bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple CDK inhibitor dinaciclib suppresses neuroblastoma growth via inhibiting CDK2 and CDK9 activity
Authors: Chen Zhenghu , Wang Zhenyu , Pang Jonathan C. , Yu Yang , Bieerkehazhi Shayahati , Lu Jiaxiong , Hu Ting , Zhao Yanling , Xu Xin , Zhang Hong , Yi Joanna S. , Liu Shangfeng , Yang Jianhua
Published: July 2016

Neuroblastoma (NB), the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood, is responsible for approximately 15% of cancer-related mortality in children. Aberrant activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has been shown to contribute to tumor cell progression in many cancers including NB. Therefore, small molecule inhibitors of CDKs comprise a strategic option in cancer therapy. Here we show that a novel multiple-CDK inhibitor, dinaciclib (SCH727965, MK-7965), exhibits potent anti-proliferative effects on a panel of NB cell lines by blocking the activity of CDK2 and CDK9. Dinaciclib also significantly sensitized NB cell lines to the treatment of chemotherapeutic agents such as doxorubicin (Dox) and etoposide (VP-16). Furthermore, dinaciclib revealed in vivo antitumor efficacy in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of two NB cell lines and blocked tumor development in the TH-MYCN transgenic NB mouse model. Taken together, this study suggests that CDK2 and CDK9 are potential therapeutic targets in NB and that abrogating CDK2 and CDK9 activity by small molecules like dinaciclib is a promising strategy and a treatment option for NB patients.
Climate threat on the Macaronesian endemic bryophyte flora
Authors: Patiño Jairo , Mateo Rubén G. , Zanatta Florian , Marquet Adrien , Aranda Silvia C. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Dirkse Gerard , Gabriel Rosalina , Gonzalez-Mancebo Juana M. , Guisan Antoine , Muñoz Jesús , Sim-Sim Manuela , Vanderpoorten Alain
Published: July 2016

Oceanic islands are of fundamental importance for the conservation of biodiversity because they exhibit high endemism rates coupled with fast extinction rates. Nowhere in Europe is this pattern more conspicuous than in the Macaronesian biogeographic region. A large network of protected areas within the region has been developed, but the question of whether these areas will still be climatically suitable for the globally threatened endemic element in the coming decades remains open. Here, we make predictions on the fate of the Macaronesian endemic bryophyte flora in the context of ongoing climate change. The potential distribution of 35 Macaronesian endemic bryophyte species was assessed under present and future climate conditions using an ensemble modelling approach. Projections of the models under different climate change scenarios predicted an average decrease of suitable areas of 62–87% per species and a significant elevational increase by 2070, so that even the commonest species were predicted to fit either the Vulnerable or Endangered IUCN categories. Complete extinctions were foreseen for six of the studied Macaronesian endemic species. Given the uncertainty regarding the capacity of endemic species to track areas of suitable climate within and outside the islands, active management associated to an effective monitoring program is suggested.
Bipolar switching in chalcogenide phase change memory
Authors: Ciocchini N. , Laudato M. , Boniardi M. , Varesi E. , Fantini P. , Lacaita A. L. , Ielmini D.
Published: July 2016

Phase change materials based on chalcogenides are key enabling technologies for optical storage, such as rewritable CD and DVD and recently also electrical nonvolatile memory, named phase change memory (PCM). In a PCM, the amorphous or crystalline phase affects the material band structure, hence the device resistance. Although phase transformation is extremely fast and repeatable, the amorphous phase suffers structural relaxation and crystallization at relatively low temperatures, which may affect the temperature stability of PCM state. To improve the time/temperature stability of the PCM, novel operation modes of the device should be identified. Here, we present bipolar switching operation of PCM, which is interpreted by ion migration in the solid state induced by elevated temperature and electric field similar to the bipolar switching in metal oxides. The temperature stability of the high resistance state is demonstrated and explained based on the local depletion of chemical species from the electrode region.
Pioneering In Situ Recrystallization during Bead Milling: A Top-down Approach to Prepare Zeolite A Nanocrystals
Authors: Anand Chokkalingam , Yamaguchi Yudai , Liu Zhendong , Ibe Sayoko , Elangovan Shanmugam P. , Ishii Toshihiro , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Endo Akira , Okubo Tatsuya , Wakihara Toru
Published: July 2016

Top-down approach has been viewed as an efficient and straightforward method to prepare nanosized zeolites. Yet, the mechanical breaking of zeolite causes amorphization, which usually requires a post-milling recrystallization to obtain fully crystalline nanoparticles. Herein we present a facile methodology to prepare zeolite nanocrystals, where milling and recrystallization can be performed in situ. A milling apparatus specially designed to work under conditions of high alkalinity and temperature enables the in situ recrystallization during milling. Taking zeolite A as an example, we demonstrate its size reduction from ~3 μm to 66 nm in 30 min, which is quite faster than previous methods reported. Three functions, viz., miniaturization, amorphization and recrystallization were found to take effect concurrently during this one-pot process. The dynamic balance between these three functions was achieved by adjusting the milling period and temperature, which lead to the tuning of zeolite A particle size. Particle size and crystallinity of the zeolite A nanocrystals were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and water adsorption-desorption. This work presents a pioneering advancement in this field of nanosized zeolites and will facilitate the mass production as well as boost the wide applications of nanosized zeolites.
Association between acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and risk of stroke in patients with dementia
Authors: Lin Yi-Ting , Wu Ping-Hsun , Chen Cheng-Sheng , Yang Yi-Hsin , Yang Yuan-Han
Published: July 2016

Patients with dementia are at increased risk of stroke. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have endothelial function protection effects and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the ischemic stroke risk in AChEIs use in dementia patients without stroke history. Using Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from 1999 to 2008, 37,352 dementia patients over 50 years old without stroke history were eligible. The results were analyzed by propensity score–matched Cox proportional hazard models with competing risk adjustment. AChEIs users had lower incidence of ischemic stroke (160.3/10,000 person-years), compared to the propensity score–matched reference (240.8/10,000 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio for ischemic stroke based on propensity score–matched Cox proportional hazard model was 0.508 (95% confidence interval, 0.434–0.594; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between AChEIs users and nonusers. In conclusion, among dementia patients without previous ischemic stroke history, AChEIs treatment was associated with a decreased risk of ischemic stroke but not greater survival.
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 prompts potent inflammatory stimuli during Neospora caninum infection
Authors: Davoli-Ferreira Marcela , Fonseca Denise M. , Mota Caroline M. , Dias Murilo S. , Lima-Junior Djalma S. , da Silva Murilo V. , Quirino Gustavo F. S. , Zamboni Dario S. , Silva João S. , Mineo Tiago W. P.
Published: July 2016

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite responsible for major economic losses due to abortions in cattle. Innate immune responses are crucial for host resistance against the infection, however the molecules involved in parasite recognition are still poorly understood. Nod2 is a cytosolic receptor that recognizes several pathogens and its role during N. caninum infection has not yet been described. In that sense, we evaluated the role of Nod2 in host response against this parasite. We found that infection of macrophages induced increased expression of Nod2, which colocalized with the parasites’ vacuoles. Nod2-deficient macrophages showed an impaired induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased production of modulatory molecules and failure to restrict parasite replication. In vivo, Nod2-knockout mice showed a reduction of MAPK phosphorylation and proinflammatory cytokines, followed by decreased inflammation in target organs and increment in parasite burden. Surprisingly, these mice were partially resistant to lethal doses of tachyzoites. In addition, these phenomena were not observed in Rip2−/− mice. In conclusion, our study indicates that Nod2-dependent responses account for N. caninum elimination. On the other hand, the inflammatory milieu induced by this innate receptor provoked pathogenesis and death in severe experimental neosporosis.
No attentional capture from invisible flicker
Authors: Alais David , Locke Shannon M. , Leung Johahn , Van der Burg Erik
Published: July 2016

We tested whether fast flicker can capture attention using eight flicker frequencies from 20–96 Hz, including several too high to be perceived (>50 Hz). Using a 480 Hz visual display rate, we presented smoothly sampled sinusoidal temporal modulations at: 20, 30, 40, 48, 60, 69, 80 and 96 Hz. We first established flicker detection rates for each frequency. Performance was at or near ceiling until 48 Hz and dropped sharply to chance level at 60 Hz and above. We then presented the same flickering stimuli as pre-cues in a visual search task containing five elements. Flicker location varied randomly and was therefore congruent with target location on 20% of trials. Comparing congruent and incongruent trials revealed a very strong congruency effect (faster search for cued targets) for all detectable frequencies (20–48 Hz) but no effect for faster flicker rates that were detected at chance. This pattern of results (obtained with brief flicker cues: 58 ms) was replicated for long flicker cues (1000 ms) intended to allow for entrainment to the flicker frequency. These results indicate that only visible flicker serves as an exogenous attentional cue and that flicker rates too high to be perceived are completely ineffective.
From facultative to obligatory parental care: Interspecific variation in offspring dependency on post-hatching care in burying beetles
Authors: Capodeanu-Nägler Alexandra , Keppner Eva M. , Vogel Heiko , Ayasse Manfred , Eggert Anne-Katrin , Sakaluk Scott K. , Steiger Sandra
Published: July 2016

Studies on the evolution of parental care have focused primarily on the costs and benefits of parental care and the life-history attributes that favour it. However, once care evolves, offspring in some taxa appear to become increasingly dependent on their parents. Although offspring dependency is a central theme in family life, the evolutionary dynamics leading to it are not fully understood. Beetles of the genus Nicrophorus are well known for their elaborate biparental care, including provisioning of their young. By manipulating the occurrence of pre- or post-hatching care, we show that the offspring of three burying beetle species, N. orbicollis, N. pustulatus, and N. vespilloides, show striking variation in their reliance on parental care. Our results demonstrate that this variation within one genus arises through a differential dependency of larvae on parental feeding, but not on pre-hatching care. In N. pustulatus, larvae appear to be nutritionally independent of their parents, but in N. orbicollis, larvae do not survive in the absence of parental feeding. We consider evolutionary scenarios by which nutritional dependency may have evolved, highlighting the role of brood size regulation via infanticide in this genus.
Recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS) produced in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris
Authors: Rodríguez-López Alexander , Alméciga-Díaz Carlos J. , Sánchez Jhonnathan , Moreno Jefferson , Beltran Laura , Díaz Dennis , Pardo Andrea , Ramírez Aura María , Espejo-Mojica Angela J. , Pimentel Luisa , Barrera Luis A.
Published: July 2016

Mucopolysaccharidosis IV A (MPS IV A, Morquio A disease) is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) produced by mutations on N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS). Recently an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for this disease was approved using a recombinant enzyme produced in CHO cells. Previously, we reported the production of an active GALNS enzyme inEscherichia colithat showed similar stability properties to that of a recombinant mammalian enzyme though it was not taken-up by culture cells. In this study, we showed the production of the human recombinant GALNS in the methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisGS115 (prGALNS). We observed that removal of native signal peptide and co-expression with human formylglycine-generating enzyme (SUMF1) allowed an improvement of 4.5-fold in the specific GALNS activity. prGALNS enzyme showed a high stability at 4 °C, while the activity was markedly reduced at 37 and 45 °C. It was noteworthy that prGALNS was taken-up by HEK293 cells and human skin fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner through a process potentially mediated by an endocytic pathway, without any additional protein or host modification. The results show the potential ofP. pastorisin the production of a human recombinant GALNS for the development of an ERT for Morquio A.
Optimizing rice plant photosynthate allocation reduces N2O emissions from paddy fields
Authors: Jiang Yu , Huang Xiaomin , Zhang Xin , Zhang Xingyue , Zhang Yi , Zheng Chengyan , Deng Aixing , Zhang Jun , Wu Lianhai , Hu Shuijin , Zhang Weijian
Published: July 2016

Rice paddies are a major source of anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, especially under alternate wetting-drying irrigation and high N input. Increasing photosynthate allocation to the grain in rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been identified as an effective strategy of genetic and agronomic innovation for yield enhancement; however, its impacts on N2O emissions are still unknown. We conducted three independent but complementary experiments (variety, mutant study and spikelet clipping) to examine the impacts of rice plant photosynthate allocation on paddy N2O emissions. The three experiments showed that N2O fluxes were significantly and negatively correlated with the ratio of grain yield to total aboveground biomass, known as the harvest index (HI) in agronomy (P < 0.01). Biomass accumulation and N uptake after anthesis were significantly and positively correlated with HI (P < 0.05). Reducing photosynthate allocation to the grain by spikelet clipping significantly increased white root biomass and soil dissolved organic C and reduced plant N uptake, resulting in high soil denitrification potential (P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that optimizing photosynthate allocation to the grain can reduce paddy N2O emissions through decreasing belowground C input and increasing plant N uptake, suggesting the potential for genetic and agronomic efforts to produce more rice with less N2O emissions.
In-vivo absorption of pinocembrin-7-O-β-D-glucoside in rats and its in-vitro biotransformation
Authors: Guo Wei-Wei , Qiu Feng , Chen Xiao-Qing , Ba Yin-Ying , Wang Xing , Wu Xia
Published: July 2016

Pinocembrin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (PCBG), a flavonoid isolated from Penthorum chinense Pursh., has significant liver-protecting effects. The pharmacokinetics of PCBG and its major metabolite pinocembrin (PCB) in rats were investigated in this study. A sensitive and accurate UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitative determination of PCBG and PCB in rat plasma after oral and intravenous administration of PCBG. After intravenous administration, PCBG was the main form in plasma. In contrast, after oral administration, the concentration of PCB was about 4-fold higher than that of PCBG, indicating that PCBG was metabolized to PCB. We also investigated the biotransformation of PCBG in vitro in order to understand whether the pH and the intestinal flora of gastrointestinal tract could affect the metabolism of PCBG. PCBG was incubated in rat plasma, liver homogenization, gastrointestial contents, liver microsomes (RLM) and hepatocytes in vitro. The data showed that PCB was quickly formed in the gastrointestinal incubation but PCBG was converted to PCB gradually in other incubations. The results indicated that the majority of PCBG was converted to its aglycone PCB in digestive system after oral administration, and PCB could be the active ingredient in the body.
Clinical and neuroimaging differences between posterior cortical atrophy and typical amnestic Alzheimer’s disease patients at an early disease stage
Authors: Peng Guoping , Wang Jianqin , Feng Zhan , Liu Ping , Zhang Yafei , He Fangping , Chen Zhongqin , Zhao Kui , Luo Benyan
Published: July 2016

To identify clinical and neuroimaging characteristics between posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) and typical amnestic Alzheimer’s disease (tAD) patients at an early disease stage, 16 PCA and 13 age-matched tAD patients were enrolled. Compared with tAD patients, PCA patients showed higher mean recognition and recall test scores and lower mean calculation, spatial attention, shape discrimination and writing test scores. Mean right hippocampal volume was larger in PCA patients compared with tAD patients, while cortical gray matter (GM) volume of bilateral parietal and occipital lobes was smaller in PCA patients. Further, when compared with tAD patients, significant hypometabolism was observed in bilateral parietal and occipital lobes, particularly the right occipitotemporal junction in PCA patients. Additionally, there were significant positive correlations in recognition and recall scores with hippocampal volumes. In PCA patients, calculation and visuospatial ability scores are positively associated with GM volume of parietal and occipital lobes. And only spatial attention and shape discrimination scores are positively associated with regional glucose metabolism of parietal and occipital lobes. Therefore, PCA patients display better recognition and recall scores, which are associated with larger hippocampal volumes and poorer performance in visual spatial tasks because of marked GM atrophy and hypometabolism of parietal and occipital lobes.
Knockdown of Pentraxin 3 suppresses tumorigenicity and metastasis of human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Ying Tsung-Ho , Lee Chien-Hsing , Chiou Hui-Ling , Yang Shun-Fa , Lin Chu-Liang , Hung Chia-Hung , Tsai Jen-Pi , Hsieh Yi-Hsien
Published: July 2016

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) as an inflammatory molecule has been shown to be involved in immune response, inflammation, and cancer. However, the effects of PTX3 on the biological features of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo have not been delineated. Immunohistochemical staining showed that increased PTX3 expression was significantly associated with tumor grade (P < 0.011) and differentiation (P < 0.019). Knocking down PTX3 with lentivirus-mediated small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in cervical cancer cell lines resulted in inhibited cell viability, diminished colony-forming ability, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, along with downregulated expression of cyclin B1, cdc2, and cdc25c, and upregulated expression of p-cdc2, p-cdc25c, p21, and p27. Furthermore, knockdown of PTX3 significantly decreased the potential of migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting matrix metalloproteidase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA). Moreover, in vivo functional studies showed PTX3-knockdown in mice suppressed tumorigenicity and lung metastatic potential. Conversely, overexpression of PTX3 enhanced proliferation and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that PTX3 contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis of human cervical cancer cells. Further studies are warranted to demonstrate PTX3 as a novel therapeutic biomarker for human cervical cancer.
Noninvasive fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography for identification of ischemic lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Wen , Pan Dao-Rong , Foin Nicolas , Pang Si , Ye Peng , Holm Niels , Ren Xiao-Min , Luo Jie , Nanjundappa Aravinda , Chen Shao-Liang
Published: July 2016

Detection of coronary ischemic lesions by fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been established as the gold standard. In recent years, novel computer based methods have emerged and they can provide simulation of FFR using coronary artery images acquired from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFRCT). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate diagnostic performance of FFRCT using FFR as the reference standard. Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medion and Web of Science were searched. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, including 833 stable patients (1377 vessels or lesions) with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). The patient-based analysis showed pooled estimates of sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for detection of ischemic lesions were 0.89 [95%confidence interval (CI), 0.85–0.93], 0.76 (95%CI, 0.64–0.84) and 26.21 (95%CI, 13.14–52.28). At a per-vessel or per-lesion level, the pooled estimates were as follows: sensitivity 0.84 (95%CI, 0.80–0.87), specificity 0.76 (95%CI, 0.67–0.83) and DOR 16.87 (95%CI, 9.41–30.25). Area under summary receiver operating curves was 0.90 (95%CI, 0.87–0.92) and 0.86 (95%CI, 0.83–0.89) at the two analysis levels, respectively. In conclusion, FFRCT technology achieves a moderate diagnostic performance for noninvasive identification of ischemic lesions in stable patients with suspected or known CAD in comparison to invasive FFR measurement.
Hyper-resting brain entropy within chronic smokers and its moderation by Sex
Authors: Li Zhengjun , Fang Zhuo , Hager Nathan , Rao Hengyi , Wang Ze
Published: July 2016

Cigarette smoking is a chronic relapsing brain disorder, and remains a premier cause of morbidity and mortality. Functional neuroimaging has been used to assess differences in the mean strength of brain activity in smokers’ brains, however less is known about the temporal dynamics within smokers’ brains. Temporal dynamics is a key feature of a dynamic system such as the brain, and may carry information critical to understanding the brain mechanisms underlying cigarette smoking. We measured the temporal dynamics of brain activity using brain entropy (BEN) mapping and compared BEN between chronic non-deprived smokers and non-smoking controls. Because of the known sex differences in neural and behavioral smoking characteristics, comparisons were also made between males and females. Associations between BEN and smoking related clinical measures were assessed in smokers. Our data showed globally higher BEN in chronic smokers compared to controls. The escalated BEN was associated with more years of smoking in the right limbic area and frontal region. Female nonsmokers showed higher BEN than male nonsmokers in prefrontal cortex, insula, and precuneus, but the BEN sex difference in smokers was less pronounced. These findings suggest that BEN mapping may provide a useful tool for probing brain mechanisms related to smoking.
COL4A6 is dispensable for autosomal recessive Alport syndrome
Authors: Murata Tomohiro , Katayama Kan , Oohashi Toshitaka , Jahnukainen Timo , Yonezawa Tomoko , Sado Yoshikazu , Ishikawa Eiji , Nomura Shinsuke , Tryggvason Karl , Ito Masaaki
Published: July 2016

Alport syndrome is caused by mutations in the genes encoding α3, α4, or α5 (IV) chains. Unlike X-linked Alport mice, α5 and α6 (IV) chains are detected in the glomerular basement membrane of autosomal recessive Alport mice, however, the significance of this finding remains to be investigated. We therefore generated mice lacking both α3 and α6 (IV) chains and compared their renal function and survival with Col4a3 knockout mice of 129 × 1/Sv background. No significant difference was observed in the renal function or survival of the two groups, or when the mice were backcrossed once to C57BL/6 background. However, the survival of backcrossed double knockout mice was significantly longer than that of the mice of 129 × 1/Sv background, which suggests that other modifier genes were involved in this phenomenon. In further studies we identified two Alport patients who had a homozygous mutation in intron 46 of COL4A4. The α5 and α6 (IV) chains were focally detected in the glomerular basement membrane of these patients. These findings indicate that although α5 and α6 (IV) chains are induced in the glomerular basement membrane in autosomal recessive Alport syndrome, their induction does not seem to play a major compensatory role.
Molecular chaperone accumulation as a function of stress evidences adaptation to high hydrostatic pressure in the piezophilic archaeon Thermococcus barophilus
Authors: Cario Anaïs , Jebbar Mohamed , Thiel Axel , Kervarec Nelly , Oger Phil M.
Published: July 2016

The accumulation of mannosyl-glycerate (MG), the salinity stress response osmolyte of Thermococcales, was investigated as a function of hydrostatic pressure in Thermococcus barophilus strain MP, a hyperthermophilic, piezophilic archaeon isolated from the Snake Pit site (MAR), which grows optimally at 40 MPa. Strain MP accumulated MG primarily in response to salinity stress, but in contrast to other Thermococcales, MG was also accumulated in response to thermal stress. MG accumulation peaked for combined stresses. The accumulation of MG was drastically increased under sub-optimal hydrostatic pressure conditions, demonstrating that low pressure is perceived as a stress in this piezophile, and that the proteome of T. barophilus is low-pressure sensitive. MG accumulation was strongly reduced under supra-optimal pressure conditions clearly demonstrating the structural adaptation of this proteome to high hydrostatic pressure. The lack of MG synthesis only slightly altered the growth characteristics of two different MG synthesis deletion mutants. No shift to other osmolytes was observed. Altogether our observations suggest that the salinity stress response in T. barophilus is not essential and may be under negative selective pressure, similarly to what has been observed for its thermal stress response.
Evidence for social cooperation in rodents by automated maze
Authors: Avital Avi , Aga-Mizrachi Shlomit , Zubedat Salman
Published: July 2016

Social cooperation is defined as a joint action for mutual benefit that depends on the individual and the counterparts’ behaviors. To gain valid evidence for social cooperation behavior we conducted a series of experiments in our suggested fully automated non-conditioned maze and depicted three major findings: (i) During 18 days of training the rats showed a progressive social learning curve as well as latent social learning; (ii) Examining the perceptual communication between the cooperating partners, we found a correlation between the available perceptual modalities and the social cooperation performance; and (iii) Investigating contextual learning as a competing process to the social cooperation, we found that additional contextual cues impaired the social cooperation performance. In conclusion, our suggested automated cooperation maze is designed to further our understanding of social cooperation under normal conditions, such as decision-making and to examine the neural basis of social cooperation. A variety of neuropsychiatric disorders are characterized by disruptions in social behavior and social cognition, including depression, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. Thus, on the pathological end, our maze for social cooperation evaluation can contribute significantly to the investigation of a wide range of social cooperation impairments in a rodent model.
Methylation of the leukocyte glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter in adults: associations with early adversity and depressive, anxiety and substance-use disorders
Authors: Tyrka A R , Parade S H , Welch E S , Ridout K K , Price L H , Marsit C , Philip N S , Carpenter L L
Published: July 2016

Early adversity increases risk for developing psychopathology. Epigenetic modification of stress reactivity genes is a likely mechanism contributing to this risk. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is of particular interest because of the regulatory role of the GR in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function. Mounting evidence suggests that early adversity is associated with GR promoter methylation and gene expression. Few studies have examined links between GR promoter methylation and psychopathology, and findings to date have been mixed. Healthy adult participants (N=340) who were free of psychotropic medications reported on their childhood experiences of maltreatment and parental death and desertion. Lifetime depressive and anxiety disorders and past substance-use disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Methylation of exon 1F of the GR gene (NR3C1) was examined in leukocyte DNA via pyrosequencing. On a separate day, a subset of the participants (n=231) completed the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test. Childhood adversity and a history of past substance-use disorder and current or past depressive or anxiety disorders were associated with lower levels of NR3C1 promoter methylation across the region as a whole and at individual CpG sites (P<0.05). The number of adversities was negatively associated with NR3C1 methylation in participants with no lifetime disorder (P=0.018), but not in those with a lifetime disorder. GR promoter methylation was linked to altered cortisol responses to the Dex/CRH test (P<0.05). This study presents evidence of reduced methylation of NR3C1 in association with childhood maltreatment and depressive, anxiety and substance-use disorders in adults. This finding stands in contrast to our prior work, but is consistent with emerging findings, suggesting complexity in the regulation of this gene.
Identification of learning-induced changes in protein networks in the hippocampi of a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ferreira E , Shaw D M , Oddo S
Published: July 2016

Memory loss is the most profound clinical manifestation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the molecular mechanisms underlying these deficits are poorly understood. Identification of the molecular pathways involved in the onset of cognitive deficits may lead to the identification of key events in the pathogenesis of AD. Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and proteomic methods, here we identified learning-induced changes in the hippocampal proteome of non-transgenic (NonTg) and 3 × Tg-AD mice, a widely used animal model of AD. We found that expression of 192 proteins was differentially regulated by learning in NonTg mice. Notably, of these 192 proteins, only 28 were also differentially regulated by learning in 3 × Tg-AD mice, whereas the levels of 164 proteins were uniquely changed in NonTg mice but not in 3 × Tg-AD mice. These data suggest that during learning, 3 × Tg-AD mice fail to differentially regulate 164 proteins. Gene ontology and protein interaction analyses indicated that these proteins were overrepresented in RNA processing, specifically RNA transport, splicing and mRNA translation initiation pathways. These findings suggest that mRNA-processing events that take place during learning and memory are significantly altered in 3 × Tg-AD mice.
The model adaptive space shrinkage (MASS) approach: a new method for simultaneous variable selection and outlier detection based on model population analysis
Authors: Wen Ming , Deng Bai-Chuan , Cao Dong-Sheng , Yun Yong-Huan , Yang Rui-Han , Lu Hong-Mei , Liang Yi-Zeng
Published: July 2016

Variable selection and outlier detection are important processes in chemical modeling.
Multiplexed cancer biomarker detection using chip-integrated silicon photonic sensor arrays
Authors: Washburn Adam L. , Shia Winnie W. , Lenkeit Kimberly A. , Lee So-Hyun , Bailey Ryan C.
Published: July 2016

A multiplexed cancer biomarker panel developed on a silicon photonic sensor array platform is promising for organ-specific disease stratification.
A miniaturized electrochemical device integrating a biconical microchannel and carbon fiber disk ultramicroelectrode
Authors: Chang Fengxia , Xie Xia , Li Meixian , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: July 2016

A simple, cheap and practicable miniaturized electrochemical device was developed based on a biconical microchannel.
Sensing chlorinated hydrocarbons via miniaturized GaAs/AlGaAs thin-film waveguide flow cells coupled to quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Haas Julian , Stach Robert , Sieger Markus , Gashi Zana , Godejohann Matthias , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: July 2016

Mid-infrared (MIR) sensors based on attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy provide robust, rapid and sensitive platforms for the detection of low levels of organic molecules and pollutants.
Visual colorimetric detection of cyromazine in river water using citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Bai Wenhui , Zhu Chao , Zhang Guilan , Huang Yafei , Yan Jiao , Yan Mengmeng , Chen Ailiang
Published: July 2016

In this paper, citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used to develop a method for rapidly and visually detecting cyromazine in river water.
Maleic anhydride proton sponge as a novel MALDI matrix for the visualization of small molecules (<250 m/z) in brain tumors by routine MALDI ToF imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Giampà M. , Lissel M. B. , Patschkowski T. , Fuchser J. , Hans V. H. , Gembruch O. , Bednarz H. , Niehaus K.
Published: July 2016

A novel MALDI matrix MAPS, able to visualize deviating metabolism in glioma using a routine MALDI-ToF-MSI procedure, is presented.
An internal charge transfer-DNA platform for fluorescence sensing of divalent metal ions
Authors: Blanchard Darian J. M. , Manderville Richard A.
Published: July 2016

Utility of internal fluorescent guanine replacements for effective signaling of divalent metal ion binding.
Unique properties of C,C′-linked nido-biscarborane tetraanions. Synthesis, structure and bonding of ruthenium monocarbollide via unprecedented cage carbon extrusion
Authors: Zhao Da , Zhang Jiji , Lin Zhenyang , Xie Zuowei
Published: July 2016

An unprecedented bisruthenacarborane (RuCB10) bearing a novel 6π-electron carboranyl ligand [C2B10]2−has been isolated and structurally characterized from the reaction of a C,C′-linkednido-biscarborane tetraanion with {Ru(p-cymene)}2+.
Multiple superhyperfine fields in a {DyFe2Dy} coordination cluster revealed using bulk susceptibility and 57Fe Mössbauer studies
Authors: Peng Yan , Mereacre Valeriu , Anson Christopher E. , Powell Annie K.
Published: July 2016

A study which demonstrates the decisive role that the timescale of measurement techniques play in helping to unravel the details of relaxation processes in magnetic materials is presented.
Proton reduction by a nickel complex with an internal quinoline moiety for proton relay
Authors: Majee Karunamay , Patel Jully , Rai Surabhi , Das Babulal , Panda Binata , Padhi Sumanta Kumar
Published: July 2016

A dicarboxamide based nickel complex with an internal quinoline moiety, acts as an active photocatalyst for proton reduction achieving 2160 turnovers. The pendant base functions for internal proton relay towards the metal center to generate H2following a CECE (C = Chemical, E = Electrochemical) mechanistic path.
Computational insights into the photocyclization of diclofenac in solution: effects of halogen and hydrogen bonding
Authors: Bani-Yaseen Abdulilah Dawoud
Published: July 2016

The effects of noncovalent interactions, namely halogen and hydrogen bonding, on the photochemical conversion of the photosensitizing drug diclofenac (DCF) in solution were investigated computationally.
Assessing the stability of alanine-based helices by conformer-selective IR spectroscopy
Authors: Hoffmann Waldemar , Marianski Mateusz , Warnke Stephan , Seo Jongcheol , Baldauf Carsten , von Helden Gert , Pagel Kevin
Published: July 2016

Systematic amide-to-ester substitution suggests that a single backbone H-bond has only little influence on the overall stability of gas-phase α-helices.
The absence of a gap state and enhancement of the Mars–van Krevelen reaction on oxygen defective Cu/CeO2 surfaces
Authors: Koizumi Kenichi , Nobusada Katsuyuki , Boero Mauro
Published: July 2016

We provide clear evidence for the absence of gap states in the Cu/CeO2 system, responsible for the enhancement of Mars–van Krevelen reactions via first-principles atomic-scale modeling.
What is the thermal conductivity limit of silicon germanium alloys?
Authors: Lee Yongjin , Pak Alexander J. , Hwang Gyeong S.
Published: July 2016

The κ of SiGe alloys is strongly affected by atomic-scale randomness and converges to a minimum around 1–2 W m−1 K−1 in Si0.75Ge0.25.
Synthesis, solid-state characterization and solution studies of new phytate compounds with Cu(ii) and 1,10-phenanthroline: progress in the structural elucidation of phytate coordinating ability
Authors: Quiñone D. , Veiga N. , Torres J. , Castiglioni J. , Bazzicalupi C. , Bianchi A. , Kremer C.
Published: July 2016

myo-Inositol hexakisphosphate(phytate) forms highly structured complexes with Cu(ii) and ammonium cations.
Photoinduced hydrogen evolution with new tetradentate cobalt(ii) complexes based on the TPMA ligand
Authors: Natali Mirco , Badetti Elena , Deponti Elisa , Gamberoni Marta , Scaramuzzo Francesca A. , Sartorel Andrea , Zonta Cristiano
Published: July 2016

New cobalt(ii) complexes based on the TPMA ligand have been synthesized and characterized as molecular catalysts for photoinduced hydrogen evolution.
The contrasting effect of the Ta/Nb ratio in (111)-layered B-site deficient hexagonal perovskite Ba5Nb4−xTaxO15 crystals on visible-light-induced photocatalytic water oxidation activity of their oxynitride derivatives
Authors: Hojamberdiev Mirabbos , Bekheet Maged F. , Zahedi Ehsan , Wagata Hajime , Vequizo Junie Jhon M. , Yamakata Akira , Yubuta Kunio , Gurlo Aleksander , Domen Kazunari , Teshima Katsuya
Published: July 2016

The effect of the Ta/Nb ratio in hexagonal perovskite Ba5Nb4−xTaxO15 crystals on photocatalytic water oxidation activity of their oxynitride derivatives was studied.
Construction of five Zn(ii)/Cd(ii) coordination polymers derived from a new linear carboxylate/pyridyl ligand: design, synthesis, and photocatalytic properties
Authors: Liu Lei-Lei , Yu Cai-Xia , Du Ji-Min , Liu Shi-Min , Cao Jing-Shuai , Ma Lu-Fang
Published: July 2016

Reactions of Cd(OAc)2/Zn(OAc)2 with a new linear carboxylate/pyridyl ligand under different templates via an in situ ligand transformation reaction produced five new CPs. Complexes 1–5 exhibited relatively good photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of methylene blue.
Rational wiring of photosystem II to hierarchical indium tin oxide electrodes using redox polymers
Authors: Sokol Katarzyna P. , Mersch Dirk , Hartmann Volker , Zhang Jenny Z. , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Rögner Matthias , Ruff Adrian , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Plumeré Nicolas , Reisner Erwin
Published: July 2016

A rational approach for a photosystem II-based electrode assembly is described, integrating redox polymers with high surface area hierarchically structured electrodes.
Phytochemical concentrations and biological activities of Sorghum bicolor alcoholic extracts
Authors: Dia Vermont P. , Pangloli Philipus , Jones Lynsey , McClure Angela , Patel Anjali
Published: July 2016

Sorghum alcoholic extracts exhibited antioxidant activity and capability to inhibit and chemosensitize ovarian cancer cellsin vitro.
Ionic liquids in chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques: toward additional improvements in the separation of natural compounds
Authors: Soares Belinda , Passos Helena , Freire Carmen S. R. , Coutinho João A. P. , Silvestre Armando J. D. , Freire Mara G.
Published: July 2016

Ionic liquids have been successfully applied in chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for improving the analysis of value-added compounds extracted from biomass.
In situ SIMS Th–Pb dating of bastnaesite: constraint on the mineralization time of the Himalayan Mianning–Dechang rare earth element deposits
Authors: Ling X. X. , Li Q. L. , Liu Y. , Yang Y. H. , Liu Y. , Tang G. Q. , Li X. H.
Published: July 2016

SIMS Th–Pb dating technique of bastnaesite avoids the excess radiogenic206Pb problem and constrains mineralization time of the Himalayan Mianning–Dechang rare earth element deposits.
Manganese dioxide–vulcan carbon@silver nanocomposites for the application of highly sensitive and selective hydrazine sensors
Authors: Babu Kaliyamoorthy Justice , Zahoor Awan , Nahm Kee Suk , Aziz Md. Abdul , Vengadesh Periasamy , Kumar Georgepeter Gnana
Published: July 2016

Active carbon supported MnO2@Ag nanocomposites were developed for the highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of hydrazine.
Fluorescent sensor for Al3+ ion in partially aqueous media using julolidine based probe
Authors: Singhal Divya , Gupta Neha , Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2016

A novel chemosensor was synthesised and used as a selective fluorescent sensor for aluminium ions.
Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of 3-aryl-1,4-naphthoquinones – green palladium-catalysed Suzuki cross coupling
Authors: Louvis Aline da R. , Silva Nayane A. A. , Semaan Felipe S. , da Silva Fernando de C. , Saramago Gabriela , de Souza Laís C. S. V. , Ferreira Bruno L. A. , Castro Helena C. , Salles Juliana P. , Souza André L. A. , Faria Robson X. , Ferreira Vitor F. , Martins Daniela de L.
Published: July 2016

Antifungal and trypanocidal aryl-1,4-naphthoquinones were prepared through an aqueous Suzuki protocol with reflux or microwave irradiation.
Copper-catalyzed divergent oxidative pathways of 2-naphthol derivatives: ortho-naphthoquinones versus 2-BINOLs
Authors: Kim H. Y. , Takizawa S. , Oh K.
Published: July 2016

Divergent reaction pathways of 2-naphthol derivatives to either ortho-naphthoquinones or BINOLs have been achieved using two different Cu(ii) catalyst systems.
Rhodomentones A and B, novel meroterpenoids with unique NMR characteristics from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa
Authors: Liu Hong-Xin , Chen Kai , Yuan Yao , Xu Zhi-Fang , Tan Hai-Bo , Qiu Sheng-Xiang
Published: July 2016

Two novel meroterpenoids were isolated from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Their structures with unique NMR characteristics were determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, quantum molecular calculation, chemical transformation as well as total synthesis.
Transition-metal-free oxychlorination of alkenyl oximes: in situ generated radicals with tert-butyl nitrite
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Wei , Xiao Zu-Feng , Wang Mei-Mei , Zhuang Yan-Jun , Kang Yan-Biao
Published: July 2016

Highly efficient transition-metal-free radical oxychlorination of alkenyl oximes with t-BuONO has been developed.
Recent progress in rhodium-catalyzed hydroaminomethylation
Authors: Chen Caiyou , Dong Xiu-Qin , Zhang Xumu
Published: July 2016

This review covers the recent studies featuring the development of catalysts for alkene hydroaminomethylation.
Lithium–air battery cathode modification via an unconventional thermal method employing borax
Authors: Fiedler Andy , Vogt Andrew P. , Pfaffmann Lukas , Trouillet Vanessa , Breukelgen Jörg T. , Köppe Ralf , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Ehrenberg Helmut , Scheiba Frieder
Published: July 2016

A novel approach for the preparation of porous carbon materials and its successful application for the carbon electrode of lithium air batteries is demonstrated.
Removal of acid red 88 by a magnetic graphene oxide/cationic hydrogel nanocomposite from aqueous solutions: adsorption behavior and mechanism
Authors: Dong Shuoxun , Wang Yili
Published: July 2016

In this study, a kind of magnetic graphene oxide/cationic hydrogel nanocomposite (MGO–CH) was synthesized and characterized for acid red 88 (AR88) removal.
Structure guided design and binding analysis of EGFR inhibiting analogues of erlotinib and AEE788 using ensemble docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA
Authors: Sharma Vishnu K. , Nandekar Prajwal P. , Sangamwar Abhay , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Agarwal Subhash Mohan
Published: July 2016

The study uncovers an essential pharmacophoric requirement for design of new EGFR inhibitors. Docking and MD simulation confirmed that the occupancy of an additional sub-pocket in the EGFR active site is important for tight EGFR-inhibitor binding.
Correlation of the average hopping length to the ion conductivity and ion diffusivity obtained from the space charge polarization in solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Roy Anirban , Dutta Bula , Bhattacharya Subhratanu
Published: July 2016

The diffusion constant and other electrical parameters of some LiTFSi salt dissociated PEO based polymer electrolytes has been estimated from the impedance spectroscopy data with reasonable agreement to that obtained from PFG-NMR study.
In situ synthesis of porous SnO2 nanospheres/graphene composite with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Yang Youwen , Gao Yuanhao , Cheng Ting , Ma Dongming , Liu Jiguang , Li Xueliang
Published: July 2016

A large diameter porous SnO2 nanospheres/graphene composite was synthesized by an in situ hydrothermal method for the first time. TEM images indicate that the porous SnO2 nanospheres are distributed on the graphene nanosheets uniformly.
Effect of size reduction on cation distribution and magnetic transitions in CoCr2O4 multiferroic: EXAFS, magnetic and diffused neutron scattering measurements
Authors: Galivarapu Jagadish K. , Kumar D. , Banerjee A. , Sathe V. , Aquilanti Giuliana , Rath Chandana
Published: July 2016

Demonstration of rich sequences of magnetic transitions in 10 and 50 nm particles of CoCr2O4 is shown through dc, ac magnetic measurements, EXAFS and diffused neutron scattering.
Porous materials as delivery and protective agents for Vitamin A
Authors: Calabrese Ilaria , Turco Liveri Maria Liria , Ferreira Maria João , Bento Artur , Vaz Pedro D. , Calhorda Maria José , Nunes Carla D.
Published: July 2016

Vitamin A can be loaded in porous materials and released under conditions simulating the oral drug administration. Sepiolite, a clay, prevents oxidation of Vitamin A, and could be a good candidate for oral Vitamin A delivery systems.
Flowing microenvironments regulate the helical pitch of a semi-artificial polymer
Authors: Numata Munenori , Hirose Naoya
Published: July 2016

A novel strategy has been developed for tuning a polymer's conformation in a microfluidic system. The helical pitch of a semi-artificial polymer was controlled precisely in a top-down manner under the non-equilibrium regulated in the microflow.
Optical properties of quaternary kesterite-type Cu2Zn(Sn1−xGex)S4crystalline alloys: Raman scattering, photoluminescence and first-principle calculations
Authors: Valakh M. Ya. , Litvinchuk A. P. , Dzhagan V. M. , Yukhymchuk V. O. , Havryliuk Ye. O. , Guc M. , Bodnar I. V. , Izquierdo-Roca V. , Pérez-Rodríguez A. , Zahn D. R. T.
Published: July 2016

The transformation of the vibrational spectrum of Cu2Zn(Sn1−xGex)S4single crystals over the entire composition range (0 ≤x≤ 1) is studied experimentally as well as theoretically.
A RAIRS, TPD and femtosecond laser-induced desorption study of CO, NO and coadsorbed CO + NO on Pd(111)
Authors: Butorac Jadranka , Wilson Emma L. , Fielding Helen H. , Brown Wendy A. , Minns Russell S.
Published: July 2016

Here we describe novel RAIRS, TPD and LID studies of CO, NO and coadsorbed CO and NO on Pd.
Evaluation of sodium acetate trihydrate–urea DES as a benign reaction media for the Biginelli reaction. Unexpected synthesis of methylenebis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-enones), hexahydroxanthene-1,8-diones and hexahydroacridine-1,8-diones
Authors: Navarro Camilo A. , Sierra Cesar A. , Ochoa-Puentes Cristian
Published: July 2016

In this work, the low melting mixture sodium acetate trihydrate–urea was synthesized and the eutectic composition was determined and characterized. The performance of this deep eutectic solvent on the Biginelli reaction was evaluated.