bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A highly soluble, non-phototoxic, non-fluorescent blebbistatin derivative
Authors: Várkuti Boglárka H. , Képiró Miklós , Horváth István Ádám , Végner László , Ráti Szilvia , Zsigmond Áron , Hegyi György , Lenkei Zsolt , Varga Máté , Málnási-Csizmadia András
Published: May 2016

Blebbistatin is a commonly used molecular tool for the specific inhibition of various myosin II isoforms both in vitro and in vivo. Despite its popularity, the use of blebbistatin is hindered by its poor water-solubility (below 10 micromolar in aqueous buffer) and blue-light sensitivity, resulting in the photoconversion of the molecule, causing severe cellular phototoxicity in addition to its cytotoxicity. Furthermore, blebbistatin forms insoluble aggregates in water-based media above 10 micromolar with extremely high fluorescence and also high adherence to different types of surfaces, which biases its experimental usage. Here, we report a highly soluble (440 micromolar in aqueous buffer), non-fluorescent and photostable C15 amino-substituted derivative of blebbistatin, called para-aminoblebbistatin. Importantly, it is neither photo- nor cytotoxic, as demonstrated on HeLa cells and zebrafish embryos. Additionally, para-aminoblebbistatin bears similar myosin II inhibitory properties to blebbistatin or para-nitroblebbistatin (not to be confused with the C7 substituted nitroblebbistatin), tested on rabbit skeletal muscle myosin S1 and on M2 and HeLa cells. Due to its drastically improved solubility and photochemical feature, as well as lack of photo- or cytotoxicity, para-aminoblebbistatin may become a feasible replacement for blebbistatin, especially at applications when high concentrations of the inhibitor or blue light irradiation is required.
PPP Sliding Window Algorithm and Its Application in Deformation Monitoring
Authors: Song Weiwei , Zhang Rui , Yao Yibin , Liu Yanyan , Hu Yuming
Published: May 2016

Compared with the double-difference relative positioning method, the precise point positioning (PPP) algorithm can avoid the selection of a static reference station and directly measure the three-dimensional position changes at the observation site and exhibit superiority in a variety of deformation monitoring applications. However, because of the influence of various observing errors, the accuracy of PPP is generally at the cm-dm level, which cannot meet the requirements needed for high precision deformation monitoring. For most of the monitoring applications, the observation stations maintain stationary, which can be provided as a priori constraint information. In this paper, a new PPP algorithm based on a sliding window was proposed to improve the positioning accuracy. Firstly, data from IGS tracking station was processed using both traditional and new PPP algorithm; the results showed that the new algorithm can effectively improve positioning accuracy, especially for the elevation direction. Then, an earthquake simulation platform was used to simulate an earthquake event; the results illustrated that the new algorithm can effectively detect the vibrations change of a reference station during an earthquake. At last, the observed Wenchuan earthquake experimental results showed that the new algorithm was feasible to monitor the real earthquakes and provide early-warning alerts.
Correction: Corrigendum: Adiponectin-derived active peptide ADP355 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities in thioacetamide-induced liver injury
Authors: Wang Huafeng , Zhang Huan , Zhang Zimu , Huang Biao , Cheng Xixi , Wang Dan , Gahu Zha la , Xue Zhenyi , Da Yurong , Li Daiqing , Yao Zhi , Gao Fei , Xu Aimin , Zhang Rongxin
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 19445; published online: 18 January 2016; updated: 31 May 2016 This Article contains typographical errors in the Methods section under subheading ‘Chemicals and Animals’, “Thioacetamide (TAA) (Sigma-Aldrich, Switzerland), ADP355 (H-Asn-Ile-Pro-Nva-Leu-Tyr-Ser-Phe-Ala- DSer-NH2) and scramble (H-Pro-Ile-Asn-Tyr-Ala-Nva-Ser-Phe-Leu-Ser-NH2) (Lysine Bio-system, China) were all dissolved in PBS”.
Connexin43 contributes to electrotonic conduction across scar tissue in the intact heart
Authors: Mahoney Vanessa M. , Mezzano Valeria , Mirams Gary R. , Maass Karen , Li Zhen , Cerrone Marina , Vasquez Carolina , Bapat Aneesh , Delmar Mario , Morley Gregory E.
Published: May 2016

Studies have demonstrated non-myocytes, including fibroblasts, can electrically couple to myocytes in culture. However, evidence demonstrating current can passively spread across scar tissue in the intact heart remains elusive. We hypothesize electrotonic conduction occurs across non-myocyte gaps in the heart and is partly mediated by Connexin43 (Cx43). We investigated whether non-myocytes in ventricular scar tissue are electrically connected to surrounding myocardial tissue in wild type and fibroblast-specific protein-1 driven conditional Cx43 knock-out mice (Cx43fsp1KO). Electrical coupling between the scar and uninjured myocardium was demonstrated by injecting current into the myocardium and recording depolarization in the scar through optical mapping. Coupling was significantly reduced in Cx43fsp1KO hearts. Voltage signals were recorded using microelectrodes from control scars but no signals were obtained from Cx43fsp1KO hearts. Recordings showed significantly decreased amplitude, depolarized resting membrane potential, increased duration and reduced upstroke velocity compared to surrounding myocytes, suggesting that the non-excitable cells in the scar closely follow myocyte action potentials. These results were further validated by mathematical simulations. Optical mapping demonstrated that current delivered within the scar could induce activation of the surrounding myocardium. These data demonstrate non-myocytes in the scar are electrically coupled to myocytes and coupling depends on Cx43 expression.
An Improved Method for High Quality Metagenomics DNA Extraction from Human and Environmental Samples
Authors: Bag Satyabrata , Saha Bipasa , Mehta Ojasvi , Anbumani D. , Kumar Naveen , Dayal Mayanka , Pant Archana , Kumar Pawan , Saxena Shruti , Allin Kristine H. , Hansen Torben , Arumugam Manimozhiyan , Vestergaard Henrik , Pedersen Oluf , Pereira Verima , Abraham Philip , Tripathi Reva , Wadhwa Nitya , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Prakash Visvanathan Gnana , Radha Venkatesan , Anjana R. M. , Mohan V. , Takeda Kiyoshi , Kurakawa Takashi , Nair G. Balakrish , Das Bhabatosh
Published: May 2016

To explore the natural microbial community of any ecosystems by high-resolution molecular approaches including next generation sequencing, it is extremely important to develop a sensitive and reproducible DNA extraction method that facilitate isolation of microbial DNA of sufficient purity and quantity from culturable and uncultured microbial species living in that environment. Proper lysis of heterogeneous community microbial cells without damaging their genomes is a major challenge. In this study, we have developed an improved method for extraction of community DNA from different environmental and human origin samples. We introduced a combination of physical, chemical and mechanical lysis methods for proper lysis of microbial inhabitants. The community microbial DNA was precipitated by using salt and organic solvent. Both the quality and quantity of isolated DNA was compared with the existing methodologies and the supremacy of our method was confirmed. Maximum recovery of genomic DNA in the absence of substantial amount of impurities made the method convenient for nucleic acid extraction. The nucleic acids obtained using this method are suitable for different downstream applications. This improved method has been named as the THSTI method to depict the Institute where the method was developed.
Preserved Nephrogenesis Following Partial Nephrectomy in Early Neonates
Authors: Kirita Yuhei , Kami Daisuke , Ishida Ryo , Adachi Takaomi , Tamagaki Keiichi , Matoba Satoaki , Kusaba Tetsuro , Gojo Satoshi
Published: May 2016

Reconstitution of total nephron segments after resection in the adult kidney has not been achieved; however, whether the neonatal kidney can maintain the capacity for neo-nephrogenesis after resection is unknown. We performed partial resection of the kidney in neonatal rats on postnatal days 1 (P1x kidney) and 4 (P4x kidney) and examined morphological changes and relevant factors. The P1x kidney bulged into the newly formed cortex from the wound edge, while nephrogenesis failure was prominent in the P4x kidney. Twenty-eight days post-resection, the glomerular number, cortex area, and collecting duct were preserved in the P1x kidney, whereas these parameters were markedly decreased in the P4x kidney. During normal development, Six2 expression and Six2+ nephron progenitor cells in the cap mesenchyme both rapidly disappear after birth. However, time course analysis for the P1x kidney showed that Six2 expression and Six2+ cells were well preserved in the tissue surrounding the resected area even 2 days after resection. In conclusion, our results indicate that kidneys in early neonate rats retain the capability for neo-nephrogenesis after resection; however, this ability is lost soon after birth, which may be attributed to a declining amount of Six2+ cells.
Protective efficacy and safety of liver stage attenuated malaria parasites
Authors: Kumar Hirdesh , Sattler Julia Magdalena , Singer Mirko , Heiss Kirsten , Reinig Miriam , Hammerschmidt-Kamper Christiane , Heussler Volker , Mueller Ann-Kristin , Frischknecht Friedrich
Published: May 2016

During the clinically silent liver stage of a Plasmodium infection the parasite replicates from a single sporozoite into thousands of merozoites. Infection of humans and rodents with large numbers of sporozoites that arrest their development within the liver can cause sterile protection from subsequent infections. Disruption of genes essential for liver stage development of rodent malaria parasites has yielded a number of attenuated parasite strains. A key question to this end is how increased attenuation relates to vaccine efficacy. Here, we generated rodent malaria parasite lines that arrest during liver stage development and probed the impact of multiple gene deletions on attenuation and protective efficacy. In contrast to P. berghei strain ANKA LISP2(–) or uis3(–) single knockout parasites, which occasionally caused breakthrough infections, the double mutant lacking both genes was completely attenuated even when high numbers of sporozoites were administered. However, different vaccination protocols showed that LISP2(–) parasites protected better than uis3(–) and double mutants. Hence, deletion of several genes can yield increased safety but might come at the cost of protective efficacy.
Ring-Shaped Microlanes and Chemical Barriers as a Platform for Probing Single-Cell Migration
Authors: Schreiber Christoph , Segerer Felix J. , Wagner Ernst , Roidl Andreas , Rädler Joachim O.
Published: May 2016

Quantification and discrimination of pharmaceutical and disease-related effects on cell migration requires detailed characterization of single-cell motility. In this context, micropatterned substrates that constrain cells within defined geometries facilitate quantitative readout of locomotion. Here, we study quasi-one-dimensional cell migration in ring-shaped microlanes. We observe bimodal behavior in form of alternating states of directional migration (run state) and reorientation (rest state). Both states show exponential lifetime distributions with characteristic persistence times, which, together with the cell velocity in the run state, provide a set of parameters that succinctly describe cell motion. By introducing PEGylated barriers of different widths into the lane, we extend this description by quantifying the effects of abrupt changes in substrate chemistry on migrating cells. The transit probability decreases exponentially as a function of barrier width, thus specifying a characteristic penetration depth of the leading lamellipodia. Applying this fingerprint-like characterization of cell motion, we compare different cell lines and demonstrate that the cancer drug candidate salinomycin affects transit probability and resting time, but not run time or run velocity. Hence, the presented assay allows to assess multiple migration-related parameters, permits detailed characterization of cell motility and has potential applications in cell biology and advanced drug screening.
Clinical outcomes after assisted reproductive technology in twin pregnancies: chorionicity-based comparison
Authors: Sun Luming , Zou Gang , Wei Xing , Chen Yan , Zhang Jun , Okun Nanette , Duan Tao
Published: May 2016

The chorionicity–based evaluation of the perinatal risk in twin pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART) is lacking. A retrospective review was performed of all twin pregnancies monitored prenatally and delivered at our hospital between 2010 and 2014. Chorionicity was diagnosed by ultrasound examination at first trimester and confirmed by postnatal pathology. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes were prospectively recorded. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated in a logistic regression model. A total of 1153 twin pregnancies were analyzed. The occurrence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) was 3 times as frequent in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies after ART as in those spontaneous counterparts (aOR 3.0; 95%CI 1.1–3.2). The prevalence of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancies (ICP) was significantly higher in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies following ART compared to spontaneous DCDA pregnancies (aOR 3.3; 95%CI 1.3–5.6). Perinatal outcomes did not differ between two conception methods, either in MCDA or DCDA twin pregnancies. Based on differentiation of chorionicity, ART is associated with the increased risk of PPROM in MCDA twin pregnancies and with a higher rate of ICP in DCDA twin gestations. ART does not increase adversity of perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies.
Early pancreatic islet fate and maturation is controlled through RBP-Jκ
Authors: Cras-Méneur Corentin , Conlon Megan , Zhang Yaqing , Pasca Di Magliano Marina , Bernal-Mizrachi Ernesto
Published: May 2016

Notch signaling is known to control early pancreatic differentiation through Ngn3 repression. In later stages, downstream of Notch, the Presenilins are still required to maintain the endocrine fate allocation. Amongst their multiple targets, it remains unclear which one actually controls the maintenance of the fate of the early islets. Conditional deletions of the Notch effector RBP-Jκ with lineage tracing in Presenilin-deficient endocrine progenitors, demonstrated that this factor is central to the control of the fate through a non-canonical Notch mechanism. RBP-Jκ mice exhibit normal islet morphogenesis and function, however, a fraction of the progenitors fails to differentiate and develop into disorganized masses resembling acinar to ductal metaplasia and chronic pancreatitis. A subsequent deletion of RBP-Jκ in forming β-cells led to the transdifferentiation into the other endocrine cells types, indicating that this factor still mediates the maintenance of the fate within the endocrine lineage itself. These results highlight the dual importance of Notch signaling for the endocrine lineage. Even after Ngn3 expression, Notch activity is required to maintain both fate and maturation of the Ngn3 progenitors. In a subset of the cells, these alterations of Notch signaling halt their differentiation and leads to acinar to ductal metaplasia.
Understanding cold bias: Variable response of skeletal Sr/Ca to seawater pCO2 in acclimated massive Porites corals
Authors: Cole Catherine , Finch Adrian , Hintz Christopher , Hintz Kenneth , Allison Nicola
Published: May 2016

Coral skeletal Sr/Ca is a palaeothermometer commonly used to produce high resolution seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) records and to investigate the amplitude and frequency of ENSO and interdecadal climate events. The proxy relationship is typically calibrated by matching seasonal SST and skeletal Sr/Ca maxima and minima in modern corals. Applying these calibrations to fossil corals assumes that the temperature sensitivity of skeletal Sr/Ca is conserved, despite substantial changes in seawater carbonate chemistry between the modern and glacial ocean. We present Sr/Ca analyses of 3 genotypes of massive Porites spp. corals (the genus most commonly used for palaeoclimate reconstruction), cultured under seawater pCO2 reflecting modern, future (year 2100) and last glacial maximum (LGM) conditions. Skeletal Sr/Ca is indistinguishable between duplicate colonies of the same genotype cultured under the same conditions, but varies significantly in response to seawater pCO2 in two genotypes of Porites lutea, whilst Porites murrayensis is unaffected. Within P. lutea, the response is not systematic: skeletal Sr/Ca increases significantly (by 2–4%) at high seawater pCO2 relative to modern in both genotypes and also increases significantly (by 4%) at low seawater pCO2 in one genotype. This magnitude of variation equates to errors in reconstructed SST of up to −5 °C.
Treatment of Rats with Apocynin Has Considerable Inhibitory Effects on Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase Activity in the Liver
Authors: Francis Sheena , Laurieri Nicola , Nwokocha Chukwuemeka , Delgoda Rupika
Published: May 2016

The effect of apocynin on the activity of arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) in excised liver samples was examined using eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats. Three groups of six animals each were fed a normal diet alone or a treatment of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day of apocynin via gavages for eight (8) weeks. Chronic in vivo administration of apocynin led to significant (p < 0.001) reduction of in vitro liver NAT activity up to 93% as compared with untreated rats (18.80 ± 2.10 μmols p-anisidine/min/μg liver protein). In vitro exposure of untreated liver homogenates to apocynin led to a dose-dependent inhibition of NAT activity with IC50 = 0.69 ± 0.02 mM. In silico modelling of apocynin tautomers and radical species into human NAT crystal structures supported the hypothesis that thiol functionalities in NAT enzymes may be crucial in apocynin binding. The involvement of human NAT enzymes in different pathological conditions, such as cancer, has encouraged the research for selective NAT inhibitors in both humans and animal models with possible chemopreventive properties.
Global methylation, oxidative stress and relative telomere length in biliary atresia patients
Authors: Udomsinprasert Wanvisa , Kitkumthorn Nakarin , Mutirangura Apiwat , Chongsrisawat Voranush , Poovorawan Yong , Honsawek Sittisak
Published: May 2016

Alu and LINE-1 elements are retrotransposons with a ubiquitous presence in the human genome that can cause genomic instability, specifically relating to telomere length. Genotoxic agents may induce methylation of retrotransposons, in addition to oxidative DNA damage in the form of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Methylation of retrotransposons induced by these agents may contribute to biliary atresia (BA) etiology. Here, we investigated correlations between global methylation, 8-OHdG and relative telomere length, as well as reporting on Alu and LINE-1 hypomethylation in BA patients. Alu and LINE-1 hypomethylation were found to be associated with elevated risk of BA (OR = 4.07; 95% CI: 2.27–7.32; P < 0.0001 and OR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.87–6.59; P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, LINE-1 methylation was associated with liver stiffness in BA patients (β coefficient = −0.17; 95% CI: −0.24 to −0.10; P < 0.0001). Stratified analysis revealed negative correlations between Alu and LINE-1 methylation and 8-OHdG in BA patients (P < 0.0001). In contrast, positive relationships were identified between Alu and LINE-1 methylation and relative telomere length in BA patients (P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that retrotransposon hypomethylation is associated with plasma 8-OHdG and telomere length in BA patients.
The Statistical Value of Raw Fluorescence Signal in Luminex xMAP Based Multiplex Immunoassays
Authors: Breen Edmond J. , Tan Woei , Khan Alamgir
Published: May 2016

Tissue samples (plasma, saliva, serum or urine) from 169 patients classified as either normal or having one of seven possible diseases are analysed across three 96-well plates for the presences of 37 analytes using cytokine inflammation multiplexed immunoassay panels. Censoring for concentration data caused problems for analysis of the low abundant analytes. Using fluorescence analysis over concentration based analysis allowed analysis of these low abundant analytes. Mixed-effects analysis on the resulting fluorescence and concentration responses reveals a combination of censoring and mapping the fluorescence responses to concentration values, through a 5PL curve, changed observed analyte concentrations. Simulation verifies this, by showing a dependence on the mean florescence response and its distribution on the observed analyte concentration levels. Differences from normality, in the fluorescence responses, can lead to differences in concentration estimates and unreliable probabilities for treatment effects. It is seen that when fluorescence responses are normally distributed, probabilities of treatment effects for fluorescence based t-tests has greater statistical power than the same probabilities from concentration based t-tests. We add evidence that the fluorescence response, unlike concentration values, doesn’t require censoring and we show with respect to differential analysis on the fluorescence responses that background correction is not required.
Vascular growth responses to chronic arterial occlusion are unaffected by myeloid specific focal adhesion kinase (FAK) deletion
Authors: Heuslein Joshua L. , Murrell Kelsey P. , Leiphart Ryan J. , Llewellyn Ryan A. , Meisner Joshua K. , Price Richard J.
Published: May 2016

Arteriogenesis, or the lumenal expansion of pre-existing arterioles in the presence of an upstream occlusion, is a fundamental vascular growth response. Though alterations in shear stress stimulate arteriogenesis, the migration of monocytes into the perivascular space surrounding collateral arteries and their differentiation into macrophages is critical for this vascular growth response to occur. Focal adhesion kinase’s (FAK) role in regulating cell migration has recently been expanded to primary macrophages. We therefore investigated the effect of the myeloid-specific conditional deletion of FAK on vascular remodeling in the mouse femoral arterial ligation (FAL) model. Using laser Doppler perfusion imaging, whole mount imaging of vascular casted gracilis muscles, and immunostaining for CD31 in gastrocnemius muscles cross-sections, we found that there were no statistical differences in perfusion recovery, arteriogenesis, or angiogenesis 28 days after FAL. We therefore sought to determine FAK expression in different myeloid cell populations. We found that FAK is expressed at equally low levels in Ly6Chi and Ly6Clo blood monocytes, however expression is increased over 2-fold in bone marrow derived macrophages. Ultimately, these results suggest that FAK is not required for monocyte migration to the perivascular space and that vascular remodeling following arterial occlusion occurs independently of myeloid specific FAK.
Aggregation of germlings is a major contributing factor towards mycelial heterogeneity of Streptomyces
Authors: Zacchetti Boris , Willemse Joost , Recter Brand , van Dissel Dino , van Wezel Gilles P. , Wösten H. A. B. , Claessen Dennis
Published: May 2016

Streptomycetes are filamentous bacteria that produce numerous valuable compounds, including the majority of clinically used antibiotics. At an industrial scale, most of these compounds are produced in bioreactors. Growth of streptomycetes under these conditions is characterized by the formation of complex mycelial particles, whose sizes follow a bimodal distribution. Given the correlation between specific productivity and morphology, this size heterogeneity poses a potential drawback in industry. Recent work indicates that mycelial morphology is controlled by a number of genes that encode proteins required for the synthesis of cell surface-associated glycans. Using a quantifiable system based on fluorescent markers, we here show that these glycans mediate aggregation between germlings and young mycelia, yielding mycelial particles that originate from many different individuals. We also demonstrate that at later time points aggregation between distinct particles is no longer detectable. Notably, the absence of the corresponding glycan synthases yields mycelia that are homogeneous in size, identifying mycelial aggregation as a driving factor towards size heterogeneity. Given that aggregation is widespread within streptomycetes and can also occur between different Streptomyces strains, our work paves the way to improve Streptomyces as a cell factory for the production of known metabolites, but possibly also to discover new ones.
LPS/TLR4 Signaling Enhances TGF-β Response Through Downregulating BAMBI During Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: He Yao , Ou Zhenyu , Chen Xiang , Zu Xiongbing , Liu Longfei , Li Yuan , Cao Zhenzhen , Chen Minfeng , Chen Zhi , Chen Hequn , Qi Lin , Wang Long
Published: May 2016

Compelling evidence suggests that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) development involves accumulation of mesenchymal-like cells derived from the prostatic epithelium by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induces EMT phenotypes with low E-cadherin and high vimentin expression in prostatic epithelial cells. Here we report that LPS/TLR4 signalling induces down-regulation of the bone morphogenic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI), which enhances TGF-β signalling in the EMT process during prostatic hyperplasia. Additionally, we found that the mean TLR4 staining score was significantly higher in BPH tissues with inflammation compared with BPH tissues without inflammation (5.13 ± 1.21 and 2.96 ± 0.73, respectively;P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with inflammatory infiltrate were more likely to have a higher age (P = 0.020), BMI (P = 0.026), prostate volume (P = 0.024), total IPSS score (P = 0.009) and IPSS-S (P < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analyses demonstrated that TLR4 mRNA expression level was significantly positively associated with age, BMI, serum PSA levels, urgency and nocturia subscores of IPSS in the inflammatory group. These findings provide new insights into the TLR4-amplified EMT process and the association between TLR4 levels and storage LUTS, suggesting chronic inflammation as vital to the pathogenesis of BPH.
Preparation of Carbon Nanotube/TiO2 Mesoporous Hybrid Photoanode with Iron Pyrite (FeS2) Thin Films Counter Electrodes for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Kilic Bayram , Turkdogan Sunay , Astam Aykut , Ozer Oguz Can , Asgin Mansur , Cebeci Hulya , Urk Deniz , Mucur Selin Pravadili
Published: May 2016

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/TiO2 mesoporous networks can be employed as a new alternative photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). By using the MWCNT/TiO2 mesoporous as photoanodes in DSSC, we demonstrate that the MWCNT/TiO2 mesoporous photoanode is promising alternative to standard FTO/TiO2 mesoporous based DSSC due to larger specific surface area and high electrochemical activity. We also show that iron pyrite (FeS2) thin films can be used as an efficient counter electrode (CE), an alternative to the conventional high cost Pt based CE. We are able to synthesis FeS2 nanostructures utilizing a very cheap and easy hydrothermal growth route. MWCNT/TiO2 mesoporous based DSSCs with FeS2 CE achieved a high solar conversion efficiency of 7.27% under 100 mW cm−2 (AM 1.5G 1-Sun) simulated solar irradiance which is considerably (slightly) higher than that of A-CNT/TiO2 mesoporous based DSSCs with Pt CE. Outstanding performance of the FeS2 CE makes it a very promising choice among the various CE materials used in the conventional DSSC and it is expected to be used more often to achieve higher photon-to-electron conversion efficiencies.
Cytokine production capacity in depression and anxiety
Authors: Vogelzangs N , de Jonge P , Smit J H , Bahn S , Penninx B W
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have suggested that immune function may be dysregulated in persons with depressive and anxiety disorders. Few studies examined the expression of cytokines in response to ex vivo stimulation of blood by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to study the innate production capacity of cytokines in depression and anxiety. To investigate this, baseline data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) were used, including persons (18–65 years; 66% women) with current (that is, past month; N=591) or remitted (N=354) DSM-IV depressive or anxiety disorders and healthy controls (N=297). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by means of the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Using Multi-Analyte Profiling technology, plasma levels of 13 cytokines were assayed after whole blood stimulation by addition of LPS. Basal plasma levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were also available. A basal and a LPS summary index were created. Results show that LPS-stimulated inflammation was associated with increased odds of current depressive/anxiety disorders (odds ratio (OR)=1.28, P=0.009), as was the case for basal inflammation (OR=1.28, P=0.001). These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for lifestyle and health (OR=1.13, P=0.21; OR=1.07, P=0.45, respectively). After adjustment for lifestyle and health, interleukin-8 was associated with both remitted (OR=1.25, P=0.02) and current (OR=1.28, P=0.005) disorders. In addition, LPS-stimulated inflammation was associated with more severe depressive (β=0.129, P<0.001) and anxiety (β=0.165, P<0.001) symptoms, as was basal inflammation. Unlike basal inflammation, LPS-stimulated inflammation was still associated with (anxiety) symptom severity after adjustment for lifestyle and health (IDS: interleukin (IL)-8, MCP-1, MMP2; BAI: LPS index, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18, MCP-1, MMP2, TNF-β). To conclude, lifestyle and health factors may partly explain higher levels of basal, as well as LPS-stimulated inflammation in persons with depressive and anxiety disorders. However, production capacity of several cytokines was positively associated with severity of depressive and in particular anxiety symptoms, even while taking lifestyle and health factors into account. Elevated IL-8 production capacity in both previously and currently depressed and anxious persons might indicate a genetic vulnerability for these disorders.
Anti-CD155 and anti-CD112 monoclonal antibodies conjugated to a fluorescent mesoporous silica nanosensor encapsulating rhodamine 6G and fluorescein for sensitive detection of liver cancer cells
Authors: Tao Liang , Song Chaojun , Huo Chenyang , Sun Yuanjie , Zhang Chunmei , Li Xiaohua , Yu Shaojuan , Sun Mingyu , Jin Boquan , Zhang Zhujun , Yang Kun
Published: May 2016

Sensitive detection of liver cancer cells using anti-CD155 and anti-CD112 monoclonal antibodies conjugated to ultrabright fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles (FMSNs) encapsulating Rhodamine 6G and fluorescein was developed.
Photoelectrocatalytic analysis and electrocatalytic determination of hydroquinone by using a Cu2O–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified rotating ring-disk electrode
Authors: Xie Hong , Duan Kaiyue , Xue Muyin , Du Yongling , Wang Chunming
Published: May 2016

In this work, a Cu2O–rGO nanocomposite modified Pt RRDE was successfully fabricated for the photoelectrocatalytic analysis and electrocatalytic determination of hydroquinone.
Anodic stripping voltammetry with graphite felt electrodes for the trace analysis of silver
Authors: Davies Trevor J.
Published: May 2016

Graphite felt electrodes, costing less than one British pence each, are used as sensors for silver with a low limit of detection and large linear range.
Structure dependence of lasing action in organic polymer films on DFB gratings for dinitrotoluene vapor detection
Authors: Liu Qiufeng , Qiu Keqiang , He Shengnan , Liu Honglin , Liu Zhengkun , Hong Yilin , Fu Shaojun
Published: May 2016

Amplified spontaneous emission of SOP films on distributed feedback gratings for rapid and sensitive fluorescence quenching detection of explosive vapors.
Highly stable and ultrasensitive chlorogenic acid sensor based on metal–organic frameworks/titanium dioxide nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Yang , Chen Huanhuan , Hu Xiaoya , Yu Hai
Published: May 2016

Metal–organic frameworks/titanium dioxide nanocomposites were utilized as novel electrode materials for ultrasensitive chlorogenic acid determination with improved stability.
A fast, adaptable piecewise gradient method for high-throughput quantification of leaf carotenoids using RP-HPLC-PDA
Authors: Kormendi Aleshia , Amyot Lisa , Omari Khaled , McDowell Timothy , Hannoufa Abdelali
Published: May 2016

Lutein and β-carotene are the major carotenoids in plant leaves, playing crucial roles in photosynthesis.
A new approach for the facile preparation of metal–organic framework composites directly contacting with metal nanoparticles through arc plasma deposition
Authors: Sadakiyo Masaaki , Yoshimaru Shotaro , Kasai Hidetaka , Kato Kenichi , Takata Masaki , Yamauchi Miho
Published: May 2016

The arc plasma deposition (APD) method is first applied to prepare metal–organic framework (MOF) composites loading metal nanoparticles having a direct contact with MOF.
Bulk binary ZrO2-based oxides as highly active alternative-type catalysts for non-oxidative isobutane dehydrogenation
Authors: Otroshchenko Tatyana , Radnik Jörg , Schneider Matthias , Rodemerck Uwe , Linke David , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: May 2016

Bulk binary ZrO2-based oxides efficiently catalyse non-oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane to isobutylene.
Octahedral ruthenium complexes selectively stabilize G-quadruplexes
Authors: He Lei , Chen Xiang , Meng Zhenyu , Wang Jintao , Tian Keyin , Li Tianhu , Shao Fangwei
Published: May 2016

Due to the unique three dimensional structures of Ru complexes, strong interactions such as H-bonds between the z-axial ligands and cation channels in G-quadruplexes enabled not only efficient stabilization of G-quadruplexes, but excellent binding resistance against duplex DNA.
Tetrameric psuedo-peptide receptors with allosteric properties
Authors: Chung Mee-Kyung , Lee Stephen J. , Waters Marcey L. , Gagné Michel R.
Published: May 2016

This paper reports the binding properties of tetrameric pseudo-peptide receptors for protonated cytidines.
Design of a photoelectrochemical device for the selective conversion of aqueous CO2to CO: using mesoporous palladium–copper bimetallic cathode and hierarchical ZnO-based nanowire array photoanode
Authors: Li Mu , Li Peng , Chang Kun , Liu Huimin , Hai Xiao , Zhang Huabin , Ye Jinhua
Published: May 2016

An overall PEC CO2conversion was firstly reported by integrating both the newly designed metal cathode and the n-type photoanode with functional nanostructures.
Catalytic conversion of CHx and CO2 on non-noble metallic impurities in graphene
Authors: Tang Yanan , Liu Zhiyong , Chen Weiguang , Ma Dongwei , Chang Shanshan , Dai Xianqi
Published: May 2016

Density functional theory (DFT) was applied to investigate the geometric, electronic, and magnetic properties of CHx (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) species on non-noble metal embedded graphene (NNM-graphene).
MOF-derived binary mixed metal/metal oxide @carbon nanoporous materials and their novel supercapacitive performances
Authors: Wang Y. C. , Li W. B. , Zhao L. , Xu B. Q.
Published: May 2016

A remarkable specific capacitance of 800 F g−1 was obtained using cobalt and manganese oxides in a carbon framework derived from CoMn-MOF-74; carbonization temperature is a critical parameter.
Vibrational ladder-climbing in surface-enhanced, ultrafast infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kraack Jan Philip , Hamm Peter
Published: May 2016

Vibrational ladder-climbing is demonstrated in ultrafast, surface-enhanced IR spectroscopy using 2D ATR IR spectroscopy.
Imaging fluorescence correlation spectroscopy studies of dye diffusion in self-assembled organic nanotubes
Authors: Xu Hao , Nagasaka Shinobu , Kameta Naohiro , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Ito Takashi , Higgins Daniel A.
Published: May 2016

Imaging fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is used to elucidate the rate and mechanism for diffusion of charged molecules within charged, self-assembled organic nanotubes.
Applying low-molecular weight supramolecular gelators in an environmental setting – self-assembled gels as smart materials for pollutant removal
Authors: Okesola Babatunde O. , Smith David K.
Published: May 2016

Self-assembled gels have nanoscale ‘solid-like’ networks spanning across a liquid-like phase and are ideally suited for bringing these into intimate contact with polluted solution-phase media in an environmental setting, with the ultimate goal of environmental remediation.
Competitive pathways of methane activation on Zn2+-modified ZSM-5 zeolite: H/D hydrogen exchange with Brønsted acid sites versus dissociative adsorption to form Zn-methyl species
Authors: Arzumanov Sergei S. , Gabrienko Anton A. , Freude Dieter , Stepanov Alexander G.
Published: May 2016

Zn-methyl species is not responsible for facilitation of the H/D hydrogen exchange reaction of methane with Brønsted acid sites of Zn2+/H-ZSM-5 zeolite.
Synthesis and structural analyses of phenylethynyl-substituted tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amines and their copper(ii) complexes
Authors: Lim Jaebum , Lynch Vincent M. , Edupuganti Ramakrishna , Ellington Andrew , Anslyn Eric V.
Published: May 2016

Three new tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-based ligands possessing phenylethynyl units have been prepared using Sonogashira couplings and substitution reactions. Various non-covalent interactions of copper (ii) complexes of these ligands have been presented in detail.
The roles of 4f- and 5f-orbitals in bonding: a magnetochemical, crystal field, density functional theory, and multi-reference wavefunction study
Authors: Lukens W. W. , Speldrich M. , Yang P. , Duignan T. J. , Autschbach J. , Kögerler P.
Published: May 2016

The electronic structures of 4f3/5f3 Cp′′3M and Cp′′3M·alkylisocyanide complexes, where Cp′′ is 1,3-bis-(trimethylsilyl)cyclopentadienyl, are explored with a focus on the splitting of the f-orbitals, which provides information about the strengths of the metal–ligand interactions.
Shaping and enforcing coordination spheres: probing the ability of tripodal ligands to favour trigonal prismatic geometry
Authors: Knight James C. , Amoroso Angelo J. , Edwards Peter G. , Singh Neha , Ward Benjamin D.
Published: May 2016

The coordination chemistry of mono(2,2′-bipyrid-6-yl)bis(2-pyridyl)methanol (L1) and bis(2,2′-bipyrid-6-yl)mono(2-pyridyl)methanol (L2) are contrasted to tris(2,2′-bipyrid-6-yl)methanol (L3).L1andL2can produce octahedral complexes compared to the trigonal prismatic preference ofL3.
Atom tunnelling in the reaction NH3+ + H2 → NH4+ + H and its astrochemical relevance
Authors: Álvarez-Barcia Sonia , Russ Marie-Sophie , Meisner Jan , Kästner Johannes
Published: May 2016

The title reaction is involved in the formation of ammonia in the interstellar medium. We have calculated thermal rates including atom tunnelling using different rate theories. Canonical variational theory with microcanonically optimised multidimensional tunnelling was used for bimolecular rates, modelling the gas-phase reaction and also a surface-catalysed reaction of the Eley–Rideal type. Instanton theory provided unimolecular rates, which model the Langmuir–Hinshelwood type surface reaction. The potential energy was calculated on the CCSD(T)-F12 level of theory on the fly. We report thermal rates and H/D kinetic isotope effects. The latter have implications for observed H/D fractionation in molecular clouds. Tunnelling causes rate constants to be sufficient for the reaction to play a role in interstellar chemistry even at cryogenic temperature. We also discuss intricacies and limitations of the different tunnelling approximations to treat this reaction, including its pre-reactive minimum.
The inhibitory kinetics and mechanism of dietary vitamins D3and B2on xanthine oxidase
Authors: Lin Suyun , Zhang Guowen , Liao Yijing , Gong Deming
Published: May 2016

Dietary guidelines to promote health are usually based on the patterns’ prediction on disease risk of foods and nutrients.
A high-yielding method for the preparation of isoxazolopyridin-3-amine derivatives
Authors: Yu Wensheng , Bulger Paul G. , Maloney Kevin M.
Published: May 2016

A rapid preparation of highly functionalized isoxazolopyridin-3-amine and other heterocyclic fused aminoisoxazole derivatives.
A microdevice assisted approach for the preparation, characterization and selection of continuous aqueous two-phase systems: from micro to bench-scale
Authors: Vázquez-Villegas Patricia , Ouellet Eric , González Claudia , Ruiz-Ruiz Federico , Rito-Palomares Marco , Haynes Charles A. , Aguilar Oscar
Published: May 2016

Staggered herringbone chaotic micromixers are employed to rapidly prepare two-phase systems across an entire range of useful phase compositions.
LC-MS based metabolomics and chemometrics study of the toxic effects of copper on Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Farrés Mireia , Piña Benjamí , Tauler Romà
Published: May 2016

Copper containing fungicides are used to protect vineyards from fungal infections.
A combined experimental and theoretical approach to study SmC → NcybC phase transition in a four-ring bent-core liquid crystal
Authors: Singh Swapnil , Deb Rahul , Chakraborty Nirmalangshu , Singh Harshita , Gupta Vineet , Sinha Kirti , Tandon Poonam , Omelchenko Myroslava , Rao Nandiraju Venkata Satyanarayana , Ayala Alejandro Pedro
Published: May 2016

Spectroscopic evidences for the analysis of phase transition and hydrogen bonding in a newly synthesised four-ring bent-core liquid crystal.
Labelling of endogenous target protein via N–S acyl transfer-mediated activation of N-sulfanylethylanilide
Authors: Denda Masaya , Morisaki Takuya , Kohiki Taiki , Yamamoto Jun , Sato Kohei , Sagawa Ikuko , Inokuma Tsubasa , Sato Youichi , Yamauchi Aiko , Shigenaga Akira , Otaka Akira
Published: May 2016

AnN-sulfanylethylanilide (SEAlide)-based labelling reagent (SEAL) has been developed for the labelling of the target proteins of bioactive compounds.
The ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and l-lactide using aluminum complexes bearing benzothiazole ligands as catalysts
Authors: Huang Yen-Tzu , Wang Wei-Chu , Hsu Chun-Pin , Lu Wei-Yi , Chuang Wan-Jung , Chiang Michael Y. , Lai Yi-Chun , Chen Hsuan-Ying
Published: May 2016

A series of aluminum complexes bearing benzothiazole ligands was synthesized and the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) and l-lactide (LA) using these aluminum complexes as catalysts was studied.
Investigation into the photolytic stability of RAFT agents and the implications for photopolymerization reactions
Authors: McKenzie T. G. , Costa L. P. da M. , Fu Q. , Dunstan D. E. , Qiao G. G.
Published: May 2016

The photolytic stability of RAFT agents under blue LED irradiation has been investigated with regard to photopolymerization reactions.
Nanoporous polymer particles made by suspension polymerization: spontaneous symmetry breaking in hydrogen bonded smectic liquid crystalline droplets and high adsorption characteristics
Authors: van Kuringen H. P. C. , Mulder D. J. , Beltran E. , Broer D. J. , Schenning A. P. H. J.
Published: May 2016

A versatile and scalable suspension polymerization method is reported to synthesize nanoporous polymer particles.
Enhanced oxidase/peroxidase-like activities of aptamer conjugated MoS2/PtCu nanocomposites and their biosensing application
Authors: Qi Cui , Cai Shuangfei , Wang Xinhuan , Li Jingying , Lian Zheng , Sun Shanshan , Yang Rong , Wang Chen
Published: May 2016

Taking advantage of bimetallic alloy nanoparticles and MoS2 nanosheets, a colorimetric aptasensor was developed for MUC1 overexpressed cancer cell detection.
Hybrid silane coating reinforced with silanized graphene oxide nanosheets with improved corrosion protective performance
Authors: Ahmadi Anahita , Ramezanzadeh Bahram , Mahdavian Mohammad
Published: May 2016

Enhancing the corrosion protection performance of steel substrate through utilizing a hybrid silane coating reinforced with silanized graphene oxide nanosheets.
Gadolinium oxysulfide nanoprobes with both persistent luminescent and magnetic properties for multimodal imaging
Authors: Rosticher C. , Viana B. , Fortin M.-A. , Lagueux J. , Faucher L. , Chanéac C.
Published: May 2016

Gd2O2S doped with Eu3+(5%), Ti4+(1%), Mg2+(8%) nanoprobes combine optical imaging agent with persistent luminescence properties and a worthy MRI contrast with a highT1effect.
Partial oxidation of ethylbenzene by H2O2 on VOx/HZSM-22 catalyst
Authors: Luo Li , Liu Huan , Li Guiying , Hu Changwei
Published: May 2016

Highly dispersed extra-framework vanadium species mainly led to the oxidation of EB with 17.5% yield and 72.5% selectivity to AP.
Nanoporous polymer foams derived from high molecular PS-b-P4VP(PDP)xfor template-directed synthesis approaches
Authors: Tillmann S. D. , Hermida-Merino D. , Winter M. , Cekic-Laskovic I. , Loos K.
Published: May 2016

Various nanoporous block copolymers derived from supramolecular complexes PS-b-P4VP(PDP) are presented as templates for template-directed synthesis approaches.
Investigation of cobalt redox mediators and effects of TiO2 film topology in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Safdari Majid , Lohse Peter W. , Häggman Leif , Frykstrand Sara , Högberg Daniel , Rutland Mark , Asencio Rubén Alvarez , Gardner James , Kloo Lars , Hagfeldt Anders , Boschloo Gerrit
Published: May 2016

Cobalt complexes represent interesting alternative redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells, with weak visible light absorption and a wide variety in redox potentials. Its diffusion in mesoporous TiO2 may, however, limit its performance.
Application of red mud as both neutralizer and catalyst in supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) disposal of sewage sludge
Authors: Chen Hongzhen , Wang Guangwei , Xu Yuanjian , Chen Zhong , Yin Fengjun
Published: May 2016

Red mud was used in the supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) disposal of sewage sludge, not only as a neutralizer for acidic substances produced in situ, but also as a catalyst for decomposition of pollutants.
The preparation of 3D network pore structure activated carbon as an electrode material for supercapacitors with long-term cycle stability
Authors: Leng Changyu , Sun Kang
Published: May 2016

ZnCl2, KOH and water vapor were used as activated reagents to obtain the expected activated carbon that has a three-dimensional (3D) interconnected network structure and good electrochemical properties as carbon-based electrodes.
Optical temperature sensing in β-NaLuF4:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ based on thermal, quasi-thermal and non-thermal coupling levels
Authors: Lu Hongyu , Hao Haoyue , Shi Guang , Gao Yachen , Wang Ruixue , Song Yinglin , Wang Yuxiao , Zhang Xueru
Published: May 2016

Three methods for optical temperature sensing are investigated in the NaLuF4:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ phosphor, based on thermal, quasi-thermal and non-thermal coupling levels.
Modelling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in vitro with three-dimensional microstructured hydrogels
Authors: Chiellini F. , Puppi D. , Piras A. M. , Morelli A. , Bartoli C. , Migone C.
Published: May 2016

Development of a novelin vitro3D model of pancreas cancer based on microstructured polyelectrolyte complex (mPEC) hydrogel.
Cytotoxic withanolides from Physalis angulata var. villosa and the apoptosis-inducing effect via ROS generation and the activation of MAPK in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Ma Ting , Zhang Wen-Na , Yang Lei , Zhang Chao , Lin Ru , Shan Si-Ming , Zhu Meng-Di , Luo Jian-Guang , Kong Ling-Yi
Published: May 2016

Physagulide I induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via ROS generation and the activation of MAPK in human osteosarcoma cells.
Stereoselective synthesis of 4-aminobenzo[c][1,2]thiazine via modification of the Harmata benzothiazine synthesis
Authors: Battula S. R. K. , Subbareddy G. V. , Chakravarthy I. E. , Saravanan V.
Published: May 2016

A stereoselective synthesis of 4-aminobenzothiazines was developed through a modified Harmata benzothiazine synthesis.