bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-entrant DNA gels
Authors: Bomboi Francesca , Romano Flavio , Leo Manuela , Fernandez-Castanon Javier , Cerbino Roberto , Bellini Tommaso , Bordi Federico , Filetici Patrizia , Sciortino Francesco
Published: October 2016

DNA is acquiring a primary role in material development, self-assembling by design into complex supramolecular aggregates, the building block of a new-materials world. Using DNA nanoconstructs to translate sophisticated theoretical intuitions into experimental realizations by closely matching idealized models of colloidal particles is a much less explored avenue. Here we experimentally show that an appropriate selection of competing interactions enciphered in multiple DNA sequences results into the successful design of a one-pot DNA hydrogel that melts both on heating and on cooling. The relaxation time, measured by light scattering, slows down dramatically in a limited window of temperatures. The phase diagram displays a peculiar re-entrant shape, the hallmark of the competition between different bonding patterns. Our study shows that it is possible to rationally design biocompatible bulk materials with unconventional phase diagrams and tuneable properties by encoding into DNA sequences both the particle shape and the physics of the collective response.
Photothermal therapy with immune-adjuvant nanoparticles together with checkpoint blockade for effective cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Qian , Xu Ligeng , Liang Chao , Wang Chao , Peng Rui , Liu Zhuang
Published: October 2016

A therapeutic strategy that can eliminate primary tumours, inhibit metastases, and prevent tumour relapses is developed herein by combining adjuvant nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy with checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Indocyanine green (ICG), a photothermal agent, and imiquimod (R837), a Toll-like-receptor-7 agonist, are co-encapsulated by poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). The formed PLGA-ICG-R837 nanoparticles composed purely by three clinically approved components can be used for near-infrared laser-triggered photothermal ablation of primary tumours, generating tumour-associated antigens, which in the presence of R837-containing nanoparticles as the adjuvant can show vaccine-like functions. In combination with the checkpoint-blockade using anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4), the generated immunological responses will be able to attack remaining tumour cells in mice, useful in metastasis inhibition, and may potentially be applicable for various types of tumour models. Furthermore, such strategy offers a strong immunological memory effect, which can provide protection against tumour rechallenging post elimination of their initial tumours.
A biomimetic redox flow battery based on flavin mononucleotide
Authors: Orita Akihiro , Verde Michael G. , Sakai Masanori , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: October 2016

The versatility in design of redox flow batteries makes them apt to efficiently store energy in large-scale applications at low cost. The discovery of inexpensive organic electroactive materials for use in aqueous flow battery electrolytes is highly attractive, but is thus far limited. Here we report on a flow battery using an aqueous electrolyte based on the sodium salt of flavin mononucleotide. Flavins are highly versatile electroactive molecules, which catalyse a multitude of redox reactions in biological systems. We use nicotinamide (vitamin B3) as a hydrotropic agent to enhance the water solubility of flavin mononucleotide. A redox flow battery using flavin mononucleotide negative and ferrocyanide positive electrolytes in strong base shows stable cycling performance, with over 99% capacity retention over the course of 100 cycles. We hypothesize that this is enabled due to the oxidized and reduced forms of FMN-Na being stabilized by resonance structures.
Impact of migration on the multi-strategy selection in finite group-structured populations
Authors: Zhang Yanling , Liu Aizhi , Sun Changyin
Published: October 2016

For large quantities of spatial models, the multi-strategy selection under weak selection is the sum of two competition terms: the pairwise competition and the competition of multiple strategies with equal frequency. Two parameters σ1 and σ2 quantify the dependence of the multi-strategy selection on these two terms, respectively. Unlike previous studies, we here do not require large populations for calculating σ1 and σ2, and perform the first quantitative analysis of the effect of migration on them in group-structured populations of any finite sizes. The Moran and the Wright-Fisher process have the following common findings. Compared with well-mixed populations, migration causes σ1 to change with the mutation probability from a decreasing curve to an inverted U-shaped curve and maintains the increase of σ2. Migration (probability and range) leads to a significant change of σ1 but a negligible one of σ2. The way that migration changes σ1 is qualitatively similar to its influence on the single parameter characterizing the two-strategy selection. The Moran process is more effective in increasing σ1 for most migration probabilities and the Wright-Fisher process is always more effective in increasing σ2. Finally, our findings are used to study the evolution of cooperation under direct reciprocity.
Embryonic/fetal mortality and intrauterine growth restriction is not exclusive to the CBA/J sub-strain in the CBA × DBA model
Authors: McKelvey Kelly J. , Yenson Vanessa M. , Ashton Anthony W. , Morris Jonathan M. , McCracken Sharon A.
Published: October 2016

Inbred strains of mice are powerful models for understanding human pregnancy complications. For example, the exclusive mating of CBA/J females to DBA/2J males increases fetal resorption to 20–35% with an associated decline in placentation and maintenance of maternal Th1 immunity. More recently other complications of pregnancy, IUGR and preeclampsia, have been reported in this model. The aim of this study was to qualify whether the CBA/CaH substrain female can substitute for CBA/J to evoke a phenotype of embryonic/fetal mortality and IUGR. (CBA/CaH × DBA/2J) F1 had significantly higher embryonic/fetal mortality mortality (p = 0.0063), smaller fetuses (p < 0.0001), and greater prevalence of IUGR (<10th percentile; 47% vs 10%) than (CBA/CaH × Balb/c) F1. Placentae from IUGR fetuses from all mating groups were significantly smaller (p < 0.0001) with evidence of thrombosis and fibrosis when compared to normal-weight fetuses ( > 10th percentile). In addition, placentae of “normal-weight” (CBA/CaH × DBA/2J) F1 were significantly smaller (p < 0.0006) with a greater proportion of labyrinth (p = 0.0128) and an 11-fold increase in F4/80 + macrophage infiltration (p < 0.0001) when compared to placentae of (CBA/CaH × Balb/c) F1. In conclusion, the embryonic/fetal mortality and IUGR phenotype is not exclusive to CBA/J female mouse, and CBA/CaH females can be substituted to provide a model for the assessment of novel therapeutics.
Angiopoietin-2 attenuates angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Yu Hongyou , Moran Corey S. , Trollope Alexandra F. , Woodward Lynn , Kinobe Robert , Rush Catherine M. , Golledge Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Angiogenesis and inflammation are implicated in aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis and regulated by angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2). The effect of Angpt2 administration on experimental aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis was examined. Six-month-old male apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were infused with angiotensin II (AngII) and administered subcutaneous human Fc-protein (control) or recombinant Angpt2 (rAngpt2) over 14 days. Administration of rAngpt2 significantly inhibited AngII-induced aortic dilatation and rupture of the suprarenal aorta (SRA), and development of atherosclerosis within the aortic arch. These effects were blood pressure and plasma lipoprotein independent and associated with Tie2 activation and down-regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) within the SRA. Plasma concentrations of MCP-1 and interleukin-6 were significantly lower in mice receiving rAngpt2. Immunostaining for the monocyte/macrophage marker MOMA-2 and the angiogenesis marker CD31 within the SRA were less in mice receiving rAngpt2 than controls. The percentage of inflammatory (Ly6Chi) monocytes within the bone marrow was increased while that in peripheral blood was decreased by rAngpt2 administration. In conclusion, administration of rAngpt2 attenuated angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice associated with reduced aortic inflammation and angiogenesis. Up-regulation of Angpt2 may have potential therapeutic value in patients with aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis.
The serologically defined colon cancer antigen-3 (SDCCAG3) is involved in the regulation of ciliogenesis
Authors: Yu Fangyan , Sharma Shruti , Skowronek Agnieszka , Erdmann Kai Sven
Published: October 2016

A primary cilium is present on most eukaryotic cells and represents a specialized organelle dedicated to signal transduction and mechanosensing. Defects in cilia function are the cause for several human diseases called ciliopathies. The serologically defined colon cancer antigen-3 (SDCCAG3) is a recently described novel endosomal protein mainly localized at early and recycling endosomes and interacting with several components of membrane trafficking pathways. Here we describe localization of SDCCAG3 to the basal body of primary cilia. Furthermore, we demonstrate that decreased expression levels of SDCCAG3 correlate with decreased ciliary length and a reduced percentage of ciliated cells. We show that SDCCAG3 interacts with the intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88), a crucial component of ciliogenesis and intraciliary transport. Mapping experiments revealed that the N-terminus of SDCCAG3 mediates this interaction by binding to a region within IFT88 comprising several tetratricopeptide (TRP) repeats. Finally, we demonstrate that SDCCAG3 is important for ciliary localization of the membrane protein Polycystin-2, a protein playing an important role in the formation of polycystic kidney disease, but not for Rab8 another ciliary protein. Together these data suggest a novel role for SDCCAG3 in ciliogenesis and in localization of cargo to primary cilia.
Multivariate synaptic and behavioral profiling reveals new developmental endophenotypes in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Iafrati Jillian , Malvache Arnaud , Gonzalez Campo Cecilia , Orejarena M. Juliana , Lassalle Olivier , Bouamrane Lamine , Chavis Pascale
Published: October 2016

The postnatal maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) represents a period of increased vulnerability to risk factors and emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders. To disambiguate the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to these disorders, we revisited the endophenotype approach from a developmental viewpoint. The extracellular matrix protein reelin which contributes to cellular and network plasticity, is a risk factor for several psychiatric diseases. We mapped the aggregate effect of the RELN risk allele on postnatal development of PFC functions by cross-sectional synaptic and behavioral analysis of reelin-haploinsufficient mice. Multivariate analysis of bootstrapped datasets revealed subgroups of phenotypic traits specific to each maturational epoch. The preeminence of synaptic AMPA/NMDA receptor content to pre-weaning and juvenile endophenotypes shifts to long-term potentiation and memory renewal during adolescence followed by NMDA-GluN2B synaptic content in adulthood. Strikingly, multivariate analysis shows that pharmacological rehabilitation of reelin haploinsufficient dysfunctions is mediated through induction of new endophenotypes rather than reversion to wild-type traits. By delineating previously unknown developmental endophenotypic sequences, we conceived a promising general strategy to disambiguate the molecular underpinnings of complex psychiatric disorders and for the rational design of pharmacotherapies in these disorders.
Isolation and plasmid characterization of carbapenemase (IMP-4) producing Salmonella enterica Typhimurium from cats
Authors: Abraham Sam , O’Dea Mark , Trott Darren J. , Abraham Rebecca J. , Hughes David , Pang Stanley , McKew Genevieve , Cheong Elaine Y. L. , Merlino John , Saputra Sugiyono , Malik Richard , Gottlieb Thomas
Published: October 2016

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a pressing public health issue due to limited therapeutic options to treat such infections. CREs have been predominantly isolated from humans and environmental samples and they are rarely reported among companion animals. In this study we report on the isolation and plasmid characterization of carbapenemase (IMP-4) producing Salmonella enterica Typhimurium from a companion animal. Carbapenemase-producing S. enterica Typhimurium carrying blaIMP-4 was identified from a systemically unwell (index) cat and three additional cats at an animal shelter. All isolates were identical and belonged to ST19. Genome sequencing revealed the acquisition of a multidrug-resistant IncHI2 plasmid (pIMP4-SEM1) that encoded resistance to nine antimicrobial classes including carbapenems and carried the blaIMP-4-qacG-aacA4-catB3 cassette array. The plasmid also encoded resistance to arsenic (MIC-150 mM). Comparative analysis revealed that the plasmid pIMP4-SEM1 showed greatest similarity to two blaIMP-8 carrying IncHI2 plasmids from Enterobacter spp. isolated from humans in China. This is the first report of CRE carrying a blaIMP-4 gene causing a clinical infection in a companion animal, with presumed nosocomial spread. This study illustrates the broader community risk entailed in escalating CRE transmission within a zoonotic species such as Salmonella, and in a cycle that encompasses humans, animals and the environment.
Different populations of Wnt-containing vesicles are individually released from polarized epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Qiuhong , Takada Ritsuko , Noda Chiyo , Kobayashi Satoru , Takada Shinji
Published: October 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests that exosomes are heterogeneous in molecular composition and physical properties. Here we examined whether epithelial cells secrete a heterogeneous population of exosomes, and if that is the case, whether epithelial cell polarity affects release of different populations of exosomes, especially that of those carrying Wnt. Sucrose-density ultracentrifugation and molecular marker analysis revealed that different populations of exosomes or exosome-like vesicles were released from MDCK cells depending on the cell polarity. Wnt3a associated with these vesicles were detectable in culture media collected from both apical and basolateral sides of the cells. Basolaterally secreted Wnt3a were co-fractionated with a typical exosomal protein TSG101 in fractions having typical exosome densities. In contrast, most of apically secreted Wnt3a, as well as Wnt11, were co-fractionated with CD63 and Hsp70, which are also common to the most exosomes, but recovered in higher density fractions. Wnt3a exhibiting similar floatation behavior to the apically secreted ones were also detectable in the culture media of Wnt3a-expressing L and HEK293 cells. The lipidation of Wnt3a was required for its basolateral secretion in exosomes but was dispensable for the apical one. Thus, epithelial cells release Wnt via distinct populations of vesicles differing in secretion polarity and lipidation dependency.
Correlations in quantum thermodynamics: Heat, work, and entropy production
Authors: Alipour S. , Benatti F. , Bakhshinezhad F. , Afsary M. , Marcantoni S. , Rezakhani A. T.
Published: October 2016

We provide a characterization of energy in the form of exchanged heat and work between two interacting constituents of a closed, bipartite, correlated quantum system. By defining a binding energy we derive a consistent quantum formulation of the first law of thermodynamics, in which the role of correlations becomes evident, and this formulation reduces to the standard classical picture in relevant systems. We next discuss the emergence of the second law of thermodynamics under certain—but fairly general—conditions such as the Markovian assumption. We illustrate the role of correlations and interactions in thermodynamics through two examples.
Direct Analysis and Quantification of Metaldehyde in Water using Reactive Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Maher Simon , Jjunju Fred P. M. , Damon Deidre E. , Gorton Hannah , Maher Yosef S. , Syed Safaraz U. , Heeren Ron M. A. , Young Iain S. , Taylor Stephen , Badu-Tawiah Abraham K.
Published: October 2016

Metaldehyde is extensively used worldwide as a contact and systemic molluscicide for controlling slugs and snails in a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. Contamination of surface waters due to run-off, coupled with its moderate solubility in water, has led to increased concentration of the pesticide in the environment. In this study, for the first time, rapid analysis (<~1 minute) of metaldehyde residues in water is demonstrated using paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS). The observed precursor molecular ions of metaldehyde were confirmed from tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments by studying the fragmentation patterns produced via collision-induced dissociation. The signal intensity ratios of the most abundant MS/MS transitions for metaldehyde (177 → 149 for protonated ion) and atrazine (221 → 179) were found to be linear in the range 0.01 to 5 ng/mL. Metaldehyde residues were detectable in environmental water samples at low concentration (LOD < 0.1 ng/mL using reactive PS-MS), with a relative standard deviation <10% and an R2 value >0.99, without any pre-concentration/separation steps. This result is of particular importance for environmental monitoring and water quality analysis providing a potential means of rapid screening to ensure safe drinking water.
The pressure sensitivity of wrinkled B-doped nanocrystalline diamond membranes
Authors: Drijkoningen S. , Janssens S. D. , Pobedinskas P. , Koizumi S. , Van Bael M. K. , Haenen K.
Published: October 2016

Nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) membranes are promising candidates for use as sensitive pressure sensors. NCD membranes are able to withstand harsh conditions and are easily fabricated on glass. In this study the sensitivity of heavily boron doped NCD (B:NCD) pressure sensors is evaluated with respect to different types of supporting glass substrates, doping levels and membrane sizes. Higher pressure sensing sensitivities are obtained for membranes on Corning Eagle 2000 glass, which have a better match in thermal expansion coefficient with diamond compared to those on Schott AF45 glass. In addition, it is shown that larger and more heavily doped membranes are more sensitive. After fabrication of the membranes, the stress in the B:NCD films is released by the emergence of wrinkles. A better match between the thermal expansion coefficient of the NCD layer and the underlying substrate results in less stress and a smaller amount of wrinkles as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and 3D surface imaging.
Structural Analysis of an Evolved Transketolase Reveals Divergent Binding Modes
Authors: Affaticati Pierre E. , Dai Shao-Bo , Payongsri Panwajee , Hailes Helen C. , Tittmann Kai , Dalby Paul A.
Published: October 2016

The S385Y/D469T/R520Q variant of E. coli transketolase was evolved previously with three successive smart libraries, each guided by different structural, bioinformatical or computational methods. Substrate-walking progressively shifted the target acceptor substrate from phosphorylated aldehydes, towards a non-phosphorylated polar aldehyde, a non-polar aliphatic aldehyde, and finally a non-polar aromatic aldehyde. Kinetic evaluations on three benzaldehyde derivatives, suggested that their active-site binding was differentially sensitive to the S385Y mutation. Docking into mutants generated in silico from the wild-type crystal structure was not wholly satisfactory, as errors accumulated with successive mutations, and hampered further smart-library designs. Here we report the crystal structure of the S385Y/D469T/R520Q variant, and molecular docking of three substrates. This now supports our original hypothesis that directed-evolution had generated an evolutionary intermediate with divergent binding modes for the three aromatic aldehydes tested. The new active site contained two binding pockets supporting π-π stacking interactions, sterically separated by the D469T mutation. While 3-formylbenzoic acid (3-FBA) preferred one pocket, and 4-FBA the other, the less well-accepted substrate 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3-HBA) was caught in limbo with equal preference for the two pockets. This work highlights the value of obtaining crystal structures of evolved enzyme variants, for continued and reliable use of smart library strategies.
Bactrocera dorsalis male sterilization by targeted RNA interference of spermatogenesis: empowering sterile insect technique programs
Authors: Dong Yong-Cheng , Wang Zhi-Jian , Chen Zhen-Zhong , Clarke Anthony R. , Niu Chang-Ying
Published: October 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is a genetic technique which has novel application for sustainable pest control. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) uses releases of mass-produced, sterile male insects to out-compete wild males for mates to reduce pest populations. RNAi sterilization of SIT males would have several advantages over radiation sterilization, but to achieve this appropriate target genes must first be identified and then targeted with interference technology. With this goal, eight spermatogenesis related candidate genes were cloned and tested for potential activity in Bactrocera dorsalis. The knockdown of candidate genes by oral delivery of dsRNAs did not influence the mating of male flies, but significantly affected the daily average number of eggs laid by females, and reduced egg hatching rate by 16–60%. RNAi negatively affected spermatozoa quantitatively and qualitatively. Following the mating of lola-/topi-/rac-/rho-/upd-/magu-silenced males, we recorded a significant decrease in number and length of spermatozoa in female spermatheca compared to gfp-silenced control group. In a greenhouse trial, the number of damaged oranges and B. dorsalis larvae were significantly reduced in a dsrho-treated group compared with the dsgfp group. This study provides strong evidence for the use RNAi in pest management, especially for the improvement of SIT against B. dorsalis and other species.
Kinesin-5 Contributes to Spindle-length Scaling in the Evolution of Cancer toward Metastasis
Authors: Yang Ching-Feng , Tsai Wan-Yu , Chen Wei-An , Liang Kai-Wen , Pan Cheng-Ju , Lai Pei-Lun , Yang Pan-Chyr , Huang Hsiao-Chun
Published: October 2016

During natural evolution, the spindles often scale with cell sizes to orchestrate accurate chromosome segregation. Whether in cancer evolution, when the constraints on genome integrity are relaxed, cancer cells may evolve the spindle to confer other advantages has not been investigated. Using invasion as a selective pressure in vitro, we found that a highly metastatic cancer clone displays a lengthened metaphase spindle, with faster spindle elongation that correlates with transiently elevated speed of cell migration. We found that kinesin-5 is upregulated in this malignant clone, and weak inhibition of kinesin-5 activity could revert the spindle to a smaller aspect ratio, decrease the speed of spindle pole separation, and suppress post-mitotic cell migration. A correlation was found between high aspect ratio and strong metastatic potential in cancers that evolved and were selected in vivo, implicating that the spindle aspect ratio could serve as a promising cellular biomarker for metastatic cancer clones.
Production and verification of a 2nd generation clonal group of Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Hou Jilun , Wang Guixing , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Yufen , Sun Zhaohui , Si Fei , Jiang Xiufeng , Liu Haijin
Published: October 2016

Clonal fishes are useful tools in biology and aquaculture studies due to their isogenicity. In Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a group of homozygous clones was created by inducing meiogynogenesis in eggs from a mitogynogenetic homozygous diploid. As the clones reached sexual maturity, meiogynogenesis was again induced in order to produce a 2nd generation clonal group of Japanese flounder. After 3 months, there were 611 healthy, surviving individuals. Twenty-four microsatellite markers, that covered all the linkage groups of Japanese flounder, were used to identify the homozygosity of the 2nd generation clones; no heterozygous locus was detected. This indicates that the production of a 2nd generation clonal group of Japanese flounder was successful. Restriction-site DNA associated sequencing at the genomic level also confirmed the homozygosity and clonality of the 2nd generation clonal group. Furthermore, these 2nd generation clones had a small coefficient of variation for body shape indices at 210 days of age and showed a high degree of similarity in body characteristics among individuals. The successful production of 2nd generation clones has laid the foundation for the large-scale production of clonal Japanese flounder.
Optical manipulation of the alpha subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins using photoswitchable dimerization systems
Authors: Yu Gaigai , Onodera Hiroyuki , Aono Yuki , Kawano Fuun , Ueda Yoshibumi , Furuya Akihiro , Suzuki Hideyuki , Sato Moritoshi
Published: October 2016

Alpha subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins (Gα) are involved in a variety of cellular functions. Here we report an optogenetic strategy to spatially and temporally manipulate Gα in living cells. More specifically, we applied the blue light-induced dimerization system, known as the Magnet system, and an alternative red light-induced dimerization system consisting of Arabidopsis thaliana phytochrome B (PhyB) and phytochrome-interacting factor 6 (PIF6) to optically control the activation of two different classes of Gα (Gαq and Gαs). By utilizing this strategy, we demonstrate successful regulation of Ca2+ and cAMP using light in mammalian cells. The present strategy is generally applicable to different kinds of Gα and could contribute to expanding possibilities of spatiotemporal regulation of Gα in mammalian cells.
Monoacylglycerol Lipase: A Novel Potential Therapeutic Target and Prognostic Indicator for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Junyong , Liu Zuojin , Lian Zhengrong , Liao Rui , Chen Yi , Qin Yi , Wang Jinlong , Jiang Qing , Wang Xiaobo , Gong Jianping
Published: October 2016

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a key enzyme in lipid metabolism that is demonstrated to be involved in tumor progression through both energy supply of fatty acid (FA) oxidation and enhancing cancer cell malignance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether MAGL could be a potential therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To evaluate the relationship between MAGL levels and clinical characteristics, a tissue microarray (TMA) of 353 human HCC samples was performed. MAGL levels in HCC samples were closely linked to the degree of malignancy and patient prognosis. RNA interference, specific pharmacological inhibitor JZL-184 and gene knock-in of MAGL were utilized to investigate the effects of MAGL on HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. MAGL played important roles in both proliferation and invasion of HCC cells through mechanisms that involved prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). JZL-184 administration significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, we confirmed that promoter methylation of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) resulted in dysfunction of the Hippo signal pathway, which induced overexpression of MAGL in HCC. These results indicate that MAGL could be a potentially novel therapeutic target and prognostic indicator for HCC.
The significance of linoleic acid in food sources for detritivorous benthic invertebrates
Authors: Vonk J. Arie , van Kuijk Bernd F. , van Beusekom Mick , Hunting Ellard R. , Kraak Michiel H. S.
Published: October 2016

Chemical composition of organic matter (OM) is a key driver for detritus consumption by macroinvertebrates and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content is considered a candidate indicator of food palatability. Since traditionally used complex natural OM covaries in many quality attributes, it remains uncertain whether benthic invertebrates developed an actual preference for PUFA-rich food. Therefore we aimed to test the influence of the PUFA linoleic acid on OM consumption by aquatic macroinvertebrates using standardized surrogate substrates (decomposition and consumption tablet, DECOTAB) with added linoleic acid (PUFA) in comparison to consumption of DECOTAB containing only cellulose (Standard) or ground macrophytes (Plant). In microcosms, we observed a higher consumption rate of PUFA DECOTAB in comparison to Standard DECOTAB in two functionally distinct invertebrate species (Lumbriculus variegatus and Asellus aquaticus). This effect appeared to be overruled in the field due to unknown sources of natural variation. Although we observed higher consumption rates in species-rich ditches compared to species-poor ditches, consumption rates were comparable for all three types of DECOTAB deployed. Upon reduced food quality and palatability, results presented here hint that PUFA like linoleic acid may be a key OM attribute driving the performance of benthic macroinvertebrates and inherent functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
Impact of different antithrombotics on the microcirculation and viability of perforator-based ischaemic skin flaps in a small animal model
Authors: Fichter Andreas M. , Ritschl Lucas M. , Robitzky Luisa K. , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Mitchell David A. , Wolff Klaus-Dietrich , Mücke Thomas
Published: October 2016

The effects of antithrombotic drugs on random and free flap survival have been investigated in the past, but the experimental and clinical results are not in agreement. A perforator-based critical ischaemia model was used to evaluate the effects of different perioperatively administered pharmaceutical agents on tissue ischaemia and to assess the potential additional haemorheological or vasodilative effects of antithrombotics on flap microcirculation. Combined laser Doppler flowmetry and remission spectroscopy revealed an increase in certain microcirculation parameters in most groups in comparison with saline controls, and these changes correlated with flap survival. Clopidogrel and hirudin significantly improved the amount of viable flap tissue in comparison with controls, while unfractioned heparin had a negative effect on flap survival. Low molecular weight heparin, aspirin, pentoxifylline, and hydroxyethyl starch had no impact on the amount of viable flap tissue. A higher complication rate was observed in all experimental groups, but only clopidogrel had a negative impact on the flap viability. Our results add to the body of evidence supporting the conclusion that perioperative antithrombotic treatment improves flap survival. Clopidogrel and hirudin are effective pharmacological agents that significantly increased the viability of perforator-based skin flaps in rats, but at a higher risk of postoperative bleeding.
A dual-targeting approach to inhibit Brucella abortus replication in human cells
Authors: Czyż Daniel M. , Jain-Gupta Neeta , Shuman Howard A. , Crosson Sean
Published: October 2016

Brucella abortus is an intracellular bacterial pathogen and an etiological agent of the zoonotic disease known as brucellosis. Brucellosis can be challenging to treat with conventional antibiotic therapies and, in some cases, may develop into a debilitating and life-threatening chronic illness. We used multiple independent assays of in vitro metabolism and intracellular replication to screen a library of 480 known bioactive compounds for novel B. abortus anti-infectives. Eighteen non-cytotoxic compounds specifically inhibited B. abortus replication in the intracellular niche, which suggests these molecules function by targeting host cell processes. Twenty-six compounds inhibited B. abortus metabolism in axenic culture, thirteen of which are non-cytotoxic to human host cells and attenuate B. abortus replication in the intracellular niche. The most potent non-cytotoxic inhibitors of intracellular replication reduce B. abortus metabolism in axenic culture and perturb features of mammalian cellular biology including mitochondrial function and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. The efficacy of these molecules as inhibitors of B. abortus replication in the intracellular niche suggests “dual-target” compounds that coordinately perturb host and pathogen are promising candidates for development of improved therapeutics for intracellular infections.
Targeting erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase and 18O-isotope of breath CO2 for sorting out type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ghosh Chiranjit , Mandal Santanu , Banik Gourab D. , Maity Abhijit , Mukhopadhyay Prabuddha , Ghosh Shibendu , Pradhan Manik
Published: October 2016

The inability to envisage the acute onset and progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been a major clinical stumbling block and an important area of biomedical research over the last few decades. Therefore there is a pressing need to develop a new and an effective strategy for early detection of T1D and to precisely distinguish T1D from type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here we describe the precise role of the enzymatic activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in erythrocytes in the pathogenesis of T1D and T2D. We show that CA activities are markedly altered during metabolism of T1D and T2D and this facilitates to the oxygen-18 (18O) isotopic fractionations of breath CO2. In our observations, T1D exhibited considerable depletions of 18O-isotopes of CO2, whereas T2D manifested isotopic enrichments of 18O in breath CO2, thus unveiling a missing link of breath18O-isotopic fractionations in T1D and T2D. Our findings suggest that the alterations in erythrocytes CA activities may be the initial step of altered metabolism of T1D and T2D, and breath 18O-isotope regulated by the CA activity is a potential diagnostic biomarker that can selectively and precisely distinguish T1D from T2D and thus may open a potential unifying strategy for treating these diseases.
Management of fluoroscopy-induced radiation ulcer: One-stage radical excision and immediate reconstruction
Authors: Wei Kai-Che , Yang Kuo-Chung , Chen Lee-Wei , Liu Wen-Chung , Chen Wen-Chieh , Chiou Wen-Yen , Lai Ping-Chin
Published: October 2016

With increasing use of cardiac fluoroscopic intervention, the incidence of fluoroscopy-induced radiation ulcer is increasing. Radiation ulcer is difficult to manage and currently there are no treatment guidelines. To identify the optimal treatment approaches for managing cardiac fluoroscopy-induced radiation ulcers, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of 13 patients with fluoroscopy-induced radiation ulcers receiving surgical interventions and following up in our hospital from 2012 to 2015. Conventional wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were of little therapeutic benefit. Twelve patients received reconstruction with advancement flap or split thick skin graft. One-stage radical excision of radiation damaged area in eight cases with immediate reconstruction led to better outcomes than conservative excisions in four cases. Radical surgical excision to remove all the radiation damaged tissues in combination with immediate reconstruction appears to offer the optimal treatment results for cardiac fluoroscopy-induced radiation ulcers. Adequate excision of the damaged areas in both vertical (to the muscular fascia) and horizontal (beyond the sclerotic areas) dimension is pivotal to achieve good treatment outcomes.
Case Studies of Source Apportionment and Suggested Measures at Southern European Cities
Authors: Amato F. , Lucarelli F. , Nava S. , Calzolai G. , Karanasiou A. , Colombi C. , Gianelle V. L. , Alves C. , Custódio D. , Eleftheriadis K. , Diapouli E. , Reche C. , Alastuey A. , Minguillón M. C. , Severi M. , Becagli S. , Nunes T. , Cerqueira M. , Pio C. , Manousakas M. , Maggos T. , Vratolis S. , Harrison R. M. , Querol X.
Published: October 2016

This chapter reports the results of the PM10 and PM2.5 source apportionment at 3 urban background sites (Barcelona, Florence and Milan, BCN-UB, FI-UB, MLN-UB) 1 suburban background site (Athens, ATH-SUB) and 1 traffic site (Porto, POR-TR). Road traffic (sum of vehicle exhaust, non-exhaust and traffic-related secondary nitrate) is the most important source of PM10 (23–38% at all sites) and PM2.5 (22–39%, except for ATH-SUB and BCN-UB). The second most important source of PM10 (20–26%) is secondary sulphate/OC at BCN-UB, FI-UB and ATH-SUB, while it represents 10–14% in MLN-UB and POR-TR. The relative importance of this source is higher in PM2.5 (19–37% at SUB-UB sites). Biomass burning contributions vary widely from 14–24% of PM10 in POR-TR, MLN-UB and FI-UB, 7% in ATH-SUB to <2% in BCN-UB. In PM2.5, BB is the second most important source in MLN-UB (21%) and in POR-TR (18%). This large variability is due to the degree of penetration of biomass for residential heating. Other significant sources are local dust, industries (metallurgy), remaining secondary nitrate (from industries, shipping and power generation), sea salt and Saharan dust. The same analysis is performed for exceedances days. Based on the above, a priority list of measures to improve PM levels is proposed for each city.
SERS aptasensor detection of Salmonella typhimurium using a magnetic gold nanoparticle and gold nanoparticle based sandwich structure
Authors: Ma Xiaoyuan , Liu Ying , Zhou Nixin , Duan Nuo , Wu Shijia , Wang Zhouping
Published: October 2016

A SERS aptasensor for the detection ofSalmonella typhimuriumusing a magnetic gold nanoparticle and gold nanoparticle based sandwich structure.
Catalytic conversion of methane to methanol on Cu-SSZ-13 using N2O as oxidant
Authors: Ipek B. , Lobo R. F.
Published: October 2016

Direct catalytic methanol production from methane is achieved on Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite catalysts using N2O as the oxidant.
A Shake&Read distance-based microfluidic chip as a portable quantitative readout device for highly sensitive point-of-care testing
Authors: Xie Yi , Wei Xiaofeng , Yang Qizhen , Guan Zhichao , Liu Dan , Liu Xuan , Zhou Leiji , Zhu Zhi , Lin Zhenyu , Yang Chaoyong
Published: October 2016

We developed a Shake&Read distance-based microfluidic chip for simple, disposable, equipment-free, visual and quantitative POCT.
Steric and electric field driven distortions in aromatic molecules: spontaneous and non-spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kalishankar , Surendran Ammu , Chowdhury Chandra , Datta Ayan
Published: October 2016

The present calculations provide a unified picture of molecular distortions, both spontaneous and external field driven.
Predicting molecular self-assembly at surfaces: a statistical thermodynamics and modeling approach
Authors: Conti Simone , Cecchini Marco
Published: October 2016

A self-consistent framework based on modeling and statistical mechanics for the theoretical interpretation of self-assembly at surfaces and interfaces is presented.
Hydrogen abstraction from metal surfaces: when electron–hole pair excitations strongly affect hot-atom recombination
Authors: Galparsoro Oihana , Pétuya Rémi , Busnengo Fabio , Juaristi Joseba Iñaki , Crespos Cédric , Alducin Maite , Larregaray Pascal
Published: October 2016

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we predict that the inclusion of nonadiabatic electronic excitations influences the dynamics of preadsorbed hydrogen abstraction from the W(110) surface by hydrogen scattering.
Development of type-I/type-II hybrid dye sensitizer with both pyridyl group and catechol unit as anchoring group for type-I/type-II dye-sensitized solar cell
Authors: Ooyama Yousuke , Furue Kensuke , Enoki Toshiaki , Kanda Masahiro , Adachi Yohei , Ohshita Joji
Published: October 2016

A type-I/type-II hybrid dye sensitizer with a pyridyl group and a catechol unit, which makes it possible to inject electrons into a TiO2 electrode by intramolecular charge-transfer and dye-to-TiO2 charge transfer, has been developed.
Cationic CH⋯π interactions as a function of solvation
Authors: Emenike Bright U. , Bey Sara N. , Spinelle Ronald A. , Jones Jacob T. , Yoo Barney , Zeller Matthias
Published: October 2016

The energy of a cationic CH⋯π interaction was measured as a function of solvation using molecular torsion balances.
Controlled manipulation of the Co–Alq3 interface by rational design of Alq3 derivatives
Authors: Großmann Nicolas , Magri Andrea , Laux Martin , Stadtmüller Benjamin , Thielen Philip , Schäfer Bernhard , Fuhr Olaf , Ruben Mario , Cinchetti Mirko , Aeschlimann Martin
Published: October 2016

Recently, research has revealed that molecules can be used to steer the local spin properties of ferromagnetic surfaces.
Mn2O3 hollow spheres synthesized based on an ion-exchange strategy from amorphous calcium carbonate for highly efficient trace-level uranyl extraction
Authors: Zhuang Zanyong , Chen Hong , Lin Zhang , Dang Zhi
Published: October 2016

A versatile strategy was reported to create hierarchical hollow Mn2O3 spheres for extracting trace-level uranyl from salt lake field water.
Transient microfluidic compartmentalization using actionable microfilaments for biochemical assays, cell culture and organs-on-chip
Authors: Yamada Ayako , Renault Renaud , Chikina Aleksandra , Venzac Bastien , Pereiro Iago , Coscoy Sylvie , Verhulsel Marine , Parrini Maria Carla , Villard Catherine , Viovy Jean-Louis , Descroix Stéphanie
Published: October 2016

Microfilaments are employed as removable partitions to divide a microfluidic chamber along centimeter lengths.
Colloidal synthesis of pure CuInTe2 crystallites based on the HSAB theory
Authors: Ntholeng N. , Mojela B. , Gqoba S. , Airo M. , Govindraju S. , Moloto M. J. , Van Wyk J. , Moloto N.
Published: October 2016

The determination of the order of precursor addition based on the HSAB theory in the synthesis of pure CuInTe2 particles.
Copper(ii) coordination properties of the Aβ(1–16)2peptidomimetic: experimental evidence of intermolecular macrochelate complex species in the Aβ dimer
Authors: Di Natale Giuseppe , Sinopoli Alessandro , Grenács Ágnes , Sanna Daniele , Sóvágó Imre , Pappalardo Giuseppe
Published: October 2016

The coordination features of the copper(ii) complexes with a Aβ(1–16)2dimeric model are reported for the first time.
A comparative computational study of N-heterocyclic olefin and N-heterocyclic carbene mediated carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with CO2
Authors: Li Weiyi , Huang Dongfeng , Lyu Yajing
Published: October 2016

N-heterocyclic olefins are more efficient than N-heterocyclic carbenes for the carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with CO2. They also have less of a catalytic effect on the side reaction.
PHEA-g-PDMAEA well-defined graft copolymers: SET-LRP synthesis, self-catalyzed hydrolysis, and quaternization
Authors: Sun Fangxu , Feng Chun , Liu Haoyu , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: October 2016

This article reports the synthesis of well-defined graft copolymers containing a PHEA backbone and degradable PDMAEA side chains, by the combination of RAFT polymerization, SET-LRP, and the grafting-from strategy.
Synthesis and characterization of a host (a new thiol based dendritic polymer)–guest (Pd nanoparticles) nanocomposite material: an efficient and reusable catalyst for C–C coupling reactions
Authors: Zakeri Maryam , Moghadam Majid , Mirkhani Valiollah , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj , Pahlevanneshan Zari
Published: October 2016

The catalytic activity of a new thiol based dendritic polymer immobilized on nano silica containing palladium nanoparticles was studied in C–C coupling reactions.
Spontaneous growth of silver nanotrees dominated with (111) crystalline faces on monolithic activated carbon
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhao Hong , Ning Yuesheng , Zhao Binyuan , Zheng Junwei , Yang Tao , Liu Mangmang , Yin Fujun , Li Shuan , Chen Li
Published: October 2016

An environmentally friendly wet chemistry approach is used to synthesize silver nanotrees with a single step.
Peptide-conjugated PEGylated PAMAM as a highly affinitive nanocarrier towards HER2-overexpressing cancer cells
Authors: Rostami Iman , Zhao ZiJian , Wang ZiHua , Zhang WeiKai , Zhong Yeteng , Zeng Qiang , Jia XinRu , Hu ZhiYuan
Published: October 2016

Efficient drug delivery to the tumor cells was carried out with HER2 targeting peptide-conjugated PEGlyted PAMAM.
PTX encapsulated by an XG–DOX conjugate for combination therapy against multi-drug resistance
Authors: Huang Zhuli , Xie Xuan , Mukerabigwi Jean Felix , Wang Chang , Wang Shufang , Xiao Wang , Huang Xueying , Cao Yu
Published: October 2016

A new type of targeted dual drug delivery system was designed and possesses outstanding advantages over ordinary systems, proving effective against MDR cancer cells.
Upconversion nanoparticle arrays for detecting glycated hemoglobin with high sensitivity and good reusability
Authors: Hu Pan , Wu Xiaofeng , Hu Shigang , Tang Zhijun , Dai Gangtao , Liu Yunxin
Published: October 2016

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted extensive interest in bio-applications due to their unique optical properties by converting near infrared excitation to visible emission.
Fu brick tea extract supplementation enhanced probiotic viability and antioxidant activity of tofu under simulated gastrointestinal digestion condition
Authors: Wang Jinpeng , Xiao Yu , Rui Xin , Xu Xiao , Guan Ying , Zhang Qiuqin , Dong Mingsheng
Published: October 2016

In this study, a novel tofu (named as bio-tofu) was developed by adding Fu brick tea extract (FBTE) into soymilk and using the probioticLactobacillus plantarumB1-6 as a bio-coagulant.
Novel super-toughened bio-based blend from polycarbonate and poly(lactic acid) for durable applications
Authors: Yuryev Yury , Mohanty Amar K. , Misra Manjusri
Published: October 2016

Novel high-performance bio-based PC/PLA blends are created via high-temperature reactive blending, using targeted toughening of the brittle phase.
Fe-assisted Ru clusters supported on porous and graphitic carbon for ammonia decomposition to COx free hydrogen
Authors: Li L. , Chen F. , Dai Y. , Wu J. , Shao J. L. , Li H. Y.
Published: October 2016

The Fe-assisted Ru clusters catalysts showed significantly improved performance for NH3 decomposition compared to that of Fe–C and Ru/C# catalysts.
Clinical diagnosis of EML4–ALK mutation in NSCLC by a gold nanoparticle beacon
Authors: Liu Yuxi , Li Siwen , Chen Dan , Wang Zhaohui , Zhang Jinnan , Tian Caiping , Ding Li , Chen Yaqi , Qian Zhiyu , Gu Yueqing
Published: October 2016

The existence of EML4–ALK, a mutated fusion gene in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is an important consideration in the decision of the treatment options for NSCLC patients. Gold nanoparticle beacons could be applied in clinical detection of the fusion gene visually.
Synthesis of Cu and Ni chalcogenides and evaluation of their properties for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Liu Meng , Lv Guocheng , Chen Guangyi , Qin Yangfan , Sun Peng , Zhou Kaiyuan , Xing Xuebing , He Chao
Published: October 2016

Cu and Ni chalcogenides were synthesized by hydrothermal methods and characterized by XRD and SEM.
Quantitative chemical relations at pseudo-equilibrium in amorphous calcium phosphate formation
Authors: Zhang Qun , Liu Yang , Gou Bao-Di , Zheng Lei , Gao Yu-Xi , Zhang Tian-Lan
Published: October 2016

Toward understanding the basic aspects of solution chemistry involving clusters and an amorphous phase of calcium phosphate.
Effects of aging on the phytochemical profile and antioxidative activity of Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachiensis’
Authors: Wang Hong , Chen Gu , Fu Xiong , Liu Rui-Hai
Published: October 2016

PCR-Chachiensis stored long-term exhibits higher total phenolics, flavonoid content and superior antioxidant activity, which provide additional health benefits during aging.