to explain why chimera states of certain numbers of clusters occur in certain parameter regions. The theoretical prediction agrees well with numerics.
Unexpected observation of splitting of skyrmion phase in Zn doped Cu2OSeO3
Authors: Wu H. C. , Wei T. Y. , Chandrasekhar K. D. , Chen T. Y. , Berger H. , Yang H. D.
Published: September 2015

Polycrystalline (Cu1−xZnx)2OSeO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) samples were synthesized using solid-state reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The effect of Zn doping upon saturation magnetization (MS) indicates that the Zn favors to occupying Cu(II) square pyramidal crystallographic site. The AC susceptibility (χ′ac) was measured at various temperatures (χ′ac–T) and magnetic field strengths (χ′ac–H). The Zn doping concentration is found to affect greatly the M-T and χ′ac-T. The skyrmion phase has been inferred from the χ′ac-H data and then indicated within the H-T phase diagrams for various Zn doping concentrations. The striking and unexpected observation is that the skyrmion phase region becomes split upon Zn doping concentration. Interestingly, second conical boundary accompanied by second skyrmion phase was also observed from dχ′ac/dH vs. H curves. Atomic site disorder created by the chemical doping modulates the delicate magnetic interactions via change in the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) vector of distorted Cu(II) square pyramidal, thereby splitting of skyrmion phase might occur. These findings illustrate the potential of using chemical and atomic modification for tuning the temperature and field dependence of skyrmion phase of Cu2OSeO3.
Ice Regelation: Hydrogen-bond extraordinary recoverability and water quasisolid-phase-boundary dispersivity
Authors: Zhang Xi , Huang Yongli , Sun Peng , Liu Xinjuan , Ma Zengsheng , Zhou Yichun , Zhou Ji , Zheng Weitao , Sun Chang Q.
Published: September 2015

Regelation, i.e., ice melts under compression and freezes again when the pressure is relieved, remains puzzling since its discovery in 1850’s by Faraday. Here we show that hydrogen bond (O:H-O) cooperativity and its extraordinary recoverability resolve this anomaly. The H-O bond and the O:H nonbond possesses each a specific heat ηx(T/ΘDx) whose Debye temperature ΘDx is proportional to its characteristic phonon frequency ωx according to Einstein’s relationship. A superposition of the ηx(T/ΘDx) curves for the H-O bond (x = H, ωH ~ 3200 cm−1) and the O:H nonbond (x = L, ωL ~ 200 cm−1, ΘDL = 198 K) yields two intersecting temperatures that define the liquid/quasisolid/solid phase boundaries. Compression shortens the O:H nonbond and stiffens its phonon but does the opposite to the H-O bond through O-O Coulomb repulsion, which closes up the intersection temperatures and hence depress the melting temperature of quasisolid ice. Reproduction of the Tm(P) profile clarifies that the H-O bond energy EH determines the Tm with derivative of EH = 3.97 eV for bulk water and ice. Oxygen atom always finds bonding partners to retain its sp3-orbital hybridization once the O:H breaks, which ensures O:H-O bond recoverability to its original state once the pressure is relieved.
Monoamine content during the reproductive cycle of Perna perna depends on site of origin on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco
Authors: Klouche Mounia S. , De Deurwaerdère Philippe , Dellu-Hagedorn Françoise , Lakhdar-Ghazal Nouria , Benomar Soumaya
Published: September 2015

Bivalve molluscs such as Perna perna display temporal cycles of reproduction that result from the complex interplay between endogenous and exogenous signals. The monoamines serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline represent possible endocrine and neuronal links between these signals allowing the molluscs to modulate reproductive functions in conjunction with environmental constraints. Here, we report a disruption of the reproductive cycle of mussels collected from two of three sites along the Moroccan atlantic coast soiled by industrial or domestic waste. Using high pressure liquid chromatography, we show that the temporal pattern of monoamine content in the gonads, pedal and cerebroid ganglia varied throughout the reproductive cycle (resting, developing, maturing, egg-laying) of mussels from the unpolluted site. Marked modification of monoamine tissue content was found between sites, notably in noradrenaline content of the gonads. Discriminant statistics revealed a specific impact of mussel location on the temporal variations of noradrenaline and serotonin levels in gonads and cerebroid ganglia. Correlation analyses showed profound and temporal changes in the monoamine content between organs and ganglia, at the two sites where the reproduction was disrupted. We suggest that environmental constraints lead to profound changes of monoaminergic systems, which thereby compromises the entry of mussels into their reproductive cycle.
Bacteriophages of wastewater foaming-associated filamentous Gordonia reduce host levels in raw activated sludge
Authors: Liu Mei , Gill Jason J. , Young Ry , Summer Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2015

Filamentous bacteria are a normal and necessary component of the activated sludge wastewater treatment process, but the overgrowth of filamentous bacteria results in foaming and bulking associated disruptions. Bacteriophages, or phages, were investigated for their potential to reduce the titer of foaming bacteria in a mixed-microbial activated sludge matrix. Foaming-associated filamentous bacteria were isolated from activated sludge of a commercial wastewater treatment plan and identified as Gordonia species by 16S rDNA sequencing. Four representative phages were isolated that target G. malaquae and two un-named Gordonia species isolates. Electron microscopy revealed the phages to be siphophages with long tails. Three of the phages - GordTnk2, Gmala1 and GordDuk1 - had very similar ~76 kb genomes, with >93% DNA identity. These genomes shared limited synteny with Rhodococcus equi phage ReqiDocB7 and Gordonia phage GTE7. In contrast, the genome of phage Gsput1 was smaller (43 kb) and was not similar enough to any known phage to be placed within an established phage type. Application of these four phages at MOIs of 5–15 significantly reduced Gordonia host levels in a wastewater sludge model by approximately 10-fold as compared to non-phage treated reactors. Phage control was observed for nine days after treatment.
Epitopes in α8β1 and other RGD-binding integrins delineate classes of integrin-blocking antibodies and major binding loops in α subunits
Authors: Nishimichi Norihisa , Kawashima Nagako , Yokosaki Yasuyuki
Published: September 2015

Identification of epitopes for integrin-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has aided our understanding of structure-function relationship of integrins. We mapped epitopes of chicken anti-integrin-α8-subunit-blocking mAbs by mutational analyses, examining regions that harboured all mapped epitopes recognized by mAbs against other α-subunits in the RGD-binding-integrin subfamily. Six mAbs exhibited blocking function and these mAbs recognized residues on the same W2:41-loop on the top-face of the β-propeller. Loop-tips sufficiently close to W2:41 (<25 Å) contained within a footprint of the mAbs were mutated and the loop W3:34 on the bottom face was identified as an additional component of the epitope of one antibody, clone YZ5. Binding sequences on the two loops were conserved in virtually all mammals and that on W3:34 was also conserved in chickens. These indicate 1) YZ5 binds both top and bottom loops and the binding to W3:34 is by interactions to conserved residues between immunogen and host species, 2) five other blocking mAbs solely bind to W2:41 and 3) the α8 mAbs would cross-react with most mammals. Comparing with the mAbs against the other α-subunits of RGD-integrins, two classes were delineated; those binding to “W3:34 and an top-loop” and “solely W2:41”, accounting for 82% of published RGD-integrin-mAbs.
Cavity-based architecture to preserve quantum coherence and entanglement
Authors: Man Zhong-Xiao , Xia Yun-Jie , Lo Franco Rosario
Published: September 2015

Quantum technology relies on the utilization of resources, like quantum coherence and entanglement, which allow quantum information and computation processing. This achievement is however jeopardized by the detrimental effects of the environment surrounding any quantum system, so that finding strategies to protect quantum resources is essential. Non-Markovian and structured environments are useful tools to this aim. Here we show how a simple environmental architecture made of two coupled lossy cavities enables a switch between Markovian and non-Markovian regimes for the dynamics of a qubit embedded in one of the cavity. Furthermore, qubit coherence can be indefinitely preserved if the cavity without qubit is perfect. We then focus on entanglement control of two independent qubits locally subject to such an engineered environment and discuss its feasibility in the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics. With up-to-date experimental parameters, we show that our architecture allows entanglement lifetimes orders of magnitude longer than the spontaneous lifetime without local cavity couplings. This cavity-based architecture is straightforwardly extendable to many qubits for scalability.
Visualization of GaN surface potential using terahertz emission enhanced by local defects
Authors: Sakai Yuji , Kawayama Iwao , Nakanishi Hidetoshi , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: September 2015

Wide-gap semiconductors have received significant attention for their advantages over existing semiconductors in energy-efficient power devices. To realize stable and reliable wide-gap semiconductor devices, the basic physical properties, such as the electric properties on the surface and at the interface, should be revealed. Here, we report visualization of terahertz (THz) emission from the surface of GaN, which is excited by ultraviolet femtosecond laser pulses. We found that the THz emission is enhanced by defects related to yellow luminescence and this phenomenon is explained through the modification of band structures in the surface depletion layer owing to trapped electrons at defect sites. Our results demonstrate that the surface potential in a GaN surface could be detected by laser-induced THz emission. Moreover, this method enables feasible evaluation of the distribution of non-radiative defects, which are undetectable with photoluminescence and it contributes to the realization normally-off GaN devices.
An eigenvalue transformation technique for predicting drug-target interaction
Authors: Kuang Qifan , Xu Xin , Li Rong , Dong Yongcheng , Li Yan , Huang Ziyan , Li Yizhou , Li Menglong
Published: September 2015

The prediction of drug-target interactions is a key step in the drug discovery process, which serves to identify new drugs or novel targets for existing drugs. However, experimental methods for predicting drug-target interactions are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, the in silico prediction of drug-target interactions has recently attracted increasing attention. In this study, we propose an eigenvalue transformation technique and apply this technique to two representative algorithms, the Regularized Least Squares classifier (RLS) and the semi-supervised link prediction classifier (SLP), that have been used to predict drug-target interaction. The results of computational experiments with these techniques show that algorithms including eigenvalue transformation achieved better performance on drug-target interaction prediction than did the original algorithms. These findings show that eigenvalue transformation is an efficient technique for improving the performance of methods for predicting drug-target interactions. We further show that, in theory, eigenvalue transformation can be viewed as a feature transformation on the kernel matrix. Accordingly, although we only apply this technique to two algorithms in the current study, eigenvalue transformation also has the potential to be applied to other algorithms based on kernels.
Irrational choice and the value of information
Authors: Vasconcelos Marco , Monteiro Tiago , Kacelnik Alex
Published: September 2015

Irrational decision making in humans and other species challenges the use of optimality in behavioural biology. Here we show that such observations are in fact powerful tools to understand the adaptive significance of behavioural mechanisms. We presented starlings choices between probabilistic alternatives, receiving or not information about forthcoming, delayed outcomes after their choices. Subjects could not use this information to alter the outcomes. Paradoxically, outcome information induced loss-causing preference for the lower probability option. The effect depended on time under uncertainty: information given just after each choice caused strong preference for lower probability, but information just before the outcome did not. A foraging analysis shows that these preferences would maximize gains if post-choice information were usable, as when predators abandon a chase when sure of the prey escaping. Our study illustrates how experimentally induced irrational behaviour supports rather than weakens the evolutionary optimality approach to animal behaviour.
Development and Characterization of a Novel in vitro Progression Model for UVB-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis
Authors: Tyagi Nikhil , Bhardwaj Arun , Srivastava Sanjeev K. , Arora Sumit , Marimuthu Saravanakumar , Deshmukh Sachin K. , Singh Ajay P. , Carter James E. , Singh Seema
Published: September 2015

Epidemiological studies suggest ultraviolet B (UVB) component (290–320 nm) of sun light is the most prevalent etiologic factor for skin carcinogenesis- a disease accounting for more than two million new cases each year in the USA alone. Development of UVB-induced skin carcinoma is a multistep and complex process. The molecular events that occur during UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis are poorly understood largely due to the lack of an appropriate cellular model system. Therefore, to make a progress in this area, we have developed an in vitro model for UVB-induced skin cancer using immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells through repetitive exposure to UVB radiation. We demonstrate that UVB-transformed HaCaT cells gain enhanced proliferation rate, apoptosis-resistance and colony- and sphere-forming abilities in a progressive manner. Moreover, these cells exhibit increased aggressiveness with enhanced migration and invasive potential and mesenchymal phenotypes. Furthermore, these derived cells are able to form aggressive squamous cell carcinoma upon inoculation into the nude mice, while parental HaCaT cells remain non-tumorigenic. Together, these novel, UVB-transformed progression model cell lines can be very helpful in gaining valuable mechanistic insight into UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis, identification of novel molecular targets of diagnostic and therapeutic significance and in vitro screening for novel preventive and therapeutic agents.
Metabolomic alterations in human cancer cells by vitamin C-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Uetaki Megumi , Tabata Sho , Nakasuka Fumie , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tomita Masaru
Published: September 2015

Intravenous administration of high-dose vitamin C has recently attracted attention as a cancer therapy. High-dose vitamin C induces pro-oxidant effects and selectively kills cancer cells. However, the anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C are not fully understood. Here, we analyzed metabolic changes induced by vitamin C in MCF7 human breast adenocarcinoma and HT29 human colon cancer cells using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS). The metabolomic profiles of both cell lines were dramatically altered after exposure to cytotoxic concentrations of vitamin C. Levels of upstream metabolites in the glycolysis pathway and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle were increased in both cell lines following treatment with vitamin C, while adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and adenylate energy charges were decreased concentration-dependently. Treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) significantly inhibited vitamin C-induced cytotoxicity in MCF7 cells. NAC also suppressed vitamin C-dependent metabolic changes and NAD treatment prevented vitamin C-induced cell death. Collectively, our data suggests that vitamin C inhibited energy metabolism through NAD depletion, thereby inducing cancer cell death.
Interaction of Piriformospora indica with Azotobacter chroococcum
Authors: Kumar Bhuyan Soubhagya , Bandyopadhyay Prasun , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Mishra Deepak , Prasad Ramraj , Kumari Abha , Chandra Upadhyaya Kailash , Varma Ajit , Kumar Yadava Pramod
Published: September 2015

Microbial communities in rhizosphere interact with each other and form a basis of a cumulative impact on plant growth. Rhizospheric microorganisms like Piriformospora indica and Azotobacter chroococcum are well known for their beneficial interaction with plants. These features make P. indica /A. chroococcum co-inoculation of crops most promising with respect to sustainable agriculture and to understanding the transitions in the evolution of rhizospheric microbiome. Here, we investigated interactions of P. indica with A. chroococcum in culture. Out of five Azotobacter strains tested, WR5 exhibited growth-promoting while strain M4 exerted growth-inhibitory effect on the fungus in axenic culture. Electron microscopy of co-culture indicated an intimate association of the bacterium with the fungus. 2-D gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry of P. indica cellular proteins grown with or without WR5 and M4 showed differential expression of many metabolic proteins like enolase-I, ureaseD, the GTP binding protein YPT1 and the transmembrane protein RTM1. Fungal growth as influenced by bacterial crude metabolites was also monitored. Taken together, the results conform to a model where WR5 and M4 influence the overall growth and physiology of P. indica which may have a bearing on its symbiotic relationship with plants.
Low doses of ivermectin cause sensory and locomotor disorders in dung beetles
Authors: Verdú José R. , Cortez Vieyle , Ortiz Antonio J. , González-Rodríguez Estela , Martinez-Pinna Juan , Lumaret Jean-Pierre , Lobo Jorge M. , Numa Catherine , Sánchez-Piñero Francisco
Published: September 2015

Ivermectin is a veterinary pharmaceutical generally used to control the ecto- and endoparasites of livestock, but its use has resulted in adverse effects on coprophilous insects, causing population decline and biodiversity loss. There is currently no information regarding the direct effects of ivermectin on dung beetle physiology and behaviour. Here, based on electroantennography and spontaneous muscle force tests, we show sub-lethal disorders caused by ivermectin in sensory and locomotor systems of Scarabaeus cicatricosus, a key dung beetle species in Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings show that ivermectin decreases the olfactory and locomotor capacity of dung beetles, preventing them from performing basic biological activities. These effects are observed at concentrations lower than those usually measured in the dung of treated livestock. Taking into account that ivermectin acts on both glutamate-gated and GABA-gated chloride ion channels of nerve and muscle cells, we predict that ivermectin’s effects at the physiological level could influence many members of the dung pat community. The results indicate that the decline of dung beetle populations could be related to the harmful effects of chemical contamination in the dung.
Structural Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Astragalus taipaishanensis and Their Structure-Activity Relationship
Authors: Pu Wenjun , Wang Dongmei , Zhou Dan
Published: September 2015

Eight phenolic compounds were isolated using bio-guided isolation and purified from the roots of Astragalus taipaishanensis Y. C. Ho et S. B. Ho (A. taipaishanensis) for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by ESI-MS, HR-ESI-MS, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR as 7,2′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxy isoflavan (1), formononetin (2), isoliquiritigenin (3), quercetin (4), kaempferol (5), ononin (6), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (7) and vanillic acid (8). Six flavonoids (compounds 1-6) exhibited stronger antioxidant activities (determined by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays) than those of BHA and TBHQ and also demonstrated noticeable protective effects (particularly quercetin and kaempferol) on Escherichia coli under oxidative stress. Additionally, the chemical constituents compared with those of Astragalus membranaceus and the structure-activity relationship of the isolated compounds were both analyzed. The results clearly demonstrated that A. taipaishanensis has the potential to be selected as an alternative medicinal and food plant that can be utilized in health food products, functional tea and pharmaceutical products.
Serum amyloid-beta levels are increased in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Bu Xian-Le , Liu Yu-Hui , Wang Qing-Hua , Jiao Shu-Sheng , Zeng Fan , Yao Xiu-Qing , Gao Dong , Chen Ji-Chuan , Wang Yan-Jiang
Published: September 2015

A critical link between amyloid-beta (Aβ) and hypoxia has been demonstrated in in vitro and animal studies but has not yet been proven in humans. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder that is characterized by nocturnal intermittent hypoxaemia. This study sought to examine the association between the chronic intermittent hypoxia and Aβ in OSAS patients. Forty-five cognitively normal OSAS patients and forty-nine age- and gender-matched subjects diagnosed with simple snoring and not OSAS were included in the present study. Serum Aβ40, Aβ42, total tau and phosphorylated tau 181 (P-tau 181) levels were measured using ELISA kits. All subjects were evaluated with nighttime polysomnography and cognitive tests. Compared with the controls, the OSAS patients exhibited significantly higher serum Aβ40, Aβ42 and total Aβ levels and each of these levels was positively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index, the oxygen desaturation index and the mean and lowest oxyhaemoglobin saturations in the OSAS patients. Moreover, the OSAS patients exhibited strikingly higher serum P-tau 181 levels and these levels were positively correlated with serum Aβ levels. This study suggests that there is an association between chronic intermittent hypoxia and increased Aβ levels, implying that hypoxia may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Production of Catalyst-Free Hyperpolarised Ethanol Aqueous Solution via Heterogeneous Hydrogenation with Parahydrogen
Authors: Salnikov Oleg G. , Kovtunov Kirill V. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: September 2015

An experimental approach for the production of catalyst-free hyperpolarised ethanol solution in water via heterogeneous hydrogenation of vinyl acetate with parahydrogen and the subsequent hydrolysis of ethyl acetate was demonstrated. For an efficient hydrogenation, liquid vinyl acetate was transferred to the gas phase by parahydrogen bubbling and almost completely converted to ethyl acetate with Rh/TiO2catalyst. Subsequent dissolution of ethyl acetate gas in water containing OH−ions led to the formation of catalyst- and organic solvent-free hyperpolarised ethanol and sodium acetate. These results represent the first demonstration of catalyst- and organic solvent-free hyperpolarised ethanol production achieved by heterogeneous hydrogenation of vinyl acetate vapour with parahydrogen and the subsequent ethyl acetate hydrolysis.
Discovery of a series of novel phenylpiperazine derivatives as EGFR TK inhibitors
Authors: Sun Juan , Wang Xin-Yi , Lv Peng-Cheng , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: September 2015

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important drug target that plays a fundamental role in signal transduction pathways in oncology. We report herein the discovery of a novel class of phenylpiperazine derivatives with improved potency toward EGFR. The biological activity of compound 3p as inhibitor of EGFR was further investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, compound 3p exhibited an IC50 in the nanomolar range in A549 cell cultures and induced a cessation of tumor growth with no toxicity, as determined by loss of body weight and death of treated mice. Compoutational docking studies also showed that compound 3p has interaction with EGFR key residues in the active site.
High spectral specificity of local chemical components characterization with multichannel shift-excitation Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Kun , Wu Tao , Wei Haoyun , Wu Xuejian , Li Yan
Published: September 2015

Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool for its noninvasive and nondestructive characterization of local chemical structures. However, spectrally overlapping components prevent the specific identification of hyperfine molecular information of different substances, because of limitations in the spectral resolving power. The challenge is to find a way of preserving scattered photons and retrieving hidden/buried Raman signatures to take full advantage of its chemical specificity. Here, we demonstrate a multichannel acquisition framework based on shift-excitation and slit-modulation, followed by mathematical post-processing, which enables a significant improvement in the spectral specificity of Raman characterization. The present technique, termed shift-excitation blind super-resolution Raman spectroscopy (SEBSR), uses multiple degraded spectra to beat the dispersion-loss trade-off and facilitate high-resolution applications. It overcomes a fundamental problem that has previously plagued high-resolution Raman spectroscopy: fine spectral resolution requires large dispersion, which is accompanied by extreme optical loss. Applicability is demonstrated by the perfect recovery of fine structure of the C-Cl bending mode as well as the clear discrimination of different polymorphs of mannitol. Due to its enhanced discrimination capability, this method offers a feasible route at encouraging a broader range of applications in analytical chemistry, materials and biomedicine.
A modified oxic-settling-anaerobic activated sludge process using gravity thickening for excess sludge reduction
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Shi-Yu , Jiang Feng , Wu Ke , Liu Guang-Li , Lu Hui , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: September 2015

Oxic-settling-anaerobic process (OSA) was known as a cost-effective way to reduce the excess sludge production with simple upgrade of conventional activated sludge process (CAS). A low oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) level was the key factor to sludge decay and lysis in the sludge holding tank of the OSA process. However, the ORP control with nitrogen purge or chemical dosing in the OSA process would induce extra expense and complicate the operation. Hence, in this study, a sludge holding tank using gravity thickening was applied to OSA process to reduce the excess sludge production without any ORP control. Results showed that the modified OSA process not only reduced the excess sludge production effectively but also improved the sludge settleability without affected the treatment capacity. The reduction of the excess sludge production in the modified OSA process resulted from interactions among lots of factors. The key element of the process was the gravity thickening sludge holding tank.
An Updated Meta-Analysis of Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair for Perforated Peptic Ulcer
Authors: Zhou Chunhua , Wang Weizhi , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Qun , Li Bowen , Xu Zekuan
Published: September 2015

Laparoscopic repair (LR) for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) has been introduced since 1990. Although many studies comparing LR with open repair (OR) have been published, controversy remains regarding the clinical utility of laparoscopic techniques for the treatment of PPU. Thus, it is necessary for us to broaden our knowledge on this subject with the newly published articles. Twenty-four nonrandomized controlled studies (NRS) and five randomized controlled trails (RCTs) were included in our meta-analyses, which comprised 5,268 patients (1,890 in the LR group and 3,378 in the OR group). In the analysis of high quality NRS and RCTs, compared with OR, high quality evidence suggested that LR was associated with a lower incidence of overall postoperative complications; moderate evidence showed that the two procedures had the similar reoperation rate; based on the low quality evidence, LR had reduced hospital mortality and similar operative time; Moreover, LR was observed having the advantages of earlier resumption of oral intake, shorter hospital stay and less analgesic use, which were supported by very low evidence. All the evidences suggest that LR is better than OR for PPU, but more high-quality RCTs are still needed for further validation.
Aqueous-phase reforming of crude glycerol: effect of impurities on hydrogen production
Authors: Boga Dilek A. , Liu Fang , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: September 2015

Fatty acid salt contaminants proved detrimental for efficient hydrogen production in the aqueous phase reforming of an industrial crude glycerol.
Early stages of insulin fibrillogenesis examined with ion mobility mass spectrometry and molecular modelling
Authors: Cole Harriet , Porrini Massimiliano , Morris Ryan , Smith Tom , Kalapothakis Jason , Weidt Stefan , Mackay C. Logan , MacPhee Cait E. , Barran Perdita E.
Published: September 2015

Mass spectrometry shows insulin oligomers [I]n where n ranges from 1-12, and ion mobility analysis reveals ∼60 structurally distinct species across this oligomer distribution. Experimental data trains MD simulations to characterize a persistent prefibrillar protein oligomer that is a dimer enriched in β sheets.
Aggregates of perylene bisimide stabilized superparamagnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles: an efficient catalyst for the preparation of propargylamines and quinolines via C–H activation
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: September 2015

Supramolecular aggregates of the PBI derivative3serve as reactors and stabilizers for the preparation of Fe3O4nanoparticles, which exhibit high catalytic efficiency for the preparation of propargylamines and quinolines derivativesviaC–H activation.
Phosphine-catalyzed regioselective Michael addition to allenoates
Authors: Gandi Vasudeva Rao , Lu Yixin
Published: September 2015

The first phosphine catalysed Michael addition of arylcyanoacetates to allenoates has been developed, and the β-selective products with a quaternary center were obtained in excellent yields.
Electrocatalytic interconversion of NADH and NAD+ by Escherichia coli flavohemoglobin
Authors: Shipovskov S. , Bonamore A. , Boffi A. , Ferapontova E. E.
Published: September 2015

Electrocatalytic NADH/NAD+ interconversion by E. coli flavohemoglobin, at potentials of its heme operating as an electron transfer relay between the electrode and the protein catalytic site, was demonstrated for the first time, enabling the construction of NAD+-dependent bioelectrodes for industrial biosynthesis, biosensors and biofuel cells.
A new class of N–H proton transfer molecules: wide tautomer emission tuning from 590 nm to 770 nm via a facile, single site amino derivatization in 10-aminobenzo[h]quinoline
Authors: Tseng Huan-Wei , Lin Ta-Chun , Chen Chi-Lin , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Chen Yi-An , Liu Jun-Qi , Hung Cheng-Hsien , Chao Chi-Min , Liu Kuan-Miao , Chou Pi-Tai
Published: September 2015

Tuning the ESIPT emission from visible to near IR.
Fluorescence switchable probes based on a molecular rotor for selective detection of proteins and small molecules
Authors: Lai Hsiu-Ping , Gao Ruo-Cing , Huang Chi-Ling , Chen I-Chia , Tan Kui-Thong
Published: September 2015

In the presence of a target protein, the crowded surroundings would restrict the bond rotation of the fluorescent molecular rotor to trigger strong fluorescence, which should be reduced upon the addition of a competitive ligand.
A boron-doped helicene as a highly soluble, benchtop-stable green emitter
Authors: Schickedanz Kai , Trageser Timo , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans-Wolfram , Wagner Matthias
Published: September 2015

Intramolecular Yamamoto coupling on a tetrabrominated triarylborane furnishes a highly fluorescent, soluble, air- and water-stable boron-doped [4]helicene.
Light emission of a polyfluorene derivative containing complexed europium ions
Authors: Turchetti Denis Augusto , Nolasco Mariela Martins , Szczerbowski Daiane , Carlos Luís Dias , Akcelrud Leni Campos
Published: September 2015

Pure red emission in the solid state was achieved through energy transfer from a polyfluorene derivative (blue emitter) to europium complexed sites inserted into the chain.
Controllable photophysical properties and self-assembly of siloxane-poly(amidoamine) dendrimers
Authors: Lu Hang , Zhang Jie , Feng Shengyu
Published: September 2015

Siloxane–poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (Si–PAMAM) can emit strong luminescence due to the aggregation of carbonyl groups, induced by N → Si coordination bonds. So the fluorescence of Si–PAMAM could be adjusted by solvents, H+, metal ions, and dendrimer structures. Micron-sized tube were observed in water–methanol due to the self-assembly of Si–PAMAM.
A rapid conductometric sensor for the analysis of cyanide using imidazole based receptor
Authors: Paul Anirban , Perween Mosarrat , Saha Sukdeb , Srivastava Divesh N. , Das Amitava
Published: September 2015

A specific and efficient hydrogen bonding interaction between cyanide and the HN–H [imidazole] in an aqueous medium has been utilized for the selective recognition of cyanide under physiological conditions.
Ab initio calculation of electronic charge mobility in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Musho Terence , Wu Nianqiang
Published: September 2015

The electron mobility of a Zr-UiO-66 benzenedicarboxylate (BDC) metal-organic framework (MOF) with three functional designs was investigated using a DFT method in combination with a Boltzmann relaxation time approximation. The results provide evidence of strong control of the charge carrier mobility in functionalized MOFs through manipulation of the majority carrier population.
Molecular organization in freely suspended nano-thick 8CB smectic films. An atomistic simulation
Authors: Palermo Mattia Felice , Muccioli Luca , Zannoni Claudio
Published: September 2015

Atomistic simulations of nano-thick free 8CB smectic films show the change of order across the film with temperature and thickness.
In situ synthesis of hierarchical CoFe2O4 nanoclusters/graphene aerogels and their high performance for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Beibei , Wang Gang , Lv Zhengyuan , Wang Hui
Published: September 2015

In this article, we demonstrate a simple solvothermal method towards in situ growth of hierarchical CoFe2O4 nanoclusters on graphene aerogels (GAs). The CoFe2O4/GAs electrode exhibits high specific capacity, excellent cycling stability and superior rate capabilities in both half and full cells.
Palladacycle promoted base controlled regio- and enantioselective hydrophosphination of 2-pyridylacrylate/amide and the cytotoxicity of their gold complexes
Authors: Jia Yu-Xiang , Jonathan Chew Renta , Li Bin-Bin , Zhu Pengcheng , Li Yongxin , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Soon Tan Nguan , Leung Pak-Hing
Published: September 2015

The regio- & stereoselective hydrophosphination of pyridine-functionalized alkenes is achieved. Gold–phosphine adducts were found to be potent anti-cancer agents.
Three dimensional corrugated organic photovoltaics for building integration; improving the efficiency, oblique angle and diffuse performance of solar cells
Authors: Kettle Jeff , Bristow Noel , Sweet Tracy K. N. , Jenkins Nick , dos Reis Benatto Gisele A. , Jørgensen Mikkel , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: September 2015

The lamination of OPV modules to corrugated roof cladding has been undertaken.
Membrane materials for water purification: design, development, and application
Authors: Lee Anna , Elam Jeffrey W. , Darling Seth B.
Published: September 2015

New membrane technologies based on novel organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials and with unprecedented functionality are reviewed.
Numerical design and optimization of hydraulic resistance and wall shear stress inside pressure-driven microfluidic networks
Authors: Damiri Hazem Salim , Bardaweel Hamzeh Khalid
Published: September 2015

Control of total wall shear stress in ann-generation microfluidic network.
An integrated slidable and valveless microdevice with solid phase extraction, polymerase chain reaction, and immunochromatographic strip parts for multiplex colorimetric pathogen detection
Authors: Kim Yong Tae , Lee Dohwan , Heo Hyun Young , Kim Do Hyun , Seo Tae Seok
Published: September 2015

We developed an integrated slidable microdevice which can perform solid phase extraction, μPCR, immunochromatographic strip detection for multiplex pathogen identification on a portable genetic analyzer.
Weighing the surface charge of an ionic liquid
Authors: Hjalmarsson Nicklas , Wallinder Daniel , Glavatskih Sergei , Atkin Rob , Aastrup Teodor , Rutland Mark W.
Published: September 2015

Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance has been used to measure changes in the composition of the capacitive electrical double layer for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tris(pentafluoroethyl)-trifluorophosphate, an ionic liquid, in contact with a gold electrode surface as a function of potential.
Tuning the relaxation rates of dual-modeT1/T2nanoparticle contrast agents: a study into the ideal system
Authors: Keasberry Natasha A. , Bañobre-López Manuel , Wood Christopher , Stasiuk Graeme. J. , Gallo Juan , Long Nicholas. J.
Published: September 2015

Combination of a paramagnetic metal and a magnetic nanoparticle, and the effects on MR relaxivity properties, has led to the preparation of nanoparticles with unmatched potential for MRI.
Co(OH)2/RGO/NiO sandwich-structured nanotube arrays with special surface and synergistic effects as high-performance positive electrodes for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Han , Zhang Chi , Zhou Wen , Li Gao-Ren
Published: September 2015

High power density, high energy density and excellent cycling stability are the main requirements for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs) that will be widely used for portable consumer electronics and hybrid electric vehicles.
Large area nanoscale metal meshes for use as transparent conductive layers
Authors: Jin Yuanhao , Li Qunqing , Chen Mo , Li Guanhong , Zhao Yudan , Xiao Xiaoyang , Wang Jiaping , Jiang Kaili , Fan Shoushan
Published: September 2015

We report on the experimental realization of using super-aligned carbon nanotubes (SACNTs) as etching masks for the fabrication of large area nanoscale metal meshes.
‘All three-in-one’: ferromagnetic interactions, single-molecule magnetism and magnetocaloric properties in a new family of [Cu4Ln] (LnIII = Gd, Tb, Dy) clusters
Authors: Richardson Paul , Alexandropoulos Dimitris I. , Cunha-Silva Luís , Lorusso Giulia , Evangelisti Marco , Tang Jinkui , Stamatatos Theocharis C.
Published: September 2015

A new family of [Cu4Ln] clusters with a ‘propeller’-like topology was obtained; all complexes are ferromagnetically-coupled and display either MCE or SMM properties.
Prenylated benzoylphloroglucinols and biphenyl derivatives from the leaves of Garcinia multiflora Champ
Authors: Fu Wenwei , Wu Man , Zhu Lunlun , Lao Yuanzhi , Wang Liping , Tan Hongsheng , Yuan Qinghong , Xu Hongxi
Published: September 2015

Garcimultiflorone I (2), isolated from the leaves of Garcinia multiflora, exhibits significant inhibitory activity against the human SGC7901 and HCT116 cell lines that targets the cell cycle through apoptosis signaling pathways.
Tough and adhesive nanostructured calcium phosphate thin films deposited by the pulsed plasma deposition method
Authors: Boi Marco , Bianchi Michele , Gambardella Alessandro , Liscio Fabiola , Kaciulis Saulius , Visani Andrea , Barbalinardo Marianna , Valle Francesco , Iafisco Michele , Lungaro Lisa , Milita Silvia , Cavallini Massimiliano , Marcacci Maurilio , Russo Alessandro
Published: September 2015

Calcium phosphate thin films were deposited at room temperature by the pulsed plasma deposition method. After annealing at 600 °C, film mechanical properties and adhesion to the titanium substrate strongly improved.