bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA mir-34 provides robustness to environmental stress response via the DAF-16 network in C. elegans
Authors: Isik Meltem , Blackwell T. Keith , Berezikov Eugene
Published: December 2016

Diverse stresses and aging alter expression levels of microRNAs, suggesting a role for these posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in stress modulation and longevity. Earlier studies demonstrated a central role for the miR-34 family in promoting cell cycle arrest and cell death following stress in human cells. However, the biological significance of this response was unclear. Here we show that inC. elegans mir-34upregulation is necessary for developmental arrest, correct morphogenesis, and adaptation to a lower metabolic state to protect animals against stress-related damage. Either deletion or overexpression ofmir-34lead to an impaired stress response, which can largely be explained by perturbations in DAF-16/FOXO target gene expression. We demonstrate thatmir-34expression is regulated by the insulin signaling pathway via a negative feedback loop between miR-34 and DAF-16/FOXO. We propose thatmir-34provides robustness to stress response programs by controlling noise in the DAF-16/FOXO-regulated gene network.
Selection for predation, not female fecundity, explains sexual size dimorphism in the orchid mantises
Authors: Svenson Gavin J. , Brannoch Sydney K. , Rodrigues Henrique M. , O’Hanlon James C. , Wieland Frank
Published: December 2016

Here we reconstruct the evolutionary shift towards floral simulation in orchid mantises and suggest female predatory selection as the likely driving force behind the development of extreme sexual size dimorphism. Through analysis of body size data and phylogenetic modelling of trait evolution, we recovered an ancestral shift towards sexual dimorphisms in both size and appearance in a lineage of flower-associated praying mantises. Sedentary female flower mantises dramatically increased in size prior to a transition from camouflaged, ambush predation to a floral simulation strategy, gaining access to, and visually attracting, a novel resource: large pollinating insects. Male flower mantises, however, remained small and mobile to facilitate mate-finding and reproductive success, consistent with ancestral male life strategy. Although moderate sexual size dimorphisms are common in many arthropod lineages, the predominant explanation is female size increase for increased fecundity. However, sex-dependent selective pressures acting outside of female fecundity have been suggested as mechanisms behind niche dimorphisms. Our hypothesised role of predatory selection acting on females to generate both extreme sexual size dimorphism coupled with niche dimorphism is novel among arthropods.
Laser Speckle Rheology for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogel scaffolds
Authors: Hajjarian Zeinab , Nia Hadi Tavakoli , Ahn Shawn , Grodzinsky Alan J. , Jain Rakesh K. , Nadkarni Seemantini K.
Published: December 2016

Natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds exhibit distinct viscoelastic properties at various length scales and deformation rates. Laser Speckle Rheology (LSR) offers a novel, non-contact optical approach for evaluating the frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of hydrogels. In LSR, a coherent laser beam illuminates the specimen and a high-speed camera acquires the time-varying speckle images. Cross-correlation analysis of frames returns the speckle intensity autocorrelation function, g2(t), from which the frequency-dependent viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω), is deduced. Here, we establish the capability of LSR for evaluating the viscoelastic properties of hydrogels over a large range of moduli, using conventional mechanical rheometry and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based indentation as reference-standards. Results demonstrate a strong correlation between |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR and mechanical rheometry (r = 0.95, p < 10−9), and z-test analysis reports that moduli values measured by the two methods are identical (p > 0.08) over a large range (47 Pa – 36 kPa). In addition, |G*(ω)| values measured by LSR correlate well with indentation moduli, E, reported by AFM (r = 0.92, p < 10−7). Further, spatially-resolved moduli measurements in micro-patterned substrates demonstrate that LSR combines the strengths of conventional rheology and micro-indentation in assessing hydrogel viscoelastic properties at multiple frequencies and small length-scales.
Irrigation water productivity is more influenced by agronomic practice factors than by climatic factors in Hexi Corridor, Northwest China
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Zhang Xiaotao , Niu Jun , Tong Ling , Kang Shaozhong , Du Taisheng , Li Sien , Ding Risheng
Published: December 2016

Quantifying the influence of driving factors on irrigation water productivity (IWP) is vital for efficient agricultural water use. This study analyzed contributions of agronomic practice and climatic factors to the changes of IWP, based on the data from 1981 to 2012 in Hexi Corridor, Northwest China. Cobb-Douglas production functions were developed by the partial least squares method and contribution rates of the driving factors were calculated. Results showed that IWP and its driving factors increased during the study period, with different changing patterns. IWP was significantly correlated with the agronomic practice factors, daily mean temperature and solar radiation of the crop growing period. The agronomic practice factors including irrigation, fertilization, agricultural film, and agricultural pesticide contributed 20.6%, 32.8%, 42.3% and 11.1% respectively to the increase of IWP; and the contribution rates of the climatic factors, i.e. daily mean temperature and solar radiation, are −0.9% and 0.9%. And the contributions of these factors changed in different sub-periods. It is concluded that agronomic practice factors influenced IWP much more than climatic factors. The improvement of IWP should rely on advanced water-saving technology and application of optimum (need-based) fertilizer, agricultural film and pesticide, ensuring efficient use of agronomic inputs in the study area.
Pharmacologic modulation of RORγt translates to efficacy in preclinical and translational models of psoriasis and inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Xue Xiaohua , Soroosh Pejman , De Leon-Tabaldo Aimee , Luna-Roman Rosa , Sablad Marciano , Rozenkrants Natasha , Yu Jingxue , Castro Glenda , Banie Homayon , Fung-Leung Wai-Ping , Santamaria-Babi Luis , Schlueter Thomas , Albers Michael , Leonard Kristi , Budelsky Alison L. , Fourie Anne M.
Published: December 2016

The IL-23/IL-17 pathway is implicated in autoimmune diseases, particularly psoriasis, where biologics targeting IL-23 and IL-17 have shown significant clinical efficacy. Retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma t (RORγt) is required for Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production in adaptive and innate immune cells. We identified JNJ-54271074, a potent and highly-selective RORγt inverse agonist, which dose-dependently inhibited RORγt-driven transcription, decreased co-activator binding and promoted interaction with co-repressor protein. This compound selectively blocked Th17 differentiation, significantly reduced IL-17A production from memory T cells, and decreased IL-17A- and IL-22-producing human and murine γδ and NKT cells. In a murine collagen-induced arthritis model, JNJ-54271074 dose-dependently suppressed joint inflammation. Furthermore, JNJ-54271074 suppressed IL-17A production in human PBMC from rheumatoid arthritis patients. RORγt-deficient mice showed decreased IL-23-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation and cytokine gene expression, consistent with dose-dependent inhibition in wild-type mice through oral dosing of JNJ-54271074. In a translational model of human psoriatic epidermal cells and skin-homing T cells, JNJ-54271074 selectively inhibited streptococcus extract-induced IL-17A and IL-17F. JNJ-54271074 is thus a potent, selective RORγt modulator with therapeutic potential in IL-23/IL-17 mediated autoimmune diseases.
Inter-laboratory evolution of a model organism and its epistatic effects on mutagenesis screens
Authors: Bradley Michael D. , Neu Devin , Bahar Fatmagul , Welch Roy D.
Published: December 2016

In theory, a few naturally occurring evolutionary changes in the genome of a model organism may have little or no observable impact on its wild type phenotype, and yet still substantially impact the phenotypes of mutant strains through epistasis. To see if this is happening in a model organism, we obtained nine different laboratories’ wild type Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 “sublines” and sequenced each to determine if they had evolved after their physical separation. Under a common garden experiment, each subline satisfied the phenotypic prerequisites for wild type, but many differed to a significant degree in each of the four quantitative phenotypic traits we measured, with some sublines differing by several-fold. Genome resequencing identified 29 variants between the nine sublines, and eight had at least one unique variant within an Open Reading Frame (ORF). By disrupting the ORF MXAN7041 in two different sublines, we demonstrated substantial epistasis from these naturally occurring variants. The impact of such inter-laboratory wild type evolution is important to any genotype-to-phenotype study; an organism’s phenotype may be sensitive to small changes in genetic background, so that results from phenotypic screens and other related experiments might not agree with prior published results or the results from other laboratories.
Increased temperature delays the late-season phenology of multivoltine insect
Authors: Glazaczow Adam , Orwin David , Bogdziewicz Michał
Published: December 2016

We analyzed the impact of increased water temperature on the late-season phenology of the mayfly (Baetis liebenauae). The River Gwda, unlike two other examined rivers (controls), has reservoirs along its length and thus, higher water temperature. Elevated water temperature prolonged summer diapause of the mayfly and shifted its life cycle to the later autumn: the last generation of mayflies started development later in the Gwda than in the control rivers. This translated into terrestrial stages (subimagos) of the insect being more abundant at the water surface in the late autumn in the Gwda river than in the control rivers. The low water temperature in the late autumn hampers subimagos emergence from the water surface. Thus, the altered insect phenology at Gwda resulted in a largely lost generation. However, the effect of reservoirs on the river water temperature was context-dependent, with the heating effect (and the impact on mayfly phenology) weaker in the year with lower average air temperature. In summary, warming blurred the environmental cue used by mayflies to tune their phenology, which resulted in a developmental trap. Since the projections of increases in global temperatures reach even 6.4 °C, reported mechanisms will potentially also occur in non-transformed watercourses.
High fidelity computational simulation of thrombus formation in Thoratec HeartMate II continuous flow ventricular assist device
Authors: Wu Wei-Tao , Yang Fang , Wu Jingchun , Aubry Nadine , Massoudi Mehrdad , Antaki James F.
Published: December 2016

Continuous flow ventricular assist devices (cfVADs) provide a life-saving therapy for severe heart failure. However, in recent years, the incidence of device-related thrombosis (resulting in stroke, device-exchange surgery or premature death) has been increasing dramatically, which has alarmed both the medical community and the FDA. The objective of this study was to gain improved understanding of the initiation and progression of thrombosis in one of the most commonly used cfVADs, the Thoratec HeartMate II. A computational fluid dynamics simulation (CFD) was performed using our recently updated mathematical model of thrombosis. The patterns of deposition predicted by simulation agreed well with clinical observations. Furthermore, thrombus accumulation was found to increase with decreased flow rate, and can be completely suppressed by the application of anticoagulants and/or improvement of surface chemistry. To our knowledge, this is the first simulation to explicitly model the processes of platelet deposition and thrombus growth in a continuous flow blood pump and thereby replicate patterns of deposition observed clinically. The use of this simulation tool over a range of hemodynamic, hematological, and anticoagulation conditions could assist physicians to personalize clinical management to mitigate the risk of thrombosis. It may also contribute to the design of future VADs that are less thrombogenic.
The mammalian LINC complex regulates genome transcriptional responses to substrate rigidity
Authors: Alam Samer G. , Zhang Qiao , Prasad Nripesh , Li Yuan , Chamala Srikar , Kuchibhotla Ram , KC Birendra , Aggarwal Varun , Shrestha Shristi , Jones Angela L. , Levy Shawn E. , Roux Kyle J. , Nickerson Jeffrey A. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: December 2016

Mechanical integration of the nucleus with the extracellular matrix (ECM) is established by linkage between the cytoskeleton and the nucleus. This integration is hypothesized to mediate sensing of ECM rigidity, but parsing the function of nucleus-cytoskeleton linkage from other mechanisms has remained a central challenge. Here we took advantage of the fact that the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex is a known molecular linker of the nucleus to the cytoskeleton, and asked how it regulates the sensitivity of genome-wide transcription to substratum rigidity. We show that gene mechanosensitivity is preserved after LINC disruption, but reversed in direction. Combined with myosin inhibition studies, we identify genes that depend on nuclear tension for their regulation. We also show that LINC disruption does not attenuate nuclear shape sensitivity to substrate rigidity. Our results show for the first time that the LINC complex facilitates mechano-regulation of expression across the genome.
Advanced Fabrication of Chemically Bonded Graphene/TiO2 Continuous Fibers with Enhanced Broadband Photocatalytic Properties and Involved Mechanisms Exploration
Authors: Zhang Qingzhe , Bao Nan , Wang Xinqiang , Hu Xinde , Miao Xinhan , Chaker Mohamed , Ma Dongling
Published: December 2016

In this article, a novel route for the synthesis of graphene/TiO2 continuous fibers (GTF) using force-spinning combined with water vapor annealing method is reported for the first time. The morphology, structure and optical properties of the composite were fully characterized. With a single step of heat treatment process using steam at ambient conditions, we were able to initiate a series of chemical reactions, such as reduction of graphene oxide (GO), crystallization of TiO2, formation of C-Ti bond, and introduction of oxygen vacancies into TiO2. The incorporation of graphene in TiO2 fibers facilitated bandgap narrowing and improved photo-induced charge separation in the photocatalyst. As a result of synergistic effects, TiO2 fibers-2 wt% graphene (2%GTF) showed the highest photocatalytic activities in the degradation of X-3B under UV irradiation, superior to the benchmark photocatalyst P25. Under visible light irradiation, the same catalyst was about 4 times more efficient compared to pure TiO2 fibers (PTF). A detailed study of involved active species (in particular, ·"Equation missing", h+ and ·OH) unraveled the mechanism regarding photocatalysis.
Broken-Symmetry Quantum Hall States in Twisted Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Kim Youngwook , Park Jaesung , Song Intek , Ok Jong Mok , Jo Younjung , Watanabe Kenji , Taniquchi Takashi , Choi Hee Cheul , Lee Dong Su , Jung Suyong , Kim Jun Sung
Published: December 2016

Twisted bilayer graphene offers a unique bilayer two-dimensional-electron system where the layer separation is only in sub-nanometer scale. Unlike Bernal-stacked bilayer, the layer degree of freedom is disentangled from spin and valley, providing eight-fold degeneracy in the low energy states. We have investigated broken-symmetry quantum Hall (QH) states and their transitions due to the interplay of the relative strength of valley, spin and layer polarizations in twisted bilayer graphene. The energy gaps of the broken-symmetry QH states show an electron-hole asymmetric behaviour, and their dependence on the induced displacement field are opposite between even and odd filling factor states. These results strongly suggest that the QH states with broken valley and spin symmetries for individual layer become hybridized via interlayer tunnelling, and the hierarchy of the QH states is sensitive to both magnetic field and displacement field due to charge imbalance between layers.
Super-resolution imaging using the spatial-frequency filtered intensity fluctuation correlation
Authors: Sprigg Jane , Peng Tao , Shih Yanhua
Published: December 2016

We report an experimental demonstration of a nonclassical imaging mechanism with super-resolving power beyond the Rayleigh limit. When the classical image is completely blurred out due to the use of a small imaging lens, by taking advantage of the intensity fluctuation correlation of thermal light, the demonstrated camera recovered the image of the resolution testing gauge. This method could be adapted to long distance imaging, such as satellite imaging, which requires large diameter camera lenses to achieve high image resolution.
Circulating cell-free DNA, telomere length and bilirubin in the Vienna Active Ageing Study: exploratory analysis of a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Tosevska Anela , Franzke Bernhard , Hofmann Marlene , Vierheilig Immina , Schober-Halper Barbara , Oesen Stefan , Neubauer Oliver , Wessner Barbara , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: December 2016

Telomere length (TL) in blood cells is widely used in human studies as a molecular marker of ageing. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as well as unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) are dynamic blood constituents whose involvement in age-associated diseases is largely unexplored. To our knowledge, there are no published studies integrating all three parameters, especially in individuals of advanced age. Here we present a secondary analysis from the Vienna Active Aging Study (VAAS), a randomized controlled intervention trial in institutionalized elderly individuals (n = 101). Using an exploratory approach we combine three blood-based molecular markers (TL, UCB and cfDNA) with a range of primary and secondary outcomes from the intervention. We further look at the changes occurring in these parameters after 6-month resistance exercise training with or without supplementation. A correlation between UCB and TL was evident at baseline (p < 0.05), and both were associated with increased chromosomal anomalies such as nucleoplasmatic bridges and nuclear buds (p < 0.05). Of the three main markers explored in this paper, only cfDNA decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 6-month training and dietary intervention. No clear relationship could be established between cfDNA and either UCB or TL. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01775111).
The ER stress regulator Bip mediates cadmium-induced autophagy and neuronal senescence
Authors: Wang Tao , Yuan Yan , Zou Hui , Yang Jinlong , Zhao Shiwen , Ma Yonggang , Wang Yi , Bian Jianchun , Liu Xuezhong , Gu Jianhong , Liu Zongping , Zhu Jiaqiao
Published: December 2016

Autophagy is protective in cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative damage. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been shown to induce autophagy in a process requiring the unfolded protein response signalling pathways. Cd treatment significantly increased senescence in neuronal cells, which was aggravated by 3-MA or silencing of Atg5 and abolished by rapamycin. Cd increased expression of ER stress regulators Bip, chop, eIf2α, and ATF4, and activated autophagy as evidenced by upregulated LC3. Moreover, the ER stress inhibitor mithramycin inhibited the expression of ER stress protein chaperone Bip and blocked autophagic flux. Downregulating Bip significantly blocked the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, decreased LC3 puncta formation, and prevented the increase of senescence in PC12 cells. Interestingly, knocking down Bip regulated the expression of p-AMPK, p-AKT and p-s6k induced by Cd. BAPTA, a Bip inhibitor, decreased the expression of p-AMPK and LC3-II, but enhanced neuronal senescence. In addition, we found that siRNA for Bip enhanced GATA4 expression after 6 h Cd exposure in PC12 cells, while rapamycin treatment decreased GATA4 levels induced by 24 h Cd exposure. These results indicate that autophagy degraded GATA4 in a Bip-dependent way. Our findings suggest that autophagy regulated by Bip expression after ER stress suppressed Cd-induced neuronal senescence.
Remarkable alterations of Nav1.6 in reactive astrogliosis during epileptogenesis
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Zhao Yuxiao , Wu Hao , Jiang Nan , Wang Ziyi , Lin Weide , Jin Jiahui , Ji Yonghua
Published: December 2016

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play a vital role in controlling neuronal excitability. Nav1.6 is the most abundantly expressed VGSCs subtype in the adult central nervous system and has been found to contribute to facilitate the hyperexcitability of neurons after electrical induction of status epilepticus (SE). To clarify the exact expression patterns of Nav1.6 during epileptogenesis, we examined the expression of Nav1.6 at protein and mRNA levels in two distinct animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) including a post-SE model induced by kainic acid (KA) intrahippocampal injection and a kindling model evoked by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). A prominent, seizure intensity-dependent increase of Nav1.6 expression in reactive astrocytes was observed in ipsilateral hippocampus of post-SE rats, reaching the peak at 21 days after SE, a time point during the latent stage of epileptogenesis. However, Nav1.6 with low expression level was selectively expressed in the hippocampal neurons rather than astrocytes in PTZ-kindled animals. This seizure-related increase of a VGSCs subtype in reactive astrocytes after SE may represent a new mechanism for signal communication between neuron and glia in the course of epileptogenesis, facilitating the neuronal hyperexcitability.
Five key attributes can increase marine protected areas performance for small-scale fisheries management
Authors: Di Franco Antonio , Thiriet Pierre , Di Carlo Giuseppe , Dimitriadis Charalampos , Francour Patrice , Gutiérrez Nicolas L. , Jeudy de Grissac Alain , Koutsoubas Drosos , Milazzo Marco , Otero María del Mar , Piante Catherine , Plass-Johnson Jeremiah , Sainz-Trapaga Susana , Santarossa Luca , Tudela Sergi , Guidetti Paolo
Published: December 2016

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have largely proven to be effective tools for conserving marine ecosystem, while socio-economic benefits generated by MPAs to fisheries are still under debate. Many MPAs embed a no-take zone, aiming to preserve natural populations and ecosystems, within a buffer zone where potentially sustainable activities are allowed. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) within buffer zones can be highly beneficial by promoting local socio-economies. However, guidelines to successfully manage SSFs within MPAs, ensuring both conservation and fisheries goals, and reaching a win-win scenario, are largely unavailable. From the peer-reviewed literature, grey-literature and interviews, we assembled a unique database of ecological, social and economic attributes of SSF in 25 Mediterranean MPAs. Using random forest with Boruta algorithm we identified a set of attributes determining successful SSFs management within MPAs. We show that fish stocks are healthier, fishermen incomes are higher and the social acceptance of management practices is fostered if five attributes are present (i.e. high MPA enforcement, presence of a management plan, fishermen engagement in MPA management, fishermen representative in the MPA board, and promotion of sustainable fishing). These findings are pivotal to Mediterranean coastal communities so they can achieve conservation goals while allowing for profitable exploitation of fisheries resources.
Efficient targeted mutagenesis of rice and tobacco genomes using Cpf1 from Francisella novicida
Authors: Endo Akira , Masafumi Mikami , Kaya Hidetaka , Toki Seiichi
Published: December 2016

CRISPR/Cas9 systems are nowadays applied extensively to effect genome editing in various organisms including plants. CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1 (Cpf1) is a newly characterized RNA-guided endonuclease that has two distinct features as compared to Cas9. First, Cpf1 utilizes a thymidine-rich protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) while Cas9 prefers a guanidine-rich PAM. Cpf1 could be used as a sequence-specific nuclease to target AT-rich regions of a genome that Cas9 had difficulty accessing. Second, Cpf1 generates DNA ends with a 5′ overhang, whereas Cas9 creates blunt DNA ends after cleavage. “Sticky” DNA ends should increase the efficiency of insertion of a desired DNA fragment into the Cpf1-cleaved site using complementary DNA ends. Therefore, Cpf1 could be a potent tool for precise genome engineering. To evaluate whether Cpf1 can be applied to plant genome editing, we selected Cpf1 from Francisella novicida (FnCpf1), which recognizes a shorter PAM (TTN) within known Cpf1 proteins, and applied it to targeted mutagenesis in tobacco and rice. Our results show that targeted mutagenesis had occurred in transgenic plants expressing FnCpf1 with crRNA. Deletions of the targeted region were the most frequently observed mutations. Our results demonstrate that FnCpf1 can be applied successfully to genome engineering in plants.
Increased hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently elevated serum total bile acid: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Haoliang , Shang Xiaoyun , Wan Xing , Xiang Xiaomei , Mao Qing , Deng Guohong , Wu Yuzhang
Published: December 2016

To investigate the association between long-term changes of serum total bile acid and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients, we did a retrospective cohort study of 2262 chronic hepatitis B patients with regular antiviral treatment using data from the Hepatitis Biobank at Southwest Hospital Program from 2004 to 2014. Patients in the study were classified into 3 groups according to persistence of elevated serum total bile acid during follow-up: none-low, medium, and high persistence of elevated serum total bile acid. The association between persistence of elevated serum total bile acid and hepatocellular carcinoma was estimated using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier analysis including information about patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics. There were 62 hepatocellular carcinoma cases during a total follow-up of 14756.5 person-years in the retrospective study. Compared to patients with none-low persistence of elevated total bile acid, the multivariate adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 2.37 (1.16–4.84), and 2.57 (1.28–5.16) for patients with medium, and high persistence of elevated total bile acid. Our findings identified persistence of elevated serum total bile acid as an independent risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Inhibition of cystathionine β-synthetase suppresses sodium channel activities of dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Yan Jun , Hu Shufen , Zou Kang , Xu Min , Wang Qianliang , Miao Xiuhua , Yu Shan Ping , Xu Guang-Yin
Published: December 2016

The pathogenesis of pain in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) remains poorly understood. We have recently demonstrated that voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were sensitized in a rat model of LDH. However, the detailed molecular mechanism for sensitization of VGSCs remains largely unknown. This study was designed to examine roles of the endogenous hydrogen sulfide synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) in sensitization of VGSCs in a previously validated rat model of LDH. Here we showed that inhibition of CBS activity by O-(Carboxymethyl) hydroxylamine hemihydrochloride (AOAA) significantly attenuated pain hypersensitivity in LDH rats. Administration of AOAA also reduced neuronal hyperexcitability, suppressed the sodium current density, and right-shifted the V1/2 of the inactivation curve, of hindpaw innervating DRG neurons, which is retrogradely labeled by DiI. In vitro incubation of AOAA did not alter the excitability of acutely isolated DRG neurons. Furthermore, CBS was colocalized with NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 in hindpaw-innervating DRG neurons. Treatment of AOAA markedly suppressed expression of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 in DRGs of LDH rats. These data suggest that targeting the CBS-H2S signaling at the DRG level might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for chronic pain relief in patients with LDH.
A Parallel Adaboost-Backpropagation Neural Network for Massive Image Dataset Classification
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Chen Lichao , Wang Min , Shi Hao , Tian Yun
Published: December 2016

Image classification uses computers to simulate human understanding and cognition of images by automatically categorizing images. This study proposes a faster image classification approach that parallelizes the traditional Adaboost-Backpropagation (BP) neural network using the MapReduce parallel programming model. First, we construct a strong classifier by assembling the outputs of 15 BP neural networks (which are individually regarded as weak classifiers) based on the Adaboost algorithm. Second, we design Map and Reduce tasks for both the parallel Adaboost-BP neural network and the feature extraction algorithm. Finally, we establish an automated classification model by building a Hadoop cluster. We use the Pascal VOC2007 and Caltech256 datasets to train and test the classification model. The results are superior to those obtained using traditional Adaboost-BP neural network or parallel BP neural network approaches. Our approach increased the average classification accuracy rate by approximately 14.5% and 26.0% compared to the traditional Adaboost-BP neural network and parallel BP neural network, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed approach requires less computation time and scales very well as evaluated by speedup, sizeup and scaleup. The proposed approach may provide a foundation for automated large-scale image classification and demonstrates practical value.
Potential and optimization of two-phase anaerobic digestion of oil refinery waste activated sludge and microbial community study
Authors: Wang Qinghong , Liang Ying , Zhao Peng , Li Qing X. , Guo Shaohui , Chen Chunmao
Published: December 2016

Oil refinery waste activated sludge produced from oil wastewater biological treatment is a major industrial sludge. Two-phase anaerobic digestion of oil refinery waste activated sludge was studied for the first time. Thermal pretreatment under 170 °C is effective on sludge solubilization. At the optimum hydrolytic-acidogenic condition which was pH of 6.5, temperature of 55 °C and HRT of 2 days, 2754 mg/L volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were produced and acetic acid and butyric acid were the key components. Comparative studies of single-phase and two-phase anaerobic digestion in terms of organic removal, biogas production and methane concentration were conducted. The cumulative methane production and soluble COD (SCOD) removal efficiency in the two-phase system were 228 mL/g COD added and 77.8%, respectively, which were 1.6 and 2.1 times higher than those in single-phase anaerobic digestion. Such improved performance is attributed to intensification of dominant microbial population in separated reactors. Caloramator, Ureibacillus, Dechloromonas, Petrobacter, and T78 played important roles in hydrolytic-acidification and oil-organics degradation. Syntrophic bacteria in the family Porphyromonadaceae and the genus Anaerobranca provide acetate for methanogen. The results demonstrated the potential and operating condition of two-phase anaerobic digestion in treatment of oil refinery waste activated sludge.
Neurexin regulates nighttime sleep by modulating synaptic transmission
Authors: Tong Huawei , Li Qian , Zhang Zi Chao , Li Yi , Han Junhai
Published: December 2016

Neurexins are cell adhesion molecules involved in synaptic formation and synaptic transmission. Mutations in neurexin genes are linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are frequently associated with sleep problems. However, the role of neurexin-mediated synaptic transmission in sleep regulation is unclear. Here, we show that lack of the Drosophila α-neurexin homolog significantly reduces the quantity and quality of nighttime sleep and impairs sleep homeostasis. We report that neurexin expression in Drosophila mushroom body (MB) αβ neurons is essential for nighttime sleep. We demonstrate that reduced nighttime sleep in neurexin mutants is due to impaired αβ neuronal output, and show that neurexin functionally couples calcium channels (Cac) to regulate synaptic transmission. Finally, we determine that αβ surface (αβs) neurons release both acetylcholine and short neuropeptide F (sNPF), whereas αβ core (αβc) neurons release sNPF to promote nighttime sleep. Our findings reveal that neurexin regulates nighttime sleep by mediating the synaptic transmission of αβ neurons. This study elucidates the role of synaptic transmission in sleep regulation, and might offer insights into the mechanism of sleep disturbances in patients with autism disorders.
On the ability of molecular dynamics simulation and continuum electrostatics to treat interfacial water molecules in protein-protein complexes
Authors: Copie Guillaume , Cleri Fabrizio , Blossey Ralf , Lensink Marc F.
Published: December 2016

Interfacial waters are increasingly appreciated as playing a key role in protein-protein interactions. We report on a study of the prediction of interfacial water positions by both Molecular Dynamics and explicit solvent-continuum electrostatics based on the Dipolar Poisson-Boltzmann Langevin (DPBL) model, for three test cases: (i) the barnase/barstar complex (ii) the complex between the DNase domain of colicin E2 and its cognate Im2 immunity protein and (iii) the highly unusual anti-freeze protein Maxi which contains a large number of waters in its interior. We characterize the waters at the interface and in the core of the Maxi protein by the statistics of correctly predicted positions with respect to crystallographic water positions in the PDB files as well as the dynamic measures of diffusion constants and position lifetimes. Our approach provides a methodology for the evaluation of predicted interfacial water positions through an investigation of water-mediated inter-chain contacts. While our results show satisfactory behaviour for molecular dynamics simulation, they also highlight the need for improvement of continuum methods.
Coherent Excitation of Optical Phonons in GaAs by Broadband Terahertz Pulses
Authors: Fu Zhengping , Yamaguchi Masashi
Published: December 2016

Coherent excitation and control of lattice motion by electromagnetic radiation in optical frequency range has been reported through variety of indirect interaction mechanisms with phonon modes. However, coherent phonon excitation by direct interaction of electromagnetic radiation and nuclei has not been demonstrated experimentally in terahertz (THz) frequency range mainly due to the lack of THz emitters with broad bandwidth suitable for the purpose. We report the experimental observation of coherent phonon excitation and detection in GaAs using ultrafast THz-pump/optical-probe scheme. From the results of THz pump field dependence, pump/probe polarization dependence, and crystal orientation dependence, we attributed THz wave absorption and linear electro-optic effect to the excitation and detection mechanisms of coherent polar TO phonons. Furthermore, the carrier density dependence of the interaction of coherent phonons and free carriers is reported.
Evolution of structural distortion in BiFeO3 thin films probed by second-harmonic generation
Authors: Wang Jie-su , Jin Kui-juan , Guo Hai-zhong , Gu Jun-xing , Wan Qian , He Xu , Li Xiao-long , Xu Xiu-lai , Yang Guo-zhen
Published: December 2016

BiFeO3 thin films have drawn much attention due to its potential applications for novel magnetoelectric devices and fundamental physics in magnetoelectric coupling. However, the structural evolution of BiFeO3 films with thickness remains controversial. Here we use an optical second-harmonic generation technique to explore the phase-related symmetry evolution of BiFeO3 thin films with the variation of thickness. The crystalline structures for 60 and 180-nm-thick BiFeO3 thin films were characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffractometry reciprocal space mapping and the local piezoelectric response for 60-nm-thick BiFeO3 thin films was characterized by piezoresponse force microscopy. The present results show that the symmetry of BiFeO3 thin films with a thickness below 60 nm belongs to the point group 4 mm. We conclude that the disappearance of fourfold rotational symmetry in SHG s-out pattern implies for the appearance of R-phase. The fact that the thinner the film is, the closer to 1 the tensor element ratio χ31/χ15 tends, indicates an increase of symmetry with the decrease of thickness for BiFeO3 thin films.
Glucose selective bis-boronic acid click-fluor
Authors: Zhai Wenlei , Male Louise , Fossey John S.
Published: December 2016

Four novel bis-boronic acid compounds were synthesised via copper catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions.
A novel electron-acceptor moiety as a building block for efficient donor–acceptor based fluorescent organic lighting-emitting diodes
Authors: Xue Miao-Miao , Huang Chen-Chao , Yuan Yi , Zhang Ye-Xin , Fung Man-Keung , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: December 2016

A new electron-withdrawing moiety (BFPz) has been used for the first time as an acceptor in OLEDs and a novel fluorescent material with a D–A structure was synthesized.
Correction: Molecular stacking dependent phosphorescence–fluorescence dual emission in a single luminophore for self-recoverable mechanoconversion of multicolor luminescence
Authors: Wu Hongwei , Hang Cheng , Li Xin , Yin Liyuan , Zhu Mingjie , Zhang Jian , Zhou Yunyun , Ågren Hans , Zhang Qing , Zhu Liangliang
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Molecular stacking dependent phosphorescence–fluorescence dual emission in a single luminophore for self-recoverable mechanoconversion of multicolor luminescence’, Chem. Commun., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/C6CC04901J.
Straintronics in two-dimensional in-plane heterostructures of transition-metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Wei Wei , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao
Published: December 2016

In 2D in-plane heterostructures of MoSe2/MoS2, MoS2/MoSe2, WSe2/MoS2 as well as MoS2/WSe2, intrinsic compressive or tensile strain is introduced due to lattice mismatch between two constituents, which significantly modifies the electronic properties, i.e., the straintronics.
Elucidating and exploiting the chemistry of Keggin heteropolyacids in the methanol-to-DME conversion: enabling the bulk reaction thanks to operando Raman
Authors: Schnee Josefine , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: December 2016

To activate an HPA's bulk in the methanol-to-DME reaction: 1) dehydrate it, 2) pre-expose it to methanol at 25 °C.
An immobilized symmetrical bis-(NHC) palladium complex as a highly efficient and recyclable Suzuki–Miyaura catalyst in aerobic aqueous media
Authors: Begum Tahshina , Mondal Manoj , Borpuzari Manash Protim , Kar Rahul , Kalita Golap , Gogoi Pradip K. , Bora Utpal
Published: December 2016

A novel palladium-silica complex was prepared and characterized. This complex is a highly efficient and easily recyclable catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction under mild aqueous conditions, and can be reused efficiently up to 6 consecutive runs.
Synthesis and structural characterization of homochiral 2D coordination polymers of zinc and copper with conformationally flexible ditopic imidazolium-based dicarboxylate ligands
Authors: Nicasio Antonio I. , Montilla Francisco , Álvarez Eleuterio , Colodrero Rosario P. , Galindo Agustín
Published: December 2016

Chiral imidazolium-based dicarboxylate ligands behave as bridging ditopic linkers capable of forming 2D coordination polymers with zinc and copper metals.
Hydroxo-bridged diiron(iii) and dimanganese(iii) bisporphyrins: modulation of metal spins by counter anions
Authors: Khan Firoz Shah Tuglak , Guchhait Tapas , Sasmal Sujit , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: December 2016

A brief account has been presented on how the inter-heme interactions in μ-hydroxo diiron(iii) bisporphyrins and counter anions can induce significant change in the structure and properties including the iron spin state without affecting the overall topology.
Atmospheric implication of the hydrogen bonding interaction in hydrated clusters of HONO and dimethylamine in the nighttime
Authors: Zhao Hailiang , Du Lin
Published: December 2016

The role of hydrogen bonding in the hydrated clusters of HONO and dimethylamine has been reported.
Differential dissolution and toxicity of surface functionalized silver nanoparticles in small-scale microcosms: impacts of community complexity
Authors: Wu Fan , Harper Bryan J. , Harper Stacey L.
Published: December 2016

Surface coatings play an important role in silver nanoparticle dissolution, uptake and toxicity and increasing trophic complexity decreases organismal susceptibility.
Efficient mineralization of ciprofloxacin using a 3D CexZr1−xO2/RGO composite cathode
Authors: Li Yi , Li Yanan , Xie Baorong , Han Jingjing , Zhan Sihui , Tian Yang
Published: December 2016

3D columnar CexZr1−xO2/RGO composite electrodes were prepared based on a hydrothermal self-assembly method and were used as cathodes to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP) for the first time in an electro-Fenton system.
Efficient UV-vis-IR light-driven thermocatalytic purification of benzene on a Pt/CeO2nanocomposite significantly promoted by hot electron-induced photoactivation
Authors: Mao Mingyang , Li Yuanzhi , Lv Haiqin , Hou Jingtao , Zeng Min , Ren Lu , Huang Hui , Zhao Xiujian
Published: December 2016

The Pt/CeO2nanocomposite efficiently utilizes UV-vis-IR solar energy for gas-phase enviromental purification due to its excellent solar light-driven thermocatalytic activity and a novel hot electron-induced photoactivation process.
Nanoparticulate zero-valent iron coupled with polyphosphate: the sequential redox treatment of organic compounds and its stability and bacterial toxicity
Authors: Kim Hak-Hyeon , Kim Min Sik , Kim Hyung-Eun , Lee Hye-Jin , Jang Min-Hee , Choi Jaemin , Hwang Yusik , Lee Changha
Published: December 2016

TPP enhances the reactivity and stability of nZVI, decreasing the bacterial toxicity.
A novel micromixer based on the alternating current-flow field effect transistor
Authors: Wu Yupan , Ren Yukun , Tao Ye , Hou Likai , Hu Qingming , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: December 2016

Induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO) phenomena have been attracting considerable attention as a means for pumping and mixing in microfluidic systems with the advantage of simple structures and low-energy consumption.
Nanoparticles of a Pt3Ni alloy on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as an oxygen electrode catalyst in a rechargeable Li–O2 battery
Authors: Kumar Surender , Munichandraiah N.
Published: December 2016

Nanoparticles of a Pt3Ni alloy decorated on graphene sheets and characterized for use as an ORR catalyst in a non-aqueous Li–O2 battery.
The synthesis, structure, and properties of 5,6,11,12-tetraarylindeno[1,2-b]fluorenes and their applications as donors for organic photovoltaic devices
Authors: Lo Yuan-Chih , Ting Hao-Chun , Li Ya-Ze , Li Yi-Hua , Liu Shun-Wei , Huang Kuo-Wei , Wong Ken-Tsung
Published: December 2016

Three new highly twisted 5,6,11,12-tetraarylindeno[1,2-b]fluorenes have been synthesized, characterized with X-ray analysis, and utilized as electron donors in organic photovoltaics.
Correction: Titanium aminophosphates: synthesis, characterization and orange G dye degradation studies
Authors: Rajini Anumula , Nookaraju Muralasetti , Chirra Suman , Adepu Ajay Kumar , Venkatathri Narayanan
Published: December 2016

Correction for ‘Titanium aminophosphates: synthesis, characterization and orange G dye degradation studies’ by Anumula Rajini et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 106509–106518.
Acidochromic fibrous polymer composites for rapid gas detection
Authors: Genovese Maria Erminia , Colusso Elena , Colombo Massimo , Martucci Alessandro , Athanassiou Athanassia , Fragouli Despina
Published: December 2016

Electrospun spiropyran-embedded nanofibers for fast photocontrollable and reversible optochemosensing of acidic vapors.
Pseudomorphic-phase transformation of NiCo based ternary hierarchical 2D-1D nanostructures for enhanced electrocatalysis
Authors: Lim Wei Yang , Lim Yee Fun , Ho Ghim Wei
Published: December 2016

While electrochemical water splitting is one of the most promising methods to store electrical energy in chemical bonds, facile fabrication of transition metal electrocatalyst materials with judicious chemical and structural design to facilitate high electrochemical reactivity with an in-built gas bubble release mechanism is currently lacking.
A transparent and biocompatible single-friction-surface triboelectric and piezoelectric generator and body movement sensor
Authors: Wang Xingzhao , Yang Bin , Liu Jingquan , Yang Chunsheng
Published: December 2016

This article describes an ultrathin transparent biocompatible single-friction-surface triboelectric and piezoelectric generator as a body moving sensor for wearable application.
Branched polyethylenimine grafted electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber membrane: a novel and effective adsorbent for Cr(vi) remediation in wastewater
Authors: Zhao Rui , Li Xiang , Sun Bolun , Li Yanzi , Li Yumei , Yang Rui , Wang Ce
Published: December 2016

Preparation of branched polyethylenimine grafted electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber membrane for effective adsorption and filtration of Cr(vi).
Mixed-metallic MOF based electrode materials for high performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Jiao Yang , Pei Jian , Chen Dahong , Yan Chunshuang , Hu Yongyuan , Zhang Qiang , Chen Gang
Published: December 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have obtained increasing attention as a kind of novel electrode material for energy storage devices.
Dispersed single wall carbon nanotubes do not impact mitochondria structure or function, but technical issues during analysis could yield incorrect results
Authors: Holt Brian D. , Roginskaya Vera , Van Houten Bennett , Islam Mohammad F. , Dahl Kris Noel
Published: December 2016

Mitochondria, which generate cellular energy, are not influenced by purified carbon nanotubes. Many traditional biological assays to determine mitochondria function give false results because of nanotube surface activity and optical interference.
Cyclodextrin-based supramolecular nanoparticles for biomedical applications
Authors: Mejia-Ariza Raquel , Graña-Suárez Laura , Verboom Willem , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: December 2016

This review on cyclodextrin-based supramolecular nanoparticles presents the different forces involved in particle formation and their diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Rewritable non-volatile stress information memory by bulk trap-induced giant piezoresistance effect in individual PbS micro/nanowires
Authors: Shi Haiping , Zheng Jianping , Cheng Baochang , Zhao Jie , Su Xiaohui , Xiao Yanhe , Lei Shuijin
Published: December 2016

Stress information can be written in PbS micro/nanowire-based two-terminal devices, and then erased by a relatively high bias voltage. The repeatable writing/erasing characteristics of nanostructure devices offer an avenue to develop reliable non-volatile piezoresistance memory.