bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin reduced white matter injury and prevented post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Li Rongwei , Ma Kang , Zhao Hengli , Feng Zhou , Yang Yang , Ge Hongfei , Zhang Xuan , Tang Jun , Yin Yi , Liu Xin , Tan Liang , Feng Hua
Published: October 2016

The morbidity, mortality, and disability associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) secondary to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) represent a global burden. To date, there is no effective therapy for ICH other than supportive care. In this study, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of Cattle encephalon glycoside and ignotin (CEGI) injection in a rat model of ICH with ventricular extension (IVH/ICH). The IVH/ICH rat model was induced via injection of type IV collagenase in the caudate nucleus of Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental animals were randomized to receive CEGI, monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside (GM-1), or normal saline. The modified Garcia scale, corner turn test, immunofluorescence staining for myelin basic protein (MBP) and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and magnetic resonance imaging were employed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of CEGI in the IVH/ICH rat model. CEGI treatment significantly alleviated the neurobehavioral dysfunction, reduced the lateral ventricular enlargement, promoted hematoma absorption, effectively up-regulated MBP/MAP-2 expression, and ameliorated white matter fiber damage post-ICH induction. Our results demonstrate that CEGI has significant neuroprotective effects in a rat model of IVH/ICH. Therefore, it can be used as a candidate drug for the clinical treatment of IVH/ICH.
Expression of varied GFPs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: codon optimization yields stronger than expected expression and fluorescence intensity
Authors: Kaishima Misato , Ishii Jun , Matsuno Toshihide , Fukuda Nobuo , Kondo Akihiko
Published: October 2016

Green fluorescent protein (GFP), which was originally isolated from jellyfish, is a widely used tool in biological research, and homologs from other organisms are available. However, researchers must determine which GFP is the most suitable for a specific host. Here, we expressed GFPs from several sources in codon-optimized and non-codon-optimized forms in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which represents an ideal eukaryotic model. Surprisingly, codon-optimized mWasabi and mNeonGreen, which are typically the brightest GFPs, emitted less green fluorescence than did the other five codon-optimized GFPs tested in S. cerevisiae. Further, commercially available GFPs that have been optimized for mammalian codon usage (e.g., EGFP, AcGFP1 and TagGFP2) unexpectedly exhibited extremely low expression levels in S. cerevisiae. In contrast, codon-optimization of the GFPs for S. cerevisiae markedly increased their expression levels, and the fluorescence intensity of the cells increased by a maximum of 101-fold. Among the tested GFPs, the codon-optimized monomeric mUkG1 from soft coral showed the highest levels of both expression and fluorescence. Finally, the expression of this protein as a fusion-tagged protein successfully improved the reporting system’s ability to sense signal transduction and protein–protein interactions in S. cerevisiae and increased the detection rates of target cells using flow cytometry.
Super-resolution imaging of fluorescently labeled, endogenous RNA Polymerase II in living cells with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing
Authors: Cho Won-Ki , Jayanth Namrata , Mullen Susan , Tan Tzer Han , Jung Yoon J. , Cissé Ibrahim I.
Published: October 2016

Live cell imaging of mammalian RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has previously relied on random insertions of exogenous, mutant Pol II coupled with the degradation of endogenous Pol II using a toxin, α-amanitin. Therefore, it has been unclear whether over-expression of labeled Pol II under an exogenous promoter may have played a role in reported Pol II dynamics in vivo. Here we label the endogenous Pol II in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Using single-molecule based super-resolution imaging in the living cells, we captured endogenous Pol II clusters. Consistent with previous studies, we observed that Pol II clusters were short-lived (cluster lifetime ~8 s) in living cells. Moreover, dynamic responses to serum-stimulation, and drug-mediated transcription inhibition were all in agreement with previous observations in the exogenous Pol II MEF cell line. Our findings suggest that previous exogenously tagged Pol II faithfully recapitulated the endogenous polymerase clustering dynamics in living cells, and our approach may in principle be used to directly label transcription factors for live cell imaging.
Renoprotective Effects of Metformin are Independent of Organic Cation Transporters 1 & 2 and AMP-activated Protein Kinase in the Kidney
Authors: Christensen Michael , Jensen Jonas B. , Jakobsen Steen , Jessen Niels , Frøkiær Jørgen , Kemp Bruce E. , Marciszyn Allison L. , Li Hui , Pastor-Soler Núria M. , Hallows Kenneth R. , Nørregaard Rikke
Published: October 2016

The type-2 diabetes drug metformin has proven to have protective effects in several renal disease models. Here, we investigated the protective effects in a 3-day unilateral ureteral obstruction (3dUUO) mouse model. Compared with controls, ureteral obstructed animals displayed increased tubular damage and inflammation. Metformin treatment attenuated inflammation, increased the anti-oxidative response and decreased tubular damage. Hepatic metformin uptake depends on the expression of organic cation transporters (OCTs). To test whether the effects of metformin in the kidney are dependent on these transporters, we tested metformin treatment in OCT1/2−/− mice. Even though exposure of metformin in the kidney was severely decreased in OCT1/2−/− mice when evaluated with [11C]-Metformin and PET/MRI, we found that the protective effects of metformin were OCT1/2 independent when tested in this model. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been suggested as a key mediator of the effects of metformin. When using an AMPK-β1 KO mouse model, the protective effects of metformin still occurred in the 3dUUO model. In conclusion, these results show that metformin has a beneficial effect in early stages of renal disease induced by 3dUUO. Furthermore, these effects appear to be independent of the expression of OCT1/2 and AMPK-β1, the most abundant AMPK-β isoform in the kidney.
Phylogenetic and functional potential links pH and N2O emissions in pasture soils
Authors: Samad Md Sainur , Biswas Ambarish , Bakken Lars R. , Clough Timothy J. , de Klein Cecile A. M. , Richards Karl G. , Lanigan Gary J. , Morales Sergio E.
Published: October 2016

Denitrification is mediated by microbial, and physicochemical, processes leading to nitrogen loss via N2O and N2 emissions. Soil pH regulates the reduction of N2O to N2, however, it can also affect microbial community composition and functional potential. Here we simultaneously test the link between pH, community composition, and the N2O emission ratio (N2O/(NO + N2O + N2)) in 13 temperate pasture soils. Physicochemical analysis, gas kinetics, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, metagenomic and quantitative PCR (of denitrifier genes: nirS, nirK, nosZI and nosZII) analysis were carried out to characterize each soil. We found strong evidence linking pH to both N2O emission ratio and community changes. Soil pH was negatively associated with N2O emission ratio, while being positively associated with both community diversity and total denitrification gene (nir & nos) abundance. Abundance of nosZII was positively linked to pH, and negatively linked to N2O emissions. Our results confirm that pH imposes a general selective pressure on the entire community and that this results in changes in emission potential. Our data also support the general model that with increased microbial diversity efficiency increases, demonstrated in this study with lowered N2O emission ratio through more efficient conversion of N2O to N2.
Modeling analysis of secondary inorganic aerosols over China: pollution characteristics, and meteorological and dust impacts
Authors: Fu Xiao , Wang Shuxiao , Chang Xing , Cai Siyi , Xing Jia , Hao Jiming
Published: October 2016

Secondary inorganic aerosols (SIA) are the predominant components of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and have significant impacts on air quality, human health, and climate change. In this study, the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ) was modified to incorporate SO2heterogeneous reactions on the surface of dust particles. The revised model was then used to simulate the spatiotemporal characteristics of SIA over China and analyze the impacts of meteorological factors and dust on SIA formation. Including the effects of dust improved model performance for the simulation of SIA concentrations, particularly for sulfate. The simulated annual SIA concentration in China was approximately 10.1 μg/m3on domain average, with strong seasonal variation: highest in winter and lowest in summer. High SIA concentrations were concentrated in developed regions with high precursor emissions, such as the North China Plain, Yangtze River Delta, Sichuan Basin, and Pearl River Delta. Strong correlations between meteorological factors and SIA pollution levels suggested that heterogeneous reactions under high humidity played an important role on SIA formation, particularly during severe haze pollution periods. Acting as surfaces for heterogeneous reactions, dust particles significantly affected sulfate formation, suggesting the importance of reducing dust emissions for controlling SIA and PM2.5pollution.
Angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) regulates expansion, differentiation, and functional capacity of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Silva-Filho João Luiz , Caruso-Neves Celso , Pinheiro Ana Acacia Sá
Published: October 2016

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptor AT1 (AT1R), an important effector axis of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), have been demonstrated to regulate T-cell responses. However, these studies characterized Ang II and AT1R effects using pharmacological tools, which do not target only Ang II/AT1R axis. The specific role of AT1R expressed by antigen-specific CD8+ T cells is unknown. Then we immunized transgenic mice expressing a T-cell receptor specific for SIINFEKL epitope (OT-I mice) with sporozoites of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei expressing the cytotoxic epitope SIINFEKL. Early priming events after immunization were not affected but the expansion and contraction of AT1R-deficient (AT1R−/−) OT-I cells was decreased. Moreover, they seemed more activated, express higher levels of CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, and have decreased functional capacity during the effector phase. Memory AT1R−/− OT-I cells exhibited higher IL-7Rα expression, activation, and exhaustion phenotypes but less cytotoxic capacity. Importantly, AT1R−/− OT-I cells show better control of blood parasitemia burden and ameliorate mice survival during lethal disease induced by blood-stage malaria. Our study reveals that AT1R in antigen-specific CD8+ T cells regulates expansion, differentiation, and function during effector and memory phases of the response against Plasmodium, which could apply to different infectious agents.
Diagnostic Value and Surgical Implications of the 3D DW-SSFP MRI On the Management of Patients with Brachial Plexus Injuries
Authors: Qin Ben-Gang , Yang Jian-Tao , Yang Yi , Wang Hong-Gang , Fu Guo , Gu Li-Qiang , Li Ping , Zhu Qing-Tang , Liu Xiao-Lin , Zhu Jia-Kai
Published: October 2016

Three-dimensional diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession (3D DW-SSFP) of high-resolution magnetic resonance has emerged as a promising method to visualize the peripheral nerves. In this study, the application value of 3D DW-SSFP brachial plexus imaging in the diagnosis of brachial plexus injury (BPI) was investigated. 33 patients with BPI were prospectively examined using 3D DW-SSFP MR neurography (MRN) of brachial plexus. Results of 3D DW-SSFP MRN were compared with intraoperative findings and measurements of electromyogram (EMG) or somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) for each injured nerve root. 3D DW-SSFP MRN of brachial plexus has enabled good visualization of the small components of the brachial plexus. The postganglionic section of the brachial plexus was clearly visible in 26 patients, while the preganglionic section of the brachial plexus was clearly visible in 22 patients. Pseudomeningoceles were commonly observed in 23 patients. Others finding of MRN of brachial plexus included spinal cord offset (in 16 patients) and spinal cord deformation (in 6 patients). As for the 3D DW-SSFP MRN diagnosis of preganglionic BPI, the sensitivity, the specificity and the accuracy were respectively 96.8%, 90.29%, and 94.18%. 3D DW-SSFP MRN of brachial plexus improve visualization of brachial plexus and benefit to determine the extent of injury.
Analyses of RNA-Seq and sRNA-Seq data reveal a complex network of anti-viral defense in TCV-infected Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wu Chao , Li Xinyue , Guo Song , Wong Sek-Man
Published: October 2016

In order to identify specific plant anti-viral genes related to the miRNA regulatory pathway, RNA-Seq and sRNA-Seq were performed using Arabidopsis WT and dcl1-9 mutant line. A total of 5,204 DEGs were identified in TCV-infected WT plants. In contrast, only 595 DEGs were obtained in the infected dcl1-9 mutant plants. GO enrichment analysis of the shared DEGs and dcl1-9 unique DEGs showed that a wide range of biological processes were affected in the infected WT plants. In addition, miRNAs displayed different patterns between mock and infected WT plants. This is the first global view of dcl1-9 transcriptome which provides TCV responsive miRNAs data. In conclusion, our results indicated the significance of DCL1 and suggested that PPR genes may play an important role in plant anti-viral defense.
Being overweight in early adulthood is associated with increased mortality in middle age
Authors: Carslake David , Jeffreys Mona , Davey Smith George
Published: October 2016

Observational analyses of the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality often suggest that overweight is neutral or beneficial, but such analyses are potentially confounded by smoking or by reverse causation. The use of BMI measured in early adulthood offers one means of reducing the latter problem. We used a cohort who were first measured while 16–24 year old students at Glasgow University in 1948–1968 and subsequently re-measured in 2000–2003, offering a rare opportunity to compare BMI measured at different ages as a predictor of mortality. Analysis of the later BMI measurements suggested that overweight was beneficial to survival, while analysis of BMI measured in early adulthood suggested that overweight was harmful and that the optimum BMI lay towards the lower end of the recommended range of 18.5–25 kg m−2. We interpret the association with later BMI as being probably distorted by reverse causality, although it remains possible instead that the optimum BMI increases with age. Differences when analyses were restricted to healthy non-smokers also suggested some residual confounding by smoking. These results suggest that analyses of BMI recorded in middle or old age probably over-estimate the optimum BMI for survival and should be treated with caution.
Intrinsic and extrinsic pinning in NdFeAs(O,F): vortex trapping and lock-in by the layered structure
Authors: Tarantini C. , Iida K. , Hänisch J. , Kurth F. , Jaroszynski J. , Sumiya N. , Chihara M. , Hatano T. , Ikuta H. , Schmidt S. , Seidel P. , Holzapfel B. , Larbalestier D. C.
Published: October 2016

Fe-based superconductors (FBS) present a large variety of compounds whose properties are affected to different extents by their crystal structures. Amongst them, theREFeAs(O,F) (RE1111,REbeing a rare-earth element) is the family with the highest critical temperatureTcbut also with a large anisotropy and Josephson vortices as demonstrated in the flux-flow regime in Sm1111 (Tc ∼ 55 K). Here we focus on the pinning properties of the lower-TcNd1111 in the flux-creep regime. We demonstrate that forH//ccritical current densityJcat high temperatures is dominated by point-defect pinning centres, whereas at low temperatures surface pinning by planar defects parallel to thec-axis and vortex shearing prevail. When the field approaches theab-planes, two different regimes are observed at low temperatures as a consequence of the transition between 3D Abrikosov and 2D Josephson vortices: one is determined by the formation of a vortex-staircase structure and one by lock-in of vortices parallel to the layers. This is the first study on FBS showing this behaviour in the full temperature, field, and angular range and demonstrating that, despite the lowerTcand anisotropy of Nd1111 with respect to Sm1111, this compound is substantially affected by intrinsic pinning generating a strongab-peak inJc.
Risk Factors for Sporadic Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ben Qiwen , Zhong Jie , Fei Jian , Chen Haitao , Yv Lifen , Tan Jihong , Yuan Yaozong
Published: October 2016

The current study examined risk factors for sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs), including smoking, alcohol use, first-degree family history of any cancer (FHC), and diabetes in the Han Chinese ethnic group. In this clinic-based case-control analysis on 385 patients with sporadic PNETs and 614 age- and sex-matched controls, we interviewed subjects using a specific questionnaire on demographics and potential risk factors. An unconditional multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs). No significant differences were found between patients and controls in terms of demographic variables. Most of the patients with PNETs had well-differentiated PNETs (G1, 62.9%) and non-advanced European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) stage (stage I or II, 83.9%). Ever/heavy smoking, a history of diabetes and a first-degree FHC were independent risk factors for non-functional PNETs. Only heavy drinking was found to be an independent risk factor for functional PNETs (AOR = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–3.51). Ever/heavy smoking was also associated with advanced ENETS staging (stage III or IV) at the time of diagnosis. This study identified first-degree FHC, ever/heavy smoking, and diabetes as risk factors for non-functional PNETs, while heavy drinking as a risk factor for functional PNETs.
HASE: Framework for efficient high-dimensional association analyses
Authors: Roshchupkin G. V. , Adams H. H. H. , Vernooij M. W. , Hofman A. , Van Duijn C. M. , Ikram M. A. , Niessen W. J.
Published: October 2016

High-throughput technology can now provide rich information on a person’s biological makeup and environmental surroundings. Important discoveries have been made by relating these data to various health outcomes in fields such as genomics, proteomics, and medical imaging. However, cross-investigations between several high-throughput technologies remain impractical due to demanding computational requirements (hundreds of years of computing resources) and unsuitability for collaborative settings (terabytes of data to share). Here we introduce the HASE framework that overcomes both of these issues. Our approach dramatically reduces computational time from years to only hours and also requires several gigabytes to be exchanged between collaborators. We implemented a novel meta-analytical method that yields identical power as pooled analyses without the need of sharing individual participant data. The efficiency of the framework is illustrated by associating 9 million genetic variants with 1.5 million brain imaging voxels in three cohorts (total N = 4,034) followed by meta-analysis, on a standard computational infrastructure. These experiments indicate that HASE facilitates high-dimensional association studies enabling large multicenter association studies for future discoveries.
Fine-scale partitioning of genomic variation among recruits in an exploited fishery: causes and consequences
Authors: Puritz Jonathan B. , Gold John R. , Portnoy David S.
Published: October 2016

Conservation and management of exploited species depends on accurate knowledge of how genetic variation is partitioned across a fishery, especially as it relates to recruitment. Using double-digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, we surveyed variation in 7,382 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) young-of-the-year (YOY) sampled at six localities and in adults sampled at two localities in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Significant genetic heterogeneity was detected between the two adult samples, separated by ~600 km, and at spatial scales less than five kilometers among samples of  YOY. Genetic differences between YOY samples and between YOY samples and adult samples were not associated with geographic distance, and a genome scan revealed no evidence of loci under selection. Estimates of the effective number of breeders, allelic richness, and relatedness within YOY samples were not consistent with sweepstakes recruitment. Instead, the data demonstrate, at least within one recruitment season, that multiple pulses of recruits originate from distinct groups of spawning adults, even at small spatial scales. For exploited species with this type of recruitment pattern, protection of spawning adults over wide geographic areas may be critical for ensuring productivity and stability of the fishery by maintaining larval supply and connectivity.
Differential expression of lncRNAs during the HIV replication cycle: an underestimated layer in the HIV-host interplay
Authors: Trypsteen Wim , Mohammadi Pejman , Van Hecke Clarissa , Mestdagh Pieter , Lefever Steve , Saeys Yvan , De Bleser Pieter , Vandesompele Jo , Ciuffi Angela , Vandekerckhove Linos , De Spiegelaere Ward
Published: October 2016

Studying the effects of HIV infection on the host transcriptome has typically focused on protein-coding genes. However, recent advances in the field of RNA sequencing revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) add an extensive additional layer to the cell’s molecular network. Here, we performed transcriptome profiling throughout a primary HIV infectionin vitroto investigate lncRNA expression at the different HIV replication cycle processes (reverse transcription, integration and particle production). Subsequently, guilt-by-association, transcription factor and co-expression analysis were performed to infer biological roles for the lncRNAs identified in the HIV-host interplay. Many lncRNAs were suggested to play a role in mechanisms relying on proteasomal and ubiquitination pathways, apoptosis, DNA damage responses and cell cycle regulation. Through transcription factor binding analysis, we found that lncRNAs display a distinct transcriptional regulation profile as compared to protein coding mRNAs, suggesting that mRNAs and lncRNAs are independently modulated. In addition, we identified five differentially expressed lncRNA-mRNA pairs with mRNA involvement in HIV pathogenesis with possiblecisregulatory lncRNAs that control nearby mRNA expression and function. Altogether, the present study demonstrates that lncRNAs add a new dimension to the HIV-host interplay and should be further investigated as they may represent targets for controlling HIV replication.
Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a promising target for cholangiocarcinoma treatment and bile LCN2 level is a potential cholangiocarcinoma diagnostic marker
Authors: Chiang Kun-Chun , Yeh Ta-Sen , Wu Ren-Chin , Pang Jong-Hwei S. , Cheng Chi-Tung , Wang Shang-Yu , Juang Horng-Heng , Yeh Chun-Nan
Published: October 2016

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease due to resistance to traditional chemotherapies and radiotherapies. New therapeutic strategies against CCA are urgently needed. This study investigated the role of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in human cholangiocarcinoma as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker. So far, the role of LCN2 in cancer is still controversial and studies regarding the role of LCN2 in CCA are limited. LCN2 knockdown inhibited CCA cell growth in vitro and in vivo through induction of cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phases and decreased metastatic potential due to repression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Overexpression of LCN2 in CCA cells increased cell metastatic potential. We showed for the first time that the N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) and NDRG2, known as tumor suppressor genes, are negatively regulated by LCN2 in CCA cells. LCN2 concentration in bile was higher in patients with CCA than that in patients with gallstones, with a cutoff value of 20.08 ng/ml making this a potential diagnostic marker. Higher LCN2 expression was associated with worse survival in patients with CCA. LCN2 is a promising target for CCA treatment and bile LCN2 level is a potential diagnostic marker for CCA.
In situ Scanning Electron Microscopy of Silicon Anode Reactions in Lithium-Ion Batteries during Charge/Discharge Processes
Authors: Chen Chih-Yao , Sano Teruki , Tsuda Tetsuya , Ui Koichi , Oshima Yoshifumi , Yamagata Masaki , Ishikawa Masashi , Haruta Masakazu , Doi Takayuki , Inaba Minoru , Kuwabata Susumu
Published: October 2016

A comprehensive understanding of the charge/discharge behaviour of high-capacity anode active materials, e.g., Si and Li, is essential for the design and development of next-generation high-performance Li-based batteries. Here, we demonstrate the in situ scanning electron microscopy (in situ SEM) of Si anodes in a configuration analogous to actual lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with an ionic liquid (IL) that is expected to be a functional LIB electrolyte in the future. We discovered that variations in the morphology of Si active materials during charge/discharge processes is strongly dependent on their size and shape. Even the diffusion of atomic Li into Si materials can be visualized using a back-scattering electron imaging technique. The electrode reactions were successfully recorded as video clips. This in situ SEM technique can simultaneously provide useful data on, for example, morphological variations and elemental distributions, as well as electrochemical data.
Opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata circulates between humans and yellow-legged gulls
Authors: Al-Yasiri Mohammed Hashim , Normand Anne-Cécile , L’Ollivier Coralie , Lachaud Laurence , Bourgeois Nathalie , Rebaudet Stanislas , Piarroux Renaud , Mauffrey Jean-François , Ranque Stéphane
Published: October 2016

The opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is a component of the mycobiota of both humans and yellow-legged gulls that is prone to develop fluconazole resistance. Whether gulls are a reservoir of the yeast and facilitate the dissemination of human C. glabrata strains remains an open question. In this study, MLVA genotyping highlighted the lack of genetic structure of 190 C. glabrata strains isolated from either patients in three hospitals or fecal samples collected from gull breeding colonies located in five distinct areas along the French Mediterranean littoral. Fluconazole-resistant isolates were evenly distributed between both gull and human populations. These findings demonstrate that gulls are a reservoir of this species and facilitate the diffusion of C. glabrata and indirect transmission to human or animal hosts via environmental contamination. This eco-epidemiological view, which can be applied to other vertebrate host species, broadens our perspective regarding the reservoirs and dissemination patterns of antifungal-resistant human pathogenic yeast.
Global functional profiling of human ubiquitome identifies E3 ubiquitin ligase DCST1 as a novel negative regulator of Type-I interferon signaling
Authors: Nair Sajith , Bist Pradeep , Dikshit Neha , Krishnan Manoj N
Published: October 2016

Type I interferon (IFN-I) mediated innate immune response controls virus infections by inducing the expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Although ubiquitination plays key roles in immune signaling regulation, a human genome-wide understanding of the role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in interferon mediated ISG induction is lacking. Here, we report a genome-wide profiling of the effect of ectopic expression of 521 E3 ubiquitin ligases and substrate recognition subunits encoded in the human genome (which constitutes 84.4% of all ubiquitination related genes encoded in the human genome, hereafter termed Human Ubiquitome) on IFNβ mediated induction of interferon stimulated DNA response element (ISRE) driven reporter activity. We identified 96 and 42 genes of the human ubiquitome as novel negative and positive regulators of interferon signaling respectively. Furthermore, we characterized DCST1 as a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase negatively regulating interferon response. Ectopic expression and gene silencing of DCST1 respectively attenuated and increased ISRE reporter activity. DCST1 regulated Type I interferon signaling by interacting with and promoting ubiquitination-mediated degradation of STAT2, an essential component of antiviral gene induction. In summary, this study provided a systems level view on the role of human ubiquitination associated genes in Type I interferon response.
Ternary and binary deep eutectic solvents as a novel extraction medium for protein partitioning
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Wang Yuzhi , Xu Kaijia , Li Na , Wen Qian , Yang Qin , Zhou Yigang
Published: October 2016

This study was devoted to compare ternary and binary deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) to extract proteins.
A functionalized cellulose regenerative microcolumn combined with ultraviolet spectrophotometry for economic detection of selenium in purple potato
Authors: Min Min , Shen Chen , Fang Lei , Chang Yang , Li Jionghui , Jiang Yujian , Xiong Chunhua
Published: October 2016

In this study, a novel separation and preconcentration system, cellulose functionalized by a thioglycolic acid regenerative microcolumn (TGAC), was prepared.
Photochromic switching behaviour of donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts in organic solvents
Authors: Mallo Neil , Brown Patrick T. , Iranmanesh Hasti , MacDonald Thomas S. C. , Teusner Matthew J. , Harper Jason B. , Ball Graham E. , Beves Jonathon E.
Published: October 2016

We report photochromic donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) capable of fully reversible photoisomerization with visible light in organic solvents including chloroform, acetonitrile and benzene.
Unraveling the hydration-induced ground-state change of AtO+ by relativistic and multiconfigurational wave-function-based methods
Authors: Sergentu Dumitru-Claudiu , Réal Florent , Montavon Gilles , Galland Nicolas , Maurice Rémi
Published: October 2016

The hydration-induced ground-state change of AtO+ is confirmed by means of multiconfigurational wave-function-based calculations. The involved states are identified for the first time.
Electron acceptor of Ni decorated porous carbon nitride applied in photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Bi Lingling , Meng Dedong , Bu Qijing , Lin Yanhong , Wang Dejun , Xie Tengfeng
Published: October 2016

Non-noble metal Ni as an electron acceptor can effectively improve photocatalytic hydrogen production.
Ramachandran mapping of peptide conformation using a large database of computed Raman and Raman optical activity spectra
Authors: Mensch Carl , Barron Laurence D. , Johannessen Christian
Published: October 2016

A novel ROA database is reported that assigns peptide structures in detail by pattern recognition of the experimental spectrum.
Thermodynamics of DNA: sensitizer recognition. Characterizing binding motifs with all-atom simulations
Authors: Gattuso Hugo , Dumont Elise , Chipot Christophe , Monari Antonio , Dehez François
Published: October 2016

We report the investigation of the thermochemical properties of benzophenone interacting with B-DNA studied by all-atom molecular dynamic simulations.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of SnSe polycrystals via texture control
Authors: Feng Dan , Ge Zhen-Hua , Wu Di , Chen Yue-Xing , Wu Tingting , Li Ju , He Jiaqing
Published: October 2016

Our results demonstrate that the thermoelectric performance of polycrystalline SnSe can be enhanced significantly by sole texture-control.
Structure of aqueous NaOH solutions: insights from neural-network-based molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Hellström Matti , Behler Jörg
Published: October 2016

A reactive neural network potential is used to identify coordination polyhedra and interpolyhedron connectivity patterns of NaOH solutions.
A polypyridyl Co(ii) complex-based water reduction catalyst with double H2 evolution sites
Authors: Wang Junfei , Li Chao , Zhou Qianxiong , Wang Weibo , Hou Yuanjun , Zhang Baowen , Wang Xuesong
Published: October 2016

The unique coordination mode of Cl-TMPA and the double H2 evolution sites of [Co(Cl-TMPA)Cl2] provide a new strategy to design more effective WRCs.
Oxygen electroreduction catalysed by laccase wired to gold nanoparticles via the trinuclear copper cluster
Authors: Dagys Marius , Laurynėnas Audrius , Ratautas Dalius , Kulys Juozas , Vidžiūnaitė Regina , Talaikis Martynas , Niaura Gediminas , Marcinkevičienė Liucija , Meškys Rolandas , Shleev Sergey
Published: October 2016

Comparison of conventional and newly developed laccase-based electrocatalytic systems for oxygen reduction.
A dynamic solid oxide fuel cell empowered by the built-in iron-bed solid fuel
Authors: Zhang Cuijuan , Ji Chengxiang , Wang Wensheng , Schmidt Doug , Jin Xinfang , Lemmon John P. , Huang Kevin
Published: October 2016

A new dynamic solid oxide fuel cell containing a built-in Fe-bed solid fuel can operate at high overload and provide fast ramping power.
Fluorescence property of photosystem II protein complexes bound to a gold nanoparticle
Authors: Tahara Kazuki , Mohamed Ahmed , Kawahara Kousuke , Nagao Ryo , Kato Yuki , Fukumura Hiroshi , Shibata Yutaka , Noguchi Takumi
Published: October 2016

Development of an efficient photo-anode system for water oxidation is key to the success of artificial photosynthesis. We previously assembled photosystem II (PSII) proteins, which are an efficient natural photocatalyst for water oxidation, on a gold nanoparticle (GNP) to prepare a PSII–GNP conjugate as an anode system in a light-driven water-splitting nano-device (Nojiet al.,J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2011, 2, 2448–2452). In the current study, we characterized the fluorescence property of the PSII–GNP conjugate by static and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, and compared with that of free PSII proteins. It was shown that in a static fluorescence spectrum measured at 77 K, the amplitude of a major peak at 683 nm was significantly reduced and a red shoulder at 693 nm disappeared in PSII–GNP. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements showed that picosecond components at 683 nm decayed faster by factors of 1.4–2.1 in PSII–GNP than in free PSII, explaining the observed quenching of the major fluorescence peak. In addition, a nanosecond-decay component arising from a ‘red chlorophyll’ at 693 nm was lost in time-resolved fluorescence of PSII–GNP, probably due to a structural perturbation of this chlorophyll by interaction with GNP. Consistently with these fluorescence properties, degradation of PSII during strong-light illumination was two times slower in PSII–GNP than in free PSII. The enhanced durability of PSII is an advantageous property of the PSII–GNP conjugate in the development of an artificial photosynthesis device.
Photo-driven electron transfer from the highly reducing excited state of naphthalene diimide radical anion to a CO2 reduction catalyst within a molecular triad
Authors: Martinez Jose F. , La Porte Nathan T. , Mauck Catherine M. , Wasielewski Michael R.
Published: October 2016

The naphthalene-1,4:5,8-bis(dicarboximide) radical anion (NDI−˙), which is easily produced by mild chemical or electrochemical reduction (−0.5 V vs. SCE), can be photoexcited at wavelengths as long as 785 nm, and has an excited state (NDI−˙*) oxidation potential of −2.1 V vs. SCE, making it a very attractive choice for artificial photosynthetic systems that require powerful photoreductants, such as CO2 reduction catalysts. However, once an electron is transferred from NDI−˙* to an acceptor directly bound to it, a combination of strong electronic coupling and favorable free energy change frequently make the back electron transfer rapid. To mitigate this effect, we have designed a molecular triad system comprising an NDI−˙ chromophoric donor, a 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) intermediate acceptor, and a Re(dmb)(CO)3 carbon dioxide reduction catalyst, where dmb is 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, as the terminal acceptor. Photoexcitation of NDI−˙ to NDI−˙* is followed by ultrafast reduction of DPA to DPA−˙, which then rapidly reduces the metal complex. The overall time constant for the forward electron transfer to reduce the metal complex is τ = 20.8 ps, while the time constant for back-electron transfer is six orders of magnitude longer, τ = 43.4 μs. Achieving long-lived, highly reduced states of these metal complexes is a necessary condition for their use as catalysts. The extremely long lifetime of the reduced metal complex is attributed to careful tuning of the redox potentials of the chromophore and intermediate acceptor. The NDI−˙–DPA fragment presents many attractive features for incorporation into other photoinduced electron transfer assemblies directed at the long-lived photosensitization of difficult-to-reduce catalytic centers.
Electrochemical CO2 reduction with low overpotential by a poly(4-vinylpyridine) electrode for application to artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Jeong Hohyun , Kang Myung Jong , Jung Hyeyeong , Kang Young Soo
Published: October 2016

Pyridine molecules have been used as a catalyst to reduce the activation energy of the CO2 reduction reaction. It has been reported that CO2 is reduced by pyridine catalysts at low overpotential around −0.58 V vs. SCE. Poly(4-vinylpyridine), which has pyridine functional groups shows similar catalytic properties to reduce CO2 at low overpotential like pyridinium catalysts. Different thickness of P(4-VP) coated Pt electrodes were analyzed to determine the catalytic properties for CO2 reduction. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods showed the catalytic CO2 reduction properties of a P(4-VP)/Pt electrode. Thin P(4-VP)/Pt film showed a low current density of −0.16 mA cm−2 under CO2 atmosphere and the current density reached −0.45 mA cm−2 with increase of the P(4-VP) thickness. The increase of current density was explained by an increased surface concentration of adsorbed pyridinium groups of the thick P(4-VP) layer. Nyquist plots also showed decrease of impedance with increase of the P(4-VP) layer indicating fast charge transfer between Pt and the P(4-VP) layer due to the increase of hybrid ionic complex formation on the Pt surface. However, charge transfer is restricted when the P(4-VP) layer becomes more thick because of slowed protonation of pyridine groups adjacent to the Pt surface due to the suppressed permeability of electrolyte solution into the PVP membrane. This electrochemical observation provides a new aspect of P(4-VP) polymer for CO2 reduction.
Advancements in microfluidics for nanoparticle separation
Authors: Salafi Thoriq , Zeming Kerwin Kwek , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2016

Nanoparticles have been widely implemented for healthcare and nanoscience industrial applications.
Monitoring few molecular binding events in scalable confined aqueous compartments by raster image correlation spectroscopy (CADRICS)
Authors: Arrabito G. , Cavaleri F. , Montalbano V. , Vetri V. , Leone M. , Pignataro B.
Published: October 2016

Few protein–ligand binding events can be investigated by raster image correlation spectroscopy in confined aqueous droplets produced by inkjet printing.
Small gold nanocomposites obtained in reverse micelles as nanoreactors. Effect of surfactant, optical properties and activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Gutierrez Jorge A. , Cruz Jenniffer , Rondón Paola , Jones Nathalia , Ortiz Claudia
Published: October 2016

High antibacterial convergence of an antimicrobial synthetic peptide and small gold nanoparticles against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Tribenzopentaphene derivatives with lateral aromatic groups: the effect of the nature and position of substituents on emission properties
Authors: Alameddine Bassam , Anju Rajamohanan Sobhana , Al-Sagheer Fakhreia , Jenny Titus A.
Published: October 2016

Functionalization of tribenzopentaphene with aromatic side groups distorts its core from planarity resulting in red-shifted emission.
Chiral polyoxomolybdate-based hybrid compounds obtained by spontaneous resolution: syntheses, structures and non-linear optical properties
Authors: Hou Yujiao , An Haiyan , Xu Tieqi , Zhao Sangen , Luo Junhua
Published: October 2016

By spontaneous resolution, two chiral hybrid 2D architectures [MMo6O21(glycine)3]2− (M = Te 1, Se 2) were obtained, which show an SHG efficiency of about 3.5 and 3.7 × KDP.
Cu3Ru6Sb8—a new ternary antimonide with a new structure type
Authors: Prakash Jai , Suen Nian-Tzu , Lee Minseong , Choi Eun Sang , Ibers James A. , Bobev Svilen
Published: October 2016

Cu3Ru6Sb8is the first known ternary compound of the respective elements and crystallizes in its own structure type.
tert-Butyl nitrite-mediated vicinal sulfoximation of alkenes with sulfinic acids: a highly efficient approach toward α-sulfonyl ketoximes
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhou Neng-Neng , Zhan Jun-Long , Han Bing , Yu Wei
Published: October 2016

A novel vicinal sulfoximation of alkenes was achieved under mild and metal-free conditions by using readily available sulfinic acids as the sulfonating agent and tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) as the radical initiator and the oxime source.
A NMR method for relative stereochemical assignments of the tricyclic core of cephalosporolides, penisporolides and related synthetic analogues
Authors: Wang Jian , Tong Rongbiao
Published: October 2016

A new NMR method is developed to discriminate the four possible diastereomeric SAFLs, leading to revisions of 11 synthetic compounds.
Dual-pH responsive host–guest complexation between a water-soluble pillar[9]arene and a 2,7-diazapyrenium salt
Authors: Li Zhengtao , Yu Guocan , Yang Jie
Published: October 2016

The host–guest complexation between a water-soluble pillar[9]arene and a 2,7-diazapyrenium salt not only can be controlled by the sequential addition of an acid and a base but also can be switched through the sequential addition of a base and an acid.
Greatly enhanced photocatalytic activity of semiconductor CeO2 by integrating with upconversion nanocrystals and graphene
Authors: Yin Dongguang , Zhao Feifei , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xinyu , Liu Yumin , Zhang Tingting , Wu Chenglong , Chen Dongwei , Chen Zhiwen
Published: October 2016

A novel nanocomposite photocatalyst of NaLuF4:Gd,Yb,Tm@SiO2@CeO2:Tm/GN has been developed. The designed structure takes advantage of a synergetic effect from UCNCs, GN, and Tm-doping, which improves the photocatalytic activity of CeO2 significantly.
Co-Doped NiSe nanowires on nickel foam via a cation exchange approach as efficient electrocatalyst for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Yuan-Zi , Yuan Cheng-Zong , Chen Xue-Ping
Published: October 2016

Co-Doped NiSe nanowires supported on nickel foam (NF) were successfully synthesized using NiSe NWs/NF as precursor template in a facile cation exchange approach.
A new magnetic tailor made polymer for separation and trace determination of cadmium ions by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Authors: Zarezade Vahid , Behbahani Mohammad , Omidi Fariborz , Abandansari Hamid Sadeghi , Hesam Ghasem
Published: October 2016

Magnetic ion imprinted polymers have been prepared and applied for the selective extraction and trace monitoring of cadmium ions in food samples.
Enhancement of mass transfer through bubbling effect during extraction and reaction in biphasic systems containing ionic liquid
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhou Jinxia , Mao Jingbo , Yin Jingmei , Li Shenmin
Published: October 2016

An improved interface mass transfer during an extraction or biphasic reaction was realized by creating a bubbling effect in a biphasic system containing an ionic liquid.
Needleless electrospinning for scaled-up production of ultrafine chitosan hybrid nanofibers used for air filtration
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Changbo , Gao Feng , Pan Gang
Published: October 2016

This filter media showed better performance than commercial HEPA for nanoparticles filtration.
Enhanced magnetic properties in epitaxial self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)0.5:(CeO2)0.5thin films
Authors: Shen Lvkang , Ma Chunrui , Cheng Shaodong , Ren Shengping , Cheng Sheng , Mi Shaobo , Liu Ming
Published: October 2016

Magnetic properties are strongly enhanced in vertically aligned nanocomposite Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3:CeO2films by introducing CeO2into Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3matrix.
Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) induce locomotor deficits and dopaminergic degeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Li Ping , Wu Siyu , Lei Lili , He Defu
Published: October 2016

Organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) induce neurotoxic effects.
Novel protective effects of pulsed electromagnetic field ischemia/reperfusion injury rats
Authors: Ma Fenfen , Li Wenwen , Li Xinghui , Tran Ba Hieu , Suguro Rinkiko , Guan Ruijuan , Hou Cuilan , Wang Huijuan , Zhang Aijie , Zhu Yichun , Zhu YiZhun
Published: October 2016

Extracorporeal pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has shown the ability to regenerate tissue by promoting cell proliferation. In the present study, we investigated for the first time whether PEMF treatment could improve the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and uncovered its underlying mechanisms.

In our study, we demonstrated for the first time that extracorporeal PEMF has a novel effect on myocardial I/R injury. The number and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were increased in PEMF treating rats. The in vivo results showed that per-treatment of PEMF could significantly improve the cardiac function in I/R injury group. In addition, PEMF treatment also reduced the apoptosis of myocardial cells by up-regulating the expression of anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and down-regulating the expression of pro-apoptosis protein (Bax). In vitro, the results showed that PEMF treatment could significantly reduce the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in primary neonatal rat cardiac ventricular myocytes (NRCMs) induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). In particular, PEMF increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which might be closely related to attenuated cell apoptosis by increasing the releasing of nitric oxide (NO). Therefore, our data indicated that PEMF could be a potential candidate for I/R injury.