bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the resistance to Vip3Aa in Helicoverpa armigera from Australia and the role of midgut processing and receptor binding
Authors: Chakroun Maissa , Banyuls Núria , Walsh Tom , Downes Sharon , James Bill , Ferré Juan
Published: April 2016

Crops expressing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt crops) are among the most successful technologies developed for the control of pests but the evolution of resistance to them remains a challenge. Insect resistant cotton and maize expressing the Bt Vip3Aa protein were recently commercialized, though not yet in Australia. We found that, although relatively high, the frequency of alleles for resistance to Vip3Aa in field populations of H. armigera in Australia did not increase over the past four seasons until 2014/15. Three new isofemale lines were determined to be allelic with previously isolated lines, suggesting that they belong to one common gene and this mechanism is relatively frequent. Vip3Aa-resistance does not confer cross-resistance to Cry1Ac or Cry2Ab. Vip3Aa was labeled with 125I and used to show specific binding to H. armigera brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Binding was of high affinity (Kd = 25 and 19 nM for susceptible and resistant insects, respectively) and the concentration of binding sites was high (Rt = 140 pmol/mg for both). Despite the narrow-spectrum resistance, binding of 125I-labeled Vip3Aa to BBMV of resistant and susceptible insects was not significantly different. Proteolytic conversion of Vip3Aa protoxin into the activated toxin rendered the same products, though it was significantly slower in resistant insects.
Ultrafast charge separation dynamics in opaque, operational dye-sensitized solar cells revealed by femtosecond diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Ghadiri Elham , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael , Moser Jacques-E.
Published: April 2016

Efficient dye-sensitized solar cells are based on highly diffusive mesoscopic layers that render these devices opaque and unsuitable for ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy measurements in transmission mode. We developed a novel sub-200 femtosecond time-resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy scheme combined with potentiostatic control to study various solar cells in fully operational condition. We studied performance optimized devices based on liquid redox electrolytes and opaque TiO2 films, as well as other morphologies, such as TiO2 fibers and nanotubes. Charge injection from the Z907 dye in all TiO2 morphologies was observed to take place in the sub-200 fs time scale. The kinetics of electron-hole back recombination has features in the picosecond to nanosecond time scale. This observation is significantly different from what was reported in the literature where the electron-hole back recombination for transparent films of small particles is generally accepted to occur on a longer time scale of microseconds. The kinetics of the ultrafast electron injection remained unchanged for voltages between +500 mV and –690 mV, where the injection yield eventually drops steeply. The primary charge separation in Y123 organic dye based devices was clearly slower occurring in two picoseconds and no kinetic component on the shorter femtosecond time scale was recorded.
Landauer’s formula with finite-time relaxation: Kramers’ crossover in electronic transport
Authors: Gruss Daniel , Velizhanin Kirill A. , Zwolak Michael
Published: April 2016

Landauer’s formula is the standard theoretical tool to examine ballistic transport in nano- and meso-scale junctions, but it necessitates that any variation of the junction with time must be slow compared to characteristic times of the system, e.g., the relaxation time of local excitations. Transport through structurally dynamic junctions is, however, increasingly of interest for sensing, harnessing fluctuations and real-time control. Here, we calculate the steady-state current when relaxation of electrons in the reservoirs is present and demonstrate that it gives rise to three regimes of behavior: weak relaxation gives a contact-limited current; strong relaxation localizes electrons, distorting their natural dynamics and reducing the current; and in an intermediate regime the Landauer view of the system only is recovered. We also demonstrate that a simple equation of motion emerges, which is suitable for efficiently simulating time-dependent transport.
Receptor residence time trumps drug-likeness and oral bioavailability in determining efficacy of complement C5a antagonists
Authors: Seow Vernon , Lim Junxian , Cotterell Adam J. , Yau Mei-Kwan , Xu Weijun , Lohman Rink-Jan , Kok W. Mei , Stoermer Martin J. , Sweet Matthew J. , Reid Robert C. , Suen Jacky Y. , Fairlie David P.
Published: April 2016

Drug discovery and translation are normally based on optimizing efficacy by increasing receptor affinity, functional potency, drug-likeness (rule-of-five compliance) and oral bioavailability. Here we demonstrate that residence time of a compound on its receptor has an overriding influence on efficacy, exemplified for antagonists of inflammatory protein complement C5a that activates immune cells and promotes disease. Three equipotent antagonists (3D53, W54011, JJ47) of inflammatory responses to C5a (3nM) were compared for drug-likeness, receptor affinity and antagonist potency in human macrophages, and anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats. Only the least drug-like antagonist (3D53) maintained potency in cells against higher C5a concentrations and had a much longer duration of action (t1/2 ~ 20 h) than W54011 or JJ47 (t1/2 ~ 1–3 h) in inhibiting macrophage responses. The unusually long residence time of 3D53 on its receptor was mechanistically probed by molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed long-lasting interactions that trap the antagonist within the receptor. Despite negligible oral bioavailability, 3D53 was much more orally efficacious than W54011 or JJ47 in preventing repeated agonist insults to induce rat paw oedema over 24 h. Thus, residence time on a receptor can trump drug-likeness in determining efficacy, even oral efficacy, of pharmacological agents.
A somatic reference standard for cancer genome sequencing
Authors: Craig David W. , Nasser Sara , Corbett Richard , Chan Simon K. , Murray Lisa , Legendre Christophe , Tembe Waibhav , Adkins Jonathan , Kim Nancy , Wong Shukmei , Baker Angela , Enriquez Daniel , Pond Stephanie , Pleasance Erin , Mungall Andrew J. , Moore Richard A. , McDaniel Timothy , Ma Yussanne , Jones Steven J. M. , Marra Marco A. , Carpten John D. , Liang Winnie S.
Published: April 2016

Large-scale multiplexed identification of somatic alterations in cancer has become feasible with next generation sequencing (NGS). However, calibration of NGS somatic analysis tools has been hampered by a lack of tumor/normal reference standards. We thus performed paired PCR-free whole genome sequencing of a matched metastatic melanoma cell line (COLO829) and normal across three lineages and across separate institutions, with independent library preparations, sequencing, and analysis. We generated mean mapped coverages of 99X for COLO829 and 103X for the paired normal across three institutions. Results were combined with previously generated data allowing for comparison to a fourth lineage on earlier NGS technology. Aggregate variant detection led to the identification of consensus variants, including key events that represent hallmark mutation types including amplified BRAF V600E, a CDK2NA small deletion, a 12 kb PTEN deletion, and a dinucleotide TERT promoter substitution. Overall, common events include >35,000 point mutations, 446 small insertion/deletions, and >6,000 genes affected by copy number changes. We present this reference to the community as an initial standard for enabling quantitative evaluation of somatic mutation pipelines across institutions.
Complementarity of medium-throughput in situ RNA hybridization and tissue-specific transcriptomics: case study of Arabidopsis seed development kinetics
Authors: Francoz Edith , Ranocha Philippe , Pernot Clémentine , Ru Aurélie Le , Pacquit Valérie , Dunand Christophe , Burlat Vincent
Published: April 2016

The rationale of this study is to compare and integrate two heterologous datasets intended to unravel the spatiotemporal specificities of gene expression in a rapidly growing and complex organ. We implemented medium-throughput RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) for 39 genes mainly corresponding to cell wall proteins for which we have particular interest, selected (i) on their sequence identity (24 class III peroxidase multigenic family members and 15 additional genes used as positive controls) and (ii) on their expression levels in a publicly available Arabidopsis thaliana seed tissue-specific transcriptomics study. The specificity of the hybridization signals was carefully studied, and ISH results obtained for the 39 selected genes were systematically compared with tissue-specific transcriptomics for 5 seed developmental stages. Integration of results illustrates the complementarity of both datasets. The tissue-specific transcriptomics provides high-throughput possibilities whereas ISH provides high spatial resolution. Moreover, depending on the tissues and the developmental stages considered, one or the other technique appears more sensitive than the other. For each tissue/developmental stage, we finally determined tissue-specific transcriptomic threshold values compatible with the spatiotemporally-specific detection limits of ISH for lists of hundreds to tens-of-thousands of genes.
Characterization of the resistome in manure, soil and wastewater from dairy and beef production systems
Authors: Noyes Noelle R. , Yang Xiang , Linke Lyndsey M. , Magnuson Roberta J. , Cook Shaun R. , Zaheer Rahat , Yang Hua , Woerner Dale R. , Geornaras Ifigenia , McArt Jessica A. , Gow Sheryl P. , Ruiz Jaime , Jones Kenneth L. , Boucher Christina A. , McAllister Tim A. , Belk Keith E. , Morley Paul S.
Published: April 2016

It has been proposed that livestock production effluents such as wastewater, airborne dust and manure increase the density of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and genes in the environment. The public health risk posed by this proposed outcome has been difficult to quantify using traditional microbiological approaches. We utilized shotgun metagenomics to provide a first description of the resistome of North American dairy and beef production effluents, and identify factors that significantly impact this resistome. We identified 34 mechanisms of antimicrobial drug resistance within 34 soil, manure and wastewater samples from feedlot, ranch and dairy operations. The majority of resistance-associated sequences found in all samples belonged to tetracycline resistance mechanisms. We found that the ranch samples contained significantly fewer resistance mechanisms than dairy and feedlot samples, and that the resistome of dairy operations differed significantly from that of feedlots. The resistome in soil, manure and wastewater differed, suggesting that management of these effluents should be tailored appropriately. By providing a baseline of the cattle production waste resistome, this study represents a solid foundation for future efforts to characterize and quantify the public health risk posed by livestock effluents.
Bio-inspired dewetted surfaces based on SiC/Si interlocked structures for enhanced-underwater stability and regenerative-drag reduction capability
Authors: Lee By Junghan , Zhang Zhuo , Baek Seunghyun , Kim Sangkuk , Kim Donghyung , Yong Kijung
Published: April 2016

Drag reduction has become a serious issue in recent years in terms of energy conservation and environmental protection. Among diverse approaches for drag reduction, superhydrophobic surfaces have been mainly researched due to their high drag reducing efficiency. However, due to limited lifetime of plastron (i.e., air pockets) on superhydrophobic surfaces in underwater, the instability of dewetted surfaces has been a sticking point for practical applications. This work presents a breakthrough in improving the underwater stability of superhydrophobic surfaces by optimizing nanoscale surface structures using SiC/Si interlocked structures. These structures have an unequaled stability of underwater superhydrophobicity and enhance drag reduction capabilities,with a lifetime of plastron over 18 days and maximum velocity reduction ratio of 56%. Furthermore, through photoelectrochemical water splitting on a hierarchical SiC/Si nanostructure surface, the limited lifetime problem of air pockets was overcome by refilling the escaping gas layer, which also provides continuous drag reduction effects.
Microbiota-based Signature of Gingivitis Treatments: A Randomized Study
Authors: Huang Shi , Li Zhen , He Tao , Bo Cunpei , Chang Jinlan , Li Lin , He Yanyan , Liu Jiquan , Charbonneau Duane , Li Rui , Xu Jian
Published: April 2016

Plaque-induced gingivitis can be alleviated by various treatment regimens. To probe the impacts of various anti-gingivitis treatments on plaque microflora, here a double blinded, randomized controlled trial of 91 adults with moderate gingivitis was designed with two anti-gingivitis regimens: the brush-alone treatment and the brush-plus-rinse treatment. In the later group, more reduction in both Plaque Index (TMQHI) and Gingival Index (mean MGI) at Day 3, Day 11 and Day 27 was evident, and more dramatic changes were found between baseline and other time points for both supragingival plaque microbiota structure and salivary metabonomic profiles. A comparison of plaque microbiota changes was also performed between these two treatments and a third dataset where 50 subjects received regimen of dental scaling. Only Actinobaculum, TM7 and Leptotrichia were consistently reduced by all the three treatments, whereas the different microbial signatures of the three treatments during gingivitis relieve indicate distinct mechanisms of action. Our study suggests that microbiota based signatures can serve as a valuable approach for understanding and potentially comparing the modes of action for clinical treatments and oral-care products in the future.
The Cytochrome P450 gene CYP6P12 confers pyrethroid resistance in kdr-free Malaysian populations of the dengue vector Aedes albopictus
Authors: Ishak Intan H. , Riveron Jacob M. , Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Stott Rob , Longbottom Joshua , Irving Helen , Wondji Charles S.
Published: April 2016

Control of Aedes albopictus, major dengue and chikungunya vector, is threatened by growing cases of insecticide resistance. The mechanisms driving this resistance remain poorly characterised. This study investigated the molecular basis of insecticide resistance in Malaysian populations of Ae. albopictus. Microarray-based transcription profiling revealed that metabolic resistance (cytochrome P450 up-regulation) and possibly a reduced penetration mechanism (consistent over-expression of cuticular protein genes) were associated with pyrethroid resistance. CYP6P12 over-expression was strongly associated with pyrethroid resistance whereas CYP6N3 was rather consistently over-expressed across carbamate and DDT resistant populations. Other detoxification genes also up-regulated in permethrin resistant mosquitoes included a glucuronosyltransferase (AAEL014279-RA) and the glutathione-S transferases GSTS1 and GSTT3. Functional analyses further supported that CYP6P12 contributes to pyrethroid resistance in Ae. albopictus as transgenic expression of CYP6P12 in Drosophila was sufficient to confer pyrethroid resistance in these flies. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations predicted CYP6P12 possessing enzymatic activity towards pyrethroids. Patterns of polymorphism suggested early sign of selection acting on CYP6P12 but not on CYP6N3. The major role played by P450 in the absence of kdr mutations suggests that addition of the synergist PBO to pyrethroids could improve the efficacy of this insecticide class and overcome resistance in field populations of Ae. albopictus.
Events in Early Life are Associated with Female Reproductive Ageing: A UK Biobank Study
Authors: Ruth Katherine S. , Perry John R. B. , Henley William E. , Melzer David , Weedon Michael N. , Murray Anna
Published: April 2016

The available oocyte pool is determined before birth, with the majority of oocytes lost before puberty. We hypothesised that events occurring before birth, in childhood or in adolescence (‘early-life risk factors’) could influence the size of the oocyte pool and thus the timing of menopause. We included cross-sectional data from 273,474 women from the UK Biobank, recruited in 2006–2010 from across the UK. We analysed the association of early menopause with events occurring before adulthood in 11,781 cases (menopause aged under 45) and 173,641 controls (menopause/pre-menopausal at ≥45 years), in models controlling for potential confounding variables. Being part of a multiple birth was strongly associated with early menopause (odds ratio = 1.42, confidence interval: 1.11, 1.82, P = 8.0 × 10−9, fully-adjusted model). Earlier age at menarche (odds ratio = 1.03, confidence interval: 1.01, 1.06, P = 2.5 × 10−6) and earlier year of birth were also associated with EM (odds ratio = 1.02, confidence interval: 1.00, 1.04, P = 8.0 × 10−6). We also confirmed previously reported associations with smoking, drinking alcohol, educational level and number of births. We identified an association between multiple births and early menopause, which connects events pre-birth, when the oocyte pool is formed, with reproductive ageing in later life.
Chromatin folding and DNA replication inhibition mediated by a highly antitumor-active tetrazolato-bridged dinuclear platinum(II) complex
Authors: Imai Ryosuke , Komeda Seiji , Shimura Mari , Tamura Sachiko , Matsuyama Satoshi , Nishimura Kohei , Rogge Ryan , Matsunaga Akihiro , Hiratani Ichiro , Takata Hideaki , Uemura Masako , Iida Yutaka , Yoshikawa Yuko , Hansen Jeffrey C. , Yamauchi Kazuto , Kanemaki Masato T. , Maeshima Kazuhiro
Published: April 2016

Chromatin DNA must be read out for various cellular functions and copied for the next cell division. These processes are targets of many anticancer agents. Platinum-based drugs, such as cisplatin, have been used extensively in cancer chemotherapy. The drug–DNA interaction causes DNA crosslinks and subsequent cytotoxicity. Recently, it was reported that an azolato-bridged dinuclear platinum(II) complex, 5-H-Y, exhibits a different anticancer spectrum from cisplatin. Here, using an interdisciplinary approach, we reveal that the cytotoxic mechanism of 5-H-Y is distinct from that of cisplatin. 5-H-Y inhibits DNA replication and also RNA transcription, arresting cells in the S/G2 phase and are effective against cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Moreover, it causes much less DNA crosslinking than cisplatin and induces chromatin folding. 5-H-Y will expand the clinical applications for the treatment of chemotherapy-insensitive cancers.
Transcriptional, epigenetic and retroviral signatures identify regulatory regions involved in hematopoietic lineage commitment
Authors: Romano Oriana , Peano Clelia , Tagliazucchi Guidantonio Malagoli , Petiti Luca , Poletti Valentina , Cocchiarella Fabienne , Rizzi Ermanno , Severgnini Marco , Cavazza Alessia , Rossi Claudia , Pagliaro Pasqualepaolo , Ambrosi Alessandro , Ferrari Giuliana , Bicciato Silvio , De Bellis Gianluca , Mavilio Fulvio , Miccio Annarita
Published: April 2016

Genome-wide approaches allow investigating the molecular circuitry wiring the genetic and epigenetic programs of human somatic stem cells. Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) give rise to the different blood cell types; however, the molecular basis of human hematopoietic lineage commitment is poorly characterized. Here, we define the transcriptional and epigenetic profile of human HSPC and early myeloid and erythroid progenitors by a combination of Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE), ChIP-seq and Moloney leukemia virus (MLV) integration site mapping. Most promoters and transcripts were shared by HSPC and committed progenitors, while enhancers and super-enhancers consistently changed upon differentiation, indicating that lineage commitment is essentially regulated by enhancer elements. A significant fraction of CAGE promoters differentially expressed upon commitment were novel, harbored a chromatin enhancer signature, and may identify promoters and transcribed enhancers driving cell commitment. MLV-targeted genomic regions co-mapped with cell-specific active enhancers and super-enhancers. Expression analyses, together with an enhancer functional assay, indicate that MLV integration can be used to identify bona fide developmentally regulated enhancers. Overall, this study provides an overview of transcriptional and epigenetic changes associated to HSPC lineage commitment, and a novel signature for regulatory elements involved in cell identity.
Miniaturized iPS-Cell-Derived Cardiac Muscles for Physiologically Relevant Drug Response Analyses
Authors: Huebsch Nathaniel , Loskill Peter , Deveshwar Nikhil , Spencer C. Ian , Judge Luke M. , Mandegar Mohammad A. , B. Fox Cade , Mohamed Tamer M.A. , Ma Zhen , Mathur Anurag , Sheehan Alice M. , Truong Annie , Saxton Mike , Yoo Jennie , Srivastava Deepak , Desai Tejal A. , So Po-Lin , Healy Kevin E. , Conklin Bruce R.
Published: April 2016

Tissue engineering approaches have the potential to increase the physiologic relevance of human iPS-derived cells, such as cardiomyocytes (iPS-CM). However, forming Engineered Heart Muscle (EHM) typically requires >1 million cells per tissue. Existing miniaturization strategies involve complex approaches not amenable to mass production, limiting the ability to use EHM for iPS-based disease modeling and drug screening. Micro-scale cardiospheres are easily produced, but do not facilitate assembly of elongated muscle or direct force measurements. Here we describe an approach that combines features of EHM and cardiospheres: Micro-Heart Muscle (μHM) arrays, in which elongated muscle fibers are formed in an easily fabricated template, with as few as 2,000 iPS-CM per individual tissue. Within μHM, iPS-CM exhibit uniaxial contractility and alignment, robust sarcomere assembly and reduced variability and hypersensitivity in drug responsiveness, compared to monolayers with the same cellular composition. μHM mounted onto standard force measurement apparatus exhibited a robust Frank-Starling response to external stretch and a dose-dependent inotropic response to the β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Based on the ease of fabrication, the potential for mass production and the small number of cells required to form μHM, this system provides a potentially powerful tool to study cardiomyocyte maturation, disease and cardiotoxicology in vitro.
Substantial dust loss of bioavailable phosphorus from agricultural soils
Authors: Katra Itzhak , Gross Avner , Swet Nitzan , Tanner Smadar , Krasnov Helena , Angert Alon
Published: April 2016

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element in terrestrial ecosystems. Knowledge on the role of dust in the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus is very limited with no quantitative information on aeolian (by wind) P fluxes from soils. The aim of this study is to focus on P cycling via dust emissions under common land-use practices in an arid environment by integration of sample analyses and aeolian experiments. The experiments indicate significant P fluxes by PM10 dust due to agricultural land use. Even in a single wind-dust event at moderate velocity (7.0 m s−1), P flux in conventional agricultural fields can reach 1.83 kg km−2, that accumulates to a considerable amount per year at a regional scale. The results highlight a negative yearly balance in P content (up to hundreds kg km−2) in all agricultural soils, and thus more P nutrition is required to maintain efficient yield production. In grazing areas where no P nutrition is applied, the soil degradation process can lead to desertification. Emission of P from soil dust sources has significant implications for soil nutrient resources and management strategies in agricultural regions as well as for loading to the atmosphere and global biogeochemical cycles.
Nanodroplet-Vaporization-Assisted Sonoporation for Highly Effective Delivery of Photothermal Treatment
Authors: Liu Wei-Wen , Liu Shu-Wei , Liou Yu-Ren , Wu Yu-Hsun , Yang Ya-Chuen , Wang Churng-Ren Chris , Li Pai-Chi
Published: April 2016

Sonoporation refers to the use of ultrasound and acoustic cavitation to temporarily enhance the permeability of cellular membranes so as to enhance the delivery efficiency of therapeutic agents into cells. Microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents are often used to facilitate these cavitation effects. This study used nanodroplets to significantly enhance the effectiveness of sonoporation relative to using conventional microbubbles. Significant enhancements were demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo by using gold nanorods encapsulated in nanodroplets for implementing plasmonic photothermal therapy. Combined excitation by ultrasound and laser radiation is used to trigger the gold nanodroplets to induce a liquid-to-gas phase change, which induces cavitation effects that are three-to-fivefold stronger than when using conventional microbubbles. Enhanced cavitation also leads to significant enhancement of the sonoporation effects. Our in vivo results show that nanodroplet-vaporization-assisted sonoporation can increase the treatment temperature by more than 10 °C above that achieved by microbubble-based sonoporation.
Fast Flexible Transistors with a Nanotrench Structure
Authors: Seo Jung-Hun , Ling Tao , Gong Shaoqin , Zhou Weidong , Ma Alice L. , Guo L. Jay , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: April 2016

The simplification of fabrication processes that can define very fine patterns for large-area flexible radio-frequency (RF) applications is very desirable because it is generally very challenging to realize submicron scale patterns on flexible substrates. Conventional nanoscale patterning methods, such as e-beam lithography, cannot be easily applied to such applications. On the other hand, recent advances in nanoimprinting lithography (NIL) may enable the fabrication of large-area nanoelectronics, especially flexible RF electronics with finely defined patterns, thereby significantly broadening RF applications. Here we report a generic strategy for fabricating high-performance flexible Si nanomembrane (NM)-based RF thin-film transistors (TFTs), capable of over 100 GHz operation in theory, with NIL patterned deep-submicron-scale channel lengths. A unique 3-dimensional etched-trench-channel configuration was used to allow for TFT fabrication compatible with flexible substrates. Optimal device parameters were obtained through device simulation to understand the underlying device physics and to enhance device controllability. Experimentally, a record-breaking 38 GHz maximum oscillation frequency fmax value has been successfully demonstrated from TFTs with a 2 μm gate length built with flexible Si NM on plastic substrates.
Nitrogen hurdle of host alternation for a polyphagous aphid and the associated changes of endosymbionts
Authors: Liu Yan-Hong , Kang Zhi-Wei , Guo Ya , Zhu Guo-Shuai , Rahman Shah M. Mostafizur , Song Yue , Fan Yong-Liang , Jing Xiangfeng , Liu Tong-Xian
Published: April 2016

Low proportion of essential amino acids (EAAs) is one of the barriers for animals to use phloem as a diet. Endosymbionts with EAAs synthesis functions are considered crucial for ameliorating the lack of EAAs in insects’ diets. In this study, we transferred the insects from a cabbage-rearedMyzus persicaepopulation onto 3 new plant species including eggplant, tobacco and spinach. The performance on these plants was evaluated and the dynamics of endosymbionts in relation to this host alternation were recorded. We found that the EAAs ratio in phloem was largely determined by the concentrations of non-essential amino acids and the higher proportion of EAAs seemed to favor the population establishment on new plant species and the growth of primary endosymbionts inside insects, which indicated that nitrogen quality was an important factor for aphids to infest and spread on new plant hosts.
Ablation of the androgen receptor from vascular smooth muscle cells demonstrates a role for testosterone in vascular calcification
Authors: Zhu Dongxing , Hadoke Patrick W. F. , Wu Junxi , Vesey Alex T. , Lerman Daniel. A. , Dweck Marc R. , Newby David E. , Smith Lee B. , MacRae Vicky E.
Published: April 2016

Vascular calcification powerfully predicts mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease. Men have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to women of a similar age. These gender disparities suggest an influence of sex hormones. Testosterone is the primary and most well-recognised androgen in men. Therefore, we addressed the hypothesis that exogenous androgen treatment induces vascular calcification. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of androgen receptor (AR) in the calcified media of human femoral artery tissue and calcified human valves. Furthermore, in vitro studies revealed increased phosphate (Pi)-induced mouse vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification following either testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment for 9 days. Testosterone and DHT treatment increased tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (Alpl) mRNA expression. Testosterone-induced calcification was blunted in VSMC-specific AR-ablated (SM-ARKO) VSMCs compared to WT. Consistent with these data, SM-ARKO VSMCs showed a reduction in Osterix mRNA expression. However, intriguingly, a counter-intuitive increase in Alpl was observed. These novel data demonstrate that androgens play a role in inducing vascular calcification through the AR. Androgen signalling may represent a novel potential therapeutic target for clinical intervention.
Zebrafish Müller glia-derived progenitors are multipotent, exhibit proliferative biases and regenerate excess neurons
Authors: Powell Curtis , Cornblath Eli , Elsaeidi Fairouz , Wan Jin , Goldman Daniel
Published: April 2016

Unlike mammals, zebrafish can regenerate a damaged retina. Key to this regenerative response are Müller glia (MG) that respond to injury by reprogramming and adopting retinal stem cell properties. These reprogrammed MG divide to produce a proliferating population of retinal progenitors that migrate to areas of retinal damage and regenerate lost neurons. Previous studies have suggested that MG-derived progenitors may be biased to produce that are lost with injury. Here we investigated MG multipotency using injury paradigms that target different retinal nuclear layers for cell ablation. Our data indicate that regardless of which nuclear layer was damaged, MG respond by generating multipotent progenitors that migrate to all nuclear layers and differentiate into layer-specific cell types, suggesting that MG-derived progenitors in the injured retina are intrinsically multipotent. However, our analysis of progenitor proliferation reveals a proliferative advantage in nuclear layers where neurons were ablated. This suggests that feedback inhibition from surviving neurons may skew neuronal regeneration towards ablated cell types.
Robust and direct electrochemical sensing of arsenic using zirconia nanocubes
Authors: Bhanjana Gaurav , Dilbaghi Neeraj , Chaudhary Savita , Kim Ki-Hyun , Kumar Sandeep
Published: April 2016

The presence of heavy metal ions in the environment and in food items can severely harm human health.
Measuring methods for thermoelectric properties of one-dimensional nanostructural materials
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Mingliang , Ji An , Yang Fuhua , Wang Xiaodong
Published: April 2016

Measuring methods for the Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity of 1D nanostructural materials have been reviewed and structures, principles, merits and shortcomings, as well as examples of each method are discussed in detail.
High performance solution-processed infrared photodetector based on PbSe quantum dots doped with low carrier mobility polymer poly(N-vinylcarbazole)
Authors: Sulaman Muhammad , Yang Shengyi , Bukhtiar Arfan , Fu Chunjie , Song Taojian , Wang Haowei , Wang Yishan , Bo He , Tang Yi , Zou Bingsuo
Published: April 2016

Narrow band-gap colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising materials for flexible electronic, such as infrared light photodetectors and solar cells.
A ratiometric lysosomal pH probe based on the imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine–rhodamine FRET and ICT system
Authors: Song Guang-Jie , Bai Su-Yun , Dai Xi , Cao Xiao-Qun , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: April 2016

A new pH-activatable ratiometric fluorescent probe (RhMP) has been developed based on FRET. This probe displayed good selectivity, and excellent reversibility. In addition, RhMP has low cytotoxicity and has been successfully applied in HeLa cells.
Efficient fluoride adsorption by mesoporous hierarchical alumina microspheres
Authors: Lanas Sara Gràcia , Valiente Manuel , Aneggi Eleonora , Trovarelli Alessandro , Tolazzi Marilena , Melchior Andrea
Published: April 2016

Mesoporous Hierarchical Alumina Microspheres (HAM) with high efficiency for fluoride removal have been synthesized and characterized.
Branched Pd and Pd-based trimetallic nanocrystals with highly open structures for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Jing Shengchang , Guo Xueli , Tan Yiwei
Published: April 2016

Branched Pd and Pd-based trimetallic nanocrystals with long, thin branches and open structures were synthesized in high yields, which provides an avenue to developing high performance catalysts for methanol electrooxidation.
ATP triggered drug release and DNA co-delivery systems based on ATP responsive aptamers and polyethylenimine complexes
Authors: Wang Guan-Hai , Huang Guo-Liang , Zhao Yi , Pu Xing-Xiang , Li Tong , Deng Jun-Jie , Lin Jian-Tao
Published: April 2016

An ATP-responsive nanocarrier based on PEI and aptamers complexes was designed for anticancer drug and DNA co-delivery. The nanocarrier displayed on-demand drug release and effective gene capability.
pulSED: pulsed sonoelectrodeposition of fractal nanoplatinum for enhancing amperometric biosensor performance
Authors: Taguchi M. , Schwalb N. , Rong Y. , Vanegas D. C. , Garland N. , Tan M. , Yamaguchi H. , Claussen J. C. , McLamore E. S.
Published: April 2016

A technique for deposition of fractal nanometal as a transducer in electrochemical sensing is described. The effect(s) of duty cycle and deposition time were explored, and two sensors are demonstrated.
The origin of the band at around 730 cm−1 in the SERS spectra of bacteria: a stable isotope approach
Authors: Kubryk Patrick , Niessner Reinhard , Ivleva Natalia P.
Published: April 2016

A stable isotope approach combined with SERS analysis of bacteria allows clarification of the origin of a pronounced band at 730 cm−1.
Quantitative analysis of trace palladium contamination in solution using electrochemical X-ray fluorescence (EC-XRF)
Authors: Ayres Zoë J. , Newton Mark E. , Macpherson Julie V.
Published: April 2016

Electrochemical X-ray fluorescence for the quantitative analysis of trace level Pd in solution in the presence of excess electroactive species.
Detection of T4 polynucleotide kinase based on a MnO2nanosheet-3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) colorimetric system
Authors: Lin Lin , Shi Dongmin , Li Quanfa , Wang Guangfeng , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: April 2016

Determination of nucleotide kinase activity is valuable due to its importance in regulating nucleic acid metabolism.
Adsorptive stripping voltammetry of In(iii) in the presence of cupferron using an in situ plated bismuth film electrode
Authors: Wasąg Joanna , Grabarczyk Malgorzata
Published: April 2016

A sensitive and selective method for the determination of trace concentration of indium in natural water samples using adsorptive stripping voltammetry at an in situ plated bismuth film electrode was described.
Stealth fast photoswitching of negative photochromic naphthalene-bridged phenoxyl-imidazolyl radical complexes
Authors: Mutoh Katsuya , Kobayashi Yoichi , Hirao Yasukazu , Kubo Takashi , Abe Jiro
Published: April 2016

A novel negative photochromic compound, Np-PIC, shows the fast thermal back reaction in the millisecond time scale.
The effect of Cu and Fe cations on NH3-supported proton transport in DeNOx-SCR zeolite catalysts
Authors: Chen Peirong , Rauch Dieter , Weide Philipp , Schönebaum Simon , Simons Thomas , Muhler Martin , Moos Ralf , Simon Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Proton transport studies revealed the different influence of Fe and Cu cations on the NH3–zeolite interaction and the NO–zeolite interaction in the presence of adsorbed NH3.
Hydrogen bond-directed encapsulation of metalloporphyrin into the microcages of zeolite imidazolate frameworks for synergistic biomimetic catalysis
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Wang Ying , Leng Yan , Zhang Pingbo , Zhang Jian , Jiang Pingping
Published: April 2016

In efforts to replicate the 3D model and desirable function of haemoglobin, the zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) was delineated for an ideal host matrix to accommodate custom-designed porphyrin molecules via hydrogen bonding.
Twin-like ternary PtCoFe alloy in nitrogen-doped graphene nanopores as a highly effective electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Zhong Xing , Xu Wenlei , Wang Lei , Qin Yingying , Zhuang Guilin , Li Xiaonian , Wang Jian-guo
Published: April 2016

A novel twin-like ternary PtCoFe alloy in nitrogen-doped graphene nanopores (PtCoFe/NPG) was fabricated, serving as a high-performance electrocatalyst for ORR.
Plastically deformed Cu-based alloys as high-performance catalysts for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Menumerov Eredzhep , Gilroy Kyle D. , Hajfathalian Maryam , Murphy Colin J. , McKenzie Erica R. , Hughes Robert A. , Neretina Svetlana
Published: April 2016

Plastically deformed mesoscopic structures exposed to an etching procedure are demonstrated as highly catalytic in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Hydrogen bond-assisted aggregation-induced emission and application in the detection of the Zn(ii) ion
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Shu-Mu , Li Yu-Fei , Zheng Xiang-Jun , Jin Lin-Pei
Published: April 2016

3-Aminopyridine-2-carboxylic acid can serve as an AIE-active turn on fluorescence chemosensor for Zn2+. The AIE behaviors are attributed to the cooperative effect of J-aggregation and hydrogen bonds. And selecting proper ratio of the solvents can prove the sensitivity.
Facile water-stability evaluation of metal–organic frameworks and the property of selective removal of dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Qi Zhao-Peng , Yang Ji-Min , Kang Yan-Shang , Guo Fan , Sun Wei-Yin
Published: April 2016

A facile method was developed to evaluate the relative water stability of MOFs by controlling the volume ratio of DMF and H2O.
Tuning the properties of the metal–organic framework UiO-67-bpy via post-synthetic N-quaternization of pyridine sites
Authors: Xu Lei , Luo Yanping , Sun Lin , Pu Shan , Fang Min , Yuan Rong-Xing , Du Hong-Bin
Published: April 2016

N-Quaternization of pyridine sites in UiO-67-bpy affords a cationic MOF UiO-67-bpy-Me with faster and improved anionic dye and CO2adsorption, and extended visible-light absorption properties, which make UiO-67-bpy-Me more efficient in photodegrading organic dyes.
High surface-area amidoxime-based polymer fibers co-grafted with various acid monomers yielding increased adsorption capacity for the extraction of uranium from seawater
Authors: Oyola Yatsandra , Dai Sheng
Published: April 2016

Acid monomers were found, through elemental analysis, to increase hydrophilicity and ultimately produce a more efficient uranium adsorbent in seawater.
Highly selective luminescence sensing of nitrite and benzaldehyde based on 3d–4f heterometallic metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Du Pei-Yao , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: April 2016

Two 3d–4f heterometallic MOFs have been synthesized based on a tetracarboxylic ligand, and show good selective fluorescence sensing capabilities for nitrite and benzaldehyde.
Outdoor fate and environmental impact of polymer solar cells through leaching and emission to rainwater and soil
Authors: Espinosa Nieves , Zimmermann Yannick-Serge , dos Reis Benatto Gisele A. , Lenz Markus , Krebs Frederik C.
Published: April 2016

Failure during operation and end-of life management through land filling demonstrated the emission of constituents (Ag and Zn) to the environment.
Solanum diploconos fruits: profile of bioactive compounds and in vitro antioxidant capacity of different parts of the fruit
Authors: Ribeiro Alessandra Braga , Chisté Renan Campos , Lima José L. F. C. , Fernandes Eduarda
Published: April 2016

Solanum diploconosis an unexploited Brazilian native fruit that belongs to the same genus of important food crops, such as tomato (Solanum lycorpersicum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum).
Sequential and simultaneous determination of four elements in soil samples using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry
Authors: Boschetti W. , Orlando M. , Dullius M. , Dessuy M. B. , Vale M. G. R. , Welz B. , de Andrade J. B.
Published: April 2016

An analytical method has been developed for the determination of Cd, Cr, Fe and Al (via the AlH molecule) in soil samples using direct solid sample analysis.
Vanadium nanobelts coated nickel foam 3D bifunctional electrode with excellent catalytic activity and stability for water electrolysis
Authors: Yu Yu , Li Pei , Wang Xiaofang , Gao Wenyu , Shen Zongxu , Zhu Yanan , Yang Shuliang , Song Weiguo , Ding Kejian
Published: April 2016

A novel electrode constructed by a uniform film of nanosized vanadium nanobelts on nickel foam has been developed, which exhibits excellent electroactivity and durability for HER, OER, and overall water splitting.
Concise total synthesis of (±)-serotobenine
Authors: Liang Kangjiang , Wu Ting , Xia Chengfeng
Published: April 2016

A concise total synthesis of (±)-serotobenine via a strategy inspired by the biosynthetic hypothesis for this alkaloid was accomplished.
RAFT synthesis of triply responsive poly[N-[2-(dialkylamino)ethyl]acrylamide]s and their N-substitute determined response
Authors: Wang Ke , Song Zefeng , Liu Chonggao , Zhang Wangqing
Published: April 2016

The thermo- and pH/CO2-responsive poly[N-[2-(dialkylamino)ethyl]acrylamide]s containing a polyacrylamide backbone but different N-substitutes of dialkylamine were synthesized and their solution properties were comparatively checked.
Enantioselective gold-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2]-cycloadditions of 3-styrylindoles with N-allenyl oxazolidinone
Authors: Hu Haoxiang , Wang Yidong , Qian Deyun , Zhang Zhan-Ming , Liu Lu , Zhang Junliang
Published: April 2016

A series of novel chiral monophosphine ligands Xiang-Phoses were designed and have been applied to the enantioselective gold-catalyzed intermolecular [2 + 2]-cycloaddition of 3-styrylindoles 1 with N-allenyl oxazolidinone 2.
Synthesis of porphyrin sensitizers with a thiazole group as an efficient π-spacer: potential application in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kumar Rangaraju Satish , Jeong Hansol , Jeong Jaemyeng , Chitumalla Ramesh Kumar , Ko Min Jae , Kumar Kempahanumakkagaari Suresh , Jang Joonkyung , Son Young-A.
Published: April 2016

CNU-OC8 exhibits better photovoltaic performance than the benchmark YD2-OC8 sensitizer in a liquid I−/I3− redox electrolyte.
Development of bio-derived nanostructured coordination polymers based on cardanol–formaldehyde polyurethanes with ‘d5’ Mn(ii) and ‘d10’ Zn(ii) metal nodes: synthesis, characterization and adsorption behavior
Authors: Khan Shabnam , Laxmi Laxmi , Zafar Fahmina , Nishat Nahid
Published: April 2016

Using renewable resources like cardanol aiming towards development of bio-derived coordination polymers with nanoporous layered morphology, amorphous/crystalline behavior, and better thermal stability having moderate adsorption capacity towards dye.
Performance improvement for printed indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistors with a preheating process
Authors: Xie Meilan , Wu Shaojing , Chen Zheng , Khan Qasim , Wu Xinzhou , Shao Shuangshuang , Cui Zheng
Published: April 2016

Performance of printed indium gallium zinc oxide thin-film transistors was significantly enhanced with the increase of hotplate preheating temperature.
Effect of process parameters on hydrothermal liquefaction of waste furniture sawdust for bio-oil production
Authors: Jindal Manoj Kumar , Jha Mithilesh Kumar
Published: April 2016

This work demonstrates the valorization of waste furniture sawdust into bio-oil by hydrothermal liquefaction process using a high pressure batch reactor.
Direct experimental observation of salt induced aspect ratio tunable PFPT silver-nanowire formation: SERS-based ppt level Hg2+ sensing from ground water
Authors: Bhattacharya M. , Mandal A. R. , Chakraborty S. Das , Maiti Arpan , Maity Achyut , Kuznetsov D. V. , Mondal P. , Senapati D.
Published: April 2016

A common salt induced aspect ratio tunable PFPT silver nanowire synthesis with a plausible explanation based on real-time direct experimental observation finds application as a potential assay for ppt level Hg(ii) sensing from ground water.
Ultrafast photoisomerization of pinacyanol: watching an excited state reaction transiting from barrier to barrierless forms
Authors: Ma Fei , Yartsev Arkady
Published: April 2016

Photoisomerization of 1,1′-diethyl-2,2′-carbocyanine iodide (pinacyanol) in alcohols was investigated by means of femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy.
Glycine modified graphene oxide as a novel sorbent for preconcentration of chromium, copper, and zinc ions from water samples prior to energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric determination
Authors: Pytlakowska Katarzyna , Kozik Violetta , Matussek Marek , Pilch Michał , Hachuła Barbara , Kocot Karina
Published: April 2016

A novel and selective sorbent for micro-solid phase extraction was synthesized by chemical functionalization of graphene oxide with glycine.
l-Leucine supported on superparamagnetic silica-encapsulated γ-Fe2O3nanoparticles: design, characterization, and application as a green catalyst for highly efficient synthesis of thiazoloquinolines
Authors: Arabpoor Zahra , Shaterian Hamid Reza
Published: April 2016

A new superparamagnetic silica-encapsulated γ-Fe2O3supportedl-leucine was successfully prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, VSM, TGA, and FT-IR analysis. It catalyzed the synthesis of thiazoloquinolines derivatives.
TiO2 microspheres supported polyoxometalate-based ionic liquids induced catalytic oxidative deep-desulfurization
Authors: Xun Suhang , Zheng Dan , Yin Sheng , Qin Yuejiao , Zhang Ming , Jiang Wei , Zhu Wenshuai , Li Huaming
Published: April 2016

A series of TiO2 microspheres supported [SiW12O40]4−-based ionic liquids were successfully prepared and used as catalysts in oxidative desulfurization system. DBT was oxidized to DBT sulfone (DBTO2) efficiently with the help of the catalyst and H2O2.
Sol gel and ceramic synthesis of Sr2FeMo1−xWxO6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) double perovskites series
Authors: Iranmanesh M. , Lingg M. , Stir M. , Hulliger J.
Published: April 2016

Optimization of pure phase double perovskite series via sol–gel methods.
Specific detection of potassium ion in serum by a modified G-quadruplex method
Authors: Zhang Shan , Zhang Ruibin , Ma Baojin , Qiu Jichuan , Li Jianhua , Sang Yuanhua , Liu Wei , Liu Hong
Published: April 2016

A modified dual-labelled G-quadruplex method is successfully designed to rapidly detect K+ in complex matrix of real serum.
Bent and twisted: the electronic structure of 2-azapropenylium ions obtained by guanidine oxidation
Authors: Hornung Julius , Hübner Olaf , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans-Jörg
Published: April 2016

New bis-2-azapropenylium ions are obtained by oxidation of guanidino-substituted aromatic compounds.
Drop formation and coalescence of liquid Au on nano carbon substrate
Authors: Wang Long , Li Xiongying , Zhou Xuyan , Li Yifan , Li Hui
Published: April 2016

The rapid growth of the bridge connecting the two drops implies the self-similar dynamics of the coalescence of the Au liquid drops on carbon nano substrate.
Molecular dynamics simulation of the structural, elastic, and thermal properties of pyrochlores
Authors: Dong Liyuan , Li Yuhong , Devanathan Ram , Gao Fei
Published: April 2016

We present a comprehensive simulation study of the effect of composition on the structural, elastic and thermal properties of 25 different compounds from the pyrochlore family.