bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Profiling of Circulating Tumour Cells Identifies Notch1 as a Principal Regulator in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mariscal Javier , Alonso-Nocelo Marta , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Barbazan Jorge , Vieito Maria , Abalo Alicia , Gomez-Tato Antonio , Maria de los Angeles Casares de Cal , Garcia-Caballero Tomas , Rodriguez Carmela , Brozos Elena , Baron Francisco , Lopez-Lopez Rafael , Abal Miguel
Published: November 2016

Knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying metastasis colonization in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains incomplete. A complete overview integrating driver mutations, primary tumour heterogeneity and overt metastasis lacks the dynamic contribution of disseminating metastatic cells due to the inaccessibility to the molecular profiling of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs). By combining immunoisolation and whole genome amplification, we performed a global gene expression analysis of EpCAM positive CTCs from advanced NSCLC patients. We identified an EpCAM+ CTC-specific expression profile in NSCLC patients mostly associated with cellular movement, cell adhesion and cell-to-cell signalling mediated by PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2 and NF-kB pathways. NOTCH1 emerged as a driver connecting active signalling pathways, with a reduced number of related candidate genes (NOTCH1, PTP4A3, LGALS3 and ITGB3) being further validated by RT-qPCR on an independent cohort of NSCLC patients. In addition, these markers demonstrated high prognostic value for Progression-Free Survival (PFS). In conclusion, molecular characterization of EpCAM+ CTCs from advanced NSCLC patients provided with highly specific biomarkers with potential applicability as a “liquid biopsy” for monitoring of NSCLC patients and confirmed NOTCH1 as a potential therapeutic target to block lung cancer dissemination.
2 μm emission properties and nonresonant energy transfer of Er3+ and Ho3+ codoped silicate glasses
Authors: Cao Ruijie , Lu Yu , Tian Ying , Huang Feifei , Guo Yanyan , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: November 2016

2.0 μm emission properties of Er3+/Ho3+ codoped silicate glasses were investigated pumped by 980 nm LD. Absorption spectra were determined. Intense mid-infrared emissions near 2 μm are observed. The spectral components of the 2 μm fluorescence band were analyzed and an equivalent model of four-level system was proposed to describe broadband 2 μm emission. Low OH− absorption coefficient (0.23 cm−1), high fluorescence lifetime (2.95 ms) and large emission cross section (5.61 × 10−21 cm2) corresponding to Ho3+: 5I7→5I8 transition were obtained from the prepared glass. Additionally, energy transfer efficiency from the Er3+: 4I13/2 to the Ho3+: 5I7 level can reach as high as 85.9% at 0.75 mol% Ho2O3 doping concentration. Energy transfer microscopic parameters (CDA) via the host-assisted spectral overlap function were also calculated to elucidate the observed 2 μm emissions in detail. Moreover, the rate equation model between Er3+ and Ho3+ ions was developed to elucidate 2 μm fluorescence behaviors with the change of Ho3+ concentration. All results reveal that Er3+/Ho3+ codoped silicate glass is a promising material for improving the Ho3+ 2.0 μm fiber laser performance.
Depletion of tRNA-halves enables effective small RNA sequencing of low-input murine serum samples
Authors: Van Goethem Alan , Yigit Nurten , Everaert Celine , Moreno-Smith Myrthala , Mus Liselot M. , Barbieri Eveline , Speleman Frank , Mestdagh Pieter , Shohet Jason , Van Maerken Tom , Vandesompele Jo
Published: November 2016

The ongoing ascent of sequencing technologies has enabled researchers to gain unprecedented insights into the RNA content of biological samples. MiRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression. The discovery that miRNAs are stably present in circulation has spiked interest in their potential use as minimally-invasive biomarkers. However, sequencing of blood-derived samples (serum, plasma) is challenging due to the often low RNA concentration, poor RNA quality and the presence of highly abundant RNAs that dominate sequencing libraries. In murine serum for example, the high abundance of tRNA-derived small RNAs called 5′ tRNA halves hampers the detection of other small RNAs, like miRNAs. We therefore evaluated two complementary approaches for targeted depletion of 5′ tRNA halves in murine serum samples. Using a protocol based on biotinylated DNA probes and streptavidin coated magnetic beads we were able to selectively deplete 95% of the targeted 5′ tRNA half molecules. This allowed an unbiased enrichment of the miRNA fraction resulting in a 6-fold increase of mapped miRNA reads and 60% more unique miRNAs detected. Moreover, when comparing miRNA levels in tumor-carrying versus tumor-free mice, we observed a three-fold increase in differentially expressed miRNAs.
Post-perovskite Transition in Anti-structure
Authors: Wang Bosen , Ohgushi Kenya
Published: November 2016

The discovery of the post-perovskite transition, which is the structural transition from the perovskite to post-perovskite structure in MgSiO3 under pressure, has aroused great interests in geosciences. Despite of previous extensive studies, key factors of the post-perovsktie transition are still under hot debate primarily due to the big difficulty in performing systematic experiments under extreme conditions. Hence, search for new materials showing the post-perovskite transition under ambient pressure has been highly expected. We here report a new-type of materials Cr3AX (A = Ga, Ge; X = C, N), which exhibits the post-perovskite transition as a function of “chemical pressure” at ambient physical pressure. The detailed structural analysis indicates that the tolerance factor, which is the measure of the ionic radius mismatch, plays the key role in the post-perovskite transition. Moreover, we found a tetragonal perovskite structure with loss of inversion symmetry between the cubic perovskite and orthorhombic post-perovskite structures. This finding stimulates a search for a ferroelectric state in MgSiO3.
Fluorescence-tunable Ag-DNA biosensor with tailored cytotoxicity for live-cell applications
Authors: Bossert Nelli , de Bruin Donny , Götz Maria , Bouwmeester Dirk , Heinrich Doris
Published: November 2016

DNA-stabilized silver clusters (Ag-DNA) show excellent promise as a multi-functional nanoagent for molecular investigations in living cells. The unique properties of these fluorescent nanomaterials allow for intracellular optical sensors with tunable cytotoxicity based on simple modifications of the DNA sequences. Three Ag-DNA nanoagent designs are investigated, exhibiting optical responses to the intracellular environments and sensing-capability of ions, functional inside living cells. Their sequence-dependent fluorescence responses inside living cells include (1) a strong splitting of the fluorescence peak for a DNA hairpin construct, (2) an excitation and emission shift of up to 120 nm for a single-stranded DNA construct, and (3) a sequence robust in fluorescence properties. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of these Ag-DNA constructs is tunable, ranging from highly cytotoxic to biocompatible Ag-DNA, independent of their optical sensing capability. Thus, Ag-DNA represents a versatile live-cell nanoagent addressable towards anti-cancer, patient-specific and anti-bacterial applications.
A Microfluidic Platform to design crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles (cHANPs) for enhanced MRI
Authors: Russo Maria , Bevilacqua Paolo , Netti Paolo Antonio , Torino Enza
Published: November 2016

Recent advancements in imaging diagnostics have focused on the use of nanostructures that entrap Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Contrast Agents (CAs), without the need to chemically modify the clinically approved compounds. Nevertheless, the exploitation of microfluidic platforms for their controlled and continuous production is still missing. Here, a microfluidic platform is used to synthesize crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid NanoParticles (cHANPs) in which a clinically relevant MRI-CAs, gadolinium diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA), is entrapped. This microfluidic process facilitates a high degree of control over particle synthesis, enabling the production of monodisperse particles as small as 35 nm. Furthermore, the interference of Gd-DTPA during polymer precipitation is overcome by finely tuning process parameters and leveraging the use of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of surfactants and pH conditions. For both production strategies proposed to design Gd-loaded cHANPs, a boosting of the relaxation rate T1 is observed since a T1 of 1562 is achieved with a 10 μM of Gd-loaded cHANPs while a similar value is reached with 100 μM of the relevant clinical Gd-DTPA in solution. The advanced microfluidic platform to synthesize intravascularly-injectable and completely biocompatible hydrogel nanoparticles entrapping clinically approved CAs enables the implementation of straightforward and scalable strategies in diagnostics and therapy applications.
Regulation of α2B-Adrenergic Receptor Cell Surface Transport by GGA1 and GGA2
Authors: Zhang Maoxiang , Huang Wei , Gao Jie , Terry Alvin V. , Wu Guangyu
Published: November 2016

The molecular mechanisms that control the targeting of newly synthesized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to the functional destinations remain poorly elucidated. Here, we have determined the role of Golgi-localized, γ-adaptin ear domain homology, ADP ribosylation factor-binding proteins 1 and 2 (GGA1 and GGA2) in the cell surface transport of α2B-adrenergic receptor (α2B-AR), a prototypic GPCR, and studied the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that knockdown of GGA1 and GGA2 by shRNA and siRNA significantly reduced the cell surface expression of inducibly expressed α2B-AR and arrested the receptor in the perinuclear region. Knockdown of each GGA markedly inhibited the dendritic expression of α2B-AR in primary cortical neurons. Consistently, depleting GGA1 and GGA2 attenuated receptor-mediated signal transduction measured as ERK1/2 activation and cAMP inhibition. Although full length α2B-AR associated with GGA2 but not GGA1, its third intracellular loop was found to directly interact with both GGA1 and GGA2. More interestingly, further mapping of interaction domains showed that the GGA1 hinge region and the GGA2 GAE domain bound to multiple subdomains of the loop. These studies have identified an important function and revealed novel mechanisms of the GGA family proteins in the forward trafficking of a cell surface GPCR.
Digital gene expression profiling analysis of duodenum transcriptomes in SD rats administered ferrous sulfate or ferrous glycine chelate by gavage
Authors: Zhuo Zhao , Fang Shenglin , Hu Qiaoling , Huang Danping , Feng Jie
Published: November 2016

The absorption of different iron sources is a trending research topic. Many studies have revealed that organic iron exhibits better bioavailability than inorganic iron, but the concrete underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we examined the differences in bioavailability of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate in the intestines of SD rats using Illumina sequencing technology. Digital gene expression analysis resulted in the generation of almost 128 million clean reads, with expression data for 17,089 unigenes. A total of 123 differentially expressed genes with a |log2(fold change)| >1 and q-value < 0.05 were identified between the FeSO4 and Fe-Gly groups. Gene Ontology functional analysis revealed that these genes were involved in oxidoreductase activity, iron ion binding, and heme binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis also showed relevant important pathways. In addition, the expression patterns of 9 randomly selected genes were further validated by qRT-PCR, which confirmed the digital gene expression results. Our study showed that the two iron sources might share the same absorption mechanism, and that differences in bioavailability between FeSO4 and Fe-Gly were not only in the absorption process but also during the transport and utilization process.
Kitaev exchange and field-induced quantum spin-liquid states in honeycomb α-RuCl3
Authors: Yadav Ravi , Bogdanov Nikolay A. , Katukuri Vamshi M. , Nishimoto Satoshi , van den Brink Jeroen , Hozoi Liviu
Published: November 2016

Large anisotropic exchange in 5d and 4d oxides and halides open the door to new types of magnetic ground states and excitations, inconceivable a decade ago. A prominent case is the Kitaev spin liquid, host of remarkable properties such as protection of quantum information and the emergence of Majorana fermions. Here we discuss the promise for spin-liquid behavior in the 4d5 honeycomb halide α-RuCl3. From advanced electronic-structure calculations, we find that the Kitaev interaction is ferromagnetic, as in 5d5 iridium honeycomb oxides, and indeed defines the largest superexchange energy scale. A ferromagnetic Kitaev coupling is also supported by a detailed analysis of the field-dependent magnetization. Using exact diagonalization and density-matrix renormalization group techniques for extended Kitaev-Heisenberg spin Hamiltonians, we find indications for a transition from zigzag order to a gapped spin liquid when applying magnetic field. Our results offer a unified picture on recent magnetic and spectroscopic measurements on this material and open new perspectives on the prospect of realizing quantum spin liquids in d5 halides and oxides in general.
HUWE1 plays important role in mouse preimplantation embryo development and the dysregulation is associated with poor embryo development in humans
Authors: Chen L. J. , Xu W. M. , Yang M. , Wang K. , Chen Y. , Huang X. J. , Ma Q. H.
Published: November 2016

HUWE1 is a HECT domain containing ubiquitin ligase implicated in neurogenesis, spermatogenesis and cancer development. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the role of HUWE1 in early embryo development. Here we demonstrate that Huwe1 is expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm of preimplantation mouse embryos as well as gametes. Hypoxia (5% O2) treatment could significantly increase Huwe1 expression during mouse embryo development process. HUWE1 knockdown inhibited normal embryonic development and reduced blastocyst formation, and increased apoptotic cell numbers were observed in the embryos of HUWE1 knockdown group. Human embryo staining result showed that reduced HUWE1 staining was observed in the poor-quality embryos. Furthermore, Western blot result showed that significantly reduced expression of HUWE1 was observed in the villi of miscarriage embryos compared with the normal control, indicating that reduced expression of HUWE1 is related to poor embryo development. Oxidative reagent, H2O2 inhibited HUWE1 expression in human sperm, indicating that HUWE1 expression in sperm is regulated by oxidative stress. In conclusion, these results suggest that HUWE1 protein could contribute to preimplantation embryo development and dysregulated expression of HUWE1 could be related to poor embryo development and miscarriage in IVF clinic.
p53 coordinates DNA repair with nucleotide synthesis by suppressing PFKFB3 expression and promoting the pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Franklin Derek A. , He Yizhou , Leslie Patrick L. , Tikunov Andrey P. , Fenger Nick , Macdonald Jeffrey M. , Zhang Yanping
Published: November 2016

Activation of p53 in response to DNA damage is essential for tumor suppression. Although previous studies have emphasized the importance of p53-dependent cell cycle arrest and apoptosis for tumor suppression, recent studies have suggested that other areas of p53 regulation, such as metabolism and DNA damage repair (DDR), are also essential for p53-dependent tumor suppression. However, the intrinsic connections between p53-mediated DDR and metabolic regulation remain incompletely understood. Here, we present data suggesting that p53 promotes nucleotide biosynthesis in response to DNA damage by repressing the expression of the phosphofructokinase-2 (PFK2) isoform 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a rate-limiting enzyme that promotes glycolysis. PFKFB3 suppression increases the flux of glucose through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) to increase nucleotide production, which results in more efficient DNA damage repair and increased cell survival. Interestingly, although p53-mediated suppression of PFKFB3 could increase the two major PPP products, NADPH and nucleotides, only nucleotide production was essential to promote DDR. By identifying the novel p53 target PFKFB3, we report an important mechanistic connection between p53-regulated metabolism and DDR, both of which play crucial roles in tumor suppression.
Imaging analysis of Parkinson’s disease patients using SPECT and tractography
Authors: Son Seong-Jin , Kim Mansu , Park Hyunjin
Published: November 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system. PD-related alterations in structural and functional neuroimaging have not been fully explored. This study explored multi-modal PD neuroimaging and its application for predicting clinical scores on the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). Multi-modal imaging that combined 123I-Ioflupane single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were adopted to incorporate complementary brain imaging information. SPECT and DTI images of normal controls (NC; n = 45) and PD patients (n = 45) were obtained from a database. The specific binding ratio (SBR) was calculated from SPECT. Tractography was performed using DTI. Group-wise differences between NC and PD patients were quantified using SBR of SPECT and structural connectivity of DTI for regions of interest (ROIs) related to PD. MDS-UPDRS scores were predicted using multi-modal imaging features in a partial least-squares regression framework. Three regions and four connections within the cortico-basal ganglia thalamocortical circuit were identified using SBR and DTI, respectively. Predicted MDS-UPDRS scores using identified regions and connections and actual MDS-UPDRS scores showed a meaningful correlation (r = 0.6854, p < 0.001). Our study provided insight on regions and connections that are instrumental in PD.
The role of PIM1/PIM2 kinases in tumors of the male reproductive system
Authors: Jiménez-García Manuel Pedro , Lucena-Cacace Antonio , Robles-Frías María José , Narlik-Grassow Maja , Blanco-Aparicio Carmen , Carnero Amancio
Published: November 2016

The PIM family of serine/threonine kinases has three highly conserved isoforms (PIM1, PIM2 and PIM3). PIM proteins are regulated through transcription and stability by JAK/STAT pathways and are overexpressed in hematological malignancies and solid tumors. The PIM kinases possess weak oncogenic abilities, but enhance other genes or chemical carcinogens to induce tumors. We generated conditional transgenic mice that overexpress PIM1 or PIM2 in male reproductive organs and analyzed their contribution to tumorigenesis. We found an increase in alterations of sexual organs and hyperplasia in the transgenic mice correlating with inflammation. We also found that PIM1/2 are overexpressed in a subset of human male germ cells and prostate tumors correlating with inflammatory features and stem cell markers. Our data suggest that PIM1/2 kinase overexpression is a common feature of male reproductive organs tumors, which provoke tissue alterations and a large inflammatory response that may act synergistically during the process of tumorigenesis. There is also a correlation with markers of cancer stem cells, which may contribute to the therapy resistance found in tumors overexpressing PIM kinases.
Asian Citrus Psyllid RNAi Pathway – RNAi evidence
Authors: Taning Clauvis N. T. , Andrade Eduardo C. , Hunter Wayne B. , Christiaens Olivier , Smagghe Guy
Published: November 2016

Diaphorina citri, known as the Asian citrus psyllid, is an important pest of citrus because it transmits a phloem-limited bacteria strongly implicated in huanglongbing (citrus greening disease). Emerging biotechnologies, such as RNA interference, could provide a new sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for the management of this pest. In this study, genome and functional analysis were performed to verify whether the RNAi core genes are present in the Asian psyllid genome and if the RNAi machinery could be exploited to develop a management strategy for this pest. Analyses of RNAi-related genes in the Asian citrus psyllid genome showed an absence of sequences encoding R2D2, a dsRNA-binding protein that functions as a cofactor of Dicer-2 inDrosophila. Nevertheless, bioassays using anin PlantaSystem showed that the Asian citrus psyllid was very sensitive to ingested dsRNA, demonstrating a strong RNAi response. A small dose of dsRNA administered through a citrus flush was enough to trigger the RNAi mechanism, causing significant suppression of the targeted transcript, and increased psyllid mortality. This study provides evidence of a functional RNAi machinery, which could be further exploited to develop RNAi based management strategies for the control of the Asian citrus psyllid.
Porous Silicon-Based Biosensors: Towards Real-Time Optical Detection of Target Bacteria in the Food Industry
Authors: Massad-Ivanir Naama , Shtenberg Giorgi , Raz Nitzan , Gazenbeek Christel , Budding Dries , Bos Martine P. , Segal Ester
Published: November 2016

Rapid detection of target bacteria is crucial to provide a safe food supply and to prevent foodborne diseases. Herein, we present an optical biosensor for identification and quantification of Escherichia coli (E. coli, used as a model indicator bacteria species) in complex food industry process water. The biosensor is based on a nanostructured, oxidized porous silicon (PSi) thin film which is functionalized with specific antibodies against E. coli. The biosensors were exposed to water samples collected directly from process lines of fresh-cut produce and their reflectivity spectra were collected in real time. Process water were characterized by complex natural micro-flora (microbial load of >107 cell/mL), in addition to soil particles and plant cell debris. We show that process water spiked with culture-grown E. coli, induces robust and predictable changes in the thin-film optical interference spectrum of the biosensor. The latter is ascribed to highly specific capture of the target cells onto the biosensor surface, as confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The biosensors were capable of selectively identifying and quantifying the target cells, while the target cell concentration is orders of magnitude lower than that of other bacterial species, without any pre-enrichment or prior processing steps.
Parental and sexual conflicts over the Peg3 imprinted domain
Authors: He Hongzhi , Perera Bambarendage P. U. , Ye An , Kim Joomyeong
Published: November 2016

In the current study, the imprinting control region of the mouse Peg3 domain was deleted to test its functional impact on animal growth and survival. The paternal transmission of the deletion resulted in complete abolition of the transcription of two paternally expressed genes, Peg3 and Usp29, causing the reduced body weight of the pups. In contrast, the maternal transmission resulted in the unexpected transcriptional up-regulation of the remaining paternal allele of both Peg3 and Usp29, causing the increased body weight and survival rates. Thus, the imprinted maternal allele of the ICR may be a suppressor antagonistic to the active paternal allele of the ICR, suggesting a potential intralocus allelic conflict. The opposite outcomes between the two transmissions also justify the functional compromise that the maternal allele has become epigenetically repressed rather than genetically deleted during mammalian evolution. The mice homozygous for the deletion develop normally but with a skewed sex ratio, one male per litter, revealing its sex-biased effect. Overall, the Peg3 locus may have evolved to an imprinted domain to cope with both parental and sexual conflicts driven by its growth-stimulating paternal versus growth-suppressing maternal alleles.
Wide variation in susceptibility of transmitted/founder HIV-1 subtype C Isolates to protease inhibitors and association with in vitro replication efficiency
Authors: Sutherland Katherine A. , Collier Dami A. , Claiborne Daniel T. , Prince Jessica L. , Deymier Martin J. , Goldstein Richard A. , Hunter Eric , Gupta Ravindra K.
Published: November 2016

The gag gene is highly polymorphic across HIV-1 subtypes and contributes to susceptibility to protease inhibitors (PI), a critical class of antiretrovirals that will be used in up to 2 million individuals as second-line therapy in sub Saharan Africa by 2020. Given subtype C represents around half of all HIV-1 infections globally, we examined PI susceptibility in subtype C viruses from treatment-naïve individuals. PI susceptibility was measured in a single round infection assay of full-length, replication competent MJ4/gag chimeric viruses, encoding the gag gene and 142 nucleotides of pro derived from viruses in 20 patients in the Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project acute infection cohort. Ten-fold variation in susceptibility to PIs atazanavir and lopinavir was observed across 20 viruses, with EC50s ranging 0.71–6.95 nM for atazanvir and 0.64–8.54 nM for lopinavir. Ten amino acid residues in Gag correlated with lopinavir EC50 (p < 0.01), of which 380 K and 389I showed modest impacts on in vitro drug susceptibility. Finally a significant relationship between drug susceptibility and replication capacity was observed for atazanavir and lopinavir but not darunavir. Our findings demonstrate large variation in susceptibility of PI-naïve subtype C viruses that appears to correlate with replication efficiency and could impact clinical outcomes.
Very rapid long-distance sea crossing by a migratory bird
Authors: Alves José A. , Dias Maria P. , Méndez Verónica , Katrínardóttir Borgný , Gunnarsson Tómas G.
Published: November 2016

Landbirds undertaking within-continent migrations have the possibility to stop en route, but most long-distance migrants must also undertake large non-stop sea crossings, the length of which can vary greatly. For shorebirds migrating from Iceland to West Africa, the shortest route would involve one of the longest continuous sea crossings while alternative, mostly overland, routes are available. Using geolocators to track the migration of Icelandic whimbrels (Numenius phaeopus), we show that they can complete a round-trip of 11,000 km making two non-stop sea crossings and flying at speeds of up to 24 m s−1; the fastest recorded for shorebirds flying over the ocean. Although wind support could reduce flight energetic costs, whimbrels faced headwinds up to twice their ground speed, indicating that unfavourable and potentially fatal weather conditions are not uncommon. Such apparently high risk migrations might be more common than previously thought, with potential fitness gains outweighing the costs.
Driving a Superconductor to Insulator Transition with Random Gauge Fields
Authors: Nguyen H. Q. , Hollen S. M. , Shainline J. , Xu J. M. , Valles J. M.
Published: November 2016

Typically the disorder that alters the interference of particle waves to produce Anderson localization is potential scattering from randomly placed impurities. Here we show that disorder in the form of random gauge fields that act directly on particle phases can also drive localization. We present evidence of a superfluid bose glass to insulator transition at a critical level of this gauge field disorder in a nano-patterned array of amorphous Bi islands. This transition shows signs of metallic transport near the critical point characterized by a resistance "Equation missing", indicative of a quantum phase transition. The critical disorder depends on interisland coupling in agreement with recent Quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We discuss how this disorder tuned SIT differs from the common frustration tuned SIT that also occurs in magnetic fields. Its discovery enables new high fidelity comparisons between theoretical and experimental studies of disorder effects on quantum critical systems.
The rodent malaria liver stage survives in the rapamycin-induced autophagosome of infected Hepa1–6 cells
Authors: Zhao Chenghao , Liu Taiping , Zhou Taoli , Fu Yong , Zheng Hong , Ding Yan , Zhang Kun , Xu Wenyue
Published: November 2016

It has been reported that non-selective autophagy of infected hepatocytes could facilitate the development of malaria in the liver stage, but the fate of parasites following selective autophagy of infected hepatocytes is still not very clear. Here, we confirmed that sporozoite infection can induce a selective autophagy-like process targeting EEFs (exo-erythrocytic forms) in Hepa1–6. Rapamycin treatment greatly enhanced this process in EEFs and non-selective autophagy of infected Hepa1-6 cells and enhanced the development of the malaria liver stage in vivo. Although rapamycin promoted the fusion of autophagosomes containing the malaria parasite with lysosomes, some parasites inside the autophagosome survived and replicated normally. Further study showed that the maturation of affected autolysosomes was greatly inhibited. Therefore, in addition to the previously described positive role of rapamycin-induced nonselective autophagy of hepatocytes, we provide evidence that the survival of EEFs in the autophagosome of the infected hepatocytes also contributes to rapamycin-enhanced development of the malaria liver stage, possibly due to the suppression of autolysosome maturation by EEFs. These data suggest that the inhibition of autolysosome maturation might be a novel escape strategy used by the malaria liver stage.
Resveratrol serves as a protein-substrate interaction stabilizer in human SIRT1 activation
Authors: Hou Xuben , Rooklin David , Fang Hao , Zhang Yingkai
Published: November 2016

Resveratrol is a natural compound found in red wine that has been suggested to exert its potential health benefit through the activation of SIRT1, a crucial member of the mammalian NAD+-dependent deacetylases. SIRT1 has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for many aging related diseases, however, how its activity can only be activated toward some specific substrates by resveratrol has been poorly understood. Herein, by employing extensive molecular dynamics simulations as well as fragment-centric topographical mapping of binding interfaces, we have clarified current controversies in the literature and elucidated that resveratrol plays an important activation role by stabilizing SIRT1/peptide interactions in a substrate-specific manner. This new mechanism highlights the importance of the N-terminal domain in substrate recognition, explains the activity restoration role of resveratrol toward some “loose-binding” substrates of SIRT1, and has significant implications for the rational design of new substrate-specific SIRT1 modulators.
Heterozygote Advantage of the rs3794624 Polymorphism in CYBA for Resistance to Tuberculosis in Two Chinese Populations
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Wu Shouquan , Xue Miao , Sandford Andrew J. , Wu Jingcan , Wang Yu , Chen Guo , Tao Chuanmin , Tang Yin , Feng Yulin , Luo Jun , He Jian-Qing
Published: November 2016

Phagocyte Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex is a key enzyme that catalyzes the production of reactive oxygen species, which mediate oxygen-dependent killing of microorganisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. P22phox, encoded by CYBA, is the key regulatory subunit of NADPH oxidase. Our study aimed to investigate the association of CYBA polymorphisms with susceptibility to tuberculosis. Three SNPs (rs9932581, rs3794624 and rs4673) were genotyped in the discovery cohort composed of Chinese Han individuals. We found that the A allele of rs3794624 was a significant protective factor against tuberculosis (GA vs. GG: OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.96; GA vs. GG+AA: OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.95), which was then replicated in the Chinese Tibetan population (GA vs. GG: OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.92; AA+GA vs. GG: OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.93; GA vs. GG+AA: OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.51–0.92). Meta-analysis including both cohorts identified overdominance as the best genetic model and provided robust evidence for the protective effect of the rs3794624 GA genotype against tuberculosis without any evidence of heterogeneity (GA vs. GG+AA: OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.58–0.86). Our study found an association between the GA genotype of rs3794624 in CYBA with decreased tuberculosis susceptibility in two Chinese populations. Further analyses are needed to reveal the potential function of this SNP.
Tunable microwave metasurfaces for high-performance operations: dispersion compensation and dynamical switch
Authors: Xu He-Xiu , Tang Shiwei , Ma Shaojie , Luo Weijie , Cai Tong , Sun Shulin , He Qiong , Zhou Lei
Published: November 2016

Controlling the phase distributions on metasurfaces leads to fascinating effects such as anomalous light refraction/reflection, flat-lens focusing, and optics-vortex generation. However, metasurfaces realized so far largely reply on passive resonant meta-atoms, whose intrinsic dispersions limit such passive meta-devices’ performances at frequencies other than the target one. Here, based on tunable meta-atoms with varactor diodes involved, we establish a scheme to resolve these issues for microwave metasurfaces, in which the dispersive response of each meta-atom is precisely controlled by an external voltage imparted on the diode. We experimentally demonstrate two effects utilizing our scheme. First, we show that a tunable gradient metasurface exhibits single-mode high-efficiency operation within a wide frequency band, while its passive counterpart only works at a single frequency but exhibits deteriorated performances at other frequencies. Second, we demonstrate that the functionality of our metasurface can be dynamically switched from a specular reflector to a surface-wave convertor. Our approach paves the road to achieve dispersion-corrected and switchable manipulations of electromagnetic waves.
Sex-specific Association Between Uric Acid and Outcomes After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Study from CATIS Trial
Authors: Chen Li-Hua , Zhong Chongke , Xu Tan , Xu Tian , Peng Yanbo , Wang Aili , Wang Jinchao , Peng Hao , Li Qunwei , Ju Zhong , Geng Deqin , Zhang Jintao , Li Yongqiu , Zhang Yonghong , He Jiang
Published: November 2016

The relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke remains debatable in human studies, and the sex effect on this association has yet to be explored. Here, we investigated these associations in a prospective study from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Baseline UA levels were measured in 3284 acute ischemic stroke patients. Primary outcome was defined as a combination of death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) at 3 months. UA levels were significantly higher in men than women (310.6 ± 96.1 vs 257.5 ± 89.9 μmol/L, P < 0.001). The association between serum UA and the primary outcome was appreciably modified by sex (P-interaction = 0.007). After multivariate adjustment, a high serum UA was associated with a decreased risk of primary outcome in men [odds ratio (OR), 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.44–0.91; P-trend = 0.01] but not in women (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.83–2.01; P-trend = 0.15), when two extreme quartiles were compared. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses further confirmed these sex-specific findings. Our study indicated that there was a sex-specific association between serum UA and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. Elevated serum UA was positively associated with better prognosis in men, but not in women.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations: Principles and Applications for the Study of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Oakes Victoria , Domene Carmen
Published: November 2016

The plasma membrane is responsible for the maintenance of the correct chemical composition in cells, separating harmful substances from key biochemical processes required for basic human function. Membrane proteins are responsible for communication and transport phenomena across the membrane, facilitating a dynamic relationship between the cell interior and exterior despite the physical blockade. How these proteins function on a molecular level, however, remains largely unresolved. A fuller understanding is steadily emerging due to the increasing availability of three-dimensional structures of membrane proteins, in combination with computational methodologies such as molecular dynamics simulations. In this chapter, we present the key principles and considerations of performing molecular dynamics simulations in the context of membrane proteins, highlighting the leading applications in this field.
Non-atomistic Simulations of Ion Channels
Authors: Berti Claudio , Furini Simone
Published: November 2016

Mathematical modeling and numerical simulations are powerful tools for the analysis of the structure–function relation in ion channels. The continuous increase in the number of experimental structures of membrane proteins at high resolution has promoted the development of methods based on full atomistic descriptions of ion channels. However, the computational cost of atomistic simulations is still prohibitively high for a systematic study of conduction in ion channels. This chapter describes simplified models of conductions based on the implicit treatment of solvent molecules. In simplified models of ion channels, only a well-reasoned set of features is explicitly described. Thus, these methods are more than a mere way to increase the computational efficiency. Identifying which features are important, and how they impact on the functional properties, might offer a more profound understanding of the simulated systems. The chapter also discusses how to combine simplified models with atomistic simulations. These multi-scale models are a promising strategy to investigate the structure–function relation in complex biological molecules such as ion channels.
Quantification of quality parameters in castanhola fruits by NIRS for the development of prediction models using PLS and variable selection algorithms on a laboratory scale
Authors: Costa Rosangela Câmara , Uchida Viviane Hiromi , Veríssimo Miguel Thaís Bezerra , Duarte Márcia M. L. , Lima Kássio M. G.
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes a novel methodology for the quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPCs) and total anthocyanin compounds (TACs) in castanhola fruits.
Site-selective installation of BASHY fluorescent dyes to Annexin V for targeted detection of apoptotic cells
Authors: Cal Pedro M. S. D. , Sieglitz Florian , Santos Fábio M. F. , Parente Carvalho Cátia , Guerreiro Ana , Bertoldo Jean B. , Pischel Uwe , Gois Pedro M. P. , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L.
Published: November 2016

Fluorophores are indispensable for imaging biological processes.
Headgroup engineering in mechanosensitive membrane probes
Authors: Soleimanpour Saeideh , Colom Adai , Derivery Emmanuel , Gonzalez-Gaitan Marcos , Roux Aurelien , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: November 2016

Tricky chemistry had to be addressed to make mechanosensitive membrane probes ready for use, including a chalcogen-bond mediated “molecular guillotinylation”.
Biological and related applications of pillar[n]arenes
Authors: Sathiyajith CuhaWijay , Shaikh Rafik Rajjak , Han Qian , Zhang Yue , Meguellati Kamel , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: November 2016

This review article summarizes the advance of pillar[n]arene chemistry in terms of its application in biological and related fields.
The impact of the structuring of hydrotropes in water on the mesoscale solubilisation of a third hydrophobic component
Authors: Buchecker Thomas , Krickl Sebastian , Winkler Robert , Grillo Isabelle , Bauduin Pierre , Touraud Didier , Pfitzner Arno , Kunz Werner
Published: November 2016

The complex structuring of alcohols in water influences the mesoscale solubilisation of a third component depending on its nature.
Decreasing amyloid toxicity through an increased rate of aggregation
Authors: Sonzini Silvia , Stanyon Helen F. , Scherman Oren A.
Published: November 2016

While it has been reported that wild type Amyloid β (1–42) aggregates are highly toxic, we demonstrate that addition of a discrete macrocyclic host molecule, cucurbit[8]uril, increases the aggregation rate of the peptide but substantially reduces its toxicity.
Hydration and self-aggregation of a neutral cosolute from dielectric relaxation spectroscopy and MD simulations: the case of 1,3-dimethylurea
Authors: Agieienko Vira , Horinek Dominik , Buchner Richard
Published: November 2016

1,3-Dimethylurea irrotationally binds 1–2H2O molecules close to its carbonyl and impedes dynamics ofca.40 H2O molecules by methyl substituents.
A structural study of alkaline earth metal complexes with hybrid disila-crown ethers
Authors: Dankert Fabian , Reuter Kirsten , Donsbach Carsten , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: November 2016

A series of disila-crown ether complexes have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex stability of different systems were studied by DFT calculations and proton NMR experiments.
Syntheses, structures and magnetic properties of nine coordination polymers based on terphenyl-tetracarboxylic acid ligands
Authors: Zhou Xinhui , Chen Qianqian , Liu Baolin , Li Liang , Yang Tao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2016

Nine coordination polymers based on dinuclear metal units/metal-carboxylate chains and 1,1′:4′,1′′-terphenyl-2′,4,4′′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes 2 and 9 show the weak ferromagnetic interactions.
Investigation of a power strip-like composite nanoparticle derivative with liquid-like behaviour on capturing carbon dioxide
Authors: Yang Ruilu , Zheng Yaping , Li Peipei , Wang Yudeng , Bai Haipeng , Chen Lixin
Published: November 2016

Liquid-like power strip NOHMs based on a composite core of MWCNT/SiO2are beneficial for CO2captureviachemisorption and physisorption.
Molybdenum complexes with a μ-O{MoO2}2 core: their synthesis, crystal structure and application as catalysts for the oxidation of bicyclic alcohols using N-based additives
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Rana Lata , Avecilla Fernando
Published: November 2016

Binuclear molybdenum(vi) complexes with a μ-O{MoO2}2 core as catalysts for the oxidation of bicyclic alcohols (fenchyl alcohol and isoborneol), using 30% H2O2 as the oxidant in the presence of NEt3 as the additive, are reported.
Copolymerization of propylene with styrene and ethylene by a THF-containing half-sandwich scandium catalyst: efficient synthesis of polyolefins with a controllable styrene content
Authors: Tan Rui , Guo Fang , Li Yang
Published: November 2016

A novel family of multi-block propylene–styrene copolymers with syndiotactic styrene–styrene blocks and random propylene–ethylene–styrene terpolymers with a broad composition range were obtained by using (C5Me4SiMe3)Sc(CH2SiMe3)2(THF).
Mineralization of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) from aqueous solution by porous hexagonal boron nitride: adsorption followed by simultaneous thermal decomposition and regeneration
Authors: Feng Yong , Zhou Ying , Lee Po-Heng , Shih Kaimin
Published: November 2016

Some poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are of global concern due to their toxicity, high persistency, bioaccumulation, and worldwide occurrence.
Thermo-responsive poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) based asymmetric membranes
Authors: Nechikkattu Riyasudheen , Athiyanathil Sujith
Published: November 2016

This paper reports surface modification of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) microporous membranes, by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and its subsequent applications in thermo responsive permeation.
AIE-active conjugated polymer nanoparticles with red-emission for in vitro and in vivo imaging
Authors: Yang Dongliang , Zhang Shuwei , Hu Yanling , Chen Jia , Bao Biqing , Yuwen Lihui , Weng Lixing , Cheng Yixiang , Wang Lianhui
Published: November 2016

Novel AIE-active conjugated polymer nanoparticles with bright fluorescence emission and excellent photostability have been prepared for imaging in cells and zebrafish.
Development of a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method based on solidification of a floating ionic liquid for extraction of carbamate pesticides from fruit juice and vegetable samples
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Bamorowat Mahdi , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2016

In this work, a new sample preparation method based on solidification of an ionic liquid after performing dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the extraction and preconcentration of four carbamate pesticides.
High performance hierarchical nanoporous antireflective films by a facile sol–gel process
Authors: Xiao Yao , Ma Ronghua , Wang Changjian , Chen Xinkai , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping
Published: November 2016

Single layer antireflection (SLAR) sol–gel films on super white glass substrates were prepared by hierarchically introducing hollow silica nano-spheres (HSNs) and F127 templated nano-pores.
Enhanced catalytic ozonation over reduced spinel CoMn2O4 for NOx removal: active site and mechanism analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenkai , Zhong Qin , Ding Jie , Deng Zhiyong , Guo Lina , Song Fujiao
Published: November 2016

In this paper, CO atmosphere reduced cobalt manganate (CoMn2O4/CO), prepared by a hydrothermal method, was successfully utilized in catalytic ozonation for NOx removal.
Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-functionalized graphene oxide in high-temperature and high-pressure ammonia
Authors: Baldovino F. H. , Quitain A. T. , Dugos Nathaniel P. , Roces Susan A. , Koinuma Masayoshi , Yuasa M. , Kida T.
Published: November 2016

Successful N-functionalization of graphene oxide with high-temperature and high-pressure ammonia obtaining over 10% N-doping level.
Solvent effects on adsorption kinetics, dye monolayer, and cell performance of porphyrin-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhu Aili , Stewart Adam , Liu Zonghao , Cheng Yi-Bing , Zhao Zhixin , He Hongshan
Published: November 2016

The effect of three dye loading solvents (THF, ethanol, and n-butanol) on the adsorption kinetics, the binding mode of the dye molecules on the TiO2 nanoparticles, and photovoltaic performance in dye-sensitized solar cells was reported.
Body armour materials: from steel to contemporary biomimetic systems
Authors: Yadav Ramdayal , Naebe Minoo , Wang Xungai , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: November 2016

The history of armour is as old as evolution of mankind; indeed it is an intrinsic instinct of humanity to protect themselves from critical environment as well as other human in the battlefield setting.
Correction: Determining chemospecificity in reactions with chain transfer agent and corresponding radical via evaluation of molecular weight dependency of apparent comonomer reactivity ratios: free-radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate and dibutyl maleate
Authors: Rahdar Seyed Saeid , Abdollahi Mahdi , Ahmadi Ebrahim , Biglari Abbas
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Determining chemospecificity in reactions with chain transfer agent and corresponding radical via evaluation of molecular weight dependency of apparent comonomer reactivity ratios: free-radical copolymerization of vinyl acetate and dibutyl maleate’ by Seyed Saeid Rahdar et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 109759–109768.
Highly specific C–C bond cleavage induced FRET fluorescence for in vivo biological nitric oxide imaging
Authors: Li Hua , Zhang Deliang , Gao Mengna , Huang Lumei , Tang Longguang , Li Zijing , Chen Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xianzhong
Published: November 2016

A novel FRET fluorescence “off–on” system based on the highly specific, sensitive and effective C–C bond cleavage of certain dihydropyridine derivatives was reported for real-time quantitative imaging of nitric oxide (NO).
Photoacoustic probes for real-time tracking of endogenous H2S in living mice
Authors: Shi Ben , Gu Xianfeng , Fei Qiang , Zhao Chunchang
Published: November 2016

H2S-activatable probes showed an extremely fast and highly selective photoacoustic response to H2S, permitting real-time photoacoustic trapping in living mice.