bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive systems biology analysis of a 7-month cigarette smoke inhalation study in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Ansari Sam , Baumer Karine , Boué Stéphanie , Dijon Sophie , Dulize Remi , Ekroos Kim , Elamin Ashraf , Foong Clement , Guedj Emmanuel , Hoeng Julia , Ivanov Nikolai V. , Krishnan Subash , Leroy Patrice , Martin Florian , Merg Celine , Peck Michael J. , Peitsch Manuel C. , Phillips Blaine , Schlage Walter K. , Schneider Thomas , Talikka Marja , Titz Bjoern , Vanscheeuwijck Patrick , Veljkovic Emilija , Vihervaara Terhi , Vuillaume Gregory , Woon Ching Qing
Published: January 2016

Smoking of combustible cigarettes has a major impact on human health. Using a systems toxicology approach in a model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C57BL/6 mice), we assessed the health consequences in mice of an aerosol derived from a prototype modified risk tobacco product (pMRTP) as compared to conventional cigarettes. We investigated physiological and histological endpoints in parallel with transcriptomics, lipidomics, and proteomics profiles in mice exposed to a reference cigarette (3R4F) smoke or a pMRTP aerosol for up to 7 months. We also included a cessation group and a switching-to-pMRTP group (after 2 months of 3R4F exposure) in addition to the control (fresh air-exposed) group, to understand the potential risk reduction of switching to pMRTP compared with continuous 3R4F exposure and cessation. The present manuscript describes the study design, setup, and implementation, as well as the generation, processing, and quality control analysis of the toxicology and ‘omics’ datasets that are accessible in public repositories for further analyses.
Predicting and verifying outcome of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. based therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: from open to double-blinded randomized trial
Authors: Jiang Miao , Zha Qinglin , Zhang Chi , Lu Cheng , Yan Xiaoping , Zhu Wanhua , Liu Wei , Tu Shenghao , Hou Liping , Wang Chengwu , Zhang Wandong , Liang Qinghua , Fan Bing , Yu Jiangping , Zhang Weidong , Liu Xinru , Yang Jing , He Xiaojuan , Li Li , Niu Xuyan , Liu Yan , Guo Hongtao , He Bing , Zhang Ge , Bian Zhaoxiang , Lu Aiping
Published: January 2016

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF) based therapy has been proved as effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet the predictors to its response remains unclear. A two-stage trial was designed to identify and verify the baseline symptomatic predictors of this therapy. 167 patients with active RA were enrolled with a 24-week TwHF based therapy treatment and the symptomatic predictors were identified in an open trial; then in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) for verification, 218 RA patients were enrolled and classified into predictor positive (P+) and predictor negative (P−) group and were randomly assigned to accept the TwHF based therapy and Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine combination therapy (M&S) for 24 weeks, respectively. Five predictors were identified (diuresis, excessive sweating, night sweats for positive; and yellow tongue-coating, thermalgia in the joints for negative). In the RCT, The ACR 20 responses were 82.61% in TwHF/P+ group, significantly higher than that in TwHF/P− group (P = 0.0001) and in M&S/P+ group (P < 0.05), but not higher than in M&S/P− group. Similar results were yielded in ACR 50 yet not in ACR 70 response. No significant differences were detected in safety profiles among groups. The identified predictors enable the TwHF based therapy more efficiently in treating RA subpopulations.
Receptor for detection of a Type II sex pheromone in the winter moth Operophtera brumata
Authors: Zhang Dan-Dan , Wang Hong-Lei , Schultze Anna , Froß Heidrun , Francke Wittko , Krieger Jürgen , Löfstedt Christer
Published: January 2016

How signal diversity evolves under stabilizing selection in a pheromone-based mate recognition system is a conundrum. Female moths produce two major types of sex pheromones, i.e., long-chain acetates, alcohols and aldehydes (Type I) and polyenic hydrocarbons and epoxides (Type II), along different biosynthetic pathways. Little is known on how male pheromone receptor (PR) genes evolved to perceive the different pheromones. We report the identification of the first PR tuned to Type II pheromones, namely ObruOR1 from the winter moth,Operophtera brumata(Geometridae). ObruOR1 clusters together with previously ligand-unknown orthologues in the PR subfamily for the ancestral Type I pheromones, suggesting thatO. brumatadid not evolve a new type of PR to match the novel Type II signal but recruited receptors within an existing PR subfamily. AsegOR3, the ObruOR1 orthologue previously cloned from the noctuidAgrotis segetumthat has Type I acetate pheromone components, responded significantly to another Type II hydrocarbon, suggesting that a common ancestor with Type I pheromones had receptors for both types of pheromones, a preadaptation for detection of Type II sex pheromone.
Aspirin and atenolol enhance metformin activity against breast cancer by targeting both neoplastic and microenvironment cells
Authors: Talarico Giovanna , Orecchioni Stefania , Dallaglio Katiuscia , Reggiani Francesca , Mancuso Patrizia , Calleri Angelica , Gregato Giuliana , Labanca Valentina , Rossi Teresa , Noonan Douglas M. , Albini Adriana , Bertolini Francesco
Published: January 2016

Metformin can induce breast cancer (BC) cell apoptosis and reduce BC local and metastatic growth in preclinical models. Since Metformin is frequently used along with Aspirin or beta-blockers, we investigated the effect of Metformin, Aspirin and the beta-blocker Atenolol in several BC models. In vitro, Aspirin synergized with Metformin in inducing apoptosis of triple negative and endocrine-sensitive BC cells and in activating AMPK in BC and in white adipose tissue (WAT) progenitors known to cooperate to BC progression. Both Aspirin and Atenolol added to the inhibitory effect of Metformin against complex I of the respiratory chain. In both immune-deficient and immune-competent preclinical models, Atenolol increased Metformin activity against angiogenesis, local and metastatic growth of HER2+ and triple negative BC. Aspirin increased the activity of Metformin only in immune-competent HER2+ BC models. Both Aspirin and Atenolol, when added to Metformin, significantly reduced the endothelial cell component of tumor vessels, whereas pericytes were reduced by the addition of Atenolol but not by the addition of Aspirin. Our data indicate that the addition of Aspirin or of Atenolol to Metformin might be beneficial for BC control and that this activity is likely due to effects on both BC and microenvironment cells.
Femtosecond laser combined with non-chopping rotation phacoemulsification technique for soft-nucleus cataract surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Chen Hui , Lin Haotian , Chen Wan , Zhang Bo , Xiang Wu , Li Jing , Chen Weirong , Liu Yizhi
Published: January 2016

Soft-lens cataract surgeries are becoming increasingly common for cataract surgeons and chopping the soft nucleus using conventional techniques is problematic. We introduced a femtosecond laser combined with a non-chopping rotation phacoemulsification technique for soft-nucleus cataract surgery and evaluated the safety and efficacy of using this technique. Sixty-six patients with soft-nucleus cataracts ranging from grade 1~3 were divided into 3 groups based on nuclear staging. Those groups were further divided into three subgroups: femtosecond laser pretreatment combined with a non-chopping rotation phacoemulsification technique (subgroup 1), conventional manual cataract surgery with a non-chopping rotation technique (subgroup 2) and conventional manual cataract surgery with a quick-chop technique (subgroup 3).Patients were followed up at 1, 7 and 30 days after surgery. There was an 84.6% and a 63.34% reduction in ultrasound time and cumulative dissipated energy, respectively, between the subgroup 1 and the subgroup 3; and this was associated with a 36.1% and 29.7% reduction in endothelial cell loss and aqueous flare. There were no adverse events at the follow-up times. With its reduced ultrasound energy, endothelial cell loss and aqueous flare, the femtosecond laser pretreatment combined with a non-chopping rotation technique was more efficient than conventional manual cataract surgery for soft-nucleus cataracts.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of the precise transduction mechanism in giant magnetoresistive biosensors
Authors: Lee Jung-Rok , Sato Noriyuki , Bechstein Daniel J. B. , Osterfeld Sebastian J. , Wang Junyi , Gani Adi Wijaya , Hall Drew A. , Wang Shan X.
Published: January 2016

Giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensors consisting of many rectangular stripes are being developed for high sensitivity medical diagnostics of diseases at early stages, but many aspects of the sensing mechanism remain to be clarified. Using e-beam patterned masks on the sensors, we showed that the magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter of 50 nm located between the stripes predominantly determine the sensor signals over those located on the sensor stripes. Based on computational analysis, it was confirmed that the particles in the trench, particularly those near the edges of the stripes, mainly affect the sensor signals due to additional field from the stripe under an applied field. We also demonstrated that the direction of the average magnetic field from the particles that contributes to the signal is indeed the same as that of the applied field, indicating that the particles in the trench are pivotal to produce sensor signal. Importantly, the same detection principle was validated with a duplex protein assay. Also, 8 different types of sensor stripes were fabricated and design parameters were explored. According to the detection principle uncovered, GMR biosensors can be further optimized to improve their sensitivity, which is highly desirable for early diagnosis of diseases.
Curcumin modulates cell death and is protective in Huntington’s disease model
Authors: Chongtham Anjalika , Agrawal Namita
Published: January 2016

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive, dominantly inherited neurological disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat within the Huntingtin (Htt) protein with no disease modifying treatments. In a Drosophila model of HD, expression of mutant Huntingtin (Htt) protein with expanded polyQ leads to formation of inclusion bodies (IBs), increase in cellular toxicity, progression of motor disabilities and reduced viability. Multiple cellular events such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and transcriptional dysregulation are reported to contribute to pathology, however, till date there are no disease-modifying treatments with least side effects. Therefore, we investigated effect of the phytochemical curcumin on HD pathogenesis. Curcumin, a phytochemical and commonly used ingredient in Asian food has a wide spectrum of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrilogenic properties. In this study, we provide evidence that curcumin significantly ameliorates disease symptoms in a Drosophila model of HD by suppressing cell death and can be a key to halting the progression of Huntington’s disease with least side effects.
Poly (dopamine) coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanocluster for noninvasive labeling, tracking and targeted delivery of adipose tissue-derived stem cells
Authors: Liao Naishun , Wu Ming , Pan Fan , Lin Jiumao , Li Zuanfang , Zhang Da , Wang Yingchao , Zheng Youshi , Peng Jun , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: January 2016

Tracking and monitoring of cells in vivo after transplantation can provide crucial information for stem cell therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with contrast agents is believed to be an effective and non-invasive technique for cell tracking in living bodies. However, commercial superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) applied to label cells suffer from shortages such as potential toxicity, low labeling efficiency and low contrast enhancing. Herein, the adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were efficiently labeled with SPIONs coated with poly (dopamine) (SPIONs cluster@PDA), without affecting their viability, proliferation, apoptosis, surface marker expression, as well as their self-renew ability and multi-differentiation potential. The labeled cells transplanted into the mice through tail intravenous injection exhibited a negative enhancement of the MRI signal in the damaged liver-induced by carbon tetrachloride and subsequently these homed ADSCs with SPIONs cluster@PDA labeling exhibited excellent repair effects to the damaged liver. Moreover, the enhanced target-homing to tissue of interest and repair effects of SPIONs cluster@PDA-labeled ADSCs could be achieved by use of external magnetic field in the excisional skin wound mice model. Therefore, we provide a facile, safe, noninvasive and sensitive method for external magnetic field targeted delivery and MRI based tracking of transplanted cells in vivo.
A diffusion model for the coordination of DNA replication in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Pichugina T. , Sugawara T. , Kaykov A. , Schierding W. , Masuda K. , Uewaki J. , Grand R. S. , Allison J. R. , Martienssen R. A. , Nurse P. , Ueno M. , O’Sullivan J. M.
Published: January 2016

The locations of proteins and epigenetic marks on the chromosomal DNA sequence are believed to demarcate the eukaryotic genome into distinct structural and functional domains that contribute to gene regulation and genome organization. However, how these proteins and epigenetic marks are organized in three dimensions remains unknown. Recent advances in proximity-ligation methodologies and high resolution microscopy have begun to expand our understanding of these spatial relationships. Here we use polymer models to examine the spatial organization of epigenetic marks, euchromatin and heterochromatin and origins of replication within the Schizosaccharomyces pombe genome. These models incorporate data from microscopy and proximity-ligation experiments that inform on the positions of certain elements and contacts within and between chromosomes. Our results show a striking degree of compartmentalization of epigenetic and genomic features and lead to the proposal of a diffusion based mechanism, centred on the spindle pole body, for the coordination of DNA replication in S. pombe.
Generation and Characterization of a MYF5 Reporter Human iPS Cell Line Using CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Homologous Recombination
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Hunt Samuel D. , Xue Haipeng , Liu Ying , Darabi Radbod
Published: January 2016

Human iPS cells hold great promise for disease modeling and treatment of degenerative disorders including muscular dystrophies. Although a few research groups have used them for skeletal muscle differentiation, most were based on gene over-expression or long-term mesenchymal differentiation and retrospective identification of myogenic cells. Therefore, this study was aimed to generate a knock-in reporter human iPS cell line for MYF5, as an early myogenic specification gene, to allow prospective identification and purification of myogenic progenitors from human iPS cells. By using a CRISPR/Cas9 double nickase strategy, a 2A-GFP reporter was inserted before the stop codon of the MYF5 gene using homologous recombination. This approach allowed for highly efficient in-frame targeting of MYF5 in human iPS cells. Furthermore, in order to prove the reporter function, endogenous MYF5 expression was induced using a novel dead Cas9-VP160 transcriptional activator. Induced clones demonstrated appropriate MYF5-GFP co-expression. Finally, to confirm the differentiation potential, reporter human iPS clones were differentiated through embryoid body method and MYF5-GFP+ myogenic cells were sorted and characterized. These data provides valuable guidelines for generation of knock-in reporter human iPS cell lines for myogenic genes which can be used for disease modeling, drug screening, gene correction and future in vivo applications.
Evidence for the presence of biogenic magnetic particles in the nocturnal migratory brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Pan Weidong , Wan Guijun , Xu Jingjing , Li Xiaoming , Liu Yuxin , Qi Liping , Chen Fajun
Published: January 2016

Biogenic magnetic particles have been detected in some migratory insects, which implies the basis of magnetoreception mechanism for orientation and navigation. Here, the biogenic magnetic particles in the migratory brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugenswere qualitatively measured by SQUID magnetometry and their characteristics were further determined by Prussian Blue staining, electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results indicate that there were remarkable magnetic materials in the abdomens and not in the head or thorax of the 3rd–5thinstar nymphs and in macropterous and brachypterous female and male adults of BPH. The size of magnetic particles was shown to be between 50–450 nm with a shape factor estimate of between 0.8–1.0 for all the tested BPHs. Moreover, the amount of magnetic particles was associated with the developmental stage (the 3rd–5thinstar), wing form (macropterous vs. brachypterous) and sex. The macropterous female adults had the largest amount of magnetic particles. Although the existence of magnetic particles in the abdomens of BPH provides sound basis for the assumption of magnetic orientation, further behavioral studies and complementary physical characterization experiments should be conducted to determine whether the orientation behavior of BPH is associated with the magnetic particles detected in this study.
Horizontal Heat Impact of Urban Structures on the Surface Soil Layer and Its Diurnal Patterns under Different Micrometeorological Conditions
Authors: Zhou Hongxuan , Hu Dan , Wang Xiaolin , Han Fengsen , Li Yuanzheng , Wu Xiaogang , Ma Shengli
Published: January 2016

The temperature of the surface soil layer around different orientation walls was investigated horizontally along several construction-soil micro-gradients in Beijing, China. On a diurnal scale, similar fluctuating trends in T0 and T50 (temperature of surface soil layer, 0 and 0.5 m from the building baseline) adjacent to the external walls of buildings with the same orientation usually appeared under similar micrometeorological conditions. The difference between T0 and T50 (ΔT0–50) can be considered an indicator of the intensity of the horizontal heat effects: higher ΔT0–50 values correspond to greater intensities. The values of ΔT0–50 for south-, north-, east- and west-facing sides of buildings were highest on sunny days in summer and exhibited values of 6.61 K, 1.64 K, 5.93 K and 2.76 K, respectively. The scope of horizontal heat impacts (Sh) changed on a diurnal scale between zero and the maximum, which fluctuated with the micrometeorological conditions. The maximum values of Sh were 0.30, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.20 m for south-, north-, east- and west-facing walls. The ΔT0–50 was related to solar radiation, horizontal heat flux, relative humidity, wind speed, soil moisture differences and air temperature; the relative importance of these factors was 36.22%, 31.80%, 19.19%, 2.67%, 3.68% and 6.44%, respectively.
Antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in the half-Heusler semimetal HoPdBi
Authors: Pavlosiuk Orest , Kaczorowski Dariusz , Fabreges Xavier , Gukasov Arsen , Wiśniewski Piotr
Published: January 2016

We observed the coexistence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetic order in the single-crystalline ternary pnictide HoPdBi, a plausible topological semimetal. The compound orders antiferromagnetically at TN = 1.9 K and exhibits superconductivity below Tc = 0.7 K, which was confirmed by magnetic, electrical transport and specific heat measurements. The specific heat shows anomalies corresponding to antiferromagnetic ordering transition and crystalline field effect, but not to superconducting transition. Single-crystal neutron diffraction indicates that the antiferromagnetic structure is characterized by the "Equation missing" propagation vector. Temperature variation of the electrical resistivity reveals two parallel conducting channels of semiconducting and metallic character. In weak magnetic fields, the magnetoresistance exhibits weak antilocalization effect, while in strong fields and temperatures below 50 K it is large and negative. At temperatures below 7 K Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations with two frequencies appear in the resistivity. These oscillations have non-trivial Berry phase, which is a distinguished feature of Dirac fermions.
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Properties of PEDOT:PSS and Tellurium-PEDOT:PSS Hybrid Composites by Simple Chemical Treatment
Authors: Jin Bae Eun , Hun Kang Young , Jang Kwang-Suk , Yun Cho Song
Published: January 2016

The thermoelectric properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and tellurium-PEDOT:PSS (Te-PEDOT:PSS) hybrid composites were enhanced via simple chemical treatment. The performance of thermoelectric materials is determined by their electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. Significant enhancement of the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS and Te-PEDOT:PSS hybrid composites from 787.99 and 11.01 to 4839.92 and 334.68 S cm−1, respectively was achieved by simple chemical treatment with H2SO4. The power factor of the developed materials could be effectively tuned over a very wide range depending on the concentration of the H2SO4 solution used in the chemical treatment. The power factors of the developed thermoelectric materials were optimized to 51.85 and 284 μW m−1 K−2, respectively, which represent an increase of four orders of magnitude relative to the corresponding parameters of the untreated thermoelectric materials. Using the Te-PEDOT:PSS hybrid composites, a flexible thermoelectric generator that could be embedded in textiles was fabricated by a printing process. This thermoelectric array generates a thermoelectric voltage of 2 mV using human body heat.
Gold nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica: origin of high activity and role of Au NPs in selective oxidation of cyclohexane
Authors: Wu Pingping , Bai Peng , Yan Zifeng , Zhao George X. S.
Published: January 2016

Homogeneous immobilization of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on mesoporous silica has been achieved by using a one-pot synthesis method in the presence of organosilane mercapto-propyl-trimethoxysilane (MPTMS). The resultant Au NPs exhibited an excellent catalytic activity in the solvent-free selective oxidation of cyclohexane using molecular oxygen. By establishing the structure-performance relationship, the origin of the high activity of mesoporous supported Au catalyst was identified to be due to the presence of low-coordinated Au (0) sites with high dispersion. Au NPs were confirmed to play a critical role in the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane by promoting the activation of O2 molecules and accelerating the formation of surface-active oxygen species.
Coherent beam control with an all-dielectric transformation optics based lens
Authors: YI Jianjia , Burokur Shah Nawaz , Piau Gérard-Pascal , de Lustrac André
Published: January 2016

Transformation optics (TO) concept well known for its huge possibility in patterning the path of electromagnetic waves is exploited to design a beam steering lens. The broadband directive in-phase emission in a desired off-normal direction from an array of equally fed radiators is numerically and experimentally reported. Such manipulation is achieved without the use of complex and bulky phase shifters as it is the case in classical phased array antennas. The all-dielectric compact low-cost lens prototype presenting a graded permittivity profile is fabricated through three-dimensional (3D) polyjet printing technology. The array of radiators is composed of four planar microstrip antennas realized using standard lithography techniques and is used as excitation source for the lens. To validate the proposed lens, we experimentally demonstrate the broadband focusing properties and in-phase directive emissions deflected from the normal direction. Both the far-field radiation patterns and the near-field distributions are measured and reported. Measurements agree quantitatively and qualitatively with numerical full-wave simulations and confirm the corresponding steering properties. Such experimental validation paves the way to inexpensive easy-made all-dielectric microwave lenses for beam forming and collimation.
Room Temperature Quantum Spin Hall Insulator in Ethynyl-Derivative Functionalized Stanene Films
Authors: Zhang Run-wu , Zhang Chang-wen , Ji Wei-xiao , Li Sheng-shi , Yan Shi-shen , Hu Shu-jun , Li Ping , Wang Pei-ji , Li Feng
Published: January 2016

Quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators feature edge states that topologically protected from backscattering. However, the major obstacles to application for QSH effect are the lack of suitable QSH insulators with a large bulk gap. Based on first-principles calculations, we predict a class of large-gap QSH insulators in ethynyl-derivative functionalized stanene (SnC2X; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I), allowing for viable applications at room temperature. Noticeably, the SnC2Cl, SnC2Br and SnC2I are QSH insulators with a bulk gap of ~0.2 eV, while the SnC2H and SnC2F can be transformed into QSH insulator under the tensile strains. A single pair of topologically protected helical edge states is established for the edge of these systems with the Dirac point locating at the bulk gap and their QSH states are confirmed with topological invariant Z2 = 1. The films on BN substrate also maintain a nontrivial large-gap QSH effect, which harbors a Dirac cone lying within the band gap. These findings may shed new light in future design and fabrication of large-gap QSH insulators based on two-dimensional honeycomb lattices in spintronics.
EBP50 induces apoptosis in macrophages by upregulating nitric oxide production to eliminate intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Guo Yang , Deng Yating , Huang Zikun , Luo Qing , Peng Yiping , Chen Jie , Jiang Hong , Ye Jianqing , Li Junming
Published: January 2016

Mycobacterium bovis BCG is known to have the capacity to inhibit the positioning of iNOS on BCG-containing phagosomes by interfering with EBP50, a scaffolding protein that controls the recruitment of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the vicinity of phagosomes in macrophages. However, knockdown of the expression of EBP50 still facilitates the intracellular survival of BCG, which suggested that EBP50 may have some other unknown antimycobacterial properties. In this study we show that overexpression of EBP50 by a recombinant lentivirus had no effect on the iNOS recruitment to M.tuberculosis-containing phagosomes, but significantly promoted the elimination of intracellular M.tuberculosis. We revealed in the present study that the enhancement of intracellular killing to M. tuberculosis upon EBP50 overexpression was due to the increased level of apoptosis in macrophages. We showed that EBP50 overexpression significantly increased the expression of iNOS and generation of nitric oxide (NO) and EBP50-induced apoptosis was NO-dependent and mediated by Bax and caspase-3. We found that M. tuberculosis decreases while Mycobacterium smegmatis increases the expression of EBP50 in RAW264.7 cells, which suggested that virulent mycobacteria are capable of modulating the antimycobacterial properties of macrophages by inhibiting the expression and interfering with the function of EBP50.
A common molecular signature in ASD gene expression: following Root 66 to autism
Authors: Diaz-Beltran L , Esteban F J , Wall D P
Published: January 2016

Several gene expression experiments on autism spectrum disorders have been conducted using both blood and brain tissue. Individually, these studies have advanced our understanding of the molecular systems involved in the molecular pathology of autism and have formed the bases of ongoing work to build autism biomarkers. In this study, we conducted an integrated systems biology analysis of 9 independent gene expression experiments covering 657 autism, 9 mental retardation and developmental delay and 566 control samples to determine if a common signature exists and to test whether regulatory patterns in the brain relevant to autism can also be detected in blood. We constructed a matrix of differentially expressed genes from these experiments and used a Jaccard coefficient to create a gene-based phylogeny, validated by bootstrap. As expected, experiments and tissue types clustered together with high statistical confidence. However, we discovered a statistically significant subgrouping of 3 blood and 2 brain data sets from 3 different experiments rooted by a highly correlated regulatory pattern of 66 genes. This Root 66 appeared to be non-random and of potential etiologic relevance to autism, given their enriched roles in neurological processes key for normal brain growth and function, learning and memory, neurodegeneration, social behavior and cognition. Our results suggest that there is a detectable autism signature in the blood that may be a molecular echo of autism-related dysregulation in the brain.
Fragmentation and high entropy of neonatal experience predict adolescent emotional outcome
Authors: Molet J , Heins K , Zhuo X , Mei Y T , Regev L , Baram T Z , Stern H
Published: January 2016

Vulnerability to emotional disorders including depression derives from interactions between genes and environment, especially during sensitive developmental periods. Across evolution, maternal care is a key source of environmental sensory signals to the developing brain, and a vast body of work has linked quantitative and qualitative aspects of maternal care to emotional outcome in children and animals. However, the fundamental properties of maternal signals, that promote advantageous vs pathological outcomes in the offspring, are unknown and have been a topic of intense study. We studied emotional outcomes of adolescent rats reared under routine or impoverished environments, and used mathematical approaches to analyze the nurturing behaviors of the dams. Unexpectedly, whereas the quantity and typical qualities of maternal care behaviors were indistinguishable in the two environments, their patterns and rhythms differed drastically and influenced emotional outcomes. Specifically, unpredictable, fragmented maternal care patterns translated into high-entropy rates of sensory signals to the offspring in the impoverished cages. During adolescence, these offspring had significant reductions in sucrose preference and in peer-play, two independent measures of the ability to experience pleasure. This adolescent anhedonia, often a harbinger of later depression, was not accompanied by measures of anxiety or helplessness. Dopaminergic pleasure circuits underlying anhedonia are engaged by predictable sequences of events, and predictable sensory signals during neonatal periods may be critical for their maturation. Conversely, unpredictability maternal-derived signals may disrupt these developmental processes, provoking anhedonia. In sum, high-entropy and fragmented patterns of maternal-derived sensory input to the developing brain predicts, and might promote, the development of anhedonia in rodents, with potential clinical implications.
TBAI-catalyzed oxidative C–H functionalization: a new route to benzo[b]phosphole oxides
Authors: Zhang Yun , Hu Gaobo , Ma Dumei , Xu Pengxiang , Gao Yuxing , Zhao Yufen
Published: January 2016

The first metal-free, efficient TBAI-catalyzed radical addition/cyclization of diaryl(arylethynyl)phosphine oxides with toluene derivatives has been developed, affording a general, one-step approach to structurally sophisticated benzo[b]phosphole oxidesviasequential C–H functionalization along with the formation of two new C–C bonds.
Comparison of π-hole tetrel bonding with σ-hole halogen bonds in complexes of XCN (X = F, Cl, Br, I) and NH3
Authors: Nziko Vincent de Paul N. , Scheiner Steve
Published: January 2016

In addition to the standard halogen bond formed when NH3approaches XCN (X = F, Cl, Br, I) along its molecular axis, a perpendicular approach is also possible, toward a π-hole that is present above the X–C bond.
Correction: Design and characterisation of bodipy sensitizers for dye-sensitized NiO solar cells
Authors: Summers Gareth H. , Lefebvre Jean-François , Black Fiona A. , Davies E. Stephen , Gibson Elizabeth A. , Pullerits Tönu , Wood Christopher J. , Zidek Karel
Published: January 2016

Correction for 'Design and characterisation of bodipy sensitizers for dye-sensitized NiO solar cells' by Gareth H. Summers et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5cp05177k.
Studies on the epoxidation of methallyl chloride over TS-1 microsphere catalysts in a continuous slurry reactor
Authors: Deng Zhixia , Yang Yulin , Lu Xinqing , Ding Jianghong , He Mingyuan , Wu Peng
Published: January 2016

The epoxidation of methallyl chloride (MAC) to 2-methyl epichlorohydrin (MECH) with H2O2 using TS-1 microsphere catalysts (TS-1-MS) in a continuous slurry reactor was investigated.
Tandem catalysis versus one-pot catalysis: ensuring process orthogonality in the transformation of essential-oil phenylpropenoids into high-value products via olefin isomerization–metathesis
Authors: Higman Carolyn S. , de Araujo Marcio P. , Fogg Deryn E.
Published: January 2016

One-pot and tandem catalysis methodologies are explored in developing efficient isomerization–metathesis routes to high-value cinnamates and ferulates from essential-oil allylbenzenes.
Preparation of g-C3N4/ZnMoCdS hybrid heterojunction catalyst with outstanding nitrogen photofixation performance under visible light via hydrothermal post-treatment
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Shaozheng , Fan Zhiping , Liu Daosheng , Zhao Yanfeng , Ma Hongfei , Li Fayun
Published: January 2016

The outstanding nitrogen photofixation ability of g-C3N4/ZnMoCdS heterojunction photocatalyst is attributed to the synergy effect of heterojunctions and sulfur vacancies.
Calcium looping with inherent energy storage for decarbonisation of coal-fired power plant
Authors: Hanak Dawid P. , Biliyok Chechet , Manovic Vasilije
Published: January 2016

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) with energy storage (ES) systems increase flexibility and profitability of fossil-fuel-fired power systems.
N-Nitrosamine formation kinetics in wastewater effluents and surface waters
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Hanigan David , Westerhoff Paul , Herckes Pierre
Published: January 2016

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a chloramination disinfection by-product (DBP) with an uncertain regulatory future.
Inclusion of ancient Latin-American crops in bread formulation improves intestinal iron absorption and modulates inflammatory markers
Authors: Laparra José Moisés , Haros Monika
Published: January 2016

This study compares iron (Fe) absorption in Fe-deficient animals from bread formulations prepared by substitution of white wheat flour (WB) by whole wheat flour (WWB), amaranth flour (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, 25%) (AB) and quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa, 25%) (QB), or chia flour (Salvia hispanica L, 5%) (ChB).
Extrusion of barley and oat influence the fecal microbiota and SCFA profile of growing pigs
Authors: Moen Birgitte , Berget Ingunn , Rud Ida , Hole Anastasia S. , Kjos Nils Petter , Sahlstrøm Stefan
Published: January 2016

The effect of extrusion of barley and oat on the fecal microbiota and the formation of SCFA was evaluated using growing pigs as model system. The pigs were fed a diet containing either whole grain barley (BU), oat groat (OU), or their respective extruded samples (BE and OE).
Fast and solvent free polymerization of carbohydrates induced by non-thermal atmospheric plasma
Authors: Delaux Joakim , Nigen Michaël , Fourré Elodie , Tatibouët Jean-Michel , Barakat Abdellatif , Atencio Loyda , García Fernández José M. , De Oliveira Vigier Karine , Jérôme François
Published: January 2016

Non-thermal atmospheric plasma is capable of selectively polymerizing carbohydrates quasi instantaneously without the assistance of any solvent or catalyst or external source.
A synthetic gene circuit for measuring autoregulatory feedback control
Authors: Schikora-Tamarit Miquel Àngel , Toscano-Ochoa Carlos , Domingo Espinós Júlia , Espinar Lorena , Carey Lucas B.
Published: January 2016

A synthetic gene circuit for quantifying the strength of native feedback regulation among the RNA binding proteins in yeast.
Electrolytic exfoliation of graphite in water with multifunctional electrolytes: en route towards high quality, oxide-free graphene flakes
Authors: Munuera J. M. , Paredes J. I. , Villar-Rodil S. , Ayán-Varela M. , Martínez-Alonso A. , Tascón J. M. D.
Published: January 2016

Barely oxidized graphenes of a high quality could be obtained by the anodic route for the first time using a number of electrolytes of amphiphilic nature that play a multifunctional role: exfoliating electrolytes, colloidal dispersants and sacrificial agents to prevent oxidation of graphene.
Tuning the thermoelectric properties of metallo-porphyrins
Authors: Al-Galiby Qusiy H. , Sadeghi Hatef , Algharagholy Laith A. , Grace Iain , Lambert Colin
Published: January 2016

We investigated the thermoelectric properties of metalloporphyrins connected by thiol anchor groups to gold electrodes.
Large area chemical vapor deposition of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides and their temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy studies
Authors: Pawbake Amit S. , Pawar Mahendra S. , Jadkar Sandesh R. , Late Dattatray J.
Published: January 2016

We investigate the growth mechanism and temperature dependent Raman spectroscopy of chemical vapor deposited large area monolayer of MoS2, MoSe2, WS2 and WSe2 nanosheets up to 70 μm in lateral size.
Nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticle modulated turn-on fluorescent probes for histidine detection and its imaging in living cells
Authors: Zhu Xiaohua , Zhao Tingbi , Nie Zhou , Miao Zhuang , Liu Yang , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: January 2016

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticle modulated turn-on fluorescent probes with excellent biocompatibility for rapid and selective detection of histidine were developed, and were applied for a histidine imaging assay in living cells, which presented great potential in the bio-labeling assay and clinical diagnostic applications.
An inner filter effect based sensor of tetracycline hydrochloride as developed by loading photoluminescent carbon nanodots in the electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Lin Min , Zou Hong Yan , Yang Tong , Liu Ze Xi , Liu Hui , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: January 2016

Highly photoluminescent carbon nanodots (CDs), which have been loaded in the electrospun nanofibers, are applied to develop an IFE-based visual sensor for tetracycline hydrochloride (Tc) sensing in milk.
Synthesis of 8-heteroaryl nitroxoline analogues via one-pot sequential Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions
Authors: Brodnik Helena , Požgan Franc , Štefane Bogdan
Published: January 2016

A series of 8-heteroaryl substituted quinolines were prepared, either by direct C–H arylation of five-membered heteroarenes, or Pd-catalyzed coupling of organoboron reagents with bromoquinolines.
Distribution of carbon nanotubes in fresh ordinary Portland cement pastes: understanding from a two-phase perspective
Authors: Chen Shu Jian , Wang Wei , Sagoe-Crentsil Kwesi , Collins Frank , Zhao Xiao Ling , Majumder Mainak , Duan Wen Hui
Published: January 2016

Study on distribution of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in two phase cementitious system revealed the selective adsorption phenomenon of CNTs on cement particles and the time-dependent dispersion of CNTs in liquid phase.
Layer-by-layer assembly modification to prepare firmly bonded Si–graphene composites for high-performance anodes
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Wu Lin , Du Lijuan , Yue Lu , Guan Rongfeng , Zhang Qinfang , Hou Guihua , Shao Rong
Published: January 2016

A new Si–graphene composite was fabricated by a facile LBL technique followed by thermal reduction, which exhibited excellent cycling performance and rate capability as an anode, showing a high capacity retention rate of 92.0% over 100 cycles.
One-step synthesis of peptide conjugated gold nanoclusters for the high expression of FGFR2 tumor targeting and imaging
Authors: Bi Fengli , Yin Huaqin , Zheng Shiyue , Zhu Qihao , Yang Haofan , Kang Ming , Gan Feng , Chen Xiaojia
Published: January 2016

An effective method to synthesize gold nanoclusters that can specifically recognize fibroblast growth factor receptor2 (FGFR2) was reported.
Synthesis of new phosphorescent imidoyl-indazol and phosphine mixed ligand Cu(i) complexes – structural characterization and photophysical properties
Authors: Cabrera Alan R. , Gonzalez Ivan A. , Cortés-Arriagada Diego , Natali Mirco , Berke Heinz , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Camarada María B. , Toro-Labbé Alejandro , Rojas Rene S. , Salas Cristian O.
Published: January 2016

New Cu(i) complexes were prepared, [Cu(N,N)2]+ (1) and [Cu(N,N)(P,P)]+ (2–4), and characterized by spectroscopic methods and DFT calculations. It highlights the influence of the different ligands on the photophysical properties of the complexes.
A facile strategy applied to simultaneous qualitative-detection on multiple components of mixture samples: a joint study of infrared spectroscopy and multi-label algorithms on PBX explosives
Authors: Wang Minqi , He Xuan , Xiong Qing , Jing Runyu , Zhang Yuxiang , Wen Zhining , Kuang Qifan , Pu Xuemei , Li Menglong , Xu Tao
Published: January 2016

We combined infrared spectroscopy with multi-label algorithms to propose a facile yet efficient strategy to realize simultaneous qualitative-detection on multiple components of mixture explosives without pre-separation.
Metal–organic green dye: chemical and physical insight into a modified Zn-benzoporphyrin for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zanotti Gloria , Angelini Nicola , Mattioli Giuseppe , Paoletti Anna Maria , Pennesi Giovanna , Rossi Gentilina , Caschera Daniela , de Marco Luisa , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

A novel green benzoporphyrin has been synthesized, characterized, studied by theoretical methods and tested in DSSC devices. Ab initio simulations predict the actual charge displacement during S0 → S1 excitation.
Simultaneous hydrogenation and acid-catalyzed conversion of the biomass-derived furans in solvents with distinct polarities
Authors: Hu Xun , Kadarwati Sri , Song Yao , Li Chun-Zhu
Published: January 2016

During upgrading of the biomass-derived furans, solvents affect both the reaction network and potential competition between the hydrogenation and acid-catalysis.
Ultra-long Na2V6O16·xH2O nanowires: large-scale synthesis and application in binder-free flexible cathodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Xu Guobao , Yang Liwen , Ding Jianwen
Published: January 2016

Large-scale synthesis and application of ultra-long Na2V6O16·xH2O nanowires as binder-free flexible cathodes for high performance LIBs are demonstrated.
Synthesis and properties of nanocrystalline π-SnS – a new cubic phase of tin sulphide
Authors: Abutbul R. E. , Segev E. , Zeiri L. , Ezersky V. , Makov G. , Golan Y.
Published: January 2016

We report on the synthesis of the newly discovered cubic phase of tin monosulfide π-SnS and compare its properties to the well-known phase of tin monosulfide, α-SnS.
Biological activity of dendrimer–methylglyoxal complexes for improved therapeutic efficacy against malignant cells
Authors: Ghosh Srabanti , Chakraborty Prabal , Chakrabarti Adrita , Ghosh Manosij , Mandal Amit , Saha Partha , Mukherjee Anita , Acharya Somobrata , Ray Manju
Published: January 2016

A facile strategy to synthesize polymer based conjugation of methylglyoxal which demonstrated inhibition against malignant cells with desired selectivity can revolutionize the cancer treatmentviaminimizing the human health risks.
Carbon quantum dots/nickel oxide (CQDs/NiO) nanorods with high capacitance for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu J. , Xue Y. , Cao J. , Wang G. , Li Y. , Wang W. , Chen Z.
Published: January 2016

Novel CQDs/NiO nanorods have been prepared via a facile complexation method followed by a thermal treatment process and used as electroactive materials for supercapacitors, which deliver a high specific capacitance of 1858 F g−1 at 1 A g−1.
Cucurbit[7]uril–tetraphenylethene host–guest system induced emission activity
Authors: Jiang Rong , Wang Shuang , Li Jinping
Published: January 2016

A host–guest complex was successfully constructed from cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and quaternary ammonium-modified tetraphenylethene derivative, 1,1,2,2-tetrakis{2-[2-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)ethyoxyl]phenyl}-tetraphenylethene bromide (TAPET).
Synthesis and characterization of new photoswitchable azobenzene-containing poly(ε-caprolactones)
Authors: Appiah Clement , Siefermann Katrin R. , Jorewitz Marcel , Barqawi Haitham , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2016

A novel and efficient strategy in obtaining mono- and bi-armed azobenzene-containing poly(ε-caprolactone)s is described, starting from a commercially available azobenzene dye.
Multi-substituted triazatruxene-functionalized pyrene derivatives as efficient organic laser gain media
Authors: Sang Ming , Cao Sizhen , Yi Jianpeng , Huang Jinjin , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: January 2016

A set of pyrene derivatives substituted with multiple triazatruxenes were synthesized and explored as efficient gain media for organic lasers.
Efforts to total synthesis of philinopside E: convergent synthesis of the sulfated lanostane-type tetraglycoside
Authors: Bai Shujin , Wu Zhiyong , Huang Qingyun , Zhang Li , Chen Pengwei , Wang Cong , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Peng , Li Ming
Published: January 2016

As part of total synthesis of philinopside E, herein we describe convergent synthesis of a triterpene glcoside composed of the sulfated tetrasaccharide residue identical to that of philinopside E and the algycone of lanost-7-en-3β-ol.
Synthesis of bis(propargyl) aromatic esters and ethers: a potential replacement for isocyanate based curators
Authors: Sonawane Sanjeevani H. , Anniyappan M. , Athar Javaid , Banerjee Shaibal , Sikder Arun K.
Published: January 2016

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel class of non-isocyanate curing agents based on bis-propargyl aromatic esters2a–eand ethers4a–c.
Competitive removal of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) by biochars produced from water hyacinths: performance and mechanism
Authors: Ding Yang , Liu Yunguo , Liu Shaobo , Li Zhongwu , Tan Xiaofei , Huang Xixian , Zeng Guangming , Zhou Yaoyu , Zheng Bohong , Cai Xiaoxi
Published: January 2016

Three biochars converted from water hyacinth biomass at 300, 450, and 600 °C were used to investigate the adsorption properties of Cd2+ and Pb2+.
A pendant proton shuttle on [Fe4N(CO)12]−alters product selectivity in formate vs. H2production via the hydride [H–Fe4N(CO)12]−
Authors: Loewen Natalia D. , Thompson Emily J. , Kagan Michael , Banales Carolina L. , Myers Thomas W. , Fettinger James C. , Berben Louise A.
Published: January 2016

A proton shuttle in the second coordination sphere of [Fe4N(CO)12]−promotes H2evolution over formate formation from CO2.
HIV anti-latency treatment mediated by macromolecular prodrugs of histone deacetylase inhibitor, panobinostat
Authors: Zuwala Kaja , Smith Anton A. A. , Tolstrup Martin , Zelikin Alexander N.
Published: January 2016

Self-immolative linker and a disulfide trigger are used to design macromolecular prodrugs of panobinostat as efficacious HIV latency reversing agents.
Carbohydrate microarrays for screening functional glycans
Authors: Pai Jaeyoung , Hyun Ji Young , Jeong Jieun , Loh Sohee , Cho Eun-Hee , Kang Young-Sun , Shin Injae
Published: January 2016

Carbohydrate microarrays were used for the simultaneous screening of various glycans whose binding to the cell-surface lectin elicits cellular response.
Snapshots of a solid-state transformation: coexistence of three phases trapped in one crystal
Authors: Aromí G. , Beavers C. M. , Sánchez Costa J. , Craig G. A. , Mínguez Espallargas G. , Orera A. , Roubeau O.
Published: January 2016

Solvent extrusion leads to crystallographic–magnetic transition within a molecular complexviaan intermediate that can be trapped and characterized.
One-step selective hydroxylation of benzene to phenol with hydrogen peroxide catalysed by copper complexes incorporated into mesoporous silica–alumina
Authors: Yamada Mihoko , Karlin Kenneth D. , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: January 2016

One-step hydroxylation of benzene with hydrogen peroxide to produce phenol catalyzed by a copper(ii) complex.