bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reassessing Communist International Organisations: A Comparative Analysis of COMECON and the Warsaw Pact in relation to their Cold War Competitors
Authors: CRUMP LAURIEN , GODARD SIMON
Published: December 2017

This article widens the analysis of international organisations by including communist organisations, in particular the Warsaw Pact and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON). Drawing on archival research in Moscow, Bucharest, Berlin, Geneva and Rome, this article traces the origins, the evolution and the collective actorness of both organisations. Both COMECON and the Warsaw Pact went through a process of institutionalisation, reorganisation and multilateralisation and began to share many characteristics with their Western counterparts, such as the European Economic Community and NATO. Contrary to conventional wisdom these organisations thus developed into multilateral international organisations, which the other members could use to challenge Soviet unilateralism. Comparing COMECON and the Warsaw Pact with each other and with their Western counterparts, this article shows how these Eastern European international organisations contributed to shifting the balance of power within the Soviet Bloc by empowering their members as sovereign states and themselves as collective actors.
Kdm6a overexpression improves the development of cloned mouse embryos
Authors: Bai Guang-yu , Song Si-hang , Zhang Yu-wei , Huang Xiang , Huang Xing-wei , Sun Rui-zhen , Lei Lei
Published: December 2017

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an important technique for life science research. However, most SCNT embryos fail to develop to term due to undefined reprogramming defects. Here, we show that abnormal Xi occurs in somatic cell NT blastocysts, whereas in female blastocysts derived from cumulus cell nuclear transfer, both X chromosomes were inactive. H3K27me3 removal by Kdm6a mRNA overexpression could significantly improve preimplantation development of NT embryos, and even reached a 70.2% blastocyst rate of cleaved embryos compared with the 38.5% rate of the control. H3K27me3 levels were significantly reduced in blastomeres from cloned blastocysts after overexpression of Kdm6a. qPCR indicated that rDNA transcription increased in both NT embryos and 293T cells after overexpression of Kdm6a. Our findings demonstrate that overexpression of Kdm6a improved the development of cloned mouse embryos by reducing H3K27me3 and increasing rDNA transcription.
Are financial retirement incentives more effective if pension knowledge is high?
Authors: GIESECKE MATTHIAS , YANG GUANZHONG
Published: December 2017

We study the combined effects of financial incentives and information provision on retirement behavior. To elicit preferences for retirement timing in the laboratory, we ask subjects to make retirement choices under different payoff schemes that introduce variation in financial incentives. Testing ceteris paribus conditions of the financial incentive alone shows a considerable delay of retirement once early retirement becomes financially less attractive. However, varying available information as another treatment parameter reveals considerable heterogeneity in the functioning of these incentives. Subjects who are explicitly informed about the expected pension wealth respond more strongly to financial incentives compared with those who only know their pension annuity. Being informed about a forward-looking measure of pension benefits makes the financial consequences of retirement choices more salient to the decision maker.
The effectiveness of incentives to postpone retirement: evidence from Italy
Authors: FERRARI IRENE
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates whether financial incentives may be used as an effective device to induce workers to postpone retirement by evaluating the Italian so-called ‘super-bonus’ reform. The bonus consisted of economic incentives given for a limited period to private sector workers who had reached the requirements for seniority pension but who chose to postpone retirement. Using data from the Bank of Italy Survey on Household Income and Wealth, this paper assesses the effect of the bonus on the decision to postpone retirement, by comparing private and public workers before and after the reform. Results suggest a 30% reduction in seniority retirement probability, despite the fact that, when changes in social security wealth are taken into account, the bonus actually provided a negative incentive for most workers. Results also suggest that the effect of the reform was driven by low-income workers. Some evidence is presented showing that liquidity constraints and financial (il)literacy may help to interpret these results.
Psychopharmakotherapie bei Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter: Eine Übersicht
Authors: Grau Katharina , Plener Paul L.
Published: December 2017

Zusammenfassung. Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen sind mit einer Prävalenz von etwa 20 % eine relevante Symptomatik im Kindes- und Jugendalter. Aufgrund des mit Insomnien oftmals verbundenen verminderten psychosozialen Funktionsniveaus und des sich einstellenden Leidensdrucks ist eine suffiziente Behandlung notwendig. Zeigen sich Maßnahmen wie eine angemessene Schlafhygiene und andere nichtmedikamentöse Therapieansätze als nicht ausreichend, wird oftmals eine pharmakotherapeutische Behandlung in Betracht gezogen. Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet eine Literaturübersicht zum Einsatz verschiedener Substanzklassen in hypnotischer Indikation. Der Einsatz von Melatonin bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen ist zwischenzeitlich gut untersucht und ist mit einem positiven Effekt auf den Schlaf bei dieser Patientengruppe assoziiert. Hinsichtlich der Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit anderer Wirkstoffe bei primären Insomnien bzw. Schlafstörungen im Kontext anderer psychiatrischer Erkrankungen bei Minderjährigen besteht bislang eine geringe Evidenz. Daher sind zunächst nichtmedikamentöse Behandlungsstrategien vorzuziehen und eine Pharmakotherapie erst sekundär und nach kritischer Abwägung zu erwägen.
From Psychological Science to the Psychological Humanities: Building a General Theory of Subjectivity
Authors: Teo Thomas
Published: December 2017

The development of psychology as a science and the struggle for scientific recognition has disrupted the need to interrogate the discipline and the profession from the perspective of the humanities, the arts, and the concept-driven social sciences. This article suggests that some of the humanities contribute significantly to an understanding of human subjectivity, arguably a core topic within psychology. The article outlines the relevance of the psychological humanities by reclaiming subjectivity as a core topic for general psychology that is grounded in theoretical reconstruction, integration, and advancement. The argument relies on a variety of disciplines to achieve a deeper understanding of subjectivity: Philosophy provides conceptual clarifications and guidelines for integrating research on subjectivity; history reconstructs the movement of subjectivity and its subdivisions; political and social theories debate the process of subjectification; indigenous, cultural, and postcolonial studies show that Western theories of subjectivity cannot be applied habitually to contexts outside of the center; the arts corroborate the idea that subjective imagination is core to the aesthetic project; and science and technology studies point to recent developments in genetic science and information technology, advances that necessitate the consideration of significant changes in subjectivity. The implications of the psychological humanities as an important, justifiable tradition in psychology and for a general theory of subjectivity are discussed.
In retinitis pigmentosa TrkC.T1-dependent vectorial Erk activity upregulates glial TNF-α, causing selective neuronal death
Authors: Galán Alba , Jmaeff Sean , Barcelona Pablo F. , Brahimi Fouad , Sarunic Marinko V. , Saragovi H. Uri
Published: December 2017

In some diseases the TrkC.T1 isoform is upregulated in glia, associated with glial TNF-α production and neuronal death. What remains unknown are the activating signals in glia, and how paracrine signals may be selective for a targeted neuron while sparing other proximate neurons. We studied these questions in the retina, where Müller glia contacts photoreceptors on one side and retinal ganglion cells on the other. In a mutant Rhodopsin mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) causing progressive photoreceptor death—but sparing retinal ganglion cells—TrkC.T1 and NT-3 ligand are upregulated in Müller glia. TrkC.T1 activity generates p-Erk, which causes increased TNF-α. These sequential events take place predominantly in Müller fibers contacting stressed photoreceptors, and culminate in selective death. Each event and photoreceptor death can be prevented by reduction of TrkC.T1 expression, by pharmacological antagonism of TrkC or by pharmacological inhibition Erk. Unmasking the sequence of non-cell autologous events and mechanisms causing selective neuronal death may help rationalize therapies.
Engineering cell sensing and responses using a GPCR-coupled CRISPR-Cas system
Authors: Kipniss Nathan H. , Dingal P. C. Dave P. , Abbott Timothy R. , Gao Yuchen , Wang Haifeng , Dominguez Antonia A. , Labanieh Louai , Qi Lei S.
Published: December 2017

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse group of membrane receptors in eukaryotes and detect a wide array of cues in the human body. Here we describe a molecular device that couples CRISPR-dCas9 genome regulation to diverse natural and synthetic extracellular signals via GPCRs. We generate alternative architectures for fusing CRISPR to GPCRs utilizing the previously reported design, Tango, and our design, ChaCha. Mathematical modeling suggests that for the CRISPR ChaCha design, multiple dCas9 molecules can be released across the lifetime of a GPCR. The CRISPR ChaCha is dose-dependent, reversible, and can activate multiple endogenous genes simultaneously in response to extracellular ligands. We adopt the design to diverse GPCRs that sense a broad spectrum of ligands, including synthetic compounds, chemokines, mitogens, fatty acids, and hormones. This toolkit of CRISPR-coupled GPCRs provides a modular platform for rewiring diverse ligand sensing to targeted genome regulation for engineering cellular functions.
Integrated nano-opto-electro-mechanical sensor for spectrometry and nanometrology
Authors: Zobenica Žarko , van der Heijden Rob W. , Petruzzella Maurangelo , Pagliano Francesco , Leijssen Rick , Xia Tian , Midolo Leonardo , Cotrufo Michele , Cho YongJin , van Otten Frank W. M. , Verhagen Ewold , Fiore Andrea
Published: December 2017

Spectrometry is widely used for the characterization of materials, tissues, and gases, and the need for size and cost scaling is driving the development of mini and microspectrometers. While nanophotonic devices provide narrowband filtering that can be used for spectrometry, their practical application has been hampered by the difficulty of integrating tuning and read-out structures. Here, a nano-opto-electro-mechanical system is presented where the three functionalities of transduction, actuation, and detection are integrated, resulting in a high-resolution spectrometer with a micrometer-scale footprint. The system consists of an electromechanically tunable double-membrane photonic crystal cavity with an integrated quantum dot photodiode. Using this structure, we demonstrate a resonance modulation spectroscopy technique that provides subpicometer wavelength resolution. We show its application in the measurement of narrow gas absorption lines and in the interrogation of fiber Bragg gratings. We also explore its operation as displacement-to-photocurrent transducer, demonstrating optomechanical displacement sensing with integrated photocurrent read-out.
Influence of environment on testing of hydraulic sealers
Authors: Kebudi Benezra Mira , Schembri Wismayer Pierre , Camilleri Josette
Published: December 2017

In vitro material testing is undertaken by conducting a series of tests following procedures outlined in international standards. All material properties are measured in water; however biological behavior is undertaken in alternative media such as Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM) or simulated body fluid. The aim of this study was to characterize four dental root canal sealers and study their properties in different media. Four dental root canal sealers were assessed. They were characterized by a combination of techniques and the sealer properties were tested as specified by ISO 6876 (2012) and also in alternative media. The sealer biocompatibility was measured by cell function and proliferation assays of elutions. All sealers complied with ISO specifications. The material properties were effected by the type of soaking medium used and the surface micromorphology and elemental composition were dependent on the soaking solution type. Both BioRoot and MTA Fillapex showed cytotoxicity which reduced at higher dilutions. The material chemistry, presentation, environmental conditions and testing methodology used affected the sealer properties. Standards specific to sealer type are thus indicated. Furthermore the methodology used in the standard testing should be more relevant to clinical situations.
Annexin-A1 enhances breast cancer growth and migration by promoting alternative macrophage polarization in the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Moraes Leonardo A. , Kar Shreya , Foo Sok Lin , Gu Tong , Toh Yi Qian , Ampomah Patrick B. , Sachaphibulkij Karishma , Yap Gracemary , Zharkova Olga , Lukman Hakim M. , Fairhurst Anna-Marie , Kumar Alan Prem , Lim Lina H. K.
Published: December 2017

Macrophages are potent immune cells with well-established roles in the response to stress, injury, infection and inflammation. The classically activated macrophages (M1) are induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and express a wide range of pro-inflammatory genes. M2 macrophages are induced by T helper type 2 cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL4) and express high levels of anti-inflammatory and tissue repair genes. The strong association between macrophages and tumour cells as well as the high incidences of leukocyte infiltration in solid tumours have contributed to the discovery that tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key to tumour progression. Here, we investigated the role of Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a well characterized immunomodulatory protein on macrophage polarization and the interaction between macrophages and breast cancer cells. Our results demonstrate that ANXA1 regulates macrophage polarization and activation. ANXA1 can act dually as an endogenous signalling molecule or as a secreted mediator which acts via its receptor, FPR2, to promote macrophage polarization. Furthermore, ANXA1 deficient mice exhibit reduced tumour growth and enhanced survival in vivo, possibly due to increased M1 macrophages within the tumor microenvironment. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of macrophage polarization with therapeutic potential to suppress breast cancer growth and metastasis.
A Retrospective Multicentric Study of Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors in Patients Older Than 50: Management and Outcome
Authors: Rochefort Pauline , Italiano Antoine , Laurence Valérie , Penel Nicolas , Lardy-Cleaud Audrey , Mir Olivier , Chevreau Christine , Bertucci Francois , Bompas Emmanuelle , Chaigneau Loic , Levy Dominique , Ryckewaert Thomas , Dumont Sarah , Meeus Pierre , Ranchere Dominique , Blay Jean-Yves , Cassier Philippe Alexandre
Published: December 2017

Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs) is a group of rare and aggressive tumors. Data on EFTs in patients (pts) ≥ 50 years are limited and these pts are often not eligible for clinical trials. Some, but not all, studies have reported inferior outcome for older pts with EFTs. We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective analysis among centers of the French Sarcoma Group on pts diagnosed with EFTs at age ≥50 between 2000 and 2012. Clinical features, treatment modality and outcomes were analyzed. Seventy-seven pts were identified, including 36 females (46.8%) and the median age at diagnosis was 56 years (range: 50–86). The primary tumor was located in soft tissue in 59 pts (76.6%). Fifty-six pts (72.7%) had localized disease, among them 49 (87.5%) received chemotherapy in addition to local therapy. Their estimated 3-yr OS and event-free survival (EFS) rates were respectively 73.3% and 62.2%. Recurrence occurred in 43 pts. The estimated 3-yr OS rate was 37% in pts with metastatic disease at presentation. EFTs in pts ≥50 years are more likely to originate from soft tissue and their outcomes appear to be worse than that of younger pts treated with modern protocols.
Three tandem promoters, together with IHF, regulate growth phase dependent expression of the Escherichia coli kps capsule gene cluster
Authors: Jia Jia , King Jane E. , Goldrick Marie C. , Aldawood Esraa , Roberts Ian S.
Published: December 2017

In this study we characterise three tandem promoters (PR1-1, PR1-2 and PR1-3) within the PR1 regulatory region of the Escherichia coli kps capsule gene cluster. Transcription from promoter PR1-2 was dependent on the activity of the upstream promoter PR1-1, which activated PR1-2 via transcription coupled DNA supercoiling. During growth at 37 °C a temporal pattern of transcription from all three promoters was observed with maximum transcriptional activity evident during mid-exponential phase followed by a sharp decrease in activity as the cells enter stationary phase. The growth phase dependent transcription was regulated by Integration Host Factor (IHF), which bound within the PR1 region to repress transcription from PR1-2 and PR1-3. This pattern of transcription was mirrored by growth phase dependent expression of the K1 capsule. Overall these data reveal a complex pattern of transcriptional regulation for an important virulence factor with IHF playing a role in regulating growth phase expression.
Regulation of ribonucleotide synthesis by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa two-component system AlgR in response to oxidative stress
Authors: Crespo Anna , Pedraz Lucas , Van Der Hofstadt Marc , Gomila Gabriel , Torrents Eduard
Published: December 2017

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNR) catalyze the last step of deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, and are therefore essential to DNA-based life. Three forms of RNR exist: classes I, II, and III. While eukaryotic cells use only class Ia RNR, bacteria can harbor any combination of classes, granting them adaptability. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa surprisingly encodes all three classes, allowing it to thrive in different environments. Here we study an aspect of the complex RNR regulation whose molecular mechanism has never been elucidated, the well-described induction through oxidative stress, and link it to the AlgZR two-component system, the primary regulator of the mucoid phenotype. Through bioinformatics, we identify AlgR binding locations in RNR promoters, which we characterize functionally through EMSA and physically through AFM imaging. Gene reporter assays in different growth models are used to study the AlgZR-mediated control on the RNR network under various environmental conditions and physiological states. Thereby, we show that the two-component system AlgZR, which is crucial for bacterial conversion to the mucoid phenotype associated with chronic disease, controls the RNR network and directs how the DNA synthesis pathway is modulated in mucoid and non-mucoid biofilms, allowing it to respond to oxidative stress.
Controlling bottom-up rapid growth of single crystalline gallium nitride nanowires on silicon
Authors: Wu Ko-Li , Chou Yi , Su Chang-Chou , Yang Chih-Chaing , Lee Wei-I. , Chou Yi-Chia
Published: December 2017

We report single crystalline gallium nitride nanowire growth from Ni and Ni-Au catalysts on silicon using hydride vapor phase epitaxy. The growth takes place rapidly; efficiency in time is higher than the conventional nanowire growth in metal-organic chemical vapor deposition and thin film growth in molecular beam epitaxy. The effects of V/III ratio and carrier gas flow on growth are discussed regarding surface polarity and sticking coefficient of molecules. The nanowires of gallium nitride exhibit excellent crystallinity with smooth and straight morphology and uniform orientation. The growth mechanism follows self-assembly from both catalysts, where Au acts as a protection from etching during growth enabling the growth of ultra-long nanowires. The photoluminescence of such nanowires are adjustable by tuning the growth parameters to achieve blue emission. The practical range of parameters for mass production of such high crystal quality and uniformity of nanowires is suggested.
Runx2 mediated Induction of Novel Targets ST2 and Runx3 Leads to Cooperative Regulation of Hypertrophic Differentiation in ATDC5 Chondrocytes
Authors: Bonyadi Rad Ehsan , Musumeci Giuseppe , Pichler Karin , Heidary Maryam , Szychlinska Marta Anna , Castrogiovanni Paola , Marth Egon , Böhm Christina , Srinivasaiah Sriveena , Krönke Gerhard , Weinberg Annelie , Schäfer Ute
Published: December 2017

Knowledge concerning expression and function of Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) in chondrocytes is at present, limited. Analysis of murine growth plates and ATDC5 chondrocytes indicated peak expression of the ST2 transmembrane receptor (ST2L) and soluble (sST2) isoforms during the hypertrophic differentiation concomitant with the expression of the hypertrophic markers Collagen X (Col X), Runx2 and MMP-13. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in ATDC5 and primary human growth plate chondrocytes (PHCs), confirmed regulation of ST2 by the key transcription factor Runx2, indicating ST2 to be a novel Runx2 target. ST2 knock-out mice (ST2−/−) exhibited noticeable hypertrophic zone (HZ) reduction in murine growth plates, accompanied by lower expression of Col X and Osteocalcin (OSC) compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Likewise, ST2 knockdown resulted in decreased Col X expression and downregulation of OSC and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in ATDC5 cells. The ST2 suppression was also associated with upregulation of the proliferative stage markers Sox9 and Collagen II (Col II), indicating ST2 to be a new regulator of ATDC5 chondrocyte differentiation. Runx3 was, furthermore, identified as a novel Runx2 target in chondrocytes. This study suggests that Runx2 mediates ST2 and Runx3 induction to cooperatively regulate hypertrophic differentiation of ATDC5 chondrocytes.
Modeling of autophagy-related gene expression dynamics during long term fasting in European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Authors: Bolliet Valérie , Labonne Jacques , Olazcuaga Laure , Panserat Stéphane , Seiliez Iban
Published: December 2017

Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved cellular self-degradation process considered as a major energy mobilizing system in eukaryotes. It has long been considered as a post-translationally regulated event, and the importance of transcriptional regulation of autophagy-related genes (atg) for somatic maintenance and homeostasis during long period of stress emerged only recently. In this regard, large changes in atg transcription have been documented in several species under diverse types of prolonged catabolic situations. However, the available data primarily concern atg mRNA levels at specific times and fail to capture the dynamic relationship between transcript production over time and integrated phenotypes. Here, we present the development of a statistical model describing the dynamics of expression of several atg and lysosomal genes in European glass eel (Anguilla anguilla) during long-term fasting at two temperatures (9 °C and 12 °C) and make use of this model to infer the effect of transcripts dynamics on an integrated phenotype – here weight loss. Our analysis shows long-term non-random fluctuating atg expression dynamics and reveals for the first time a significant contribution of atg transcripts production over time to weight loss. The proposed approach thus offers a new perspective on the long-term transcriptional control of autophagy and its physiological role.
Evidence of novel miR-34a-based therapeutic approaches for multiple myeloma treatment
Authors: Zarone Mayra Rachele , Misso Gabriella , Grimaldi Anna , Zappavigna Silvia , Russo Margherita , Amler Evzen , Di Martino Maria Teresa , Amodio Nicola , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Caraglia Michele
Published: December 2017

MiR-34a acts as tumor suppressor microRNA (miRNA) in several cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM), by controlling the expression of target proteins involved in cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis. Here, we have investigated the combination between miR-34a and γ-secretase inhibitor (γSI), Sirtinol or zoledronic acid (ZOL) in order to enhance the inhibitory action of this miRNA on its canonical targets such as Notch1 and SIRT1, and on Ras/MAPK-dependent pathways. Our data demonstrate that miR-34a synthetic mimics significantly enhance the anti-tumor activity of all the above-mentioned anti-cancer agents in RPMI 8226 MM cells. We found that γSI enhanced miR-34a-dependent anti-tumor effects by activating the extrinsic apoptotic pathway which could overcome the cytoprotective autophagic mechanism. Moreover, the combination between miR-34a and γSI increased the cell surface calreticulin (CRT) expression, that is well known for triggering anti-tumor immunological response. The combination between miR-34a and Sirtinol induced the activation of an intrinsic apoptotic pathway along with increased surface expression of CRT. Regarding ZOL, we found a powerful growth inhibition after enforced miR-34a expression, which was not likely attributable to neither apoptosis nor autophagy modulation. Based on our data, the combination of miR-34a with other anti-cancer agents appears a promising anti-MM strategy deserving further investigation.
Concomitant activation of ETS-like transcription factor-1 and Death Receptor-5 via extracellular signal-regulated kinase in withaferin A-mediated inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Kuppusamy Panjamurthy , Nagalingam Arumugam , Muniraj Nethaji , Saxena Neeraj K. , Sharma Dipali
Published: December 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the second lowest 5-year survival rate (~16%) of all tumor types partly owing to the lack of effective therapeutic agents. Withaferin A (WA) is a bioactive molecule derived from Withania somnifera and the present study is designed to systemically investigate the anti-HCC efficacy of WA. WA inhibited growth, migration and invasion of HCC cells. Using a phospho-kinase screening array, we discovered that WA increased phosphorylation of ERK and p38 in HCC. Further analyses revealed a key role of ERK leading to increased phosphorylation of p90-ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) and a concomitant activation of ETS-like transcription factor-1(ELK1) and Death Receptor protein-5 (DR5) in HCC. Importantly, oral administration of WA effectively inhibited HepG2-xenografts and DEN-induced-HCC in C57BL/6 mice. Analyses of WA-treated HepG2-xenografts and DEN-induced-HCC tumors showed elevated levels of ERK, RSK, ELK1 and DR5 along with decreased expression of Ki67. In silico analyses of HCC, utilizing published profiling studies showed an inverse correlation between DR5 and Ki67. These data showed the efficacy of WA as an effective agent for HCC inhibition and provided first in vitro and in vivo evidence supporting the key role of a novel crosstalk between WA, ERK/RSK, ELK1, and DR5 in HCC inhibition.
Long-term impact of intrauterine neuroinflammation and treatment with magnesium sulphate and betamethasone: Sex-specific differences in a preterm labor murine model
Authors: Thagard Andrew S. , Slack Jessica L. , Estrada Sarah M. , Kazanjian Avedis A. , Chan Sem , Burd Irina , Napolitano Peter G. , Ieronimakis Nicholas
Published: December 2017

Preterm infants are at significantly increased risk for lifelong neurodevelopmental disability with male offspring disproportionately affected. Corticosteroids (such as betamethasone) and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) are administered to women in preterm labor to reduce neurologic morbidity. Despite widespread use of MgSO4 in clinical practice, its effects on adult offspring are not well known nor have sex-specific differences in therapeutic response been explored. The objective of our study was to examine the long-term effects of perinatal neuroinflammation and the effectiveness of prenatal MgSO4/betamethasone treatments between males and females in a murine model via histologic and expression analyses. Our results demonstrate that male but not female offspring exposed to intrauterine inflammation demonstrated impaired performance in neurodevelopmental testing in early life assessed via negative geotaxis, while those exposed to injury plus treatment fared better. Histologic analysis of adult male brains identified a significant reduction in hippocampal neural density in the injured group compared to controls. Evaluation of key neural markers via qRT-PCR demonstrated more profound differences in gene expression in adult males exposed to injury and treatment compared to female offspring, which largely showed resistance to injury. Prenatal treatment with MgSO4/betamethasone confers long-term benefits beyond cerebral palsy prevention with sex-specific differences in response.
Atomistic study of the solid state inside graphene nanobubbles
Authors: Iakovlev Evgeny , Zhilyaev Petr , Akhatov Iskander
Published: December 2017

A two-dimensional (2D) material placed on an atomically flat substrate can lead to the formation of surface nanobubbles trapping different types of substances. In this paper graphene nanobubbles of the radius of 7–34 nm with argon atoms inside are studied using molecular dynamics (MD). All modeled graphene nanobubbles except for the smallest ones exhibit an universal shape, i.e., a constant ratio of a bubble height to its footprint radius, which is in an agreement with experimental studies and their interpretation using the elastic theory of membranes. MD simulations reveal that argon does exist in a solid close-packed phase, although the internal pressure in the nanobubble is not sufficiently high for the ordinary crystallization that would occur in a bulk system. The smallest graphene bubbles with a radius of 7 nm exhibit an unusual “pancake” shape. Previously, nanobubbles with a similar pancake shape were experimentally observed in completely different systems at the interface between water and a hydrophobic surface.
Identification and characterization of the structure–activity relationships involved in UGT1A1 inhibition by anthraquinone and dianthrone constituents of Polygonum multiflorum
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Yadan , Li Yong , Wen Binyu , Dai Zhong , Ma Shuangcheng , Zhang Yujie
Published: December 2017

The adverse effects of Polygonum (P.) multiflorum, including abnormal bilirubin metabolism, are a serious public health issue. As uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is the only enzyme responsible for bilirubin metabolism, we investigated the inhibitory effect of a P. multiflorum extract and 10 anthraquinone and dianthrone compounds on UGT1A1 in rat liver microsomes in vitro. The P. multiflorum extract exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on UGT1A1 activity (inhibition constant [Ki] = 0.3257 μM, 1422 μg of material/mL), followed by cis-emodin dianthrones (Ki = 0.8630 μM), trans-emodin dianthrones (Ki = 1.083 μM), emodin-8-O-glc (Ki = 3.425 μM), and polygonumnolide C2 (Ki = 4.291 μM). Analysis of the structure–activity relationships of these compounds suggested that the spatial orientation of the molecules and the presence of particular functional groups affect UGT1A1 inhibition. A mechanistic analysis showed that all the tested compounds docked into two of the nine active sites of UGT1A1 and suggested that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds are important for the affinity of the tested compounds for UGT1A1; moreover, their interaction energies were generally in agreement with the Ki values. These findings provide insight into adverse reactions to P. multiflorum and identify the pharmacophores involved in inhibition of UGT1A1.
Formation of Cell Membrane Component Domains in Artificial Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Tero Ryugo , Fukumoto Kohei , Motegi Toshinori , Yoshida Miyu , Niwano Michio , Hirano-Iwata Ayumi
Published: December 2017

The lipid bilayer environment around membrane proteins strongly affects their structure and functions. Here, we aimed to study the fusion of proteoliposomes (PLs) derived from cultured cells with an artificial lipid bilayer membrane and the distribution of the PL components after the fusion. PLs, which were extracted as a crude membrane fraction from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, formed isolated domains in a supported lipid bilayer (SLB), comprising phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and cholesterol (Chol), after the fusion. Observation with a fluorescence microscope and an atomic force microscope showed that the membrane fusion occurred selectively at microdomains in the PC + PE + Chol-SLB, and that almost all the components of the PL were retained in the domain. PLs derived from human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells also formed isolated domains in the PC + PE + Chol-SLB, but their fusion kinetics was different from that of the CHO-PLs. We attempted to explain the mechanism of the PL-SLB fusion and the difference between CHO- and HEK-PLs, based on a kinetic model. The domains that contained the whole cell membrane components provided environments similar to that of natural cell membranes, and were thus effective for studying membrane proteins using artificial lipid bilayer membranes.
Agarose capsules as new tools for protecting denuded mouse oocytes/embryos during handling and freezing-thawing and supporting embryonic development in vivo
Authors: Nagatomo Hiroaki , Yao Tatsuma , Araki Yasuyuki , Mizutani Eiji , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: December 2017

Oocytes without a zona pellucida (ZP) often occur as a result of congenital or operational effects, but they are difficult to handle, and embryonic survival is low. Such zona-free (ZF) oocytes are therefore not used in clinics or laboratories. Furthermore, in the laboratory, removal of the ZP is often necessary for genetic manipulation by viral infection or twin production by blastomere separation, but adverse effects on development have been reported. It would therefore be extremely valuable if the embryo could be covered with a structure similar to that of the ZP. In this study, we sought to determine whether an agarose capsule could serve as a substitute for the ZP. Our results indicate that embryos derived from these agarose capsules were able to develop normally, and could be transplanted to obtain viable offspring, without having to remove the agarose capsule. Furthermore, before compaction, the agarose capsule embryos exhibited good freezing tolerance, and survival rate was extremely high compared to ZF embryos. Thus, agarose capsules represent a valuable tool for utilizing oocytes and embryos that lack a ZP, both in a clinical and livestock setting.
Recent advancements in biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles towards biomedical applications
Authors: Jiao Mingxia , Zhang Peisen , Meng Junli , Li Yingying , Liu Chunyan , Luo Xiliang , Gao Mingyuan
Published: December 2017

This review summarizes the recent advancements in preparation, surface modification, functionalization, and in vivo imaging applications of biocompatible inorganic nanoparticles.
Development of a novel secondary phosphine oxide–ruthenium(ii) catalyst and its application for carbonyl reduction
Authors: Tan Xuefeng , Zeng Weijun , Zhang Xiaoyong , Chung Lung Wa , Zhang Xumu
Published: December 2017

A secondary phosphine oxide–phosphine mixed tridentate ligand and its ruthenium complex have been developed.
A green route to a novel hyperbranched electrolyte interlayer for nonfullerene polymer solar cells with over 11% efficiency
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xiong Sixing , Chen Lie , Cheng Xiaofang , Xu Haitao , Zhou Yinhua , Liu Feng , Chen Yiwang
Published: December 2017

A PNSO3Na organic interfacial layer can induce the active layer to form a bi-continuous nano-micro phase separation face-on orientation.
Lead encapsulation by a golden clamp through multiple electrostatic, metallophilic, hydrogen bonding and weak interactions
Authors: Echeverría Raquel , López-de-Luzuriaga José M. , Monge Miguel , Moreno Sonia , Olmos M. Elena , Rodríguez-Castillo María
Published: December 2017

Complex [{Pb(HBpz3)}{Au3(o-C6BrF4)3(HBpz3)}] consists of a host–guest heterometallic system built up through a plethora of interactions including ionic and dispersive forces.
Capture of SO3isomers in the oxidation of sulfur monoxide with molecular oxygen
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Lu Bo , Feng Ruijuan , Xu Jian , Lu Yan , Wan Huabin , Eckhardt André K. , Schreiner Peter R. , Xie Changjian , Guo Hua , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: December 2017

Two SO3isomers,cis-OSOO and cyclic OS(O)O, were formed in the oxidation of SO and trapped in cryogenic matrices for spectroscopic characterization.
Facile surfactant- and template-free synthesis and luminescence properties of needle-like calcite CaCO3:Eu3+ phosphors
Authors: Dai Yunzhi , Zou Haifeng , Zhu He , Zhou Xiuqing , Song Yanhua , Zheng Keyan , Shi Zhan , Sheng Ye
Published: December 2017

Simulated diagram of the growth process of needle-like CaCO3:Eu3+ particles.
High-temperature sequential structural transitions with distinct switchable dielectric behaviors in two organic ionic plastic crystals: [C4H11NBr] [ClO4] and [C4H11NBr] [BF4]
Authors: Lu Si-Qi , Chen Xiao-Gang , Gao Ji-Xing , Lu Yang , Hua Xiu-Ni , Liao Wei-Qiang
Published: December 2017

[C4H11NBr] [ClO4] and [C4H11NBr] [BF4] undergo phase transitions from an ordered phase to plastic phase accompanied by switchable dielectric anomalies.
Iodoargentates from clusters to 1D chains and 2D layers induced by solvated lanthanide complex cations: syntheses, crystal structures, and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Shen Yali , Zhang Limei , Sun Peipei , Liu Shuzhen , Jiang Wenqing , Jia Dingxian
Published: December 2017

Lanthanide(iii) iodoargentates [Ln(DMSO)8]4Ag22I34·2H2O (Ln = La (1), Ce (2)), [Ln(DMSO)8]Ag7I10(Ln = Eu (3), Tb (4), Dy (5)), and [Yb(DMSO)7]Ag5I8(6) were synthesized by a diffusion method.
Exploring Brønsted acids confined in the 10-ring channels of the zeolite ferrierite
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Hongyi , Yan Nana , Correll Sascha , Xu Shutao , Guo Peng , Tian Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: December 2017

Locations of Brønsted acids confined in the 10-ring channel of ferrierite have been unravelled by refining structural models of as-made and probe-molecule-adsorbed samples against powder X-ray diffraction data, respectively.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Trimorphs of a pharmaceutical cocrystal involving two active pharmaceutical ingredients: potential relevance to combination drugs” by S. Aitipamula, P. S. Chow and R. B. H. Tan, CrystEngComm, 2009, 11, 1823’
Authors: Aitipamula Srinivasulu , Chow Pui Shan , Tan Reginald B. H.
Published: December 2017

The inadvertent errors in the lattice energy calculations of the cocrystal polymorphs reported in our previous article were rectified.
Competitive DNA binding of Ru(bpy)2dppz2+ enantiomers studied with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) using a direct and general binding isotherm algorithm
Authors: Mårtensson Anna K. F. , Lincoln Per
Published: December 2017

A simple algorithm allowing for binding isotherm calculations of almost any level of complexity is demonstrated here in a competitive ITC setting with enantiopure Ru-bpy intercalating into AT-DNA.
Enhanced, robust light-driven H2 generation by gallium-doped titania nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Si , Nguyen-Phan Thuy-Duong , Vovchok Dimitriy , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Palomino Robert M. , Gamalski Andrew D. , Barrio Laura , Xu Wenqian , Polyansky Dmitry E. , Rodriguez José A. , Senanayake Sanjaya D.
Published: December 2017

Successful introduction of gallium ions into TiO2 nanoparticles significantly promotes the H2 evolution activity and stability, increasing the opportunities for designing promising photocatalysts for green fuel production.
Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of anharmonic molecular potentials
Authors: Anda André , Abramavičius Darius , Hansen Thorsten
Published: December 2017

Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) is a powerful tool in the study of coupled electron–phonon dynamics, yet very little is known about how nonlinearities in the electron–phonon coupling, arising from anharmonicities in the nuclear potentials, affect the spectra.
Heat of adsorption, adsorption stress, and optimal storage of methane in slit and cylindrical carbon pores predicted by classical density functional theory
Authors: Hlushak Stepan
Published: December 2017

Temperature, pressure and pore-size dependences of the heat of adsorption, adsorption stress, and adsorption capacity of methane in simple models of slit and cylindrical carbon pores are studied using classical density functional theory and Monte-Carlo simulation.
Spectroscopy and dynamics of dehydrobenzo[12]annulene derivatives possessing peripheral carboxyphenyl groups: theory and experiment
Authors: Gomez Eduardo , Gutiérrez Mario , Moreno Miquel , Hisaki Ichiro , Nakagawa Schoichi , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: December 2017

Steady-state and pico-microsecond time-resolved spectroscopies of the indicated DBA derivatives in solutions show the involvement of singlet, triplet and H-bonded structures in their rich photodynamics.
Structure and dynamics of the radical cation of ethane arising from the Jahn–Teller and pseudo-Jahn–Teller effects
Authors: Jacovella U. , Stein C. J. , Grütter M. , Freitag L. , Lauzin C. , Reiher M. , Merkt F.
Published: December 2017

High-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterize the structure and dynamics of the ethane radical cation (C2H6+).
Effects of salinity on the adsorption of nucleotides onto phyllosilicates
Authors: Pedreira-Segade Ulysse , Michot Laurent J. , Daniel Isabelle
Published: December 2017

Batch adsorption, spectroscopic analysis and small angle X-ray scattering show that the nature and valence of ions modify the adsorption of nucleotides onto phyllosilicates.
Ultralow and anisotropic thermal conductivity in semiconductor As2Se3
Authors: González-Romero Robert L. , Antonelli Alex , Chaves Anderson S. , Meléndez Juan J.
Published: December 2017

An ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.14 W m−1 K−1 along the b⃑ axis of As2Se3 single crystals was obtained at 300 K by first-principles calculations involving density functional theory and the resolution of the Boltzmann transport equation.
Conformational switching via an intramolecular H-bond modulates the fluorescence lifetime in a novel coumarin–imidazole conjugate
Authors: Bhattacharjee Indranil , Ghosh Nita , Raina Abhinav , Dasgupta Jyotishman , Ray Debdas
Published: December 2017

Achieving synthetic control over light-driven molecular dynamics is essential for designing complex molecule-based devices.
Hydrocarbon decomposition kinetics on the Ir(111) surface
Authors: Tetlow H. , Curcio D. , Baraldi A. , Kantorovich L.
Published: December 2017

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons on the Ir(111) surface is determined using kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) and rate equations simulations, both based on the density functional theory (DFT) calculated energy barriers of the involved reaction processes.
Bias-scanning based tunable LSPR sensor
Authors: Ran Lingling , Tao Yifei , Guo Kai , Shen Fei , Zhou Hongping , Sun Yongxuan , Zhang Renbin , Zhou Qingfeng , Yang Jiuru , Yin Zhiping , Guo Zhongyi
Published: December 2017

The principle and the characteristics of the bias-scanning based tunable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors for environmental refractive index have been theoretically and numerically investigated in detail.
A highly efficient sulfonic acid resin for liquid-phase carbonylation of dimethoxymethane
Authors: Chen Fei , Shi Lei , Yao Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Dongxi , Zhu Wenliang , Liu Zhongmin
Published: December 2017

The influence of H2O content on DMM carbonylation using a DICP-001 resin catalyst (Fig. 6).
Effect of secondary organic aerosol from isoprene-derived hydroxyhydroperoxides on the expression of oxidative stress response genes in human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Arashiro Maiko , Lin Ying-Hsuan , Zhang Zhenfa , Sexton Kenneth G. , Gold Avram , Jaspers Ilona , Fry Rebecca C. , Surratt Jason D.
Published: December 2017

Composition of isoprene-derived SOA affects its ability to alter oxidative stress-related gene expression.
Where is the nano? Analytical approaches for the detection and quantification of TiO2engineered nanoparticles in surface waters
Authors: Gondikas Andreas , von der Kammer Frank , Kaegi Ralf , Borovinskaya Olga , Neubauer Elisabeth , Navratilova Jana , Praetorius Antonia , Cornelis Geert , Hofmann Thilo
Published: December 2017

Detecting and quantifying engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in complex environmental matrices requires the distinction between natural nanoparticles (NNPs) and ENPs.
Effects of agglomeration on in vitro dosimetry and cellular association of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ha My Kieu , Shim Yoo Jin , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: December 2017

Agglomeration of nanoparticles in biological media influences their effective dose and cellular association.
Synthesis of (meth)acrylamide-based glycomonomers using renewable resources and their polymerization in aqueous systems
Authors: Adharis Azis , Vesper Dennis , Koning Nick , Loos Katja
Published: December 2017

The synthesis of glycomonomers and glycopolymers using renewable resources as starting materials and water as a solvent and biocatalyst.
Electrochemical production of syngas from CO2 captured in switchable polarity solvents
Authors: Diaz Luis A. , Gao Ningshengjie , Adhikari Birendra , Lister Tedd E. , Dufek Eric J. , Wilson Aaron D.
Published: December 2017

Switchable polarity solvents allowed for the first time the electrochemical reduction of captured CO2 for an efficient production of syngas.
Microfluidic bypass manometry: highly parallelized measurement of flow resistance of complex channel geometries and trapped droplets
Authors: Suteria Naureen S. , Nekouei Mehdi , Vanapalli Siva A.
Published: December 2017

We report a new method for measuring flow resistance of complex microfluidic channels and deformable particles in a parallelized manner.
Transition metals and trace elements in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid: correlative ultrastructural and chemical analysis by analytical electron microscopy and nano-secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Biesemeier Antje , Eibl Oliver , Eswara Santhana , Audinot Jean-Nicolas , Wirtz Tom , Schraermeyer Ulrich
Published: December 2017

Characterisation of ocular melanosomes and their metal storing capacity is possible by high resolution analytical EM and nano-SIMS.
Interdependence of free zinc changes and protein complex assembly – insights into zinc signal regulation
Authors: Kocyła Anna , Adamczyk Justyna , Krężel Artur
Published: December 2017

Small and local changes in cellular free zinc concentration affect protein assembly.
The reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 2-nitroaniline by the incorporation of Ni@Pd MNPs into modified UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with tetrathia-azacyclopentadecane
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen , Zhiani Rahele , Emrani Shokufe
Published: December 2017

UiO-66-NH2/TTACP/Ni@Pd MNPs exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of 2-nitroaniline and 4-nitrophenol.
Nutriosomes: prebiotic delivery systems combining phospholipids, a soluble dextrin and curcumin to counteract intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Catalán-Latorre Ana , Pleguezuelos-Villa Maria , Castangia Ines , Manca Maria Letizia , Caddeo Carla , Nácher Amparo , Díez-Sales Octavio , Peris José Esteban , Pons Ramon , Escribano-Ferrer Elvira , Fadda Anna Maria , Manconi Maria
Published: December 2017

Nutriosomes, new phospholipid nanovesicles specifically designed for intestinal protection, have been developed.