bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisymmetry of oceanic eddies across the Kuroshio over a shelfbreak
Authors: Liu Yu , Dong Changming , Liu Xiaohui , Dong Jihai
Published: July 2017

From the analysis of oceanic eddies detected in the drifter trajectories of the Global Drifter Program (GDP) data set, it was found that oceanic eddies are asymmetrically distributed across the Kuroshio in the East China Sea: predominant cyclonic (anticyclonic) eddies are on the western (eastern) sides of Kuroshio. This distribution is confirmed by high-resolution numerical modeling output as well. Most of these eddies are 5~20 km in radius, less than the local first baroclinic deformation radius, thus categorized as submesoscale. The generation mechanism of these submesoscale eddies is speculated to be related to the horizontal velocity shear of the Kuroshio when it flows northeastward along the shelf break in the East China Sea. The budget analysis of eddy kinetic energy shows that both the horizontal shear and vertical buoyancy flux are important energy sources for eddy generation on the two sides of Kuroshio axis. The finding highlights the unique feature of oceanic eddies along the western boundary currents.
Isotopic analyses suggest mammoth and plant in the diet of the oldest anatomically modern humans from far southeast Europe
Authors: Drucker Dorothée G. , Naito Yuichi I. , Péan Stéphane , Prat Sandrine , Crépin Laurent , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Ohkouchi Naohiko , Puaud Simon , Lázničková-Galetová Martina , Patou-Mathis Marylène , Yanevich Aleksandr , Bocherens Hervé
Published: July 2017

Relatively high 15N abundances in bone collagen of early anatomically modern humans in Europe have often been interpreted as a specific consumption of freshwater resources, even if mammoth is an alternative high 15N prey. At Buran-Kaya III, access to associated fauna in a secured archaeological context and application of recently developed isotopic analyses of individuals amino acids offer the opportunity to further examine this hypothesis. The site of Buran-Kaya III is located in south Crimea and has provided a rich archaeological sequence including two Upper Palaeolithic layers, from which human fossils were retrieved and directly dated as from 37.8 to 33.1 ka cal BP. Results from bulk collagen of three human remains suggests the consumption of a high 15N prey besides the contribution of saiga, red deer, horse and hare, whose butchered remains were present at the site. In contrast to bulk collagen, phenylalanine and glutamic acid 15N abundances reflect not only animal but also plant protein contributions to omnivorous diet, and allow disentangling aquatic from terrestrial resource consumption. The inferred human trophic position values point to terrestrial-based diet, meaning a significant contribution of mammoth meat, in addition to a clear intake of plant protein.
Kindlin-2 could influence breast nodule elasticity and improve lymph node metastasis in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Xue Xiaowei , Li Junlai , Wan Wenbo , Shi Xianquan , Zheng Yiqiong
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the relationship between quantitative parameters of shear wave elastography (SWE, maximum elasticity [Emax], minimum elasticity [Emin], mean elasticity [Emean]), collagen intensity and Kindlin-2 expression in benign and malignant breast nodules, and if Kindlin-2 expression is related with lymph node metastasis. A total of 102 breast nodules from 102 patients were included in our study who underwent ultrasound elastography before surgery or core needle biopsy. There was a significant difference between benign and malignant breast nodules in Emax, Emean, collagen intensity and Kindlin-2 expression, but it had no difference in Emin. Collagen intensity and Kindlin-2 expression both correlated positively with Emax, but not with Emean. Among 38 malignant breast nodules, the average Emax of the metastasis group was higher than that of the non-metastasis group, but it had no statistical significance. Compared with the non-metastasis group, Kindlin-2 expression was considerably higher in the metastasis group. However, there was no difference in collagen intensity between the metastasis group and the non-metastasis group. In conclusion, Kindlin-2 and collagen might contribute to breast nodule elasticity through molecular mechanisms. In breast cancer, overexpression of Kindlin-2 might be a risk factor for lymph node metastasis.
Training-induced dynamics of accuracy and precision in human motor control
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Tanaka Yuto , Grigoriadis Anastasios , Grigoriadis Joannis , Trulsson Mats , Svensson Peter
Published: July 2017

The study investigated the dynamic changes in accuracy and precision during a simple oral and digital motor task involving a controlled and a ballistic force. Eighteen healthy participants participated in four experimental sessions during which they performed one hundred trials of targeting a controlled (low/high hold force) and a ballistic force during an oral and a digital motor task (OMT and DMT). Accuracy and precision across one hundred trials were calculated and subjected to segmented linear regression analysis. Repeated performance of controlled forces show a significant dynamic change in accuracy during initial stage of targeting high hold forces during OMT and a significant dynamic change in both accuracy and precision during final stage of targeting high hold forces during DMT. Repeated performance of ballistic force showed a significant dynamic change in both accuracy and precision during final stage of targeting high hold force forces during OMT and a significant dynamic change in accuracy during the initial stages of targeting high hold force during the DMT. The findings indicate a subtle degree of dissociation between accuracy and precision in terms of dynamic modulation of forces due to repeated performance of both OMT and DMT.
Genetically engineered rice endogenous 5-enolpyruvoylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (epsps) transgene alters phenology and fitness of crop-wild hybrid offspring
Authors: Yang Xiao , Li Lei , Jiang Xiaoqi , Wang Wei , Cai Xingxing , Su Jun , Wang Feng , Lu Bao-Rong
Published: July 2017

Genetically engineered (GE) rice endogenous epsps (5-enolpyruvoylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) gene overexpressing EPSPS can increase glyphosate herbicide-resistance of cultivated rice. This type of epsps transgene can enhance the fecundity of rice crop-weed hybrid offspring in the absence of glyphosate, stimulating great concerns over undesired environmental impacts of transgene flow to populations of wild relatives. Here, we report the substantial alteration of phenology and fitness traits in F1-F3 crop-wild hybrid descendants derived from crosses between an epsps GE rice line and two endangered wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) populations, based on the common-garden field experiments. Under the glyphosate-free condition, transgenic hybrid lineages showed significantly earlier tillering and flowering, as well as increased fecundity and overwintering survival/regeneration abilities. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between the contents of endogenous EPSPS of wild, weedy, and cultivated rice parents and fitness differences caused by the incorporation of the epsps transgene. Namely, a lower level of endogenous EPSPS in the transgene-recipient populations displayed a more pronounced enhancement in fitness. The altered phenology and enhanced fitness of crop-wild hybrid offspring by the epsps transgene may cause unwanted environmental consequences when this type of glyphosate-resistance transgene introgressed into wild rice populations through gene flow.
Neurometabolic and electrophysiological changes during cortical spreading depolarization: multimodal approach based on a lactate-glucose dual microbiosensor arrays
Authors: Lourenço Cátia F. , Ledo Ana , Gerhardt Greg A. , Laranjinha João , Barbosa Rui M.
Published: July 2017

Spreading depolarization (SD) is a slow propagating wave of strong depolarization of neural cells, implicated in several neuropathological conditions. The breakdown of brain homeostasis promotes significant hemodynamic and metabolic alterations, which impacts on neuronal function. In this work we aimed to develop an innovative multimodal approach, encompassing metabolic, electric and hemodynamic measurements, tailored but not limited to study SD. This was based on a novel dual-biosensor based on microelectrode arrays designed to simultaneously monitor lactate and glucose fluctuations and ongoing neuronal activity with high spatial and temporal resolution. In vitro evaluation of dual lactate-glucose microbiosensor revealed an extended linear range, high sensitivity and selectivity, fast response time and low oxygen-, temperature- and pH- dependencies. In anesthetized rats, we measured with the same array a significant drop in glucose concentration matched to a rise in lactate and concurrently with pronounced changes in the spectral profile of LFP-related currents during episodes of mechanically-evoked SD. This occurred along with the stereotypical hemodynamic response of the SD wave. Overall, this multimodal approach successfully demonstrates the capability to monitor metabolic alterations and ongoing electrical activity, thus contributing to a better understanding of the metabolic changes occurring in the brain following SD.
A cancer stem cell model as the point of origin of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Nair Neha , Calle Anna Sanchez , Zahra Maram Hussein , Prieto-Vila Marta , Oo Aung Ko Ko , Hurley Laura , Vaidyanath Arun , Seno Akimasa , Masuda Junko , Iwasaki Yoshiaki , Tanaka Hiromi , Kasai Tomonari , Seno Masaharu
Published: July 2017

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most prominent cell types in the stromal compartment of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs support multiple aspects of cancer progression, including tumor initiation, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous nature of the stromal microenvironment is attributed to the multiple sources from which the cells in this compartment originate. The present study provides the first evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are one of the key sources of CAFs in the tumor niche. We generated CSC-like cells by treating mouse induced pluripotent stem cells with conditioned medium from breast cancer cell lines. The resulting cell population expressed both CSC and pluripotency markers, and the sphere-forming CSC-like cells formed subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. Intriguingly, these CSC-like cells always formed heterogeneous populations surrounded by myofibroblast-like cells. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that CSCs could be the source of the CAFs that support tumor maintenance and survival. To address this hypothesis, we induced the differentiation of spheres and purified the myofibroblast-like cells. The resulting cells exhibited a CAF-like phenotype, suggesting that they had differentiated into the subpopulations of cells that support CSC self-renewal. These findings provide novel insights into the dynamic interplay between various microenvironmental factors and CAFs in the CSC niche.
Pre-therapy liver transcriptome landscape in Indian and French patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis and steroid responsiveness
Authors: Sharma Shvetank , Maras Jaswinder S. , Das Sukanta , Hussain Shabir , Mishra Ashwani K. , Shasthry Saggere M. , Sharma Chhagan B. , Weiss Emmanuel , Elkrief Laure , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Gilgenkrantz Hélène , Lotersztajn Sophie , Paradis Valérie , de la Grange Pierre , Junot Christophe , Moreau Richard , Sarin Shiv K.
Published: July 2017

Patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) not responding to glucocorticoid therapy have higher mortality, though they do not differ in their baseline clinical characteristics and prognostic scores from those who respond to therapy. We hypothesized that the baseline hepatic gene expression differs between responders (R) and non-responders (NR). Baseline liver transcriptome was compared between R and NR in Indian (16 each) and French (5 NR, 3 R) patients with SAH. There were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NR and R, in Indian (1106 over-expressed, 96 under-expressed genes) and French patients (65 over-expressed, 142 under-expressed genes). Indian NR had features of hepatocyte senescence and French NR exhibited under-expression of genes involved in cell division, indicating a central defect in the capacity of hepatocytes for self-renewal in both populations. Markers of hepatic progenitor cell proliferation were either very few (Indian patients) or absent (French patients). No DEGs were enriched in inflammatory pathways and there were no differences in nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1) transcript expression and splicing between NR and R. Our results reveal that baseline hepatic transcriptome is reflective of subsequent glucocorticoid non-response and indicate impaired regenerative potential of the liver as an underlying phenomenon in NR.
Robust and accurate digital measurement for HER2 amplification in HER2 equivocal breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Wang Yuefeng , Tsang Julia Y. S. , Cui Yongmei , Cui Ji , Lin Ying , Zhao Songli , Law Patrick T. W. , Cheung Sai Yin , Ng Enders K. O. , Tse Gary M. K. , Ke Zunfu
Published: July 2017

Currently, there are no recommended alternative assays for HER2 cases deemed equivocal by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Digital PCR (ddPCR), a highly accurate method to determine DNA copy number, could be a robust alternative for clinical HER2 diagnostics. HER2 and CEP17 copy numbers were quantified using two ddPCR platforms (QX200 and RainDrop) in 102 samples of invasive breast cancers. Compared to routine assays, ddPCR gave a sensitivity and specificity of 82.8% and 97.3% respectively, with a kappa value of 0.833 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the method proved to be robust as the results from two platforms was highly correlated (R2 = 0.91; Concordance rate = 97%; κ = 0.923, P < 0.001). Its performance was further tested on 114 HER2 equivocal cases in an independent validation cohort. 75% (21/28) of cases with HER2 amplification and 95% (82/86) of HER2 non-amplified case were classified as positive and negative by ddPCR respectively (κ = 0.709, P < 0.001). Notably, in the HER2 amplified cases, a lower percentage of HER2 positive cells could be related to the discordant results. Altogether, ddPCR is a robust alternative for clinical HER2 diagnostics. However, intratumoral heterogeneity of HER2 status still pose a challenge for HER2 analysis by ddPCR.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid enhances the development of porcine embryos derived from in vitro-matured oocytes and evaporatively dried spermatozoa
Authors: Li Xiao-Xia , Diao Yun-Fei , Wei Hai-Jun , Wang Shi-Yong , Cao Xin-Yan , Zhang Yu-Fei , Chang Tong , Li Dan-Li , Kim Min Kyu , Xu Baozeng
Published: July 2017

Evaporative drying (ED) is an alternative technique for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm, which does not require liquid nitrogen or freeze-drying equipment, but offers advantages for storage and shipping at ambient temperature and low cost. However, the development of zygotes generated from these sperms was poor. Here, we demonstrated that the supplementation of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an endogenous bile acid, during embryo culture improved the developmental competency of embryos derived from in vitro matured pig oocytes injected intracytoplasmically with boar ED spermatozoa by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species, the DNA degradation and fragmentation, and the expression of apoptosis-related gene Bax and Bak, and by increasing the transcription of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-XL and Bcl-2. Furthermore, TUDCA treatment promoted the blastocyst quality manifested by the total cell numbers and the ratio of inner cell mass. Taken together, our data suggest that evaporative drying would be a potentially useful method for the routine preservation of boar sperm in combination with further optimization of subsequently embryo culture conditions.
Suppression of presbyopia progression with pirenoxine eye drops: experiments on rats and non-blinded, randomized clinical trial of efficacy
Authors: Tsuneyoshi Yukari , Higuchi Akihiro , Negishi Kazuno , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: July 2017

Various methods can correct presbyopia, but all require devices or surgeries. Recently, supplements or warming devices to relieve presbyopic symptoms have been developed, but no eye drops have been developed. We screened certain compounds possibly related to lens degeneration and identified pirenoxine, which has been used for cataracts, as a possible new pharmacologic treatment for presbyopia. We first researched the anti-presbyopic activity of pirenoxine in rats. The lens elasticity significantly (p = 0.028) increased with exposure to tobacco smoke for 12 days, and pirenoxine eye drops significantly (p < 0.001) suppressed lens hardening, which causes presbyopia in humans. In a parallel randomized controlled clinical study of the subjects in their fifth decade of life, the objective accommodative amplitude (AA) decreased significantly (p < 0.01) by 0.16 diopter (D) in the control group, and there was no detectable change in the treatment group after a 6-month treatment period, suggesting that pirenoxine eye drops might prevent progression of presbyopia. Subjects in their sixth decade of life, in whom the AA was already nearly 0 D, did not show similar results. Pirenoxine eye drops might be a new and the first pharmacologic treatment for preventing progression of presbyopia.
DNA Self-assembly Catalyzed by Artificial Agents
Authors: Shi Chao , Wang Yifan , Zhang Menghua , Ma Cuiping
Published: July 2017

Nucleic acids have been shown to be versatile molecules and engineered to produce various nanostructures. However, the poor rate of these uncatalyzed nucleic acid reactions has restricted the development and applications. Herein, we reported a novel finding that DNA self-assembly could be nonenzymatically catalyzed by artificial agents with an increasing dissociation rate constant K2. The catalytic role of several artificial agents in DNA self-assembly was verified by real-time fluorescent detection or agarose gel electrophoresis. We found that 20% PEG 200 could significantly catalyze DNA self-assembly and increase the reaction efficiency, such as linear hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and exponential hairpin assembly (EHA). Therefore, we foresee that a fast and efficient DNA self-assembly in structural DNA nanotechnology will be desirable.
Zinc binding to RNA recognition motif of TDP-43 induces the formation of amyloid-like aggregates
Authors: Garnier Cyrille , Devred François , Byrne Deborah , Puppo Rémy , Roman Andrei Yu. , Malesinski Soazig , Golovin Andrey V. , Lebrun Régine , Ninkina Natalia N. , Tsvetkov Philipp O.
Published: July 2017

Aggregation of TDP-43 (transactive response DNA binding protein 43 kDa) is a hallmark of certain forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Moreover, intracellular TDP-43-positive inclusions are often found in other neurodegenerative diseases. Recently it was shown that zinc ions can provoke the aggregation of endogenous TDP-43 in cells, allowing to assume a direct interaction of TDP-43 with zinc ions. In this work, we investigated zinc binding to the 102–269 TDP-43 fragment, which comprise the two RNA recognition motifs. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, mass spectrometry, and differential scanning fluorimetry, we showed that zinc binds to this TDP-43 domain with a dissociation constant in the micromolar range and modifies its tertiary structure leading to a decrease of its thermostability. Moreover, the study by dynamic light scattering and negative stain electron microscopy demonstrated that zinc ions induce auto-association process of this TDP-43 fragment into rope-like structures. These structures are thioflavin-T-positive allowing to hypothesize the direct implication of zinc ions in pathological aggregation of TDP-43.
Neuroprotective Effects of Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chiluwal Amrit , Narayan Raj K. , Chaung Wayne , Mehan Neal , Wang Ping , Bouton Chad E. , Golanov Eugene V. , Li Chunyan
Published: July 2017

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), ischemia and hypoxia play a major role in further worsening of the damage, a process referred to as ‘secondary injury’. Protecting neurons from causative factors of secondary injury has been the guiding principle of modern TBI management. Stimulation of trigeminal nerve induces pressor response and improves cerebral blood flow (CBF) by activating the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Moreover, it causes cerebrovasodilation through the trigemino-cerebrovascular system and trigemino-parasympathetic reflex. These effects are capable of increasing cerebral perfusion, making trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) a promising strategy for TBI management. Here, we investigated the use of electrical TNS for improving CBF and brain oxygen tension (PbrO2), with the goal of decreasing secondary injury. Severe TBI was produced using controlled cortical impact (CCI) in a rat model, and TNS treatment was delivered for the first hour after CCI. In comparison to TBI group, TBI animals with TNS treatment demonstrated significantly increased systemic blood pressure, CBF and PbrO2 at the hyperacute phase of TBI. Furthermore, rats in TNS-treatment group showed significantly reduced brain edema, blood-brain barrier disruption, lesion volume, and brain cortical levels of TNF-α and IL-6. These data provide strong early evidence that TNS could be an effective neuroprotective strategy.
Biochar influences on soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes in response to wetting and drying cycles for a forest soil
Authors: Johnson Mark S. , Webster Cameron , Jassal Rachhpal S. , Hawthorne Iain , Black T. Andrew
Published: July 2017

Biochar has been the focus of significant research efforts in agriculture, but little research has been conducted in forested ecosystems. Here, we assess CO2 and CH4 fluxes from a forest soil in response to biochar additions using a before-after-control-intervention experimental design. Soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes were measured over a series of wetting cycles by coupling soil mesocosms equipped with auto-chambers to a laser-based spectrometer for high-frequency measurements of gas fluxes and related soil processes. We found that soil CO2 fluxes were higher and CH4 fluxes were less negative (e.g. reduced CH4 uptake) for the biochar-amended soil compared to the no biochar condition. Furthermore, biochar improved soil infiltrability under wet conditions, and enhanced soil moisture levels under dry conditions. Biochar additions shifted the point of maximum soil respiration (i.e. soil CO2 efflux) to a slightly wetter soil moisture level. The point of maximum CH4 uptake was also shifted to a slightly wetter moisture level for soil with biochar. Overall differences in soil gas fluxes were found to be minor compared to the increase in soil carbon resulting from the biochar addition. Biochar may thus contribute to improved forest management through increases to soil carbon stocks and improved soil moisture levels.
Reconstructing the historical synthesis of mauveine from Perkin and Caro: procedure and details
Authors: Cova Tânia F. G. G. , Pais Alberto A. C. C. , Seixas de Melo J. Sérgio
Published: July 2017

Mauveine, an iconic dye, first synthesised in 1856 still has secrets to unveil. If nowadays one wanted to prepare the original Perkin’s mauveine, what would be the procedure? It will be described in this work and lies on the use of a 1:2:1 (mole) ratio of aniline, p-toluidine and o-toluidine. This was found from a comparison of a series of products synthesized from different proportions of these starting materials, with a set of historical samples of mauveine and further analysed with two unsupervised chemometrics methods.
A study on the risk of fungal infection with tofacitinib (CP-690550), a novel oral agent for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chen Yong , Gong Fang-Yuan , Li Zhen-Jun , Gong Zheng , Zhou Zhe , Ma Shu-Yan , Gao Xiao-Ming
Published: July 2017

Tofacitinib (CP-690550), an oralJanuskinase inhibitor, has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis through blocking the signaling pathways of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, recent evidence suggests that long-term tofacitinib treatment is associated with increased risk of infection (e.g. tuberculosis) in patients. In the present study, we illustrate that tofacitinib administration significantly reduced the survival rate of mice given lethal or sub-lethal dose challenge with Candida albicans. This was related to the ability of tofacitinib to reverse TNFα- and IFNγ-enhanced candidacidal activity of murine polymorph nuclear cells (PMNs) and also to suppress chemokine CXCL5 expression and PMN infiltration in the infected tissues of mice. More importantly, tofacitinib significantly antagonized the ability of TNFα, IFNγ and GM-CSF to boost human PMNs in phagocytosis and direct killing ofC. albicans in vitro. It also down-regulated reactive oxygen production and neutrophil extracellular trap formation by human PMNs stimulated with yeast-derived β-glucans in the presence of TNFα, IFNγ or GM-CSF. Our data emphasizes a significantly increased risk for opportunistic fungal infection associated long-term tofacitinib treatment in humans, likely through antagonizing the PMN-boosting effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Dynamics of plasma membrane surface related to the release of extracellular vesicles by mesenchymal stem cells in culture
Authors: Casado Santiago , Lobo Maria del Val Toledo , Paíno Carlos Luis
Published: July 2017

Extracellular vesicles (exosomes and shedding vesicles) released by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are regarded as a storable, cell-free alternative with comparable therapeutic potential to their parent cells. Shedding vesicles originate as bulges on the cell surface but little is known about their turnover or how their formation can be stimulated. We have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to follow the formation dynamics of bulges in living adipose tissue-derived MSCs. AFM images showed that, in general, MSCs present hundreds of nanosized protrusions on their surface with life spans of 10–20 min. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed those images and showed that bulges are also formed on filamentous processes. Extracellular vesicles deposited on the culture surface have comparable sizes to those of bulges showing up on the cell surface. The amount of protrusions on cells treated with progesterone or PDGF-BB, two treatments that stimulate the secretion of extracellular vesicles in MSCs, was evaluated by AFM. Measurements of the cross-area at 50 nm over the cell surface provided estimates of the amount of protrusions and showed that these values increased with the stimulating treatments. Our study suggests that shedding vesicles constitute a large population of the extracellular vesicle pool.
Development of hydroxybenzoic-based platforms as a solution to deliver dietary antioxidants to mitochondria
Authors: Teixeira José , Oliveira Catarina , Amorim Ricardo , Cagide Fernando , Garrido Jorge , Ribeiro José A. , Pereira Carlos M. , Silva António F. , Andrade Paula B. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Borges Fernanda
Published: July 2017

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with metabolic and age-related diseases. Thus, the prevention of mitochondrial oxidative damage is nowadays a recognized pharmacological strategy to delay disease progression. Epidemiological studies suggested an association between the consumption of polyphenol-rich diet and the prevention of different pathologies, including diseases with a mitochondrial etiology. The development of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidants based on dietary antioxidants may decrease mitochondrial oxidative damage. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of two new mitochondriotropic antioxidants based on hydroxybenzoic acids (AntiOxBENs). The results obtained showed that the novel antioxidants are accumulated inside rat liver mitochondria driven by the organelle transmembrane electric potential and prevented lipid peroxidation, exhibiting low toxicity. Some of the observed effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics resulted from an increase of proton leakage through the mitochondrial inner membrane. The new derivatives present a higher lipophilicity than the parent compounds (protocatechuic and gallic acids) and similar antioxidant and iron chelating properties. AntiOxBENs are valid mitochondriotropic antioxidant prototypes, which can be optimized and used in a next future as drug candidates to prevent or slow mitochondrial oxidative stress associated to several pathologies.
Improvement of Total Etching Dentin Bonding with Subpressure
Authors: Zhuge Rui-Shen , Tian Yue-Ming , Zhang Zu-Tai , Ding Ning , Li Yong-Mei , Zheng Dong-Xiang
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effects of subpressure on the bond properties of total-etching adhesive to dentin. Thirty-six caries-free premolars were sectioned parallel to the occlusal plane and randomly divided into four groups (n = 9): a control group (C, no treatment) and three subpressure groups, which were treated under 0.8, 0.6 or 0.4 bar after applying adhesives, named S8, S6 and S4, respectively. Afterward, resin was bonded to the dentin surface, and 27 beams (1.0 mm × 1.0 mm) of each group were sectioned. One was selected to observe the bonding interface from each group by SEM. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 13): 24 hours of water storage (I) and 10,000 thermocycling (A). The microtensile bond strength (μTBS), failure modes and nanoleakage expression were evaluated. SEM results showed that the subpressure groups had longer and denser resin tags. The μTBS of the subpressure groups was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The subpressure groups were dominated by mixed failure, whereas main interfacial failure appeared in group C. The subpressure groups showed less silver deposition than the control group (p < 0.05). The subpressure technique may remarkably improve bonding strength and decrease nanoleakage on total-etching bonding.
Bandwidth broadening of a linear polarization converter by near-field metasurface coupling
Authors: Gao Xi , Singh Leena , Yang Wanli , Zheng Jingjing , Li Haiou , Zhang Weili
Published: July 2017

We experimentally demonstrate a highly efficient, broadband linear polarization converter functioning at terahertz frequencies. The linear polarization converter is composed of three metasurfaces and two dielectric layers interlaced with each other. The neighboring unit cells of the central metasurface layer of the linear polarization converter exhibit strong electromagnetic coupling, which increases the number of resonances and results in significant bandwidth broadening. The simulation and experimental results show that in the frequency range of 0.2 to 0.4 THz, the proposed polarization converter has a flat transmission curve and exhibits a transmission efficiency that is higher than 80%. High performance terahertz polarization conversion is desirable in many fields, such as terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and communications.
1H NMR-based Investigation of Metabolic Response to Electro-Acupuncture Stimulation
Authors: Lin Caigui , Wei Zhiliang , Cheng Kian-Kai , Xu Jingjing , Shen Guiping , She Chang , Zhong Huan , Chang Xiaorong , Dong Jiyang
Published: July 2017

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that has been found useful for treating various diseases. The treatments involve the insertion of fine needles at acupoints along specific meridians (meridian specificity). This study aims to investigate the metabolic basis of meridian specificity using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics. Electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulations were performed at acupoints of either Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (SMFY) or Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang (GMFS) in healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. 1H-NMR spectra datasets of serum, urine, cortex, and stomach tissue extracts from the rats were analysed by multivariate statistical analysis to investigate metabolic perturbations due to EA treatments at different meridians. EA treatment on either the SMFY or GMFS acupoints induced significant variations in 31 metabolites, e.g., amino acids, organic acids, choline esters and glucose. Moreover, a few meridian-specific metabolic changes were found for EA stimulations on the SMFY or GMFS acupoints. Our study demonstrated significant metabolic differences in response to EA stimulations on acupoints of SMFY and GMFS meridians. These results validate the hypothesis that meridian specificity in acupuncture is detectable in the metabolome and demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a metabolomics approach in understanding the mechanism of acupuncture.
Genetics reveal the identity and origin of the lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bariche Michel , Kleitou Periklis , Kalogirou Stefanos , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: July 2017

Following aquarium releases, invasive lionfishes have colonized large areas of the Caribbean and western Atlantic, resulting in an immense ecological damage. The early stages of that invasion are poorly known. Indeed, a lag of time between the introduction and detection often preclude genetic characterization of that crucial phase. With elevated awareness, the recent invasion of Pterois miles was quickly detected in the Mediterranean Sea. We hereby show that the very first individuals establishing populations in the Mediterranean Sea display haplotypes that nest within the large genetic diversity of Red Sea individuals, thus indicating an invasion via the Suez Canal. We also show that only two haplotypes are detected in the Mediterranean Sea, suggesting that few individuals may have been involved in the invasion. Thus, we conclude that the Mediterranean invasion is the result of a movement of individuals from the Red Sea, rather than from other means, and that low genetic diversity does not seem to have a negative effect on the success and spread of lionfish into the Mediterranean Sea.
Enhanced treatment of dispersed dye-production wastewater by self-assembled organobentonite in a one-step process with poly-aluminium chloride
Authors: Liu Yao , Zhu Lizhong
Published: July 2017

Organobentonite has been successfully applied in industrial wastewater treatment. However, the solid-liquid separation in wastewater treatment still needs improvement. This study presents an enhanced approach with high removal efficiency and short separation time for dispersed dye-production wastewater using self-assembled organobentonite in a one-step process with poly-aluminium chloride (PAC). The enhanced effects of PAC on wastewater treatment by organobentonite were comprehensively evaluated. Following the primary decontamination by the self-assembled organobentonite, the removal efficiency for dispersed dye-production wastewater was strengthened with PAC coagulation. The removal rates of TOC and organic pollutants were 55.0% and 63.5%, respectively, with the PAC-enhanced approach and were 1.3- and 1.6-fold higher, respectively, than those with the self-assembled organobentonite approach. The combination of PAC with self-assembled organobentonite was able to break the stability of the organobentonite suspension and enlarge the floc size, and thus reduce the solid-liquid separation time from 30 min to 10 min. Additionally, this enhanced approach could improve the biodegradability of wastewater with the BOD5/CODCr ratio increasing from 0.22 to 0.39, which was 4.1-fold higher than that of only organobentonite in a one-step process. Therefore, the PAC-enhanced approach could be a promising technology for wastewater pretreatment in practical industrial applications.
Usefulness of Different Pathological Scores to Assess Healing of the Mucosa in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Real Life Study
Authors: Villanacci Vincenzo , Antonelli Elisabetta , Lanzarotto Francesco , Bozzola Anna , Cadei Moris , Bassotti Gabrio
Published: July 2017

The concept of remission for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases has recently evolved, and should also include histological healing of the mucosa, difficult to evaluate since there is no agreement on pathological scores and those available are quite complex to use in the daily routine. We evaluated the possible usefulness of a simplified pathological score to assess histological healing of the mucosa in inflammatory bowel diseases patients compared with four commonly proposed pathological scores. Slides from 24 patients (12 Crohn’s disease, 12 ulcerative colitis, age range 24–62 years), pre- and post-treatment with biological agents and displaying endoscopic remission were assessed by two pathologists. Pre- and post-treatment results and the time employed to calculate the various scores were obtained. All scores were useful to document highly significant post-treatment decreases of histological activity. However, the simplified score needed significant less time to be calculated for each slide, had high inter-rater agreement, and avoided subjectivity from the pathologists. The simplified score is easy to calculate and seems apt to document histological healing of the mucosa, in a manner similar to the more complex scores. It remains to be established whether this score could simplify the daily routinary practice in this context.
Perfluoroalkyl substances in human bone: concentrations in bones and effects on bone cell differentiation
Authors: Koskela A. , Koponen J. , Lehenkari P. , Viluksela M. , Korkalainen M. , Tuukkanen J.
Published: July 2017

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including two most commonly studied compounds perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are widely distributed environmental pollutants, used extensively earlier. Due to their toxicological effects the use of PFAS is now regulated. Based on earlier studies on PFOA’s distribution in bone and bone marrow in mice, we investigated PFAS levels and their possible link to bone microarchitecture of human femoral bone samples (n = 18). Soft tissue and bone biopsies were also taken from a 49-year old female cadaver for PFAS analyses. We also studied how PFOA exposure affects differentiation of human osteoblasts and osteoclasts. PFAS were detectable from all dry bone and bone marrow samples, PFOS and PFOA being the most prominent. In cadaver biopsies, lungs and liver contained the highest concentrations of PFAS, whereas PFAS were absent in bone marrow. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was present in the bones, PFOA and PFOS were absent. In vitro results showed no disturbance in osteogenic differentiation after PFOA exposure, but in osteoclasts, lower concentrations led to increased resorption, which eventually dropped to zero after increase in PFOA concentration. In conclusion, PFAS are present in bone and have the potential to affect human bone cells partly at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Improved protocols for pre-processing Raman spectra of formalin fixed paraffin preserved tissue sections
Authors: Ibrahim O. , Maguire A. , Meade A. D. , Flint S. , Toner M. , Byrne H. J. , Lyng F. M.
Published: July 2017

Development of an improved method for the digital removal of wax and glass contributions to spectra of formalin fixed paraffin preserved tissues.
Simultaneous determination of eleven estrogenic and odorous chloro- and bromo-phenolic compounds in surface water through an automated online headspace SPME followed by on-fiber derivatization coupled with GC-MS
Authors: Yuan Su-fen , Liu Ze-hua , Lian Hai-xian , Yang Chuang-tao , Lin Qing , Yin Hua , Dang Zhi
Published: July 2017

HS-SPME followed by on-fiber derivatization coupled with GC-MS is developed for simultaneous determination of eleven estrogenic chloro- and bromo-phenolic compounds.
A highly conductive carbon–sulfur film with interconnected mesopores as an advanced cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Liu Yuqing , Yan Yan , Wang Fengsheng , Liu Jiahui , Liu Tianxi
Published: July 2017

A highly conductive graphene sheet–mesoporous carbon sphere–sulfur (GMC–S) film effectively restricts the “shuttling” of polysulfides and achieves an ultra-long term cycling stability.
Growth mechanism of ceria nanorods by precipitation at room temperature and morphology-dependent photocatalytic performance
Authors: Liu Zhao , Li Xiaojing , Mayyas Mohannad , Koshy Pramod , Hart Judy N. , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: July 2017

Ceria (CeO2) nanorods have been prepared by simple short-term precipitation at room temperature for the first time.
Supramolecular synthons in the gamma-hydroxybutenolides
Authors: De Rosa Margherita , La Manna Pellegrino , Soriente Annunziata , Gaeta Carmine , Talotta Carmen , Hickey Neal , Geremia Silvano , Neri Placido
Published: July 2017

The supramolecular organization in the solid state of five novel gamma-hydroxybutenolides is described.
The effect of hydrate promoters on gas uptake
Authors: Xu Chun-Gang , Yu Yi-Song , Ding Ya-Long , Cai Jing , Li Xiao-Sen
Published: July 2017

The selectivity of a hydrate promoter to gas depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of the promoter.
Strain induced new phase and indirect–direct band gap transition of monolayer InSe
Authors: Hu Ting , Zhou Jian , Dong Jinming
Published: July 2017

The effect of in-plane strain on monolayer InSe has been systematically investigated by using first-principles calculations.
The length but not the sequence of peptide linker modules exerts the primary influence on the conformations of protein domains in cellulosome multi-enzyme complexes
Authors: Różycki Bartosz , Cazade Pierre-André , O'Mahony Shane , Thompson Damien , Cieplak Marek
Published: July 2017

The properties of peptide linkers are governed mainly by their length. Short linkers induce conformational changes in the modules they connect.
Liquid crystal templating as an approach to spatially and temporally organise soft matter
Authors: van der Asdonk Pim , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: July 2017

Liquid crystal templating: an emerging technique to organise and control soft matter at multiple length scales.
Hybrid CN-MEA microplates with enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation
Authors: Meng Jie , Lin Qingyun , Wu Shiyan , Pei Jingyuan , Wei Xiao , Li Jixue , Zhang Ze
Published: July 2017

Herein, novel hybrid CN-MEA microplates have been prepared by solvothermally treating g-C3N4 using monoethanolamine (MEA) as a reaction medium.
Highly dispersed copper (oxide) nanoparticles prepared on SBA-15 partially occluded with the P123 surfactant: toward the design of active hydrogenation catalysts
Authors: Dragoi B. , Mazilu I. , Chirieac A. , Ciotonea C. , Ungureanu A. , Marceau E. , Dumitriu E. , Royer S.
Published: July 2017

Mesoporous SBA-15 silica containing intra-wall embedded polymeric P123 surfactant and presenting a high density of surface silanol groups effectively stabilizes copper phases.
Synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline Bi19Cl3S27 nanorods
Authors: Wu Zuozuo , Jiang Yifan , Xiong Xuyang , Ding Shuoping , Shi Yiqiu , Liu Xiufan , Liu Ye , Huang Zhengxi , Hu Juncheng
Published: July 2017

Single-crystalline Bi19Cl3S27 nanorods have been synthesized for the first time via a facile solvothermal route.
Supercritical fluid processing for the synthesis of NiS2 nanostructures as efficient electrocatalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reactions
Authors: Thangasamy Pitchai , Maruthapandian Viruthasalam , Saraswathy Velu , Sathish Marappan
Published: July 2017

A facile supercritical fluid process was demonstrated for the synthesis of cubic NiS2 nanostructures for efficient electrochemical oxygen evolution reactions.
Insight into the preferred formation mechanism of long-chain hydrocarbons in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis on Hcp Co(10−11) surfaces from DFT and microkinetic modeling
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Zhang Riguang , Ling Lixia , Wang Qiang , Wang Baojun , Li Debao
Published: July 2017

DFT calculations, together with microkinetic modeling, have been employed to probe into the preferred mechanism of hydrocarbon C–C chain growth on Co(10−11) surfaces during Fischer–Tropsch synthesis.
Magneto-structural correlations in a family of ReIVCuII chains based on the hexachlororhenate(iv) metalloligand
Authors: Pedersen Anders H. , Julve Miguel , Martínez-Lillo José , Cano Joan , Brechin Euan K.
Published: July 2017

Six novel one-dimensional chloro-bridged ReIVCuII complexes of formula {[Cu(L)4][ReCl6]}n are characterised structurally, magnetically and theoretically.
The phosphinoboration of carbodiimides, isocyanates, isothiocyanates and CO2
Authors: Geier Stephen J. , LaFortune James H. W. , Zhu Diya , Kosnik Stephanie C. , Macdonald Charles L. B. , Stephan Douglas W. , Westcott Stephen A.
Published: July 2017

The transition metal-free addition of phosphinoboronate ester Ph2PBpin (pin = 1,2-O2C2Me4) to heterocumulenes including carbodiimides, isocyanates, isothiocyanates and carbon dioxide proceeds with remarkable selectivity to give products in high yield.
Suppressing photooxidation of conjugated polymers and their blends with fullerenes through nickel chelates
Authors: Salvador Michael , Gasparini Nicola , Perea José Darío , Paleti Sri Harish , Distler Andreas , Inasaridze Liana N. , Troshin Pavel A. , Lüer Larry , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim , Brabec Christoph
Published: July 2017

This work introduces nickel(ii) dibutyldithiocarbamate as a broadband and universal antioxidant for conjugated polymer semiconductors.
Anthocyanins in black rice, soybean and purple corn increase fecal butyric acid and prevent liver inflammation in high fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Wu Tao , Guo Xueqi , Zhang Min , Yang Lu , Liu Rui , Yin Jinjin
Published: July 2017

Epidemiological evidence indicates that anthocyanin consumption reduces the incidence of chronic and degenerative diseases.
Anti-obesity effects of zeaxanthin on 3T3-L1 preadipocyte and high fat induced obese mice
Authors: Liu Meihong , Liu Huimin , Xie Jiahan , Xu Qian , Pan Cong , Wang Jiaojiao , Wu Xi , Sanabil Sanabil , Zheng Mingzhu , Liu Jingsheng
Published: July 2017

Zeaxanthin inhibited lipogenesis in adipocytes and attenuated progression of obesity in mice by inducing AMPK activation and suppressing adipocyte-specific factors.
Multimode smartphone biosensing: the transmission, reflection, and intensity spectral (TRI)-analyzer
Authors: Long Kenneth D. , Woodburn Elizabeth V. , Le Huy M. , Shah Utsav K. , Lumetta Steven S. , Cunningham Brian T.
Published: July 2017

This low-cost, smartphone-based spectral TRI-analyzer system performs three classes of optical biosensing techniques and is compared with two commercially-available assays.
Restoring calcium homeostasis in diabetic cardiomyocytes: an investigation through mathematical modelling
Authors: Das Phonindra Nath , Kumar Ajay , Bairagi Nandadulal , Chatterjee Samrat
Published: July 2017

Regulated calcium flux from sarcoplasmic reticulum could be a possible therapeutic strategy in diabetic cardiomyocyte problem.
Integrating docking scores and key interaction profiles to improve the accuracy of molecular docking: towards novel B-RafV600E inhibitors
Authors: Hu Chun-Qi , Li Kang , Yao Ting-Ting , Hu Yong-Zhou , Ying Hua-Zhou , Dong Xiao-Wu
Published: July 2017

A set of ninety-eight B-RafV600E inhibitors was used for the development of a molecular docking based QSAR model using linear and non-linear regression models.
Phenothiazine based blue emitter for light-emitting electrochemical cells
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Kanagaraj , Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Jang Joonkyung , Choe Youngson
Published: July 2017

Electroluminescence of the sulfone form of phenothiazine derivative was tuned to blue emission from green emission in the sulfide form.
One-pot three-component protocol for the synthesis of indolyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxamides as antioxidant and antibacterial agents
Authors: Subbareddy Chitreddy V. , Sumathi Shanmugam
Published: July 2017

A series of newly synthesized 4-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-methyl-N-phenyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxamide derivatives catalyzed by 1,4-Diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane (DABCO) (30 mol%) at room temperature.