bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Genome Sequencing demonstrates that Geographic Variation of Escherichia coli O157 Genotypes Dominates Host Association
Authors: Strachan Norval J. C. , Rotariu Ovidiu , Lopes Bruno , MacRae Marion , Fairley Susan , Laing Chad , Gannon Victor , Allison Lesley J. , Hanson Mary F. , Dallman Tim , Ashton Philip , Franz Eelco , van Hoek Angela H. A. M. , French Nigel P. , George Tessy , Biggs Patrick J. , Forbes Ken J.
Published: October 2015

Genetic variation in an infectious disease pathogen can be driven by ecological niche dissimilarities arising from different host species and different geographical locations. Whole genome sequencing was used to compare E. coli O157 isolates from host reservoirs (cattle and sheep) from Scotland and to compare genetic variation of isolates (human, animal, environmental/food) obtained from Scotland, New Zealand, Netherlands, Canada and the USA. Nei’s genetic distance calculated from core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrated that the animal isolates were from the same population. Investigation of the Shiga toxin bacteriophage and their insertion sites (SBI typing) revealed that cattle and sheep isolates had statistically indistinguishable rarefaction profiles, diversity and genotypes. In contrast, isolates from different countries exhibited significant differences in Nei’s genetic distance and SBI typing. Hence, after successful international transmission, which has occurred on multiple occasions, local genetic variation occurs, resulting in a global patchwork of continental and trans-continental phylogeographic clades. These findings are important for three reasons: first, understanding transmission and evolution of infectious diseases associated with multiple host reservoirs and multi-geographic locations; second, highlighting the relevance of the sheep reservoir when considering farm based interventions; and third, improving our understanding of why human disease incidence varies across the world.
Structural basis of Ornithine Decarboxylase inactivation and accelerated degradation by polyamine sensor Antizyme1
Authors: Wu Donghui , Kaan Hung Yi Kristal , Zheng Xiaoxia , Tang Xuhua , He Yang , Vanessa Tan Qianmin , Zhang Neng , Song Haiwei
Published: October 2015

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of polyamine biosynthesis in humans. Polyamines are essential for cell proliferation and are implicated in cellular processes, ranging from DNA replication to apoptosis. Excessive accumulation of polyamines has a cytotoxic effect on cells and elevated level of ODC activity is associated with cancer development. To maintain normal cellular proliferation, regulation of polyamine synthesis is imposed by Antizyme1 (AZ1). The expression of AZ1 is induced by a ribosomal frameshifting mechanism in response to increased intracellular polyamines. AZ1 regulates polyamine homeostasis by inactivating ODC activity and enhancing its degradation. Here, we report the structure of human ODC in complex with N-terminally truncated AZ1 (cAZ1). The structure shows cAZ1 binding to ODC, which occludes the binding of a second molecule of ODC to form the active homodimer. Consequently, the substrate binding site is disrupted and ODC is inactivated. Structural comparison shows that the binding of cAZ1 to ODC causes a global conformational change of ODC and renders its C-terminal region flexible, therefore exposing this region for degradation by the 26S proteasome. Our structure provides the molecular basis for the inactivation of ODC by AZ1 and sheds light on how AZ1 promotes its degradation.
Shifts in leaf N:P stoichiometry during rehabilitation in highly alkaline bauxite processing residue sand
Authors: Goloran Johnvie B. , Chen Chengrong , Phillips Ian R. , Elser James J.
Published: October 2015

Large quantities of sodic and alkaline bauxite residue are produced globally as a by-product from alumina refineries. Ecological stoichiometry of key elements [nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)] plays a critical role in establishing vegetation cover in bauxite residue sand (BRS). Here we examined how changes in soil chemical properties over time in rehabilitated sodic and alkaline BRS affected leaf N to P stoichiometry of native species used for rehabilitation. Both Ca and soil pH influenced the shifts in leaf N:P ratios of the study species as supported by consistently significant positive relationships (P < 0.001) between these soil indices and leaf N:P ratios. Shifts from N to P limitation were evident for N-fixing species, while N limitation was consistently experienced by non-N-fixing plant species. In older rehabilitated BRS embankments, soil and plant indices (Ca, Na, pH, EC, ESP and leaf N:P ratios) tended to align with those of the natural ecosystem, suggesting improved rehabilitation performance. These findings highlight that leaf N:P stoichiometry can effectively provide a meaningful assessment on understanding nutrient limitation and productivity of native species used for vegetating highly sodic and alkaline BRS and is a crucial indicator for assessing ecological rehabilitation performance.
High-fat diet prevents adaptive peripartum-associated adrenal gland plasticity and anxiolysis
Authors: Perani Clara V. , Neumann Inga D. , Reber Stefan O. , Slattery David A.
Published: October 2015

Maternal obesity is associated with lower basal plasma cortisol levels and increased risk of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Given that both obesity and the peripartum period are characterized by an imbalance between adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, we hypothesized that the adrenal glands undergo peripartum-associated plasticity and that such changes would be prevented by a high-fat diet (HFD). Here, we demonstrate substantial peripartum adrenal gland plasticity in the pathways involved in cholesterol supply for steroidogenesis in female rats. In detail, the receptors involved in plasma lipid uptake, low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), are elevated, intra-adrenal cholesterol stores are depleted and a key enzyme in de novo cholesterol synthesis, hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), is downregulated; particularly at mid-lactation. HFD prevented the lactation-associated anxiolysis, basal hypercorticism and exaggerated the corticosterone response to ACTH. Moreover, we show that HFD prevented the downregulation of adrenal cholesterol stores and HMGCR expression and LDLR upregulation at mid-lactation. These findings show that the adrenal gland is an important regulator of peripartum-associated HPA axis plasticity and that HFD has maladaptive consequences for the mother, partly by preventing these neuroendocrine and also behavioural changes.
Diurnal rhythms in the human urine metabolome during sleep and total sleep deprivation
Authors: Giskeødegård Guro F. , Davies Sarah K. , Revell Victoria L. , Keun Hector , Skene Debra J.
Published: October 2015

Understanding how metabolite levels change over the 24 hour day is of crucial importance for clinical and epidemiological studies. Additionally, the association between sleep deprivation and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity requires investigation into the links between sleep and metabolism. Here, we characterise time-of-day variation and the effects of sleep deprivation on urinary metabolite profiles. Healthy male participants (n = 15) completed an in-laboratory study comprising one 24 h sleep/wake cycle prior to 24 h of continual wakefulness under highly controlled environmental conditions. Urine samples were collected over set 2–8 h intervals and analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Significant changes were observed with respect to both time of day and sleep deprivation. Of 32 identified metabolites, 7 (22%) exhibited cosine rhythmicity over at least one 24 h period; 5 exhibiting a cosine rhythm on both days. Eight metabolites significantly increased during sleep deprivation compared with sleep (taurine, formate, citrate, 3-indoxyl sulfate, carnitine, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, TMAO and acetate) and 8 significantly decreased (dimethylamine, 4-DTA, creatinine, ascorbate, 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, allantoin, 4-DEA, 4-hydroxyphenylacetate). These data indicate that sampling time, the presence or absence of sleep and the response to sleep deprivation are highly relevant when identifying biomarkers in urinary metabolic profiling studies.
The network organization of protein interactions in the spliceosome is reproduced by the simple rules of food-web models
Authors: Pires Mathias M. , Cantor Maurício , Guimarães Paulo R. , de Aguiar Marcus A. M. , dos Reis Sérgio F. , Coltri Patricia P.
Published: October 2015

The network structure of biological systems provides information on the underlying processes shaping their organization and dynamics. Here we examined the structure of the network depicting protein interactions within the spliceosome, the macromolecular complex responsible for splicing in eukaryotic cells. We show the interactions of less connected spliceosome proteins are nested subsets of the connections of the highly connected proteins. At the same time, the network has a modular structure with groups of proteins sharing similar interaction patterns. We then investigated the role of affinity and specificity in shaping the spliceosome network by adapting a probabilistic model originally designed to reproduce food webs. This food-web model was as successful in reproducing the structure of protein interactions as it is in reproducing interactions among species. The good performance of the model suggests affinity and specificity, partially determined by protein size and the timing of association to the complex, may be determining network structure. Moreover, because network models allow building ensembles of realistic networks while encompassing uncertainty they can be useful to examine the dynamics and vulnerability of intracelullar processes. Unraveling the mechanisms organizing the spliceosome interactions is important to characterize the role of individual proteins on splicing catalysis and regulation.
Proteasome Activation is Mediated via a Functional Switch of the Rpt6 C-terminal Tail Following Chaperone-dependent Assembly
Authors: Sokolova Vladyslava , Li Frances , Polovin George , Park Soyeon
Published: October 2015

In the proteasome, the proteolytic 20S core particle (CP) associates with the 19S regulatory particle (RP) to degrade polyubiquitinated proteins. Six ATPases (Rpt1-Rpt6) of the RP form a hexameric Rpt ring and interact with the heptameric α ring (α1–α7) of the CP via the Rpt C-terminal tails individually binding to the α subunits. Importantly, the Rpt6 tail has been suggested to be crucial for RP assembly. Here, we show that the interaction of the CP and Rpt6 tail promotes a CP-Rpt3 tail interaction and that they jointly mediate proteasome activation via opening the CP gate for substrate entry. The Rpt6 tail forms a novel relationship with the Nas6 chaperone, which binds to Rpt3 and regulates the CP-Rpt3 tail interaction, critically influencing cell growth and turnover of polyubiquitinated proteins. CP-Rpt6 tail binding promotes the release of Nas6 from the proteasome. Based on disulfide crosslinking that detects cognate α3-Rpt6 tail and α2-Rpt3 tail interactions in the proteasome, decreased α3-Rpt6 tail interaction facilitates robust α2-Rpt3 tail interaction that is also strongly ATP-dependent. Together, our data support the reported role of Rpt6 during proteasome assembly and suggest that its function switches from anchoring for RP assembly into promoting Rpt3-dependent activation of the mature proteasome.
Methylation-mediated BMPER expression in fibroblast activation in vitro and lung fibrosis in mice in vivo
Authors: Huan Caijuan , Yang Ting , Liang Jiurong , Xie Ting , Cheng Luis , Liu Ningshan , Kurkciyan Adrianne , Monterrosa Mena Jessica , Wang Chen , Dai Huaping , Noble Paul W. , Jiang Dianhua
Published: October 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease. Although the pathogenesis is poorly understood, evidence suggests that genetic and epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, may play a key role. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and are important regulators in IPF. Here we identified BMP endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER) as a key regulator of fibroblast activation. BMPER is a secreted glycoprotein that binds directly to BMPs and may regulate TGF-β/BMP signaling, but its role in lung fibrosis is not clear. BMPER is highly expressed in human IPF lung fibroblasts compared to normal lung fibroblasts. Demethylation agent 5′-azacytidine decreased BMPER expression in fibroblasts and attenuated the invasion and migration of IPF lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated reduction of BMPER in the human lung fibroblasts impaired cell migration and invasion. 5′-azacytidine treatment additionally regulated BMPER expression and reduced lung fibrosis in mice in vivo. These findings demonstrate that methylation of specific genes in fibroblasts may offer a new therapeutic strategy for IPF by modulating fibroblast activation.
Divergent DNA methylation patterns associated with gene expression in rice cultivars with contrasting drought and salinity stress response
Authors: Garg Rohini , Narayana Chevala VVS , Shankar Rama , Jain Mukesh
Published: October 2015

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that play an important role in gene regulation in response to environmental conditions. The understanding of DNA methylation at the whole genome level can provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying abiotic stress response/adaptation. We report DNA methylation patterns and their influence on transcription in three rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars (IR64, stress-sensitive; Nagina 22, drought-tolerant; Pokkali, salinity-tolerant) via an integrated analysis of whole genome bisulphite sequencing and RNA sequencing. We discovered extensive DNA methylation at single-base resolution in rice cultivars, identified the sequence context and extent of methylation at each site. Overall, methylation levels were significantly different in the three rice cultivars. Numerous differentially methylated regions (DMRs) among different cultivars were identified and many of which were associated with differential expression of genes important for abiotic stress response. Transposon-associated DMRs were found coupled to the transcript abundance of nearby protein-coding gene(s). Small RNA (smRNA) abundance was found to be positively correlated with hypermethylated regions. These results provide insights into interplay among DNA methylation, gene expression and smRNA abundance and suggest a role in abiotic stress adaptation in rice.
Impact of Soil Composition and Electrochemistry on Corrosion of Rock-cut Slope Nets along Railway Lines in China
Authors: Chen Jiao , Chen Zhaoqiong , Ai Yingwei , Xiao Jingyao , Pan Dandan , Li Wei , Huang Zhiyu , Wang Yumei
Published: October 2015

Taking the slope of Suiyu Railway to study, the research separately studied soil resistivity, soil electrochemistry (corrosion potential, oxidization reduction potential, electric potential gradient and pH), soil anions (total soluble salt, Cl−, SO42− and "Equation missing") and soil nutrition (moisture content, organic matter, total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolysable nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium) at different slope levels and conducted corrosion grade evaluation on artificial soil according to its single index and comprehensive indexes. Compared with other factors, water has the biggest impact on the corrosion of slope protection net, followed by anion content. Total soluble salt has the moderate impact on the corrosion of slope protection net and stray current has the moderate impact on the corrosion of mid-slope protection net. Comprehensive evaluation on the corrosive degree of soil samples indicates that the corrosion of upper slope is moderate and the corrosion of mid-slope and lower slope is strong. Organic matter in soil is remarkably relevant to electric potential gradient. Available nitrogen, available potassium and available phosphorus are remarkably relevant to anions. The distribution of soil nutrient is indirectly relevant to slope type.
Exchanging ligand-binding specificity between a pair of mouse olfactory receptor paralogs reveals odorant recognition principles
Authors: Baud Olivia , Yuan Shuguang , Veya Luc , Filipek Slawomir , Vogel Horst , Pick Horst
Published: October 2015

A multi-gene family of ~1000 G protein-coupled olfactory receptors (ORs) constitutes the molecular basis of mammalian olfaction. Due to the lack of structural data its remarkable capacity to detect and discriminate thousands of odorants remains poorly understood on the structural level of the receptor. Using site-directed mutagenesis we transferred ligand specificity between two functionally related ORs and thereby revealed amino acid residues of central importance for odorant recognition and discrimination of the two receptors. By exchanging two of three residues, differing at equivalent positions of the putative odorant binding site between the mouse OR paralogs Olfr73 (mOR-EG) and Olfr74 (mOR-EV), we selectively changed ligand preference but remarkably also signaling activation strength in both ORs. Computer modeling proposed structural details at atomic resolution how the very same odorant molecule might interact with different contact residues to induce different functional responses in two related receptors. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation of how the olfactory system distinguishes different molecular aspects of a given odorant molecule and unravel important molecular details of the combinatorial encoding of odorant identity at the OR level.
Identification of cellular microRNA-136 as a dual regulator of RIG-I-mediated innate immunity that antagonizes H5N1 IAV replication in A549 cells
Authors: Zhao Lianzhong , Zhu Jiping , Zhou Hongbo , Zhao Zongzheng , Zou Zhong , Liu Xiaokun , Lin Xian , Zhang Xue , Deng Xuexia , Wang Ruifang , Chen Huanchun , Jin Meilin
Published: October 2015

H5N1 influenza A virus (IAV) causes severe respiratory diseases and high mortality rates in animals and humans. MicroRNAs are being increasingly studied to evaluate their potential as therapeutic entities to combat viral infection. However, mechanistic studies delineating the roles of microRNAs in regulating host-H5N1 virus interactions remain scarce. Here, we performed microRNA microarray analysis using A549 human lung epithelial cells infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The microRNA expression profile of infected cells identified a small number of microRNAs being dysregulated upon H5N1 influenza A virus infection. Of the differentially expressed microRNAs, miR-136 was up-regulated 5-fold and exhibited potent antiviral activity in vitro against H5N1 influenza A virus, as well as vesicular stomatitis virus. On the one hand, 3′-untranslated region (UTR) reporter analysis revealed a miR-136 binding site in the 3′ UTR of IL-6. However, on the other hand, we subsequently determined that miR-136 meanwhile acts as an immune agonist of retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-I), thereby causing IL-6 and IFN-β accumulation in A549 cells. Overall, this study implicates the dual role of miRNA-136 in the regulation of host antiviral innate immunity and suggests an important role for the microRNA-activated pathway in viral infection via pattern recognition receptors.
Role of supplemental foods and habitat structural complexity in persistence and coexistence of generalist predatory mites
Authors: Pozzebon Alberto , Loeb Gregory M. , Duso Carlo
Published: October 2015

Plant traits can influence the interactions between herbivore arthropods and their natural enemies. In these interactions generalist predators are often present, preying on herbivores and also on other arthropods in the same trophic guild. Variation in the strength of intraguild predation (IGP) may be related to habitat structural complexity and to additional resources outside the narrow predator-prey relationship. In this paper we study the food web interactions on grape, which involves two generalist predatory mites. We evaluated the effects of grape powdery mildew (GPM) as supplemental food and habitat structural complexity provided by domatia. The inoculation of GPM resulted in higher predatory mite densities and reduced the negative impact of unfavorable leaf structure for one species. Access to domatia was the main factor in promoting population abundance and persistence of predatory mites. Access to domatia and GPM availability favored the coexistence of predatory mites at a low density of the intraguild prey. Our findings suggest that structural and nutritional diversity/complexity promote predatory mite abundance and can help to maintain the beneficial mites - plants association. The effect of these factors on coexistence between predators is influenced by the supplemental food quality and relative differences in body size of interacting species.
Density-gradient centrifugation enables the purification of cultured corneal endothelial cells for cell therapy by eliminating senescent cells
Authors: Okumura Naoki , Kusakabe Ayaka , Hirano Hiroatsu , Inoue Ryota , Okazaki Yugo , Nakano Shinichiro , Kinoshita Shigeru , Koizumi Noriko
Published: October 2015

The corneal endothelium is essential for maintaining corneal transparency; therefore, corneal endothelial dysfunction causes serious vision loss. Tissue engineering-based therapy is potentially a less invasive and more effective therapeutic modality. We recently started a first-in-man clinical trial of cell-based therapy for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction in Japan. However, the senescence of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) during the serial passage culture needed to obtain massive quantities of cells for clinical use is a serious technical obstacle preventing the push of this regenerative therapy to clinical settings. Here, we show evidence from an animal model confirming that senescent cells are less effective in cell therapy. In addition, we propose that density-gradient centrifugation can eliminate the senescent cells and purify high potency CECs for clinical use. This simple technique might be applicable for other types of cells in the settings of regenerative medicine.
Characterization of Pressure Transients Generated by Nanosecond Electrical Pulse (nsEP) Exposure
Authors: Roth Caleb C. , Barnes Ronald A. , Ibey Bennett L. , Beier Hope T. , Christopher Mimun L. , Maswadi Saher M. , Shadaram Mehdi , Glickman Randolph D.
Published: October 2015

The mechanism(s) responsible for the breakdown (nanoporation) of cell plasma membranes after nanosecond pulse (nsEP) exposure remains poorly understood. Current theories focus exclusively on the electrical field, citing electrostriction, water dipole alignment and/or electrodeformation as the primary mechanisms for pore formation. However, the delivery of a high-voltage nsEP to cells by tungsten electrodes creates a multitude of biophysical phenomena, including electrohydraulic cavitation, electrochemical interactions, thermoelastic expansion and others. To date, very limited research has investigated non-electric phenomena occurring during nsEP exposures and their potential effect on cell nanoporation. Of primary interest is the production of acoustic shock waves during nsEP exposure, as it is known that acoustic shock waves can cause membrane poration (sonoporation). Based on these observations, our group characterized the acoustic pressure transients generated by nsEP and determined if such transients played any role in nanoporation. In this paper, we show that nsEP exposures, equivalent to those used in cellular studies, are capable of generating high-frequency (2.5 MHz), high-intensity (>13 kPa) pressure transients. Using confocal microscopy to measure cell uptake of YO-PRO®-1 (indicator of nanoporation of the plasma membrane) and changing the electrode geometry, we determined that acoustic waves alone are not responsible for poration of the membrane.
The Biological Roles of Calcium: Nutrition, Diseases and Analysis
Authors: Moreira Leonardo M. , Araujo Raphael P. , Leonel Fernando P. , Machado Henrique V. N. , Teixeira Alexandre O. , Santos Fabio V. , Santos Vanessa J. S. V. , Lyon Juliana P.
Published: October 2015

Calcium is an alkaline-earth metal with atomic number 20 and the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust, being one component of several common mineral salts. This mineral is important in plant physiology as well as to several metabolic and cellular functions of the human organism, as well as to the formation of bone tissues. Insufficient calcium intake may lead to the development of osteoporosis. On the other hand, the excessive ingestion of calcium increases the risk for renal calculus and intestinal constipation. The presence of calcium in the blood is regulated by vitamin D and by the hormones calcitonin and parathormone.
Calcium Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation: Implications for Maternal and Infant Bone Health
Authors: Bezerra Flávia Fioruci , Donangelo Carmen Marino
Published: October 2015

It is well accepted that in women with calcium intakes close to current recommendations, the physiologic adaptations for providing calcium to the fetus and infant are largely independent of calcium intake, and that there is no apparent bone benefit for the mother or infant of using calcium supplements. However, in women consuming low calcium diets, and in adolescent mothers, maternal bone adaptations during reproduction have been found to respond to increased calcium intake or calcium supplementation although not always as expected. Moreover, fetal and infant skeletal development has been found to be positively associated to increased maternal calcium intake or supplementation during pregnancy in some but not all studies. These apparently inconsistent results are possibly due to the complex interactions between genetics, diet composition, calcium intake, environment, and lifestyle on maternal and infant bone responses during pregnancy and lactation. In this chapter, studies evaluating the effect of maternal calcium intake during pregnancy and lactation, from the diet and from supplements, on maternal bone outcomes and on fetal and infant bone growth are reviewed. The effect of other factors on bone outcomes and the possible implications for the maternal and infant bone health are considered.
The Effects of Dietary Calcium on Hypertension
Authors: Rossi Filippo
Published: October 2015

The role of Ca in the prevention of hypertension is controversial, with some research showing a lowering of blood pressure due to Ca supplementation and other studies that were not able to detect any ipotensive effect of this mineral. According to recent and less recent studies, Ca can lower blood pressure in two ways: (1) by increasing the endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide, a strong vasodilator; (2) by removing the misregulation of plasma renin activity in salt-sensitive subjects. As a consequence, an increase in Ca intake will be detected in the juxta-glomerular apparatus with a consequent reduction in renin and angiotensin synthesis. Renin is an enzyme, produced by the kidney, that converts angiotensinogen, secreted from the liver, in angiotensin I. At the pulmonary level angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II determines a blood-vessel contraction and an increase in blood pressure.
Inadequate Calcium Intake and Body Fat in Adults
Authors: Tidwell Diane K. , McAllister Matthew J.
Published: October 2015

The role of calcium in fat metabolism is still evolving. Several complex interrelated mechanisms have been identified, such as the calcium-sensing receptor, fatty acid synthase activity, vitamin D or calcitriol and other hormones, that may influence the accumulation of body fat in the presence of inadequate dietary calcium. Numerous analytical and observational studies have associated inadequate calcium intake with body fat, body-mass index, and obesity; however, there are also studies that reported calcium did not affect body fat or body-mass index. With calcium intakes generally low for adults and obesity rates high, promoting adequate intakes of calcium seem to be warranted. Although other biological, physical, and environmental factors affect the development of obesity, consuming adequate intakes of calcium may be easier to achieve in comparison to other lifestyle factors that affect an individual's body fat status. Overall, the evidence supports that calcium affects body fat and consuming adequate amounts of calcium could play a role in reducing the prevalence of obesity.
DyNAvectors: dynamic constitutional vectors for adaptive DNA transfection
Authors: Clima Lilia , Peptanariu Dragos , Pinteala Mariana , Salic Adrian , Barboiu Mihail
Published: October 2015

A dynamic constitutional strategy presented here, combining easy synthesis and rapid screening, enables the selection of highly effective Dynamic Constitutional Frameworks (DCFs) for DNA transfection.
Robust silver-mediated imidazolo-dC base pairs in metal DNA: dinuclear silver bridges with exceptional stability in double helices with parallel and antiparallel strand orientation
Authors: Jana Sunit Kumar , Guo Xiurong , Mei Hui , Seela Frank
Published: October 2015

The silver-mediated imidazolo-dC base pair decorated with a furan residue forms exceptionally stable dinuclear silver bridges in DNA double helices with parallel and antiparallel chain orientation.
Ternary cooperative assembly—polymeric condensation of photoactive viologen, phosphonate-terminated dendrimers and crystalline anatase nanoparticles
Authors: Katir Nadia , Brahmi Younes , Majoral Jean Pierre , Bousmina Mosto , El Kadib Abdelkrim
Published: October 2015

The three players – phosphonate-terminated dendrimers, viologen units and titanium oxo-species – afford, by synergistic action, multi-functional anisotropic phosphonate-bridged-crystalline anatase hybrid materials.
A polar/πmodel of interactions explains face-to-face stacked quinoid rings: a case study of the crystal of potassium hydrogen chloranilate dihydrate
Authors: Molčanov Krešimir , Stare Jernej , Kojić-Prodić Biserka , Lecomte Claude , Dahaoui Slimane , Jelsch Christian , Wenger Emmanuel , Šantić Ana , Zarychta Bartosz
Published: October 2015

The nature of interactions between face-to-face stacked quinoid rings with delocalised pi-systems with short interplanar distance, is analyzed by experimental and theoretical methods.
Correlation of the changes in the framework and active Cu sites for typical Cu/CHA zeolites (SSZ-13 and SAPO-34) during hydrothermal aging
Authors: Su Wenkang , Li Zhenguo , Peng Yue , Li Junhua
Published: October 2015

The relative framework stability of Cu/CHA zeolites (SAPO-34 and SSZ-13) was studied during hydrothermal aging at 800 °C, and the fundamental mechanism for the framework change was investigated.
Long-term (2001–2012) observation of the modeled hygroscopic growth factor of remote marine TSP aerosols over the western North Pacific: impact of long-range transport of pollutants and their mixing states
Authors: Boreddy S. K. R. , Kawamura Kimitaka , Haque Md. Mozammel
Published: October 2015

A 12 year of modeled hygroscopic growth factors,g(90%)ZSR, has been studied over the western North Pacific during 2001–2012.
Graphyne nanotubes as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction: the effect of doping elements on the catalytic mechanisms
Authors: Chen Xin
Published: October 2015

The effect of doping elements on the oxygen reduction catalytic activity and the mechanism on graphyne nanotubes was studied by DFT.
Pentanuclear [2.2] spirocyclic lanthanide(iii) complexes: slow magnetic relaxation of the DyIII analogue
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Das Sourav , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: October 2015

A series of [2.2] spirocyclic complexes [Ln5(LH)4(η1-Piv)(η2-Piv)3(μ2–η2 η1Piv)2(H2O)]·Cl (Ln = DyIII, TbIII and HoIII) were synthesized. Magnetic analysis reveals that the DyIII analogue showed slow relaxation of magnetization.
Rhenium complexes of bidentate, bis-bidentate and tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Chan Chung Ying , Barnard Peter J.
Published: October 2015

Rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes of a range of bidentate, bis-bidentate and tridentate NHC ligands have been prepared. These NHC ligands are of interest for possible applications in the development of Tc-99m or Re-186/188 radiopharmaceuticals and the stability of two complexes were evaluated in ligand challenge experiments using the metal binding amino acids l-histidine or l-cysteine.
Electropolymerizable peripherally tetra-{2-[3-(diethylamino)phenoxy]ethoxy} substituted as well as axially (4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)propanoxy-disubstituted silicon phthalocyanines and their electrochemistry
Authors: Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Alp Hakan
Published: October 2015

A novel type of peripherally tetra-substituted as well as axially disubstituted silicon(iv) phthalocyanine containing electropolymerizable ligands was designed and synthesized for the first time.
Mesoporous sulfonic acid silicas for pyrolysis bio-oil upgrading via acetic acid esterification
Authors: Manayil Jinesh C. , Inocencio Carlos V. M. , Lee Adam F. , Wilson Karen
Published: October 2015

Propylsulfonic acid derivatised SBA-15 catalysts exhibit excellent catalytic performance and water tolerance for the upgrading of a model pyrolysis bio-oilviaacetic acid esterification with benzyl alcohol in toluene.
Particle size-related elemental fractionation in laser ablation in liquid inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Machida Ryo , Nakazawa Takashi , Sakuraba Yuka , Fujiwara Masahide , Furuta Naoki
Published: October 2015

Size-related elemental fractionation during LAL sampling was investigated separately from elemental fractionation in the ICP and the elemental fractionation in the ICP was larger than that observed during LAL sampling.
Broadly tunable graphene plasmons using an ion-gel top gate with low control voltage
Authors: Hu Hai , Zhai Feng , Hu Debo , Li Zhenjun , Bai Bing , Yang Xiaoxia , Dai Qing
Published: October 2015

The electrostatic tunability of graphene is vital in the field of active plasmons and would be beneficial in tunable infrared and terahertz optical element applications.
Poly(N-acryloyl ciprofloxacin-co-acrylic acid) grafted magnetite nanoparticles for microbial decontamination of collagen solution: have we conquered the problem of antimicrobial residues?
Authors: Chang Jinming , Chen Yi , Zhao Shiyu , Guan Xiaoyu , Fan Haojun
Published: October 2015

A strategy to avoid antimicrobial residues in decontaminated collagen solution is provided.
Chemical vapour deposition of soluble poly(p-xylylene) copolymers with tuneable properties
Authors: Paulus Ilka E. , Heiny Markus , Shastri V. Prasad , Greiner Andreas
Published: October 2015

High-molecular weight poly(p-xylylene) (PPX)/2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) copolymers are synthesized by chemical vapour deposition. The copolymer coatings are hydrophilic and show good cytocompatibility.
Synthesis and characterization of ammonia-responsive polymer microgels
Authors: Peng Yahui , Jiang Xiaomei , Chen Shoumin , Wu Qingshi , Shen Jing , Wu Weitai
Published: October 2015

We report a polymer microgel that can undergo rapid, reversible, and highly-sensitive volume phase transitions upon varying ammonia concentrations in milieu.
Effect of surface oxygen/nitrogen groups on hydrogen chloride removal using modified viscose-based activated carbon fibers
Authors: Wang Zean , Liu Hao , Zhou Kang , Fu Peifang , Zeng Hancai , Qiu Jianrong
Published: October 2015

Nitro and nitroso groups can be introduced to improve HCl retention ability over the activated carbon fibers.
Monte Carlo study of the micelles constructed by ABCA tetrablock copolymers and their formation in A-selective solvents
Authors: Ma Jiani , Cui Jie , Han Yuanyuan , Jiang Wei , Sun Yingchun
Published: October 2015

Micelles with hamburger-type and Janus-type solvophobic parts, asymmetric vesicles with multicompartment outer surface formed by ABCA tetrablock copolymers in A-selective solvent.
Adsorption removal of Congo red over flower-like porous microspheres derived from Ni/Al layered double hydroxide
Authors: Huang Weiya , Yu Xiang , Li Dan
Published: October 2015

Flower-like porous microspheres of Ni/Al mixed oxide, consisting of a hollow core and mesoporous shell, can achieve a superior adsorption and regeneration capacity toward Congo red.
Self-assembly of platinum nanoparticles and coordination-driven assembly with porphyrin
Authors: Liu Xiao , Koposova Ekaterina , Offenhäusser Andreas , Mourzina Yulia
Published: October 2015

The easily accessible surfaces of Pt nanostructures were demonstrated by two kinds of assembly processes.
Electrospun polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanofibers as a new adsorbent for micro-solid phase extraction of chromium(vi) in environmental water samples
Authors: Sereshti Hassan , Amini Farzaneh , Najarzadekan Hamid
Published: October 2015

An SPME method based on electrospun PET nanofibers coupled with UV-Vis spectrophotometry for the detection of Cr(vi) in water.
Eco-friendly water-induced aluminum oxide dielectrics and their application in a hybrid metal oxide/polymer TFT
Authors: Liu Ao , Liu Guoxia , Zhu Huihui , Shin Byoungchul , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Shan Fukai
Published: October 2015

Eco-friendly water-inducement method was used to fabricate hybrid metal oxide/polymer TFTs based on high-k AlOx dielectric with high electrical performance.
Highly mild approach towards synthesis of tetrasubstituted thiophenes by an organic salt afforded by cyclic thioureas and ketene dithioacetals
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Vahabi Amir Hossein , Bazgir Ayoob , Khavasi Hamid Reza , Zhu Zhe , Ng Seik Weng
Published: October 2015

An organic salt generated by cyclic thioureas and 2-di(methylsulfanyl)methylenemalononitrile in reaction with primary and secondary α-haloketones leads to tetrasubstituted thiophenes without using additional base or catalyst at room temperature.
A new and facile way to fabricate catalytically active block copolymer/Au nanoparticle multilayer thin films at the air/liquid interface
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Xingjuan , Lee Yong-Ill , Liu Hong-Guo
Published: October 2015

A catalytically active multilayer film of PB-b-P2VP doped with Au nanoparticles was fabricated through liquid/liquid interfacial mass transfer, self-assembly in an aqueous phase and adsorption at the air/liquid interface.
Large-scale R2R fabrication of piezoresistive films (Ni/PDMS) with enhanced through thickness electrical and thermal properties by applying a magnetic field
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Guo Yuanhao , Batra Saurabh , Unsal Emre , Wang Enmin , Wang Yanping , Liu Xueqing , Wang Yimin , Cakmak Miko
Published: October 2015

The first successful development of a roll to roll process of thin films with anistropic conductivities.
Influence of magnetic nanoparticle arrangement in ferrogels for tunable biomolecule diffusion
Authors: Liu Ting-Yu , Chan Tzu-Yi , Wang Kuan-Syun , Tsou Hui-Ming
Published: October 2015

We developed a novel method to control nanochannel formation in a magnetic nanohybrid membrane using an applied magnetic field. The direction of the nanochannels could be manipulated by magnetic nanoparticle self-assembly under different field directions.
Elaborating ordered silicon carbide nanorods by preceramic polymer nanocasting
Authors: Nardin Thibaud , Cambedouzou Julien , Ravaux Johann , Rey Cyrielle , Meyer Daniel , Diat Olivier
Published: October 2015

Top: Schematic representation of the hard templating approach. Bottom left: SAXS profiles at each step of the SiC elaboration. Bottom right: SEM images of porous SiC.
A direct green route towards the synthesis of 2-aroyl-3,5-diarylthiophenes from 1,5-diketones
Authors: Chithiravel Rengasamy , Rajaguru Kandasamy , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of 2-aroyl-3,5-diarylthiophenes has been achieved from various 1,5-diketones with elemental sulphur and morpholine under microwave irradiation following a greener protocol.
Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid)-sodium-modified magnetic reduced graphene oxide for enhanced adsorption performance toward cationic dyes
Authors: Song Yu-Bei , Song Xiao-Dong , Cheng Chang-Jing , Zhao Zhi-Gang
Published: October 2015

PSSMA-modified magnetic reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites (PSSMA/M-rGO) were prepared and used for enhanced adsorption of cationic dyes.
Speeding up biomolecular interactions by molecular sledding
Authors: Turkin Alexander , Zhang Lei , Marcozzi Alessio , Mangel Walter F. , Herrmann Andreas , van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: October 2015

Reaction partners are functionalised with a DNA sliding peptide and the association between them is significantly speeded up in the presence of DNA in solution.
Asymmetric supercapacitors with high energy density based on helical hierarchical porous NaxMnO2and MoO2
Authors: Lu Xue-Feng , Huang Zhi-Xiang , Tong Ye-Xiang , Li Gao-Ren
Published: October 2015

Helical hierarchical porous NaxMnO2/CC and MoO2/CC, which are assembled from nanosheets and nanoparticles, respectively, are fabricated using a simple electrodeposition method.
Heterogeneous vesicles: an analytical approach to equilibrium shapes
Authors: Kim Sangwoo , Hilgenfeldt Sascha
Published: October 2015

The equilibrium shapes of vesicles made from hard (red) and soft (blue) components are found to prefer lesser symmetry (e.g. prisms rather than cubes) over a wide range of parameters.
Aligned polyaniline nanowires grown on the internal surface of macroporous carbon for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Jianpeng , Ren Yaqi , Ren Zhonghua , Wang Shuguang , Qiu Yejun , Yu Jie
Published: October 2015

Polyaniline nanowires grown on the internal surface of macroporous carbon show high utilization efficiency for supercapacitors, leading to a high specific capacitance (1500 F g−1 at 1 A g−1).
Hierarchical structuring of metal–organic framework thin-films on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) substrates for selective adsorption applications
Authors: Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Tu Min , Sumida Kenji , Khaletskaya Kira , Furukawa Shuhei , Kitagawa Susumu , Fischer Roland A.
Published: October 2015

Size selective adsorption of alcohols and molecular recognition of methanol over water are observed in the heterostructured Zn4O(3,5-dialkylcarboxypyrazolate)3 films.
Laser light triggered smart release of silibinin from a PEGylated–PLGA gold nanocomposite
Authors: Fazio E. , Scala A. , Grimato S. , Ridolfo A. , Grassi G. , Neri F.
Published: October 2015

In this work a new remotely-triggered drug delivery system based on PEG–PLGA_Au nanocomposite is proposed.
Biofabrication of reinforced 3D-scaffolds using two-component hydrogels
Authors: Boere Kristel W. M. , Blokzijl Maarten M. , Visser Jetze , Linssen J. Elder A. , Malda Jos , Hennink Wim E. , Vermonden Tina
Published: October 2015

Partially cross-linked two component hydrogels were bioprinted with high shape fidelity. These hydrogels were covalently grafted to a thermoplastic 3D-printed network to yield mechanically strong constructs.
Phosphoregulation of the C. elegans cadherin–catenin complex
Authors: Callaci Sandhya , Morrison Kylee , Shao Xiangqiang , Schuh Amber L. , Wang Yueju , Yates John R. , Hardin Jeff , Audhya Anjon
Published: October 2015

Adherens junctions play key roles in mediating cell–cell contacts during tissue development. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, the cadherin–catenin complex (CCC), composed of the classical cadherin HMR-1 and members of three catenin families, HMP-1, HMP-2 and JAC-1, is necessary for normal blastomere adhesion, gastrulation, ventral enclosure of the epidermis and embryo elongation. Disruption of CCC assembly or function results in embryonic lethality. Previous work suggests that components of the CCC are subject to phosphorylation. However, the identity of phosphorylated residues in CCC components and their contributions to CCC stability and function in a living organism remain speculative. Using mass spectrometry, we systematically identify phosphorylated residues in the essential CCC subunits HMR-1, HMP-1 and HMP-2 in vivo. We demonstrate that HMR-1/cadherin phosphorylation occurs on three sites within its β-catenin binding domain that each contributes to CCC assembly on lipid bilayers. In contrast, phosphorylation of HMP-2/β-catenin inhibits its association with HMR-1/cadherin in vitro, suggesting a role in CCC disassembly. Although HMP-1/α-catenin is also phosphorylated in vivo, phosphomimetic mutations do not affect its ability to associate with other CCC components or interact with actin in vitro. Collectively, our findings support a model in which distinct phosphorylation events contribute to rapid CCC assembly and disassembly, both of which are essential for morphogenetic rearrangements during development.
Histone deacetylase 3 indirectly modulates tubulin acetylation
Authors: Bacon Travis , Seiler Caroline , Wolny Marcin , Hughes Ruth , Watson Peter , Schwabe John , Grigg Ronald , Peckham Michelle
Published: October 2015

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), a member of the Class I subfamily of HDACs, is found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. Its roles in the nucleus have been well characterized, but its cytoplasmic roles are still not elucidated fully. We found that blocking HDAC3 activity using MI192, a compound specific for HDAC3, modulated tubulin acetylation in the human prostate cancer cell line PC3. A brief 1 h treatment of PC3 cells with MI192 significantly increased levels of tubulin acetylation and ablated the dynamic behaviour of microtubules in live cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of HDAC3 in PC3 cells, significantly increased levels of tubulin acetylation, and overexpression reduced it. However, the active HDAC3–silencing mediator of retinoic and thyroid receptors (SMRT)–deacetylase-activating domain (DAD) complex did not directly deacetylate tubulin in vitro. These data suggest that HDAC3 indirectly modulates tubulin acetylation.
Nuclear protein kinase CLK1 uses a non-traditional docking mechanism to select physiological substrates
Authors: Keshwani Malik M. , Hailey Kendra L. , Aubol Brandon E. , Fattet Laurent , McGlone Maria L. , Jennings Patricia A. , Adams Joseph A.
Published: October 2015

Phosphorylation-dependent cell communication requires enzymes that specifically recognize key proteins in a sea of similar, competing substrates. The protein kinases achieve this goal by utilizing docking grooves in the kinase domain or heterologous protein adaptors to reduce ‘off pathway’ targeting. We now provide evidence that the nuclear protein kinase CLK1 (cell division cycle2-like kinase 1) important for splicing regulation departs from these classic paradigms by using a novel self-association mechanism. The disordered N-terminus of CLK1 induces oligomerization, a necessary event for targeting its physiological substrates the SR protein (splicing factor containing a C-terminal RS domain) family of splicing factors. Increasing the CLK1 concentration enhances phosphorylation of the splicing regulator SRSF1 (SR protein splicing factor 1) compared with the general substrate myelin basic protein (MBP). In contrast, removal of the N-terminus or dilution of CLK1 induces monomer formation and reverses this specificity. CLK1 self-association also occurs in the nucleus, is induced by the N-terminus and is important for localization of the kinase in sub-nuclear compartments known as speckles. These findings present a new picture of substrate recognition for a protein kinase in which an intrinsically disordered domain is used to capture physiological targets with similar disordered domains in a large oligomeric complex while discriminating against non-physiological targets.