bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft X-ray polarimeter-spectrometer SOLPEX
Authors: Stȩślicki Marek , Sylwester Janusz , Płocieniak Stefan , Bakała Jarosław , Szaforz Żaneta , Ścisłowski Daniel , Kowaliński Mirosław , Hernandez Jose , Kuzin Sergey , Shestov Sergey
Published: September 2016

We present an innovative soft X-ray polarimeter and spectrometer SOLPEX. The instrument is to be mounted aboard the ISS within the Russian science complex KORTES. The measurements to be made by SOLPEX are expected to be of unprecedented quality in terms of sensitivity to detect the soft-X-ray polarization of solar emission emanating from active regions and flares in particular. Simultaneous measurements of the polarization degree and the other characteristics (eg. evolution of the spectra) constitute the last, rather unexplored area of solar X-ray spectroscopy providing substantial diagnostic potential. Second important science task to be addressed are the measurements of Doppler shifts in selected X-ray spectral emission lines formed in hot flaring sources. The novel-type Dopplerometer (flat Bragg crystal drum unit) is planned to be a part of SOLPEX and will allow to measure line Doppler shifts in absolute terms with unprecedented time resolution (fraction of a second) during the impulsive flare phases. We shall present some details of the SOLPEX instrument and discuss observing sequences in a view of science objectives to be reached.
Solar radius variations: new look on the wavelength dependence
Authors: Rozelot Jean-Pierre , Kosovichev Alexander , Kilcik Ali
Published: September 2016

The possibility that the Sun's radius is changing, even at a faint level, has been discussed over a long time. As the solar radius is certainly one of the most important basic pieces of astrophysical information, it is crucial to determine the physical mechanisms that may cause shrinking or expansion of the solar envelope. The wavelength dependence has been poorly inspected up to now. Here we examine recent solar radius determinations from space observations, mainly from Mercury and Venus transits, made by different teams in 2006, 2012 and 2014. Seemingly, the results are not consistent: authors interpreted the discrepancies because of the different methods of analysis used in their work. However, looking at the wavelength dependence, adding other available observations, from X-EUV up to radio, a typical relationship between the radius and the wavelength can be found, reflecting the different heights at which the lines are formed. Possible explanations are discussed. Such results can be interesting for studying solar-stellar connections.
Model of flare lightcurve profile observed in soft X-rays
Authors: Gryciuk Magdalena , Siarkowski Marek , Gburek Szymon , Podgorski Piotr , Sylwester Janusz , Kepa Anna , Mrozek Tomasz
Published: September 2016

We propose a new model for description of solar flare lightcurve profile observed in soft X-rays. The method assumes that single-peaked ‘regular’ flares seen in lightcurves can be fitted with the elementary time profile being a convolution of Gaussian and exponential functions. More complex, multi-peaked flares can be decomposed as a sum of elementary profiles. During flare lightcurve fitting process a linear background is determined as well. In our study we allow the background shape over the event to change linearly with time. Presented approach originally was dedicated to the soft X-ray small flares recorded by Polish spectrophotometer SphinX during the phase of very deep solar minimum of activity, between 23rd and 24th Solar Cycles. However, the method can and will be used to interpret the lightcurves as obtained by the other soft X-ray broad-band spectrometers at the time of both low and higher solar activity level. In the paper we introduce the model and present examples of fits to SphinX and GOES 1-8 Å channel observations as well.
Solar and stellar flares and their impact on planets
Authors: Shibata Kazunari
Published: September 2016

Recent observations of the Sun revealed that the solar atmosphere is full of flares and flare-like phenomena, which affect terrestrial environment and our civilization. It has been established that flares are caused by the release of magnetic energy through magnetic reconnection. Many stars show flares similar to solar flares, and such stellar flares especially in stars with fast rotation are much more energetic than solar flares. These are called superflares. The total energy of a solar flare is 1029 − 1032 erg, while that of a superflare is 1033 − 1038 erg. Recently, it was found that superflares (with 1034 − 1035 erg) occur on Sun-like stars with slow rotation with frequency once in 800 - 5000 years. This suggests the possibility of superflares on the Sun. We review recent development of solar and stellar flare research, and briefly discuss possible impacts of superflares on the Earth and exoplanets.
The emergence and the evolution of property rights in ancient Greece
Authors: ECONOMOU EMMANOUIL M. L. , KYRIAZIS NICHOLAS C.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we trace the emergence and the evolution of property rights from the Homeric Era (1100–750 BCE) to Classical Greece, based on ancient sources and modern interpretations. Indications of the emergence of property rights are to be found in the writings of eighth century Homer and Hesiod. Property rights evolved, together with changes in warfare and city-states during the Archaic and Classical periods, becoming more secure and specific, based on contracts. We analyse as case studies Themistocles’ Naval Law of 483/2 BCE and Nicophon's Monetary Law of 376/5. We also cover some other aspects of property rights, such as commercial transactions and the enforcement of contracts, official (written) law and legally binding procedures of law enforcement, banking services and the rights of women.
An X-shaped fractal antenna with DGS for multiband applications
Authors: Gupta Ankush , Joshi Hem Dutt , Khanna Rajesh
Published: September 2016

In this paper, an X-shaped fractal antenna with defected ground structure (DGS) is presented for multiband and wideband applications. The X shape is used due to its simple design and DGS is utilized to achieve size reduction with multiband and wideband features in the frequency range of 1–7 GHz. The proposed structure is fabricated on FR4 substrate with 1.6 mm thickness. We have proposed two different antennas both are having X-shaped fractal patch with a slotted ground plane to have more impedance bandwidth and better return loss. Various parameters like scale factor, width of ground plane, number of slots with their dimensions and feed line length are optimized to have size reduction and for enhancing the performance of antenna. Reflection coefficient shows the multiband and wideband features of proposed antenna. One of the proposed antennas covers various applications like IEEE802.11y at 3.65 and 4.9 GHz, IEEE 802.11a at 5.4 GHz, 802.11P at 5.9 GHz. Other antenna covers applications like IEEE802.16 at 3.5 GHz; 5 cm band for amateur radio and satellite and future 5 G communication systems over 6 GHz. The antenna designing was done using CST software and simulation results were compared with experimental results (using E5071C network analyzer).
The Global Commons through a Regional Lens: The Arctic Council on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
Authors: Khan Sabaa A.
Published: September 2016

The regulation of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) is widely seen as an important dimension of global atmospheric pollution control and climate change governance. SLCPs emitted outside the Arctic influence the Arctic atmosphere, Arctic communities, and the rate of ice melt. As an intergovernmental forum that brings together three of the world’s major petroleum producers (Russia, the United States, and Canada), the Arctic Council has a pivotal role in reducing the rate of Arctic warming through SLCP mitigation. This article explores the Arctic Council’s approach to SLCP mitigation. It begins by addressing the current status of black carbon and methane in international legal instruments, and goes on to explore the important regime linkages that are set in place through the Arctic Council’s Framework for Action on Enhanced Black Carbon and Methane Emission Reductions. The article suggests that the Arctic Council provides an experimental platform that may catalyze SLCP regulation not only in Arctic jurisdictions but also in Arctic Council observer states, such as China and India. The transnational and inclusive character of the Arctic Council’s constitutional framework and knowledge-generating mechanisms enables new pathways for global action on climate change and air pollution governance.
MSP is a negative regulator of inflammation and lipogenesis in ex vivo models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Chanda Dipanjan , Li Jieyi , Oligschlaeger Yvonne , Jeurissen Mike L J , Houben Tom , Walenbergh Sofie M A , Shiri-Sverdlov Ronit , Neumann Dietbert
Published: September 2016

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a metabolic disorder consisting of steatosis and inflammation, is considered the hepatic equivalent of metabolic syndrome and can result in irreversible liver damage. Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a hepatokine that potentially has a beneficial role in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In the current study, we investigated the regulatory role of MSP in the development of inflammation and lipid metabolism in various NASH models, both in vitro and ex vivo. We observed that MSP treatment activated the AMPK signaling pathway and inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and palmitic acid (PA)-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary mouse hepatocytes. In addition, MSP treatment resulted in a significant reduction in PA-induced lipid accumulation and inhibited the gene expression of key lipogenic enzymes in HepG2 cells. Upon short hairpin RNA-induced knockdown of RON (the membrane-bound receptor for MSP), the anti-inflammatory and anti-lipogenic effects of MSP were markedly ablated. Finally, to mimic NASH ex vivo, we challenged bone marrow-derived macrophages with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in combination with LPS. OxLDL+LPS exposure led to a marked inhibition of AMPK activity and a robust increase in inflammation. MSP treatment significantly reversed these effects by restoring AMPK activity and by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and secretion under this condition. Taken together, these data suggest that MSP is an effective inhibitor of inflammation and lipid accumulation in the stressed liver, thereby indicating that MSP has a key regulatory role in NASH.
Correction: Corrigendum: Virtual unrolling and deciphering of Herculaneum papyri by X-ray phase-contrast tomography
Authors: Bukreeva I. , Mittone A. , Bravin A. , Festa G. , Alessandrelli M. , Coan P. , Formoso V. , Agostino R. G. , Giocondo M. , Ciuchi F. , Fratini M. , Massimi L. , Lamarra A. , Andreani C. , Bartolino R. , Gigli G. , Ranocchia G. , Cedola A.
Published: September 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 27227; published online: 06 June 2016; updated: 09 September 2016 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. The authors wish to thank Luigi Nicolais (CNR), Glenn Most (SNS, Pisa), Daniel Koger (Lindsey Wilson College, Kentucky, US), G. Neville Greaves (University of Cambridge, UK) for valuable discussions and revisions of the present study, the ESRF Directorate for having granted the beamtime, the Biblioteca Nazionale ‘Vittorio Emanuele III’ of Naples, for lending us the samples (in particular, the officers Sofia Maresca and Vincenzo Boni), Eugenio Amendola (CNR-IPCB), for valuable assistance in the preparation of the containers for the samples, Carlo Ionta for technical assistance in data-analysis, Luigi Verolino (University of Naples Federico II) and Gaetano Campi (CNR-IC), for preliminary discussions.
Inoculation density and nutrient level determine the formation of mushroom-shaped structures in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Ghanbari Azadeh , Dehghany Jaber , Schwebs Timo , Müsken Mathias , Häussler Susanne , Meyer-Hermann Michael
Published: September 2016

Pseudomonas aeruginosa often colonises immunocompromised patients and the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. It exhibits resistance to many antibiotics by forming biofilms, which makes it hard to eliminate. P. aeruginosa biofilms form mushroom-shaped structures under certain circumstances. Bacterial motility and the environment affect the eventual mushroom morphology. This study provides an agent-based model for the bacterial dynamics and interactions influencing bacterial biofilm shape. Cell motility in the model relies on recently published experimental data. Our simulations show colony formation by immotile cells. Motile cells escape from a single colony by nutrient chemotaxis and hence no mushroom shape develops. A high number density of non-motile colonies leads to migration of motile cells onto the top of the colonies and formation of mushroom-shaped structures. This model proposes that the formation of mushroom-shaped structures can be predicted by parameters at the time of bacteria inoculation. Depending on nutrient levels and the initial number density of stalks, mushroom-shaped structures only form in a restricted regime. This opens the possibility of early manipulation of spatial pattern formation in bacterial colonies, using environmental factors.
CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression and prognosis in cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xin Xiaoyan , Zeng Xianqin , Gu Huajian , Li Min , Tan Huaming , Jin Zhishan , Hua Teng , Shi Rui , Wang Hongbo
Published: September 2016

CD147/EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) plays an important role in tumor progression and a number of studies have suggested that it is an indicator of tumor prognosis. This current meta-analysis systematically reevaluated the predictive potential of CD147/EMMPRIN in various cancers. We searched PubMed and Embase databases to screen the literature. Fixed-effect and random-effect meta-analytical techniques were used to correlate CD147 expression with outcome measures. A total of 53 studies that included 68 datasets were eligible for inclusion in the final analysis. We found a significant association between CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression and adverse tumor outcomes, such as overall survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival, metastasis-free survival or recurrence-free survival, irrespective of the model analysis. In addition, CD147/EMMPRIN overexpression predicted a high risk for chemotherapy drugs resistance. CD147/EMMPRIN is a central player in tumor progression and predicts a poor prognosis, including in patients who have received chemo-radiotherapy. Our results provide the evidence that CD147/EMMPRIN could be a potential therapeutic target for cancers.
Possible recent warming hiatus on the northwestern Tibetan Plateau derived from ice core records
Authors: An Wenling , Hou Shugui , Zhang Wangbin , Wu Shuangye , Xu Hao , Pang Hongxi , Wang Yetang , Liu Yaping
Published: September 2016

Many studies have reported enhanced warming trend on the Tibetan Plateau (TP), even during the warming hiatus period. However, most of these studies are based on instrumental data largely collected from the eastern TP, whereas the temperature trend over the extensive northwestern TP remains uncertain due to few meteorological stations. Here we combined the stable isotopic δ18O record of an ice core recovered in 2012 from the Chongce glacier with the δ18O records of two other ice cores (i.e., Muztagata and Zangser Kangri) in the same region to establish a regional temperature series for the northwestern TP. The reconstruction shows a significant warming trend with a rate of 0.74 ± 0.12 °C/decade for the period 1970–2000, but a decreasing trend from 2001 to 2012. This is consistent with the reduction of warming rates during the recent decade observed at the only two meteorological stations on the northwestern TP, even though most stations on the eastern TP have shown persistent warming during the same period. Our results suggest a possible recent warming hiatus on the northwestern TP. This could have contributed to the relatively stable status of glaciers in this region.
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome caused by a deep intronic pseudoexon-activating mutation in the androgen receptor gene
Authors: Känsäkoski Johanna , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Jääskeläinen Tiina , Tommiska Johanna , Saarinen Lilli , Lehtonen Rainer , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Frilander Mikko J. , Palvimo Jorma J. , Toppari Jorma , Raivio Taneli
Published: September 2016

Mutations in the X-linked androgen receptor (AR) gene underlie complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), the most common cause of 46,XY sex reversal. Molecular genetic diagnosis of CAIS, however, remains uncertain in patients who show normal coding region of AR. Here, we describe a novel mechanism of AR disruption leading to CAIS in two 46,XY sisters. We analyzed whole-genome sequencing data of the patients for pathogenic variants outside the AR coding region. Patient fibroblasts from the genital area were used for AR cDNA analysis and protein quantification. Analysis of the cDNA revealed aberrant splicing of the mRNA caused by a deep intronic mutation (c.2450-118A>G) in the intron 6 of AR. The mutation creates a de novo 5′ splice site and a putative exonic splicing enhancer motif, which leads to the preferential formation of two aberrantly spliced mRNAs (predicted to include a premature stop codon). Patient fibroblasts contained no detectable AR protein. Our results show that patients with CAIS and normal AR coding region need to be examined for deep intronic mutations that can lead to pseudoexon activation.
Crystal structures of the UDP-diacylglucosamine pyrophosphohydrase LpxH from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Okada Chiaki , Wakabayashi Hiroko , Kobayashi Momoko , Shinoda Akira , Tanaka Isao , Yao Min
Published: September 2016

Lipid A (also known as endotoxin) is the hydrophobic portion of lipopolysaccharides. It is an essential membrane component required for the viability of gram-negative bacteria. The enzymes involved in its biosynthesis are attractive targets for the development of novel antibiotics. LpxH catalyzes the fourth step of the lipid A biosynthesis pathway and cleaves the pyrophosphate bond of UDP-2,3-diacylglucosamine to yield 2,3-diacylglucosamine 1-phosphate (lipid X) and UMP. Here we present the structures of LpxH from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaLpxH). PaLpxH consists of two domains: a catalytic domain that is homologous to the metallophosphoesterases and a helical insertion domain. Lipid X was captured in the crevice between these two domains, with its phosphate group facing the dinuclear metal (Mn2+) center and two acyl chains buried in the hydrophobic cavity. The structures reveal that a large conformational change occurs at the lipid X binding site surface upon the binding/release of the product molecule. Based on these observations, we propose a novel model for lipid X embedding, which involves the scissor-like movement of helix α6, resulting in the release of lipid X into the lipid bilayer.
The effect of bilirubin on the excitability of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb of the rat
Authors: Chen Xiao-Juan , Zhou Hui-Qun , Ye Hai-bo , Li Chun-Yan , Zhang Wei-Tian
Published: September 2016

Olfactory dysfunction is a common clinical phenomenon observed in various liver diseases. Previous studies have shown a correlation between smell disorders and bilirubin levels in patients with hepatic diseases. Bilirubin is a well-known neurotoxin; however, its effect on neurons in the main olfactory bulb (MOB), the first relay in the olfactory system, has not been examined. We investigated the effect of bilirubin (>3 μM) on mitral cells (MCs), the principal output neurons of the MOB. Bilirubin increased the frequency of spontaneous firing and the frequency but not the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). TTX completely blocked sEPSCs in almost all of the cells tested. Bilirubin activity was partially blocked by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepro pionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists. Furthermore, we found that bilirubin increased the frequency of intrinsic firing independent of synaptic transmission in MCs. Our findings suggest that bilirubin enhances glutamatergic transmission and strengthens intrinsic firing independent of synaptic transmission, all of which cause hyperexcitability in MCs. Our findings provide the basis for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction that are often observed in patients with severe liver disease.
Plasmonic nanoantenna hydrophones
Authors: Maksymov Ivan S. , Greentree Andrew D.
Published: September 2016

Ultrasound is a valuable biomedical imaging modality and diagnostic tool. Here we theoretically demonstrate that a single dipole plasmonic nanoantenna can be used as an optical hydrophone for MHz-range ultrasound. The nanoantenna is tuned to operate on a high-order plasmon mode, which provides an increased sensitivity to ultrasound in contrast to the usual approach of using the fundamental dipolar plasmon resonance. Plasmonic nanoantenna hydrophones may be useful for ultrasonic imaging of biological cells, cancer tissues or small blood vessels, as well as for Brillouin spectroscopy at the nanoscale.
Ordered Peierls distortion prevented at growth onset of GeTe ultra-thin films
Authors: Wang Ruining , Campi Davide , Bernasconi Marco , Momand Jamo , Kooi Bart J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Wuttig Matthias , Calarco Raffaella
Published: September 2016

Using reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED), the growth onset of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) deposited germanium telluride (GeTe) film on Si(111)-(√3 × √3)R30°-Sb surfaces is investigated, and a larger than expected in-plane lattice spacing is observed during the deposition of the first two molecular layers. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirms that the growth proceeds via closed layers, and that those are stable after growth. The comparison of the experimental Raman spectra with theoretical calculated ones allows assessing the shift of the phonon modes for a quasi-free-standing ultra-thin GeTe layer with larger in-plane lattice spacing. The manifestation of the latter phenomenon is ascribed to the influence of the interface and the confinement of GeTe within the limited volume of material available at growth onset, either preventing the occurrence of Peierls dimerization or their ordered arrangement to occur normally.
24-hour-restraint stress induces long-term depressive-like phenotypes in mice
Authors: Chu Xixia , Zhou Ying , Hu Zhiqiang , Lou Jingyu , Song Wei , Li Jing , Liang Xiao , Chen Chen , Wang Shuai , Yang Beimeng , Chen Lei , Zhang Xu , Song Jinjing , Dong Yujie , Chen Shiqing , He Lin , Xie Qingguo , Chen Xiaoping , Li Weidong
Published: September 2016

There is an increasing risk of mental disorders, such as acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among survivors who were trapped in rubble during earthquake. Such long-term impaction of a single acute restraint stress has not been extensively explored. In this study, we subjected mice to 24-hour-restraint to simulate the trapping episode, and investigated the acute (2 days after the restraint) and long-term (35 days after the restraint) impacts. Surprisingly, we found that the mice displayed depression-like behaviors, decreased glucose uptake in brain and reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis 35 days after the restraint. Differential expression profiling based on microarrays suggested that genes and pathways related to depression and other mental disorders were differentially expressed in both PFC and hippocampus. Furthermore, the depression-like phenotypes induced by 24-hour-restraint could be reversed by fluoxetine, a type of antidepressant drug. These findings demonstrated that a single severe stressful event could produce long-term depressive-like phenotypes. Moreover, the 24-hour-restraint stress mice could also be used for further studies on mood disorders.
Complete Defluorination of Perfluorinated Compounds by Hydrated Electrons Generated from 3-Indole-acetic-acid in Organomodified Montmorillonite
Authors: Tian Haoting , Gao Juan , Li Hui , Boyd Stephen A. , Gu Cheng
Published: September 2016

Here we describe a unique process that achieves complete defluorination and decomposition of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) which comprise one of the most recalcitrant and widely distributed classes of toxic pollutant chemicals found in natural environments. Photogenerated hydrated electrons derived from 3-indole-acetic-acid within an organomodified clay induce the reductive defluorination of co-sorbed PFCs. The process proceeds to completion within a few hours under mild reaction conditions. The organomontmorillonite clay promotes the formation of highly reactive hydrated electrons by stabilizing indole radical cations formed upon photolysis, and prevents their deactivation by reaction with protons or oxygen. In the constrained interlayer regions of the clay, hydrated electrons and co-sorbed PFCs are brought in close proximity thereby increasing the probability of reaction. This novel green chemistry provides the basis for in situ and ex situ technologies to treat one of the most troublesome, recalcitrant and ubiquitous classes of environmental contaminants, i.e., PFCs, utilizing innocuous reagents, naturally occurring materials and mild reaction conditions.
Computational imaging reveals mitochondrial morphology as a biomarker of cancer phenotype and drug response
Authors: Giedt Randy J. , Fumene Feruglio Paolo , Pathania Divya , Yang Katherine S. , Kilcoyne Aoife , Vinegoni Claudio , Mitchison Timothy J. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: September 2016

Mitochondria, which are essential organelles in resting and replicating cells, can vary in number, mass and shape. Past research has primarily focused on short-term molecular mechanisms underlying fission/fusion. Less is known about longer-term mitochondrial behavior such as the overall makeup of cell populations’ morphological patterns and whether these patterns can be used as biomarkers of drug response in human cells. We developed an image-based analytical technique to phenotype mitochondrial morphology in different cancers, including cancer cell lines and patient-derived cancer cells. We demonstrate that (i) cancer cells of different origins, including patient-derived xenografts, express highly diverse mitochondrial phenotypes; (ii) a given phenotype is characteristic of a cell population and fairly constant over time; (iii) mitochondrial patterns correlate with cell metabolic measurements and (iv) therapeutic interventions can alter mitochondrial phenotypes in drug-sensitive cancers as measured in pre- versus post-treatment fine needle aspirates in mice. These observations shed light on the role of mitochondrial dynamics in the biology and drug response of cancer cells. On the basis of these findings, we propose that image-based mitochondrial phenotyping can provide biomarkers for assessing cancer phenotype and drug response.
Development of a Cell-penetrating Peptide that Exhibits Responsive Changes in its Secondary Structure in the Cellular Environment
Authors: Yamashita Hiroko , Kato Takuma , Oba Makoto , Misawa Takashi , Hattori Takayuki , Ohoka Nobumichi , Tanaka Masakazu , Naito Mikihiko , Kurihara Masaaki , Demizu Yosuke
Published: September 2016

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are received a lot of attention as an intracellular delivery tool for hydrophilic molecules such as drugs, proteins, and DNAs. We designed and synthesized nona-arginine analogues 1–5 [FAM-β-Ala-(l-Arg-l-Arg-l-Pro)3-(Gly)3-NH2 (1), FAM-β-Ala-(l-Arg-l-Arg-l-ProNH2)3-(Gly)3-NH2 (2), FAM-β-Ala-(l-Arg-l-Arg-l-ProGu)3-(Gly)3-NH2 (3), FAM-β-Ala-(l-Arg)2-(l-ProGu)2-(l-Arg)4-l-ProGu-(Gly)3-NH2 (4), and FAM-β-Ala-(l-Arg)6-(l-ProGu)3-(Gly)3-NH2 (5)] containing l-proline (l-Pro) or cationic proline derivatives (l-ProNH2 and l-ProGu), and investigated their cell-penetrating abilities. Interestingly, only peptide 3 having the side-chain guanidinyl l-ProGu exhibited a secondary structural change in cellular environment. Specifically, peptide 3 formed a random structure in hydrophilic conditions, whereas it formed a helical structure under amphipathic conditions. Furthermore, during cellular permeability tests, peptide 3 demonstrated greater cell-penetrating activity than other peptides and effectively transported plasmid DNA into HeLa cells. Thus, l-ProGu-containing peptide 3 may be a useful candidate as a gene delivery carrier.
Different strategies of metabolic regulation in cyanobacteria: from transcriptional to biochemical control
Authors: Jablonsky Jiri , Papacek Stepan , Hagemann Martin
Published: September 2016

Cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 show similar changes in the metabolic response to changed CO2 conditions but exhibit significant differences at the transcriptomic level. This study employs a systems biology approach to investigate the difference in metabolic regulation of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 and Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Presented multi-level kinetic model for Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a new approach integrating and analysing metabolomic, transcriptomic and fluxomics data obtained under high and ambient CO2 levels. Modelling analysis revealed that higher number of different isozymes in Synechocystis 6803 improves homeostatic stability of several metabolites, especially 3PGA by 275%, against changes in gene expression, compared to Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. Furthermore, both cyanobacteria have the same amount of phosphoglycerate mutases but Synechocystis 6803 exhibits only ~20% differences in their mRNA levels after shifts from high to ambient CO2 level, in comparison to ~500% differences in the case of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942. These and other data imply that the biochemical control dominates over transcriptional regulation in Synechocystis 6803 to acclimate central carbon metabolism in the environment of variable inorganic carbon availability without extra cost carried by large changes in the proteome.
Microvesicles from brain-extract—treated mesenchymal stem cells improve neurological functions in a rat model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Lee Ji Yong , Kim Eiru , Choi Seong-Mi , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Kwang Pyo , Lee Insuk , Kim Han-Soo
Published: September 2016

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was reported to improve functional outcomes in a rat model of ischemic stroke, and subsequent studies suggest that MSC-derived microvesicles (MVs) can replace the beneficial effects of MSCs. Here, we evaluated three different MSC-derived MVs, including MVs from untreated MSCs (MSC-MVs), MVs from MSCs treated with normal rat brain extract (NBE-MSC-MVs), and MVs from MSCs treated with stroke-injured rat brain extract (SBE-MSC-MVs), and tested their effects on ischemic brain injury induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) in rats. NBE-MSC-MVs and SBE-MSC-MVs had significantly greater efficacy than MSC-MVs for ameliorating ischemic brain injury with improved functional recovery. We found similar profiles of key signalling proteins in NBE-MSC-MVs and SBE-MSC-MVs, which account for their similar therapeutic efficacies. Immunohistochemical analyses suggest that brain-extract—treated MSC-MVs reduce inflammation, enhance angiogenesis, and increase endogenous neurogenesis in the rat brain. We performed mass spectrometry proteomic analyses and found that the total proteomes of brain-extract—treated MSC-MVs are highly enriched for known vesicular proteins. Notably, MSC-MV proteins upregulated by brain extracts tend to be modular for tissue repair pathways. We suggest that MSC-MV proteins stimulated by the brain microenvironment are paracrine effectors that enhance MSC therapy for stroke injury.
Tracing the Attention of Moving Citizens
Authors: Wu Lingfei , Wang Cheng-Jun
Published: September 2016

With the widespread use of mobile computing devices in contemporary society, our trajectories in the physical space and virtual world are increasingly closely connected. Using the anonymous smartphone data of 1 × 105 users in a major city of China, we study the interplay between online and offline human behaviors by constructing the mobility network (offline) and the attention network (online). Using the network renormalization technique, we find that they belong to two different classes: the mobility network is small-world, whereas the attention network is fractal. We then divide the city into different areas based on the features of the mobility network discovered under renormalization. Interestingly, this spatial division manifests the location-based online behaviors, for example shopping, dating, and taxi-requesting. Finally, we offer a geometric network model to help us understand the relationship between small-world and fractal networks.
Methotrexate is not associated with increased liver cirrhosis in a population-based cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Tang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yi-Hsing , Lin Ching-Heng , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: September 2016

A few studies have shown that methotrexate (MTX) use exacerbates liver fibrosis and even leads to liver cirrhosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, although the risk is low compared to psoriatics. We therefore conducted a population-based cohort study to investigate the impact of long-term MTX use on the risk of chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-related cirrhosis among RA patients. We analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan and identified 450 incident cases of RA among CHC patients (255 MTX users and 195 MTX non-users) from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2007. After a median follow-up of more than 5 years since the diagnosis of CHC, a total of 55 (12%) patients developed liver cirrhosis. We did not find an increased risk of liver cirrhosis among CHC patients with long-term MTX use for RA. Furthermore, there was no occurrence of liver cirrhosis among the 43 MTX users with a cumulative dose ≧3 grams after 108 months of treatment. In conclusion, our data showed that long-term MTX use is not associated with an increased risk for liver cirrhosis among RA patients with CHC. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to potential bias in the cohort.
Reversible off and on switching of prion infectivity via removing and reinstalling prion sialylation
Authors: Katorcha Elizaveta , Daus Martin L. , Gonzalez-Montalban Nuria , Makarava Natallia , Lasch Peter , Beekes Michael , Baskakov Ilia V.
Published: September 2016

The innate immune system provides the first line of defense against pathogens. To recognize pathogens, this system detects a number of molecular features that discriminate pathogens from host cells, including terminal sialylation of cell surface glycans. Mammalian cell surfaces, but generally not microbial cell surfaces, have sialylated glycans. Prions or PrPSc are proteinaceous pathogens that lack coding nucleic acids but do possess sialylated glycans. We proposed that sialylation of PrPSc is essential for evading innate immunity and infecting a host. In this study, the sialylation status of PrPSc was reduced by replicating PrPSc in serial Protein Misfolding Cyclic Amplification using sialidase-treated PrPC substrate and then restored to original levels by replication using non-treated substrate. Upon intracerebral administration, all animals that received PrPSc with original or restored sialylation levels were infected, whereas none of the animals that received PrPSc with reduced sialylation were infected. Moreover, brains and spleens of animals from the latter group were completely cleared of prions. The current work established that the ability of prions to infect the host via intracerebral administration depends on PrPSc sialylation status. Remarkably, PrPSc infectivity could be switched off and on in a reversible manner by first removing and then restoring PrPSc sialylation.
Probing conformational and functional states of human hepatocyte growth factor by a panel of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Umitsu Masataka , Sakai Katsuya , Ogasawara Satoshi , Kaneko Mika K. , Asaki Ryoko , Tamura-Kawakami Keiko , Kato Yukinari , Matsumoto Kunio , Takagi Junichi
Published: September 2016

HGF-Met signaling contributes to various biological events by controlling cell migration. Since the abnormal activation of Met receptor causes cancer progression, inhibitors such as neutralizing antibodies are regarded as promising therapeutics. HGF is secreted as a single-chain (sc) precursor and is processed by extracellular proteases to generate disulfide-bonded two-chain (tc) HGF. Although this proteolytic processing of HGF is necessary for its biological activity, exactly how the proteolysis leads to the conversion of HGF to the active form is still unclar due to the lack of structural information. In order to gain insights about this point, we generated 6 antibodies against HGF. All antibodies recognized different epitopes on the native HGF protein and showed distinct effects when tested in a cell-based HGF-Met signaling assay. They included one antibody (t1E4) that strongly blocks Met activation by tcHGF, as well as one antibody (t8E4) exclusively recognizing the active tcHGF but not inactive scHGF. Thus, a panel of anti-HGF antibodies suitable for probing the structural mechanism of HGF activation were obtained.
Amphotericin B Inhibits Enterovirus 71 Replication by Impeding Viral Entry
Authors: Xu Fengwen , Zhao Xiaoxiao , Hu Siqi , Li Jian , Yin Lijuan , Mei Shan , Liu Tingting , Wang Ying , Ren Lili , Cen Shan , Zhao Zhendong , Wang Jianwei , Jin Qi , Liang Chen , Ai Bin , Guo Fei
Published: September 2016

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease that leads to cardiopulmonary complications and death in young children. There is thus an urgent need to find new treatments to control EV71 infection. In this study, we report potent inhibition of EV71 by a polyene antibiotic Amphotericin B. Amphotericin B profoundly diminished the expression of EV71 RNA and viral proteins in the RD cells and the HEK293 cells. As a result, EV71 production was inhibited by Amphotericin B with an EC50 (50% effective concentration) of 1.75 μM in RD cells and 0.32 μM in 293 cells. In addition to EV71, EV68 was also strongly inhibited by Amphotericin B. Results of mechanistic studies revealed that Amphotericin B targeted the early stage of EV71 infection through impairing the attachment and internalization of EV71 by host cells. As an effective anti-fungi drug, Amphotericin B thus holds the promise of formulating a novel therapeutic to treat EV71 infection.
Association of Ankle-Brachial Index and Aortic Arch Calcification with Overall and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis
Authors: Chen Szu-Chia , Lee Mei-Yueh , Huang Jiun-Chi , Shih Ming-Chen Paul , Chang Jer-Ming , Chen Hung-Chun
Published: September 2016

Peripheral artery occlusive disease and vascular calcification are highly prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients, however the association of the combination of ankle-brachial index (ABI) and aortic arch calcification (AoAC) with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing HD is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of ABI and AoAC is independently associated with overall and cardiovascular mortality in HD patients. The median follow-up period was 5.7 years. Calcification of the aortic arch was assessed by chest X-ray. Forty-seven patients died including 24 due to cardiovascular causes during the follow-up period. The study patients were stratified into four groups according to an ABI < 0.95 or ≥0.95 and an AoAC score of >4 or ≤4 according to receiver operating characteristic curve. Those with an ABI < 0.95 and AoAC > 4 (vs. ABI ≥ 0.95 and AoAC score ≤ 4) were associated with overall (hazard ratio [HR], 4.913; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.932 to 12.497; p = 0.001) and cardiovascular (HR, 3.531; 95% CI, 1.070 to 11.652; p = 0.038) mortality in multivariable analysis. The combination of a low ABI and increased AoAC was associated with increased overall and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing HD.
Optical disc technology-enabled analytical devices: from hardware modification to digitized molecular detection
Authors: Weng Samuel , Li Xiaochun , Li Yunchao , Yu Hua-Zhong
Published: September 2016

Beyond its essential media storage applications, optical disc technology has been extensively explored to create novel analytical devices and tools.
Nebraska Red: a phosphinate-based near-infrared fluorophore scaffold for chemical biology applications
Authors: Zhou Xinqi , Lai Rui , Beck Jon R. , Li Hui , Stains Cliff I.
Published: September 2016

We present a series of phosphinate-based NIR fluorophores with remarkable photostability and brightness, this new scaffold is leveraged to design derivatives with varying cell permeability as well as a proof-of-principle reagent for self-reporting ROS-induced small molecule delivery.
Iron-catalyzed oxidative sp3 carbon–hydrogen bond functionalization of 3,4-dihydro-1,4-benzoxazin-2-ones
Authors: Huo Congde , Dong Jie , Su Yingpeng , Tang Jing , Chen Fengjuan
Published: September 2016

Iron-catalyzed sp3 C–H bond functionalization of benzoxazinones has been developed and applied for the synthesis of natural product cephalandole A.
A general and versatile fluorescence turn-on assay for detecting the activity of protein tyrosine kinases based on phosphorylation-inhibited tyrosyl oxidation
Authors: Jiang Chao , Li Ya , Liu Chenghui , Qiu Liying , Li Zhengping
Published: September 2016

A simple and general method for detecting protein tyrosine kinase activity is developed based on a tyrosinase-assisted fluorescence turn-on strategy.
Photophysics of detection of explosive vapours via luminescence quenching of thin films: impact of inter-molecular interactions
Authors: Shoaee Safa , Fan Shengqiang , Burn Paul L. , Shaw Paul E.
Published: September 2016

Fluorescence-based detection of explosive analytes requires an understanding of the nature of the excited state responsible for the luminescence response of a sensing material.
Understanding molecular self-assembly of a diol compound by considering competitive interactions
Authors: Arado Oscar Díaz , Luft Maike , Mönig Harry , Held Philipp Alexander , Studer Armido , Amirjalayer Saeed , Fuchs Harald
Published: September 2016

With a combination of scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory, effects on molecular self-assembly involving two distinct chemical groups were investigated.
Acceptor-free dehydrogenation of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol to vanillin over a palladium complex
Authors: Fu Wei , Yue Lumin , Duan Xiaogang , Li Jun , Lu Guanzhong
Published: September 2016

Acceptor-free dehydrogenation of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol to vanillin over a palladium complex without an additional oxidant in water.
Enzymatic halocyclization of allenic alcohols and carboxylates: a biocatalytic entry to functionalized O-heterocycles
Authors: Naapuri J. , Rolfes J. D. , Keil J. , Manzuna Sapu C. , Deska J.
Published: September 2016

Chloroperoxidase (C. fumago) catalyzes the aerobic halogenative 5-endo-trig cyclization of allenes in an aqueous emulsion system yielding functionalized O-heterocyclic building blocks.
CMOS biosensors for in vitro diagnosis – transducing mechanisms and applications
Authors: Lei Ka-Meng , Mak Pui-In , Law Man-Kay , Martins Rui P.
Published: September 2016

Architecture and operation of different CMOS biomolecule transducing mechanisms.
Multiplex SNP genotyping in whole blood using an integrated microfluidic lab-on-a-chip
Authors: Zhang L. , Cai Q. , Wiederkehr R. S. , Fauvart M. , Fiorini P. , Majeed B. , Tsukuda M. , Matsuno T. , Stakenborg T.
Published: September 2016

We present a silicon-based integrated microsystem combining a blood lysis chamber, a cross-flow filter, a T-junction mixer, and a microreactor for quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The detection of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms was demonstrated in the system from human blood.
Importance of proximity measures in clustering of cancer and miRNA datasets: proposal of an automated framework
Authors: Acharya Sudipta , Saha Sriparna
Published: September 2016

Distance plays an important role in the clustering process for allocating data points to different clusters.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives as antimycobacterial agents against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Madaiah Malavalli , Prashanth Maralekere K. , Revanasiddappa Hosakere D. , Veeresh Bantal
Published: September 2016

Novel imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine derivatives showed cytotoxicity and decreased the bacterial load in lung and spleen tissues in the in vivo animal model.
Correction: Biomimetic design of protic lipidic ionic liquids with enhanced fluidity
Authors: O'Brien Richard A. , Zayas Manuel Sanchez , Nestor Stephen T. , Gaitor Jamie C. , Paul Lauren M. , Edhegard Forrest A. , Minkowicz Samuel , Sykora Richard E. , Sheng Yinghong , Michael Scott F. , Isern Sharon , Mirjafari Arsalan
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Biomimetic design of protic lipidic ionic liquids with enhanced fluidity’ by Richard A. O'Brien et al., New J. Chem., 2016, 40, 7795–7803.
Tunable electronic structures in MPX3 (M = Zn, Cd; X = S, Se) monolayers by strain engineering
Authors: Xiang Hui , Xu Bo , Xia Yidong , Yin Jiang , Liu Zhiguo
Published: September 2016

Tunable electronic structures in MPX3 (M = Zn, Cd; X = S, Se) monolayers by strain are investigated, and the substitution of MX monolayers by MPX3 is proposed.
SERS determination of protease through a particle-on-a-film configuration constructed by electrostatic assembly in an enzymatic hydrolysis reaction
Authors: Yang Liyuan , Wu Tong , Fu Cuicui , Chen Gang , Xu Shuping , Xu Weiqing
Published: September 2016

We describe a simple and universal method for trypsin determination with the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique.
Gold nanocluster formation using morpholino oligomer as template and assembly agent within hybrid bio-nanomaterials
Authors: Chakraborty Saumen , Rocha Reginaldo C. , Desireddy Anil , Artyushkova Kateryna , Sanchez Timothy C. , Perry Albert T. , Atanassov Plamen , Martinez Jennifer S.
Published: September 2016

A novel 6-atom gold nanocluster is templated by a phosphorodiamidate oligomer and binds to a P,N,N pocket of the ligand backbone, as opposed to the peripheral nucleobases.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of chitooligosaccharide guanidine and its effect on GLUT4-dependent glucose uptake through an Akt-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in L6 skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Zongbao , Liu Xiaofei , Wu Yuntang
Published: September 2016

COSG was likely to be effective by increasing the phosphorylation level of Akt and promoting the membrane translocation of GLUT4, thereby increasing the glucose uptake of skeletal cells.
Poly(propylene)-grafted thermally reduced graphene oxide and its compatibilization effect on poly(propylene)–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Song Ho , Kim Kyunghoon , Park O Ok
Published: September 2016

We synthesized PP-graft-thermally reduced graphene oxide (PP-g-TRGO2, PP-g-TRGO4 and PP-g-TRGO6) as a compatibilizer, to obtain high performance PP/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites.
Effect of additives on the corrosion mechanism of nanocrystalline zinc–nickel alloys in an alkaline bath
Authors: Feng Zhongbao , Ren Lili , Zhang Jinqiu , Yang Peixia , An Maozhong
Published: September 2016

Bright Zn–Ni alloys can be obtained from the bath with additives. The mechanism of better corrosion resistance of bright Zn–Ni alloys compared to dull Zn–Ni alloys was analyzed by XPS and EIS.
Fluorescence visualization of interactions between surfactants and polymers
Authors: Jiao Lulu , Zhang Lijuan , Guan Weijiang , Lu Chao
Published: September 2016

An aggregation-induced emission luminescent surfactant is used to visualize the interactions between surfactants and polymers.