bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Bonding and σ-Aromaticity in Charged Molecular Alloys: [Pd2As14]4− and [Au2Sb14]4− Clusters
Authors: You Xue-Rui , Feng Lin-Yan , Li Rui , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: April 2017

We report a computational study on the structures and bonding of a charged molecular alloyD2h[Pd2As14]4−(1), as well as a modelD2h[Au2Sb14]4−(2) cluster. Our effort makes use of an array of quantum chemistry tools: canonical molecular orbital analysis, adaptive natural density partitioning, natural bond orbital analysis, orbital composition analysis, and nucleus independent chemical shift calculations. Both clusters consist of two X7(X = As, Sb) cages, which are interconnected via a M2(M = Pd, Au) dumbbell, featuring two distorted square-planar MX4units. Excluding the Pd/As or Au/Sb lone-pairs, clusters1and2are 50- and 44-electron systems, respectively, of which 32 electrons are for two-center two-electron (2c-2e) As-As or Sb-Sb σ bonds and an additional 16 electrons in1for 2c-2e Pd-As σ bonds. No covalent Pd-Pd or Au-Au bond is present in the systems. Cluster1is shown to possess two globally delocalized σ electrons, whereas2has two σ sextets (each associated with an AuSb4fragment). Thus,1and2conform to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule, forn = 0 and 1, respectively, rendering them σ-aromaticity.
Detection of AMA-M2 in human saliva: Potentials in diagnosis and monitoring of primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Lu Chong , Hou Xianliang , Li Minwei , Wang Lin , Zeng Ping , Jia Hongyu , Chen Jianing , Wei Yingfeng , He Hong , Liu Xiangdong , Diao Hongyan
Published: April 2017

Serum anti-mitochondrial antibody type 2 (AMA-M2) is considered as a pivotal biomarker for the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, serological tests have many limitations, including inconvenience, invasiveness, and infection risks. Thus, a less invasive approach to detect AMA-M2 titer is desirable. We examined salivary AMA-M2 of potential PBC patients and found that AMA-M2 could be detected only in saliva of serum AMA-M2-positive PBC patients, but not in saliva of serum AMA-M2-negative PBC patients, oral lichen planus patients (OLP) patients, or healthy controls. Furthermore, the concentration of salivary AMA-M2 was positively correlated with the amount of serum AMA-M2 in patients. The salivary inflammatory cytokines were increased in the PBC, consistent with the results of serum test. These findings indicated that saliva might be a less invasive and cost-effective medium to accurately test for AMA-M2 levels and this is a promising development for the diagnosis and monitoring of PBC.
Juvenile Hormone Epoxide Hydrolase: a Promising Target for Hemipteran Pest Management
Authors: Tusun Abudourusuli , Li Ming , Liang Xiangzhi , Yang Ting , Yang Bin , Wang Guirong
Published: April 2017

Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) has attracted great interest because of its critical role in the regulation of juvenile hormone (JH) in insects. In this study, one JHEH gene from Apolygus lucorum (AlucJHEH) was characterized in terms of deduced amino acid sequence, phylogeny, homology modeling and docking simulation. The results reveals a conserved catalytic mechanism of AlucJHEH toward JH. Our study also demonstrates that the mRNA of AlucJHEH gene was detectable in head, thorax and abdomen from all life stages. To functionally characterize the AlucJHEH gene, three fragments of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) were designed to target different regions of the sequence. Injection of 3rd nymphs with dsRNA fragments successfully knocked down the target gene expression, and a significantly decreased survival rate was observed, together with a molting block, These findings confirm the important regulatory roles of AlucJHEH in A. lucorum and indicate this gene as a promising target for future hemipterans pest control.
A novel 4-arm DNA/RNA Nanoconstruct triggering Rapid Apoptosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells within 24 hours
Authors: Tung Joline , Tew Lih Shin , Hsu Yuan-Man , Khung Yit Lung
Published: April 2017

Measuring at ~30 nm, a fully customizable holliday junction DNA nanoconstruct, was designed to simultaneously carry three unmodified SiRNA strands for apoptosis gene knockout in cancer cells without any assistance from commercial transfection kits. In brief, a holliday junction structure was intelligently designed to present one arm with a cell targeting aptamer (AS1411) while the remaining three arms to carry different SiRNA strands by means of DNA/RNA duplex for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. By carrying the three SiRNA strands (AKT, MDM2 and Survivin) into triple negative breast MDA-MB-231 cancer cells, cell number had reduced by up to ~82% within 24 hours solely from one single administration of 32 picomoles. In the immunoblotting studies, up-elevation of phosphorylated p53 was observed for more than 8 hours while the three genes of interest were suppressed by nearly half by the 4-hour mark upon administration. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate high cell selectivity of the nanoconstruct and did not exhibit usual morphological stress induced from liposomal-based transfection agents. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this system represents the first of its kind in current literature utilizing a short and highly customizable holliday DNA junction to carry SiRNA for apoptosis studies.
Responses of denitrifying bacterial communities to short-term waterlogging of soils
Authors: Wang Yong , Uchida Yoshitaka , Shimomura Yumi , Akiyama Hiroko , Hayatsu Masahito
Published: April 2017

Agricultural soil is often subjected to waterlogging after heavy rainfalls, resulting in sharp and explosive increases in the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O), an important greenhouse gas primarily released from agricultural soil ecosystems. Previous studies on waterlogged soil examined the abundance of denitrifiers but not the composition of denitrifier communities in soil. Also, the PCR primers used in those studies could only detect partial groups of denitrifiers. Here, we performed pyrosequencing analyses with the aid of recently developed PCR primers exhibiting high coverage for three denitrification genes, nirK, nirS, and nosZ to examine the effect of short-term waterlogging on denitrifier communities in soil. We found that microbial communities harboring denitrification genes in the top 5 cm of soil distributed according to soil depth, water-soluble carbon, and nitrate nitrogen. Short-term waterlogging scarcely affected abundance, richness, or the alpha-diversities of microbial communities harboring nirK, nirS, and nosZ genes, but significantly affected their composition, particularly in microbial communities at soil depths of 0 to 1 cm. Our results indicated that the composition of denitrifying microbial communities but not the abundance of denitrifiers in soil was responsive to short-term waterlogging of an agricultural soil ecosystem.
Fish oil, lard and soybean oil differentially shape gut microbiota of middle-aged rats
Authors: Li He , Zhu Yingying , Zhao Fan , Song Shangxin , Li Yingqiu , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong , Li Chunbao
Published: April 2017

High-fat diets have been associated with overweight/obesity and increased mortality in middle-aged populations. However, it is still unclear how gut microbiota in middle-aged populations responds to dietary fats at a normal dose. In this study, we explored gut microbiota structure in middle-aged rats (aged 12 months) after feeding 4% (w/w) soybean oil, lard or fish oil for 3 months, respectively. The results showed that the gut microbiota structure in the fish oil group was substantially different from those of the soybean oil and lard groups in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The relative abundances of phylum Proteobacteria and genus Desulfovibrio in the caecal and colonic contents were the highest in the fish oil group (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of biomarkers for inflammation in the colon, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18 and TNF-α, were also the highest in the fish oil group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the fish oil group had the highest microbial DNA abundance of a predicted lipid metabolism. Our results gave a new insight into the potentially negative impact of fish oil diet on health of middle-aged populations by changing gut microbiota and inducing inflammation as compared to soybean oil and lard diets.
Indicators of responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Shields Bradley D. , Mahmoud Fade , Taylor Erin M. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Sengupta Deepanwita , Koss Brian , Baldini Giulia , Ransom Seth , Cline Kyle , Mackintosh Samuel G. , Edmondson Ricky D. , Shalin Sara , Tackett Alan J.
Published: April 2017

Modulation of the immune system can produce anti-tumor responses in various cancer types, including melanoma. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), in single agent and combination regimens, have produced durable and long-lasting clinical responses in a subset of metastatic melanoma patients. These monoclonal antibodies, developed against CTLA-4 and PD-1, block immune-inhibitory receptors on activated T-cells, amplifying the immune response. However, even when using anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 in combination, approximately half of patients exhibit innate resistance and suffer from disease progression. Currently, it is impossible to predict therapeutic response. Here, we report the first proteomic and histone epigenetic analysis of patient metastatic melanoma tumors taken prior to checkpoint blockade, which revealed biological signatures that can stratify patients as responders or non-responders. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence of mesenchymal transition, a known mechanism of immune-escape, in non-responding melanoma tumors. We identified elevated histone H3 lysine (27) trimethylation (H3K27me3), decreased E-cadherin, and other protein features indicating a more mesenchymal phenotype in non-responding tumors. Our results have implications for checkpoint inhibitor therapy as patient specific responsiveness can be predicted through readily assayable proteins and histone epigenetic marks, and pathways activated in non-responders have been identified for therapeutic development to enhance responsiveness.
Molecular dynamics study of ferroelectric domain nucleation and domain switching dynamics
Authors: Boddu Vishal , Endres Florian , Steinmann Paul
Published: April 2017

Ferroelectric materials contain domains of ordered electric dipoles, separated by domain walls, that can undergo polarisation switching under externally applied electric fields. The domain switching dynamics in ferroelectric materials plays an essential role in their application to electronic and electro-optic de- vices. Previous studies suggest that the switching occurs largely through domain wall motion which is explained from the viewpoint of statistical physics on surface growth as the behaviour of a pinned elas- tic interface. We perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the domain switching process and quantitatively estimate the switching speed of anti-parallel 180° domains in ferroelectric, tetragonal BaTiO3 perfect single crystals at room temperature using the core-shell model. We observe an unprece- dented, non-linear increase in the domain switching speed caused by the nucleation of new domains within the switching domain. We determine the strength of the electric field to evoke nucleation of new domains and show that the nucleated domains diffuse into nearby favourable domains when the electric field is removed. Furthermore, we discuss the prominence of domain nucleations during ferroelectric switching.
Computationally Discovered Potentiating Role of Glycans on NMDA Receptors
Authors: Sinitskiy Anton V. , Stanley Nathaniel H. , Hackos David H. , Hanson Jesse E. , Sellers Benjamin D. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: April 2017

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glycoproteins in the brain central to learning and memory. The effects of glycosylation on the structure and dynamics of NMDARs are largely unknown. In this work, we use extensive molecular dynamics simulations of GluN1 and GluN2B ligand binding domains (LBDs) of NMDARs to investigate these effects. Our simulations predict that intra-domain interactions involving the glycan attached to residue GluN1-N440 stabilize closed-clamshell conformations of the GluN1 LBD. The glycan on GluN2B-N688 shows a similar, though weaker, effect. Based on these results, and assuming the transferability of the results of LBD simulations to the full receptor, we predict that glycans at GluN1-N440 might play a potentiator role in NMDARs. To validate this prediction, we perform electrophysiological analysis of full-length NMDARs with a glycosylation-preventing GluN1-N440Q mutation, and demonstrate an increase in the glycine EC50 value. Overall, our results suggest an intramolecular potentiating role of glycans on NMDA receptors.
Siglec-7 restores β-cell function and survival and reduces inflammation in pancreatic islets from patients with diabetes
Authors: Dharmadhikari Gitanjali , Stolz Katharina , Hauke Michael , Morgan Noel G. , Varki Ajit , de Koning Eelco , Kelm Sørge , Maedler Kathrin
Published: April 2017

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Cytokine and chemokine production within the islets in a diabetic milieu results in β-cell failure and diabetes progression. Identification of targets, which both prevent macrophage activation and infiltration into islets and restore β-cell functionality is essential for effective diabetes therapy. We report that certain Sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like-lectins (siglecs) are expressed in human pancreatic islets in a cell-type specific manner. Siglec-7 was expressed on β-cells and down-regulated in type 1 and type 2 diabetes and in infiltrating activated immune cells. Over-expression of Siglec-7 in diabetic islets reduced cytokines, prevented β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis and reduced recruiting of migrating monocytes. Our data suggest that restoration of human Siglec-7 expression may be a novel therapeutic strategy targeted to both inhibition of immune activation and preservation of β-cell function and survival.
A Fluorometric Method of Measuring Carboxypeptidase Activities for Angiotensin II and Apelin-13
Authors: Liu Pan , Wysocki Jan , Serfozo Peter , Ye Minghao , Souma Tomokazu , Batlle Daniel , Jin Jing
Published: April 2017

Degradation of the biologically potent octapeptide angiotensin Ang II-(1-8) is mediated by the activities of several peptidases. The conversion of Ang II to the septapeptide Ang-(1-7) is of particular interest as the latter also confers organ protection. The conversion is catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and other enzymes that selectively cleave the peptide bond between the proline and the phenylalanine at the carboxyl terminus of Ang II. The contribution of various enzyme activities that collectively lead to the formation of Ang-(1-7) from Ang II, in both normal conditions and in disease states, remains only partially understood. This is largely due to the lack of a reliable and sensitive method to detect these converting activities in complex samples, such as blood and tissues. Here, we report a fluorometric method to measure carboxypeptidase activities that cleave the proline-phenylalanine dipeptide bond in Ang II. This method is also suitable for measuring the conversion of apelin-13. The assay detects the release of phenylalanine amino acid in a reaction with the yeast enzyme of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). When used in cell and mouse organs, the assay can robustly measure endogenous Ang II and apelin-13-converting activities involved in the renin-angiotensin and the apelinergic systems, respectively.
Visual crowding is a combination of an increase of positional uncertainty, source confusion, and featural averaging
Authors: Harrison William J. , Bex Peter J.
Published: April 2017

Although we perceive a richly detailed visual world, our ability to identify individual objects is severely limited in clutter, particularly in peripheral vision. Models of such “crowding” have generally been driven by the phenomenological misidentifications of crowded targets: using stimuli that do not easily combine to form a unique symbol (e.g. letters or objects), observers typically confuse the source of objects and report either the target or a distractor, but when continuous features are used (e.g. orientated gratings or line positions) observers report a feature somewhere between the target and distractor. To reconcile these accounts, we develop a hybrid method of adjustment that allows detailed analysis of these multiple error categories. Observers reported the orientation of a target, under several distractor conditions, by adjusting an identical foveal target. We apply new modelling to quantify whether perceptual reports show evidence of positional uncertainty, source confusion, and featural averaging on a trial-by-trial basis. Our results show that observers make a large proportion of source-confusion errors. However, our study also reveals the distribution of perceptual reports that underlie performance in this crowding task more generally: aggregate errors cannot be neatly labelled because they are heterogeneous and their structure depends on target-distractor distance.
HPV positive neuroendocrine cervical cancer cells are dependent on Myc but not E6/E7 viral oncogenes
Authors: Yuan Hang , Krawczyk Ewa , Blancato Jan , Albanese Christopher , Zhou Dan , Wang Naidong , Paul Siddartha , Alkhilaiwi Faris , Palechor-Ceron Nancy , Dakic Aleksandra , Fang Shuang , Choudhary Sujata , Hou Tung-Wei , Zheng Yun-Ling , Haddad Bassem R. , Usuda Yukari , Hartmann Dan , Symer David , Gillison Maura , Agarwal Seema , Wangsa Danny , Ried Thomas , Liu Xuefeng , Schlegel Richard
Published: April 2017

Using conditional cell reprogramming, we generated a stable cell culture of an extremely rare and aggressive neuroendocrine cervical cancer. The cultured cells contained HPV-16, formed colonies in soft agar and rapidly produced tumors in immunodeficient mice. The HPV-16 genome was integrated adjacent to the Myc gene, both of which were amplified 40-fold. Analysis of RNA transcripts detected fusion of the HPV/Myc genes, arising from apparent microhomologous recombination. Spectral karyotyping (SKY) and fluorescent-in-situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated coordinate localization and translocation of the amplified Myc and HPV genes on chromosomes 8 and 21. Similar to the primary tumor, tumor cell cultures expressed very high levels of the Myc protein and, in contrast to all other HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines, they harbored a gain-of-function mutation in p53 (R273C). Unexpectedly, viral oncogene knockdown had no effect on the growth of the cells, but it did inhibit the proliferation of a conventional HPV-16 positive cervical cancer cell line. Knockdown of Myc, but not the mutant p53, significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation. On the basis of these data, we propose that the primary driver of transformation in this aggressive cervical cancer is not HPV oncogene expression but rather the overexpression of Myc.
Carbon dioxide induced plasticity of branchial acid-base pathways in an estuarine teleost
Authors: Allmon Elizabeth B. , Esbaugh Andrew J.
Published: April 2017

Anthropogenic CO2 is expected to drive ocean pCO2 above 1,000 μatm by 2100 – inducing respiratory acidosis in fish that must be corrected through branchial ion transport. This study examined the time course and plasticity of branchial metabolic compensation in response to varying levels of CO2 in an estuarine fish, the red drum, which regularly encounters elevated CO2 and may therefore have intrinsic resilience. Under control conditions fish exhibited net base excretion; however, CO2 exposure resulted in a dose dependent increase in acid excretion during the initial 2 h. This returned to baseline levels during the second 2 h interval for exposures up to 5,000 μatm, but remained elevated for exposures above 15,000 μatm. Plasticity was assessed via gene expression in three CO2 treatments: environmentally realistic 1,000 and 6,000 μatm exposures, and a proof-of-principle 30,000 μatm exposure. Few differences were observed at 1,000 or 6,000 μatm; however, 30,000 μatm stimulated widespread up-regulation. Translocation of V-type ATPase after 1 h of exposure to 30,000 μatm was also assessed; however, no evidence of translocation was found. These results indicate that red drum can quickly compensate to environmentally relevant acid-base disturbances using baseline cellular machinery, yet are capable of plasticity in response to extreme acid-base challenges.
Prediction of oxygen uptake dynamics by machine learning analysis of wearable sensors during activities of daily living
Authors: Beltrame T. , Amelard R. , Wong A. , Hughson R. L.
Published: April 2017

Currently, oxygen uptake ("Equation missing") is the most precise means of investigating aerobic fitness and level of physical activity; however, "Equation missing" can only be directly measured in supervised conditions. With the advancement of new wearable sensor technologies and data processing approaches, it is possible to accurately infer work rate and predict "Equation missing" during activities of daily living (ADL). The main objective of this study was to develop and verify the methods required to predict and investigate the "Equation missing" dynamics during ADL. The variables derived from the wearable sensors were used to create a "Equation missing" predictor based on a random forest method. The "Equation missing" temporal dynamics were assessed by the mean normalized gain amplitude (MNG) obtained from frequency domain analysis. The MNG provides a means to assess aerobic fitness. The predicted "Equation missing" during ADL was strongly correlated (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) with the measured "Equation missing" and the prediction bias was 0.2 ml·min−1·kg−1. The MNG calculated based on predicted "Equation missing" was strongly correlated (r = 0.71, P < 0.001) with MNG calculated based on measured "Equation missing" data. This new technology provides an important advance in ambulatory and continuous assessment of aerobic fitness with potential for future applications such as the early detection of deterioration of physical health.
Correction: Corrigendum: N-acetyl ornithine deacetylase is a moonlighting protein and is involved in the adaptation of Entamoeba histolytica to nitrosative stress
Authors: Shahi Preeti , Trebicz-Geffen Meirav , Nagaraja Shruti , Hertz Rivka , Baumel-Alterzon Sharon , Methling Karen , Lalk Michael , Mazumder Mohit , Samudrala Gourinath , Ankri Serge
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 36323; published online: 03 November 2016; updated: 05 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained errors in the spelling of the author Sharon Baumel-Alterzon, which was incorrectly given as Sharon Alterzon-Baumel. These errors have now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Effects of a warm compress containing menthol on the tear film in healthy subjects and dry eye patients
Authors: Arita Reiko , Morishige Naoyuki , Sakamoto Ichiro , Imai Natsuko , Shimada Yuko , Igaki Michihito , Suzuki Atsushi , Itoh Kouzo , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: April 2017

Menthol is thought to stimulate lacrimation via activation of cold-sensitive primary afferent neurons in the cornea. We evaluated a warm compress containing menthol as a potential treatment for dry eye by examining its effects on the tear film in healthy subjects (n = 20) and dry eye patients (n = 35). Disposable eyelid-warming steamers that either did (MH) or did not (HO) contain menthol were applied to one eye of each subject either once only for 10 min or repeatedly over 2 weeks. Single application of MH significantly increased tear meniscus volume (P = 8.6 × 10−5, P = 1.3 × 10−5) and tear film breakup time (P = 0.006, P = 0.002) as well as improved meibum condition in healthy subjects and dry eye patients, respectively. Repeated application of MH significantly increased tear meniscus volume (P = 0.004, P = 1.7 × 10−4) and tear film breakup time (P = 0.037, P = 0.010) in healthy subjects and dry eye patients, respectively. Repeated application of MH thus induced persistent increases in tear fluid volume and tear film stability in dry eye patients, suggesting that repeated use of a warm compress containing menthol is a potential novel treatment for dry eye disease.
Offshore exposure experiments on cuttlefish indicate received sound pressure and particle motion levels associated with acoustic trauma
Authors: Solé Marta , Sigray Peter , Lenoir Marc , van der Schaar Mike , Lalander Emilia , André Michel
Published: April 2017

Recent findings on cephalopods in laboratory conditions showed that exposure to artificial noise had a direct consequence on the statocyst, sensory organs, which are responsible for their equilibrium and movements in the water column. The question remained about the contribution of the consequent near-field particle motion influence from the tank walls, to the triggering of the trauma. Offshore noise controlled exposure experiments (CEE) on common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), were conducted at three different depths and distances from the source and particle motion and sound pressure measurements were performed at each location. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed injuries in statocysts, which severity was quantified and found to be proportional to the distance to the transducer. These findings are the first evidence of cephalopods sensitivity to anthropogenic noise sources in their natural habitat. From the measured received power spectrum of the sweep, it was possible to determine that the animals were exposed at levels ranging from 139 to 142 dB re 1 μPa2 and from 139 to 141 dB re 1 μPa2, at 1/3 octave bands centred at 315 Hz and 400 Hz, respectively. These results could therefore be considered a coherent threshold estimation of noise levels that can trigger acoustic trauma in cephalopods.
Brief intervention to promote smoking cessation and improve glycemic control in smokers with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li William H. C. , Wang M. P. , LAM T. H. , Cheung Yannes T. Y. , Cheung Derek Y. T. , Suen Y. N. , Ho K. Y. , Tan Kathryn C. B. , CHAN Sophia S. C.
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a brief stage-matched smoking cessation intervention group compared with a control group (with usual care) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who smoked by randomized controlled trial. There were 557 patients, randomized either into the intervention group (n = 283) who received brief (20- minute) individualized face-to-face counseling by trained nurses and a diabetes mellitus-specific leaflet, or a control group (n = 274) who received standard care. Patient follow-ups were at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months via telephone, and assessment of smoking status from 2012 to 2014. Patients smoked an average of 14 cigarettes per day for more than 37 years, and more than 70% were in the precontemplation stage of quitting. The primary outcome showed that both the intervention and control groups had similar 7-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence (9.2% vs. 13.9%; p = 0.08). The secondary outcome showed that HbA1c levels with 7.95% [63 mmol/mol] vs. 8.05% [64 mmol/mol], p = 0.49 at 12 months, respectively. There was no evidence for effectiveness in promoting the brief stage-matched smoking cessation or improving glycemic control in smokers with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly those in the pre-contemplation stage.
Real-time tracking the Li+-ion transition behavior and dynamics in solid Poly(vinyl alcohol)/LiClO4 electrolytes
Authors: Bao Lixia , Zou Xin , Luo Xin , Pu Yanlei , Wang Jiliang , Lei Jingxin
Published: April 2017

To delicately track the Li-ion transport in SPEs under an external electric field (EF) is a big challenge, considering the limitation of most spectroscopic methods to monitor the real-time conformational changes and track the dynamic process. Herein, real-time Li-ion transition behavior and transport dynamics in typical poly(vinyl alcohol)/LiClO4 electrolytes under an external EF have been studied by combining time-resolved Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with two-dimensional correlation FTIR spectroscopy. Results show that no migration of Li-ions has been detected when the time scale of the EF loading is at nanosecond (less than 200 ns). However, for the first time, Li-ions have been found to significantly transfer along the EF direction as the time scale enhances to microsecond order of magnitude and the migration period is less than 10 microseconds. The Li+ migration in the SPEs under an EF is a complicated process including quasi-periodic dissociation and coordination effects between Li-ion carriers and polymeric chains.
Involvement of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in anterior cingulate cortex of normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy
Authors: Zhang Meng-Lin , Wang Hong-Bo , Fu Feng-Hua , Yu Long-Chuan
Published: April 2017

The present study was performed to explore the role of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy. Intra-ACC injection of galanin induced significant increases in hindpaw withdrawal latencies (HWLs) to thermal and mechanical stimulations in both normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy, the increased HWLs were attenuated significantly by intra-ACC injection of galanin receptor 2 antagonist M871, indicating an involvement of galanin receptor 2 in nociceptive modulation in ACC. Interestingly, the galanin-induced HWL was significant higher in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats tested by Randall Selitto test. Furthermore, both the galanin mRNA expression and galanin content increased significantly in ACC in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats. Moreover, both the mRNA levels of galanin receptor 2 and the content of galanin receptor 2 in ACC increased significantly in rats with mononeuropathy than that in normal rats. These results found that galanin induced antinociception in ACC in both normal rats and rats with mononeuropathy. And there may be plastic changes in the expression of galanin and galanin receptor 2 in rats with mononeuropathy, as well as in the galanin-induced antinociception.
Identification and expression analyses of the alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) gene family in poplar seedlings
Authors: Xu Zhiru , Ma Jing , Qu Chunpu , Hu Yanbo , Hao Bingqing , Sun Yan , Liu Zhongye , Yang Han , Yang Chengjun , Wang Hongwei , Li Ying , Liu Guanjun
Published: April 2017

Alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT, E.C.2.6.1.2) catalyzes the reversible conversion of pyruvate and glutamate to alanine and α-oxoglutarate. The AlaAT gene family has been well studied in some herbaceous plants, but has not been well characterized in woody plants. In this study, we identified four alanine aminotransferase homologues in Populus trichocarpa, which could be classified into two subgroups, A and B. AlaAT3 and AlaAT4 in subgroup A encode AlaAT, while AlaAT1 and AlaAT2 in subgroup B encode glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase (GGAT), which catalyzes the reaction of glutamate and glyoxylate to α-oxoglutarate and glycine. Four AlaAT genes were cloned from P. simonii × P. nigra. PnAlaAT1 and PnAlaAT2 were expressed predominantly in leaves and induced by exogenous nitrogen and exhibited a diurnal fluctuation in leaves, but was inhibited in roots. PnAlaAT3 and PnAlaAT4 were mainly expressed in roots, stems and leaves, and was induced by exogenous nitrogen. The expression of PnAlaAT3 gene could be regulated by glutamine or its related metabolites in roots. Our results suggest that PnAlaAT3 gene may play an important role in nitrogen metabolism and is regulated by glutamine or its related metabolites in the roots of P. simonii × P. nigra.
Correction: Corrigendum: Effect of the Interaction of Veratrum Nigrum with Panax Ginseng on Estrogenic Activity In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Xu Ying , Ding Jie , An Jin-na , Qu Ya-kun , Li Xin , Ma Xiao-ping , Zhang Yi-min , Dai Guo-jing , Lin Na
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26924; published online: 27 May 2016; updated: 05 April 2017 The original version of this Article contained an error in the reference list, where reference 5 was incorrectly listed as “O’Hara, M., Kiefer, D., Farrell, K. & Kemper, K. A review of 12 commonly used medicinal herbs.
Aipl1 is required for cone photoreceptor function and survival through the stability of Pde6c and Gc3 in zebrafish
Authors: Iribarne Maria , Nishiwaki Yuko , Nakamura Shohei , Araragi Masato , Oguri Eri , Masai Ichiro
Published: April 2017

Genetic mutations in aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) cause photoreceptor degeneration associated with Leber congenital amaurosis 4 (LCA4) in human patients. Here we report retinal phenotypes of a zebrafish aipl1 mutant, gold rush (gosh). In zebrafish, there are two aipl1 genes, aipl1a and aipl1b, which are expressed mainly in rods and cones, respectively. The gosh mutant gene encodes cone-specific aipl1, aipl1b. Cone photoreceptors undergo progressive degeneration in the gosh mutant, indicating that aipl1b is required for cone survival. Furthermore, the cone-specific subunit of cGMP phosphodiesterase 6 (Pde6c) is markedly decreased in the gosh mutant, and the gosh mutation genetically interacts with zebrafish pde6c mutation eclipse (els). These data suggest that Aipl1 is required for Pde6c stability and function. In addition to Pde6c, we found that zebrafish cone-specific guanylate cyclase, zGc3, is also decreased in the gosh and els mutants. Furthermore, zGc3 knockdown embryos showed a marked reduction in Pde6c. These observations illustrate the interdependence of cGMP metabolism regulators between Aipl1, Pde6c, and Gc3 in photoreceptors.
Histones from Avian Erythrocytes Exhibit Antibiofilm activity against methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rose-Martel Megan , Kulshreshtha Garima , Ahferom Berhane Nahom , Jodoin Joelle , Hincke Maxwell T.
Published: April 2017

Staphylococcus aureus, a human pathogen associated with many illnesses and post-surgical infections, can resist treatment due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and through biofilm formation. The current treatments for chronic biofilm infections are antibiotics and/or surgical removal of the contaminated medical device. Due to higher morbidity and mortality rates associated with overuse/misuse of antibiotics, alternate treatments are essential. This study reports the antibiofilm activity of avian erythrocyte histones against methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy revealed membrane damage to bacteria in histone-treated biofilms. Histones and indolicidin (positive control) increased the expression of apsS and apsR, which are associated with the Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP) sensor/regulator system in S. aureus. The expression of dltB, and vraF, associated with AMP resistance mechanisms, were under histone inducible control in the biofilm-embedded bacterial cells. The time kill kinetics for histones against S. aureus revealed a rapid biocidal activity (<5 min). Purified erythrocyte-specific histone H5 possessed 3–4 fold enhanced antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells compared to the histone mixture (H1, H2A, H2B, H3, H4, H5). These results demonstrate the promise of histones and histone-like derivatives as novel antibiotics against pathogens in their planktonic and biofilm forms.
FKBP65-dependent peptidyl-prolyl isomerase activity potentiates the lysyl hydroxylase 2-driven collagen cross-link switch
Authors: Chen Yulong , Terajima Masahiko , Banerjee Priyam , Guo Houfu , Liu Xin , Yu Jiang , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Kurie Jonathan M.
Published: April 2017

Bruck Syndrome is a connective tissue disease associated with inactivating mutations in lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2/PLOD2) or FK506 binding protein 65 (FKBP65/FKBP10). However, the functional relationship between LH2 and FKBP65 remains unclear. Here, we postulated that peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity of FKBP65 positively modulates LH2 enzymatic activity and is critical for the formation of hydroxylysine-aldehyde derived intermolecular collagen cross-links (HLCCs). To test this hypothesis, we analyzed collagen cross-links in Fkbp10-null and –wild-type murine embryonic fibroblasts. Although LH2 protein levels did not change, FKBP65 deficiency significantly diminished HLCCs and increased the non-hydroxylated lysine-aldehyde–derived collagen cross-links (LCCs), a pattern consistent with loss of LH2 enzymatic activity. The HLCC-to-LCC ratio was rescued in FKBP65-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts by reconstitution with wild-type but not mutant FKBP65 that lacks intact PPIase domains. Findings from co-immunoprecipitation, protein-fragment complementation, and co-immunofluorescence assays showed that LH2 and FKBP65 are part of a common protein complex. We conclude that FKBP65 regulates LH2-mediated collagen cross-linking. Because LH2 promotes fibrosis and cancer metastasis, our findings suggest that pharmacologic strategies to target FKBP65 and LH2 may have complementary therapeutic activities.
Mediation of transitional B cell maturation in the absence of functional Bruton’s tyrosine kinase
Authors: Tanwar Shalini , Dhar Atika , Varanasi Vineeth , Mukherjee Tapas , Boppana Ramanamurthy , Basak Soumen , Bal Vineeta , George Anna , Rath Satyajit
Published: April 2017

X-linked immune-deficient (Xid) mice, carrying a mutation in Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk), have multiple B cell lineage differentiation defects. We now show that, while Xid mice showed only mild reduction in the frequency of the late transitional (T2) stage of peripheral B cells, the defect became severe when the Xid genotype was combined with either a CD40-null, a TCRbeta-null or an MHC class II (MHCII)-null genotype. Purified Xid T1 and T2 B cells survived poorlyin vitrocompared to wild-type (WT) cells. BAFF rescued WT but not Xid T1 and T2 B cells from death in culture, while CD40 ligation equivalently rescued both. Xid transitional B cellsex vivoshowed low levels of the p100 protein substrate for non-canonical NF-kappaB signalling.In vitro, CD40 ligation induced equivalent activation of the canonical but not of the non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway in Xid and WT T1 and T2 B cells. CD40 ligation efficiently rescued p100-null T1 B cells from neglect-induced deathin vitro. These data indicate that CD40-mediated signals, likely from CD4 T cells, can mediate peripheral transitional B cell maturation independent of Btk and the non-canonical NF-kappaB pathway, and thus contribute to the understanding of the complexities of peripheral B cell maturation.
Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates the epithelial mesenchymal transition induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction in mice
Authors: Cho Hyun Seop , Kim Jin Hyun , Jang Ha Nee , Lee Tae Won , Jung Myeong Hee , Kim Tae Ho , Chang Se-Ho , Park Dong Jun
Published: April 2017

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of mechanisms that induce renal interstitial fibrosis. Understanding EMT in renal fibrosis has important therapeutic implications for patients with kidney disease. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural compound with antioxidant properties. Studies for ALA are performed in acute kidney injury with renal tubular apoptosis, renal inflammation, and oxidative stress. We investigated the effects of ALA on EMT-mediated renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). UUO mice developed severe tubular atrophy and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, with a robust EMT response and ECM deposition after 7 postoperative days. In contrast, ALA-treated UUO mice showed only moderate injury and minimal fibrosis and also larger reductions in the expression of ECM proteins, inflammatory factors, and EMT markers. ALA was shown to be involved in the suppression of infiltrating macrophages associated with EMT and the progression of interstitial fibrosis. It also lessened the destruction of the tubular basement membrane, by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. This is the first study to show that ALA modulates EMT in a UUO mouse model. Our results suggest that ALA merits further exploration as a therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease.
Correction: Corrigendum: Systemic Wound Healing Associated with local sub-Cutaneous Mechanical Stimulation
Authors: Nardini Christine , Devescovi Valentina , Liu Yuanhua , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Lu Youtao , Dent Jennifer E.
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 39043; published online: 23 December 2016; updated: 05 April 2017 Affiliation 1 was incorrectly listed as ‘Group of Clinical Genomic Networks, Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.
Analytical method for the estimation of transfer and detection efficiencies of solid state explosives using ion mobility spectrometry and smear matrix
Authors: Choi Sung-Seen , Son Chae Eun
Published: April 2017

Smearing method can be used as a simple and convenient sampling method for detection of trace explosives using a portable ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) in the field such as for security checks.
One-step rapid synthesis of single thymine-templated fluorescent copper nanoclusters for “turn on” detection of Mn2+
Authors: Han Bingyan , Xiang Rongchao , Hou Xufen , Yu Mingbo , Peng Tingting , Li Ying , He Gaohong
Published: April 2017

Single base T was confirmed to be a template to synthesize water-soluble copper nanoclusters for the first time, which was successfully used to detect Mn2+.
A nanoporous Ag(i) coordination polymer for selective adsorption of carcinogenic dye Acid Red 26
Authors: Li Cheng-Peng , Zhou Hang , Wang Si , Yuan Hong-Han , Zhang Su-Zhen , Du Miao
Published: April 2017

This work presents a unique Ag(i) nanoporous coordination polymer, showing selective and complete removal of carcinogenic dye Acid Red 26 from aqueous solution upon the size-exclusion and charge-matching effect.
Ligand-free nickel-catalyzed semihydrogenation of alkynes with sodium borohydride: a highly efficient and selective process for cis-alkenes under ambient conditions
Authors: Wen Xin , Shi Xiaozhen , Qiao Xianliang , Wu Zhilei , Bai Guoyi
Published: April 2017

Highly efficient and selective semihydrogenation of alkynes has been achieved using ligand-free Ni nanoparticles and sodium borohydride under ambient conditions.
Effect of fibrous separators on the performance of lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Choudhury S. , Azizi M. , Raguzin I. , Göbel M. , Michel S. , Simon F. , Willomitzer A. , Mechtcherine V. , Stamm M. , Ionov L.
Published: April 2017

In this paper we systematically investigated effect of separator morphology on the performance of Li–S batteries.
Crystallography of encapsulated molecules
Authors: Rissanen Kari
Published: April 2017

The crystallography of supramolecular host–guest complexes is reviewed focusing on encapsulated guest molecules inside different host molecules with special emphasis on the crystalline sponge method.
Simultaneous use of MOFs MIL-101(Cr) and ZIF-11 in thin film nanocomposite membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration
Authors: Echaide-Górriz Carlos , Navarro Marta , Téllez Carlos , Coronas Joaquín
Published: April 2017

MOFs Cr carboxylate MIL-101(Cr) and Zn imidazolate ZIF-11 were combined in the same thin film nanocomposite membrane to enhance its nanofiltration performance.
Bis-ZnII salphen complexes bearing pyridyl functionalized ligands for efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Dang Feifan , Liu Boao , Wu Yong , Yang Xiaolong , Zhou Guijiang , Wu Zhaoxin , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: April 2017

Inspired by the emissive features of ZnII complexes based on bis-Schiff base ligands, bis-ZnII salphen complexes bearing pyridyl functionalized ligands have been successfully synthesized.
A Schiff base-modified silver catalyst for efficient fixation of CO2 as carboxylic acid at ambient pressure
Authors: Wu Zhilian , Sun Lei , Liu Qinggang , Yang Xiaofeng , Ye Xue , Hu Yancheng , Huang Yanqiang
Published: April 2017

A Schiff base-modified silver catalyst was developed for the direct carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2, enabling the efficient synthesis of valuable alkynyl carboxylic acids.
Modelling of thermal transport through a nanocellular polymer foam: toward the generation of a new superinsulating material
Authors: Wang Guilong , Wang Chongda , Zhao Jinchuan , Wang Guizhen , Park Chul B. , Zhao Guoqun
Published: April 2017

Thermal transport through a nanocellular polymer foam is modelled toward the generation of a new superinsulating material.
One-pot three-component selective synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-a]quinazoline derivatives via a palladium-catalyzed cascade cyclocondensation/cyclocarbonylation sequence
Authors: Guo Shenghai , Zhai Jianhui , Wang Fang , Fan Xuesen
Published: April 2017

An efficient route to 6,6a-dihydroisoindolo[2,1-a]quinazoline-5,11-diones via Pd-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of 2-aminobenzamides with 2-bromobenzaldehydes and CO is reported.
Enantioselective [4 + 1] cycloaddition of ortho-quinone methides and bromomalonates under phase-transfer catalysis
Authors: Lian Xiao-Lei , Adili Alafate , Liu Bin , Tao Zhong-Lin , Han Zhi-Yong
Published: April 2017

An enantioselective [4 + 1] cycloaddition reaction ofortho-quinone methides and bromomalonates using a quinine and BINOL derived phase-transfer catalyst is described.
Designing a thiophene-fused benzoxadizole as an acceptor to build a narrow bandgap polymer for all-polymer solar cells
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Jiacheng , Zhan Xiaowei , Chen Xingguo
Published: April 2017

A thiophene-fused benzoxadizole unit as a new acceptor was designed and synthesized for the first time to build a D–A conjugated polymer with 4,4,9,9-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b′]dithiophene for all polymer solar cells.
Current understanding of chemical degradation mechanisms of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes and their mitigation strategies: a review
Authors: Zatoń M. , Rozière J. , Jones D. J.
Published: April 2017

This article provides a comprehensive perspective of perfluorosulfonic acid fuel cell membrane degradation phenomena, reviews and appraises the effectiveness of key concepts for the mitigation strategies and identifies future research priorities.
One-step CVD synthesis of carbon framework wrapped Co2P as a flexible electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ye Cui , Wang Min Qiang , Chen Guo , Deng Yang Hui , Li Ling Jie , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: April 2017

Carbon framework wrapped cobalt phosphide on carbon cloth (Co2P@C/CC) was synthesized via one-step CVD as a flexible electrocatalyst for the HER.
MOF-derived yolk–shell CdS microcubes with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and stability for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Su Yun , Ao Dan , Liu Hong , Wang Yong
Published: April 2017

Unique yolk–shell CdS microcubes with excellent photocatalytic H2-evolution activity and stability are synthesized through a facile microwave-assisted metal–organic-framework approach.
An all-solid-state-supercapacitor possessing a non-aqueous gel polymer electrolyte prepared using a UV-assisted in situ polymerization strategy
Authors: Vijayakumar Vidyanand , Anothumakkool Bihag , Torris A. T. Arun , Nair Sanoop B. , Badiger Manohar V. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: April 2017

The UV-assistedin situgeneration of a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) on the micro- and macro-pores of commercial grade carbon is used to achieve a liquid-like electrode–electrolyte interface in an all solid-state flexible supercapacitor.
Diatom silica, an emerging biomaterial for energy conversion and storage
Authors: Sun Xiao Wen , Zhang Yu Xin , Losic Dusan
Published: April 2017

Diatom silica, a 3-dimensional (3D) natural biomaterial generated from single cell algae with unique nano- and micro-morphologies and patterns is shown to have several exceptional structural, mechanical, optical, photonics, transport, and chemical properties optimized through millions of years of evolution.