bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex vivoDetermination of an Estradiol Analogue-Induced Changes on Platelet Morphology and Angiogenic Biomarkers
Authors: Repsold Lisa , Pretorius Etheresia , Joubert Annie M.
Published: September 2015

Angiogenesis is a closely controlled biological process that takes place during fetal development of blood vessels and wound healing, and includes the development of new blood vessels from preexisting blood vessels. Tumor angiogenesis is a means by which tumors obtain oxygen, nutrition and promote tumor growth. Angiogenesis-regulating proteins are therefore ideal biomarkers in the study of tumor pathophysiology. In our laboratory, a newin silico-designed analogue of 2-methoxyestradiol has been synthesized with angiogenic properties, namely 2-ethyl-3-O-sulfamoyl-estra-1,3,5(10)16-tetraene (ESE-16). Theex vivoinfluence of ESE-16 on angiogenesis and morphology in platelets of healthy participants was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no morphological changes in ESE-16-treated platelets. The possible antiangiogenic effect of ESE-16-exposed platelets was determined by means of flow cytometry measurement of angiogenic protein levels, which were significantly increased after platelets were added to tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. This indicates that binding of platelets to cancer cells causes differential release of platelet constituents. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels were decreased in platelets, whereas platelet-derived growth factor and matrix metallopeptidase-9 levels were not significantly affected in platelets. In light of the above-mentioned data, further investigation of ESE-16’s influence on morphology and angiogenic markers in platelets of cancer patients is warranted.
Wagner in Exile: Paris, Halévy and theQueen
Authors: Pottinger Mark A.
Published: September 2015

Fromental Halévy’s five-act grand operaLa Reine de Chyprepremiered in Paris in 1841. Many critics viewed the work as a great success and seen as a true rival toLa Juive(1835). Wagner, who was in Paris at the time, even went so far as to claim the composition ‘a new step forward’ in the world of opera, evidenced in the many review articles and publications he wrote about the work. This article attempts to uncover what Wagner admired about Halévy’s composition, especially within the context of the German composer’s ‘artistic exile’ in France (1839–1842) and the completion of a new dramatic conception of German romantic opera inDer Fliegende Holländer(1843). The connections between the two works are explored, revealing an affinity for the exile and the desire for redemption.
Recovery from stunting and cognitive outcomes in young children: evidence from the South African Birth to Twenty Cohort Study
Authors: Casale D. , Desmond C.
Published: September 2015

In this study we analyse the implications for cognitive function of recovery from stunting in early childhood. More specifically, we test whether children who met the definition for stunted at age 2, but not at age 5, perform better in cognitive tests than children who remain stunted over this period. The sample is drawn from the Birth to Twenty Cohort Study, a prospective data set of children born in 1990 in urban South Africa. The measure of cognitive function that we use is based on the Revised Denver Prescreening Developmental Questionnaire implemented when the children were age 5. We employ multivariate regression in the analysis to control for child-specific characteristics, socio-economic status, the home environment and caregiver inputs. We find that recovery from stunting is not uncommon among young children in our sample. However, children who recover from stunting by age 5 still perform significantly worse on cognitive tests than children who do not experience early malnutrition, and almost as poorly as children who remain stunted. These findings suggest that the timing of nutritional inputs in the early years is key in a child’s cognitive development, with implications for school readiness and achievement.
The Facilitating Effect of Need-Supportive Parenting on the Change Rate and Adaptation of Dual Autonomy Among Taiwanese Adolescents
Authors: Wu Chih-Wen , Guo Nai-Wen , Hsieh Yeu-Sheng , Yeh Kuang-Hui
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Two empirical studies were conducted to test the facilitating effect of need-supportive parenting (NSP) on Taiwanese adolescents’ individuating autonomy (IA) and relating autonomy (RA) as well as to investigate the mediating effect of IA and RA on the relationship between NSP and adaptation. Study 1 adopted a cross-sectional design and found that (1) NSP was positively related to adolescents’ IA and RA capacity; and (2) the positive effects of NSP on intrapersonal adaptation (i.e., self-esteem and happiness) and interpersonal adaptation (i.e., empathy and reciprocal filial piety) were superiorly mediated by IA and RA, respectively. Study 2 used a longitudinal design and added negative criteria (i.e., anxiety and depression for intrapersonal maladaptation, and hostility and delinquent behavior for interpersonal maladaptation). Hierarchical linear modeling analyses indicated that (1) NSP not only positively contributed to Taiwanese adolescents’ IA and RA, but also facilitated the change rate of IA and RA; (2) the changes in IA and RA within individuals over time were related to the changes in intrapersonal and interpersonal criteria, respectively; and (3) IA primarily mediated the effects of NSP on both intrapersonal adaptation and maladaptation, while RA mediated the effects of NSP on both interpersonal adaptation and maladaptation. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Birds Ignore Volcano Blast, Puzzle Scientists
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2015

When a nearby volcano unexpectedly erupted in the midst of a behavioral study of Andean condors in Argentina, the researchers scrambled to observe disruption to condors' lives. Oddly, there was none.
DEC1 regulates breast cancer cell proliferation by stabilizing cyclin E protein and delays the progression of cell cycle S phase
Authors: Bi H , Li S , Qu X , Wang M , Bai X , Xu Z , Ao X , Jia Z , Jiang X , Yang Y , Wu H
Published: September 2015

Breast cancer that is accompanied by a high level of cyclin E expression usually exhibits poor prognosis and clinical outcome. Several factors are known to regulate the level of cyclin E during the cell cycle progression. The transcription factor DEC1 (also known as STRA13 and SHARP2) plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nevertheless, the mechanism of its role in cell proliferation is poorly understood. In this study, using the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D, we showed that DEC1 could inhibit the cell cycle progression of breast cancer cells independently of its transcriptional activity. The cell cycle-dependent timing of DEC1 overexpression could affect the progression of the cell cycle through regulating the level of cyclin E protein. DEC1 stabilized cyclin E at the protein level by interacting with cyclin E. Overexpression of DEC1 repressed the interaction between cyclin E and its E3 ligase Fbw7α, consequently reducing the level of polyunbiquitinated cyclin E and increased the accumulation of non-ubiquitinated cyclin E. Furthermore, DEC1 also promoted the nuclear accumulation of Cdk2 and the formation of cyclin E/Cdk2 complex, as well as upregulating the activity of the cyclin E/Cdk2 complex, which inhibited the subsequent association of cyclin A with Cdk2. This had the effect of prolonging the S phase and suppressing the growth of breast cancers in a mouse xenograft model. These events probably constitute the essential steps in DEC1-regulated cell proliferation, thus opening up the possibility of a protein-based molecular strategy for eliminating cancer cells that manifest a high-level expression of cyclin E.
An intracellular replication niche for Vibrio cholerae in the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Van der Henst Charles , Scrignari Tiziana , Maclachlan Catherine , Blokesch Melanie
Published: September 2015

Vibrio cholerae is a human pathogen and the causative agent of cholera. The persistence of this bacterium in aquatic environments is a key epidemiological concern, as cholera is transmitted through contaminated water. Predatory protists, such as amoebae, are major regulators of bacterial populations in such environments. Therefore, we investigated the interaction between V. cholerae and the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii at the single-cell level. We observed that V. cholerae can resist intracellular killing. The non-digested bacteria were either released or, alternatively, established a replication niche within the contractile vacuole of A. castellanii. V. cholerae was maintained within this compartment even upon encystment. The pathogen ultimately returned to its aquatic habitat through lysis of A. castellanii, a process that was dependent on the production of extracellular polysaccharide by the pathogen. This study reinforces the concept that V. cholerae is a facultative intracellular bacterium and describes a new host–pathogen interaction.
Electronic cooling via interlayer Coulomb coupling in multilayer epitaxial graphene
Authors: Mihnev Momchil T. , Tolsma John R. , Divin Charles J. , Sun Dong , Asgari Reza , Polini Marco , Berger Claire , de Heer Walt A. , MacDonald Allan H. , Norris Theodore B.
Published: September 2015

In van der Waals bonded or rotationally disordered multilayer stacks of two-dimensional (2D) materials, the electronic states remain tightly confined within individual 2D layers. As a result, electron–phonon interactions occur primarily within layers and interlayer electrical conductivities are low. In addition, strong covalent in-plane intralayer bonding combined with weak van der Waals interlayer bonding results in weak phonon-mediated thermal coupling between the layers. We demonstrate here, however, that Coulomb interactions between electrons in different layers of multilayer epitaxial graphene provide an important mechanism for interlayer thermal transport, even though all electronic states are strongly confined within individual 2D layers. This effect is manifested in the relaxation dynamics of hot carriers in ultrafast time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy. We develop a theory of interlayer Coulomb coupling containing no free parameters that accounts for the experimentally observed trends in hot-carrier dynamics as temperature and the number of layers is varied.
High charge mobility in two-dimensional percolative networks of PbSe quantum dots connected by atomic bonds
Authors: Evers Wiel H. , Schins Juleon M. , Aerts Michiel , Kulkarni Aditya , Capiod Pierre , Berthe Maxime , Grandidier Bruno , Delerue Christophe , van der Zant Herre S. J. , van Overbeek Carlo , Peters Joep L. , Vanmaekelbergh Daniel , Siebbeles Laurens D. A.
Published: September 2015

Two-dimensional networks of quantum dots connected by atomic bonds have an electronic structure that is distinct from that of arrays of quantum dots coupled by ligand molecules. We prepared atomically coherent two-dimensional percolative networks of PbSe quantum dots connected via atomic bonds. Here, we show that photoexcitation leads to generation of free charges that eventually decay via trapping. The charge mobility probed with an AC electric field increases with frequency from 150±15 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 0.2 terahertz to 260±15 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 0.6 terahertz. Gated four-probe measurements yield a DC electron mobility of 13±2 cm2 V−1 s−1. The terahertz mobilities are much higher than for arrays of quantum dots coupled via surface ligands and are similar to the highest DC mobilities reported for PbSe nanowires. The terahertz mobility increases only slightly with temperature in the range of 15–290 K. The extent of straight segments in the two-dimensional percolative networks limits the mobility, rather than charge scattering by phonons.
Current-driven dynamics of skyrmions stabilized in MnSi nanowires revealed by topological Hall effect
Authors: Liang Dong , DeGrave John P. , Stolt Matthew J. , Tokura Yoshinori , Jin Song
Published: September 2015

Skyrmions hold promise for next-generation magnetic storage as their nanoscale dimensions may enable high information storage density and their low threshold for current-driven motion may enable ultra-low energy consumption. Skyrmion-hosting nanowires not only serve as a natural platform for magnetic racetrack memory devices but also stabilize skyrmions. Here we use the topological Hall effect (THE) to study phase stability and current-driven dynamics of skyrmions in MnSi nanowires. THE is observed in an extended magnetic field-temperature window (15–30 K), suggesting stabilization of skyrmions in nanowires compared with the bulk. Furthermore, we show in nanowires that under the high current density of 108–109 A m−2, the THE decreases with increasing current densities, which demonstrates the current-driven motion of skyrmions generating the emergent electric field in the extended skyrmion phase region. These results open up the exploration of skyrmions in nanowires for fundamental physics and magnetic storage technologies.
Exometabolite niche partitioning among sympatric soil bacteria
Authors: Baran Richard , Brodie Eoin L. , Mayberry-Lewis Jazmine , Hummel Eric , Da Rocha Ulisses Nunes , Chakraborty Romy , Bowen Benjamin P. , Karaoz Ulas , Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby , Garcia-Pichel Ferran , Northen Trent R.
Published: September 2015

Soils are arguably the most microbially diverse ecosystems. Physicochemical properties have been associated with the maintenance of this diversity. Yet, the role of microbial substrate specialization is largely unexplored since substrate utilization studies have focused on simple substrates, not the complex mixtures representative of the soil environment. Here we examine the exometabolite composition of desert biological soil crusts (biocrusts) and the substrate preferences of seven biocrust isolates. The biocrust's main primary producer releases a diverse array of metabolites, and isolates of physically associated taxa use unique subsets of the complex metabolite pool. Individual isolates use only 13−26% of available metabolites, with only 2 out of 470 used by all and 40% not used by any. An extension of this approach to a mesophilic soil environment also reveals high levels of microbial substrate specialization. These results suggest that exometabolite niche partitioning may be an important factor in the maintenance of microbial diversity.
Convergent capture of retroviral superantigens by mammalian herpesviruses
Authors: Aswad Amr , Katzourakis Aris
Published: September 2015

Horizontal gene transfer from retroviruses to mammals is well documented and extensive, but is rare between unrelated viruses with distinct genome types. Three herpesviruses encode a gene with similarity to a retroviral superantigen gene (sag) of the unrelated mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV). We uncover ancient retroviral sags in over 20 mammals to reconstruct their shared history with herpesviral sags, revealing that the acquisition is a convergent evolutionary event. A retrovirus circulating in South American primates over 10 million years ago was the source of sag in two monkey herpesviruses, and a different retrovirus was the source of sag in a Peruvian rodent herpesvirus. We further show through a timescaled phylogenetic analysis that a cross-species transmission of monkey herpesviruses occurred after the acquisition of sag. These results reveal that a diverse range of ancient sag-containing retroviruses independently donated sag twice from two separate lineages that are distinct from MMTV.
Cyclic diguanylate monophosphate directly binds to human siderocalin and inhibits its antibacterial activity
Authors: Li Weihui , Cui Tao , Hu Lihua , Wang Ziqing , Li Zongqiang , He Zheng-Guo
Published: September 2015

Cyclic diguanylate monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a well-conserved second messenger in bacteria. During infection, the innate immune system can also sense c-di-GMP; however, whether bacterial pathogens utilize c-di-GMP as a weapon to fight against host defense for survival and possible mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. Siderocalin (LCN2) is a key antibacterial component of the innate immune system and sequesters bacterial siderophores to prevent acquisition of iron. Here we show that c-di-GMP can directly target the human LCN2 protein to inhibit its antibacterial activity. We demonstrate that c-di-GMP specifically binds to LCN2. In addition, c-di-GMP can compete with bacterial ferric siderophores to bind LCN2. Furthermore, c-di-GMP can significantly reduce LCN2-mediated inhibition on the in vitro growth of Escherichia coli. Thus, LCN2 acts as a c-di-GMP receptor. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism by which bacteria utilize c-di-GMP to interfere with the innate immune system for survival.
Oscillation of p38 activity controls efficient pro-inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Tomida Taichiro , Takekawa Mutsuhiro , Saito Haruo
Published: September 2015

The p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway controls inflammatory responses and is an important target of anti-inflammatory drugs. Although pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) appear to induce only transient activation of p38 (over ∼60 min), longer cytokine exposure is necessary to induce p38-dependent effector genes. Here we study the dynamics of p38 activation in individual cells using a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based p38 activity reporter. We find that, after an initial burst of activity, p38 MAPK activity subsequently oscillates for more than 8 h under continuous IL-1β stimulation. However, as this oscillation is asynchronous, the measured p38 activity population average is only slightly higher than basal level. Mathematical modelling, which we have experimentally verified, indicates that the asynchronous oscillation of p38 is generated through a negative feedback loop involving the dual-specificity phosphatase MKP-1/DUSP1. We find that the oscillatory p38 activity is necessary for efficient expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-6, IL-8 and COX-2.
Matrikines are key regulators in modulating the amplitude of lung inflammation in acute pulmonary infection
Authors: Akthar Samia , Patel Dhiren F. , Beale Rebecca C. , Peiró Teresa , Xu Xin , Gaggar Amit , Jackson Patricia L. , Blalock J. Edwin , Lloyd Clare M. , Snelgrove Robert J.
Published: September 2015

Bioactive matrix fragments (matrikines) have been identified in a myriad of disorders, but their impact on the evolution of airway inflammation has not been demonstrated. We recently described a pathway where the matrikine and neutrophil chemoattractant proline–glycine–proline (PGP) could be degraded by the enzyme leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H). LTA4H classically functions in the generation of pro-inflammatory leukotriene B4, thus LTA4H exhibits opposing pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. The physiological significance of this secondary anti-inflammatory activity remains unknown. Here we show, using readily resolving pulmonary inflammation models, that loss of this secondary activity leads to more pronounced and sustained inflammation and illness owing to PGP accumulation. PGP elicits an exacerbated neutrophilic inflammation and protease imbalance that further degrades the extracellular matrix, generating fragments that perpetuate inflammation. This highlights a critical role for the secondary anti-inflammatory activity of LTA4H and thus has consequences for the generation of global LTA4H inhibitors currently being developed.
Disturbed macro-connectivity in schizophrenia linked to oligodendrocyte dysfunction: from structural findings to molecules
Authors: Cassoli Juliana Silva , Guest Paul C , Malchow Berend , Schmitt Andrea , Falkai Peter , Martins-de-Souza Daniel
Published: September 2015

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with multi-factorial characteristics. A number of findings have shown disrupted synaptic connectivity in schizophrenia patients and emerging evidence suggests that this results from dysfunctional oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelinating axons in white matter to promote neuronal conduction. The exact cause of this is not known, although recent imaging and molecular profiling studies of schizophrenia patients have identified changes in white matter tracts connecting multiple brain regions with effects on protein signaling networks involved in the myelination process. Further understanding of oligodendrocyte dysfunction in schizophrenia could lead to identification of novel drug targets for this devastating disease.
Mechanical Flip-Chip for Ultra-High Electron Mobility Devices
Authors: Bennaceur Keyan , Schmidt Benjamin A. , Gaucher Samuel , Laroche Dominique , Lilly Michael P. , Reno John L. , West Ken W. , Pfeiffer Loren N. , Gervais Guillaume
Published: September 2015

Electrostatic gates are of paramount importance for the physics of devices based on high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) since they allow depletion of electrons in selected areas. This field-effect gating enables the fabrication of a wide range of devices such as, for example, quantum point contacts (QPC), electron interferometers and quantum dots. To fabricate these gates, processing is usually performed on the 2DEG material, which is in many cases detrimental to its electron mobility. Here we propose an alternative process which does not require any processing of the 2DEG material other than for the ohmic contacts. This approach relies on processing a separate wafer that is then mechanically mounted on the 2DEG material in a flip-chip fashion. This technique proved successful to fabricate quantum point contacts on both GaAs/AlGaAs materials with both moderate and ultra-high electron mobility.
Superstructures of chiral nematic microspheres as all-optical switchable distributors of light
Authors: Aβhoff Sarah J. , Sukas Sertan , Yamaguchi Tadatsugu , Hommersom Catharina A. , Le Gac Séverine , Katsonis Nathalie
Published: September 2015

Light technology is based on generating, detecting and controlling the wavelength, polarization and direction of light. Emerging applications range from electronics and telecommunication to health, defence and security. In particular, data transmission and communication technologies are currently asking for increasingly complex and fast devices and therefore there is a growing interest in materials that can be used to transmit light and also to control the distribution of light in space and time. Here, we design chiral nematic microspheres whose shape enables them to reflect light of different wavelengths and handedness in all directions. Assembled in organized hexagonal superstructures, these microspheres of well-defined sizes communicate optically with high selectivity for the colour and chirality of light. Importantly, when the microspheres are doped with photo-responsive molecular switches, their chiroptical communication can be tuned, both gradually in wavelength and reversibly in polarization. Since the kinetics of the “on” and “off” switching can be adjusted by molecular engineering of the dopants and because the photonic cross-communication is selective with respect to the chirality of the incoming light, these photo-responsive microspheres show potential for chiroptical all-optical distributors and switches, in which wavelength, chirality and direction of the reflected light can be controlled independently and reversibly.
NIR-driven Smart Theranostic Nanomedicine for On-demand Drug Release and Synergistic Antitumour Therapy
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Zheng Mingbin , Luo Zhenyu , Gong Ping , Gao Guanhui , Sheng Zonghai , Zheng Cuifang , Ma Yifan , Cai Lintao
Published: September 2015

Smart nanoparticles (NPs) that respond to external and internal stimulations have been developing to achieve optimal drug release in tumour. However, applying these smart NPs to attain high antitumour performance is hampered by limited drug carriers and inefficient spatiotemporal control. Here we report a noninvasive NIR-driven, temperature-sensitive DI-TSL (DOX/ICG-loaded temperature sensitive liposomes) co-encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) and indocyanine green (ICG). This theranostic system applies thermo-responsive lipid to controllably release drug, utilizes the fluorescence (FL) of DOX/ICG to real-time trace the distribution of NPs and employs DOX/ICG to treat cancer by chemo/photothermal therapy. DI-TSL exhibits uniform size distribution, excellent FL/size stability, enhanced response to NIR-laser and 3 times increased drug release through laser irradiation. After endocytosis by MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells, DI-TSL in cellular endosomes can cause hyperthermia through laser irradiation, then endosomes are disrupted and DI-TSL ‘opens’ to release DOX simultaneously for increased cytotoxicity. Furthermore, DI-TSL shows laser-controlled release of DOX in tumour, enhanced ICG and DOX retention by 7 times and 4 times compared with free drugs. Thermo-sensitive DI-TSL manifests high efficiency to promote cell apoptosis and completely eradicate tumour without side-effect. DI-TSL may provide a smart strategy to release drugs on demand for combinatorial cancer therapy.
Methanogenic degradation of lignin-derived monoaromatic compounds by microbial enrichments from rice paddy field soil
Authors: Kato Souichiro , Chino Kanako , Kamimura Naofumi , Masai Eiji , Yumoto Isao , Kamagata Yoichi
Published: September 2015

Anaerobic degradation of lignin-derived aromatics is an important metabolism for carbon and nutrient cycles in soil environments. Although there are some studies on degradation of lignin-derived aromatics by nitrate- and sulfate-reducing bacteria, knowledge on their degradation under methanogenic conditions are quite limited. In this study, methanogenic microbial communities were enriched from rice paddy field soil with lignin-derived methoxylated monoaromatics (vanillate and syringate) and their degradation intermediates (protocatechuate, catechol and gallate) as the sole carbon and energy sources. Archaeal community analysis disclosed that both aceticlastic (Methanosarcina sp.) and hydrogenotrophic (Methanoculleus sp. and Methanocella sp.) methanogens dominated in all of the enrichments. Bacterial community analysis revealed the dominance of acetogenic bacteria (Sporomusa spp.) only in the enrichments on the methoxylated aromatics, suggesting that Sporomusa spp. initially convert vanillate and syringate into protocatechuate and gallate, respectively, with acetogenesis via O-demethylation. As the putative ring-cleavage microbes, bacteria within the phylum Firmicutes were dominantly detected from all of the enrichments, while the dominant phylotypes were not identical between enrichments on vanillate/protocatechuate/catechol (family Peptococcaceae bacteria) and on syringate/gallate (family Ruminococcaceae bacteria). This study demonstrates the importance of cooperation among acetogens, ring-cleaving fermenters/syntrophs and aceticlastic/hydrogenotrophic methanogens for degradation of lignin-derived aromatics under methanogenic conditions.
Integrative analysis of human protein, function and disease networks
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Aiping , Pellegrini Matteo , Wang Xiaofan
Published: September 2015

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks serve as a powerful tool for unraveling protein functions, disease-gene and disease-disease associations. However, a direct strategy for integrating protein interaction, protein function and diseases is still absent. Moreover, the interrelated relationships among these three levels are poorly understood. Here we present a novel systematic method to integrate protein interaction, function and disease networks. We first identified topological modules in human protein interaction data using the network topological algorithm (NeTA) we previously developed. The resulting modules were then associated with functional terms using Gene Ontology to obtain functional modules. Finally, disease modules were constructed by associating the modules with OMIM and GWAS. We found that most topological modules have cohesive structure, significant pathway annotations and good modularity. Most functional modules (70.6%) fully cover corresponding topological modules and most disease modules (88.5%) are fully covered by the corresponding functional modules. Furthermore, we identified several protein modules of interest that we describe in detail, which demonstrate the power of our integrative approach. This approach allows us to link genes and pathways with their corresponding disorders, which may ultimately help us to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Divergent Synthesis of Chondroitin Sulfate Disaccharides and Identification of Sulfate Motifs that Inhibit Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Wei Poh Zhong , Heng Gan Chin , Lee Eric J. , Guo Suxian , Yip George W. , Lam Yulin
Published: September 2015

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) regulate many important physiological processes. A pertinent issue to address is whether GAGs encode important functional information via introduction of position specific sulfate groups in the GAG structure. However, procurement of pure, homogenous GAG motifs to probe the “sulfation code” is a challenging task due to isolation difficulty and structural complexity. To this end, we devised a versatile synthetic strategy to obtain all the 16 theoretically possible sulfation patterns in the chondroitin sulfate (CS) repeating unit; these include rare but potentially important sulfated motifs which have not been isolated earlier. Biological evaluation indicated that CS sulfation patterns had differing effects for different breast cancer cell types and the greatest inhibitory effect was observed for the most aggressive, triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.
Chronic multichannel neural recordings from soft regenerative microchannel electrodes during gait
Authors: Musick Katherine M. , Rigosa Jacopo , Narasimhan Shreya , Wurth Sophie , Capogrosso Marco , Chew Daniel J. , Fawcett James W. , Micera Silvestro , Lacour Stéphanie P.
Published: September 2015

Reliably interfacing a nerve with an electrode array is one of the approaches to restore motor and sensory functions after an injury to the peripheral nerve. Accomplishing this with current technologies is challenging as the electrode-neuron interface often degrades over time and surrounding myoelectric signals contaminate the neuro-signals in awake, moving animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of microchannel electrode implants to monitor over time and in freely moving animals, neural activity from regenerating nerves. We designed and fabricated implants with silicone rubber and elastic thin-film metallization. Each implant carries an eight-by-twelve matrix of parallel microchannels (of 120 × 110 μm2 cross-section and 4 mm length) and gold thin-film electrodes embedded in the floor of ten of the microchannels. After sterilization, the soft, multi-lumen electrode implant is sutured between the stumps of the sciatic nerve. Over a period of three months and in four rats, the microchannel electrodes recorded spike activity from the regenerating sciatic nerve. Histology indicates mini-nerves formed of axons and supporting cells regenerate robustly in the implants. Analysis of the recorded spikes and gait kinematics over the ten-week period suggests firing patterns collected with the microchannel electrode implant can be associated with different phases of gait.
Hypervalent Iodine with Linear Chain at High Pressure
Authors: Wei Shubo , Wang Jianyun , Deng Shiyu , Zhang Shoutao , Li Quan
Published: September 2015

Iodine is an element of fascinating chemical complexity and numerous hypervalent iodine compounds reveal vital value of applications in organic synthesis. Investigation of the synthesis and application of new type of hypervalent iodine compound has extremely significant meaning. Here, the formation of CsIn (n > 1) compounds is predicted up to 200 GPa using an effective algorithm. The current results show that CsI3 with space group of Pm-3n is thermodynamically stable under high pressure. Hypervalence phenomenon of iodine atoms in Pm-3n CsI3 with endless linear chain type structure appears under high pressure, which is in sharp contrast to the conventional understanding. Our study further reveals that Pm-3n CsI3 is a metallic phase with several energy bands crossing Fermi-surface and the pressure creates a peculiar reverse electron donation from iodine to cesium. The electron-phonon coupling calculations have proposed superconductive potential of the metallic Pm-3n CsI3 at 10 GPa which is much lower than that of CsI (180 GPa). Our findings represent a significant step toward the understanding of the behavior of iodine compounds at extreme conditions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Cubozoan genome illuminates functional diversification of opsins and photoreceptor evolution
Authors: Liegertová Michaela , Pergner Jiří , Kozmiková Iryna , Fabian Peter , Pombinho Antonio R. , Strnad Hynek , Pačes Jan , Vlček Čestmír , Bartůněk Petr , Kozmik Zbyněk
Published: September 2015

Animals sense light primarily by an opsin-based photopigment present in a photoreceptor cell. Cnidaria are arguably the most basal phylum containing a well-developed visual system. The evolutionary history of opsins in the animal kingdom has not yet been resolved. Here, we study the evolution of animal opsins by genome-wide analysis of the cubozoan jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora, a cnidarian possessing complex lens-containing eyes and minor photoreceptors. A large number of opsin genes with distinct tissue- and stage-specific expression were identified. Our phylogenetic analysis unequivocally classifies cubozoan opsins as a sister group to c-opsins and documents lineage-specific expansion of the opsin gene repertoire in the cubozoan genome. Functional analyses provided evidence for the use of the Gs-cAMP signaling pathway in a small set of cubozoan opsins, indicating the possibility that the majority of other cubozoan opsins signal via distinct pathways. Additionally, these tests uncovered subtle differences among individual opsins, suggesting possible fine-tuning for specific photoreceptor tasks. Based on phylogenetic, expression and biochemical analysis we propose that rapid lineage- and species-specific duplications of the intron-less opsin genes and their subsequent functional diversification promoted evolution of a large repertoire of both visual and extraocular photoreceptors in cubozoans.
THz near-field spectral encoding imaging using a rainbow metasurface
Authors: Lee Kanghee , Choi Hyun Joo , Son Jaehyeon , Park Hyun-Sung , Ahn Jaewook , Min Bumki
Published: September 2015

We demonstrate a fast image acquisition technique in the terahertz range via spectral encoding using a metasurface. The metasurface is composed of spatially varying units of mesh filters that exhibit bandpass features. Each mesh filter is arranged such that the centre frequencies of the mesh filters are proportional to their position within the metasurface, similar to a rainbow. For imaging, the object is placed in front of the rainbow metasurface and the image is reconstructed by measuring the transmitted broadband THz pulses through both the metasurface and the object. The 1D image information regarding the object is linearly mapped into the spectrum of the transmitted wave of the rainbow metasurface. Thus, 2D images can be successfully reconstructed using simple 1D data acquisition processes.
Anomalous Fluorescence Enhancement from Double Heterostructure 3D Colloidal Photonic Crystals–A Multifunctional Fluorescence-Based Sensor Platform
Authors: Eftekhari Ehsan , Li Xiang , Kim Tak H. , Gan Zongsong , Cole Ivan S. , Zhao Dongyuan , Kielpinski Dave , Gu Min , Li Qin
Published: September 2015

Augmenting fluorescence intensity is of vital importance to the development of chemical and biochemical sensing, imaging and miniature light sources. Here we report an unprecedented fluorescence enhancement with a novel architecture of multilayer three-dimensional colloidal photonic crystals self-assembled from polystyrene spheres. The new technique uses a double heterostructure, which comprises a top and a bottom layer with a periodicity overlapping the excitation wavelength (E) of the emitters and a middle layer with a periodicity matching the fluorescence wavelength (F) and a thickness that supports constructive interference for the excitation wavelength. This E-F-E double heterostructure displays direction-dependent light trapping for both excitation and fluorescence, coupling the modes of photonic crystal with multiple-beam interference. The E-F-E double heterostructure renders an additional 5-fold enhancement to the extraordinary FL amplification of Rhodamine B in monolithic E CPhCs and 4.3-fold acceleration of emission dynamics. Such a self-assembled double heterostructue CPhCs may find significant applications in illumination, laser, chemical/biochemical sensing and solar energy harvesting. We further demonstrate the multi-functionality of the E-F-E double heterostructure CPhCs in Hg (II) sensing.
DNAJB3/HSP-40 cochaperone improves insulin signaling and enhances glucose uptake in vitro through JNK repression
Authors: Abu-Farha Mohamed , Cherian Preethi , Al-Khairi Irina , Tiss Ali , Khadir Abdelkrim , Kavalakatt Sina , Warsame Samia , Dehbi Mohammed , Behbehani Kazem , Abubaker Jehad
Published: September 2015

Heat shock response (HSR) is an essential host-defense mechanism that is dysregulated in obesity-induced insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our recent data demonstrated that DNAJB3 was downregulated in obese human subjects and showed negative correlation with inflammatory markers. Nevertheless, DNAJB3 expression pattern in diabetic subjects and its mode of action are not yet known. In this study, we showed reduction in DNAJB3 transcript and protein levels in PBMC and subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese T2D compared to obese non-diabetic subjects. Overexpression of DNAJB3 in HEK293 and 3T3-L1 cells reduced JNK, IRS-1 Ser-307 phosphorylation and enhanced Tyr-612 phosphorylation suggesting an improvement in IRS-1 signaling. Furthermore, DNAJB3 mediated the PI3K/AKT pathway activation through increasing AKT and AS160 phosphorylation. AS160 mediates the mobilization of GLUT4 transporter to the cell membrane and thereby improves glucose uptake. Using pre-adipocytes cells we showed that DNAJB3 overexpression caused a significant increase in the glucose uptake, possibly through its phosphorylation of AS160. In summary, our results shed the light on the possible role of DNAJB3 in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake through JNK repression and suggest that DNAJB3 could be a potential target for therapeutic treatment of obesity-induced insulin resistance.
A novel adhesive factor contributing to the virulence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Sheng
Published: September 2015

Bacterial adhesins play a pivotal role in the tight bacteria-host cells attachment to initiate the downstream processes and bacterial infection of hosts. In this study, we identified a novel adhesin, VpadF in V. parahaemolyticus. Deletion of VpadF in V. parahaemolyticus markedly impaired its attachment and cytotoxicity to epithelial cells, as well as attenuated the virulence in murine model. Biochemical studies revealed that VpadF recognized both fibronectin and fibrinogen. The binding of VpadF to these two host receptors was mainly dependent on the its fifth bacterial immunoglobulin-like group domain and its C-terminal tail. Our finding suggested that VpadF is a major virulence factor of V. parahaemolyticus and a potential good candidate for V. parahaemolyticus infection control for both vaccine development and drug target.
Optimization of neuronal cultures from rat superior cervical ganglia for dual patch recording
Authors: Amendola Julien , Boumedine Norah , Sangiardi Marion , El Far Oussama
Published: September 2015

Superior cervical ganglion neurons (SCGN) are often used to investigate neurotransmitter release mechanisms. In this study, we optimized the dissociation and culture conditions of rat SCGN cultures for dual patch clamp recordings. Two weeksin vitroare sufficient to achieve a significant CNTF-induced cholinergic switch and to develop mature and healthy neuronal profiles suited for detailed patch clamp analysis. One single pup provides sufficient material to prepare what was formerly obtained from 12 to 15 animals. The suitability of these cultures to study neurotransmitter release mechanisms was validated by presynaptically perturbing the interaction of the v-SNARE VAMP2 with the vesicular V-ATPase V0c subunit.
Future climate effects on suitability for growth of oil palms in Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Paterson R. Russell M. , Kumar Lalit , Taylor Subhashni , Lima Nelson
Published: September 2015

The production of palm oil (PO) is highly profitable. The economies of the principal producers, Malaysia and Indonesia and others, benefit considerably. Climate change (CC) will most likely have an impact on the distribution of oil palms (OP) (Elaeis guineensis). Here we present modelled CC projections with respect to the suitability of growing OP, in Malaysia and Indonesia. A process-oriented niche model of OP was developed using CLIMEX to estimate its potential distribution under current and future climate scenarios. Two Global Climate Models (GCMs), CSIRO-Mk3.0 and MIROC-H, were used to explore the impacts of CC under the A1B and A2 scenarios for 2030, 2070 and 2100. Decreases in climatic suitability for OP in the region were gradual by 2030 but became more pronounced by 2100. These projections imply that OP growth will be affected severely by CC, with obvious implications to the economies of (a) Indonesia and Malaysia and (b) the PO industry, but with potential benefits towards reducing CC. A possible remedial action is to concentrate research on development of new varieties of OP that are less vulnerable to CC.
Noninvasive Ventilation for Preterm Twin Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Li , Li Jie , Wang Nan , Shi Yuan
Published: September 2015

Noninvasive ventilation has been proven to be effective strategies for reducing the need for endotracheal ventilation in preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), however the best option needs to be further determined. A single center, paired design, randomized, controlled trial was conducted between Jan 2011 and July 2014. Preterm twins with RDS were included. One of a pair was randomized to NIPPV, while another to NCPAP. Surfactant was administrated as rescue treatment. The primary outcome was the need for endotracheal ventilation. The secondary outcomes were the complications. 143 pairs were randomized and 129 pairs finished the trial. The rates of endotracheal ventilation did not differ significantly between NIPPV and NCPAP groups (11.9% vs 19.6%, P = 0.080). This difference was not observed in the subgroup of infants who received surfactant therapy (11.1% vs 19.7%, P = 0.087). No secondary outcomes also differed significantly between the two groups. NIPPV did not result in a significantly lower incidence of intubation as compared with NCPAP in preterm twins with RDS.
Electrochemical Bioelectronic Device Consisting of Metalloprotein for Analog Decision Making
Authors: Chung Yong-Ho , Lee Taek , Yoo Si-Youl , Min Junhong , Choi Jeong-Woo
Published: September 2015

We demonstrate an analog type logical device that combines metalloprotein and organic/inorganic materials and can make an interactive analog decision. Myoglobin is used as a functional biomolecule to generate electrochemical signals and its original redox signal is controlled with various mercapto-acids by the distance effect between myoglobin and a metal surface in the process of electron transfer. Controlled signals are modulated with the introduction of inorganic materials including nanoparticles and metal ions. By forming a hybrid structure with various constituents of organic/inorganic materials, several functions for signal manipulation were achieved, including enhancement, suppression and shift. Based on the manipulated signals of biomolecules, a novel logical system for interactive decision-making processes is proposed by selectively combining different signals. Through the arrangement of various output signals, we can define interactive logical results regulated by an inherent tendency (by metalloprotein), personal experience (by organic spacer sets) and environments (by inorganic materials). As a practical application, a group decision process is presented using the proposed logical device. The proposed flexible logic process could facilitate the realization of an artificial intelligence system by mimicking the sophisticated human logic process.
New supercharging reagents produce highly charged protein ions in native mass spectrometry
Authors: Going Catherine C. , Xia Zijie , Williams Evan R.
Published: September 2015

The effectiveness of two new supercharging reagents for producing highly charged ions by electrospray ionization (ESI) from aqueous solutions in which proteins have native structures and reactivities were investigated.
Label-free detection of pH based on the i-motif using an aggregation-caused quenching strategy
Authors: Fu Boshi , Huang Jinguo , Bai Dongsheng , Xie Yalun , Wang Yang , Wang Shaoru , Zhou Xiang
Published: September 2015

A label-free and biocompatible pH sensor system based on the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) probe has been reported herein.
Segregated Pt on Pd nanotubes for enhanced oxygen reduction activity in alkaline electrolyte
Authors: St. John Samuel , Atkinson Robert W. , Dyck Ondrej , Sun Cheng-Jun , Zawodzinski Thomas A. , Papandrew Alexander B.
Published: September 2015

Nanoscaled Pt domains were integrated with Pd nanotubes via vapor deposition to yield a highly active electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media.
Incorporation of polycyclic azaborine compounds into polythiophene-type conjugated polymers for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ye , Zhuang Fang-Dong , Wang Jie-Yu , Pei Jian
Published: September 2015

A thiophene-fused polycyclic azaborine skeleton was successfully employed in conjugated polymers, showing a hole mobility of 0.38 cm2 V−1 s−1 in field-effect transistors.
Development and sensing applications of fluorescent motifs within the mitochondrial environment
Authors: Roopa Roopa , Kumar Naresh , Bhalla Vandana , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2015

In this article, our objective is to discuss fluorescent molecular probes that have been designed with their sensing applications within the mitochondrial environment.
Adsorption of poly acrylic acid onto the surface of calcite: an experimental and simulation study
Authors: Sparks David J. , Romero-González Maria E. , El-Taboni Elfateh , Freeman Colin L. , Hall Shaun A. , Kakonyi Gabriella , Swanson Linda , Banwart Steven A. , Harding John H.
Published: September 2015

Poly acrylic acid polymer binding to the surface of calcite during a molecular dynamics simulation.
Impact of Te on the structure and77Se NMR spectra of Se-rich Ge–Te–Se glasses: a combined experimental and computational investigation
Authors: Bouëssel du Bourg Lila , Roiland Claire , le Pollès Laurent , Deschamps Michaël , Boussard-Plédel Catherine , Bureau Bruno , Pickard Chris J. , Furet Eric
Published: September 2015

77Se NMR experiments and Car–Parrinello simulations have been done on glasses in the Ge–Te–Se system to understand their structure focusing on the effect of tellurium atoms.
Intramolecular C–H oxidative addition to iridium(i) triggered by trimethyl phosphite in N,N′-diphosphanesilanediamine complexes
Authors: Passarelli Vincenzo , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: September 2015

The intramolecular C–H oxidative addition in the IrI(κ2P,P′-SiNP) moiety is triggered by trimethyl phosphite and yields the IrIIIH(κ3C,P,P′-{SiNP-H}) scaffold.
Bimodal mesoporous silica with bottleneck pores
Authors: Reber M. J. , Brühwiler D.
Published: September 2015

Partial pseudomorphic transformation of SBA-15 yields bimodal mesoporous silica with defined bottlenecks that restrict the access to the core of the particles.