bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetomitotransfer: An efficient way for direct mitochondria transfer into cultured human cells
Authors: Macheiner Tanja , Fengler Vera Heike Ingeborg , Agreiter Marlene , Eisenberg Tobias , Madeo Frank , Kolb Dagmar , Huppertz Berthold , Ackbar Richard , Sargsyan Karine
Published: October 2016

In the course of mitochondrial diseases standard care mostly focuses on treatment of symptoms, while therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function are currently still in development. The transfer of healthy or modified mitochondria into host cells would open up the possibilities of new cell therapies. Therefore, in this study, a novel method of mitochondrial transfer is proposed by anti-TOM22 magnetic bead-labeled mitochondria with the assistance of a magnetic plate. In comparison to the passive transfer method, the magnetomitotransfer method was more efficient at transferring mitochondria into cells (78–92% vs 0–17% over 3 days). This transfer was also more rapid, with a high ratio of magnetomitotransferred cells and high density of transferred mitochondria within the first day of culture. Importantly, transferred mitochondria appeared to be functional as they strongly enhanced respiration in magnetomitotransferred cells. The novel method of magnetomitotransfer may offer potential for therapeutic approaches for treatment of a variety of mitochondria-associated pathologies, e.g. various neurodegenerative diseases.
Ternary mixtures of ionic liquids for better salt solubility, conductivity and cation transference number improvement
Authors: Karpierz E. , Niedzicki L. , Trzeciak T. , Zawadzki M. , Dranka M. , Zachara J. , Żukowska G. Z. , Bitner-Michalska A. , Wieczorek W.
Published: October 2016

We hereby present the new class of ionic liquid systems in which lithium salt is introduced into the solution as a lithium cation−glyme solvate. This modification leads to the reorganisation of solution structure, which entails release of free mobile lithium cation solvate and hence leads to the significant enhancement of ionic conductivity and lithium cation transference numbers. This new approach in composing electrolytes also enables even three-fold increase of salt concentration in ionic liquids.
Marginal evidence for cosmic acceleration from Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Nielsen J. T. , Guffanti A. , Sarkar S.
Published: October 2016

The ‘standard’ model of cosmology is founded on the basis that the expansion rate of the universe is accelerating at present — as was inferred originally from the Hubble diagram of Type Ia supernovae. There exists now a much bigger database of supernovae so we can perform rigorous statistical tests to check whether these ‘standardisable candles’ indeed indicate cosmic acceleration. Taking account of the empirical procedure by which corrections are made to their absolute magnitudes to allow for the varying shape of the light curve and extinction by dust, we find, rather surprisingly, that the data are still quite consistent with a constant rate of expansion.
Detection of Gravitational Wave Emission by Supermassive Black Hole Binaries Through Tidal Disruption Flares
Authors: Hayasaki Kimitake , Loeb Abraham
Published: October 2016

Galaxy mergers produce supermassive black hole binaries, which emit gravitational waves prior to their coalescence. We perform three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations to study the tidal disruption of stars by such a binary in the final centuries of its life. We find that the gas stream of the stellar debris moves chaotically in the binary potential and forms accretion disks around both black holes. The accretion light curve is modulated over the binary orbital period owing to relativistic beaming. This periodic signal allows to detect the decay of the binary orbit due to gravitational wave emission by observing two tidal disruption events that are separated by more than a decade.
Recombinant Reg3β protein protects against streptozotocin-induced β-cell damage and diabetes
Authors: Luo Chen , Yu Lu-Ting , Yang Meng-Qi , Li Xiang , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Alfred Martin O , Liu Jun-Li , Wang Min
Published: October 2016

Regenerating genes (Reg) have been found during the search for factors involved in pancreatic islet regeneration. Our recent study discovered that pancreatic β-cell-specific overexpression of Reg3β protects against streptozotocin (Stz) -induced diabetes in mice. To investigate its potential roles in the treatment of diabetes, we produced a recombinant Reg3β protein and provided evidence that it is active in promoting islet β-cell survival against Stz- triggered cell death. Though ineffective in alleviating preexisting diabetes, pretreatment of recombinant Reg3β was capable of minimizing the Stz-induced hyperglycemia and weight loss, by preserving serum and pancreatic insulin levels, and islet β-cell mass. No obvious changes were observed in the rate of cell proliferation and hypertrophy in α- or acinar-cells after treatment with recombinant Reg3β. The underlying mechanism of Reg3β-mediated protection seems to involve Akt activation which upregulates Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels and consequently promotes cell survival.
Multi-Terminal Spin Valve on Channels with Spin-Momentum Locking
Authors: Sayed Shehrin , Hong Seokmin , Datta Supriyo
Published: October 2016

It is experimentally established that charge current flowing in a channel with spin-momentum locking such as topological insulator surface states or Rashba interfaces induces a spin voltage, which can be electrically measured with a ferromagnetic contact along the current path. Using this fact in conjunction with Onsager reciprocity arguments, we make the surprising prediction that the anti-parallel resistance of a spin valve can be either larger or smaller than the parallel resistance depending on the direction of spin flow relative to the direction of spin-momentum locking. However, we argue that this remarkable signature of spin-momentum locking can only be observed in multi-terminal measurements. Two-terminal measurements in the linear response regime, will show a single anti-parallel resistance larger than the parallel resistance as commonly observed in channels without spin-orbit coupling. We support this result with detailed numerical calculations based on a semiclassical model that provides insight into the underlying physics.
Isolation of a euryhaline microalgal strain, Tetraselmis sp. CTP4, as a robust feedstock for biodiesel production
Authors: Pereira Hugo , Gangadhar Katkam N. , Schulze Peter S. C. , Santos Tamára , de Sousa Carolina Bruno , Schueler Lisa M. , Custódio Luísa , Malcata F. Xavier , Gouveia Luísa , Varela João C. S. , Barreira Luísa
Published: October 2016

Bioprospecting for novel microalgal strains is key to improving the feasibility of microalgae-derived biodiesel production. Tetraselmis sp. CTP4 (Chlorophyta, Chlorodendrophyceae) was isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) in order to screen novel lipid-rich microalgae. CTP4 is a robust, euryhaline strain able to grow in seawater growth medium as well as in non-sterile urban wastewater. Because of its large cell size (9–22 μm), CTP4 settles down after a six-hour sedimentation step. This leads to a medium removal efficiency of 80%, allowing a significant decrease of biomass dewatering costs. Using a two-stage system, a 3-fold increase in lipid content (up to 33% of DW) and a 2-fold enhancement in lipid productivity (up to 52.1 mg L−1 d−1) were observed upon exposure to nutrient depletion for 7 days. The biodiesel synthesized from the lipids of CTP4 contained high levels of oleic acid (25.67% of total fatty acids content) and minor amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids with ≥4 double bonds (<1%). As a result, this biofuel complies with most of the European (EN14214) and American (ASTM D6751) specifications, which commonly used microalgal feedstocks are usually unable to meet. In conclusion, Tetraselmis sp. CTP4 displays promising features as feedstock with lower downstream processing costs for biomass dewatering and biodiesel refining.
Reproductive resource partitioning in two sympatric Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae) from Borneo: floral biology, pollinator trapping and plant breeding system
Authors: Lau Jenny Y. Y. , Pang Chun-Chiu , Ramsden Lawrence , Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: October 2016

The floral phenology, pollination ecology and breeding systems of two sympatric early-divergent angiosperms,Goniothalamus tapisoidesandG. suaveolens(Annonaceae) are compared. The flowers are protogynous and morphologically similar, with anthesis over 23–25 h. Both species are predominantly xenogamous and pollinated by small beetles:G. tapisoidesmainly by Curculionidae andG. suaveolensmainly by Nitidulidae. Coevolution and reproductive resource partitioning, reducing interspecific pollen transfer, is achieved by temporal isolation, due to contrasting floral phenologies; and ethological isolation, due to contrasting floral scents that contain attractants specific to the two beetle families. Analysis of floral scents revealed three volatiles (3-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and 2-phenylethanol) that are known to be nitidulid attractants in the floral scent ofG. suaveolens, but absent from that ofG. tapisoides. An effective pollinator trapping mechanism is demonstrated for both species, representing the first such report for the family. Trapping is achieved by the compression of the outer petals against the apertures between the inner petals. This trapping mechanism is likely to be a key evolutionary innovation forGoniothalamus, increasing pollination efficiency by increasing pollen loading on beetles during the staminate phase, promoting effective interfloral pollinator movements, and increasing seed-set by enabling rapid turn-over of flowers.
Miocene orographic uplift forces rapid hydrological change in the southern central Andes
Authors: Rohrmann Alexander , Sachse Dirk , Mulch Andreas , Pingel Heiko , Tofelde Stefanie , Alonso Ricardo N. , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: October 2016

Rainfall in the central Andes associated with the South American Monsoon and the South American Low-Level Jet results from orographic effects on atmospheric circulation exerted by the Andean Plateau and the Eastern Cordillera. However, despite its importance for South American climate, no reliable records exist that allow decoding the evolution of thresholds and interactions between Andean topography and atmospheric circulation, especially regarding the onset of humid conditions in the inherently dry southern central Andes. Here, we employ multi-proxy isotope data of lipid biomarkers, pedogenic carbonates and volcanic glass from the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina and present the first long-term evapotranspiration record. We find that regional eco-hydrology and vegetation changes are associated with initiation of moisture transport via the South American Low-Level Jet at 7.6 Ma, and subsequent lateral growth of the orogen at 6.5 Ma. Our results highlight that topographically induced changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, not global climate change, were responsible for late Miocene environmental change in this part of the southern hemisphere. This suggests that mountain building over time fundamentally controlled habitat evolution along the central Andes.
Association between allergic conditions and risk of prostate cancer: A Prisma-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhu Jianguo , Song Jukun , Liu Zezhen , Han Jin , Luo Heng , Liu Yunlin , Jia Zhenyu , Dong Yuanbo , Zhang Wei , Jiang Funeng , Wu Chinlee , Sun Zaolin , Zhong Weide
Published: October 2016

Association between allergic conditions and prostate cancer risk has been investigated for many years. However, the results from available evidence for the association are inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between allergic conditions (asthma, atopy, hay fever and “any allergy”) and risk of prostate cancer. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched to screen observational studies meeting our meta-analysis criteria. Study selection and data extraction from included studies were independently performed by two authors. Twenty studies were considered eligible involving 5 case-control studies and 15 cohort studies. The summary relative risk (RR) for developing prostate cancer risk was 1.04 (95%CI: 0.92–1.17) for asthma, and 1.25 (95%CI: 0.74–2.10) for atopy, 1.04 (95%CI: 0.99–1.09) for hay fever, 0.96 (95%CI: 0.86–1.06) for any allergy. In the Subgroup and sensitivity analysis, similar results were produced. Little evidence of publication bias was observed. The present meta-analysis of observational studies indicates that no indication of an association between allergic conditions and risk of prostate cancer was found, and the meta-analysis does not support neither the original hypothesis of an overall cancer protective effect of allergic conditions, nor that of an opposite effect in the development of prostate cancer.
Structures, Phase Transitions and Tricritical Behavior of the Hybrid Perovskite Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide
Authors: Whitfield P. S. , Herron N. , Guise W. E. , Page K. , Cheng Y. Q. , Milas I. , Crawford M. K.
Published: October 2016

We have examined the crystal structures and structural phase transitions of the deuterated, partially deuterated and hydrogenous organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) using time-of-flight neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Near 330 K the high temperature cubic phases transformed to a body-centered tetragonal phase. The variation of the order parameter Q for this transition scaled with temperature T as Q ∼ (Tc−T)β, where Tc is the critical temperature and the exponent β was close to ¼, as predicted for a tricritical phase transition. However, we also observed coexistence of the cubic and tetragonal phases over a range of temperature in all cases, demonstrating that the phase transition was in fact first-order, although still very close to tricritical. Upon cooling further, all the tetragonal phases transformed into a low temperature orthorhombic phase around 160 K, again via a first-order phase transition. Based upon these results, we discuss the impact of the structural phase transitions upon photovoltaic performance of MAPbI3 based solar cells.
miR-181a is a negative regulator of GRIA2 in methamphetamine-use disorder
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Qingzhong , Jing Xuxiu , Zhao Yan , Jiang Haifeng , Du Jiang , Yu Shunying , Zhao Min
Published: October 2016

A previous study reported that the miR-181a level in serum was significantly different between patients with methamphetamine-use disorder and healthy controls and that chronic methamphetamine use down-regulates the expression of miR-181a. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that miR-181a might bind the 3′-UTRs of the mRNA transcripts of the human glutamate receptor genes GRIA2 and GABRA1. In this study, we measured the expression of GRIA2 and GABRA1 in patients with methamphetamine-use disorder. In addition, we examined whether miR-181a down-regulates GRIA2 and GABRA1 in a cell-based assay. We further examined the effects of chronic methamphetamine exposure on the expression of miR-181a, GRIA2 and GABRA1. The results demonstrated that serum GRIA2 is higher in patients with methamphetamine-use disorder than in healthy controls. Dual luciferase reporter assays and a cell-based model of methamphetamine exposure also showed that miR-181a directly regulates expression of GRIA2. This study supports the evidence that miR-181a and the glutamate AMPA receptor gene GRIA2 play a critical role in methamphetamine-use disorder.
SREBP-2/PNPLA8 axis improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through activation of autophagy
Authors: Kim Kwang-Youn , Jang Hyun-Jun , Yang Yong Ryoul , Park Kwang-Il , Seo JeongKon , Shin Il-Woo , Jeon Tae-Il , Ahn Soon-cheol , Suh Pann-Ghill , Osborne Timothy F. , Seo Young-Kyo
Published: October 2016

Dysregulated autophagy is associated with steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however the mechanisms connecting them remain poorly understand. Here, we show that co-administration of lovastatin and ezetimibe (L/E) significantly reverses hepatic triglyceride accumulation concomitant with an increase in SREBP-2 driven autophagy in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We further show that the statin mediated increase in SREBP-2 directly activates expression of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing enzyme 8 (PNPLA8) gene, and PNPLA8 associates with autophagosomes and is associated with a decrease in cellular triglyceride. Moreover, we show that over-expression of PNPLA8 dramatically decreases hepatic steatosis through increased autophagy in hepatocytes of HFD-fed mice. Live-cell imaging analyses also reveal that PNPLA8 dynamically interacts with LC3 and we suggest that the SREBP-2/PNPLA8 axis represents a novel regulatory mechanism for lipid homeostasis. These data provide a possible mechanism for the reported beneficial effects of statins for decreasing hepatic triglyceride levels in NAFLD patients.
3D texture analysis for classification of second harmonic generation images of human ovarian cancer
Authors: Wen Bruce , Campbell Kirby R. , Tilbury Karissa , Nadiarnykh Oleg , Brewer Molly A. , Patankar Manish , Singh Vikas , Eliceiri Kevin. W. , Campagnola Paul J.
Published: October 2016

Remodeling of the collagen architecture in the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been implicated in ovarian cancer. To quantify these alterations we implemented a form of 3D texture analysis to delineate the fibrillar morphology observed in 3D Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy image data of normal (1) and high risk (2) ovarian stroma, benign ovarian tumors (3), low grade (4) and high grade (5) serous tumors, and endometrioid tumors (6). We developed a tailored set of 3D filters which extract textural features in the 3D image sets to build (or learn) statistical models of each tissue class. By applying k-nearest neighbor classification using these learned models, we achieved 83–91% accuracies for the six classes. The 3D method outperformed the analogous 2D classification on the same tissues, where we suggest this is due the increased information content. This classification based on ECM structural changes will complement conventional classification based on genetic profiles and can serve as an additional biomarker. Moreover, the texture analysis algorithm is quite general, as it does not rely on single morphological metrics such as fiber alignment, length, and width but their combined convolution with a customizable basis set.
Dual PI3K/ERK inhibition induces necroptotic cell death of Hodgkin Lymphoma cells through IER3 downregulation
Authors: Locatelli Silvia Laura , Careddu Giuseppa , Stirparo Giuliano Giuseppe , Castagna Luca , Santoro Armando , Carlo-Stella Carmelo
Published: October 2016

PI3K/AKT and RAF/MEK/ERK pathways are constitutively activated in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients, thus representing attractive therapeutic targets. Here we report that the PI3K/ERK dual inhibitor AEZS-136 induced significant cell proliferation inhibition in L-540, SUP-HD1, KM-H2 and L-428 HL cell lines, but a significant increase in necroptotic cell death was observed only in two out of four cell lines (L-540 and SUP-HD1). In these cells, AEZS-136-induced necroptosis was associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. JNK was activated by AEZS-136, and AEZS-136-induced necroptosis was blocked by the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin-1 or the JNK inhibitor SP600125, suggesting that JNK activation is required to trigger necroptosis following dual PI3K/ERK inhibition. Gene expression analysis indicated that the effects of AEZS-136 were associated with the modulation of cell cycle and cell death pathways. In the cell death-resistant cell lines, AEZS-136 induced the expression of immediate early response 3 (IER3) both in vitro and in vivo. Silencing of IER3 restored sensitivity to AEZS-136-induced necroptosis. Furthermore, xenograft studies demonstrated a 70% inhibition of tumor growth and a 10-fold increase in tumor necrosis in AEZS-136-treated animals. Together, these data suggest that dual PI3K/ERK inhibition might be an effective approach for improving therapeutic outcomes in HL.
Replication of a pathogenic non-coding RNA increases DNA methylation in plants associated with a bromodomain-containing viroid-binding protein
Authors: Lv Dian-Qiu , Liu Shang-Wu , Zhao Jian-Hua , Zhou Bang-Jun , Wang Shao-Peng , Guo Hui-Shan , Fang Yuan-Yuan
Published: October 2016

Viroids are plant-pathogenic molecules made up of single-stranded circular non-coding RNAs. How replicating viroids interfere with host silencing remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of a nuclear-replicating Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) on interference with plant RNA silencing. Using transient induction of silencing in GFP transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana plants (line 16c), we found that PSTVd replication accelerated GFP silencing and increased Virp1 mRNA, which encodes bromodomain-containing viroid-binding protein 1 and is required for PSTVd replication. DNA methylation was increased in the GFP transgene promoter of PSTVd-replicating plants, indicating involvement of transcriptional gene silencing. Consistently, accelerated GFP silencing and increased DNA methylation in the of GFP transgene promoter were detected in plants transiently expressing Virp1. Virp1 mRNA was also increased upon PSTVd infection in natural host potato plants. Reduced transcript levels of certain endogenous genes were also consistent with increases in DNA methylation in related gene promoters in PSTVd-infected potato plants. Together, our data demonstrate that PSTVd replication interferes with the nuclear silencing pathway in that host plant, and this is at least partially attributable to Virp1. This study provides new insights into the plant-viroid interaction on viroid pathogenicity by subverting the plant cell silencing machinery.
Sumoylation-independent activation of Calcineurin-NFAT-signaling via SUMO2 mediates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy
Authors: Bernt Alexander , Rangrez Ashraf Y. , Eden Matthias , Jungmann Andreas , Katz Sylvia , Rohr Claudia , Müller Oliver J. , Katus Hugo A. , Sossalla Samuel T. , Williams Tatjana , Ritter Oliver , Frank Derk , Frey Norbert
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to identify unknown modulators of Calcineurin (Cn)-NFAT signaling. Measurement of NFAT reporter driven luciferase activity was therefore utilized to screen a human cardiac cDNA-library (~107 primary clones) in C2C12 cells through serial dilutions until single clones could be identified. This extensive screening strategy culminated in the identification of SUMO2 as a most efficient Cn-NFAT activator. SUMO2-mediated activation of Cn-NFAT signaling in cardiomyocytes translated into a hypertrophic phenotype. Prohypertrophic effects were also observed in mice expressing SUMO2 in the heart using AAV9 (Adeno-associated virus), complementing the in vitro findings. In addition, increased SUMO2-mediated sumoylation in human cardiomyopathy patients and in mouse models of cardiomyopathy were observed. To decipher the underlying mechanism, we generated a sumoylation-deficient SUMO2 mutant (ΔGG). Surprisingly, ΔGG replicated Cn-NFAT-activation and the prohypertrophic effects of native SUMO2, both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a sumoylation-independent mechanism. Finally, we discerned a direct interaction between SUMO2 and CnA, which promotes CnA nuclear localization. In conclusion, we identified SUMO2 as a novel activator of Cn-NFAT signaling in cardiomyocytes. In broader terms, these findings reveal an unexpected role for SUMO2 in cardiac hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy, which may open the possibility for therapeutic manipulation of this pathway.
Novel Natural Product-like Caged Xanthones Bearing a Carbamate Moiety Exhibit Antitumor Potency and Anti-Angiogenesis Activity In vivo
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Wu Yue , Hu Mingyang , Li Xiang , Bao Qichao , Bian Jinlei , You Qidong , Zhang Xiaojin
Published: October 2016

DDO-6101, a simplified structure obtained from theGarcinianatural product (NP) gambogic acid (GA), has been previously shown to possess high cytotoxicity to a variety of human tumour cell lines. To improve its physicochemical properties andin vivocytotoxic potency, a series of novel carbamate-bearing derivatives based onDDO-6101was synthesized and characterized. The structural modifications revealed that the presence of a carbamate moiety was useful for obtaining comparable cytotoxicity and improved aqueous solubility and permeability.8n, which contains a bipiperidine carbamate moiety, displayed better drug properties and potential inin vivoantitumor activity. In addition, an antitumor mechanistic study suggested that8n(DDO-6337) inhibited the ATPase activity of Hsp90 (Heat shock protein 90), leading to the inhibition of HIF-1a and ultimately contributing to its anti-angiogenesis and antitumor properties.
UPLC-PDA-QTOFMS-guided isolation of prenylated xanthones and benzoylphloroglucinols from the leaves of Garcinia oblongifolia and their migration-inhibitory activity
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zheng Dan , Ding Zhi-Jie , Lao Yuan-Zhi , Tan Hong-Sheng , Xu Hong-Xi
Published: October 2016

A UPLC-PDA-QTOFMS-guided isolation strategy was employed to screen and track potentially new compounds from Garcinia oblongifolia. As a result, two new prenylated xanthones, oblongixanthones D and E (1–2), six new prenylated benzoylphloroglucinol derivatives, oblongifolins V–Z (3–7) and oblongifolin AA (8), as well as a known compound oblongifolin L (9), were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of an acetone extract of the leaves of Garcinia oblongifolia guided by UPLC-PDA-QTOFMS analysis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometry. Experimental and calculated ECD spectra were used to determine the absolute configurations. The results of wound healing and transwell migration assay showed that oblongixanthones D (1), E (2), and oblongifolin L (9) have the ability to inhibit cancer cell migration in lower cytotoxic concentrations. Western blotting results showed that these compounds exhibited an anti-metastasis effect mainly through downregulating RAF protein levels. In addition, 2 and 9 could inhibit phospho-MEK and phospho-ERK at downstream. Moreover, 1, 2, and 9 could inhibit snail protein level, suggesting that they could regulate the EMT pathway.
A Putative Blood-Based Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder-Associated Ileocolitis
Authors: Walker Stephen J. , Beavers Daniel P. , Fortunato John , Krigsman Arthur
Published: October 2016

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A significant proportion of children with ASD and gastrointestinal symptoms have histologic evidence of ileocolitis (inflammation of the terminal ileum and/or colon). We previously reported the molecular characterization of gastrointestinal biopsy tissue from ASD children with ileocolitis (ASDIC+) compared to anatomically similar inflamed tissue from typically developing children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; i.e. Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) and typically developing children with gastrointestinal symptoms but no evidence of gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation (TDIC−). ASDIC+children had a gene expression profile that, while primarily overlapping with known IBD, had distinctive differences. The present study confirms these findings and replicates this molecular characterization in a second cohort of cases (ASDIC+) and controls (TDIC−). In these two separate case/control mucosal-based cohorts, we have demonstrated overlap of 59 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) unique to inflamed ileocolonic tissue from symptomatic ASDIC+children. We now report that 9 of these 59 transcripts are also differentially expressed in the peripheral blood of the second cohort of ASDIC+children. This set of transcripts represents a putative blood-based biomarker for ASD-associated ileocolonic inflammation.
A single nucleotide polymorphism in kidney anion exchanger 1 gene is associated with incomplete type 1 renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Takeuchi Takumi , Hattori-Kato Mami , Okuno Yumiko , Kanatani Atsushi , Zaitsu Masayoshi , Mikami Koji
Published: October 2016

Various conditions including distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) can induce stone formation in the kidney. dRTA is characterized by an impairment of urine acidification in the distal nephron. dRTA is caused by variations in genes functioning in intercalated cells including SLC4A1/AE1/Band3 transcribing two kinds of mRNAs encoding the Cl−/HCO3− exchanger in erythrocytes and that expressed in α-intercalated cells (kAE1). With the acid-loading test, 25% of urolithiasis patients were diagnosed with incomplete dRTA. In erythroid intron 3 containing the promoter region of kAE1, rs999716 SNP showed a significantly higher minor allele A frequency in incomplete dRTA compared with non-dRTA patients. The promoter regions of the kAE1 gene with the minor allele A at rs999716 downstream of the TATA box showed reduced promoter activities compared that with the major allele G. Patients with the A allele at rs999716 may express less kAE1 mRNA and protein in the intercalated cells, developing incomplete dRTA.
Thermodynamic Calculation among Cerium, Oxygen, and Sulfur in Liquid Iron
Authors: Pan Fei , Zhang Jian , Chen Hao-Long , Su Yen-Hsun , Su Yen-Hao , Hwang Weng-Sing
Published: October 2016

Thermodynamic calculation has been applied to predict the inclusion formation in molten SS400 steel. When the Cerium addition in liquid iron is 70 ppm and the initial Oxygen and Sulphur are both 110 ppm, the formation of oxides containing Cerium would experience the transformation from Ce2O3 to CeO2 and also the formation of sulfides containing Cerium would experience the transformation from CeS to Ce2S3 and then to Ce3S4. Below 2000 K the most thermodynamic stable matter is CeO2 and the less thermodynamic stable inclusion is CeS. Only when the amount of [O] is extremely low and the amount of [S] and [Ce] is relatively high, Ce2S3 has the possibility to form.
Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis blocks respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and reduces inflammatory cell infiltration and lung injury in mice
Authors: Shi Hengfei , Ren Ke , Lv Baojie , Zhang Wei , Zhao Ying , Tan Ren Xiang , Li Erguang
Published: October 2016

The roots of Scutellaria baicalensis has been used as a remedy for inflammatory and infective diseases for thousands of years. We evaluated the antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the leading cause of childhood infection and hospitalization. By fractionation and chromatographic analysis, we determined that baicalin was responsible for the antiviral activity of S. baicalensis against RSV infection. The concentration for 50% inhibition (IC50) of RSV infection was determined at 19.9 ± 1.8 μM, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was measured at 370 ± 10 μM. We then used a mouse model of RSV infection to further demonstrate baicalin antiviral effect. RSV infection caused significant lung injury and proinflammatory response, including CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte infiltration. Baicalin treatment resulted in reduction of T lymphocyte infiltration and gene expression of proinflammatory factors, while the treatment moderately reduced RSV titers recovered from the lung tissues. T lymphocyte infiltration and cytotoxic T lymphocyte modulated tissue damage has been identified critical factors of RSV disease. The study therefore demonstrates that baicalin subjugates RSV disease through antiviral and anti-inflammatory effect.
Extensive transcriptome analysis correlates the plasticity of Entamoeba histolytica pathogenesis to rapid phenotype changes depending on the environment
Authors: Weber Christian , Koutero Mikael , Dillies Marie-Agnes , Varet Hugo , Lopez-Camarillo Cesar , Coppée Jean Yves , Hon Chung-Chau , Guillén Nancy
Published: October 2016

Amoebiasis is a human infectious disease due to the amoeba parasiteEntamoeba histolytica. The disease appears in only 20% of the infections. Diversity in phenotypes may occur within the same infectious strain in the gut; for instance, parasites can be commensal (in the intestinal lumen) or pathogenic (inside the tissue). The degree of pathogenesis of clinical isolates varies greatly. These findings raise the hypothesis that genetic derivation may account for amoebic diverse phenotypes. The main goal of this study was to analyse gene expression changes of a single virulent amoebic strain in different environmental contexts where it exhibit different degrees of virulence, namely isolated from humans and maintained through animal liver passages, in contact with the human colon and short or prolongedin vitroculture. The study reveals major transcriptome changes in virulent parasites upon contact with human colon explants, including genes related to sugar metabolism, cytoskeleton rearrangement, stress responses and DNA repair. Furthermore, in long-term cultured parasites, drastic changes in gene expression for proteins with functions for proteasome and tRNA activities were found. Globally we conclude that rapid changes in gene expression rather than genetic derivation can sustain the invasive phenotype of a single virulent isolate ofE. histolytica.
Multilayer Dye Aggregation at Dye/TiO2 Interface via π…π Stacking and Hydrogen Bond and Its Impact on Solar Cell Performance: A DFT Analysis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Xiaogang , Rao Weifeng , Li Jingfa
Published: October 2016

Multilayer dye aggregation at the dye/TiO2 interface of dye-sensitized solar cells is probed via first principles calculations, using p-methyl red azo dye as an example. Our calculations suggest that the multilayer dye aggregates at the TiO2 surface can be stabilized by π…π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions. Compared with previous two-dimensional monolayer dye/TiO2 model, the multilayer dye aggregation model proposed in this study constructs a three-dimensional multilayer dye/TiO2 interfacial structure, and provides a better agreement between experimental and computational results in dye coverage and dye adsorption energy. In particular, a dimer forms by π…π stacking interactions between two neighboring azo molecules, while one of them chemisorbs on the TiO2 surface; a trimer may form by introducing one additional azo molecule on the dimer through a hydrogen bond between two carboxylic acid groups. Different forms of multilayer dye aggregates, either stabilized by π…π stacking or hydrogen bond, exhibit varied optical absorption spectra and electronic properties. Such variations could have a critical impact on the performance of dye sensitized solar cells.
Biofluid metabotyping of occupationally exposed subjects to air pollution demonstrates high oxidative stress and deregulated amino acid metabolism
Authors: Pradhan Surya Narayan , Das Aleena , Meena Ramovatar , Nanda Ranjan Kumar , Rajamani Paulraj
Published: October 2016

Occupational exposure to air pollution induces oxidative stress and prolonged exposure increases susceptibility to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in several working groups. Biofluid of these subjects may reflect perturbed metabolic phenotypes. In this study we carried out a comparative molecular profiling study using parallel biofluids collected from subjects (n = 85) belonging to auto rickshaw drivers (ARD), traffic cops (TC) and office workers (OW). Higher levels of oxidative stress and inflammation markers in serum of ARD subjects were observed as compared to OW and TC. Uni and multivariate analyses of metabolites identified in urine by 1H NMR revealed 11 deregulated molecules in ARD subjects and involved in phenylalanine, histidine, arginine and proline metabolism. Despite contribution of confounding factors like exposure period, dietary factors including smoking and alcohol status, our results demonstrate existence of exposure specific metabotypes in biofluids of ARD, OW and TC groups. Monitoring serum oxidative stress and inflammation markers and urine metabolites by NMR may be useful to characterize perturbed metabolic phenotypes in populations exposed to urban traffic air pollution.
Emissions of Primary Particulate Matter
Authors: Guevara M.
Published: October 2016

Particulate matter (PM) accounts for a complex group of air pollutants with properties and impacts that vary according to its composition and size. The emission rates, size and composition of primary PM emissions are challenging to determine since they depend not only on the sector considered, but also on the fuel properties, technology and other characteristics of the emission process. At the European level, fine carbonaceous particles are generally the dominant components of primary PM emissions, the most important sources of organic and black carbon being residential biomass combustion and diesel vehicle engines, respectively. On the other hand, soil particles generated by wind erosion processes, traffic resuspension, mining and construction operations, and agricultural land management activities are large contributors to the coarse fraction of primary PM emissions. European PM emissions are decreasing as a result of implemented EU legislation mainly focused on road transport and large point sources. Nevertheless, emissions released by residential solid fuel appliances have been increasing due to a lack of regulations, a tendency that is expected to change with the eco-design directive. The decrease of traffic PM exhaust emissions has also increased the importance of traffic non-exhaust emissions, a major source of metals in urban areas.
Where Did This Particle Come From? Sources of Particle Number and Mass for Human Exposure Estimates
Authors: Donahue Neil M. , Posner Laura N. , Westervelt Daniel M. , Li Zhongju , Shrivastava Manish , Presto Albert A. , Sullivan Ryan C. , Adams Peter J. , Pandis Spyros N. , Robinson Allen L.
Published: October 2016

Atmospheric chemistry dominates the size distribution and composition of most fine particles inhaled by humans. However, it is important to distinguish between secondary particles—new particles formed in the atmosphere—and secondary mass—molecules formed in the atmosphere that condense to existing particles. In many ways the life stories of particles viewed from the perspectives of particle number concentrations and particle mass concentrations are distinct. Individual particle cores can often be said to have an individual source, while the mass on individual particles comes from myriad sources. This, plus the aforementioned chemical processing in the atmosphere, must be kept in mind when considering the health effects of fine particles.
Source Apportionment: Principles and Methods
Authors: Watson J. G. , Chow J. C. , Chen L.-W. A. , Engling G. , Wang X. L.
Published: October 2016

Receptor model source apportionment has been facilitated by the availability of particulate matter (PM) speciation networks that measure elements, ions, and carbon fractions, and the availability of effective variance (EV)- and positive matrix factorization (PMF)-chemical mass balance (CMB) solutions to identify and quantify source contributions. However, receptor modeling software is too often applied without a thorough evaluation of the results. Quantitative source contribution estimates derived from these solutions must be challenged as part of a larger modeling and data analysis effort that supplies a “weight of evidence” for the major contributors. PMF-derived source factors should be compared with measured source profiles to identify potential source mixing within a factor and collinearities among factors. EV-CMB solutions should justify the use of measured profiles from other areas as representing those in the study area. Cost-effective methods exist to obtain more relevant source profiles that better represent the potential contributors. As pollution controls reduce primary emissions, elemental source markers and elemental carbon are becoming less useful for distinguishing among source types. Much more information can be obtained from speciation network filters at minimal additional cost to provide more specific markers related to important source types, such as solid fuel combustion for heating and cooking and secondary organic aerosol contributions. Receptor models have been productive for identifying sources, quantifying their contributions, and justifying regulations for residential wood combustion and cooking emission reduction strategies. When used as complements to source-oriented models and emission inventory development, air quality management practices can more accurately allocate pollution control resources.
PM2.5 Source Apportionment in China
Authors: Zheng Mei , Yan Caiqing , Li Xiaoying
Published: October 2016

China has been facing a severe air pollution challenge in recent years. It is known that fine particulate matter is closely linked to haze. It is very important to have a good understanding of the formation mechanisms and sources of haze in China. This study provides long-term variation trends of meteorology and emissions during the past decades, reviews methodologies used in source apportionment of fine particulate matter based on published literature, and presents most recent source apportionment results from different cities in China, especially Beijing, the capital of China. Directions and key challenges in current source apportionment research are also discussed and suggestions are provided.
Health Effects of Airborne Particles in Relation to Composition, Size and Source
Authors: Kelly Frank J. , Fussell Julia C.
Published: October 2016

Uncertainty regarding the sources and chemical/physical properties of particular matter (PM) responsible for adverse health effects remains, despite momentous research efforts. The ambitious 10 year US NPACT initiative is deemed to have made a valuable contribution to the policy arena by demonstrating that no particle components can as yet be conclusively ruled out as not having an effect on public health. Upon focusing on studies conducted in different regions of world, within air sheds that vary with respect to a PM composition, size and source the very complex issue of differential toxicity is reaffirmed. Not only are individual PM characteristics and sources associated with certain effects in some locations and not in others but also, strengths of associations between effects and individual chemical components of the ambient mix vary from one effect to another. To further our understanding so that we can definitively conclude, or otherwise, that additional indicators have a role in protecting public health more effectively than the targeting total PM mass, comparison and synthesis of existing data through systematic reviews and quantitative meta-analysis must continue. Future studies should embrace refined modeling techniques and PM speciation data, enhance individual and population indoor/outdoor exposure, incorporate specific disease categories and better define susceptible individuals. Regionally specific studies are also needed to predict the impact of effective and sustainable control strategies. Owing to future population growth and increased ambient PM2.5 concentrations, mortality from air pollution has been estimated to double by 2050—a statistic that calls for global air quality control measures, informed by sophisticated developments in research, and interpretation of the latter into region-specific clean air policies.
Near-infrared photothermal therapy of Prussian-blue-functionalized lanthanide-ion-doped inorganic/plasmonic multifunctional nanostructures for the selective targeting of HER2-expressing breast cancer cells
Authors: Parchur Abdul K. , Li Qifei , Zhou Anhong
Published: October 2016

Multifunctional nanostructure for photothermal therapy of cancer cells.
Pyrolyzed cobalt porphyrin-based conjugated mesoporous polymers as bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen production and oxygen evolution in water
Authors: Jia Hongxing , Yao Yuchuan , Gao Yuyue , Lu Dapeng , Du Pingwu
Published: October 2016

A series of cobalt-porphyrin based conjugated mesoporous polymers were fabricated as catalyst precursors to generate bifunctional catalysts for both the OER and the HER.
Evaluation of anhydrohexitol nucleic acid, cyclohexenyl nucleic acid andd-altritol nucleic acid-modified 2′-O-methyl RNA mixmer antisense oligonucleotides for exon skipping in vitro
Authors: Le Bao T. , Chen Suxiang , Abramov Mikhail , Herdewijn Piet , Veedu Rakesh N.
Published: October 2016

We have investigated the potential of anhydrohexitol, cyclohexenyl and altritol nucleic acid-modified antisense oligos in exon skipping, and found that they efficiently inducedDmdexon 23 skipping.
Transparent deoxyribonucleic acid substrate with high mechanical strength for flexible and biocompatible organic resistive memory devices
Authors: Shih Chien-Chung , Chung Cheng-Yu , Lam Jeun-Yan , Wu Hung-Chin , Morimitsu Yuma , Matsuno Hisao , Tanaka Keiji , Chen Wen-Chang
Published: October 2016

Biocompatible deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), with high mechanical strength, was employed as the substrate for a Ag nanowire (Ag NW) pattern and then used to fabricate flexible resistor-type memory devices.
Cu-Catalyzed iminative hydroolefination of unactivated alkynes en route to 4-imino-tetrahydropyridines and 4-aminopyridines
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Thorat Shridhar H. , Reddy Maddi Sridhar
Published: October 2016

A general route to 4-iminotetrahydropyridine and 4-amidopyridine derivatives from readily available β-enaminones is described with an outstanding substrate scope using sulfonyl azide as an amino surrogate under exceptionally simple conditions.
How does ammonia bind to the oxygen-evolving complex in the S2state of photosynthetic water oxidation? Theoretical support and implications for the W1 substitution mechanism
Authors: Guo Yu , He Lan-Lan , Zhao Dong-Xia , Gong Li-Dong , Liu Cui , Yang Zhong-Zhi
Published: October 2016

The mechanistic study shows that NH3substitutes W1 rather than O5 of the OEC in the S2state and leaves in the S4′ state.
Indirect consequences of exciplex states on the phosphorescence lifetime of phenazine-based 1,2,3-triazole luminescent probes
Authors: Costa Bárbara B. A. , Jardim Guilherme A. M. , Santos Paloma L. , Calado Hállen D. R. , Monkman Andrew P. , Dias Fernando B. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N. , Cury Luiz A.
Published: October 2016

Exciplex formation, and delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence interplay interactions were investigated in phenazine derivative solutions at room temperature.
New RuIIpincer complexes: synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Tabrizi Leila , Chiniforoshan Hossein
Published: October 2016

The CT DNA binding, DNA photocleavage and photocytotoxicity of ruthenium(ii)–NCN pincer complexes were investigated.
Luminescent ruthenium polypyridyl complexes with extended ‘dppz’ like ligands as DNA targeting binders and cellular agents
Authors: Poulsen Bjørn C. , Estalayo-Adrián Sandra , Blasco Salvador , Bright Sandra A. , Kelly John M. , Williams D. Clive , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: October 2016

DNA-binding and phototoxicity of Ru(ii) complexes with ligands derived from pyrazinodipyridophenazine and either phen or TAP as ancillary ligands are reported.
Designing isometrical gel precursors to identify the gelation pathway for nickel-selective metallohydrogels
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , He Ting , Yang Lan , Wu Huiqiong , Yin Jiafu , Shen Rujuan , Xiang Juan , Zhang Yi , Wei Chuanwan
Published: October 2016

Two positional isomers can bind Ni2+ to form different metallohydrogels, which exhibit dramatically distinguishing gelation properties.
Over or under: hydride attack at the metal versus the coordinated nitrosyl ligand in ferric nitrosyl porphyrins
Authors: Abucayon E. G. , Khade R. L. , Powell D. R. , Shaw M. J. , Zhang Y. , Richter-Addo G. B.
Published: October 2016

Hydride reacts differently with 6- and 5-coordinate ferric heme nitrosyls; HNO (6C) and Fe–H (5C) are the preferred products.