bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of 134Cs/137Cs in the environment to identify the reactor units that caused atmospheric releases during the Fukushima Daiichi accident
Authors: Chino Masamichi , Terada Hiroaki , Nagai Haruyasu , Katata Genki , Mikami Satoshi , Torii Tatsuo , Saito Kimiaki , Nishizawa Yukiyasu
Published: August 2016

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power reactor units that generated large amounts of airborne discharges during the period of March 12–21, 2011 were identified individually by analyzing the combination of measured 134Cs/137Cs depositions on ground surfaces and atmospheric transport and deposition simulations. Because the values of 134Cs/137Cs are different in reactor units owing to fuel burnup differences, the 134Cs/137Cs ratio measured in the environment was used to determine which reactor unit ultimately contaminated a specific area. Atmospheric dispersion model simulations were used for predicting specific areas contaminated by each dominant release. Finally, by comparing the results from both sources, the specific reactor units that yielded the most dominant atmospheric release quantities could be determined. The major source reactor units were Unit 1 in the afternoon of March 12, 2011, Unit 2 during the period from the late night of March 14 to the morning of March 15, 2011. These results corresponded to those assumed in our previous source term estimation studies. Furthermore, new findings suggested that the major source reactors from the evening of March 15, 2011 were Units 2 and 3 and that the dominant source reactor on March 20, 2011 temporally changed from Unit 3 to Unit 2.
Genes on a Wire: The Nucleoid-Associated Protein HU Insulates Transcription Units in Escherichia coli
Authors: Berger Michael , Gerganova Veneta , Berger Petya , Rapiteanu Radu , Lisicovas Viktoras , Dobrindt Ulrich
Published: August 2016

The extent to which chromosomal gene position in prokaryotes affects local gene expression remains an open question. Several studies have shown that chromosomal re-positioning of bacterial transcription units does not alter their expression pattern, except for a general decrease in gene expression levels from chromosomal origin to terminus proximal positions, which is believed to result from gene dosage effects. Surprisingly, the question as to whether this chromosomal context independence is a cis encoded property of a bacterial transcription unit, or if position independence is a property conferred by factors acting in trans, has not been addressed so far. For this purpose, we established a genetic test system assessing the chromosomal positioning effects by means of identical promoter-fluorescent reporter gene fusions inserted equidistantly from OriC into both chromosomal replichores of Escherichia coli K-12. Our investigations of the reporter activities in mutant cells lacking the conserved nucleoid associated protein HU uncovered various drastic chromosomal positional effects on gene transcription. In addition we present evidence that these positional effects are caused by transcriptional activity nearby the insertion site of our reporter modules. We therefore suggest that the nucleoid-associated protein HU is functionally insulating transcription units, most likely by constraining transcription induced DNA supercoiling.
Reduction of obesity-associated white adipose tissue inflammation by rosiglitazone is associated with reduced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in LDLr-deficient mice
Authors: Mulder Petra , Morrison Martine C. , Verschuren Lars , Liang Wen , van Bockel J. Hajo , Kooistra Teake , Wielinga Peter Y. , Kleemann Robert
Published: August 2016

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that drives the development of metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We recently showed that white adipose tissue (WAT) constitutes an important source of inflammatory factors. Hence, interventions that attenuate WAT inflammation may reduce NAFLD development. Male LDLr−/− mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks followed by 7 weeks of HFD with or without rosiglitazone. Effects on WAT inflammation and NAFLD development were analyzed using biochemical and (immuno)histochemical techniques, combined with gene expression analyses. Nine weeks of HFD feeding induced obesity and WAT inflammation, which progressed gradually until the end of the study. Rosiglitazone fully blocked progression of WAT inflammation and activated PPARγ significantly in WAT. Rosiglitazone intervention did not activate PPARγ in liver, but improved liver histology and counteracted the expression of genes associated with severe NAFLD in humans. Rosiglitazone reduced expression of pro-inflammatory factors in WAT (TNF-α, leptin) and increased expression of adiponectin, which was reflected in plasma. Furthermore, rosiglitazone lowered circulating levels of pro-inflammatory saturated fatty acids. Together, these observations provide a rationale for the observed indirect hepatoprotective effects and suggest that WAT represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity-associated NAFLD.
Body Mass Index and Mortality: A 10-Year Prospective Study in China
Authors: Wang Jian-Bing , Gu Meng-Jia , Shen Peng , Huang Qiu-Chi , Bao Chen-Zheng , Ye Zhen-Hua , Wang You-Qing , Mayila Mamat , Ye Ding , Gu Shi-Tong , Lin Hong-Bo , Chen Kun
Published: August 2016

Although several studies have evaluated the role of body weight as a risk factor for mortality, most studies have been conducted in Western populations and the findings remain controversial. We performed a prospective study to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality in Yinzhou District, Ningbo, China. At baseline, 384,533 subjects were recruited through the Yinzhou Health Information System between 2004 and 2009. The final analysis was restricted to 372,793 participants (178,333 men and 194,460 women) aged 18 years and older. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs). We found an increased risk of all-cause mortality among individuals with BMI levels <22.5–24.9, although several groups were not statistically significant—adjusted HRs for persons with BMIs of <15.0, 15.0–17.4, 17.5–19.9 and 20.0–22.4 were 1.61(95% CI: 1.17–2.23), 1.07(0.94–1.20), 1.04(0.98–1.10), 1.06(1.02–1.11), respectively. In the upper BMI range, subjects with BMIs of 25.0–34.9 had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analyses excluding smokers, those with prevalent chronic disease or those with less than four years of follow-up did not materially alter these results. Our findings provide evidence for an inverse association of BMI and mortality in this population.
Relationship between visuospatial attention and paw preference in dogs
Authors: Siniscalchi Marcello , d’Ingeo Serenella , Fornelli Serena , Quaranta Angelo
Published: August 2016

The relationship between visuospatial attention and paw preference was investigated in domestic dogs. Visuospatial attention was evaluated using a food detection task that closely matches the so-called “cancellation” task used in human studies. Paw preference was estimated by quantifying the dog’s use of forepaws to hold a puzzle feeder device (namely the “Kong”) while eating its content. Results clearly revealed a strong relationship between visuospatial attention bias and motor laterality, with a left-visuospatial bias in the left-pawed group, a right-visuospatial bias in the right-pawed group and with the absence of significant visuospatial attention bias in ambi-pawed subjects. The current findings are the first evidence for the presence of a relationship between motor lateralization and visuospatial attentional mechanisms in a mammal species besides humans.
Endangered plant-parrot mutualisms: seed tolerance to predation makes parrots pervasive dispersers of the Parana pine
Authors: Tella José L. , Dénes Francisco V. , Zulian Viviane , Prestes Nêmora P. , Martínez Jaime , Blanco Guillermo , Hiraldo Fernando
Published: August 2016

Parrots are largely considered plant antagonists as they usually destroy the seeds they feed on. However, there is evidence that parrots may also act as seed dispersers. We evaluated the dual role of parrots as predators and dispersers of the Critically Endangered Parana pine (Araucaria angustifolia). Eight of nine parrot species predated seeds from 48% of 526 Parana pines surveyed. Observations of the commonest parrot indicated that 22.5% of the picked seeds were dispersed by carrying them in their beaks. Another five parrot species dispersed seeds, at an estimated average distance of c. 250 m. Dispersal distances did not differ from those observed in jays, considered the main avian dispersers. Contrary to jays, parrots often dropped partially eaten seeds. Most of these seeds were handled by parrots, and the proportion of partially eaten seeds that germinated was higher than that of undamaged seeds. This may be explained by a predator satiation effect, suggesting that the large seeds of the Parana pine evolved to attract consumers for dispersal. This represents a thus far overlooked key plant-parrot mutualism, in which both components are threatened with extinction. The interaction is becoming locally extinct long before the global extinction of the species involved.
A Comparison of the Elastic Properties of Graphene- and Fullerene-Reinforced Polymer Composites: The Role of Filler Morphology and Size
Authors: Lu Chang-Tsan , Weerasinghe Asanka , Maroudas Dimitrios , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin
Published: August 2016

Nanoscale carbon-based fillers are known to significantly alter the mechanical and electrical properties of polymers even at relatively low loadings. We report results from extensive molecular-dynamics simulations of mechanical testing of model polymer (high-density polyethylene) nanocomposites reinforced by nanocarbon fillers consisting of graphene flakes and fullerenes. By systematically varying filler concentration, morphology and size, we identify clear trends in composite stiffness with reinforcement. To within statistical error, spherical fullerenes provide a nearly size-independent level of reinforcement. In contrast, two-dimensional graphene flakes induce a strongly size-dependent response: we find that flakes with radii in the 2–4 nm range provide appreciable enhancement in stiffness, which scales linearly with flake radius. Thus, with flakes approaching typical experimental sizes (~0.1–1 μm), we expect graphene fillers to provide substantial reinforcement, which also is much greater than what could be achieved with fullerene fillers. We identify the atomic-scale features responsible for this size- and morphology-dependent response, notably, ordering and densification of polymer chains at the filler–matrix interface, thereby providing insights into avenues for further control and enhancement of the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites.
Antibodies elicited by the first non-viral prophylactic cancer vaccine show tumor-specificity and immunotherapeutic potential
Authors: Lohmueller Jason J. , Sato Shuji , Popova Lana , Chu Isabel M. , Tucker Meghan A. , Barberena Roberto , Innocenti Gregory M. , Cudic Mare , Ham James D. , Cheung Wan Cheung , Polakiewicz Roberto D. , Finn Olivera J.
Published: August 2016

MUC1 is a shared tumor antigen expressed on >80% of human cancers. We completed the first prophylactic cancer vaccine clinical trial based on a non-viral antigen, MUC1, in healthy individuals at-risk for colon cancer. This trial provided a unique source of potentially effective and safe immunotherapeutic drugs, fully-human antibodies affinity-matured in a healthy host to a tumor antigen. We purified, cloned, and characterized 13 IgGs specific for several tumor-associated MUC1 epitopes with a wide range of binding affinities. These antibodies bind hypoglycosylated MUC1 on human cancer cell lines and tumor tissues but show no reactivity against fully-glycosylated MUC1 on normal cells and tissues. We found that several antibodies activate complement-mediated cytotoxicity and that T cells carrying chimeric antigen receptors with the antibody variable regions kill MUC1+ target cells, express activation markers, and produce interferon gamma. Fully-human and tumor-specific, these antibodies are candidates for further testing and development as immunotherapeutic drugs.
Numerical analysis of 2.7 μm lasing in Er3+-doped tellurite fiber lasers
Authors: Wang Weichao , Li Lixiu , Chen Dongdan , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: August 2016

The laser performance of Er3+-doped tellurite fiber lasers operating at 2.7 μm due to 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition has been theoretically studied by using rate equations and propagation equations. The effects of pumping configuration and fiber length on the output power, slope efficiency, threshold, and intracavity pump and laser power distributions have been systematically investigated to optimize the performance of fiber lasers. When the pump power is 20 W, the maximum slope efficiency (27.62%), maximum output power (5.219 W), and minimum threshold (278.90 mW) are predicted with different fiber lengths (0.05–5 m) under three pumping configurations. It is also found that reasonable output power is expected for fiber loss below 2 dB/ m. The numerical modeling on the two- and three-dimensional laser field distributions are further analyzed to reveal the characteristics of this multimode step-index tellurite fiber. Preliminary simulation results show that this Er3+-doped tellurite fiber is an excellent alternative to conventional fluoride fiber for developing efficient 2.7 μm fiber lasers.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Tendencies in Stable Complex Systems
Authors: Tan James P. L.
Published: August 2016

A commonly used approach to study stability in a complex system is by analyzing the Jacobian matrix at an equilibrium point of a dynamical system. The equilibrium point is stable if all eigenvalues have negative real parts. Here, by obtaining eigenvalue bounds of the Jacobian, we show that stable complex systems will favor mutualistic and competitive relationships that are asymmetrical (non-reciprocative) and trophic relationships that are symmetrical (reciprocative). Additionally, we define a measure called the interdependence diversity that quantifies how distributed the dependencies are between the dynamical variables in the system. We find that increasing interdependence diversity has a destabilizing effect on the equilibrium point, and the effect is greater for trophic relationships than for mutualistic and competitive relationships. These predictions are consistent with empirical observations in ecology. More importantly, our findings suggest stabilization algorithms that can apply very generally to a variety of complex systems.
Effect of MDR1 gene polymorphisms on mortality in paraquat intoxicated patients
Authors: Kim Hak Jae , Kim Hyung-Ki , Kwon Jun-Tack , Lee Sun-hyo , el Park Sam , Gil Hyo-Wook , Song Ho-yeon , Hong Sae-yong
Published: August 2016

Paraquat is a fatal herbicide following acute exposure. Previous studies have suggested that multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) might help remove paraquat from the lungs and the kidney. MDR1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are involved in the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether MDR1 SNPs were associated with the mortality in paraquat intoxicated patients. We recruited 109 patients admitted with acute paraquat poisoning. They were genotyped for C1236T, G2677T/A, and C3435T single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MDR1 gene. Their effects on mortality of paraquat intoxicated patients were evaluated. Overall mortality rate was 66.1%. Regarding the C1236T of the MDR1 gene polymorphism, 21 (19.3%) had the wild type MDR1 while 88 (80.7%) had homozygous mutation. Regarding the C3435T MDR1 gene polymorphism, 37(33.9%) patients had the wild type, 23 (21.1%) had heterozygous mutation, and 49 (45.0%) had homozygous mutation. Regarding the G2677T/A MDR1 gene polymorphism, 38 (34.9%) patients had the wild type, 57 (52.3%) had heterozygous mutation, and 14 (12.8%) had homozygous mutation. None of the individual mutations or combination of mutations (two or three) of MDR1 SNP genotypes altered the morality rate. The mortality rate was not significantly different among SNP groups of patients with <4.0 μg/mL paraquat. In conclusion, MDR1 SNPs have no effect on the mortality rate of paraquat intoxicated patients.
Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins SlPIP2;1, SlPIP2;7 and SlPIP2;5 Conferring Enhanced Drought Stress Tolerance in Tomato
Authors: Li Ren , Wang Jinfang , Li Shuangtao , Zhang Lei , Qi Chuandong , Weeda Sarah , Zhao Bing , Ren Shuxin , Guo Yang-Dong
Published: August 2016

The function of aquaporin (AQP) protein in transporting water is crucial for plants to survive in drought stress. With 47 homologues in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were reported, but the individual and integrated functions of aquaporins involved in drought response remains unclear. Here, three plasma membrane intrinsic protein genes, SlPIP2;1, SlPIP2;7 and SlPIP2;5, were identified as candidate aquaporins genes because of highly expressed in tomato roots. Assay on expression in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated that SlPIP2s protein displayed water channel activity and facilitated water transport into the cells. With real-time PCR and in situ hybridization analysis, SlPIP2s were considered to be involved in response to drought treatment. To test its function, transgenic Arabidopsis and tomato lines overexpressing SlPIP2;1, SlPIP2;7 or SlPIP2;5 were generated. Compared with wild type, the over-expression of SlPIP2;1, SlPIP2;7 or SlPIP2;5 transgenic Arabidopsis and tomato plants all showed significantly higher hydraulic conductivity levels and survival rates under both normal and drought conditions. Taken together, this study concludes that aquaporins (SlPIP2;1, SlPIP2;7 and SlPIP2;5) contribute substantially to root water uptake in tomato plants through improving plant water content and maintaining osmotic balance.
The viral capping enzyme nsP1: a novel target for the inhibition of chikungunya virus infection
Authors: Delang L. , Li C. , Tas A. , Quérat G. , Albulescu I. C. , De Burghgraeve T. , Guerrero N. A. Segura , Gigante A. , Piorkowski G. , Decroly E. , Jochmans D. , Canard B. , Snijder E. J. , Pérez-Pérez M. J. , van Hemert M. J. , Coutard B. , Leyssen P. , Neyts J.
Published: August 2016

The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has become a substantial global health threat due to its massive re-emergence, the considerable disease burden and the lack of vaccines or therapeutics. We discovered a novel class of small molecules ([1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-ones) with potent in vitro activity against CHIKV isolates from different geographical regions. Drug-resistant variants were selected and these carried a P34S substitution in non-structural protein 1 (nsP1), the main enzyme involved in alphavirus RNA capping. Biochemical assays using nsP1 of the related Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus revealed that the compounds specifically inhibit the guanylylation of nsP1. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report demonstrating that the alphavirus capping machinery is an excellent antiviral drug target. Considering the lack of options to treat CHIKV infections, this series of compounds with their unique (alphavirus-specific) target offers promise for the development of therapy for CHIKV infections.
Performance of a TthPrimPol-based whole genome amplification kit for copy number alteration detection using massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Deleye Lieselot , De Coninck Dieter , Dheedene Annelies , De Sutter Petra , Menten Björn , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip
Published: August 2016

Starting from only a few cells, current whole genome amplification (WGA) methods provide enough DNA to perform massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Unfortunately, all current WGA methods introduce representation bias which limits detection of copy number aberrations (CNAs) smaller than 3 Mb. A recent WGA method, called TruePrime single cell WGA, uses a recently discovered DNA primase, TthPrimPol, instead of artificial primers to initiate DNA amplification. This method could lead to a lower representation bias and consequently to a better detection of CNAs. The enzyme requires no complementarity and thus should generate random primers, equally distributed across the genome. The performance of TruePrime WGA was assessed for aneuploidy screening and CNA analysis after MPS, starting from 1, 3 or 5 cells. Although the method looks promising, the single cell TruePrime WGA kit v1 is not suited for high resolution CNA detection after MPS because too much representation bias is introduced.
Integrated application of transcriptomics and metabolomics yields insights into population-asynchronous ovary development in Coilia nasus
Authors: Xu Gangchun , Du Fukuan , Li Yan , Nie Zhijuan , Xu Pao
Published: August 2016

Populations of Coilia nasus demonstrate asynchronous ovarian development, which severely restricts artificial breeding and large-scale cultivation. In this study, we used a combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic methods to identify the key signaling pathways and genes regulation affecting ovarian development. We identified 565 compounds and generated 47,049 unigenes from ovary tissue. Fifteen metabolites and 830 genes were significantly up-regulated, while 27 metabolites and 642 genes were significantly down-regulated from stage III to stage IV of ovary development. Meanwhile, 31 metabolites and 1,932 genes were significantly up-regulated and four metabolites and 764 genes were down-regulated from stage IV to stage V. These differentially expressed genes and metabolites were enriched by MetScape. Forty-three and 50 signaling pathways had important functions from stage III–IV and from stage IV–V in the ovary, respectively. Among the above signaling pathways, 39 played important roles from ovarian stage III–V, including “squalene and cholesterol biosynthesis”, “steroid hormone biosynthesis” and “arachidonate metabolism and prostaglandin formation” pathways which may thus have key roles in regulating asynchronous development. These results shed new light on our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for population-asynchronous development in fish.
A perovskite oxide with high conductivities in both air and reducing atmosphere for use as electrode for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Lan Rong , Cowin Peter I. , Sengodan Sivaprakash , Tao Shanwen
Published: August 2016

Electrode materials which exhibit high conductivities in both oxidising and reducing atmospheres are in high demand for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs). In this paper, we investigated Cu-doped SrFe0.9Nb0.1O3−δ finding that the primitive perovskite oxide SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ (SFCN) exhibits a conductivity of 63 Scm−1and 60 Scm−1 at 415 °C in air and 5%H2/Ar respectively. It is believed that the high conductivity in 5%H2/Ar is related to the exsolved Fe (or FeCu alloy) on exposure to a reducing atmosphere. To the best of our knowledge, the conductivity of SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ in a reducing atmosphere is the highest of all reported oxides which also exhibit a high conductivity in air. Fuel cell performance using SrFe0.8Cu0.1Nb0.1O3−δ as the anode, (Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92 as the electrolyte and La0.8Sr0.2FeO3−δ as the cathode achieved a power density of 423 mWcm−2 at 700 °C indicating that SFCN is a promising anode for SOFCs.
Robust neuroprotective effects of 2-((2-oxopropanoyl)oxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (OPTBA), a HTB/pyruvate ester, in the postischemic rat brain
Authors: Kim Seung-Woo , Lee Hye-Kyung , Kim Il-Doo , Lee Hahnbie , Luo Lidan , Park Ju-Young , Yoon Sung-Hwa , Lee Ja-Kyeong
Published: August 2016

Postischemic brain damage in stroke is proceded with complicated pathological events, and so multimodal drug treatments may offer better therapeutic means for improving clinical outcomes. Here, we report robust neuroprotective effects of a novel compound, 2-((2-oxopropanoyl)oxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (OPTBA), a 2-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (HTB, a metabolite of triflusal)-pyruvate ester. Intravenous administration of OPTBA (5 mg/kg) 3 or 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Sprague-Dawley rats reduced infarct volumes to 38.5 ± 11.4% and 46.5 ± 15.3%, respectively, of that of MCAO controls, and ameliorated motor impairment and neurological deficits. Importantly, neuroprotective effects of OPTBA were far greater than those afforded by combined treatment of HTB and pyruvate. Furthermore, OPTBA suppressed microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine inductions more effectively than HTB/pyruvate co-treatment in the postischemic brain and LPS-treated cortical slice cultures and also attenuated NMDA-induced neuronal death in hippocampal slice cultures. LC-MS analysis demonstrated that OPTBA was hydrolyzed to HTB and pyruvate with a t1/2 of 38.6 min in blood and 7.2 and 2.4 h in cortex and striatum, respectively, and HTB was maintained for more than 24 h both in blood and brain tissue. Together these results indicate OPTBA acts directly and via its hydrolysis products, thus acting as a multimodal neuroprotectant in the postischemic brain.
Male tarsi specific odorant-binding proteins in the diving beetle Cybister japonicus sharp
Authors: Song Li-Mei , Jiang Xiang , Wang Xue-Min , Li Jin-Dong , Zhu Fang , Tu Xiong-Bing , Zhang Ze-Hua , Ban Li-Ping
Published: August 2016

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play critical roles in chemical communication of insects, as they recognize and transport environmental chemical signals to receptors. The diving beetle Cybister japonicus Sharp shows a remarkable sexual dimorphism. The foreleg tarsi of males are equipped with large suction cups, believed to help holding the female during underwater courtship and mating. Here, we identified two OBPs highly and specifically expressed in male tarsi, suggesting important functions of these structures in chemical communication. The first protein, CjapOBP1, exhibits the 6 conserved cysteines motif of classic OBPs, while the second, CjapOBP2, contains only four cysteines and can be assigned to the sub-class of C-minus OBPs. Both proteins were expressed in a bacterial system and the purified recombinant proteins were used to for antibodies preparation. Western Blot analysis showed that CjapOBP1 is predominantly expressed in male tarsi and could be also detected in antennae and palpi of both sexes, while CjapOBP2, besides male tarsi, is also present in testis. Ligand-binding experiments showed a good binding affinity between CjapOBP1, CjapOBP2 and citral and coniferyl aldehyde, respectively. These results support a possible function of these two OBPs in the male foreleg tarsi of diving beetles in chemical communication.
Caveolae-mediated albumin transcytosis is enhanced in dengue-infected human endothelial cells: A model of vascular leakage in dengue hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Chanthick Chanettee , Kanlaya Rattiyaporn , Kiatbumrung Rattanaporn , Pattanakitsakul Sa-nga , Thongboonkerd Visith
Published: August 2016

Vascular leakage is a life-threatening complication of dengue virus (DENV) infection. Previously, association between “paracellular” endothelial hyperpermeability and plasma leakage had been extensively investigated. However, whether “transcellular” endothelial leakage is involved in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) remained unknown. We thus investigated effects of DENV (serotype 2) infection on transcellular transport of albumin, the main oncotic plasma protein, through human endothelial cell monolayer by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence imaging and fluorometry. The data showed that Alexa488-conjugated bovine serum albumin (Alexa488-BSA) was detectable inside DENV2-infected cells and its level was progressively increased during 48-h post-infection. While paracellular transport could be excluded using FITC-conjugated dextran, Alexa488-BSA was progressively increased and decreased in lower and upper chambers of Transwell, respectively. Pretreatment with nystatin, an inhibitor of caveolae-dependent endocytic pathway, significantly decreased albumin internalization into the DENV2-infected cells, whereas inhibitors of other endocytic pathways showed no significant effects. Co-localization of the internalized Alexa488-BSA and caveolin-1 was also observed. Our findings indicate that DENV infection enhances caveolae-mediated albumin transcytosis through human endothelial cells that may ultimately induce plasma leakage from intravascular compartment. Further elucidation of this model in vivo may lead to effective prevention and better therapeutic outcome of DHF/DSS.
Atrophy of amygdala and abnormal memory-related alpha oscillations over posterior cingulate predict conversion to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Prieto del Val Laura , Cantero Jose L. , Atienza Mercedes
Published: August 2016

Synaptic dysfunction, a key pathophysiological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), may account for abnormal memory-related EEG patterns in prodromal AD. Here, we investigate to what extent oscillatory EEG changes during memory encoding and/or retrieval enhance the accuracy of medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy in predicting conversion from amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) to AD. As expected, aMCI individuals that, within a 2-year follow-up period, developed dementia (N = 16) compared to healthy older (HO) (N = 26) and stable aMCI (N = 18) showed poorer associative memory, greater MTL atrophy and lower capacity to recruit alpha oscillatory cortical networks. Interestingly, encoding-induced abnormal alpha desynchronized activity over the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) at baseline showed significantly higher accuracy in predicting AD than the magnitude of amygdala atrophy. Nevertheless, the best accuracy was obtained when the two markers were fitted into the model (sensitivity = 78%, specificity = 82%). These results support the idea that synaptic integrity/function in the PCC is affected during prodromal AD and has the potential of improving early detection when combined with MRI biomarkers.
Pichia pastoris Fep1 is a [2Fe-2S] protein with a Zn finger that displays an unusual oxygen-dependent role in cluster binding
Authors: Cutone Antimo , Howes Barry D. , Miele Adriana E. , Miele Rossella , Giorgi Alessandra , Battistoni Andrea , Smulevich Giulietta , Musci Giovanni , di Patti Maria Carmela Bonaccorsi
Published: August 2016

Fep1, the iron-responsive GATA factor from the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, has been characterised both in vivo and in vitro. This protein has two Cys2-Cys2 type zinc fingers and a set of four conserved cysteines arranged in a Cys-X5-Cys-X8-Cys-X2-Cys motif located between the two zinc fingers. Electronic absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopic analyses in anaerobic and aerobic conditions indicate that Fep1 binds iron in the form of a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that replacement of the four cysteines with serine inactivates this transcriptional repressor. Unexpectedly, the inactive mutant is still able to bind a [2Fe-2S] cluster, employing two cysteine residues belonging to the first zinc finger. These two cysteine residues can act as alternative cluster ligands selectively in aerobically purified Fep1 wild type, suggesting that oxygen could play a role in Fep1 function by causing differential localization of the [Fe-S] cluster.
Impact of CD200-Fc on dendritic cells in lupus-prone NZB/WF1 mice
Authors: Yin Yufeng , Zhao Lidan , Zhang Fengchun , Zhang Xuan
Published: August 2016

Abnormal expression of CD200/CD200R1 may contribute to the immunologic abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to assess the function of CD200/CD200R1and impact of CD200-Fc on dendritic cells in lupus-prone NZB/WF1 mice. Female NZB/WF1 mice were treated with CD200-Fc or control for 4 weeks. Plasma samples were collected to measure autoantibody levels. The expression levels of CD200/CD200R1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and splenocytes were examined. The percentage of CD200/CD200R1-positive cells in splenocytes from NZB/WF1 mice was lower than that of C57BL/6 mice (p < 0.05). The plasma level of anti-dsDNA was significantly higher in NZB/WF1 mice than C57BL/6 mice (p < 0.001). However, the anti-dsDNA levels decreased (p = 0.047) after CD200-Fc treatment. Finally, CD200-Fc reduced the levels of IL-6 (p = 0.017) and IL-10 (p = 0.03) in the dendritic cell culture supernatant. This study suggests that the immunosuppressive CD200/CD200R1 signaling pathway might be involved in the immunopathology of NZB/WF1 mice; the present results merit further exploration of agents that can modulate the CD200/CD200FR1 pathway as a therapy for human lupus.
Fluorescence-excitation and Emission Spectroscopy on Single FMO Complexes
Authors: Löhner Alexander , Ashraf Khuram , Cogdell Richard J. , Köhler Jürgen
Published: August 2016

In green-sulfur bacteria sunlight is absorbed by antenna structures termed chlorosomes and transferred to the RC via the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) complex. FMO consists of three monomers arranged in C3 symmetry where each monomer accommodates eight Bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a) molecules. It was the first pigment-protein complex for which the structure has been determined with high resolution and since then this complex has been the subject of numerous studies both experimentally and theoretically. Here we report about fluorescence-excitation spectroscopy as well as emission spectroscopy from individual FMO complexes at low temperatures. The individual FMO complexes are subjected to very fast spectral fluctuations smearing out any possible different information from the ensemble data that were recorded under the same experimental conditions. In other words, on the time scales that are experimentally accessible by single-molecule techniques, the FMO complex exhibits ergodic behaviour.
Body mass index and waist circumference combined predicts obesity-related hypertension better than either alone in a rural Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhao Yang , Wang Guoan , Zhang Hongyan , Ren Yongcheng , Wang Bingyuan , Zhang Lu , Yang Xiangyu , Han Chengyi , Pang Chao , Yin Lei , Zhao Jingzhi , Hu Dongsheng
Published: August 2016

Limited information is available on the association of obesity defined by both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with incident hypertension in rural China. A total of 9,174 participants ≥18 years old from rural areas in middle of China, free of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction and stroke, were selected in this cohort study. Questionnaire interview and anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed at baseline (2007–2008) and follow-up (2013–2014). During the 6 years of follow-up, hypertension developed in 733/3,620 men and 1,051/5,554 women. After controlling for age, education level, smoking, drinking, physical activity and family history of hypertension, the relative risk of hypertension was lower for participants with high BMI but normal WC than those with both BMI and WC obesity for men 18–39 and 40–59 years old. Women 18–39 years old with normal BMI but high WC showed a 1.96-fold risk of hypertension and being female with age 40–59 years and high BMI but normal WC was independently associated with hypertension incidence as compared with both normal BMI and WC. BMI is more associated with hypertension as compared with WC in both genders. High WC tends to add additional risk of hypertension in young women.
Spin-Hall-Effect-Assisted Electroresistance in Antiferromagnets via 105 A/cm2 dc Current
Authors: Han Jiahao , Wang Yuyan , Pan Feng , Song Cheng
Published: August 2016

Antiferromagnet (AFM) spintronics with reduced electrical current is greatly expected to process information with high integration and low power consumption. In Pt/FeMn and Ta/FeMn hybrids, we observe significant resistance variation (up to 7% of the total resistance) manipulated by 105 A/cm2dc current. We have excluded the contribution of isotropic structural effects, and confirmed the critical role of the spin Hall injection from Pt (or Ta) to FeMn. This electrical current-manipulated resistance (i.e. electroresistance) is proposed to be attributed to the spin-Hall-effect-induced spin-orbit torque in FeMn. Similar results have also been detected in plain IrMn films, where the charge current generates spin current via the spin Hall effect with the existence of Ir atoms. All the measurements are free from external magnetic fields and ferromagnets. Our findings present an interesting step towards high-efficiency spintronic devices.
Improved electrochromic performance of a radio frequency magnetron sputtered NiO thin film with high optical switching speed
Authors: Usha K. S. , Sivakumar R. , Sanjeeviraja C. , Sathe Vasant , Ganesan V. , Wang T. Y.
Published: August 2016

A nickel oxide (NiO) thin film with better reversibility, high optical modulation, and enhanced coloration efficiency with fast switching time was prepared using radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering technique.
A flexible transparent Ag-NC@PE film as a cut-and-paste SERS substrate for rapid in situ detection of organic pollutants
Authors: Zhou Ningning , Meng Guowen , Huang Zhulin , Ke Yan , Zhou Qitao , Hu Xiaoye
Published: August 2016

A flexible transparent Ag-NC@PE film substrate is pasted onto contaminated fruits for rapid in situ SERS detection of organic pollutants.
Quantitative surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for kinetic analysis of aldol condensation using Ag–Au core–shell nanocubes
Authors: Weatherston Joshua D. , Worstell Nolan C. , Wu Hung-Jen
Published: August 2016

Ag–Au core–shell nanocube-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes utilizing internal standard calibration for quantitative kinetic analysis of the aldol condensation reaction.
A fully integrated microfluidic device for point of care monitoring of antithrombotics
Authors: Harris L. F. , Rainey P. , Lindahl T. L. , Killard A. J.
Published: August 2016

The simplicity and efficiency of point of care diagnostics have revolutionised patient care.
Determination of F, Na, Mg, Al and P in Indian tea powders by a proton induced γ-ray emission technique
Authors: Sunitha Y. , Sarkar A. , Kumar Sanjiv
Published: August 2016

The high sensitivity of proton induced γ-ray emission technique to light elements is exploited to determine F, Na, Mg, Al and P in several Indian tea powders.
Electrochemical sensing of nitro-aromatic explosive compounds using silver nanoparticles modified electrochips
Authors: Singh S. , Meena V. K. , Mizaikoff B. , Singh S. P. , Suri C. R.
Published: August 2016

In the present study an electrochemical deposition method for glycine-stabilized silver nanoparticles (Glyc-AgNPs) at screen printed electrodes in a single step with minimal sample preparation, is shown.
A metal–organic framework with rod secondary building unit based on the Boerdijk–Coxeter helix
Authors: Xiao Qiong , Wu Yuan , Li Mian , O'Keeffe Michael , Li Dan
Published: August 2016

The interplay between local aperiodicity and global periodicity gives rise to an uninodal net for a rod metal–organic framework.
Shape and phase evolution from CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocubes to tetragonal CsPb2Br5 nanosheets with an indirect bandgap
Authors: Li Guopeng , Wang Hui , Zhu Zhifeng , Chang Yajing , Zhang Ting , Song Zihang , Jiang Yang
Published: August 2016

Tetragonal CsPb2Br5 nanosheets, involving lateral shape evolution, were obtained via oriented attachment of orthorhombic CsPbBr3 nanocubes.
Simple access to ionic liquids and organic salts containing the phosphaethynolate (PCO−) and Zintl (Sb113−) anions
Authors: Jost Maximilian , Finger Lars H. , Sundermeyer Jörg , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: August 2016

A simple and almost quantitative synthesis of the first salts of the PCO− anion with organic cations is presented. Moreover, we discovered a simple synthesis for [P(nBu)3Me]+3[Sb11]3−, the first organic cation salt comprising the Zintl-anion [Sb11]3−.
Fluorinated photopolymer waveguide thermo-optic switches with loss-compensation function based on erbium-containing cladding structure
Authors: Zheng Yang , Chen Changming , Wang Jihou , Shi Zuosen , Cai Zhenzhen , Sun Xiaoqiang , Wang Fei , Cui Zhanchen , Zhang Daming
Published: August 2016

Thermo-optic switches with loss-compensation are achieved using FBPA-PC EP and GETPM. The multi-functional device is appropriate for opti-electronic integrated circuits.
Rational selection of amorphous or crystalline V2O5 cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Shikun , Tong Zhongqiu , Zhao Jiupeng , Liu Xusong , wang Jing , Ma Xiaoxuan , Chi Caixia , Yang Yu , Liu Xiaoxu , Li Yao
Published: August 2016

Amorphous and crystalline V2O5 cathodes in sodium ion batteries express inverse capacity values at low and high current densities.
Generation and characterization of the phenylthiyl radical and its oxidation to the phenylthiylperoxy and phenylsulfonyl radicals
Authors: Mardyukov Artur , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: August 2016

The matrix-isolated phenylthiyl radical generated from diphenylsulfide reacts with O2to give the phenylthiylperoxy radical, which photoisomerizes to the more stable phenylsulfonyl radical.
Hydrogen motions in defective graphene: the role of surface defects
Authors: Cavallari Chiara , Pontiroli Daniele , Jiménez-Ruiz Mónica , Johnson Mark , Aramini Matteo , Gaboardi Mattia , Parker Stewart F. , Riccó Mauro , Rols Stéphane
Published: August 2016

Understanding the mobility of H at the surface of carbon nanostructures is one of the essential ingredients for a deep comprehension of the catalytic formation of H2 in interstellar clouds.
Enhancement in the electrochemical performance of zirconium/phosphate bi-functional coatings on LiNi0.8Co0.15Mn0.05O2 by the removal of Li residuals
Authors: Park Kwangjin , Park Jun-Ho , Hong Suk-Gi , Choi Byungjin , Seo Seung-Woo , Park Jin-Hwan , Min Kyoungmin
Published: August 2016

The effect of bi-functional coatings consisting of Zr and phosphate (P) on the electrochemical performance of Li1.0Ni0.8Co0.15Mn0.05O2 (NCM) has been investigated.
Cu-fiber-structured La2O3–PdAu(alloy)–Cu nanocomposite catalyst for gas-phase dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation to ethylene glycol
Authors: Han Lupeng , Zhao Guofeng , Chen Yanfei , Zhu Jian , Chen Pengjing , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: August 2016

A Cu-fiber-structured La2O3–PdAu(alloy)–Cu nanocomposite catalyst is low-temperature active, selective and stable for gas-phase dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation to ethylene glycol.
Iron-catalyzed clean dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols with P(O)–H compounds: a new protocol for ROH phosphorylation
Authors: Li Chunya , Chen Tieqiao , Han Li-Biao
Published: August 2016

An efficient oxygen–phosphoryl bond-forming reactionviairon-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling has been developed. The reaction proceeds efficiently under oxidant- and halide-free conditions with H2liberation, and represents a straightforward method to prepare organophosphoryl compounds from alcohols and P(O)–H compounds.
Improvement of hydrogen storage property of three-component Mg(NH2)2–LiNH2–LiH composites by additives
Authors: Lin Huai-Jun , Li Hai-Wen , Paik Biswajit , Wang Jianhui , Akiba Etsuo
Published: August 2016

With the addition of KH, dehydrogenation temperature is significantly reduced, dehydrogenation kinetics and cycling ability are much enhanced, and the emission of NH3 is completely suppressed for the three-component Mg(NH2)2–LiNH2–LiH composite.
Suitability of bio-based ionic liquids for the extraction and purification of IgG antibodies
Authors: Mondal Dibyendu , Sharma Mukesh , Quental Maria V. , Tavares Ana P. M. , Prasad Kamalesh , Freire Mara G.
Published: August 2016

Biocompatible aqueous biphasic systems were prepared with designed bio-based ionic liquids and polymers having excellent ability to selectively extract antibodies.
Fluorescent polyvinyl alcohol films based on nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots towards white light-emitting devices
Authors: Wang Yaling , Zhao Yongqiang , Zhang Feng , Chen Lin , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang
Published: August 2016

Warm white light with color coordinates of (0.40, 0.38) and CCT of 3980 K was obtained using NS-CDs and PVA.
Long-chain branching hydrogel with ultrahigh tensibility and high strength by grafting via photo-induced polymerization
Authors: Xiang Shuangfei , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Ma Piming , Chen Mingqing , Dong Weifu
Published: August 2016

Long-chain branching (LCB) hydrogels with ultrahigh tensibility (>3000%) and toughness are prepared.
Enhanced stability of conductive polyacetylene in ladder-like surface-grafted brushes
Authors: Szuwarzyński Michał , Wolski Karol , Zapotoczny Szczepan
Published: August 2016

Formation and characterization of polyacetylene-based brushes that exhibit exceptional long term stability in air is presented here.
Traceless switch organocatalysis enables multiblock ring-opening copolymerizations of lactones, carbonates, and lactides: by a one plus one approach in one pot
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Jiaqi , Xu Songquan , Xu Jiaxi , Pan Xianfu , Liu Jingjing , Cui Saide , Li Zhenjiang , Guo Kai
Published: August 2016

A switch of organocatalysis from cationic to base/conjugate-acid bifunctional mechanisms made ring-opening copolymerizations of lactones/carbonates to lactides success.
A novel fluorophore–spacer–receptor to conjugate MWNTs and ferrite nanoparticles to design an ultra-thin shield to screen electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Panja Sujit Sankar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: August 2016

A novel fluorophore–spacer–receptor has been designed to conjugate ferrites and MWNTs to block incoming electromagnetic radiation.
A new method to access triazole-fused spiro-guanidines from the reaction of isothiocyanates tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and amines
Authors: Liu Hou-Lu , Jiang Yu , Hao Jian , Tang Xiang-Ying , Shi Min
Published: August 2016

The reaction of isothiocyanate tethered N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and amines afforded asymmetrical guanidines in fair to excellent yields through a two-component tandem reaction process.
Synthesis of C–N dual-doped Cr2O3 visible light-driven photocatalysts derived from metalorganic framework (MOF) for cyclohexane oxidation
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Ying , Zhang Limei , Guo Yanying , Liu Suyan , Gao Fei , Han Yang , Feng Guangliang , Liang Xue , Ge Lei
Published: August 2016

A series of novel C–N dual-doped Cr2O3 photocatalysts were synthesized from MIL-101(Cr), using a two-step method, including initial carbonization in nitrogen atmosphere without adding any carbon source and subsequent calcination in air.
Coherent random lasing from nano-scale aggregates of hybrid molecules by enhanced near zone scattering
Authors: Yin Leicheng , Liang Yunyun , Yu Bo , Wu Yeping , Ma Jiajun , Xie Kang , Zhang Wei , Zou Gang , Hu Zhijia , Zhang Qijin
Published: August 2016

Random laser boosted by chemical bond linked active scatterer based on aggregation enhanced near zone scattering.
Adsorption and corrosion inhibition properties of N-{n-[1-R-5-(quinoxalin-6-yl)-4,5-dihydropyrazol-3-yl]phenyl}methanesulfonamides on mild steel in 1 M HCl: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Olasunkanmi Lukman O. , Obot Ime B. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: August 2016

The experimental corrosion inhibition properties were supported by detailed theoretical studies that revealed the dependence of protection efficiency on proton affinity.
Utilization of LDH-based materials as potential adsorbents and photocatalysts for the decontamination of dyes wastewater: a review
Authors: Yang Zhongzhu , Wang Fenghua , Zhang Chang , Zeng Guangming , Tan Xiaofei , Yu Zhigang , Zhong Yu , Wang Hou , Cui Fang
Published: August 2016

This review introduces briefly the use of LDH materials as adsorbents and catalysts for the decontamination of dyes wastewater.
Synthesis, characterization and pH sensitivity of polyampholyte containing aromatic rings
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Zhang Shufen
Published: August 2016

pH sensitivity of these polyampholytes containing aromatic rings can be controlled at the fixed degree of substitution.