bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for ice-free summers in the late Miocene central Arctic Ocean
Authors: Stein Ruediger , Fahl Kirsten , Schreck Michael , Knorr Gregor , Niessen Frank , Forwick Matthias , Gebhardt Catalina , Jensen Laura , Kaminski Michael , Kopf Achim , Matthiessen Jens , Jokat Wilfried , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: April 2016

Although the permanently to seasonally ice-covered Arctic Ocean is a unique and sensitive component in the Earth’s climate system, the knowledge of its long-term climate history remains very limited due to the restricted number of pre-Quaternary sedimentary records. During Polarstern Expedition PS87/2014, we discovered multiple submarine landslides along Lomonosov Ridge. Removal of younger sediments from steep headwalls has led to exhumation of Miocene sediments close to the seafloor. Here we document the presence of IP25 as a proxy for spring sea-ice cover and alkenone-based summer sea-surface temperatures >4 °C that support a seasonal sea-ice cover with an ice-free summer season being predominant during the late Miocene in the central Arctic Ocean. A comparison of our proxy data with Miocene climate simulations seems to favour either relatively high late Miocene atmospheric CO2 concentrations and/or a weak sensitivity of the model to simulate the magnitude of high-latitude warming in a warmer than modern climate.
Genome-wide assessment of differential translations with ribosome profiling data
Authors: Xiao Zhengtao , Zou Qin , Liu Yu , Yang Xuerui
Published: April 2016

The closely regulated process of mRNA translation is crucial for precise control of protein abundance and quality. Ribosome profiling, a combination of ribosome foot-printing and RNA deep sequencing, has been used in a large variety of studies to quantify genome-wide mRNA translation. Here, we developed Xtail, an analysis pipeline tailored for ribosome profiling data that comprehensively and accurately identifies differentially translated genes in pairwise comparisons. Applied on simulated and real datasets, Xtail exhibits high sensitivity with minimal false-positive rates, outperforming existing methods in the accuracy of quantifying differential translations. With published ribosome profiling datasets, Xtail does not only reveal differentially translated genes that make biological sense, but also uncovers new events of differential translation in human cancer cells on mTOR signalling perturbation and in human primary macrophages on interferon gamma (IFN-γ) treatment. This demonstrates the value of Xtail in providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms that involve translational dysregulations.
Difference in the Surgical Outcome of Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients with and without Pre-Alveolar Bone Graft Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Chang Chun-Shin , Wallace Christopher Glenn , Hsiao Yen-Chang , Chiu Yu-Ting , Pai Betty Chien-Jung , Chen I-Ju , Liao Yu-Fang , Liou Eric Jen-Wein , Chen Philip Kuo-Ting , Chen Jyh-Ping , Noordhoff M. Samuel
Published: April 2016

Presurgical orthodontic treatment before secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) is widely performed for cleft lip/palate patients. However, no randomized controlled trial has been published comparing SABG outcomes in patients with and without, presurgical orthodontic treatment. This randomized, prospective, single-blinded trial was conducted between January 2012 and April 2015 to compare ABG volumes 6 months postoperatively between patients with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment. Twenty-four patients were enrolled and randomized and 22 patients completed follow-up. Patients who had presurgical orthodontics before SABG had significantly improved inclination (p < 0.001) and rotation (p < 0.001) of the central incisor adjacent to the defect, significantly improved ABG fill volume (0.81 ± 0.26 cm3 at 6 months compared to 0.59 ± 0.22 cm3; p < 0.05) and less residual alveolar bone defect (0.31 ± 0.08 cm3 at 6 months compared to s 0.55 ± 0.14 cm3; p < 0.001) compared to patients who did not have presurgical orthodontic treatment. In conclusion, orthodontic treatment combined with SABG results in superior bone volume when compared with conventional SABG alone.
Nanofaceting as a stamp for periodic graphene charge carrier modulations
Authors: Vondráček M. , Kalita D. , Kučera M. , Fekete L. , Kopeček J. , Lančok J. , Coraux J. , Bouchiat V. , Honolka J.
Published: April 2016

The exceptional electronic properties of monatomic thin graphene sheets triggered numerous original transport concepts, pushing quantum physics into the realm of device technology for electronics, optoelectronics and thermoelectrics. At the conceptual pivot point is the particular two-dimensional massless Dirac fermion character of graphene charge carriers and its volitional modification by intrinsic or extrinsic means. Here, interfaces between different electronic and structural graphene modifications promise exciting physics and functionality, in particular when fabricated with atomic precision. In this study we show that quasiperiodic modulations of doping levels can be imprinted down to the nanoscale in monolayer graphene sheets. Vicinal copper surfaces allow to alternate graphene carrier densities by several 1013 carriers per cm2 along a specific copper high-symmetry direction. The process is triggered by a self-assembled copper faceting process during high-temperature graphene chemical vapor deposition, which defines interfaces between different graphene doping levels at the atomic level.
Micropapillary: A component more likely to harbour heterogeneous EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Cai Yi-Ran , Dong Yu-Jie , Wu Hong-Bo , Liu Zi-Chen , Zhou Li-Juan , Su Dan , Chen Xue-Jing , Zhang Li , Zhao Ying-Li
Published: April 2016

The micropapillary (MP) subtype has recently been established to be a distinct marker of poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinomas (LACs). According to the 2015 WHO classification system, LAC constituents are required to be precisely reported. T790M mutation and an insertion in exon 20 (E20ins) are associated with EGFR-TKI resistance. A total of 211 LAC patients were involved in this study, and EGFR mutations were determined using an amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). Sex, smoking history, lymph node status, and clinical stage differed significantly between the EGFR wild type and mutant groups (p < 0.05). The EGFR mutation occurred more frequently in female, non-smokers, ACs with papillary (85.7%) or MP components (91.4%) (p < 0.001). Twenty ACs with naïve T790M or E20ins were microdissected. The AC constituents metastasizing to lymph nodes exhibited a phenotype and EGFR status that was consistent with the primary loci constituents. Glomerulus-like solid components exhibited the same EGFR status as the surrounding T790M-mutated MP components. The MP and glomerulus-like portions in AC tumours exhibited a congenial EGFR status, but the acinar cells with papillary cells were heterogeneous. The naïve T790M mutants, although minor in the MP component, dramatically increased after EGFR-TKI therapy and indicate that the MP components feature intrinsic heterogeneity.
Tracking of Normal and Malignant Progenitor Cell Cycle Transit in a Defined Niche
Authors: Pineda Gabriel , Lennon Kathleen M. , Delos Santos Nathaniel P. , Lambert-Fliszar Florence , Riso Gennarina L. , Lazzari Elisa , Marra Marco A. , Morris Sheldon , Sakaue-Sawano Asako , Miyawaki Atsushi , Jamieson Catriona H. M.
Published: April 2016

While implicated in therapeutic resistance, malignant progenitor cell cycle kinetics have been difficult to quantify in real-time. We developed an efficient lentiviral bicistronic fluorescent, ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator reporter (Fucci2BL) to image live single progenitors on a defined niche coupled with cell cycle gene expression analysis. We have identified key differences in cell cycle regulatory gene expression and transit times between normal and chronic myeloid leukemia progenitors that may inform cancer stem cell eradication strategies.
Categorical representation of North American precipitation projections
Authors: Greene Arthur M. , Seager Richard
Published: April 2016

We explore use of the familiar tercile framework of seasonal forecasting for the characterization of 21st-century precipitation projections over North America. Consistent with direct analyses of modeled precipitation change, in a superensemble of CMIP5 simulations an unambiguous pattern of shifted tercile population statistics develops as the globe warms. Expressed categorically, frequencies for the low (i.e., dry) tercile increase in the southwestern United States and southward into Mexico and decrease across the northern tier of North America, while counts for the high tercile shift in the opposite sense. We show that as the 21st-century proceeds, changes become statistically significant over wide regions in the pointwise sense and also when considered as projections on model-specific climate change “fingerprints”. Background noise in the superensemble, against which significance is established, comprises both structural model uncertainty and natural climate variability. The robustness of these findings makes a compelling case for long-range planning for a dryer future in the American Southwest and southward and wetter one to the north and especially northeast, while communication is facilitated by widespread user familiarity with the tercile format.
Bacterial community associated to the pine wilt disease insect vectors Monochamus galloprovincialis and Monochamus alternatus
Authors: Alves Marta , Pereira Anabela , Matos Patrícia , Henriques Joana , Vicente Cláudia , Aikawa Takuya , Hasegawa Koichi , Nascimento Francisco , Mota Manuel , Correia António , Henriques Isabel
Published: April 2016

Monochamus beetles are the dispersing vectors of the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causative agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). PWD inflicts significant damages in Eurasian pine forests. Symbiotic microorganisms have a large influence in insect survival. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial community associated to PWD vectors in Europe and East Asia using a culture-independent approach. Twenty-three Monochamus galloprovincialis were collected in Portugal (two different locations); twelve Monochamus alternatus were collected in Japan. DNA was extracted from the insects’ tracheas for 16S rDNA analysis through denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and barcoded pyrosequencing. Enterobacteriales, Pseudomonadales, Vibrionales and Oceanospirilales were present in all samples. Enterobacteriaceae was represented by 52.2% of the total number of reads. Twenty-three OTUs were present in all locations. Significant differences existed between the microbiomes of the two insect species while for M. galloprovincialis there were no significant differences between samples from different Portuguese locations. This study presents a detailed description of the bacterial community colonizing the Monochamus insects’ tracheas. Several of the identified bacterial groups were described previously in association with pine trees and B. xylophilus, and their previously described functions suggest that they may play a relevant role in PWD.
A novel, optical, on-line bacteria sensor for monitoring drinking water quality
Authors: Højris Bo , Christensen Sarah Christine Boesgaard , Albrechtsen Hans-Jørgen , Smith Christian , Dahlqvist Mathis
Published: April 2016

Today, microbial drinking water quality is monitored through either time-consuming laboratory methods or indirect on-line measurements. Results are thus either delayed or insufficient to support proactive action. A novel, optical, on-line bacteria sensor with a 10-minute time resolution has been developed. The sensor is based on 3D image recognition and the obtained pictures are analyzed with algorithms considering 59 quantified image parameters. The sensor counts individual suspended particles and classifies them as either bacteria or abiotic particles. The technology is capable of distinguishing and quantifying bacteria and particles in pure and mixed suspensions and the quantification correlates with total bacterial counts. Several field applications have demonstrated that the technology can monitor changes in the concentration of bacteria and is thus well suited for rapid detection of critical conditions such as pollution events in drinking water.
A comprehensive strategy for the analysis of acoustic compressibility and optical deformability on single cells
Authors: Yang Tie , Bragheri Francesca , Nava Giovanni , Chiodi Ilaria , Mondello Chiara , Osellame Roberto , Berg-Sørensen Kirstine , Cristiani Ilaria , Minzioni Paolo
Published: April 2016

We realized an integrated microfluidic chip that allows measuring both optical deformability and acoustic compressibility on single cells, by optical stretching and acoustophoresis experiments respectively. Additionally, we propose a measurement protocol that allows evaluating the experimental apparatus parameters before performing the cell-characterization experiments, including a non-destructive method to characterize the optical force distribution inside the microchannel. The chip was used to study important cell-mechanics parameters in two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB231. Results indicate that MDA-MB231 has both higher acoustic compressibility and higher optical deformability than MCF7, but statistical analysis shows that optical deformability and acoustic compressibility are not correlated parameters. This result suggests the possibility to use them to analyze the response of different cellular structures. We also demonstrate that it is possible to perform both measurements on a single cell, and that the order of the two experiments does not affect the retrieved values.
Impact of Forest Management on Species Richness: Global Meta-Analysis and Economic Trade-Offs
Authors: Chaudhary Abhishek , Burivalova Zuzana , Koh Lian Pin , Hellweg Stefanie
Published: April 2016

Forests managed for timber have an important role to play in conserving global biodiversity. We evaluated the most common timber production systems worldwide in terms of their impact on local species richness by conducting a categorical meta-analysis. We reviewed 287 published studies containing 1008 comparisons of species richness in managed and unmanaged forests and derived management, taxon and continent specific effect sizes. We show that in terms of local species richness loss, forest management types can be ranked, from best to worse, as follows: selection and retention systems, reduced impact logging, conventional selective logging, clear-cutting, agroforestry, timber plantations, fuelwood plantations. Next, we calculated the economic profitability in terms of the net present value of timber harvesting from 10 hypothetical wood-producing Forest Management Units (FMU) from around the globe. The ranking of management types is altered when the species loss per unit profit generated from the FMU is considered. This is due to differences in yield, timber species prices, rotation cycle length and production costs. We thus conclude that it would be erroneous to dismiss or prioritize timber production regimes, based solely on their ranking of alpha diversity impacts.
Seasonal heterogeneity of ocean warming: a mortality sink for ectotherm colonizers
Authors: Maffucci Fulvio , Corrado Raffaele , Palatella Luigi , Borra Marco , Marullo Salvatore , Hochscheid Sandra , Lacorata Guglielmo , Iudicone Daniele
Published: April 2016

Distribution shifts are a common adaptive response of marine ectotherms to climate change but the pace of redistribution depends on species-specific traits that may promote or hamper expansion to northern habitats. Here we show that recently, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) has begun to nest steadily beyond the northern edge of the species’ range in the Mediterranean basin. This range expansion is associated with a significant warming of spring and summer sea surface temperature (SST) that offers a wider thermal window suitable for nesting. However, we found that post-hatchlings departing from this location experience low winter SST that may affect their survival and thus hamper the stabilization of the site by self-recruitment. The inspection of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change model projections and observational data on SST trends shows that, despite the annual warming for this century, winter SST show little or no trends. Therefore, thermal constraints during the early developmental phase may limit the chance of population growth at this location also in the near future, despite increasingly favourable conditions at the nesting sites. Quantifying and understanding the interplay between dispersal and environmental changes at all life stages is critical for predicting ectotherm range expansion with climate warming.
Developmental potential of clinically discarded human embryos and associated chromosomal analysis
Authors: Yao Guidong , Xu Jiawei , Xin Zhimin , Niu Wenbin , Shi Senlin , Jin Haixia , Song Wenyan , Wang Enyin , Yang Qingling , Chen Lei , Sun Yingpu
Published: April 2016

Clinically discarded human embryos, which are generated from both normal and abnormal fertilizations, have the potential of developing into blastocysts. A total of 1,649 discarded human embryos, including zygotes containing normal (2PN) and abnormal (0PN, 1PN, 3PN and ≥4PN) pronuclei and prematurely cleaved embryos (2Cell), were collected for in vitro culture to investigate their developmental potential and chromosomal constitution using an SNP array-based chromosomal analysis. We found that blastocyst formation rates were 63.8% (for 2Cell embryos), 22.6% (2PN), 16.7% (0PN), 11.2% (3PN) and 3.6% (1PN). SNP array-based chromosomal analysis of the resultant blastocysts revealed that the percentages of normal chromosomes were 55.2% (2Cell), 60.7% (2PN), 44.4% (0PN) and 47.4% (0PN). Compared with clinical preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) data generated with clinically acceptable embryos, results of the SNP array-based chromosome analysis on blastocysts from clinically discarded embryos showed similar values for the frequency of abnormal chromosome occurrence, aberrant signal classification and chromosomal distribution. The present study is perhaps the first systematic analysis of the developmental potential of clinically discarded embryos and provides a basis for future studies.
Consolidative treatment after salvage chemotherapy improves prognosis in patients with relapsed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Nie Man , Bi Xi-wen , Zhang Wen-wen , Sun Peng , Xia Yi , Liu Pan-pan , Huang Hui-qiang , Jiang Wen-qi , Li Zhi-ming
Published: April 2016

The optimal treatment strategy for relapsed natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains largely unknown. We retrospectively reviewed the treatment modalities and prognosis of 56 relapsed NKTCL patients. Chemotherapy was the initial salvage treatment, followed by radiotherapy (RT) or autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) as consolidative therapy, depending on the status of remission and the pattern of relapse. For patients with locoregional relapse alone, consolidative RT after salvage chemotherapy significantly improved prognosis compared with follow-up (5-year OS: 83.3 vs. 41.7%, P = 0.047). For patients with distant relapse, consolidative AHSCT after salvage chemotherapy significantly prolonged survival compared with follow-up (2-year OS: 100.0 vs. 20.0%, P = 0.004). Patients without consolidative treatment after response to salvage chemotherapy exhibited a comparable survival to those who experienced stable or progressive disease after chemotherapy. Asparaginase (ASP)-containing salvage chemotherapy failed to confer a survival advantage over ASP-absent chemotherapy (5-year OS: 44.2 vs. 39.3%, P = 0.369). In conclusion, consolidative RT or AHSCT improved prognosis in patients with relapsed NKTCL who responded to initial salvage chemotherapy, and the role of ASP in salvage chemotherapy requires further exploration in prospective studies.
The rational search for selective anticancer derivatives of the peptide Trichogin GA IV: a multi-technique biophysical approach
Authors: Dalzini Annalisa , Bergamini Christian , Biondi Barbara , De Zotti Marta , Panighel Giacomo , Fato Romana , Peggion Cristina , Bortolus Marco , Maniero Anna Lisa
Published: April 2016

Peptaibols are peculiar peptides produced by fungi as weapons against other microorganisms. Previous studies showed that peptaibols are promising peptide-based drugs because they act against cell membranes rather than a specific target, thus lowering the possibility of the onset of multi-drug resistance, and they possess non-coded α-amino acid residues that confer proteolytic resistance. Trichogin GA IV (TG) is a short peptaibol displaying antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. In the present work, we studied thirteen TG analogues, adopting a multidisciplinary approach. We showed that the cytotoxicity is tuneable by single amino-acids substitutions. Many analogues maintain the same level of non-selective cytotoxicity of TG and three analogues are completely non-toxic. Two promising lead compounds, characterized by the introduction of a positively charged unnatural amino-acid in the hydrophobic face of the helix, selectively kill T67 cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. To explain the determinants of the cytotoxicity, we investigated the structural parameters of the peptides, their cell-binding properties, cell localization, and dynamics in the membrane, as well as the cell membrane composition. We show that, while cytotoxicity is governed by the fine balance between the amphipathicity and hydrophobicity, the selectivity depends also on the expression of negatively charged phospholipids on the cell surface.
A novel fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 inhibitor protects against cartilage degradation in a murine model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Wei , Xie Yangli , Wang Quan , Wang Xiaofeng , Luo Fengtao , Zhou Siru , Wang Zuqiang , Huang Junlan , Tan Qiaoyan , Jin Min , Qi Huabing , Tang Junzhou , Chen Liang , Du Xiaolan , Zhao Chengguang , Liang Guang , Chen Lin
Published: April 2016

The attenuated degradation of articular cartilage by cartilage-specific deletion of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in adult mice suggests that FGFR1 is a potential target for treating osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of the current study was to investigate the effect of a novel non-ATP-competitive FGFR1 inhibitor, G141, on the catabolic events in human articular chondrocytes and cartilage explants and on the progression of cartilage degradation in a murine model of OA. G141 was screened and identified via cell-free kinase-inhibition assay. In the in vitro study, G141 decreased the mRNA levels of catabolic markers ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13, the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, JNK and p38 MAPK and the protein level of MMP-13 in human articular chondrocytes. In the ex vivo study, proteoglycan loss was markedly reduced in G141 treated human cartilage explants. For the in vivo study, intra-articular injection of G141 attenuated the surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) induced cartilage destruction and chondrocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis in mice. Our data suggest that pharmacologically antagonize FGFR1 using G141 protects articular cartilage from osteoarthritic changes and intra-articular injection of G141 is potentially an effective therapy to alleviate OA progression.
Human Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Shows Cardiac Nos1 Translocation and its Increased Levels are Related to Left Ventricular Performance
Authors: Roselló-Lletí Esther , Carnicer Ricardo , Tarazón Estefanía , Ortega Ana , Gil-Cayuela Carolina , Lago Francisca , González-Juanatey Jose Ramón , Portolés Manuel , Rivera Miguel
Published: April 2016

The role of nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) as a major modulator of cardiac function has been extensively studied in experimental models; however, its role in human ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) has never been analysed. Thus, the objectives of this work are to study NOS1 and NOS-related counterparts involved in regulating physiological function of myocyte, to analyze NOS1 localisation, activity, dimerisation, and its relationship with systolic function in ICM. The study has been carried out on left ventricular tissue obtained from explanted human hearts. Here we demonstrate that the upregulation of cardiac NOS1 is not accompanied by an increase in NOS activity, due in part to the alterations found in molecules involved in the regulation of its activity. We observed partial translocation of NOS1 to the sarcolemma in ischemic hearts, and a direct relationship between its protein levels and systolic ventricular function. Our findings indicate that NOS1 may be significant in the pathophysiology of human ischemic heart disease with a preservative role in maintaining myocardial homeostasis.
Narrow band perfect absorber for maximum localized magnetic and electric field enhancement and sensing applications
Authors: Yong Zhengdong , Zhang Senlin , Gong Chensheng , He Sailing
Published: April 2016

Plasmonics offer an exciting way to mediate the interaction between light and matter, allowing strong field enhancement and confinement, large absorption and scattering at resonance. However, simultaneous realization of ultra-narrow band perfect absorption and electromagnetic field enhancement is challenging due to the intrinsic high optical losses and radiative damping in metals. Here, we propose an all-metal plasmonic absorber with an absorption bandwidth less than 8 nm and polarization insensitive absorptivity exceeding 99%. Unlike traditional Metal-Dielectric-Metal configurations, we demonstrate that the narrowband perfect absorption and field enhancement are ascribed to the vertical gap plasmonic mode in the deep subwavelength scale, which has a high quality factor of 120 and mode volume of about 10−4 × (λres/n)3. Based on the coupled mode theory, we verify that the diluted field enhancement is proportional to the absorption and thus perfect absorption is critical to maximum field enhancement. In addition, the proposed perfect absorber can be operated as a refractive index sensor with a sensitivity of 885 nm/RIU and figure of merit as high as 110. It provides a new design strategy for narrow band perfect absorption and local field enhancement and has potential applications in biosensors, filters and nonlinear optics.
Ethylene positively regulates cold tolerance in grapevine by modulating the expression of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 057
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Zhao Tingting , Gan Shuheng , Ren Xiaodie , Fang Linchuan , Karungo Sospeter Karanja , Wang Yi , Chen Liang , Li Shaohua , Xin Haiping
Published: April 2016

Ethylene (ET) is a gaseous plant hormone that plays essential roles in biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. However, the role of ET in cold tolerance varies in different species. This study revealed that low temperature promotes the release of ET in grapevine. The treatment of exogenous 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate increased the cold tolerance of grapevine. By contrast, the application of the ET biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine reduced the cold tolerance of grapevine. This finding suggested that ET positively affected cold stress responses in grapevine. The expression ofVaERF057, an ET signaling downstream gene, was strongly induced by low temperature. The overexpression ofVaERF057also enhanced the cold tolerance ofArabidopsis. Under cold treatment, malondialdehyde content was lower and superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities were higher in transgenic lines than in wild-type plants. RNA-Seq results showed that 32 stress-related genes, such asCBF1-3, were upregulated inVaERF057-overexpressing transgenic line. Yeast one-hybrid results further demonstrated thatVaERF057specifically binds to GCC-box and DRE motifs. Thus,VaERF057may directly regulate the expression of its target stress-responsive genes by interacting with a GCC-box or a DRE element. Our work confirmed that ET positively regulates cold tolerance in grapevine by modulating the expression ofVaERF057.
Comparative transcriptome analyses of seven anurans reveal functions and adaptations of amphibian skin
Authors: Huang Li , Li Jun , Anboukaria Housseni , Luo Zhenhua , Zhao Mian , Wu Hua
Published: April 2016

Animal skin, which is the tissue that directly contacts the external surroundings, has evolved diverse functions to adapt to various environments. Amphibians represent the transitional taxon from aquatic to terrestrial life. Exploring the molecular basis of their skin function and adaptation is important to understand the survival and evolutionary mechanisms of vertebrates. However, comprehensive studies on the molecular mechanisms of skin functions in amphibians are scarce. In this study, we sequenced the skin transcriptomes of seven anurans belonging to three families and compared the similarities and differences in expressed genes and proteins. Unigenes and pathways related to basic biological processes and special functions, such as defense, immunity and respiration, were enriched in functional annotations. A total of 108 antimicrobial peptides were identified. The highly expressed genes were similar in species of the same family but were different among families. Additionally, the positively selected orthologous groups were involved in biosynthesis, metabolism, immunity and defense processes. This study is the first to generate extensive transcriptome data for the skin of seven anurans and provides unigenes and pathway candidates for further studies on amphibian skin function and adaptation.
Construction of the first high-density genetic linkage map of Salvia miltiorrhiza using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing
Authors: Liu Tian , Guo Linlin , Pan Yuling , Zhao Qi , Wang Jianhua , Song Zhenqiao
Published: April 2016

Salvia miltiorrhizais an important medicinal crop in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Knowledge of its genetic foundation is limited because sufficient molecular markers have not been developed and therefore a high-density genetic linkage map is incomplete. Specific length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) is a recently developed high-throughput strategy for large-scale SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) discovery and genotyping based on next generation sequencing (NGS). In this study, genomic DNA extracted from two parents and their 96 F1 individuals was subjected to high-throughput sequencing and SLAF library construction. A total of 155.96 Mb of data containing 155,958,181 pair-end reads were obtained after preprocessing. The average coverage of each SLAF marker was 83.43-fold for the parents compared with 10.36-fold for the F1offspring. The final linkage map consists of 5,164 SLAFs in 8 linkage groups (LGs) and spans 1,516.43 cM, with an average distance of 0.29 cM between adjacent markers. The results will not only provide a platform for mapping quantitative trait loci but also offer a critical new tool forS. miltiorrhizabiotechnology and comparative genomics as well as a valuable reference for TCM studies.
BDNF-Val66Met variant and adolescent stress interact to promote susceptibility to anorexic behavior in mice
Authors: Madra M , Zeltser L M
Published: April 2016

There is an urgent need to identify therapeutic targets for anorexia nervosa (AN) because current medications do not impact eating behaviors that drive AN’s high mortality rate. A major obstacle to developing new treatments is the lack of animal models that recapitulate the pattern of disease onset typically observed in human populations. Here we describe a translational mouse model to study interactions between genetic, psychological and biological risk factors that promote anorexic behavior. We combined several factors that are consistently associated with increased risk of AN—adolescent females, genetic predisposition to anxiety imposed by theBDNF-Val66Met gene variant, social isolation stress and caloric restriction (CR). Approximately 40% of the mice with all of these risk factors will exhibit severe self-imposed dietary restriction, sometimes to the point of death. We systematically varied the risk factors outlined above to explore how they interact to influence anorexic behavior. We found that the Val66Met genotype markedly increases the likelihood and severity of abnormal feeding behavior triggered by CR, but only when CR is imposed in the peri-pubertal period. Incidence of anorexic behavior in our model is dependent on juvenile exposure to social stress and can be extinguished by adolescent handling, but is discordant from anxiety-like behavior. Thus, this study characterized gene × environment interactions during adolescence that could be the underlying driver of abnormal eating behavior in certain AN patients, and represents a promising system to identify possible targets for therapeutic intervention.
Preparation of ultra-thin hexagonal boron nitride nanoplates for cancer cell imaging and neurotransmitter sensing
Authors: Nurunnabi Md , Nafiujjaman Md , Lee Sang-Joon , Park In-Kyu , Huh Kang Moo , Lee Yong-kyu
Published: April 2016

A facile and convenient process was optimized for preparing water-soluble hydroxyl-functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (hBN-OH) from hBN.
Catalytically active lead(ii)–imidazolium coordination assemblies with diversified lead(ii) coordination geometries
Authors: Naga Babu Chatla , Suresh Paladugu , Srinivas Katam , Sathyanarayana Arruri , Sampath Natarajan , Prabusankar Ganesan
Published: April 2016

Five new catalytically active lead(ii)–imidazolium coordination assemblies with diversified lead(ii) coordination geometries were successfully synthesized and used as catalysts for benzoin condensation reactions.
Organic matter and iron oxide nanoparticles: aggregation, interactions, and reactivity
Authors: Vindedahl Amanda M. , Strehlau Jennifer H. , Arnold William A. , Penn R. Lee
Published: April 2016

Understanding the fate and transport of engineered and naturally-occurring nanoparticles is vital to predicting their ecological and toxicological impacts.
Effect of synergic cooperation on optical and photoelectrochemical properties of CeO2–MnO composite thin films
Authors: Mansoor Muhammad Adil , Mazhar Muhammad , Ebadi Mehdi , Ming Huang Nay , Mat Teridi Mohd Asri , Kong Mun Lo
Published: April 2016

Low-temperature (475 °C) fabrication of CeO2–MnO composite thin films having a band gap of 2.5 eV by AACVD.
Waste management in zinc promoted allylation of aldehyde
Authors: Pratihar Sanjay , Kakoty Anindita , Sarmah Kasturi
Published: April 2016

The waste zinc material in Zn(0) promoted Grignard–Barbier type allylation of aldehydes has been successfully utilized as a reusable material for the adsorption of various dyes and also converted into the corresponding hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO.
Constrained azeotropic optimization of extraction system components for the safe and efficient recovery of a desired metabolite (e.g., 3-demethylated colchicine)
Authors: Khan Saif , Jawed Arshad , Dubey Kashyap Kumar , Wahid Mohd , Khan Mahvish , Areeshi Mohammed Y. , Haque Shafiul
Published: April 2016

Constrained azeotropic optimization of extraction system components for the safe and efficient recovery of a desired metabolite (e.g., 3-DMC) using artificial learning and evolutionary optimization techniques.
High performance of Ni0.9Mn1.8Mg0.3O4 spinel nanoceramic microbeads via inkjet printing and two step sintering
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Junhua , Huang Cuiping , Zhang Qinan , Chang Shannan , Chang Aimin , Yao Jincheng
Published: April 2016

The effect of two step sintering process on the microstructure and electrical properties of inkjet printing high performance Ni0.9Mn1.8Mg0.3O4 ceramic microbead materials with lower thermal time constant and higher material constant is investigated.
Twist fibrous structure of CS–SnO2–PANI ternary hybrid composite for electrochemical capacitance performance
Authors: Karpuraranjith M. , Thambidurai S.
Published: April 2016

In this study, a twisted fibrous CS–SnO2–PANI ternary hybrid composite structure was synthesizedviaa two step method; the CS–SnO2hybrid composite was prepared by a simple chemical precipitation method and the resulting CS–SnO2suspension was coated with PANI byin situchemical oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer in acidic medium using ammonium persulphate as the oxidant.
Oral bioavailability and evaluation of docetaxel–nicotinamide complex loaded chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jing , Wu Jian , Zhang Jun , Wang Yiyue , Fang Liang , Shen Qi
Published: April 2016

DTX–NA/NPs, synergism of DTX–NA complex and positively charged chitosan nanoparticles, can considerably enhance oral bioavailability.
Integrated ethanol and biogas production from pinewood
Authors: Safari Ali , Karimi Keikhosro , Shafiei Marzieh
Published: April 2016

Efficient conversion of cellulose to ethanol and hemicellulose to biogas after dilute acid pretreatment.
Environmental manipulation to promote stem cell survival in vivo: use of aggregation, oxygen carrier, and BMP-2 co-delivery strategies
Authors: Allen Ashley B. , Zimmermann Josh A. , Burnsed Olivia A. , Yakubovich Doron Cohn , Stevens Hazel Y. , Gazit Zulma , McDevitt Todd C. , Guldberg Robert E.
Published: April 2016

While mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based strategies for critically-sized bone defect repair hold promise, poor cell survivalin vivoremains a significant barrier to the translation of these therapeutics.
Quantitative online sheath-flow surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection for liquid chromatography
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Schultz Zachary D.
Published: April 2016

Sheath-flow surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used for online detection and quantification of small molecules separated by liquid chromatography.
Accurate determination of low-level chemical oxygen demand using a multistep chemical oxidation digestion process for treating drinking water samples
Authors: Ma Yongjun , Tie Zhenzhen , Zhou Min , Wang Na , Cao Xiaojuan , Xie Yun
Published: April 2016

A multistep wet-chemical oxidation digestion technique was developed for determination of low-level COD in drinking water by using a potentiometric titration method.
A charge-adaptive nanosystem for prolonged and enhanced in vivo antibiotic delivery
Authors: Chu Liping , Gao Honglin , Cheng Tangjian , Zhang Yumin , Liu Jinjian , Huang Fan , Yang Cuihong , Shi Linqi , Liu Jianfeng
Published: April 2016

A poly(β-amino ester)-based nanocarrier with the acid-dependent charge conversion characteristic prolonged and enhanced the in vivo vancomycin delivery.
Formation of a unique ‘unsupported’ hydridic stannate(ii)
Authors: Fernández-Millán María , Allen Lucy K. , García-Rodríguez Raúl , Bond Andrew D. , Mosquera Marta E. G. , Wright Dominic S.
Published: April 2016

The reaction of the amido-stannate LiSn(NMe2)3 with the phosphine–borane tBu2PHBH3 gives the SnII hydride [(Me2NH)2Li{BH3P(tBu)2}2Sn(H)] (1); the first example of a hydridic stannate(ii) that is not supported by transition metal or ligand bonding.
The molecular mechanism of the open–closed protein conformational cycle transitions and coupled substrate binding, activation and product release events in lysine 5,6-aminomutase
Authors: Lo Hsin-Hsi , Lin Hsin-Hua , Maity Amarendra Nath , Ke Shyue-Chu
Published: April 2016

The contributions of Lys370α and Asp298α to the critical Co–C bond cleavage trigger and open–closed cycle transitions of lysine 5,6-aminomutase.
Comparing molecules and solids across structural and alchemical space
Authors: De Sandip , Bartók Albert P. , Csányi Gábor , Ceriotti Michele
Published: April 2016

A general procedure to compare molecules and materials powers insightful representations of energy landscapes and precise machine-learning predictions of properties.
Activation and conformational dynamics of a class B G-protein-coupled glucagon receptor
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Jixue , Li Dongmei , Lin Jianping
Published: April 2016

The binding of the agonist glucagon would induce the conformational dynamics and activation of the GCGR. The activation led to the outward movement of helix VII and breaking of two hydrogen bonds.
The adsorbed state of a thiol on palladium nanoparticles
Authors: Rogers Scott M. , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Jones Wilm , Bowker Michael , Kanaras Antonios G. , Wells Peter P. , Catlow C. Richard A. , Parker Stewart F.
Published: April 2016

Imaging, spectroscopy and computation show that 1-dodecanethiol forms largely ordered 1-dodecanethiolate on the surface of palladium nanoparticles.
The adsorption and activation of NO on silver clusters with sizes up to one nanometer: interactions dominated by electron transfer from silver to NO
Authors: Ma Jun , Cao Xizi , Liu Hao , Yin Baoqi , Xing Xiaopeng
Published: April 2016

Evidence for NO unitary adsorption, the formation of (NO)2 and the reduction to form N2O is observed on silver clusters with sizes up to one nanometer. The adsorption and activation of NO are enhanced by electron transfer from silver to NO.
Structural analysis of bioinspired nano materials with synchrotron far IR spectroscopy
Authors: Seoudi Rania S. , Dowd Annette , Smith Brian J. , Mechler Adam
Published: April 2016

Synchrotron far-infrared spectroscopy was used in conjunction with density functional theory vibrational analysis to ascertain the core structure of self-assembled fibrous superstructures formed by unnatural β3-tripeptides.
Theoretical insights on the catalytic activity and mechanism for oxygen reduction reaction at Fe and P codoped graphene
Authors: He Feng , Li Kai , Xie Guangyou , Wang Ying , Jiao Menggai , Tang Hao , Wu Zhijian
Published: April 2016

The zigzag edge site of the Fe–P2 co-doped graphene is active for the ORR.
A new quinoline-based fluorescent probe for Cd2+ and Hg2+ with an opposite response in a 100% aqueous environment and live cell imaging
Authors: Lu Hong-Lin , Wang Wei-Kang , Tan Xing-Xing , Luo Xiao-Fei , Zhang Mao-Lin , Zhang Mei , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: April 2016

A new quinoline-based dual fluorescent probe L was synthesized for the detection of Cd2+ (turn-on) and Hg2+ (turn-off) in a 100% aquatic system. Its in vivo sensitivities to Cd2+ and Hg2+ were demonstrated in the EC9706 cell line.
Cycloruthenated complexes: pH-dependent reversible cyclometallation and reactions with nitrite at octahedral ruthenium centers
Authors: Su Xianlong , Zeng Rongqing , Li Xianghong , Dang Weijie , Yao Kaiyue , Tang Dingguo
Published: April 2016

Nitrite could attack a cyclometallated ruthenium(ii) center with an unexpected cleavage of Ru–N∧N bonds to afford a ruthenium(ii) nitrosyl complex.
Another step toward DNA selective targeting: NiIIand CuIIcomplexes of a Schiff base ligand able to bind gene promoter G-quadruplexes
Authors: Terenzi Alessio , Lötsch Daniela , van Schoonhoven Sushilla , Roller Alexander , Kowol Christian R. , Berger Walter , Keppler Bernhard K. , Barone Giampaolo
Published: April 2016

Water-soluble Schiff base NiIIcomplex in the binding pocket of the oncogene G-quadruplexc-Kit1.
Encapsulation of lipophilic kiteplatin Pt(iv) prodrugs in PLGA-PEG micelles
Authors: Margiotta Nicola , Savino Salvatore , Denora Nunzio , Marzano Cristina , Laquintana Valentino , Cutrignelli Annalisa , Hoeschele James D. , Gandin Valentina , Natile Giovanni
Published: April 2016

PLGA-PEG nanoparticles loaded with Pt(iv) prodrugs of kiteplatin boost the antitumor effect of the drug and reduce its toxicity.
Research highlights: improved understanding of ecological impacts resulting from nanomaterial-based in situ remediation
Authors: Pettibone John M. , Louie Stacey M.
Published: April 2016

Three articles that examine different aspects of nanoscale zero-valent iron transport, reactivity or exposure to model organisms are reported, which advance the development of more sustainable remediation approaches.
Characterising and understanding the impact of microbial biofilms and the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Fish Katherine E. , Osborn A. Mark , Boxall Joby
Published: April 2016

Drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) contain complex microbial biofilm communities. Understanding the ecology of these biofilms is critical for effective management of DWDS infrastructure and maintenance of water quality.
The anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of ergosterol depended on upregulation of PPARgamma in HSC-T6 cells
Authors: Tai Chen-Jei , Choong Chen-Yen , Lin Yu-Chun , Shi Yeu-Ching , Tai Cheng-Jeng
Published: April 2016

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) were shown to play an important role in metabolic syndrome and were suggested to contribute to the development of hepatic fibrosis.
Enhancing the stability of ionic liquid media for cellulose processing: acetal protection or carbene suppression?
Authors: Clough Matthew T. , Griffith Jeraime A. , Kuzmina Olga , Welton Tom
Published: April 2016

The recyclability of an ionic liquid-based cellulose solvent is bolstered by the inclusion of a benign hydrogen-donor co-solvent,e.g.glycerol.
C–H carboxylation of heteroarenes with ambient CO2
Authors: Fenner Sabine , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2016

The C–H carboxylation of heteroarenes was achieved under transition metal-free reaction conditions with naturally abundant CO2 as the C1 source at relatively low temperature.
“On water” reactivity between carbohydrate-derived nitroalkenes and furans
Authors: Luque-Agudo Verónica , Gil María Victoria , Román Emilio , Serrano José Antonio
Published: April 2016

Eco-friendly “on water” reactions of carbohydrate-derived nitroalkenes with furan, 2-methylfuran and furfural N,N-dimethylhydrazone have been investigated under different mixing methods, such as a magnetic stirrer and a wrist-action shaker.
The use of auxiliary substances (e.g. solvents, separation agents) should be made unnecessary wherever possible and innocuous when used
Authors: Jessop Philip G.
Published: April 2016

Editorial on the use of auxiliary substances and their reduction and elimination.
Engineering molecular self-assembly of perylene diimide through pH-responsive chiroptical switching
Authors: Pandeeswar M. , Govindaraju T.
Published: April 2016

The perturbation of non-covalent interactions induced by pH-responsive protonation–deprotonation in HPH resulted in reversible supramolecular chiroptical switching (left-handed to right-handed helical self-assembly) and tunable 1D nanostructures.
Molecular engineering of cyanine dyes to design a panchromatic response in co-sensitized dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Pepe Giulio , Cole Jacqueline M. , Waddell Paul G. , McKechnie Scott
Published: April 2016

Cyanines are optically tunable dyes with high molar extinction coefficients, suitable for applications in co-sensitized dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs); yet, barely thus applied.
Metal-free chemoselective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides catalyzed by immobilized l-aspartic acid and l-glutamic acid in an aqueous phase at room temperature
Authors: Shen Hai-Min , Zhou Wen-Jie , Yu Wu-Bin , Wu Hong-Ke , Liu Qiu-Ping , Ji Hong-Bing , Wang Yan , She Yuan-Bin
Published: April 2016

Immobilized l-aspartic and l-glutamic acid were employed in the oxidation of sulfides, and 99% conversion and 97% selectivity were achieved.
Different effects of three soil microfloras on the corrosion of copper
Authors: Li Bo , Luo Xuegang , Zhang Hong , Tang Yongjin
Published: April 2016

Many studies have indicated that microorganisms provide less protection or even detrimental effects to metals and alloys.
Evaluation of mammalian and bacterial cell activity on titanium surface coated with dicationic imidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Gindri Izabelle M. , Palmer Kelli L. , Siddiqui Danyal A. , Aghyarian Shant , Frizzo Clarissa P. , Martins Marcos A. P. , Rodrigues Danieli C.
Published: April 2016

This work presents a new strategy to protect titanium surfaces against bacterial colonization and biofilm formation using dicationic imidazolium-based ionic liquid coatings.
Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of some 3,3′-bisindolyl(aryl)methanes
Authors: Neshat Abdollah
Published: April 2016

A series of 3,3′-bisindolyl(aryl)methanes were synthesized and fully characterized by a combination of1H and13C NMR spectroscopy and in one case using X-ray crystallography.