bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truncated HBx‐dependent silencing of GAS2 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through deregulation of cell cycle, senescence and p53‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Ranxu , Mok Myth TS , Kang Wei , Lau Suki SK , Yip Wing‐Kit , Chen Yangchao , Lai Paul BS , Wong Vincent WS , To Ka‐Fai , Sung Joseph JY , Cheng Alfred SL , Chan Henry LY
Published: April 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a worldwide threat to public health, especially in China, where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is found in 80–90% of all HCCs. The HBV‐encoded X antigen (HBx) is a trans‐regulatory protein involved in virus‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Although the carboxyl‐terminus‐truncated HBx, rather than the full‐length counterpart, is frequently overexpressed in human HCCs, its functional mechanisms are not fully defined. We investigated the molecular function of a naturally occurring HBx variant which has 35 amino acids deleted at the C‐terminus (HBxΔ35). Genome‐wide scanning analysis and PCR validation identified growth arrest‐specific 2 (GAS2) as a direct target of HBxΔ35 at transcriptional level in human immortalized liver cells. HBxΔ35 was found to bind the promoter region of GAS2 and attenuate its expression to promote hepatocellular proliferation and tumourigenicity. Further functional assays demonstrated that GAS2 induces p53‐dependent apoptosis and senescence to counteract HBxΔ35‐mediated tumourigenesis. Notably, GAS2 expression was significantly down‐regulated in HCCs compared with the corresponding normal tissues. In conclusion, our integrated study uncovered a novel viral mechanism in hepatocarcinogenesis, wherein HBxΔ35 deregulates cell growth via direct silencing of GAS2 and thereby provides a survival advantage for pre‐neoplastic hepatocytes to facilitate cancer development. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circulating total testosterone and PSA concentrations in a nationally representative sample of men without a diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Peskoe Sarah B. , Joshu Corinne E. , Rohrmann Sabine , McGlynn Katherine A. , Nyante Sarah J. , Bradwin Gary , Dobs Adrian S. , Kanarek Norma , Nelson William G. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The association between serum sex steroid hormones and PSA in a general population has not been described.

METHODS

Included were 378 men aged 40–85 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2001–2004, who did not have a prostate cancer diagnosis, and had not had a recent biopsy, rectal examination, cystoscopy, or prostate infection or inflammation. Serum total PSA, total testosterone, androstanediol glucuronide (3α‐diol‐G), estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were previously measured. Free testosterone was estimated by mass action. We applied sampling weights and calculated geometric mean PSA concentration by hormone quintiles adjusting for age and race/ethnicity, and also for body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, diabetes, and mutually for hormones. We estimated the OR of PSA ≥2.5 ng/ml per hormone quintile using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Geometric mean PSA increased across testosterone quintiles after age and race/ethnicity (Q1: 0.80, Q5: 1.14 ng/ml; P‐trend = 0.002) and multivariable (Q1: 0.79, Q5: 1.16 ng/ml; P‐trend = 0.02) adjustment; patterns were similar for free testosterone and 3α‐diol‐G. SHBG was inversely associated with PSA only after multivariable adjustment (Q1: 1.32, Q5: 0.82 nmol/L; P‐trend = 0.01). Estradiol and PSA were not associated. The OR of PSA ≥2.5 ng/ml was 1.54 (95%CI 1.18–2.01) per testosterone quintile after age and race/ethnicity adjustment, and 1.78 (95%CI 1.16–2.73) after multivariable adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationally representative sample, men with higher testosterone had higher PSA even after taking into account other hormones and modifiable factors. Men with higher SHBG had lower PSA, but only after multivariable adjustment. Prostate 75: 1167–1176, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the molecular basis of action of ring D aromatic steroidal antiestrogens
Authors: Alvarez Lautaro D. , Veleiro Adriana S. , Burton Gerardo
Published: April 2015

Salpichrolides are natural plant steroids that contain an unusual six‐membered aromatic ring D. We recently reported that some of these compounds, and certain analogs with a simplified side chain, exhibited antagonist effects toward the human estrogen receptor (ER), a nuclear receptor whose endogenous ligand has an aromatic A ring (estradiol). Drugs acting through the inhibition or modulation of ERs are frequently used as a hormonal therapy for ER(+) breast cancer. Previous results suggested that the aromatic D ring was a key structural motif for the observed activity; thus, this modified steroid nucleus may provide a new scaffold for the design of novel antiestrogens. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation we have modeled the binding mode of the natural salpichrolide A and a synthetic analog with an aromatic D ring within the ERα. These results taken together with the calculated energetic contributions associated to the different ligand‐binding modes are consistent with a preferred inverted orientation of the steroids in the ligand‐binding pocket with the aromatic ring D occupying a position similar to that observed for the A ring of estradiol. Major changes in both dynamical behavior and global positioning of H11 caused by the loss of the ligand–His524 interaction might explain, at least in part, the molecular basis of the antagonism exhibited by these compounds. Using steered MD we also found a putative unbinding pathway for the steroidal ligands through a cavity formed by residues in H3, H7, and H11, which requires only minor changes in the overall receptor conformation. Proteins 2015; 83:1297–1306. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of meningitis
Authors: Agass Jonathan , Slack Mary
Published: April 2015

Bacterial meningitis remains one of the most dreaded infections, but rapid diagnosis and early treatment can significantly reduce both the mortality and long‐term neurological sequelae.
The place for rapid‐acting insulins in therapy
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Bain Stephen
Published: April 2015

Steve Chaplin and Professor Stephen Bain provide an overview of the properties of rapid‐acting insulins and their place in the management of diabetes
Inhibition of β‐amyloid peptide self‐assembly and cytotoxicity by poly(LVFF‐co‐β‐amino ester)
Authors: Xie Hanyi , Qiao Zengying , Wang Hao , Duan Hongyang , Yang Yanlian , Wang Chen
Published: April 2015

The β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptide plays an important role in the onset and progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, studies on inhibiting fibril formation and thus neurotoxicity of Aβ could be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of AD. We report a convenient synthetic approach for one‐pot preparation of poly‐(β‐amino ester) copolymerized with the GGLVFF peptide, which is based on the frequently used inhibitor LVFF. The copolymer was found to efficiently inhibit the aggregation and fibrillation of Aβ42 by using fluorescence assay and atomic force microscopy. Reduced β‐sheet formation of Aβ42 peptide after addition of copolymer was observed by circular dichroism. Furthermore, the cell viability assay confirmed that the toxicity of Aβ42 for SH‐SY5Y cells was markedly reduced in the presence of copolymer. This could be beneficial for AD prevention and treatment and also for the molecular design of inhibitory agents for other amyloidoses. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonstationary H∞ dynamic output feedback control for discrete‐time Markov jump linear systems with actuator and sensor saturations
Authors: Zhu Yanzheng , Zhang Lixian , Basin Michael V.
Published: April 2015

This paper is concerned with the nonstationary dynamic output feedback control problem for a class of discrete‐time Markov jump linear systems (MJLSs) under simultaneous consideration of actuator and sensor saturations. The so‐called nonstationary controllers dominated by two other different piecewise‐stationary Markov chains are introduced, making the designed controllers not only mode‐dependent but also dependent on other variations associated with the mode transitions in the original MJLSs. The sufficient conditions formulated in terms of bilinear matrix inequalities for the H∞ control problem are established such that the resulting closed‐loop system is stochastically stable and achieves a prescribed H∞ noise attenuation level. A suboptimal algorithm with line search is exploited to solve for the associated controller gains. Effectiveness of the developed theoretical results is verified via a numerical example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate meta‐analysis of prognostic factor studies with multiple cut‐points and/or methods of measurement
Authors: Riley Richard D. , Elia Eleni G. , Malin Gemma , Hemming Karla , Price Malcolm P.
Published: April 2015

A prognostic factor is any measure that is associated with the risk of future health outcomes in those with existing disease. Often, the prognostic ability of a factor is evaluated in multiple studies. However, meta‐analysis is difficult because primary studies often use different methods of measurement and/or different cut‐points to dichotomise continuous factors into ‘high’ and ‘low’ groups; selective reporting is also common. We illustrate how multivariate random effects meta‐analysis models can accommodate multiple prognostic effect estimates from the same study, relating to multiple cut‐points and/or methods of measurement. The models account for within‐study and between‐study correlations, which utilises more information and reduces the impact of unreported cut‐points and/or measurement methods in some studies. The applicability of the approach is improved with individual participant data and by assuming a functional relationship between prognostic effect and cut‐point to reduce the number of unknown parameters. The models provide important inferential results for each cut‐point and method of measurement, including the summary prognostic effect, the between‐study variance and a 95% prediction interval for the prognostic effect in new populations. Two applications are presented. The first reveals that, in a multivariate meta‐analysis using published results, the Apgar score is prognostic of neonatal mortality but effect sizes are smaller at most cut‐points than previously thought. In the second, a multivariate meta‐analysis of two methods of measurement provides weak evidence that microvessel density is prognostic of mortality in lung cancer, even when individual participant data are available so that a continuous prognostic trend is examined (rather than cut‐points). © 2015 The Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Flexible Fabrication of Shape‐Controlled Collagen Building Blocks for Self‐Assembly of 3D Microtissues
Authors: Zhang Xu , Meng Zhaoxu , Ma Jingyun , Shi Yang , Xu Hui , Lykkemark Simon , Qin Jianhua
Published: April 2015

Creating artificial tissue‐like structures that possess the functionality, specificity, and architecture of native tissues remains a big challenge. A new and straightforward strategy for generating shape‐controlled collagen building blocks with a well‐defined architecture is presented, which can be used for self‐assembly of complex 3D microtissues. Collagen blocks with tunable geometries are controllably produced and released via a membrane‐templated microdevice. The formation of functional microtissues by embedding tissue‐specific cells into collagen blocks with expression of specific proteins is described. The spontaneous self‐assembly of cell‐laden collagen blocks into organized tissue constructs with predetermined configurations is demonstrated, which are largely driven by the synergistic effects of cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. This new strategy would open up new avenues for the study of tissue/organ morphogenesis, and tissue engineering applications.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of BaAgTbS3, BaCuGdTe3, BaCuTbTe3, BaAgTbTe3, and CsAgUTe3
Authors: Prakash Jai , Mesbah Adel , Beard Jessica C. , Ibers James A.
Published: April 2015

Five new quaternary chalcogenides of the 1113 family, namely BaAgTbS3, BaCuGdTe3, BaCuTbTe3, BaAgTbTe3, and CsAgUTe3, were synthesized by the reactions of the elements at 1173–1273 K. For CsAgUTe3 CsCl flux was used. Their crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The sulfide BaAgTbS3 crystallizes in the BaAgErS3 structure type in the monoclinic space group C3,2h‐C2/m, whereas the tellurides BaCuGdTe3, BaCuTbTe3, BaAgTbTe3, and CsAgUTe3 crystallize in the KCuZrS3 structure type in the orthorhombic space group D1,27,h‐Cmcm. The BaAgTbS3 structure consists of edge‐sharing [TbS69–] octahedra and [AgS59–] trigonal pyramids. The connectivity of these polyhedra creates channels that are occupied by Ba atoms. The telluride structure features 2∞[MLnTe32–] layers for BaCuGdTe3, BaCuTbTe3, BaAgTbTe3, and 2∞[AgUTe31–] layers for CsAgUTe3. These layers comprise [MTe4] tetrahedra and [LnTe6] or [UTe6] octahedra. Ba or Cs atoms separate these layers. As there are no short Q···Q (Q = S or Te) interactions these compounds achieve charge balance as Ba2+M+Ln3+(Q2–)3 (Q = S and Te) and Cs+Ag+U4+(Te2–)3.
Intra‐specific variations in reaction norms of predator‐induced polyphenism in the water flea Daphnia pulex
Authors: Miyakawa Hitoshi , Sugimoto Naoki , Kohyama Tetsuo I. , Iguchi Taisen , Miura Toru
Published: April 2015

Phenotypic plasticity is considered an important factor leading to phenotypic evolution through adaptations to changing environments. Interactions between environmental inputs and expressed phenotypes can be evaluated as “reaction norms”. Comparisons of these reaction norms among geographically distinct populations may provide evidence for genetic diversity and, moreover, important clues into understanding how the interactions affect evolutionary processes. The water flea Daphnia pulex exhibits predator‐induced polyphenism in response to a kairomone released by predatory phantom midge larvae (Chaoborus spp.). The polyphenism, a defensive structure formed on the head that enables juvenile larvae to avoid predation, is referred to as neckteeth. Differences in shape and/or plasticity of defensive structures have also been reported among related Daphnia species, suggesting that the species‐specific variation in defensive morphology is derived from intra‐specific differences in reaction norms. By determining reaction norms based on the incidence and number of neckteeth, we clarified differences in patterns of neckteeth formation in response to varying concentrations of Chaoborus kairomone. We then compared these differences among populations (strains) collected from six locations in Japan. Our findings showed that the reaction norms of both traits differed among strains. Furthermore, a molecular phylogeny using mitochondrial ND5 and COI sequences suggested that differences in the reaction norms of Japanese strains corresponded to their genetically different lineages, which likely originated from North American populations that were probably introduced to Japan independently.
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) inhibitors from natural sources: a medicinal chemistry perspective
Authors: Bhakat Soumendranath , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: April 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is one of the re-emerging “neglected” tropical diseases whose recent outbreak affected not only Africa and South-East Asia but also several parts of America and Europe. To date, despite its serious nature, no antivirals or vaccines were developed in order to counter this resurgent infectious disease. The recent advancement in crystallography and availability of crystal structures of certain domains of CHIKV initiates the development of anti-CHIKV agents using structure-based drug design or synthetic medicinal chemistry approach. Despite the fact that almost 50 % of the new chemical entities against several biological targets were either obtained from natural products or natural product analogues, a very humble effort was directed towards identification of novel CHIKV inhibitors from natural products. In this review, besides a brief overview on CHIKV as well as the nature as a source of medicines, we highlight the current progress and future steps towards the discovery of CHIKV inhibitors from natural products. This report could pave the road towards the design of novel semi-synthetic derivatives with enhanced anti-viral activities.

Graphical Abstract
Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitory activity of dimeric dihydrochalcone glycosides from flowers of Helichrysum arenarium
Authors: Morikawa Toshio , Ninomiya Kiyofumi , Akaki Junji , Kakihara Namiko , Kuramoto Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Yurie , Hayakawa Takao , Muraoka Osamu , Wang Li-Bo , Wu Li-Jun , Nakamura Seikou , Yoshikawa Masayuki , Matsuda Hisashi
Published: April 2015

A methanol extract of everlasting flowers of Helichrysum arenarium L. Moench (Asteraceae) was found to inhibit the increase in blood glucose elevation in sucrose-loaded mice at 500 mg/kg p.o. The methanol extract also inhibited the enzymatic activity against dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, IC50 = 41.2 μg/ml), but did not show intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. From the extract, three new dimeric dihydrochalcone glycosides, arenariumosides V–VII (2–4), were isolated, and the stereostructures were elucidated based on their spectroscopic properties and chemical evidence. Of the constituents, several flavonoid constituents, including 2–4, were isolated, and these isolated constituents were investigated for their DPP-IV inhibitory effects. Among them, chalconaringenin 2′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (16, IC50 = 23.1 μM) and aureusidin 6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (35, 24.3 μM) showed relatively strong inhibitory activities.
Evaluation of the Triglyceride Composition of Pomegranate Seed Oil by RP‐HPLC Followed by GC‐MS
Authors: Topkafa Mustafa , Kara Huseyin , Sherazi Syed Tufail Hussain
Published: April 2015

Triglyceride composition and fatty acid profiles of pomegranate seed oil were evaluated by newly developed methods in reverse‐phase‐high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Different compositions of the mobile phase (acetone and acetonitrile) and flow rates for the HPLC system were used to obtain better separation for accurate quantitative analysis. Triglycerides with conjugated fatty acids (CLnAs) were eluted in order of the polarity of their geometrical isomers (c, t, c < t, t, c < t, t, t). The dominant triglyceride was found to be PuPuPu (32.99 %) in pomegranate seed oil, followed by PuPuCa and PuCaCa containing punicic acid and catalpic acid with total triglyceridelevels of 27.72 and 10.11 %, respectively. For fatty acid composition analysis, triglyceride fractions were derivatized into their respective methylesters which were injected into gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) to identify and gas chromatography‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID) to quantify the conjugated fatty acids of each fraction of triglycerides. Punicic acid was found to be dominant (76.57 %) followed by catalpic acid (6.47 %) and β‐eleotearic acid (1.45 %). Pomegranate seed contained greater amounts of conjugated linolenic acids. These results showed that the present study provides more information about the composition of the triglyceride and fatty acid profiles of pomegranate seed oil compared to the reported studies. Therefore, the developed methods in this study can be used for the identification of the triglyceride and fatty acid composition for pomegranate seed oils and some such specials edible oils including CLnA isomers.
Design of New Camelina Oil‐Based Hydrophilic Monomers for Novel Polymeric Materials
Authors: Balanuca Brindusa , Stan Raluca , Hanganu Anamaria , Lungu Adriana , Iovu Horia
Published: April 2015

Triglyceride‐based monomers represent a competitive alternative to petrochemical resources in the macromolecular compounds area. In the current study, several types of hydrophilic camelina oil (CO)‐based monomers were synthesized using tunable experimental protocols that involve three different steps: first—conversion of the double bonds into epoxy rings, second—partial opening of the epoxy rings and methacrylic groups grafting and last—opening of the unreacted epoxy rings and hydrophilic units attaching. 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrate the success of the CO functionalization with polymerizable and hydrophilic moieties—polyethylene glycol units—with different molecular weights, exhibiting self‐emulsifiable properties. Several bulk and emulsion polymerization tests were performed for the synthesized monomers and their ability to build polymer networks using different photo‐chemical procedures (using visible and UV radiations respectively) was demonstrated, without additional surfactants. FTIR spectroscopy indicates the polymerization success by the disappearance of the specific bands assigned to the double bonds from methacrylic groups and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that the emulsion polymerization leads to materials with an improved thermostability.
A new fossil bristle worm (Annelida: Polychaeta: Aphroditiformia) from the late Cretaceous of tropical America
Authors: Luque Javier , Hourdez Stéphane , Vinn Olev
Published: April 2015

A new species of aphroditiform polychaete, Protopholoe colombiana, is described from the Coniacian of Colombia, South America, increasing the number of species of this genus known from the fossil record to two. This is the first occurrence of fossil soft-bodied polychaetes in the Tropical Americas, and indicates that aphroditiforms were spread worldwide during the Mesozoic.
Observational Constraints on the Progenitors of Core-Collapse Supernovae: The Case for Missing High-Mass Stars
Authors: Smartt S. J.
Published: April 2015

Over the last 15 years, the supernova community has endeavoured to directly identify progenitor stars for core-collapse supernovae discovered in nearby galaxies. These precursors are often visible as resolved stars in high-resolution images from space-and ground-based telescopes. The discovery rate of progenitor stars is limited by the local supernova rate and the availability and depth of archive images of galaxies, with 18 detections of precursor objects and 27 upper limits. This review compiles these results (from 1999 to 2013) in a distance-limited sample and discusses the implications of the findings. The vast majority of the detections of progenitor stars are of type II-P, II-L, or IIb with one type Ib progenitor system detected and many more upper limits for progenitors of Ibc supernovae (14 in all). The data for these 45 supernovae progenitors illustrate a remarkable deficit of high-luminosity stars above an apparent limit of logL/L⊙≃ 5.1 dex. For a typical Salpeter initial mass function, one would expect to have found 13 high-luminosity and high-mass progenitors by now. There is, possibly, only one object in this time- and volume-limited sample that is unambiguously high-mass (the progenitor of SN2009ip) although the nature of that supernovae is still debated. The possible biases due to the influence of circumstellar dust, the luminosity analysis, and sample selection methods are reviewed. It does not appear likely that these can explain the missing high-mass progenitor stars. This review concludes that the community’s work to date shows that the observed populations of supernovae in the local Universe are not, on the whole, produced by high-mass (M≳ 18 M⊙) stars. Theoretical explosions of model stars also predict that black hole formation and failed supernovae tend to occur above an initial mass ofM≃ 18 M⊙. The models also suggest there is no simple single mass division for neutron star or black-hole formation and that there are islands of explodability for stars in the 8–120 M⊙range.The observational constraints are quite consistent with the bulk of stars aboveM≳ 18 M⊙collapsing to form black holes with no visible supernovae.
Dynamic change, recruitment and resilience in reef-forming glass sponges
Authors: Kahn Amanda S. , Vehring Laura J. , Brown Rachel R. , Leys Sally P.
Published: April 2015

Glass sponge reefs on the continental shelf of western Canada and south-east Alaska are considered stable deep-sea habitats that do not change significantly over time. Research cruises using a remotely operated vehicle equipped with accurate GPS positioning have allowed us to observe the same sponges at two reefs in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia to document recruitment, growth and response to damage over time. Spermatocysts and putative embryos found in winter suggest annual, asynchronous reproduction. Juvenile sponges (2–10 cm in osculum diameter) in densities up to 1 m−2 were more concentrated near live sponges and sponge skeletons than away (Spearman rank correlations, P < 0.0001 for live cover and for skeletons), suggesting that recruitment occurs in particular regions using sponge skeletons as substrate. Most sponges showed no change in shape or size over 2–3 years, but some had died while others showed growth of 1–9 cm year−1. Deposition rates of reef-cementing sediments were 97 mm year−1 at Galiano Reef and 137 mm year−1 at Fraser Reef, but sediments eroded so that there was no net gain or loss over time. Sponges recovered within 1 year from small-scale damage that mimicked bites by fish or nudibranchs; however sponges did not recover from crushing of a large area (1.5 × 2 m2) even 3 years later. These observations and experiments show that while recruitment and growth of sponge reefs is more dynamic than previously thought, the reefs are not resilient in the face of larger-scale disturbances such as might be inflicted by trawling.
Predictors of Adherence in a Community-Based Tai Chi Program
Authors: Shah Suhayb , Ardern Chris , Tamim Hala
Published: April 2015

Cette étude a examiné les facteurs qui influent l'adhésion dans un programme de de tai-chi à 16 semaines parmi les adultes multi-ethniques d'âge moyen et plus âgés qui vivent dans un environnement faible socio-économique à Toronto. L'analyse a été basée sur des données recueillies auprès de trois cohortes du programme de tai-chi qui ont eu lieu à partir d'août 2009 à mars 2012. La variable principale de résultat, l'adhésion, a été mesurée par le nombre total de sessions suivies par chacun des participants. L'échantillon total était de 210 participants, avec un âge moyen de 68,1 ± 8,6. Basé sur le modèle de régression, l'adhésion a été associée de façon significative à l'âge plus avancé, au stress plus perçu, à l'enseignement supérieur, et aux scores mentales et physiques plus élevés de composants sur le Questionnaire Abrégée 36. Inversement, une faible observance était significativement associée à une activité physique hebdomadaire de base plus élevée. Nos résultats suggèrent que nous devrions cibler les personnes les moins instruites, à la santé mentale et physique médiocre, pour optimiser l'adhésion aux futurs programmes de tai-chi communautaires.
The PRC2-associated factor C17orf96 is a novel CpG island regulator in mouse ES cells
Authors: Liefke Robert , Shi Yang
Published: April 2015

CpG islands (CGIs) are key DNA regulatory elements in the vertebrate genome and are often found at gene promoters. In mammalian embryonic stem (ES) cells, CGIs are decorated by either the active or repressive histone marks, H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, respectively, or by both modifications (‘bivalent domains’), but their precise regulation is incompletely understood. Remarkably, we find that the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-associated protein C17orf96 (a.k.a. esPRC2p48 and E130012A19Rik) is present at most CGIs in mouse ES cells. At PRC2-rich CGIs, loss of C17orf96 results in an increased chromatin binding of Suz12 and elevated H3K27me3 levels concomitant with gene repression. In contrast, at PRC2-poor CGIs, located at actively transcribed genes, C17orf96 colocalizes with RNA polymerase II and its depletion leads to a focusing of H3K4me3 in the core of CGIs. Our findings thus identify C17orf96 as a novel context-dependent CGI regulator.
Deep groundwater and potential subsurface habitats beneath an Antarctic dry valley
Authors: Mikucki J. A. , Auken E. , Tulaczyk S. , Virginia R. A. , Schamper C. , Sørensen K. I. , Doran P. T. , Dugan H. , Foley N.
Published: April 2015

The occurrence of groundwater in Antarctica, particularly in the ice-free regions and along the coastal margins is poorly understood. Here we use an airborne transient electromagnetic (AEM) sensor to produce extensive imagery of resistivity beneath Taylor Valley. Regional-scale zones of low subsurface resistivity were detected that are inconsistent with the high resistivity of glacier ice or dry permafrost in this region. We interpret these results as an indication that liquid, with sufficiently high solute content, exists at temperatures well below freezing and considered within the range suitable for microbial life. These inferred brines are widespread within permafrost and extend below glaciers and lakes. One system emanates from below Taylor Glacier into Lake Bonney and a second system connects the ocean with the eastern 18 km of the valley. A connection between these two basins was not detected to the depth limitation of the AEM survey (∼350 m).
Preference, satisfaction and critical errors with Genuair and Breezhaler inhalers in patients with COPD: a randomised, cross-over, multicentre study
Authors: Pascual Sergi , Feimer Jan , De Soyza Anthony , Sauleda Roig Jaume , Haughney John , Padullés Laura , Seoane Beatriz , Rekeda Ludmyla , Ribera Anna , Chrystyn Henry
Published: April 2015

Background:

The specific attributes of inhaler devices can influence patient use, satisfaction and treatment compliance, and may ultimately impact on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aims:

To assess patient preference, satisfaction and critical inhaler technique errors with Genuair (a multidose inhaler) and Breezhaler (a single-dose inhaler) after 2 weeks of daily use.

Methods:

Patients with COPD and moderate to severe airflow obstruction were randomised in a cross-over, open-label, multicentre study to consecutive once-daily inhalations of placebo via Genuair and Breezhaler, in addition to current COPD medication. The primary end point was the proportion of patients who preferred Genuair versus Breezhaler after 2 weeks (Patient Satisfaction and Preference Questionnaire). Other end points included overall satisfaction and correct use of the inhalers after 2 weeks, and willingness to continue with each device.

Results:

Of the 128 patients enrolled, 127 were included in the safety population (male n=91; mean age 67.6 years). Of the 110 of the 123 patients in the intent-to-treat population who indicated an inhaler preference, statistically significantly more patients preferred Genuair than Breezhaler (72.7 vs. 27.3%; P<0.001). Mean overall satisfaction scores were also greater for Genuair than for Breezhaler (5.9 vs. 5.3, respectively; P<0.001). After 2 weeks, there was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients who made ⩾1 critical inhaler technique error with Breezhaler than with Genuair (7.3 vs. 3.3%, respectively).

Conclusions:

Patient overall preference and satisfaction was significantly higher with Genuair compared with Breezhaler. The proportion of patients making critical inhaler technique errors was low with Genuair and Breezhaler.
De novo transcriptome assembly databases for the central nervous system of the medicinal leech
Authors: Hibsh Dror , Schori Hadas , Efroni Sol , Shefi Orit
Published: April 2015

The study of non-model organisms stands to benefit greatly from genetic and genomic data. For a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving neuronal development, and to characterize the entire leech Hirudo medicinalis central nervous system (CNS) transcriptome we combined Trinity for de-novo assembly and Illumina HiSeq2000 for RNA-Seq. We present a set of 73,493 de-novo assembled transcripts for the leech, reconstructed from RNA collected, at a single ganglion resolution, from the CNS. This set of transcripts greatly enriches the available data for the leech. Here, we share two databases, such that each dataset allows a different type of search for candidate homologues. The first is the raw set of assembled transcripts. This set allows a sequence-based search. A comprehensive analysis of which revealed 22,604 contigs with high e-values, aligned versus the Swiss-Prot database. This analysis enabled the production of the second database, which includes correlated sequences to annotated transcript names, with the confidence of BLAST best hit.
Fluorescent water-soluble organic aerosols in the High Arctic atmosphere
Authors: Fu Pingqing , Kawamura Kimitaka , Chen Jing , Qin Mingyue , Ren Lujie , Sun Yele , Wang Zifa , Barrie Leonard A. , Tachibana Eri , Ding Aijun , Yamashita Youhei
Published: April 2015

Organic aerosols are ubiquitous in the earth’s atmosphere. They have been extensively studied in urban, rural and marine environments. However, little is known about the fluorescence properties of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) or their transport to and distribution in the polar regions. Here, we present evidence that fluorescent WSOC is a substantial component of High Arctic aerosols. The ratios of fluorescence intensity of protein-like peak to humic-like peak generally increased from dark winter to early summer, indicating an enhanced contribution of protein-like organics from the ocean to Arctic aerosols after the polar sunrise. Such a seasonal pattern is in agreement with an increase of stable carbon isotope ratios of total carbon (δ13CTC) from −26.8‰ to −22.5‰. Our results suggest that Arctic aerosols are derived from a combination of the long-range transport of terrestrial organics and local sea-to-air emission of marine organics, with an estimated contribution from the latter of 8.7–77% (mean 45%).
The effect of triamcinolone acetonide on laser-induced choroidal neovascularization in mice using a hypoxia visualization bio-imaging probe
Authors: Takata Shinsuke , Masuda Tomomi , Nakamura Shinsuke , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Tsuruma Kazuhiro , Shimazawa Masamitsu , Nagasawa Hideko , kizaka-Kondoh Shinae , Hara Hideaki
Published: April 2015

Hypoxic stress is a risk factor of ocular neovascularization. Hypoxia visualization may provide clues regarding the underlying cause of angiogenesis. Recently, we developed a hypoxia-specific probe, protein transduction domain-oxygen-dependent degradation domain-HaloTag-Rhodamine (POH-Rhodamine). In this study, we observed the localization of HIF-1α proteins by immunohistochemistry and the fluorescence of POH-Rhodamine on RPE-choroid flat mounts. Moreover, we compared the localization of POH-Rhodamine with pimonidazole which is a standard reagent for detecting hypoxia. Next, we investigated the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TAAC) against visual function that was evaluated by recording electroretinogram (ERG) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) development. Mice were given laser-induced CNV using a diode laser and treated with intravitreal injection of TAAC. Finally, we investigated POH-Rhodamine on CNV treated with TAAC. In this study, the fluorescence of POH-Rhodamine and HIF-1α were co-localized in laser-irradiated sites and both the POH-Rhodamine and pimonidazole fluorescent areas were almost the same. Intravitreal injection of TAAC restored the reduced ERG b-wave but not the a-wave and decreased the mean CNV area. Furthermore, the area of the POH-Rhodamine-positive cells decreased. These findings indicate that POH-Rhodamine is useful for evaluating tissue hypoxia in a laser-induced CNV model, suggesting that TAAC suppressed CNV through tissue hypoxia improvement.
Photocarrier drift distance in organic solar cells and photodetectors
Authors: Stolterfoht Martin , Armin Ardalan , Philippa Bronson , White Ronald D. , Burn Paul L. , Meredith Paul , Juška Gytis , Pivrikas Almantas
Published: April 2015

Light harvesting systems based upon disordered materials are not only widespread innature, but are also increasingly prevalent in solar cells and photodetectors.Examples include organic semiconductors, which typically possess low charge carriermobilities and Langevin-type recombination dynamics – both of whichnegatively impact the device performance. It is accepted wisdom that the“drift distance” (i.e., the distance a photocarrier driftsbefore recombination) is defined by the mobility-lifetime product in solar cells. Wedemonstrate that this traditional figure of merit is inadequate for describing thecharge transport physics of organic light harvesting systems. It is experimentallyshown that the onset of the photocarrier recombination is determined by theelectrode charge and we propose the mobility-recombination coefficient product as analternative figure of merit. The implications of these findings are relevant to awide range of light harvesting systems and will necessitate a rethink of thecritical parameters of charge transport.
A highly robust metal–organic framework based on an aromatic 12-carboxyl ligand with highly selective adsorption of CO2over CH4
Authors: He Hongming , Song Yang , Zhang Chuanqi , Sun Fuxing , Yuan Rongrong , Bian Zheng , Gao Lianxun , Zhu Guangshan
Published: April 2015

A stable microporous anionic MOF based on a dendritic aromatic 12-carboxyl ligand was synthesized, which demonstrates highQstfor CO2and highly selective gas adsorption of CO2over CH4.
Synthesis and immunological study of α-2,9-oligosialic acid conjugates as anti-group C meningitis vaccines
Authors: Liao Guochao , Zhou Zhifang , Guo Zhongwu
Published: April 2015

Protein conjugates of synthetic α-2,9-oligosialic acids elicited robust T cell-dependent immunities that could target group C Neisseria meningitidis.
The role of surface hydrolysis of ferricyanide anions in crystal growth of snowflake-shaped α-Fe2O3
Authors: Liu Zhong , Chiang Chang-Yang , Li Wu , Zhou Wuzong
Published: April 2015

Selective adsorption and surface hydrolysis of [Fe(CN)6]3− anions on α-Fe2O3 crystals was found to be a crucial process in the formation of a snowflake-like morphology, and the established mechanism is complementary to the classical theories of crystal growth.
Target DNA induced switches of DNA polymerase activity
Authors: Park Ki Soo , Lee Chang Yeol , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: April 2015

A novel concept that target DNA can induce switching of DNA polymerase activity is devised. The method relies on the finding that a DNA aptamer can undergo conformational change upon hybridization with a complementary target DNA, which leads to activation or inactivation of DNA polymerase. This strategy is utilized to identify the presence of target DNA with high levels of sensitivity and selectivity.
Not all density functionals are created equal: the case of the missing electron in the oxidized [W–WO]7+ core
Authors: Brogden David W. , Berry John F.
Published: April 2015

Various DFT methods are tested to predict the location of the unpaired electron in the new mixed-valent (W2)IV,V trication [W2O(dpa)4]3+.
Calcite nucleation on the surface of PNIPAM–PAAc micelles studied by time resolved in situ PXRD
Authors: Jensen Anders C. S. , Hinge Mogens , Birkedal Henrik
Published: April 2015

Nanocrystalline calcite is formed under the influence of block copolymers containing thermoresponsive PNIPAM and a mineralization controlling block of poly(acrylic acid) and the nanocrystal formation kinetics studied by in situ X-ray diffraction.
The effect of Pt NPs crystallinity and distribution on the photocatalytic activity of Pt–g-C3N4
Authors: Fina F. , Ménard H. , Irvine J. T. S.
Published: April 2015

The activity for photocatalytic H2 evolution of Pt–g-C3N4 is found to be affected by the physical properties of the co-catalyst.
Gas molecule scattering & ion mobility measurements for organic macro-ions in He versus N2 environments
Authors: Larriba-Andaluz Carlos , Fernández-García Juan , Ewing Michael A. , Hogan Christopher J. , Clemmer David E.
Published: April 2015

Modeled and measured collision cross sections of organic ions in He and N2 show that gas molecules collide with ions diffusely in N2 but elastically and specularly in He, rationalized on basis of momentum transferred per collision.
To what extent can charge localization influence electron injection efficiency at graphene–porphyrin interfaces?
Authors: Parida Manas R. , Aly Shawkat M. , Alarousu Erkki , Sridharan Aravindan , Nagaraju Doddahalli H. , Alshareef Husam N. , Mohammed Omar F.
Published: April 2015

With careful control of the charge localization of the TMPyP cavity using β-cyclodextrin as an external cage, we successfully improved the interfacial-electron injection efficiency from cationic TMPyP to GC by 120% compared to TMPyP alone.
Conventional and microwave assisted hydrolysis of urban biowastes to added value lignin-like products
Authors: Rosso Daniele , Fan Jiajun , Montoneri Enzo , Negre Michele , Clark James , Mainero Davide
Published: April 2015

The microwave assisted hydrolysis of urban biowaste fermented material to added value soluble lignin-like substances occurs with similar yields as, but in much shorter time than by, conventional heating.
Controlled implant/soft tissue interaction by nanoscale surface modifications of 3D porous titanium implants
Authors: Rieger Elisabeth , Dupret-Bories Agnès , Salou Laetitia , Metz-Boutigue Marie-Helene , Layrolle Pierre , Debry Christian , Lavalle Philippe , Engin Vrana Nihal
Published: April 2015

Nanoscale surface modification of titanium microbeads can control the soft tissue response in vitro and in vivo.
Lignin-assisted exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide in aqueous media and its application in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Liu Wanshuang , Zhao Chenyang , Zhou Rui , Zhou Dan , Liu Zhaolin , Lu Xuehong
Published: April 2015

We disclose that alkali lignin is an excellent surfactant for direct aqueous exfoliation of MoS2and the exfoliated nanosheets have great potential for low-cost lithium-ion battery electrodes.
Erythrocyte membrane-coated NIR-triggered biomimetic nanovectors with programmed delivery for photodynamic therapy of cancer
Authors: Ding Hui , Lv Yanlin , Ni Dezhi , Wang Jie , Tian Zhiyuan , Wei Wei , Ma Guanghui
Published: April 2015

A class of erythrocyte membrane-coated NIR-triggered nanovectors with programmed delivery is developed and its improved photodynamic therapy efficacy due to the synergistic effect of superior stealth ability, high efficacy of1O2generation and release, and the tumor-targeting and mitochondria-guiding is confirmed.
A regioselective facile synthesis of furo[3,4-b]carbazolones: application to the total synthesis of mafaicheenamine E and claulansine D
Authors: Mal Dipakranjan , Roy Joyeeta
Published: April 2015

1-Hydroxycarbazole-2,3-dicarboxylates have been shown to undergo chemoselective reductive cyclization to furo[3,4-b]carbazolones with LiAlH4.
Polyglycolic acid from the direct polymerization of renewable C1 feedstocks
Authors: Göktürk Ersen , Pemba Alexander G. , Miller Stephen A.
Published: April 2015

Potentially sustainable C1 feedstocks carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are subjected to cationic alternating copolymerization to yield polyglycolic acid.
Co-delivery of siRNA and paclitaxel into cancer cells by hyaluronic acid modified redox-sensitive disulfide-crosslinked PLGA–PEI nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Yan , Wang Jue , Li Yanan , Tian Yu , Sun Huimin , Ammar Ouahab , Tu Jiasheng , Wang Buhai , Sun Chunmeng
Published: April 2015

Schematic diagram showing the structure of the co-delivery nano-complex and the process of entering tumor cells.
An efficient one pot three-component nanocatalyzed synthesis of spiroheterocycles using TiO2nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Tailor Yogesh Kumar , Khandelwal Sarita , Kumari Yogita , Awasthi Kamlendra , Kumar Mahendra
Published: April 2015

An efficient, environmentally benign isocyanide-based domino protocol is presented for synthesizing spiroheterocycles with 2-amino benzothiazole/1,3,4-thiadiazole, cyclohexyl/tert-butyl isocyanides and isatines/cyclic carbonyls, catalyzed by recyclable nanocrystalline TiO2.
Preparation of a novel PSf membrane containing rGO/PTh and its physical properties and membrane performance
Authors: Saf Ahmet Ozgur , Akin Ilker , Zor Erhan , Bingol Haluk
Published: April 2015

Recent advances in the fabrication of nanostructures such as graphene-related materials have received a lot of attention in membrane technology for the future of water supplies.
Enantioselective annulation of enals with 2-naphthols by triazolium salts derived from l-phenylalanine
Authors: Li Guo-Tai , Gu Qing , You Shu-Li
Published: April 2015

The annulation reaction between enals and 2-naphthols catalyzed by a novel NHC affords enantioenriched β-arylsplitomicins in good yields and enantioselectivity.
A single crystalline porphyrinic titanium metal–organic framework
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Liu Tian-Fu , Feng Dawei , Tian Jian , Wang Kecheng , Qin Junsheng , Zhang Qiang , Chen Ying-Pin , Bosch Mathieu , Zou Lanfang , Teat Simon J. , Dalgarno Scott J. , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: April 2015

We have successfully synthesized a single crystalline porphyrinic titanium MOF, namely PCN-22. PCN-22 represents an important step towards mimicking dye sensitized TiO2 in MOFs.
Spiro-thiophene derivatives as hole-transport materials for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ma Shuying , Zhang Hua , Zhao Ning , Cheng Yibing , Wang Mingkui , Shen Yan , Tu Guoli
Published: April 2015

Spiro-thiophene derivatives act as promising hole transport materials for highly efficient perovskite solar cell application.
Two-step self-assembly of hierarchically-ordered nanostructures
Authors: Liu Qiannan , Sun Ziqi , Dou Yuhai , Kim Jung Ho , Dou Shi Xue
Published: April 2015

In this highlight, we proposed the concept of two-step self-assembly approach for the synthesis of hierarchically-ordered multifunctional nanostructures.
Rational design and synthesis of polythioureas as capacitor dielectrics
Authors: Ma Rui , Sharma Vinit , Baldwin Aaron F. , Tefferi Mattewos , Offenbach Ido , Cakmak Mukerrem , Weiss Robert , Cao Yang , Ramprasad Rampi , Sotzing Gregory A.
Published: April 2015

Rational design of polythioureas as capacitor dielectric was achieved through high-throughtput hierarchical modelling strategy, with scalable synthesis, controlled structure and improved dielectric properties.
Flexible nanocomposites with enhanced microwave absorption properties based on Fe3O4/SiO2 nanorods and polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Chen Yaxin , Cui Xinrui , Zeng Min , Yu Ronghai , Wang Guang-Sheng
Published: April 2015

Flexible Fe3O4/SiO2/PVDF nanocomposites are prepared by embedding porous Fe3O4/SiO2 core/shell nanorods in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix. The nanocomposite with filler content of 40 wt% shows excellent microwave absorption performance over 2−18 GHz.
Unique synthesis of sandwiched graphene@(Li0.893Fe0.036)Co(PO4) nanoparticles as high-performance cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Huijuan , Chen Xi , Fang Ling , Bai Yuanjuan , Liu Ruchuan , Wang Yu
Published: April 2015

Herein, the unique two-layered sandwiched graphene@(Li0.893Fe0.036)Co(PO4) nanoparticles, which presents outstanding electrochemical performances, have been successfully fabricated through the template-sacrificial method.
A simple in situ tubular chemical vapor deposition processing of large-scale efficient perovskite solar cells and the research on their novel roll-over phenomenon in J–V curves
Authors: Luo Paifeng , Liu Zhaofan , Xia Wei , Yuan Chenchen , Cheng Jigui , Lu Yingwei
Published: April 2015

A simple ITCVD method is developed to fabricate PSCs, and their roll-over phenomenon in J–V curves is first investigated.
Photocatalytic water oxidation under visible light by valence band controlled oxynitride solid solutions LaTaON2–SrTiO3
Authors: Kato Hideki , Ueda Koichiro , Kobayashi Makoto , Kakihana Masato
Published: April 2015

Visible-light-driven photocatalysts capable of both H2 and O2 evolution in the presence of sacrificial reagents have been developed through the formation of solid solutions between LaTaON2 and SrTiO3.