bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embrained drives to perform extraordinary roles predict schizotypal traits in the general population
Authors: Fernandez-Cruz Ana L , Ali Ola Mohamed , Asare Gifty , Whyte Morgan S , Walpola Ishan , Segal Julia , Debruille J Bruno
Published: October 2016

Some personal drives correspond to extraordinary social roles. Given that behavioral strategies associated with such drives may conflict with those associated with ordinary roles, they could cause behavioral disorganization. To test whether they do so independent of the factors responsible for full-blown schizotypy and schizophrenia, these drives were assessed in the general population. Two hundred and nine healthy volunteers were individually presented with hundreds of names of social roles in experimental psychology conditions. The task of the participant was to decide whether or not (s)he would consider performing the role at any moment of his/her life. Schizotypal traits were measured with the schizotypal personality questionnaire (SPQ), and delusion-like ideations were assessed by the Peters et al. Delusion Inventory. Demographics and social desirability were controlled for. Participants accepting a greater percentage of extraordinary roles had higher SPQ scores. Among the three factors of the SPQ, disorganization was the one best predicted by those percentages. This correlation (r=0.40, P=7.2E−09) was significantly greater (Fisher Z-transform, P=0.003) than the correlation between the percentages of ordinary roles accepted and the SPQ scores (r=0.145, P=0.044). Reaction times revealed no suboptimal cognitive functioning in high accepters of extraordinary roles and further strengthened the drive hypothesis. Their acceptances of roles were done faster and their rejections took longer than those of low accepters (P=5E−12). Culturally embrained drives to do extraordinary roles could thus be an independent factor of the symptoms measured in the normality to schizophrenia continuum.
Effect of methyl salicylate (MeSA), an elicitor on growth, physiology and pathology of resistant and susceptible rice varieties
Authors: Kalaivani Kandaswamy , Kalaiselvi Marimuthu Maruthi , Senthil-Nathan Sengottayan
Published: October 2016

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is a volatile organic compound synthesized from salicylic acid (SA) a plant hormone that helps to fight against plant disease. Seed treatment with MeSA, is an encouraging method to the seed industry to produce more growth and yield. The aim of our study is to find out the growth, development and disease tolerance of rice seed treated with different concentrations of MeSA. Also the seed treatments were studied to determine whether they directly influenced seedling emergence and growth in rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivars ‘IR 20, IR 50, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 19 and ADT 46’ under greenhouse condition. MeSA seed treatments at 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/L significantly increased seedling emergence. Effects were stronger in IR 50, and IR 64 and the effects were dose dependent, although the relationship between dose and effect was not always linear. MeSA seed treated rice plant against bacterial blight were analyzed. Bacterial blight was more effectively controlled by the seed treated with 100 mg/L than others. These results suggest that seed treatment with MeSA alters plant physiology in ways that may be useful for crop production as well as protection.
Uterus-targeted liposomes for preterm labor management: studies in pregnant mice
Authors: Refuerzo Jerrie S. , Leonard Fransisca , Bulayeva Nataliya , Gorenstein David , Chiossi Giuseppe , Ontiveros Alejandra , Longo Monica , Godin Biana
Published: October 2016

Preterm labor caused by uterine contractions is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Treatment intended to reduce uterine contractions include tocolytic agents, such as indomethacin. Unfortunately, clinically used tocolytics are frequently inefficient and cross the placenta causing fetal side effects. Here we show for the first time in obstetrics the use of a targeted nanoparticle directed to the pregnant uterus and loaded with a tocolytic for reducing its placental passage and sustaining its efficacy. Nanoliposomes encapsulating indomethacin and decorated with clinically used oxytocin receptor antagonist were designed and evaluated in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo. The proposed approach resulted in targeting uterine cells in-vitro, inhibiting uterine contractions ex-vivo, while doubling uterine drug concentration, decreasing fetal levels, and maintaining the preterm birth rate in vivo in a pregnant mouse model. This promising approach opens new horizons for drug development in obstetrics that could greatly impact preterm birth, which currently has no successful treatments.
Bioprinting of 3D Convoluted Renal Proximal Tubules on Perfusable Chips
Authors: Homan Kimberly A. , Kolesky David B. , Skylar-Scott Mark A. , Herrmann Jessica , Obuobi Humphrey , Moisan Annie , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: October 2016

Three-dimensional models of kidney tissue that recapitulate human responses are needed for drug screening, disease modeling, and, ultimately, kidney organ engineering. Here, we report a bioprinting method for creating 3D human renal proximal tubules in vitro that are fully embedded within an extracellular matrix and housed in perfusable tissue chips, allowing them to be maintained for greater than two months. Their convoluted tubular architecture is circumscribed by proximal tubule epithelial cells and actively perfused through the open lumen. These engineered 3D proximal tubules on chip exhibit significantly enhanced epithelial morphology and functional properties relative to the same cells grown on 2D controls with or without perfusion. Upon introducing the nephrotoxin, Cyclosporine A, the epithelial barrier is disrupted in a dose-dependent manner. Our bioprinting method provides a new route for programmably fabricating advanced human kidney tissue models on demand.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma-propagating Cells are Detectable by Side Population Analysis and Possess an Expression Profile Reflective of a Primitive Origin
Authors: Xia Honghai , Cao Jun , Li Qing , Lv Yang , Jia Weidong , Ren Weihua , Cheng Qingyu , Song Xiaoyuan , Xu Geliang
Published: October 2016

The recent identification of “Side Population” (SP) cells in a number of unrelated human cancers has renewed interests in the hypothesis of cancer stem cells. Here we isolated SP cells from HepG2 cells and 18 of the 21 fresh hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue samples. These SP cells have higher abilities of forming spheroids, invasion and migration. Tumors could generate only from SP, not non-SP (NSP), cells in a low dose of subcutaneous injection to the NOD/SCID mice (5 × 102 cells/mouse). The mRNA microarray analysis of the SP vs. NSP cells isolated from HepG2 cells revealed that the SP cells express higher levels of pluripotency- and stem cell-associated transcription factors including Klf4, NF-Ya, SALL4 and HMGA2. Some of the known hepatobiliary progenitor/stem cell markers, such as Sox9 was also up-regulated. RT-qPCR analysis of the gene expression between SP cells and NSP cells isolated from both HepG2 cells and HCC tissue samples showed that most of the tested mRNAs’ changes were in consistent with the microarray data, including the general progenitor/stem cells markers such as Klf4, NF-Ya, SALL4 and HMGA2, which were up-regulated in SP cells. Our data indicates that HCC cancer stem cells exist in HepG2 and HCC fresh tissue samples and can be isolated by SP assay.
A network approach to discerning the identities of C. elegans in a free moving population
Authors: Winter Peter B. , Brielmann Renee M. , Timkovich Nicholas P. , Navarro Helio T. , Teixeira-Castro Andreia , Morimoto Richard I. , Amaral Luis A. N.
Published: October 2016

The study of C. elegans has led to ground-breaking discoveries in gene-function, neuronal circuits, and physiological responses. Subtle behavioral phenotypes, however, are often difficult to measure reproducibly. We have developed an experimental and computational infrastructure to simultaneously record and analyze the physical characteristics, movement, and social behaviors of dozens of interacting free-moving nematodes. Our algorithm implements a directed acyclic network that reconstructs the complex behavioral trajectories generated by individual C. elegans in a free moving population by chaining hundreds to thousands of short tracks into long contiguous trails. This technique allows for the high-throughput quantification of behavioral characteristics that require long-term observation of individual animals. The graphical interface we developed will enable researchers to uncover, in a reproducible manner, subtle time-dependent behavioral phenotypes that will allow dissection of the molecular mechanisms that give rise to organism-level behavior.
Time-course of coherence in the human basal ganglia during voluntary movements
Authors: Talakoub Omid , Neagu Bogdan , Udupa Kaviraja , Tsang Eric , Chen Robert , Popovic Milos R. , Wong Willy
Published: October 2016

We are interested in characterizing how brain networks interact and communicate with each other during voluntary movements. We recorded electrical activities from the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the motor cortex during voluntary wrist movements. Seven patients with dystonia and six patients with Parkinson’s disease underwent bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement. Local field potentials from the DBS electrodes and scalp EEG from the electrodes placed over the motor cortices were recorded while the patients performed externally triggered and self-initiated movements. The coherence calculated between the motor cortex and STN or GPi was found to be coupled to its power in both the beta and the gamma bands. The association of coherence with power suggests that a coupling in neural activity between the basal ganglia and the motor cortex is required for the execution of voluntary movements. Finally, we propose a mathematical model involving coupled neural oscillators which provides a possible explanation for how inter-regional coupling takes place.
Generation of transgenic marmosets expressing genetically encoded calcium indicators
Authors: Park Jung Eun , Zhang Xian Feng , Choi Sang-Ho , Okahara Junko , Sasaki Erika , Silva Afonso C.
Published: October 2016

Chronic monitoring of neuronal activity in the living brain with optical imaging techniques became feasible owing to the continued development of genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs). Here we report for the first time the successful generation of transgenic marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), an important nonhuman primate model in neurophysiological research, which were engineered to express the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based family of GECIs, GCaMP, under control of either the CMV or the hSyn promoter. High titer lentiviral vectors were produced, and injected into embryos collected from donor females. The infected embryos were then transferred to recipient females. Eight transgenic animals were born and shown to have stable and functional GCaMP expression in several different tissues. Germline transmission of the transgene was confirmed in embryos generated from two of the founder transgenic marmosets that reached sexual maturity. These embryos were implanted into six recipient females, three of which became pregnant and are in advanced stages of gestation. We believe these transgenic marmosets will be invaluable non-human primate models in neuroscience, allowing chronic in vivo monitoring of neural activity with functional confocal and multi-photon optical microscopy imaging of intracellular calcium dynamics.
Single neuron transcriptomics identify SRSF/SR protein B52 as a regulator of axon growth and Choline acetyltransferase splicing
Authors: Liu Boyin , Bossing Torsten
Published: October 2016

We removed single identified neurons from living Drosophila embryos to gain insight into the transcriptional control of developing neuronal networks. The microarray analysis of the transcriptome of two sibling neurons revealed seven differentially expressed transcripts between both neurons (threshold: log21.4). One transcript encodes the RNA splicing factor B52. Loss of B52 increases growth of axon branches. B52 function is also required for Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT ) splicing. At the end of embryogenesis, loss of B52 function impedes splicing of ChAT, reduces acetylcholine synthesis, and extends the period of uncoordinated muscle twitches during larval hatching. ChAT regulation by SRSF proteins may be a conserved feature since changes in SRSF5 expression and increased acetylcholine levels in brains of bipolar disease patients have been reported recently.
Index markers of chronic fatigue syndrome with dysfunction of TCA and urea cycles
Authors: Yamano Emi , Sugimoto Masahiro , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Kume Satoshi , Yamato Masanori , Jin Guanghua , Tajima Seiki , Goda Nobuhito , Iwai Kazuhiro , Fukuda Sanae , Yamaguti Kouzi , Kuratsune Hirohiko , Soga Tomoyoshi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Kataoka Yosky
Published: October 2016

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a persistent and unexplained pathological state characterized by exertional and severely debilitating fatigue, with/without infectious or neuropsychiatric symptoms, lasting at least 6 consecutive months. Its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we performed comprehensive metabolomic analyses of 133 plasma samples obtained from CFS patients and healthy controls to establish an objective diagnosis of CFS. CFS patients exhibited significant differences in intermediate metabolite concentrations in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) and urea cycles. The combination of ornithine/citrulline and pyruvate/isocitrate ratios discriminated CFS patients from healthy controls, yielding area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.801 (95% confidential interval [CI]: 0.711–0.890, P < 0.0001) and 0.750 (95% CI: 0.584–0.916, P = 0.0069) for training (n = 93) and validation (n = 40) datasets, respectively. These findings provide compelling evidence that a clinical diagnostic tool could be developed for CFS based on the ratios of metabolites in plasma.
Functional visualization and disruption of targeted genes using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated eGFP reporter integration in zebrafish
Authors: Ota Satoshi , Taimatsu Kiyohito , Yanagi Kanoko , Namiki Tomohiro , Ohga Rie , Higashijima Shin-ichi , Kawahara Atsuo
Published: October 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9 complex, which is composed of a guide RNA (gRNA) and the Cas9 nuclease, is useful for carrying out genome modifications in various organisms. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated locus-specific integration of a reporter, which contains the Mbait sequence targeted using Mbait-gRNA, the hsp70 promoter and the eGFP gene, has allowed the visualization of the target gene expression. However, it has not been ascertained whether the reporter integrations at both targeted alleles cause loss-of-function phenotypes in zebrafish. In this study, we have inserted the Mbait-hs-eGFP reporter into the pax2a gene because the disruption of pax2a causes the loss of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) in zebrafish. In the heterozygous Tg[pax2a-hs:eGFP] embryos, MHB formed normally and the eGFP expression recapitulated the endogenous pax2a expression, including the MHB. We observed the loss of the MHB in homozygous Tg[pax2a-hs:eGFP] embryos. Furthermore, we succeeded in integrating the Mbait-hs-eGFP reporter into an uncharacterized gene epdr1. The eGFP expression in heterozygous Tg[epdr1-hs:eGFP] embryos overlapped the epdr1 expression, whereas the distribution of eGFP-positive cells was disorganized in the MHB of homozygous Tg[epdr1-hs:eGFP] embryos. We propose that the locus-specific integration of the Mbait-hs-eGFP reporter is a powerful method to investigate both gene expression profiles and loss-of-function phenotypes.
Shallow slip amplification and enhanced tsunami hazard unravelled by dynamic simulations of mega-thrust earthquakes
Authors: Murphy S. , Scala A. , Herrero A. , Lorito S. , Festa G. , Trasatti E. , Tonini R. , Romano F. , Molinari I. , Nielsen S.
Published: October 2016

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake produced an unexpected large amount of shallow slip greatly contributing to the ensuing tsunami. How frequent are such events? How can they be efficiently modelled for tsunami hazard? Stochastic slip models, which can be computed rapidly, are used to explore the natural slip variability; however, they generally do not deal specifically with shallow slip features. We study the systematic depth-dependence of slip along a thrust fault with a number of 2D dynamic simulations using stochastic shear stress distributions and a geometry based on the cross section of the Tohoku fault. We obtain a probability density for the slip distribution, which varies both with depth, earthquake size and whether the rupture breaks the surface. We propose a method to modify stochastic slip distributions according to this dynamically-derived probability distribution. This method may be efficiently applied to produce large numbers of heterogeneous slip distributions for probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis. Using numerous M9 earthquake scenarios, we demonstrate that incorporating the dynamically-derived probability distribution does enhance the conditional probability of exceedance of maximum estimated tsunami wave heights along the Japanese coast. This technique for integrating dynamic features in stochastic models can be extended to any subduction zone and faulting style.
Effect of adding nanometre-sized heterogeneities on the structural dynamics and the excess wing of a molecular glass former
Authors: Gupta S. , Fischer J. K. H. , Lunkenheimer P. , Loidl A. , Novak E. , Jalarvo N. , Ohl M.
Published: October 2016

We present the relaxation dynamics of glass-forming glycerol mixed with 1.1 nm sized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules using dielectric spectroscopy (DS) and two different neutron scattering (NS) techniques. Both, the reorientational dynamics as measured by DS and the density fluctuations detected by NS reveal a broadening of the α relaxation when POSS molecules are added. Moreover, we find a significant slowing down of the α-relaxation time. These effects are in accord with the heterogeneity scenario considered for the dynamics of glasses and supercooled liquids. The addition of POSS also affects the excess wing in glycerol arising from a secondary relaxation process, which seems to exhibit a dramatic increase in relative strength compared to the α relaxation.
Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 regulates key signalling molecules involved in FcγRI-mediated clathrin-dependent endocytosis and phagocytosis
Authors: Park Mijeong , Raftery Mark J. , Thomas Paul S. , Geczy Carolyn L. , Bryant Katherine , Tedla Nicodemus
Published: October 2016

FcγRI cross-linking on monocytes may trigger clathrin-mediated endocytosis, likely through interaction of multiple intracellular molecules that are controlled by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. However, the identity of phospho-proteins and their regulation are unknown. We proposed the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) that inhibits FcγRI-mediated cytokine production via Tyr dephosphorylation of multiple kinases, may also regulate endocytosis/phagocytosis through similar mechanisms. FcγRI and/or LILRB4 were antibody-ligated on THP-1 cells, lysates immunoprecipitated using anti-pTyr antibody and peptides sequenced by mass spectrometry. Mascot Search identified 25 Tyr phosphorylated peptides with high confidence. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the most significantly affected pathways were clathrin-mediated endocytosis and Fc-receptor dependent phagocytosis. Tyr phosphorylation of key candidate proteins in these pathways included common γ-chain of the Fc receptors, Syk, clathrin, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase Cbl, hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate, tripartite motif-containing 21 and heat shock protein 70. Importantly, co-ligation of LILRB4 with FcγRI caused significant dephosphorylation of these proteins and was associated with suppression of Fc receptor-dependent uptake of antibody-opsonised bacterial particles, indicating that LILRB4. These results suggest that Tyr phosphorylation may be critical in FcγRI-dependent endocytosis/phagocytosis that may be regulated by LILRB4 by triggering dephosphorylation of key signalling proteins.
Differentially expressed galactinol synthase(s) in chickpea are implicated in seed
vigor and longevity by limiting the age induced ROS accumulation
Authors: Salvi Prafull , Saxena Saurabh Chandra , Petla Bhanu Prakash , Kamble Nitin Uttam , Kaur Harmeet , Verma Pooja , Rao Venkateswara , Ghosh Shraboni , Majee Manoj
Published: October 2016

Galactinol synthase (GolS) catalyzes the first and rate limiting step of Raffinose
Family Oligosaccharide (RFO) biosynthetic pathway, which is a highly specialized
metabolic event in plants. Increased accumulation of galactinol and RFOs in seeds
have been reported in few plant species, however their precise role in seed vigor
and longevity remain elusive. In present study, we have shown that galactinol
synthase activity as well as galactinol and raffinose content progressively increase
as seed development proceeds and become highly abundant in pod and mature dry seeds,
which gradually decline as seed germination progresses in chickpea (Cicer
arietinum). Furthermore, artificial aging also stimulates galactinol
synthase activity and consequent galactinol and raffinose accumulation in seed.
Molecular analysis revealed that GolS in chickpea are encoded by two divergent genes
(CaGolS1 and CaGolS2) which potentially encode five CaGolS
isoforms through alternative splicing. Biochemical analysis showed that only two
isoforms (CaGolS1 and CaGolS2) are biochemically active with similar yet distinct
biochemical properties. CaGolS1 and CaGolS2 are differentially regulated in
different organs, during seed development and germination however exhibit similar
subcellular localization. Furthermore, seed-specific overexpression ofCaGolS1 and CaGolS2 in Arabidopsis results improved seed
vigor and longevity through limiting the age induced excess ROS and consequent lipid
peroxidation.
Oesophageal carcinoma: comparison of ex vivo high-resolution 3.0 T MR imaging with histopathological findings
Authors: Wei Yi , Wu Sen , Shi Dapeng , Dou Shewei , Sun Tingyi , Ning Peigang , Zhao Cuihua , Li Ziyuan , Li Xiaodong , Gao Feifei , Li Linlin , Zheng Dandan , Zhu Shaocheng
Published: October 2016

High-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images clearly depict the normal oesophageal wall as consisting of eight layers, which correlates well with histopathological findings. In 56 (91.8%) of 61 lesions, the depth of oesophageal wall invasion determined through MR imaging was consistent with histopathological staging (r = 0.975, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the mucosa were 71.4%, 98.1%, and 95.1%, respectively, and the corresponding values for the submucosa were 82.4%, 95.5%, and 91.8%; for the muscularis propria, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 100%, 95.7%, and 96.7%, respectively, and for the adventitia, these values were 100%, 100%, and 100%. The Cohen k values for interobserver agreement were excellent: K = 0.839, P < 0.001 (observer 1 vs. observer 2); K = 0.908, P < 0.001 (observer 1 vs. observer 3); and K = 0.885, P < 0.01 (observer 2 vs. observer 3). High-resolution ex vivo MR images obtained with a 3.0 T scanner can be used to precisely evaluate oesophageal carcinoma invasion and provide good diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.
Misfit Strain Relaxation of Ferroelectric PbTiO3/LaAlO3 (111) Thin Film System
Authors: Xu Y. B. , Tang Y. L. , Zhu Y. L. , Liu Y. , Li S. , Zhang S. R. , Ma X. L.
Published: October 2016

Ferroelectric thin films grown on high index substrates show unusual structural and switching dynamics due to their special strain states. Understanding the misfit relaxation behavior is crucial to facilitate the high index thin film growth with improved quality. In this paper, ferroelectric PbTiO3 thin films were grown on LaAlO3 (111) substrates by pulsed laser deposition technique. The microstructures were investigated by combinations of conventional and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy. Diffraction contrast analysis and high resolution imaging reveal that high density interfacial dislocations were distributed at the interfaces. These dislocations have mixed character with Burgers vectors of a <110> and line directions of <112>. The edge components of the dislocations, with the Burgers vectors parallel to the interface, accommodate the lattice mismatch and are the main contributor to the misfit relaxation of this system. The formation mechanism of these dislocations is proposed and discussed to elucidate the novel mismatch relaxation behavior of <111> oriented perovskite films.
High-solid Anaerobic Co-digestion of Sewage Sludge and Cattle Manure: The Effects of Volatile Solid Ratio and pH
Authors: Dai Xiaohu , Chen Yang , Zhang Dong , Yi Jing
Published: October 2016

High-solid anaerobic digestion is an attractive solution to the problem of sewage sludge disposal. One method that can be used to enhance the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and the generation of methane from anaerobic digestion involves combining an alkaline pretreatment step with the synergistic effects of sewage sludge and cattle manure co-digestion, which improves the activity of key enzymes and microorganisms in the anaerobic co-digestion system to promote the digestion of organic waste. In this study, we describe an efficient strategy that involves adjusting the volatile solid (VS) ratio (sewage sludge/cattle manure: 3/7) and initial pH (9.0) to improve VFA production and methane generation from the co-digestion of sludge and manure. The experimental results indicate that the maximum VFA production was 98.33 g/kg-TS (total solid) at the optimal conditions. Furthermore, methane generation in a long-term semi-continuously operated reactor (at a VS ratio of 3/7 and pH of 9.0) was greater than 120.0 L/kg-TS.
The rs6771157 C/G polymorphism in SCN10A is associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Fang Zhen , Jiang Yue , Wang Yifeng , Lin Yuan , Liu Yaowu , Zhao Liyan , Xu Yan , Toorabally Mohammad Bilaal , He Shenghu , Zhang Fengxiang
Published: October 2016

A recent genome wide associated study in European descent population identified the association of Atrial fibrillation (AF) risk with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SCN10A. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SCN10A polymorphisms are associated with AF risk in the Chinese Han population. A total of 2,300 individuals of Chinese Han origin were recruited and three potentially functional SNPs were genotyped. Logistic regression models were utilized to calculate odds ratios (ORs) at a 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Logistic regression analysis in an additive genetic model revealed that one SNP in SCN10A (rs6771157) was associated with an increased risk of AF (adjusted OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.36, P = 0.003). Stratification analysis of several main AF risk factors indicated that the risk associations with rs6771157 were not statistically different among different subgroups. In summary, our study suggests the possible involvement of the SCN10A variant in AF development in Chinese Han populations. Further biological function analyses are required to confirm our finding.
Modulation of fear extinction processes using transcranial electrical stimulation
Authors: Abend R , Jalon I , Gurevitch G , Sar-el R , Shechner T , Pine D S , Hendler T , Bar-Haim Y
Published: October 2016

Research associates processes of fear conditioning and extinction with treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders. Manipulation of these processes may therefore be beneficial for such treatment. The current study examines the effects of electrical brain stimulation on fear extinction processes in healthy humans in order to assess its potential relevance for treatment enhancement. Forty-five participants underwent a 3-day fear conditioning and extinction paradigm. Electrical stimulation targeting the medial prefrontal cortex was applied during the extinction-learning phase (Day 2). Participants were randomly assigned to three stimulation conditions: direct-current (DC) stimulation, aimed at enhancing extinction-learning; low-frequency alternating-current (AC) stimulation, aimed at interfering with reconsolidation of the activated fear memory; and sham stimulation. The effect of stimulation on these processes was assessed in the subsequent extinction recall phase (Day 3), using skin conductance response and self-reports. Results indicate that AC stimulation potentiated the expression of fear response, whereas DC stimulation led to overgeneralization of fear response to non-reinforced stimuli. The current study demonstrates the capability of electrical stimulation targeting the medial prefrontal cortex to modulate fear extinction processes. However, the stimulation parameters tested here yielded effects opposite to those anticipated and could be clinically detrimental. These results highlight the potential capacity of stimulation to manipulate processes relevant for treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders, but also emphasize the need for additional research to identify delivery parameters to enable its translation into clinical practice. Clinical trial identifiers: Modulation of Fear Extinction Processes Using Transcranial Electrical Stimulation; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02723188; NCT02723188 NCT02723188.
The Comet Assay: A Versatile Tool for Assessing DNA Damage
Authors: Bajpayee Mahima , Kumar Ashutosh , Dhawan Alok
Published: October 2016

Anthropogenic activities have led to deterioration of the environment, adversely affecting flora and fauna as well as posing a health hazard to humans. The simple, yet sensitive and versatile Comet assay has been widely used as a tool for the assessment of the genotoxic potential of various chemicals and compounds, in diverse cell types from plants, animals and humans. COMET is a perfect acronym for Credible Observation and Measurement of Exposure to Toxicants. In this chapter, use of the Comet assay in models ranging from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, including plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, sentinel species as well as non-target organisms, inhabiting air, land and water, is discussed.
High-throughput Measurement of DNA Breaks and Oxidised Bases with the Comet Assay
Authors: Azqueta Amaya , Costa-Amaral Isabele Campos , Collins Andrew R.
Published: October 2016

DNA is continuously under attack, from environmental chemicals and radiation and also from intrinsic damaging agents, notably reactive oxygen species. In the case of the latter, potential damage is kept under control by antioxidant defences. The damage that does occur is mostly removed by efficient repair pathways, but damage that remains when cells replicate DNA can lead to mutations and possible cell transformation. Oxidative damage to DNA is elevated in various human diseases, including cancers, though this does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship; oxidative stress resulting from the disease could cause DNA damage as a secondary effect. The comet assay is a sensitive and popular method for measuring DNA damage. The underlying principle is that, after cell lysis and removal of nuclear membranes and histones, DNA remains attached to a matrix in the form of supercoiled loops; a strand break in one loop relaxes supercoiling in that loop; on subsequent electrophoresis (normally at high pH), relaxed loops are pulled towards the anode, forming the tail of a comet-like image viewed by fluorescence microscopy. The percentage of DNA in the tail is proportional to break frequency. Oxidised bases are measured by including, after lysis, a digestion with an enzyme with endonuclease activity specific for oxidised pyrimidines (EndoIII or Nth) or for 8-oxoguanine and other products of purine oxidation (formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, Fpg). The comet assay with Fpg has been shown to be more accurate than chromatographic techniques at measuring low levels of 8-oxoguanine, and it is the method of choice in human biomonitoring studies which aim to detect effects of occupational or environmental exposure, or of nutritional supplementation, e.g. with antioxidant-rich foods. A major application of the comet assay is in testing chemicals for genotoxic effects. OECD guidelines exist for use of the comet assay in in vivo experiments, and it is also widely used in in vitro testing. The inclusion of Fpg in the in vitro assay greatly increases the sensitivity of detection of various types of DNA-damaging agent (not only those that induce oxidation damage). In this chapter we provide a detailed protocol, covering all steps from embedding cells in agarose to scoring comets, and including the use of mini-gels (12 per slide) to increase throughput.
Microplate-based Comet Assay
Authors: Wagner Elizabeth D. , Plewa Michael J.
Published: October 2016

Among the manifold advantages of the Comet assay is the ability to evaluate very limited amounts of test agents. In many cases compounds for a research study are not commercially available and the chemicals must be individually synthesised at great expense and with large amounts of time involved. In this chapter we shall describe some of our work with a series of high-priority nitrogen-containing drinking-water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that were synthesised as high-purity chemical analytical standards. The use of 96-well microplates allowed us to analyse the genotoxicity of these DBPs in mammalian cells.
Detection of DNA Damage in Different Organs of the Mouse
Authors: Shukla Ritesh Kumar , Bajpayee Mahima , Dhawan Alok
Published: October 2016

The in vivo mammalian alkaline Comet assay is used for assessing the DNA-damaging potential of chemicals in cells and tissues of rats and mice. The assay has been adopted by the OECD, as a second-tier test, in the standard battery of genotoxicity tests. This chapter outlines the protocol followed for performing the in vivo Comet assay in cells of blood and different organs e.g. liver, kidney, brain, spleen and bone marrow of mouse.
The Comet Assay: Clinical Applications
Authors: Piperakis M. M. , Kontogianni K. , Piperakis S. M.
Published: October 2016

The single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or Comet assay is a technique widely employed in environmental and radiation toxicology as well as in cancer research with the aim of assessing DNA damage and repair by measuring DNA strand breaks. In the present review we outline the clinical applications of the Comet assay. In particular, we aim to highlight the importance of the technique in clinical medicine.
Comet Assay in Human Biomonitoring
Authors: Valverde Mahara , Rojas Emilio
Published: October 2016

Biomonitoring of human populations exposed to potential mutagens or carcinogens can provide an early detection system for emerging genetic diseases or the initiation of cell misregulation in the development of cancer. During the last few years, the Comet assay, also known as the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, has become an important tool for assessing DNA damage in exposed populations. To appreciate the role of the comet assay in advancing the field of genetic biomonitoring, we review data from 235 studies employing the comet assay and compare results between studies of environmental hazards, lifestyle conditions and occupational exposures. We also discuss the advantages and shortcomings of the technique with respect to its application as a useful biomarker in the early identification of individuals at risk.
The Application of the Comet Assay in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Frenzilli G. , Bean T. P. , Lyons B. P.
Published: October 2016

This chapter considers the potential of the Comet assay [or single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)] for evaluating the environmental impact of genotoxins in aquatic environments. It focuses on in vivo and in situ studies that have been carried out using various marine and freshwater sentinel species. A large number of the studies reviewed report that the Comet assay is more sensitive when compared with other biomarkers commonly used in genetic ecotoxicology, such as sister chromatid exchanges or the micronucleus test. The Comet assay is widely influenced by laboratory procedures, suggesting that standard protocols are required for both vertebrate and invertebrate species and tissues. However, there is still a wide variety of differing Comet procedures evident in the literature reviewed, making comparison between published results often very difficult. Standardization and inter-laboratory calibration of the Comet assay as applied to aquatic species will be required if the Comet assay is to be used routinely by national bodies charged with monitoring water quality.
Genotoxic Effects in Peripheral Blood and Sperm in Humans in Healthy Individuals and Those with Disease States
Authors: Anderson Diana , Baumgartner Adolf , Najafzadeh Mojgan
Published: October 2016

The comet assay is one of the most versatile tools in toxicology today and can be used to measure responses in both diploid (peripheral blood lymphocytes) and haploid (sperm) primary cells in humans. This chapter will discuss how these cells are employed to determine if they have differential responses to chemical and physical agents in healthy and disease-state individuals and how such information can be of use to man.
Application of the Comet Assay in Nanotoxicology
Authors: Dusinska Maria , Rundén-Pran Elise , El Yamani Naouale , Fjellsbø Lise M. , Collins Andrew
Published: October 2016

The comet assay is an excellent and widely applied method for investigating genotoxicity of engineered nanomaterials (NMs). A great challenge with NMs is interference between the NM and the test assay, leading to a risk of obtaining unreliable results. Here, we describe both the standard alkaline version of the comet assay in vitro and the modified version that allows detection of oxidized DNA lesions by applying lesion-specific endonucleases (e.g. formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase or endonuclease III). We highlight critical points that need to be taken into consideration when assessing NM genotoxicity, as well as basic methodological considerations, such as the importance of carrying out physico–chemical characterization of the NMs and investigating uptake and cytotoxicity. Also, experimental design—including treatment conditions, cell number, cell culture plate format and volume of treatment medium on the plate—is crucial and can have an impact on results, especially when testing NMs. Toxicity of NMs depends greatly upon physio–chemical properties that change depending on the environment. To facilitate testing of numerous NMs with distinct modifications, the high-throughput miniaturized version of the Comet assay is essential. Protocols are provided for both standard 2-gel system and 12-gel format slides.
Label-free spectroscopic characterization of live liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) isolated from the murine liver
Authors: Kochan K. , Kus E. , Filipek A. , Szafrańska K. , Chlopicki S. , Baranska M.
Published: October 2016

Imaging with the use of Raman spectroscopy enables the characterization and distinction of live cells that were freshly isolated from murine livers.
Mesoporous metal oxide nanoparticles for selective enrichment of phosphopeptides from complex sample matrices
Authors: Han Meng , Li Zhen
Published: October 2016

Selective enrichment of phosphopeptides using mesoporous metal oxide nanoparticles.
Simultaneous electrochemical quantification of naproxen, acetaminophen and diclofenac using a bare carbon paste electrode
Authors: Guzmán-Hernández D. S. , Martínez-Cruz M. A. , Ramírez-Silva M. T. , Romero-Romo M. , Corona-Avendaño S. , Mendoza-Huizar L. H. , Palomar-Pardavé M.
Published: October 2016

It is shown that a bare CPE can be used for the simultaneous quantification of anti-inflammatory drugs: naproxen (NPX), diclofenac (DCF) and acetaminophen (ACT) in aqueous media.
High-performance n-type field-effect transistors based on a highly crystalline tricyanovinyldihydrofuran derivative
Authors: Um Hyun Ah , Lee Ji Hyung , Baik Hionsuck , Cho Min Ju , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: October 2016

A novel tricyanovinyldihydrofuran (TCF)-based molecule was designed and synthesized as an n-type organic semiconductor for application in field-effect transistors.
Hypoiodite-catalysed oxidative cyclisation of Michael adducts of chalcones with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds: a facile and versatile approach to substituted furans and cyclopropanes
Authors: Gao Wen-Chao , Hu Fei , Tian Jun , Li Xing , Wei Wen-Long , Chang Hong-Hong
Published: October 2016

Hypoiodite catalysis for selective oxidative cyclization has been developed, yielding either furans or cyclopropanes with excellent diastereoselectivity.
Facile synthesis of ultrathin single-crystalline palladium nanowires with enhanced electrocatalytic activities
Authors: Xu Dongdong , Liu Xiaoli , Han Min , Bao Jianchun
Published: October 2016

Ultrathin single-crystalline palladium nanowires could be rapidly synthesized by the self-assembly of a specific surfactant dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride.
Novel fluorescent lapachone-based BODIPY: synthesis, computational and electrochemical aspects, and subcellular localisation of a potent antitumour hybrid quinone
Authors: Gontijo Talita B. , de Freitas Rossimiriam P. , de Lima Guilherme F. , de Rezende Lucas C. D. , Pedrosa Leandro F. , Silva Thaissa L. , F. Goulart Marilia O. , Cavalcanti Bruno C. , Pessoa Claudia , Bruno Marina P. , Corrêa José R. , Emery Flavio S. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: October 2016

A fully characterized fluorescent lapachone-based BODIPY, a specific mitochondrial-staining agent, is reported.
Topology-dependent emissive properties of zirconium-based porphyrin MOFs
Authors: Deria Pravas , Yu Jierui , Balaraman Rajesh P. , Mashni Jamil , White Sandra N.
Published: October 2016

Topological control over the photophysical properties of MOFs via modular interchromophoric electronic interactions.
Electrochemically active porous organic polymers based on corannulene
Authors: Karunathilake Arosha A. K. , Thompson Christina M. , Perananthan Sahila , Ferraris John P. , Smaldone Ronald A.
Published: October 2016

For the first time, porous organic polymers (POPs) based on the smallest buckybowl, corannulene (BB-POPs) have been synthesized.
Dehydrative condensation of carbonyls with non-acidic methylenes enabled by light: synthesis of benzofurans
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Chen Ning , Yang Xiaobo , Li Lu , Li Chao-Jun
Published: October 2016

Condensation of carbonyls with non-acidic methylenes such as those adjacent to heteroatoms and allylic types to generate CC bonds is challenging but highly desirable.
Synthesis of the fluorohydridoborate anions [BHF3]− and [1-HF2B-9,12-X2-closo-1,2-C2B10H9]− (X = H, I): deboronation of 1,2- and 1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes with anhydrous [Me4N]F
Authors: Duda Katharina , Himmelspach Alexander , Landmann Johannes , Kraus Florian , Finze Maik
Published: October 2016

The [BHF3]− anion represents the first example of an anion of the series [BHnF4−n]− (n = 1–3), which is obtained via deboronation of closo-1,2-C2B10H12 or closo-1,7-C2B10H12 with anhydrous [Me4N]F.
Pre-organization of clefts for Ag–π interactions in Zn(ii) bisdipyrrin helicates for the construction of heterometallic networks
Authors: Baudron Stéphane A. , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: October 2016

2,2′-bisdipyrrin Zn(ii) binuclear helicates feature two different types of pre-organized clefts for Ag–π interactions, affording heterometallic networks with Ag(i) salts without the assistance of additional coordinating sites.
Redox interactions of Au(iii) with carboxylated dithiafulvenes and tetrathiafulvalene analogues in polar organic media
Authors: Adows Hadeel , Zhao Yuming
Published: October 2016

The redox interactions between HAuCl4and carboxylated dithiafulvenes and tetrathiafulvene vinylogues were investigated. The dicarboxylic dithiafulvene directly induced the formation of Au(0) nanoparticles in DMSO and DMF.
Remote joule heating assisted carrier transport in MWCNTs probed at nanosecond time scale
Authors: Mishra Abhishek , Shrivastava Mayank
Published: October 2016

The role of heat flux from hot to cold contact of MWCNT in electrical transport is investigated by capturing the current and voltage response at the time scale of nanoseconds, which is comparable to characteristic thermal diffusion time of the device.
Ionic liquids as modulators of physicochemical properties and nanostructures of sodium dodecyl sulfate in aqueous solutions and potential application in pesticide microemulsions
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Tengfei , Xu Yong , Wu Xuemin
Published: October 2016

The change of morphology of ILs/SDS aggregates with increased concentration of ILs.
Electrostatics-mediated α-chymotrypsin inhibition by functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhao Daohui , Zhou Jian
Published: October 2016

Electrostatics-mediated α-chymotrypsin inhibition by functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Effects of carbon surface topography on the electrode/electrolyte interface structure and relevance to Li–air batteries
Authors: Pavlov S. V. , Kislenko S. A.
Published: October 2016

Carbon surface topography influences the solvent structure at the interface, concentration distribution of reactants (Li+, O2), and their absorption kinetics.
Understanding and tuning the properties of redox-accumulating manganese helicates
Authors: Krewald Vera , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: October 2016

The multiple redox transitions of pentanuclear Mn clusters and the tuning of their redox potentials by ligand design are investigated computationally.
Polymer versus phosphine stabilized Rh nanoparticles as components of supported catalysts: implication in the hydrogenation of cyclohexene model molecule
Authors: Ibrahim M. , Garcia M. A. S. , Vono L. L. R. , Guerrero M. , Lecante P. , Rossi L. M. , Philippot K.
Published: October 2016

The influence of stabilizers on the catalytic performance of small rhodium nanoparticles was studied through a model hydrogenation reaction.
Sustainable iron production from mineral iron carbonate and hydrogen
Authors: Baldauf-Sommerbauer G. , Lux S. , Siebenhofer M.
Published: October 2016

The amount of reducing agent and CO2emissions of iron production from carbonates can be diminished by direct hydrogen reduction.
Folding propensity of intrinsically disordered proteins by osmotic stress
Authors: Mansouri Amanda L. , Grese Laura N. , Rowe Erica L. , Pino James C. , Chennubhotla S. Chakra , Ramanathan Arvind , O'Neill Hugh M. , Berthelier Valerie , Stanley Christopher B.
Published: October 2016

Preferential hydration changes accompanying the osmotic folding of two intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) were determined.
Lewis acid catalyzed [3 + 2] annulation of ketenimines with donor–acceptor cyclopropanes: an approach to 2-alkylidenepyrrolidine derivatives
Authors: Alajarin Mateo , Egea Adrian , Orenes Raul-Angel , Vidal Angel
Published: October 2016

C,C,N-Trisubstituted ketenimines undergo [3 + 2] annulation reactions via its CN bond with donor–acceptor cyclopropanes triggered by Sc(OTf)3 to yield a diversity of 2-alkylidene pyrrolidines.
3D graphene–carbon nanotube–nickel ensembles as anodes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Gangaraju Deepa , Vadahanambi Sridhar , Park Hyun
Published: October 2016

3D graphene–carbon nanotube–nickel nano-architectures were synthesized from isocyanate treated 2D graphene oxide and applied as anodes in sodium ion batteries.
Graphene enhanced low-density polyethylene by pretreatment and melt compounding
Authors: Lei Hong , Liu Zhuo , He Chong , Zhang Shou-Chun , Liu Ye-Qun , Hua Cheng-Jie , Li Xiao-Ming , Li Feng , Chen Cheng-Meng , Cai Rong
Published: October 2016

The addition of graphene can improve the order of the molecular chain and the macroscopic properties of the polyethylene.