bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of aripiprazole exposure on monoaminergic and glutamatergic receptor subtypes: comparison with cariprazine
Authors: Choi Yong Kee , Adham Nika , Kiss Béla , Gyertyán István , Tarazi Frank I.
Published: January 2017

Objective

This study examined the chronic effects of aripiprazole and cariprazine on serotonin (5-HT1Aand 5-HT2A) and glutamate (NMDA and AMPA) receptor subtypes. In addition, the effects of aripiprazole on D2and D3receptors were tested and compared with previously reported cariprazine data.

Methods

Rats received vehicle, aripiprazole (2, 5, or 15 mg/kg), or cariprazine (0.06, 0.2, or 0.6 mg/kg) for 28 days. Receptor levels were quantified using autoradiographic assays on brain sections from the medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), caudate-putamen medial (CPu–M), caudate-putamen lateral (CPu–L), hippocampal CA1 (HIPP–CA1) and CA3 (HIPP–CA3) regions, and the entorhinal cortex (EC).

Results

Similar to previous findings with cariprazine, aripiprazole upregulated D2receptor levels in various regions; D3receptor changes were less than those reported with cariprazine. All aripiprazole doses and higher cariprazine doses increased 5-HT1Areceptors in the MPC and DFC. Higher aripiprazole and all cariprazine doses increased 5-HT1Areceptors in HIPP–CA1 and HIPP–CA3. Aripiprazole decreased 5-HT2Areceptors in the MPC, DFC, HIPP–CA1, and HIPP–CA3 regions. Both compounds decreased NMDA receptors and increased AMPA receptors in select brain regions.

Conclusions

Long-term administration of aripiprazole and cariprazine had similar effects on 5-HT1A, NMDA, and AMPA receptors. However, cariprazine more profoundly increased D3receptors while aripiprazole selectively reduced 5-HT2Areceptors. These results suggest that the unique actions of cariprazine on dopamine D3receptors, combined with its effects on serotonin and glutamate receptor subtypes, may confer the clinical benefits, safety, and tolerability of this novel compound in schizophrenia and bipolar mania.
The Elusive Nature of APOE ε4 in Mid-adulthood: Understanding the Cognitive Profile
Authors: Lancaster Claire , Tabet Naji , Rusted Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Objectives: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is an established risk factor for dementia, yet this genetic variant is associated with a mixed cognitive profile across the lifespan. This study undertakes both a systematic and meta-analytic review of research investigating APOE-related differences in cognition in mid-adulthood, when detrimental effects of the allele may first be detectable. Methods: Thirty-six papers investigating the behavioral effects of APOE ε4 in mid-adulthood (defined as a mean sample age between 35 and 60 years) were reviewed. In addition, the effect of carrying an ε4 allele on individual cognitive domains was assessed in separate meta-analyses. Results: The average effect size of APOE ε4 status was non-significant across cognitive domains. Further consideration of genotype effects indicates preclinical effects of APOE ε4 may be observable in memory and executive functioning. Conclusions: The cognitive profile of APOE ε4 carriers at mid-age remains elusive. Although there is support for comparable performance by ε4 and non-e4 carriers in the 5th decade, studies administering sensitive cognitive paradigms indicate a more nuanced profile of cognitive differences. Methodological issues in this field preclude strong conclusions, which future research must address, as well as considering the influence of further vulnerability factors on genotype effects. (JINS, 2016, 23, 239–253)
Temporal Prediction Errors Affect Short-Term Memory Scanning Response	Time
Authors: Limongi Roberto , Silva Angélica M.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. The Sternberg short-term memory scanning task has been used to unveil cognitive operations involved in time perception. Participants produce time intervals during the task, and the researcher explores how task performance affects interval production – where time estimation error is the dependent variable of interest. The perspective of predictive behavior regards time estimation error as a temporal prediction error (PE), an independent variable that controls cognition, behavior, and learning. Based on this perspective, we investigated whether temporal PEs affect short-term memory scanning. Participants performed temporal predictions while they maintained information in memory. Model inference revealed that PEs affected memory scanning response time independently of the memory-set size effect. We discuss the results within the context of formal and mechanistic models of short-term memory scanning and predictive coding, a Bayes-based theory of brain function. We state the hypothesis that our finding could be associated with weak frontostriatal connections and weak striatal activity.
Smoke Signals in the Amazon
Authors: Branscombe Alexandra
Published: January 2017

Forest fires can occur naturally, but in the world's largest rain forest, fire can signal large-scale deforestation.
More Frequent Glacial Quakes on Greenland Signal Ice Retreat
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: January 2017

Between 1993 and 2011, the annual number of earthquakes caused by gigantic blocks of ice breaking away from Greenland's glaciers has increased, further evidence of accelerating ice loss.
Caspase‐8: not so silently deadly
Authors: Feltham Rebecca , Vince James E , Lawlor Kate E
Published: January 2017

Apoptosis is a caspase‐dependent programmed form of cell death, which is commonly believed to be an immunologically silent process, required for mammalian development and maintenance of cellular homoeostasis. In contrast, lytic forms of cell death, such as RIPK3‐ and MLKL‐driven necroptosis, and caspase‐1/11‐dependent pyroptosis, are postulated to be inflammatory via the release of damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Recently, the function of apoptotic caspase‐8 has been extended to the negative regulation of necroptosis, the cleavage of inflammatory interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) to its mature bioactive form, either directly or via the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the regulation of cytokine transcriptional responses. In view of these recent advances, human autoinflammatory diseases that are caused by mutations in cell death regulatory machinery are now associated with inappropriate inflammasome activation. In this review, we discuss the emerging crosstalk between cell death and innate immune cell inflammatory signalling, particularly focusing on novel non‐apoptotic functions of caspase‐8. We also highlight the growing number of autoinflammatory diseases that are associated with enhanced inflammasome function.
Single-cell transcriptomics of small microbial eukaryotes: limitations and potential
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Hu Sarah K , Campbell Victoria , Tatters Avery O , Heidelberg Karla B , Caron David A
Published: January 2017

Single-cell transcriptomics is an emerging research tool that has huge untapped potential in the study of microbial eukaryotes. Its application has been tested in microbial eukaryotes 50 μm or larger, and it generated transcriptomes similar to those obtained from culture-based RNA-seq. However, microbial eukaryotes have a wide range of sizes and can be as small as 1 μm. Single-cell RNA-seq was tested in two smaller protists (8 and 15 μm). Transcript recovery rate was much lower and randomness in observed gene expression levels was much higher in single-cell transcriptomes than those derived from bulk cultures of cells. We found that the reason of such observation is that the smaller organisms had much lower mRNA copy numbers. We discuss the application of single-cell RNA-seq in studying smaller microbial eukaryotes in the context of these limitations.
Cheating fosters species co-existence in well-mixed bacterial communities
Authors: Leinweber Anne , Fredrik Inglis R , Kümmerli Rolf
Published: January 2017

Explaining the enormous biodiversity observed in bacterial communities is challenging because ecological theory predicts that competition between species occupying the same niche should lead to the exclusion of less competitive community members. Competitive exclusion should be particularly strong when species compete for a single limiting resource or live in unstructured habitats that offer no refuge for weaker competitors. Here, we describe the ‘cheating effect’, a form of intra-specific competition that can counterbalance between-species competition, thereby fostering biodiversity in unstructured habitats. Using experimental communities consisting of the strong competitor Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and its weaker counterpart Burkholderia cenocepacia (BC), we show that co-existence is impossible when the two species compete for a single limiting resource, iron. However, when introducing a PA cheating mutant, which specifically exploits the iron-scavenging siderophores produced by the PA wild type, we found that biodiversity was preserved under well-mixed conditions where PA cheats could outcompete the PA wild type. Cheating fosters biodiversity in our system because it creates strong intra-specific competition, which equalizes fitness differences between PA and BC. Our study identifies cheating – typically considered a destructive element – as a constructive force in shaping biodiversity.
Rapid control and feedback rates enhance neuroprosthetic control
Authors: Shanechi Maryam M. , Orsborn Amy L. , Moorman Helene G. , Gowda Suraj , Dangi Siddharth , Carmena Jose M.
Published: January 2017

Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) create novel sensorimotor pathways for action. Much as the sensorimotor apparatus shapes natural motor control, the BMI pathway characteristics may also influence neuroprosthetic control. Here, we explore the influence of control and feedback rates, where control rate indicates how often motor commands are sent from the brain to the prosthetic, and feedback rate indicates how often visual feedback of the prosthetic is provided to the subject. We developed a new BMI that allows arbitrarily fast control and feedback rates, and used it to dissociate the effects of each rate in two monkeys. Increasing the control rate significantly improved control even when feedback rate was unchanged. Increasing the feedback rate further facilitated control. We also show that our high-rate BMI significantly outperformed state-of-the-art methods due to higher control and feedback rates, combined with a different point process mathematical encoding model. Our BMI paradigm can dissect the contribution of different elements in the sensorimotor pathway, providing a unique tool for studying neuroprosthetic control mechanisms.
Discovery of high-performance low-cost n-type Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric materials with multi-valley conduction bands
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Song Lirong , Pedersen Steffen Hindborg , Yin Hao , Hung Le Thanh , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: January 2017

Widespread application of thermoelectric devices for waste heat recovery requires low-cost high-performance materials. The currently available n-type thermoelectric materials are limited either by their low efficiencies or by being based on expensive, scarce or toxic elements. Here we report a low-cost n-type material, Te-doped Mg3Sb1.5Bi0.5, that exhibits a very high figure of merit zT ranging from 0.56 to 1.65 at 300−725 K. Using combined theoretical prediction and experimental validation, we show that the high thermoelectric performance originates from the significantly enhanced power factor because of the multi-valley band behaviour dominated by a unique near-edge conduction band with a sixfold valley degeneracy. This makes Te-doped Mg3Sb1.5Bi0.5 a promising candidate for the low- and intermediate-temperature thermoelectric applications.
Radioiodinated Capsids Facilitate In Vivo Non-Invasive Tracking of Adeno-Associated Gene Transfer Vectors
Authors: Kothari P. , De B. P. , He B. , Chen A. , Chiuchiolo M. J. , Kim D. , Nikolopoulou A. , Amor-Coarasa A. , Dyke J. P. , Voss H. U. , Kaminsky S. M. , Foley C. P. , Vallabhajosula S. , Hu B. , DiMagno S. G. , Sondhi D. , Crystal R. G. , Babich J. W. , Ballon D.
Published: January 2017

Viral vector mediated gene therapy has become commonplace in clinical trials for a wide range of inherited disorders. Successful gene transfer depends on a number of factors, of which tissue tropism is among the most important. To date, definitive mapping of the spatial and temporal distribution of viral vectors in vivo has generally required postmortem examination of tissue. Here we present two methods for radiolabeling adeno-associated virus (AAV), one of the most commonly used viral vectors for gene therapy trials, and demonstrate their potential usefulness in the development of surrogate markers for vector delivery during the first week after administration. Specifically, we labeled adeno-associated virus serotype 10 expressing the coding sequences for the CLN2 gene implicated in late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis with iodine-124. Using direct (Iodogen) and indirect (modified Bolton-Hunter) methods, we observed the vector in the murine brain for up to one week using positron emission tomography. Capsid radioiodination of viral vectors enables non-invasive, whole body, in vivo evaluation of spatial and temporal vector distribution that should inform methods for efficacious gene therapy over a broad range of applications.
Scaling of titanium implants entrains inflammation-induced osteolysis
Authors: Eger Michal , Sterer Nir , Liron Tamar , Kohavi David , Gabet Yankel
Published: January 2017

With millions of new dental and orthopedic implants inserted annually, periprosthetic osteolysis becomes a major concern. In dentistry, peri-implantitis management includes cleaning using ultrasonic scaling. We examined whether ultrasonic scaling releases titanium particles and induces inflammation and osteolysis. Titanium discs with machined, sandblasted/acid-etched and sandblasted surfaces were subjected to ultrasonic scaling and we physically and chemically characterized the released particles. These particles induced a severe inflammatory response in macrophages and stimulated osteoclastogenesis. The number of released particles and their chemical composition and nanotopography had a significant effect on the inflammatory response. Sandblasted surfaces released the highest number of particles with the greatest nanoroughness properties. Particles from sandblasted/acid-etched discs induced a milder inflammatory response than those from sandblasted discs but a stronger inflammatory response than those from machined discs. Titanium particles were then embedded in fibrin membranes placed on mouse calvariae for 5 weeks. Using micro-CT, we observed that particles from sandblasted discs induced more osteolysis than those from sandblasted/acid-etched discs. In summary, ultrasonic scaling of titanium implants releases particles in a surface type-dependent manner and may aggravate peri-implantitis. Future studies should assess whether surface roughening affects the extent of released wear particles and aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants.
Deficiency of the eIF4E isoform nCBP limits the cell-to-cell movement of a plant virus encoding triple-gene-block proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Keima Takuya , Hagiwara-Komoda Yuka , Hashimoto Masayoshi , Neriya Yutaro , Koinuma Hiroaki , Iwabuchi Nozomu , Nishida Shuko , Yamaji Yasuyuki , Namba Shigetou
Published: January 2017

One of the important antiviral genetic strategies used in crop breeding is recessive resistance. Two eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E family genes, eIF4E and eIFiso4E, are the most common recessive resistance genes whose absence inhibits infection by plant viruses in Potyviridae, Carmovirus, and Cucumovirus. Here, we show that another eIF4E family gene, nCBP, acts as a novel recessive resistance gene in Arabidopsis thaliana toward plant viruses in Alpha- and Betaflexiviridae. We found that infection by Plantago asiatica mosaic virus (PlAMV), a potexvirus, was delayed in ncbp mutants of A. thaliana. Virus replication efficiency did not differ between an ncbp mutant and a wild type plant in single cells, but viral cell-to-cell movement was significantly delayed in the ncbp mutant. Furthermore, the accumulation of triple-gene-block protein 2 (TGB2) and TGB3, the movement proteins of potexviruses, decreased in the ncbp mutant. Inoculation experiments with several viruses showed that the accumulation of viruses encoding TGBs in their genomes decreased in the ncbp mutant. These results indicate that nCBP is a novel member of the eIF4E family recessive resistance genes whose loss impairs viral cell-to-cell movement by inhibiting the efficient accumulation of TGB2 and TGB3.
Study on relationship between pollen exine ornamentation pattern and germplasm evolution in flowering crabapple
Authors: Zhang Wang-Xiang , Zhao Ming-Ming , Fan Jun-Jun , Zhou Ting , Chen Yong-Xia , Cao Fu-Liang
Published: January 2017

Pollen ornamentation patterns are important in the study of plant genetic evolution and systematic taxonomy. However, they are normally difficult to quantify. Based on observations of pollen exine ornamentation characteristics of 128 flowering crabapple germplasms (44 natural species and 84 varieties), three qualitative variables with binary properties (Xi: regularity of pollen exine ornamentation; Yi: scope of ornamentation arrangement regularity; Zi: ornamentation arrangement patterns) were extracted to establish a binary three-dimensional data matrix (XiYiZi) and the matrix data were converted to decimal data through weight assignment, which facilitated the unification of qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. The result indicates that from species population to variety population and from parent population to variety population, the exine ornamentation of all three dimensions present the evolutionary trend of regular → irregular, wholly regular → partially regular, and single pattern → multiple patterns. Regarding the evolutionary degree, the regularity of ornamentation was significantly lower in both the variety population and progeny population, with a degree of decrease 0.82–1.27 times that of the regularity range of R-type ornamentation. In addition, the evolutionary degree significantly increased along Xi→ Yi → Zi. The result also has certain reference values for defining the taxonomic status ofMalusspecies.
Membrane translocation of t-SNARE protein syntaxin-4 abrogates ground-state pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Hagiwara-Chatani Natsumi , Shirai Kota , Kido Takumi , Horigome Tomoatsu , Yasue Akihiro , Adachi Naoki , Hirai Yohei
Published: January 2017

Embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are attractive tools for regenerative medicine therapies. However, aberrant cell populations that display flattened morphology and lose ground-state pluripotency often appear spontaneously, unless glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) are inactivated. Here, we show that membrane translocation of the t-SNARE protein syntaxin-4 possibly is involved in this phenomenon. We found that mouse ES cells cultured without GSK3β/MEK1/2 inhibitors (2i) spontaneously extrude syntaxin-4 at the cell surface and that artificial expression of cell surface syntaxin-4 induces appreciable morphological changes and mesodermal differentiation through dephosphorylation of Akt. Transcriptome analyses revealed several candidate elements responsible for this, specifically, an E-to P-cadherin switch and a marked downregulation of Zscan4 proteins, which are DNA-binding proteins essential for ES cell pluripotency. Embryonic carcinoma cell lines F9 and P19CL6, which maintain undifferentiated states independently of Zscan4 proteins, exhibited similar cellular behaviors upon stimulation with cell surface syntaxin-4. The functional ablation of E-cadherin and overexpression of P-cadherin reproduced syntaxin-4-induced cell morphology, demonstrating that the E- to P-cadherin switch executes morphological signals from cell surface syntaxin-4. Thus, spontaneous membrane translocation of syntaxin-4 emerged as a critical element for maintenance of the stem-cell niche.
IFN type I and II induce BAFF secretion from human decidual stromal cells
Authors: Lundell Anna-Carin , Nordström Inger , Andersson Kerstin , Lundqvist Christina , Telemo Esbjörn , Nava Silvia , Kaipe Helen , Rudin Anna
Published: January 2017

B cell activating factor (BAFF) is a critical cytokine for maturation of immature B cells. In murine lymph nodes, BAFF is mainly produced by podoplanin-expressing stromal cells. We have previously shown that circulating BAFF levels are maximal at birth, and that farmers’ children exhibit higher BAFF levels in cord blood than non-farmers’ children. Here, we sought to investigate whether maternal-derived decidual stromal cells from placenta secrete BAFF and examine what factors could stimulate this production. We found that podoplanin is expressed in decidua basalis and in the underlying villous tissue as well as on isolated maternal-derived decidual stromal cells. Decidual stromal cells produced BAFF when stimulated with IFN-γ and IFN-α, and NK cells and NK-T-like cells competent of IFN-γ production were isolated from the decidua. Finally, B cells at different maturational stages are present in decidua and all expressed BAFF-R, while stromal cells did not. These findings suggest that decidual stromal cells are a cellular source of BAFF for B cells present in decidua during pregnancy.
A derivatization-enhanced detection strategy in mass spectrometry: analysis of 4-hydroxybenzoates and their metabolites after keratinocytes are exposed to UV radiation
Authors: Lee Yi-Hsuan , Lin Ying-Chi , Feng Chia-Hsien , Tseng Wei-Lung , Lu Chi-Yu
Published: January 2017

4-Hydroxybenzoate is a phenolic derivative of alkyl benzoates and is a widely used preservative in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. The presence of 4-hydroxybenzoates in the human body may result from the use of pharmaceutical and personal care products. These compounds are also known to exhibit estrogenic and genotoxic activities. The potential adverse effects of these compounds include endocrine disruption, oxidative and DNA damage, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions. This study used two mass spectrometry methods that are applicable when using a derivatization-enhanced detection strategy (DEDS) to screen 4-hydroxybenzoates and their metabolites. Chemical derivatization was used to enhance the detection of these compounds. To evaluate the metabolic process triggered by UV radiation, human keratinocyte HaCaT cells treated with these 4-hydroxybenzoates were further exposed to UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. Metabolites transformed by human keratinocytes in the chemical derivatization procedure were identified by a nano ultra-performance liquid chromatographic system (nanoUPLC) coupled with LTQ Orbitrap. The experiments confirmed the feasibility of this method for identifying 4-hydroxybenzoate metabolites and for high-throughput screening of 4-hydroxybenzoate in commercial products (50 samples) by the DEDS.
Exit point in the strong field ionization process
Authors: Ivanov I. A. , Nam Chang Hee , Kim Kyung Taec
Published: January 2017

We analyze the process of strong field ionization using the Bohmian approach. This allows retention of the concept of electron trajectories. We consider the tunnelling regime of ionization. We show that, in this regime, the coordinate distribution for the ionized electron has peaks near the points in space that can be interpreted as exit points. The interval of time during which ionization occurs is marked by a quick broadening of the coordinate distribution. The concept of the exit point in the tunneling regime, which has long been assumed for the description of strong field ionization, is justified by our analysis.
Phosphoproteomic comparison of Pik3ca and Pten signalling identifies the nucleotidase NT5C as a novel AKT substrate
Authors: Moniz Larissa S. , Surinova Silvia , Ghazaly Essam , Velasco Lorena Gonzalez , Haider Syed , Rodríguez-Prados Juan Carlos , Berenjeno Inma M. , Chelala Claude , Vanhaesebroeck Bart
Published: January 2017

To identify novel effectors and processes regulated by PI3K pathway activation, we performed an unbiased phosphoproteomic screen comparing two common events of PI3K deregulation in cancer: oncogenic Pik3ca mutation (Pik3caH1047R) and deletion of Pten. Using mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) models that generate inducible, low-level pathway activation as observed in cancer, we quantified 7566 unique phosphopeptides from 3279 proteins. A number of proteins were found to be differentially-regulated by Pik3caH1047R and Pten loss, suggesting unique roles for these two events in processes such as vesicular trafficking, DNA damage repair and RNA splicing. We also identified novel PI3K effectors that were commonly-regulated, including putative AKT substrates. Validation of one of these hits, confirmed NT5C (5′,3′-Nucleotidase, Cytosolic) as a novel AKT substrate, with an unexpected role in actin cytoskeleton regulation via an interaction with the ARP2/3 complex. This study has produced a comprehensive data resource and identified a new link between PI3K pathway activation and actin regulation.
Pyruvic oxime dioxygenase from heterotrophic nitrifier Alcaligenes faecalis is a nonheme Fe(II)-dependent enzyme homologous to class II aldolase
Authors: Tsujino Shuhei , Uematsu Chisato , Dohra Hideo , Fujiwara Taketomo
Published: January 2017

Pyruvic oxime dioxygenase (POD), a key enzyme in heterotrophic nitrification, was purified from Alcaligenes faecalis, and the molecular and catalytic characteristics were reexamined. POD was purified as the homotetramer of the subunit whose molecular weight was 30,000. The deduced amino acid sequence of POD was homologous with a class II aldolase that has been regarded as the Zn(II)-dependent enzyme catalyzing aldol reactions. The recombinant protein showed weak POD activity, and was activated by reconstitution with Fe(II). Affinity and catalytic constants were estimated at 470 μM and 4.69 sec−1, respectively. The POD was inactivated by EDTA to remove bound divalent metal cations. A reconstitution experiment demonstrated that Fe(II), not Zn(II), is essential for POD activity and that Mn(II) could partially fulfill the function of Fe(II). A mutant POD with replacement of His183, corresponding to one of three Zn(II)-binding ligands in the class II aldolase, by Asn was purified as a homotetrameric protein but showed no catalytic activities. Those results suggest that the POD is homologous to class II aldolase having non-heme Fe(II) as a catalytic center instead of Zn(II). A possible mechanism of the POD reaction is discussed on the basis of that of a known Fe(II)-dependent dioxygenase.
Rapidly discriminate commercial medicinal Pulsatilla chinensis (Bge.) Regel from its adulterants using ITS2 barcoding and specific PCR-RFLP assay
Authors: Shi Yuhua , Zhao Mingming , Yao Hui , Yang Pei , Xin Tianyi , Li Bin , Sun Wei , Chen Shilin
Published: January 2017

Pulsatillae radix is a conventional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with common name Baitouweng, and has notable effects on inflammation and dysentery. Pulsatilla chinensis (Bge.) Regel is the only source plant of Baitouweng recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, but its adulteration often occurs in the market that possibly affects medicinal efficacy and safety. We have established an internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) barcode library based on 105 plant samples from 12 Pulsatilla species and 10 common adulterants. Results indicate that ITS2 barcoding can accurately distinguish Pulsatilla species from their adulterants. Pulsatilla chinensis can be discriminated from 11 congeneric species by two stable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ITS2 region. Additionally, a quick specific PCR-RFLP identification assay based on the ITS2 barcode was developed. Using specific primers ITS2/PR1 combined with restriction enzyme Bgl I, Pu. chinensis can rapidly be differentiated from other species via simple and low-cost test procedures. Furthermore, 30 commercial Baitouweng products were tested and only two products were derived from authentic Pu. chinensis. Thus, these two molecular approaches provide practical tools for quick identification of commercial Baitouweng products and can help ensure the safe use of this TCM product.
Dioscin relieves endotoxemia induced acute neuro-inflammation and protect neurogenesis via improving 5-HT metabolism
Authors: Yang Rui , Chen Wei , Lu Ye , Li Yingke , Du Hongli , Gao Songyan , Dong Xin , Yuan Hongbin
Published: January 2017

Sepsis, in addition to causing fatality, is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment among sepsis survivors. The pathologic mechanism of endotoxemia induced acute neuro-inflammation still has not been fully understood. For the first time, we found the disruption of neurotransmitters 5-HT, impaired neurogenesis and activation of astrocytes coupled with concomitant neuro-inflammation were the potential pathogenesis of endotoxemia induced acute neuro-inflammation in sepsis survivors. In addition, dioscin a natural steroidal saponin isolated from Chinese medicinal herbs, enhanced the serotonergic system and produced anti-depressant effect by enhancing 5-HT levels in hippocampus. What is more, this finding was verified by metabolic analyses of hippocampus, indicating 5-HT related metabolic pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of endotoxemia induced acute neuro-inflammation. Moreover, neuro-inflammation and neurogenesis within hippocampus were indexed using quantitative immunofluorescence analysis of GFAP DCX and Ki67, as well as real-time RT-PCR analysis of some gene expression levels in hippocampus. Our in vivo and in vitro studies show dioscin protects hippocampus from endotoxemia induced cascade neuro-inflammation through neurotransmitter 5-HT and HMGB-1/TLR4 signaling pathway, which accounts for the dioscin therapeutic effect in behavioral tests. Therefore, the current findings suggest that dioscin could be a potential approach for the therapy of endotoxemia induced acute neuro-inflammation.
Labeling and in vivo visualization of transplanted adipose tissue-derived stem cells with safe cadmium-free aqueous ZnS coating of ZnS-AgInS2 nanoparticles
Authors: Ogihara Yusuke , Yukawa Hiroshi , Kameyama Tatsuya , Nishi Hiroyasu , Onoshima Daisuke , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Torimoto Tsukasa , Baba Yoshinobu
Published: January 2017

The facile synthesis of ZnS-AgInS2 (ZAIS) as cadmium-free QDs and their application, mainly in solar cells, has been reported by our groups. In the present study, we investigated the safety and the usefulness for labeling and in vivo imaging of a newly synthesized aqueous ZnS-coated ZAIS (ZnS-ZAIS) carboxylated nanoparticles (ZZC) to stem cells. ZZC shows the strong fluorescence in aqueous solutions such as PBS and cell culture medium, and a complex of ZZC and octa-arginine (R8) peptides (R8-ZZC) can achieve the highly efficient labeling of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). The cytotoxicity of R8-ZZC to ASCs was found to be extremely low in comparison to that of CdSe-based QDs, and R8-ZZC was confirmed to have no influence on the proliferation rate or the differentiation ability of ASCs. Moreover, R8-ZZC was not found to induce the production of major inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-6 and MCP-1) in ASCs. Transplanted R8-ZZC-labeled ASCs could be quantitatively detected in the lungs and liver mainly using an in vivo imaging system. In addition, high-speed multiphoton confocal laser microscopy revealed the presence of aggregates of transplanted ASCs at many sites in the lungs, whereas individual ASCs were found to have accumulated in the liver.
The molecular sensory machinery of a Chagas disease vector: expression changes through imaginal moult and sexually dimorphic features
Authors: Latorre-Estivalis Jose Manuel , Robertson Hugh M. , Walden Kimberly K. O. , Ruiz Jerônimo , Gonçalves Leilane Oliveira , Guarneri Alessandra A. , Lorenzo Marcelo Gustavo
Published: January 2017

The triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus is a main vector of Chagas disease, which affects several million people, mostly in Latin-America. Host searching, pheromone communication, and microclimatic preferences are aspects of its behaviour that depend on multimodal sensory inputs. The molecular bases of these sensory processes are largely unknown. The expression levels of genes transcribed in antennae were compared between 5th instar larvae, and female and male adults by means of RNA-Seq. The antennae of R. prolixus showed increased expression of several chemosensory-related genes in imaginal bugs, while both sexes had similar expression patterns for most target genes. Few cases suggest involvement of target genes in sexually dimorphic functions. Most odorant and ionotropic receptor genes seemed to be expressed in all libraries. OBPs and CSPs showed very high expression levels. Other sensory-related genes such as TRPs, PPKs and mechanoreceptors had consistent levels of expression in all libraries. Our study characterises most of the sensory gene repertoire of these insects, opening an avenue for functional genetics studies. The increase in expression of chemosensory genes suggests an enhanced role in adult bugs. This knowledge allows developing new behaviour interfering strategies, increasing the options for translational research in the vector control field.
Low-temperature remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition of ZrO2/zircone nanolaminate film for efficient encapsulation of flexible organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Zheng , Wang Haoran , Wang Xiao , Chen Ping , Liu Yunfei , Zhao Hongyu , Zhao Yi , Duan Yu
Published: January 2017

Encapsulation is essential to protect the air-sensitive components of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) such as active layers and cathode electrodes. In this study, hybrid zirconium inorganic/organic nanolaminates were fabricated using remote plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) and molecular layer deposition at a low temperature. The nanolaminate serves as a thin-film encapsulation layer for OLEDs. The reaction mechanism of PEALD process was investigated using an in-situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and in-situ quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). The bonds present in the films were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The primary reaction byproducts in PEALD, such as CO, CO2, NO, H2O, as well as the related fragments during the O2 plasma process were characterized using the QMS, indicating a combustion-like reaction process. The self-limiting nature and growth mechanisms of the ZrO2 during the complex surface chemical reaction of the ligand and O2 plasma were monitored using the QCM. The remote PEALD ZrO2/zircone nanolaminate structure prolonged the transmission path of water vapor and smooth surface morphology. Consequently, the water barrier properties were significantly improved (reaching 3.078 × 10−5 g/m2/day). This study also shows that flexible OLEDs can be successfully encapsulated to achieve a significantly longer lifetime.
An on-chip imaging droplet-sorting system: a real-time shape recognition method to screen target cells in droplets with single cell resolution
Authors: Girault Mathias , Kim Hyonchol , Arakawa Hisayuki , Matsuura Kenji , Odaka Masao , Hattori Akihiro , Terazono Hideyuki , Yasuda Kenji
Published: January 2017

A microfluidic on-chip imaging cell sorter has several advantages over conventional cell sorting methods, especially to identify cells with complex morphologies such as clusters. One of the remaining problems is how to efficiently discriminate targets at the species level without labelling. Hence, we developed a label-free microfluidic droplet-sorting system based on image recognition of cells in droplets. To test the applicability of this method, a mixture of two plankton species with different morphologies (Dunaliella tertiolecta and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) were successfully identified and discriminated at a rate of 10 Hz. We also examined the ability to detect the number of objects encapsulated in a droplet. Single cell droplets sorted into collection channels showed 91 ± 4.5% and 90 ± 3.8% accuracy for D. tertiolecta and P. tricornutum, respectively. Because we used image recognition to confirm single cell droplets, we achieved highly accurate single cell sorting. The results indicate that the integrated method of droplet imaging cell sorting can provide a complementary sorting approach capable of isolating single target cells from a mixture of cells with high accuracy without any staining.
Cellulose Nanofibril Based-Aerogel Microreactors: A High Efficiency and Easy Recoverable W/O/W Membrane Separation System
Authors: Zhang Fang , Ren Hao , Dou Jing , Tong Guolin , Deng Yulin
Published: January 2017

Hereby we report a novel cellulose nanofirbril aerogel-based W/O/W microreactor system that can be used for fast and high efficient molecule or ions extraction and separation. The ultra-light cellulose nanofibril based aerogel microspheres with high porous structure and water storage capacity were prepared. The aerogel microspheres that were saturated with stripping solution were dispersed in an oil phase to form a stable water-in-oil (W/O) suspension. This suspension was then dispersed in large amount of external waste water to form W/O/W microreactor system. Similar to a conventional emulsion liquid membrane (ELM), the molecules or ions in external water can quickly transport to the internal water phase. However, the microreactor is also significantly different from traditional ELM: the water saturated nanocellulose cellulose aerogel microspheres can be easily removed by filtration or centrifugation after extraction reaction. The condensed materials in the filtrated aerogel particles can be squeezed and washed out and aerogel microspheres can be reused. This novel process overcomes the key barrier step of demulsification in traditional ELM process. Our experimental indicates the novel microreactor was able to extract 93% phenol and 82% Cu2+ from external water phase in a few minutes, suggesting its great potential for industrial applications.
Volumetric Light-field Encryption at the Microscopic Scale
Authors: Li Haoyu , Guo Changliang , Muniraj Inbarasan , Schroeder Bryce C. , Sheridan John T. , Jia Shu
Published: January 2017

We report a light-field based method that allows the optical encryption of three-dimensional (3D) volumetric information at the microscopic scale in a single 2D light-field image. The system consists of a microlens array and an array of random phase/amplitude masks. The method utilizes a wave optics model to account for the dominant diffraction effect at this new scale, and the system point-spread function (PSF) serves as the key for encryption and decryption. We successfully developed and demonstrated a deconvolution algorithm to retrieve both spatially multiplexed discrete data and continuous volumetric data from 2D light-field images. Showing that the method is practical for data transmission and storage, we obtained a faithful reconstruction of the 3D volumetric information from a digital copy of the encrypted light-field image. The method represents a new level of optical encryption, paving the way for broad industrial and biomedical applications in processing and securing 3D data at the microscopic scale.
Tyrosine kinase c-Abl regulates the survival of plasma cells
Authors: Li Yan-Feng , Xu Shengli , Huang Yuhan , Ou Xijun , Lam Kong-Peng
Published: January 2017

Tyrosine kinase c-Abl plays an important role in early B cell development. Its deletion leads to reduced pro- and pre-B cell generation in mice. However, its function in B cell terminal differentiation remains unexplored. Here, we used c-Ablf/f Aicdacre/+ mice, in which c-Abl is ablated only in antigen-activated B cells, to study the role of c-Abl in germinal center (GC) B and antibody-secreting plasma cell formation. Upon challenge with a model antigen, we found normal GC and memory B but reduced plasma cells and antigen-specific antibody response in the mutant mice. In-vitro studies revealed that plasma cells lacking c-Abl could be generated but did not accumulate in culture, indicative of survival defect. They also exhibited impaired STAT3 phosphorylation. The plasma cell defects could be rectified by introduction of Bim-deficiency or delivery of colivelin, a STAT3 activator, into c-Ablf/f Aicdacre/+ mice. Hence, c-Abl signalling regulates the survival of plasma cells.
Omics for understanding synergistic action of validamycin A and Trichoderma asperellum GDFS1009 against maize sheath blight pathogen
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhang Lida , Xia Hai , Yu Chuanjin , Dou Kai , Li Yaqian , Chen Jie
Published: January 2017

Sheath blight, causes by Rhizoctonia spp., threaten maize yield every year throughout the world. Trichoderma could degrade Rhizoctonia solani on maize mainly via competition and hyperparasitism, whereas validamycin A could efficiently inhibit the growth of R. solani via disturbing the energy system. By contrast, validamycin A is efficient but it takes effect in a short period, while Trichoderma takes effect in a long period though time-consuming. To overcome the disadvantages, Trichoderma asperellum GDFS1009 was used together with validamycin A. In vitro tests proved that the combined pathogen-inhibiting efficiency was significantly improved. Furthermore, results based on transcriptome and metabolome showed that validamycin A had no significant effects on growth, basic metabolism and main bio-control mechanisms of T. asperellum GDFS1009. Such few impacts may be attributed to detoxification and tolerance mechanism of T. asperellum GDFS1009. In addition, T. asperellum GDFS1009 has an ability to relieve the stress caused by validaymicn A. Meanwhile, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) results showed that only minor degradation (20%) of validamycin A was caused by T. asperellum GDFS1009 during cofermentation. All results together provide solid bases for validamycin A synergy with T. asperellum GDFS1009 in their combined biocontrol application.
The driving force of prophages and CRISPR-Cas system in the evolution of Cronobacter sakazakii
Authors: Zeng Haiyan , Zhang Jumei , Li Chensi , Xie Tengfei , Ling Na , Wu Qingping , Ye Yingwang
Published: January 2017

Cronobacter sakazakii is an important foodborne pathogens causing rare but life-threatening diseases in neonates and infants. CRISPR-Cas system is a new prokaryotic defense system that provides adaptive immunity against phages, latter play an vital role on the evolution and pathogenicity of host bacteria. In this study, we found that genome sizes of C. sakazakii strains had a significant positive correlation with total genome sizes of prophages. Prophages contributed to 16.57% of the genetic diversity (pan genome) of C. sakazakii, some of which maybe the potential virulence factors. Subtype I-E CRISPR-Cas system and five types of CRISPR arrays were found in the conserved site of C. sakazakii strains. CRISPR1 and CRISPR2 loci with high variable spacers were active and showed potential protection against phage attacks. The number of spacers from two active CRISPR loci in clinical strains was significant less than that of foodborne strains, it maybe a reason why clinical strains were found to have more prophages than foodborne strains. The frequently gain/loss of prophages and spacers in CRISPR loci is likely to drive the quick evolution of C. sakazakii. Our study provides a new insight into the co-evolution of phages and C. sakazakii.
Influence of metal-mediated aerosol-phase oxidation on secondary organic aerosol formation from the ozonolysis and OH-oxidation of α-pinene
Authors: Chu Biwu , Liggio John , Liu Yongchun , He Hong , Takekawa Hideto , Li Shao-Meng , Hao Jiming
Published: January 2017

The organic component is the most abundant fraction of atmospheric submicron particles, while the formation mechanisms of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) are not fully understood. The effects of sulfate seed aerosols on SOA formation were investigated with a series of experiments carried out using a 9 m3 smog chamber. The presence of FeSO4 or Fe2(SO4)3 seed aerosols decreased SOA yields and increased oxidation levels in both ozonolysis and OH-oxidation of α-pinene compared to that in the presence of ZnSO4 or (NH4)2SO4. These findings were explained by metal-mediated aerosol-phase oxidation of organics: reactive radicals were generated on FeSO4 or Fe2(SO4)3 seed aerosols and reacted further with the organic mass. This effect would help to explain the high O/C ratios of organics in ambient particles that thus far cannot be reproduced in laboratory and model studies. In addition, the gap in the SOA yields between experiments with different seed aerosols was more significant in OH-oxidation experiments compared to ozonolysis experiments, while the gap in estimated O/C ratios was less obvious. This may have resulted from the different chemical compositions and oxidation levels of the SOA generated in the two systems, which affect the branching ratio of functionalization and fragmentation during aerosol oxidation.
Rapidly cell-penetrating and reductive milieu-responsive nanoaggregates assembled from an amphiphilic folate-camptothecin prodrug for enhanced drug delivery and controlled release
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Hou Meili , Shi Xiaoxiao , Gao Yong-E. , Xue Peng , Liu Shiying , Kang Yuejun
Published: January 2017

Self-assembled small molecular prodrug loaded with camptothecin in response to glutathione and folate receptors for combined tumour detection and treatment.
Simultaneous spectra and dynamics processes tuning of a single upconversion microtube through Yb3+ doping concentration and excitation power
Authors: Gao Dangli , Zhang Xiangyu , Chong Bo , Xiao Guoqing , Tian Dongping
Published: January 2017

Doping and varying pump laser parameters are the widely applied technological processes for tuning spectra to yield desirable luminescence properties and functions.
Towards open boundary molecular dynamics simulation of ionic liquids
Authors: Krekeler Christian , Delle Site Luigi
Published: January 2017

We extend the use of the adaptive resolution (AdResS) method in its grand canonical-like version (GC-AdResS) to the molecular dynamics simulation of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride.
Formation of carbon nanodots with different spin states in mechanically processed mixtures of ZnO with carbon nanoparticles: an electron paramagnetic resonance study
Authors: Kakazey M. , Vlasova M. , Gómez-Vidales V. , Ángeles-Pascual A. , Basiuk V. A.
Published: January 2017

Mixtures of zinc oxide with carbon nanoparticles, ZnO +xC (x= 0.1%, 1% and 3% by weight), were subjected to mechanical processing (MP) in a hermetically sealed grinding chamber.
Bright metal coatings from sustainable electrolytes: the effect of molecular additives on electrodeposition of nickel from a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Ballantyne Andrew , Harris Robert C. , Juma Jamil A. , Ryder Karl S.
Published: January 2017

Small molecule organic additives produce smooth, bright, adherent and hard nickel coatings during electrodeposition in a deep eutectic solvent. We present a detailed study.
A new view for nanoparticle assemblies: from crystalline to binary cooperative complementarity
Authors: Yan Cong , Wang Tie
Published: January 2017

This review introduces the binary cooperative complementary principle and applies it to outline a potential philosophy behind the development of nanoparticle assemblies.
Layer-dependent catalysis of MoS2/graphene nanoribbon composites for efficient hydrodesulfurization
Authors: Yang Lan , Wang Xuzhen , Liu Yang , Yu Zhengfa , Li Rui , Qiu Jieshan
Published: January 2017

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with a defect-rich structure facilitate the preparation of a single-layer MoS2/GNR composite which shows superior catalytic performance than SL-MoS2/GS.
Copper nanoparticle interspersed MoS2 nanoflowers with enhanced efficiency for CO2 electrochemical reduction to fuel
Authors: Shi Guodong , Yu Luo , Ba Xin , Zhang Xiaoshu , Zhou Jianqing , Yu Ying
Published: January 2017

Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) has been considered as an ideal method to simultaneously solve the energy crisis and environmental issue around the world.