bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Learning Curve of Transcutaneous Laryngeal Ultrasound in Vocal Cord Assessment by CUSUM Analysis of Eight Surgical Residents: When to Abandon Laryngoscopy
Authors: Wong Kai‐Pun , Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Lam Shi , AU Kin‐Pan , Chan Diane Toi‐yin , Kotewall Nicholas Clarence
Published: November 2015

Transcutaneous laryngeal ultrasonography (TLUSG) is a promising alternative to laryngoscopy in vocal cords (VCs) assessment which might be challenging in the beginning. However, it remains unclear when an assessor can provide proficient TLUSG enough to abandon direct laryngoscopy. Eight surgical residents (SRs) without prior USG experience were recruited to determine the learning curve. After a standardized training program, SRs would perform 80 consecutive peri‐operative VCs assessment using TLUSG. Performances of SRs were quantitatively evaluated by a composite performance score (lower score representing better performance) which comprised total examination time (in seconds), VCs visualization, and assessment accuracy. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart was then used to evaluate learning curve. Diagnostic accuracy and demographic data between every twentieth TLUSG were compared. 640 TLUSG examinations had been performed by 8 residents. 95.1 % of VCs could be assessed by SRs. The CUSUM curve showed a rising pattern (learning phase) until 7th TLUSG and then flattened. The curve declined continuously after 42nd TLUSG (after reaching a plateau). Rates of assessable VCs were comparable in every twentieth cases performed. It took a longer time to complete TLUSG in 1st–20th than 21st–40th examinations. (45 vs. 32s, p = 0.001). Although statistically not significant, proportion of false‐negative results was higher in 21st–40th (2.5 %) than 1st–20th (0.6 %), 41st–60th (0.7 %), and 61st–80th (0.7 %) TLUSG performed. After a short formal training, surgeons could master skill in TLUSG after seven examination and assess vocal cord function consistently and accurately after 40 TLUSG.
Somato-axodendritic release of oxytocin into the brain due to calcium amplification is essential for social memory
Authors: Higashida Haruhiro
Published: November 2015

Oxytocin (OT) is released into the brain from the cell soma, axons, and dendrites of neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus. Locally released OT can activate OT receptors, form inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and elevate intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) concentrations [(Ca2+)
i
] in self and neighboring neurons in the hypothalamus, resulting in further OT release: i.e., autocrine or paracrine systems of OT-induced OT release. CD38-dependent cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) is also involved in this autoregulation by elevating [Ca2+]
i
via Ca2+ mobilization through ryanodine receptors on intracellular Ca2+ pools that are sensitive to both Ca2+ and cADPR. In addition, it has recently been reported that heat stimulation and hyperthermia enhance [Ca2+]
i
increases by Ca2+ influx, probably through TRPM2 cation channels, suggesting that cADPR and TRPM2 molecules act as Ca2+ signal amplifiers. Thus, OT release is not simply due to depolarization–secretion coupling. Both of these molecules play critical roles not only during labor and milk ejection in reproductive females, but also during social behavior in daily life in both genders. This was clearly demonstrated in CD38 knockout mice in that social behavior was impaired by reduction of [Ca2+]
i
elevation and subsequent OT secretion. Evidence for the associations of CD38 with social behavior and psychiatric disorder is discussed, especially in subjects with autism spectrum disorder.
MgcRacGAP inhibition stimulates JAK‐dependent STAT3 activity
Authors: van Adrichem Arjan J. , Wennerberg Krister
Published: November 2015

Male germ cell Rac GTPase‐activating protein (MgcRacGAP) is a core regulator of cytokinesis. Furthermore, it appears to be involved in human oncogenesis through cytokinesis‐independent mechanisms and has been reported to be essential for nuclear translocation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, including the oncoprotein STAT3. Here we utilized MgcRacGAP inhibitor compound 1 (MINC1), a small molecule inhibitor of MgcRacGAP, to further investigate how MgcRacGAP regulates STAT3. Surprisingly, both MINC1 treatment and small interference RNA (siRNA)‐mediated gene silencing of MgcRacGAP resulted in increased STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3‐driven transcriptional activity in our experimental systems. Finally, we demonstrated that MINC1‐induced STAT3 activation likely is due to increased STAT3 phosphorylation caused by a Rac1‐PAR3‐IL6‐IL6R‐JAK2 mediated autocrine/paracrine mechanism.
Benzodiazepine, psychotropic medication, and dementia: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Shash Dalia , Kurth Tobias , Bertrand Marion , Dufouil Carole , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Berr Claudine , Ritchie Karen , Dartigues Jean‐Francois , Bégaud Bernard , Alpérovitch Annick , Tzourio Christophe
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Benzodiazepine use has been associated with increased risk of dementia. However, it remains unclear whether the risk relates to short or long half‐life benzodiazepines and whether it extends to other psychotropic drugs.

Methods

Prospective cohort study among 8240 individuals ≥65, interviewed on medication use. Incident dementia confirmed by an end point committee after a multistep procedure.

Results

During a mean of 8 years of follow‐up, 830 incident dementia cases were observed. Users of benzodiazepines at baseline had a 10% increased risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.34). However, long half‐life (>20 hours) benzodiazepine users had a marked increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.62; 1.11–2.37) compared with short half‐life users (HR = 1.05; 0.85–1.30). Users of psychotropics had an increased risk of dementia (HR = 1.47; 1.16–1.86).

Discussion

Results of this large, prospective study show increased risk of dementia for long half‐life benzodiazepine and psychotropic use.
Looks good to me: How eye movements influence product evaluation
Authors: Shen Hao , Rao Akshay
Published: November 2015

When processing visually presented information, people move their eyes. This eye movement is governed by the employment of a general motor procedure related to direction. In three studies, we show that when subjects re‐employ this directional motor procedure (that had been employed in a prior or contemporaneous (unrelated) task) when evaluating a product, a perception of fluency ensues, and this perception of fluency is then misattributed to the product under evaluation and enhances evaluations. We demonstrate the effect for intra‐modal (repetition of eye movement) as well as cross‐modal (contemporaneous eye and finger movements) settings.
Daily Physical Activity Is Associated with Subcortical Brain Volume and Cognition in Heart Failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L. , Brickman Adam M. , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Sweet Lawrence H. , Josephson Richard , Griffith Erica Y. , Narkhede Atul , Hughes Joel , Gunstad John
Published: November 2015

Cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF) is believed to in part stem from structural brain alterations, including shrinkage of subcortical regions. Fortunately, neurocognitive dysfunction in HF can be mitigated by physical activity (PA), though mechanisms for this phenomenon are unclear. PA is protective against age-related cognitive decline that may involve improved structural integrity to brain regions sensitive to aging (e.g., subcortical structures). Yet, no study has examined the benefits of PA on the brain in HF and we sought to do so and clarify related cognitive implications. Fifty older adults with HF completed a neuropsychological battery and wore an accelerometer for 7 days. All participants underwent brain MRI. This study targeted subcortical brain volume given subcortical alterations are often observed in HF and the sensitivity of PA to subcortical structures in other patient populations. Participants averaged 4348.49 (SD=2092.08) steps per day and greater daily steps predicted better attention/executive function, episodic memory, and language abilities, p’s<.05. Medical and demographically adjusted regression analyses revealed higher daily steps per day predicted greater subcortical volume, with specific effects for the thalamus and ventral diencephalon, p’s<.05. Greater subcortical volume was associated with better attention/executive function, p<.05. Higher daily PA was associated with increased subcortical brain volume and better cognition in older adults with HF. Longitudinal work is needed to clarify whether daily PA can attenuate brain atrophy in HF to reduce accelerated cognitive decline in this population. (JINS, 2015, 21, 851–860)
Physical Activity Is Positively Associated with Episodic Memory in Aging
Authors: Hayes Scott M. , Alosco Michael L. , Hayes Jasmeet P. , Cadden Margaret , Peterson Kristina M. , Allsup Kelly , Forman Daniel E. , Sperling Reisa A. , Verfaellie Mieke
Published: November 2015

Aging is associated with performance reductions in executive function and episodic memory, although there is substantial individual variability in cognition among older adults. One factor that may be positively associated with cognition in aging is physical activity. To date, few studies have objectively assessed physical activity in young and older adults, and examined whether physical activity is differentially associated with cognition in aging. Young (n=29, age 18–31 years) and older adults (n=31, ages 55–82 years) completed standardized neuropsychological testing to assess executive function and episodic memory capacities. An experimental face-name relational memory task was administered to augment assessment of episodic memory. Physical activity (total step count and step rate) was objectively assessed using an accelerometer, and hierarchical regressions were used to evaluate relationships between cognition and physical activity. Older adults performed more poorly on tasks of executive function and episodic memory. Physical activity was positively associated with a composite measure of visual episodic memory and face-name memory accuracy in older adults. Physical activity associations with cognition were independent of sedentary behavior, which was negatively correlated with memory performance. Physical activity was not associated with cognitive performance in younger adults. Physical activity is positively associated with episodic memory performance in aging. The relationship appears to be strongest for face-name relational memory and visual episodic memory, likely attributable to the fact that these tasks make strong demands on the hippocampus. The results suggest that physical activity relates to cognition in older, but not younger adults. (JINS, 2015, 21, 780–790)
Prefrontal and Hippocampal Brain Volume Deficits: Role of Low Physical Activity on Brain Plasticity in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: McEwen Sarah C. , Hardy Anthony , Ellingson Benjamin M. , Jarrahi Behnaz , Sandhu Navjot , Subotnik Kenneth L. , Ventura Joseph , Nuechterlein Keith H.
Published: November 2015

Our objective in the present study was to conduct the first empirical study of the effects of regular physical activity habits and their relationship with brain volume and cortical thickness in patients in the early phase of schizophrenia. Relationships between larger brain volumes and higher physical activity levels have been reported in samples of healthy and aging populations, but have never been explored in first-episode schizophrenia patients. Method: We collected MRI structural scans in 14 first-episode schizophrenia patients with either self-reported low or high physical activity levels. We found a reduction in total gray matter volume, prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampal gray matter volumes in the low physical activity group compared to the high activity group. Cortical thickness in the dorsolateral and orbitofrontal PFC were also significantly reduced in the low physical activity group compared to the high activity group. In the combined sample, greater overall physical activity levels showed a non-significant tendency with better performance on tests of verbal memory and social cognition. Together these pilot study findings suggest that greater amounts of physical activity may have a positive influence on brain health and cognition in first-episode schizophrenia patients and support the implementation of physical exercise interventions in this patient population to improve brain plasticity and cognitive functioning. (JINS, 2015, 21, 868–879)
Influence of Physical Activity on Human Sensory Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Smallwood Nicola , Spriggs Meg J. , Thompson Christopher S. , Wu Carolyn C. , Hamm Jeff P. , Moreau David , Kirk Ian J.
Published: November 2015

A growing body of literature has explored the influence of physical activity on brain structure and function. While the mechanisms of this relationship remain largely speculative, recent research suggests that one of the effects of physical exercise is an increase in synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). This has not yet been explored directly in humans due to the difficulty of measuring LTP non-invasively. However, we have previously established that LTP-like changes in visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) can be measured in humans. Here, we investigated whether physical fitness status affects the degree of visual sensory LTP. Using a self-report measure of physical activity, participants were split into two groups: a high-activity group, and a low-activity group. LTP was measured and compared between the two groups using the previously established electroencephalography-LTP paradigm, which assesses the degree to which the N1b component of the VEP elicited by a sine grating is potentiated (enhanced) following a rapid “tetanic” presentation of that grating. Both groups demonstrated increased negativity in the amplitude of the N1b component of the VEP immediately after presentation of the visual “tetanus,” indicating potentiation. However, after a 30-min rest period, the N1b for the high-activity group remained potentiated while the N1b for the low-activity group returned to baseline. This study presents the first evidence for the impact of self-reported levels of physical activity on LTP in humans, and sheds light on potential neurological mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical fitness and cognition. (JINS, 2015, 21, 831–840)
Role of necroptosis in the pathogenesis of solid organ injury
Authors: Zhao H , Jaffer T , Eguchi S , Wang Z , Linkermann A , Ma D
Published: November 2015

Necroptosis is a type of regulated cell death dependent on the activity of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein (RIP) kinases. However, unlike apoptosis, it is caspase independent. Increasing evidence has implicated necroptosis in the pathogenesis of disease, including ischemic injury, neurodegeneration, viral infection and many others. Key players of the necroptosis signalling pathway are now widely recognized as therapeutic targets. Necrostatins may be developed as potent inhibitors of necroptosis, targeting the activity of RIPK1. Necrostatin-1, the first generation of necrostatins, has been shown to confer potent protective effects in different animal models. This review will summarize novel insights into the involvement of necroptosis in specific injury of different organs, and the therapeutic platform that it provides for treatment.
Blue light-induced retinal lesions, intraretinal vascular leakage and edema formation in the all-cone mouse retina
Authors: Geiger P , Barben M , Grimm C , Samardzija M
Published: November 2015

Little is known about the mechanisms underlying macular degenerations, mainly for the scarcity of adequate experimental models to investigate cone cell death. Recently, we generated R91W;Nrl−/− double-mutant mice, which display a well-ordered all-cone retina with normal retinal vasculature and a strong photopic function that generates useful vision. Here we exposed R91W;Nrl−/− and wild-type (wt) mice to toxic levels of blue light and analyzed their retinas at different time points post illumination (up to 10 days). While exposure of wt mice resulted in massive pyknosis in a focal region of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), the exposure of R91W;Nrl−/− mice led to additional cell death detected within the inner nuclear layer. Microglia/macrophage infiltration at the site of injury was more pronounced in the all-cone retina of R91W;Nrl−/− than in wt mice. Similarly, vascular leakage was abundant in the inner and outer retina in R91W;Nrl−/− mice, whereas it was mild and restricted to the subretinal space in wt mice. This was accompanied by retinal swelling and the appearance of cystoid spaces in both inner and ONLs of R91W;Nrl−/− mice indicating edema in affected areas. In addition, basal expression levels of tight junction protein-1 encoding ZO1 were lower in R91W;Nrl−/− than in wt retinas. Collectively, our data suggest that exposure of R91W;Nrl−/− mice to blue light not only induces cone cell death but also disrupts the inner blood–retinal barrier. Macular edema in humans is a result of diffuse capillary leakage and microaneurysms in the macular region. Blue light exposure of the R91W;Nrl−/− mouse could therefore be used to study molecular events preceding edema formation in a cone-rich environment, and thus potentially help to develop treatment strategies for edema-based complications in macular degenerations.
Combining Spinach-tagged RNA and gene localization to image gene expression in live yeast
Authors: Guet David , Burns Laura T. , Maji Suman , Boulanger Jérôme , Hersen Pascal , Wente Susan R. , Salamero Jean , Dargemont Catherine
Published: November 2015

Although many factors required for the formation of export-competent mRNPs have been described, an integrative view of the spatiotemporal coordinated cascade leading mRNPs from their site of transcription to their site of nuclear exit, at a single cell level, is still partially missing due to technological limitations. Here we report that the RNA Spinach aptamer is a powerful tool for mRNA imaging in live S. cerevisiae with high spatial-temporal resolution and no perturbation of the mRNA biogenesis properties. Dedicated image processing workflows are developed to allow detection of very low abundance of transcripts, accurate quantitative dynamic studies, as well as to provide a localization precision close to 100 nm at consistent time scales. Combining these approaches has provided a state-of-the-art analysis of the osmotic shock response in live yeast by localizing induced transcription factors, target gene loci and corresponding transcripts.
Topology-generating interfacial pattern formation during liquid metal dealloying
Authors: Geslin Pierre-Antoine , McCue Ian , Gaskey Bernard , Erlebacher Jonah , Karma Alain
Published: November 2015

Liquid metal dealloying has emerged as a novel technique to produce topologically complex nanoporous and nanocomposite structures with ultra-high interfacial area and other unique properties relevant for diverse material applications. This process is empirically known to require the selective dissolution of one element of a multicomponent solid alloy into a liquid metal to obtain desirable structures. However, how structures form is not known. Here we demonstrate, using mesoscale phase-field modelling and experiments, that nano/microstructural pattern formation during dealloying results from the interplay of (i) interfacial spinodal decomposition, forming compositional domain structures enriched in the immiscible element, and (ii) diffusion-coupled growth of the enriched solid phase and the liquid phase into the alloy. We highlight how those two basic mechanisms interact to yield a rich variety of topologically disconnected and connected structures. Moreover, we deduce scaling laws governing microstructural length scales and dealloying kinetics.
Correction: Corrigendum: De novo Assembly and Characterization of the Testis Transcriptome and Development of EST-SSR Markers in the Cockroach Periplaneta americana
Authors: Chen Wan , Liu Yu-Xiang , Jiang Guo-Fang
Published: November 2015

The cockroach Periplaneta americana is a notorious pest and threat to health worldwide, with a high reproductive ability. However, a limited amount of data is available on the developmental stage-specific transcriptomes of P. americana. To identify genes involved in developmental processes and to develop additional SSR markers in P. americana, we carried out de novo assembly of the P. americana transcriptome using Illumina sequencing. After removing low-quality sequences, we obtained 64,954,709 contigs, which were further assembled into 125,390 unigenes with an average length of 711 bp. Based on similarity searches against known proteins, we identified 48,300 unigenes based on a cut-off E-value of 10−5. The assembled sequences were annotated according to gene descriptions, gene ontology and clusters of orthologous groups. A total of 14,195 potential SSRs were identified, and 41 of 63 randomly chosen primer pairs successfully amplified the predicted SSR markers, seven of which were polymorphic in size in P. americana. Furthermore, the Spag6 gene was confirmed to be testes specific, and the fru and RPSA genes were related to the development of the testis. This is the special report of a P. americana transcriptome obtained using Illumina sequencing technology, and a large number of molecular markers were developed.
Size Dependent Plasmonic Effect on BiVO4 Photoanodes for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Liwu , Herrmann Lars O. , Baumberg Jeremy J.
Published: November 2015

Plasmonic nanostructures show great promise in enhancing the solar water splitting efficiency due to their ability to confine light to extremely small volumes inside semiconductors. While size plays a critical role in the plasmonic performance of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), its influence on plasmon-assisted water splitting is still not fully understood. This holds especially true for low band gap semiconductors, for which interband excitations occur in wavelength regions that overlap with plasmonic resonances. Here, BiVO4 films are modified with AuNPs of diameters varying from 10 to 80 nm to study the size dependence of the plasmonic effect. Plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET) is found to be the dominant effect in enhancing the water splitting efficiency of BiVO4. “Hot electron” injection effect is weak in the case of BiVO4/AuNP. This is attributed to the interband excitation of BiVO4, which is unfavourable for the hot electrons accumulation in BiVO4 conduction band. The resonant scattering effect also contributes to the enhanced water splitting efficiency for the larger diameter AuNPs. It is also for the first time found that higher PRET effect can be achieved at larger off-normal irradiation angle.
Significant contribution of stacking faults to the strain hardening behavior of Cu-15%Al alloy with different grain sizes
Authors: Tian Y. Z. , Zhao L. J. , Chen S. , Shibata A. , Zhang Z. F. , Tsuji N.
Published: November 2015

It is commonly accepted that twinning can induce an increase of strain-hardening rate during the tensile process of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals and alloys with low stacking fault energy (SFE). In this study, we explored the grain size effect on the strain-hardening behavior of a Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with low SFE. Instead of twinning, we detected a significant contribution of stacking faults (SFs) irrespective of the grain size even in the initial stage of tensile process. In contrast, twinning was more sensitive to the grain size and the onset of deformation twins might be postponed to a higher strain with increasing the grain size. In the Cu-15 at.%Al alloy with a mean grain size of 47 μm, there was a stage where the strain-hardening rate increases with strain and this was mainly induced by the SFs instead of twinning. Thus in parallel with the TWIP effect, we proposed that SFs also contribute significantly to the plasticity of FCC alloys with low SFE.
Linker histone H1.2 establishes chromatin compaction and gene silencing through recognition of H3K27me3
Authors: Kim Jin-Man , Kim Kyunghwan , Punj Vasu , Liang Gangning , Ulmer Tobias S. , Lu Wange , An Woojin
Published: November 2015

Linker histone H1 is a protein component of chromatin and has been linked to higher-order chromatin compaction and global gene silencing. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that H1 plays a gene-specific role, regulating a relatively small number of genes. Here we show that H1.2, one of the H1 subtypes, is overexpressed in cancer cells and contributes to gene silencing. H1.2 gets recruited to distinct chromatin regions in a manner dependent on EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 and inhibits transcription of multiple growth suppressive genes via modulation of chromatin architecture. The C-terminal tail of H1.2 is critical for the observed effects, because mutations of three H1.2-specific amino acids in this domain abrogate the ability of H1.2 to bind H3K27me3 nucleosomes and inactivate target genes. Collectively, these results provide a molecular explanation for H1.2 functions in the regulation of chromatin folding and indicate that H3K27me3 is a key mechanism governing the recruitment and activity of H1.2 at target loci.
Internal-Modified Dithiol DNA–Directed Au Nanoassemblies: Geometrically Controlled Self–Assembly and Quantitative Surface–Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties
Authors: Yan Yuan , Shan Hangyong , Li Min , Chen Shu , Liu Jianyu , Cheng Yanfang , Ye Cui , Yang Zhilin , Lai Xuandi , Hu Jianqiang
Published: November 2015

In this work, a hierarchical DNA–directed self–assembly strategy to construct structure–controlled Au nanoassemblies (NAs) has been demonstrated by conjugating Au nanoparticles (NPs) with internal–modified dithiol single-strand DNA (ssDNA) (Au–B–A or A–B–Au–B–A). It is found that the dithiol–ssDNA–modified Au NPs and molecule quantity of thiol–modified ssDNA grafted to Au NPs play critical roles in the assembly of geometrically controlled Au NAs. Through matching Au–DNA self–assembly units, geometrical structures of the Au NAs can be tailored from one–dimensional (1D) to quasi–2D and 2D. Au–B–A conjugates readily give 1D and quasi–2D Au NAs while 2D Au NAs can be formed by A–B–Au–B–A building blocks. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements and 3D finite–difference time domain (3D-FDTD) calculation results indicate that the geometrically controllable Au NAs have regular and linearly “hot spots”–number–depended SERS properties. For a certain number of NPs, the number of “hot spots” and accordingly enhancement factor of Au NAs can be quantitatively evaluated, which open a new avenue for quantitative analysis based on SERS technique.
U-shaped relationship between current and pitch in helicene molecules
Authors: Guo Yan-Dong , Yan Xiao-Hong , Xiao Yang , Liu Chun-Sheng
Published: November 2015

The helicene is constructed by twisted benzene or other aromatic rings, exhibiting a helical structure. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the electronic transport of helicenes under stretching or compressing. Interestingly, a U-shaped curve of the current against d (the pitch of a helicene) is observed. Further analysis shows that, it is the result of the nonmonotonic change of HOMO-LUMO gap with d. The change of overlap between orbitals induced by conformational deformation is found to be the underlying mechanism. Moreover, the U-curve phenomenon is an intrinsic feature of the helicene molecules, being robust to the electrode materials or doping. This U-curve behavior is expected to be extended to helical graphene or other related structures, showing great application potential.
CpG island erosion, polycomb occupancy and sequence motif enrichment at bivalent promoters in mammalian embryonic stem cells
Authors: Mantsoki Anna , Devailly Guillaume , Joshi Anagha
Published: November 2015

In embryonic stem (ES) cells, developmental regulators have a characteristic bivalent chromatin signature marked by simultaneous presence of both activation (H3K4me3) and repression (H3K27me3) signals and are thought to be in a ‘poised’ state for subsequent activation or silencing during differentiation. We collected eleven pairs (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) of ChIP sequencing datasets in human ES cells and eight pairs in murine ES cells and predicted high-confidence (HC) bivalent promoters. Over 85% of H3K27me3 marked promoters were bivalent in human and mouse ES cells. We found that (i) HC bivalent promoters were enriched for developmental factors and were highly likely to be differentially expressed upon transcription factor perturbation; (ii) murine HC bivalent promoters were occupied by both polycomb repressive component classes (PRC1 and PRC2) and grouped into four distinct clusters with different biological functions; (iii) HC bivalent and active promoters were CpG rich while H3K27me3-only promoters lacked CpG islands. Binding enrichment of distinct sets of regulators distinguished bivalent from active promoters. Moreover, a ‘TCCCC’ sequence motif was specifically enriched in bivalent promoters. Finally, this analysis will serve as a resource for future studies to further understand transcriptional regulation during embryonic development.
Anti-inflammatory activity of low molecular weight polysialic acid on human macrophages
Authors: Shahraz Anahita , Kopatz Jens , Mathy Rene , Kappler Joachim , Winter Dominic , Kapoor Shoba , Schütza Vlad , Scheper Thomas , Gieselmann Volkmar , Neumann Harald
Published: November 2015

Oligosialic and polysialic acid (oligoSia and polySia) of the glycocalyx of neural and immune cells are linear chains, in which the sialic acid monomers are α2.8-glycosidically linked. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin-11 (SIGLEC-11) is a primate-lineage specific receptor of human tissue macrophages and microglia that binds to α2.8-linked oligoSia. Here, we show that soluble low molecular weight polySia with an average degree of polymerization 20 (avDP20) interacts with SIGLEC-11 and acts anti-inflammatory on human THP1 macrophages involving the SIGLEC-11 receptor. Soluble polySia avDP20 inhibited the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced gene transcription and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily Member 2, TNFSF2). In addition, polySia avDP20 neutralized the LPS-triggered increase in macrophage phagocytosis, but did not affect basal phagocytosis or endocytosis. Moreover, polySia avDP20 prevented the oxidative burst of human macrophages triggered by neural debris or fibrillary amyloid-β1–42. In a human macrophage-neuron co-culture system, polySia avDP20 also reduced loss of neurites triggered by fibrillary amyloid-β1–42. Thus, treatment with polySia avDP20 might be a new anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy that also prevents the oxidative burst of macrophages.
Mutant cohesin affects RNA polymerase II regulation in Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Mannini Linda , C. Lamaze Fabien , Cucco Francesco , Amato Clelia , Quarantotti Valentina , Rizzo Ilaria M , Krantz Ian D , Bilodeau Steve , Musio Antonio
Published: November 2015

In addition to its role in sister chromatid cohesion, genome stability and integrity, the cohesin complex is involved in gene transcription. Mutations in core cohesin subunits SMC1A, SMC3 and RAD21, or their regulators NIPBL and HDAC8, cause Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). Recent evidence reveals that gene expression dysregulation could be the underlying mechanism for CdLS. These findings raise intriguing questions regarding the potential role of cohesin-mediated transcriptional control and pathogenesis. Here, we identified numerous dysregulated genes occupied by cohesin by combining the transcriptome of CdLS cell lines carrying mutations in SMC1A gene and ChIP-Seq data. Genome-wide analyses show that genes changing in expression are enriched for cohesin-binding. In addition, our results indicate that mutant cohesin impairs both RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation at promoters and elongation in the gene body. These findings highlight the pivotal role of cohesin in transcriptional regulation and provide an explanation for the typical gene dysregulation observed in CdLS patients.
On the Stability and Abundance of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Hedman Daniel , Reza Barzegar Hamid , Rosén Arne , Wågberg Thomas , Andreas Larsson J.
Published: November 2015

Many nanotechnological applications, using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), are only possible with a uniform product. Thus, direct control over the product during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of SWNT is desirable and much effort has been made towards the ultimate goal of chirality-controlled growth of SWNTs. We have used density functional theory (DFT) to compute the stability of SWNT fragments of all chiralities in the series representing the targeted products for such applications, which we compare to the chiralities of the actual CVD products from all properly analyzed experiments. From this comparison we find that in 84% of the cases the experimental product represents chiralities among the most stable SWNT fragments (within 0.2 eV) from the computations. Our analysis shows that the diameter of the SWNT product is governed by the well-known relation to size of the catalytic nanoparticles and the specific chirality is normally determined by the product’s relative stability, suggesting thermodynamic control at the early stage of product formation. Based on our findings, we discuss the effect of other experimental parameters on the chirality of the product. Furthermore, we highlight the possibility to produce any tube chirality in the context of recent published work on seeded-controlled growth.
Undernourishment in utero Primes Hepatic Steatosis in Adult Mice Offspring on an Obesogenic Diet; Involvement of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Muramatsu-Kato Keiko , Itoh Hiroaki , Kohmura-Kobayashi Yukiko , Ferdous Urmi J. , Tamura Naoaki , Yaguchi Chizuko , Uchida Toshiyuki , Suzuki Kazunao , Hashimoto Koshi , Suganami Takayoshi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: November 2015

In order to investigate the possible involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the developmental origins of hepatic steatosis associated with undernourishment in utero, we herein employed a fetal undernourishment mouse model by maternal caloric restriction in three cohorts; cohort 1) assessment of hepatic steatosis and the ER stress response at 9 weeks of age (wks) before a high fat diet (HFD), cohort 2) assessment of hepatic steatosis and the ER stress response on a HFD at 17 wks, cohort 3) assessment of hepatic steatosis and the ER stress response at 22 wks on a HFD after the alleviation of ER stress with a chemical chaperone, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), from 17 wks to 22 wks. Undernourishment in utero significantly deteriorated hepatic steatosis and led to the significant integration of the ER stress response on a HFD at 17 wks. The alleviation of ER stress by the TUDCA treatment significantly improved the parameters of hepatic steatosis in pups with undernourishment in utero, but not in those with normal nourishment in utero at 22 wks. These results suggest the pivotal involvement of the integration of ER stress in the developmental origins of hepatic steatosis in association with undernourishment in utero.
Robust Photocatalytic H2O2 Production by Octahedral Cd3(C3N3S3)2 Coordination Polymer under Visible Light
Authors: Zhuang Huaqiang , Yang Lifang , Xu Jie , Li Fuying , Zhang Zizhong , Lin Huaxiang , Long Jinlin , Wang Xuxu
Published: November 2015

Herein, we reported a octahedral Cd3(C3N3S3)2 coordination polymer as a new noble metal-free photocatalyst for robust photocatalytic H2O2 production from methanol/water solution. The coordination polymer can give an unprecedented H2O2 yield of ca. 110.0 mmol • L−1 • g−1 at pH = 2.8 under visible light illumination. The characterization results clearly revealed that the photocatalytic H2O2 production proceeds by a pathway of two-electron reduction of O2 on the catalyst surface. This work showed the potential perspective of Mx(C3N3S3)y (M = transitional metals) coordination polymers as a series of new materials for solar energy storage and conversion.
Arrays of coupled chemical oscillators
Authors: Forrester Derek Michael
Published: November 2015

Oscillating chemical reactions result from complex periodic changes in the concentration of the reactants. In spatially ordered ensembles of candle flame oscillators the fluctuations in the ratio of oxygen atoms with respect to that of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen produces an oscillation in the visible part of the flame related to the energy released per unit mass of oxygen. Thus, the products of the reaction vary in concentration as a function of time, giving rise to an oscillation in the amount of soot and radiative emission. Synchronisation of interacting dynamical sub-systems occurs as arrays of flames that act as master and slave oscillators, with groups of candles numbering greater than two, creating a synchronised motion in three-dimensions. In a ring of candles the visible parts of each flame move together, up and down and back and forth, in a manner that appears like a “worship”. Here this effect is shown for rings of flames which collectively empower a central flame to pulse to greater heights. In contrast, situations where the central flames are suppressed are also found. The phenomena leads to in-phase synchronised states emerging between periods of anti-phase synchronisation for arrays with different columnar sizes of candle and positioning.
Ultrabroadband, More than One Order Absorption Enhancement in Graphene with Plasmonic Light Trapping
Authors: Xiong Feng , Zhang Jianfa , Zhu Zhihong , Yuan Xiaodong , Qin Shiqiao
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an comprehensive study of light trapping and absorption enhancement in graphene through metallic plasmonic structures and shows a strategy to realize both ultrabroadband and strong absorption enhancement. Three different plasmonic absorber designs are investigated by numerical simulations. The excitation of localized plasmons in the metallic structures significantly enhances the interactions between graphene and light at the resonances. By employing a splitted cross design for plasmonic resonant antennas and integrating two types of sub-antennas with different sizes, more than 30% of optical absorption in monolayer graphene is realized in a ultrabroad spectral range from 780 to 1760 nm. This enhancement functionality can be translated to any wavelength band from ultraviolet to terahertz ranges by modifying the geometric design of the plasmonic structure and can be applied for other two dimensional materials and their heterogeneous structures. It may significantly improve the efficiency of optical devices such as broadband photodetectors and solar cells based on graphene and other two-dimensional materials.
Application of the ultrafiltration-based LC-MS approach for screening PTP1B inhibitors from Chinese red yeast rice
Authors: Jin Yan , Cheng Xueheng , Jiang Faqin , Guo Zheng , Xie Jin , Fu Lei
Published: November 2015

Ultrafiltration-based affinity selection mass spectrometry was utilized to rapidly screen potential PTP1B inhibitors in Chinese red yeast rice.
Sample preparation for cadmium quantification in sunflower (Heliánthus ánnuus) seeds using anodic stripping voltammetry
Authors: Zubakina Ekaterina A. , Solovyev Nikolay D. , Savinkova Elena S. , Slesar' Nina I.
Published: November 2015

The performance of acid extraction, dry ashing, and microwave digestion was evaluated for voltammetric cadmium quantification in oil crops with sunflower (Heliánthus ánnuus) seeds as an example.
Application of a fluorescently labeled trans-acting antigenomic HDV ribozyme to monitor antibiotic–RNA interactions
Authors: Kasprowicz Aleksandra , Kempińska Aleksandra , Smólska Barbara , Wrzesiński Jan , Ciesiołka Jerzy
Published: November 2015

In order to determine if a fluorescently labeled trans-acting antigenomic HDV ribozyme can be used to monitor antibiotic–RNA interactions, several parameters that can influence assay sensitivity and reproducibility were tested and optimized.
Photochemical H2 evolution from water catalyzed by a dichloro(diphenylbipyridine)platinum(ii) derivative tethered to multiple viologen acceptors
Authors: Kitamoto Kyoji , Sakai Ken
Published: November 2015

Enhanced hydrogen evolution from water photocatalyzed by a dichloro(diphenylbipyridine)platinum(ii) derivative tethered to multiple viologen acceptors is reported.
A signal-on split aptasensor for highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor cells based on FRET
Authors: Yuan Baoyin , Zhou Yu , Guo Qiuping , Wang Kemin , Yang Xiaohai , Meng Xiangxian , Wan Jun , Tan Yuyu , Huang Zhixiang , Xie Qin , Zhao Xiayu
Published: November 2015

The split aptasensor for highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor cells based on FRET.
The magnetocaloric effect with critical behavior of a periodic Anderson-like organic polymer
Authors: Ding L. J. , Zhong Y. , Fan S. W. , Zhu L. Y.
Published: November 2015

The magnetic entropy change (−ΔS) shows a double-peak structure, indicating a double magnetic cooling process via demagnetization.
Correction: Acid-catalyzed carboxylic acid esterification and ester hydrolysis mechanism: acylium ion as a sharing active intermediate via a spontaneous trimolecular reaction based on density functional theory calculation and supported by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Hongchang , Wang Yilei , Hua Ruimao
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘Acid-catalyzed carboxylic acid esterification and ester hydrolysis mechanism: acylium ion as a sharing active intermediate via a spontaneous trimolecular reaction based on density functional theory calculation and supported by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry’ by Hongchang Shi et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cp02914g.
The promoting influence of nickel species in the controllable synthesis and catalytic properties of nickel–ceria catalysts
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Wenzhi , Tang Ke , Guo Jinxin , Ren Yuqing , Wang Shuping , Feng Lijun , Yang Yanzhao
Published: November 2015

The nickel species in the nickel–ceria samples were confirmed to have multi effects in the morphology and the structure formation.
Influence of nickel content on structural and surface properties, reducibility and catalytic behavior of mesoporous γ-alumina-supported Ni–Mg oxides for pre-reforming of liquefied petroleum gas
Authors: Tan Mingwu , Wang Xueguang , Hu Yong , Shang Xingfu , Zhang Li , Zou Xiujing , Ding Weizhong , Lu Xionggang
Published: November 2015

Influence of nickel content on the structural and surface properties, reducibility and catalytic properties of Ni–MgO/γ-Al2O3 for pre-reforming of LPG.
How TiO2facets determine arsenic adsorption and photooxidation: spectroscopic and DFT studies
Authors: Yan Li , Du Jingjing , Jing Chuanyong
Published: November 2015

TiO2{001} facets with strong Lewis acid sites exhibit high adsorption affinity to O2to generate O2˙−and then oxidize adsorbed As(iii).
Catalysts based on TiO2 anchored with MoO3 or SO42− for conversion of cellulose into chemicals
Authors: de Almeida R. M. , de Albuquerque N. J. A. , Souza F. T. C. , Meneghetti S. M. P.
Published: November 2015

Biomass is composed of a high percentage of cellulosic material, with great potential for transformation into chemical reagents, and thus it is of interest to the chemical, food, medical and fuel industries.
Expanding the family of heterobimetallic Bi–Rh paddlewheel carboxylate complexes via equatorial carboxylate exchange
Authors: Sunderland Travis L. , Berry John F.
Published: November 2015

The first examples of equatorial ligand exchange on a heterobimetallic BiRh-core were achieved, resulting in five novel paddlewheel carboxylate complexes.
Artificial hemes for DSSC and/or BHJ applications
Authors: Ladomenou Kalliopi , Nikolaou Vasilis , Charalambidis Georgios , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: November 2015

In this review paper a summary of our studies is presented concerning the power conversion efficiency of DSSC and BHJ based on porphyrin hybrid materials.
Luminescent bioactive NHC–metal complexes to bring light into cells
Authors: Hemmert Catherine , Gornitzka Heinz
Published: November 2015

This review provides an overview of the state of the art in the field of theranostic anticancer luminescent organometallic complexes.
Bis-(benzothiazol-2-yl)-amines and their metal amides: a structural comparison in the solid state
Authors: Dauer David-R. , Flügge Melchior , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Stalke Dietmar
Published: November 2015

A series of functionalised bis-(benzothiazol-2-yl)-amine ligands and the related dimethylaluminium amides were synthesised and characterised. The solid state structural comparison reveals various coordination motifs, specific folding parameters and hydrogen bonding patterns in detail and guide the way to future Janus head ligand design.
Interconnected highly graphitic carbon nanosheets derived from wheat stalk as high performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Xiangyang , Chen Feng , Bai Tao , Long Bo , Liao Qunchao , Ren Yongpeng , Yang Juan
Published: November 2015

Interconnected highly graphitic carbon nanosheets derived from wheat stalk have been successfully synthesized via a combined hydrothermal and graphitization process.
Current trends: a perspective from 30 years of Atomic Spectrometry Updates
Authors: Butler Owen T. , Clough Robert , Cook Jennifer M. , Evans E. Hywel , Fisher Andy S. , Hill Steve J. , Taylor Andrew , West Margaret
Published: November 2015

An overview of the topics covered by, and the importance of, Atomic Spectrometry Updates.
Efficient synthesis of novel disubstituted pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazines for the design of protein kinase inhibitors
Authors: Antoine Maud , Schuster Tilmann , Seipelt Irene , Aicher Babette , Teifel Michael , Günther Eckhard , Gerlach Matthias , Marchand Pascal
Published: November 2015

Urea and aniline derivatives were active at low micromomolar IC50 values against a panel of seven cancer-related protein kinases.
Highly sensitive self-complementary DNA nanoswitches triggered by polyelectrolytes
Authors: Wu Jincai , Yu Feng , Zhang Zheng , Chen Yong , Du Jie , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: November 2015

A cationic comb-type copolymer (CCC) accelerates dimerization of self-complementary stem–loop DNA. Further, an anionic polymer dissociates CCC from the duplex, and then single stem–loop DNA spontaneously transforms from its dimer. Thus we can easily control the dimer and stem–loop DNA by switching on/off CCC activity.
An overview on emerging photoelectrochemical self-powered ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Zhou Jinyuan , Chen Lulu , Wang Youqing , He Yongmin , Pan Xiaojun , Xie Erqing
Published: November 2015

In recent years, as a new member of ultraviolet photodetectors (UV-PDs), photoelectrochemical UV-PDs (PEC UV-PDs) have received great attention.
Depositing CdS nanoclusters on carbon-modified NaYF4:Yb,Tm upconversion nanocrystals for NIR-light enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Tou Meijie , Mei Yuanyuan , Bai Song , Luo Zhenguo , Zhang Yong , Li Zhengquan
Published: November 2015

High-quality upconversion nanocrystals were coated with carbon shells for CdS deposition, showing NIR-light enhanced photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis of ionic liquid-modified BiPO4 microspheres with hierarchical flower-like architectures and enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lv Hua , Guang Jing , Liu Yumin , Tang Haibo , Zhang Peng , Lu Yan , Wang Jianji
Published: November 2015

Ionic liquid modified onto the surface of BiPO4 can trap photoexcited electrons and enhance the separation of electron–hole pairs.
An electrospun lignin/polyacrylonitrile nonwoven composite separator with high porosity and thermal stability for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Man , Wang Jing , Chong Chuanbin , Yu Xuewen , Wang Lili , Shi Zhiqiang
Published: November 2015

In this work, lignin/polyacrylonitrile composite fiber-based nonwoven membranes (L–PANs) were prepared by electrospinning with dispersing different amounts of lignin in the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions.