bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-dose aspirin use does not diminish the immune response to monovalent H1N1 influenza vaccine in older adults
Authors: JACKSON M. L. , BELLAMY A. , WOLFF M. , HILL H. , JACKSON L. A.
Published: September 2015

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may inhibit antibody production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells; one consequence of this could be decreased effectiveness of vaccines in NSAID users. Because many older adults use low-dose aspirin for primary or secondary prevention of coronary events, any inhibitory effect of aspirin on vaccine immune response could reduce the benefits of vaccination programmes in older adults. We tested whether immune response to vaccination differed between users vs. non-users of low-dose aspirin, using data from four randomized trials of monovalent 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) vaccine. Geometric mean haemagglutination inhibition antibody titres were not significantly lower in low-dose aspirin users compared to non-users. Our results provide reassurance that influenza vaccination effectiveness is probably not reduced in older adults taking chronic low-dose aspirin.
Dairy Products and Shifts in Western Models of Food Consumption since 1950: A Spanish Perspective
Authors: COLLANTES FERNANDO
Published: September 2015

Through a case study of dairy products in Spain, this article discusses the evolution of what economist Louis Malassis called ‘food consumption models’ in the West from the Second World War. Two distinct consumption models are identified: a first model based on the massification of milk consumption, and a second model featuring decreasing dairy consumption, an increasing role for second-degree processed products and the emergence of new consumer segmentations. Rather than a sudden shift from the first to the second model, there was a punctuated sequence comprising an intermediate transition period in the last two decades of the twentieth century. Using an evolutionary political economy approach, I argue that the key to this transition was a transformation in consumer preferences resulting not only from changes in nutritional discourse, but also from changes in the profit making strategies of dairy agribusinesses and from the interaction of both trajectories of structural change with consumer agency.
Hb and dyslipidaemia as predicting markers of serum alanine aminotransferase elevation in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Chao Kuo-Ching , Chang Chun-Chao , Owaga Eddy , Bai Chyi-Huey , Huang Tzu-chieh , Pan Wen-Harn , Chang Jung-Su
Published: September 2015

Objective

Fe is an essential element for erythropoiesis and Hb synthesis. High Hb levels affect the blood’s viscosity and are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. The aim of the present study was to examine relationships of Hb and cardiometabolic abnormalities with the risk of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in adolescents.

Design

A population-based, cross-sectional study.

Setting

National Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (2010–2011, adolescents).

Subjects

Healthy adolescents aged 13–18 years.

Results

In total, 1941 adolescents (963 boys and 978 girls) were entered in the study. The mean age was 15·3 (sd0·1) years (boys, 15·3 (sd0·1) years; girls, 15·2 (sd0·1) years). ALT tertile cut-off points for boys were 11 and 16 U/l, and for girls were 9 and 12 U/l. Girls without dyslipidaemia and presenting in the highest quartile (Q1) of Hb (>13·6 g/dl) were 1·89 and 3·76 times more likely to have raised serum ALT (9 and >12 U/l, respectively) than the reference (lowest quartile of Hb (Q1), <12·4 g/dl). Moreover, for those girls with dyslipidaemia, serum ALT seemed to increase with an increase in Hb levels. Specifically, girls with dyslipidaemia and Hb levels of 12·4, 13·1 and 13·6 g/dl were, respectively, 2·86, 3·53 and 5·64 times more likely to have elevated serum ALT levels (>12 U/l) than the reference (Q1 of Hb, <12·4 g/dl). The only effect found in boys was for those who had dyslipidaemia and presenting in Q4 of Hb (>15·4 g/dl), who were 7·40 times more likely to have elevated serum ALT of >16 U/l than the reference (Q1 of Hb, <14·1 g/dl).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that an increased Hb level is a predictor of elevated serum ALT in adolescent girls with dyslipidaemia. Our study also highlights the importance of further research to establish cut-off points for Hb and its utility in diagnosing and preventing the onset of dyslipidaemia in adolescents.
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of pregnancy loss: a categorical and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Chen Ling-Wei , Wu Yi , Neelakantan Nithya , Chong Mary Foong-Fong , Pan An , van Dam Rob M
Published: September 2015

Objective

To assess the association between maternal caffeine intake and risk of pregnancy loss using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Design

Categorical and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Setting

Relevant articles were identified by searching MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases through 30 January 2015. Two authors independently extracted information from eligible studies. Random-effects models were used to derive the summary relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95 % CI for specific categories of caffeine consumption and for a continuous association using generalized least-squares trend estimation.

Subjects

A total of 130 456 participants and 3429 cases in fourteen included studies.

Results

Compared with the reference category with no or very low caffeine intake, the RR (95 % CI) of pregnancy loss was 1·02 (0·85, 1·24;I2=28·3 %) for low intake (50–149 mg/d), 1·16 (0·94, 1·41;I2=49·6 %) for moderate intake (150–349 mg/d), 1·40 (1·16, 1·68;I2=18·6 %) for high intake (350–699 mg/d) and 1·72 (1·40, 2·13;I2=0·0 %) for very high intake (≥700 mg/d). In the dose–response analysis, each 100 mg/d increment in maternal caffeine intake (~1 cup of coffee) was associated with 7 % (95 % CI 3 %, 12 %) higher risk of pregnancy loss. Our results may have been affected by publication bias, but the association remained significant for the subset of larger studies. Furthermore, adjustment for smoking and pregnancy symptoms may have been incomplete, potentially resulting in residual confounding.

Conclusions

Albeit inconclusive, higher maternal caffeine intake was associated with a higher risk of pregnancy loss and adherence to guidelines to avoid high caffeine intake during pregnancy appears prudent.
Perspectives of the public on reducing population salt intake in Ireland
Authors: Regan Áine , Shan Christine Liran , Wall Patrick , McConnon Áine
Published: September 2015

Objective

As countries struggle to meet the set targets for population salt intake, there have been calls for more regulated approaches to reducing dietary salt intake. However, little is known about how the public perceives various salt reduction policies; an important line of investigation given that the implementation and success of these policies often depend on public sentiment. We investigated the attitudes and beliefs of consumers towards salt reduction and their support for thirteen different government-led salt reduction policies.

Design

A cross-sectional online survey measured participants’ knowledge, beliefs and attitudes in relation to salt reduction.

Setting

The survey was carried out with participants from the Republic of Ireland.

Subjects

Five hundred and one participants recruited via a market research agency completed the survey.

Results

We found that the vast majority of participants supported eleven of the government-led salt reduction policies, which included measures such as education, labelling and salt restriction in foods (both voluntary and regulated, across a range of settings). The two proposed fiscal policies (subsidising low-salt foods and taxing high-salt foods) received less support in comparison, with the majority of participants opposed to a tax on high-salt foods. A series of multiple regressions revealed that individual attitudes and beliefs related to health and salt were stronger predictors of support than sociodemographic factors, lifestyle or knowledge.

Conclusions

The study provides an important evidence base from which policy makers may draw when making decisions on future policy steps to help achieve national salt targets.
ANALYTICAL REPRESENTATIONS OF REGULAR-SHAPED NANOSTRUCTURES FOR GAS STORAGE APPLICATIONS
Authors: LIM WEI-XIAN , THORNTON AARON W.
Published: September 2015

Nanospace governs the dynamics of physical, chemical, material and biological systems, and the facility to model it with analytical formulae provides an essential tool to address some of the worlds’ key problems such as gas purification, separation and storage. This paper aims to provide some analytical models to exploit building blocks representing various geometric shapes that describe nanostructures. In order to formulate the various building blocks, we use the continuous approximation which assumes a uniform distribution of atoms on their surfaces. We then calculate the potential energy of the van der Waals interaction between an atom and the structure to evaluate the location of the atom where the potential energy is at its minimum. We provide applications of the analytical models for some real structures where more than one type of building block is required.
Living mulch cover crops for weed control in small-scale applications
Authors: Pfeiffer Anne , Silva Erin , Colquhoun Jed
Published: September 2015

A primary challenge of managing vegetable production on a small land base is the maintenance and building of soil quality. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of cover crops for improved soil quality; however, small growers struggle to fit cover crops into rotations. Small-scale growers with limited available land are under significant pressure to maximize their saleable yield and often work to maximize output by using intensive cropping practices that may include both early and late season crops, thus limiting the typical shoulder season windows in which cover crops can be grown. In-season living mulches may be an effective strategy to provide small-scale growers the benefits of cover crops with less land commitment than cover crops used in typical rotations. However, research on living mulches is generally not suited to small-scale organic production systems due to the typical reliance on chemical herbicide to suppress mulches. An experiment was designed with the goal of evaluating living mulch systems for space-limited organic vegetable production. In a 2-year study, four living mulch crops (buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), field pea (Pisum sativum), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) and medium red clover (Trifolium pratense)) and a cultivated control with no mulch cover were planted in early spring each year. Snap beans (Phaseolus vulgarisvar. Tavera), transplanted bell peppers (Capsicum annuumvar. Revolution), and transplanted fall broccoli (Brassica oleraceavar. Imperial) were then planted directly into living mulches. During each summer growing season, living mulches and weeds were mown between-rows and hand-weeded in-row approximately every 10–14 days as needed for management. Labor times for mowing and cultivation were found to be higher in all treatments relative to the cultivated control. An inverse relationship between living mulch biomass and weed biomass was observed, demonstrating that living mulches may contribute to weed suppression. However, lower vegetable yields were seen in the living mulch treatments, most likely due to resource competition among vegetables, living mulches and weeds. High pre-existing weed seedbank and drought conditions likely increased competition and contributed to reduced vegetable yield.
Gradual onset and recovery of the Younger Dryas abrupt climate event in the tropics
Authors: Partin J.W. , Quinn T.M. , Shen C.-C. , Okumura Y. , Cardenas M.B. , Siringan F.P. , Banner J.L. , Lin K. , Hu H.-M. , Taylor F.W.
Published: September 2015

Proxy records of temperature from the Atlantic clearly show that the Younger Dryas was an abrupt climate change event during the last deglaciation, but records of hydroclimate are underutilized in defining the event. Here we combine a new hydroclimate record from Palawan, Philippines, in the tropical Pacific, with previously published records to highlight a difference between hydroclimate and temperature responses to the Younger Dryas. Although the onset and termination are synchronous across the records, tropical hydroclimate changes are more gradual (>100 years) than the abrupt (10–100 years) temperature changes in the northern Atlantic Ocean. The abrupt recovery of Greenland temperatures likely reflects changes in regional sea ice extent. Proxy data and transient climate model simulations support the hypothesis that freshwater forced a reduction in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, thereby causing the Younger Dryas. However, changes in ocean overturning may not produce the same effects globally as in Greenland.
Flexible transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets for band-selective photodetection
Authors: Velusamy Dhinesh Babu , Kim Richard Hahnkee , Cha Soonyoung , Huh June , Khazaeinezhad Reza , Kassani Sahar Hosseinzadeh , Song Giyoung , Cho Suk Man , Cho Sung Hwan , Hwang Ihn , Lee Jinseong , Oh Kyunghwan , Choi Hyunyoug , Park Cheolmin
Published: September 2015

The photocurrent conversions of transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets are unprecedentedly impressive, making them great candidates for visible range photodetectors. Here we demonstrate a method for fabricating micron-thick, flexible films consisting of a variety of highly separated transition metal dichalcogenide nanosheets for excellent band-selective photodetection. Our method is based on the non-destructive modification of transition metal dichalcogenide sheets with amine-terminated polymers. The universal interaction between amine and transition metal resulted in scalable, stable and high concentration dispersions of a single to a few layers of numerous transition metal dichalcogenides. Our MoSe2 and MoS2 composites are highly photoconductive even at bending radii as low as 200 μm on illumination of near infrared and visible light, respectively. More interestingly, simple solution mixing of MoSe2 and MoS2 gives rise to blended composite films in which the photodetection properties were controllable. The MoS2/MoSe2 (5:5) film showed broad range photodetection suitable for both visible and near infrared spectra.
Development of high-yield influenza A virus vaccine viruses
Authors: Ping Jihui , Lopes Tiago J.S. , Nidom Chairul A. , Ghedin Elodie , Macken Catherine A. , Fitch Adam , Imai Masaki , Maher Eileen A. , Neumann Gabriele , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: September 2015

Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent infection. Influenza vaccines propagated in cultured cells are approved for use in humans, but their yields are often suboptimal. Here, we screened A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) virus mutant libraries to develop vaccine backbones (defined here as the six viral RNA segments not encoding haemagglutinin and neuraminidase) that support high yield in cell culture. We also tested mutations in the coding and regulatory regions of the virus, and chimeric haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. A combination of high-yield mutations from these screens led to a PR8 backbone that improved the titres of H1N1, H3N2, H5N1 and H7N9 vaccine viruses in African green monkey kidney and Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. This PR8 backbone also improves titres in embryonated chicken eggs, a common propagation system for influenza viruses. This PR8 vaccine backbone thus represents an advance in seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine development.
Systematic Dimensionality Reduction for Quantum Walks: Optimal Spatial Search and Transport on Non-Regular Graphs
Authors: Novo Leonardo , Chakraborty Shantanav , Mohseni Masoud , Neven Hartmut , Omar Yasser
Published: September 2015

Continuous time quantum walks provide an important framework for designing new algorithms and modelling quantum transport and state transfer problems. Often, the graph representing the structure of a problem contains certain symmetries that confine the dynamics to a smaller subspace of the full Hilbert space. In this work, we use invariant subspace methods, that can be computed systematically using the Lanczos algorithm, to obtain the reduced set of states that encompass the dynamics of the problem at hand without the specific knowledge of underlying symmetries. First, we apply this method to obtain new instances of graphs where the spatial quantum search algorithm is optimal: complete graphs with broken links and complete bipartite graphs, in particular, the star graph. These examples show that regularity and high-connectivity are not needed to achieve optimal spatial search. We also show that this method considerably simplifies the calculation of quantum transport efficiencies. Furthermore, we observe improved efficiencies by removing a few links from highly symmetric graphs. Finally, we show that this reduction method also allows us to obtain an upper bound for the fidelity of a single qubit transfer on an XY spin network.
PEA-CLARITY: 3D molecular imaging of whole plant organs
Authors: Palmer William M. , Martin Antony P. , Flynn Jamie R. , Reed Stephanie L. , White Rosemary G. , Furbank Robert T. , Grof Christopher P. L.
Published: September 2015

Here we report the adaptation of the CLARITY technique to plant tissues with addition of enzymatic degradation to improve optical clearing and facilitate antibody probe penetration. Plant-Enzyme-Assisted (PEA)-CLARITY, has allowed deep optical visualisation of stains, expressed fluorescent proteins and IgG-antibodies in Tobacco and Arabidopsis leaves. Enzyme treatment enabled penetration of antibodies into whole tissues without the need for any sectioning of the material, thus facilitating protein localisation of intact tissue in 3D whilst retaining cellular structure.
Biological Sources of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Noise in cI Expression of Lysogenic Phage Lambda
Authors: Lei Xue , Tian Wei , Zhu Hongyuan , Chen Tianqi , Ao Ping
Published: September 2015

Genetically identical cells exposed to homogeneous environment can show remarkable phenotypic difference. To predict how phenotype is shaped, understanding of how each factor contributes is required. During gene expression processes, noise could arise either intrinsically in biochemical processes of gene expression or extrinsically from other cellular processes such as cell growth. In this work, important noise sources in gene expression of phage λ lysogen are quantified using models described by stochastic differential equations (SDEs). Results show that DNA looping has sophisticated impacts on gene expression noise: When DNA looping provides autorepression, like in wild type, it reduces noise in the system; When the autorepression is defected as it is in certain mutants, DNA looping increases expression noise. We also study how each gene operator affects the expression noise by changing the binding affinity between the gene and the transcription factor systematically. We find that the system shows extraordinarily large noise when the binding affinity is in certain range, which changes the system from monostable to bistable. In addition, we find that cell growth causes non-negligible noise, which increases with gene expression level. Quantification of noise and identification of new noise sources will provide deeper understanding on how stochasticity impacts phenotype.
Evidence for the expression of abundant microRNAs in the locust genome
Authors: Wang Yanli , Jiang Feng , Wang Huimin , Song Tianqi , Wei Yuanyuan , Yang Meiling , Zhang Jianzhen , Kang Le
Published: September 2015

Substantial accumulation of neutral sequences accounts for genome size expansion in animal genomes. Numerous novel microRNAs (miRNAs), which evolve in a birth and death manner, are considered evolutionary neutral sequences. The migratory locust is an ideal model to determine whether large genomes contain abundant neutral miRNAs because of its large genome size. A total of 833 miRNAs were discovered and several miRNAs were randomly chosen for validation by Northern blot and RIP-qPCR. Three additional verification methods, namely, processing-dependent methods of miRNA biogenesis using RNAi, evolutionary comparison with closely related species and evidence supported by tissue-specific expression, were applied to provide compelling results that support the authenticity of locust miRNAs. We observed that abundant local duplication events of miRNAs, which were unique in locusts compared with those in other insects with small genome sizes, may be responsible for the substantial acquisition of miRNAs in locusts. Together, multiple evidence showed that the locust genome experienced a burst of miRNA acquisition, suggesting that genome size expansion may have considerable influences of miRNA innovation. These results provide new insight into the genomic dynamics of miRNA repertoires under genome size evolution.
BA-j as a novel CDK1 inhibitor selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells by regulating ROS
Authors: Zhang Shixuan , Bao Yongming , Ju Xiulan , Li Kangjian , Shang Haiyan , Ha Lisha , Qian Yuan , Zou Liang , Sun Xiaodan , Li Jing , Wang Qianru , Fan Qingyu
Published: September 2015

Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is the only necessary CDK in cell proliferation and a novel target in the development of anticancer drugs. 8-Hydroxypiperidinemethyl-baicalein (BA-j) is a novel selective CDK1 inhibitor with broad spectrum anti-cancer activity (IC50 12.3 μM) and 2 tumor xenografts. Because of the differential mechanisms controlling redox-states in normal and cancer cells, BA-j can capture oxygen free radicals (·O2−) and selectively increase the level of H2O2 in cancer cells, thereby specifically oxidize and activate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway bypassing the extrinsic death receptor pathway, thus inducing apoptosis in cancer cells rather than in normal cells. BA-j is different from cytotoxic anticancer drugs which can activate both the intrinsic apoptosis pathway and the extrinsic death receptor pathway and therefore harm normal cells while killing cancer cells. The molecular and biochemical mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation suggest that BA-j may be developed into a novel anticancer agent.
Memory reconsolidation may be disrupted by a distractor stimulus presented during reactivation
Authors: Crestani Ana Paula , Zacouteguy Boos Flávia , Haubrich Josué , Ordoñez Sierra Rodrigo , Santana Fabiana , Molina Johanna Marcela Duran , Cassini Lindsey de Freitas , Alvares Lucas de Oliveira , Quillfeldt Jorge Alberto
Published: September 2015

Memories can be destabilized by the reexposure to the training context and may reconsolidate into a modified engram. Reconsolidation relies on some particular molecular mechanisms involving LVGCCs and GluN2B-containing NMDARs. In this study we investigate the interference caused by the presence of a distractor - a brief, unanticipated stimulus that impair a fear memory expression - during the reactivation session and tested the hypothesis that this disruptive effect relies on a reconsolidation process. Rats previously trained in the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) were reactivated in the presence or absence of a distractor stimulus. In the test, groups reactivated in the original context with distractor displayed a reduction of the freezing response lasting up to 20 days. To check for the involvement of destabilization / reconsolidation mechanisms, we studied the effect of systemic nimodipine (a L-VGCC blocker) or intra-CA1 ifenprodil (a selective GluN2B/NMDAR antagonist) infused right before the reactivation session. Both treatments were able to prevent the disruptive effect of distraction. Ifenprodil results also bolstered the case for hippocampus as the putative brain structure hosting this phenomenon. Our results provide some evidence in support of a behavioral, non-invasive procedure that was able to disrupt an aversive memory in a long-lasting way.
Time Circular Birefringence in Time-Dependent Magnetoelectric Media
Authors: Zhang Ruo-Yang , Zhai Yan-Wang , Lin Shi-Rong , Zhao Qing , Wen Weijia , Ge Mo-Lin
Published: September 2015

Light traveling in time-dependent media has many extraordinary properties which can be utilized to convert frequency, achieve temporal cloaking and simulate cosmological phenomena. In this paper, we focus on time-dependent axion-type magnetoelectric (ME) media and prove that light in these media always has two degenerate modes with opposite circular polarizations corresponding to one wave vector "Equation missing" and name this effect “time circular birefringence” (TCB). By interchanging the status of space and time, the pair of TCB modes can appear simultaneously via “time refraction” and “time reflection” of a linear polarized incident wave at a time interface of ME media. The superposition of the two TCB modes causes the “time Faraday effect”, namely the globally unified polarization axes rotate with time. A circularly polarized Gaussian pulse traversing a time interface is also studied. If the wave-vector spectrum of a pulse mainly concentrates in the non-traveling-wave band, the pulse will be trapped with nearly fixed center while its intensity will grow rapidly. In addition, we propose an experimental scheme of using molecular fluid with external time-varying electric and magnetic fields both parallel to the direction of light to realize these phenomena in practice.
Class effect of beta-blockers in survivors of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A nationwide cohort study using an insurance claims database
Authors: Lin Ting-Tse , Arnold Chan K. , Chen Ho-Min , Lai Chao-Lun , Lai Mei-Shu
Published: September 2015

Beta-blockers can help reduce mortality following acute myocardial infarction (MI); however, whether beta-blockers exert a class effect remains controversial. This study identified all patients with first ST-elevation MI for the period of 2003 to 2010 from the National Health Insurance claims database, Taiwan. We compared patients prescribed carvedilol, bisoprolol and propranolol. Study outcomes included all-cause death, cardiovascular death and recurrence of MI. The propensity scores were constructed using multinomial logistic regression to model the receipt of different beta-blockers. Treating carvedilol group as a reference, we employed a simultaneous three-group comparison approach using the Cox regression model with adjustment for the propensity scores to compare the relative risks of various outcomes. Among the 16836 patients, 7591 were prescribed carvedilol, 5934 bisoprolol and 3311 propranolol. Mean follow-up time was one year. After accounting for baseline differences, patients treated with bisoprolol (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72–1.05, p = 0.14) or propranolol (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.84–1.36, p = 0.58) had a similar risk of all-cause death in comparison with carvedilol. No significant differences were observed among three beta-blocker groups with regard to the risks of cardiovascular death and recurrence of MI. Our results suggest that beta-blockers exert a possible class effect in the treatment of acute MI.
Formation and stabilization of the telomeric antiparallel G-quadruplex and inhibition of telomerase by novel benzothioxanthene derivatives with anti-tumor activity
Authors: Zhang Wen , Chen Min , Ling Wu Yan , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Juan Ji Yan , Lin Zhang Su , He Wei Chuan , Xu Yan
Published: September 2015

G-quadruplexes formed in telomeric DNA sequences at human chromosome ends can be a novel target for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of cancer patients. Herein, we examined the ability of six novel benzothioxanthene derivatives S1–S6 to induce the formation of and stabilize an antiparallel G-quadruplex by EMSA, UV-melting and CD techniques and the influence of S1–S6 on A549 and SGC7901 cells through real-time cell analysis, wound healing, trap assay methods. Results show that six compounds could differentially induce 26 nt G-rich oligonucleotides to form the G-quadruplex with high selectivity vs C-rich DNA, mutated DNA and double-stranded DNA, stabilize it with high affinity, promote apoptosis and inhibit mobility and telomerase activity of A549 cells and SGC7901 cells. Especially, S1, S3, S4 displayed stronger abilities, of which S3 was the most optimal with the maximum ΔTm value being up to 29.8 °C for G-quadruplex, the minimum IC50 value being 0.53 μM and the maximum cell inhibitory rate being up to 97.2%. This study suggests that this type of compounds that induce the formation of and stabilize the telomeric antiparallel G-quadruplex and consequently inhibit telomerase activity, leading to cell apoptosis, can be screened for the discovery of novel antitumor therapeutics.
Myeloid-related protein 8 induces self-tolerance and cross-tolerance to bacterial infection via TLR4- and TLR2-mediated signal pathways
Authors: Coveney Andrew P. , Wang Wei , Kelly Justin , Liu Jing Hua , Blankson Siobhan , Wu Qiong Di , Redmond H. Paul , Wang Jiang Huai
Published: September 2015

Myeloid-related protein 8 (Mrp8) is the active component of Mrp8/14 protein complex released by phagocytes at the site of infection and stimulates inflammatory responses. However, it is unclear whether Mrp8 could induce self-tolerance and cross-tolerance to bacterial infection. Here we report that Mrp8 triggered TNF-α and IL-6 release via a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent manner. Pre-stimulation of murine macrophages and human monocytes with Mrp8 induced self-tolerance to Mrp8 re-stimulation and cross-tolerance to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), bacterial lipoprotein (BLP), gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial challenges, with substantially attenuated TNF-α and IL-6 release. Moreover, Mrp8 tolerisation significantly reduced serum TNF-α and IL-6, increased polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment and accelerated bacterial clearance, thus protecting mice against LPS-induced lethality and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis. In addition to TLR4, TLR2 also contributed to Mrp8-induced inflammatory response and tolerance. Down-regulation of phosphorylated p38 by Mrp8 pre-stimulation was predominantly responsible for the intracellular mechanism of Mrp8-induced tolerance. Thus, our findings of Mrp8-induced self-tolerance and cross-tolerance may provide a potential strategy for attenuating an overwhelming proinflammatory cascade and enhancing antimicrobial responses during microbial sepsis.
Role of local and distant functional connectivity density in the development of minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Qi Rongfeng , Zhang Long Jiang , Chen Hui Juan , Zhong Jianhui , Luo Song , Ke Jun , Xu Qiang , Kong Xiang , Liu Chang , Lu Guang Ming
Published: September 2015

The progression of functional connectivity (FC) patterns from non-hepatic encephalopathy (non-HE) to minimal HE (MHE) is not well known. This resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) study investigated the evolution of intrinsic FC patterns from non-HE to MHE. A total of 103 cirrhotic patients (MHE, n = 34 and non-HE, n = 69) and 103 healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI scanning. Maps of distant and local FC density (dFCD and lFCD, respectively) were compared among MHE, non-HE and healthy control groups. Decreased lFCD in anterior cingulate cortex, pre- and postcentral gyri, cuneus, lingual gyrus and putamen was observed in both MHE and non-HE patients relative to controls. There was no difference in lFCD between MHE and non-HE groups. The latter showed decreased dFCD in inferior parietal lobule, cuneus and medial frontal cortex relative to controls; however, MHE patients showed decreased dFCD in frontal and parietal cortices as well as increased dFCD in thalamus and caudate head relative to control and non-HE groups. Abnormal FCD values in some regions correlated with MHE patients’ neuropsychological performance. In conclusion, lFCD and dFCD were perturbed in MHE. Impaired dFCD in regions within the cortico-striato-thalamic circuit may be more closely associated with the development of MHE.
LncRNA NALT interaction with NOTCH1 promoted cell proliferation in pediatric T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Wang Yaping , Wu Peng , Lin Rufeng , Rong Liucheng , Xue Yao , Fang Yongjun
Published: September 2015

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was referred to be participating in various malignant tumors. Location based analysis of the mechanism in lncRNA and genes have been highly focused. In this study, we reported that lncRNA named NALT which was located near NOTCH1 within 100 bp away. We confirmed that up-regulation of NALT associating with NOTCH1 in human samples. Increased expression of NALT dramatically promoted cell proliferation in cell lines via CCK8 assay and EDU stain. Further xenograft tumor also indicated the growth inducing affection of NALT while could be partial reversed by GSI. Besides, through sorting the side-population cells in T ALL cells treated with NALT shRNA could decrease percentage of SP cell which companied by the down-regulation of NOTCH1. Gal4-λN/BoxB reporter system revealed that the nuclear located NALT could function as a transcription activator which caused an activation of NOTCH signal pathway as confirmed by western blot. Taken together, we found a neighbor of NOTCH1, Lnc-RP11-611D20.2 (named NALT) which could regulate the NOTCH1 signal pathway through cis-regulation. This founding may trigger a comparable development of diagnosis or novel molecularly-directed therapies.
Bis(mandelato)borate: an effective, inexpensive spiroborate anion for chiral resolution
Authors: Wong Lawrence W-Y. , Kan Jack W-H. , Nguyen Thanh-ha , Sung Herman H-Y. , Li Dang , Au-Yeung Alex S-F. , Sharma Rajpal , Lin Zhenyang , Williams Ian D.
Published: September 2015

Cations of tetrahydropalmatine (THP), 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-dap) and [Co(phen)3]3+ are all readily resolved by the red [BS(R-Man)2] anions with >90% ee in 1 easy step.
A modular family of phosphine-phosphoramidite ligands and their hydroformylation catalysts: steric tuning impacts upon the coordination geometry of trigonal bipyramidal complexes of type [Rh(H)(CO)2(P^P*)]
Authors: How Rebecca C. , Hembre Robert , Ponasik James A. , Tolleson Ginette S. , Clarke Matthew L.
Published: September 2015

Branched aldehyde selectivity above 50% in hydroformylation of propene and 1-octene.
Low temperature hydrothermal synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of RECrO3 (RE = La, Pr, Nd, Sm)
Authors: Wang Shan , Huang Keke , Hou Changmin , Yuan Long , Wu Xiaofeng , Lu Dayong
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the low temperature hydrothermal preparation method, crystal structure, Raman spectroscopy and magnetization of perovskite structure rare-earth chromites (RECrO3) were reported.
Fabrication of Au(Ag)/AgCl/Fe3O4@PDA@Au nanocomposites with enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Baoyu , Zhang Min , Li Weizhen , Wang Linlin , Zheng Jing , Gan Wenjun , Xu Jingli
Published: September 2015

A novel Au(Ag)/AgCl/Fe3O4@Pdop@Au multifunctional nanotube was obtained, which showed obvious near-infrared absorption and exhibited excellent photocatalytic via visible light.
Cubic KLu3F10nanocrystals: Mn2+dopant-controlled synthesis and upconversion luminescence
Authors: Xu Xia , Wang Zhuo , Lei Pengpeng , Liu Xiuling , Su Yue , Dong Lile , Yao Shuang , Zhou Liang , Song Shuyan , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: September 2015

Rare-earth-doped cubic KLu3F10nanocrystals with excellent upconversion luminescence have been fabricated by adding Mn2+ions.
Eldfellite, NaFe(SO4)2: an intercalation cathode host for low-cost Na-ion batteries
Authors: Singh Preetam , Shiva Konda , Celio Hugo , Goodenough John B.
Published: September 2015

The mineral eldfellite, NaFe(SO4)2, is characterized as a potential cathode for a Na-ion battery that can be fabricated in charged-state.
Missing the target
Authors: Lowe Derek
Published: September 2015

There are plenty of things that small molecule drugs can't touch, says Derek Lowe, and it's not for want of trying.
Energy efficient, facile and cost effective methodology for formation of an inclusion complex of resveratrol with hp-β-CD
Authors: Kaur Khushwinder , Uppal Shivani , Kaur Ravneet , Agarwal Jyoti , Mehta Surinder Kumar
Published: September 2015

A stable inclusion complex was obtained by using a greener, energy proficient approach via an ultrasonic method.
Separation and detection of tropane alkaloids in Anisodus tanguticus by capillary electrophoresis-electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Guo Hao , Wu Xiaoling , Wang Ailian , Luo Xiaowei , Ma Yongjun , Zhou Min
Published: September 2015

Anisodine and anisodamine in different parts of Anisodus tanguticus are separated and determined using a chemically modified Pt electrode.
Star-shaped isoindigo-based small molecules as potential non-fullerene acceptors in bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Liu Xin , Xie Yuan , Zhao Haobin , Cai Xinyi , Wu Hongbin , Su Shi-Jian , Cao Yong
Published: September 2015

Two novel star-shaped isoindigo-based small molecules with different cores of triphenylamine and benzene were designed and synthesized as non-fullerene acceptor materials in organic solar cells.
Silver nanoparticles impede phorbol myristate acetate-induced monocyte–macrophage differentiation and autophagy
Authors: Xu Yingying , Wang Liming , Bai Ru , Zhang Tianlu , Chen Chunying
Published: September 2015

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) inhibit phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced THP-1 monocyte–macrophage differentiation, which is mediated by autophagy blockade and lysosomal impairment induced by AgNPs.
Small and light strain sensors based on graphene coated human hairs
Authors: Yuan Wenjing , Zhou Qinqin , Li Yingru , Shi Gaoquan
Published: September 2015

We report the fabrication of strain sensors by assembling reduced graphene oxide sheets onto human hairs. These sensors are light, small, cheap, robust and sensitive to various deformations.
The formation mechanism of bimetallic PtRu alloy nanoparticles in solvothermal synthesis
Authors: Mi Jian-Li , Nørby Peter , Bremholm Martin , Becker Jacob , Iversen Bo B.
Published: September 2015

An understanding of the nucleation and growth mechanism of bimetallic nanoparticles in solvothermal synthesis is important for further development of nanoparticles with tailored nanostructures and properties.
Controlling the synthesis of degradable vinyl polymers by xanthate-mediated polymerization
Authors: Bell Craig A. , Hedir Guillaume G. , O'Reilly Rachel K. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: September 2015

The copolymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) and 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO), as well as the homopolymerization of MDO in the presence of a p-methoxyphenyl xanthate chain transfer agent (CTA) is reported and comparison of the homopolymerization of MDO with other known xanthates was also investigated.
Pincer CNC bis-N-heterocyclic carbenes: robust ligands for palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura arylation of bromoanthracene and related substrates
Authors: Zende V. M. , Schulzke C. , Kapdi A. R.
Published: September 2015

Novel pincer-type N-heterocyclic carbene ligands have been synthesised and characterised by FAB-MS and single crystal X-ray analysis. The ligands have proved to be highly active towards palladium-catalysed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of bromoanthracene and related substrates.
An environmentally friendly preparation and characterization of waterborne polyurethane hydrogels by polyvinyl alcohol physical cross-linking to improve water absorption
Authors: Wang Cai , Zheng Yudong , Qiao Kun , Xie Yajie , Zhou Xiaoteng
Published: September 2015

The PU/PVA hydrogels had three stages of water absorption. The quick absorption kinetics and high equilibrium water absorption of 70% PU/PVA as​ wound dressing material could absorb excess exudate and create a moist wound healing environment.
Formation of surface cobalt structures in SiC-supported Fischer–Tropsch catalysts
Authors: Solomonik I. G. , Gryaznov K. O. , Skok V. F. , Mordkovich V. Z.
Published: September 2015

The formation of surface cobalt structures was investigated for a number of β-SiC-supported Fischer–Tropsch catalysts.
Tribological behavior of a TiAl matrix composite containing 10 wt% Ag investigated at four wear stages
Authors: Yang Kang , Shi Xiaoliang , Zheng Da , Zhai Wenzheng , Mahmoud Ibrahim Ahmed Mohamed , Wang Zhihai
Published: September 2015

Ag was uniformly spread out on a wear scar to form a lubricant film at STABLE, thus resulting in the acquiring of excellent surface textures, a lowering of subsurface hardness of a wear scar, as well as improving of tribological behavior.
Synthesis of flower-shaped ZrO2–C composites for adsorptive removal of trichlorophenol from aqueous solution
Authors: Tan Yixin , Zhu Lehui , Niu Hongyun , Cai Yaqi , Wu Fengchang , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: September 2015

A novel kind of nanoflake zirconia–carbon (ZrO2–C) composite exhibited a much improved capacity to adsorb TCP.
Enantio- & chemo-selective preparation of enantiomerically enriched aliphatic nitro alcohols using Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330
Authors: Venkataraman Sowmyalakshmi , Chadha Anju
Published: September 2015

Enantiomerically pure β- and γ-nitro alcohols were prepared from their respective nitro ketones by asymmetric reduction using Candida parapsilosis ATCC 7330 under optimized reaction conditions (ee up to >99%; yields up to 76%).
Three novel biosorbents based on modified peanut shells for direct red 80 removal: parameter optimization, process kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Zhang Lei , Cheng Zhengjun , Guo Xiao , Jiang Xiaohui , Li Tian
Published: September 2015

In this study, we report three novel biosorbents. Many aspects of the title process are presented. The results indicate that the models could be well described experimental data and hence may play a role in predication of the adsorption capacity.
In situ formation of N- and Fe-doped carbon nanotube/mesoporous carbon nanocomposite with excellent activity for oxygen reduction in acidic media
Authors: Huang Xiang-Jun , Luan Ya-Nan , Yao Peng-Fei , Xie Jin-Song , Yu Liang , Wu Zhen-Yu , Chen Ping
Published: September 2015

N- and Fe-doped carbon nanotube/CMK3 nanocomposite was firstly prepared by a simple procedure. The typical product shows excellent catalytic ability for oxygen reduction reaction in the acidic media.
Catalyst feature independent metal-assisted chemical etching of silicon
Authors: Choi Keorock , Song Yunwon , Oh Ilwhan , Oh Jungwoo
Published: September 2015

We demonstrate metal-assisted chemical etching of Si substrates with consistent etching rates for a wide range of metal catalysts of dots and stripes in meshes and solid arrays.
Yields of H2and hydrated electrons in low-LET radiolysis of water determined by Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations using phenol/N2O aqueous solutions up to 350 °C
Authors: Meesungnoen Jintana , Sanguanmith Sunuchakan , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: September 2015

The effect of temperature on the yields of H2and hydrated electrons in the low linear energy transfer radiolysis of water has been modeled by Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations using phenol/N2O aqueous solutions from 25 up to 350 °C.
Effect of using sonicated sulphuric acid as an electrolyte in a lead acid battery
Authors: S. Mithin kumar , Mayavan Sundar , M. Ganesan , Ambalavanan S.
Published: September 2015

The consequences of adding sonicated sulphuric acid as an electrolyte in a lead acid battery (LAB) have been investigated.
pH-induced recovery and redispersion of shape-controlled gold nanorods for nanocatalysis
Authors: Morita-Imura Clara , Kobayashi Takahiro , Imura Yoshiro , Kawai Takeshi , Shindo Hitoshi
Published: September 2015

The pH-responsive amphiphile C16CA was used for the functionalization of gold nanorods. The pH-induced recovery–redispersion of gold nanorods using C16CA self-assembly was accomplished without affecting the catalytic activity of the nanorods.
Cadmium selenide quantum dots for the amelioration of the properties of a room temperature discotic liquid crystalline material
Authors: Yadav Neelam , Kumar Sandeep , Dhar Ravindra
Published: September 2015

The effect of cadmium selenide quantum dots on a room temperature discotic liquid crystalline material has been studied.
The preparation of an ultrastable mesoporous Cr(iii)-MOF via reductive labilization
Authors: Lian Xizhen , Feng Dawei , Chen Ying-Pin , Liu Tian-Fu , Wang Xuan , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: September 2015

A novel reductive labilization–metal metathesis method is reported for the synthesis of an ultrastable mesoporous Cr(iii)-MOF.
Three-dimensional Mn-doped Zn2GeO4 nanosheet array hierarchical nanostructures anchored on porous Ni foam as binder-free and carbon-free lithium-ion battery anodes with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Li Qun , Miao Xianguang , Wang Chengxiang , Yin Longwei
Published: September 2015

Mn doping induces the microstructure evolution from nanowire of pure Zn2GeO4 to nanosheet of Mn-doped Zn2GeO4 samples, and enhanced electrochemical performance.
Ultrathin HNb3O8 nanosheet: an efficient photocatalyst for the hydrogen production
Authors: Xiong Jinhua , Wen Linrui , Jiang Fan , Liu Yuhao , Liang Shijing , Wu Ling
Published: September 2015

A monolayer HNb3O8 nanosheet was prepared. Its unique 2D structure promoted the efficient separation of the photo-generated carriers, leading to an enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) composite membranes having poly(2,5-benzimidazole)-grafted graphene oxide for fuel cell applications
Authors: Ko Taeyun , Kim Kihyun , Lim Min-Young , Nam Sang Yong , Kim Tae-Ho , Kim Sung-Kon , Lee Jong-Chan
Published: September 2015

Sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (SPAES) composite membranes were prepared using thermally-treated graphene oxide (GO) and poly(2,5-benzimidazole)-grafted graphene oxide (ABPBI-GO) as fillers for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) applications.
A perovskite solar cell-TiO2@BiVO4 photoelectrochemical system for direct solar water splitting
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Zhang Bingyan , Cao Kun , Brillet Jérémie , Chen Jianyou , Wang Mingkui , Shen Yan
Published: September 2015

A novel perovskite solar cell-TiO2@BiVO4 photoelectrochemical system for direct solar water splitting shows an overall solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 1.24%.
Triazatruxene based covalent organic framework and its quick-response fluorescence-on nature towards electron rich arenes
Authors: Xie Yun-Feng , Ding San-Yuan , Liu Jun-Min , Wang Wei , Zheng Qi-Yu
Published: September 2015

Two new 2D covalent organic frameworks were synthesized based on a triazatruxene unit, which could be used as potential fluorescent sensors for electron rich/deficient arene vapors.
Effect of the functionalized π-bridge on porphyrin sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: an in-depth analysis of electronic structure, spectrum, excitation, and intramolecular electron transfer
Authors: Lu Xiaoqing , Shao Yang , Wei Shuxian , Zhao Zigang , Li Ke , Guo Chen , Wang Weili , Zhang Mingmin , Guo Wenyue
Published: September 2015

The effects of π-bridge on the structural and optoelectronic properties of porphyrin sensitizers were systematically elucidated.