bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential pest transfer mediated by international ornamental plant trade
Authors: Patoka Jiří , Bláha Martin , Kalous Lukáš , Vrabec Vladimír , Buřič Miloš , Kouba Antonín
Published: May 2016

In recent years, the keeping of ornamental freshwater animals and plants in garden ponds has been growing in popularity. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the preferred macrophytes seasonally imported mainly from South-eastern Asia throughout the world. This constitutes a secondary introduction inasmuch as the species is native to South America. Although many assemblages of aquatic invertebrates have been described as associated with this plant in the wild, there has been no research focused on their potential introduction via the international plant trade. We examined 216 specimens of water hyacinths imported for ornamental purposes from Indonesia into the Czech Republic. Numerous meio- and macroinvertebrates belonging to at least 39 species were captured. On the total number of individuals, the highest prevalence was of Tubulinea and Rotifera. Most of these were still alive and vital, including a caterpillar of the Indo–Australian invasive moth Spodoptera litura. Water hyacinths are usually placed into outdoor ponds immediately after import, which facilitates the release of non-target alien species. The present paper aims to draw attention to “hitchhikers” associated with the ornamental trade.
All-Optical Implementation of the Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Hu Wenchao , Wu Kan , Shum Perry Ping , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Soci Cesare
Published: May 2016

We report all-optical implementation of the optimization algorithm for the famous “ant colony” problem. Ant colonies progressively optimize pathway to food discovered by one of the ants through identifying the discovered route with volatile chemicals (pheromones) secreted on the way back from the food deposit. Mathematically this is an important example of graph optimization problem with dynamically changing parameters. Using an optical network with nonlinear waveguides to represent the graph and a feedback loop, we experimentally show that photons traveling through the network behave like ants that dynamically modify the environment to find the shortest pathway to any chosen point in the graph. This proof-of-principle demonstration illustrates how transient nonlinearity in the optical system can be exploited to tackle complex optimization problems directly, on the hardware level, which may be used for self-routing of optical signals in transparent communication networks and energy flow in photonic systems.
Unique spectral markers discern recurrent Glioblastoma cells from heterogeneous parent population
Authors: Kaur Ekjot , Sahu Aditi , Hole Arti R. , Rajendra Jacinth , Chaubal Rohan , Gardi Nilesh , Dutt Amit , Moiyadi Aliasgar , Krishna C. Murali , Dutt Shilpee
Published: May 2016

An inability to discern resistant cells from bulk tumour cell population contributes to poor prognosis in Glioblastoma. Here, we compared parent and recurrent cells generated from patient derived primary cultures and cell lines to identify their unique molecular hallmarks. Although morphologically similar, parent and recurrent cells from different samples showed variable biological properties like proliferation and radiation resistance. However, total RNA-sequencing revealed transcriptional landscape unique to parent and recurrent populations. These data suggest that global molecular differences but not individual biological phenotype could differentiate parent and recurrent cells. We demonstrate that Raman Spectroscopy a label-free, non-invasive technique, yields global information about biochemical milieu of recurrent and parent cells thus, classifying them into distinct clusters based on Principal-Component-Analysis and Principal-Component-Linear-Discriminant-Analysis. Additionally, higher lipid related spectral peaks were observed in recurrent population. Importantly, Raman spectroscopic analysis could further classify an independent set of naïve primary glioblastoma tumour tissues into non-responder and responder groups. Interestingly, spectral features from the non-responder patient samples show a considerable overlap with the in-vitro generated recurrent cells suggesting their similar biological behaviour. This feasibility study necessitates analysis of a larger cohort of naïve primary glioblastoma samples to fully envisage clinical utility of Raman spectroscopy in predicting therapeutic response.
Risk scores for predicting incidence of type 2 diabetes in the Chinese population: the Kailuan prospective study
Authors: Wang Anxin , Chen Guojuan , Su Zhaoping , Liu Xiaoxue , Liu Xiangtong , Li Haibin , Luo Yanxia , Tao Lixin , Guo Jin , Liu Long , Chen Shuohua , Wu Shouling , Guo Xiuhua
Published: May 2016

Few risk scores have been specifically developed to identify individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes in China. In the present study, we aimed to develop such risk scores, based on simple clinical variables. We studied a population-based cohort of 73,987 adults, aged 18 years and over. After 5.35 ± 1.59 years of follow-up, 4,726 participants (9.58%) in the exploration cohort developed type 2 diabetes and 2,327 participants (9.44%) in the validation cohort developed type 2 diabetes. Age, gender, body mass index, family history of diabetes, education, blood pressure, and resting heart rate were selected to form the concise score with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.67. The variables in the concise score combined with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglyceride (TG) or use of lipid-lowering drugs constituted the accurate score with an AUC value of 0.77. The utility of the two scores was confirmed in the validation cohort with AUCs of 0.66 and 0.77, respectively. In summary, the concise score, based on non-laboratory variables, could be used to identify individuals at high risk of developing diabetes within Chinese population; the accurate score, which also uses FPG and TG data, is better at identifying such individuals.
Network Signatures of IgG Immune Repertoires in Hepatitis B Associated Chronic Infection and Vaccination Responses
Authors: Chang Ya-Hui , Kuan Hui-Chung , Hsieh T. C. , Ma K. H. , Yang Chung-Hsiang , Hsu Wei-Bin , Tsai Shih-Feng , Chao Anne , Liu Hong-Hsing
Published: May 2016

The repertoire of IgG antibody responses to infection and vaccination varies depending on the characteristics of the immunogen and the ability of the host to mount a protective immune response. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are marked by persistent infection and immune tolerance to vaccination. This disease offers a unique opportunity to discover key repertoire signatures during infection and in response to vaccination. Complementarity determining region 3 of an antibody heavy chain (CDR-H3) has a major impact on the antigenic specificity of an antibody. We used next-generation sequencing to characterize the CDR-H3 sequences in paired siblings of 4 families in which only one member of each pair had chronic HBV infection. Blood samples were obtained before and 2 weeks after HBV vaccination. The analysis revealed a huge network of sequence-related CDR-H3 clones found almost exclusively among carriers. In contrast, vaccination induced significant increases of CDR-H3 cluster diversities among siblings without hepatitis B. Several vaccination-associated clone clusters were identified. Similar findings of vaccination-associated clone networks were observed in healthy adults receiving HBV boosters. These strategies can be used to identify signatures of other infectious diseases and accelerate discoveries of antibody sequences with important biomedical implications.
TMPyP4 promotes cancer cell migration at low doses, but induces cell death at high doses
Authors: Zheng Xiao-Hui , Nie Xin , Liu Hai-Ying , Fang Yi-Ming , Zhao Yong , Xia Li-Xin
Published: May 2016

TMPyP4 is widely considered as a potential photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy and a G-quadruplex stabilizer for telomerase-based cancer therapeutics. However, its biological effects including a possible adverse-effect are poorly understood. In this study, whole genome RNA-seq analysis was used to explore the alteration in gene expression induced by TMPyP4. Unexpectedly, we find that 27.67% of changed genes were functionally related to cell adhesion. Experimental evidences from cell adhesion assay, scratch-wound and transwell assay indicate that TMPyP4 at conventional doses (≤0.5 μM) increases cell-matrix adhesion and promotes the migration of tumor cells. In contrast, a high dose of TMPyP4 (≥2 μM) inhibits cell proliferation and induces cell death. The unintended “side-effect” of TMPyP4 on promoting cell migration suggests that a relative high dose of TMPyP4 is preferred for therapeutic purpose. These findings contribute to better understanding of biological effects induced by TMPyP4 and provide a new insight into the complexity and implication for TMPyP4 based cancer therapy.
Serpin peptidase inhibitor (SERPINB5) haplotypes are associated with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Shun-Fa , Yeh Chao-Bin , Chou Ying-Erh , Lee Hsiang-Lin , Liu Yu-Fan
Published: May 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The serpin peptidase inhibitor SERPINB5 is a tumour-suppressor gene that promotes the development of various cancers in humans. However, whether SERPINB5 gene variants play a role in HCC susceptibility remains unknown. In this study, we genotyped 6 SNPs of the SERPINB5 gene in an independent cohort from a replicate population comprising 302 cases and 590 controls. Additionally, patients who had at least one rs2289520 C allele in SERPINB5 tended to exhibit better liver function than patients with genotype GG (Child-Pugh grade A vs. B or C; P = 0.047). Next, haplotype blocks were reconstructed according to the linkage disequilibrium structure of the SERPINB5 gene. A haplotype “C-C-C” (rs17071138 + rs3744941 + rs8089204) in SERPINB5-correlated promoter showed a significant association with an increased HCC risk (AOR = 1.450; P = 0.031). Haplotypes “T-C-A” and “C-C-C” (rs2289519 + rs2289520 + rs1455555) located in the SERPINB5 coding region had a decreased (AOR = 0.744; P = 0.031) and increased (AOR = 1.981; P = 0.001) HCC risk, respectively. Finally, an additional integrated in silico analysis confirmed that these SNPs affected SERPINB5 expression and protein stability, which significantly correlated with tumour expression and subsequently with tumour development and aggressiveness. Taken together, our findings regarding these biomarkers provide a prediction model for risk assessment.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Granules Have no Phospholipids
Authors: Bresan Stephanie , Sznajder Anna , Hauf Waldemar , Forchhammer Karl , Pfeiffer Daniel , Jendrossek Dieter
Published: May 2016

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules, also designated as carbonosomes, are supra-molecular complexes in prokaryotes consisting of a PHB polymer core and a surface layer of structural and functional proteins. The presence of suspected phospholipids in the surface layer is based on in vitro data of isolated PHB granules and is often shown in cartoons of the PHB granule structure in reviews on PHB metabolism. However, the in vivo presence of a phospholipid layer has never been demonstrated. We addressed this topic by the expression of fusion proteins of DsRed2EC and other fluorescent proteins with the phospholipid-binding domain (LactC2) of lactadherin in three model organisms. The fusion proteins specifically localized at the cell membrane of Ralstonia eutropha but did not co-localize with PHB granules. The same result was obtained for Pseudomonas putida, a species that accumulates another type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) granules related to PHB. Notably, DsRed2EC-LactC2 expressed in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense was detected at the position of membrane-enclosed magnetosome chains and at the cytoplasmic membrane but not at PHB granules. In conclusion, the carbonosomes of representatives of α-proteobacteria, β-proteobacteria and γ-proteobacteria have no phospholipids in vivo and we postulate that the PHB/PHA granule surface layers in natural producers generally are free of phospholipids and consist of proteins only.
Increased sensitivity of BRCA defective triple negative breast tumors to plumbagin through induction of DNA Double Strand Breaks (DSB)
Authors: Nair Rakesh Sathish , Kumar Jerald Mahesh , Jose Jedy , Somasundaram Veena , Hemalatha Sreelatha K. , Sengodan Satheesh Kumar , Nadhan Revathy , Anilkumar Thapasimuthu V. , Srinivas Priya
Published: May 2016

We have earlier shown that Plumbagin (PB) can induce selective cytotoxicity to BRCA1 defective ovarian cancer cells; however, the effect of this molecule in BRCA1 mutated breast cancers has not been analyzed yet. Here, we report that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by PB resulted in DNA DSB and activates downstream signaling by ATR/ATM kinases and subsequent apoptosis. PB reduces DNA- dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) expression and inhibits NHEJ (Non Homologous End Joining) activity in BRCA1 defective breast cancer cells. Also, PB induces apoptosis in two different BRCA1 conditional knock out murine models: MMTV-Cre; BRCA1Co/Co and WAP-Cre; BRCA1Co/Co, at 2 mg/kg body weight, but 32 mg/kg of carboplatin (CN) was needed to induce apoptosis in them. This is the first study where two different tissue specific promoter driven transgenic mice models with BRCA1 exon 11 deletions are used for preclinical drug testing. The apoptosis induced by PB in HR (Homologous Recombination) defective triple negative BRCA1 mutant cell lines and in mouse models occur by inducing ROS mediated DNA DSB. The toxicity profile as compared with CN in transgenic mice provides evidence for PB’s safer disposition as a therapeutic lead in breast cancer drug development.
Evolution of electronic states in n-type copper oxide superconductor via electric double layer gating
Authors: Jin Kui , Hu Wei , Zhu Beiyi , Kim Dohun , Yuan Jie , Sun Yujie , Xiang Tao , Fuhrer Michael S. , Takeuchi Ichiro , Greene Richard. L.
Published: May 2016

The occurrence of electrons and holes in n-type copper oxides has been achieved by chemical doping, pressure, and/or deoxygenation. However, the observed electronic properties are blurred by the concomitant effects such as change of lattice structure, disorder, etc. Here, we report on successful tuning the electronic band structure of n-type Pr2−xCexCuO4 (x = 0.15) ultrathin films, via the electric double layer transistor technique. Abnormal transport properties, such as multiple sign reversals of Hall resistivity in normal and mixed states, have been revealed within an electrostatic field in range of −2 V to + 2 V, as well as varying the temperature and magnetic field. In the mixed state, the intrinsic anomalous Hall conductivity invokes the contribution of both electron and hole-bands as well as the energy dependent density of states near the Fermi level. The two-band model can also describe the normal state transport properties well, whereas the carrier concentrations of electrons and holes are always enhanced or depressed simultaneously in electric fields. This is in contrast to the scenario of Fermi surface reconstruction by antiferromagnetism, where an anti-correlation is commonly expected.
Quantitative PPARγ expression affects the balance between tolerance and immunity
Authors: Liu Ya-Hui , Tsai Yau-Sheng , Lin Shih-Chieh , Liao Nan-Shih , Jan Ming-Shiou , Liang Chung-Tiang , Hsu Shih-Wen , Chen Wen-Chung , Sung Junne-Ming , Maeda Nobuyo , Tsai Pei-Jane
Published: May 2016

PPARγ modulates energy metabolism and inflammation. However, its specific functions in the balance of immunity in vivo have been explored incompletely. In this study, by the age of 14 mo, PpargC/− mice with PPARγ expression at 25% of the normal level exhibited high autoantibody levels and developed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, which resembled systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like autoimmune disease. These symptoms were preceded by splenomegaly at an early age, which was associated with increases in splenocyte accumulation and B-cell activation but not with relocation of hematopoiesis to the spleen. The mechanism of splenic lymphocyte accumulation involved reduced sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) expression and diminished migration toward S1P in the PpargC/− splenocytes, which impeded lymphocyte egression. Mechanistically, increased Th17 polarization and IL-17 signaling in the PpargC/− CD4+ T cells contributed to B-cell hyperactivation in the spleen. Finally, the activation of the remaining PPARγ in PpargC/− mice by pioglitazone increased S1P1 levels, reduced the Th17 population in the spleen and ameliorated splenomegaly. Taken together, our data demonstrated that reduction of Pparg expression in T-helper cells is critical for spontaneous SLE-like autoimmune disease development; we also revealed a novel function of PPARγ in lymphocyte trafficking and cross talk between Th17 and B cells.
Hyperhomocysteinaemia in rats is associated with erectile dysfunction by impairing endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity
Authors: Jiang Weijun , Xiong Lei , Bin Yang  , Li Weiwei , Zhang Jing , Zhou Qing , Wu Qiuyue , Li Tianfu , Zhang Cui , Zhang Mingchao , Xia Xinyi
Published: May 2016

To investigate the effect of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHCy) on penile erectile function in a rat model, a methionine-rich diet was used in which erectile function, the reproductive system, and nitric oxide synthase were characterized. The intracavernous pressure, apomorphine experiments, measurement of oxidative stress, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions and measurement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity were utilized. Our results showed that erections in the middle-dose, high-dose, and interference (INF) groups were significantly lower than the control (P < 0.05). INF group, being fed with vitamins B and folic acid, demonstrated markedly improved penile erections compared with the middle-dose group (P < 0.05). HHCy-induced eNOS and phospho-eNOS protein expression was reduced and the antioxidant effect was markedly impaired. The data of the present data provide evidence that HHCy is a vascular risk factor for erectile dysfunction by impairing cavernosa endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. Intake of vitamins B can alleviate this abnormality.
Identification of heterologous Torque Teno Viruses in humans and swine
Authors: Ssemadaali Marvin A. , Effertz Karl , Singh Pankaj , Kolyvushko Oleksandr , Ramamoorthy Sheela
Published: May 2016

Torque Teno Viruses (TTVs) are ubiquitous viruses which are highly prevalent in several mammalian species. Human TTV’s are epidemiologically associated with several human disease conditions such as respiratory illnesses, auto-immune disorders and hepatitis. Recently it was found that swine TTV’s (TTSuVs) can act as primary pathogens. The common occurrence of TTVs as environmental contaminants and the increasing interest in the use of swine organs for xenotransplantation lend importance to the question of whether TTV’s can cross-infect across species. In this study, we examined human and swine sera by swine or human TTV-specific PCRs, to determine whether swine TTVs (TTSuV) DNA can be detected in humans and vice versa. Surprisingly, both human and TTSuV DNA were present in a majority of the samples tested. Transfection of human PBMC’s with TTSuV1 genomic DNA resulted in productive viral infection which was sustained for the three serial passages tested. Lymphoproliferative responses in infected human PBMCs were diminished when compared to the controls. Furthermore, mild to moderate antibody responses against the TTSuV1 ORF2 protein was detected in 16 of the 40 human sera by ELISA. Therefore, these study findings provide initial and fundamental evidence for possible cross-species transmission of TTVs.
Bio-inspired Hybrid Carbon Nanotube Muscles
Authors: Kim Tae Hyeob , Kwon Cheong Hoon , Lee Changsun , An Jieun , Phuong Tam Thi Thanh , Park Sun Hwa , Lima Márcio D. , Baughman Ray H. , Kang Tong Mook , Kim Seon Jeong
Published: May 2016

There has been continuous progress in the development for biomedical engineering systems of hybrid muscle generated by combining skeletal muscle and artificial structure. The main factor affecting the actuation performance of hybrid muscle relies on the compatibility between living cells and their muscle scaffolds during cell culture. Here, we developed a hybrid muscle powered by C2C12 skeletal muscle cells based on the functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) sheets coated with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to achieve biomimetic actuation. This hydrophilic hybrid muscle is physically durable in solution and responds to electric field stimulation with flexible movement. Furthermore, the biomimetic actuation when controlled by electric field stimulation results in movement similar to that of the hornworm by patterned cell culture method. The contraction and relaxation behavior of the PEDOT/MWCNT-based hybrid muscle is similar to that of the single myotube movement, but has faster relaxation kinetics because of the shape-maintenance properties of the freestanding PEDOT/MWCNT sheets in solution. Our development provides the potential possibility for substantial innovation in the next generation of cell-based biohybrid microsystems.
Single Phase Dual-energy CT Angiography: One-stop-shop Tool for Evaluating Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Ni Qian Qian , Tang Chun Xiang , Zhao Yan E , Zhou Chang Sheng , Chen Guo Zhong , Lu Guang Ming , Zhang Long Jiang
Published: May 2016

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages have extremely high case fatality in clinic. Early and rapid identifications of ruptured intracranial aneurysms seem to be especially important. Here we evaluate clinical value of single phase contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT angiograph (DE-CTA) as a one-stop-shop tool in detecting aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. One hundred and five patients who underwent true non-enhanced CT (TNCT), contrast-enhanced DE-CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were included. Image quality and detectability of intracranial hemorrhage were evaluated and compared between virtual non-enhanced CT (VNCT) images reconstructed from DE-CTA and TNCT. There was no statistical difference in image quality (P > 0.05) between VNCT and TNCT. The agreement of VNCT and TNCT in detecting intracranial hemorrhage reached 98.1% on a per-patient basis. With DSA as reference standard, sensitivity and specificity on a per-patient were 98.3% and 97.9% for DE-CTA in intracranial aneurysm detection. Effective dose of DE-CTA was reduced by 75.0% compared to conventional digital subtraction CTA. Thus, single phase contrast-enhanced DE-CTA is optimal reliable one-stop-shop tool for detecting intracranial hemorrhage with VNCT and intracranial aneurysms with DE-CTA with substantial radiation dose reduction compared with conventional digital subtraction CTA.
miR-9 and miR-124 synergistically affect regulation of dendritic branching via the AKT/GSK3β pathway by targeting Rap2a
Authors: Xue Qian , Yu Caiyong , Wang Yan , Liu Ling , Zhang Kun , Fang Chao , Liu Fangfang , Bian Ganlan , Song Bing , Yang Angang , Ju Gong , Wang Jian
Published: May 2016

A single microRNA (miRNA) can regulate expression of multiple proteins and expression of an individual protein may be controlled by numerous miRNAs. This regulatory pattern strongly suggests that synergistic effects of miRNAs play critical roles in regulating biological processes. miR-9 and miR-124, two of the most abundant miRNAs in the mammalian nervous system, have important functions in neuronal development. In this study, we identified the small GTP-binding protein Rap2a as a common target of both miR-9 and miR-124. miR-9 and miR-124 together, but neither miRNA alone, strongly suppressed Rap2a, thereby promoting neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and dendritic branching of differentiated neurons. Rap2a also diminished the dendritic complexity of mature neurons by decreasing the levels of pAKT and pGSK3β. Our results reveal a novel pathway in which miR-9 and miR-124 synergistically repress expression of Rap2a to sustain homeostatic dendritic complexity during neuronal development and maturation.
Dietary α-linolenic acid-rich flaxseed oil prevents against alcoholic hepatic steatosis via ameliorating lipid homeostasis at adipose tissue-liver axis in mice
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Feng Kun , He Chengwei , Li Peng , Hu Yuan-Jia , Su Huanxing , Wan Jian-Bo
Published: May 2016

Low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in serum and liver tissue biopsies are the common characteristics in patients with alcoholic liver disease. The α-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-derived n-3 PUFA and is rich in flaxseed oil. However, the impact of ALA on alcoholic fatty liver is largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the potential protective effects of ALA-rich flaxseed oil (FO) on ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and observed that dietary FO supplementation effectively attenuated the ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation in mice. Ethanol exposure stimulated adipose lipolysis but reduced fatty acid/lipid uptake, which were normalized by FO. Our investigations into the corresponding mechanisms demonstrated that the ameliorating effect of FO might be associated with the lower endoplasmic reticulum stress and normalized lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. In the liver, alcohol exposure stimulated hepatic fatty acid uptake and triglyceride synthesis, which were attenuated by FO. Additionally, dietary FO upregulated plasma adiponectin concentration, hepatic adiponectin receptor 2 expression and the activation of hepatic adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. Collectively, dietary FO protects against alcoholic hepatic steatosis by improving lipid homeostasis at the adipose tissue-liver axis, suggesting that dietary ALA-rich flaxseed oil might be a promising approach for prevention of alcoholic fatty liver.
Interaction and behaviour imaging: a novel method to measure mother–infant interaction using video 3D reconstruction
Authors: Leclère C , Avril M , Viaux-Savelon S , Bodeau N , Achard C , Missonnier S , Keren M , Feldman R , Chetouani M , Cohen D
Published: May 2016

Studying early interaction is essential for understanding development and psychopathology. Automatic computational methods offer the possibility to analyse social signals and behaviours of several partners simultaneously and dynamically. Here, 20 dyads of mothers and their 13–36-month-old infants were videotaped during mother–infant interaction including 10 extremely high-risk and 10 low-risk dyads using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) sensors. From 2D+3D data and 3D space reconstruction, we extracted individual parameters (quantity of movement and motion activity ratio for each partner) and dyadic parameters related to the dynamics of partners heads distance (contribution to heads distance), to the focus of mutual engagement (percentage of time spent face to face or oriented to the task) and to the dynamics of motion activity (synchrony ratio, overlap ratio, pause ratio). Features are compared with blind global rating of the interaction using the coding interactive behavior (CIB). We found that individual and dyadic parameters of 2D+3D motion features perfectly correlates with rated CIB maternal and dyadic composite scores. Support Vector Machine classification using all 2D–3D motion features classified 100% of the dyads in their group meaning that motion behaviours are sufficient to distinguish high-risk from low-risk dyads. The proposed method may present a promising, low-cost methodology that can uniquely use artificial technology to detect meaningful features of human interactions and may have several implications for studying dyadic behaviours in psychiatry. Combining both global rating scales and computerized methods may enable a continuum of time scale from a summary of entire interactions to second-by-second dynamics.
Transcriptome analysis of cortical tissue reveals shared sets of downregulated genes in autism and schizophrenia
Authors: Ellis S E , Panitch R , West A B , Arking D E
Published: May 2016

Autism (AUT), schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) are three highly heritable neuropsychiatric conditions. Clinical similarities and genetic overlap between the three disorders have been reported; however, the causes and the downstream effects of this overlap remain elusive. By analyzing transcriptomic RNA-sequencing data generated from post-mortem cortical brain tissues from AUT, SCZ, BPD and control subjects, we have begun to characterize the extent of gene expression overlap between these disorders. We report that the AUT and SCZ transcriptomes are significantly correlated (P<0.001), whereas the other two cross-disorder comparisons (AUT–BPD and SCZ–BPD) are not. Among AUT and SCZ, we find that the genes differentially expressed across disorders are involved in neurotransmission and synapse regulation. Despite the lack of global transcriptomic overlap across all three disorders, we highlight two genes,IQSEC3andCOPS7A, which are significantly downregulated compared with controls across all three disorders, suggesting either shared etiology or compensatory changes across these neuropsychiatric conditions. Finally, we tested for enrichment of genes differentially expressed across disorders in genetic association signals in AUT, SCZ or BPD, reporting lack of signal in any of the previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS). Together, these studies highlight the importance of examining gene expression from the primary tissue involved in neuropsychiatric conditions—the cortical brain. We identify a shared role for altered neurotransmission and synapse regulation in AUT and SCZ, in addition to two genes that may more generally contribute to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of PEDOT:PSS/PANI–CSA polymer multilayer structures
Authors: Lee Hye Jeong , Anoop Gopinathan , Lee Hyeon Jun , Kim Chingu , Park Ji-Woong , Choi Jaeyoo , Kim Heesuk , Kim Yong-Jae , Lee Eunji , Lee Sang-Gil , Kim Young-Min , Lee Joo-Hyoung , Jo Ji Young
Published: May 2016

A layer-by-layer deposition of two conducting polymers, each layer of which is a few tenths of nanometer thick, has been successfully performed to enhance the thermoelectric power factor of organic thin films.
Microfluidic flow-injection thermal-lens microscopy for high-throughput and sensitive analysis of sub-μL samples
Authors: Liu Mingqiang , Malovrh Sara , Franko Mladen
Published: May 2016

A μFIA-TLM method is developed for high throughput (over ten samples per min) and sensitive analysis of sub-microliter nonfluorescent samples in flowing mediums.
Insights into the unexpected chemoselectivity in Brønsted acid catalyzed cyclization of isatins with enaminones: convenient synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolin-1-ones and spirooxindoles
Authors: Xu Hui , Zhou Bei , Zhou Pan , Zhou Jie , Shen Yuehai , Yu Fu-Chao , Lu Ling-Ling
Published: May 2016

Chemoselective [1+2+3] vs. cascade cyclization has been developed by switching Brønsted acid, offering a divergent synthesis of pyrrolo[3,4-c]quinolin-1-ones and spirooxindoles.
Influence of TMAO and urea on the structure of water studied by inelastic X-ray scattering
Authors: Sahle Christoph J. , Schroer Martin A. , Juurinen Iina , Niskanen Johannes
Published: May 2016

We present a study on the influence of the naturally occurring organic osmolytes tri-methylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and urea on the bulk structure of water using X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy.
Spotlight on the ligand: luminescent cyclometalated Pt(iv) complexes containing a fluorenyl moiety
Authors: Juliá Fabio , González-Herrero Pablo
Published: May 2016

A family of Pt(iv) complexes with 2-(9,9-dimethylfluoren-2-yl)pyridine is reported, including bis- and tris-cyclometalated derivatives, which exhibit intense 3LC phosphorescent emissions in fluid solution.
Quantitative analysis of aliphatic amines in urban aerosols based on online derivatization and high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Huang Xiongfeng , Deng Congrui , Zhuang Guoshun , Lin Jing , Xiao Mengxin
Published: May 2016

The chromatogram of a standard solution of 7 amines, and average concentrations and contributions of individual amines in dry and wet seasons. MA, EA, P1A, BA, P2A, HA, and 2AE denote methylamine, ethylamine, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine and ethanolamine, respectively.
Artichoke and milk thistle pills and syrups as sources of phenolic compounds with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Pereira Carla , Barros Lillian , José Alves Maria , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: May 2016

Milk thistle syrup presented the highest variety and concentration of flavonoids, which is possibly related to its strongest antimicrobial activity.
Rapid production of benzazole derivatives by a high-pressure and high-temperature water microflow chemical process
Authors: Nagao I. , Ishizaka T. , Kawanami H.
Published: May 2016

A high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) water microflow chemical process was utilized for the synthesis of benzazole derivatives.
Synthesis and regioselective functionalization of perhalogenated BODIPYs
Authors: Zhao Ning , Xuan Sunting , Byrd Brandon , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Vicente M. Graça H.
Published: May 2016

We report the synthesis of perhalogenated BODIPYs and investigate the regioselective functionalization of a perhalogenated BODIPY using Pd(0)-catalyzed Stille cross-coupling reactions. Further reaction at the boron atom produces nona-functionalized BODIPYs.
Polycarbonate-based biodegradable copolymers for stimuli responsive targeted drug delivery
Authors: Ganivada Mutyala Naidu , Kumar Pawan , Kanjilal Pintu , Dinda Himadri , Sarma Jayasri Das , Shunmugam Raja
Published: May 2016

The newly developed polymeric nanocarrier could open a new avenue for cancer therapy, due to its unique design as well as, most importantly, its biocompatible and biodegradable nature.
Machine-learning prediction of the d-band center for metals and bimetals
Authors: Takigawa Ichigaku , Shimizu Ken-ichi , Tsuda Koji , Takakusagi Satoru
Published: May 2016

The d-band centers for eleven metals and their pairwise bimetals for two different structures (1% metal doped- or overlayer-covered metal surfaces) are statistically predicted using machine learning methods from readily available values as descriptors for the target metals.
Heptazine-based graphitic carbon nitride as an effective hydrogen purification membrane
Authors: Ji Yujin , Dong Huilong , Lin Haiping , Zhang Liling , Hou Tingjun , Li Youyong
Published: May 2016

A graphitic C3N4 nanosheet with well-ordered sized intrinsic vacancies provides a natural porous diffusion pathway to separate H2 from common gases.
Adaption of the structure of carbon nanohybrids toward high-relaxivity for a new MRI contrast agent
Authors: Li Juan , Cui Rongli , Chang Yanan , Guo Xihong , Gu Weihong , Huang Huan , Chen Kui , Lin Guoming , Dong Jinquan , Xing Gengmei , Sun Baoyun
Published: May 2016

The structure and physicochemical properties of the carbon nanohybrids, rather than the Gd concentration, determined their higher relaxivity.
Förster resonance energy transfer properties of a new type of near-infrared excitation PDT photosensitizer: CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots-5-aminolevulinic acid conjugates
Authors: Feng Yueshu , Liu Liwei , Hu Siyi , Liu Yingyi , Ren Yu , Zhang Xihe
Published: May 2016

Recently, near-infrared (NIR) excitation has been suggested for PDT improvement and therapy of cancer.
Ionic liquid-based fluorescence sensing paper: rapid, ultrasensitive, and in-site detection of methamphetamine in human urine
Authors: Wang Ruifeng , Qi Xiujuan , Liu Shimin , Zhao Lei , Lu Liujin , Deng Youquan
Published: May 2016

A low cost sensing paper chip was developed to perform a rapid and ultrasensitive in-site methamphetamine test in human urine.
Carrier-tunable magnetism in two dimensional graphene-like C2N
Authors: Liang Zhaohuan , Xu Bo , Xiang Hui , Xia Yidong , Yin Jiang , Liu Zhiguo
Published: May 2016

We explore the carrier doping effect on magnetic properties in two dimensional (2D) graphene-like C2N (g-C2N) by density functional theory calculations.
Amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers with a biodegradable hyperbranched poly(ε-caprolactone) core prepared from homologous AB2 macromonomer
Authors: Zhang Xiaojin , Cheng Juan , Zhuo Renxi
Published: May 2016

Amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers with biodegradable hyperbranched poly(ε-caprolactone) core were prepared from homologous AB2 macromonomer.
Fabrication of magnetic bimetallic Fe3O4@Au–Pd hybrid nanoparticles with recyclable and efficient catalytic properties
Authors: Xia Qingdong , Fu Shanshan , Ren Guojuan , Chai Fang , Jiang Jingjie , Qu Fengyu
Published: May 2016

View of the preparation process and evaluation of the catalytic activity of Fe3O4@Pd and Fe3O4@Au–Pd NPs.
Drug resistance mechanisms of three mutations V32I, I47V and V82I in HIV-1 protease toward inhibitors probed by molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy predictions
Authors: Chen Jianzhong
Published: May 2016

Molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculations were used to probe drug resistance of HIV-1 protease mutations toward inhibitors.
Facile fabrication and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of In2O3/Ag2CrO4 composites
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhou Xiaosong , Ma Lin , Xu Xuyao , Ruan Huiting , Zhang Zhibin
Published: May 2016

The efficient charge transfer at the interfaces of In2O3/Ag2CrO4 composite due to the formation of Z-scheme system composed of In2O3, Ag and Ag2CrO4, which effectively improved the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers.
Three-dimensional nanoarchitecture SnSbZn–C composite nanofibers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Linping , Zhang Peixin , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong , Deng Libo
Published: May 2016

Electrospun SnSbZn–C composite nanofibers as anode materials showed increased performance for lithium ion batteries.
New insights into the sensing mechanism of shape controlled ZnO particles
Authors: D'Arienzo Massimiliano , Redaelli Matteo , Di Credico Barbara , Polizzi Stefano , Scotti Roberto , Morazzoni Franca
Published: May 2016

Monitoring the sensing behavior and the reactivity of ESR active VO˙ species in ZnO crystals with specific exposed surfaces and in nanoparticles with uneven shape, different morphology-dependent sensing mechanism have been identified.
Synthesis of phosphorus amidite ligand and investigation of its flexibility impact on rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 1-octene
Authors: Han Weibiao , Qin Song , Shu Xiao , Wu Qianhui , Xu Bin , Li Ruixiang , Zheng Xueli , Chen Hua
Published: May 2016

Less variation of the ∠P–Rh–P made olefin-insertion and CO-insertion easier to occur and resulted in higher aldehyde selectivity (L1-system).
On-line sensitive detection of aromatic vapor through PDMS/C3H7S-assisted SERS amplification
Authors: Xia Di , Guo Qinghua , Ge Ming , Yuan Yaxian , Xu Minmin , Yao Jianlin
Published: May 2016

A PDMS/C3H7S-assisted SERS amplification method was developed for on-line detection of aromatic vapor. This approach provides a rapid, efficient route to significantly improve the capture and immobilization of vapor molecules on the plasmonic surface in the flowing system.
One pot three-component reaction for covalent immobilization of enzymes: application of immobilized lipases for kinetic resolution of rac-ibuprofen
Authors: Mohammadi Mehdi , Gandomkar Somayyeh , Habibi Zohreh , Yousefi Maryam
Published: May 2016

A one pot three-component reaction was used for the covalent immobilization of CALB and RML on epoxy-functionalized supports.
Nonvolatile electrical switching behavior and mechanism of functional polyimides bearing a pyrrole unit: influence of different side groups
Authors: Zhou Zhuxin , Qu Lunjun , Yang Tingting , Wen Jinglan , Zhang Yi , Chi Zhenguo , Liu Siwei , Chen Xudong , Xu Jiarui
Published: May 2016

Influence of side groups to the nonvolatile electrical switching behaviors and its mechanism of polyimides bearing pyrrole unit were systematically studied.
Energetically favoured defects in dense packings of particles on spherical surfaces
Authors: Paquay Stefan , Kusumaatmaja Halim , Wales David J. , Zandi Roya , van der Schoot Paul
Published: May 2016

Basin-hopping and Langevin dynamics calculations reveal that particle packings on curved surfaces can exhibit energetically stabilised defects.
Carbon composite spun fibers with in situ formed multicomponent nanoparticles for a lithium-ion battery anode with enhanced performance
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Liu Jiurong , Qiu Song , Cao Yonghai , Hu Chenxi , Guo Shimei , Guo Zhanhu
Published: May 2016

Fibrous Fe3O4/Fe3C/TiO2/C composite anode material exhibited outstanding cycling and high rate performances due to the synergetic effect among Fe3O4, Fe3C, TiO2 and carbon.
Molten salt synthesis of nitrogen doped porous carbon: a new preparation methodology for high-volumetric capacitance electrode materials
Authors: Ouyang Tian , Cheng Kui , Gao Yinyi , Kong Shuying , Ye Ke , Wang Guiling , Cao Dianxue
Published: May 2016

Here, a novel and one-step molten salt synthesis of three-dimensional, densely nitrogen-doped porous carbon (NPC) material by using low-cost and eco-friendly tofu as the nitrogen-containing carbon source is proposed.
Bulky crystalline BiVO4 thin films for efficient solar water splitting
Authors: Zhong Miao , Hisatomi Takashi , Minegishi Tsutomu , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Katayama Masao , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: May 2016

Bulky crystalline BiVO4 films on ITO realize a half-cell solar-to-hydrogen energy efficiency of 1.5% after modification with CoOx and NiO.
Facile synthesis of hierarchical MoS2–carbon microspheres as a robust anode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Gen , Wang Shengping , Yi Ran , Tan Longfei , Li Hongbo , Zhou Meng , Yan Litao , Jiang Yingbing , Tan Shuai , Wang Donghai , Deng Shuguang , Meng Xianwei , Luo Hongmei
Published: May 2016

MoS2–C microspheres have been demonstrated with excellent electrochemical performances in terms of low resistance, high capacity even at large current density, and stable cycling performance.
Nanostructured polymeric yolk–shell capsules: a versatile tool for hierarchical nanocatalyst design
Authors: Sanchez-Ballester Noelia M. , Rydzek Gaulthier , Pakdel Amir , Oruganti Anjaneyulu , Hasegawa Kotone , Mitome Masanori , Golberg Dmitri , Hill Jonathan P. , Abe Hideki , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: May 2016

All polymeric yolk–shell nanocapsules offer tunable platforms for nanostructured catalyst design including hierarchical architectures, allowing the on-demand synthesis of catalysts.
Fiber-based multifunctional nickel phosphide electrodes for flexible energy conversion and storage
Authors: Zhang Zheye , Liu Shasha , Xiao Jian , Wang Shuai
Published: May 2016

Fiber-based multifunctional nickel phosphide electrodes have been successfully prepared by facile electrodeposition of nickel nanoparticle arrays on a commercial carbon fiber followed by low-temperature phosphidation. With the synergistic effect from the hierarchically porous structure and chemical compositions, the resultant electrodes exhibit excellent performance for overall water-splitting electrocatalysis and flexible supercapacitors.
Flexible supercapacitors based on a polyaniline nanowire-infilled 10 nm-diameter carbon nanotube porous membrane by in situ electrochemical polymerization
Authors: Wang Ranran , Wu Qiang , Zhang Xiaohua , Yang Zhaohui , Gao Lijun , Ni Jiangfeng , Tsui Ophelia K. C.
Published: May 2016

Nano-confined channels of carbon nanotubes greatly suppress volumetric changes of conducting polymers during cyclic charge–discharge processes, preventing loss of capacitance and degradation of the electrodes.
Expedient synthesis of functional single-component glycoliposomes using thiol–yne chemistry
Authors: Goyard D. , Shiao T. C. , Fraleigh N. L. , Vu H.-Y. , Lee H. , Diaz-Mitoma F. , Le H.-T. , Roy R.
Published: May 2016

The preparation of a set of eight unprecedented amphiphilic neoglycolipids forming liposome nanoparticles is reported.
Process-dependent reversible mechanochromic luminescence of bismuth based polymorphs
Authors: Toma Oksana , Mercier Nicolas , Botta Chiara
Published: May 2016

The reversibility of the mechanochromic luminescence (MCL) properties of bismuth based polymorphs depends on how the ground amorphous sample is treated.
Microstrip‐line‐slot fed EDPA elements and array with ELP
Authors: Cao Wen‐quan , Hong Wei , Cai Yang
Published: May 2016

Equally divided patch antenna (EDPA) element and array designs with electrically large property (ELP) are proposed in this study. ELP is realized by dividing the square radiating patch into n × n (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, …) elements gradually with the same overall size but higher resonant frequencies. The dispersion diagrams of the divided unit cells are extracted from the S‐parameters and the field characteristics of dominant modes are described to confirm the ELP. Then 4 × 4 EDPA is taken as an example for detail analysis. By optimizing the geometry of the microstrip‐line‐slot feeding structure, different resonant modes can be merged and broad bandwidth is achieved. Furthermore, 1 × 2 array of the 4 × 4 EDPA is designed. Both the element and array antennas were fabricated for verification and good agreement between the measured and simulated results was obtained. The element and array owns −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 51.4 and 34.9% and maximum gain of 10.6 and 13.5 dBi, respectively. The proposed EDPA method can be used to design antenna element and array with ELP in higher‐frequency band of microwave and millimetre‐wave band for their easy fabrication, wide bandwidth, and considerable gain property.
Wideband monopole antenna tightly aligned to the ground plate
Authors: Iigusa Kyoichi , Sawada Hirokazu , Kojima Fumihide , Yano Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

The authors propose a wideband monopole antenna that is tightly aligned to one edge of its ground plate. Wideband impedance matching with fractional bandwidth of ∼93% is attained by varying stepwise the lateral alignment of the monopole and the ground plate so that the feed side of monopole partially overlaps the ground plate. The tight alignment and overlap concentrates a part of the electric field such as a travelling wave. The step structure rotates the electric field so that the concentrated electric field in the feed side orients roughly the same direction with the electric field in the tip side which is converted into radiation. The basic antenna characteristics are examined by simulation, and verified in experiments.
Feedback-free optical cavity with self-resonating mechanism
Authors: Uesugi Y. , Hosaka Y. , Honda Y. , Kosuge A. , Sakaue K. , Omori T. , Takahashi T. , Urakawa J. , Washio M.
Published: May 2016

We demonstrated the operation of a high finesse optical cavity without utilizing an active feedback system to stabilize the resonance. The effective finesse, which is a finesse including the overall system performance, of the cavity was measured to be 394 000 ± 10 000, and the laser power stored in the cavity was 2.52 ± 0.13 kW, which is approximately 187 000 times greater than the incident power to the cavity. The stored power was stabilized with a fluctuation of 1.7%, and we confirmed continuous cavity operation for more than two hours. This result has the potential to trigger an innovative evolution for applications that use optical resonant cavities such as compact photon sources with laser-Compton scattering or cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy.