bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete De Novo Assembly of Monoclonal Antibody Sequences
Authors: Tran Ngoc Hieu , Rahman M. Ziaur , He Lin , Xin Lei , Shan Baozhen , Li Ming
Published: August 2016

De novo protein sequencing is one of the key problems in mass spectrometry-based proteomics, especially for novel proteins such as monoclonal antibodies for which genome information is often limited or not available. However, due to limitations in peptides fragmentation and coverage, as well as ambiguities in spectra interpretation, complete de novo assembly of unknown protein sequences still remains challenging. To address this problem, we propose an integrated system, ALPS, which for the first time can automatically assemble full-length monoclonal antibody sequences. Our system integrates de novo sequencing peptides, their quality scores and error-correction information from databases into a weighted de Bruijn graph to assemble protein sequences. We evaluated ALPS performance on two antibody data sets, each including a heavy chain and a light chain. The results show that ALPS was able to assemble three complete monoclonal antibody sequences of length 216–441 AA, at 100% coverage and 96.64–100% accuracy.
Eye fixation during multiple object attention is based on a representation of discrete spatial foci
Authors: Fluharty Meg , Jentzsch Ines , Spitschan Manuel , Vishwanath Dhanraj
Published: August 2016

We often look at and attend to several objects at once. How the brain determines where to point our eyes when we do this is poorly understood. Here we devised a novel paradigm to discriminate between different models of spatial selection guiding fixation. In contrast to standard static attentional tasks where the eye remains fixed at a predefined location, observers selected their own preferred fixation position while they tracked static targets that were arranged in specific geometric configurations and which changed identity over time. Fixations were best predicted by a representation of discrete spatial foci, not a polygonal grouping, simple 2-foci division of attention or a circular spotlight. Moreover, attentional performance was incompatible with serial selection. Together with previous studies, our findings are compatible with a view that attentional selection and fixation rely on shared spatial representations and suggest a more nuanced definition of overt vs. covert attention.
FFPred 3: feature-based function prediction for all Gene Ontology domains
Authors: Cozzetto Domenico , Minneci Federico , Currant Hannah , Jones David T.
Published: August 2016

Predicting protein function has been a major goal of bioinformatics for several decades, and it has gained fresh momentum thanks to recent community-wide blind tests aimed at benchmarking available tools on a genomic scale. Sequence-based predictors, especially those performing homology-based transfers, remain the most popular but increasing understanding of their limitations has stimulated the development of complementary approaches, which mostly exploit machine learning. Here we present FFPred 3, which is intended for assigning Gene Ontology terms to human protein chains, when homology with characterized proteins can provide little aid. Predictions are made by scanning the input sequences against an array of Support Vector Machines (SVMs), each examining the relationship between protein function and biophysical attributes describing secondary structure, transmembrane helices, intrinsically disordered regions, signal peptides and other motifs. This update features a larger SVM library that extends its coverage to the cellular component sub-ontology for the first time, prompted by the establishment of a dedicated evaluation category within the Critical Assessment of Functional Annotation. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through benchmarking experiments, and its usefulness is illustrated by analysing the potential functional consequences of alternative splicing in human and their relationship to patterns of biological features.
Dual-Band Dual-Mode Substrate Integrated Waveguide Filters with Independently Reconfigurable TE101 Resonant Mode
Authors: Wu Yongle , Chen Yuqing , Jiao Lingxiao , Liu Yuanan , Ghassemlooy Zabih
Published: August 2016

A novel perturbation approach using additional metalized via-holes for implementation of the dual-band or wide-band dual-mode substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filters is proposed in this paper. The independent perturbation on the first resonant mode TE101 can be constructed by applying the proposed perturbation approach, whereas the second resonant mode TE102 is not affected. Thus, new kinds of dual-band or wide-band dual-mode SIW filters with a fixed or an independently reconfigurable low-frequency band have been directly achieved. In order to experimentally verify the proposed design method, four two-cavity dual-band SIW filters, which have different numbers of perturbation via-holes in each cavity and a two-cavity dual-band SIW filter, which includes four via-holes and eight reconfigurable states in each cavity, are designed and experimentally assessed. The measured results indicate that the available frequency-ratio range from 1 to 1.3 can be realized by using four two-cavity dual-band SIW filters. The center frequency of the first band can be tuned from 4.61 GHz to 5.24 GHz, whereas the center frequency of the second one is fixed at around 6.18 GHz for the two-cavity dual-band SIW filter with four reconfigurable states via-holes. All the simulated and measured results show an acceptable agreement with the predicted data.
Pubertal Expression of α4βδ GABAA Receptors Reduces Seizure-Like Discharges in CA1 Hippocampus
Authors: Yang Lie , Shen Hui , Merlin Lisa R. , Smith Sheryl S.
Published: August 2016

More than half of children with epilepsy outgrow their seizures, yet the underlying mechanism is unknown. GABAergic inhibition increases at puberty in female mice due to expression of extrasynaptic α4βδ GABAA receptors (GABARs). Therefore, we tested the role of these receptors in regulating seizure-like discharges in CA1 hippocampus using a high K+ (8.5 mM) seizure model. Spontaneous field potentials were recorded from hippocampus of pre-pubertal (~28–32 PND) and pubertal (~35–44 PND) female wild-type or α4−/− mice. The coastline length, a measure of burst intensity, was assessed. 8.5 mM K+ induced seizure-like discharges in over 60% of pre-pubertal slices, but only in 7% of pubertal slices, where the coastline length was reduced by 70% (P = 0.04). However, the pubertal decrease in seizure-like discharges was not seen in the α4−/−, implicating α4βδ GABARs as the cause of the decreased seizure-like activity during puberty. Administration of THIP or DS2, to selectively increase α4βδ current, reduced activity in 8.5 mM K+ at puberty, while blockade of α5-GABARs had no effect. GABAergic current was depolarizing but inhibitory in 8.5 mM K+, suggesting a mechanism for the effects of α4βδ and α5-GABARs, which exhibit different polarity-dependent desensitization. These data suggest that α4βδ GABARs are anti-convulsant during adolescence.
Activation of Nrf2 by the dengue virus causes an increase in CLEC5A, which enhances TNF-α production by mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Cheng Yi-Lin , Lin Yee-Shin , Chen Chia-Ling , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Tsai Cheng-Chieh , Wu Yan-Wei , Ou Yi-Dan , Chu Yu-Yi , Wang Ju-Ming , Yu Chia-Yi , Lin Chiou-Feng
Published: August 2016

Infection by the dengue virus (DENV) threatens global public health due to its high prevalence and the lack of effective treatments. Host factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of DENV; herein, we investigated the role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), which is activated by DENV in mononuclear phagocytes. DENV infection selectively activates Nrf2 following nuclear translocation. Following endoplasmic reticular (ER) stress, protein kinase R-like ER kinase (PERK) facilitated Nrf2-mediated transcriptional activation of C-type lectin domain family 5, member A (CLEC5A) to increase CLEC5A expression. Signaling downstream of the Nrf2-CLEC5A interaction enhances Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-independent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production following DENV infection. Forced expression of the NS2B3 viral protein induces Nrf2 nuclear translocation/activation and CLEC5A expression which increases DENV-induced TNF-α production. Animal studies confirmed Nrf2-induced CLEC5A and TNF-α in brains of DENV-infected mice. These results demonstrate that DENV infection causes Nrf2-regulated TNF-α production by increasing levels of CLEC5A.
Non-invasive MRI Assessments of Tissue Microstructures and Macromolecules in the Eye upon Biomechanical or Biochemical Modulation
Authors: Ho Leon C. , Sigal Ian A. , Jan Ning-Jiun , Yang Xiaoling , van der Merwe Yolandi , Yu Yu , Chau Ying , Leung Christopher K. , Conner Ian P. , Jin Tao , Wu Ed X. , Kim Seong-Gi , Wollstein Gadi , Schuman Joel S. , Chan Kevin C.
Published: August 2016

The microstructural organization and composition of the corneoscleral shell (CSS) determine the biomechanical behavior of the eye, and are important in diseases such as glaucoma and myopia. However, limited techniques can assess these properties globally, non-invasively and quantitatively. In this study, we hypothesized that multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal the effects of biomechanical or biochemical modulation on CSS. Upon intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, CSS appeared hyperintense in both freshly prepared ovine eyes and living rat eyes using T2-weighted MRI. Quantitatively, transverse relaxation time (T2) of CSS increased non-linearly with IOP at 0–40 mmHg and remained longer than unloaded tissues after being unpressurized. IOP loading also increased fractional anisotropy of CSS in diffusion tensor MRI without apparent change in magnetization transfer MRI, suggestive of straightening of microstructural fibers without modification of macromolecular contents. Lastly, treatments with increasing glyceraldehyde (mimicking crosslinking conditions) and chondroitinase-ABC concentrations (mimicking glycosaminoglycan depletion) decreased diffusivities and increased magnetization transfer in cornea, whereas glyceraldehyde also increased magnetization transfer in sclera. In summary, we demonstrated the changing profiles of MRI contrast mechanisms resulting from biomechanical or biochemical modulation of the eye non-invasively. Multi-modal MRI may help evaluate the pathophysiological mechanisms in CSS and the efficacy of corneoscleral treatments.
Discovery of a Carbazole-Derived Lead Drug for Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Thomas Sarah M. , Purmal Andrei , Pollastri Michael , Mensa-Wilmot Kojo
Published: August 2016

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei causes the fatal illness human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). Standard of care medications currently used to treat HAT have severe limitations, and there is a need to find new chemical entities that are active against infections of T. brucei. Following a “drug repurposing” approach, we tested anti-trypanosomal effects of carbazole-derived compounds called “Curaxins”. In vitro screening of 26 compounds revealed 22 with nanomolar potency against axenically cultured bloodstream trypanosomes. In a murine model of HAT, oral administration of compound 1 cured the disease. These studies established 1 as a lead for development of drugs against HAT. Pharmacological time-course studies revealed the primary effect of 1 to be concurrent inhibition of mitosis coupled with aberrant licensing of S-phase entry. Consequently, polyploid trypanosomes containing 8C equivalent of DNA per nucleus and three or four kinetoplasts were produced. These effects of 1 on the trypanosome are reminiscent of “mitotic slippage” or endoreplication observed in some other eukaryotes.
Cell non-autonomous regulation of hepatic IGF-1 and neonatal growth by Kinase Suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2)
Authors: Guo Lili , Costanzo-Garvey Diane L. , Smith Deandra R. , Zavorka Megan E. , Venable-Kang Megan , MacDonald Richard G. , Lewis Robert E.
Published: August 2016

Individuals with poor postnatal growth are at risk for cardiovascular and metabolic problems as adults. Here we show that disruption of the molecular scaffold Kinase Suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) causes selective inhibition of hepatic GH signaling in neonatal mice with impaired expression of IGF-1 and IGFBP3. ksr2−/− mice are normal size at birth but show a marked increase in FGF21 accompanied by reduced body mass, shortened body length, and reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) first evident during postnatal development. However, disrupting FGF21 in ksr2−/− mice does not normalize mass, length, or bone density and content in fgf21−/−ksr2−/− mice. Body length, BMC and BMD, but not body mass, are rescued by infection of two-day-old ksr2−/− mice with a recombinant adenovirus encoding human IGF-1. Relative to wild-type mice, GH injections reveal a significant reduction in JAK2 and STAT5 phosphorylation in liver, but not in skeletal muscle, of ksr2−/− mice. However, primary hepatocytes isolated from ksr2−/− mice show no reduction in GH-stimulated STAT5 phosphorylation. These data indicate that KSR2 functions in a cell non-autonomous fashion to regulate GH-stimulated IGF-1 expression in the liver of neonatal mice, which plays a key role in the development of body length.
Butyrate and bioactive proteolytic form of Wnt-5a regulate colonic epithelial proliferation and spatial development
Authors: Uchiyama Kazuhiko , Sakiyama Toshio , Hasebe Takumu , Musch Mark W. , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Yasushi , He Tong-Chuan , Lichtenstein Lev , Naito Yuji , Itoh Yoshito , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Jabri Bana , Stappenbeck Thaddeus , Chang Eugene B.
Published: August 2016

Proliferation and spatial development of colonic epithelial cells are highly regulated along the crypt vertical axis, which, when perturbed, can result in aberrant growth and carcinogenesis. In this study, two key factors were identified that have important and counterbalancing roles regulating these processes: pericrypt myofibroblast-derived Wnt-5a and the microbial metabolite butyrate. Cultured YAMC cell proliferation and heat shock protein induction were analzyed after butryate, conditioned medium with Wnt5a activity, and FrzB containing conditioned medium. In vivo studies to modulate Hsp25 employed intra-colonic wall Hsp25 encoding lentivirus. To silence Wnt-5a in vivo, intra-colonic wall Wnt-5a silencing RNA was used. Wnt-5a, secreted by stromal myofibroblasts of the lower crypt, promotes proliferation through canonical β-catenin activation. Essential to this are two key requirements: (1) proteolytic conversion of the highly insoluble ~40 kD Wnt-5a protein to a soluble 36 mer amino acid peptide that activates epithelial β-catenin and cellular proliferation, and (2) the simultaneous inhibition of butyrate-induced Hsp25 by Wnt-5a which is necessary to arrest the proliferative process in the upper colonic crypt. The interplay and spatial gradients of these factors insures that crypt epithelial cell proliferation and development proceed in an orderly fashion, but with sufficient plasticity to adapt to physiological perturbations including inflammation.
Neuroprotective levels of IGF-1 exacerbate epileptogenesis after brain injury
Authors: Song Yu , Pimentel Corrin , Walters Katherine , Boller Lauren , Ghiasvand Shabnam , Liu Jing , Staley Kevin J. , Berdichevsky Yevgeny
Published: August 2016

Exogenous Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is neuroprotective in animal models of brain injury, and has been considered as a potential therapeutic. Akt-mTOR and MAPK are downstream targets of IGF-1 signaling that are activated after brain injury. However, both brain injury and mTOR are linked to epilepsy, raising the possibility that IGF-1 may be epileptogenic. Here, we considered the role of IGF-1 in development of epilepsy after brain injury, using the organotypic hippocampal culture model of post-traumatic epileptogenesis. We found that IGF-1 was neuroprotective within a few days of injury but that long-term IGF-1 treatment was pro-epileptic. Pro-epileptic effects of IGF-1 were mediated by Akt-mTOR signaling. We also found that IGF-1 – mediated increase in epileptic activity led to neurotoxicity. The dualistic nature of effects of IGF-1 treatment demonstrates that anabolic enhancement through IGF-1 activation of mTOR cascade can be beneficial or harmful depending on the stage of the disease. Our findings suggest that epilepsy risk may need to be considered in the design of neuroprotective treatments for brain injury.
AMPK-independent inhibition of human macrophage ER stress response by AICAR
Authors: Boß Marcel , Newbatt Yvette , Gupta Sahil , Collins Ian , Brüne Bernhard , Namgaladze Dmitry
Published: August 2016

Obesity-associated insulin resistance is driven by inflammatory processes in response to metabolic overload. Obesity-associated inflammation can be recapitulated in cell culture by exposing macrophages to saturated fatty acids (SFA) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses essentially contribute to pro-inflammatory signalling. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central metabolic regulator with established anti-inflammatory actions. Whether pharmacological AMPK activation suppresses SFA-induced inflammation in a human system is unclear. In a setting of hypoxia-potentiated inflammation induced by SFA palmitate, we found that the AMP-mimetic AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) potently suppressed upregulation of ER stress marker mRNAs and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, AICAR inhibited macrophage ER stress responses triggered by ER-stressors thapsigargin or tunicamycin. Surprisingly, AICAR acted independent of AMPK or AICAR conversion to 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl monophosphate (ZMP) while requiring intracellular uptake via the equilibrative nucleoside transporter (ENT) ENT1 or the concentrative nucleoside transporter (CNT) CNT3. AICAR did not affect the initiation of the ER stress response, but inhibited the expression of major ER stress transcriptional effectors. Furthermore, AICAR inhibited autophosphorylation of the ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), while activating its endoribonuclease activity in vitro. Our results suggest that AMPK-independent inhibition of ER stress responses contributes to anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects of AICAR.
Sphingosine kinase-1, S1P transporter spinster homolog 2 and S1P2 mRNA expressions are increased in liver with advanced fibrosis in human
Authors: Sato Masaya , Ikeda Hitoshi , Uranbileg Baasanjav , Kurano Makoto , Saigusa Daisuke , Aoki Junken , Maki Harufumi , Kudo Hiroki , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: August 2016

The role of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in liver fibrosis or inflammation was not fully examined in human. Controversy exists which S1P receptors, S1P1 and S1P3 vs S1P2, would be importantly involved in its mechanism. To clarify these matters, 80 patients who received liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma and 9 patients for metastatic liver tumor were enrolled. S1P metabolism was analyzed in background, non-tumorous liver tissue. mRNA levels of sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) but not SK2 were increased in livers with fibrosis stages 3–4 compared to those with 0–2 and to normal liver. However, S1P was not increased in advanced fibrotic liver, where mRNA levels of S1P transporter spinster homolog 2 (SPNS2) but not S1P-degrading enzymes were enhanced. Furthermore, mRNA levels of S1P2 but not S1P1 or S1P3 were increased in advanced fibrotic liver. These increased mRNA levels of SK1, SPNS2 and S1P2 in fibrotic liver were correlated with α-smooth muscle actin mRNA levels in liver, and with serum ALT levels. In conclusion, S1P may be actively generated, transported to outside the cells, and bind to its specific receptor in human liver to play a role in fibrosis or inflammation. Altered S1P metabolism in fibrotic liver may be their therapeutic target.
Functional evaluation of rat hearts transplanted after preservation in a high-pressure gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide and oxygen
Authors: Hatayama Naoyuki , Inubushi Masayuki , Naito Munekazu , Hirai Shuichi , Jin Yong-Nan , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Seki Kunihiro , Itoh Masahiro , Saga Tsuneo , Li Xiao-Kang
Published: August 2016

We recently succeeded in resuscitating an extracted rat heart following 24–48 hours of preservation in a high-pressure gaseous mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O2). This study aimed to examine the function of rat hearts transplanted after being preserved in the high-pressure CO and O2 gas mixture. The hearts of donor rats were preserved in a chamber filled with CO and O2 under high pressure for 24 h (CO24h) or 48 h at 4 °C. For the positive control (PC) group, hearts immediately extracted from donor rats were used for transplantation. The preserved hearts were transplanted into recipient rats by heterotopic cervical heart transplantation. CO toxicity does not affect the grafts or the recipients. Light microscopy and [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed that there were no significant differences in the size of the myocardial infarction or apoptosis of myocardial cells in post-transplant hearts between the PC and CO24h groups. Furthermore, at 100 days after the transplantation, the heart rate, weight and histological staining of the post-transplanted hearts did not differ significantly between the PC and CO24h groups. These results indicate that the function of rat hearts is well preserved after 24 hours of high-pressure preservation in a CO and O2 gas mixture. Therefore, high-pressure preservation in a gas mixture can be a useful method for organ preservation.
Particle Size Controls on Water Adsorption and Condensation Regimes at Mineral Surfaces
Authors: Yeşilbaş Merve , Boily Jean-François
Published: August 2016

Atmospheric water vapour interacting with hydrophilic mineral surfaces can produce water films of various thicknesses and structures. In this work we show that mineral particle size controls water loadings achieved by water vapour deposition on 21 contrasting mineral samples exposed to atmospheres of up to ~16 Torr water (70% relative humidity at 25 °C). Submicrometer-sized particles hosted up to ~5 monolayers of water, while micrometer-sized particles up to several thousand monolayers. All films exhibited vibrational spectroscopic signals akin to liquid water, yet with a disrupted network of hydrogen bonds. Water adsorption isotherms were predicted using models (1- or 2- term Freundlich and Do-Do models) describing an adsorption and a condensation regime, respectively pertaining to the binding of water onto mineral surfaces and water film growth by water-water interactions. The Hygroscopic Growth Theory could also account for the particle size dependence on condensable water loadings under the premise that larger particles have a greater propensity of exhibiting of surface regions and interparticle spacings facilitating water condensation reactions. Our work should impact our ability to predict water film formation at mineral surfaces of contrasting particle sizes and should thus contribute to our understanding of water adsorption and condensation reactions occuring in nature.
Genome-wide landscape of DNA methylomes and their relationship with mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes in oxidative and glycolytic skeletal muscles
Authors: Shen Linyuan , Du Jingjing , Xia Yudong , Tan Zhendong , Fu Yuhua , Yang Qiong , Li Xuewei , Tang Guoqing , Jiang Yanzhi , Wang Jinyong , Li Mingzhou , Zhang Shunhua , Zhu Li
Published: August 2016

The physiological, biochemical and functional differences between oxidative and glycolytic muscles play important roles in human metabolic health and in animal meat quality. To explore these differences, we determined the genome-wide landscape of DNA methylomes and their relationship with the mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes of the oxidative muscle psoas major (PMM) and the glycolytic muscle longissimus dorsi (LDM). We observed the hypo-methylation of sub-telomeric regions. A high mitochondrial content contributed to fast replicative senescence in PMM. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in promoters (478) and gene bodies (5,718) were mainly enriched in GTPase regulator activity and signaling cascade-mediated pathways. Integration analysis revealed that the methylation status within gene promoters (or gene bodies) and miRNA promoters was negatively correlated with mRNA and miRNA expression, respectively. Numerous genes were closely related to distinct phenotypic traits between LDM and PMM. For example, the hyper-methylation and down-regulation of HK-2 and PFKFB4 were related to decrease glycolytic potential in PMM. In addition, promoter hypo-methylation and the up-regulation of miR-378 silenced the expression of the target genes and promoted capillary biosynthesis in PMM. Together, these results improve understanding of muscle metabolism and development from genomic and epigenetic perspectives.
Unique Crystallization of Fullerenes: Fullerene Flowers
Authors: Kim Jungah , Park Chibeom , Song Intek , Lee Minkyung , Kim Hyungki , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: August 2016

Solution-phase crystallization of fullerene molecules strongly depends on the types of solvent and their ratios because solvent molecules are easily included in the crystal lattice and distort its structure. The C70(solute)–mesitylene (solvent) system yields crystals with various morphologies and structures, such as cubes, tubes, and imperfect rods. Herein, using C60and C70dissolved in mesitylene, we present a novel way to grow unique flower-shaped crystals with six symmetric petals. The different solubility of C60and C70in mesitylene promotes nucleation of C70with sixfold symmetry in the early stage, which is followed by co-crystallization of both C60and C70molecules, leading to lateral petal growth. Based on the growth mechanism, we obtained more complex fullerene crystals, such as multi-deck flowers and tube-flower complexes, by changing the sequence and parameters of crystallization.
Baicalein induces CD4+Foxp3+ T cells and enhances intestinal barrier function in a mouse model of food allergy
Authors: Bae Min-Jung , Shin Hee Soon , See Hye-Jeong , Jung Sun Young , Kwon Da-Ae , Shon Dong-Hwa
Published: August 2016

The incidence of food allergy, which is triggered by allergen permeation of the gastrointestinal tract followed by a T-helper (Th) 2-mediated immune response, has been increasing annually worldwide. We examined the effects of baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone), a flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis used in oriental herbal medicine, on regulatory T (Treg) cell induction and intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions in a mouse model of food allergy. An allergic response was induced by oral challenge with ovalbumin, and the incidence of allergic symptoms and T cell-related activity in the mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed with and without the presence of baicalein. Our results demonstrated that the administration of baicalein ameliorated the symptoms of food allergy and attenuated serum IgE and effector T cells. However, Treg-related factors were up-regulated by baicalein. Furthermore, baicalein was shown to enhance intestinal barrier function through the regulation of tight junctions. We also found that baicalein treatment induced the differentiation of Treg cells via aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs). Thus, the action of baicalein as an agonist of AhR can induce Treg differentiation and enhance barrier function, suggesting that baicalein might serve as an effective immune regulator derived from foods for the treatment of food allergy.
Facile synthesis of diverse graphene nanomeshes based on simultaneous regulation of pore size and surface structure
Authors: Zhang Jia , Song Huaibing , Zeng Dawen , Wang Hao , Qin Ziyu , Xu Keng , Pang Aimin , Xie Changsheng
Published: August 2016

Recently, graphene nanomesh (GNM) has attracted great attentions due to its unique porous structure, abundant active sites, finite band gap and possesses potential applications in the fields of electronics, gas sensor/storage, catalysis, etc. Therefore, diverse GNMs with different physical and chemical properties are required urgently to meet different applications. Herein we demonstrate a facile synthetic method based on the famous Fenton reaction to prepare GNM, by using economically fabricated graphene oxide (GO) as a starting material. By precisely controlling the reaction time, simultaneous regulation of pore size from 2.9 to 11.1 nm and surface structure can be realized. Ultimately, diverse GNMs with tunable band gap and work function can be obtained. Specially, the band gap decreases from 4.5–2.3 eV for GO, which is an insulator, to 3.9–1.24 eV for GNM-5 h, which approaches to a semiconductor. The dual nature of electrophilic addition and oxidizability of HO• is responsible for this controllable synthesis. This efficient, low-cost, inherently scalable synthetic method is suitable for provide diverse and optional GNMs, and may be generalized to a universal technique.
Prognostic Value of Admission Blood Glucose in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Sun Shichao , Pan Yuesong , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Li Hao , He Yan , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun , Guo Li
Published: August 2016

We aimed to validate prognostic value of elevated admission blood glucose (ABG) for clinical outcomes in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a representative large cohort. Data of ICH patients with onset time ≤24 h were derived from the China National Stroke Registry. Clinical outcomes included 3-month poor outcome (death or dependency) and death. Logistic regression was performed for the association between ABG and clinical outcomes, both in the entire cohort and in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. 2951 ICH patients were enrolled, including 267 (9.0%) diabetics. In the entire cohort, there was a trend to increased risk of poor outcome with increasing ABG levels (adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04–1.15; P < 0.001). The risk of poor outcome was significantly greatest for the highest quartile (≥7.53 mmol/L) of ABG (adjusted OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.17–2.03; p = 0.002, P for trend 0.004). We got similar association in non-diabetics but not in diabetics. Elevated ABG confers a higher risk of poor outcome in non-diabetics than diabetics with similar glucose level. Elevated ABG is an independent predictor of 3-month poor outcome in ICH patients, the prognostic value of which is greater in non-diabetics than diabetics with similar glucose level.
The optical measurement of large cluster tracks in a gas jet
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Liu Dong , Han Jifeng , Bai Lixin
Published: August 2016

We propose an optical method based on Rayleigh scattering for the direct measurement of cluster tracks produced by a high-pressure gas jet. The tracks of the argon and methane clusters are acquired by a high-speed camera. It is found that the cluster sizes of these tracks are within the range of 7E + 03~1E + 07 for argon and 2E + 06~4E + 08 for methane. Most argon tracks are continuous and their intensity changes gradually, while the majority of the methane tracks are separated into discrete fractions and their intensity alters periodically along the flight path, which may indicate the methane clusters are more unstable and easily to break up. Special methane clusters which may fly at an axial velocity of less than 2.5m/s are also found. This method is very sensitive to large gas cluster and has broad application prospects in cluster physics.
BubR1 Insufficiency Impairs Liver Regeneration in Aged Mice after Hepatectomy through Intercalated Disc Abnormality
Authors: Ikawa-Yoshida Ayae , Matsumoto Takuya , Okano Shinji , Aoyagi Yukihiko , Matsubara Yutaka , Furuyama Tadashi , Nakatsu Yoshimichi , Tsuzuki Teruhisa , Onimaru Mitsuho , Ohkusa Tomoko , Nomura Masatoshi , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: August 2016

A delay in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PHx) leads to acute liver injury, and such delays are frequently observed in aged patients. BubR1 (budding uninhibited by benzimidazole-related 1) controls chromosome mitotic segregation through the spindle assembly checkpoint, and BubR1 down-regulation promotes aging-associated phenotypes. In this study we investigated the effects of BubR1 insufficiency on liver regeneration in mice. Low-BubR1-expressing mutant (BubR1L/L) mice had a delayed recovery of the liver weight-to-body weight ratio and increased liver deviation enzyme levels after PHx. Microscopic observation of BubR1L/L mouse liver showed an increased number of necrotic hepatocytes and intercalated disc anomalies, resulting in widened inter-hepatocyte and perisinusoidal spaces, smaller hepatocytes and early-stage microvilli atrophy. Up-regulation of desmocollin-1 (DSC1) was observed in wild-type, but not BubR1L/L, mice after PHx. In addition, knockdown of BubR1 expression caused down-regulation of DSC1 in a human keratinocyte cell line. BubR1 insufficiency results in the impaired liver regeneration through weakened microstructural adaptation against PHx, enhanced transient liver failure and delayed hepatocyte proliferation. Thus, our data suggest that a reduction in BubR1 levels causes failure of liver regeneration through the DSC1 abnormality.
Gene–culture interaction and the evolution of the human sense of fairness
Authors: Liu Tru-Gin , Lu Yao
Published: August 2016

How Darwinian evolution would produce creatures with the proclivity of Darwinian generosity, most of them voluntarily giving up the immediate benefit for themselves or their genes, remains a puzzle. This study targets a problem, the origin of human sense of fairness and uses fairness-related genes and the social manipulation of Darwinian generosity as the key variables underlying the human sense of fairness, inequity aversion, as well as their relationships within cooperation and the anticipation foresight of the way relationships are affected by resource division, given the assumption of randomly matched partners. Here we suggest a model in which phenotype will gradually converge towards the perfect sense of fairness along with the prospect of cooperation. Later, the sense of fairness will decrease but it is never extinct. Where social manipulation of Darwinian generosity overshadows genetics, the sense of fairness could be acute to the degree of social manipulation. Above all, there still exists a threshold in the degree of social manipulation, beyond which altruism dominates selfishness in human cooperation. Finally, we propose three new directions toward more realistic scenarios stimulated by recent development of the synergy between statistical physics, network science and evolutionary game theory.
Real-time detection of carboplatin using a microfluidic system
Authors: Phairatana Tonghathai , Leong Chi Leng , Gowers Sally A. N. , Patel Bhavik Anil , Boutelle Martyn G.
Published: August 2016

A novel on-line microfluidic assay for the chemotherapy agent carboplatin will allow sensitive detection of the drug directly applied to the tumour as it emerges from the tumour into healthy tissue.
Development of a silver functionalised polyaniline electrochemical immunosensor for polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Khesuoe M. P. , Okumu F. O. , Matoetoe M. C.
Published: August 2016

An electrochemical immunosensor based on a silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)-doped polyaniline (PANI) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) transducer, wherein polyclonal anti-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) antibody (Ab) was immobilized by a covalent linkage with glutaraldehyde (GA), was developed.
Density functional theory and an experimentally-designed energy functional of electron density
Authors: Miranda David A. , Bueno Paulo R.
Published: August 2016

We demonstrate that capacitance spectroscopy experimentally allows access to the energy associated with the quantum mechanical ground state of many-electron systems.
Feynman force components: basis for a solution to the covalent vs. ionic dilemma
Authors: Dominikowska Justyna , Jabłoński Mirosław , Palusiak Marcin
Published: August 2016

Feynman force components give fundamentals for distinction between covalent and ionic bonds without referring to the electronegativity concept.
An atomistic view on carbocyanine photophysics in the realm of RNA
Authors: Steffen Fabio D. , Sigel Roland K. O. , Börner Richard
Published: August 2016

The photophysics of cyanine-labeled nucleic acids (NA) are transferred from the ensemble to the molecular level by means of all-atom MD with explicit dye probes. RNA-induced fluorescence enhancement (RIFE) is introduced as a sensor for dye–NA interactions to bridge the distance regimes of PET and FRET.
Ultrafast relaxation dynamics of electronically excited piperidine: ionization signatures of Rydberg/valence evolution
Authors: Klein Liv B. , Thompson James O. F. , Crane Stuart W. , Saalbach Lisa , Sølling Theis I. , Paterson Martin J. , Townsend Dave
Published: August 2016

Time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy reveals distinct ionization signatures of Rydberg-to-valence state evolution in the secondary aliphatic amine piperidine.
An alternative explanation of the cononsolvency of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in water–methanol solutions
Authors: Pica Andrea , Graziano Giuseppe
Published: August 2016

Water/methanol competition in the interaction with PNIPAM causes a decrease in the magnitude of attractive energy, leading to cononsolvency.
Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene-like SiGe hybrid nanosheets by surface functionalization
Authors: Zhang W. X. , Wang Y. B. , Zhao P. , He C.
Published: August 2016

The electronic and magnetic properties of SiGe nanosheets can be tuned by decorating H, Cl and F atoms on Si sites in SiGe nanosheets.
Vapour adsorption kinetics: statistical rate theory and zeta adsorption isotherm approach
Authors: Zandavi Seyed Hadi , Ward C. A.
Published: August 2016

The zeta adsorption isotherm may be combined with statistical rate theory to formulate an expression for vapour adsorption kinetics that is in terms of a rate constant. For heptane adsorbing on silica, the rate constant is experimentally shown to depend only on temperature.
Surface functionalized H2Ti3O7nanowires engineered for visible-light photoswitching, electrochemical water splitting, and photocatalysis
Authors: Sarkar Ayan , Karmakar Keshab , Singh Ashutosh K. , Mandal Kalyan , Khan Gobinda Gopal
Published: August 2016

The mechanism of the visible-light driven photoelectrochemical properties of surface engineered H2Ti3O7nanowires has been demonstrated.
Do group 1 metal salts form deep eutectic solvents?
Authors: Abbott A. P. , D'Agostino C. , Davis S. J. , Gladden L. F. , Mantle M. D.
Published: August 2016

Group 1 salts were compared with quaternary ammonium chlorides for their ability to form deep eutectic solvents and it was found that while some formed liquids the sodium ions caused the liquids to become structured and increased their viscosity.
High temperature electrical energy storage: advances, challenges, and frontiers
Authors: Lin Xinrong , Salari Maryam , Arava Leela Mohana Reddy , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: August 2016

This review summarizes the major developments, limitations, and opportunities in the field of high temperature electrical energy storage (EES) devices, with an emphasis on Li-ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Three pathways to selective catalytic reduction of NO over Pt/Nb-AlMCM-41 under H2 with excess O2
Authors: Komatsubara Masaru , Koga Akiko , Tanaka Masashi , Hagiwara Rina , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: August 2016

NO was reduced on Pt/Nb-AlMCM-41 through decomposition, SCR with produced NH3, and oxidation of NH3.
Highly active Co–Al2O3-based catalysts for CO2methanation with very low platinum promotion prepared by double flame spray pyrolysis
Authors: Schubert Miriam , Pokhrel Suman , Thomé Andreas , Zielasek Volkmar , Gesing Thorsten M. , Roessner Frank , Mädler Lutz , Bäumer Marcus
Published: August 2016

Alumina supported Co catalysts are often promoted with noble metals to improve their reducibility and provide a high number of metallic Co sites. A flame spray pyrolysis based approach for the preparation is described which allows a fine dispersion of Pt so that very low concentrations are necessary.
Discrimination of chiral copper(ii) complexes upon binding of galactonoamidine ligands
Authors: Striegler Susanne , Pickens Jessica B.
Published: August 2016

Chiral binuclear Cu(ii) complexes are differentiated upon binding top-methylbenzyl-d-galactonoamidine. A sequential binding model is elaborated reflecting the altered coordination sites.
Dinuclear uranium complexation and manipulation using robust tetraaryloxides
Authors: Wells Jordann A. L. , Seymour Megan L. , Suvova Markéta , Arnold Polly L.
Published: August 2016

Two lower-oxidation state uranium cations can be readily combined and controlled in a robust and derivatisable tetra-aryloxide ligand framework. These di-UIII/IV systems are a new platform at which to use the multi-electron reductive capacity of the two actinide centres.
Four new 3D metal–organic frameworks constructed by the asymmetrical pentacarboxylate: gas sorption behaviour and magnetic properties
Authors: Yan Yang-Tian , Zhang Wen-Yan , Wu Yun-Long , Li Jiang , Xi Zheng-Ping , Wang Yao-Yu , Hou Lei
Published: August 2016

Four new 3D MOFs were constructed by the pentacarboxylate ligand and their structure analysis shows that 1 is based on an unprecedented Cu12 hendecahedron nanocage. Also, their gas sorption behaviour and magnetic properties were investigated.
Metabolism and growth inhibitory activity of cranberry derived flavonoids in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Prasain Jeevan K. , Rajbhandari Rajani , Keeton Adam B. , Piazza Gary A. , Barnes Stephen
Published: August 2016

In the present study, anti-proliferative activities of cranberry derived flavonoids and some of theirin vivometabolites were evaluated using a panel of human bladder tumor cell lines (RT4, SCABER, and SW-780) and non-tumorigenic immortalized human uroepithelial cells (SV-HUC).
Mangiferin blocks proliferation and induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells via suppression of the mevalonate pathway and by proteasome inhibition
Authors: Cuccioloni M. , Bonfili L. , Mozzicafreddo M. , Cecarini V. , Scuri S. , Cocchioni M. , Nabissi M. , Santoni G. , Eleuteri A. M. , Angeletti M.
Published: August 2016

Mangiferin is a natural xanthone glycoside with therapeutic potential.
A quantum dot–MUC1 aptamer conjugate for targeted delivery of protoporphyrin IX and specific photokilling of cancer cells through ROS generation
Authors: Singh Seema , Jha Pravin , Singh Vandana , Sinha Kislay , Hussain Sahid , Singh Manoj K. , Das Prolay
Published: August 2016

A prototype DNA assembled quantum dot-photosensitizer (PS) nanodevice for targeted delivery of PS drug.
Destabilization of the metal site as a hub for the pathogenic mechanism of five ALS-linked mutants of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase
Authors: Mera-Adasme Raúl , Erdmann Hannes , Bereźniak Tomasz , Ochsenfeld Christian
Published: August 2016

Residues with carbons in magenta are affected by five ALS-causing mutations. This work elucidates a common pathogenic mechanism for these mutations, linked to destabilization of the metal site.
Towards a designed synthesis of metallic nanoparticles in polyols – elucidation of the redox scheme in a cobalt–ethylene glycol system
Authors: Takahashi Kazuma , Yokoyama Shun , Matsumoto Takatoshi , Cuya Huaman Jhon L. , Kaneko Hisashi , Piquemal Jean-Yves , Miyamura Hiroshi , Balachandran Jeyadevan
Published: August 2016

A new redox reaction mechanism in the formation of Co metal particles using an ethylene glycol–cobalt system is proposed using NMR, ESI-MS, FT-IR and XRD as analytical tools.
A new organo-ruthenium substituted tungstotellurate: synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic properties
Authors: Zheng Da-Ming , Wang Rui-Qiang , Du Yu , Hou Guang-Feng , Wu Li-Xin , Bi Li-Hua
Published: August 2016

A novel organo-Ru supported tungstotellurate(iv) has been synthesized and its catalytic activity was assessed towards the oxidation of n-tetradecane using air without any additives or solvents.
Introduction of a tailor made anion receptor into the side chain of small peptides allows fine-tuning the thermodynamic signature of peptide–DNA binding
Authors: Li Mao , Schlesiger Stefanie , Knauer Shirley K. , Schmuck Carsten
Published: August 2016

Replacing lysine by a tailor made anion binding motif, switches the DNA binding of small peptides from entropy to enthalpy control.
SET-LRP of acrylates catalyzed by a 1 penny copper coin
Authors: Aksakal R. , Resmini M. , Becer C. R.
Published: August 2016

Controlled polymerization of acrylates can be catalyzed by one of the cheapest catalysts, a 1 pence coin.
Enhanced osteoblast adhesion on amino-functionalized titanium surfaces through combined plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method
Authors: Lu Mengmeng , Shao Dan , Wang Ping , Chen Danying , Zhang Yidi , Li Mingqiang , Zhao Jinghui , Zhou Yanmin
Published: August 2016

A combined PECVD method has been developed to introduce amino-groups onto titanium implants for the better improvement of osseointegration.
Effects of cinobufacini injection on hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis
Authors: Chen Dong-yan , Zhang Rui , Liu Ying , Zhou Tao , Li Xiang , Gao Shan , Zhang Jian , Cui Xiao-nan
Published: August 2016

Background & aims: to explore the effects of Cinobufacini Injection (CI) on proliferation and invasion of hepatocarcinoma cells cultured with lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), and lymphatic metastasis inhibition in immunocompetent mice.
Size and morphology-controlled synthesis of Ni3C nanoparticles in a TEG solution and their magnetic properties
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Zhu Yuan , Cao Yan , Li Da , Zhang Zhidong , Wang Kangjun , Ding Fu , Wang Xiaolei , Meng Dan , Fan Lihui , Wu Jing
Published: August 2016

Nickel carbide nanoparticles (Ni3C NPs) were synthesized by a polyol solution refluxing route at a temperature of 300 °C for 20 min using triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) as the surfactant.
Influence of mercaptopropionic-acid-capped CdTe quantum dots on the human chorionic gonadotropin structure and activity alterations
Authors: Hao Minglu , Liu Rutao
Published: August 2016

Mercaptopropionic-acid-capped CdTe quantum dots could interact with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which leads to conformational and functional changes of the enzyme.
Synthesis, structural characterization, electrical properties and chemical stability of a (ZrO2)0.97(Y2O3)0.03−x(MgO)2x solid solution
Authors: Drożdż Ewa
Published: August 2016

This paper is concerned with ternary solid state ZrO2–Y2O3–MgO where the zirconia tetragonal phase is stabilized by incorporation of yttrium and/or magnesium in the ZrO2 lattice.
Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract exerts potent antitumor and anti-metastasis activity in thyroid cancer
Authors: Li Yujue , Ye Tinghong , Yang Fangfang , Hu Mingxing , Liang Libo , He He , Li Zhipeng , Zeng Anqi , Li Yali , Yao Yuqin , Xie Yongmei , An Zhenmei , Li Shuangqing
Published: August 2016

The incidence of thyroid carcinoma has obviously been rising throughout the world during the past ten years.
Antiepileptic drugs affect lipid oxidative markers- neuroprostanes and F2-dihomo-isoprostanes- in patients with epilepsy: differences among first-, second-, and third-generation drugs by UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS
Authors: Medina Sonia , Carrasco-Torres Rubén , Amor Ma Isabel , Oger Camille , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Villegas-Martínez Irene , Auvin Stephane , Ferreres Federico , Gil-Izquierdo Ángel
Published: August 2016

This work show that treatment with new-generation AEDs reduces the excretion of NeuroPs/F2-dihomo-IsoPs to values similar to those in the control group, indicating a positive effect of these AEDs on the antioxidant status of epileptic patients.
Synthesis and fidelity study of ultraviolet-curable hydrogen silsesquioxane analogue as an elastomeric stamp
Authors: Ramli Mohamad Riduwan , Ramli Rafiza , Mohamed Khairudin , Ahmad Zulkifli
Published: August 2016

UV curable silsesquioxane and PDMS as the spacer was synthesised and its fidelity was studied. Synergistic effect of hard segment of silsesquioxane and soft segment of PDMS contributes to the flexibility and surface roughness of HSQ analogue.