bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penfluridol suppresses pancreatic tumor growth by autophagy-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: May 2016

Pancreatic tumors exhibit enhanced autophagy as compared to any other cancer, making it resistant to chemotherapy. We evaluated the effect of penfluridol against pancreatic cancer. Penfluridol treatment induced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of Panc-1, BxPC-3 and AsPC-1, pancreatic cancer cells with IC50 ranging between 6–7 μM after 24 h of treatment. Significant autophagy was induced by penfluridol treatment in pancreatic cancer cells. Punctate LC3B and autophagosomes staining confirmed autophagy. Inhibiting autophagy by chloroquine, bafilomycin, 3-methyladenine or LC3BsiRNA, significantly blocked penfluridol-induced apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy lead to apoptosis in our model. Penfluridol treatment suppressed the growth of BxPC-3 tumor xenografts by 48% as compared to 17% when treated in combination with chloroquine. Similarly, penfluridol suppressed the growth of AsPC-1 tumors by 40% versus 16% when given in combination with chloroquine. TUNEL staining and caspase-3 cleavage revealed less apoptosis in the tumors from mice treated with penfluridol and chloroquine as compared to penfluridol alone. Penfluridol treatment also suppressed the growth of orthotopically implanted Panc-1 tumors by 80% by inducing autophagy-mediated apoptosis in the tumors. These studies established that penfluridol inhibits pancreatic tumor growth by autophagy-mediated apoptosis. Since penfluridol is already in clinic, positive findings from our study will accelerate its clinical development.
An intein-mediated modulation of protein stability system and its application to study human cytomegalovirus essential gene function
Authors: Pan Deng , Xuan Baoqin , Sun Yamei , Huang Shaowu , Xie Maorong , Bai Yadan , Xu Wenjia , Qian Zhikang
Published: May 2016

Functional analysis of the essential proteins encoded by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is hindered by the lack of complementing systems. To overcome this difficulty, we have established a novel approach, termed the intein-mediated modulation of protein stability (imPS), in which a destabilizing domain and part of a split intein are fused to the essential protein. The growth of the mutant virus can then be regulated by the degradation and splicing of the protein. We found that an ultrafast gp41-1 split intein was able to rescue or degrade the protein of interest (POI) by removing or adding a strong degron through protein splicing. As a result, the function of the POI was turned on or off during the process. Using HCMV essential gene IE1/IE2, we confirmed that imPS worked remarkably well in conditionally regulating protein stability during viral infection. This conditional approach is likely to be applicable for dissecting the gene functions of HCMV or other viruses.
Quantum Critical Behavior in a Concentrated Ternary Solid Solution
Authors: Sales Brian C. , Jin Ke , Bei Hongbin , Stocks G. Malcolm , Samolyuk German D. , May Andrew F. , McGuire Michael A.
Published: May 2016

The face centered cubic (fcc) alloy NiCoCrx with x ≈ 1 is found to be close to the Cr concentration where the ferromagnetic transition temperature, Tc, goes to 0. Near this composition these alloys exhibit a resistivity linear in temperature to 2 K, a linear magnetoresistance, an excess –TlnT (or power law) contribution to the low temperature heat capacity and excess low temperature entropy. All of the low temperature electrical, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the alloys with compositions near x ≈ 1 are not typical of a Fermi liquid and suggest strong magnetic fluctuations associated with a quantum critical region. The limit of extreme chemical disorder in this simple fcc material thus provides a novel and unique platform to study quantum critical behavior in a highly tunable system.
Rotating carbon nanotube membrane filter for water desalination
Authors: Tu Qingsong , Yang Qiang , Wang Hualin , Li Shaofan
Published: May 2016

We have designed a porous nanofluidic desalination device, a rotating carbon nanotube membrane filter (RCNT-MF), for the reverse osmosis desalination that can turn salt water into fresh water. The concept as well as design strategy of RCNT-MF is modeled, and demonstrated by using molecular dynamics simulation. It has been shown that the RCNT-MF device may significantly improve desalination efficiency by combining the centrifugal force propelled reverse osmosis process and the porous CNT-based fine scale selective separation technology.
Sirt6 cooperates with Blimp1 to positively regulate osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Park So Jeong , Huh Jeong-Eun , Shin Jihye , Park Doo Ri , Ko Ryeojin , Jin Gyu-Rin , Seo Dong-Hyun , Kim Han-Sung , Shin Hong-In , Oh Goo Taeg , Kim Hyun Seok , Lee Soo Young
Published: May 2016

Global deletion of the gene encoding a nuclear histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) in mice leads to osteopenia with a low bone turnover due to impaired bone formation. But whether Sirt6 regulates osteoclast differentiation is less clear. Here we show that Sirt6 functions as a transcriptional regulator to directly repress anti-osteoclastogenic gene expression. Targeted ablation of Sirt6 in hematopoietic cells including osteoclast precursors resulted in increased bone volume caused by a decreased number of osteoclasts. Overexpression of Sirt6 led to an increase in osteoclast formation, and Sirt6-deficient osteoclast precursor cells did not undergo osteoclast differentiation efficiently. Moreover, we showed that Sirt6, induced by RANKL-dependent NFATc1 expression, forms a complex with B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp1) to negatively regulate expression of anti-osteoclastogenic gene such as Mafb. These findings identify Sirt6 as a novel regulator of osteoclastogenesis by acting as a transcriptional repressor.
Multisensory signalling enhances pupil dilation
Authors: Rigato Silvia , Rieger Gerulf , Romei Vincenzo
Published: May 2016

Detecting and integrating information across the senses is an advantageous mechanism to efficiently respond to the environment. In this study, a simple auditory-visual detection task was employed to test whether pupil dilation, generally associated with successful target detection, could be used as a reliable measure for studying multisensory integration processing in humans. We recorded reaction times and pupil dilation in response to a series of visual and auditory stimuli, which were presented either alone or in combination. The results indicated faster reaction times and larger pupil diameter to the presentation of combined auditory and visual stimuli than the same stimuli when presented in isolation. Moreover, the responses to the multisensory condition exceeded the linear summation of the responses obtained in each unimodal condition. Importantly, faster reaction times corresponded to larger pupil dilation, suggesting that also the latter can be a reliable measure of multisensory processes. This study will serve as a foundation for the investigation of auditory-visual integration in populations where simple reaction times cannot be collected, such as developmental and clinical populations.
The Soil Geochemistry in the Beardmore Glacier Region, Antarctica: Implications for Terrestrial Ecosystem History
Authors: Lyons W. B. , Deuerling K. , Welch K. A. , Welch S. A. , Michalski G. , Walters W. W. , Nielsen U. , Wall D. H. , Hogg I. , Adams B. J.
Published: May 2016

Although most models suggest continental Antarctica was covered by ice during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) it has been speculated that endemic species of soil invertebrates could have survived the Pleistocene at high elevation habitats protruding above the ice sheets. We analyzed a series of soil samples from different elevations at three locations along the Beardmore Glacier in the Transantarctic Mountains (in order of increasing elevation): Ebony Ridge (ER), Cloudmaker (CM), and Meyer Desert (MD). Geochemical analyses show the MD soils, which were exposed during the LGM, were the least weathered compared to lower elevations, and also had the highest total dissolved solids (TDS). MD soils are dominated by nitrate salts (NO3/Cl ratios >10) that can be observed in SEM images. High δ17O and δ18O values of the nitrate indicate that its source is solely of atmospheric origin. It is suggested that nitrate concentrations in the soil may be utilized to determine a relative “wetting age” to better assess invertebrate habitat suitability. The highest elevation sites at MD have been exposed and accumulating salts for the longest times, and because of the salt accumulations, they were not suitable as invertebrate refugia during the LGM.
Treatment with a GnRH receptor agonist, but not the GnRH receptor antagonist degarelix, induces atherosclerotic plaque instability in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Knutsson Anki , Hsiung Sabrina , Celik Selvi , Rattik Sara , Mattisson Ingrid Yao , Wigren Maria , Scher Howard I. , Nilsson Jan , Hultgårdh-Nilsson Anna
Published: May 2016

Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has been associated with increased risk for development of cardiovascular events and recent pooled analyses of randomized intervention trials suggest that this primarily is the case for patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R) agonists. In the present study we investigated the effects of the GnRH-R agonist leuprolide and the GnRH-R antagonist degarelix on established atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE−/− mice. A shear stress modifier was used to produce both advanced and more stable plaques in the carotid artery. After 4 weeks of ADT, increased areas of necrosis was observed in stable plaques from leuprolide-treated mice (median and IQR plaque necrotic area in control, degarelix and leuprolide-treated mice were 0.6% (IQR 0–3.1), 0.2% (IQR 0–4.4) and 11.0% (IQR 1.0-19.8), respectively). There was also evidence of increased inflammation as assessed by macrophage immunohistochemistry in the plaques from leuprolide-treated mice, but we found no evidence of such changes in plaques from control mice or mice treated with degarelix. Necrosis destabilizes plaques and increases the risk for rupture and development of acute cardiovascular events. Destabilization of pre-existing atherosclerotic plaques could explain the increased cardiovascular risk in prostate cancer patients treated with GnRH-R agonists.
Single Molecule Spectroscopy of Monomeric LHCII: Experiment and Theory
Authors: Malý Pavel , Gruber J. Michael , van Grondelle Rienk , Mančal Tomáš
Published: May 2016

We derive approximate equations of motion for excited state dynamics of a multilevel open quantum system weakly interacting with light to describe fluorescence-detected single molecule spectra. Based on the Frenkel exciton theory, we construct a model for the chlorophyll part of the LHCII complex of higher plants and its interaction with previously proposed excitation quencher in the form of the lutein molecule Lut 1. The resulting description is valid over a broad range of timescales relevant for single molecule spectroscopy, i.e. from ps to minutes. Validity of these equations is demonstrated by comparing simulations of ensemble and single-molecule spectra of monomeric LHCII with experiments. Using a conformational change of the LHCII protein as a switching mechanism, the intensity and spectral time traces of individual LHCII complexes are simulated and the experimental statistical distributions are reproduced. Based on our model, it is shown that with reasonable assumptions about its interaction with chlorophylls, Lut 1 can act as an efficient fluorescence quencher in LHCII.
Whole-transcriptome analysis of UUO mouse model of renal fibrosis reveals new molecular players in kidney diseases
Authors: Arvaniti Eleni , Moulos Panagiotis , Vakrakou Athina , Chatziantoniou Christos , Chadjichristos Christos , Kavvadas Panagiotis , Charonis Aristidis , Politis Panagiotis K.
Published: May 2016

Transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq technology allows novel insights into gene expression and regulatory networks in health and disease. To better understand the molecular basis of renal fibrosis, we performed RNA-seq analysis in the Unilateral Ureteric Obstruction (UUO) mouse model. We analysed sham operated, 2- and 8-day post-ligation renal tissues. Thousands of genes with statistical significant changes in their expression were identified and classified into cellular processes and molecular pathways. Many novel protein-coding genes were identified, including critical transcription factors with important regulatory roles in other tissues and diseases. Emphasis was placed on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of molecular regulators of multiple and diverse cellular functions. Selected lncRNA genes were further studied and their transcriptional activity was confirmed. For three of them, their transcripts were also examined in other mouse models of nephropathies and their up- or down-regulation was found similar to the UUO model. In vitro experiments confirmed that one selected lncRNA is independent of TGFβ or IL1b stimulation but can influence the expression of fibrosis-related proteins and the cellular phenotype. These data provide new information about the involvement of protein-coding and lncRNA genes in nephropathies, which can become novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in the near future.
Targeting membrane proteins for antibody discovery using phage display
Authors: Jones Martina L. , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Kumble Sumukh , Zhang Shuo , Osborne Geoffrey W. , Yeh Michael , Arora Neetika , Hou Jeff Jia Cheng , Howard Christopher B. , Chin David Y. , Mahler Stephen M.
Published: May 2016

A critical factor in the successful isolation of new antibodies by phage display is the presentation of a correctly folded antigen. While this is relatively simple for soluble proteins which can be purified and immobilized onto a plastic surface, membrane proteins offer significant challenges for antibody discovery. Whole cell panning allows presentation of the membrane protein in its native conformation, but is complicated by a low target antigen density, high background of irrelevant antigens and non-specific binding of phage particles to cell surfaces. The method described here uses transient transfection of alternating host cell lines and stringent washing steps to address each of these limitations. The successful isolation of antibodies from a naive scFv library is described for three membrane bound proteins; human CD83, canine CD117 and bat CD11b.
Power Calculation of Multi-step Combined Principal Components with Applications to Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Li Zhengbang , Zhang Wei , Pan Dongdong , Li Qizhai
Published: May 2016

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a useful tool to identify important linear combination of correlated variables in multivariate analysis and has been applied to detect association between genetic variants and human complex diseases of interest. How to choose adequate number of principal components (PCs) to represent the original system in an optimal way is a key issue for PCA. Note that the traditional PCA, only using a few top PCs while discarding the other PCs, might significantly lose power in genetic association studies if all the PCs contain non-ignorable signals. In order to make full use of information from all PCs, Aschard and his colleagues have proposed a multi-step combined PCs method (named mCPC) recently, which performs well especially when several traits are highly correlated. However, the power superiority of mCPC has just been illustrated by simulation, while the theoretical power performance of mCPC has not been studied yet. In this work, we attempt to investigate theoretical properties of mCPC and further propose a novel and efficient strategy to combine PCs. Extensive simulation results confirm that the proposed method is more robust than existing procedures. A real data application to detect the association between gene TRAF1-C5 and rheumatoid arthritis further shows good performance of the proposed procedure.
Intravenous administration of lidocaine directly acts on spinal dorsal horn and produces analgesic effect: An in vivo patch-clamp analysis
Authors: Kurabe Miyuki , Furue Hidemasa , Kohno Tatsuro
Published: May 2016

Intravenous lidocaine administration produces an analgesic effect in various pain states, such as neuropathic and acute pain, although the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Here, we hypothesized that intravenous lidocaine acts on spinal cord neurons and induces analgesia in acute pain. We therefore examined the action of intravenous lidocaine in the spinal cord using the in vivo patch-clamp technique. We first investigated the effects of intravenous lidocaine using behavioural measures in rats. We then performed in vivo patch-clamp recording from spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons. Intravenous lidocaine had a dose-dependent analgesic effect on the withdrawal response to noxious mechanical stimuli. In the electrophysiological experiments, intravenous lidocaine inhibited the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked by noxious pinch stimuli. Intravenous lidocaine also decreased the frequency, but did not change the amplitude, of both spontaneous and miniature EPSCs. However, it did not affect inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Furthermore, intravenous lidocaine induced outward currents in SG neurons. Intravenous lidocaine inhibits glutamate release from presynaptic terminals in spinal SG neurons. Concomitantly, it hyperpolarizes postsynaptic neurons by shifting the membrane potential. This decrease in the excitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons may be a possible mechanism for the analgesic action of intravenous lidocaine in acute pain.
Heat Shock Factor 1 Mediates Latent HIV Reactivation
Authors: Pan Xiao-Yan , Zhao Wei , Zeng Xiao-Yun , Lin Jian , Li Min-Min , Shen Xin-Tian , Liu Shu-Wen
Published: May 2016

HSF1, a conserved heat shock factor, has emerged as a key regulator of mammalian transcription in response to cellular metabolic status and stress. To our knowledge, it is not known whether HSF1 regulates viral transcription, particularly HIV-1 and its latent form. Here we reveal that HSF1 extensively participates in HIV transcription and is critical for HIV latent reactivation. Mode of action studies demonstrated that HSF1 binds to the HIV 5′-LTR to reactivate viral transcription and recruits a family of closely related multi-subunit complexes, including p300 and p-TEFb. And HSF1 recruits p300 for self-acetylation is also a committed step. The knockout of HSF1 impaired HIV transcription, whereas the conditional over-expression of HSF1 improved that. These findings demonstrate that HSF1 positively regulates the transcription of latent HIV, suggesting that it might be an important target for different therapeutic strategies aimed at a cure for HIV/AIDS.
A novel pathway for fungal D-glucuronate catabolism contains an L-idonate forming 2-keto-L-gulonate reductase
Authors: Kuivanen Joosu , Sugai-Guérios Maura H. , Arvas Mikko , Richard Peter
Published: May 2016

For the catabolism of D-glucuronate, different pathways are used by different life forms. The pathways in bacteria and animals are established, however, a fungal pathway has not been described. In this communication, we describe an enzyme that is essential for D-glucuronate catabolism in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. The enzyme has an NADH dependent 2-keto-L-gulonate reductase activity forming L-idonate. The deletion of the corresponding gene, the gluC, results in a phenotype of no growth on D-glucuronate. The open reading frame of the A. niger 2-keto-L-gulonate reductase was expressed as an active protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A histidine tagged protein was purified and it was demonstrated that the enzyme converts 2-keto-L-gulonate to L-idonate and, in the reverse direction, L-idonate to 2-keto-L-gulonate using the NAD(H) as cofactors. Such an L-idonate forming 2-keto-L-gulonate dehydrogenase has not been described previously. In addition, the finding indicates that the catabolic D-glucuronate pathway in A. niger differs fundamentally from the other known D-glucuronate pathways.
Prebiotic potential of gum odina and its impact on gut ecology: in vitro and in vivo assessments
Authors: Mitra Debmalya , Jena Aditya Kr. , De Arnab , Das Mousumi , Das Bhaskar , Samanta Amalesh
Published: May 2016

The attributed effects of gum odina as a novel prebiotic and immunomodulatory agent are studied.
Monitoring thermo-reversible dehydration of the pluronic microenvironment using 4-chloro-1-naphthol as an ESPT fluorescent molecular probe
Authors: Sarkar Ivy
Published: May 2016

An ESPT fluorescent molecular probe, 4-chloro-1-naphthol, has been employed to study the thermo-reversible sol–gel transition, dehydration and micro-polarity of pluronics.
A nanoplasmonic probe as a triple channel colorimetric sensor array for protein discrimination
Authors: Mao Jinpeng , Lu Yuexiang , Chang Ning , Yang Jiaoe , Yang Jiacheng , Zhang Sichun , Liu Yueying
Published: May 2016

The salt-induced aggregation, nanoparticle regrowth and self-assembly behaviors of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and DNA conjugates could be changed after interaction with different proteins, generating various color changes and a unique fingerprint pattern for each protein.
Control of the mechanical strength of a bipyridine-based polymeric gel from linear nanofibre to helix with a chiral dopant
Authors: Choi Heekyoung , Ahn Junho , Kim Sungmin , Kim Hyungjun , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: May 2016

A mixture of the building blocks 1 and 2 having hydrazine moieties and aldehyde moieties, respectively, formed a gel by a hydrazone reaction in the absence and presence of cyclohexane diamines as a chiral dopant and Fe2+.
Theory of reactions at electrified interfaces
Authors: Lück Jessica , Latz Arnulf
Published: May 2016

We present a generic theory to describe charge and electron transfer reactions at charged interfaces. In this work, our general theory is applied to the intercalation reaction in Li-ion batteries in the context of a two-step-process.
Icosahedral boron clusters: a perfect tool for the enhancement of polymer features
Authors: Núñez R. , Romero I. , Teixidor F. , Viñas C.
Published: May 2016

The review focuses on the development of hybrid organic–inorganic π conjugated, silane, siloxane and coordination polymers containing boron clusters, which have received considerable academic and technological interest due to the combination of the electronic, optical and thermal properties of traditional inorganic materials with desirable properties of organic plastics, including mechanical flexibility and low production costs.
Relative apoptotic potential and specific G1 arrest of stigmasterol and cinnamic acid isolated from the brown algae Padina gymnospora in HeLa and A549 cells
Authors: Sali Veeresh Kumar , Mansingh Debjani P. , Vasanthi Hannah R.
Published: May 2016

Isolation, characterisation and identification of the molecular mechanism of apoptosis by small molecules from the Padina gymnospora of south east coast of India revealed that they exhibit tumor suppression mediated by p53 activation.
A natural product inspired fragment-based approach towards the development of novel anti-bacterial agents
Authors: Austin Michael J. , Hearnshaw Stephen J. , Mitchenall Lesley A. , McDermott Paul J. , Howell Lesley A. , Maxwell Anthony , Searcey Mark
Published: May 2016

Simocyclinone D8 served as a natural product inspiration for the synthesis of a new DNA gyrase inhibitor.
Nano- and micro-patterning biotemplated magnetic CoPt arrays
Authors: Galloway J. M. , Bird S. M. , Talbot J. E. , Shepley P. M. , Bradley R. C. , El-Zubir O. , Allwood D. A. , Leggett G. J. , Miles J. J. , Staniland S. S. , Critchley K.
Published: May 2016

Micro- and nanoscale patterns of magnetic thin-films of CoPt are biotemplated onto surfaces under mild reaction conditions.
Asymmetric synthesis and absolute stereochemistry of a labdane-type diterpenoid isolated from the rhizomes of Isodan yuennanensis
Authors: Deng Heping , Cao Wei , Zhang Zhijiang , Liu Bo
Published: May 2016

Asymmetric synthesis of the title natural diterpenoid was achieved from (+)-sclareolide and its absolute configuration was determined accordingly. The synthesis includes inversion of chirality at C-8, remote functionalization directed by 8-OH, and oxidative lactonization.
Generation of benzosultams via trifluoromethylation of 2-ethynylbenzenesulfonamide under visible light
Authors: Xiang Yuanchao , Kuang Yunyan , Wu Jie
Published: May 2016

Under visible light irradiation, 2-ethynylbenzenesulfonamides react with Togni's reagent in the presence of a photocatalyst leading to 3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylidene)-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]isothiazole 1,1-dioxides in good yields. This transformation proceeds efficiently at room temperature through a photo-initiated trifluoromethylation.
Copper-catalyzed tandem arylation–cyclization of 2-alkynylaryl isothiocyanates with diaryliodonium salts: an efficient synthesis of thiochromeno[2,3-b]indoles
Authors: Wen Li-Rong , Shen Qiang-Yu , Guo Wei-Si , Li Ming
Published: May 2016

A Cu-catalyzed arylation–cyclization approach is developed for the synthesis of thiochromeno[2,3-b]indoles through the S-arylation, 5-endo-trig cyclization, and Friedel–Crafts-type cyclization sequence.
Microbial colonisation of transparent glass-like carbon films triggered by a reversible radiation-induced hydrophobic to hydrophilic transition
Authors: Jalvo Blanca , Santiago-Morales Javier , Romero Pablo , Guzman de Villoria Roberto , Rosal Roberto
Published: May 2016

Vacuum ultraviolet irradiation induces a wettability transition in glass-like carbon films, which renders their surface highly prone to microbial colonisation.
Enhancement of emission intensity of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+red-emitting phosphor by localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles with different morphologies
Authors: Zhong Hao , Tang JiaYe , Hao LuYuan , Xu Xin , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: May 2016

The emission of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+phosphor is significantly enhanced by LSPR of Ag nanoparticles with specific proportion of nano-spheres/nano-rods.
A combined experimental–theoretical study of the acid–base behavior of mangiferin: implications for its antioxidant activity
Authors: Mendoza-Sarmiento Gabriela , Rojas-Hernández Alberto , Galano Annia , Gutiérrez Atilano
Published: May 2016

The pKavalues of mangiferin have been thoroughly reviewed to calculate theoretically the mechanism and antioxidant features of mangiferin.
Fluorescence quenching and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of 6-mercaptopurine based on carbon dots
Authors: Yuan Yusheng , Wang Yalan , Liu Shaopu , Li Yuanfang , Duan Ruilin , Zhang Hui , Hu Xiaoli
Published: May 2016

A carbon dot-based fluorescence probe was designed for detecting 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) via fluorescence quenching.
Critical behavior and magnetocaloric study in La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 cobaltite prepared by a sol–gel process
Authors: Saadaoui F. , M'nassri R. , Omrani H. , Koubaa M. , Boudjada N. Chniba , Cheikhrouhou A.
Published: May 2016

The structure, magnetic properties, critical exponents and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 cobaltite are studied.
The microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of a novel β-ketoenamine-linked conjugated microporous polymer for supercapacitors
Authors: Chai Shuangzhi , Hu Nantao , Han Yang , Zhang Xue , Yang Zhi , Wei Liangming , Wang Lin , Wei Hao
Published: May 2016

A novel β-ketoenamine-linked conjugated microporous polymer was synthesizedviaa facile microwave-assisted condensation, which showed high capacitance (252 F g−1at 1 A g−1), excellent cycling stability and long cycle life for energy storages.
Morphology fixing agent for [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) in planar-type perovskite solar cells for enhanced stability
Authors: Ahn Sunyong , Jang Woongsik , Park Jong Hyeok , Wang Dong Hwan
Published: May 2016

Enhanced stability of planar-type perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been demonstrated by applying titanium oxide (TiOx) interlayer which acts as a morphological fixing agent for preseving delamication of PC60BM with long-term device operation.
Ternary In2S3/In2O3 heterostructures and their cathodoluminescence
Authors: Yang Wenjin , Liu Baodan , Cho Yujin , Yang Bing , Dierre Benjamin , Sekiguchi Takashi , Jiang Xin
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional In2S3/In2O3 heterostructures are obtained through a CVD process. The heterostructures have a broad emission band covering the whole visible range, which holds a promise in photocatalytic applications.
An overview of detection techniques for monitoring dioxin-like compounds: latest technique trends and their applications
Authors: Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Narimani Leila , Soltanian Faezeh Khalifeh , Hashim Rosli , Rezayi Majid , Karlen David J. , Mahmud H. N. M. Ekramul
Published: May 2016

Dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) are considered as persistent bioaccumulative toxicants with a number of continuing issues in the fields of ecotoxicology and bioassay.
Stimulated emission at 272 nm from an AlxGa1−xN-based multiple-quantum-well laser with two-step etched facets
Authors: Tian Yingdong , Zhang Yun , Yan Jianchang , Chen Xiang , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin
Published: May 2016

We demonstrate an optically pumped AlGaN-based laser at 272 nm with two-step etched facets. Compared with a laser with cleaved facets, the laser with etched facets had a lower threshold and higher differential quantum efficiency.
Guest and solvent modulated photo-driven charge separation and triplet generation in a perylene bisimide cyclophane
Authors: Spenst Peter , Young Ryan M. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Würthner Frank
Published: May 2016

The modulation of the excited state dynamics in a perylene bisimide cyclophane was achieved by solvent and guest variation.
A wafer-scale antireflective protection layer of solution-processed TiO2 nanorods for high performance silicon-based water splitting photocathodes
Authors: Andoshe Dinsefa M. , Choi Seokhoon , Shim Young-Seok , Lee Seung Hee , Kim Yoonkoo , Moon Cheon Woo , Kim Do Hong , Lee Seon Yong , Kim Taemin , Park Hoon Kee , Lee Mi Gyoung , Jeon Jong-Myeong , Nam Ki Tae , Kim Miyoung , Kim Jong Kyu , Oh Jihun , Jang Ho Won
Published: May 2016

TiO2 NRs which have a multi-function tasks such as protection from corrosion, antireflection and catalytic activities were grown in a 4-inch silicon for silicon-based solar water splitting.
miR-30a can inhibit DNA replication by targeting RPA1 thus slowing cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Zou Zhenyou , Ni Mengjie , Zhang Jing , Chen Yongfeng , Ma Hongyu , Qian Shihan , Tang Longhua , Tang Jiamei , Yao Hailun , Zhao Chengbin , Lu Xiongwen , Sun Hongyang , Qian Jue , Mao Xiaoting , Lu Xulin , Liu Qun , Zen Juping , Wu Hanbing , Bao Zhaosheng , Lin Shudan , Sheng Hongyu , Li Yunlong , Liang Yong , Chen Zhiqiang , Zong Dan
Published: May 2016

Cell proliferation was inhibited following forced over-expression of miR-30a in the ovary cancer cell line A2780DX5 and the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901R. Interestingly, miR-30a targets the DNA replication protein RPA1, hinders the replication of DNA and induces DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) were phosphorylated after DNA damage, which induced p53 expression, thus triggering the S-phase checkpoint, arresting cell cycle progression and ultimately initiating cancer cell apoptosis. Therefore, forced miR-30a over-expression in cancer cells can be a potential way to inhibit tumour development.
Characterization of a high-affinity sialic acid-specific CBM40 from Clostridium perfringens and engineering of a divalent form
Authors: Ribeiro João P. , Pau William , Pifferi Carlo , Renaudet Olivier , Varrot Annabelle , Mahal Lara K. , Imberty Anne
Published: May 2016

CBMs (carbohydrate-binding modules) are a class of polypeptides usually associated with carbohydrate-active enzymatic sites. We have characterized a new member of the CBM40 family, coded from a section of the gene NanI from Clostridium perfringens. Glycan arrays revealed its preference towards α(2,3)-linked sialosides, which was confirmed and quantified by calorimetric studies. The CBM40 binds to α(2,3)-sialyl-lactose with a Kd of ∼30 μM, the highest affinity value for this class of proteins. Inspired by lectins' structure and their arrangement as multimeric proteins, we have engineered a dimeric form of the CBM, and using SPR (surface plasmon resonance) we have observed 6–11-fold binding increases due to the avidity affect. The structures of the CBM, resolved by X-ray crystallography, in complex with α(2,3)- or α(2,6)-sialyl-lactose explain its binding specificity and unusually strong binding.
Spin-orbit coupling in the dissociative excitation of alkali atoms at the surface of rare gas clusters: A theoretical study
Authors: Gervais B. , Zanuttini D. , Douady J.
Published: May 2016

We analyze the role of the spin-orbit (SO) coupling in the dissociative dynamics of excited alkali atoms at the surface of small rare gas clusters. The electronic structure of the whole system is deduced from a one-electron model based on core polarization pseudo-potentials. It allows us to obtain in the same footing the energy, forces, and non-adiabatic couplings used to simulate the dynamics by means of a surface hopping method. The fine structure state population is analyzed by considering the relative magnitude of the SO coupling ξ, with respect to the spin-free potential energy. We identify three regimes of ξ-values leading to different evolution of adiabatic state population after excitation of the system in the uppermost state of the lowest np 2P shell. For sufficiently small ξ, the final population of the J=12 atomic states, P12, grows up linearly from P12=13 at ξ = 0 after a diabatic dynamics. For large values of ξ, we observe a rather adiabatic dynamics with P12 decreasing as ξ increases. For intermediate values of ξ, the coupling is extremely efficient and a complete transfer of population is observed for the set of parameters associated to NaAr3 and NaAr4 clusters.
Bandgap engineering of GaN nanowires
Authors: Ming Bang-Ming , Wang Ru-Zhi , Yam Chi-Yung , Xu Li-Chun , Lau Woon-Ming , Yan Hui
Published: May 2016

Bandgap engineering has been a powerful technique for manipulating the electronic and optical properties of semiconductors. In this work, a systematic investigation of the electronic properties of [0001] GaN nanowires was carried out using the density functional based tight-binding method (DFTB). We studied the effects of geometric structure and uniaxial strain on the electronic properties of GaN nanowires with diameters ranging from 0.8 to 10 nm. Our results show that the band gap of GaN nanowires depends linearly on both the surface to volume ratio (S/V) and tensile strain. The band gap of GaN nanowires increases linearly with S/V, while it decreases linearly with increasing tensile strain. These linear relationships provide an effect way in designing GaN nanowires for their applications in novel nano-devices.
Theoretical consideration of a microcontinuum model of graphene
Authors: Yang Gang , Huang Zaixing , Gao Cun-Fa , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2016

A microcontinuum model of graphene is proposed based on micromorphic theory, in which the planar Bravais cell of graphene crystal is taken as the basal element of finite size. Governing equations including the macro-displacements and the micro-deformations of the basal element are modified and derived in global coordinates. Since independent freedom degrees of the basal element are closely related to the modes of phonon dispersions, the secular equations in micromorphic form are obtained by substituting the assumed harmonic wave equations into the governing equations, and simplified further according to the properties of phonon dispersion relations of two-dimensional (2D) crystals. Thus, the constitutive equations of the microcontinuum model are confirmed, in which the constitutive constants are determined by fitting the data of experimental and theoretical phonon dispersion relations in literature respectively. By employing the 2D microcontinuum model, we obtained sound velocities, Rayleigh velocity and elastic moduli of graphene, which show good agreements with available experimental or theoretical values, indicating that the current model would be another efficient and reliable methodology to study the mechanical behaviors of graphene.
Social interaction patterns according to stocking density and time post-mixing in group-housed gestating sows
Authors: Rault Jean-Loup
Published: May 2016

Housing systems should enable animals to interact socially while minimising aggression. This study investigated whether social interaction patterns in groups of indoor-housed gestating sows are affected by stocking density (‘SD’), by varying the number of sows per pen, and day after mixing. Unacquainted sows were grouped within 5 days of insemination at 1.45 (High; ‘H-SD’), 2.0 (Moderate; ‘M-SD’) or 2.9 m2 per sow (Low; ‘L-SD’) by placing 20, 14 or 10 sows per pen. Five pens per treatment were represented, and within each pen, 10 focal sows were observed. Social behaviours between focal sows were analysed continuously for 15 min after drop-feeding the day after mixing (Day 2) and 1 week later (Day 9), and plasma cortisol and progesterone concentrations analysed on Days 2 and 26. Overall, 587 interactions were observed, with 59% being short one reciprocal actions. Sows used more physical aggression at H-SD on Day 2 such as bites (vs M-SD and L-SD: both P < 0.01), head knocks and pushes (vs L-SD: P = 0.01; vs M-SD: P = 0.06), whereas social interactions at lower SD were more frequent (L-SD vs H-SD: P = 0.004; L-SD vs M-SD: P = 0.02) and contained presumably neutral social behaviours such as nose contacts (L-SD vs H-SD: P = 0.06; M-SD vs H-SD: P = 0.07), or non-physical agonistic behaviours such as threats (L-SD vs H-SD: P = 0.07). A first-order Markov transitional analysis revealed positive feedback loops for bites and knocks or pushes at higher SD on Day 2 (all P < 0.05). Cortisol concentration decreased as SD decreased (L-SD vs H-SD: P < 0.001; L-SD vs M-SD: P = 0.02; M-SD vs H-SD: P = 0.07). Hence, interactions were more aggressive and less frequent at higher SD at Day 2 post-mixing, but differences vanished at Day 9. Valuable information can be gained from analysing the type of social behaviours and behavioural sequences, in addition to overall aggression frequency.
Predicting milk responses to cereal-based supplements in grazing dairy cows
Authors: Heard J. W. , Hannah M. , Ho C. K. M. , Kennedy E. , Doyle P. T. , Jacobs J. L. , Wales W. J.
Published: May 2016

The feeding of cereal-based supplements is common in the Australian dairy industry, as it allows cows to increase intakes of total dry matter (DM) and metabolisable energy (ME), while achieving greater stocking rates, greater pasture utilisation and greater milk production per hectare than occurs when cows are fed pasture-only diets. However, for this practice to be profitable, it is important to know how much extra milk, milk protein and milk fat are produced for each kilogram DM consumed. This is difficult to determine in such a complex biological system. We combined information from 24 concentrate-feeding experiments using meta-analysis techniques, so as to develop improved prediction models of the milk, milk protein and milk fat produced when cereal-based concentrates are fed to grazing, lactating dairy cows. Model terms, consistent with biological processes, linear, quadratic and factorial, were selected according to statistical significance. The models were then tested in two ways, namely, their goodness of fit to the data, and their ability to predict novel production data from a further six, unrelated, experiments. A sensitivity analysis was also undertaken to determine how sensitive these predictions are to changes in key inputs. The predictive model for milk yield was shown to very closely reflect milk yield (kg/cow.day) measured under the experimental conditions in unrelated experiments (r = 0.96), with very little bias (Lin’s bias correction factor = 0.98) and high concordance (Lin’s concordance coefficient = 0.95). Predictions generated by multiplying predicted milk protein concentration by predicted milk yield closely matched observed milk protein yield (kg/cow.day) (r = 0.96, Lin’s bias correction factor = 0.98, Lin’s concordance coefficient = 0.95), and predictions found by multiplying predicted milk fat concentration by predicted milk yield closely matched observed milk fat yield (kg/cow.day) (r = 0.94, Lin’s bias correction factor = 0.99, Lin’s concordance coefficient = 0.93). Factors included in the new models for milk, milk protein and milk fat yield reported here have been identified previously as elements that can influence milk production. The value to the dairy industry from being able to predict profitable amounts of concentrates to feed at various stages throughout lactation is considerable. For farmers and their advisers, being able to apply these models to estimate the immediate marginal milk protein and milk fat responses to supplementary feeds should lead to more robust, efficient and profitable milk production systems.
Ethnicity as political cleavage: The political agenda of the Polish national minority in Lithuania
Authors: Janušauskienė Diana
Published: May 2016

This article examines the role of ethnicity in the formation of political cleavage and is based on the analysis of the political agenda of the Polish national minority in Lithuania after the re-establishment of the independent state in 1990. It analyzes the political performance of the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania (EAPL), an ethnic-based “niche” political party that tends to keep a monopoly over the representation of interests of the Polish minority in Lithuania and collects a vast majority of the votes of citizens of Polish origin. The article considers how specific in comparison to the titular nation the interests of the Polish national minority are, and how different in comparison to the political agendas of other political parties the political agenda of the EAPL is.
Identification of a mutation causing a defective spindle assembly checkpoint in high ethyl caproate-producing sake yeast strain K1801
Authors: Goshima Tetsuya , Nakamura Ryo , Kume Kazunori , Okada Hiroki , Ichikawa Eri , Tamura Hiroyasu , Hasuda Hirokazu , Inahashi Masaaki , Okazaki Naoto , Akao Takeshi , Shimoi Hitoshi , Mizunuma Masaki , Ohya Yoshikazu , Hirata Dai
Published: May 2016

In high-quality sake brewing, the cerulenin-resistant sake yeast K1801 with high ethyl caproate-producing ability has been used widely; however, K1801 has a defective spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC). To identify the mutation causing this defect, we first searched for sake yeasts with a SAC-defect like K1801 and found that K13 had such a defect. Then, we searched for a common SNP in only K1801 and K13 by examining 15 checkpoint-related genes in 23 sake yeasts, and found 1 mutation, R48P of Cdc55, the PP2A regulatory B subunit that is important for the SAC. Furthermore, we confirmed that the Cdc55-R48P mutation was responsible for the SAC-defect in K1801 by molecular genetic analyses. Morphological analysis indicated that this mutation caused a high cell morphological variation. But this mutation did not affect the excellent brewing properties of K1801. Thus, this mutation is a target for breeding of a new risk-free K1801 with normal checkpoint integrity.
Role Modeling and Regional Health Care Intensity: U.S. Medical Student Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Cost-Conscious Care
Authors: Leep Hunderfund Andrea N. , Dyrbye Liselotte N. , Starr Stephanie R. , Mandrekar Jay , Naessens James M. , Tilburt Jon C. , George Paul , Baxley Elizabeth G. , Gonzalo Jed D. , Moriates Christopher , Goold Susan D. , Carney Patricia A. , Miller Bonnie M. , Grethlein Sara J. , Fancher Tonya L. , Reed Darcy A.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To examine medical student attitudes toward cost-conscious care and whether regional health care intensity is associated with reported exposure to physician role-modeling behaviors related to cost-conscious care.

Method

Students at 10 U.S. medical schools were surveyed in 2015. Thirty-five items assessed attitudes toward, perceived barriers to and consequences of, and observed physician role-modeling behaviors related to cost-conscious care (using scales for cost-conscious and potentially wasteful behaviors; Cronbach alphas of 0.82 and 0.81, respectively). Regional health care intensity was measured using Dartmouth Atlas End-of-Life Chronic Illness Care data: ratio of physician visits per decedent compared with the U.S. average, ratio of specialty to primary care physician visits per decedent, and hospital care intensity index.

Results

Of 5,992 students invited, 3,395 (57%) responded. Ninety percent (2,640/2,932) agreed physicians have a responsibility to contain costs. However, 48% (1,1416/2,960) thought ordering a test is easier than explaining why it is unnecessary, and 58% (1,685/2,928) agreed ordering fewer tests will increase the risk of malpractice litigation. In adjusted linear regression analyses, students in higher-health-care-intensity regions reported observing significantly fewer cost-conscious role-modeling behaviors: For each one-unit increase in the three health care intensity measures, scores on the 21-point cost-conscious role-modeling scale decreased by 4.4 (SE 0.7), 3.2 (0.6), and 3.9 (0.6) points, respectively (all P < .001).

Conclusions

Medical students endorse barriers to cost-conscious care and encounter conflicting role-modeling behaviors, which are related to regional health care intensity. Enhancing role modeling in the learning environment may help prepare future physicians to address health care costs.
Strategies for Developing and Recognizing Faculty Working in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Authors: Coleman David L. , Wardrop Richard M. , Levinson Wendy S. , Zeidel Mark L. , Parsons Polly E.
Published: May 2016

Academic clinical departments have the opportunity and responsibility to improve the quality and value of care and patient safety by supporting effective quality improvement activities. The pressure to provide high-value care while further developing academic programs has increased the complexity of decision making and change management in academic health systems. Overcoming these challenges will require faculty engagement and leadership; however, most academic departments do not have a sufficient number of individuals with expertise and experience in quality improvement and patient safety (QI/PS). Accordingly, the authors of this article advocate for a targeted and proactive approach to developing faculty working in QI/PS. They propose a strategy predicated on the identification of QI/PS as a strategic priority for academic departments, the creation of enabling resources in QI/PS, and the expansion of rigorous training programs in change management and in improvement and implementation sciences. Professional organizations, health systems, medical schools, and academic departments should recognize successful QI/PS work with awards and promotions. Individual faculty members should expand their collaborative networks, consider the generalizability and scholarly impact of their efforts when designing QI/PS initiatives, and benchmark the outcomes of their performance. Appointments and promotions committees should work proactively with department and QI/PS leaders to ensure that outstanding achievement in QI/PS is defined and recognized. As with the development of physician–investigators and clinician–educators, departments and health systems need a comprehensive approach to support and recognize the contributions of faculty working in QI/PS to meet the considerable needs and opportunities in health care.