bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of lipoic acid synthesis defects
Authors: Tort Frederic , Ferrer‐Cortes Xènia , Ribes Antonia
Published: September 2016

Lipoic acid (LA) is an essential cofactor required for the activity of five multienzymatic complexes that play a central role in the mitochondrial energy metabolism: four 2‐oxoacid dehydrogenase complexes [pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), branched‐chain ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), 2‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (2‐KGDH), and 2‐oxoadipate dehydrogenase (2‐OADH)] and the glycine cleavage system (GCS). LA is synthesized in a complex multistep process that requires appropriate function of the mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFASII) and the biogenesis of iron–sulphur (Fe‐S) clusters. Defects in the biosynthesis of LA have been reported to be associated with multiple and severe defects of the mitochondrial energy metabolism. In recent years, disease‐causing mutations in genes encoding for proteins involved in LA metabolism have been reported: NFU1, BOLA3, IBA57, LIAS, GLRX5, LIPT1, ISCA2, and LIPT2. These studies represented important progress in understanding the pathophysiology and molecular bases underlying these disorders. Here we review current knowledge regarding involvement of LA synthesis defects in human diseases with special emphasis on the diagnostic strategies for these disorders. The clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with LA synthesis defects are discussed and a workup for the differential diagnosis proposed.
Creating New Strategies to Enhance Postpartum Health and Wellness
Authors: Cornell Andria , McCoy Carolyn , Stampfel Caroline , Bonzon Erin , Verbiest Sarah
Published: September 2016

Over the past 5 years there have been a number of new initiatives focused on improving birth outcomes and reducing infant mortality, including a renewed focus on the complex interactions between motherhood and infancy that influence lifelong health trajectories. Beginning in 2012, the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) facilitated a series of meetings to enhance coordination across initiatives. Emerging from these conversations was a shared desire across stakeholders to reimagine the postpartum visit and improve postpartum care and wellness. AMCHP convened a Postpartum Think-Tank Meeting in 2014 to map the system of postpartum care and identify levers for its transformation. The meeting findings are presented in an infographic which frames the challenges and proposed solutions from the woman’s perspective. The infographic describes maternal issues and concerns along with a concise summary of the recommended solutions. Strategies include creating integrated services and seamless care transitions from preconception through postpartum and well-baby; business, community, and government support, including paid parental leave, health insurance and spaces for new parents to meet each other; and mother-centered care, including quality visits on her schedule with complete and culturally appropriate information. These solutions catalyze a postpartum system of care that supports women, children, and families by infusing new ideas and capitalizing on existing opportunities and resources.
Permanent Deacons and Non-profit Directors: Comparing Leadership Styles among Facilitators of Community Agencies
Authors: Reed Jordan , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: September 2016

Permanent deacons in the Roman Catholic Church (all male) are active in their local community and congregation mobilizing faith formation events, liturgical services, and community social action programs, yet not much is known about their leadership style. The present study compared U.S. 203 permanent deacons with 202 male community-based directors of non-profit agencies on their self-reported transformational leadership style, assessed by five subscales of competencies. Deacons and directors differed significantly on three subscales; deacons scored higher on the promoting positive values and leadership as service subscales, while directors scored higher on the building a sustainable organization subscale. Results suggested that the transformational leadership styles of U.S. permanent deacons is more value and service-centered, and, in comparison, community-based non-profit leaders seem to focus more on the group's structure and health of their organization.
The effect of β‐amyloid positivity on cerebral metabolism in cognitively normal seniors
Authors: Bozoki Andrea C. , Zdanukiewicz Monica , Zhu David C. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2016

Introduction

We evaluated the effect of cerebral amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition in cognitively normal (CN) seniors on regional metabolism of specific brain regions known to be affected by p‐tau deposition.

Methods

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), volumetric magnetic resonance imaging scans, and global amyloid standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr) were obtained for 210 CNs from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative‐2 (ADNI2). Region of interest (ROI) extraction was used to obtain functional SUVr from six bilateral ROIs: amygdala (AM), entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus, lateral orbitofrontal, posterior cingulate (PC), and middle temporal gyrus. Every metabolic SUVr set was averaged and analyzed against the corresponding subject's amyloid SUVr. Correlation analyses were conducted on the full group and between APOE ε4‐positive and APOE ε4‐negative subgroups.

Results

The APOE ε4+ group exhibited significantly higher metabolism in the EC (r = 0.270, P = .038) and AM (r = 0.267, P = .041). When a significance of the difference test was conducted between the APOE ε4+ and APOE ε4‐groups, these same regions remained significant: P = .012 and P = .016, respectively. By contrast, the APOE ε4 group displayed only the conventionally expected result of reduced regional metabolism in the PC (r = −0.161, P = .048), with higher Aβ load.

Conclusions

The effect of amyloid positivity on brain metabolism is regionally specific, and APOE ε4 status substantially modulates regional glucose uptake in these regions. The APOE ε4 allele may cause earlier emergence of clinical symptoms in AD via a mechanism that influences regional metabolic demand in specifically those regions where p‐tau deposition is known to occur earliest.
Informing Conservation: Towards 14C Wiggle-Matching of Short Tree-Ring Sequences from Medieval Buildings in England
Authors: Bayliss A , Marshall P , Tyers C , Bronk Ramsey C , Cook G , Freeman S P H T , Griffiths S
Published: September 2016

This study tested whether accurate dating by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon wiggle-matching of short tree-ring series (~30 annual rings) in the Medieval period could be achieved. Scientific dating plays a central role in the conservation of historic buildings in England. Precise dating helps assess the significance of particular buildings or elements of their fabric, thus allowing us to make informed decisions about their repair and protection. Consequently, considerable weight, both financial and legal, can be attached to the precision and accuracy of this dating. Dendrochronology is the method of choice, but in a proportion of cases this is unable to provide calendar dates. Hence, we would like to be able to use 14C wiggle-matching to provide a comparable level of precision and reliability, particularly on shorter tree-ring sequences (~30 annual growth rings) that up until now would not routinely be sampled. We present the results of AMS wiggle-matching five oak tree-ring sequences, spanning the period covered by the vast majority of surviving Medieval buildings in England (about AD 1180–1540) when currently we have only decadal and bidecadal calibration data.
An introduction to light extinction spectrometry as a diagnostic for dust particle characterisation in dusty plasmas
Authors: Barbosa S. , Onofri F. R. A. , Couëdel L. , Wozniak M. , Montet C. , Pelcé C. , Arnas C. , Boufendi L. , Kovacevic E. , Berndt J. , Grisolia C.
Published: September 2016

In this article, a detailed introduction of the light extinction spectrometry (LES) diagnostics is given. LES allows the direct in situ measurement of the particle size distribution and absolute concentration of dust clouds levitating in plasmas. Using a relatively simple and compact experimental set-up, the dust cloud parameters can be recovered with a good accuracy making minimum assumptions on their physical properties. Special emphases are given to the inversion procedure of light extinction spectra and all the required particle shape, refractive index and light extinction models. The parameter range and the limitations of LES are discussed. Two measurements in low-pressure gas discharges are presented: (i) in a direct-current (DC) glow discharge in which nanoparticles are growing from the sputtering of a tungsten cathode and (ii) in an argon–silane radio-frequency discharge. They demonstrate the capabilities of the LES technique to characterise, in situ and in real-time, the growth dynamics of nanoparticles in the size range 5–100 nm and volume concentrations in the range from a few ppb to a few ppm.
ATM function and its relationship with ATM gene mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia with the recurrent deletion (11q22.3-23.2)
Authors: Jiang Y , Chen H-C , Su X , Thompson P A , Liu X , Do K-A , Wierda W , Keating M J , Plunkett W
Published: September 2016

Approximately 10–20% of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients exhibit del(11q22–23) before treatment, this cohort increases to over 40% upon progression following chemoimmunotherapy. The coding sequence of the DNA damage response gene, ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), is contained in this deletion. The residual ATM allele is frequently mutated, suggesting a relationship between gene function and clinical response. To investigate this possibility, we sought to develop and validate an assay for the function of ATM protein in these patients. SMC1 (structural maintenance of chromosomes 1) and KAP1 (KRAB-associated protein 1) were found to be unique substrates of ATM kinase by immunoblot detection following ionizing radiation. Using a pool of eight fluorescence in situ hybridization-negative CLL samples as a standard, the phosphorylation of SMC1 and KAP1 from 46 del (11q22–23) samples was analyzed using normal mixture model-based clustering. This identified 13 samples (28%) that were deficient in ATM function. Targeted sequencing of the ATM gene of these samples, with reference to genomic DNA, revealed 12 somatic mutations and 15 germline mutations in these samples. No strong correlation was observed between ATM mutation and function. Therefore, mutation status may not be taken as an indicator of ATM function. Rather, a direct assay of the kinase activity should be used in the development of therapies.
Nestin+ cells direct inflammatory cell migration in atherosclerosis
Authors: del Toro Raquel , Chèvre Raphael , Rodríguez Cristina , Ordóñez Antonio , Martínez-González José , Andrés Vicente , Méndez-Ferrer Simón
Published: September 2016

Atherosclerosis is a leading death cause. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells participate in atherogenesis, but it is unclear whether other mesenchymal cells contribute to this process. Bone marrow (BM) nestin+ cells cooperate with endothelial cells in directing monocyte egress to bloodstream in response to infections. However, it remains unknown whether nestin+ cells regulate inflammatory cells in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Here, we show that nestin+ cells direct inflammatory cell migration during chronic inflammation. In Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice fed with high-fat diet, BM nestin+ cells regulate the egress of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils. In the aorta, nestin+ stromal cells increase ∼30 times and contribute to the atheroma plaque. Mcp1 deletion in nestin+ cells—but not in endothelial cells only— increases circulating inflammatory cells, but decreases their aortic infiltration, delaying atheroma plaque formation and aortic valve calcification. Therefore, nestin expression marks cells that regulate inflammatory cell migration during atherosclerosis.
Trion fine structure and coupled spin–valley dynamics in monolayer tungsten disulfide
Authors: Plechinger Gerd , Nagler Philipp , Arora Ashish , Schmidt Robert , Chernikov Alexey , del Águila Andrés Granados , Christianen Peter C.M. , Bratschitsch Rudolf , Schüller Christian , Korn Tobias
Published: September 2016

Monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides have recently emerged as possible candidates for valleytronic applications, as the spin and valley pseudospin are directly coupled and stabilized by a large spin splitting. The optical properties of these two-dimensional crystals are dominated by tightly bound electron–hole pairs (excitons) and more complex quasiparticles such as charged excitons (trions). Here we investigate monolayer WS2 samples via photoluminescence and time-resolved Kerr rotation. In photoluminescence and in energy-dependent Kerr rotation measurements, we are able to resolve two different trion states, which we interpret as intravalley and intervalley trions. Using time-resolved Kerr rotation, we observe a rapid initial valley polarization decay for the A exciton and the trion states. Subsequently, we observe a crossover towards exciton–exciton interaction-related dynamics, consistent with the formation and decay of optically dark A excitons. By contrast, resonant excitation of the B exciton transition leads to a very slow decay of the Kerr signal.
Influenza B virus non-structural protein 1 counteracts ISG15 antiviral activity by sequestering ISGylated viral proteins
Authors: Zhao Chen , Sridharan Haripriya , Chen Ran , Baker Darren P. , Wang Shanshan , Krug Robert M.
Published: September 2016

The ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 and its conjugation to proteins (ISGylation) are strongly induced by type I interferon. Influenza B virus encodes non-structural protein 1 (NS1B) that binds human ISG15 and provides an appropriate model for determining how ISGylation affects virus replication in human cells. Here using a recombinant virus encoding a NS1B protein defective in ISG15 binding, we show that NS1B counteracts ISGylation-mediated antiviral activity by binding and sequestering ISGylated viral proteins, primarily ISGylated viral nucleoprotein (NP), in infected cells. ISGylated NP that is not sequestered by mutant NS1B acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of oligomerization of the more abundant unconjugated NP. Consequently formation of viral ribonucleoproteins that catalyse viral RNA synthesis is inhibited, causing decreased viral protein synthesis and virus replication. We verify that ISGylated NP is largely responsible for inhibition of viral RNA synthesis by generating recombinant viruses that lack known ISGylation sites in NP.
Correction: Corrigendum: Structural and compositional dependence of the CdTexSe1−x alloy layer photoactivity in CdTe-based solar cells
Authors: Poplawsky Jonathan D. , Guo Wei , Paudel Naba , Ng Amy , More Karren , Leonard Donovan , Yan Yanfa
Published: September 2016

Nature Communications 7: Article number: 12537 (2016); Published: 27 July 2016; Updated: 2 September 2016 In Fig. 6 of this article, the division between the zincblende and wurtzite phases is misplaced in the low temperature range. The correct version of Fig. 6 appears below as Fig. 1.
Cigarette smoke extract-induced p120-mediated NF-κB activation in human epithelial cells is dependent on the RhoA/ROCK pathway
Authors: Zhang Chao , Qin Shenghui , Qin Lingzhi , Liu Liwei , Sun Wenjia , Li Xiyu , Li Naping , Wu Renliang , Wang Xi
Published: September 2016

Cigarette smoke exposure is a major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the underlying molecular inflammatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Previous studies have found that smoke disrupts cell-cell adhesion by inducing epithelial barrier damage to the adherens junction proteins, primarily E-cadherin (E-cad) and p120-catenin (p120). Recently, the anti-inflammatory role of p120 has drawn increasing attention. In this study, we demonstrate that p120 has a role in the cigarette smoke extract-induced inflammatory response, presumably by regulating NF-κB signaling activation. Mechanistically, we show that p120-mediated NF-κB signaling activation in airway epithelial inflammation is partially RhoA dependent and is independent of E-cad. These results provide novel evidence for the role of p120 in the anti-inflammatory response.
Retraction Note: Integrating Epitaxial-Like Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Thin-Film into Silicon for Next-Generation Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Park Jae Hyo , Kim Hyung Yoon , Jang Gil Su , Seok Ki Hwan , Chae Hee Jae , Lee Sol Kyu , Kiaee Zohreh , Joo Seung Ki
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23189; published online: 23 March 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 This Article has been retracted by the authors. The data presented in Figures 1e, 1g, 1h, 2b-d, 4a-b, 4d-e, 6a-b and 7a-b were manipulated and are duplicated in other papers 1,2,3,4,5 . All authors acknowledge these issues and agree to the retraction of the Article.
Erratum: Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) Improve Heart Function in Swine Myocardial Infarction Model through Paracrine Effects
Authors: Cai Min , Shen Rui , Song Lei , Lu Minjie , Wang Jianguang , Zhao Shihua , Tang Yue , Meng Xianmin , Li Zongjin , He Zuo-Xiang
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28250; published online: 20 June 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 In this Article, Min Cai is incorrectly affiliated with ‘Department of Radiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center of Cardiovascular Disease, PekingUnion Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Long term outcome of Aldosteronism after target treatments
Authors: Wu Vin-Cent , Wang Shuo-Meng , Chang Chia-Hui , Hu Ya-Hui , Lin Lian-Yu , Lin Yen-Hung , Chueh Shih-Chieh Jeff , Chen Likwang , Wu Kwan-Dun
Published: September 2016

There exists a great knowledge gap in terms of long-term effects of various surgical and pharmacological treatments on outcomes among primary aldosteronism (PA) patients. Using a validated algorithm, we extracted longitudinal data for all PA patients diagnosed in 1997–2010 and treated in the Taiwan National Health Insurance. We identified 3362 PA patients for whom the mean length of follow-up was 5.75 years. PA has higher major cardiovascular events (MACE) than essential hypertension (23.3% vs 19.3%, p = 0.015). Results from the Cox model suggest a strong effect of adrenalectomy on lowering mortality (HR = 0.23 with residual hypertension and 0.21 with resolved hypertension). While the need for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) after diagnosis suggests that a defined daily dose (DDD) of MRA between 12.5 and 50 mg may alleviate risk of death in a U-shape pattern. A specificity test identified patients who has aldosterone producing adenoma (HR = 0.50, p = 0.005) also confirmed adrenalectomy attenuated all-cause mortality. Adrenalectomy decreases long-term all-cause mortality independently from PA cure from hypertension. Prescription corresponding to a DDD between 12.5 and 50 mg may decrease mortality for patients needing MRA. It calls for more attention on early diagnosis, early treatment and prescription of appropriate dosage of MRA for PA patients.
The effect of electric field intensification at interparticle contacts in microwave sintering
Authors: Qiao Xiuchen , Xie Xiaoying
Published: September 2016

The nature of microwave sintering cannot be explained in the past and has been generally called microwave effect. Here we show that the E-field intensification is the reason of microwave fast sintering of solid state inorganic compounds. The intensification degree varied with dielectric constant of compound, distance between two particles, angle between the direction of E-field and the normal to the surface at the adjacent point of two spheres. Ultra-high temperature caused by E-field intensification leads to fusing of solid materials at contact zone and enhances the mass transportation. The key to develop a microwave energy-saved sintering method is to control the distance between particles and uniformity of particles instead of the particle size.
Polarization twist in perovskite ferrielectrics
Authors: Kitanaka Yuuki , Hirano Kiyotaka , Ogino Motohiro , Noguchi Yuji , Miyayama Masaru , Moriyoshi Chikako , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro
Published: September 2016

Because the functions of polar materials are governed primarily by their polarization response to external stimuli, the majority of studies have focused on controlling polar lattice distortions. In some perovskite oxides, polar distortions coexist with nonpolar tilts and rotations of oxygen octahedra. The interplay between nonpolar and polar instabilities appears to play a crucial role, raising the question of how to design materials by exploiting their coupling. Here, we introduce the concept of ‘polarization twist’, which offers enhanced control over piezoelectric responses in polar materials. Our experimental and theoretical studies provide direct evidence that a ferrielectric perovskite exhibits a large piezoelectric response because of extended polar distortion, accompanied by nonpolar octahedral rotations, as if twisted polarization relaxes under electric fields. The concept underlying the polarization twist opens new possibilities for developing alternative materials in bulk and thin-film forms.
Correction: Corrigendum: Dysfunctional epileptic neuronal circuits and dysmorphic dendritic spines are mitigated by platelet-activating factor receptor antagonism
Authors: Musto Alberto E. , Rosencrans Robert F. , Walker Chelsey P. , Bhattacharjee Surjyadipta , Raulji Chittalsinh M. , Belayev Ludmila , Fang Zhide , Gordon William C. , Bazan Nicolas G.
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 30298; published online: 22 July 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 In this Article, reference 15 is duplicated as reference 13. The correct reference 15 appears below: Bazan, N. G. Is there a molecular logic that sustains neuronal functional integrity and survival? Lipid signaling is necessary for neuroprotective neuronal transcriptional programs.
Erratum: Generation of femtosecond γ-ray bursts stimulated by laser-driven hosing evolution
Authors: Ma Yong , Chen Liming , Li Dazhang , Yan Wenchao , Huang Kai , Chen Min , Sheng Zhengming , Nakajima Kazuhisa , Tajima Toshiki , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 30491; published online: 26 July 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 This Article contains errors in Figure 3a and 3d where the y axes ‘y (μm)’ is incorrectly given as ‘y (mm)’. The correct Figure 3 appears below as Figure 1.
Mammalian Brain Development is Accompanied by a Dramatic Increase in Bipolar DNA Methylation
Authors: Sun Ming-an , Sun Zhixiong , Wu Xiaowei , Rajaram Veena , Keimig David , Lim Jessica , Zhu Hongxiao , Xie Hehuang
Published: September 2016

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism critical for tissue development and cell specification. Mammalian brains consist of many different types of cells with assumedly distinct DNA methylation profiles, and thus some genomic loci may demonstrate bipolar DNA methylation pattern, i.e. hypermethylated in one cell subset but hypomethylated in others. Currently, how extensive methylation patterns vary among brain cells is unknown and bipolar methylated genomic loci remain largely unexplored. In this study, we implemented a procedure to infer cell-subset specific methylated (CSM) loci from the methylomes of human and mouse frontal cortices at different developmental stages. With the genome-scale hairpin bisulfite sequencing approach, we demonstrated that the majority of CSM loci predicted likely resulted from the methylation differences among brain cells rather than from asymmetric DNA methylation between DNA double strands. Correlated with enhancer-associated histone modifications, putative CSM loci increased dramatically during early stages of brain development and were enriched for GWAS variants associated with neurological disorder-related diseases/traits. Altogether, this study provides a procedure to identify genomic regions showing methylation differences in a mixed cell population and our results suggest that a set of cis-regulatory elements are primed in early postnatal life whose functions may be compromised in human neurological disorders.
Alu-miRNA interactions modulate transcript isoform diversity in stress response and reveal signatures of positive selection
Authors: Pandey Rajesh , Bhattacharya Aniket , Bhardwaj Vivek , Jha Vineet , Mandal Amit K. , Mukerji Mitali
Published: September 2016

Primate-specific Alus harbor different regulatory features, including miRNA targets. In this study, we provide evidence for miRNA-mediated modulation of transcript isoform levels during heat-shock response through exaptation of Alu-miRNA sites in mature mRNA. We performed genome-wide expression profiling coupled with functional validation of miRNA target sites within exonized Alus, and analyzed conservation of these targets across primates. We observed that two miRNAs (miR-15a-3p and miR-302d-3p) elevated in stress response, target RAD1, GTSE1, NR2C1, FKBP9 and UBE2I exclusively within Alu. These genes map onto the p53 regulatory network. Ectopic overexpression of miR-15a-3p downregulates GTSE1 and RAD1 at the protein level and enhances cell survival. This Alu-mediated fine-tuning seems to be unique to humans as evident from the absence of orthologous sites in other primate lineages. We further analyzed signatures of selection on Alu-miRNA targets in the genome, using 1000 Genomes Phase-I data. We found that 198 out of 3177 Alu-exonized genes exhibit signatures of selection within Alu-miRNA sites, with 60 of them containing SNPs supported by multiple evidences (global-FST > 0.3, pair-wise-FST > 0.5, Fay-Wu’s H < −20, iHS > 2.0, high ΔDAF) and implicated in p53 network. We propose that by affecting multiple genes, Alu-miRNA interactions have the potential to facilitate population-level adaptations in response to environmental challenges.
Rapid and cyclic dust accumulation during MIS 2 in Central Asia inferred from loess OSL dating and grain-size analysis
Authors: Li Yun , Song Yougui , Lai Zhongping , Han Li , An Zhisheng
Published: September 2016

Due to lack of reliable proxies from the Westerlies-dominant region, the strength change of Northern Hemisphere Westerlies remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to provide a reliable paleoclimatic proxy about the Northern Hemisphere Westerlies change. Here we report a 30.7 m thick loess section from the Ili basin directly controlled by the Westerlies. Based on optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and high resolution grain-size records, we reconstruct the change history of the Westerlies strength during the last glacial period (mainly Marine Isotope Stages 2, MIS2), being similar with the Westerlies index recorded in the Qinghai Lake sediments. Within error limits, all ages are in stratigraphic order. We further compare the climatic records among the Ili loess, Qinghai Lake and the NGRIP, their similarity shows a good climatic coupling relationship among the Central Asia, East Asia and the North Atlantic, and the Westerlies plays a critical influence in transporting the North Atlantic signal to Central and East Asia.
Contrasted phylogeographic patterns on mitochondrial DNA of shallow and deep brittle stars across the Atlantic-Mediterranean area
Authors: Taboada Sergi , Pérez-Portela Rocío
Published: September 2016

Previous studies on Ophiothrix in European waters demonstrated the existence of two distinct species, Ophiothrix fragilis and Ophiothrix sp. II. Using phylogenetic and species delimitation techniques based on two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase I and 16S rRNA) we prove the existence of a new congeneric species (Ophiothrix sp. III), occurring in the deep Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the Alboran Sea. We compared phylogeographic patterns of these three Ophiothrix species to test whether closely related species are differentially affected by past demographic events and current oceanographic barriers. We used 432 sequences (137 of O. fragilis, 215 of Ophiothrix sp. II, and 80 of Ophiothrix sp. III) of the 16S rRNA from 23 Atlantic-Mediterranean locations for the analyses. We observed different geographic and bathymetric distributions, and contrasted phylogeography among species. Ophiothrix fragilis appeared genetically isolated between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins, attributed to past vicariance during Pleistocene glaciations and a secondary contact associated to demographic expansion. This contrasts with the panmixia observed in Ophiothrix sp. II across the Atlantic-Mediterranean area. Results were not conclusive for Ophiothrix sp. III due to the lack of a more complete sampling within the Mediterranean Sea.
Effect of Surface Defect States on Valence Band and Charge Separation and Transfer Efficiency
Authors: Xu Juan , Teng Yiran , Teng Fei
Published: September 2016

Both energy band and charge separation and transfer are the crucial affecting factor for a photochemical reaction. Herein, the BiOCl nanosheets without and with surface bismuth vacancy (BOC, V-BOC) are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. It is found that the new surface defect states caused by bismuth vacancy have greatly up-shifted the valence band and efficiently enhanced the separation and transfer rates of photogenerated electron and hole. It is amazing that the photocatalytic activity of V-BOC is 13.6 times higher than that of BOC for the degradation methyl orange (MO). We can develop an efficient photocatalyst by the introduction of defects.
Correction: Corrigendum: Chloroquine enhanced the anticancer capacity of VNP20009 by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxin , Xu Qiaoqiao , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Cheng Wei , Cao Wenmin , Jiang Chizhou , Han Chao , Li Jiahuang , Hua Zichun
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 29774; published online: 14 July 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “The authors are grateful to grants from the Doctoral Station Science Foundation from the Chinese Ministry of Education (20130091130003), the Nature Science Foundation of China (81421091), the Jiangsu Provincial Nature Science Foundation (BE2013630), the Open Project Programs from State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of China Pharmaceutical University (G140014) and The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics of Southeast University, the Bureau of Science and Technology of Changzhou (CZ20130011, CE20135013)”.
Correction: Corrigendum: Resonance Raman Probes for Organelle-Specific Labeling in Live Cells
Authors: Kuzmin Andrey N. , Pliss Artem , Lim Chang-Keun , Heo Jeongyun , Kim Sehoon , Rzhevskii Alexander , Gu Bobo , Yong Ken-Tye , Wen Shuangchun , Prasad Paras N.
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28483; published online: 24 June 2016; updated: 02 September 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Shuangchun Wen, which was incorrectly given as Shangchun Wen. This error has now been corrected in the PDF andHTML versions of the Article.
Integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis of rat testis: Mechanism of arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity
Authors: Huang Qingyu , Luo Lianzhong , Alamdar Ambreen , Zhang Jie , Liu Liangpo , Tian Meiping , Eqani Syed Ali Musstjab Akber Shah , Shen Heqing
Published: September 2016

Arsenic is a widespread metalloid in environment, whose exposure has been associated with a broad spectrum of toxic effects. However, a global view of arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity is still lack, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Our results revealed that arsenic exposure decreased testosterone level and reduced sperm quality in rats. By conducting an integrated proteomics and metabolomics analysis, the present study aims to investigate the global influence of arsenic exposure on the proteome and metabolome in rat testis. The abundance of 70 proteins (36 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated) and 13 metabolites (8 increased and 5 decreased) were found to be significantly altered by arsenic treatment. Among these, 19 proteins and 2 metabolites were specifically related to male reproductive system development and function, including spermatogenesis, sperm function and fertilization, fertility, internal genitalia development, and mating behavior. It is further proposed that arsenic mainly impaired spermatogenesis and fertilization via aberrant modulation of these male reproduction-related proteins and metabolites, which may be mediated by the ERK/AKT/NF-κB-dependent signaling pathway. Overall, these findings will aid our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity, and from such studies useful biomarkers indicative of arsenic exposure could be discovered.
A path-based measurement for human miRNA functional similarities using miRNA-disease associations
Authors: Ding Pingjian , Luo Jiawei , Xiao Qiu , Chen Xiangtao
Published: September 2016

Compared with the sequence and expression similarity, miRNA functional similarity is so important for biology researches and many applications such as miRNA clustering, miRNA function prediction, miRNA synergism identification and disease miRNA prioritization. However, the existing methods always utilized the predicted miRNA target which has high false positive and false negative to calculate the miRNA functional similarity. Meanwhile, it is difficult to achieve high reliability of miRNA functional similarity with miRNA-disease associations. Therefore, it is increasingly needed to improve the measurement of miRNA functional similarity. In this study, we develop a novel path-based calculation method of miRNA functional similarity based on miRNA-disease associations, called MFSP. Compared with other methods, our method obtains higher average functional similarity of intra-family and intra-cluster selected groups. Meanwhile, the lower average functional similarity of inter-family and inter-cluster miRNA pair is obtained. In addition, the smaller p-value is achieved, while applying Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test to different miRNA groups. The relationship between miRNA functional similarity and other information sources is exhibited. Furthermore, the constructed miRNA functional network based on MFSP is a scale-free and small-world network. Moreover, the higher AUC for miRNA-disease prediction indicates the ability of MFSP uncovering miRNA functional similarity.
Localization-delocalization wavepacket transition in Pythagorean aperiodic potentials
Authors: Huang Changming , Ye Fangwei , Chen Xianfeng , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Konotop Vladimir V. , Torner Lluis
Published: September 2016

We introduce a composite optical lattice created by two mutually rotated square patterns and allowing observation of continuous transformation between incommensurate and completely periodic structures upon variation of the rotation angle θ. Such lattices acquire periodicity only for rotation angles cos θ = a/c, sin θ = b/c, set by Pythagorean triples of natural numbers (a, b, c). While linear eigenmodes supported by lattices associated with Pythagorean triples are always extended, composite patterns generated for intermediate rotation angles allow observation of the localization-delocalization transition of eigenmodes upon modification of the relative strength of two sublattices forming the composite pattern. Sharp delocalization of supported modes for certain θ values can be used for visualization of Pythagorean triples. The effects predicted here are general and also take place in composite structures generated by two rotated hexagonal lattices.
Distinct metabolic network states manifest in the gene expression profiles of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients and controls
Authors: Knecht Carolin , Fretter Christoph , Rosenstiel Philip , Krawczak Michael , Hütt Marc-Thorsten
Published: September 2016

Information on biological networks can greatly facilitate the function-orientated interpretation of high-throughput molecular data. Genome-wide metabolic network models of human cells, in particular, can be employed to contextualize gene expression profiles of patients with the goal of both, a better understanding of individual etiologies and an educated reclassification of (clinically defined) phenotypes. We analyzed publicly available expression profiles of intestinal tissues from treatment-naive pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and age-matched control individuals, using a reaction-centric metabolic network derived from the Recon2 model. By way of defining a measure of ‘coherence’, we quantified how well individual patterns of expression changes matched the metabolic network. We observed a bimodal distribution of metabolic network coherence in both patients and controls, albeit at notably different mixture probabilities. Multidimensional scaling analysis revealed a bisectional pattern as well that overlapped widely with the metabolic network-based results. Expression differences driving the observed bimodality were related to cellular transport of thiamine and bile acid metabolism, thereby highlighting the crosstalk between metabolism and other vital pathways. We demonstrated how classical data mining and network analysis can jointly identify biologically meaningful patterns in gene expression data.
Yield-related salinity tolerance traits identified in a nested association mapping (NAM) population of wild barley
Authors: Saade Stephanie , Maurer Andreas , Shahid Mohammed , Oakey Helena , Schmöckel Sandra M. , Negrão Sónia , Pillen Klaus , Tester Mark
Published: September 2016

Producing sufficient food for nine billion people by 2050 will be constrained by soil salinity, especially in irrigated systems. To improve crop yield, greater understanding of the genetic control of traits contributing to salinity tolerance in the field is needed. Here, we exploit natural variation in exotic germplasm by taking a genome-wide association approach to a new nested association mapping population of barley called HEB-25. The large population (1,336 genotypes) allowed cross-validation of loci, which, along with two years of phenotypic data collected from plants irrigated with fresh and saline water, improved statistical power. We dissect the genetic architecture of flowering time under high salinity and we present genes putatively affecting this trait and salinity tolerance. In addition, we identify a locus on chromosome 2H where, under saline conditions, lines homozygous for the wild allele yielded 30% more than did lines homozygous for the Barke allele. Introgressing this wild allele into elite cultivars could markedly improve yield under saline conditions.
Pleiotropic roles of the matricellular protein Sparc in tendon maturation and ageing
Authors: Gehwolf Renate , Wagner Andrea , Lehner Christine , Bradshaw Amy D. , Scharler Cornelia , Niestrawska Justyna A. , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Bauer Hans-Christian , Tempfer Herbert , Traweger Andreas
Published: September 2016

Acute and chronic tendinopathies remain clinically challenging and tendons are predisposed to degeneration or injury with age. Despite the high prevalence of tendon disease in the elderly, our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying the age-dependent deterioration of tendon function remains very limited. Here, we show that Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (Sparc) expression significantly decreases in healthy-aged mouse Achilles tendons. Loss of Sparc results in tendon collagen fibrillogenesis defects and Sparc−/− tendons are less able to withstand force in comparison with their respective wild type counterparts. On the cellular level, Sparc-null and healthy-aged tendon-derived cells exhibited a more contracted phenotype and an altered actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, an elevated expression of the adipogenic marker genes PPARγ and Cebpα with a concomitant increase in lipid deposits in aged and Sparc−/− tendons was observed. In summary, we propose that Sparc levels in tendons are critical for proper collagen fibril maturation and its age-related decrease, together with a change in ECM properties favors lipid accretion in tendons.
Peptidomimetics Based On Dehydroepiandrosterone Scaffold: Synthesis, Antiproliferation Activity, Structure-Activity Relationship, and Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Su Haihuan , Wang Wenda , Chen Changshui , Cao Xiufang
Published: September 2016

A series of novel peptidomimetics bearing dehydroepiandrosterone moiety were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their inhibition activities against cell proliferation. According to the preliminary studies on inhibitory activities, some of the newly prepared compounds indicated significantly inhibition activities against human hepatoma cancer (HepG2), human lung cancer (A549), human melanoma (A875) cell lines compared with the control 5-fluorouracil. Especially, compounds Ii (IC50 < 14 μM) and Ik (IC50 < 13 μM) exhibited obvious inhibition activities against all tested cell lines. The highly potential compound Ik induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the apoptotic effects of compound Ik were further evaluated using Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide dual staining assay, which revealed these highly potential compounds induced cell death in HepG2 cells at least partly by apoptosis.
Keratin 8 limits TLR-triggered inflammatory responses through inhibiting TRAF6 polyubiquitination
Authors: Dong Xiao-Ming , Liu En-Dong , Meng Yun-Xiao , Liu Chao , Bi Ya-Lan , Wu Huan-Wen , Jin Yan-Chao , Yao Jing-Hui , Tang Liu-Jun , Wang Jian , Li Min , Zhang Chao , Yu Miao , Zhan Yi-Qun , Chen Hui , Ge Chang-Hui , Yang Xiao-Ming , Li Chang-Yan
Published: September 2016

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have critical roles in innate immunity and inflammation and the detailed mechanisms by which TLR signaling is fine tuned remain unclear. Keratin 8 (CK8) belongs to the type II keratin family and is the major compontent of the intermediate filaments of simple or single-layered epithelia. Here we report that down-regulation of CK8 in mice enhanced TLR-mediated responses, rendering mice more susceptible to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxin shock and Escherichia coli–caused septic peritonitis with reduced survival, elevated levels of inflammation cytokines and more severe tissue damage. We found that CK8 suppressed TLR-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation and interacted with the adaptor tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) to prevent its polyubiquitination. Our findings demonstrate a novel role of CK8 in negative regulation of TLR/NF-κB signaling and highlight a previously unidentified nonclassical function for CK8 in limiting inflammatory responses.
A facile strategy for rapid preparation of graphene spongy balls
Authors: Wan Shu , Bi Hengchang , Xie Xiao , Su Shi , Du Kai , Jia Haiyang , Xu Tao , He Longbing , Yin Kuibo , Sun Litao
Published: September 2016

Porous three dimensional (3D) graphene macrostructures have demonstrated the potential in versatile applications in recent years, including energy storage, sensors, and environment protection, etc. However, great research attention has been focused on the optimization of the structure and properties of graphene-based materials. Comparatively, there are less reports on how to shape 3D graphene macrostructures rapidly and effortlessly, which is critical for mass production in industry. Here, we introduce a facile and efficient method, low temperature frying to form graphene-based spongy balls in liquid nitrogen with a yield of ~400 balls min−1. Moreover, the fabrication process can be easily accelerated by using multi pipettes working at the same time. The graphene spongy balls show energy storage with a specific capacitance of 124 F g−1 and oil adsorbing with a capacity of 105.4 times its own weight. This strategy can be a feasible approach to overcome the low efficiency in production and speed up the development of porous 3D graphene-based macrostructures in industrial applications.
Correction: Bottom-up fabrication of artery-mimicking tubular co-cultures in collagen-based microchannel scaffolds
Authors: Tan A. , Fujisawa K. , Yukawa Y. , Matsunaga Y. T.
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Bottom-up fabrication of artery-mimicking tubular co-cultures in collagen-based microchannel scaffolds’ by A. Tan, et al., Biomater. Sci., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6bm00340k.
The structure of a one-electron oxidized Mn(iii)-bis(phenolate)dipyrrin radical complex and oxidation catalysis control via ligand-centered redox activity
Authors: Lecarme Laureline , Chiang Linus , Moutet Jules , Leconte Nicolas , Philouze Christian , Jarjayes Olivier , Storr Tim , Thomas Fabrice
Published: September 2016

One electron-oxidation produces a structurally characterized Mn(iii) radical complex, which catalyzes the isomerization of epoxides in addition to the epoxidation of olefins in the presence of PhIO.
Environmental impacts of reusable nanoscale silver-coated hospital gowns compared to single-use, disposable gowns
Authors: Hicks A. L. , Reed R. B. , Theis T. L. , Hanigan D. , Huling H. , Zaikova T. , Hutchison J. E. , Miller J.
Published: September 2016

Nanoscale silver has been incorporated into a variety of products where its antimicrobial properties enhance their functionality.
Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of the selective GluK1 radioligand (S)-2-amino-3-(6-[3H]-2,4-dioxo-3,4-dihydrothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-1(2H)-yl)propanoic acid ([3H]-NF608)
Authors: Alcaide Anna , Marconi Laura , Marek Ales , Haym Isabell , Nielsen Birgitte , Møllerud Stine , Jensen Mikael , Conti Paola , Pickering Darryl S. , Bunch Lennart
Published: September 2016

Expedite synthesis of [3H]NF608 – a new subtype selective GluK1 radioligand.
A self-assembling amphiphilic perylene bisimide and its application for WORM memory devices
Authors: Li Junfeng , Yang Chenglong , Chen Ying , Lai Wen-Yong
Published: September 2016

Morphologies of the amphiphilic perylene bisimide assemblies were controlled and switched by external stimuli to afford a good-performance WORM memory device.
Efficient non-doped blue emitting devices based on bis(phenanthrimidazolyl)biphenyl derivatives
Authors: Jayabharathi Jayaraman , Prabhakaran Annadurai , Thanikachalam Venugopal , Jeeva Palanivel
Published: September 2016

Efficient non-doped blue emitting devices based on bis(phenanthrimidazolyl)biphenyl derivatives have been reported.
Preparation of photoreactive nanocellulosic materials via benzophenone grafting
Authors: Orelma Hannes , Vuoriluoto Maija , Johansson Leena-Sisko , Campbell Joseph M. , Filpponen Ilari , Biesalski Markus , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: September 2016

A method for preparing photo-crosslinkable cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) was investigated.
Fabrication of PAM/PMAA inverse opal photonic crystal hydrogels by a “sandwich” method and their pH and solvent responses
Authors: Shi Dongjian , Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Zhaokun , Liu Shirong , Chen Mingqing
Published: September 2016

A “Sandwich” method was used to prepare PAM and PAM/PMAA IOHs with 3D ordered structures and optically tunable property. Both kinds of IOHs responded quickly and with high-sensitivity to various external stimuli such as pH, methanol and ethanol.
Correction: Supramolecular assemblies constructed from inverted cucurbit[7]uril and lanthanide cations: synthesis, structure and sorption properties
Authors: Li Qing , Qiu Sheng-Chao , Zhang Yun-Qian , Xue Sai-Feng , Tao Zhu , Prior Timothy J. , Redshaw Carl , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Xiao Xin
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Supramolecular assemblies constructed from inverted cucurbit[7]uril and lanthanide cations: synthesis, structure and sorption properties’ by Qing Li et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 77805–77810.
Correction: Design principles of spectroscopic probes for biological applications
Authors: Zhou Jin , Ma Huimin
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Design principles of spectroscopic probes for biological applications’ by Jin Zhou et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6sc02500e.