bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The antidepressant-like activity of AC-5216, a ligand for 18KDa translocator protein (TSPO), in an animal model of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qiu Zhi-Kun , He Jia-Li , Liu Xu , Zhang Guan-Hua , Zeng Jia , Nie Hong , Shen Yong-Gang , Chen Ji-Sheng
Published: November 2016

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is associated with depression. Also, depression is common in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Translocator protein (18kDa) (TSPO) and allopregnanolone play an important role in the depression treatment. However, few studies have evaluated TSPO and allopregnanolone in the treatment of depression in T2DM. AC-5216, a ligand for TSPO, produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in animal models. The present study aimed to explore antidepressant-like effects of AC-5216 on diabetic rats. Following the development of diabetic model induced by high fat diet (HFD) feeding and streptozotocin (STZ), AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.) elicited the antidepressant-like effects in behavioral tests while these activities were blocked by TSPO antagonist PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The levels of allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were increased by AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.), which was antagonized by PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The increased plasma glucose (PG) and decreased insulin (INS) in HFD-STZ rats were reversed by AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.). This study indicates that the antidepressant-like effects of AC-5216 on HFD-STZ rats, suggesting that TSPO may represent a novel therapeutic target for depression in T2DM.
Hydrocarbon degraders establish at the costs of microbial richness, abundance and keystone taxa after crude oil contamination in permafrost environments
Authors: Yang Sizhong , Wen Xi , Shi Yulan , Liebner Susanne , Jin Huijun , Perfumo Amedea
Published: November 2016

Oil spills from pipeline ruptures are a major source of terrestrial petroleum pollution in cold regions. However, our knowledge of the bacterial response to crude oil contamination in cold regions remains to be further expanded, especially in terms of community shifts and potential development of hydrocarbon degraders. In this study we investigated changes of microbial diversity, population size and keystone taxa in permafrost soils at four different sites along the China-Russia crude oil pipeline prior to and after perturbation with crude oil. We found that crude oil caused a decrease of cell numbers together with a reduction of the species richness and shifts in the dominant phylotypes, while bacterial community diversity was highly site-specific after exposure to crude oil, reflecting different environmental conditions. Keystone taxa that strongly co-occurred were found to form networks based on trophic interactions, that is co-metabolism regarding degradation of hydrocarbons (in contaminated samples) or syntrophic carbon cycling (in uncontaminated samples). With this study we demonstrate that after severe crude oil contamination a rapid establishment of endemic hydrocarbon degrading communities takes place under favorable temperature conditions. Therefore, both endemism and trophic correlations of bacterial degraders need to be considered in order to develop effective cleanup strategies.
Epigenetic Enhancement of the Post-replicative DNA Mismatch Repair of Mammalian Genomes by a Hemi-mCpG-Np95-Dnmt1 Axis
Authors: Wang Keh-Yang , Chen Chun-Chang , Tsai Shih-Feng , Shen Che-Kun James
Published: November 2016

DNA methylation at C of CpG dyads (mCpG) in vertebrate genomes is essential for gene regulation, genome stability and development. We show in this study that proper functioning of post-replicative DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in mammalian cells relies on the presence of genomic mCpG, as well as on the maintenance DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1 independently of its catalytic activity. More importantly, high efficiency of mammalian MMR surveillance is achieved through a hemi-mCpG-Np95(Uhrf1)-Dnmt1 axis, in which the MMR surveillance complex(es) is recruited to post-replicative DNA by Dnmt1, requiring its interactions with MutSα, as well as with Np95 bound at the hemi-methylated CpG sites. Thus, efficiency of MMR surveillance over the mammalian genome in vivo is enhanced at the epigenetic level. This synergy endows vertebrate CpG methylation with a new biological significance and, consequently, an additional mechanism for the maintenance of vertebrate genome stability.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of food-borne nitriles in a liver in vitro model
Authors: Kupke Franziska , Herz Corinna , Hanschen Franziska S. , Platz Stefanie , Odongo Grace A. , Helmig Simone , Bartolomé Rodríguez María M. , Schreiner Monika , Rohn Sascha , Lamy Evelyn
Published: November 2016

Isothiocyanates are the most intensively studied breakdown products of glucosinolates fromBrassicaplants and well recognized for their pleiotropic effects against cancer but also for their genotoxic potential. However, knowledge about the bioactivity of glucosinolate-borne nitriles in foods is very poor. As determined by GC-MS, broccoli glucosinolates mainly degrade to nitriles as breakdown products. The cytotoxicity of nitriles in human HepG2 cells and primary murine hepatocytes was marginal as compared to isothiocyanates. Toxicity of nitriles was not enhanced in CYP2E1-overexpressing HepG2 cells. In contrast, the genotoxic potential of nitriles was found to be comparable to isothiocyanates. DNA damage was persistent over a certain time period and CYP2E1-overexpression further increased the genotoxic potential of the nitriles. Based on actualin vitrodata, no indications are given that food-borne nitriles could be relevant for cancer prevention, but could pose a certain genotoxic risk under conditions relevant for food consumption.
Hyperinvasiveness of Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis linked to hyperexpression of type III secretion systems in vitro
Authors: Huang Kuan-Yeh , Wang Yi-Hsin , Chien Kun-Yi , Janapatla Rajendra Prasad , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: November 2016

Salmonella enterica serovars Choleraesuis and Typhimurium are among the non-typhoid Salmonella serovars that are important zoonotic pathogens. In clinical observation, S. Typhimurium typically causes diarrheal diseases; however, S. Choleraesuis shows high predilection to cause bacteremia. The mechanism why S. Choleraesuis is more invasive to humans remains unknown. In this study, we compared the S. Typhimurium LT2 and S. Choleraesuis SC-B67 proteomes through stable isotope labeling of amino acid in cell culture (SILAC). In SILAC, the expression of many virulence proteins in two type III secretion systems (T3SSs) were significantly higher in S. Choleraesuis than in S. Typhimurium. Similar differences were also found at the transcriptional level. Compared to S. Typhimurium, S. Choleraesuis showed a higher penetration level to Caco-2 (>100-fold) and MDCK (>10-fold) monolayers. In mice after oral challenge, the invasion of spleen and liver was also higher in S. Choleraesuis than in S. Typhimurium. The transcription of hilD in S. Choleraesuis was increased in physiological (1 mM) or high (10 mM) concentrations of Mg2+, but not in low (8 μM) concentration. We conclude that S. Choleraesuis showed hyperinvasiveness in cellular as well as mouse models due to hyperexpression of T3SS genes.
Functional Improvement and Regression of Medial Hypertrophy in the Remodeled Pulmonary Artery after Correction of Systemic Left-to-Right Shunt
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hsin , Roan Jun-Neng , Chen Jyh-Hong , Lam Chen-Fuh
Published: November 2016

The presence of systemic left-to-right shunt and increased pulmonary blood flow can result in right heart failure and pulmonary arteriopathy. Correction of left-to-right shunt has been shown to improve cardiac function and physical performance. However, the cardiopulmonary remodeling processes following cessation of left-to-right shunt have yet to be reported. In this experimental study, excessive pulmonary flow was restored through ligation of the aortocaval fistula in rats with flow-induced pulmonary hypertension. The cardiopulmonary morphometric functions were assessed, and phenotypic switching of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was determined. Ligation of aortocaval fistula significantly attenuated pulmonary blood flow and right ventricular mass, and potentiated the isometric contraction of pulmonary artery. Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced in the lung after ligation. Reduction of pulmonary blood flow restored the expressions of smooth muscle myosin heavy chain and α-smooth muscle actin in pulmonary artery, indicating the switching of VSMCs to the contractile phenotype. Our study demonstrated that normalization of pulmonary blood flow in flow-induced pulmonary hypertension reverses the remodeling in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery. The remodeling process of flow-induced pulmonary hypertension is functionally and morphometrically reversible by inducing transdifferentiation of pulmonary VSMC to contractile phenotypes and modulation of tissue inflammatory cytokines.
Proteomic profile of the Bradysia odoriphaga in response to the microbial secondary metabolite benzothiazole
Authors: Zhao Yunhe , Cui Kaidi , Xu Chunmei , Wang Qiuhong , Wang Yao , Zhang Zhengqun , Liu Feng , Mu Wei
Published: November 2016

Benzothiazole, a microbial secondary metabolite, has been demonstrated to possess fumigant activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Ditylenchus destructor and Bradysia odoriphaga. However, to facilitate the development of novel microbial pesticides, the mode of action of benzothiazole needs to be elucidated. Here, we employed iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis to investigate the effects of benzothiazole on the proteomic expression of B. odoriphaga. In response to benzothiazole, 92 of 863 identified proteins in B. odoriphaga exhibited altered levels of expression, among which 14 proteins were related to the action mechanism of benzothiazole, 11 proteins were involved in stress responses, and 67 proteins were associated with the adaptation of B. odoriphaga to benzothiazole. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that the reduction in energy metabolism, inhibition of the detoxification process and interference with DNA and RNA synthesis were potentially associated with the mode of action of benzothiazole. The myosin heavy chain, succinyl-CoA synthetase and Ca+-transporting ATPase proteins may be related to the stress response. Increased expression of proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism, energy production and conversion pathways was responsible for the adaptive response of B. odoriphaga. The results of this study provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of benzothiazole at a large-scale translation level and will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanism of action of benzothiazole.
Ultrasensitive, rapid and inexpensive detection of DNA using paper based lateral flow assay
Authors: Jauset-Rubio Miriam , Svobodová Markéta , Mairal Teresa , McNeil Calum , Keegan Neil , Saeed Ayman , Abbas Mohammad Nooredeen , El-Shahawi Mohammad S. , Bashammakh Abdulaziz S. , Alyoubi Abdulrahman O. , O´Sullivan Ciara K.
Published: November 2016

Sensitive, specific, rapid, inexpensive and easy-to-use nucleic acid tests for use at the point-of-need are critical for the emerging field of personalised medicine for which companion diagnostics are essential, as well as for application in low resource settings. Here we report on the development of a point-of-care nucleic acid lateral flow test for the direct detection of isothermally amplified DNA. The recombinase polymerase amplification method is modified slightly to use tailed primers, resulting in an amplicon with a duplex flanked by two single stranded DNA tails. This tailed amplicon facilitates detection via hybridisation to a surface immobilised oligonucleotide capture probe and a gold nanoparticle labelled reporter probe. A detection limit of 1 × 10−11 M (190 amol), equivalent to 8.67 × 105 copies of DNA was achieved, with the entire assay, both amplification and detection, being completed in less than 15 minutes at a constant temperature of 37 °C. The use of the tailed primers obviates the need for hapten labelling and consequent use of capture and reporter antibodies, whilst also avoiding the need for any post-amplification processing for the generation of single stranded DNA, thus presenting an assay that can facilely find application at the point of need.
Controlling the Electromagnetic Field Confinement with Metamaterials
Authors: Bonache Jordi , Zamora Gerard , Paredes Ferran , Zuffanelli Simone , Aguilà Pau , Martín Ferran
Published: November 2016

The definition of a precise illumination region is essential in many applications where the electromagnetic field should be confined in some specific volume. By using conventional structures, it is difficult to achieve an adequate confinement distance (or volume) with negligible levels of radiation leakage beyond it. Although metamaterial structures and metasurfaces are well-known to provide high controllability of their electromagnetic properties, this feature has not yet been applied to solve this problem. We present a method of electromagnetic field confinement based on the generation of evanescent waves by means of metamaterial structures. With this method, the confinement volume can be controlled, namely, it is possible to define a large area with an intense field without radiation leakage. A prototype working in the microwave region has been implemented, and very good agreement between the measurements and the theoretical prediction of field distribution has been obtained.
Impact of human activities on subaqueous topographic change in Lingding Bay of the Pearl River estuary, China, during 1955–2013
Authors: Wu Z. Y. , Saito Yoshiki , Zhao D. N. , Zhou J. Q. , Cao Z. Y. , Li S. J. , Shang J. H. , Liang Y. Y.
Published: November 2016

Estuaries have been sites of intensive human activities during the past century. Tracing the evolution of subaqueous topography in estuaries on a decadal timescale enables us to understand the effects of human activities on estuaries. Bathymetric data from 1955 to 2010 show that land reclamation decreased the subaqueous area of Lingding Bay, in the Pearl River estuary, by ~170 km2 and decreased its water volume by 615 × 106 m3, representing a net decrease of 11.2 × 106 m3 per year and indicating the deposition of approximately 14.5 Mt/yr of sediment in Lingding Bay during that period. Whereas Lingding Bay was mainly governed by natural processes with slight net deposition before 1980, subsequent dredging and large port engineering projects changed the subaqueous topography of the bay by shallowing its shoals and deepening its troughs. Between 2012 and 2013, continuous dredging and a surge of sand excavation resulted in local changes in water depth of ± 5 m/yr, far exceeding the magnitude of natural topographic evolution in Lingding Bay. Reclamation, dredging, and navigation-channel projects removed 8.4 Mt/yr of sediment from Lingding Bay, representing 29% of the sediment input to the bay, and these activities have increased recently.
Histone deacetylase 1 plays a predominant pro-oncogenic role in Eμ-myc driven B cell lymphoma
Authors: Pillonel Vincent , Reichert Nina , Cao Chun , Heideman Marinus R. , Yamaguchi Teppei , Matthias Gabriele , Tzankov Alexandar , Matthias Patrick
Published: November 2016

The two histone deacetylases (Hdacs), Hdac1 and Hdac2, are erasers of acetylation marks on histone tails, and are important regulators of gene expression that were shown to play important roles in hematological malignancies. However, several recent studies reported opposing tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting roles for Hdac1 and Hdac2. Here, we investigated the functional role of Hdac1 and Hdac2 using the Eμ-myc mouse model of B cell lymphoma. We demonstrate that Hdac1 and Hdac2 have a pro-oncogenic role in both Eμ-myc tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance. Hdac1 and Hdac2 promote tumorigenesis in a gene dose-dependent manner, with a predominant function of Hdac1. Our data show that Hdac1 and Hdac2 impact on Eμ-myc B cell proliferation and apoptosis and suggest that a critical level of Hdac activity may be required for Eμ-myc tumorigenesis and proper B cell development. This provides the rationale for utilization of selective Hdac1 and Hdac2 inhibitors in the treatment of hematological malignancies.
Direct electrical control of IgG conformation and functional activity at surfaces
Authors: Ghisellini Paola , Caiazzo Marialuisa , Alessandrini Andrea , Eggenhöffner Roberto , Vassalli Massimo , Facci Paolo
Published: November 2016

We have devised a supramolecular edifice involving His-tagged protein A and antibodies to yield surface immobilized, uniformly oriented, IgG-type, antibody layers with Fab fragments exposed off an electrode surface. We demonstrate here that we can affect the conformation of IgGs, likely pushing/pulling electrostatically Fab fragments towards/from the electrode surface. A potential difference between electrode and solution acts on IgGs’ charged aminoacids modulating the accessibility of the specific recognition regions of Fab fragments by antigens in solution. Consequently, antibody-antigen affinity is affected by the sign of the applied potential: a positive potential enables an effective capture of antigens; a negative one pulls the fragments towards the electrode, where steric hindrance caused by neighboring molecules largely hampers the capture of antigens. Different experimental techniques (electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence confocal microscopy and electrochemical atomic force spectroscopy) were used to evaluate binding kinetics, surface coverage, effect of the applied electric field on IgGs, and role of charged residues on the phenomenon described. These findings expand the concept of electrical control of biological reactions and can be used to gate electrically specific recognition reactions with impact in biosensors, bioactuators, smart biodevices, nanomedicine, and fundamental studies related to chemical reaction kinetics.
Identification of ER-000444793, a Cyclophilin D-independent inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition, using a high-throughput screen in cryopreserved mitochondria
Authors: Briston Thomas , Lewis Sian , Koglin Mumta , Mistry Kavita , Shen Yongchun , Hartopp Naomi , Katsumata Ryosuke , Fukumoto Hironori , Duchen Michael R. , Szabadkai Gyorgy , Staddon James M. , Roberts Malcolm , Powney Ben
Published: November 2016

Growing evidence suggests persistent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening is a key pathophysiological event in cell death underlying a variety of diseases. While it has long been clear the mPTP is a druggable target, current agents are limited by off-target effects and low therapeutic efficacy. Therefore identification and development of novel inhibitors is necessary. To rapidly screen large compound libraries for novel mPTP modulators, a method was exploited to cryopreserve large batches of functionally active mitochondria from cells and tissues. The cryopreserved mitochondria maintained respiratory coupling and ATP synthesis, Ca2+ uptake and transmembrane potential. A high-throughput screen (HTS), using an assay of Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling in the cryopreserved mitochondria identified ER-000444793, a potent inhibitor of mPTP opening. Further evaluation using assays of Ca2+-induced membrane depolarisation and Ca2+ retention capacity also indicated that ER-000444793 acted as an inhibitor of the mPTP. ER-000444793 neither affected cyclophilin D (CypD) enzymatic activity, nor displaced of CsA from CypD protein, suggesting a mechanism independent of CypD inhibition. Here we identified a novel, CypD-independent inhibitor of the mPTP. The screening approach and compound described provides a workflow and additional tool to aid the search for novel mPTP modulators and to help understand its molecular nature.
Structural insights into the interaction of the ribosomal P stalk protein P2 with a type II ribosome-inactivating protein ricin
Authors: Fan Xiaojiao , Zhu Yuwei , Wang Chongyuan , Niu Liwen , Teng Maikun , Li Xu
Published: November 2016

Ricin is a type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) that depurinates A4324 at the sarcin-ricin loop of 28 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), thus inactivating the ribosome by preventing elongation factors from binding to the GTPase activation centre. Recent studies have disclosed that the conserved C-terminal domain (CTD) of eukaryotic ribosomal P stalk proteins is involved in the process that RIPs target ribosome. However, the details of the molecular interaction between ricin and P stalk proteins remain unknown. Here, we report the structure of ricin-A chain (RTA) in a complex with the CTD of the human ribosomal protein P2. The structure shows that the Phe111, Leu113 and Phe114 residues of P2 insert into a hydrophobic pocket formed by the Tyr183, Arg235, Phe240 and Ile251 residues of RTA, while Asp115 of P2 forms hydrogen bonds with Arg235 of RTA. The key residues in RTA and P2 for complex formation were mutated, and their importance was determined by pull-down assays. The results from cell-free translation assays further confirmed that the interaction with P stalk proteins is essential for the inhibition of protein synthesis by RTA. Taken together, our results provide a structural basis that will improve our understanding of the process by which ricin targets the ribosome, which will benefit the development of effective small-molecule inhibitors for use as therapeutic agents.
mTOR regulates neuroprotective effect of immunized CD4+Foxp3+ T cells in optic nerve ischemia
Authors: Chen Guochun , Tang Luosheng , Wei Wei , Li Zhuo , Li Yunping , Duan Xuanchu , Chen Huihui
Published: November 2016

The therapeutic potential of targeting CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains controversial under the condition of neuroinflammation. This study aims to explore the neuroprotective role of Tregs in optic nerve ischemia (ONI) and evaluate the therapeutic strategy of Tregs transfer with a focus on targeting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Intraocular pressure was transiently increased in adult C57BL/6 mice to induce ONI. Mucosal tolerance of myelin basic protein (MBP) markedly increased retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival after ONI through enhanced Tregs suppression. mTOR inhibition significantly promoted the frequency of MBP-immunized Tregs in vitro with increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Transient rapamycin treatment highly promoted the immunosuppressive capacity of Tregs and inhibited retinal inflammation in ONI animals. Intravenous infusion of MBP-immunized Tregs, instead of regular Tregs, beneficially modulated immune activities of host retinal CD11b+ cells and CD4+ effector T cells, leading to significant improvement of RGC survival. Importantly, rapamycin treatment further enhanced the neuroprotective effect of Tregs transfer. Taken together, these findings reveal a fine regulation of mTOR signaling on immunized Tregs after acute retinal injury. Adoptive transfer with targeting-mTOR strategy markedly improves neuronal recovery after ONI, supporting the therapeutic potentials of Tregs in acute and chronic neurological disorder.
Estradiol-Estrogen Receptor α Mediates the Expression of the CXXC5 Gene through the Estrogen Response Element-Dependent Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yaşar Pelin , Ayaz Gamze , Muyan Mesut
Published: November 2016

17β-estradiol (E2), the primary circulating estrogen hormone, mediates physiological and pathophysiological functions of breast tissue mainly through estrogen receptor α (ERα). Upon binding to E2, ERα modulates the expression of target genes involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation primarily through interactions with specific DNA sequences, estrogen response elements (EREs). Our previous microarray results suggested that E2-ERα modulates CXXC5 expression. Because of the presence of a zinc-finger CXXC domain (ZF-CXXC), CXXC5 is considered to be a member of the ZF-CXXC family, which binds to non-methylated CpG dinucleotides. Although studies are limited, CXXC5 appears to participate as a transcription factor, co-regulator and/or epigenetic factor in the regulation of cellular events induced by various signaling pathways. However, how signaling pathways mediate the expression of CXXC5 is yet unclear. Due to the importance of E2-ERα signaling in breast tissue, changes in the CXXC5 transcription/synthesis could participate in E2-mediated cellular events as well. To address these issues, we initially examined the mechanism whereby E2-ERα regulates CXXC5 expression. We show here that CXXC5 is an E2-ERα responsive gene regulated by the interaction of E2-ERα with an ERE present at a region upstream of the initial translation codon of the gene.
Speciation and genetic diversity in Centaurea subsect. Phalolepis in Anatolia
Authors: López-Pujol Jordi , López-Vinyallonga Sara , Susanna Alfonso , Ertuğrul Kuddisi , Uysal Tuna , Tugay Osman , Guetat Arbi , Garcia-Jacas Núria
Published: November 2016

Mountains of Anatolia are one of the main Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots and their richness in endemic species amounts for 30% of the flora. Two main factors may account for this high diversity: the complex orography and its role as refugia during past glaciations. We have investigated seven narrow endemics of Centaurea subsection Phalolepis from Anatolia by means of microsatellites and ecological niche modelling (ENM), in order to analyse genetic polymorphisms and getting insights into their speciation. Despite being narrow endemics, all the studied species show moderate to high SSR genetic diversity. Populations are genetically isolated, but exchange of genes probably occurred at glacial maxima (likely through the Anatolian mountain arches as suggested by the ENM). The lack of correlation between genetic clusters and (morpho) species is interpreted as a result of allopatric diversification on the basis of a shared gene pool. As suggested in a former study in Greece, post-glacial isolation in mountains would be the main driver of diversification in these plants; mountains of Anatolia would have acted as plant refugia, allowing the maintenance of high genetic diversity. Ancient gene flow between taxa that became sympatric during glaciations may also have contributed to the high levels of genetic diversity.
In vivo characterization of hair and skin derived carbon quantum dots with high quantum yield as long-term bioprobes in zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Jing-Hui , Niu Aping , Li Jing , Fu Jian-Wei , Xu Qun , Pei De-Sheng
Published: November 2016

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) were widely investigated because of their tunable fluorescence properties and low toxicity. However, so far there have been no reports on in vivo functional studies of hair and skin derived CDs. Here, hair derived CDs (HCDs) and skin derived CDs (SCDs) were produced by using human hair and pig skin as precursors. The quantum yields (QYs) of HCDs and SCDs were quite high, compared to citric acid derived CDs (CCDs). HCDs and SCDs possess optimal photostability, hypotoxicity and biocompatibility in zebrafish, indicating that HCDs and SCDs possess the capacity of being used as fluorescence probes for in vivo biological imaging. The long-time observation for fluorescence alternation of CDs in zebrafish and the quenching assay of CDs by ATP, NADH and Fe3+ ions demonstrated that the decaying process of CDs in vivo might be induced by the synergistic effect of the metabolism process. All results indicated that large batches and high QYs of CDs can be acquired by employing natural and nontoxic hair and skin as precursors. To our knowledge, this is the first time to report SCDs, in vivo comparative studies of HCDs, SCDs and CCDs as bioprobes, and explore their mechanism of photostability in zebrafish.
Redefining the Speed Limit of Phase Change Memory Revealed by Time-resolved Steep Threshold-Switching Dynamics of AgInSbTe Devices
Authors: Shukla Krishna Dayal , Saxena Nishant , Durai Suresh , Manivannan Anbarasu
Published: November 2016

Although phase-change memory (PCM) offers promising features for a ‘universal memory’ owing to high-speed and non-volatility, achieving fast electrical switching remains a key challenge. In this work, a correlation between the rate of applied voltage and the dynamics of threshold-switching is investigated at picosecond-timescale. A distinct characteristic feature of enabling a rapid threshold-switching at a critical voltage known as the threshold voltage as validated by an instantaneous response of steep current rise from an amorphous off to on state is achieved within 250 picoseconds and this is followed by a slower current rise leading to crystallization. Also, we demonstrate that the extraordinary nature of threshold-switching dynamics in AgInSbTe cells is independent to the rate of applied voltage unlike other chalcogenide-based phase change materials exhibiting the voltage dependent transient switching characteristics. Furthermore, numerical solutions of time-dependent conduction process validate the experimental results, which reveal the electronic nature of threshold-switching. These findings of steep threshold-switching of ‘sub-50 ps delay time’, opens up a new way for achieving high-speed non-volatile memory for mainstream computing.
Effect of a weak transverse magnetic field on the microstructure in directionally solidified peritectic alloys
Authors: Li Xi , Lu Zhenyuan , Fautrelle Yves , Gagnoud Annie , Moreau Rene , Ren Zhongming
Published: November 2016

Effect of a weak transverse magnetic field on the microstructures in directionally solidified Fe-Ni and Pb-Bi peritectic alloys has been investigated experimentally. The results indicate that the magnetic field can induce the formation of banded and island-like structures and refine the primary phase in peritectic alloys. The above results are enhanced with increasing magnetic field. Furthermore, electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA) analysis reveals that the magnetic field increases the Ni solute content on one side and enhances the solid solubility in the primary phase in the Fe-Ni alloy. The thermoelectric (TE) power difference at the liquid/solid interface of the Pb-Bi peritectic alloy is measured in situ, and the results show that a TE power difference exists at the liquid/solid interface. 3 D numerical simulations for the TE magnetic convection in the liquid are performed, and the results show that a unidirectional TE magnetic convection forms in the liquid near the liquid/solid interface during directional solidification under a transverse magnetic field and that the amplitude of the TE magnetic convection at different scales is different. The TE magnetic convections on the macroscopic interface and the cell/dendrite scales are responsible for the modification of microstructures during directional solidification under a magnetic field.
PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Photodetectors operating in the near infrared
Authors: De Iacovo Andrea , Venettacci Carlo , Colace Lorenzo , Scopa Leonardo , Foglia Sabrina
Published: November 2016

Colloidal quantum dots have recently attracted lot of interest in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices due to their unique optical properties and their simple and low cost fabrication. PbS nanocrystals emerged as the most advanced colloidal material for near infrared photodetectors. In this work we report on the fabrication and characterization of PbS colloidal quantum dot photoconductors. In order to make devices suitable for the monolithic integration with silicon electronics, we propose a simple and low cost process for the fabrication of photodetectors and investigate their operation at very low voltage bias. Our photoconductors feature high responsivity and detectivity at 1.3 μm and 1 V bias with maximum values of 30 A/W and 2·1010 cmHz1/2W−1, respectively. Detectivity close to 1011 cmHz1/2W−1 has been obtained resorting to bridge sensor readout.
Loss-induced Enhanced Transmission in Anisotropic Density-near-zero Acoustic Metamaterials
Authors: Shen Chen , Jing Yun
Published: November 2016

Anisotropic density-near-zero (ADNZ) acoustic metamaterials are investigated theoretically and numerically in this paper and are shown to exhibit extraordinary transmission enhancement when material loss is induced. The enhanced transmission is due to the enhanced propagating and evanescent wave modes inside the ADNZ medium thanks to the interplay of near-zero density, material loss, and high wave impedance matching in the propagation direction. The equi-frequency contour (EFC) is used to reveal whether the propagating wave mode is allowed in ADNZ metamaterials. Numerical simulations based on plate-type acoustic metamaterials with different material losses were performed to demonstrate collimation and subwavelength imaging enabled by the induced loss in ADNZ media. This work provides a different way for manipulating acoustic waves.
Targeting High Dynamin-2 (DNM2) Expression by Restoring Ikaros Function in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ge Zheng , Gu Yan , Han Qi , Zhao Gang , Li Min , Li Jianyong , Chen Baoan , Sun Tianyu , Dovat Sinisa , Gale Robert Peter , Song Chunhua
Published: November 2016

Dynamin-2 (DNM2) is a GTPase essential for intracellular vesicle formation and trafficking, cytokinesis and receptor endocytosis. Mutations in DNM2 are common in early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, DNM2 expression in other types of ALL are not reported. We studied DNM2 mRNA level in adults with B- and T-cell ALL. We found DNM2 is more highly expressed compared with normals in both forms of ALL. High DNM2 expression is associated with some clinical and laboratory features, inferior outcomes and with leukaemia cell proliferation. We also found Ikaros directly binds the DNM2 promoter and suppresses DNM2 expression. Consequently IKZF1 deletion is associated with high DNM2 expression. Conversely, casein kinase-2 (CK2)-inhibitor increases Ikaros function thereby inhibiting DNM2 expression. Inhibiting DNM2 suppresses proliferation of leukemia cells and synergizes with CK2 inhibition. Our data indicate high DNM2 expression is associated with Ikaros dysregulation and may be important in the development of B-ALL.
Infrared spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging in forensic science
Authors: Ewing Andrew V. , Kazarian Sergei G.
Published: November 2016

This review highlights developments of FT-IR spectroscopy and imaging for applications of forensic science including fingerprints, counterfeit drugs and explosives.
Electrospun poly(lactic acid) fibers containing novel chlorhexidine particles with sustained antibacterial activity
Authors: Luo Dong , Zhang Xi , Shahid Saroash , Cattell Michael J. , Gould David J. , Sukhorukov Gleb B.
Published: November 2016

Electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers containing LbL encapsulated chlorhexidine particles were produced and they demonstrated sustained antibacterial activity.
2′-(R)-Fluorinated mC, hmC, fC and caC triphosphates are substrates for DNA polymerases and TET-enzymes
Authors: Schröder A. S. , Parsa E. , Iwan K. , Traube F. R. , Wallner M. , Serdjukow S. , Carell T.
Published: November 2016

A deeper investigation of the chemistry that occurs on the newly discovered epigenetic DNA bases 5-hydroxymethyl-(hmdC), 5-formyl-(fdC), and 5-carboxy-deoxycytidine (cadC) requires chemical tool compounds, which are able to dissect the different potential reaction pathways in cells.
[3+2]-Annulation of platinum-bound azomethine ylides with distal CC bonds of N-allenamides
Authors: Chakrabarty Indradweep , Inamdar Suleman M. , Akram Manjur O. , Gade Amol B. , Banerjee Subhrashis , Bera Saibal , Patil Nitin T.
Published: November 2016

A Pt-catalyzed, highly regioselective reaction between N-allenamides and imino-alkynes leading to pyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles is described.
Tumor-targeted supramolecular nanoparticles self-assembled from a ruthenium-β-cyclodextrin complex and an adamantane-functionalized peptide
Authors: Xue Shan-Shan , Tan Cai-Ping , Chen Mu-He , Cao Jian-Jun , Zhang Dong-Yang , Ye Rui-Rong , Ji Liang-Nian , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: November 2016

A supramolecular strategy was presented to form water-soluable Ru(ii) nanoparticles. The particles can induce cell death in integrin αvβ3-rich tumor cells with high selectivity.
A photoswitchable rotaxane operating in monolayers on solid support
Authors: Schwarz Felix B. , Heinrich Thomas , Lippitz Andreas , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: November 2016

A novel photoswitchable rotaxane was synthesised and its switching behaviour in solution and on solid support was studied.
Dendron engineering in self-host blue iridium dendrimers towards low-voltage-driving and power-efficient nondoped electrophosphorescent devices
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Shumeng , Ding Junqiao , Wang Lixiang , Jing Xiabin , Wang Fosong
Published: November 2016

Low-voltage-driving and power-efficient nondoped electrophosphorescent devices have been realized by increasing the dendron's HOMO energy level to favor effective hole injection and promote exciton formation.
Reactive–convective dissolution in a porous medium: the storage of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers
Authors: Ghoshal Parama , Kim Min Chan , Cardoso Silvana S. S.
Published: November 2016

We quantify the destabilising effect of a first-order chemical reaction on the fingering instability of a diffusive boundary layer in a porous medium.
Nanostructure of the H-terminated p-Si(111)/ionic liquid interface and the effect of added lithium salt
Authors: Hoffmann Viktor , Lahiri Abhishek , Borisenko Natalia , Carstens Timo , Pulletikurthi Giridhar , Borodin Andriy , Atkin Rob , Endres Frank
Published: November 2016

AFM images of the ionic liquid/H-terminated p-Si(111) interface showing an ordered structure of 3.8 nm in size.
Molecular dynamics simulation of amino acid ionic liquids near a graphene electrode: effects of alkyl side-chain length
Authors: Sadeghi Moghadam Behnoosh , Razmkhah Mohammad , Hamed Mosavian Mohammad Taghi , Moosavi Fatemeh
Published: November 2016

The nanoscopic structure of amino acid ionic liquids (AAILs) as biodegradable electrolytes near a neutral graphene surface was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
The intrinsic stabilities and structures of alkali metal cationized guanine quadruplexes
Authors: Azargun M. , Jami-Alahmadi Y. , Fridgen T. D.
Published: November 2016

The structures and stabilities of self-assembled guanine quadruplexes, M(9eG)8+ (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs; 9eG = 9-ethylguanine), have been studied in the gas phase by blackbody infrared radiative dissociation kinetics to determine the effect the metal cations have on the decomposition energies and reactions of the quadruplex.
An experimental and theoretical investigation of the C(1D) + D2 reaction
Authors: Hickson Kevin M. , Suleimanov Yury V.
Published: November 2016

Rate constants derived from ring polymer molecular dynamics calculations confirm the validity of this method for studying low-temperature complex-forming reactions
Synthesis of cyclic organic carbonates via catalytic oxidative carboxylation of olefins in flow reactors
Authors: Sathe Ajay A. , Nambiar Anirudh M. K. , Rioux Robert M.
Published: November 2016

The direct catalytic conversion of olefins into cyclic carbonates using peroxide and carbon dioxide is demonstrated using continuous flow reactors.
Melatonin and hydroxytyrosol protect against oxidative stress related to the central nervous system after the ingestion of three types of wine by healthy volunteers
Authors: Marhuenda Javier , Medina Sonia , Martínez-Hernández Pedro , Arina Simón , Zafrilla Pilar , Mulero Juana , Oger Camille , Galano Jean-Marie , Durand Thierry , Ferreres Federico , Gil-Izquierdo Angel
Published: November 2016

The intake of wine rich in MEL, OHTyr, HV-Alc and HV-Acid provides protection from peroxidation.
Broccoli sprouts in analgesia – preclinical in vivo studies
Authors: Baenas Nieves , González-Trujano María Eva , Guadarrama-Enríquez Omar , Pellicer Francisco , García-Viguera Cristina , Moreno Diego A.
Published: November 2016

Broccoli sprouts produce significant and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity involving an opioid mechanism without sedative or gastric damage.
Design and synthesis of cenocladamide analogues and their evaluation against breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Santos Carla C. F. , Paradela Luciana S. , Novaes Luiz F. T. , Dias Sandra M. G. , Pastre Julio C.
Published: November 2016

Synthesis of a concise series based on the natural product cenocladamide, their evaluation against a panel of breast cancer cells and preliminary mechanistic studies are discussed in this work.
Quaternisation-polymerized N-type polyelectrolytes: synthesis, characterisation and application in high-performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Hu Zhicheng , Xu Rongguo , Dong Sheng , Lin Kai , Liu Jinju , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: November 2016

We design and synthesize a series of high-mobility n-type polyelectrolytes with different anions via quaternisation polymerisation, which can be utilized as thickness-insensitive electron-transporting materials for polymer solar cells.
Zirconium complexes based on an ethylene linked amidinate–amido ligand: synthesis, characterization and ethylene polymerization
Authors: Li Wei , Bai Sheng-Di , Su Feng , Yuan Shi-Fang , Duan Xin-E , Liu Dian-Sheng
Published: November 2016

Monomer/dimer zirconium complexes 4–6 were synthesized by changing the molar ratio of ZrCl4 : ligand. The catalytic behaviors of these zirconium complexes were investigated in the presence of MAO as a cocatalys.
C–H functionalisation of cycloalkanes
Authors: Banerjee Arghya , Sarkar Satavisha , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: November 2016

This review demonstrates strategies for the directed and non-directed Csp3–H bond functionalisation of cycloalkanes leading to the formation of C–C and C–X bonds.
Catalytic asymmetric aldol addition reactions of 3-fluoro-indolinone derived enolates
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Zhang Wenzhong , Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Pan Yi
Published: November 2016

Cu(i)/bisoxazoline ligand catalyzed asymmetric aldol reactions of fluoro-indolinone derived new type tertiary enolates have been developed. This process allows the preparation of a wide range of α-fluoro-β-aryl/hetaryl/alkyl-β-hydroxy-indolin-2-one products containing C–F quaternary stereogenic centers.
A facile synthetic route to stereoregular helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s with defined pendants and controlled helicity
Authors: Yin Jun , Xu Lei , Han Xin , Zhou Li , Li Chonglong , Wu Zong-Quan
Published: November 2016

A facile synthetic route to stereoregular helical poly(phenyl isocyanide)s with not only defined pendants but also with controlled helicity was developed.
Brominated CF3-allyl alcohols as multicentered electrophiles in TfOH promoted reactions with arenes
Authors: Kazakova Anna N. , Iakovenko Roman O. , Boyarskaya Irina A. , Ivanov Alexander Yu. , Avdontceva Margarita S. , Zolotarev Andrei A. , Panikorovsky Taras L. , Starova Galina L. , Nenajdenko Valentine G. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: November 2016

Reactions of (di-)bromo-substituted CF3-allyl alcohols with/without arenes with TfOH lead to CF3-alkenes or CF3-indenes.
Immobilization of Ophiopogonin D on stainless steel surfaces for improving surface endothelialization
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Xiaofeng , Guan Fangxia , Li Qian , Li Jingan
Published: November 2016

Ophiopogonin D, a traditional Chinese medicine, was immobilized onto the surface of cardiovascular 316L SS material to improve surface endothelialization.
Towards bulk syntheses of nanomaterials: a homeostatically supersaturated synthesis of polymer-like Bi2S3 nanowires with nearly 100% yield and no injection
Authors: Yuan Bin , Brandt Jordan Aaron , Shaw Santosh , Mohapatra Pratyasha , Cademartiri Ludovico
Published: November 2016

This paper reports the implementation of a one-pot strategy for the synthesis of polymer-like Bi2S3 nanowires from supersaturated precursors.
Protein-induced ultrathin molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flakes for a water-based lubricating system
Authors: Liu Lei , Liu Zhengquan , Huang Peng , Wu Ze , Jiang Shuyun
Published: November 2016

Protein induced ultrathin MoS2 flakes were successfully exfoliated, and they were used as additives for water-based lubricating systems, which indicated that they could improve the friction performance and anti-wear abilities at a low concentration.
Novel synthesis of RGO/NiCoAl–LDH nanosheets on nickel foam for supercapacitors with high capacitance
Authors: Su Weifang , Lin Tao , Chu Wei , Zhu Yachao , Li Jing , Zhao Xiusong
Published: November 2016

Hierarchically flower-like RGO/NiCoAl–LDH@NF hybrid has been fabricated by a facile, green approach, giving a high electrochemistry performance with high and stable specific capacitance.
The lysis and regrowth of toxic cyanobacteria during storage of achitosan–aluminium chloride composite coagulated sludge: implications for drinking water sludge treatment
Authors: Ma Chunxia , Pei Haiyan , Hu Wenrong , Xu Hangzhou , Jin Yan
Published: November 2016

Coagulation is a key unit operation for cyanobacterial cell removal; however, the potential danger of cyanobacterial cells transferred into sludge is not well understood.
Copper-catalyzed click reaction on/in live cells
Authors: Li Siheng , Wang Lin , Yu Fei , Zhu Zhiling , Shobaki Dema , Chen Haoqing , Wang Mu , Wang Jun , Qin Guoting , Erasquin Uriel J. , Ren Li , Wang Yingjun , Cai Chengzhi
Published: November 2016

A copper-catalyzed click reaction inside living mammalian cells is demonstrated with the use of a cell-penetrating peptide-tethered CuI ligand.
High-photovoltage all-polymer solar cells based on a diketopyrrolopyrrole–isoindigo acceptor polymer
Authors: Li Zhaojun , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Wei , Genene Zewdneh , Mammo Wendimagegn , Yartsev Arkady , Andersson Mats R. , Janssen René A. J. , Wang Ergang
Published: November 2016

High-photovoltage all-PSCs with good stability were realized by using a new polymer acceptor based on diketopyrrolopyrrole–isoindigo.
From ionic liquid-modified cellulose nanowhiskers to highly active metal-free nanostructured carbon catalysts for the hydrazine oxidation reaction
Authors: Fragal Elizângela H. , Fragal Vanessa H. , Huang Xiaoxi , Martins Alessandro C. , Cellet Thelma Sley P. , Pereira Guilherme M. , Mikmeková Eliška , Rubira Adley F. , Silva Rafael , Asefa Tewodros
Published: November 2016

Ionic liquid-modified cellulose nanowhiskers are synthesized and successfully used as precursors to make heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts.
Preparation, characterization, biotoxicity, and biodistribution of thermo-responsive magnetic complex micelles formed by Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 and a PCL/PEG analogue copolymer for controlled drug delivery
Authors: Wang Xuefang , Wu Zhitao , Li Jianbo , Pan Guoyu , Shi Donglu , Ren Jie
Published: November 2016

Thermo-responsive magnetic complex micelles with low biotoxicity can serve as a promising and safe nanocarrier for controlled drug delivery.
Photophysical properties of wavelength-tunable methylammonium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals
Authors: Freppon Daniel J. , Men Long , Burkhow Sadie J. , Petrich Jacob W. , Vela Javier , Smith Emily A.
Published: November 2016

The single halide as well as the majority of the mixed halide nanocrystals do not show luminescence intermittency.