bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification and functional prediction of cold and/or drought-responsive lncRNAs in cassava
Authors: Li Shuxia , Yu Xiang , Lei Ning , Cheng Zhihao , Zhao Pingjuan , He Yuke , Wang Wenquan , Peng Ming
Published: April 2017

Cold and drought stresses seriously affect cassava (Manihot esculenta) plant growth and yield. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of diverse cellular processes in mammals and plants. To date, no systematic screening of lncRNAs under abiotic stress and their regulatory roles in cassava has been reported. In this study, we present the first reference catalog of 682 high-confidence lncRNAs based on analysis of strand-specific RNA-seq data from cassava shoot apices and young leaves under cold, drought stress and control conditions. Among them, 16 lncRNAs were identified as putative target mimics of cassava known miRNAs. Additionally, by comparing with small RNA-seq data, we found 42 lncNATs and sense gene pairs can generate nat-siRNAs. We identified 318 lncRNAs responsive to cold and/or drought stress, which were typically co-expressed concordantly or discordantly with their neighboring genes. Trans-regulatory network analysis suggested that many lncRNAs were associated with hormone signal transduction, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, and sucrose metabolism pathway. The study provides an opportunity for future computational and experimental studies to uncover the functions of lncRNAs in cassava.
Plk1 Regulates the Repressor Function of FoxM1b by inhibiting its Interaction with the Retinoblastoma Protein
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Nishit K. , Chand Vaibhav , Pandey Akshay , Kopanja Dragana , Carr Janai R. , Chen Yi-Ju , Liao Xiubei , Raychaudhuri Pradip
Published: April 2017

FoxM1b is a cell cycle-regulated transcription factor, whose over-expression is a marker for poor outcome in cancers. Its transcriptional activation function requires phosphorylation by Cdk1 or Cdk2 that primes FoxM1b for phosphorylation by Plk1, which triggers association with the co-activator CBP. FoxM1b also possesses transcriptional repression function. It represses the mammary differentiation gene GATA3 involving DNMT3b and Rb. We investigated what determines the two distinct functions of FoxM1b: activation and repression. We show that Rb binds to the C-terminal activation domain of FoxM1b. Analyses with phospho-defective and phospho-mimetic mutants of FoxM1b identified a critical role of the Plk1 phosphorylation sites in regulating the binding of FoxM1b to Rb and DNMT3b. That is opposite of what was seen for the interaction of FoxM1b with CBP. We show that, in addition to GATA3, FoxM1b also represses the mammary luminal differentiation marker FoxA1 by promoter-methylation, and that is regulated by the Plk1 phosphorylation sites in FoxM1b. Our results show that the Plk1 phosphorylation sites in FoxM1b serve as a regulator for its repressor function, and they provide insights into how FoxM1b inhibits differentiation genes and activates proliferation genes during cancer progression.
Sensory genes identification with head transcriptome of the migratory armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Wang Xiaoyun , Lei Chaoliang , Zhu Fen
Published: April 2017

Sensory system plays important roles in a wide array of insect’s behavior and physiological events, including the host landing and locating, feeding, flying, sex responding, mating and oviposition which happen independently and in sequence. The armyworm Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) of migratory insect is destructive for alimentarn crop and economic crop throughout the world. Here we present the high throughput sequencing of the head transcriptome and identify members of the major sensory genes which are crucial for armyworm’s success worldwide, including 8 opsins, 22 chemosensory proteins, 50 odorant binding proteins, 60 odorant receptors, 8 gustatory receptors, 24 ionotropic receptors, and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins. It is worth noting that a duplication of the LW opsin gene exists in this insect. Several genes were clustered with functionally validated genes, such as Co-receptors of OR and IR, PBPs, PRs, CO2 GRs, bitter GRs and sweet GRs, were also identified. The transcriptome gene library provided the basis for further studies that elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanism of biology and control in M. separata. Our research exhibits the first comprehensive catalogue of the sensory genes fundamental for success and distribution in M. separata, which are potential novel targets for pest control strategies.
Origin and spread of human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup U7
Authors: Sahakyan Hovhannes , Hooshiar Kashani Baharak , Tamang Rakesh , Kushniarevich Alena , Francis Amirtharaj , Costa Marta D , Pathak Ajai Kumar , Khachatryan Zaruhi , Sharma Indu , van Oven Mannis , Parik Jüri , Hovhannisyan Hrant , Metspalu Ene , Pennarun Erwan , Karmin Monika , Tamm Erika , Tambets Kristiina , Bahmanimehr Ardeshir , Reisberg Tuuli , Reidla Maere , Achilli Alessandro , Olivieri Anna , Gandini Francesca , Perego Ugo A. , Al-Zahery Nadia , Houshmand Massoud , Sanati Mohammad Hossein , Soares Pedro , Rai Ekta , Šarac Jelena , Šarić Tena , Sharma Varun , Pereira Luisa , Fernandes Veronica , Černý Viktor , Farjadian Shirin , Singh Deepankar Pratap , Azakli Hülya , Üstek Duran , Ekomasova Natalia , Kutuev Ildus , Litvinov Sergei , Bermisheva Marina , Khusnutdinova Elza K. , Rai Niraj , Singh Manvendra , Singh Vijay Kumar , Reddy Alla G. , Tolk Helle-Viivi , Cvjetan Svjetlana , Lauc Lovorka Barac , Rudan Pavao , Michalodimitrakis Emmanuel N. , Anagnou Nicholas P. , Pappa Kalliopi I. , Golubenko Maria V. , Orekhov Vladimir , Borinskaya Svetlana A , Kaldma Katrin , Schauer Monica A. , Simionescu Maya , Gusar Vladislava , Grechanina Elena , Govindaraj Periyasamy , Voevoda Mikhail , Damba Larissa , Sharma Swarkar , Singh Lalji , Semino Ornella , Behar Doron M. , Yepiskoposyan Levon , Richards Martin B. , Metspalu Mait , Kivisild Toomas , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Endicott Phillip , Chaubey Gyaneshwer , Torroni Antonio , Villems Richard
Published: April 2017

Human mitochondrial DNA haplogroup U is among the initial maternal founders in Southwest Asia and Europe and one that best indicates matrilineal genetic continuity between late Pleistocene hunter-gatherer groups and present-day populations of Europe. While most haplogroup U subclades are older than 30 thousand years, the comparatively recent coalescence time of the extant variation of haplogroup U7 (~16–19 thousand years ago) suggests that its current distribution is the consequence of more recent dispersal events, despite its wide geographical range across Europe, the Near East and South Asia. Here we report 267 new U7 mitogenomes that – analysed alongside 100 published ones – enable us to discern at least two distinct temporal phases of dispersal, both of which most likely emanated from the Near East. The earlier one began prior to the Holocene (~11.5 thousand years ago) towards South Asia, while the later dispersal took place more recently towards Mediterranean Europe during the Neolithic (~8 thousand years ago). These findings imply that the carriers of haplogroup U7 spread to South Asia and Europe before the suggested Bronze Age expansion of Indo-European languages from the Pontic-Caspian Steppe region.
Correction: Corrigendum: Increased Duodenal Eosinophil Degranulation in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Du Lijun , Shen Jinhua , Kim John J. , Yu Yunxian , Ma Liqin , Dai Ning
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34305; published online: 06 October 2016; updated: 07 April 2017 Affiliation 1 was incorrectly listed as ‘Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province 310016, China’ in the original version of the Article.
Transgenerational transmission of a stress-coping phenotype programmed by early-life stress in the Japanese quail
Authors: Zimmer Cédric , Larriva Maria , Boogert Neeltje J. , Spencer Karen A.
Published: April 2017

An interesting aspect of developmental programming is the existence of transgenerational effects that influence offspring characteristics and performance later in life. These transgenerational effects have been hypothesized to allow individuals to cope better with predictable environmental fluctuations and thus facilitate adaptation to changing environments. Here, we test for the first time how early-life stress drives developmental programming and transgenerational effects of maternal exposure to early-life stress on several phenotypic traits in their offspring in a functionally relevant context using a fully factorial design. We manipulated pre- and/or post-natal stress in both Japanese quail mothers and offspring and examined the consequences for several stress-related traits in the offspring generation. We show that pre-natal stress experienced by the mother did not simply affect offspring phenotype but resulted in the inheritance of the same stress-coping traits in the offspring across all phenotypic levels that we investigated, shaping neuroendocrine, physiological and behavioural traits. This may serve mothers to better prepare their offspring to cope with later environments where the same stressors are experienced.
miR-1827 inhibits osteogenic differentiation by targeting IGF1 in MSMSCs
Authors: Zhu ShuangXi , Peng Wei , Li Xiang , Weng JunQuan , Zhang Xing , Guo JunBing , Huang DaiYing , Rong Qiong , Chen SongLing
Published: April 2017

We recently reported that maxillary sinus membrane stem cells (MSMSCs) have osteogenic potential. However, the biological mechanisms of bone formation remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the osteogenic differentiation of MSMSCs. The expression of miRNAs was determined in differentiated MSMSCs by comprehensive miRNA microarray analysis and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). We selected miR-1827 for functional follow-up studies to explore its significance in MSMSCs. Here, miR-1827 was found to be up-regulated during osteogenic differentiation of MSMSCs. Over expression of miR-1827 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MSMSCs in vitro, whereas the repression of miR-1827 greatly promoted cell differentiation. Further experiments confirmed that insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is a direct target of miR-1827. miR-1827 inhibited osteogenic differentiation partially via IGF1, which in turn is a positive regulator of osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, miR-1827 suppressed ectopic bone formation and silencing of miR-1827 led to increased bone formation in vivo. In summary, this study is the first to demonstrate that miR-1827 can regulate osteogenic differentiation. The increase in miR-1827 expression observed during osteogenesis is likely a negative feedback mechanism, thus offering a potential therapeutic target to address inadequate bone volume for dental implantation through inhibiting miR-1827.
The apoptotic mechanisms of MT-6, a mitotic arrest inducer, in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Chen Mei-Chuan , Kuo Yi-Chiu , Hsu Chia-Ming , Chen Yi-Lin , Shen Chien-Chang , Teng Che-Ming , Pan Shiow-Lin
Published: April 2017

Patients with ovarian cancer are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in poor prognosis since there are currently no effective early-detection screening tests for women at average-risk for ovarian cancer. Here, we investigated the effects of MT-6, a derivative of moscatilin, in ovarian cancer cells. Our investigation showed that MT-6 inhibited the proliferation and viability of ovarian cancer cells with submicromolar IC50 values. MT-6–treated SKOV3 cells showed significant cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, followed by an increase in the proportion of cells in a sub-G1 phase. In addition, MT-6 induced a concentration-dependent increase in mitotic markers, mitotic kinases, cell cycle regulators of G2/M transition, and apoptosis-related markers in ovarian cancer cells. MT-6 treatment also induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss, JNK activation, and DR5 expression. Cotreatment of cells with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 considerably attenuated MT-6–induced apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential loss, DR5 upregulation, and suppression of cell viability. MT-6 also inhibited tumor growth in an SKOV3 xenograft model without significant body weight loss. Together, our findings suggest that MT-6 is a potent anticancer agent with tumor-suppressive activity in vitro and in vivo that could be further investigated for ovarian cancer therapy in the future.
Identification of prognostic genes and gene sets for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer using bi-level selection methods
Authors: Tian Suyan , Wang Chi , Chang Howard H. , Sun Jianguo
Published: April 2017

In contrast to feature selection and gene set analysis, bi-level selection is a process of selecting not only important gene sets but also important genes within those gene sets. Depending on the order of selections, a bi-level selection method can be classified into three categories – forward selection, which first selects relevant gene sets followed by the selection of relevant individual genes; backward selection which takes the reversed order; and simultaneous selection, which performs the two tasks simultaneously usually with the aids of a penalized regression model. To test the existence of subtype-specific prognostic genes for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we had previously proposed the Cox-filter method that examines the association between patients’ survival time after diagnosis with one specific gene, the disease subtypes, and their interaction terms. In this study, we further extend it to carry out forward and backward bi-level selection. Using simulations and a NSCLC application, we demonstrate that the forward selection outperforms the backward selection and other relevant algorithms in our setting. Both proposed methods are readily understandable and interpretable. Therefore, they represent useful tools for the researchers who are interested in exploring the prognostic value of gene expression data for specific subtypes or stages of a disease.
Odorant cues linked to social immunity induce lateralized antenna stimulation in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.)
Authors: McAfee Alison , Collins Troy F. , Madilao Lufiani L. , Foster Leonard J.
Published: April 2017

Hygienic behaviour (HB) is a social immunity trait in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) whereby workers detect, uncap and remove unhealthy brood, improving disease resistance in the colony. This is clearly economically valuable; however, the molecular mechanism behind it is not well understood. The freeze-killed brood (FKB) assay is the conventional method of HB selection, so we compared odour profiles of FKB and live brood to find candidate HB-inducing odours. Surprisingly, we found that significantly more brood pheromone (β-ocimene) was released from FKB. β-ocimene abundance also positively correlated with HB, suggesting there could be a brood effect contributing to overall hygiene. Furthermore, we found that β-ocimene stimulated worker antennae in a dose-dependent manner, with the left antennae responding significantly stronger than right antennae in hygienic bees, but not in non-hygienic bees. Five other unidentifiable compounds were differentially emitted from FKB which could also be important for HB. We also compared odour profiles of Varroa-infested brood to healthy brood and found an overall interactive effect between developmental stage and infestation, but specific odours did not drive these differences. Overall, the data we present here is an important foundation on which to build our understanding the molecular mechanism behind this complex behaviour.
Klotho preservation via histone deacetylase inhibition attenuates chronic kidney disease-associated bone injury in mice
Authors: Lin Wenjun , Li Yanning , chen Fang , Yin Shasha , Liu Zhihong , Cao Wangsen
Published: April 2017

Bone loss and increased fracture are the devastating outcomes of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) resulting from Klotho deficit-related mineral disturbance and hyperparathyroidism. Because Klotho down-regulation after renal injury is presumably affected by aberrant histone deacetylase (HDAC) activities, here we assess whether HDAC inhibition prevents Klotho loss and attenuates the CKD-associated bone complication in a mouse model of CKD-MBD. Mice fed adenine-containing diet developed the expected renal damage, a substantial Klotho loss and the deregulated key factors causally affecting bone remodeling, which were accompanied by a marked reduction of bone mineral density. Intriguingly, administration of a potent HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) impressively alleviated the Klotho deficit and the observed alterations of serum, kidney and bone. TSA prevented Klotho loss by increasing the promoter-associated histone acetylation, therefore increasing Klotho transcription. More importantly the mice lacking Klotho by siRNA interference largely abolished the TSA protections against the serum and renal abnormalities, and the deranged bone micro-architectures. Thus, our study identified Klotho loss as a key event linking HDAC deregulation to the renal and bone injuries in CKD-MBD mice and demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of endogenous Klotho restoration by HDAC inhibition in treating CKD and the associated extrarenal complications.
Erratum: Experimental assessment of the safety and potential efficacy of high irradiance photostimulation of brain tissues
Authors: Senova Suhan , Scisniak Ilona , Chiang Chih-Chieh , Doignon Isabelle , Palfi Stéphane , Chaillet Antoine , Martin Claire , Pain Frédéric
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43997; published online 09 March 2017; updated: 07 April 2017. The original version of this Article contained errors in the spelling of the authors Suhan Senova, Ilona Scisniak, Chih-Chieh Chiang, Isabelle Doignon, Stéphane Palfi, Antoine Chaillet, Claire Martin& Frédéric Pain which were incorrectly given as Senova Suhan, Scisniak Ilona, Chiang Chih-Chieh, Doignon Isabelle, Palfi Stéphane, Chaillet Antoine, Martin Claire & Pain Frédéric respectively.
SO2 Emissions in China – Their Network and Hierarchical Structures
Authors: Yan Shaomin , Wu Guang
Published: April 2017

SO2 emissions lead to various harmful effects on environment and human health. The SO2 emission in China has significant contribution to the global SO2 emission, so it is necessary to employ various methods to study SO2 emissions in China with great details in order to lay the foundation for policymaking to improve environmental conditions in China. Network analysis is used to analyze the SO2 emissions from power generation, industrial, residential and transportation sectors in China for 2008 and 2010, which are recently available from 1744 ground surface monitoring stations. The results show that the SO2 emissions from power generation sector were highly individualized as small-sized clusters, the SO2 emissions from industrial sector underwent an integration process with a large cluster contained 1674 places covering all industrial areas in China, the SO2 emissions from residential sector was not impacted by time, and the SO2 emissions from transportation sector underwent significant integration. Hierarchical structure is obtained by further combining SO2 emissions from all four sectors and is potentially useful to find out similar patterns of SO2 emissions, which can provide information on understanding the mechanisms of SO2 pollution and on designing different environmental measure to combat SO2 emissions.
Non-interferometric phase retrieval using refractive index manipulation
Authors: Chen Chyong-Hua , Hsu Hsin-Feng , Chen Hou-Ren , Hsieh Wen-Feng
Published: April 2017

We present a novel, inexpensive and non-interferometric technique to retrieve phase images by using a liquid crystal phase shifter without including any physically moving parts. First, we derive a new equation of the intensity-phase relation with respect to the change of refractive index, which is similar to the transport of the intensity equation. The equation indicates that this technique is unneeded to consider the variation of magnifications between optical images. For proof of the concept, we use a liquid crystal mixture MLC 2144 to manufacture a phase shifter and to capture the optical images in a rapid succession by electrically tuning the applied voltage of the phase shifter. Experimental results demonstrate that this technique is capable of reconstructing high-resolution phase images and to realize the thickness profile of a microlens array quantitatively.
Analysis of free text in electronic health records for identification of cancer patient trajectories
Authors: Jensen Kasper , Soguero-Ruiz Cristina , Oyvind Mikalsen Karl , Lindsetmo Rolv-Ole , Kouskoumvekaki Irene , Girolami Mark , Olav Skrovseth Stein , Augestad Knut Magne
Published: April 2017

With an aging patient population and increasing complexity in patient disease trajectories, physicians are often met with complex patient histories from which clinical decisions must be made. Due to the increasing rate of adverse events and hospitals facing financial penalties for readmission, there has never been a greater need to enforce evidence-led medical decision-making using available health care data. In the present work, we studied a cohort of 7,741 patients, of whom 4,080 were diagnosed with cancer, surgically treated at a University Hospital in the years 2004–2012. We have developed a methodology that allows disease trajectories of the cancer patients to be estimated from free text in electronic health records (EHRs). By using these disease trajectories, we predict 80% of patient events ahead in time. By control of confounders from 8326 quantified events, we identified 557 events that constitute high subsequent risks (risk > 20%), including six events for cancer and seven events for metastasis. We believe that the presented methodology and findings could be used to improve clinical decision support and personalize trajectories, thereby decreasing adverse events and optimizing cancer treatment.
CSE1L interaction with MSH6 promotes osteosarcoma progression and predicts poor patient survival
Authors: Cheng Dong-dong , Lin He-chun , Li Shi-jie , Yao Ming , Yang Qing-cheng , Fan Cun-yi
Published: April 2017

To discover tumor-associated proteins in osteosarcoma, a quantitative proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins that were differentially expressed between osteosarcoma and human osteoblastic cells. Through clinical screening and a functional evaluation, chromosome segregation 1-like (CSE1L) protein was found to be related to the growth of osteosarcoma cells. To date, little is known about the function and underlying mechanism of CSE1L in osteosarcoma. In the present study, we show that knockdown of CSE1L inhibits osteosarcoma growth in vitro and in vivo. By co-immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq analysis, CSE1L was found to interact with mutS homolog 6 (MSH6) and function as a positive regulator of MSH6 protein in osteosarcoma cells. A rescue study showed that decreased growth of osteosarcoma cells by CSE1L knockdown was reversed by MSH6 overexpression, indicating that the activity of CSE1L was an MSH6-dependent function. In addition, depletion of MSH6 hindered cellular proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Notably, CSE1L expression was correlated with MSH6 expression in tumor samples and was associated with poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the CSE1L-MSH6 axis has an important role in osteosarcoma progression.
Transcriptome Analyses of Two Citrus Cultivars (Shiranuhi and Huangguogan) in Seedling Etiolation
Authors: Xiong Bo , Ye Shuang , Qiu Xia , Liao Ling , Sun Guochao , Luo Jinyu , Dai Lin , Rong Yi , Wang Zhihui
Published: April 2017

Citrus species are among the most important fruit crops. However, gene regulation and signaling pathways related to etiolation in this crop remain unknown. Using Illumina sequencing technology, modification of global gene expression in two hybrid citrus cultivars—Huangguogan and Shiranuhi, respectively—were investigated. More than 834.16 million clean reads and 125.12 Gb of RNA-seq data were obtained, more than 91.37% reads had a quality score of Q30. 124,952 unigenes were finally generated with a mean length of 1,189 bp. 79.15%, 84.35%, 33.62%, 63.12%, 57.67%, 57.99% and 37.06% of these unigenes had been annotated in NR, NT, KO, SwissProt, PFAM, GO and KOG databases, respectively. Further, we identified 604 differentially expressed genes in multicoloured and etiolated seedlings of Shiranuhi, including 180 up-regulated genes and 424 down-regulated genes. While in Huangguogan, we found 1,035 DEGs, 271 of which were increasing and the others were decreasing. 7 DEGs were commonly up-regulated, and 59 DEGs down-regulated in multicoloured and etiolated seedlings of these two cultivars, suggesting that some genes play fundamental roles in two hybrid citrus seedlings during etiolation. Our study is the first to provide the transcriptome sequence resource for seedlings etiolation of Shiranuhi and Huangguogan.
Using energy budgets to combine ecology and toxicology in a mammalian sentinel species
Authors: Desforges Jean-Pierre W. , Sonne Christian , Dietz Rune
Published: April 2017

Process-driven modelling approaches can resolve many of the shortcomings of traditional descriptive and non-mechanistic toxicology. We developed a simple dynamic energy budget (DEB) model for the mink (Mustela vison), a sentinel species in mammalian toxicology, which coupled animal physiology, ecology and toxicology, in order to mechanistically investigate the accumulation and adverse effects of lifelong dietary exposure to persistent environmental toxicants, most notably polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Our novel mammalian DEB model accurately predicted, based on energy allocations to the interconnected metabolic processes of growth, development, maintenance and reproduction, lifelong patterns in mink growth, reproductive performance and dietary accumulation of PCBs as reported in the literature. Our model results were consistent with empirical data from captive and free-ranging studies in mink and other wildlife and suggest that PCB exposure can have significant population-level impacts resulting from targeted effects on fetal toxicity, kit mortality and growth and development. Our approach provides a simple and cross-species framework to explore the mechanistic interactions of physiological processes and ecotoxicology, thus allowing for a deeper understanding and interpretation of stressor-induced adverse effects at all levels of biological organization.
Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Expression of Methamphetamine Antibody Attenuates Methamphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity in Mice
Authors: Chen Yun-Hsiang , Wu Kuo-Jen , Wu Kuang-Lun , Wu Kun-Lieh , Tsai Ho-Min , Chen Mao-Liang , Chen Yi-Wei , Hsieh Wei , Lin Chun-Ming , Wang Yun
Published: April 2017

Methamphetamine (Meth) is one of the most frequently abused drugs worldwide. Recent studies have indicated that antibodies with high affinity for Meth reduce its pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to develop a technique for virus-based passive immunization against Meth effects. We generated a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype-8 vector (AAV-MethAb) carrying the gene for a Meth-specific monoclonal antibody (MethAb). Infection of 293 cells with AAV-MethAb resulted in the expression and secretion of antibodies which bind to Meth. The viral vector was then examined in adult ICR mice. Systemic administration of AAV-MethAb resulted in long-term expression of MethAb in the serum for up to 29 weeks. Serum collected from the animals receiving AAV-MethAb retained a high specificity for (+)-Meth. Animals were challenged with Meth five weeks after viral injection. Meth levels in the brain and serum were reduced while Meth-induced locomotor activity was significantly attenuated. In conclusion, AAV-MethAb administration effectively depletes Meth from brain and serum while reducing the behavioral response to Meth, and thus is a potential therapeutic approach for Meth abuse.
A neutron spin echo study of low-temperature water confined in the spherical silica pores of SBA-16
Authors: Kittaka Shigeharu , Yoshida Koji , Yamaguchi Toshio , Bellissent Funel M.-C. , Fouquet Peter
Published: April 2017

The dynamic properties of heavy water (D2O) and light water (H2O) confined in porous silica SBA-16 were studied over a temperature range of 210–290 K by neutron spin echo measurements.
Generation of large spin and valley currents in a quantum pump based on molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Khani H. , Esmaeilzadeh M. , Kanjouri F.
Published: April 2017

We propose an adiabatic quantum pump with a simple structure based on molybdenum disulfide, MoS2, to generate large spin and valley resolved currents.
Cellulose nanocrystal zero-valent iron nanocomposites for groundwater remediation
Authors: Bossa Nathan , Carpenter Alexis Wells , Kumar Naresh , de Lannoy Charles-François , Wiesner Mark
Published: April 2017

Use of crystal nanocellulose to stabilize nano-ZVI has tremendous potential to improve the capability and applicability of nano-ZVI based subsurface remediation systems in an environmentally sustainable way.
Theoretical design of three-dimensional non-fullerene acceptor materials based on an arylenediimide unit towards high efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Pan Qing-Qing , Li Shuang-Bao , Wu Yong , Zhang Ji , Li Hai-Bin , Geng Yun , Zhang Min , Su Zhong-Min
Published: April 2017

DFT and TDDFT calculations were performed to search for high-performance non-fullerene organic acceptor materials in organic solar cells.
Enhanced arsenite immobilization via ternary layered double hydroxides and application to paddy soil remediation
Authors: Zhou Jizhi , Shu Weikang , Gao Yuan , Cao Zhenbang , Zhang Jia , Hou Hao , Zhao Jun , Chen Xueping , Pan Yun , Qian Guangren
Published: April 2017

A ternary CaMgFe-LDH was developed for the immobilization of aqueous arsenic from capillary water in paddy soils, with an outstanding removal performance for aqueous arsenite (As(iii)).
Implementation of MALDI MS profiling and imaging methods for the analysis of real crime scene fingermarks
Authors: Bradshaw R. , Denison N. , Francese S.
Published: April 2017

First insights into MALDI MS based method's transition to operational casework involving fingermark analysis.
Interface modulation of bacteriogenic Ag/AgCl nanoparticles by boosting the catalytic activity for reduction reactions using Co2+ ions
Authors: Zhou Hao , Che Lin , Guo Xuyun , Wang Xue , Zhan Jingjing , Wu Minghuo , Hu Yufeng , Yi Xianliang , Zhang Xuwang , Liu Lifen
Published: April 2017

Co2+ can coordinate with surface peptides coated on Ag/AgCl NPs, and boosts the catalytic activity for p-nitrophenol reduction.
Dual stimuli-triggered dielectric switching and sensing in a host–guest cyanometallate framework
Authors: Liu Yu-Ling , Zhang Wen
Published: April 2017

Thermo- and chemo-triggered structure changes in a host–guest cyanometallate framework result in dielectric switching and sensing.
(Diisopropylammonium)2MnBr4: a multifunctional ferroelectric with efficient green-emission and excellent gas sensing properties
Authors: Jiang Chunli , Zhong Ni , Luo Chunhua , Lin Hechun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Peng Hui , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: April 2017

A luminescent ferroelectric, (diisopropylammonium)2MnBr4, is prepared, which exhibits efficient green emission, a high TC value and excellent alcohol vapor sensing properties.
Rhodium-catalyzed addition of sulfonyl hydrazides to allenes: regioselective synthesis of branched allylic sulfones
Authors: Khakyzadeh Vahid , Wang Yu-Hsuan , Breit Bernhard
Published: April 2017

A rhodium-catalyzed regioselective addition of sulfonyl hydrazides to allenes is reported.
Solution behaviour of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) stereoisomers in water: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Paradossi G. , Chiessi E.
Published: April 2017

Atomistic simulations disclose the key role of the cooperative hydration in the tacticity-dependent hydrophobicity of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide).
Kinetics of CO2 diffusion in human carbonic anhydrase: a study using molecular dynamics simulations and the Markov-state model
Authors: Chen Gong , Kong Xian , Lu Diannan , Wu Jianzhong , Liu Zheng
Published: April 2017

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, in combination with the Markov-state model (MSM), were applied to probe CO2 diffusion from an aqueous solution into the active site of human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA-II), an enzyme useful for enhanced CO2 capture and utilization.
Chemical pathways for poly-anionic isomerisation in the metastable anions of tetra-deprotonated naphthalene: an intra-molecular inter-ring proton-transfer
Authors: Vikas Vikas , Sangwan Poonam , Kaur Ramanpreet
Published: April 2017

An intra-molecular proton-transfer between the two different aromatic rings of naphthalene in the metastable isomeric tetra-anionic species of naphthalene is revealed by this computational work.
Unusual emission properties of the selected organosilicon compounds containing a styryl-carbazole chromophore: inversion of the singlet excited states
Authors: Rachuta K. , Bayda M. , Majchrzak M. , Koput J. , Marciniak B.
Published: April 2017

The presence of the silicon atom in a trimethylsilyl-styryl-carbazole derivative induced the inversion of the lowest excited states in polar solvents.
Structural implications on the excitation dynamics of fluorescent 3H-indolium cations
Authors: Thapaliya Ek Raj , Garcia-Amorós Jaume , Nonell Santi , Captain Burjor , Raymo Françisco M.
Published: April 2017

Conformational changes in the excited state control the excitation dynamics of fluorescent 3H-indolium cations.
Network analysis and percolation transition in hydrogen bonded clusters: nitric acid and water extracted by tributyl phosphate
Authors: Servis Michael J. , Wu David T. , Braley Jenifer C.
Published: April 2017

Network analysis of hydrogen bonded clusters formed in simulation by extraction of nitric acid and water by TBP interprets cluster topologies and identifies the mechanism for third phase formation.
Retraction: Light-controlled resistive switching memory of multiferroic BiMnO3 nanowire arrays
Authors: Li Chang Ming
Published: April 2017

Retraction of ‘Light-controlled resistive switching memory of multiferroic BiMnO3 nanowire arrays’ by Bai Sun and Chang Ming Li, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 6718–6721.
Engaging dual donor sites within an N-heterocyclic olefin phosphine ligand
Authors: Lui Melanie W. , Shynkaruk Olena , Oakley Meagan S. , Sinelnikov Regina , McDonald Robert , Ferguson Michael J. , Meldrum Al , Klobukowski Mariusz , Rivard Eric
Published: April 2017

The mixed element (P/C) donor ability of a phosphine-appended N-heterocyclic olefin (NHO) has been shown for the first time.
Application of the boron center for the design of a covalently bonded closely spaced triad of porphyrin-fullerene mediated by dipyrromethane
Authors: Gao Di , Aly Shawkat M. , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Brisard Gessie , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: April 2017

Charge separation stabilization is achieved by placing porphyrin and C60 at the two ends of central BODIPY.
In situ hybridization of CoOX nanoparticles on N-doped graphene through one step mineralization of co-responsive hydrogels
Authors: Ma Jing , Wang Xiaojuan , He Ting , Tan Minli , Zheng Jun , Wu Huiqiong , Yuan Mengying , Shen Rujuan , Zhang Yi , Xiang Juan
Published: April 2017

Involving GO into Co-PT hydrogels can enhance the strength of hydrogels. The electrocatalytic properties of CoOX/N-rGO700 aerogels are improved by annealing.
A ruthenium(ii) bis(phosphinophosphinine) complex as a precatalyst for transfer-hydrogenation and hydrogen-borrowing reactions
Authors: Newland R. J. , Wyatt M. F. , Wingad R. L. , Mansell S. M.
Published: April 2017

A Ru(ii) complex with 2-phosphinophosphinine ligands activated with KOtBu catalyses the room temperature transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone and the hydrogen-borrowing reaction of MeOH/EtOH to the advanced biofuel isobutanol.
Designed formation of hollow particle-based nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Li-Feng , Lu Yan , Yu Le , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: April 2017

Hollow particle-based N-doped carbon nanofibers synthesized via a facile electrospinning and carbonization method exhibit enhanced supercapacitive performance.
An academic researcher's guide to increased impact on regulatory assessment of chemicals
Authors: Ågerstrand Marlene , Sobek Anna , Lilja Karl , Linderoth Maria , Wendt-Rasch Lina , Wernersson Ann-Sofie , Rudén Christina
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a set of actions to increase the usability of research data in chemical assessments.
Occurrence of perchlorate in groundwater, paired farmland soil, lettuce, and rhizosphere soil from Chengdu, China
Authors: Tang Yulu , Zhong Bifeng , Qu Bing , Feng Shujin , Ding Sanglan , Su Shijun , Li Zhi , Gan Zhiwei
Published: April 2017

Regarding perchlorate levels in lettuce and its rhizosphere soil at field sites simultaneously” into “Simultaneously investigated the perchlorate levels in lettuces and their rhizosphere soil at field sites.
An insight into the therapeutic potential of quinazoline derivatives as anticancer agents
Authors: Shagufta Shagufta , Ahmad Irshad
Published: April 2017

This article reviews the recent advances in the development of quinazoline derivatives as anticancer agents.
The effect of chain length in terminal groups on the mesomorphic behavior of novel (−)-menthol-based chiral liquid crystal compounds with a blue phase
Authors: Luo Cong-Cong , Jia Ying-Gang , Sun Bing-Feng , Meng Fan-Bao
Published: April 2017

In this study, two series of novel chiral liquid crystal compounds derived from (−)-menthol with different lengths of alkyl or alkoxy as terminal groups were successfully synthesized.
A novel hydrogel with dual temperature and pH responsiveness based on a nanostructured lipid carrier as an ophthalmic delivery system: enhanced trans-corneal permeability and bioavailability of nepafenac
Authors: Yu Shihui , Li Qi , Li Yuenan , Wang Haiying , Liu Dandan , Yang Xinggang , Pan Weisan
Published: April 2017

A schematic illustration of a novel formulation that can be instilled on the surface of eyes (A) and the results of in vivo studies (B and C).
Decoding chemical communication in nematodes
Authors: Butcher Rebecca A.
Published: April 2017

We highlight recent studies that are uncovering the specific biological roles of individual ascaroside pheromones in nematodes.
Synthesis of oxazolidinones: rhodium-catalyzed C–H amination of N-mesyloxycarbamates
Authors: Lebel Hélène , Mamani Laparra Laura , Khalifa Maroua , Trudel Carl , Audubert Clément , Szponarski Mathieu , Dicaire Leduc Cédric , Azek Emna , Ernzerhof Matthias
Published: April 2017

N-Mesyloxycarbamates undergo intramolecular C–H amination reactions to afford oxazolidinones in good to excellent yields in the presence of rhodium(ii) carboxylate catalysts.
Brønsted acid-catalyzed, enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylates via in situ generated ortho-quinone methide imines
Authors: Hodík Tomáš , Schneider Christoph
Published: April 2017

A straightforward approach toward the synthesis of a broad range of 1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylates is described. Under phosphoric acid catalysis in situ-generated ortho-quinone methide imines reacted with β-keto esters to form the nitrogen heterocycles with good chemical yields and enantioselectivities.
Circularly polarised luminescence of pyrenyl di- and tri-peptides with mixed d- and l-amino acid residues
Authors: Mimura Yuki , Nishikawa Tomoki , Fuchino Ryo , Nakai Shiho , Tajima Nobuo , Kitamatsu Mizuki , Fujiki Michiya , Imai Yoshitane
Published: April 2017

Multiple pyrenes as pendants of enantioimpure di-/tripeptides showed pyrene-origin CPL and CD signals, which were associated with conflicting CPL-/CD-signs.
Dissection of the neocarazostatin: a C4alkyl side chain biosynthesis by in vitro reconstitution
Authors: Su Li , Zhang Rui , Kyeremeh Kwaku , Deng Zixin , Deng Hai , Yu Yi
Published: April 2017

The biosynthetic origin of the C4alkyl side chain in the “A” ring of neocarazostatin A was reconstitutedin vitro.
syn-Selective crotylation of aldehydes using bismuth-crotyl bromide-(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide) combination: some synthetic applications
Authors: Goswami Dibakar , Koli Mrunesh R. , Chatterjee Sucheta , Chattopadhyay Subrata , Sharma Anubha
Published: April 2017

Highlysyn-selective crotylation of aldehydes was achieved using Bi-[bmim][Br]-crotyl bromide combination, leading to an easy, stereodivergent method to synthesise important targets.
Multicomponent reaction through cooperative trio catalysis incorporating enamine, Brønsted acid and metal Lewis acid catalysis: a concise route to access chromans
Authors: Karunaratne Chamini V. , Sarkisian Ryan G. , Reeves Jennifer , Deng Yongming , Wheeler Kraig A. , Wang Hong
Published: April 2017

Chroman formation is achieved through a tricatalytic system incorporating enamine, metal Lewis acid and Brønsted acid catalysis.
Sequence-coded ATRP macroinitiators
Authors: Telitel Sofia , Petit Benoît Éric , Poyer Salomé , Charles Laurence , Lutz Jean-François
Published: April 2017

Sequence-defined oligourethanes were transformed into ATRP initiators and used for the synthesis of precision macromolecular architectures.
Study on the structural design and performance of novel braid-reinforced and thermostable poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Chen Mingxing , Xiao Changfa , Wang Chun , Liu Hailiang
Published: April 2017

Novel braid-reinforced (BR) PMIA hollow fiber membranes showing excellent mechanical property and thermal stability were fabricated.
I2/TBHP-mediated oxidative coupling of ketones and toluene derivatives: a facile method for the preparation of α-benzoyloxy ketones
Authors: Chen Cui , Liu Weibing , Zhou Peng , Liu Hailing
Published: April 2017

Synthesis of α-benzoyloxy ketones from ketones and toluenes using TBHP as the surrogate of toxic heavy-metal oxidants and the oxygen source of the incorporated oxygen.
H-Shape mesogenic dimers – the spacer parity effect
Authors: Wolska J. M. , Kolpaczynska M. , Mieczkowski J. , Pociecha D. , Gorecka E.
Published: April 2017

It was found that for H-shape dimers, the parity of the number of atoms in the spacer linking the mesogenic cores has important influence on the mesogenic properties only for the molecules with weak mesogenic core anisotropy.
Weaver's historic accessible collection of synthetic dyes: a cheminformatics analysis
Authors: Kuenemann Melaine A. , Szymczyk Malgorzata , Chen Yufei , Sultana Nadia , Hinks David , Freeman Harold S. , Williams Antony J. , Fourches Denis , Vinueza Nelson R.
Published: April 2017

The Max Weaver Dye Library is presented to the scientific community with a cheminformatics approach to enhance research opportunities with this unique collection of ∼98 000 vials of custom-made dyes.
CaBi6O10: a novel promising photoanode for photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Wang Xuan , Cai Qijun , Ma Chonghao , Tong Zhengfu
Published: April 2017

CaBi6O10 photoanode for photoelectrochemical water oxidation.
Lithium migration between blended cathodes of a lithium-ion battery
Authors: Kobayashi Takeshi , Kobayashi Yo , Miyashiro Hajime
Published: April 2017

X-ray diffraction measurement reveals lithium migration surprisingly occurs between two cathode materials in a blended cathode after stop charge–discharging a cell.
Transcriptional and translational adaptation to aerobic nitrate anabolism in the denitrifier Paracoccus denitrificans
Authors: Luque-Almagro Victor M. , Manso Isabel , Sullivan Matthew J. , Rowley Gary , Ferguson Stuart J. , Moreno-Vivián Conrado , Richardson David J. , Gates Andrew J. , Roldán M. Dolores
Published: April 2017

Transcriptional adaptation to nitrate-dependent anabolism by Paracoccus denitrificans PD1222 was studied. A total of 74 genes were induced in cells grown with nitrate as N-source compared with ammonium, including nasTSABGHC and ntrBC genes. The nasT and nasS genes were cotranscribed, although nasT was more strongly induced by nitrate than nasS. The nasABGHC genes constituted a transcriptional unit, which is preceded by a non-coding region containing hairpin structures involved in transcription termination. The nasTS and nasABGHC transcripts were detected at similar levels with nitrate or glutamate as N-source, but nasABGHC transcript was undetectable in ammonium-grown cells. The nitrite reductase NasG subunit was detected by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in cytoplasmic fractions from nitrate-grown cells, but it was not observed when either ammonium or glutamate was used as the N-source. The nasT mutant lacked both nasABGHC transcript and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-dependent nitrate reductase activity. On the contrary, the nasS mutant showed similar levels of the nasABGHC transcript to the wild-type strain and displayed NasG protein and NADH–nitrate reductase activity with all N-sources tested, except with ammonium. Ammonium repression of nasABGHC was dependent on the Ntr system. The ntrBC and ntrYX genes were expressed at low levels regardless of the nitrogen source supporting growth. Mutational analysis of the ntrBCYX genes indicated that while ntrBC genes are required for nitrate assimilation, ntrYX genes can only partially restore growth on nitrate in the absence of ntrBC genes. The existence of a regulation mechanism for nitrate assimilation in P. denitrificans, by which nitrate induction operates at both transcriptional and translational levels, is proposed.
Lesion location and cognitive impact of cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Biesbroek J. Matthijs , Weaver Nick A. , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: April 2017

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is an important cause of cognitive impairment. Important MRI manifestations of SVD include white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and lacunes. This narrative review addresses the role of anatomical lesion location in the impact of SVD on cognition, integrating findings from early autopsy studies with emerging findings from recent studies with advanced image analysis techniques. Early autopsy and imaging studies of small case series indicate that single lacunar infarcts in, for example the thalamus, caudate nucleus or internal capsule can cause marked cognitive impairment. However, the findings of such case studies may not be generalizable. Emerging location-based image analysis approaches are now being applied to large cohorts. Recent studies show that WMH burden in strategic white matter tracts, such as the forceps minor or anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), is more relevant in explaining variance in cognitive functioning than global WMH volume. These findings suggest that the future diagnostic work-up of memory clinic patients could potentially be improved by shifting from a global assessment of WMH and lacune burden towards a quantitative assessment of lesion volumes within strategic brain regions. In this review, a summary of currently known strategic regions for SVD-related cognitive impairment is provided, highlighting recent technical developments in SVD research. The potential and challenges of location-based approaches for diagnostic purposes in clinical practice are discussed, along with their potential prognostic and therapeutic applications.
Diagnosis in vascular dementia, applying ‘Cochrane diagnosis rules’ to ‘dementia diagnostic tools’
Authors: Quinn Terence J. , McCleery Jenny
Published: April 2017

In this issue of Clinical Science, Biesbroek and colleagues describe recent work on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cerebral lesion location and its association with cognitive decline. The authors conclude that diagnostic neuroimaging in dementia should shift from whole-brain evaluation to focused quantitative analysis of strategic brain areas. This commentary uses the review of lesion location mapping to discuss broader issues around studies of dementia test strategies. We draw upon work completed by the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group designed to improve design, conduct and reporting of dementia biomarker studies.