bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of statins on prostate cancer recurrence and mortality after definitive therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Ping , Wei Shiyou , Yang Lu , Tang Zhuang , Cao Dehong , Liu Liangren , Lei Junhao , Fan Yu , Gao Liang , Wei Qiang
Published: July 2016

In this work, we aim to further analyze the association of statins use with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa) and PCa-specific mortality after definitive therapy. A systematic literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE through Jul 2015 was conducted. Pooled Hazard ratio (HR) estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects model. STATA version 10 (Stata corporation, college station, TX) was employed to conduct all statistical analyses. A total of 22 and 8 studies contributed to the biochemical recurrence analysis and PCa-specific mortality, respectively. 13 trials were included for BCR-free survival analysis. The combined result showed statins users had lowered 12% BCR risk of PCa compared with non-users (HR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.765–0.998) (p < 0.05). The association was null among the men who underwent radical prostatectomy as primary therapy (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.83–1.09), while the improved outcomes had be seen among patients who received radiation therapy (HR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.48–0.86). After excluding the patients undergoing ADT, participants did not benefit from statins use (HR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.77–1.11). Meanwhile, long-term statins using did not alter recurrence risk. A lower risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality was observed among statins users (HR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56–0.80). There was a plausible trend towards increasing the BCR-free survival rate among statins users.
Metabolite profiling of Dioscorea (yam) species reveals underutilised biodiversity and renewable sources for high-value compounds
Authors: Price Elliott J. , Wilkin Paul , Sarasan Viswambharan , Fraser Paul D.
Published: July 2016

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are a multispecies crop with production in over 50 countries generating ~50 MT of edible tubers annually. The long-term storage potential of these tubers is vital for food security in developing countries. Furthermore, many species are important sources of pharmaceutical precursors. Despite these attributes as staple food crops and sources of high-value chemicals, Dioscorea spp. remain largely neglected in comparison to other staple tuber crops of tropical agricultural systems such as cassava (Manihot esculenta) and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). To date, studies have focussed on the tubers or rhizomes of Dioscorea, neglecting the foliage as waste. In the present study metabolite profiling procedures, using GC-MS approaches, have been established to assess biochemical diversity across species. The robustness of the procedures was shown using material from the phylogenetic clades. The resultant data allowed separation of the genotypes into clades, species and morphological traits with a putative geographical origin. Additionally, we show the potential of foliage material as a renewable source of high-value compounds.
Correction: Corrigendum: Molecular orbital analysis of the hydrogen bonded water dimer
Authors: Wang Bo , Jiang Wanrun , Dai Xin , Gao Yang , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: July 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Artcile number: 22099; Published online: 24 February 2016; Updated: 08 July 2016 In this Article, there is an error in Figure 4a. The sign of “E (kcal/mol)” was inverted for the leftmost data point for δ(HF); −4 (approximately) was incorrectly plotted as +4 (approximately). Thecorrect Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1.
Causal Inference Based on the Analysis of Events of Relations for Non-stationary Variables
Authors: Yin Yu , Yao Dezhong
Published: July 2016

The main concept behind causality involves both statistical conditions and temporal relations. However, current approaches to causal inference, focusing on the probability vs. conditional probability contrast, are based on model functions or parametric estimation. These approaches are not appropriate when addressing non-stationary variables. In this work, we propose a causal inference approach based on the analysis of Events of Relations (CER). CER focuses on the temporal delay relation between cause and effect and a binomial test is established to determine whether an “event of relation” with a non-zero delay is significantly different from one with zero delay. Because CER avoids parameter estimation of non-stationary variables per se, the method can be applied to both stationary and non-stationary signals.
Delineation of six species of the primitive algal genus Glaucocystis based on in situ ultrastructural characteristics
Authors: Takahashi Toshiyuki , Nishida Tomoki , Tuji Akihiro , Saito Chieko , Matsuzaki Ryo , Sato Mayuko , Toyooka Kiminori , Yasuda Hidehiro , Nozaki Hisayoshi
Published: July 2016

The field of microbiology was established in the 17thcentury upon the discovery of microorganisms by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek using a single-lens microscope. Now, the detailed ultrastructures of microorganisms can be elucidatedin situusing three-dimensional electron microscopy. Since the availability of electron microscopy, the taxonomy of microscopic organisms has entered a new era. Here, we established a new taxonomic system of the primitive algal genusGlaucocystis(Glaucophyta) using a new-generation electron microscopic methodology: ultra-high-voltage electron microscopy (UHVEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Various globally distributedGlaucocystisstrains were delineated into six species, based on differences inin situultrastructural features of the protoplast periphery under UHVEM tomography and in the mother cell wall by FE-SEM, as well as differences in the light microscopic characteristics and molecular phylogenetic results. The present work onGlaucocystisprovides a model case of new-generation taxonomy.
Zero-valent Fe confined mesoporous silica nanocarriers (Fe(0) @ MCM-41) for targeting experimental orthotopic glioma in rats
Authors: Shevtsov M. A. , Parr M. A. , Ryzhov V. A. , Zemtsova E. G. , Arbenin A. Yu , Ponomareva A. N. , Smirnov V. M. , Multhoff G.
Published: July 2016

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) impregnated with zero-valent Fe (Fe(0) @ MCM-41) represent an attractive nanocarrier system for drug delivery into tumor cells. The major goal of this work was to assess whether MSNs can penetrate the blood-brain barrier in a glioblastoma rat model. Synthesized MSNs nanomaterials were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, measurements of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. For the detection of the MSNs by MR and for biodistribution studies MSNs were labeled with zero-valent Fe. Subsequent magnetometry and nonlinear-longitudinal-response-M2 (NLR-M2) measurements confirmed the MR negative contrast enhancement properties of the nanoparticles. After incubation of different tumor (C6 glioma, U87 glioma, K562 erythroleukemia, HeLa cervix carcinoma) and normal cells such as fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) MSNs rapidly get internalized into the cytosol. Intracellular residing MSNs result in an enhanced cytotoxicity as Fe(0) @ MCM-41 promote the reactive oxygen species production. MRI and histological studies indicated an accumulation of intravenously injected Fe(0) @ MCM-41 MSNs in orthotopic C6 glioma model. Biodistribution studies with measurements of second harmonic of magnetization demonstrated an increased and dose-dependent retention of MSNs in tumor tissues. Taken together, this study demonstrates that MSNs can enter the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in tumorous tissues.
EcoTILLING revealed SNPs in GhSus genes that are associated with fiber- and seed-related traits in upland cotton
Authors: Zeng Yan-Da , Sun Jun-Ling , Bu Su-Hong , Deng Kang-Sheng , Tao Tao , Zhang Yuan-Ming , Zhang Tian-Zhen , Du Xiong-Ming , Zhou Bao-Liang
Published: July 2016

Cotton is the most important textile crop in the world due to its cellulose-enriched fibers. Sucrose synthase genes (Sus) play pivotal roles in cotton fiber and seed development. To mine and pyramid more favorable alleles for cotton molecular breeding, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of GhSus family genes were investigated across 277 upland cotton accessions by EcoTILLING. As a result, a total of 24 SNPs in the amplified regions of eight GhSus genes were identified. These SNPs were significantly associated with at least one fiber- or seed-related trait measured in Nanjing, Anyang and Kuche in 2007–2009. Four main-effect quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) and five epistatic QTNs, with 0.76–3.56% of phenotypic variances explained by each QTN (PVE), were found to be associated with yield-related traits; six epistatic QTNs, with the 0.43–3.48% PVE, were found to be associated with fiber quality-related traits; and one main-effect QTN and one epistatic QTN, with the PVE of 1.96% and 2.53%, were found to be associated with seed oil content and protein content, respectively. Therefore, this study provides new information for molecular breeding in cotton.
Associations between Nine Polymorphisms in EXO1 and Cancer Susceptibility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 39 Case-control Studies
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhao Duran , Yan Cunye , Zhang Li , Liang Chaozhao
Published: July 2016

An increasing number of studies have highlighted the potential link between EXO1 polymorphisms and cancer risk, although no consensus has yet been obtained. Thus, we aimed to obtain a thorough and current assessment of EXO1 polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility by performing a meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature retrieval was performed on PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and Wanfang databases. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to assess the results. Finally, 39 case-control studies of the nine EXO1 polymorphisms that involved 21,651 cases and 21,348 controls met our inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis indicated that the rs1047840 polymorphism conferred a significantly increased susceptibility to cancer in an allelic model. Similarly, the rs3754093, rs1776177, rs9350, rs10802996, rs1635498, rs1776148 and rs851797 polymorphisms were also associated with an increased susceptibility to cancer in an allelic model, respectively, while no significant association was identified for rs1635517 polymorphism. For the rs1047840 polymorphism, in an ethnicity subgroup analysis, a significantly increased susceptibility to cancer for Asians was identified in all the genetic models and for Caucasians in an allelic model. Our findings provide the evidence that the rs1047840, rs9350, rs10802996, rs1635498, rs1776148, rs1776177, rs3754093 and rs851797 polymorphisms may act as risk factors for cancer.
A proposed experimental diagnosing of specular Andreev reflection using the spin orbit interaction
Authors: Yang Yanling , Zhao Bing , Zhang Ziyu , Bai Chunxu , Xu Xiaoguang , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2016

Based on the Dirac-Bogoliubov-de Gennes equation, we theoretically investigate the chirality-resolved transport properties through a superconducting heterojunction in the presence of both the Rashba spin orbit interaction (RSOI) and the Dresselhaus spin orbit interaction (DSOI). Our results show that, if only the RSOI is present, the chirality-resolved Andreev tunneling conductance can be enhanced in the superconducting gap, while it always shows a suppression effect for the case of the DSOI alone. In contrast to the similar dependence of the specular Andreev zero bias tunneling conductance on the SOI, the retro-Andreev zero bias tunneling conductance exhibit the distinct dependence on the RSOI and the DSOI. Moreover, the zero-bias tunneling conductances for the retro-Andreev reflection (RAR) and the specular Andreev reflection (SAR) also show a qualitative difference with respect to the barrier parameters. When the RSOI and the DSOI are finite, three orders of magnitude enhancement of specular Andreev tunneling conductance is revealed. Furthermore, by analyzing the balanced SOI case, we find that the RAR is in favor of a parabolic dispersion, but a linear dispersion is highly desired for the SAR. These results shed light on the diagnosing of the SAR in graphene when subjected to both kinds of SOI.
STAT3 Represses Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Human Macrophages upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Queval Christophe J. , Song Ok-Ryul , Deboosère Nathalie , Delorme Vincent , Debrie Anne-Sophie , Iantomasi Raffaella , Veyron-Churlet Romain , Jouny Samuel , Redhage Keely , Deloison Gaspard , Baulard Alain , Chamaillard Mathias , Locht Camille , Brodin Priscille
Published: July 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a successful intracellular pathogen. Numerous host innate immune responses signaling pathways are induced upon mycobacterium invasion, however their impact on M. tuberculosis replication is not fully understood. Here we reinvestigate the role of STAT3 specifically inside human macrophages shortly after M. tuberculosis uptake. We first show that STAT3 activation is mediated by IL-10 and occurs in M. tuberculosis infected cells as well as in bystander non-colonized cells. STAT3 activation results in the inhibition of IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and MIP-1β. We further demonstrate that STAT3 represses iNOS expression and NO synthesis. Accordingly, the inhibition of STAT3 is detrimental for M. tuberculosis intracellular replication. Our study thus points out STAT3 as a key host factor for M. tuberculosis intracellular establishment in the early stages of macrophage infection.
Endocidal Regulation of Secondary Metabolites in the Producing Organisms
Authors: Li Shiyou , Wang Ping , Yuan Wei , Su Zushang , Bullard Steven H.
Published: July 2016

Secondary metabolites are defined as organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, and reproduction of an organism. They are widely believed to be responsible for interactions between the producing organism and its environment, with the producer avoiding their toxicities. In our experiments, however, none of the randomly selected 44 species representing different groups of plants and insects can avoid autotoxicity by its endogenous metabolites once made available. We coined the term endocides (endogenous biocides) to describe such metabolites that can poison or inhibit the parent via induced biosynthesis or external applications. Dosage-dependent endocides can selectively induce morphological mutations in the parent organism (e.g., shrubbiness/dwarfism, pleiocotyly, abnormal leaf morphogenesis, disturbed phyllotaxis, fasciated stems, and variegation in plants), inhibit its growth, development, and reproduction and cause death than non-closely related species. The propagule, as well as the organism itself contains or produces adequate endocides to kill itself.
Correction: Corrigendum: Follower ants in a tandem pair are not always naïve
Authors: Schultheiss Patrick , Raderschall Chloé A , Narendra Ajay
Published: July 2016

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 10747; Published online: 29 May 2015; Updated: 08 July 2016 The authors neglected to cite a published thesis that investigated a related aspect of tandem running in the same study species. This additional reference is listed below as reference 1, and should appear in the text as below.
Exome Array Analysis of Susceptibility to Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Kloek Anne T. , van Setten Jessica , van der Ende Arie , Bots Michiel L. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Serón Mercedes Valls , Brouwer Matthijs C. , van de Beek Diederik , Ferwerda Bart
Published: July 2016

Host genetic variability may contribute to susceptibility of bacterial meningitis, but which genes contribute to the susceptibility to this complex disease remains undefined. We performed a genetic association study in 469 community-acquired pneumococcal meningitis cases and 2072 population-based controls from the Utrecht Health Project in order to find genetic variants associated with pneumococcal meningitis susceptibility. A HumanExome BeadChip was used to genotype 102,097 SNPs in the collected DNA samples. Associations were tested with the Fisher exact test. None of the genetic variants tested reached Bonferroni corrected significance (p-value <5 × 10−7). Our strongest signals associated with susceptibility to pneumococcal meningitis were rs139064549 on chromosome 1 in the COL11A1 gene (p = 1.51 × 10−6; G allele OR 3.21 [95% CI 2.05–5.02]) and rs9309464 in the EXOC6B gene on chromosome 2 (p = 6.01 × 10−5; G allele OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.54–0.81]). The sequence kernel association test (SKAT) tests for associations between multiple variants in a gene region and pneumococcal meningitis susceptibility yielded one significant associated gene namely COL11A1 (p = 1.03 × 10−7). Replication studies are needed to validate these results. If replicated, the functionality of these genetic variations should be further studied to identify by which means they influence the pathophysiology of pneumococcal meningitis.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatic cell lines as a new model for host interaction with hepatitis B virus
Authors: Kaneko Shun , Kakinuma Sei , Asahina Yasuhiro , Kamiya Akihide , Miyoshi Masato , Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Nitta Sayuri , Asano Yu , Nagata Hiroko , Otani Satoshi , Kawai-Kitahata Fukiko , Murakawa Miyako , Itsui Yasuhiro , Nakagawa Mina , Azuma Seishin , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Nishitsuji Hironori , Ujino Saneyuki , Shimotohno Kunitada , Iwamoto Masashi , Watashi Koichi , Wakita Takaji , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: July 2016

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not eradicated by current antiviral therapies due to persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in host cells and thus development of novel culture models for productive HBV infection is urgently needed, which will allow the study of HBV cccDNA eradication. To meet this need, we developed culture models of HBV infection using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte lineages, including immature proliferating hepatic progenitor-like cell lines (iPS-HPCs) and differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (iPS-Heps). These cells were susceptible to HBV infection, produced HBV particles and maintained innate immune responses. The infection efficiency of HBV in iPS-HPCs predominantly depended on the expression levels of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) and was low relative to iPS-Heps: however, long-term culture of iPS-Heps was difficult. To provide a model for HBV persistence, iPS-HPCs overexpressing NTCP were established. The long-term persistence of HBV cccDNA was detected in iPS-HPCs overexpressing NTCP and depended on the inhibition of the Janus-kinase signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that iPS-derived hepatic cell lines can be utilized for novel HBV culture models with genetic variation to investigate the interactions between HBV and host cells and the development of anti-HBV strategies.
Arabidopsis thaliana extracts optimized for polyphenols production as potential therapeutics for the APOE-modulated neuroinflammation characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease in vitro
Authors: Ghura Shivesh , Tai Leon , Zhao Ming , Collins Nicole , Che Chun-Tao , Warpeha Katherine M. , LaDu Mary Jo
Published: July 2016

Although the cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is unknown, glial-induced neuroinflammation is an early symptom. Familial AD is caused by increases in amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, particularly soluble oligomeric (oAβ), considered a proximal neurotoxin and neuroinflammatory stimuli. APOE4, a naturally occurring genotype of APOE, is the greatest genetic risk factor for AD; increasing risk up to 12-fold compared to APOE3 and APOE2. oAβ-induced neuroinflammation is greater with APOE4 compared to APOE3 and APOE2. As sinapates and flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties, a protocol was developed for optimizing polyphenol production in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana). Three mutants (cop1, prn1, xpf3) were identified and the extracts treated with liver microsomes to mimic physiological metabolism, with HPLC and MS performed on the resulting metabolites for peak identification. These extracts were used to treat primary glial cells isolated from human APOE-targeted-replacement (APOE-TR) and APOE-knock-out (KO) mice, with neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or oAβ. The dose-response data for TNFα secretion demonstrate the followed the order: APOE-KO > APOE4 > APOE3 > APOE2, with xpf3 the most effective anti-neuroinflammatory across APOE genotypes. Thus, the plant-based approach described herein may be particularly valuable in treating the APOE4-induced neuroinflammatory component of AD risk.
From Ewald sphere to Ewald shell in nonlinear optics
Authors: Huang Huang , Huang Cheng-Ping , Zhang Chao , Hong Xu-Hao , Zhang Xue-Jin , Qin Yi-Qiang , Zhu Yong-Yuan
Published: July 2016

Ewald sphere is a simple vector scheme to depict the X-ray Bragg diffraction in a crystal. A similar method, known as the nonlinear Ewald sphere, was employed to illustrate optical frequency conversion processes. We extend the nonlinear Ewald sphere to the Ewald shell construction. With the Ewald shell, a variety of quasi-phase-matching (QPM) effects, such as the collective envelope effect associated with multiple QPM resonances, the enhanced second- harmonic generation due to multiple reciprocal vectors etc., are suggested theoretically and verified experimentally. By rotating the nonlinear photonic crystal sample, the dynamic evolution of these QPM effects has also been observed, which agreed well with the Ewald shell model.
Characterization of two PEBP genes, SrFT and SrMFT, in thermogenic skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius)
Authors: Ito-Inaba Yasuko , Masuko-Suzuki Hiromi , Maekawa Haruhiko , Watanabe Masao , Inaba Takehito
Published: July 2016

Floral thermogenesis has been found in dozens of primitive seed plants and the reproductive organs in these plants produce heat during anthesis. Thus, characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying flowering is required to fully understand the role of thermogenesis, but this aspect of thermogenic plant development is largely unknown. In this study, extensive database searches and cloning experiments suggest that thermogenic skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius), which is a member of the family Araceae, possesses two genes encoding phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBP), FLOWERING LOCUS T (SrFT) and MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (SrMFT). Functional analyses of SrFT and SrMFT in Arabidopsis indicate that SrFT promotes flowering, whereas SrMFT does not. In S. renifolius, the stage- and tissue-specific expression of SrFT was more evident than that of SrMFT. SrFT was highly expressed in flowers and leaves and was mainly localized in fibrovascular tissues. In addition, microarray analysis revealed that, within floral tissues, SrFT was co-regulated with the genes associated with cellular respiration and mitochondrial function, including ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE gene proposed to play a major role in floral thermogenesis. Taken together, these data suggest that, among the PEBP genes, SrFT plays a role in flowering and floral development in the thermogenic skunk cabbage.
Polarity control in WSe2 double-gate transistors
Authors: Resta Giovanni V. , Sutar Surajit , Balaji Yashwanth , Lin Dennis , Raghavan Praveen , Radu Iuliana , Catthoor Francky , Thean Aaron , Gaillardon Pierre-Emmanuel , de Micheli Giovanni
Published: July 2016

As scaling of conventional silicon-based electronics is reaching its ultimate limit, considerable effort has been devoted to find new materials and new device concepts that could ultimately outperform standard silicon transistors. In this perspective two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS2 and WSe2, have recently attracted considerable interest thanks to their electrical properties. Here, we report the first experimental demonstration of a doping-free, polarity-controllable device fabricated on few-layer WSe2. We show how modulation of the Schottky barriers at drain and source by a separate gate, named program gate, can enable the selection of the carriers injected in the channel and achieved controllable polarity behaviour with ON/OFF current ratios >106 for both electrons and holes conduction. Polarity-controlled WSe2 transistors enable the design of compact logic gates, leading to higher computational densities in 2D-flatronics.
Areca Nut Chewing and an Impaired Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate as Significant Risk Factors for Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Recurrence
Authors: Cao Jian , Xu Ran , Zhao Xiaokun , Zhong Zhaohui , Zhang Lei , Zhu Xuan , Wu Shuiqing , Ai Kai
Published: July 2016

The present study sought to investigate the predictive value of preoperative clinicopathological variables, with a special focus on areca nut chewing, on disease recurrence and progression in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Data from 242 patients diagnosed with NMIBC between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Fifteen clinicopathological variables were analyzed to evaluate their prognostic value. During a mean observation period of 21 months, disease recurrence occurred in 140 patients (57.9%). On multivariate analysis, heavy-areca nut chewing (HR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.37–3.47), current smoking (HR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.99–4.80), moderately impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.09–2.83), severely impaired eGFR (HR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.70–6.48) and tumor grade (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.36–2.77) were independent factors for recurrence, based on which a risk factor model was developed to stratify patients into high, medium and low risk groups. In conclusion, our study suggests that in addition to quitting smoking, quitting areca nut chewing may also reduce the risk of first recurrence in NMBIC patients, monitoring and preserving their renal function may be beneficial as well. Further prospective studies are needed to verify the prognostic significance of these factors and the risk stratification model in this population.
The role of membrane ERα signaling in bone and other major estrogen responsive tissues
Authors: Gustafsson K. L. , Farman H. , Henning P. , Lionikaite V. , Movérare-Skrtic S. , Wu J. , Ryberg H. , Koskela A. , Gustafsson J.-Å. , Tuukkanen J. , Levin E. R. , Ohlsson C. , Lagerquist M. K.
Published: July 2016

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) signaling leads to cellular responses in several tissues and in addition to nuclear ERα-mediated effects, membrane ERα (mERα) signaling may be of importance. To elucidate the significance, in vivo, of mERα signaling in multiple estrogen-responsive tissues, we have used female mice lacking the ability to localize ERα to the membrane due to a point mutation in the palmitoylation site (C451A), so called Nuclear-Only-ER (NOER) mice. Interestingly, the role of mERα signaling for the estrogen response was highly tissue-dependent, with trabecular bone in the axial skeleton being strongly dependent (>80% reduction in estrogen response in NOER mice), cortical and trabecular bone in long bones, as well as uterus and thymus being partly dependent (40–70% reduction in estrogen response in NOER mice) and effects on liver weight and total body fat mass being essentially independent of mERα (<35% reduction in estrogen response in NOER mice). In conclusion, mERα signaling is important for the estrogenic response in female mice in a tissue-dependent manner. Increased knowledge regarding membrane initiated ERα actions may provide means to develop new selective estrogen receptor modulators with improved profiles.
The integrative role of orexin/hypocretin neurons in nociceptive perception and analgesic regulation
Authors: Inutsuka Ayumu , Yamashita Akira , Chowdhury Srikanta , Nakai Junichi , Ohkura Masamichi , Taguchi Toru , Yamanaka Akihiro
Published: July 2016

The level of wakefulness is one of the major factors affecting nociception and pain. Stress-induced analgesia supports an animal’s survival via prompt defensive responses against predators or competitors. Previous studies have shown the pharmacological effects of orexin peptides on analgesia. However, orexin neurons contain not only orexin but also other co-transmitters such as dynorphin, neurotensin and glutamate. Thus, the physiological importance of orexin neuronal activity in nociception is unknown. Here we show that adult-stage selective ablation of orexin neurons enhances pain-related behaviors, while pharmacogenetic activation of orexin neurons induces analgesia. Additionally, we found correlative activation of orexin neurons during nociception using fiber photometry recordings of orexin neurons in conscious animals. These findings suggest an integrative role for orexin neurons in nociceptive perception and pain regulation.
Analysis of temporal evolution of quantum dot surface chemistry by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Doğan İlker , Gresback Ryan , Nozaki Tomohiro , van de Sanden Mauritius C. M.
Published: July 2016

Temporal evolution of surface chemistry during oxidation of silicon quantum dot (Si-QD) surfaces were probed using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). A monolayer of hydrogen and chlorine terminated plasma-synthesized Si-QDs were spin-coated on silver oxide thin films. A clearly enhanced signal of surface modes, including Si-Clx and Si-Hx modes were observed from as-synthesized Si-QDs as a result of the plasmonic enhancement of the Raman signal at Si-QD/silver oxide interface. Upon oxidation, a gradual decrease of Si-Clx and Si-Hx modes and an emergence of Si-Ox and Si-O-Hx modes have been observed. In addition, first, second and third transverse optical modes of Si-QDs were also observed in the SERS spectra, revealing information on the crystalline morphology of Si-QDs. An absence of any of the abovementioned spectral features, but only the first transverse optical mode of Si-QDs from thick Si-QD films validated that the spectral features observed from Si-QDs on silver oxide thin films are originated from the SERS effect. These results indicate that real-time SERS is a powerful diagnostic tool and a novel approach to probe the dynamic surface/interface chemistry of quantum dots, especially when they involve in oxidative, catalytic and electrochemical surface/interface reactions.
Quantifying mammalian genomic DNA hydroxymethylcytosine content using solid-state nanopores
Authors: Zahid Osama K. , Zhao Boxuan Simen , He Chuan , Hall Adam R.
Published: July 2016

5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5 hmC), the oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine (5 mC), is a base modification with emerging importance in biology and disease. However, like most epigenetic elements, it is transparent to many conventional genetic techniques and is thus challenging to probe. Here, we report a rapid solid-state nanopore assay that is capable of resolving 5 hmC with high specificity and sensitivity and demonstrate its utility in assessing global modification abundance in genomic DNA.
Evaluation of treadmill exercise effect on muscular lipid profiles of diabetic fatty rats by nanoflow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Jong Cheol , Kim Il Yong , Son Yeri , Byeon Seul Kee , Yoon Dong Hyun , Son Jun Seok , Song Han Sol , Song Wook , Seong Je Kyung , Moon Myeong Hee
Published: July 2016

We compare comprehensive quantitative profiling of lipids at the molecular level from skeletal muscle tissues (gastrocnemius and soleus) of Zucker diabetic fatty rats and Zucker lean control rats during treadmill exercise by nanoflow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Because type II diabetes is caused by decreased insulin sensitivity due to excess lipids accumulated in skeletal muscle tissue, lipidomic analysis of muscle tissues under treadmill exercise can help unveil the mechanism of lipid-associated insulin resistance. In total, 314 lipid species, including phospholipids, sphingolipids, ceramides, diacylglycerols (DAGs), and triacylglycerols (TAGs), were analyzed to examine diabetes-related lipid species and responses to treadmill exercise. Most lysophospholipid levels increased with diabetes. While DAG levels (10 from the gastrocnemius and 13 from the soleus) were >3-fold higher in diabetic rats, levels of most of these decreased after exercise in soleus but not in gastrocnemius. Levels of 5 highly abundant TAGs (52:1 and 54:3 in the gastrocnemius and 48:2, 50:2, and 52:4 in the soleus) displaying 2-fold increases in diabetic rats decreased after exercise in the soleus but not in the gastrocnemius in most cases. Thus, aerobic exercise has a stronger influence on lipid levels in the soleus than in the gastrocnemius in type 2 diabetic rats.
Use of Atmospheric Budget to Reduce Uncertainty in Estimated Water Availability over South Asia from Different Reanalyses
Authors: Sebastian Dawn Emil , Pathak Amey , Ghosh Subimal
Published: July 2016

Disagreements across different reanalyses over South Asia result into uncertainty in assessment of water availability, which is computed as the difference between Precipitation and Evapotranspiration (P–E). Here, we compute P–E directly from atmospheric budget with divergence of moisture flux for different reanalyses and find improved correlation with observed values of P–E, acquired from station and satellite data. We also find reduced closure terms for water cycle computed with atmospheric budget, analysed over South Asian landmass, when compared to that obtained with individual values of P and E. The P–E value derived with atmospheric budget is more consistent with energy budget, when we use top-of-atmosphere radiation for the same. For analysing water cycle, we use runoff from Global Land Data Assimilation System and water storage from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment. We find improvements in agreements across different reanalyses, in terms of inter-annual cross correlation when atmospheric budget is used to estimate P–E and hence, emphasize to use the same for estimations of water availability in South Asia to reduce uncertainty. Our results on water availability with reduced uncertainty over highly populated monsoon driven South Asia will be useful for water management and agricultural decision making.
A nanometric Rh overlayer on a metal foil surface as a highly efficient three-way catalyst
Authors: Misumi Satoshi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Hinokuma Satoshi , Sato Tetsuya , Machida Masato
Published: July 2016

Pulsed arc-plasma (AP) deposition of an Rh overlayer on an Fe–Cr–Al stainless steel foil produced a composite material that exhibited high activity for automotive three-way catalysis (TWC). The AP pulses deposited metallic Rh nanoparticles 1–3 nm in size, whose density on the surface increased with the number of pulses. This led to coalescence and grain growth on the foil surface and the eventual formation of a uniform two-dimensional Rh overlayer. Full coverage of the 51 μm-thick flat foil by a 3.2 nm-thick Rh overlayer was achieved after 1,000 pulses. A simulated TWC reaction using a miniature honeycomb fabricated using flat and corrugated foils with the Rh overlayers exhibited successful light-off at a practical gaseous hourly space velocity of 1.2 × 105 h−1. The turnover frequency for the NO–CO reaction over the metallic honeycomb catalyst was ca. 80-fold greater than that achieved with a reference Rh/ZrO2-coated cordierite honeycomb prepared using a conventional wet impregnation and slurry coating procedure. Despite the nonporosity and low surface area of the foil-supported Rh overlayer compared with conventional powder catalysts (Rh/ZrO2), it is a promising alternative design for more efficient automotive catalysts that use less Rh loading.
A silicon nanoparticle based turn off fluorescent sensor for sudan I
Authors: Jose Ammu Rosin , Sivasankaran Unni , Menon Shalini , Kumar Krishnapillai Girish
Published: July 2016

A turn off sensor for sudan I based on fluorescent Si NPs which works via an inner filter effect (IFE).
A facile electrochemical synthesis strategy for Cu2O (cubes, sheets and flowers) microstructured materials for sensitive detection of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Veeramani Vediyappan , Sivakumar Mani , Chen Shen-Ming , Madhu Rajesh , Dai Zi-Chi , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi
Published: July 2016

We report a facile electrochemical synthesis strategy for Cu2O microstructured materials deposited on a glassy carbon electrode surface as a sensor for the electrochemical detection of toxic 4-nitrophenol.
Simultaneous optimization of smoke and NOx emissions in a stationary diesel engine fuelled with diesel–oxygenate blends using the grey relational analysis in the Taguchi method
Authors: Yuvarajan D. , Ravikumar J. , Babu M. Dinesh
Published: July 2016

The objective of the present study is to optimize the smoke and NOx emissions simultaneously in a diesel engine fuelled with stationary diesel–oxygenate blends using the grey based Taguchi method.
Halogen bonded supramolecular capsules: a challenging test case for quantum chemical methods
Authors: Sure Rebecca , Grimme Stefan
Published: July 2016

By state-of-the-art dispersion corrected density functional theory, the complexation properties of a recently synthesized halogen-bonded capsule with about 400 atoms are investigated and predictions for improved binding affinities are made.
Toward interfacing organic semiconductors with ferromagnetic transition metal substrates: enhanced stability via carboxylate anchoring
Authors: Han R. , Blobner F. , Bauer J. , Duncan D. A. , Barth J. V. , Feulner P. , Allegretti F.
Published: July 2016

The controlled growth of chemically and structurally well-defined as well as thermally stable carboxylate-anchored self-assembled monolayers on ferromagnetic 3d transition metal substrates provides promising model systems for advanced studies of spin-dependent electron transport.
Novel thiophene-bearing conjugated microporous polymer honeycomb-like porous spheres with ultrahigh iodine uptake
Authors: Ren Feng , Zhu Zhaoqi , Qian Xin , Liang Weidong , Mu Peng , Sun Hanxue , Liu Jiehua , Li An
Published: July 2016

We demonstrated novel honeycomb-like porous spherical conjugated microporous polymers bearing thiophene units with ultrahigh iodine uptake.
The role of the dipolar neighborhood on the relaxation dynamics of multichromophoric merocyanines
Authors: Koch Federico , Steinbacher Andreas , Consani Cristina , Zitzler-Kunkel André , Stolte Matthias , Würthner Frank , Brixner Tobias
Published: July 2016

The interactions of neighboring, highly dipolar merocyanine dyes lead to stabilization of the intramolecular charge-transfer state.
A computational study of bulk porous two-dimensional polymers related to graphyne
Authors: Sánchez-González A. , Dobado J. A. , Torneiro M.
Published: July 2016

We use density functional theory methods with periodic boundary conditions to investigate the stacking arrangements of the bulk 2D polymers multilayer porous graphyne, the analog in which the triple bonds are substituted by double bonds and the related carbon allotrope multilayer graphyne.
Nanostructured copper/copper oxide hybrids: combined experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Nana , Geng Haoran
Published: July 2016

The inhomogeneous distribution of Al and Cu atoms in sintered precursors makes the released Cu atoms susceptible to oxidation during dealloying.
Size- and temperature-dependent Young's modulus and size-dependent thermal expansion coefficient of thin films
Authors: Zhou Xiao-Ye , Huang Bao-Ling , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: July 2016

Surfaces of nanomaterials play an essential role in size-dependent material properties.
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocargoes for combined cancer thermotherapy and MRI applications
Authors: Thorat Nanasaheb D. , Lemine O. M. , Bohara Raghvendra A. , Omri Karim , El Mir L. , Tofail Syed A. M.
Published: July 2016

Nanoparticle-based cancer diagnosis-therapy integrative systems (cancer theranostics) represent an emerging approach in oncology.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging of optically levitated aerosol: a technique to quantitatively map the viscosity of suspended aerosol particles
Authors: Fitzgerald C. , Hosny N. A. , Tong H. , Seville P. C. , Gallimore P. J. , Davidson N. M. , Athanasiadis A. , Botchway S. W. , Ward A. D. , Kalberer M. , Kuimova M. K. , Pope F. D.
Published: July 2016

A technique to measure the viscosity of stably levitated single micron-sized aerosol particles.
Illuminating solid gas storage in confined spaces – methane hydrate formation in porous model carbons
Authors: Borchardt Lars , Nickel Winfried , Casco Mirian , Senkovska Irena , Bon Volodymyr , Wallacher Dirk , Grimm Nico , Krause Simon , Silvestre-Albero Joaquín
Published: July 2016

Pore size of carbons is crucial for the formation of methane hydrate, its proper tuning improves adsorption capacity by 173%.
Effects of extreme pH on ionic transport through protein nanopores: the role of ion diffusion and charge exclusion
Authors: Queralt-Martín María , Peiró-González Carlos , Aguilella-Arzo Marcel , Alcaraz Antonio
Published: July 2016

We combine electrophysiological experiments with the structure-based Poisson–Nernst–Planck 3D calculations to investigate the transport properties of the bacterial porin OmpF under large pH gradients and particularly low salt concentrations.
Electrochemically synthesized freestanding 3D nanoporous silver electrode with high electrocatalytic activity
Authors: Yuan Lizhi , Jiang Luhua , Zhang Tianran , Wang Guoxiong , Wang Suli , Bao Xinhe , Sun Gongquan
Published: July 2016

Electrochemically synthesized nanoporous silver displays superior activity in oxygen reduction reaction mainly benefiting from its good mass transport ability.
Formation and decomplexation kinetics of copper(ii) complexes with cyclen derivatives having mixed carboxylate and phosphonate pendant arms
Authors: Ševčík R. , Vaněk J. , Michalicová R. , Lubal P. , Hermann P. , Santos I. C. , Santos I. , Campello M. P. C.
Published: July 2016

An increasing number of phosphonate pendant arms in DOTA-like ligand leads to a slightly faster complexation of Cu2+ion, but has a detrimental influence on the kinetic inertness of the Cu2+complexes of these ligands.
On the mechanism of Ni(ii)-promoted Michael-type hydroamination of acrylonitrile and its substituted derivatives
Authors: Lapointe S. , Zargarian D.
Published: July 2016

Monocationic Ni(ii) complexes featuring variously substituted POCOP-type pincer ligands promote the addition of primary amines to crotonitrile, methacrylonitrile, and cinnamonitrile.
A theoretical study on the electronic structures and photophysical properties of phosphorescent Iridium(iii) complexes with –CH3/H and t-Bu substituents
Authors: Si Yanling , Qu Nan , Cui Liying , Gao Bo , Wu Zhijian
Published: July 2016

We present the electronic structures, absorption and emission spectra of a series of Ir(iii) complexes to shed light on the effect of different substituents on the photophysical properties.
Divalent and trivalent gas-phase coordination complexes of californium: evaluating the stability of Cf(ii)
Authors: Dau Phuong D. , Shuh David K. , Sturzbecher-Hoehne Manuel , Abergel Rebecca J. , Gibson John K.
Published: July 2016

The pivotal actinide californium exhibits both divalent and trivalent chemistry in coordination complexes synthesized and characterized in the gas phase.
Nitrogen-doped cobalt phosphate@nanocarbon hybrids for efficient electrocatalytic oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhou Tianhua , Du Yonghua , Yin Shengming , Tian Xuezeng , Yang Hongbin , Wang Xin , Liu Bin , Zheng Haimei , Qiao Shizhang , Xu Rong
Published: July 2016

A nitrogen-doped Co3(PO4)2@nanocarbon hybrid was developed as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst and exhibits outstanding catalytic performance with high activity, long-term stability and a four-electron transfer pathway.
Confronting surface hopping molecular dynamics with Marcus theory for a molecular donor–acceptor system
Authors: Spencer Jacob , Scalfi Laura , Carof Antoine , Blumberger Jochen
Published: July 2016

We investigate the performance of fewest switches surface hopping (SH) in describing electron transfer (ET) for a molecular donor–acceptor system. Computer simulations are carried out for a wide range of reorganisation energy (λ), electronic coupling strength (Hab) and driving force using our recently developed fragment orbital-based SH approach augmented with a simple decoherence correction. This methodology allows us to compute SH ET rates over more than four orders of magnitude, from the sub-picosecond to the nanosecond time regime. We find good agreement with semi-classical ET theory in the non-adiabatic ET regime. The correct scaling of the SH ET rate with electronic coupling strength is obtained and the Marcus inverted regime is reproduced, in line with previously reported results for a spin-boson model. Yet, we find that the SH ET rate falls below the semi-classical ET rate in the adiabatic regime, where the free energy barrier is in the order ofkBTin our simulations. We explain this by first signatures of non-exponential population decay of the initial charge state. For even larger electronic couplings (Hab=λ/2), the free energy barrier vanishes and ET rates are no longer defined. At this point we observe a crossover from ET on the vibronic time scale to charge relaxation on the femtosecond time scale that is well described by thermally averaged Rabi oscillations. The extension of the analysis from the non-adiabatic limit to large electronic couplings and small or even vanishing activation barriers is relevant for our understanding of charge transport in organic semiconductors.
E/Z isomerization, solvatachromism and aggregation-induced emission enhancement of donor–acceptor type oligo(p-phenylene vinylene)s
Authors: Feng Cunfang , Li Jinyu , Han Xiao , He Xin , Liu Liqun , Li Xiaoxiao , Sun Xiaoyi , Lu Ping , Ma Yuguang
Published: July 2016

A donor–acceptor molecule, PICNDSB, with cyclopenta[b]indole as the donor and (1,4-phenylene)bis(3-phenylacrylonitrile) as the acceptor, is designed and synthesized. PICNDSB shows typical aggregation-induced emission characteristics. The photoluminescence quantum yield of PICNDSB in dilute THF was only 0.7% and reaches 51.4% in the solid state. Compared with its analogue CzCNDSB, PICNDSB possesses stronger intramolecular charge transfer properties, as revealed from CV measurements, theoretical calculations, and their fluorescence behaviors. Correspondingly, the relatively more efficient electron-donating terminal group of cyclopenta[b]indole endows the molecule with a much higher two-photon absorption cross section of 1286 GM compared to CzCNDSB (357 GM).
Mechanistic insights into lignin depolymerisation in acidic ionic liquids
Authors: De Gregorio Gilbert F. , Weber Cameron C. , Gräsvik John , Welton Tom , Brandt Agnieszka , Hallett Jason P.
Published: July 2016

The influence of substrate functionality and the cation–anion association in ionic liquid has been determined for the cleavage of the β-O-4 ether linkage prevalent in the lignin superstructure.
Wearable tactile sensor based on flexible microfluidics
Authors: Yeo Joo Chuan , Yu Jiahao , Koh Zhao Ming , Wang Zhiping , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: July 2016

We developed a wearable tactile sensor using flexible microfluidics. This liquid-based sensor is thin, flexible and sensitive enough to be mounted on the skin or embedded in a fabric glove to detect tactile forces.
Enzyme catalysis–electrophoresis titration for multiplex enzymatic assay via moving reaction boundary chip
Authors: Zhong Ran , Xie Haiyang , Kong Fanzhi , Zhang Qiang , Jahan Sharmin , Xiao Hua , Fan Liuyin , Cao Chengxi
Published: July 2016

In this work, we developed the concept of enzyme catalysis–electrophoresis titration (EC-ET) under ideal conditions, the theory of EC-ET for multiplex enzymatic assay (MEA), and a related method based on a moving reaction boundary (MRB) chip with a collateral channel and cell phone imaging.
Hybrids of coumarin–indole: design, synthesis and biological evaluation in Triton WR-1339 and high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rat models
Authors: Sashidhara Koneni V. , Rao K. Bhaskara , Sonkar Ravi , Modukuri Ram K. , Chhonker Yashpal S. , Kushwaha Pragati , Chandasana Hardik , Khanna A. K. , Bhatta Rabi S. , Bhatia Gitika , Suthar Manish Kumar , Saxena Jitendra Kumar , Kumar Vikash , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran
Published: July 2016

Lipid lowering activity of novel coumarin–indole hybrids has been demonstrated.