bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of sorbitol non-fermenting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Black Bengal goats on smallholdings
Authors: GUPTA M. DAS , DAS A. , ISLAM M. Z. , BISWAS P. K.
Published: June 2016

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Bangladesh with the sampling of 514 Black Bengal goats on smallholdings to determine the presence of sorbitol non-fermenting (SNF) Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Swab samples collected from the recto-anal junction were plated onto cefixime and potassium tellurite added sorbitol MacConkey (CT-SMAC) agar, a selective medium for STEC O157 serogroup, where this serogroup and other SNF STEC produce colourless colonies. The SNF E. coli (SNF EC) isolates obtained from the survey were investigated by PCR for the presence of Shiga toxin-producing genes, stx1 and stx2, and two other virulence genes, eae and hlyA that code for adherence factor (intimin protein) and pore-forming cytolysin, respectively. The SNF EC isolates were also assessed for the presence of the rfbO157 gene to verify their identity to O157 serogroup. The results revealed that the proportions of goats carrying SNF EC isolates and stx1 and stx2 genes were 6·2% (32/514) [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·4–8·7)], 1·2% (95% CI 0·5–2·6) and 1·2% (95% CI 0·5–2·6), respectively. All the SNF STEC tested negative for rfbO157, hlyA and eae genes. The risk for transmission of STEC from Black Bengal goats to humans is low.
Physical impairment and body weight history in postmenopausal women: the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Wanigatunga Amal A , Sourdet Sandrine S , LaMonte Michael J , Waring Molly E , Nassir Rami , Garcia Lorena , Bea Jennifer W , Seguin Rebecca A , Ockene Judith K , Sarto Gloria E , Stefanick Marcia L , Limacher Marian , Manini Todd M ,   for the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators
Published: June 2016

Objective

To examine whether weight history and weight transitions over adult lifespan contribute to physical impairment among postmenopausal women.

Design

BMI categories were calculated among postmenopausal women who reported their weight and height at age 18 years. Multiple-variable logistic regression was used to determine the association between BMI at age 18 years and BMI transitions over adulthood on severe physical impairment (SPI), defined as scoring <60 on the Physical Functioning subscale of the Rand thirty-six-item Short-Form Health Survey.

Setting

Participants were part of the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (WHI OS), where participants’ health was followed over time via questionnaires and clinical assessments.

Subjects

Postmenopausal women (n76 016; mean age 63·5 (sd7·3) years).

Results

Women with overweight (BMI=25·0–29·9 kg/m2) or obesity (BMI≥30·0 kg/m2) at 18 years had greater odds (OR (95 % CI)) of SPI (1·51 (1·35, 1·69) and 2·14 (1·72, 2·65), respectively) than normal-weight (BMI=18·5–24·9 kg/m2) counterparts. Transitions from normal weight to overweight/obese or to underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2) were associated with greater odds of SPI (1·97 (1·84, 2·11) and 1·35 (1·06, 1·71), respectively) compared with weight stability. Shifting from underweight to overweight/obese also had increased odds of SPI (1·52 (1·11, 2·09)). Overweight/obese to normal BMI transitions resulted in a reduced SPI odds (0·52 (0·39, 0·71)).

Conclusions

Higher weight history and transitions into higher weight classes were associated with higher likelihood of SPI, while transitioning into lower weight classes for those with overweight/obesity was protective among postmenopausal women.
Nurse perspectives on the implementation of routine telemonitoring for high-risk diabetes patients in a primary care setting
Authors: Vest Bonnie M. , Hall Victoria M. , Kahn Linda S. , Heider Arvela R. , Maloney Nancy , Singh Ranjit
Published: June 2016

Aims

The purpose of this qualitative evaluation was to explore the experience of implementing routine telemonitoring (TM) in real-world primary care settings from the perspective of those delivering the intervention; namely the TM staff, and report on lessons learned that could inform future projects of this type.

Background

Routine TM for high-risk patients within primary care practices may help improve chronic disease control and reduce complications, including unnecessary hospital admissions. However, little is known about how to integrate routine TM in busy primary care practices. A TM pilot for diabetic patients was attempted in six primary care practices as part of the Beacon Community in Western New York.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of three TM agencies (n=8) participating in the pilot. Interviews were conducted over the phone or in person and lasted ~30 min. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Analysis was conducted using immersion-crystallization to identify themes.

Findings

TM staff revealed several themes related to the experience of delivering TM in real-world primary care: (1) the nurse–patient relationship is central to a successful TM experience, (2) TM is a useful tool for understanding socio-economic context and its impact on patients’ health, (3) TM staff anecdotally report important potential impacts on patient health, and (4) integrating TM into primary care practices needs to be planned carefully.

Conclusions

This qualitative study identified challenges and unexpected benefits that might inform future efforts. Communication and integration between the TM agency and the practice, including the designation of a point person within the office to coordinate TM and help address the broader contextual needs of patients, are important considerations for future implementation. The role of the TM nurse in developing trust with patients and uncovering the social and economic context within which patients manage their diabetes was an unexpected benefit.
Protein undernutrition during development and oxidative impairment in the central nervous system (CNS): potential factors in the occurrence of metabolic syndrome and CNS disease
Authors: Ferreira D. J. S. , Sellitti D. F. , Lagranha C. J.
Published: June 2016

Mitochondria play a regulatory role in several essential cell processes including cell metabolism, calcium balance and cell viability. In recent years, it has been postulated that mitochondria participate in the pathogenesis of a number of chronic diseases, including central nervous system disorders. Thus, the concept of mitochondrial function now extends far beyond the common view of this organelle as the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell to a new appreciation of the mitochondrion as a transducer of early metabolic insult into chronic disease in later life. In this review, we have attempted to describe some of the associations between nutritional status and mitochondrial function (and dysfunction) during embryonic development with the occurrence of neural oxidative imbalance and neurogenic disease in adulthood.
Bedeutung willentlicher Steuerungsprozesse in Gutachten zu psychisch bedingter Berufsunfähigkeit
Authors: Dohrenbusch Ralf
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Studie untersucht, in welcher Form und welchem Umfang willentliche Prozesse in Gutachten zur Beurteilung psychisch bedingter Berufsunfähigkeit dokumentiert und in gutachterliche Bewertungen integriert sind. Da psychische Störungen durch das Verhältnis aus willentlichen und der willentlichen Steuerung entzogenen Prozessen bestimmt sind und Leistungseinschränkungen noch stärker als die Störungen selbst willentlicher Steuerung unterworfen sind, sollten Gutachten ausreichende Informationen zur Steuerungsfähigkeit enthalten. 110 medizinische und psychologische Gutachten zu psychisch bedingter Berufsunfähigkeit wurden von 6 Auswertern anhand eines standardisierten Auswertungsleitfadens in Bezug auf Merkmale der willentlichen Steuerungsfähigkeit evaluiert. Angaben zu psychopathologischen, der willentlichen Steuerung entzogenen Merkmalen waren vollständiger dokumentiert als Angaben zu gesteuerten Prozessen. Häufigste Indikatoren erhaltener Steuerungsfähigkeit waren offensichtliche Merkmale des Bewältigungs- und Leistungsverhaltens und der Inanspruchnahme von Therapie. Angaben zu kognitiven und emotionalen Bedingungen willentlichen Verhaltens waren selten. Eine wertneutrale Integration willentlich gesteuerter Prozesse in die Einschätzung der Berufsunfähigkeit ist unter diesen Bedingungen erschwert.
Behandlung von Typ-2-Diabetes: Praxisnahe Empfehlungen
Authors: Donath Marc
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Über die letzten Jahre haben sich die Therapieziele für Patienten mit Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus wesentlich geändert, auch sind mehrere neue Medikamentengruppen auf den Markt gekommen. In dieser Mini-Review wollen wir diese Ziele definieren und besprechen, mit welchen therapeutischen Massnahmen diese am besten erreicht werden können.
CME: Giftschlangenbisse in der Schweiz
Authors: Plate Andreas , Kupferschmidt Hugo , Schneemann Markus
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Obwohl Schlangenbisse in Europa insgesamt selten sind, kommt es auch in der Schweiz regelmässig zu Bissen von Giftschlangen. Zwei Giftschlangen sind in der Schweiz heimisch: die Aspisviper (Vipera aspis) und die Kreuzotter (Vipera berus). Ursächlich für die Giftschlangenbisse sind neben den heimischen Arten v.a. Bisse von exotischen Tieren, die in Terrarien gehalten werden. Ein Biss kann zu lokalen wie auch systemischen Vergiftungserscheinungen führen. Potenziell tödliche systemische Komplikationen betreffen die Hämostase, das kardiovaskuläre System wie auch das Nervensystem. Nebst einer symptomatischen Therapie besteht in der Gabe eines Antivenins die einzige kausale Therapiemöglichkeit.
One for All, All for One: A Global River Research Network
Authors: Datry Thibault , Corti R. , Foulquier A. , von Schiller D. , Tockner Klement
Published: June 2016

Intermittent rivers are an increasing share of the world's river network, but current models don't include them. One research network is gathering knowledge about these rivers from around the world.
Direct effects dominate responses to climate perturbations in grassland plant communities
Authors: Chu Chengjin , Kleinhesselink Andrew R. , Havstad Kris M. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Peters Debra P. , Vermeire Lance T. , Wei Haiyan , Adler Peter B.
Published: June 2016

Theory predicts that strong indirect effects of environmental change will impact communities when niche differences between competitors are small and variation in the direct effects experienced by competitors is large, but empirical tests are lacking. Here we estimate negative frequency dependence, a proxy for niche differences, and quantify the direct and indirect effects of climate change on each species. Consistent with theory, in four of five communities indirect effects are strongest for species showing weak negative frequency dependence. Indirect effects are also stronger in communities where there is greater variation in direct effects. Overall responses to climate perturbations are driven primarily by direct effects, suggesting that single species models may be adequate for forecasting the impacts of climate change in these communities.
Cytoarchitectural changes in the olfactory bulb of Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Cave John W , Fujiwara Nana , Weibman Ava R , Baker Harriet
Published: June 2016

Olfactory dysfunction is associated with nearly all the cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and typically manifests years before motor symptoms are detected. The cellular mechanisms underlying this dysfunction, however, are not understood. In this study, olfactory bulbs (OBs) from male control and PD subjects were examined by histology for changes in cytoarchitecture. These studies found that the general OB laminar organization and the number of interneurons expressing tyrosine hydroxylase were unaltered. In contrast, the number of mitral/tufted projection neurons and interneurons expressing Calretinin were significantly decreased in PD subjects. This study reveals changes in OB cytoarchitecture mediated by PD and provides valuable insight into identifying specific OB neuronal populations vulnerable to PD-related neurodegeneration.
Monolithically, widely tunable quantum cascade lasers based on a heterogeneous active region design
Authors: Zhou Wenjia , Bandyopadhyay Neelanjan , Wu Donghai , McClintock Ryan , Razeghi Manijeh
Published: June 2016

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have become important laser sources for accessing the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral range, achieving watt-level continuous wave operation in a compact package at room temperature. However, up to now, wavelength tuning, which is desirable for most applications, has relied on external cavity feedback or exhibited a limited monolithic tuning range. Here we demonstrate a widely tunable QCL source over the 6.2 to 9.1 μm wavelength range with a single emitting aperture by integrating an eight-laser sampled grating distributed feedback laser array with an on-chip beam combiner. The laser gain medium is based on a five-core heterogeneous QCL wafer. A compact tunable laser system was built to drive the individual lasers within the array and produce any desired wavelength within the available spectral range. A rapid, broadband spectral measurement (520 cm−1) of methane using the tunable laser source shows excellent agreement to a measurement made using a standard low-speed infrared spectrometer. This monolithic, widely tunable laser technology is compact, with no moving parts and will open new opportunities for MIR spectroscopy and chemical sensing.
Switching of chiral magnetic skyrmions by picosecond magnetic field pulses via transient topological states
Authors: Heo Changhoon , Kiselev Nikolai S. , Nandy Ashis Kumar , Blügel Stefan , Rasing Theo
Published: June 2016

Magnetic chiral skyrmions are vortex like spin structures that appear as stable or meta-stable states in magnetic materials due to the interplay between the symmetric and antisymmetric exchange interactions, applied magnetic field and/or uniaxial anisotropy. Their small size and internal stability make them prospective objects for data storage but for this, the controlled switching between skyrmion states of opposite polarity and topological charge is essential. Here we present a study of magnetic skyrmion switching by an applied magnetic field pulse based on a discrete model of classical spins and atomistic spin dynamics. We found a finite range of coupling parameters corresponding to the coexistence of two degenerate isolated skyrmions characterized by mutually inverted spin structures with opposite polarity and topological charge. We demonstrate how for a wide range of material parameters a short inclined magnetic field pulse can initiate the reliable switching between these states at GHz rates. Detailed analysis of the switching mechanism revealed the complex path of the system accompanied with the excitation of a chiral-achiral meron pair and the formation of an achiral skyrmion.
Ultrafast-Contactless Flash Sintering using Plasma Electrodes
Authors: Saunders Theo , Grasso Salvatore , Reece Michael J.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a novel derivative of flash sintering, in which contactless flash sintering (CFS) is achieved using plasma electrodes. In this setup, electrical contact with the sample to be sintered is made by two arc plasma electrodes, one on either side, allowing current to pass through the sample. This opens up the possibility of continuous throughput flash sintering. Preheating, a usual precondition for flash sintering, is provided by the arc electrodes which heat the sample to 1400 °C. The best results were produced with pre-compacted samples (bars 1.8 mm thick) of pure B4C (discharge time 2s, current 4A) and SiC:B4C 50 wt% (3s at 6A), which were fully consolidated under a heating rate approaching 20000 °C/min. For the composite a cylindrical volume of 14 mm3 was sintered to full density with limited grain growth.
Design of an α-helical antimicrobial peptide with improved cell-selective and potent anti-biofilm activity
Authors: Zhang Shi-Kun , Song Jin-wen , Gong Feng , Li Su-Bo , Chang Hong-Yu , Xie Hui-Min , Gao Hong-Wei , Tan Ying-Xia , Ji Shou-Ping
Published: June 2016

AR-23 is a melittin-related peptide with 23 residues. Like melittin, its high α-helical amphipathic structure results in strong bactericidal activity and cytotoxicity. In this study, a series of AR-23 analogues with low amphipathicity were designed by substitution of Ala1, Ala8 and Ile17 with positively charged residues (Arg or Lys) to study the effect of positively charged residue distribution on the biological viability of the antimicrobial peptide. Substitution of Ile17 on the nonpolar face with positively charged Lys dramatically altered the hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, helicity and the membrane-penetrating activity against human cells as well as the haemolytic activity of the peptide. However, substitution on the polar face only slightly affected the peptide biophysical properties and biological activity. The results indicate that the position rather than the number of positively charged residue affects the biophysical properties and selectivity of the peptide. Of all the analogues, A(A1R, A8R, I17K), a peptide with Ala1-Arg, Ala8-Arg and Ile17-Lys substitutions, exhibited similar bactericidal activity and anti-biofilm activity to AR-23 but had much lower haemolytic activity and cytotoxicity against mammalian cells compared with AR-23. Therefore, the findings reported here provide a rationalization for peptide design and optimization, which will be useful for the future development of antimicrobial agents.
Hybrid kappa\lambda antibody is a new serological marker to diagnose autoimmune pancreatitis and differentiate it from pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hao Mingju , Li Wenli , Yi Lang , Yu Songlin , Fan Gaowei , Lu Tian , Yang Xin , Wang Guojing , Zhang Dong , Ding Jiansheng , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Rui , Lin Guigao , Han Yanxi , Wang Lunan , Li Jinming
Published: June 2016

The only generally accepted serological marker currently used for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is IgG4. Our aim was mainly to determine whether hybrid κ\λ antibody can help to diagnose AIP and to differentiate it from pancreatic cancer. We established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system to measure the levels of hybrid κ\λ antibodies in human sera. Sera were obtained from 338 patients, including 61 with AIP, 74 with pancreatic cancer, 50 with acute pancreatitis, 40 with ordinary chronic pancreatitis, 15 with miscellaneous pancreatic diseases, and 98 with normal pancreas. Our study showed levels of hybrid κ\λ antibodies in the AIP group were significantly higher than in the non-AIP group (P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of AIP were 80.3%, 91%, 66.2% and 95.5% respectively. Furthermore, the combined measurement of serum hybrid κ\λ antibody and IgG4 tended to increase the sensitivity although the difference was not statistically significant (90.2% vs. 78.7%, P = 0.08), compared to measurement of IgG4 alone. Our findings suggest that hybrid κ\λ antibody could be a new serological marker to diagnose AIP and differentiate it from pancreatic cancer.
Long non-coding RNA LINC00628 functions as a gastric cancer suppressor via long-range modulating the expression of cell cycle related genes
Authors: Zhang Zi-Zhen , Zhao Gang , Zhuang Chun , Shen Yan-Ying , Zhao Wen-Yi , Xu Jia , Wang Ming , Wang Chao-Jie , Tu Lin , Cao Hui , Zhang Zhi-Gang
Published: June 2016

To discover new biomarkers for gastric cancer (GC) diagnose and treatment, we screened the lncRNAs in GC tissues from 5 patients. We found 6 lncRNAs had altered expression, and in the same time, the levels of their neighboring genes (located near 300 kb upstream or downstream of lncRNA locus) were significantly changed. After confirming the results of microarray by qRT-PCR in 82 GC patients, the biological function of LINC00628 was examined through cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, colony formation assay and cell cycle detection. We confirmed that LINC00628 functions as a GC suppressor through suppressing proliferation, migration and colony formation of cancer cells. Furthermore, LINC00628 can also suppress the tumor size in mouse xenograft models. Although LINC00628 can modulate LRRN2 expression, the GC suppressor function of LINC00628 is not LRRN2 dependent. The result of mRNA microarray indicated that LINC00628 perform GC inhibitor function through long-range modulating cell cycle related genes. Importantly, we confirmed that LINC00628 mainly located in the nucleus and interacted with EZH2, and modulated genes expression by regulating H3K27me3 level. This research shed light on the role of dysregulated LINC00628 during GC process and may serve as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Molecular distributions and compound-specific stable carbon isotopic compositions of lipids in wintertime aerosols from Beijing
Authors: Ren Lujie , Fu Pingqing , He Yue , Hou Juzhi , Chen Jing , Pavuluri Chandra Mouli , Sun Yele , Wang Zifa
Published: June 2016

Molecular distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of n-alkanes, fatty acids and n-alcohols were investigated in urban aerosols from Beijing, northern China to better understand the sources and long-range atmospheric transport of terrestrial organic matter during polluted and clear days in winter. n-Alkanes (C19–C36), fatty acids (C8–C32) and n-alcohols (C16–C32) detected in Beijing aerosols are characterized by the predominance of C23, C16 and C28, respectively. Carbon preference index (CPI) values of n-alkanes, the ratios of the sum of odd-numbered n-alkanes to the sum of even-numbered n-alkanes, are close to 1, indicating a heavy influence of fossil fuel combustion. Relatively higher ratios of C(18:0+16:0)/C(18:n+16:1) (fatty acids) on clear days than polluted days indicate that long-distance transport and/or photochemical aging are more significant during clear days. δ13C values of n-alkanes and low molecular weight fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0) ranged from –34.1 to −24.7% and −26.9 to −24.6%, respectively, which are generally heavier on polluted days than those on clear days. Such a wide range suggests that atmospheric lipids in Beijing aerosols originate from multiple sources and encounter complicated atmospheric processes during long-range transport in North China.
Purification of Nanoparticles by Size and Shape
Authors: Robertson James D. , Rizzello Loris , Avila-Olias Milagros , Gaitzsch Jens , Contini Claudia , Magoń Monika S. , Renshaw Stephen A. , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Producing monodisperse nanoparticles is essential to ensure consistency in biological experiments and to enable a smooth translation into the clinic. Purification of samples into discrete sizes and shapes may not only improve sample quality, but also provide us with the tools to understand which physical properties of nanoparticles are beneficial for a drug delivery vector. In this study, using polymersomes as a model system, we explore four techniques for purifying pre-formed nanoparticles into discrete fractions based on their size, shape or density. We show that these techniques can successfully separate polymersomes into monodisperse fractions.
Genetic variations associated with six-white-point coat pigmentation in Diannan small-ear pigs
Authors: Lü Meng-Die , Han Xu-Man , Ma Yun-Fei , Irwin David M. , Gao Yun , Deng Jia-Kun , Adeola Adeniyi C. , Xie Hai-Bing , Zhang Ya-Ping
Published: June 2016

A common phenotypic difference among domestic animals is variation in coat color. Six-white-point is a pigmentation pattern observed in varying pig breeds, which seems to have evolved through several different mechanistic pathways. Herein, we re-sequenced whole genomes of 31 Diannan small-ear pigs from China and found that the six-white-point coat color in Diannan small-ear pigs is likely regulated by polygenic loci, rather than by the MC1R locus. Strong associations were observed at three loci (EDNRB, CNTLN and PINK1), which explain about 20 percent of the total coat color variance in the Diannan small-ear pigs. We found a mutation that is highly differentiated between six-white-point and black Diannan small-ear pigs, which is located in a conserved noncoding sequence upstream of the EDNRB gene and is a putative binding site of the CEBPB protein. This study advances our understanding of coat color evolution in Diannan small-ear pigs and expands our traditional knowledge of coat color being a monogenic trait.
Does advancing male age influence the expression levels and localisation patterns of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) in human sperm?
Authors: Yeste Marc , Jones Celine , Amdani Siti Nornadhirah , Yelumalai Suseela , Mounce Ginny , da Silva Sarah J. Martins , Child Tim , Coward Kevin
Published: June 2016

Socio-economic factors have led to an increasing trend for couples to delay parenthood. However, advancing age exerts detrimental effects upon gametes which can have serious consequences upon embryo viability. While such effects are well documented for the oocyte, relatively little is known with regard to the sperm. One fundamental role of sperm is to activate the oocyte at fertilisation, a process initiated by phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), a sperm-specific protein. While PLCζ deficiency can lead to oocyte activation deficiency and infertility, it is currently unknown whether the expression or function of PLCζ is compromised by advancing male age. Here, we evaluate sperm motility and the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ in 71 males (22–54 years; 44 fertile controls and 27 infertile patients), along with total levels and localisation patterns of PLCζ within the sperm head. Three different statistical approaches were deployed with male age considered both as a categorical and a continuous factor. While progressive motility was negatively correlated with male age, all three statistical models concurred that no PLCζ–related parameter was associated with male age, suggesting that advancing male age is unlikely to cause problems in terms of the sperm’s fundamental ability to activate an oocyte.
Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin System Promotes Colitis Development
Authors: Shi Yongyan , Liu Tianjing , He Lei , Dougherty Urszula , Chen Li , Adhikari Sarbani , Alpert Lindsay , Zhou Guolin , Liu Weicheng , Wang Jiaolong , Deb Dilip K. , Hart John , Liu Shu Q. , Kwon John , Pekow Joel , Rubin David T. , Zhao Qun , Bissonnette Marc , Li Yan Chun
Published: June 2016

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays pathogenic roles in renal and cardiovascular disorders, but whether it is involved in colitis is unclear. Here we show that RenTgMK mice that overexpress active renin from the liver developed more severe colitis than wild-type controls. More than 50% RenTgMK mice died whereas all wild-type mice recovered. RenTgMK mice exhibited more robust mucosal TH17 and TH1/TH17 responses and more profound colonic epithelial cell apoptosis compared to wild-type controls. Treatment with aliskiren (a renin inhibitor), but not hydralazine (a smooth muscle relaxant), ameliorated colitis in RenTgMK mice, although both drugs normalized blood pressure. Chronic infusion of angiotensin II into wild-type mice mimicked the severe colitic phenotype of RenTgMK mice and treatment with losartan [an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB)] ameliorated colitis in wild-type mice, confirming a colitogenic role for the endogenous RAS. In human biopsies, pro-inflammatory cytokines were suppressed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease who were on ARB therapy compared to patients not receiving ARB therapy. These observations demonstrate that activation of the RAS promotes colitis in a blood pressure independent manner. Angiotensin II appears to drive colonic mucosal inflammation by promoting intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and mucosal TH17 responses in colitis development.
Glucose induced activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma is regulated by DKK4
Authors: Chouhan Surbhi , Singh Snahlata , Athavale Dipti , Ramteke Pranay , Pandey Vimal , Joseph Jomon , Mohan Rajashekar , Shetty Praveen Kumar , Bhat Manoj Kumar
Published: June 2016

Elevated glycemic index, an important feature of diabetes is implicated in an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this association are relatively less explored. Present study investigates the effect of hyperglycemia over HCC proliferation. We observed that high glucose culture condition (HG) specifically activates canonical Wnt signaling in HCC cells, which is mediated by suppression of DKK4 (a Wnt antagonist) expression and enhanced β-catenin level. Functional assays demonstrated that a normoglycemic culture condition (NG) maintains constitutive expression of DKK4, which controls HCC proliferation rate by suppressing canonical Wnt signaling pathway. HG diminishes DKK4 expression leading to loss of check at G0/G1/S phases of the cell cycle thereby enhancing HCC proliferation, in a β-catenin dependent manner. Interestingly, in NOD/SCID mice supplemented with high glucose, HepG2 xenografted tumors grew rapidly in which elevated levels of β-catenin, c-Myc and decreased levels of DKK4 were detected. Knockdown of DKK4 by shRNA promotes proliferation of HCC cells in NG, which is suppressed by treating cells exogenously with recombinant DKK4 protein. Our in vitro and in vivo results indicate an important functional role of DKK4 in glucose facilitated HCC proliferation.
Ovarian proteomic study reveals the possible molecular mechanism for hyperprolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep
Authors: Miao Xiangyang , Luo Qingmiao , Zhao Huijing , Qin Xiaoyu
Published: June 2016

Small Tail Han sheep is a widely bred farm animal in China which has attracted lots of attention due to their high prolificacy and year-round estrus. However, the molecular mechanism of its fecundity remains unrevealed. The FecB gene polymorphism has been found to be associated with the ovulation rate and litter size of sheep. In the present study, we constructed an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis to compare the ovarian proteomes of FecB+FecB+ genotype Small Tail Han sheep ewes (Han ++), FecBBFecBB Han ewes (Han BB) and Dorset ewes (Dorset). Hundreds of differentially expressed proteins between each two groups were identified; GO and KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the expressions of those proteins involved in ribosome assembly, protein translation and mTOR pathway between Dorset and both Han groups were highly different. Between Han ++ and Han BB groups, higher level of protein expressions were related to mitochondrial oxidation functions such as oxidoreductase activity, cytochrome-c oxidase activity and electron carrier activity. This was identified in Han BB group, which may contribute to the elevated ovulation rate of Han BB ewes. In conclusion, our work provided a prospective understanding of the molecular mechanism for high prolificacy of Small Tail Han sheep.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitor Factor Upregulates MCP-1 Expression in an Autocrine Manner in Hepatocytes during Acute Mouse Liver Injury
Authors: Xie Jieshi , Yang Le , Tian Lei , Li Weiyang , Yang Lin , Li Liying
Published: June 2016

Macrophage migration inhibitor factor (MIF), a multipotent innate immune mediator, is an upstream component of the inflammatory cascade in diseases such as liver disease. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a highly representative chemokine, is critical in liver disease pathogenesis. We investigated the role of MIF in regulating hepatocytic MCP-1 expression. MIF and MCP-1 expression were characterized by immunochemistry, RT-PCR, ELISA and immunoblotting in CCl4-treated mouse liver and isolated hepatocytes. MIF was primarily distributed in hepatocytes and its expression increased upon acute liver injury. Its expression was also increased in injured hepatocytes, induced by LPS or CCl4, which mimic liver injury in vitro. MIF was expressed earlier than MCP-1, strongly inducing hepatocytic MCP-1 expression. Moreover, the increase in MCP-1 expression induced by MIF was inhibited by CD74- or CD44-specific siRNAs and SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Further, CD74 or CD44 deficiency effectively inhibited MIF-induced p38 activation. MIF inhibitor ISO-1 reduced MCP-1 expression and p38 phosphorylation in CCl4-treated mouse liver. Our results showed that MIF regulates MCP-1 expression in hepatocytes of injured liver via CD74, CD44 and p38 MAPK in an autocrine manner, providing compelling information on the role of MIF in liver injury and implying a new regulatory mechanism for liver inflammation.
Inhibition of microtubule dynamics impedes repair of kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury and increases fibrosis
Authors: Han Sang Jun , Kim Ji-Hyeon , Kim Jee In , Park Kwon Moo
Published: June 2016

The microtubule cytoskeleton is composed of α-tubulin and β-tubulin heterodimers, and it serves to regulate the shape, motility, and division of a cell. Post-translational modifications including acetylation are closely associated with the functional aspects of the microtubule, involving in a number of pathological diseases. However, the role of microtubule acetylation in acute kidney injury (AKI) and progression of AKI to chronic kidney disease have yet to be understood. In this study, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a major cause of AKI, resulted in deacetylation of the microtubules with a decrease in α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (α-TAT1). Paclitaxel (taxol), an agent that stabilizes microtubules by tubulin acetylation, treatment during the recovery phase following I/R injury inhibited tubular cell proliferation, impaired renal functional recovery, and worsened fibrosis. Taxol induced α-tubulin acetylation and post-I/R cell cycle arrest. Taxol aggregated the microtubule in the cytoplasm, resulting in suppression of microtubule dynamics. Our studies have demonstrated for the first time that I/R induced deacetylation of the microtubules, and that inhibition of microtubule dynamics retarded repair of injured tubular epithelial cells leading to an acceleration of fibrosis. This suggests that microtubule dynamics plays an important role in the processes of repair and fibrosis after AKI.
Host–guest architectures with a surface confined imine covalent organic framework as two-dimensional host networks
Authors: Sun Jiang , Zhou Xin , Lei Shengbin
Published: June 2016

Surface COF is used as a host to accommodate three guest molecules, and selective accommodation of F16CuPc was confirmed by STM and DFT investigation.
The occurrence of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl parabens in the urban rivers and stormwaters of Sydney, Australia
Authors: Evans Wendy A. , Davies Peter J. , McRae Christopher
Published: June 2016

Solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) identified ethyl-paraben in Sydney's urban streams at greater concentrations than other parabens. Results were comparatively higher than studies from cities with combined sewer/stormwater systems.
IR and Raman imaging of murine brains from control and ApoE/LDLR−/−mice with advanced atherosclerosis
Authors: Kochan Kamila , Chrabaszcz Karolina , Szczur Barbara , Maslak Edyta , Dybas Jakub , Marzec Katarzyna M.
Published: June 2016

IR and Raman imaging combined with chemometric analyses were used to study the biochemical profile of the murine brain tissue from control (C57BL/6J) and ApoE/LDLR−/−mice with advanced atherosclerosis.
Determination of the sputtering yield of cholesterol using Arn+and C60+(+)cluster ions
Authors: Rakowska P. D. , Seah M. P. , Vorng J.-L. , Havelund R. , Gilmore I. S.
Published: June 2016

Comparison of C60+(+)and Arn+as sputtering ions for SIMS depth profiling of cholesterol thin films.
The correction fluorescence inner filter effect using a single excitation and dual-emission fiber optic probe
Authors: Zeng Li-Hua , Wang Cong , Wang Tan , Li Dao-Liang
Published: June 2016

A significant disadvantage of fluorometry is the inner filter effect when the fluorophore concentration is high.
Development of a femtosecond time-resolved near-IR multiplex stimulated Raman spectrometer in resonance with transitions in the 900–1550 nm region
Authors: Takaya Tomohisa , Iwata Koichi
Published: June 2016

A femtosecond time-resolved near-IR multiplex stimulated Raman spectrometer has been developed for investigating the structural dynamics in charge-transfer processes.
A comparison of techniques for size measurement of nanoparticles in cell culture medium
Authors: Gollwitzer Christian , Bartczak Dorota , Goenaga-Infante Heidi , Kestens Vikram , Krumrey Michael , Minelli Caterina , Pálmai Marcell , Ramaye Yannic , Roebben Gert , Sikora Aneta , Varga Zoltán
Published: June 2016

Four common size analysis techniques were applied to engineered silica nanoparticles suspended in purified water, in physiological buffer and in cell culture medium, and the results were compared using uncertainty estimates.
Sequential determination of iron species in food samples by new task specific ionic liquid based in situ dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry
Authors: Sadeghi Susan , Ashoori Vahid
Published: June 2016

The extraction time was short and only a single sample was used for extraction and determination of two iron species.
Highly active and selective photochemical reduction of CO2 to CO using molecular-defined cyclopentadienone iron complexes
Authors: Rosas-Hernández Alonso , Alsabeh Pamela G. , Barsch Enrico , Junge Hernrik , Ludwig Ralf , Beller Matthias
Published: June 2016

Highly active and selective visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to CO catalyzed by well-defined cyclopentadienone iron complexes.
Exceptionally large two- and three-photon absorption cross-sections by OPV organometalation
Authors: Gao Beibei , Mazur Leszek M. , Morshedi Mahbod , Barlow Adam , Wang Huan , Quintana Cristóbal , Zhang Chi , Samoc Marek , Cifuentes Marie P. , Humphrey Mark G.
Published: June 2016

End-functionalization of OPVs by chlorobis{bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane}ruthenium alkynyl units affords molecules with exceptionally large two- and three-photon absorption cross-sections.
Colloidal synthesis of VSe2single-layer nanosheets as novel electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Dong Bohua , Guo Zenglong , Su Ge , Gao Rongjie , Wang Wei , Cao Lixin
Published: June 2016

We present a one-pot colloidal route to synthesize VSe2, a new type of metallic single-layer nanosheet.
Tuning water transport through nanochannels by changing the direction of an external electric field
Authors: Zhu Jianzhuo , Lan Yueqiang , Du Huijing , Zhang Yuanhang , Su Jiguo
Published: June 2016

The transport of water through a nanochannel is dependent on the direction of an external electric field.
Controlled electrical doping of organic semiconductors: a combined intra- and intermolecular perspective from first principles
Authors: Joo Bora , Kim Eung-Gun
Published: June 2016

Despite doping being an intermolecular process, the identification of the transfer modes requires a full account of intramolecular geometric changes during charge transfer.
Self-healing properties of nanocrystalline materials: a first-principles analysis of the role of grain boundaries
Authors: Xu Jian , Liu Jian-Bo , Li Shun-Ning , Liu Bai-Xin , Jiang Yong
Published: June 2016

Understanding the self-healing mechanisms of defects in nanocrystalline materials is of particular importance for developing structural materials that can support the extended lifetime of components under extremely hostile conditions in nuclear reactors.
Effective participation of Li4(NH2)3BH4 in the dehydrogenation pathway of the Mg(NH2)2–2LiH composite
Authors: Amica G. , Cova F. , Arneodo Larochette P. , Gennari F. C.
Published: June 2016

The presence of Li4(NH2)3BH4 in the MgNH2–LiH composite enhances the hydrogen sorption kinetics and its cycling stability.
Long-living optical gain induced by solvent viscosity in a push–pull molecule
Authors: Mróz M. M. , Benedini S. , Forni A. , Botta C. , Pasini D. , Cariati E. , Virgili T.
Published: June 2016

The combination of continuum and ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy, in viscous and non-viscous environments, with DFT and TDDFT calculations, is effective in unraveling important features of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer mechanism in a new push–pull molecule that possesses aggregation induced emission properties.
Simultaneous multi-element and isotope ratio imaging of fish otoliths by laser ablation split stream ICP-MS/MC ICP-MS
Authors: Prohaska T. , Irrgeher J. , Zitek A.
Published: June 2016

The simultaneous retrieval of spatially resolved information on the elemental content and isotope ratios from the same sampling spot (e.g.in incrementally grown biological material) still represents an analytical challenge.
The discovery and evaluation of diaryl ether heterocyclic sulfonamides as URAT1 inhibitors for the treatment of gout
Authors: Storer R. Ian , Owen Robert M. , Pike Andy , Benn Caroline L. , Armstrong Emma , Blakemore David C. , Bictash Magda , Costelloe Kathryn , Impey Emma , Milliken Philip H. , Mortimer-Cassen Elisabeth , Pearce Hannah J. , Pibworth Benjamin , Toschi Gianna
Published: June 2016

A series of acidic heterocyclic sulfonamides that are potent and selective URAT1 inhibitors is described.
The design, synthesis and evaluation of low molecular weight acidic sulfonamides as URAT1 inhibitors for the treatment of gout
Authors: Pike Andy , Storer R. Ian , Owen Robert M. , Armstrong Emma , Benn Caroline L. , Bictash Magda , Cheung Kathy F. K. , Costelloe Kathryn , Dardennes Emmanuel , Impey Emma , Milliken Philip H. , Mortimer-Cassen Elisabeth , Pearce Hannah J.
Published: June 2016

A series of low molecular weight and synthetically facile acidic sulfonamides that are potent and selective URAT1 inhibitors is described.
Nine self-assembled nickel(ii)–lanthanide(iii) heterometallic complexes constructed from a Salamo-type bisoxime and bearing a N- or O-donor auxiliary ligand: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Dong Wen-Kui , Ma Jian-Chun , Zhu Li-Chun , Zhang Yang
Published: June 2016

Nine Ni(ii)–Ln(iii) complexes were prepared using 3-MeOsalamo and structurally characterized, and their magnetic properties were studied.
Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks based on a 1,2,3-triazole-containing tricarboxylic acid ligand for luminescence sensing of metal ions and nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Wang Di , Sun Libo , Hao Chuanqing , Yan Yan , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2016

A series of novel 3D lanthanide MOFs based on unsymmetrical 1,2,3-triazole-containing tricarboxylic acid ligand (H3TAIP) has been synthesized. Compound 1 [Tb(TAIP)(DMF)2] exhibits selective detection of 4-nitrotoluene and Fe3+ ion.
Ultra-thin carbon-based nanocomposite coatings for superior wear resistance under lubrication with nano-diamond additives
Authors: Khadem Mahdi , Penkov Oleksiy V. , Pukha Vladimir E. , Maleyev Maxim V. , Kim Dae-Eun
Published: June 2016

Ultra-thin carbon-based nanocomposite coatings comprised of graphite nanocrystals embedded in diamond-like carbon (DLC) matrix were deposited on stainless steel substrates by the C60ion beam method, as a wear protective coating.
Fabrication, characterization, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of novel mesoporous calcium silicate/polyetheretherketone composites
Authors: Hu G. F. , Quan R. F. , Chen Y. M. , Bi D. W. , Jiang X. S. , Li X. F. , Li J. Y.
Published: June 2016

Composite consisting of polyetheretherketone and mesoporous calcium silicate were fabricated. The composite with improved hydrophilicity, bioactivity and biocompatibility might be a great candidate for bone tissue regeneration.
Palladium-catalyzed ortho C–H bond alkylation of benzylamides with α-bromo ketones
Authors: Song Jiao , Chen Wenbo , Zhao Yunjie , Li Chenglong , Liang Guang , Huang Lehao
Published: June 2016

A Pd-catalyzed alkylation of ortho C–H bonds in benzylamides with α-bromo ketones or nitrile is reported. Furthermore, a straightforward strategy for preparing 3-arylisoquinoline derivatives is developed.
A facile and efficient method for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazoles with enamides and benzylamines
Authors: Cao Jinhui , Zhou Xiaoqiang , Ma Haojie , Shi Chong , Huang Guosheng
Published: June 2016

A novel and practical method for the construction of 1,2,4-trisubstituted imidazoles with enamides and benzylamines catalysed by CuBr and I2has been developed.
Understanding NO emissions in diesel and biodiesel based engines
Authors: Santhosham Aruna , Aghalayam Preeti
Published: June 2016

NO emissions from various fuels representing diesel and biodiesel are investigated using a homogeneous combustion model. Insights into the pathways of NO formation and differences between the fuels are obtained.
Rhus verniciflua as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M H2SO4
Authors: Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Kim Seung-Hyun , Hemapriya Venkatesan , Gopiraman Mayakrishnan , Kim Ick Soo , Chung Ill-Min
Published: June 2016

The methanolic extract of the plantRhus vernicifluawas examined as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1 M H2SO4through weight loss, UV-visible, FT-IR, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization measurements.
Polyethylenimine as a dual functional additive for electron transporting layer in efficient solution processed planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dong Sujuan , Wan Yangyang , Wang Yaling , Yang Yin , Wang Yahui , Zhang Xinyu , Cao Huanqi , Qin Wenjing , Yang Liying , Yao Cong , Ge Ziyi , Yin Shougen
Published: June 2016

The device performance is enhanced by doping a small percentage of polyethylenimine (PEI) into the PCBM.
Comparative studies of the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties in orthorhombic and tetragonal BaCu2Se2 by first-principles calculations
Authors: Zou Daifeng , Zheng Hairong , Li Jiangyu
Published: June 2016

Results show that the thermoelectric performance of tetragonal β-BaCu2Se2 is superior to orthorhombic α-BaCu2Se2.
Defect states and morphological evolution in mechanically processed ZnO + xC nanosystems as studied by EPR and photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Kakazey M. , Vlasova M. , Juarez-Arellano E. A. , Torchynska T. , Basiuk V. A.
Published: June 2016

Evolution of the EPR and photoluminescence spectra of various active states in mixtures of ZnO +xC nanoparticles was observed during prolonged high-energy mechanical processing.
l-Isoleucine derived bifunctional phosphine catalyses asymmetric [3 + 2]-annulation of allenyl-esters and -ketones with ketimines
Authors: Sankar Muthukumar G. , Garcia-Castro Miguel , Golz Christopher , Strohmann Carsten , Kumar Kamal
Published: June 2016

l-Isoleucine derived bifunctionalN-acylaminophosphine catalyzed a [3 + 2]-annulation reaction between allenyl carbonyl compounds and isatinimines to afford a facile and asymmetric access to 3,2′-dihydropyrrolyl spirooxindoles.
Microfluidic fabrication of magnetic porous multi-walled carbon nanotube beads for oil and organic solvent adsorption
Authors: Cao Xiaojian , Zang Linlin , Bu Zhipeng , Sun Liguo , Guo Dechao , Wang Cheng
Published: June 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic porous multi-walled carbon nanotube beads (MCNTBs) with obvious hierarchical pores were fabricated by using a microfluidic device for oil and organic solvent adsorption.
Hydrogen gas-assisted synthesis of worm-like PtMo wavy nanowires as efficient catalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Eid Kamel , Lin Ming , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing , Gu Hongwei
Published: June 2016

A facile method for one-pot synthesis of worm-like PtMo wavy nanowires under hydrogen pressure is developed. The as-made catalyst shows superior catalytic activity and durability towards the methanol oxidation reaction.
Zinc cobalt sulfide nanosheets grown on nitrogen-doped graphene/carbon nanotube film as a high-performance electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Tong Hao , Bai Wenlong , Yue Shihong , Gao Zhenzhen , Lu Liang , Shen Laifa , Dong Shengyang , Zhu Jiajia , He Jianping , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: June 2016

To improve the energy density of supercapacitors, a new type of electrode material with high electrochemical activity and favorable morphology is extremely desired.