bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased cis-to-trans urocanic acid ratio in the skin of chronic spontaneous urticaria patients
Authors: Pham Duy Le , Lim Kyung-Min , Joo Kyung-Mi , Park Hae-Sim , Leung Donald Y. M. , Ye Young-Min
Published: April 2017

Increased filaggrin expression was found to be correlated with severity scores in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU); however, the role of filaggrin breakdown products (FBPs) in CSU has not been studied. We collected stratum corneum (SC) specimens from the volar forearms of 10 CSU patients, 10 AD patients, and 10 healthy normal controls (NCs) and measured contents of FBPs (pyrrolidone carboxylic acid [PCA] and urocanic acid [UCA]) using UPLC-MS/MS, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and epidermal pH. Compared to NCs,cis-UCA level was increased in CSU lesions (P < 0.05) and decreased in AD lesions (P < 0.01). Thecis-to-trans-UCA ratio in SC specimens from CSU patients was significantly greater than those from AD and NC subjects. AD lesions had lower FBP and PCA contents compared to NC skin (bothP < 0.001), and higher TEWL and pH compared to CSU lesions. Moreover,cis-UCA, but nottrans-UCA, enhanced the IgE-mediated basophil activation, as well as IgE- and calcium-mediated degranulation of LAD-2 cells, in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that increasedcis-to-transUCA ratio in the epidermis is a distinct feature of CSU, which could enhance mast cell degranulation. Modulation ofcis-UCA may be a potential target for skin diseases associated with IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation.
The pathogenic exon 1 HTT protein is produced by incomplete splicing in Huntington’s disease patients
Authors: Neueder Andreas , Landles Christian , Ghosh Rhia , Howland David , Myers Richard H. , Faull Richard L. M. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Bates Gillian P.
Published: April 2017

We have previously shown that exon 1 of the huntingtin gene does not always splice to exon 2 resulting in the production of a small polyadenylated mRNA (HTTexon1) that encodes the highly pathogenic exon 1 HTT protein. The level of this read-through product is proportional to CAG repeat length and is present in all knock-in mouse models of Huntington’s disease (HD) with CAG lengths of 50 and above and in the YAC128 and BACHD mouse models, both of which express a copy of the human HTT gene. We have now developed specific protocols for the quantitative analysis of the transcript levels of HTTexon1 in human tissue and applied these to a series of fibroblast lines and post-mortem brain samples from individuals with either adult-onset or juvenile-onset HD. We found that the HTTexon1 mRNA is present in fibroblasts from juvenile HD patients and can also be readily detected in the sensory motor cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of post-mortem brains from HD individuals, particularly in those with early onset disease. This finding will have important implications for strategies to lower mutant HTT levels in patients and the design of future therapeutics.
Gene co-expression network analysis identifies porcine genes associated with variation in metabolizing fenbendazole and flunixin meglumine in the liver
Authors: Howard Jeremy T. , Ashwell Melissa S. , Baynes Ronald E. , Brooks James D. , Yeatts James L. , Maltecca Christian
Published: April 2017

Identifying individual genetic variation in drug metabolism pathways is of importance not only in livestock, but also in humans in order to provide the ultimate goal of giving the right drug at the right dose at the right time. Our objective was to identify individual genes and gene networks involved in metabolizing fenbendazole (FBZ) and flunixin meglumine (FLU) in swine liver. The population consisted of female and castrated male pigs that were sired by boars represented by 4 breeds. Progeny were randomly placed into groups: no drug (UNT), FLU or FBZ administered. Liver transcriptome profiles from 60 animals with extreme (i.e. fast or slow drug metabolism) pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were generated from RNA sequencing. Multiple cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, CYP2A19 and CYP2C36) genes displayed different transcript levels across treated versus UNT. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 5 and 3 modules of genes correlated with PK parameters and a portion of these were enriched for biological processes relevant to drug metabolism for FBZ and FLU, respectively. Genes within identified modules were shown to have a higher transcript level relationship (i.e. connectivity) in treated versus UNT animals. Investigation into the identified genes would allow for greater insight into FBZ and FLU metabolism.
Capacity of humic substances to complex with iron at different salinities in the Yangtze River estuary and East China Sea
Authors: Yang Rujun , Su Han , Qu Shenglu , Wang Xuchen
Published: April 2017

The iron binding capacities (IBC) of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) were determined in the salinity range from 5 to 40. The results indicated that IBC decreased while salinity increased. In addition, dissolved iron (dFe), FA and HA were also determined along the Yangtze River estuary’s increasing salinity gradient from 0.14 to 33. The loss rates of dFe, FA and HA in the Yangtze River estuary were up to 96%, 74%, and 67%, respectively. The decreases in dFe, FA and HA, as well as the change in IBC of humic substances (HS) along the salinity gradient in the Yangtze River estuary were all well described by a first-order exponential attenuation model: y(dFe/FA/HA, S) = a0 × exp(kS) + y0. These results indicate that flocculation of FA and HA along the salinity gradient resulted in removal of dFe. Furthermore, the exponential attenuation model described in this paper can be applied in the major estuaries of the world where most of the removal of dFe and HS occurs where freshwater and seawater mix.
Lipidomics and RNA-Seq Study of Lipid Regulation in Aphis gossypii parasitized by Lysiphlebia japonica
Authors: XueKe Gao , Shuai Zhang , JunYu Luo , LiMin Lü , LiJuan Zhang , JinJie Cui
Published: April 2017

The cotton–melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a major insect pest worldwide. Lysiphlebia japonica (Ashmead) is an obligate parasitic wasp of A. gossypii, and has the ability to regulate lipid metabolism of the cotton-melon aphid. Lipids are known to play critical roles in energy homeostasis, membrane structure, and signaling. However, the parasitoid genes that regulate fat metabolism and lipid composition in aphids are not known. 34 glycerolipids and 248 glycerophospholipids were identified in this study. We have shown that a 3-day parasitism of aphids can induce significant changes in the content and acyl chain composition of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and subspecies composition of glycerophospholipids content and acyl chains. It also upregulate the expression of several genes involved in triacylglycerol synthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Pathway analysis showed that a higher expression of genes involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis pathways may contribute to TAGs synthesis in parasitized aphids. Interestingly, the higher expression of genes in the sphingomyelin pathway and reduced sphingomyelin content may be related to the reproductive ability of A. gossypii. We provide a comprehensive resource describing the molecular signature of parasitized A. gossypii particularly the changes associated with the lipid metabolism and discuss the biological and ecological significance of this change.
Novel anodic oxide film with self-sealing layer showing excellent corrosion resistance
Authors: Wu Yinghao , Zhao Wenjie , Wang Wurong , Wang Liping , Xue Qunji
Published: April 2017

In the present work, the novel anodic oxide film (AOF) with self-sealing layer was successfully fabricated on 2024Al alloys by using an improved anodic oxidation method. The presence of the self-sealing layer on the porous layer of AOF was verified by Field emission scanning electron micro scope. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to evaluate the morphology and the corrosion products of the AOF after salt spray test. The microhardness test showed that the self-sealing AOFs still displayed high hardness even after salt spray test. Electrochemical test and salt spray test results illustrated the excellent corrosion performance of the novel structured self-sealing anodic oxide film (SAOF) compared with common porous AOFs. The narrow diameter makes it difficult for chlorine ions ingress into the pores of SAOFs. The self-sealing layer played an important role in protecting the SAOF from corrosion.
High-efficiency chirality-modulated spoof surface plasmon meta-coupler
Authors: Duan Jingwen , Guo Huijie , Dong Shaohua , Cai Tong , Luo Weijie , Liang Zhongzhu , He Qiong , Zhou Lei , Sun Shulin
Published: April 2017

Efficiently exciting surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) is highly desired in many photonic applications, but most approaches (such as prism and grating couplers) cannot control flexibly their SPP excitation directions. While Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) metasurfaces were recently proposed to achieve direction-controllable SPP excitations, such scheme suffers from low-efficiency issue due to both direct reflections at the coupler surface and the mode mismatch between the coupler and the guiding-out plasmonic structure. In this article, we solve these issues via imposing two criterions to guide design both the metasurface and the plasmonic metal, based on which a direction-controllable SPP excitation with very high efficiency can be realized. As a proof of concept, we designed/fabricated a realistic device working in the microwave regime, and performed both near-field and far-field measurements to demonstrate that it can achieve an spoof SPP conversion efficiency ~78%, much higher than previous devices. Full-wave simulations are in good agreement with experiments, showing that the efficiency can be further pushed to 92% with optimized designs. Our findings can stimulate spoof SPP-related applications, particularly can help enhance the spin-dependent light-matter interactions in low frequency regime.
Multimodal chest surface motion data for respiratory and cardiovascular monitoring applications
Authors: Shafiq Ghufran , Veluvolu Kalyana Chakravarthy
Published: April 2017

Chest surface motion is of significant importance as it contains information of respiratory and cardiac systems together with the complex coupling between these two systems. Chest surface motion is not only critical in radiotherapy, but also useful in personalized systems for continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring. In this dataset, a multimodal setup is employed to simultaneously acquire cardiorespiratory signals. These signals include high-density trunk surface motion (from 16 distinct locations) with VICON motion capture system, nasal breathing from a thermal sensor, respiratory effort from a strain belt and electrocardiogram in lead-II configuration. This dataset contains 72 trials recorded from 11 participants with a cumulative duration of approximately 215 min under various conditions such as normal breathing, breath-hold, irregular breathing and post-exercise recovery. The presented dataset is not only useful for evaluating prediction algorithms for radiotherapy applications, but can also be employed for the development of techniques to evaluate the cardio-mechanics and hemodynamic parameters of chest surface motion.
Large-scale modeled contemporary and future water temperature estimates for 10774 Midwestern U.S. Lakes
Authors: Winslow Luke A. , Hansen Gretchen J.A. , Read Jordan S , Notaro Michael
Published: April 2017

Climate change has already influenced lake temperatures globally, but understanding future change is challenging. The response of lakes to changing climate drivers is complex due to the nature of lake-atmosphere coupling, ice cover, and stratification. To better understand the diversity of lake responses to climate change and give managers insight on individual lakes, we modelled daily water temperature profiles for 10,774 lakes in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin for contemporary (1979–2015) and future (2020–2040 and 2080–2100) time periods with climate models based on the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, the worst-case emission scenario. In addition to lake-specific daily simulated temperatures, we derived commonly used, ecologically relevant annual metrics of thermal conditions for each lake. We include all supporting lake-specific model parameters, meteorological drivers, and archived code for the model and derived metric calculations. This unique dataset offers landscape-level insight into the impact of climate change on lakes.
Wavelength-Dependent Plasmon-Mediated Coalescence of Two Gold Nanorods
Authors: Liaw Jiunn-Woei , Lin Wu-Chun , Kuo Mao-Kuen
Published: April 2017

Plasmon-mediated coalescence of two nearby gold nanorods (NRs) suspended in water induced by the illumination of a linearly polarized (LP) light was studied theoretically. We analyzed the coupled optical forces and torques in terms of Maxwell’s stress tensor upon two identical NRs irradiated by a LP plane wave using the multiple multipole method to estimate the optomechanical outcome. Numerical results show that the light-matter interaction can perform attraction or repulsion, depending on their initial configurations. For the attraction, the end-to-end or side-by-side coalescence of the two gold NRs could be caused by the LP light, depending on the wavelength. For example, the side-by-side coalescence of two adjacent NRs of r = 15 nm and L = 120 nm is most likely induced by 800-nm LP laser beam, whereas the end-to-end coalescence by 1064-nm or 1700-nm LP laser. These distinct phenomena are attributed to the perpendicular or parallel alignment of NR to the polarization of LP light in different wavelength ranges. The magnitude of optical force, proportional to the light’s fluence, could be stronger than van der Waals force. The estimation based on quasi-static model without considering the fluid dynamics may provide an insight to optical manipulation on the self-assembly of gold colloid.
Next-generation DNA sequencing identifies novel gene variants and pathways involved in specific language impairment
Authors: Chen Xiaowei Sylvia , Reader Rose H. , Hoischen Alexander , Veltman Joris A. , Simpson Nuala H. , Francks Clyde , Newbury Dianne F. , Fisher Simon E.
Published: April 2017

A significant proportion of children have unexplained problems acquiring proficient linguistic skills despite adequate intelligence and opportunity. Developmental language disorders are highly heritable with substantial societal impact. Molecular studies have begun to identify candidate loci, but much of the underlying genetic architecture remains undetermined. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 43 unrelated probands affected by severe specific language impairment, followed by independent validations with Sanger sequencing, and analyses of segregation patterns in parents and siblings, to shed new light on aetiology. By first focusing on a pre-defined set of known candidates from the literature, we identified potentially pathogenic variants in genes already implicated in diverse language-related syndromes, including ERC1, GRIN2A, and SRPX2. Complementary analyses suggested novel putative candidates carrying validated variants which were predicted to have functional effects, such as OXR1, SCN9A and KMT2D. We also searched for potential “multiple-hit” cases; one proband carried a rare AUTS2 variant in combination with a rare inherited haplotype affecting STARD9, while another carried a novel nonsynonymous variant in SEMA6D together with a rare stop-gain in SYNPR. On broadening scope to all rare and novel variants throughout the exomes, we identified biological themes that were enriched for such variants, including microtubule transport and cytoskeletal regulation.
Role of the virulence plasmid in acid resistance of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Niu Chang , Yang Jing , Liu Hongsheng , Cui Yong , Xu Huijie , Wang Ruifeng , Liu Xiankai , Feng Erling , Wang Dongshu , Pan Chao , Xiao Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhu Li , Wang Hengliang
Published: April 2017

Virulence plasmid (VP) acquisition was a key step in the evolution of Shigella from a non-pathogenic Escherichia coli ancestor to a pathogenic genus. In addition, the co-evolution and co-ordination of chromosomes and VPs was also a very important step in the evolutionary process. To investigate the cross-talk between VPs and bacterial chromosomes, we analyzed the expression profiles of protein complexes and protein monomers in three wild-type Shigella flexneri strains and their corresponding VP deletion mutants. A non-pathogenic wild-type E. coli strain and mutant E. coli strains harboring three Shigella VPs were also analyzed. Comparisons showed that the expression of chromosome-encoded proteins GadA/B and AtpA/D, which are associated with intracellular proton flow and pH tuning of bacterial cells, was significantly altered following acquisition or deletion of the VP. The acid tolerance of the above strains was also compared, and the results confirmed that the presence of the VP reduced the bacterial survival rate in extremely acidic environments, such as that in the host stomach. These results further our understanding of the evolution from non-pathogenic E. coli to Shigella, and highlight the importance of co-ordination between heterologous genes and the host chromosome in the evolution of bacterial species.
Glypican-2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid predict the status of adult hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Lugert S. , Kremer T. , Jagasia R. , Herrmann A. , Aigner S. , Giachino C. , Mendez-David I. , Gardier A. M. , Carralot J. P. , Meistermann H. , Augustin A. , Saxe M. D. , Lamerz J. , Duran-Pacheco G. , Ducret A. , Taylor V. , David D. J. , Czech C.
Published: April 2017

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a remarkable form of brain plasticity through which new neurons are generated throughout life. Despite its important roles in cognition and emotion and its modulation in various preclinical disease models, the functional importance of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in human health has not been revealed because of a lack of tools for monitoring adult neurogenesis in vivo. Therefore, we performed an unbiased proteomics screen to identify novel proteins expressed during neuronal differentiation using a human neural stem cell model, and we identified the proteoglycan Glypican-2 (Gpc2) as a putative secreted marker of immature neurons. Exogenous Gpc2 binds to FGF2 and inhibits FGF2-induced neural progenitor cell proliferation. Gpc2 is enriched in neurogenic regions of the adult brain. Its expression is increased by physiological stimuli that increase hippocampal neurogenesis and decreased in transgenic models in which neurogenesis is selectively ablated. Changes in neurogenesis also result in changes in Gpc2 protein level in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Gpc2 is detectable in adult human CSF, and first pilot experiments with a longitudinal cohort indicate a decrease over time. Thus, Gpc2 may serve as a potential marker to monitor adult neurogenesis in both animal and human physiology and disease, warranting future studies.
Targeting ASIC3 for Relieving Mice Fibromyalgia Pain: Roles of Electroacupuncture, Opioid, and Adenosine
Authors: Yen Liang-Ta , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: April 2017

Many scientists are seeking better therapies for treating fibromyalgia (FM) pain. We used a mouse model of FM to determine if ASIC3 and its relevant signaling pathway participated in FM pain. We demonstrated that FM-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was attenuated by electroacupuncture (EA). The decrease in fatigue-induced lower motor function in FM mice was also reversed by EA. These EA-based effects were abolished by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist rolofylline. Administration of opioid receptor agonist endomorphin (EM) or adenosine A1 receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) has similar results to EA. Similar results were also observed in ASIC3−/− or ASIC3 antagonist (APETx2) injected mice. Using western blotting, we determined that pPKA, pPI3K, and pERK were increased during a dual acidic injection priming period. Nociceptive receptors, such as ASIC3, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8, were upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord (SC) of FM mice. Furthermore, pPKA, pPI3K, and pERK were increased in the central thalamus. These aforementioned mechanisms were completely abolished in ASIC3 knockout mice. Electrophysiological results also indicated that acid potentiated Nav currents through ASIC3 and ERK pathway. Our results highlight the crucial role of ASIC3-mediated mechanisms in the treatment of FM-induced mechanical hyperalgesia.
Efficacy and safety of rectal 5-aminosalicylic acid versus corticosteroids in active distal ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaojing , Zhou Changcheng , Ma Jingjing , Zhu Yunjuan , Sun Min , Wang Peixue , Zhang Yi , Ma Haiqin , Zhang Hongjie
Published: April 2017

Topical 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and corticosteroids are used frequently in the treatment of active distal ulcerative colitis (UC). Our study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of different topical drugs used to treat active distal UC. A random-effects model within a Bayesian framework was utilized to compare treatment effects and safety as odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrI). The surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) and median rank (MR) with corresponding 95% CrI were calculated to rank the treatment outcomes. In the induction of clinical and endoscopic remission, most regimens showed significant advantages over placebo except topical budesonide 0.5 mg/d and hydrocortisone 100 mg/d. According to SUCRA and MR values, rectal 5-ASA 1.5 to 2.0 g/d + Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) 3 mg/d rendered the highest probability of being the best regimen to achieve clinical and endoscopic remission, followed by the separate use of 5-ASA 4 g/d and BDP 3 mg/d. The occurrence of adverse events was not significantly different between each treatments and placebo. In conclusion, the combined use of topical 5-ASA and BDP proved to be the best choice for active distal UC and further well-designed researches are warranted to assess its efficacy and safety.
Longitudinal spin Seebeck coefficient: heat flux vs. temperature difference method
Authors: Sola A. , Bougiatioti P. , Kuepferling M. , Meier D. , Reiss G. , Pasquale M. , Kuschel T. , Basso V.
Published: April 2017

The determination of the longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (LSSE) coefficient is currently plagued by a large uncertainty due to the poor reproducibility of the experimental conditions used in its measurement. In this work we present a detailed analysis of two different methods used for the determination of the LSSE coefficient. We have performed LSSE experiments in different laboratories, by using different setups and employing both the temperature difference method and the heat flux method. We found that the lack of reproducibility can be mainly attributed to the thermal contact resistance between the sample and the thermal baths which generate the temperature gradient. Due to the variation of the thermal resistance, we found that the scaling of the LSSE voltage to the heat flux through the sample rather than to the temperature difference across the sample greatly reduces the uncertainty. The characteristics of a single YIG/Pt LSSE device obtained with two different setups was (1.143 ± 0.007) 10−7 Vm/W and (1.101 ± 0.015) 10−7 Vm/W with the heat flux method and (2.313 ± 0.017) 10−7 V/K and (4.956 ± 0.005) 10−7 V/K with the temperature difference method. This shows that systematic errors can be considerably reduced with the heat flux method.
Ultrahigh energy density harvested from domain-engineered relaxor ferroelectric single crystals under high strain rate loading
Authors: Shkuratov Sergey I. , Baird Jason , Antipov Vladimir G. , Talantsev Evgueni F. , Chase Jay B. , Hackenberger Wesley , Luo Jun , Jo Hwan R. , Lynch Christopher S.
Published: April 2017

Relaxor ferroelectric single crystals have triggered revolution in electromechanical systems due to their superior piezoelectric properties. Here the results are reported on experimental studies of energy harvested from (1-y-x)Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–(y)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–(x)PbTiO3 (PIN-PMN-PT) crystals under high strain rate loading. Precise control of ferroelectric properties through composition, size and crystallographic orientation of domains made it possible to identify single crystals that release up to three times more electric charge density than that produced by PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 (PZT 52/48) and PbZr0.95Ti0.05O3 (PZT 95/5) ferroelectric ceramics under identical loading conditions. The obtained results indicate that PIN-PMN-PT crystals became completely depolarized under 3.9 GPa compression. It was found that the energy density generated in the crystals during depolarization in the high voltage mode is four times higher than that for PZT 52/48 and 95/5. The obtained results promise new single crystal applications in ultrahigh-power transducers that are capable of producing hundreds kilovolt pulses and gigawatt-peak power microwave radiation.
Unravelling the contributions of motor experience and conceptual knowledge in action perception: A training study
Authors: Gerson S. A. , Meyer M. , Hunnius S. , Bekkering H.
Published: April 2017

Prior knowledge affects how we perceive the world and the sensorimotor system actively guides our perception. An ongoing dispute regards the extent to which prior motor knowledge versus conceptual knowledge modulates the observation of others’ actions. Research indicates that motor experience increases motor activation during action perception. Other research, however, has shown that conceptual familiarity with actions also modulates motor activation, i.e., increased motor activation during observation of unfamiliar, compared to conceptually familiar, actions. To begin to disentangle motor from conceptual contributions to action perception, we uniquely combined motoric and conceptual interventions into one design. We experimentally manipulated participants’ experience with both motoric skills and conceptual knowledge, via motor training of kinematically challenging actions and contextual information about the action, respectively, in a week-long training session. Measurements of the effects on motor activity measured via electroencephalography (EEG) during pre- and post-training action observation were compared. We found distinct, non-interacting effects of both manipulations: Motor training increased motor activation, whereas additional conceptual knowledge decreased motor activation. The findings indicate that both factors influence action perception in a distinct and parallel manner. This research speaks to previously irreconcilable findings and provides novel insights about the distinct roles of motor and conceptual contributions to action perception.
Influences of prenatal and postnatal maternal depression on amygdala volume and microstructure in young children
Authors: Wen D J , Poh J S , Ni S N , Chong Y-S , Chen H , Kwek K , Shek L P , Gluckman P D , Fortier M V , Meaney M J , Qiu A
Published: April 2017

Maternal depressive symptoms influence neurodevelopment in the offspring. Such effects may appear to be gender-dependent. The present study examined contributions of prenatal and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms to the volume and microstructure of the amygdala in 4.5-year-old boys and girls. Prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 26 weeks of gestation. Postnatal maternal depression was assessed at 3 months using the EPDS and at 1, 2, 3 and 4.5 years using the Beck’s Depression Inventory-II. Structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging were performed with 4.5-year-old children to extract the volume and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the amygdala. Our results showed that greater prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were associated with larger right amygdala volume in girls, but not in boys. Increased postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were associated with higher right amygdala FA in the overall sample and girls, but not in boys. These results support the role of variation in right amygdala structure in transmission of maternal depression to the offspring, particularly to girls. The differential effects of prenatal and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms on the volume and FA of the right amygdala suggest the importance of the timing of exposure to maternal depressive symptoms in brain development of girls. This further underscores the need for intervention targeting both prenatal and postnatal maternal depression to girls in preventing adverse child outcomes.
Evaluation of circadian phenotypes utilizing fibroblasts from patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Authors: Hida A , Ohsawa Y , Kitamura S , Nakazaki K , Ayabe N , Motomura Y , Matsui K , Kobayashi M , Usui A , Inoue Y , Kusanagi H , Kamei Y , Mishima K
Published: April 2017

We evaluated the circadian phenotypes of patients with delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and non-24-hour sleep–wake rhythm disorder (N24SWD), two different circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) by measuring clock gene expression rhythms in fibroblast cells derived from individual patients. Bmal1-luciferase (Bmal1-luc) expression rhythms were measured in the primary fibroblast cells derived from skin biopsy samples of patients with DSWPD and N24SWD, as well as control subjects. The period length of the Bmal1-luc rhythm (in vitro period) was distributed normally and was 22.80±0.47 (mean±s.d.) h in control-derived fibroblasts. The in vitro periods in DSWPD-derived fibroblasts and N24SWD-derived fibroblasts were 22.67±0.67 h and 23.18±0.70 h, respectively. The N24SWD group showed a significantly longer in vitro period than did the control or DSWPD group. Furthermore, in vitro period was associated with response to chronotherapy in the N24SWD group. Longer in vitro periods were observed in the non-responders (mean±s.d.: 23.59±0.89 h) compared with the responders (mean±s.d.: 22.97±0.47 h) in the N24SWD group. Our results indicate that prolonged circadian periods contribute to the onset and poor treatment outcome of N24SWD. In vitro rhythm assays could be useful for predicting circadian phenotypes and clinical prognosis in patients with CRSDs.
Competition-based, quantitative chemical proteomics in breast cancer cells identifies new target profiles for sulforaphane
Authors: Clulow James A. , Storck Elisabeth M. , Lanyon-Hogg Thomas , Kalesh Karunakaran A. , Jones Lyn H. , Tate Edward W.
Published: April 2017

Protein targets of sulforaphane identified, and their affinities quantified, through competition-based chemical proteomics in two live breast cancer cell lines.
Hydrodynamics of defecation
Authors: Yang Patricia J. , LaMarca Morgan , Kaminski Candice , Chu Daniel I. , Hu David L.
Published: April 2017

Animals discharge feces within a nearly constant duration.
Assessment of cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity using a kidney-on-a-chip device
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Jiang Lei , Tao Tingting , Su Wentao , Guo Yaqiong , Yu Hao , Qin Jianhua
Published: April 2017

Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant.
Synthetic multivalent V3 glycopeptides display enhanced recognition by glycan-dependent HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Cai Hui , Orwenyo Jared , Guenaga Javier , Giddens John , Toonstra Christian , Wyatt Richard T. , Wang Lai-Xi
Published: April 2017

Synthetic bi- and trivalent HIV V3 glycopeptides show a significantly enhanced affinity for HIV-neutralizing antibody 10-1074.
Crystallographic analyses of isoquinoline complexes reveal a new mode of metallo-β-lactamase inhibition
Authors: Li Guo-Bo , Brem Jürgen , Lesniak Robert , Abboud Martine I. , Lohans Christopher T. , Clifton Ian J. , Yang Sheng-Yong , Jiménez-Castellanos Juan-Carlos , Avison Matthew B. , Spencer James , McDonough Michael A. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: April 2017

Crystallographic analyses revealed new metallo β-lactamase inhibition modes and enable the design of potent zinc-binding inhibitors.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-stabilised arsinidene (AsH)
Authors: Doddi Adinarayana , Weinhart Michael , Hinz Alexander , Bockfeld Dirk , Goicoechea Jose M. , Scheer Manfred , Tamm Matthias
Published: April 2017

N-Heterocyclic carbene adducts of the parent arsinidene (AsH) were prepared by two different synthetic routes, either by reaction of As(SiMe3)3 with 2,2-difluoroimidazolines followed by desilylation or by reaction of [Na(dioxane)3.31][AsCO] with imidazolium chlorides.
Photopatterning of fluorescent host–guest carriers through pore activation of metal–organic framework single crystals
Authors: Stassen I. , Boldog I. , Steuwe C. , De Vos D. , Roeffaers M. , Furukawa S. , Ameloot R.
Published: April 2017

Encoded fluorescent particles are fabricated through the selective uptake of dyes in photopatterned metal–organic framework single crystals.
Time-resolved signatures across the intramolecular response in substituted cyanine dyes
Authors: Nairat Muath , Webb Morgan , Esch Michael P. , Lozovoy Vadim V. , Levine Benjamin G. , Dantus Marcos
Published: April 2017

The optically populated excited state wave packet propagates along multidimensional intramolecular coordinates soon after photoexcitation.
Ion irradiation of pure and amorphous CH4 ice relevant for astrophysical environments
Authors: Vasconcelos F. A. , Pilling S. , Rocha W. R. M. , Rothard H. , Boduch P. , Ding J. J.
Published: April 2017

We reported results for ion irradiation of CH4 ice with implications for abundance of molecular species in icy objects in the outer Solar System.
Phase transformations, anisotropic pyroelectric energy harvesting and electrocaloric properties of (Pb,La)(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3 single crystals
Authors: Zhuo Fangping , Li Qiang , Gao Jinghan , Yan Qingfeng , Zhang Yiling , Xi Xiaoqing , Chu Xiangcheng
Published: April 2017

(Pb,La)(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3 single crystals are grown via the flux method. The structural phase transition, thermal–electrical energy harvesting and electrocaloric properties of the PLZST crystals with [100], [110], and [111] crystallographic directions are studied systematically.
Tuning electronic states of catalytic sites enhances SCR activity of hexagonal WO3by Mo framework substitution
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Dong Zichenxi , Huang Zhiwei , Zhou Meijuan , Gao Jiayi , Chen Junxiao , Li Chao , Ma Zhen , Chen Jianmin , Tang Xingfu
Published: April 2017

The electronic states of the catalytically active sites of HWO were tuned by Mo framework substitution.
Novel red phosphors KBaEu(XO4)3 (X = Mo, W) show high color purity and high thermostability from a disordered chained structure
Authors: Wang G. Q. , Gong X. H. , Chen Y. J. , Huang J. H. , Lin Y. F. , Luo Z. D. , Huang Y. D.
Published: April 2017

Eu-containing phosphors KBaEu(XO4)3 (X = Mo, W) with a highly disordered structure consisting of chains induce high color purity and high thermostability.
Quantifying the electron donating capacities of sulfide and dissolved organic matter in sediment pore waters of wetlands
Authors: Wallace Grant C. , Sander Michael , Chin Yu-Ping , Arnold William A.
Published: April 2017

The measured electron donating capacity of sulfidic wetland pore waters is similar for three different methods.
Pt–dipyridyl tetrazine metal–organic network on the Au(100) surface: insights from first principles calculations
Authors: Le Duy , Rahman Talat S.
Published: April 2017

Metal–organic coordination networks with active metal centers are a promising class of materials for next-generation catalysts. Motivated by experimental observations of the formation of a Pt–Dipyridyl Tetrazine (DT) metal–organic network on the Au(100) surface [D. Skomski et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2014, 136, 9862], we carried out density functional theory based calculations on the same system. In this discussion, we demonstrate that the strong interaction between DT ligands and Pt metal centers makes the network stable and that the Pt centers become positively charged by donating their electrons to the DT ligands, resulting in +2 oxidation states for the Pt centers. We further show that the Au substrate withdraws electrons from and hybridizes with the dz2 orbital of the Pt centers, altering their electronic structure and related properties. Furthermore, we find that the Pt centers can absorb SO2via donor–acceptor interactions, leading to the formation of σ-bonds in which Pt dz2 orbitals act as electron donors, and that the strength of the resultant σ-bond depends on the registry of the Pt centers with the Au(100) surface. Finally, we identify factors, such as the specificity of the ligands and the substrate, and the fullness of the outer shell of the metal centers, that may affect the chemical properties of the metal centers. We suggest modifications (and replacement) of these factors as one of the ways to tune and design metal–organic coordination networks for next-generation catalysts.
Erecting buckybowls onto their edge: 2D self-assembly of terphenylcorannulene on the Cu(111) surface
Authors: Stöckl Quirin S. , Wu Tsun-Cheng , Mairena Anaïs , Wu Yao-Ting , Ernst Karl-Heinz
Published: April 2017

A 2D self-assembly of a C32H12 buckybowl on the Cu(111) surface has been studied by means of scanning tunnelling microscopy. Additional aromatic rings at the rim of the corannulene core cause the bowl-shaped molecule to stand on its edge. This adsorption mode allows distinct π–π and C–H⋯π interactions between the convex bowl surfaces as well as between the hydrogen-terminated rim and the convex bowl faces.
Isolation of a novel bioactive protein from an edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii and its anti-inflammatory potential
Authors: Yuan Biao , Zhao Liyan , Rakariyatham Kanyasiri , Han Yanhui , Gao Zili , Muinde Kimatu Benard , Hu Qiuhui , Xiao Hang
Published: April 2017

A novel protein with anti-inflammatory effects was isolated from Pleurotus eryngii.
Role of dietary onion in modifying the faecal bile acid content in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Authors: González-Peña Diana , Giménez Lucía , de Ancos Begoña , Sánchez-Moreno Concepción
Published: April 2017

The determination of faecal bile patterns offers new opportunities in the search for non-invasive biomarkers of disease status.
An acrolein production route from ethanol and methanol mixtures over FeMo-based catalysts
Authors: Borowiec A. , Devaux J. F. , Dubois J. L. , Jouenne L. , Bigan M. , Simon P. , Trentesaux M. , Faye J. , Capron M. , Dumeignil F.
Published: April 2017

Acrolein is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde, which – due to its high reactivity – has found application as an intermediate in the chemical industry.
A fast variable selection method for quantitative analysis of soils using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Fu Xiao , Duan Fa-Jie , Huang Ting-Ting , Ma Ling , Jiang Jia-Jia , Li Yan-Chao
Published: April 2017

A fast variable selection method combining iPLS and mIPW-PLS is proposed to reduce the dimensions of the spectrum for LIBS quantitative analysis.
Reconstruction and analysis of the lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA network based on competitive endogenous RNA reveal functional lncRNAs in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Jiang Hui , Ma Rong , Zou Shubiao , Wang Yongzhong , Li Zhuqing , Li Weiping
Published: April 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology, occurring in approximately 1.0% of general population.
Synthesizing a CuIIcomplex of tinidazole to tune the generation of the nitro radical anion in order to strike a balance between efficacy and toxic side effects
Authors: Santra Ramesh Chandra , Ganguly Durba , Jana Subrata , Banyal Neha , Singh Jyotsna , Saha Abhijit , Chattopadhyay Shouvik , Mukhopadhyay Kasturi , Das Saurabh
Published: April 2017

Synthesis, characterization, enzyme assay, DNA binding and antimicrobial activity of a monomeric complex of CuIIwith tinidazole: significance of the controlled formation of the nitro radical anion.
Synthesis of crystalline molybdenum oxides based on a 1D molecular structure and their ion-exchange properties
Authors: Zhu Qianqian , Zhang Zhenxin , Sadakane Masahiro , Yoshida Akihiro , Hara Michikazu , Ueda Wataru
Published: April 2017

Crystalline molybdotellurate based on a 1D molecular structure exhibits interesting ion-exchange properties with both inorganic and organic cations.
Porous carbon derived from Ailanthus altissima with unique honeycomb-like microstructure for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Ming , Lan Jinle , Zhang Xuan , Sui Gang , Yang Xiaoping
Published: April 2017

Porous activated carbon was prepared by KOH and urea activation of Ailanthus altissima stems with unique honeycomb-like microstructure for use in supercapacitors.
Broadband ultrafast photovoltaic detectors based on large-scale topological insulator Sb2Te3/STO heterostructures
Authors: Sun Honghui , Jiang Tian , Zang Yunyi , Zheng Xin , Gong Yan , Yan Yong , Xu Zhongjie , Liu Yu , Fang Liang , Cheng Xiang'ai , He Ke
Published: April 2017

Broadband, ultrafast and scalable topological insulator Sb2Te3/STO heterostructure photovoltaic detectors were fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy.
A one-pot synthetic method for the hetero-bifunctionalization of α-cyclodextrin at the secondary hydroxyl side with high clockwise–counterclockwise selectivity
Authors: Huang Xi , Yasunaga Shun , Fukudome Makoto , Chen Wen-Hua , Yuan De-Qi
Published: April 2017

The first one-pot synthetic method has been established to ensure the sequence-selective, highly efficient introduction of two different functionalities into the secondary side of α-cyclodextrin.
Double fluorescence assay via a β-cyclodextrin containing conjugated polymer as a biomimetic material for cocaine sensing
Authors: Arslan Mustafa , Yilmaz Sengel Tulay , Guler Emine , Gumus Z. Pinar , Aldemir Ebru , Akbulut Huseyin , Coskunol Hakan , Timur Suna , Yagci Yusuf
Published: April 2017

A double fluorescence based μ-well assay was designed by using a novel biomimetic material (PPP-CD-g-PEG) for cocaine detection.
The properties and catalytic performance of PtSn/Mg(x-Ga)AlO catalysts for ethane dehydrogenation
Authors: Fang Shuqi , Zhang Keting , Wang Chenguang , Ma Longlong , Zhang Qi , Liu Qiying , Chen Lungang , Chen Lingpeng , Zhang Qiao , Tian Zhipeng
Published: April 2017

Ethane dehydrogenation of PtSn/Mg(x-Ga)AlO catalysts synthesized by anion exchange method, using the hydrotalcite material Mg(x-Ga)AlO as the support.
The impact of zeta potential changes on Ceratium hirundinella cell removal and the ability of cells to restore its natural surface charge during drinking water purification
Authors: Ewerts H. , Barnard S. , Swanepoel A.
Published: April 2017

The removal efficacy ofCeratiumcells from source water was evaluated. The best ZP for coagulation were achieved with organic polymer and Ca(OH)2. Cells were able to restore their ZP after 120 and 240 minutes settling time.
Green synthesis of luminescent and defect-free bio-nanosheets of MoS2: interfacing two-dimensional crystals with hydrophobins
Authors: Kaur Jasneet , Gravagnuolo Alfredo Maria , Maddalena Pasqualino , Altucci Carlo , Giardina Paola , Gesuele Felice
Published: April 2017

High quality luminescent nanosheets of MoS2 interfaced with the amphiphilic protein Vmh2.
Myrtucomvalones A–C, three unusual triketone–sesquiterpene adducts from the leaves of Myrtus communis ‘Variegata’
Authors: Chen Ming , Chen Li-Feng , Li Man-Mei , Li Ni-Ping , Cao Jia-Qing , Wang Ying , Li Yao-Lan , Wang Lei , Ye Wen-Cai
Published: April 2017

The first examples of triketone–cubebane adducts (1 and 2) with an unusual skeleton were isolated from Myrtus communis ‘Variegata’.
Regioselective thiolation of electron rich arenes and heterocycles in recyclable catalytic media
Authors: Raghuvanshi Dushyant Singh , Verma Narsingh
Published: April 2017

A convenient and novel approach has been developed for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl sulfides by the reaction of sulfonyl hydrazides with phenols, aromatic amines and heterocycles using a [Bmim][Br] ionic liquid through C–S bonds formation.
High-performance removal of methyl mercaptan by nitrogen-rich coconut shell activated carbon
Authors: Liu Qiang , Ke Ming , Liu Feng , Yu Pei , Hu Haiqiang , Li Changchun
Published: April 2017

Nitrogen-rich coconut shell activated carbons were prepared with high CH3SH capacity and easy regeneration. The catalytic activity is closely related to the contents of pyridinic nitrogen and quaternary nitrogen.
Polylactic acid macromonomer radical propagation kinetics and degradation behaviour
Authors: Rooney Thomas R. , Moscatelli Davide , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: April 2017

Polylactic acid (PLA) macromonomer radical homopropagation rate coefficients are evaluated as a function of average macromonomer chain length. Hydrolysis studies of nanoparticles (NP) produced from PLA macromonomers demonstrate the importance of end-group functionality on NP degradation time.
The effect of computer models as formative assessment on student understanding of the nature of models
Authors: Park Mihwa , Liu Xiufeng , Smith Erica , Waight Noemi
Published: April 2017

This study reports the effect of computer models as formative assessment on high school students' understanding of the nature of models. Nine high school teachers integrated computer models and associated formative assessments into their yearlong high school chemistry course. A pre-test and post-test of students' understanding of the nature of models using a published measurement instrument on the nature of models were conducted. A four-step hierarchical multiple regression and a two-level (level 1 – student and level 2 – teacher) hierarchical linear modeling were used to test the effect of the intervention on students' understanding of the nature of models. Our analysis revealed a significant effect of frequencies of using computer models for four of the five sub-scales related to the nature of models. The implications of these findings are that, as students have more experience using computer models in their classroom, they develop a better understanding of the nature of models. However, their understanding of models as multiple representations didn't show a significant improvement, possibly due to the lack of support from teachers, who in turn need both content and pedagogical supports within their teaching.
A novel naphthyl side-chained benzodithiophene polymer for efficient photovoltaic cells with a high fill factor of 75%
Authors: Ding Dakang , Wang Jiuxing , Du Zurong , Li Feng , Chen Weiye , Liu Fushuai , Li Haiyan , Sun Mingliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: April 2017

Introducing alkoxynaphthyl into benzodithiophene (BDT) is more effective in improving the photovoltaic properties of BDT-based polymers.
Hyperbranched poly(ether amine)@poly(vinylidene fluoride) (hPEA@PVDF) porous membranes for selective adsorption and molecular filtration of hydrophilic dyes
Authors: Ji Kejia , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: April 2017

hPEA@PVDF membranes can separate dyes in aqueous solution through molecular filtration with a high flux rate and large adsorption capacity.
Near-infrared-activated NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+/Au/CdS for H2 production via photoreforming of bio-ethanol: plasmonic Au as light nanoantenna, energy relay, electron sink and co-catalyst
Authors: Feng Wenhui , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Yan , Yang Yu , Fang Zhibin , Wang Bo , Zhang Shiying , Liu Ping
Published: April 2017

A sandwich-structured NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+/Au/CdS architecture delivers enhanced photocatalytic bio-ethanol reforming activity under low-density NIR light irradiation.
PPN (poly-peri-naphthalene) film as a narrow-bandgap organic thermoelectric material
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Jiajia , Zou Ye , Xu Wei , Zhu Daoben
Published: April 2017

Pyrolysation of PTCDA offers a simple and practical way to synthesise large-scale conducting carbon films with promising thermoelectric prospects.