bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Male endocrine response to seasonally varying environmental and social factors in a neotropical primate, Cebus capucinus
Authors: Schoof Valérie A. M. , Bonnell Tyler R. , Jack Katharine M. , Ziegler Toni E. , Melin Amanda D. , Fedigan Linda M.
Published: January 2016

Objective

Circannual variation in reproduction is pervasive in birds and mammals. In primates, breeding seasonality is variable, with seasonal birth peaks occurring even in year‐round breeders. Environmental seasonality is reportedly an important contributor to the observed variation in reproductive seasonality. Given that food availability is the primary factor constraining female reproduction, predictions concerning responsiveness to environmental seasonality focus on females, with studies of males focusing primarily on social factors. We examined the influence of both environmental and social factors on male fecal testosterone (fT) and glucocorticoids (fGC) in moderately seasonally breeding white‐faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in Costa Rica.

Methods

Over 17 months, we collected 993 fecal samples from 14 males in three groups. We used LMM to simultaneously examine the relative effects of photoperiod, fruit biomass, rainfall, temperature, female reproductive status (i.e., number of periovulatory periods, POPs), and male age and dominance rank on monthly fT and fGC levels.

Results

Male age and rank had large effects on fT and fGC. Additionally, some hormone variation was explained by environmental factors: photoperiod in the previous month (i.e., lagged photoperiod) was the best environmental predictor of monthly fT levels, whereas fGC levels were best explained by lagged photoperiod, fruit biomass, and rainfall. POPs predicted monthly fT and fGC, but this effect was reduced when all variables were considered simultaneously, possibly because lagged photoperiod and POP were highly correlated.

Conclusions

Males may use photoperiod as a cue predicting circannual trends in the temporal distribution of fertile females, while also fine‐tuning short‐term hormone increases to the actual presence of ovulatory females, which may occur at any time during the year. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:671–682, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The first major primate extinction: An evaluation of paleoecological dynamics of North American stem primates using a homology free measure of tooth shape
Authors: Prufrock Kristen A. , Boyer Doug M. , Silcox Mary T.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

The disappearance of the North American plesiadapoids (stem primates, or plesiadapiforms) in the latest Paleocene has been attributed to competition with rodents over dietary resources. This study compares molar morphology of plesiadapoids and early rodents to assess whether all taxa were adapted to consuming foods of the same structural properties with similar mechanical efficacy.

Materials and Methods

Micro‐CT scans of second mandibular molars (M2s) of plesiadapoids (n = 181) and ischyromyid (early fossil) rodents (n = 13) were evaluated using Dirichlet normal energy (DNE), a dental topographic metric that quantifies the curvature of a tooth's occlusal surface, independent of the orientation of the occlusal plane; this metric can be used to infer diet.

Results

Comparisons of DNE values for plesiadapoids and rodents show that rodents shared functionally similar dental morphology with at least some plesiadapid plesiadapoids and thus were likely adapted to processing foods with similar physical properties. However, the DNE values for rodents contrast markedly with those for the other two plesiadapoid families, the Carpolestidae and Saxonellidae.

Conclusions

It is unlikely that direct competition over food resources with rodents played a major role in the extinction of carpolestids and saxonellids, as members of these families were capable of consuming a range of foods that were not accessible to rodents. Although several plesiadapid species overlap with rodents in their range of DNE values, only three overlap in time. One of these (Plesiadapis cookei) may have been too large to be in direct competition with rodents, another (Plesiadapis dubius) has DNE values substantially different (higher) than those of rodents, whereas the third, Chiromyoides, has teeth of both a similar size and DNE value to those of Clarkforkian rodents. If dietary niche overlap with rodents played a direct role in the decline of plesiadapiforms, it can only have potentially done so for Chiromyoides. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:683–697, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of different compatibilizers on the mechanical and thermal properties of starch/polypropylene blends
Authors: Chen Xianhong , Zhou Leiyong , Pan Xiaomei , Hu Jinhui , Hu Yixing , Wei Shanshan
Published: January 2016

Starch was treated with three kinds of compatibilizers (coupling agents or modifying agents), KH‐550, KH‐570, and glycerin monostearate. Blends of polypropylene (PP) and treated starch were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of the starch before and after treatments and the kinds and contents of the compatibilizers on the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP/starch blends were investigated in this study. We found that the mechanical properties (tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation at break) of the blends were obviously improved with increasing content of different kinds of compatibilizers. Meanwhile, the most significant improvement in the mechanical properties was obtained in the samples containing just a 1 wt % loading of compatibilizers, and KH‐570 had the best improved effects among the different kinds of compatibilizers. The results of thermogravimetric analysis demonstrate that to some extent, the thermal stability of the PP/starch blends was improved after the addition of compatibilizers. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the dispersion of starch in the PP matrix and adhesion between the starch and PP matrix were obviously improved after the addition of compatibilizers. KH‐570 not only had the best improved effects among the coupling agents but also still acted as a similar plasticizer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43332.
Effects of silanization temperature and silica type on properties of silica‐filled solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) for passenger car tire tread compounds
Authors: Thaptong Puchong , Sae‐Oui Pongdhorn , Sirisinha Chakrit
Published: January 2016

Influence of silanization temperature on properties of silica‐filled solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubber was investigated. Two types of silica, i.e., highly dispersible silica (HDSi) and conventional silica (CSi), were compared. Results show that the increased silanization temperature leads to the enhanced rubber–filler interaction, filler dispersion, and cross‐link density giving rise to the improvement in vulcanizate properties such as modulus, heat build‐up (HBU), and dynamic set, as well as tire performance, e.g., wet grip (WG), rolling resistance (RR), and abrasion resistance. Great care, however, must be taken to avoid the scorching phenomenon during the mixing process at too high temperature. Taken as a whole, the balanced properties are found at the silanization temperature of 140°C. Surprisingly, HDSi provides insignificant differences in degree of filler dispersion, WG, and RR, compared to CSi, despite its claimed greater dispersability. Probably, the relatively long mixing time used in this experiment may override the influence of silica type. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43342.
Mechanisms for the Specific Properties of γ‐Hydroxybutyrate in Brain
Authors: Maitre Michel , Klein Christian , Mensah‐Nyagan Ayikoe G.
Published: January 2016

γ‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is both a natural brain compound with neuromodulatory properties at central GABAergic synapses (micromolar concentration range) and also a drug (XyremR) clinically used for the treatment of various neurological symptoms (millimolar dose range). However, this drug has abuse potential and can be addictive for some patients. Here, we review the basic mechanistic role of endogenous GHB in brain as well as the properties and mechanisms of action for therapeutic clinical doses of exogenous GHB. Several hypotheses are discussed with a preference for a molecular mechanism that conciliates most of the findings available. This conciliatory model may help for the design of GHB‐like drugs active at lower doses and devoid of major side effects.
Multifunctional ternary composites of poly (vinyl alcohol)/cashew tree gum/pumice particles
Authors: Ramesan M.T. , Jose Chippy , Jayakrishnan P. , Anilkumar T.
Published: January 2016

Polymer blend composite based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/cashew tree gum (CTG)/with various content of pumice particles were prepared and characterised by FTIR, UV, XRD, SEM, DSC, impedance analyzer, and biodegradation studies. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that the addition of pumice particles to the blend causes structural variation in the PVA/CTG network. The XRD patterns indicated that amorphous domains of the blend decreased with increase in the pumice content. SEM revealed that the pumice particles were well distributed in the blend matrix. DSC studies showed that both the glass transition and melting temperature of the composites increases due to the intermolecular interaction between pumice particles and blend phases. Blend composite with 10 wt% of sample shows higher conductivity and dielectric properties than the pure blend is due to the increase in orderness of the pumice particles inside the polymer chain. When the loading of pumice was increased above 10 wt%, the electrical properties of the composite decreased, which is due to the agglomeration of filler particle in the polymer matrix. The composite undergoes slow biodegradation than the pure blend. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:38–45, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Toward the accurate modeling of amorphous nonlinear materials—polymer stress relaxation (I)
Authors: Cruz Pinto J.J.C. , André J.R.S.
Published: January 2016

We expand our analytical modeling strategy for polymer non‐linear stress relaxation (A) to specify the remaining steps to accurately deal with the nonaffine nature of the materials’ local strains and stresses relative to their average overall values, and (B) to make it consistent with a new cooperative theory of amorphous materials dynamics, providing a model of tunable fragility that sheds light to most aspects of the behavior, including the glass transition. The stress relaxation models (1) describe a nonlinear (strain‐dependent) behavior that becomes linear at very low strains, (2) quantify the effect of temperature, (3) may quantify the effects of changes in free volume, and (4) ensure very fast computations of the materials’ response irrespective of the experimental time scale. The models are sensitive to the influence of different initial states of the material, as may result from varying degrees of molecular orientation and aging levels, and are able to predict from experimental stress relaxation moduli (for a poly (methylmethacrylate)—PMMA and a bis‐phenol‐A polycarbonate—PC) the values of the crossover frequency, νc, crossover temperature, Tc, and the minimum activation energy, in addition to the initial and long‐time plateau moduli, in agreement with independently measured values. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:348–360, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transcutaneous Ultrasonography in Early Postoperative Diagnosis of Vocal Cord Palsy After Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Borel Frédéric , Delemazure Anne‐Sophie , Espitalier Florent , Spiers Andrew , Mirallie Eric , Blanchard Claire
Published: January 2016

Purpose

This study evaluated the efficiency of transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUS) as an alternative to direct flexible laryngoscopy (DFL) in the early postoperative screening of vocal cord palsy (VCP) after total thyroidectomy, performed for benign and non‐extensive malignant disease.

Methods

A prospective study was performed on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy between October 2013 and January 2015 at the Nantes University Hospital (France). Patients underwent DFL on postoperative day 1 performed by an otolaryngologist, followed by TLUS performed by a radiologist on postoperative day 1 or 2.

Results

One hundred and three (103) patients were included in this study, 17.5 % were male and 82.5 % were female, with a mean age of 51 ± 12 years. Nine patients (9.5 %) were diagnosed with postoperative VCP using DFL of these cases 2 were not completely resolved at 3 months postoperatively. Three cases of VCP (33 %) were diagnosed using TLUS. TLUS had a sensitivity of 33 % and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95 % for the diagnosis of postoperative VCP. Vocal cords (VC) were unassessable in 27.2 % of patients. Unassessable VC were significantly associated with male gender (p = 0.0001), age (p = 0.0001), weight (p = 0.002), operating time (p = 0.032), postoperative drainage (p = 0.001), and thyroid weight (p = 0.001). Independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis were male gender (p = 0.0001) and age (p = 0.0001). In the group of women under 50‐year old, TLUS had a sensitivity of 50 % and a NPV of 97.4 %.

Conclusion

TLUS sensitivity is insufficient in early postoperative screening of VCP after thyroid surgery. Ultrasonographic VCP diagnosis should be confirmed with DFL.
Autophagy Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration and Motor Recovery Following Sciatic Nerve Crush Injury in Rats
Authors: Huang Hai-cheng , Chen Li , Zhang Hai-xing , Li Sheng-fa , Liu Pei , Zhao Tian-yun , Li Chuan-xiang
Published: January 2016

Autophagy maintains cellular homeostasis by stimulating the lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic structures, including damaged organelles and dysfunctional proteins. The role of autophagy in the renewal and regeneration of injured peripheral nerves remains poorly understood. The current study investigated the role of autophagy in peripheral nerve regeneration and motor function recovery following sciatic nerve crush injury in rats by stimulating or suppressing autophagy and detecting the presence of autophagosomes and LC3-II expression by electron microscopy and Western blotting, respectively. Neurobehavioral function was tested by CatWalk gait analysis 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks after injury, and the expression of neurofilament (NF)-200 and myelin basic protein (MBP) at the injury site was examined by immunocytochemistry. Apoptosis at the lesion site was determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Treatment of injured rats with the autophagy inducer rapamycin increased the number of autophagosomes and LC3-II expression while reducing the number of apoptotic cells at the lesion; this was associated with an upregulation of MBP and NF-200 expression and increased motor function recovery as compared to sham-operated rats and those that were subjected to crush injury but untreated. The opposite effects were observed in rats treated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. These data indicate that the modulation of autophagy in peripheral nerve injury could be an effective pharmacological approach to promote nerve regeneration and reestablish motor function.
Progestin‐based contraceptive on the same day as medical abortion
Authors: Park Jeanna , Robinson Nuriya , Wessels Ursula , Turner James , Geller Stacie
Published: January 2016

Objective

To determine the success rate of medical abortion when a progestin‐based contraceptive—either an etonogestrel implant or depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) injection—is given on the same day as mifepristone for medical abortion.

Methods

In a retrospective chart review, data were assessed for women aged 15–49 years who underwent medical abortion (≤ 63 days of pregnancy) at two hospitals in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, between August 2013 and July 2014. The women were given oral mifepristone (200 mg) and buccal misoprostol (800 μg), and received an etonogestrel implant or DMPA injection on the same day as mifepristone. The primary outcome was the success rate of medical abortion. Comparative data were obtained through a PubMed search.

Results

A total of 89 women were included. Complete termination was achieved in 87 (98%, 95% confidence interval 95%–100%) women. This success rate is similar to that reported in a previous systematic review of the rate of medical abortion success without progestin contraceptive administration (94.8%).

Conclusions

Administration of a progestin‐based contraceptive such as an etonogestrel implant or DMPA injection on the same day as mifepristone for medical abortion did not alter the success rates.
Integrating Rapid Diagnostics and Antimicrobial Stewardship in Two Community Hospitals Improved Process Measures and Antibiotic Adjustment Time
Authors: Lockwood Ashley M. , Perez Katherine K. , Musick William L. , Ikwuagwu Judy O. , Attia Engie , Fasoranti Oyejoke O. , Cernoch Patricia L. , Olsen Randall J. , Musser James M.
Published: January 2016

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for rapid pathogen identification directly from early-positive blood cultures coupled with an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) in two community hospitals. Process measures and outcomes prior and after implementation of MALDI-TOF/ASP were evaluated.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective study.

SETTING

Two community hospitals in a system setting, Houston Methodist (HM) Sugar Land Hospital (235 beds) or HM Willowbrook Hospital (241 beds).

PATIENTS

Patients ≥18 years of age with culture-proven Gram-negative bacteremia.

INTERVENTION

Blood cultures from both hospitals were sent to and processed at our central microbiology laboratory. Clinical pharmacists at respective hospitals were notified of pathogen ID and susceptibility results.

RESULTS

We evaluated 572 patients for possible inclusion. After pre-defined exclusion criteria, 151 patients were included in the pre-intervention group and 242 were included in the intervention group. After MALDI-TOF/ASP implementation, the mean identification time after culture positivity was significantly reduced from 32 hours (±16 hours) to 6.5 hours (±5.4 hours) (P<.001); mean time to susceptibility results was significantly reduced from 48 (±22) hours to 23 (±14) hours (P<.001); and time to therapy adjustment was significantly reduced from 75 (±59) hours to 30 (±30) hours (P<.001). Mean hospital costs per patient were $3,411 less in the intervention group compared with the pre-intervention group ($18,645 vs $15,234; P=.04).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to analyze the impact of MALDI-TOF coupled with an ASP in a community hospital setting. Time to results significantly differed with the use of MALDI-TOF, and time to appropriate therapy was significantly improved with the addition of ASP.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(4):425–432
Characterization of a short-pulse high-power diode operated with anode effects
Authors: Cai Dan , Liu Lie , Ju Jinchuan , Zhao Xuelong , Zhou Hongyu , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2016

Usually, the high-power microwave (HPM) devices suffer from impedance collapse and cathode material degradation or even failure. When the intense electron beam bombards the anode (or named as collector in HPM device), an anode plasma could appear under certain conditions. In this case, the impedance collapse is caused by the expansions of the cathode and anode plasmas and diode current overshot caused by the bipolar flow. In this paper, characterization of a short-pulse high-power diode operated with anode effects with a dielectric fiber (velvet) cathode is discussed. The bipolar flow (or anode plasma) is indeed evident at beam power densities ~11 MW/cm2and the pulse durations of ~50 ns. The analysis results of the deposit dose and thermal regime of the anode show that the electron stimulated desorption played an important role in the generation of anode plasma in this case. With the effect of anode plasma, the appearance of local cathode plasma flares (or nonuniform electron emission) is particularly detrimental for the diode closure. Micro-structure and elemental surface compositions of cathode are changed by the anode splashing, which is very harmful to the performance of cathode.
Applications of Chaos Theories to Psychiatry: A Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Boldrini Maura , Placidi Giovanni P. A. , Marazziti Donatella
Published: January 2016

The great revolution that took place in physics at the beginning of this century, which led to a total reshaping of the science and a different approach to natural phenomena, could serve as a model for future developments in other disciplines such as neuroscience. When investigated by traditional methods, the complexity of brain mechanisms remains quite elusive; the use of new strategies should, therefore, be a high priority.

Although holistic interpretations of brain functions and dysfunctions still seem futuristic, the application of chaos theories may be one way of making these interpretations more understandable. In fact, chaos mathematics can be applied to brain activity, such as that recorded, by electroencephalogram (EEG), and to the interpretation of psychopathology. Similarly, clinical phenomena could be explained in terms of nonlinear dynamics. Moreover, the application of chaos theories to psychiatry might permit the study of the relationships between genetic and environmental factors in determining syndromes and symptoms. This could encourage the development of a nonlinear dynamic psychiatry which, in turn, would allow a better understanding of research findings and, perhaps, open new horizons to psychiatric intervention.
Local admixture of amplified and diversified secreted pathogenesis determinants shapes mosaic Toxoplasma gondii genomes
Authors: Lorenzi Hernan , Khan Asis , Behnke Michael S. , Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Swapna Lakshmipuram S. , Hadjithomas Michalis , Karamycheva Svetlana , Pinney Deborah , Brunk Brian P. , Ajioka James W. , Ajzenberg Daniel , Boothroyd John C. , Boyle Jon P. , Dardé Marie L. , Diaz-Miranda Maria A. , Dubey Jitender P. , Fritz Heather M. , Gennari Solange M. , Gregory Brian D. , Kim Kami , Saeij Jeroen P. J. , Su Chunlei , White Michael W. , Zhu Xing-Quan , Howe Daniel K. , Rosenthal Benjamin M. , Grigg Michael E. , Parkinson John , Liu Liang , Kissinger Jessica C. , Roos David S. , Sibley L. David
Published: January 2016

Toxoplasma gondii is among the most prevalent parasites worldwide, infecting many wild and domestic animals and causing zoonotic infections in humans. T. gondii differs substantially in its broad distribution from closely related parasites that typically have narrow, specialized host ranges. To elucidate the genetic basis for these differences, we compared the genomes of 62 globally distributed T. gondii isolates to several closely related coccidian parasites. Our findings reveal that tandem amplification and diversification of secretory pathogenesis determinants is the primary feature that distinguishes the closely related genomes of these biologically diverse parasites. We further show that the unusual population structure of T. gondii is characterized by clade-specific inheritance of large conserved haploblocks that are significantly enriched in tandemly clustered secretory pathogenesis determinants. The shared inheritance of these conserved haploblocks, which show a different ancestry than the genome as a whole, may thus influence transmission, host range and pathogenicity.
TIA1 oxidation inhibits stress granule assembly and sensitizes cells to stress-induced apoptosis
Authors: Arimoto-Matsuzaki Kyoko , Saito Haruo , Takekawa Mutsuhiro
Published: January 2016

Cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) are multimolecular aggregates of stalled translation pre-initiation complexes that prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins, and that are formed in response to certain types of stress including ER stress. SG formation contributes to cell survival not only by suppressing translation but also by sequestering some apoptosis regulatory factors. Because cells can be exposed to various stresses simultaneously in vivo, the regulation of SG assembly under multiple stress conditions is important but unknown. Here we report that reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H2O2 oxidize the SG-nucleating protein TIA1, thereby inhibiting SG assembly. Thus, when cells are confronted with a SG-inducing stress such as ER stress caused by protein misfolding, together with ROS-induced oxidative stress, they cannot form SGs, resulting in the promotion of apoptosis. We demonstrate that the suppression of SG formation by oxidative stress may underlie the neuronal cell death seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
Label-free cell cycle analysis for high-throughput imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Blasi Thomas , Hennig Holger , Summers Huw D. , Theis Fabian J. , Cerveira Joana , Patterson James O. , Davies Derek , Filby Andrew , Carpenter Anne E. , Rees Paul
Published: January 2016

Imaging flow cytometry combines the high-throughput capabilities of conventional flow cytometry with single-cell imaging. Here we demonstrate label-free prediction of DNA content and quantification of the mitotic cell cycle phases by applying supervised machine learning to morphological features extracted from brightfield and the typically ignored darkfield images of cells from an imaging flow cytometer. This method facilitates non-destructive monitoring of cells avoiding potentially confounding effects of fluorescent stains while maximizing available fluorescence channels. The method is effective in cell cycle analysis for mammalian cells, both fixed and live, and accurately assesses the impact of a cell cycle mitotic phase blocking agent. As the same method is effective in predicting the DNA content of fission yeast, it is likely to have a broad application to other cell types.
Correction: Corrigendum: Zebrafish Models for Human Acute Organophosphorus Poisoning
Authors: Faria Melissa , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Padrós Francesc , Babin Patrick J. , Sebastián David , Cachot Jérôme , Prats Eva , Arick Mark , Rial Eduardo , Knoll-Gellida Anja , Mathieu Guilaine , Le Bihanic Florane , Lynn Escalon B. , Zorzano Antonio , Soares Amadeu M. V. M , Raldúa Demetrio
Published: January 2016

Terrorist use of organophosphorus-based nerve agents and toxic industrial chemicals against civilian populations constitutes a real threat, as demonstrated by the terrorist attacks in Japan in the 1990 s or, even more recently, in the Syrian civil war. Thus, development of more effective countermeasures against acute organophosphorus poisoning is urgently needed. Here, we have generated and validated zebrafish models for mild, moderate and severe acute organophosphorus poisoning by exposing zebrafish larvae to different concentrations of the prototypic organophosphorus compound chlorpyrifos-oxon. Our results show that zebrafish models mimic most of the pathophysiological mechanisms behind this toxidrome in humans, including acetylcholinesterase inhibition, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation, and calcium dysregulation as well as inflammatory and immune responses. The suitability of the zebrafish larvae to in vivo high-throughput screenings of small molecule libraries makes these models a valuable tool for identifying new drugs for multifunctional drug therapy against acute organophosphorus poisoning.
Correction: Corrigendum: Gene expression profiling of pre-eclamptic placentae by RNA sequencing
Authors: Kaartokallio Tea , Cervera Alejandra , Kyllönen Anjuska , Laivuori Krista , Kere Juha , Laivuori Hannele ,   The FINNPEC Core Investigator Group, Laivuori Hannele , Heinonen Seppo , Kajantie Eero , Kere Juha , Kivinen Katja , Pouta Anneli
Published: January 2016

Pre-eclampsia is a common and complex pregnancy disorder that often involves impaired placental development. In order to identify altered gene expression in pre-eclamptic placenta, we sequenced placental transcriptomes of nine pre-eclamptic and nine healthy pregnant women in pools of three. The differential gene expression was tested both by including all the pools in the analysis and by excluding some of the pools based on phenotypic characteristics. From these analyses, we identified altogether 53 differently expressed genes, a subset of which was validated by qPCR in 20 cases and 19 controls. Furthermore, we conducted pathway and functional analyses which revealed disturbed vascular function and immunological balance in pre-eclamptic placenta. Some of the genes identified in our study have been reported by numerous microarray studies (BHLHE40, FSTL3, HK2, HTRA4, LEP, PVRL4, SASH1, SIGLEC6), but many have been implicated in only few studies or have not previously been linked to pre-eclampsia (ARMS2, BTNL9, CCSAP, DIO2, FER1L4, HPSE, LOC100129345, LYN, MYO7B, NCMAP, NDRG1, NRIP1, PLIN2, SBSPON, SERPINB9, SH3BP5, TET3, TPBG, ZNF175). Several of the molecules produced by these genes may have a role in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia, and some could qualify as biomarkers for prediction or detection of this pregnancy complication.
Potential Dual Role of Eugenol in Inhibiting Advanced Glycation End Products in Diabetes: Proteomic and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Jayaramaiah Ramesha H. , Agawane Sachin B. , Vannuruswamy Garikapati , Korwar Arvind M. , Anand Atul , Dhaygude Vitthal S. , Shaikh Mahemud L. , Joshi Rakesh S. , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Kulkarni Mahesh J. , Thulasiram Hirekodathakallu V. , Giri Ashok P.
Published: January 2016

Medicinally important genus Ocimum harbors a vast pool of chemically diverse metabolites. Current study aims at identifying anti-diabetic candidate compounds from Ocimum species. Major metabolites in O. kilimandscharicum, O. tenuiflorum, O. gratissimum were purified, characterized and evaluated for anti-glycation activity. In vitro inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by eugenol was found to be highest. Preliminary biophysical analysis and blind docking studies to understand eugenol-albumin interaction indicated eugenol to possess strong binding affinity for surface exposed lysines. However, binding of eugenol to bovine serum albumin (BSA) did not result in significant change in secondary structure of protein. In vivo diabetic mice model studies with eugenol showed reduction in blood glucose levels by 38% likely due to inhibition of α-glucosidase while insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels remain unchanged. Western blotting using anti-AGE antibody and mass spectrometry detected notably fewer AGE modified peptides upon eugenol treatment both in vivo and in vitro. Histopathological examination revealed comparatively lesser lesions in eugenol-treated mice. Thus, we propose eugenol has dual mode of action in combating diabetes; it lowers blood glucose by inhibiting α-glucosidase and prevents AGE formation by binding to ε-amine group on lysine, protecting it from glycation, offering potential use in diabetic management.
Severe summer heatwave and drought strongly reduced carbon uptake in Southern China
Authors: Yuan Wenping , Cai Wenwen , Chen Yang , Liu Shuguang , Dong Wenjie , Zhang Haicheng , Yu Guirui , Chen Zhuoqi , He Honglin , Guo Weidong , Liu Dan , Liu Shaoming , Xiang Wenhua , Xie Zhenghui , Zhao Zhonghui , Zhou Guomo
Published: January 2016

Increasing heatwave and drought events can potentially alter the carbon cycle. Few studies have investigated the impacts of hundred-year return heatwaves and droughts, as those events are rare. In the summer of 2013, southern China experienced its strongest drought and heatwave on record for the past 113 years. We show that the record-breaking heatwave and drought lasted two months (from July to August), significantly reduced the satellite-based vegetation index and gross primary production, substantially altered the regional carbon cycle and produced the largest negative crop yield anomaly since 1960. The event resulted in a net reduction of 101.54 Tg C in carbon sequestration in the region during these two months, which was 39–53% of the annual net carbon sink of China’s terrestrial ecosystems (190–260 Tg C yr−1). Moreover, model experiments showed that heatwaves and droughts consistently decreased ecosystem vegetation primary production but had opposite impacts on ecosystem respiration (TER), with increased TER by 6.78 ± 2.15% and decreased TER by 15.34 ± 3.57% assuming only changed temperature and precipitation, respectively. In light of increasing frequency and severity of future heatwaves and droughts, our study highlights the importance of accounting for the impacts of heatwaves and droughts in assessing the carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems.
The First Two Clostridium difficile Ribotype 027/ST1 Isolates Identified in Beijing, China–an Emerging Problem or a Neglected Threat?
Authors: Cheng Jing-Wei , Xiao Meng , Kudinha Timothy , Xu Zhi-Peng , Hou Xin , Sun Lin-Ying , Zhang Li , Fan Xin , Kong Fanrong , Xu Ying-Chun
Published: January 2016

Clostridium difficile hyper-virulent ribotype 027 strain has become a significant concern globally, but has rarely been reported in Asian countries including China. Recently, a retrospective single-center study in Beijing, China, detected two ribotype 027 C. difficile isolates from two patients coming for outpatient visits in 2012 and 2013. We performed a systematic investigation of the two isolates (and patients). Both C. difficile isolates had the typical PCR ribotype 027 profile; were positive for tcdA, tcdB and binary toxin genes; belonged to multilocus sequence type 1 (ST1); had typical ribotype 027 deletions in the tcdC gene; and were highly-resistant to fluoroquinolones; but had a different MLVA profile and were not genetically related to any previously reported international ribotype 027 clones. A review of the patients’ medical records showed that neither received appropriate antimicrobial treatment and were lost to follow-up after outpatient visits. We propose that C. difficile infections caused by ribotype 027 are probably a neglected problem in China and the subsequent impact of unawareness of this problem is worrying. Appropriate testing assays and multi-center or national level surveillance for C. difficile infections and specifically for ribotype 027 should be introduced to provide essential data and guide future clinical practice.
Inhibition of Canonical NF-κB Signaling by a Small Molecule Targeting NEMO-Ubiquitin Interaction
Authors: Vincendeau Michelle , Hadian Kamyar , Messias Ana C. , Brenke Jara K. , Halander Jenny , Griesbach Richard , Greczmiel Ute , Bertossi Arianna , Stehle Ralf , Nagel Daniel , Demski Katrin , Velvarska Hana , Niessing Dierk , Geerlof Arie , Sattler Michael , Krappmann Daniel
Published: January 2016

The IκB kinase (IKK) complex acts as the gatekeeper of canonical NF-κB signaling, thereby regulating immunity, inflammation and cancer. It consists of the catalytic subunits IKKα and IKKβ and the regulatory subunit NEMO/IKKγ. Here, we show that the ubiquitin binding domain (UBAN) in NEMO is essential for IKK/NF-κB activation in response to TNFα, but not IL-1β stimulation. By screening a natural compound library we identified an anthraquinone derivative that acts as an inhibitor of NEMO-ubiquitin binding (iNUB). Using biochemical and NMR experiments we demonstrate that iNUB binds to NEMOUBAN and competes for interaction with methionine-1-linked linear ubiquitin chains. iNUB inhibited NF-κB activation upon UBAN-dependent TNFα and TCR/CD28, but not UBAN-independent IL-1β stimulation. Moreover, iNUB was selectively killing lymphoma cells that are addicted to chronic B-cell receptor triggered IKK/NF-κB activation. Thus, iNUB disrupts the NEMO-ubiquitin protein-protein interaction interface and thereby inhibits physiological and pathological NF-κB signaling.
Adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) mediates the antibiotic jinggangmycin-stimulated reproduction in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål
Authors: Jiang Yi-Ping , Li Lei , Liu Zong-Yu , You Lin-Lin , Wu You , Xu Bing , Ge Lin-Quan , Song Qi-Sheng , Wu Jin-Cai
Published: January 2016

The antibiotic jinggangmycin (JGM) is an agrochemical product widely used in China for controlling rice sheath blight, Rhizoctonia solani. Unexpectedly, it stimulates reproduction in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the stimulation are unclear. The present investigation demonstrates that adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) is one of the enzymes involved in the JGM-stimulated reproduction in BPH. Silence of Atgl in JGM-treated (JGM + dsAtgl) females eliminated JGM-stimulated fecundity of BPH females. In addition, Atgl knockdown significantly reduced the protein and glycerin contents in the ovaries and fat bodies of JGM + dsAtgl females required for reproduction. We conclude that Atgl is one of the key enzymes responsible for JGM-stimulated reproduction in BPH.
Nylon 6,6 based fibrous composite: preparation, characterization and its utilization for the removal of hazardous Cr(vi) from aqueous solution
Authors: Khan Rao Rifaqat Ali , Khan Asif Ali , Alam Nida
Published: January 2016

This study reports the synthesis of nylon 6,6-zirconium(iv)selenite (N6/ZS) fibrous composite as a promising adsorbent for the removal of Cr(vi), a known carcinogen and hazardous heavy metal.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of essential oils from leaves of Eucalyptus globulus L., their analysis and application
Authors: Singh Aarti , Ahmad Anees , Bushra Rani
Published: January 2016

A comparative study on the extraction of essential oil from the leaves ofEucalyptus globuluswas conducted using traditional methods such as hydrodistillation (HD), solvent extraction (SE), ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and an innovative supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction technique.
Studies on fabrication and application of arsenic electrochemical sensors based on titanium dioxide nanoparticle modified gold strip electrodes
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zeng Ting , Hu Chengguo , Hu Shengshui , QiulinTian QiulinTian
Published: January 2016

A sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of arsenic(iii) based on a titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle modified gold strip electrode (GSE) was developed.
Hypoelectronic isomeric diiridaboranes [(Cp*Ir)2B6H6]: the “Rule-Breakers”(Cp* = η5-C5Me5)
Authors: Borthakur Rosmita , Mondal Bijan , Nandi Purbasha , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: January 2016

Isolation of two 8-vertex topological diiridaborane isomers: a dodecahedron and a bicapped trigonal prism.
Synthesis of new bis(acyl)phosphane oxide photoinitiators for the surface functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Jieping , Siqueira Gilberto , Müller Georgina , Rentsch Daniel , Huch Anja , Tingaut Philippe , Levalois-Grützmacher Joëlle , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: January 2016

A new bis(acyl)phosphane oxide photoinitiator was immobilized on surfaces of cellulose nanocrystals and used for polymer grafting.
Numerical simulations of the role of a ferroelectric polymer interfacial layer in organic solar cells
Authors: Liu Bo , Xu Feng , Zhang Xinghua , Yan Dadong , Lu Dan
Published: January 2016

A Pauli master equation method is adopted for the simulation of polymer bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells with vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene copolymer (P(VDF–TrFE)) films as interfacial layers.
Structure and dynamics of the aliphatic cholesterol side chain in membranes as studied by 2H NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Vogel Alexander , Scheidt Holger A. , Baek Dong Jae , Bittman Robert , Huster Daniel
Published: January 2016

The cholesterol side chain has limited structural flexibility due to steric clashes explaining its large contribution to the condensation effect.
Efficient electron-promoted desorption of benzene from water ice surfaces
Authors: Marchione Demian , Thrower John D. , McCoustra Martin R. S.
Published: January 2016

We study the desorption of benzene from solid water surfaces during irradiation of ultrathin solid films with low energy electrons.
First principles thermodynamical modeling of the binodal and spinodal curves in lead chalcogenides
Authors: Usanmaz Demet , Nath Pinku , Plata Jose J. , Hart Gus L. W. , Takeuchi Ichiro , Nardelli Marco Buongiorno , Fornari Marco , Curtarolo Stefano
Published: January 2016

High-throughput ab initio calculations, cluster expansion techniques, and thermodynamic modeling have been synergistically combined to characterize the binodal and the spinodal decompositions features in the pseudo-binary lead chalcogenides PbSe–PbTe, PbS–PbTe, and PbS–PbSe.
Production of renewable fuels by the photohydrogenation of CO2: effect of the Cu species loaded onto TiO2 photocatalysts
Authors: Chen Bo-Ren , Nguyen Van-Huy , Wu Jeffrey C. S. , Martin Reli , Kočí Kamila
Published: January 2016

The efficient gas phase photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 opens a feasible route not only to store H2 by converting it into a renewable fuel, but also to reduce the amount of the greenhouse gas CO2 in the atmosphere.
Aromatic stabilization of functionalized corannulene cations
Authors: Li Jingbai , Rogachev Andrey Yu.
Published: January 2016

Conservation of aromaticity of 6-membered rings along with vanishing anti-aromatic character of central 5-membered ring was found to be the main reason for exceptional stability ofhub-isomer. Functionalization of corannulene moiety atrim- orspoke-site resulted in dramatic elimination of aromaticity of 6-membered rings thus resulting to dramatic reduce of their stability.
Formation of GaP nanocones and micro-mesas by metal-assisted chemical etching
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Oh Jihun
Published: January 2016

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) of a (100) n-type GaP using patterned Pd catalysts in a mixed solution of HF and H2O2 at room temperature is reported for the first time.
Carbon/H-ZSM-5 composites as supports for bi-functional Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalysts
Authors: Valero-Romero M. J. , Sartipi S. , Sun X. , Rodríguez-Mirasol J. , Cordero T. , Kapteijn F. , Gascon J.
Published: January 2016

Deposition of pyrolytic carbon on the surface of mesoHZSM-5 improves the activity, C5–C9 selectivity and decreases CH4selectivity by weakening cobalt-support interaction.
Electrocatalytic reduction of CO2by thiophene-substituted rhenium(i) complexes and by their polymerized films
Authors: Sun Cunfa , Prosperini Simona , Quagliotto Pierluigi , Viscardi Guido , Yoon Sam S. , Gobetto Roberto , Nervi Carlo
Published: January 2016

Three novel Re complexes with thiophene substituted bipyridine ligands were electropolymerized on GCE surface by oxidation. The surface-modified electrodes were tested for electrocatalytic CO2reduction.
Three new phosphates with isolated P2O7units: noncentrosymmetric Cs2Ba3(P2O7)2and centrosymmetric Cs2BaP2O7and LiCsBaP2O7
Authors: Li Lin , Han Shujuan , Lei Bing-Hua , Wang Ying , Li Hongyi , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: January 2016

Three new phosphates, a noncentrosymmetric (NCS) Cs2Ba3(P2O7)2and centrosymmetric (CS) Cs2BaP2O7and LiCsBaP2O7, have been synthesized from high-temperature solutions for the first time.
The bifurcation point of the oxygen reduction reaction on Au–Pd nanoalloys
Authors: Staszak-Jirkovský Jakub , Ahlberg Elisabet , Panas Itai , Schiffrin David J.
Published: January 2016

The oxygen reduction reaction is of major importance in energy conversion and storage. Controlling electrocatalytic activity and its selectivity remains a challenge of modern electrochemistry. Here, first principles calculations and analysis of experimental data unravel the mechanism of this reaction on Au–Pd nanoalloys in acid media. A mechanistic model is proposed from comparison of the electrocatalysis of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide reduction on different Au–Pd ensembles. A H2O production channel on contiguous Pd sites proceeding through intermediates different from H2O2and OOHσadsorbate is identified as the bifurcation point for the two reaction pathway alternatives to yield either H2O or H2O2. H2O2is a leaving group, albeit reduction of H2O2to H2O can occur by electrocatalytic HO–OH dissociation that is affected by the presence of adsorbed OOHσ. Similarities and differences between electrochemical and direct synthesis from H2+ O2reaction on Au–Pd nanoalloys are discussed.
Abelmoschus esculentus fractions potently inhibited the pathogenic targets associated with diabetic renal epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Peng Chiung-Huei , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Wang Chau-Jong , Lin Huei-Ting , Huang Chien-Ning , Ker Yaw-Bee
Published: January 2016

Although Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) is known for anti-hyperglycemia, few reports have addressed its target.
Sea cucumbers with an anti-inflammatory effect on endothelial cells and subcutaneous but not on epicardial adipose tissue
Authors: Mena-Bueno Sara , Atanasova Miroslava , Fernández-Trasancos Ángel , Paradela-Dobarro Beatriz , Bravo Susana B. , Álvarez Ezequiel , Fernández Ángel L. , Carrera Iván , González-Juanatey José R. , Eiras Sonia
Published: January 2016

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) contains higher levels of inflammatory proteins and lower adiponectin levels than subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), enhancing the progression of atherosclerosis.
An inverted dielectrophoretic device for analysis of attached single cell mechanics
Authors: Lownes Urbano Rebecca , Morss Clyne Alisa
Published: January 2016

We present a novel inverted quadrupole dielectrophoretic device capable of measuring stiffness changes in well-attached single cells on a micropatterned polyacrylamide gel substrate.
AFM structural characterization of drinking water biofilm under physiological conditions
Authors: Daniels Stephanie L. , Pressman Jonathan G. , Wahman David G.
Published: January 2016

Insights into the complex morphology of multi-species drinking water biofilm using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Enhancement of the interfacial interaction between poly(vinyl chloride) and zinc oxide modified reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Li Ping , Chen Xudong , Zeng Jian-Bing , Gan Lin , Wang Ming
Published: January 2016

ZnO nanoparticles acted as a ‘bridge’, connecting with PVC chains and rGO sheets, to enhance the interfacial strength between them.
Facile synthesis and high formaldehyde-sensing performance of NiO–SnO2 hybrid nanospheres
Authors: Zhang Guochen , Han Xue , Bian Weiwei , Zhan Jinhua , Ma Xicheng
Published: January 2016

A formaldehyde gas sensor with high sensitivity and superior selectivity has been fabricated successfully with NiO–SnO2 hybrid nanospheres.
Synthesis and characterization of a photosensitive organic–inorganic, hybrid positive resin type material: application to the manufacture of microfluidic devices by laser writing
Authors: Mechref Elias , Jabbour Jihane , Calas-Etienne Sylvie , Amro Kassem , Mehdi Ahmad , Tauk Rabih , Zaouk Doumit , Etienne Pascal
Published: January 2016

A chemically amplified photosensitive organic–inorganic hybrid material based on PAA polymer, TVEB as a crosslinking dissolution inhibitor, a VEPTES pre-hydrolysed as an organic–inorganic material and a PAG photoacid generator was developed.
Remote triggering of thermoresponsive PNIPAM by iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Denmark D. J. , Bradley J. , Mukherjee D. , Alonso J. , Shakespeare S. , Bernal N. , Phan M. H. , Srikanth H. , Witanachchi S. , Mukherjee P.
Published: January 2016

Thermoresponsive PNIPAN can be remotely triggered by embedded iron oxide nanoparticles under an AC field, and the transition temperature can be tuned by changing the ionic concentration.
Nanofibrous rhPDGF-eluting PLGA–collagen hybrid scaffolds enhance healing of diabetic wounds
Authors: Lee Cheng-Hung , Chao Yin-Kai , Chang Shang-Hung , Chen Wei-Jan , Hung Kuo-Chun , Liu Shih-Jung , Juang Jyuhn-Huarng , Chen Yi-Ting , Wang Fu-Shing
Published: January 2016

Patients with chronic, non-healing diabetic ulcers extend hospital stays and increase the financial burden more than non-diabetics.
Estrone removal by horseradish peroxidase immobilized on a nanofibrous support with Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Ran , Yuan Jianmei , Si Yifang , Li Fengting , Zhang Bingru
Published: January 2016

The occurrence, fate, and removal of estrone (E1) from environmental systems have attracted considerable research interests in recent years because of the potential risks of human and wildlife exposure to E1.