bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal referral: evidence for a thermoceptive uniformity illusion without touch
Authors: Cataldo Antonio , Ferrè Elisa Raffaella , di Pellegrino Giuseppe , Haggard Patrick
Published: October 2016

When warm thermal stimulators are placed on the ring and index fingers of one hand, and a neutral-temperature stimulator on the middle finger, all three fingers feel warm. This illusion is known as thermal referral (TR). On one interpretation, the heterogenous thermal signals are overridden by homogenous tactile signals. This cross-modal thermo-tactile interaction could reflect a process of object recognition, based on the prior that many objects are thermally homogenous. Interestingly, the illusion was reported to disappear when the middle digit was lifted off the thermal stimulator, suggesting that tactile stimulation is necessary. However, no study has investigated whether purely thermal stimulation might induce TR, without any tactile object to which temperature can be attributed. We used radiant thermal stimulation to deliver purely thermal stimuli, which either were or were not accompanied by simultaneous touch. We found identical TR effects in both the original thermo-tactile condition, and in a purely thermoceptive condition where no tactile object was present. Control experiments ruled out explanations based on poor spatial discrimination of warm signals. Our purely thermoceptive results suggest that TR could reflect low-level organization of the thermoceptive pathway, rather than a cognitive intermodal modulation based on tactile object perception.
‘Artilysation’ of endolysin λSa2lys strongly improves its enzymatic and antibacterial activity against streptococci
Authors: Rodríguez-Rubio Lorena , Chang Wai-Ling , Gutiérrez Diana , Lavigne Rob , Martínez Beatriz , Rodríguez Ana , Govers Sander K. , Aertsen Abram , Hirl Christine , Biebl Manfred , Briers Yves , García Pilar
Published: October 2016

Endolysins constitute a promising class of antibacterials against Gram-positive bacteria. Recently, endolysins have been engineered with selected peptides to obtain a new generation of lytic proteins, Artilysins, with specific activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we demonstrate that artilysation can also be used to enhance the antibacterial activity of endolysins against Gram-positive bacteria and to reduce the dependence on external conditions. Art-240, a chimeric protein of the anti-streptococcal endolysin λSa2lys and the polycationic peptide PCNP, shows a similar species specificity as the parental endolysin, but the bactericidal activity against streptococci increases and is less affected by elevated NaCl concentrations and pH variations. Time-kill experiments and time-lapse microscopy demonstrate that the killing rate of Art-240 is approximately two-fold higher compared to wildtype endolysin λSa2lys, with a reduction in viable bacteria of 3 log units after 10 min. In addition, lower doses of Art-240 are required to achieve the same bactericidal effect.
Pharmacokinetic comparison between quercetin and quercetin 3-O-β-glucuronide in rats by UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Yang Le-Le , Xiao Na , Li Xiao-Wei , Fan Yong , Alolga Raphael N. , Sun Xiao-Yue , Wang Shi-Lei , Li Ping , Qi Lian-Wen
Published: October 2016

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid widely distributed in human diet and functional foods. Quercetin 3-O-β-glucuronide (Q3G) is present in wine and some medicinal plants. Quercetin and Q3G may be metabolized from each other in vivo. While quercetin has been the subject of many studies, the pharmacokinetic profiles of quercetin and Q3G (in animals) have not yet been compared. Herein, we prepared a column-based method for rapid isolation of Q3G from Nelumbo nucifera. Then, we developed an UHPLC-MS/MS method to compare the pharmacokinetics of quercetin and Q3G. Our results showed that the plasma concentration-time curves of quercetin and Q3G show two maxima (Tmax1 ≈ 0.75 h, Tmax2 ≈ 5 h). After oral administration of 100 mg/kg quercetin or 100 mg/kg Q3G in rats, predominantly Q3G was detected in plasma with AUC at 39529.2 ± 6108.2 mg·h·L−1 or 24625.1 ± 1563.8 mg·h·L−1, 18-fold higher than quercetin with AUC at 1583.9 ± 583.3 mg·h·L−1 or 1394.6 ± 868.1 mg·h·L−1, respectively. After intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg in rats, Q3G showed extensive tissue uptake in kidney (409.2 ± 118.4 ng/g), liver (166.1 ± 52.9 ng/g), heart (97.7 ± 22.6 ng/g), and brain (5.8 ± 1.2 ng/g). In conclusion, we have shown that Q3G is a major active component in plasma and tissue for oral administration of quercetin or Q3G.
Implication of vaccination against dengue for Zika outbreak
Authors: Tang Biao , Xiao Yanni , Wu Jianhong
Published: October 2016

Zika virus co-circulates with dengue in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Cases of co-infection by dengue and Zika have been reported, the implication of this co-infection for an integrated intervention program for controlling both dengue and Zika must be addressed urgently. Here, we formulate a mathematical model to describe the transmission dynamics of co-infection of dengue and Zika with particular focus on the effects of Zika outbreak by vaccination against dengue among human hosts. Our analysis determines specific conditions under which vaccination against dengue can significantly increase the Zika outbreak peak, and speed up the Zika outbreak peak timing. Our results call for further study about the co-infection to direct an integrated control to balance the benefits for dengue control and the damages of Zika outbreak.
A cohesive granular material with tunable elasticity
Authors: Hemmerle Arnaud , Schröter Matthias , Goehring Lucas
Published: October 2016

By mixing glass beads with a curable polymer we create a well-defined cohesive granular medium, held together by solidified, and hence elastic, capillary bridges. This material has a geometry similar to a wet packing of beads, but with an additional control over the elasticity of the bonds holding the particles together. We show that its mechanical response can be varied over several orders of magnitude by adjusting the size and stiffness of the bridges, and the size of the particles. We also investigate its mechanism of failure under unconfined uniaxial compression in combination with in situ x-ray microtomography. We show that a broad linear-elastic regime ends at a limiting strain of about 8%, whatever the stiffness of the agglomerate, which corresponds to the beginning of shear failure. The possibility to finely tune the stiffness, size and shape of this simple material makes it an ideal model system for investigations on, for example, fracturing of porous rocks, seismology, or root growth in cohesive porous media.
Nucleotide diversity analysis highlights functionally important genomic regions
Authors: Tatarinova Tatiana V. , Chekalin Evgeny , Nikolsky Yuri , Bruskin Sergey , Chebotarov Dmitry , McNally Kenneth L. , Alexandrov Nickolai
Published: October 2016

We analyzed functionality and relative distribution of genetic variants across the complete Oryza sativa genome, using the 40 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) dataset from the 3,000 Rice Genomes Project (http://snp-seek.irri.org), the largest and highest density SNP collection for any higher plant. We have shown that the DNA-binding transcription factors (TFs) are the most conserved group of genes, whereas kinases and membrane-localized transporters are the most variable ones. TFs may be conserved because they belong to some of the most connected regulatory hubs that modulate transcription of vast downstream gene networks, whereas signaling kinases and transporters need to adapt rapidly to changing environmental conditions. In general, the observed profound patterns of nucleotide variability reveal functionally important genomic regions. As expected, nucleotide diversity is much higher in intergenic regions than within gene bodies (regions spanning gene models), and protein-coding sequences are more conserved than untranslated gene regions. We have observed a sharp decline in nucleotide diversity that begins at about 250 nucleotides upstream of the transcription start and reaches minimal diversity exactly at the transcription start. We found the transcription termination sites to have remarkably symmetrical patterns of SNP density, implying presence of functional sites near transcription termination. Also, nucleotide diversity was significantly lower near 3′ UTRs, the area rich with regulatory regions.
Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain-Containing Protein 2 (Phd2) Regulates Chondrocyte Differentiation and Secondary Ossification in Mice
Authors: Cheng Shaohong , Aghajanian Patrick , Pourteymoor Sheila , Alarcon Catrina , Mohan Subburaman
Published: October 2016

Endochondral ossification plays an important role in the formation of the primary ossification centers (POCs) and secondary ossification centers (SOCs) of mammalian long bones. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate POC and SOC formation are different. We recently demonstrated that Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain-containing Protein 2 (Phd2) is a key mediator of vitamin C effects on bone. We investigated the role of Phd2 on endochondral ossification of the epiphyses by conditionally deleting the Phd2 gene in osteoblasts and chondrocytes. We found that the deletion of Phd2 in osteoblasts did not cause changes in bone parameters in the proximal tibial epiphyses in 5 week old mice. In contrast, deletion of Phd2 in chondrocytes resulted in increased bone mass and bone formation rate (normalized to tissue volume) in long bone epiphyses, indicating that Phd2 expressed in chondrocytes, but not osteoblasts, negatively regulates secondary ossification of epiphyses. Phd2 deletion in chondrocytes elevated mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling molecules including Hif-1α, Hif-2α, Vegfa, Vegfb, and Epo, as well as markers for chondrocyte hypertrophy and mineralization such as Col10, osterix, alkaline phosphatase, and bone sialoprotein. These data suggest that Phd2 expressed in chondrocytes inhibits endochondral ossification at the epiphysis by suppressing HIF signaling pathways.
High endemism at cave entrances: a case study of spiders of the genus Uthina
Authors: Yao Zhiyuan , Dong Tingting , Zheng Guo , Fu Jinzhong , Li Shuqiang
Published: October 2016

Endemism, which is typically high on islands and in caves, has rarely been studied in the cave entrance ecotone. We investigated the endemism of the spider genusUthinaat cave entrances. Totally 212 spiders were sampled from 46 localities, from Seychelles across Southeast Asia to Fiji. They mostly occur at cave entrances but occasionally appear at various epigean environments. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data from COI and 28S genes suggested thatUthinawas grouped into 13 well-supported clades. We used three methods, the Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP) model, the Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP) method, and the general mixed Yule coalescent (GMYC) model, to investigate species boundaries. Both bPTP and BPP identified the 13 clades as 13 separate species, while GMYC identified 19 species. Furthermore, our results revealed high endemism at cave entrances. Of the 13 provisional species, twelve (one known and eleven new) are endemic to one or a cluster of caves, and all of them occurred only at cave entrances except for one population of one species. The only widely distributed species,U. luzonica, mostly occurred in epigean environments while three populations were found at cave entrances. Additionally, eleven new species of the genus are described.
Repetitive Electroacupuncture Attenuates Cold-Induced Hypertension through Enkephalin in the Rostral Ventral Lateral Medulla
Authors: Li Min , Tjen-A-Looi Stephanie C. , Guo Zhi-Ling , Longhurst John C.
Published: October 2016

Acupuncture lowers blood pressure (BP) in hypertension, but mechanisms underlying its action are unclear. To simulate clinical studies, we performed electroacupuncture (EA) in unanesthetized rats with cold-induced hypertension (CIH) induced by six weeks of cold exposure (6 °C). EA (0.1 – 0.4 mA, 2 Hz) was applied at ST36-37 acupoints overlying the deep peroneal nerve for 30 min twice weekly for five weeks while sham-EA was conducted with the same procedures as EA except for no electrical stimulation. Elevated BP was reduced after six sessions of EA treatment and remained low 72 hrs after EA in 18 CIH rats, but not in sham-EA (n = 12) and untreated (n = 6) CIH ones. The mRNA level of preproenkephalin in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) 72 hr after EA was increased (n = 9), compared to the sham-EA (n = 6), untreated CIH rats (n = 6) and normotensive control animals (n = 6). Microinjection of ICI 174,864, a δ-opioid receptor antagonist, into the rVLM of EA-treated CIH rats partially reversed EA’s effect on elevated BP (n = 4). Stimulation of rVLM of CIH rats treated with sham-EA using a δ-opioid agonist, DADLE, decreased BP (n = 6). These data suggest that increased enkephalin in the rVLM induced by repetitive EA contributes to BP lowering action of EA.
Auxotrophy-based High Throughput Screening assay for the identification of Bacillus subtilis stringent response inhibitors
Authors: Andresen Liis , Varik Vallo , Tozawa Yuzuru , Jimmy Steffi , Lindberg Stina , Tenson Tanel , Hauryliuk Vasili
Published: October 2016

The stringent response is a central adaptation mechanism that allows bacteria to adjust their growth and metabolism according to environmental conditions. The functionality of the stringent response is crucial for bacterial virulence, survival during host invasion as well as antibiotic resistance and tolerance. Therefore, specific inhibitors of the stringent response hold great promise as molecular tools for disarming and pacifying bacterial pathogens. By taking advantage of the valine amino acid auxotrophy of the Bacillus subtilis stringent response-deficient strain, we have set up a High Throughput Screening assay for the identification of stringent response inhibitors. By screening 17,500 compounds, we have identified a novel class of antibacterials based on the 4-(6-(phenoxy)alkyl)-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole core. Detailed characterization of the hit compounds as well as two previously identified promising stringent response inhibitors – a ppGpp-mimic nucleotide Relacin and cationic peptide 1018 – showed that neither of the compounds is sufficiently specific, thus motivating future application of our screening assay to larger and more diverse molecular libraries.
Synthetic oligonucleotide antigens modified with locked nucleic acids detect disease specific antibodies
Authors: Samuelsen Simone V. , Solov’yov Ilia A. , Balboni Imelda M. , Mellins Elizabeth , Nielsen Christoffer Tandrup , Heegaard Niels H. H. , Astakhova Kira
Published: October 2016

New techniques to detect and quantify antibodies to nucleic acids would provide a significant advance over current methods, which often lack specificity. We investigate the potential of novel antigens containing locked nucleic acids (LNAs) as targets for antibodies. Particularly, employing molecular dynamics we predict optimal nucleotide composition for targeting DNA-binding antibodies. As a proof of concept, we address a problem of detecting anti-DNA antibodies that are characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease with multiple manifestations. We test the best oligonucleotide binders in surface plasmon resonance studies to analyze binding and kinetic aspects of interactions between antigens and target DNA. These DNA and LNA/DNA sequences showed improved binding in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using human samples of pediatric lupus patients. Our results suggest that the novel method is a promising tool to create antigens for research and point-of-care monitoring of anti-DNA antibodies.
Coordinated regulation of endocannabinoid-mediated retrograde synaptic suppression in the cerebellum by neuronal and astrocytic monoacylglycerol lipase
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Chen Yao , Vickstrom Casey R. , Li Yan , Viader Andreu , Cravatt Benjamin F. , Liu Qing-song
Published: October 2016

The endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) mediates retrograde synaptic depression including depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE) and inhibition (DSI). 2-AG is degraded primarily by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which is expressed in neurons and astrocytes. Using knockout mice in which MAGL is deleted globally or selectively in neurons or astrocytes, we investigated the relative contribution of neuronal and astrocytic MAGL to the termination of DSE and DSI in Purkinje cells (PCs) in cerebellar slices. We report that neuronal MAGL plays a predominant role in terminating DSE at climbing fiber (CF) to PC synapses, while both neuronal and astrocytic MAGL significantly contributes to the termination of DSE at parallel fiber (PF) to PC synapses and DSI at putative Stellate cell to PC synapses. Thus, DSE and DSI at different synapses is not uniformly affected by global and cell type-specific knockout of MAGL. Additionally, MAGL global knockout, but not cell type-specific knockout, caused tonic activation and partial desensitization of the CB1 receptor at PF-PC synapses. This tonic CB1 activation is mediated by 2-AG since it was blocked by the diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor DO34. Together, these results suggest that both neuronal and astrocytic MAGL contribute to 2-AG clearance and prevent CB1 receptor over-stimulation in the cerebellum.
The Dipole Potential Modifies the Clustering and Ligand Binding Affinity of ErbB Proteins and Their Signaling Efficiency
Authors: Kovács Tamás , Batta Gyula , Hajdu Tímea , Szabó Ágnes , Váradi Tímea , Zákány Florina , Csomós István , Szöllősi János , Nagy Peter
Published: October 2016

Although activation of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (ErbB1-4) is driven by oligomerization mediated by intermolecular interactions between the extracellular, the kinase and the transmembrane domains, the transmembrane domain has been largely neglected in this regard. The largest contributor to the intramembrane electric field, the dipole potential, alters the conformation of transmembrane peptides, but its effect on ErbB proteins is unknown. Here, we show by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and number and brightness (N&B) experiments that the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced increase in the homoassociation of ErbB1 and ErbB2 and their heteroassociation are augmented by increasing the dipole potential. These effects were even more pronounced for ErbB2 harboring an activating Val → Glu mutation in the transmembrane domain (NeuT). The signaling capacity of ErbB1 and ErbB2 was also correlated with the dipole potential. Since the dipole potential decreased the affinity of EGF to ErbB1, the augmented growth factor-induced effects at an elevated dipole potential were actually induced at lower receptor occupancy. We conclude that the dipole potential plays a permissive role in the clustering of ErbB receptors and that the effects of lipid rafts on ligand binding and receptor signaling can be partially attributed to the dipole potential.
HandKAchip - Hands-free killing assay on a chip
Authors: Lee Kyung Suk , Lee Lucy E. , Levine Erel
Published: October 2016

Small animals such as the roundworm C. elegans are excellent models for studying bacterial infection and host response, as well as for genetic and chemical screens. A key methodology is the killing assay, in which the number of surviving animals is tracked as a function of the time post infection. This is a labor-intensive procedure, prone to human error and subjective choices, and often involves undesired perturbation to the animals and their environment. In addition, the survival of animals is just one aspect of a multi-dimensional complex biological process. Here we report a microfluidic-based approach for performing killing assays in worms, compatible with standard assays performed on solid media. In addition to providing accurate and reproducible survival curves at a considerably reduced labor, this approach allows acquisition of a multitude of quantitative data with minimal undesired perturbations. These measurements are obtained automatically at a worm-by-worm resolution using a custom image processing workflow. The proposed approach is simple, scalable, and extendable, and is significantly more economical than standard manual protocols.
Extracellular vesicles from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis induced M1 polarization in vitro
Authors: da Silva Thiago Aparecido , Roque-Barreira Maria Cristina , Casadevall Arturo , Almeida Fausto
Published: October 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by eukaryotes, archaea, and bacteria contain proteins, lipids, polysaccharides, and other molecules. The cargo analysis of EVs shows that they contain virulence factors suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of infection. The proteome, lipidome, RNA content, and carbohydrate composition of EVs from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii were characterized. However, the effects of P. brasiliensis EVs on the host immune system have not yet been investigated. Herein, we verified that EVs from P. brasiliensis induce the production of proinflammatory mediators by murine macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Addition of EV to macrophages also promoted transcription of the M1-polarization marker iNOs and diminish that of the M2 markers Arginase-1, Ym-1, and FIZZ-1. Furthermore, the augmented expression of M2-polarization markers, stimulated by IL-4 plus IL-10, was reverted toward an M1 phenotype in response to secondary stimulation with EVs from P. brasiliensis. The ability of EVs from P. brasiliensis to promote M1 polarization macrophages favoring an enhanced fungicidal activity, demonstrated by the decreased CFU recovery of internalized yeasts, with comparable phagocytic efficacy. Our results suggest that EVs from P. brasiliensis can modulate the innate immune response and affect the relationship between P. brasiliensis and host immune cells.
The human laryngeal microbiome: effects of cigarette smoke and reflux
Authors: Jetté Marie E. , Dill-McFarland Kimberly A. , Hanshew Alissa S. , Suen Garret , Thibeault Susan L.
Published: October 2016

Prolonged diffuse laryngeal inflammation from smoking and/or reflux is commonly diagnosed as chronic laryngitis and treated empirically with expensive drugs that have not proven effective. Shifts in microbiota have been associated with many inflammatory diseases, though little is known about how resident microbes may contribute to chronic laryngitis. We sought to characterize the core microbiota of disease-free human laryngeal tissue and to investigate shifts in microbial community membership associated with exposure to cigarette smoke and reflux. Using 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we compared bacterial communities of laryngeal tissue biopsies collected from 97 non-treatment-seeking volunteers based on reflux and smoking status. The core community was characterized by a highly abundant OTU within the family Comamonadaceae found in all laryngeal tissues. Smokers demonstrated less microbial diversity than nonsmokers, with differences in relative abundances of OTUs classified as Streptococcus, unclassified Comamonadaceae, Cloacibacterium, and Helicobacter. Reflux status did not affect microbial diversity nor community structure nor composition. Comparison of healthy laryngeal microbial communities to benign vocal fold disease samples revealed greater abundance of Streptococcus in benign vocal fold disease suggesting that mucosal dominance by Streptococcus may be a factor in disease etiology.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of renal cortex in a salt-load rat model of advanced kidney damage
Authors: Jiang Shaoling , He Hanchang , Tan Lishan , Wang Liangliang , Su Zhengxiu , Liu Yufeng , Zhu Hongguo , Zhang Menghuan , Hou Fan Fan , Li Aiqing
Published: October 2016

Salt plays an essential role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and hypertension. However, the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of salt-induced kidney damage remain largely unknown. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats, that underwent 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx, a model of advanced kidney damage) or sham operation, were treated for 2 weeks with a normal or high-salt diet. We employed aTiO2 enrichment, iTRAQ labeling and liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry strategy for proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of the renal cortex. We found 318 proteins differentially expressed in 5/6Nx group relative to sham group, and 310 proteins significantly changed in response to salt load in 5/6Nx animals. Totally, 1810 unique phosphopeptides corresponding to 550 phosphoproteins were identified. We identified 113 upregulated and 84 downregulated phosphopeptides in 5/6Nx animals relative to sham animals. Salt load induced 78 upregulated and 91 downregulated phosphopeptides in 5/6Nx rats. The differentially expressed phospholproteins are important transporters, structural molecules, and receptors. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that the differentially phosphorylated proteins in 5/6Nx group, Polr2a, Srrm1, Gsta2 and Pxn were the most linked. Salt-induced differential phosphoproteins, Myh6, Lmna and Des were the most linked. Altered phosphorylation levels of lamin A and phospholamban were validated. This study will provide new insight into pathogenetic mechanisms of chronic kidney disease and salt sensitivity.
Multifunctional SPIO/DOX-loaded A54 Homing Peptide Functionalized Dextran-g-PLGA Micelles for Tumor Therapy and MR Imaging
Authors: Situ Jun-Qing , Wang Xiao-Juan , Zhu Xiu-Liang , Xu Xiao-Ling , Kang Xu-Qi , Hu Jing-Bo , Lu Chen-Ying , Ying Xiao-Ying , Yu Ri-Sheng , You Jian , Du Yong-Zhong
Published: October 2016

Specific delivery of chemotherapy drugs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent into tumor cells is one of the issues to highly efficient tumor targeting therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. Here, A54 peptide-functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-grafted dextran (A54-Dex-PLGA) was synthesized. The synthesized A54-Dex-PLGA could self-assemble to form micelles with a low critical micelle concentration of 22.51 μg. mL−1 and diameter of about 50 nm. The synthetic A54-Dex-PLGA micelles can encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) as a model anti-tumor drug and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) as a contrast agent for MRI. The drug-encapsulation efficiency was about 80% and the in vitro DOX release was prolonged to 72 hours. The DOX/SPIO-loaded micelles could specifically target BEL-7402 cell line. In vitro MRI results also proved the specific binding ability of A54-Dex-PLGA/DOX/SPIO micelles to hepatoma cell BEL-7402. The in vivo MR imaging experiments using a BEL-7402 orthotopic implantation model further validated the targeting effect of DOX/SPIO-loaded micelles. In vitro and in vivo anti-tumor activities results showed that A54-Dex-PLGA/DOX/SPIO micelles revealed better therapeutic effects compared with Dex-PLGA/DOX/SPIO micelles and reduced toxicity compared with commercial adriamycin injection.
New generation ICG-based contrast agents for ultrasound-switchable fluorescence imaging
Authors: Yu Shuai , Cheng Bingbing , Yao Tingfeng , Xu Cancan , Nguyen Kytai T. , Hong Yi , Yuan Baohong
Published: October 2016

Recently, we developed a new technology, ultrasound-switchable fluorescence (USF), for high-resolution imaging in centimeter-deep tissues via fluorescence contrast. The success of USF imaging highly relies on excellent contrast agents. ICG-encapsulated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanoparticles (ICG-NPs) are one of the families of the most successful near-infrared (NIR) USF contrast agents. However, the first-generation ICG-NPs have a short shelf life (<1 month). This work significantly increases the shelf life of the new-generation ICG-NPs (>6 months). In addition, we have conjugated hydroxyl or carboxyl function groups on the ICG-NPs for future molecular targeting. Finally, we have demonstrated the effect of temperature-switching threshold (Tth) and the background temperature (TBG) on the quality of USF images. We estimated that the Tth of the ICG-NPs should be controlled at ~38–40 °C (slightly above the body temperature of 37 °C) for future in vivo USF imaging. Addressing these challenges further reduces the application barriers of USF imaging.
Environmental hydro-refugia demonstrated by vegetation vigour in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Reynolds S. C. , Marston C. G. , Hassani H. , King G. C. P. , Bennett M. R.
Published: October 2016

Climate shifts at decadal scales can have environmental consequences, and therefore, identifying areas that act as environmental refugia is valuable in understanding future climate variability. Here we illustrate how, given appropriate geohydrology, a rift basin and its catchment can buffer vegetation response to climate signals on decadal time-scales, therefore exerting strong local environmental control. We use time-series data derived from Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) residuals that record vegetation vigour, extracted from a decadal span of MODIS images, to demonstrate hydrogeological buffering. While this has been described previously it has never been demonstrated via remote sensing and results in relative stability in vegetation vigour inside the delta, compared to that outside. As such the Delta acts as a regional hydro-refugium. This provides insight, not only to the potential impact of future climate in the region, but also demonstrates why similar basins are attractive to fauna, including our ancestors, in regions like eastern Africa. Although vertebrate evolution operates on time scales longer than decades, the sensitivity of rift wetlands to climate change has been stressed by some authors, and this work demonstrates another example of the unique properties that such basins can afford, given the right hydrological conditions.
Foundations of cumulative culture in apes: improved foraging efficiency through relinquishing and combining witnessed behaviours in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Davis Sarah J. , Vale Gillian L. , Schapiro Steven J. , Lambeth Susan P. , Whiten Andrew
Published: October 2016

A vital prerequisite for cumulative culture, a phenomenon often asserted to be unique to humans, is the ability to modify behaviour and flexibly switch to more productive or efficient alternatives. Here, we first established an inefficient solution to a foraging task in five captive chimpanzee groups (N = 19). Three groups subsequently witnessed a conspecific using an alternative, more efficient, solution. When participants could successfully forage with their established behaviours, most individuals did not switch to this more efficient technique; however, when their foraging method became substantially less efficient, nine chimpanzees with socially-acquired information (four of whom witnessed additional human demonstrations) relinquished their old behaviour in favour of the more efficient one. Only a single chimpanzee in control groups, who had not witnessed a knowledgeable model, discovered this. Individuals who switched were later able to combine components of their two learned techniques to produce a more efficient solution than their extensively used, original foraging method. These results suggest that, although chimpanzees show a considerable degree of conservatism, they also have an ability to combine independent behaviours to produce efficient compound action sequences; one of the foundational abilities (or candidate mechanisms) for human cumulative culture.
Phase Transition of the Bacterium upon Invasion of a Host Cell as a Mechanism of Adaptation: a Mycoplasma gallisepticum Model
Authors: Matyushkina Daria , Pobeguts Olga , Butenko Ivan , Vanyushkina Anna , Anikanov Nicolay , Bukato Olga , Evsyutina Daria , Bogomazova Alexandra , Lagarkova Maria , Semashko Tatiana , Garanina Irina , Babenko Vladislav , Vakhitova Maria , Ladygina Valentina , Fisunov Gleb , Govorun Vadim
Published: October 2016

What strategies do bacteria employ for adaptation to their hosts and are these strategies different for varied hosts? To date, many studies on the interaction of the bacterium and its host have been published. However, global changes in the bacterial cell in the process of invasion and persistence, remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated phase transition of the avian pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum upon invasion of the various types of eukaryotic cells (human, chicken, and mouse) which was stable during several passages after isolation of intracellular clones and recultivation in a culture medium. It was shown that this phase transition is manifested in changes at the proteomic, genomic and metabolomic levels. Eukaryotic cells induced similar proteome reorganization of M. gallisepticum during infection, despite different origins of the host cell lines. Proteomic changes affected a broad range of processes including metabolism, translation and oxidative stress response. We determined that the activation of glycerol utilization, overproduction of hydrogen peroxide and the upregulation of the SpxA regulatory protein occurred during intracellular infection. We propose SpxA as an important regulator for the adaptation of M. gallisepticum to an intracellular environment.
Geometric phase coded metasurface: from polarization dependent directive electromagnetic wave scattering to diffusion-like scattering
Authors: Chen Ke , Feng Yijun , Yang Zhongjie , Cui Li , Zhao Junming , Zhu Bo , Jiang Tian
Published: October 2016

Ultrathin metasurface compromising various sub-wavelength meta-particles offers promising advantages in controlling electromagnetic wave by spatially manipulating the wavefront characteristics across the interface. The recently proposed digital coding metasurface could even simplify the design and optimization procedures due to the digitalization of the meta-particle geometry. However, current attempts to implement the digital metasurface still utilize several structural meta-particles to obtain certain electromagnetic responses, and requiring time-consuming optimization especially in multi-bits coding designs. In this regard, we present herein utilizing geometric phase based single structured meta-particle with various orientations to achieve either 1-bit or multi-bits digital metasurface. Particular electromagnetic wave scattering patterns dependent on the incident polarizations can be tailored by the encoded metasurfaces with regular sequences. On the contrast, polarization insensitive diffusion-like scattering can also been successfully achieved by digital metasurface encoded with randomly distributed coding sequences leading to substantial suppression of backward scattering in a broadband microwave frequency. The proposed digital metasurfaces provide simple designs and reveal new opportunities for controlling electromagnetic wave scattering with or without polarization dependence.
Electrochemical Li Topotactic Reaction in Layered SnP3 for Superior Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Jae-Wan , Park Cheol-Min
Published: October 2016

The development of new anode materials having high electrochemical performances and interesting reaction mechanisms is highly required to satisfy the need for long-lasting mobile electronic devices and electric vehicles. Here, we report a layer crystalline structured SnP3 and its unique electrochemical behaviors with Li. The SnP3 was simply synthesized through modification of Sn crystallography by combination with P and its potential as an anode material for LIBs was investigated. During Li insertion reaction, the SnP3 anode showed an interesting two-step electrochemical reaction mechanism comprised of a topotactic transition (0.7–2.0 V) and a conversion (0.0–2.0 V) reaction. When the SnP3-based composite electrode was tested within the topotactic reaction region (0.7–2.0 V) between SnP3 and LixSnP3 (x ≤ 4), it showed excellent electrochemical properties, such as a high volumetric capacity (1st discharge/charge capacity was 840/663 mA h cm−3) with a high initial coulombic efficiency, stable cycle behavior (636 mA h cm−3 over 100 cycles), and fast rate capability (550 mA h cm−3 at 3C). This layered SnP3 anode will be applicable to a new anode material for rechargeable LIBs.
A macromolecular cyclometalated gold(iii) amphiphile displays long-lived emissive excited state in water: self-assembly and in vitro photo-toxicity
Authors: Wang Feng , Lan Minhuan , To Wai-Pong , Li Kai , Lok Chun-Nam , Wang Pengfei , Che Chi-Ming
Published: October 2016

A cyclometalated gold(iii) amphiphile self-assembles into nano-sized micelles in water, displaying a long-lived emissive excited state andin vitrophoto-toxicity.
Enabling rechargeable non-aqueous Mg–O2 battery operations with dual redox mediators
Authors: Dong Qi , Yao Xiahui , Luo Jingru , Zhang Xizi , Hwang Hajin , Wang Dunwei
Published: October 2016

The problems of low discharge voltage and poor rechargeability for Mg–O2 batteries can be addressed by using two redox mediators.
An efficient visible-light photocatalyst made from a nonpolar layered semiconductor by grafting electron-withdrawing organic molecules to its surface
Authors: Xu Benyan , An Yang , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Baibiao , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Dai Ying , Whangbo Myung-Hwan
Published: October 2016

The UV-light responsive Bi2O2(HCOO)2 (BFM) becomes an efficient visible-light photocatalyst when it is chemically modified with 4-substituted electron-withdrawing thiophenolates −S-C6H4Z.
A comparative study of nine berberine salts in the solid state: optimization of the photoluminescence and self-association properties through the choice of the anion
Authors: Soulié Marine , Carayon Chantal , Saffon Nathalie , Blanc Sylvie , Fery-Forgues Suzanne
Published: October 2016

Counter-ions regulate the photoluminescence and self-association properties of berberine salts.
Relationships between elastic anisotropy and thermal expansion in A2Mo3O12materials
Authors: Romao Carl P. , Donegan S. P. , Zwanziger J. W. , White Mary Anne
Published: October 2016

We report calculated elastic tensors, axial Grüneisen parameters, and thermal stress distributions in Al2Mo3O12, ZrMgMo3O12, Sc2Mo3O12, and Y2Mo3O12, a series of isomorphic materials for which the coefficients of thermal expansion range from low-positive to negative.
Examining the inhibitory potency of food additive fast green FCF against amyloid fibrillogenesis under acidic conditions
Authors: How Su-Chun , Yang Szu-Ming , Hsin Ai , Tseng Chia-Ping , Hsueh Shu-Shun , Lin Ming-Shen , Chen Rita P.-Y. , Chou Wei-Lung , Wang Steven S.-S.
Published: October 2016

Amyloid fibril formation of hen lysozyme (HEWL) can be attenuated by fast green FCF.
Metal-free annulation/aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexanones with o-acylanilines: efficient syntheses of acridines
Authors: Senadi Gopal Chandru , Dhandabani Ganesh Kumar , Hu Wan-Ping , Wang Jeh-Jeng
Published: October 2016

We have identified metal-free reaction conditions for the annulation/aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation of cyclohexanones witho-acylanilines to the corresponding acridine derivatives.
Asymmetric synthesis of 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid and its 5,6-dihydro- and 14,15-dehydro-derivatives
Authors: Kobayashi Yuichi , Morita Masao , Ogawa Narihito , Kondo Daiki , Tojo Toshifumi
Published: October 2016

A method for stereoselective syntheses of 12-HHT, HHD and HHTE was established. Efficient syntheses of the key intermediates were developed as well.
Triethylamine-based catalysts for the melt polymerization of carbonate monomers
Authors: Chesterman J. P. , Amsden B. G.
Published: October 2016

Triethylamine hydrochloride and triethylamine catalyze the melt polymerization of carbonate monomers faster than stannous octoate.
Biodegradable poly(amidoamine)s with uniform degradation fragments via sequence-controlled macromonomers
Authors: Ebbesen M. F. , Gerke C. , Hartwig P. , Hartmann L.
Published: October 2016

This work presents the translation of sequence-controlled synthesis of macromonomers into sequence-defined and selectively degradable precision polymers.
Hydrothermal synthesis of lithium-enriched β-Li2TiO3 with an ion-sieve application: excellent lithium adsorption
Authors: Wang Shulei , Li Ping , Cui Wenwen , Zhang Hailin , Wang Hongyan , Zheng Shili , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2016

Lithium-enriched monoclinic lithium metatitanate (β-Li2TiO3) with a high molar ratio of Li to Ti (2.11) was synthesized by a hydrothermal method.
Preparation, characterization and photocatalytic properties of Pr2Ce2O7 nanostructures via a facile procedure
Authors: Zinatloo-Ajabshir Sahar , Salehi Zahra , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: October 2016

Pr2Ce2O7 nanostructures were synthesized via an improved Pechini way.
Electrode materials based on α-NiCo(OH)2 and rGO for high performance energy storage devices
Authors: Gonçalves J. M. , Guimarães R. R. , Nunes C. V. , Duarte A. , Brandão B. B. N. S. , Toma H. E. , Araki K.
Published: October 2016

Described herein is a composite material based on rGO and α-NiCo(OH)2 nanoparticles combining very fast charge/discharge processes with the high energy density of batteries, suitable for application in high performance energy storage devices.
Molecular engineering of new phenothiazine-based D–A–π–A dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Gou Faliang , Shi Jian , Gao Hong , Xu Cailing , Zhu Zhenping , Jing Huanwang
Published: October 2016

We report new D–A–π–A dyes gained by molecular engineering for DSSCs, achieving a highest photoelectric conversion efficiency of 6.35%.
Facile one-pot synthesis of urchin-like Fe–Mn binary oxide nanoparticles for effective adsorption of Cd(ii) from water
Authors: Zhong Lu-Bin , Yin Jun , Liu Shao-Gen , Liu Qing , Yang Yue-San , Zheng Yu-Ming
Published: October 2016

The development of efficient and low-cost adsorbent is critical for water treatment, but still presents great challenges.
Mn0.5Co2.5O4 nanofibers sandwiched in graphene sheets for efficient supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Wang Jinzuan , Yang Jun , Huang Tao , Yin Wenyan
Published: October 2016

With unique sandwich-like structures, rich active sites, and boosted electrical conductivity, the Mn0.5Co2.5O4@G composite demonstrates superior electrochemical performances for supercapacitors.
2-Aminoimidazole borohydride as a hydrogen carrier
Authors: Wu Yong , Qi Yue , Chen Jun , Fu He , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: October 2016

A novel hydrogen carrier, 2-aminoimidazole borohydride, was designed and synthesized.
Ordered RTiO2@ATiO2 architecture for dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Liu Y. L. , Wang D. D. , Ni J. , Zhang S. F. , Jin X. J. , Lv S. J. , Wang Z. W. , Lei J. F.
Published: October 2016

RTiO2@ATiO2 architectures are constructed, in which 1D rutile TiO2 (RTiO2) arrays allow a fast electron transport and branched anatase TiO2 (ATiO2) particles benefit the dye harvesting.
Enhanced gas-sensing performance of SnO2/Nb2O5 hybrid nanowires
Authors: Sun Qi , Diao Kaidi , Sun Tulai , Li Maozhong , Cui Xudong , Tian He , Xiang Bin
Published: October 2016

An example of enhanced gas sensitivity by the formation of SnO2/Nb2O5 hybrid structure.
Resistive switching in an amorphous ZnO dielectric film prepared on a Ga-doped ZnO transparent electrode
Authors: Cheon Dongkeun , Son Myungwoo , Ham Moon-Ho , Lee Woong
Published: October 2016

Bipolar resistive switching behavior was observed on amorphous ZnO dielectric films prepared on the Ga-dope ZnO transparent electrodes.
Synthesis and structure of color tunable and white-light emitting lanthanide metal–organic framework materials constructed from conjugated 1,1′-butadiynebenzene-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarboxylate ligand
Authors: Rong Jiewei , Zhang Wenwei , Bai Junfeng
Published: October 2016

Seven isostructural lanthanide MOFs based on 1,1′-butadiynebenzene-3,3′, 5,5′-tetracarboxylate ligands were synthesized. Color tunable and white-light emitting materials were achieved by carefully adjusting the doping concentration of Eu3+ and Tb3+ in the Gd3+ compound.
Highly sensitive CO2 sensor based on microrods-like La2O3 thin film electrode
Authors: Yadav A. A. , Lokhande A. C. , Kim J. H. , Lokhande C. D.
Published: October 2016

The microrod-like La2O3 thin films are successfully synthesized by chemical bath method for highly sensitive CO2 gas sensor application.
Natural polysaccharides leading to super adsorbent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for the removal of heavy metals and dyes from aqueous solutions
Authors: Manatunga Danushika C. , de Silva Rohini M. , de Silva K. M. Nalin , Ratnaweera Rivi
Published: October 2016

Water pollution has created a major impact on the environment mainly due to contaminated industrial effluents with toxic substances such as heavy metals and textile dyes.
The effect of modified AlN on the thermal conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties of AlN/polystyrene composites
Authors: Wu Guanglei , Wang Yiqun , Wang Kuikui , Feng Ailing
Published: October 2016

Modified aluminum nitride particle/polystyrene (AlN/PS) composite was prepared by a powder processing technique.
Hierarchically nanostructured MnO2 electrodes for pseudocapacitor application
Authors: Ryu Ilhwan , Kim Green , Yoon Hajin , Ahn Sang Jung , Yim Sanggyu
Published: October 2016

The supercapacitive properties of hierarchically nanostructured manganese oxide (MnO2) electrodes were investigated.
Efficient separation and purification of anthocyanins from saskatoon berry by using low transition temperature mixtures
Authors: Yang Fu-Xi , Xu Pei , Yang Ji-Guo , Liang Jing , Zong Min-Hua , Lou Wen-Yong
Published: October 2016

Separation of anthocyanins from saskatoon berry by using low transition temperature mixtures.
MOF-derived self-sacrificing route to hollow NiS2/ZnS nanospheres for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Li Guo-Chang , Liu Minmin , Wu Meng-Ke , Liu Peng-Fei , Zhou Ziwei , Zhu Shuai-Ru , Liu Rui , Han Lei
Published: October 2016

NiS2/ZnS hollow spherical nanocomposites have been successfully synthesizedviaa facile MOF-derived self-sacrificing route, which exhibit high capacitance as promising electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors.
Acid-catalyzed oligomerization via activated proton transfer to aromatic and unsaturated monomers in Nafion membranes: a step forward in the in situ synthesis of conjugated composite membranes
Authors: Jain Sagar Motilal , Tripathi Sapana , Tripathi Sanjay , Spoto Giuseppe , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: October 2016

An approach to perform a controlled acid-catalyzed oligomerization via vapor pressure control of reactions inside Nafion membranes is presented.
Synthesis of ultralong NiSe nanobelts and their excellent adsorption properties towards malachite green in water
Authors: Pei Cuijin , Zhao Hua , Zhao Yan , Liu Bin , Han Guoping , Yuan Yukun , Shi Qian , Yang Heqing
Published: October 2016

NiSe ultralong nanobelts were synthesized by a solvothermal reaction of Ni with Se and KBH4 in ethylenediamine and subsequent annealing in Ar, ​and employed as adsorbent for the removal of malachite green in wastewater.
Insight into structural and π–magnesium bonding characteristics of the X2Mg⋯Y (X = H, F; Y = C2H2, C2H4and C6H6) complexes
Authors: Li Si-Yi , Wu Di , Li Ying , Yu Dan , Liu Jia-Yuan , Li Zhi-Ru
Published: October 2016

Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to study the nature of interaction of complexes formed by MgX2(X = H, F) molecules with acetylene, ethylene, and benzene.
One-pot synthesis of sulfonated graphene oxide for efficient conversion of fructose into HMF
Authors: Hou Qidong , Li Weizun , Ju Meiting , Liu Le , Chen Yu , Yang Qian
Published: October 2016

Sulfonated graphene oxide prepared through a one-pot method shows excellent catalytic performance for the dehydration of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
The role of graphene in nano-layered structure and long-term cycling stability of MnxCoyNizCO3 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Chao , Li Qingqing , Che Renchao
Published: October 2016

The prepared nano-layered MnxCoyNizCO3/graphene composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries demonstrated long-term cycling stability and perfect rate performance.
Hydropathy: the controlling factor behind the inhibition of Aβ fibrillation by graphene oxide
Authors: Bag Sudipta , Sett Ayantika , DasGupta Sunando , Dasgupta Swagata
Published: October 2016

Fibrillation of Aβ25–35peptide is inhibited in presence of graphene oxide.