bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDM2 promoter SNP55 (rs2870820) affects risk of colon cancer but not breast-, lung-, or prostate cancer
Authors: Helwa Reham , Gansmo Liv B. , Romundstad Pål , Hveem Kristian , Vatten Lars , Ryan Bríd M. , Harris Curtis C. , Lønning Per E. , Knappskog Stian
Published: September 2016

Two functional SNPs (SNP285G > C; rs117039649 and SNP309T > G; rs2279744) have previously been reported to modulate Sp1 transcription factor binding to the promoter of the proto-oncogene MDM2, and to influence cancer risk. Recently, a third SNP (SNP55C > T; rs2870820) was also reported to affect Sp1 binding and MDM2 transcription. In this large population based case-control study, we genotyped MDM2 SNP55 in 10,779 Caucasian individuals, previously genotyped for SNP309 and SNP285, including cases of colon (n = 1,524), lung (n = 1,323), breast (n = 1,709) and prostate cancer (n = 2,488) and 3,735 non-cancer controls, as well as 299 healthy African-Americans. Applying the dominant model, we found an elevated risk of colon cancer among individuals harbouring SNP55TT/CT genotypes compared to the SNP55CC genotype (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.01–1.30). The risk was found to be highest for left-sided colon cancer (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.00–1.45) and among females (OR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.01–1.74). Assessing combined genotypes, we found the highest risk of colon cancer among individuals harbouring the SNP55TT or CT together with the SNP309TG genotype (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.00–1.46). Supporting the conclusions from the risk estimates, we found colon cancer cases carrying the SNP55TT/CT genotypes to be diagnosed at younger age as compared to SNP55CC (p = 0.053), in particular among patients carrying the SNP309TG/TT genotypes (p = 0.009).
Panel-Based Population Next-Generation Sequencing for Inherited Retinal Degenerations
Authors: Carrigan Matthew , Duignan Emma , Malone Conor P. G. , Stephenson Kirk , Saad Tahira , McDermott Ciara , Green Andrew , Keegan David , Humphries Peter , Kenna Paul F. , Farrar G. Jane
Published: September 2016

Inherited retinopathies affect approximately two and a half million people globally, yet the majority of affected patients lack clear genetic diagnoses given the diverse range of genes and mutations implicated in these conditions. We present results from a next-generation sequencing study of a large inherited retinal disease patient population, with the goal of providing clear and actionable genetic diagnoses. Targeted sequencing was performed on 539 individuals from 309 inherited retinal disease pedigrees. Causative mutations were identified in the majority (57%, 176/309) of pedigrees. We report the association of many previously unreported variants with retinal disease, as well as new disease phenotypes associated with known genes, including the first association of the SLC24A1 gene with retinitis pigmentosa. Population statistics reporting the genes most commonly implicated in retinal disease in the cohort are presented, as are some diagnostic conundrums that can arise during such studies. Inherited retinal diseases represent an exemplar group of disorders for the application of panel-based next-generation sequencing as an effective tool for detection of causative mutations.
Double-layered cell transfer technology for bone regeneration
Authors: Akazawa Keiko , Iwasaki Kengo , Nagata Mizuki , Yokoyama Naoki , Ayame Hirohito , Yamaki Kazumasa , Tanaka Yuichi , Honda Izumi , Morioka Chikako , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Komaki Motohiro , Kishida Akio , Izumi Yuichi , Morita Ikuo
Published: September 2016

For cell-based medicine, to mimic in vivo cellular localization, various tissue engineering approaches have been studied to obtain a desirable arrangement of cells on scaffold materials. We have developed a novel method of cell manipulation called “cell transfer technology”, enabling the transfer of cultured cells onto scaffold materials, and controlling cell topology. Here we show that using this technique, two different cell types can be transferred onto a scaffold surface as stable double layers or in patterned arrangements. Various combinations of adherent cells were transferred to a scaffold, amniotic membrane, in overlapping bilayers (double-layered cell transfer), and transferred cells showed stability upon deformations of the material including folding and trimming. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells from periodontal ligaments (PDLSC) and osteoblasts, using double-layered cell transfer significantly enhanced bone formation, when compared to single cell type transplantation. Our findings suggest that this double-layer cell transfer is useful to produce a cell transplantation material that can bear two cell layers. Moreover, the transplantation of an amniotic membrane with PDLSCs/osteoblasts by cell transfer technology has therapeutic potential for bone defects. We conclude that cell transfer technology provides a novel and unique cell transplantation method for bone regeneration.
Species characteristics of lead in sea foods collected from coastal water of Fujian, Southeastern of China
Authors: He Ye , Chen Zhiqiang , Mo Fan , Huang Limei , Xu LiangJun , Wu Yongning , Xue Zhimin , Fu FengFu
Published: September 2016

Various sea foods including fish, shellfish and shrimp were collected from different coastal areas of Fujian in China, and their Pb species characteristics were investigated in detail. The results indicated that there are two different species characteristics of Pb existing in sea food samples. About half of samples were detected to have only Pb2+, and another half of samples were detected to have both Pb2+ and trimethyl lead (TML). The results also revealed that Pb species characteristics in the sea foods rather depend on the species of sea food than the sampling area. In comparison with shellfish/shrimp samples, fish samples have higher concentrations of TML and Pb2+. Especially, the average concentration of TML in the TML-detected fish samples is about 3 times of that in the TML-detected shellfish/shrimp samples, indicating that fish has stronger ability to uptake and accumulate TML. The concentrations of total lead in all samples are lower than the maximum allowable limit of national standard, suggesting that the sea foods collected from Fujian are safe for consumption. By considering that TAL has more toxicity than Pb2+, the effect of TML in sea foods on the human health should be paid more attention in the future.
Contamination-controlled high-throughput whole genome sequencing for influenza A viruses using the MiSeq sequencer
Authors: Lee Hong Kai , Lee Chun Kiat , Tang Julian Wei-Tze , Loh Tze Ping , Koay Evelyn Siew-Chuan
Published: September 2016

Accurate full-length genomic sequences are important for viral phylogenetic studies. We developed a targeted high-throughput whole genome sequencing (HT-WGS) method for influenza A viruses, which utilized an enzymatic cleavage-based approach, the Nextera XT DNA library preparation kit, for library preparation. The entire library preparation workflow was adapted for the Sentosa SX101, a liquid handling platform, to automate this labor-intensive step. As the enzymatic cleavage-based approach generates low coverage reads at both ends of the cleaved products, we corrected this loss of sequencing coverage at the termini by introducing modified primers during the targeted amplification step to generate full-length influenza A sequences with even coverage across the whole genome. Another challenge of targeted HTS is the risk of specimen-to-specimen cross-contamination during the library preparation step that results in the calling of false-positive minority variants. We included an in-run, negative system control to capture contamination reads that may be generated during the liquid handling procedures. The upper limits of 99.99% prediction intervals of the contamination rate were adopted as cut-off values of contamination reads. Here, 148 influenza A/H3N2 samples were sequenced using the HTS protocol and were compared against a Sanger-based sequencing method. Our data showed that the rate of specimen-to-specimen cross-contamination was highly significant in HTS.
A super gene expression system enhances the anti-glioma effects of adenovirus-mediated REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy
Authors: Oka Tetsuo , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Shimazu Yosuke , Ichikawa Tomotsugu , Ishida Joji , Otani Yoshihiro , Shimizu Toshihiko , Tomita Yusuke , Sakaguchi Masakiyo , Watanabe Masami , Nasu Yasutomo , Kumon Hiromi , Date Isao
Published: September 2016

Reduced expression in immortalized cells/Dickkopf-3 (REIC/Dkk-3) is a tumor suppressor and therapeutic gene in many human cancers. Recently, an adenovirus REIC vector with the super gene expression system (Ad-SGE-REIC) was developed to increase REIC/Dkk-3 expression and enhance therapeutic effects compared with the conventional adenoviral vector (Ad-CAG-REIC). In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of Ad-SGE-REIC on malignant glioma. In U87ΔEGFR and GL261 glioma cells, western blotting confirmed that robust upregulation of REIC/Dkk-3 expression occurred in Ad-SGE-REIC-transduced cells, most notably after transduction at a multiplicity of infection of 10. Cytotoxicity assays showed that Ad-SGE-REIC resulted in a time-dependent and significant reduction in the number of malignant glioma cells attaching to the bottom of culture wells. Xenograft and syngeneic mouse intracranial glioma models treated with Ad-SGE-REIC had significantly longer survival than those treated with the control vector Ad-LacZ or with Ad-CAG-REIC. This study demonstrated the anti-glioma effect of Ad-SGE-REIC, which may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Thiol dependent intramolecular locking of Orai1 channels
Authors: Alansary Dalia , Schmidt Barbara , Dörr Kathrin , Bogeski Ivan , Rieger Heiko , Kless Achim , Niemeyer Barbara A.
Published: September 2016

Store-operated Ca2+ entry mediated by STIM1-gated Orai1 channels is essential to activate immune cells and its inhibition or gain-of-function can lead to immune dysfunction and other pathologies. Reactive oxygen species interacting with cysteine residues can alter protein function. Pretreatment of the Ca2+ selective Orai1 with the oxidant H2O2 reduces ICRAC with C195, distant to the pore, being its major redox sensor. However, the mechanism of inhibition remained elusive. Here we combine experimental and theoretical approaches and show that oxidation of Orai1 leads to reduced subunit interaction, slows diffusion and that either oxidized C195 or its oxidomimetic mutation C195D located at the exit of transmembrane helix 3 virtually eliminates channel activation by intramolecular interaction with S239 of transmembrane helix 4, thereby locking the channel in a closed conformation. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanistic model for ROS-mediated inhibition of Orai1 and identify a candidate residue for pharmaceutical intervention.
An Intronless β-amyrin Synthase Gene is More Efficient in Oleanolic Acid Accumulation than its Paralog in Gentiana straminea
Authors: Liu Yanling , Zhao Zhongjuan , Xue Zheyong , Wang Long , Cai Yunfei , Wang Peng , Wei Tiandi , Gong Jing , Liu Zhenhua , Li Juan , Li Shuo , Xiang Fengning
Published: September 2016

Paralogous members of the oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) family encode a diversity of enzymes that are important in triterpenoid biosynthesis. This report describes the isolation of the Gentiana straminea gene GsAS2 that encodes a β-amyrin synthase (βAS) enzyme. Unlike its previously isolated paralog GsAS1, GsAS2 lacks introns. Its predicted protein product was is a 759 residue polypeptide that shares high homology with other known β-amyrin synthases (βASs). Heterologously expressed GsAS2 generates more β-amyrin in yeast than does GsAS1. Constitutive over-expression of GsAS2 resulted in a 5.7 fold increase in oleanolic acid accumulation, while over-expression of GsAS1 led to a 3 fold increase. Additionally, RNAi-directed suppression of GsAS2 and GsAS1 in G. straminea decreased oleonolic acid levels by 65.9% and 21% respectively, indicating that GsAS2 plays a more important role than GsAS1 in oleanolic acid biosynthesis in G. straminea. We uses a docking model to explore the catalytic mechanism of GsAS1/2 and predicted that GsAS2, with its Y560, have higher efficiency than GsAS1 and mutated versions of GsAS2 in β-amyrin produce. When the key residue in GsAS2 was mutagenized, it produced about 41.29% and 71.15% less β-amyrin than native, while the key residue in GsAS1 was mutagenized to that in GsAS2, the mutant produced 38.02% more β-amyrin than native GsAS1.
ASPP2 involvement in p53-mediated HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 neurotoxicity in mice cerebrocortical neurons
Authors: Liu Zhiying , Zang Yunjin , Qiao Luxin , Liu Kai , Ouyang Yabo , Zhang Yulin , Chen Dexi
Published: September 2016

The mechanisms behind HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders are still unclear. Apoptosis-stimulating protein 2 of p53 (ASPP2) is a damage-inducible p53-binding protein that stimulates p53-mediated apoptosis and transactivates proapoptotic and cell cycle regulatory genes. It has been reported that ASPP2 has a specific regulatory function in the death of retinal ganglion cells and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we used p53 and ASPP2 knockout mice and primary cerebrocortical neuron culture to analyze the role of the interaction between ASPP2 with p53 in HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120-induced neurotoxicity. The results showed that 10 ng/mL gp120 protein might stimulate p53 overexpression and translocation to the nucleus, and 30 ng/mL gp120 protein could stimulate both p53 and ASPP2 translocation to the nucleus, but only with p53 overexpression. The primary cultured neurons of p53−/−ASPP2+/− mice had a higher survival rate than p53−/− mice under gp120 protein stress. The interaction of ASPP2 with p53 induced by a high dose of gp120 stimulated Bax transcription and contributed to caspase-3 cleavage, and ASPP2-siRNA attenuated gp120 induced neuron death through inhibition of Bax expression. These results suggest that ASPP2 plays an important role in p53-mediated neuronal apoptosis under gp120 stress.
The Crystal Structure of Peroxiredoxin Asp f3 Provides Mechanistic Insight into Oxidative Stress Resistance and Virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Hillmann Falk , Bagramyan Karine , Straßburger Maria , Heinekamp Thorsten , Hong Teresa B. , Bzymek Krzysztof P. , Williams John C. , Brakhage Axel A. , Kalkum Markus
Published: September 2016

Invasive aspergillosis and other fungal infections occur in immunocompromised individuals, including patients who received blood-building stem cell transplants, patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), and others. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by immune cells, which incidentally is defective in CGD patients, is considered to be a fundamental process in inflammation and antifungal immune response. Here we show that the peroxiredoxin Asp f3 of Aspergillus fumigatus inactivates ROS. We report the crystal structure and the catalytic mechanism of Asp f3, a two-cysteine type peroxiredoxin. The latter exhibits a thioredoxin fold and a homodimeric structure with two intermolecular disulfide bonds in its oxidized state. Replacement of the Asp f3 cysteines with serine residues retained its dimeric structure, but diminished Asp f3’s peroxidase activity, and extended the alpha-helix with the former peroxidatic cysteine residue C61 by six residues. The asp f3 deletion mutant was sensitive to ROS, and this phenotype was rescued by ectopic expression of Asp f3. Furthermore, we showed that deletion of asp f3 rendered A. fumigatus avirulent in a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis. The conserved expression of Asp f3 homologs in medically relevant molds and yeasts prompts future evaluation of Asp f3 as a potential therapeutic target.
Robust entanglement between a movable mirror and atomic ensemble and entanglement transfer in coupled optomechanical system
Authors: Bai Cheng-Hua , Wang Dong-Yang , Wang Hong-Fu , Zhu Ai-Dong , Zhang Shou
Published: September 2016

We propose a scheme for the creation of robust entanglement between a movable mirror and atomic ensemble at the macroscopic level in coupled optomechanical system. We numerically simulate the degree of entanglement of the bipartite macroscopic entanglement and show that it depends on the coupling strength between the cavities and is robust with respect to the certain environment temperature. Inspiringly and surprisingly, according to the reported relation between the mechanical damping rate and the mechanical frequency of the movable mirror, the numerical simulation result shows that such bipartite macroscopic entanglement persists for environment temperature up to 170 K, which breaks the liquid nitrogen cooling and liquid helium cooling and largely lowers down the experiment cost. We also investigate the entanglement transfer based on this coupled system. The scheme can be used for the realization of quantum memories for continuous variable quantum information processing and quantum-limited displacement measurements.
Visible-absorption spectroscopy as a biomarker to predict treatment response and prognosis of surgically resected esophageal cancer
Authors: Yang Pei-Wen , Hsu I-Jen , Chang Chun-Wei , Wang Yu-Chia , Hsieh Ching-Yueh , Shih Kuan-Hui , Wong Li-Fan , Shih Nai-Yu , Hsieh Min-Shu , Hou Max Ti-Kuang , Lee Jang-Ming
Published: September 2016

The application of optical absorption spectra in prognostic prediction has hardly been investigated. We developed and evaluated a novel two dimensional absorption spectrum measurement system (TDAS) for use in early diagnosis, evaluating response to chemoradiation, and making prognostic prediction. The absorption spectra of 120 sets of normal and tumor tissues from esophageal cancer patients were analyzed with TDAS ex-vivo. We demonstrated the cancerous tissue, the tissue from patients with a poor concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) response, and the tissue from patients with an early disease progression each had a readily identifiable common spectral signature. Principal component analysis (PCA) classified tissue spectra into distinct groups, demonstrating the feasibility of using absorption spectra in differentiating normal and tumor tissues, and in predicting CCRT response, poor survival and tumor recurrence (efficiencies of 75%, 100% and 85.7% respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients identified as having poor-response, poor-survival and recurrence spectral signatures were correlated with increased risk of poor response to CCRT (P = 0.012), increased risk of death (P = 0.111) and increased risk of recurrence (P = 0.030) respectively. Our findings suggest that optical absorption microscopy has great potential to be a useful tool for pre-operative diagnosis and prognostic prediction of esophageal cancer.
High-throughput sequencing-based analysis of endogenetic fungal communities inhabiting the Chinese Cordyceps reveals unexpectedly high fungal diversity
Authors: Xia Fei , Chen Xin , Guo Meng-Yuan , Bai Xiao-Hui , Liu Yan , Shen Guang-Rong , Li Yu-Ling , Lin Juan , Zhou Xuan-Wei
Published: September 2016

Chinese Cordyceps, known in Chinese as “DongChong XiaCao”, is a parasitic complex of a fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and a caterpillar. The current study explored the endogenetic fungal communities inhabiting Chinese Cordyceps. Samples were collected from five different geographical regions of Qinghai and Tibet, and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer-1 sequences from each sample were obtained using Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum in Chinese Cordyceps and its soil microhabitat from different sampling regions. Among the Ascomycota, 65 genera were identified, and the abundant operational taxonomic units showed the strongest sequence similarity toOphiocordyceps, Verticillium, Pseudallescheria, CandidaandIlyonectriaNot surprisingly, the genusOphiocordycepswas the largest among the fungal communities identified in the fruiting bodies and external mycelial cortices of Chinese Cordyceps. In addition, fungal communities in the soil microhabitats were clustered separately from the external mycelial cortices and fruiting bodies of Chinese Cordyceps from different sampling regions. There was no significant structural difference in the fungal communities between the fruiting bodies and external mycelial cortices of Chinese Cordyceps. This study revealed an unexpectedly high diversity of fungal communities inhabiting the Chinese Cordyceps and its microhabitats.
GLITTER: a web-based application for gene link inspection through tissue-specific coexpression
Authors: Liu Xiangtao , Yu Pengfei , Cheng Chao , Potash James B. , Han Shizhong
Published: September 2016

Accumulating evidence supports the polygenic nature of most complex diseases, suggesting the involvement of many susceptibility genes with small effect sizes. Although hundreds of genes may underlie the genetic architecture of complex diseases, those involved in a given disease are probably not randomly distributed, but likely to be functionally related. Protein-protein interaction networks have been used to evaluate the functional relatedness of susceptibility genes. However, these networks do not account for tissue specificity, are limited to protein-coding genes, and are typically biased by incomplete biological knowledge. Here, we present Gene Link Inspector Through Tissue-specific coExpRession (GLITTER), a web-based application for assessing the functional relatedness of susceptibility genes, either coding or noncoding, according to tissue-specific gene expression profiles. GLITTER can also shed light on the specific tissues in which susceptibility genes might exert their functions. We further demonstrate examples of how GLITTER can evaluate the functional relatedness of susceptibility genes underlying schizophrenia and breast cancer, and provide clues about etiology.
Effect of lithographically designed structures on the caffeine sensing properties of surface imprinted films
Authors: Park Jin Young
Published: September 2016

In this study, molecularly imprinted films with concave and convex hemispherical patterns were fabricated using soft lithography and photopolymerization, and their dynamic sensing properties were compared using the gravimetric detection of caffeine.
A procedure for the quantification of total iodine by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and its application to the determination of iodine in algae sampled in the lagoon of Venice
Authors: Badocco D. , Di Marco V. , Piovan A. , Caniato R. , Pastore P.
Published: September 2016

A new ICP-MS procedure was set up, and it was used to perform iodine biomonitoring in seaweeds growing in Venice.
First-order hyperpolarizabilities of chiral, polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Depotter Griet , Olivier Jean-Hubert , Glesner Mary G. , Deria Pravas , Bai Yusong , Bullard George , Kumbhar Amar S. , Therien Michael J. , Clays Koen
Published: September 2016

Manipulation of polymer electronic structure provides a new means to modulate the first-order hyperpolarizabilities (βHRS values) of chiral, individualized polymer-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotube superstructures at a telecommunication-relevant wavelength (1280 nm).
Porous cobalt–iron nitride nanowires as excellent bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Yanyong , Liu Dongdong , Liu Zhijuan , Xie Chao , Huo Jia , Wang Shuangyin
Published: September 2016

Nanoparticle-stacked porous Co3FeNx nanowires as bifunctional electrocatalysts, exhibiting excellent OER and HER activity due to their unique structural advantages with grain boundaries, defects and dislocations.
Magnetomigration of rare-earth ions in inhomogeneous magnetic fields
Authors: Franczak Agnieszka , Binnemans Koen , Jan Fransaer Jan Fransaer
Published: September 2016

In magnetic field gradients, paramagnetic ions are pulled to the regions of the strongest magnetic fields while the diamagnetic ions move in the opposite direction.
Connecting charge transfer kinetics to device parameters of a narrow-bandgap polymer-based solar cell
Authors: Song Jongwoo , Lee Younah , Jin Boa , An Jongdeok , Park Hyunmin , Park Hoon , Lee Myounghee , Im Chan
Published: September 2016

The spectroscopic charge transfer rate constant was compared with the PV properties of a polymer solar cell using a kinetic model.
Comment on T. Stauch, A. Dreuw, “Stiff-stilbene photoswitch ruptures bonds not by pulling but by local heating”, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,18, 15848
Authors: Tian Yancong , Boulatov Roman
Published: September 2016

We explain why the key premise of the above-cited paper (“local heating”) is based on misunderstanding of how fast solutes thermalize, of how molecular strain affects reaction rates and of the role of force in the modern models of mechanochemical kinetics.
Efficient charge transfer and utilization of near-infrared solar spectrum by ytterbium and thulium codoped gadolinium molybdate (Gd2(MoO4)3:Yb/Tm) nanophosphor in hybrid solar cells
Authors: Sun Weifu , Chen Zihan , Zhang Qin , Zhou Junli , Li Feng , Jin Xiao , Li Dongyu , Li Qinghua
Published: September 2016

The novel design of incorporation of Gd2(MoO4)3 into TiO2 film leads to the enhanced charge transport and higher power conversion efficiency of hybrid solar cell.
Structural movies of the gradual spin-crossover in a molecular complex at various physical scales
Authors: Lakhloufi S. , Lemée-Cailleau M. H. , Chastanet G. , Rosa P. , Daro N. , Guionneau P.
Published: September 2016

The thermally induced Spin-CrossOver (SCO) undergone by the mononuclear iron(ii) complex [Fe(PM-AzA)2(NCS)2] (PM = N-2′-pyridylmethylene, AzA = 4-(phenylazo)aniline) is fully pictured by a quasi-continuous structural determination all along the spin-state modification within the sample.
Enhanced hydrogen desorption properties of LiAlH4 by doping lithium metatitanate
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Isobe Shigehito , Wang Yongming , Liu Chaomei , Hashimoto Naoyuki , Takahashi Keisuke
Published: September 2016

Li2TiO3 dramatically improves the kinetics of LiAlH4 decomposition and the onset temperature of LiAlH4 is decreased to 75 °C.
An approach to the electronic structure of molecular junctions with metal clusters of atomic thickness
Authors: Aranda Daniel , López-Tocón Isabel , Soto Juan , Otero Juan C. , Avila Francisco
Published: September 2016

CT states of Agn–pyrazine–Agn linear junctions show an unexpected and differentiated behaviour in forward and reverse directions.
Correction: Effect of lipid head group interactions on membrane properties and membrane-induced cationic β-hairpin folding
Authors: Ganesan Sai J. , Xu Hongcheng , Matysiak Silvina
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Effect of lipid head group interactions on membrane properties and membrane-induced cationic β-hairpin folding’ by Sai J. Ganesan et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 17836–17850.
CRISPR/Cas9: a historical and chemical biology perspective of targeted genome engineering
Authors: Singh Amrita , Chakraborty Debojyoti , Maiti Souvik
Published: September 2016

The development and adaptation of CRISPR–Cas9 as a genome editing tool and chemical biology approaches for modulating its activity.
Promoter effect of Pd species on Mn oxide catalysts supported on rare-earth-iron mixed oxide
Authors: Hosokawa Saburo , Tada Ryohei , Shibano Takuya , Matsumoto Shogo , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: September 2016

The loading of a small amount of Pd species dramatically promotes a catalytic performance of MnOx species located on the hexagonal structure of YbFeO3.
Thiyl radical catalyzed oxidation of diarylalkynes to α-diketones by molecular oxygen under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Zhu Xianjin , Li Pinhua , Shi Qing , Wang Lei
Published: September 2016

A thiyl radical catalyzed synthesis of diaryl 1,2-diketones from diarylalkynes by molecular oxygen under visible-light irradiation without a photocatalyst was developed.
Preparation of polydopamine sulfamic acid-functionalized magnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles with a core/shell nanostructure as heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalysts for the acetylation of alcohols, phenols, amines and thiols under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Taheri Sepideh , Hemmati Saba
Published: September 2016

The loading of sulfonic acid groups on the surface of PDA-encapsulated Fe3O4nanoparticles is proposed to fabricate a core–shell Fe3O4@PDA-SO3H nanocatalyst.
Catalyst-free direct C–H trifluoromethylation of arenes in water–acetonitrile
Authors: Wang Dangui , Deng Guo-Jun , Chen Shiya , Gong Hang
Published: September 2016

An efficient, practical, catalyst-free direct C–H trifluoromethylation of arenes using readily available and inexpensive CF3SO2Na as a CF3-source in water–acetonitrile is described.
Carboxyl radical-assisted 1,5-aryl migration through Smiles rearrangement
Authors: Hossian Asik , Jana Ranjan
Published: September 2016

A silver(i)-catalyzed Smiles rearrangement of 2-aryloxy- or 2-(arylthio)benzoic acids to provide aryl-2-hydroxybenzoate or aryl-2-mercaptobenzoate dimer, respectively, through 1,5-aryl migration from oxygen or sulfur to carboxylate oxygen is reported.
The evolution of a stereoselective synthesis of the C1–C16 fragment of bryostatins
Authors: Ball Matthew , Baron Anne , Bradshaw Ben , Dumeunier Raphaël , O'Brien Matthew , Thomas Eric J.
Published: September 2016

Scaleable syntheses of the C1–C16 fragment of bryostatins are described.
Aryl diazonium salt and thioacetamide: a catalyst free, efficient blend of an inexpensive arylating agent with “S” surrogate for sulphide synthesis
Authors: Bhojane Jeevan Manohar , Sarode Sachin Ashok , Nagarkar Jayashree Milind
Published: September 2016

Metal free, chemoselective method for C–S, S–S bond formation reactions.
Green process development for the preparation of 2,6-dibromo-4-nitroaniline from 4-nitroaniline using bromide–bromate salts in an aqueous acidic medium
Authors: Pappula Venkatanarayana , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: September 2016

Organic solvent-free process for the preparation of 2,6-dibromo-4-nitroaniline, from 4-nitroaniline using 2 : 1 bromide–bromate salts under aqueous acidic medium at ambient conditions has been developed.
Cooperative assembly synthesis of mesoporous SrTiO3with enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Kayaalp Buğra E. , Lee Young Joo , Kornowski Andreas , Gross Silvia , D'Arienzo Massimiliano , Mascotto Simone
Published: September 2016

The cooperative assembly of silica precursors and organic metal complexes leads to the synthesis of mesoporous, crystalline SrTiO3with improved photocatalytic activity.
A theoretical study on the hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of phosphorous substituted diaza- and oxaza-alkenes with olefins derivatives
Authors: Haghdadi M. , Abaszade A. , Abadian L. , Nab N. , Bosra H. Ghasemnejad
Published: September 2016

DFT studies indicated that a hetero-Diels–Alder reaction of 4-phosphinyl and 4-phosphonyl-1,2-diaza- and 1,2-oxaza-1,3-butadienes with some olefins take place via an asynchronous concerted mechanism through endo or exo transition states.
Investigation into optical heating and applicability of the thermal sensor bifunctional properties of Yb3+ sensitized Tm3+ doped Y2O3, YAG and LaAlO3 phosphors
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Fu Zuoling , Sheng Tianqi , Sun Zhen , Zhang Xiangtong , Wei Yanling , Ma Li , Wang Xiaojun , Wu Zhijian
Published: September 2016

Bifunctional properties of Yb3+ sensitized Tm3+ doped Y2O3, YAG and LaAlO3 phosphors were investigated according to experimental and theoretical calculations.
Ultra-thin coating of g-C3N4 on an aligned ZnO nanorod film for rapid charge separation and improved photodegradation performance
Authors: Park Tae Joon , Pawar Rajendra C. , Kang Suhee , Lee Caroline Sunyong
Published: September 2016

Aligned 1D ZnO/g-C3N4 films were fabricated by simple refluxing with thermal vapor condensation for rapid charge separation and recyclable test.
Phosphonic acid self-assembled monolayer improved the properties of n-type organic field-effect transistors in air ambient
Authors: Cao Li , Peng Yue , Li Zhefeng
Published: September 2016

The electron mobilities of NDI-C14 based thin film transistors get a great improvement by vapor deposition on the surface of three SAMs modified SiO2 dielectric. This is associated with its close packing arrangement of NDI-C14 film on these SAMs.
Performance assessment of dual material gate dielectric modulated nanowire junctionless MOSFET for ultrasensitive detection of biomolecules
Authors: Ahangari Zahra
Published: September 2016

In this paper, the potential capability of a novel dielectric modulated dual material gate nanowire junctionless MOSFET as a promising biosensor is demonstrated.
Ultrathin Ni–Ni3Se2 nanosheets on graphene as a high-performance counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Bai Jinwu , Zhen Mengmeng , Liu Lu
Published: September 2016

Ultrathin nanostructures of metal chalcogenides have exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity due to the high percentage of surface atoms and many exposed interior atoms.
In situ charge neutralization on governing particle coagulation nucleation and size distribution in macroemulsion polymerization
Authors: Liu B. J. , Meng W. T. , Zhang M. Y. , Zhang H. X.
Published: September 2016

Fabricating monodispersed polymer latex particles with ∼300 nm size at high monomer concentrations by batch macroemulsion polymerization based on in situ charge neutralization mechanism.
tert-Butoxide mediated cascade desulfonylation/arylation/hydrolysis of cyclic sulfonyimines using diaryliodonium salts: synthesis of diaryl ether derivatives bearing a 2-aldehyde group
Authors: Qian Xiaofei , Han Jianwei , Wang Limin
Published: September 2016

Cascades of cyclic sulfonyimines mediated by tBuOK with diaryliodonium salts has been developed, giving the diaryl ethers in good yields.
Facile synthesis of MOF-derived Mn2O3 hollow microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Fangcai , Xu Shihao , Yin Zhichen , Zhang Yuanguang , Lu Lu
Published: September 2016

In this article, we report a facile and scalable route for the fabrication of Mn2O3 hollow microspheres by direct pyrolysis of Mn-based metal–organic frameworks at 450 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C min−1 in air.
A Gd0.2Ce0.8O1.9 impregnated Pr0.4Sr0.6Co0.2Fe0.7Nb0.1O3−δ nanofiber-structured composite anode in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Liu Xiaotian , Wang Zhuang , Fan Liquan , Gao Keqing , Xiong Yueping
Published: September 2016

The PSCFN–GDC nanofiber-structure composite anodes have excellent electrochemical performance and thermal cycling stability.
Quantification of hot carrier thermalization in PbS colloidal quantum dots by power and temperature dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy
Authors: Cao Wenkai , Zhang Zewen , Patterson Rob , Lin Yuan , Wen Xiaoming , Veetil Binesh Puthen , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Qiuyang , Shrestha Santosh , Conibeer Gavin , Huang Shujuan
Published: September 2016

PbS QDs are studied as attractive candidates to be applied as hot carrier solar cell absorbers.
Synthesis and characterization of black pigments based on calcium manganese oxides for high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance
Authors: Oka Ryohei , Masui Toshiyuki
Published: September 2016

Ca2Mn0.85Ti0.15O4 was synthesized as an inorganic black pigment with thermal barrier properties, and its NIR solar reflectance value was much greater than those of the conventional NIR reflective black pigments.
Surfactant-free synthesis of hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles with controllable particle sizes and diversified organic moieties
Authors: Koike Natsume , Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Shimojima Atsushi , Okubo Tatsuya
Published: September 2016

The versatility of the surfactant-free synthesis of hollow organosilica nanoparticles was shown in terms of particle diameters and organic moieties. The porous structures were investigated precisely by advanced adsorption–desorption measurements.
Promote the threshold of Tm3+ concentration using an inert-core/active-shell structure
Authors: Wu Ruozhen , Lei Lei , Zhang Shengjun , Xiao Zhen , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing
Published: September 2016

The upper limit of Tm3+ doping concentration increases from the well accepted 0.5% to 3% in NaGdF4@Yb/Tm:NaGdF4 NCs with an inert-core/active-shell structure, and the UC intensity increases about 6 times, benefiting from the enhanced energy transfer efficiency from the Yb3+ to Tm3+ ions by confining them in a two-dimensional space.
Positive impact of cellulose nanofibrils on silver nanowire coatings for transparent conductive films
Authors: Hoeng Fanny , Denneulin Aurore , Krosnicki Guillaume , Bras Julien
Published: September 2016

A hybrid cellulose nanofibril (CNF)–silver nanowire stable suspension has been used as a coating for providing transparent flexible conductive films.
Quaternary structures of opsin in live cells revealed by FRET spectrometry
Authors: Mishra Ashish K. , Gragg Megan , Stoneman Michael R. , Biener Gabriel , Oliver Julie A. , Miszta Przemyslaw , Filipek Slawomir , Raicu Valerică , Park Paul S.-H.
Published: September 2016

Rhodopsin is a prototypical G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that initiates phototransduction in the retina. The receptor consists of the apoprotein opsin covalently linked to the inverse agonist 11-cis retinal. Rhodopsin and opsin have been shown to form oligomers within the outer segment disc membranes of rod photoreceptor cells. However, the physiological relevance of the observed oligomers has been questioned since observations were made on samples prepared from the retina at low temperatures. To investigate the oligomeric status of opsin in live cells at body temperatures, we utilized a novel approach called Förster resonance energy transfer spectrometry, which previously has allowed the determination of the stoichiometry and geometry (i.e. quaternary structure) of various GPCRs. In the current study, we have extended the method to additionally determine whether or not a mixture of oligomeric forms of opsin exists and in what proportion. The application of this improved method revealed that opsin expressed in live Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells at 37°C exists as oligomers of various sizes. At lower concentrations, opsin existed in an equilibrium of dimers and tetramers. The tetramers were in the shape of a near-rhombus. At higher concentrations of the receptor, higher-order oligomers began to form. Thus, a mixture of different oligomeric forms of opsin is present in the membrane of live CHO cells and oligomerization occurs in a concentration-dependent manner. The general principles underlying the concentration-dependent oligomerization of opsin may be universal and apply to other GPCRs as well.
Immunogenic peptide mimotopes from an epitope of Escherichia coli O157 LPS
Authors: Navarro Armando , Hernández-Chiñas Ulises , Licona-Moreno Delia , Zenteno Edgar , Cravioto Alejandro , Eslava-Campos Carlos A.
Published: September 2016

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a subtype of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that is associated with haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Studies of populations in endemic areas have reported that the presence of specific antibodies against the O157 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is associated with a lower incidence of diarrhoea and HUS. Phage display and IgG anti-O157 LPS antibodies were used in the present study to select peptide mimotopes of O157 LPS expressed in protein III of the M13 phage. Synthetic peptides (SP) were designed using the derived amino acid sequences obtained from DNA nucleotides of 63 selected phagotopes. The LxP/YP/SxL motif was identified in five of the phagotope amino acid sequences. Antibody responses against the phagotopes and their corresponding SPs were evaluated. SP12, one of the designed SP, induced the production of antibodies against the homologous peptide (1:800) and O157 LPS (1:200). The specificity of anti-SP12 antiserum was confirmed by analyzing its response to SP3, an SP with a different amino acid sequence than that of SP12, as well as against an E. coli LPS different from O157. Competitive studies with SP12 and O157 LPS showed a significant decrease in anti-SP12 and anti-LPS O157 antiserum responses against SP12 and O157 LPS, respectively. Eighteen (82%) of the 22 human serum samples with positive reactivity against E. coli O157 LPS reacted with SP12 SP (cut-off >0.4). These results support the idea that SP12 is an immunogenic mimotope of O157 LPS.
Association between selenium intake and the risk of pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Jianfeng , Liu Xudong , Liu Qian , Zhang Guozhuan , Liang Lishuang
Published: September 2016

Quantification of the association between the intake of selenium and risk of pancreatic cancer is still conflicting. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence from epidemiological studies of selenium intake with the risk of pancreatic cancer. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed and Web of Knowledge to July 2016. The random-effect model was used. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Data from six studies including 1424 pancreatic cancer cases were used in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that highest selenium intake amount compared with lowest amount was significantly associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer [summary relative risk (RR)=0.659, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.489–0.889, I2=47.6%]. The associations were significant both in case–control studies [RR=0.618, 95%CI=0.399–0.956, I2=59.1%] and Americas [RR=0.570, 95%CI=0.357–0.909, I2=65.6%]. No publication bias was found. Our analysis suggested that the higher intake of selenium might reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Mas receptor contributes to pregnancy-induced cardiac remodelling
Authors: do Carmo e Silva Cintia , de Almeida Jônathas Fernandes Queiroz , Macedo Larissa Matuda , Melo Marcos Barrouin , Pedrino Gustavo Rodrigues , dos Santos Fernanda Cristina Alcantara , Biancardi Manoel Francisco , dos Santos Robson Augusto Souza , de Carvalho Adryano Augustto Valladão , Mendes Elizabeth Pereira , Colugnati Diego Basile , Mazaro-Costa Renata , de Castro Carlos Henrique
Published: September 2016

Previous studies have demonstrated a protective effect of the Ang-(1–7)/Mas receptor axis on pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Also, the involvement of Mas receptor in exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy has been suggested. However, the role of the Ang-(1–7)/Mas receptor on pregnancy-induced cardiac remodelling remains unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the participation of the Mas receptor in the development of the cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by gestation. Female Wistar rats were divided in three groups: control, pregnant and pregnant treated with Mas receptor antagonist A-779. Wild-type (WT) and Mas-knockout (KO) mice were distributed in non-pregnant and pregnant groups. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography. The medial part of the left ventricle (LV) was collected for histological analysis. Echocardiographic analysis was used to evaluate cardiac function. SBP was not changed by pregnancy or A-779 treatment in the Wistar rats. Pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of Mas receptor attenuates the pregnancy-induced myocyte hypertrophy. The treatment with A-779 or genetic deletion of the Mas receptor increased the collagen III deposition in LV from pregnant animals without changing fibroblast proliferation. KO mice presented a lower ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) and stroke volume (SV) and higher end systolic volume (ESV) compared with WT. Interestingly, pregnancy restored these parameters. In conclusion, these data show that although Mas receptor blockade or deletion decreases physiological hypertrophy of pregnancy, it is associated with more extracellular matrix deposition. These alterations are associated with improvement of cardiac function through a Mas-independent mechanism.
Stacked plate capacitor design technique for filters constructed on multilayer substrates
Authors: Cao Ke , Cheng Chonghu
Published: September 2016

A stacked plate‐capacitor design technique for filters constructed on multilayer substrates is proposed. With this technique, the parasitic effects between capacitors and grounds as well as the parasitic effects between different capacitors can be significantly reduced. The proposed layout can be used in multlayered filters design as a block and the design procedure for filters can be simplified. The proposed layout is analysed in detail. A multilayered filter is designed to demonstrate the design procedure. Both simulation results and measurement results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Design and implementation of planar reflection spiral phase plate for beams with orbital angular momentum
Authors: Cheng Li , Hong Wei , Hao Zhang‐Cheng
Published: September 2016

In this study the authors report on a design of an offset‐fed reflection planar spiral phase plate (SPP) to generate electromagnetic waves with orbital angular momentum (OAM). Detailed design guidelines and measurement procedures are given, respectively in this study. Through the use of a phase tuning technique, the proposed planar SPP converts incident spherical wave to beams with desired helical phase front. An experimental mode‐2 OAM beam generation setup working at 94 GHz has been performed to verify the design method. Typical OAM phase and intensity patterns can be observed in the experiment. The OAM spectrum calculated from this experiment phase information proves the high purity performance of the OAM beams that this approach generated.
Partially Divided Flexor Tendon Injuries: Should They Be Repaired or Not?
Authors: Duci Shkelzen , Ahmeti Hasan
Published: September 2016

The correct management of partially divided flexor tendon injuries is still controversial. Opinions vary regarding whether partially divided flexor tendon injuries should be repaired. Flexor tendon injuries are common because the tendons lie close to the skin. The tendons are therefore exposed to injuries like lacerations and crush injuries, and occasionally they can rupture from where they are joined to the bone. Tendon injuries are the second most common hand injuries in orthopedic patients.
Psychische Krankheit und subjektive Gesundheit bei Wohnungslosen in Zürich
Authors: Briner David , Jäger Matthias , Kawohl Wolfram , Baumgartner-Nietlisbach Gabriela
Published: September 2016

Anliegen Untersuchung der psychiatrischen Morbidität und der subjektiven Gesundheit (self-rated health, SRH) bei Wohnungslosen in der Stadt Zürich.

Methode Querschnittsstudie bei Wohnungslosen (n = 338) in Zürich und Vergleich der SRH mit jener der Allgemeinbevölkerung (n = 21 597).

Ergebnisse Bei 96 % der Wohnungslosen lag mindestens eine psychiatrische Diagnose vor, am häufigsten Drogen- oder Alkoholabhängigkeit. Wohnungslose bewerteten ihre Gesundheit signifikant schlechter als die Allgemeinbevölkerung.

Schlussfolgerungen Auch in Zürich sind Wohnungslose weit häufiger von psychischer Krankheit betroffen als die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Die SRH ist ein Indikator für die effektive Gesundheit und ist mit der Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Leistungen assoziiert.