bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracing the locality of prisoners and workers at the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang: First Emperor of China (259-210 BC)
Authors: Ma Ying , Fuller Benjamin T. , Sun Weigang , Hu Songmei , Chen Liang , Hu Yaowu , Richards Michael P.
Published: June 2016

The mausoleum complex of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC), is one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in China, yet questions remain as to how it was constructed and by whom. Here we present isotopic results of individuals from the Liyi (n = 146) and Shanren sites (n = 14), both associated with the mausoleum complex. Those buried at Liyi represent the local workers/inhabitants of the Qin population, and the δ13C (−8.7 ± 1.5%) and δ15N (10.3 ± 0.7%) values indicate that they consumed predominately millet and/or domestic animals fed millet. In contrast, the Shanren individuals were prisoners forced to construct the mausoleum (found buried haphazardly in a mass grave and some in iron leg shackles), and their δ13C (−15.4 ± 2.9%) and δ15N (8.0 ± 0.6%) results indicate a more mixed C3/C4 diet, with possibly less domestic animals and more wild game protein consumed. This pattern of decreased millet consumption is also characteristic of archaeological sites from southern China, and possible evidence the Shanren prisoners originated from this region (possibly the ancient Chu state located in modern day Hubei Province and parts of Hunan and Anhui Provinces). Further, this finding is in agreement with historical sources and is supported by previous ancient DNA evidence that the mausoleum workers had diverse origins, with many genetically related to southern Chinese groups.
RNA-Seq reveals 10 novel promising candidate genes affecting milk protein concentration in the Chinese Holstein population
Authors: Li Cong , Cai Wentao , Zhou Chenghao , Yin Hongwei , Zhang Ziqi , Loor Juan J. , Sun Dongxiao , Zhang Qin , Liu Jianfeng , Zhang Shengli
Published: June 2016

Paired-end RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to explore the bovine transcriptome from the mammary tissue of 12 Chinese Holstein cows with 6 extremely high and 6 low phenotypic values for milk protein percentage. We defined the differentially expressed transcripts between the two comparison groups, extremely high and low milk protein percentage during the peak lactation (HP vs LP) and during the non-lactating period (HD vs LD), respectively. Within the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we detected 157 at peak lactation and 497 in the non-lactating period with a highly significant correlation with milk protein concentration. Integrated interpretation of differential gene expression indicated that SERPINA1, CLU, CNTFR, ERBB2, NEDD4L, ANG, GALE, HSPA8, LPAR6 and CD14 are the most promising candidate genes affecting milk protein concentration. Similarly, LTF, FCGR3A, MEGF10, RRM2 and UBE2C are the most promising candidates that in the non-lactating period could help the mammary tissue prevent issues with inflammation and udder disorders. Putative genes will be valuable resources for designing better breeding strategies to optimize the content of milk protein and also to provide new insights into regulation of lactogenesis.
The Analysis of the Influence of Odorant’s Complexity on Fractal Dynamics of Human Respiration
Authors: Namazi Hamidreza , Akrami Amin , Kulish Vladimir V.
Published: May 2016

One of the major challenges in olfaction research is to relate the structural features of the odorants to different features of olfactory system. However, no relationship has been yet discovered between the structure of the olfactory stimulus and the structure of respiratory signal. This study reveals the plasticity of human respiratory signal in relation to ‘complex’ olfactory stimulus (odorant). We demonstrated that fractal temporal structure of respiration dynamics shifts towards the properties of the odorants used. The results show for the first time that more structurally complex a monomolecular odorant will result in less fractal respiratory signal. On the other hand, odorant with higher entropy will result the respiratory signal with lower entropy. The capability observed in this research can be further investigated and applied for treatment of patients with different respiratory diseases.
Experimental GVD engineering in slow light slot photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Serna Samuel , Colman Pierre , Zhang Weiwei , Le Roux Xavier , Caer Charles , Vivien Laurent , Cassan Eric
Published: May 2016

The use in silicon photonics of the new optical materials developed in soft matter science (e.g. polymers, liquids) is delicate because their low refractive index weakens the confinement of light and prevents an efficient control of the dispersion properties through the geometry. We experimentally demonstrate that such materials can be incorporated in 700 μm long slot photonic crystal waveguides and hence can benefit from both slow-light field enhancement effect and slot-induced ultra-small effective areas. Additionally, we show that their dispersion can be engineered from anomalous to normal regions, along with the presence of multiple zero group velocity dispersion (ZGVD) points exhibiting Normalized Delay Bandwidth Product as high as 0.156. The reported results provide experimental evidence for an accurate control of the dispersion properties of fillable periodical slotted structures in silicon photonics, which is of direct interest for on-chip all-optical data treatment using nonlinear optical effects in hybrid-on-silicon technologies.
Identification of a reticulocyte-specific binding domain of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte-binding protein 1 that is homologous to the PfRh4 erythrocyte-binding domain
Authors: Han Jin-Hee , Lee Seong-Kyun , Wang Bo , Muh Fauzi , Nyunt Myat Htut , Na Sunghun , Ha Kwon-Soo , Hong Seok-Ho , Park Won Sun , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Tsuboi Takafumi , Han Eun-Taek
Published: May 2016

The Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte-binding protein (RBP) family was identified based on the annotation of adhesive ligands in the P. vivax genome. Reticulocyte-specific interactions with the PvRBPs (PvRBP1 and PvRBP2) were previously reported. Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homologue 4 (PfRh4, a homologue of PvRBP1) was observed to possess erythrocyte-binding activity via complement receptor 1 on the erythrocyte surface. However, the reticulocyte-binding mechanisms of P. vivax are unclear because of the large molecular mass of PvRBP1 (>326 kDa) and the difficulty associated with in vitro cultivation. In the present study, 34 kDa of PvRBP1a (PlasmoDB ID: PVX_098585) and 32 kDa of PvRBP1b (PVX_098582) were selected from a 30 kDa fragment of PfRh4 for reticulocyte-specific binding activity analysis. Both PvRBP1a and PvRBP1b were found to be localized at the microneme in the mature schizont-stage parasites. Naturally acquired immune responses against PvRBP1a-34 and PvRBP1b-32 were observed lower than PvDBP-RII. The reticulocyte-specific binding activities of PvRBP1a-34 and PvRBP1b-32 were significantly higher than normocyte binding activity and were significantly reduced by chymotrypsin treatment. PvRBP1a and 1b, bind to reticulocytes and that this suggests that these ligands may have an important role in P. vivax merozoite invasion.
Erratum: Strain-Engineered Graphene Grown on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Summerfield Alex , Davies Andrew , Cheng Tin S. , Korolkov Vladimir V. , Cho Yong Jin , Mellor Christopher J. , Foxon C. Thomas , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Eaves Laurence , Novikov Sergei V. , Beton Peter H.
Published: June 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 22440; Published online: 01 March 2016; Updated: 02 June 2016 The following statement has been omitted from the ‘Additional Information’ section of the HTML version of this Article: “Data Availability: The images and spectra on which this paper is based may be publicly accessed and are stored at 10.
Erratum: 61Ni synchrotron radiation-based Mössbauer spectroscopy of nickel-based nanoparticles with hexagonal structure
Authors: Masuda Ryo , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Kitao Shinji , Kurokuzu Masayuki , Saito Makina , Yoda Yoshitaka , Mitsui Takaya , Hosoi Kohei , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Seto Makoto
Published: June 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 20861; Published online: 17 February 2016; Updated: 02 June 2016 In this Article, there is an error in the Author Contribution section. “R.M. and M.Seto designed this study. K.H., H.Kobayashi and H.Kitagawa synthesised the hexagonal Ni nanoparticles and measuredXRD, M-H curves, and magnetisation under ZFC and FC conditions.
Laser-resistance sensitivity to substrate pit size of multilayer coatings
Authors: Chai Yingjie , Zhu Meiping , Wang Hu , Xing Huanbin , Cui Yun , Sun Jian , Yi Kui , Shao Jianda
Published: June 2016

Nanosecond laser-resistance to dielectric multilayer coatings on substrate pits was examined with respect to the electric-field (E-field) enhancement and mechanical properties. The laser-induced damage sensitivity to the shape of the substrate pits has not been directly investigated through experiments, thus preventing clear understanding of the damage mechanism of substrate pits. We performed a systematic and comparative study to reveal the effects of the E-field distributions and localized stress concentration on the damage behaviour of coatings on substrates with pits. To obtain reliable results, substrate pits with different geometries were fabricated using a 520-nm femtosecond laser-processing platform. By using the finite element method, the E-field distribution and localized stress of the pitted region were well simulated. The 1064-nm damage morphologies of the coated pit were directly compared with simulated E-field intensity profiles and stress distributions. To enable further understanding, a simplified geometrical model was established and the damage mechanism was introduced.
X-ray characterization of mesophases of human telomeric G-quadruplexes and other DNA analogues
Authors: Yasar Selcuk , Schimelman Jacob B. , Aksoyoglu M. Alphan , Steinmetz Nicole F. , French Roger H. , Parsegian V. Adrian , Podgornik Rudolf
Published: June 2016

Observed in the folds of guanine-rich oligonucleotides, non-canonical G-quadruplex structures are based on G-quartets formed by hydrogen bonding and cation-coordination of guanosines. In dilute 5′-guanosine monophosphate (GMP) solutions, G-quartets form by the self-assembly of four GMP nucleotides. We use x-ray diffraction to characterize the columnar liquid-crystalline mesophases in concentrated solutions of various model G-quadruplexes. We then probe the transitions between mesophases by varying the PEG solution osmotic pressure, thus mimicking in vivo molecular crowding conditions. Using the GMP-quadruplex, built by the stacking of G-quartets with no covalent linking between them, as the baseline, we report the liquid-crystalline phase behaviors of two other related G-quadruplexes: (i) the intramolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the 22-mer four-repeat human telomeric sequence AG3(TTAG3)3 and (ii) the intermolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the TG4T oligonucleotides. Finally, we compare the mesophases of the G-quadruplexes, under PEG-induced crowding conditions, with the corresponding mesophases of the canonical duplex and triplex DNA analogues.
Aberrant salience network and its functional coupling with default and executive networks in minimal hepatic encephalopathy: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Chen Hua-Jun , Chen Qiu-Feng , Liu Jun , Shi Hai-Bin
Published: June 2016

The purposes of this study are to explore functional alterations in salience network (SN) and its functional coupling with default mode (DMN) and central executive (CEN) networks in minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Twenty cirrhotic patients with MHE, 23 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NHE) and 18 controls underwent resting-state fMRI and psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) test. Independent component analysis was performed to obtain DMN (including three subsystems: anterior, inferior-posterior and superior-posterior DMN [a/ip/spDMN]), SN and CEN (including three subsystems: left-ventral, right-ventral and dorsal CEN [lv/rv/dCEN]). The intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) within (intra-iFC) and between (inter-iFC and time-lagged inter-iFC) networks was measured. MHE patients showed decreased intra-iFC within aDMN, SN, lvCEN and rvCEN; and decreased inter-iFC and time-lagged inter-iFC between SN and ipDMN/spDMN/lvCEN and increased inter-iFC and time-lagged inter-iFC between SN and aDMN, compared with controls. A progressive trend in connectivity alterations was found as the disease developed from NHE to MHE. The inter-iFC between ipDMN/spDMN and SN was significantly correlated with PHES score. In conclusion, an aberrant SN and its functional interaction with the DMN/CEN are core features of MHE that are associated with disease progression and may play an important role in neurocognitive dysfunction in MHE.
Investigation of an unrecognized large-scale outbreak of Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto fungaemia in a tertiary-care hospital in China
Authors: Wang He , Zhang Li , Kudinha Timothy , Kong Fanrong , Ma Xiao-Jun , Chu Yun-Zhuo , Kang Mei , Sun Zi-Yong , Li Ruo-Yu , Liao Kang , Lu Juan , Zou Gui-Ling , Xiao Meng , Fan Xin , Xu Ying-Chun
Published: June 2016

A data analysis of yeast collections from the National China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net (CHIF-NET) programme in 2013 revealed a sudden increase in the proportion of Candida parapsilosis complex isolates (n = 98) in one participating hospital (Hospital H). Out of 443 yeast isolates submitted to the CHIF-NET reference laboratory by Hospital H (2010–2014), 212 (47.9%) were identified as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto by sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region and D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. Among the 212 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto isolates, 176 (83.0%) bloodstream-based isolates and 25 isolates from tip cultures of various vascular catheters from 25 patients with candidaemia, were subjected to microsatellite genotyping, and a phylogenetic relationship analysis was performed for 152 isolates. Among the 152 isolates, 45 genotypes (T01 to T45) were identified, and two prevalent genotypes (63.8%) were found: T15 (n = 74, 48.7%) and T16 (n = 23, 15.1%). These two main clones were confined mainly to three different wards of the hospital, and they persisted for 16–25 months and 12–13 months, respectively. The lack of proper coordination between the clinical microbiology laboratory and infection control staff as part of public health control resulted in the failure to timely identify an outbreak, which led to the wide and long-term dissemination of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto in Hospital H.
PepT1 Expression Helps Maintain Intestinal Homeostasis by Mediating the Differential Expression of miRNAs along the Crypt-Villus Axis
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Viennois Emilie , Zhang Mingzhen , Xiao Bo , Han Moon Kwon , Walter Lewins , Garg Pallavi , Merlin Didier
Published: June 2016

In the jejunum, PepT1 is particularly enriched in the well-differentiated absorptive epithelial cells in the villi. Studies of expression and function of PepT1 along the crypt-villus axis demonstrated that this protein is crucial to the process of di/tripeptide absorption. We recently exhibited that PepT1 plays an important role in multiple biological functions, including the ability to regulate the expression/secretion of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and the expression levels of multiple proteins. In this study, we observed that PepT1 knockout (KO) mice exhibited reduced body weight and shorten intestinal microvilli. We then examined the expression levels of various miRNAs and their target proteins along the crypt-villi axis in the jejunum of PepT1 KO mice. We found that PepT1 KO altered the distribution of miRNAs along the crypt-villus axis and changed the miRNA profiles of both villi and crypts. Using miRNA-target prediction and 2D-DIGE/mass spectrometry on villi and crypts samples, we found that ablation of PepT1 further directly or indirectly altered expression levels of certain protein targets. Collectively, our results suggest that PepT1 contributes to maintain balance of homeostasis and proper functions in the small intestine, and dysregulated miRNAs and proteins along the crypt-villus axis are highly related to this process.
Newly identified motifs in Candida albicans Cdr1 protein nucleotide binding domains are pleiotropic drug resistance subfamily-specific and functionally asymmetric
Authors: Rawal Manpreet Kaur , Banerjee Atanu , Shah Abdul Haseeb , Khan Mohammad Firoz , Sen Sobhan , Saxena Ajay Kumar , Monk Brian C. , Cannon Richard D. , Bhatnagar Rakesh , Mondal Alok Kumar , Prasad Rajendra
Published: June 2016

An analysis of Candida albicans ABC transporters identified conserved related α-helical sequence motifs immediately C-terminal of each Walker A sequence. Despite the occurrence of these motifs in ABC subfamilies of other yeasts and higher eukaryotes, their roles in protein function remained unexplored. In this study we have examined the functional significance of these motifs in the C. albicans PDR transporter Cdr1p. The motifs present in NBD1 and NBD2 were subjected to alanine scanning mutagenesis, deletion, or replacement of an entire motif. Systematic replacement of individual motif residues with alanine did not affect the function of Cdr1p but deletion of the M1-motif in NBD1 (M1-Del) resulted in Cdr1p being trapped within the endoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, deletion of the M2-motif in NBD2 (M2-Del) yielded a non-functional protein with normal plasma membrane localization. Replacement of the motif in M1-Del with six alanines (M1-Ala) significantly improved localization of the protein and partially restored function. Conversely, replacement of the motif in M2-Del with six alanines (M2-Ala) did not reverse the phenotype and susceptibility to antifungal substrates of Cdr1p was unchanged. Together, the M1 and M2 motifs contribute to the functional asymmetry of NBDs and are important for maturation of Cdr1p and ATP catalysis, respectively.
The Critical Role Of VP1 In Forming The Necessary Cavities For Receptor-mediated Entry Of FMDV To The Host Cell
Authors: Ashkani Jahanshah , Rees D. J. G.
Published: June 2016

The antigenic inconsistency of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is very broad, such that a vaccine made from one isolate will not offer protection against infection with other isolates from the same serotype. Viral particles (VPs) or surface exposed capsid proteins, VP1–VP3, of FMDV determine both the antigenicity of the virus and its receptor-mediated entry into the host cell. Therefore, modifications of these structural proteins may alter the properties of the virus. Here we show putative cavities on the FMDV-SAT1 (FMDV Southern African Territories1) capsid as possible binding sites for the receptor-mediated viral entry into the host cell. We identified three possible cavities on the FMDV capsid surface, from which the largest one (C2) is shaped in the contact regions of VP1–VP3. Our results demonstrate the significance of VP1, in the formation of FMDV-SAT1 surface cavities, which is the main component in all the identified cavities. Our findings can have profound implications in the protein engineering of FMDV in the contact region of VP1–VP3 found to be embedded in several cavities. Such information is of great significance in the context of vaccine design, as it provides the ground for future improvement of synthetic vaccines to control FMD caused by FMDV-SAT1 serotypes.
Hypoxia induced CCL28 promotes angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma by targeting CCR3 on endothelial cells
Authors: Huang Guichun , Tao Leilei , Shen Sunan , Chen Longbang
Published: June 2016

Tumor hypoxia is one of the important features of lung adenocarcinoma. Chemokines might mediate the effects caused by tumor hypoxia. As confirmed in tumor tissue and serum of patients, CC chemokine 28 (CCL28) was the only hypoxia induced chemokine in lung adenocarcinoma cells. CCL28 could promote tube formation, migration and proliferation of endothelial cells. In addition, angiogenesis was promoted by CCL28 in the chick chorioallantoic membrane and matrigel implanted in dorsal back of athymic nude mice (CByJ.Cg-Foxn1nu/J). Tumors formed by lung adenocarcinoma cells with high expression of CCL28 grew faster and had a higher vascular density, whereas tumor formation rate of lung adenocarcinoma cells with CCL28 expression knockdown was quite low and had a lower vascular density. CCR3, receptor of CCL28, was highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells in lung adenocarcinoma when examining by immunohistochemistry. Further signaling pathways in endothelial cells, modulated by CCL28, were analyzed by Phosphorylation Antibody Array. CCL28/CCR3 signaling pathway could bypass that of VEGF/VEGFR on the levels of PI3K-Akt, p38 MAPK and PLC gamma. The effects could be neutralized by antibody against CCR3. In conclusion, CCL28, as a chemokine induced by tumor hypoxia, could promote angiogenesis in lung adenocarcinoma through targeting CCR3 on microvascular endothelial cells.
Cooperation Survives and Cheating Pays in a Dynamic Network Structure with Unreliable Reputation
Authors: Antonioni Alberto , Sánchez Angel , Tomassini Marco
Published: June 2016

In a networked society like ours, reputation is an indispensable tool to guide decisions about social or economic interactions with individuals otherwise unknown. Usually, information about prospective counterparts is incomplete, often being limited to an average success rate. Uncertainty on reputation is further increased by fraud, which is increasingly becoming a cause of concern. To address these issues, we have designed an experiment based on the Prisoner’s Dilemma as a model for social interactions. Participants could spend money to have their observable cooperativeness increased. We find that the aggregate cooperation level is practically unchanged, i.e., global behavior does not seem to be affected by unreliable reputations. However, at the individual level we find two distinct types of behavior, one of reliable subjects and one of cheaters, where the latter artificially fake their reputation in almost every interaction. Cheaters end up being better off than honest individuals, who not only keep their true reputation but are also more cooperative. In practice, this results in honest subjects paying the costs of fraud as cheaters earn the same as in a truthful environment. These findings point to the importance of ensuring the truthfulness of reputation for a more equitable and fair society.
Biohydrogen Production from Hydrolysates of Selected Tropical Biomass Wastes with Clostridium Butyricum
Authors: Dan Jiang  , Fang Zhen , Chin Siew-xian , Tian Xiao-fei , Su Tong-chao
Published: June 2016

Biohydrogen production has received widespread attention from researchers in industry and academic fields. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to evaluate the effects of several key variables in anaerobic fermentation of glucose with Clostridium butyrium and achieved the highest production rate and yield of hydrogen. Highest H2 yield of 2.02 mol H2/mol-glucose was achieved from 24 h bottle fermentation of glucose at 35 °C, while the composition of medium was (g/L): 15.66 glucose, 6.04 yeast extract, 4 tryptone, 3 K2HPO4, 3 KH2PO4, 0.05 L-cysteine, 0.05 MgSO4·7H2O, 0.1 MnSO4·H2O and 0.3 FeSO4·7H2O, which was very different from that for cell growth. Sugarcane bagasse and Jatropha hulls were selected as typical tropical biomass wastes to produce sugars via a two-step acid hydrolysis for hydrogen production. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, H2 yield (mol H2/mol-total reducing sugar) was 2.15 for glucose, 2.06 for bagasse hydrolysate and 1.95 for Jatropha hull hydrolysate in a 3L fermenter for 24 h at 35 °C, with H2 purity of 49.7–64.34%. The results provide useful information and basic data for practical use of tropical plant wastes to produce hydrogen.
Molecular mechanism and functional significance of acid generation in the Drosophila midgut
Authors: Overend Gayle , Luo Yuan , Henderson Louise , Douglas Angela E. , Davies Shireen A. , Dow Julian A. T.
Published: June 2016

The gut of Drosophila melanogaster includes a proximal acidic region (~pH 2), however the genome lacks the H+/K+ ATPase characteristic of the mammalian gastric parietal cell and the molecular mechanisms of acid generation are poorly understood. Here, we show that maintenance of the low pH of the acidic region is dependent on H+ V-ATPase, together with carbonic anhydrase and five further transporters or channels that mediate K+, Cl− and HCO3− transport. Abrogation of the low pH did not influence larval survival under standard laboratory conditions, but was deleterious for insects subjected to high Na+ or K+ load. Insects with elevated pH in the acidic region displayed increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas pathogens and increased abundance of key members of the gut microbiota (Acetobacter and Lactobacillus), suggesting that the acidic region has bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal activity. Conversely, the pH of the acidic region was significantly reduced in germ-free Drosophila, indicative of a role of the gut bacteria in shaping the pH conditions of the gut. These results demonstrate that the acidic gut region protects the insect and gut microbiome from pathological disruption and shed light on the mechanisms by which low pH can be maintained in the absence of H+, K+ ATPase.
Evaluating the responses of a territorial solitary carnivore to potential mates and competitors
Authors: Allen Maximilian L. , Yovovich Veronica , Wilmers Christopher C.
Published: June 2016

Successful communication is critical to the fitness of individuals and maintenance of populations, but less is known regarding the social contexts and reactions to scent marking by other individuals in solitary carnivores, including pumas. We evaluated the responses of resident male pumas to visitation and scent marking by potential competitors (other male pumas) and potential mates (female pumas) by capturing and marking 46 pumas (Puma concolor), and documenting scent marking behaviours using motion-triggered video cameras. By comparing resident male puma visitation rates and communication behaviours in response to either male or female visitors, we found that their visitation and communication behaviours were best explained by the combination of visitation by both competitors and potential mates. Resident males returned to scent marking sites more quickly and increased their rate of flehmen response after visitation by a females, while they increased their rate of visitation and duration of visits in response to other males. Male pumas also visited less frequently in summer and autumn when female visitation rates were lower, but males created nearly twice as many scrapes during these visits. This study suggests that advertising for mates when scent marking may sometimes overshadow the importance of deterring competitors and claiming territory.
The phosphatidylethanolamine derivative diDCP-LA-PE mimics intracellular insulin signaling
Authors: Nishizaki Tomoyuki , Gotoh Akinobu , Shimizu Tadashi , Tanaka Akito
Published: June 2016

Insulin facilitates glucose uptake into cells by translocating the glucose transporter GLUT4 towards the cell surface through a pathway along an insulin receptor (IR)/IR substrate 1 (IRS-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1)/Akt axis. The newly synthesized phosphatidylethanolamine derivative 1,2-O-bis-[8-{2-(2-pentyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-cyclopropyl}-octanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (diDCP-LA-PE) has the potential to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and to directly activate PKCζ, an atypical isozyme and PKCε, a novel isozyme. PTP1B inhibition enhanced insulin signaling cascades downstream IR/IRS-1 by preventing tyrosine dephosphorylation. PKCζ and PKCε directly activated Akt2 by phosphorylating at Thr309 and Ser474, respectively. diDCP-LA-PE increased cell surface localization of GLUT4 and stimulated glucose uptake into differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, still with knocking-down IR or in the absence of insulin. Moreover, diDCP-LA-PE effectively reduced serum glucose levels in type 1 diabetes (DM) model mice. diDCP-LA-PE, thus, may enable type 1 DM therapy without insulin injection.
High hydrostatic pressure adaptive strategies in an obligate piezophile Pyrococcus yayanosii
Authors: Michoud Grégoire , Jebbar Mohamed
Published: June 2016

Pyrococcus yayanosii CH1, as the first and only obligate piezophilic hyperthermophilic microorganism discovered to date, extends the physical and chemical limits of life on Earth. It was isolated from the Ashadze hydrothermal vent at 4,100 m depth. Multi-omics analyses were performed to study the mechanisms used by the cell to cope with high hydrostatic pressure variations. In silico analyses showed that the P. yayanosii genome is highly adapted to its harsh environment, with a loss of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis pathways and the high constitutive expression of the energy metabolism compared with other non-obligate piezophilic Pyrococcus species. Differential proteomics and transcriptomics analyses identified key hydrostatic pressure-responsive genes involved in translation, chemotaxis, energy metabolism (hydrogenases and formate metabolism) and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats sequences associated with Cellular apoptosis susceptibility proteins.
Transcriptome profiles of metamorphosis in the ornamented pygmy frog Microhyla fissipes clarify the functions of thyroid hormone receptors in metamorphosis
Authors: Zhao Lanying , Liu Lusha , Wang Shouhong , Wang Hongyuan , Jiang Jianping
Published: June 2016

Anuran metamorphosis is an excellent system in which to study postembryonic development. Studies onXenopus(Mesobatrachia) show that thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) regulate metamorphosis in a ligand-dependent manner by coordinating the action of hundreds of genes. However, whether this mechanism is conserved among amphibians is still unknown. To understand the molecular mechanism of this universal phenomenon, we report the transcriptional profiles of the three key developmental stages inMicrohyla fissipes(Neobatrachia): premetamorphosis (PM), metamorphic climax (MC) and completion of metamorphosis (CM). In total, 2,293 differentially expressed genes were identified from comparisons of transcriptomes, and these genes showed stage-specific expression patterns. Unexpectedly, we found that TRαwas highly expressed inXenopus laevisandBufo gargarizansat premetamorphosis but showed low expression inM. fissipes. In contrast, TRβwas highly expressed during metamorphosis inM. fissipesandX. laevis. This result may imply that TRβis essential for initiating metamorphosis, at least inM. fissipes. Thus, our work not only identifies genes that are likely to be involved in Neobatrachia metamorphosis but also clarifies the roles of unliganded TRα in regulating tadpole growth and timing of metamorphosis, which may be conserved in anurans, and the role of liganded TRβ in launching metamorphosis.
DYT-40, a novel synthetic 2-styryl-5-nitroimidazole derivative, blocks malignant glioblastoma growth and invasion by inhibiting AEG-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Zou Meijuan , Duan Yongtao , Wang Pengfei , Gao Rui , Chen Xuguan , Ou Yingwei , Liang Mingxing , Wang Zhongchang , Yuan Yi , Wang Li , Zhu Hailiang
Published: June 2016

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) has been explored as a novel target for human glioma therapy, thus reflecting its potential contribution to gliomagenesis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of DYT-40, a novel synthetic 2-styryl-5-nitroimidazole derivative, on cell growth and invasion in glioblastoma (GBM) and uncovered the underlying mechanisms of this molecule. DYT-40 induces the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion of GBM cell lines. Furthermore, DYT-40 deactivates PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, suppresses AEG-1 expression, and inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation. DYT-40 reduced the tumor volumes in a rat C6 glioma model by apoptotic induction. Moreover, HE staining demonstrated that the glioma rat model treated with DYT-40 exhibited better defined tumor margins and fewer invasive cells to the contralateral striatum compared with the vehicle control and temozolomide-treated rats. Microscopic examination showed a decrease in AEG-1-positive cells in DYT-40-treated rats compared with the untreated controls. DYT-40-treatment increases the in vivo apoptotic response of glioma cells to DYT-40 treatment by TUNEL staining. In conclusion, the inhibitory effects of DYT-40 on growth and invasion in GBM suggest that DYT-40 might be a potential AEG-1 inhibitor to prevent the growth and motility of malignant glioma.
Multiplexed Cassegrain Reflector Antenna for Simultaneous Generation of Three Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) Modes
Authors: Byun Woo Jin , Kim Kwang Seon , Kim Bong Su , Lee Young Seung , Song Myung Sun , Choi Hyung Do , Cho Yong Heui
Published: June 2016

A multiplexed Cassegrain reflector antenna with a 2 × 2 open-ended rectangular waveguide (OERW) matrix feed and an orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode mux is proposed for the simultaneous generation of three OAM modes (l = 0, ±1). The OAM mode mux (OMM) was designed using sequential combinations of quadrature hybrids, crossovers, and phase shifters to multiplex and demultiplex three OAM modes at the same time. The 2 × 2 OERW matrix feed and the OMM were separately measured and their performances were verified according to proposed theories. A near-field antenna measurement for a multiplexed Cassegrain reflector antenna was conducted to obtain the far-field magnitude and phase patterns around polar elevation angle θ and azimuthal angle ϕ, thus confirming that our antenna can produce three OAM modes simultaneously. We also measured the communication link characteristics of two identical multiplexed antennas. The measurement results show that the channel isolation of three OAM modes is more than 12.7 [dB] and 17 [dB] for fixed and compensated receiver positions, respectively, indicating that the proposed antenna system can be used for independent communication links with the same frequency and polarisation.
Viable offspring obtained from Prm1-deficient sperm in mice
Authors: Takeda Naoki , Yoshinaga Kazuya , Furushima Kenryo , Takamune Kazufumi , Li Zhenghua , Abe Shin-ichi , Aizawa Shin-ichi , Yamamura Ken-ichi
Published: June 2016

Protamines are expressed in the spermatid nucleus and allow denser packaging of DNA compared with histones. Disruption of the coding sequence of one allele of eitherprotamine 1(Prm1) orPrm2results in failure to produce offspring, although sperm with disruptedPrm1orPrm2alleles are produced. Here, we producedPrm1-deficient female chimeric mice carryingPrm1-deficient oocytes. These mice successfully producedPrm1+/−male mice. HealthyPrm1+/−offspring were then produced by transferring blastocysts obtained viain vitrofertilization using zona-free oocytes and sperm fromPrm1+/−mice. This result suggests that sperm lackingPrm1can generate offspring despite being abnormally shaped and having destabilised DNA, decondensed chromatin and a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Nevertheless, these mice showed little derangement of expression profiles.
Genomic structure analysis of a set of Oryza nivara introgression lines and identification of yield-associated QTLs using whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Ma Xin , Fu Yongcai , Zhao Xinhui , Jiang Liyun , Zhu Zuofeng , Gu Ping , Xu Wenying , Su Zhen , Sun Chuanqing , Tan Lubin
Published: June 2016

Oryza nivara, an annual wild AA-genome species of rice, is an important gene pool for broadening the genetic diversity of cultivated rice (O. sativa L.). Towards identifying and utilizing favourable alleles from O. nivara, we developed a set of introgression lines (ILs) by introducing O. nivara segments into the elite indica rice variety 93-11 background through advanced backcrossing and repeated selfing. Using whole-genome resequencing, a high-density genetic map containing 1,070 bin-markers was constructed for the 131 ILs, with an average length of 349 kb per bin. The 131 ILs cover 95% of O. nivara genome, providing a relatively complete genomic library for introgressing O. nivara alleles for trait improvement. Using this high-density bin-map, QTL mapping for 13 yield-related traits was performed and a total of 65 QTLs were detected across two environments. At ~36.9% of detected QTLs, the alleles from O. nivara conferred improving effects on yield-associated traits. Six cloned genes, Sh4/SHA1, Bh4, Sd1, TE/TAD1, GS3 and FZP, colocalised in the peak intervals of 9 QTLs. In conclusion, we developed new genetic materials for exploration and use of beneficial alleles from wild rice and provided a basis for future fine mapping and cloning of the favourable O. nivara-derived QTLs.
Ibogaine and addiction in the animal model, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belgers M , Leenaars M , Homberg J R , Ritskes-Hoitinga M , Schellekens A F A , Hooijmans C R
Published: May 2016

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring substance which has been increasingly used in the lay-scene to reduce craving and relapse in patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although human clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of ibogaine are lacking, animal studies do support the efficacy of ibogaine. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (MA), we summarise these animal findings, addressing three questions: (1) does ibogaine reduce addictive behaviour in animal models of SUDs?; (2) what are the toxic effects of ibogaine on motor functioning, cerebellum and heart rhythm?; (3) what are neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine treatment in animal models of SUDs? MA of 27 studies showed that ibogaine reduced drug self-administration, particularly during the first 24 h after administration. Ibogaine had no effect on drug-induced conditioned place preference. Ibogaine administration resulted in motor impairment in the first 24 h after supplementation, and cerebral cell loss even weeks after administration. Data on ibogaines effect on cardiac rhythm, as well as on its neuropharmacological working mechanisms are limited. Our results warrant further studies into the clinical efficacy of ibogaine in SUD patients in reducing craving and substance use, but close monitoring of the patients is recommended because of the possible toxic effects. In addition, more work is needed to unravel the neuropharmacological working mechanisms of ibogaine and to investigate its effects on heart rhythm.
Dual enzyme mimicry exhibited by ITO nanocubes and their application in spectrophotometric and electrochemical sensing
Authors: Aneesh K. , Vusa Chiranjeevi Srinivasa Rao , Berchmans Sheela
Published: May 2016

Schematic illustration of the peroxidase/catalase-like activities of ITO nanocubes.
Sensitive detection of acid phosphatase based on graphene quantum dots nanoassembly
Authors: Na Weidan , Hu Tianyu , Su Xingguang
Published: May 2016

Mechanism for the detection of ACP based on the aggregation of GQDs.
A miniaturized chemiluminescence detection system for a microfluidic paper-based analytical device and its application to the determination of chromium(iii)
Authors: Alahmad Waleed , Uraisin Kanchana , Nacapricha Duangjai , Kaneta Takashi
Published: June 2016

A miniaturized detection system for chemiluminescence that is generated on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was developed using optical fibers and was applied to the determination of Cr(iii).
A highly sensitive near-infrared luminescent metal–organic framework thermometer in the physiological range
Authors: Zhao Dian , Zhang Jun , Yue Dan , Lian Xiusheng , Cui Yuanjing , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong
Published: June 2016

A highly sensitive, low toxic near-infrared luminescent metal–organic framework, Nd0.866Yb0.134BTB, was developed as a self-calibrated thermometer in the physiological range.
Light-induced water oxidation catalyzed by an oxido-bridged triruthenium complex with a Ru–O–Ru–O–Ru motif
Authors: Tsubonouchi Yuta , Lin Shu , Parent Alexander R. , Brudvig Gary W. , Sakai Ken
Published: May 2016

A μ-oxido-bridged triruthenium complex (RuT2+), formed by air oxidation of a previously reported monoruthenium water-oxidation catalyst (WOC), serves as an efficient photochemical WOC with the turnover frequency (TOF) and turnover number (TON) 0.90 s−1 and 610, respectively.
A click chemistry-based microRNA maturation assay optimized for high-throughput screening
Authors: Lorenz Daniel A. , Garner Amanda L.
Published: June 2016

A catalytic enzyme-linked click chemistry assay (cat-ELCCA) for Dicer-catalyzed pre-microRNA maturation was optimized to employ inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA) chemistry affording high-throughput screening capability.
Nanoscale insights into full-length prion protein aggregation on model lipid membranes
Authors: Pan Yangang , Wang Bin , Zhang Tong , Zhang Yanan , Wang Hongda , Xu Bingqian
Published: May 2016

The aggregates of the full-length human recombinant prion protein (PrP) (23–231) on model membranes were investigated by combining the atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements and theoretical calculations at pH 5.0, showing the great effect of PrP concentration on its supramolecular assemblies on the lipid bilayer.
Photonic metal–polymer resin nanocomposites with chiral nematic order
Authors: Zamarion Vitor M. , Khan Mostofa K. , Schlesinger Maik , Bsoul Anas , Walus Konrad , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: May 2016

Metal nanoparticles that spontaneously nucleate in the chiral channels of a polymer resin templated by cellulose nanocrystals form ink-jet printed images.
Chromophore interactions leading to different absorption spectra in mNeptune1 and mCardinal red fluorescent proteins
Authors: Armengol Pau , Gelabert Ricard , Moreno Miquel , Lluch José M.
Published: June 2016

Differences in the absorption spectra of two recently synthesized red fluorescent proteins are traced to the different interactions of their chromophore.
Graphene quantum dots from graphite by liquid exfoliation showing excitation-independent emission, fluorescence upconversion and delayed fluorescence
Authors: Sarkar Suprabhat , Gandla Dayakar , Venkatesh Yeduru , Bangal Prakriti Ranjan , Ghosh Sutapa , Yang Yang , Misra Sunil
Published: June 2016

Schematic representation of GQD formation from graphite.
Examining the structural evolution of bicarbonate–water clusters: insights from photoelectron spectroscopy, basin-hopping structural search, and comparison with available IR spectral studies
Authors: Wen Hui , Hou Gao-Lei , Liu Yi-Rong , Wang Xue-Bin , Huang Wei
Published: May 2016

Combining NIPES, theoretical calculations and available IR spectra allows us to identify the minimum energy structures that best fit the experiments.
Theoretical study on mechanism of the photochemical ligand substitution of fac-[ReI(bpy)(CO)3(PR3)]+ complex
Authors: Saita Kenichiro , Harabuchi Yu , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Ishitani Osamu , Maeda Satoshi
Published: June 2016

The mechanism of the CO ligand dissociation of fac-[ReI(bpy)(CO)3P(OMe)3]+ has theoretically been investigated, as the dominant process of the photochemical ligand substitution (PLS) reactions of fac-[ReI(bpy)(CO)3PR3]+, by using the (TD-)DFT method.
Elucidation of the conformational dynamics of multi-body systems by construction of Markov state models
Authors: Zhu Lizhe , Sheong Fu Kit , Zeng Xiangze , Huang Xuhui
Published: June 2016

Recent algorithmic progresses in Markov State Model construction that enable optimal state definition and efficient estimation of the slow uphill kinetics are expected to boost investigations of complex multi-body processes.
Fabrication of gold microstructures using negative photoresists doped with gold ions through two-photon excitation
Authors: Nakamura Ryotaro , Kinashi Kenji , Sakai Wataru , Tsutsumi Naoto
Published: May 2016

The fabrication of gold microstructures was investigated using a mixture of SU-8 and gold ions using two-photon excitation induced by a femtosecond laser.
Mesoporous hybrid NiOx–MnOx nanoprisms for flexible solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Chengzhen , Cheng Cheng , Ma Lan , Liu Mengna , Kong Dechen , Du Weimin , Pang Huan
Published: June 2016

Mesoporous hybrid NiOx–MnOx nanoprisms exhibit good performance as electrode materials for flexible solid-state symmetric supercapacitors.
All-inkjet-printed, solid-state flexible supercapacitors on paper
Authors: Choi Keun-Ho , Yoo JongTae , Lee Chang Kee , Lee Sang-Young
Published: June 2016

All-inkjet-printed, solid-state flexible supercapacitors (SCs) on paper are demonstrated as a new class of power sources with exceptionally versatile aesthetics. The inkjet-printed SCs look like inkjet-printed letters or figures commonly found in office documents and are aesthetically unitized with other printed images on paper.
Effect of natural organic matter on dissolution and toxicity of sulfidized silver nanoparticles to Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Collin Blanche , Tsyusko Olga V. , Starnes Daniel L. , Unrine Jason M.
Published: June 2016

Exposure media and natural organic matter composition have a significant impact on the aggregation, dissolution and toxicity of sulfidized silver nanoparticles.
Femtosecond gas phase electron diffraction with MeV electrons
Authors: Yang Jie , Guehr Markus , Vecchione Theodore , Robinson Matthew S. , Li Renkai , Hartmann Nick , Shen Xiaozhe , Coffee Ryan , Corbett Jeff , Fry Alan , Gaffney Kelly , Gorkhover Tais , Hast Carsten , Jobe Keith , Makasyuk Igor , Reid Alexander , Robinson Joseph , Vetter Sharon , Wang Fenglin , Weathersby Stephen , Yoneda Charles , Wang Xijie , Centurion Martin
Published: June 2016

We present results on ultrafast gas electron diffraction (UGED) experiments with femtosecond resolution using the MeV electron gun at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. UGED is a promising method to investigate molecular dynamics in the gas phase because electron pulses can probe the structure with a high spatial resolution. Until recently, however, it was not possible for UGED to reach the relevant timescale for the motion of the nuclei during a molecular reaction. Using MeV electron pulses has allowed us to overcome the main challenges in reaching femtosecond resolution, namely delivering short electron pulses on a gas target, overcoming the effect of velocity mismatch between pump laser pulses and the probe electron pulses, and maintaining a low timing jitter. At electron kinetic energies above 3 MeV, the velocity mismatch between laser and electron pulses becomes negligible. The relativistic electrons are also less susceptible to temporal broadening due to the Coulomb force. One of the challenges of diffraction with relativistic electrons is that the small de Broglie wavelength results in very small diffraction angles. In this paper we describe the new setup and its characterization, including capturing static diffraction patterns of molecules in the gas phase, finding time-zero with sub-picosecond accuracy and first time-resolved diffraction experiments. The new device can achieve a temporal resolution of 100 fs root-mean-square, and sub-angstrom spatial resolution. The collimation of the beam is sufficient to measure the diffraction pattern, and the transverse coherence is on the order of 2 nm. Currently, the temporal resolution is limited both by the pulse duration of the electron pulse on target and by the timing jitter, while the spatial resolution is limited by the average electron beam current and the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection system. We also discuss plans for improving both the temporal resolution and the spatial resolution.
Alkyl melibioside and alkyl cellobioside surfactants: effect of sugar headgroup and alkyl chain length on performance
Authors: Kegel Laurel L. , Szabó Lajos Z. , Polt Robin , Pemberton Jeanne E.
Published: June 2016

The potential of glycolipid surfactants, composed of a sugar headgroup and lipid tail, as highly biodegradable and less toxic alternatives to commonly used surfactants motivates the systematic study of structure–function relationships of various glycolipid surfactants.