bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise B-cell-dependent expansion of T helper clonotypes diversifies the T-cell response
Authors: Merkenschlager Julia , Ploquin Mickaël J. , Eksmond Urszula , Andargachew Rakieb , Thorborn Georgina , Filby Andrew , Pepper Marion , Evavold Brian , Kassiotis George
Published: January 2016

Antigen receptor diversity underpins adaptive immunity by providing the ground for clonal selection of lymphocytes with the appropriate antigen reactivity. Current models attribute T cell clonal selection during the immune response to T-cell receptor (TCR) affinity for either foreign or self peptides. Here, we report that clonal selection of CD4+ T cells is also extrinsically regulated by B cells. In response to viral infection, the antigen-specific TCR repertoire is progressively diversified by staggered clonotypic expansion, according to functional avidity, which correlates with self-reactivity. Clonal expansion of lower-avidity T-cell clonotypes depends on availability of MHC II-expressing B cells, in turn influenced by B-cell activation. B cells clonotypically diversify the CD4+ T-cell response also to vaccination or tumour challenge, revealing a common effect.
Different gastric microbiota compositions in two human populations with high and low gastric cancer risk in Colombia
Authors: Yang Ines , Woltemate Sabrina , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Bravo Luis E. , Yepez Maria Clara , Romero-Gallo Judith , Delgado Alberto G. , Wilson Keith T. , Peek Richard M. , Correa Pelayo , Josenhans Christine , Fox James G. , Suerbaum Sebastian
Published: January 2016

Inhabitants of Túquerres in the Colombian Andes have a 25-fold higher risk of gastric cancer than inhabitants of the coastal town Tumaco, despite similar H. pylori prevalences. The gastric microbiota was recently shown in animal models to accelerate the development of H. pylori-induced precancerous lesions. 20 individuals from each town, matched for age and sex, were selected and gastric microbiota analyses were performed by deep sequencing of amplified 16S rDNA. In parallel, analyses of H. pylori status, carriage of the cag pathogenicity island and assignment of H. pylori to phylogeographic groups were performed to test for correlations between H. pylori strain properties and microbiota composition. The gastric microbiota composition was highly variable between individuals, but showed a significant correlation with the town of origin. Multiple OTUs were detected exclusively in either Tumaco or Túquerres. Two operational taxonomic units (OTUs), Leptotrichia wadei and a Veillonella sp., were significantly more abundant in Túquerres and 16 OTUs, including a Staphylococcus sp. were significantly more abundant in Tumaco. There was no significant correlation of H. pylori phylogeographic population or carriage of the cagPAI with microbiota composition. From these data, testable hypotheses can be generated and examined in suitable animal models and prospective clinical trials.
Allelopathic interactions between the brown algal genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) and scleractinian corals
Authors: Vieira Christophe , Thomas Olivier P. , Culioli Gérald , Genta-Jouve Grégory , Houlbreque Fanny , Gaubert Julie , De Clerck Olivier , Payri Claude E.
Published: January 2016

Allelopathy has been recently suggested as a mechanism by which macroalgae may outcompete corals in damaged reefs. Members of the brown algal genus Lobophora are commonly observed in close contact with scleractinian corals and have been considered responsible for negative effects of macroalgae to scleractinian corals. Recent field assays have suggested the potential role of chemical mediators in this interaction. We performed in situ bioassays testing the allelopathy of crude extracts and isolated compounds of several Lobophora species, naturally associated or not with corals, against four corals in New Caledonia. Our results showed that, regardless of their natural association with corals, organic extracts from species of the genus Lobophora are intrinsically capable of bleaching some coral species upon direct contact. Additionally, three new C21 polyunsaturated alcohols named lobophorenols A–C (1–3) were isolated and identified. Significant allelopathic effects against Acropora muricata were identified for these compounds. In situ observations in New Caledonia, however, indicated that while allelopathic interactions are likely to occur at the macroalgal-coral interface, Lobophora spp. rarely bleached their coral hosts. These findings are important toward our understanding of the importance of allelopathy versus other processes such as herbivory in the interaction between macroalgae and corals in reef ecosystems.
Structural and configurational properties of nanoconfined monolayer ice from first principles
Authors: Corsetti Fabiano , Matthews Paul , Artacho Emilio
Published: January 2016

Understanding the structural tendencies of nanoconfined water is of great interest for nanoscience and biology, where nano/micro-sized objects may be separated by very few layers of water. Here we investigate the properties of ice confined to a quasi-2D monolayer by a featureless, chemically neutral potential, in order to characterize its intrinsic behaviour. We use density-functional theory simulations with a non-local van der Waals density functional. An ab initio random structure search reveals all the energetically competitive monolayer configurations to belong to only two of the previously-identified families, characterized by a square or honeycomb hydrogen-bonding network, respectively. We discuss the modified ice rules needed for each network and propose a simple point dipole 2D lattice model that successfully explains the energetics of the square configurations. All identified stable phases for both networks are found to be non-polar (but with a topologically non-trivial texture for the square) and, hence, non-ferroelectric, in contrast to previous predictions from a five-site empirical force-field model. Our results are in good agreement with very recently reported experimental observations.
The microRNA-200/Zeb1 axis regulates ECM-dependent β1-integrin/FAK signaling, cancer cell invasion and metastasis through CRKL
Authors: Ungewiss Christin , Rizvi Zain H. , Roybal Jonathon D. , Peng David H. , Gold Kathryn A. , Shin Dong-Hoon , Creighton Chad J. , Gibbons Don L.
Published: January 2016

Tumor cell metastasis is a complex process that has been mechanistically linked to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The double-negative feedback loop between the microRNA-200 family and the Zeb1 transcriptional repressor is a master EMT regulator, but there is incomplete understanding of how miR-200 suppresses invasion. Our recent efforts have focused on the tumor cell-matrix interactions essential to tumor cell activation. Herein we utilized both our Kras/p53 mutant mouse model and human lung cancer cell lines to demonstrate that upon miR-200 loss integrin β1-collagen I interactions drive 3D in vitro migration/invasion and in vivo metastases. Zeb1-dependent EMT enhances tumor cell responsiveness to the ECM composition and activates FAK/Src pathway signaling by de-repression of the direct miR-200 target, CRKL. We demonstrate that CRKL serves as an adaptor molecule to facilitate focal adhesion formation, mediates outside-in signaling through Itgβ1 to drive cell invasion and inside-out signaling that maintains tumor cell-matrix contacts required for cell invasion. Importantly, CRKL levels in pan-cancer TCGA analyses were predictive of survival and CRKL knockdown suppressed experimental metastases in vivo without affecting primary tumor growth. Our findings highlight the critical ECM-tumor cell interactions regulated by miR-200/Zeb1-dependent EMT that activate intracellular signaling pathways responsible for tumor cell invasion and metastasis.
Shift from complementarity to facilitation on P uptake by intercropped wheat neighboring with faba bean when available soil P is depleted
Authors: Li Chunjie , Dong Yan , Li Haigang , Shen Jianbo , Zhang Fusuo
Published: January 2016

Rhizosphere processes stimulate overyielding and facilitative phosphorus (P) uptake in cereal/legume intercropping systems. However, little is known about when and how rhizosphere alteration of legumes plays a role in improving P uptake by cereals. Wheat was grown isolated, monocropped or intercropped with faba bean in pots with low-P soil. The biomass, P content, carboxylates and phosphatases activity were measured in 15 destructive samplings. Intraspecific competition of the biomass and P uptake of monocropped wheat was not significant before 40 and 36 days after sowing (DAS), whereas there was interspecific competition of biomass of intercropped wheat before 66 DAS. However, afterwards, the increments of the biomass and P uptake of the intercropped wheat were 1.3–1.9 and 1.9–2.3 times of increment of monocropped wheat. Meanwhile, the concentrations of malate and citrate and the acid phosphatase activity in the rhizospheres of intercropped wheat were significantly increased, which suggested that wheat/faba bean intercropping is efficient in P utilization due to complementary P uptake in the early growth stage and the positive interactions of the rhizosphere processes when the soil P was depleted.
Morphine, a potential antagonist of cisplatin cytotoxicity, inhibits cisplatin-induced apoptosis and suppression of tumor growth in nasopharyngeal carcinoma xenografts
Authors: Cao Long-Hui , Li Hui-Ting , Lin Wen-Qian , Tan Hong-Ying , Xie Lan , Zhong Zhong-Jian , Zhou Jian-Hua
Published: January 2016

Morphine is an opioid analgesic drug often used for pain relief in cancer patients. However, there is growing evidence that morphine may modulate tumor growth, progression and metastasis. In this study, we evaluated whether morphine modulates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 cells and whether morphine affects the antitumor activity of cisplatin on tumor growth in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE-2 xenografts in nude mice. We showed that a pretreatment with morphine (1 μg/ml) inhibited the sensitivity of CNE-2 cells to cisplatin by inhibiting cisplatin-induced CNE-2 cell apoptosis, decreasing caspase-3 activity and increasing the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. However, a high dose of morphine (1000 μg/ml) had the opposite effect. We also showed that at a low dose, morphine enhances chemoresistance in an in vivo nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) model by inhibiting cisplatin-induced apoptosis and decreasing neovascularization. Taken together, our results indicate that a low dose of morphine may lead to chemoresistance of cisplatin in NPC models in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting cisplatin-induced apoptosis and decreasing neovascularization.
Neural mechanisms supporting evaluation of others’ errors in real-life like conditions
Authors: Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Halme Hanna-Leena , Agam Yigal , Glerean Enrico , Lahnakoski Juha M , Sams Mikko , Tapani Karoliina , Ahveninen Jyrki , Manoach Dara S.
Published: January 2016

The ability to evaluate others’ errors makes it possible to learn from their mistakes without the need for first-hand trial-and-error experiences. Here, we compared functional magnetic resonance imaging activation to self-committed errors during a computer game to a variety of errors committed by others during movie clips (e.g., figure skaters falling down and persons behaving inappropriately). While viewing errors by others there was activation in lateral and medial temporal lobe structures, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and medial prefrontal cortex possibly reflecting simulation and storing for future use alternative action sequences that could have led to successful behaviors. During both self- and other-committed errors activation was seen in the striatum, temporoparietal junction and inferior frontal gyrus. These areas may be components of a generic error processing mechanism. The ecological validity of the stimuli seemed to matter, since we largely failed to see activations when subjects observed errors by another player in the computer game, as opposed to observing errors in the rich real-life like human behaviors depicted in the movie clips.
Restriction of protein synthesis abolishes senescence features at cellular and organismal levels
Authors: Takauji Yuki , Wada Takumi , Takeda Asuka , Kudo Ikuru , Miki Kensuke , Fujii Michihiko , Ayusawa Dai
Published: January 2016

Cellular senescence or its equivalence is induced by treatment of cells with an appropriate inducer of senescence in various cell types. Mild restriction of cytoplasmic protein synthesis prevented induction of all aspects of cellular senescence in normal and tumor-derived human cells. It allowed the cells to continuously grow with no sign of senescent features in the presence of various inducers. It also delayed replicative senescence in normal human fibroblasts. Moreover, it allowed for growth of the cells that had entered a senescent state. When adult worms of the nematode C. elegans were grown under protein-restricted conditions, their average and maximal lifespans were significantly extended. These results suggest that accumulation of cytoplasmic proteins due to imbalance in macromolecule synthesis is a fundamental cause of cellular senescence.
Altered brain energetics induces mitochondrial fission arrest in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Liang , Trushin Sergey , Christensen Trace A. , Bachmeier Benjamin V. , Gateno Benjamin , Schroeder Andreas , Yao Jia , Itoh Kie , Sesaki Hiromi , Poon Wayne W. , Gylys Karen H. , Patterson Emily R. , Parisi Joseph E. , Diaz Brinton Roberta , Salisbury Jeffrey L. , Trushina Eugenia
Published: January 2016

Altered brain metabolism is associated with progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Mitochondria respond to bioenergetic changes by continuous fission and fusion. To account for three dimensional architecture of the brain tissue and organelles, we applied 3-dimensional electron microscopy (3D EM) reconstruction to visualize mitochondrial structure in the brain tissue from patients and mouse models of AD. We identified a previously unknown mitochondrial fission arrest phenotype that results in elongated interconnected organelles, “mitochondria-on-a-string” (MOAS). Our data suggest that MOAS formation may occur at the final stages of fission process and was not associated with altered translocation of activated dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) to mitochondria but with reduced GTPase activity. Since MOAS formation was also observed in the brain tissue of wild-type mice in response to hypoxia or during chronological aging, fission arrest may represent fundamental compensatory adaptation to bioenergetic stress providing protection against mitophagy that may preserve residual mitochondrial function. The discovery of novel mitochondrial phenotype that occurs in the brain tissue in response to energetic stress accurately detected only using 3D EM reconstruction argues for a major role of mitochondrial dynamics in regulating neuronal survival.
Dynamics of Fluoride Bioavailability in the Biofilms of Different Oral Surfaces after Amine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Application
Authors: Naumova Ella A. , Dickten Christoph , Jung Rico , Krauss Florian , Rübesamen Henrik , Schmütsch Katharina , Sandulescu Tudor , Zimmer Stefan , Arnold Wolfgang H.
Published: January 2016

It was the aim of this study to investigate differences in fluoride bioavailability in different oral areas after the application of amine fluoride (AmF) and sodium fluoride (NaF). The null hypothesis suggested no differences in the fluoride bioavailability. The tongue coating was removed and biofilm samples from the palate, oral floor and cheeks were collected. All subjects brushed their teeth with toothpaste containing AmF or NaF. Specimens were collected before, as well as immediately after and at 30 and 120 minutes after tooth brushing. The fluoride concentration was determined. The area under the curve was calculated for each location and compared statistically. In the tongue coating, fluoride concentration increased faster after NaF application than after AmF application. After 30 minutes, the fluoride concentration decreased and remained stable until 120 minutes after AmF application and returned to baseline after NaF application. The difference between the baseline and the endpoint measurements was statistically significant. The fluoride concentration in the tongue coating remained at a higher level compared with the baseline for up to 120 minutes post-brushing. This may indicate that the tongue coating is a major reservoir for fluoride bioavailability. The results also indicate an unequal fluoride distribution in the oral cavity.
Quasi-particles ultrafastly releasing kink bosons to form Fermi arcs in a cuprate superconductor
Authors: Ishida Y. , Saitoh T. , Mochiku T. , Nakane T. , Hirata K. , Shin S.
Published: January 2016

In a conventional framework, superconductivity is lost at a critical temperature (Tc) because, at higher temperatures, gluing bosons can no longer bind two electrons into a Cooper pair. In high-Tc cuprates, it is still unknown how superconductivity vanishes at Tc. We provide evidence that the so-called ≲70-meV kink bosons that dress the quasi-particle excitations are playing a key role in the loss of superconductivity in a cuprate. We irradiated a 170-fs laser pulse on Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ and monitored the responses of the superconducting gap and dressed quasi-particles by time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We observe an ultrafast loss of superconducting gap near the d-wave node, or light-induced Fermi arcs, which is accompanied by spectral broadenings and weight redistributions occurring within the kink binding energy. We discuss that the underlying mechanism of the spectral broadening that induce the Fermi arc is the undressing of quasi-particles from the kink bosons. The loss mechanism is beyond the conventional framework and can accept the unconventional phenomena such as the signatures of Cooper pairs remaining at temperatures above Tc.
Missense mutation in DISC1 C-terminal coiled-coil has GSK3β signaling and sex-dependent behavioral effects in mice
Authors: Dachtler James , Elliott Christina , Rodgers R. John , Baillie George S. , Clapcote Steven J.
Published: January 2016

Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is a risk factor for schizophrenia and affective disorders. The full-length DISC1 protein consists of an N-terminal ‘head’ domain and a C-terminal tail domain that contains several predicted coiled-coils, structural motifs involved in protein-protein interactions. To probe the in vivo effects of missense mutation of DISC1’s C-terminal tail, we tested mice carrying mutation D453G within a predicted α-helical coiled-coil region. We report that, relative to wild-type littermates, female DISC1D453G mice exhibited novelty-induced hyperlocomotion, an anxiogenic profile in the elevated plus-maze and open field tests and reduced social exploration of unfamiliar mice. Male DISC1D453G mice displayed a deficit in passive avoidance, while neither males nor females exhibited any impairment in startle reactivity or prepulse inhibition. Whole brain homogenates showed normal levels of DISC1 protein, but decreased binding of DISC1 to GSK3β, decreased phospho-inhibition of GSK3β at serine 9 and decreased levels of β-catenin in DISC1D453G mice of either sex. Interrupted GSK3β signaling may thus be part of the mechanism underlying the behavioral phenotype associated with D453G, in common with the previously described N-terminal domain mutations Q31L and L100P in mice and the schizophrenia risk-conferring variant R264Q in humans.
Aim-less translation: loss of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mitochondrial translation initiation factor mIF3/Aim23 leads to unbalanced protein synthesis
Authors: Kuzmenko Anton , Derbikova Ksenia , Salvatori Roger , Tankov Stoyan , Atkinson Gemma C. , Tenson Tanel , Ott Martin , Kamenski Piotr , Hauryliuk Vasili
Published: January 2016

The mitochondrial genome almost exclusively encodes a handful of transmembrane constituents of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Coordinated expression of these genes ensures the correct stoichiometry of the system’s components. Translation initiation in mitochondria is assisted by two general initiation factors mIF2 and mIF3, orthologues of which in bacteria are indispensible for protein synthesis and viability. mIF3 was thought to be absent inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeuntil we recently identified mitochondrial protein Aim23 as the missing orthologue. Here we show that, surprisingly, loss of mIF3/Aim23 inS. cerevisiaedoes not indiscriminately abrogate mitochondrial translation but rather causes an imbalance in protein production: the rate of synthesis of the Atp9 subunit of F1F0ATP synthase (complex V) is increased, while expression of Cox1, Cox2 and Cox3 subunits of cytochromecoxidase (complex IV) is repressed. Our results provide one more example of deviation of mitochondrial translation from its bacterial origins.
Evaluation of Post Cessation Weight Gain in a 1-Year Randomized Smoking Cessation Trial of Electronic Cigarettes
Authors: Russo Cristina , Cibella Fabio , Caponnetto Pasquale , Campagna Davide , Maglia Marilena , Frazzetto Evelise , Mondati Enrico , Caruso Massimo , Polosa Riccardo
Published: January 2016

Stop smoking it is often associated to weight gain that is one of the most important causes for relapse. This is the first study to describe long-term changes in body weight in smokers invited to quit or reduce smoking by switching to ECs. Conventional cigarettes consumption and body weight were measured prospectively in a randomized controlled trial of smokers invited to switch to ECs. Post cessation weight changes from baseline at week-12, -24 and -52 were compared among 1) high, medium and zero nicotine strength products and 2) pooled continuous smoking failure, smoking reduction and abstinence phenotypes. Saliva cotinine levels and appetite levels were also measured. No significant changes in body weight were observed among high, medium and zero nicotine strength products. Differences among continuous smoking phenotypes were significant only at week-12 (p = 0.010) and week-24 (p = 0.012) with quitters gaining 2.4{plus minus}4.3 Kg and 2.9{plus minus}4.4 Kg respectively. However, weight gain at week-52 (1.5{plus minus}5.0 Kg) was no longer significant compared to Failures and Reducers. No confounding factors could explain the significant changes in body weight. Smokers who quit smoking by switching to ECs may limit their post-cessation weight gain, with substantial reversal in weight gain being manifest at late time points.
Blood-based gene expression signatures of medication-free outpatients with major depressive disorder: integrative genome-wide and candidate gene analyses
Authors: Hori Hiroaki , Sasayama Daimei , Teraishi Toshiya , Yamamoto Noriko , Nakamura Seiji , Ota Miho , Hattori Kotaro , Kim Yoshiharu , Higuchi Teruhiko , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: January 2016

Several microarray-based studies have investigated gene expression profiles in major depressive disorder (MDD), yet with highly variable findings. We examined blood-based genome-wide expression signatures of MDD, focusing on molecular pathways and networks underlying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and behaviours of hypothesis-driven, evidence-based candidate genes for depression. Agilent human whole-genome arrays were used to measure gene expression in 14 medication-free outpatients with MDD who were at least moderately ill and 14 healthy controls matched pairwise for age and sex. After filtering, we compared expression of entire probes between patients and controls and identified DEGs. The DEGs were evaluated by pathway and network analyses. For the candidate gene analysis, we utilized 169 previously prioritized genes and examined their case-control separation efficiency and correlational co-expression network in patients relative to controls. The 317 screened DEGs mapped to a significantly over-represented pathway, the “synaptic transmission” pathway. The protein-protein interaction network was also significantly enriched, in which a number of key molecules for depression were included. The co-expression network of candidate genes was markedly disrupted in patients. This study provided evidence for an altered molecular network along with several key molecules in MDD and confirmed that the candidate genes are worthwhile targets for depression research.
Shifts in methanogen community structure and function across a coastal marsh transect: effects of exotic Spartina alterniflora invasion
Authors: Yuan Junji , Ding Weixin , Liu Deyan , Kang Hojeong , Xiang Jian , Lin Yongxin
Published: January 2016

Invasion of Spartina alterniflora in coastal areas of China increased methane (CH4) emissions. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we measured CH4 production potential, methanogen community structure and biogeochemical factors along a coastal wetland transect comprised of five habitat regions: open water, bare tidal flat, invasive S. alterniflora marsh and native Suaeda salsa and Phragmites australis marshes. CH4 production potential in S. alterniflora marsh was 10 times higher than that in other regions and it was significantly correlated with soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon and trimethylamine concentrations, but was not correlated with acetate or formate concentrations. Although the diversity of methanogens was lowest in S. alterniflora marsh, invasion increased methanogen abundance by 3.48-fold, compared with native S. salsa and P. australis marshes due to increase of facultative Methanosarcinaceae rather than acetotrophic and hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Ordination analyses suggested that trimethylamine was the primary factor regulating shift in methanogen community structure. Addition of trimethylamine increased CH4 production rates by 1255-fold but only by 5.61- and 11.4-fold for acetate and H2/CO2, respectively. S. alterniflora invasion elevated concentration of non-competitive trimethylamine and shifted methanogen community from acetotrophic to facultative methanogens, which together facilitated increased CH4 production potential.
Dual modulation of Ras-Mnk and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways: A Novel c-FLIP inhibitory mechanism of 3-AWA mediated translational attenuation through dephosphorylation of eIF4E
Authors: ur Rasool Reyaz , Rah Bilal , Amin Hina , Nayak Debasis , Chakraborty Souneek , Rawoof Abdul , Mintoo Mubashir Javed , Yousuf Khalid , Mukherjee Debaraj , Kumar Lekha Dinesh , Mondhe Dilip Manikaro , Goswami Anindya
Published: January 2016

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is considered as a key survival protein involved in cell cycle progression, transformation and apoptosis resistance. Herein, we demonstrate that medicinal plant derivative 3-AWA (from Withaferin A) suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of CaP cells through abrogation of eIF4E activation and expression via c-FLIP dependent mechanism. This translational attenuation prevents the de novo synthesis of major players of metastatic cascades viz. c-FLIP, c-Myc and cyclin D1. Moreover, the suppression of c-FLIP due to inhibition of translation initiation complex by 3-AWA enhanced FAS trafficking, BID and caspase 8 cleavage. Further ectopically restored c-Myc and GFP-HRas mediated activation of eIF4E was reduced by 3-AWA in transformed NIH3T3 cells. Detailed underlying mechanisms revealed that 3-AWA inhibited Ras-Mnk and PI3-AKT-mTOR, two major pathways through which eIF4E converges upon eIF4F hub. In addition to in vitro studies, we confirmed that 3-AWA efficiently suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in different mouse models. Given that 3-AWA inhibits c-FLIP through abrogation of translation initiation by co-targeting mTOR and Mnk-eIF4E, it (3-AWA) can be exploited as a lead pharmacophore for promising anti-cancer therapeutic development.
Direct ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensing of pathogenic DNA using homogeneous target-initiated transcription amplification
Authors: Yan Yurong , Ding Shijia , Zhao Dan , Yuan Rui , Zhang Yuhong , Cheng Wei
Published: January 2016

Sensitive and specific methodologies for detection of pathogenic gene at the point-of-care are still urgent demands in rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases. This work develops a simple and pragmatic electrochemical biosensing strategy for ultrasensitive and specific detection of pathogenic nucleic acids directly by integrating homogeneous target-initiated transcription amplification (HTITA) with interfacial sensing process in single analysis system. The homogeneous recognition and specific binding of target DNA with the designed hairpin probe triggered circular primer extension reaction to form DNA double-strands which contained T7 RNA polymerase promoter and served as templates for in vitro transcription amplification. The HTITA protocol resulted in numerous single-stranded RNA products which could synchronously hybridized with the detection probes and immobilized capture probes for enzyme-amplified electrochemical detection on the biosensor surface. The proposed electrochemical biosensing strategy showed very high sensitivity and selectivity for target DNA with a dynamic response range from 1 fM to 100 pM. Using salmonella as a model, the established strategy was successfully applied to directly detect invA gene from genomic DNA extract. This proposed strategy presented a simple, pragmatic platform toward ultrasensitive nucleic acids detection and would become a versatile and powerful tool for point-of-care pathogen identification.
Alfvén waves as a solar-interplanetary driver of the thermospheric disturbances
Authors: Guo Jianpeng , Wei Fengsi , Feng Xueshang , Liu Huixin , Wan Weixing , Yang Zhiliang , Xu Jiyao , Liu Chaoxu
Published: January 2016

Alfvén waves have been proposed as an important mechanism for the heating of the Sun’s outer atmosphere and the acceleration of solar wind, but they are generally believed to have no significant impact on the Earth’s upper atmosphere under quiet geomagnetic conditions due to their highly fluctuating nature of interplanetary magnetic field (i.e., intermittent southward magnetic field component). Here we report that a long-duration outward propagating Alfvén wave train carried by a high-speed stream produced continuous (~2 days) and strong (up to ±40%) density disturbances in the Earth’s thermosphere in a way by exciting multiple large-scale gravity waves in auroral regions. The observed ability of Alfvén waves to excite large-scale gravity waves, together with their proved ubiquity in the solar atmosphere and solar wind, suggests that Alfvén waves could be an important solar-interplanetary driver of the global thermospheric disturbances.
Maize pan-transcriptome provides novel insights into genome complexity and quantitative trait variation
Authors: Jin Minliang , Liu Haijun , He Cheng , Fu Junjie , Xiao Yingjie , Wang Yuebin , Xie Weibo , Wang Guoying , Yan Jianbing
Published: January 2016

Gene expression variation largely contributes to phenotypic diversity and constructing pan-transcriptome is considered necessary for species with complex genomes. However, the regulation mechanisms and functional consequences of pan-transcriptome is unexplored systematically. By analyzing RNA-seq data from 368 maize diverse inbred lines, we identified almost one-third nuclear genes under expression presence and absence variation, which tend to play regulatory roles and are likely regulated by distant eQTLs. The ePAV was directly used as “genotype” to perform GWAS for 15 agronomic phenotypes and 526 metabolic traits to efficiently explore the associations between transcriptomic and phenomic variations. Through a modified assembly strategy, 2,355 high-confidence novel sequences with total 1.9 Mb lengths were found absent within reference genome. Ten randomly selected novel sequences were fully validated with genomic PCR, including another two NBS_LRR candidates potentially affect flavonoids and disease-resistance. A simulation analysis suggested that the pan-transcriptome of the maize whole kernel is approaching a maximum value of 63,000 genes and through developing two test-cross populations and surveying several most important yield traits, the dispensable genes were shown to contribute to heterosis. Novel perspectives and resources to discover maize quantitative trait variations were provided to better understand the kernel regulation networks and to enhance maize breeding.
Absence of evidence for increase in risk for autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder following antidepressant exposure during pregnancy: a replication study
Authors: Castro V M , Kong S W , Clements C C , Brady R , Kaimal A J , Doyle A E , Robinson E B , Churchill S E , Kohane I S , Perlis R H
Published: January 2016

Multiple studies have examined the risk of prenatal antidepressant exposure and risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with inconsistent results. Precisely estimating such risk, if any, is of great importance in light of the need to balance such risk with the benefit of depression and anxiety treatment. We developed a method to integrate data from multiple New England health systems, matching offspring and maternal health data in electronic health records to characterize diagnoses and medication exposure. Children with ASD or ADHD were matched 1:3 with children without neurodevelopmental disorders. Association between maternal antidepressant exposure and ASD or ADHD liability was examined using logistic regression, adjusting for potential sociodemographic and psychiatric confounding variables. In new cohorts of 1245 ASD cases and 1701 ADHD cases, along with age-, sex- and socioeconomic status matched controls, neither disorder was significantly associated with prenatal antidepressant exposure in crude or adjusted models (adjusted odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.50−1.54 for ASD; 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.53−1.69 for ADHD). Pre-pregnancy antidepressant exposure significantly increased risk for both disorders. These results suggest that prior reports of association between prenatal antidepressant exposure and neurodevelopmental disease are likely to represent a false-positive finding, which may arise in part through confounding by indication. They further demonstrate the potential to integrate data across electronic health records studies spanning multiple health systems to enable efficient pharmacovigilance investigation.
Determination of the ratio of fluorophore/nanoparticle for fluorescence-labelled nanoparticles
Authors: Menendez-Miranda Mario , Costa-Fernández José Manuel , Encinar Jorge Ruiz , Parak Wolfgang J. , Carrillo-Carrion Carolina
Published: January 2016

Accurate analytical methodology to determine the ratio of fluorophore molecules attached per nanoparticle; applicable to diverse fluorophore–NP conjugates.
Small quinolinium-based enzymatic probes via blue-to-red ratiometric fluorescence
Authors: Wang Pan , Du Jiajun , Liu Huijing , Bi Guoqiang , Zhang Guoqing
Published: January 2016

A small fluorescence ratiometric probe consisting of a single dye species, N-methyl-6-hydroxyquinolinium (MHQ), and coupled enzymatic substrates, exhibits a dramatic colour change (deep blue to red) and possesses a huge response ratio (over 2000 fold) upon specific recognition of target enzymes.
Enantioseparation of fourteen amino alcohols by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis using lactobionic acid/d-(+)-xylose–boric acid complexes as chiral selectors
Authors: An Ning , Wang Lijuan , Zhao Jingjing , Lv Lili , Wang Ning , Guo Huaizhong
Published: January 2016

An interesting study on chiral nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) was developed in this paper.
Highly hydroxide conductive ionomers with fullerene functionalities
Authors: Yang Zhengjin , Liu Yazhi , Guo Rui , Hou Jianqiu , Wu Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: January 2016

A novel ionomer was designed that will not poison the catalyst in alkaline fuel cells, by incorporating for the first time N-methyl pyrrolidine-C60 cation in polymeric anion exchange ionomers.
A mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of endogenous sulfur dioxide derivatives in cancer cells
Authors: Li Dong-Peng , Wang Zhao-Yang , Cao Xiang-Jian , Cui Jie , Wang Xin , Cui Hao-Zhong , Miao Jun-Ying , Zhao Bao-Xiang
Published: January 2016

A new mitochondria-targeted fluorescent probe HCy-D, constructed by dansyl and hemicyanine fluorophores, for SO2derivatives (HSO3−/SO32−) was presented.
Asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentanes bearing four contiguous stereocenters via an NHC-catalyzed Michael/Michael/esterification domino reaction
Authors: Shu Tao , Ni Qijian , Song Xiaoxiao , Zhao Kun , Wu Tianyu , Puttreddy Rakesh , Rissanen Kari , Enders Dieter
Published: January 2016

An NHC-catalyzed Michael/Michael/esterification domino reaction via homoenolate/enolate intermediates for the asymmetric synthesis of tetrasubstituted cyclopentanes is described.
A bioluminescent sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of human carboxylesterase 1 in complex biological samples
Authors: Wang Dan-Dan , Jin Qiang , Zou Li-Wei , Hou Jie , Lv Xia , Lei Wei , Cheng Hai-Ling , Ge Guang-Bo , Yang Ling
Published: January 2016

A highly selective and sensitive bioluminescent sensor (DME) for real-time monitoring of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1) activities in complex biological samples and bio-imaging of endogenous hCE1 in living cells.
Dynamic and static behavior of the H⋯π and E⋯π interactions in EH2adducts of benzene π-system (E = O, S, Se and Te), elucidated by QTAIM dual functional analysis
Authors: Hayashi Satoko , Sugibayashi Yuji , Nakanishi Waro
Published: January 2016

The nature of the π-HB and π-EB interactions are elucidated for (EH2)-*-π(C6H6) (E = O, S, Se and Te) with QTAIM-DFA. All the interactions were classified by the pure CS interactions and characterized as the vdW nature, with the suggestion of stronger π-EBs relative to π-HBs.
Enantioselective syntheses of indanes: from organocatalysis to C–H functionalization
Authors: Borie Cyril , Ackermann Lutz , Nechab Malek
Published: January 2016

The indanyl core is ubiquitous in a large variety of drugs and natural products. Remarkable recent progress has been accomplished in the step-economical assembly of functionalization of chiral indanes by means of enantioselective catalysis, with major progress being achieved in organocatalysis and C–H activation chemistry.
Enantioselective hydrogenation of ketones by iridium nanoparticles ligated with chiral secondary phosphine oxides
Authors: Cano Israel , Tschan Mathieu J.-L. , Martínez-Prieto Luis M. , Philippot Karine , Chaudret Bruno , van Leeuwen Piet W. N. M.
Published: January 2016

Chiral iridium nanoparticles (IrNPs) were synthesized by H2reduction of (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(methoxy)iridium(i) dimer ([Ir(OMe)(COD)]2) in the presence of an asymmetric secondary phosphine oxide.
Advances in organometallic synthesis with mechanochemical methods
Authors: Rightmire Nicholas R. , Hanusa Timothy P.
Published: January 2016

Mechanochemical methods of synthesis (specifically grinding and milling) have not yet been widely used by organometallic chemists, but there is growing interest in their potential. ThisPerspectivesurveys recent developments in the field, describing the outcomes of organometallic reactions conducted in the absence of solvents.
An S4-symmetric mixed-valent decacopper cage comprised of [CuII(L-S2N2)] complexes bridged by CuI(MeCN)n(n = 1 or 2) cations
Authors: Ferrara Skylar J. , Wang Bo , Donahue James P.
Published: January 2016

Oxidative addition of 1,2,11,12-tetrathia-5,8,15,19-tetra(N-methylamino)cycloicosane to [Cu(MeCN)4][BF4] yields anS4-symmetric decacopper cage compound with four cupric ions in distorted square planar bis(amino) bis(thiolato) ligand environments bridged by six cuprous ions with MeCN ligands.
Impact of increasing fruit and vegetables and flavonoid intake on the human gut microbiota
Authors: Klinder Annett , Shen Qing , Heppel Susanne , Lovegrove Julie A. , Rowland Ian , Tuohy Kieran M.
Published: January 2016

Plant-derived dietary fibre and/or flavonoids may mediate the protective effects of fruits and vegetables (F&V) in lowering the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancers particularly through their interaction with the gut microbiota.
Synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous Prussian blue analogues in ionic liquid/water/MgCl2 and application in electrochemical reduction of CO2
Authors: Kang Xinchen , Sun Xiaofu , Zhu Qinggong , Ma Xiaoxue , Liu Huizhen , Ma Jun , Qian Qingli , Han Buxing
Published: January 2016

Hierarchical mesoporous Prussian blue analogues synthesized in ionic liquid/water/MgCl2 systems were used as efficient electrodes for electroreduction of CO2.
Effects of protein flexibility and active site water molecules on the prediction of sites of metabolism for cytochrome P450 2C19 substrates
Authors: Li Junhao , Cai Jinya , Su Haixia , Du Hanwen , Zhang Juan , Ding Shihui , Liu Guixia , Tang Yun , Li Weihua
Published: January 2016

Structure-based prediction of sites of metabolism (SOMs) mediated by cytochrome P450s (CYPs) is of great interest in drug discovery and development.
Physicoelectrochemical properties of facilely electrosynthesized reduced graphene oxide/p-type conductive polymer nanocomposite film
Authors: Naseri Maryam , Fotouhi Lida , Ehsani Ali , Babaei Ferydon
Published: January 2016

As electro-active electrodes, composites of reduced graphene oxide and poly ortho aminophenol (POAP) with good uniformity are prepared by electropolymerization. In comparison with Ni-POAP, the Ni-rGO/POAP-modified electrode shows a higher response for methanol oxidation.
Patterned, highly stretchable and conductive nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensors based on electrospinning and in situ polymerization
Authors: Yu Gui-Feng , Yan Xu , Yu Miao , Jia Meng-Yang , Pan Wei , He Xiao-Xiao , Han Wen-Peng , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Yu Liang-Min , Long Yun-Ze
Published: January 2016

A patterned nanofibrous PANI/PVDF strain sensor shows a high stretchability of more than 110% and can be used to detect finger motion.
Direct oxidative amidation of aldehydes with amines catalyzed by heteropolyanion-based ionic liquids under solvent-free conditions via a dual-catalysis process
Authors: Fu Renzhong , Yang Yang , Zhang Jin , Shao Jintao , Xia Xuming , Ma Yunsheng , Yuan Rongxin
Published: January 2016

A heteropolyanion-based ionic liquid catalyzed oxidative amidation of aldehydes with amines via a dual-catalysis pathway has been reported.
Iron-catalyzed arylation of α-aryl-α-diazoesters
Authors: Yang Ji-Min , Cai Yan , Zhu Shou-Fei , Zhou Qi-Lin
Published: January 2016

An iron-catalyzed arylation of α-aryl-α-diazoesters with electron-rich benzene rings was developed, which provides an efficient method for the preparation of 1,1-diarylacetates with high yields and excellent chemo- and regio-selectivities.
A new vinyl selenone-based domino approach to spirocyclopropyl oxindoles endowed with anti-HIV RT activity
Authors: Palomba M. , Rossi L. , Sancineto L. , Tramontano E. , Corona A. , Bagnoli L. , Santi C. , Pannecouque C. , Tabarrini O. , Marini F.
Published: January 2016

A flexible synthesis of spirocyclopropyl oxindoles from vinyl selenones and oxindolesviaa domino Michael addition/proton transfer/cyclization sequence has been developed.
Functional architectures derived from guanine quartets
Authors: Dash Jyotirmayee , Saha Puja
Published: January 2016

This paper highlights recent developments in the design and construction of functional materials such as supramolecular hydrogels and ion channels using a guanine motif as a self-assembling building block.
Solvatofluorochromic, non-centrosymmetric π-expanded diketopyrrolopyrrole
Authors: Grzybowski Marek , Jeżewski Artur , Deperasińska Irena , Friese Daniel H. , Banasiewicz Marzena , Hugues Vincent , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: January 2016

A donor–acceptor type π-expanded diketopyrrolopyrrole behaves as non-centrosymmetric as far as linear optical properties are concerned but as ‘pseudo-symmetric’ for two-photon absorption.
Synthesis and SAR assessment of novel Tubathian analogs in the pursuit of potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors
Authors: De Vreese Rob , Depetter Yves , Verhaeghe Tom , Desmet Tom , Benoy Veronick , Haeck Wanda , Van Den Bosch Ludo , D′hooghe Matthias
Published: January 2016

Hydroxamic acids2c,2dand3i-mrepresent valuable lead structures in the pursuit of novel potent and selective HDAC6 inhibitors.
Interfacial properties and thermo-oxidative stability of carbon fiber reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin composites modified with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes in the interphase
Authors: Wu Guangshun , Ma Lichun , Wang Yuwei , Liu Li , Huang Yudong
Published: January 2016

The grafting of trisilanolphenyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (trisilanolphenyl-POSS) onto carbon fibers (CFs) was achieved using toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) as the bridging agent.
Discovery of serum metabolites for diagnosis of progression of mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease using an optimized metabolomics method
Authors: Liang Qun , Liu Han , Zhang Tianyu , Jiang Yan , Xing Haitao , Zhang Ai-hua
Published: January 2016

A nontargeted metabolomics approach was developed to examine metabolic differences in serum samples from the mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease subjects.
A convenient and versatile synthesis of Laurdan-like fluorescent membrane probes: characterization of their fluorescence properties
Authors: Cheniour M. , Gueyrard D. , Goekjian P. G. , Granjon T. , Marcillat O.
Published: January 2016

A simple and versatile synthetic scheme leading to Laurdan-derived fluorescent probes for biological membranes. Libraries of Laurdan derivatives will allow addressing the effect of the polar group on probes capacity to monitor lipids physical state.
Hydrothermal-assisted biomimetic synthesis of a brush-like Hap/PAN composite and its application for decontaminating metal ions
Authors: Guo Hehe , Zhou Huaijuan , Jin Ping , Li Wenjing , Ma Yining , Koji Ioku , Ji Shidong
Published: January 2016

A novel and functional ‘brush-like’ Hap/PAN composite was synthesized by a two-step method for the first time.
Direct label-free detection of Rotavirus using a hydrogel based nanoporous photonic crystal
Authors: Maeng Bohee , Park Youngkyu , Park Jungyul
Published: January 2016

A direct label-free biosensor based on 3D photonic crystal structures for Rotavirus has been demonstrated. This proposed method will be useful for developing a direct and easy-to-use virus detection kit in the form of POCT in the near future.
Copper nanoparticles supported on starch micro particles as a degradable heterogeneous catalyst for three-component coupling synthesis of propargylamines
Authors: Gholinejad Mohammad , Saadati Fariba , Shaybanizadeh Shahram , Pullithadathil Biji
Published: January 2016

Starch supported Cu NPs as a degradable heterogeneous catalyst for A3 coupling reaction.
Reparative activity of costunolide and dehydrocostus in a mouse model of 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis
Authors: Chen Yuling , Zheng Hong , Zhang Jingze , Wang Lei , Jin Zhaoxiang , Gao Wenyuan
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of costunolide (Co) and dehydrocostus (De) in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis (IM) as well as the potential mechanisms involved.
Noninvasive target CT detection and anti-inflammation of MRSA pneumonia with theranostic silver loaded mesoporous silica
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ding Qingqing , Ding Jing
Published: January 2016

Antibiotics resistant MRSA related pneumonia lesions could be detected under CT guidance and controlled using theranostic reported herein.
Polymer–metal–organic framework core–shell framework nanofibers via electrospinning and their gas adsorption activities
Authors: Gao Ming , Zeng Lingwang , Nie Jun , Ma Guiping
Published: January 2016

In this study, we have fabricated of PAN@ZIF-8 core–shell nanofibers by combining electrospinning techniques and the MOF synthesis method.
Electrochemical oxidation of guaiacol to increase its biodegradability or just remove COD in terms of anodes and electrolytes
Authors: Shao Dan , Chu Wei , Li Xiaoliang , Yan Wei , Xu Hao
Published: January 2016

Ti/Sb-SnO2 and Ti/Pb3O4 were compared to treat or pretreat (before biotreatment) guaiacol solution by electrochemical oxidation in different electrolytes.