bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of genetic admixture in Uyghur using the 26 Y-STR loci system
Authors: Bian Yingnan , Zhang Suhua , Zhou Wei , Zhao Qi , Siqintuya  , Zhu Ruxin , Wang Zheng , Gao Yuzhen , Hong Jie , Lu Daru , Li Chengtao
Published: February 2016

The Uyghur population has experienced extensive interaction with European and Eastern Asian populations historically. A set of high-resolution genetic markers could be useful to infer the genetic relationships between the Uyghur population and European and Asian populations. In this study we typed 100 unrelated Uyghur males living in southern Xinjiang at 26 Y-STR loci. Using the high-resolution 26 Y-STR loci system, we investigated genetic and phylogenetic relationship between the Uyghur population and 23 reference European or Asian populations. We found that the Uyghur population exhibited a genetic admixture of Eastern Asian and European populations and had a slightly closer relationship with the selected European populations than the Eastern Asian populations. We also demonstrated that the 26 Y-STR loci system was potentially useful in forensic sciences because it has a large power of discrimination and rarely exhibits common haplotypes. However, ancestry inference of Uyghur samples could be challenging due to the admixed nature of the population.
Clonal Complex 17 Group B Streptococcus strains causing invasive disease in neonates and adults originate from the same genetic pool
Authors: Teatero Sarah , Ramoutar Erin , McGeer Allison , Li Aimin , Melano Roberto G. , Wasserscheid Jessica , Dewar Ken , Fittipaldi Nahuel
Published: February 2016

A significant proportion of group B Streptococcus (GBS) neonatal disease, particularly late-onset disease, is associated with strains of serotype III, clonal complex (CC) 17. CC17 strains also cause invasive infections in adults. Little is known about the phylogenetic relationships of isolates recovered from neonatal and adult CC17 invasive infections. We performed whole-genome-based phylogenetic analysis of 93 temporally and geographically matched CC17 strains isolated from both neonatal and adult invasive infections in the metropolitan region of Toronto/Peel, Canada. We also mined the whole-genome data to reveal mobile genetic elements carrying antimicrobial resistance genes. We discovered that CC17 GBS strains causing neonatal and adult invasive disease are interspersed and cluster tightly in a phylogenetic tree, signifying that they are derived from the same genetic pool. We identified limited variation due to recombination in the core CC17 genome. We describe that loss of Pilus Island 1 and acquisition of different mobile genetic elements carrying determinants of antimicrobial resistance contribute to CC17 genetic diversity. Acquisition of some of these mobile genetic elements appears to correlate with clonal expansion of the strains that possess them. Our results provide a genome-wide portrait of the population structure and evolution of a major disease-causing clone of an opportunistic pathogen.
A Dual Target-directed Agent against Interleukin-6 Receptor and Tumor Necrosis Factor α ameliorates experimental arthritis
Authors: Kim Youngkyun , Yi Hyoju , Jung Hyerin , Rim Yeri Alice , Park Narae , Kim Juryun , Jung Seung Min , Park Sung-Hwan , Park Young Woo , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: February 2016

A considerable proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not respond to monospecific agents. The purpose of our study was to generate a hybrid form of biologics, targeting tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and determine its anti-arthritic propertiesin vitroandin vivo. A novel dual target-directed agent (DTA(A7/sTNFR2)) was generated by conjugating soluble TNF receptor 2 (sTNFR2) to the Fc region of A7, a new anti-IL-6R antibody obtained by screening the phage display human antibody library. DTA(A7/sTNFR2) inhibited the proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with RA (RA-FLS) more efficiently than single target-directed agents. DTA(A7/sTNFR2) also blocked osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow cells. The arthritis severity scores of the experimental arthritis mice with DTA(A7/sTNFR2) tended to be lower than those of mice with IgG, A7, or sTNFR2. Histological data suggested that DTA(A7/sTNFR2) is more efficient than single-target drugs in preventing joint destruction and bone loss. These results were confirmedin vivousing the minicircle system. Taken together, the results show that DTA(A7/sTNFR2) may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.
Tumor-derived exosomes regulate expression of immune function-related genes in human T cell subsets
Authors: Muller Laurent , Mitsuhashi Masato , Simms Patricia , Gooding William E. , Whiteside Theresa L.
Published: February 2016

Tumor cell-derived exosomes (TEX) suppress functions of immune cells. Here, changes in the gene profiles of primary human T lymphocytes exposed in vitro to exosomes were evaluated. CD4+ Tconv, CD8+ T or CD4+ CD39+ Treg were isolated from normal donors’ peripheral blood and co-incubated with TEX or exosomes isolated from supernatants of cultured dendritic cells (DEX). Expression levels of 24–27 immune response-related genes in these T cells were quantified by qRT-PCR. In activated T cells, TEX and DEX up-regulated mRNA expression levels of multiple genes. Multifactorial data analysis of ΔCt values identified T cell activation and the immune cell type, but not exosome source, as factors regulating gene expression by exosomes. Treg were more sensitive to TEX-mediated effects than other T cell subsets. In Treg, TEX-mediated down-regulation of genes regulating the adenosine pathway translated into high expression of CD39 and increased adenosine production. TEX also induced up-regulation of inhibitory genes in CD4+ Tconv, which translated into a loss of CD69 on their surface and a functional decline. Exosomes are not internalized by T cells, but signals they carry and deliver to cell surface receptors modulate gene expression and functions of human T lymphocytes.
Transcriptional comparison of human induced and primary midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Xia Ninuo , Zhang Pengbo , Fang Fang , Wang Zhengyuan , Rothstein Megan , Angulo Benjamin , Chiang Rosaria , Taylor James , Reijo Pera Renee A.
Published: February 2016

Generation of induced dopaminergic (iDA) neurons may provide a significant step forward towards cell replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). To study and compare transcriptional programs of induced cells versus primary DA neurons is a preliminary step towards characterizing human iDA neurons. We have optimized a protocol to efficiently generate iDA neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). We then sequenced the transcriptomes of iDA neurons derived from 6 different hPSC lines and compared them to that of primary midbrain (mDA) neurons. We identified a small subset of genes with altered expression in derived iDA neurons from patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We also observed that iDA neurons differ significantly from primary mDA neurons in global gene expression, especially in genes related to neuron maturation level. Results suggest iDA neurons from patient iPSCs could be useful for basic and translational studies, including in vitro modeling of PD. However, further refinement of methods of induction and maturation of neurons may better recapitulate full development of mDA neurons from hPSCs.
A SPION-eicosane protective coating for water soluble capsules: Evidence for on-demand drug release triggered by magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Che Rose Laili , Bear Joseph C. , McNaughter Paul D. , Southern Paul , Piggott R. Ben , Parkin Ivan P. , Qi Sheng , Mayes Andrew G.
Published: February 2016

An orally-administered system for targeted, on-demand drug delivery to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is highly desirable due to the high instances of diseases of that organ system and harsh mechanical and physical conditions any such system has to endure. To that end, we present an iron oxide nanoparticle/wax composite capsule coating using magnetic hyperthermia as a release trigger. The coating is synthesised using a simple dip-coating process from pharmaceutically approved materials using a gelatin drug capsule as a template. We show that the coating is impervious to chemical conditions within the GI tract and is completely melted within two minutes when exposed to an RF magnetic field under biologically-relevant conditions. The overall simplicity of action, durability and non-toxic and inexpensive nature of our system demonstrated herein are key for successful drug delivery systems.
Correction: Corrigendum: Organ-wide 3D-imaging and topological analysis of the continuous microvascular network in a murine lymph node
Authors: Kelch Inken D. , Bogle Gib , Sands Gregory B. , Phillips Anthony R. J. , LeGrice Ian J. , Dunbar P. Rod
Published: February 2016

Understanding of the microvasculature has previously been limited by the lack of methods capable of capturing and modelling complete vascular networks. We used novel imaging and computational techniques to establish the topology of the entire blood vessel network of a murine lymph node, combining 63706 confocal images at 2 μm pixel resolution to cover a volume of 3.88 mm3. Detailed measurements including the distribution of vessel diameters, branch counts, and identification of voids were subsequently re-visualised in 3D revealing regional specialisation within the network. By focussing on critical immune microenvironments we quantified differences in their vascular topology. We further developed a morphology-based approach to identify High Endothelial Venules, key sites for lymphocyte extravasation. These data represent a comprehensive and continuous blood vessel network of an entire organ and provide benchmark measurements that will inform modelling of blood vessel networks as well as enable comparison of vascular topology in different organs.
Correction: Corrigendum: The effects of inhibitory control training for preschoolers on reasoning ability and neural activity
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhu Xinyi , Ziegler Albert , Shi Jiannong
Published: February 2016

Inhibitory control (including response inhibition and interference control) develops rapidly during the preschool period and is important for early cognitive development. This study aimed to determine the training and transfer effects on response inhibition in young children. Children in the training group (N = 20; 12 boys, mean age 4.87 ± 0.26 years) played “Fruit Ninja” on a tablet computer for 15 min/day, 4 days/week, for 3 weeks. Children in the active control group (N = 20; 10 boys, mean age 4.88 ± 0.20 years) played a coloring game on a tablet computer for 10 min/day, 1–2 days/week, for 3 weeks. Several cognitive tasks (involving inhibitory control, working memory, and fluid intelligence) were used to evaluate the transfer effects, and electroencephalography (EEG) was performed during a go/no-go task. Progress on the trained game was significant, while performance on a reasoning task (Raven’s Progressive Matrices) revealed a trend-level improvement from pre- to post-test. EEG indicated that the N2 effect of the go/no-go task was enhanced after training for girls. This study is the first to show that pure response inhibition training can potentially improve reasoning ability. Furthermore, gender differences in the training-induced changes in neural activity were found in preschoolers.
Multipartite entanglement indicators based on monogamy relations of n-qubit symmetric states
Authors: Liu Feng , Gao Fei , Qin Su-Juan , Xie Shu-Cui , Wen Qiao-Yan
Published: February 2016

Constructed from Bai-Xu-Wang-class monogamy relations, multipartite entanglement indicators can detect the entanglement not stored in pairs of the focus particle and the other subset of particles. We investigate the k-partite entanglement indicators related to the αth power of entanglement of formation (αEoF) for k ≤ n, αϵ"Equation missing" and n-qubit symmetric states. We then show that (1) The indicator based on αEoF is a monotonically increasing function of k. (2) When n is large enough, the indicator based on αEoF is a monotonically decreasing function of α and then the n-partite indicator based on "Equation missing" works best. However, the indicator based on 2 EoF works better when n is small enough.
The Prevalence of Atherosclerosis in Those with Inflammatory Connective Tissue Disease by Race, Age and Traditional Risk Factors
Authors: Alenghat Francis J.
Published: February 2016

Systemic inflammation promotes cardiovascular disease. Inflammatory connective tissue diseases (CTD) like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis associate with cardiovascular risk, but it is unknown whether particular groups of patients have enhanced propensity for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) associated with their CTD. Analysis of aggregate health record data at a large U.S. academic center identified CTD and ASCVD status for 287,467 African American and white adults. ASCVD prevalence in those with CTD was 29.7% for African Americans and 14.7% for white patients with prevalence ratios, compared to those without CTD, of 3.1 and 1.8, respectively. When different types of CTD were analyzed individually (rheumatoid arthritis; lupus; scleroderma; Sjögren Syndrome; dermatomyositis/polymyositis; unspecified/mixed CTD; other inflammatory arthropathy), increased ASCVD rates were found in nearly all subsets, always with higher prevalence ratios in African Americans. The prevalence ratio of ASCVD was particularly high in young African Americans. Furthermore, individuals lacking traditional cardiovascular risk factors had more ASCVD if they had CTD (prevalence ratio 2.9). Multivariate analysis confirmed a positive interaction between CTD and African-American race and a negative interaction between CTD and age. The factors driving the observed disproportionate CTD-associated ASCVD in African Americans, young adults and those without traditional risk factors warrant further study.
A Porous Aromatic Framework Constructed from Benzene Rings Has a High Adsorption Capacity for Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
Authors: Luo Qin , Zhao Changwei , Liu Guixia , Ren Hao
Published: February 2016

A low-cost and easily constructed porous aromatic framework (PAF-45) was successfully prepared using the Scholl reaction. PAF-45 was, for the first time, used to remove perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from aqueous solution. Systematic experiments were performed to determine the adsorption capacity of PAF-45 for PFOS and to characterize the kinetics of the adsorption process. The adsorption of PFOS onto PAF-45 reached equilibrium in 30 min and the adsorption capacity of PAF-45 for PFOS was excellent (5847 mg g−1 at pH 3). The amount of PFOS adsorbed by PAF-45 increased significantly as the cation (Na+, Mg2+, or Fe3+) concentration increased, which probably occurred because the cations enhanced the interactions between the negatively charged PFOS molecules and the positively charged PAF-45 surface. The cations Na+, Mg2+ and Fe3+ were found to form complexes with PFOS anions in solution. Density functional theory was used to identify the interactions between PFOS and Na+, Mg2+ and Fe3+. We expect that materials of the same type as PAF-45 could be useful adsorbents for removing organic pollutants from industrial wastewater and contaminated surface water.
Human oral isolate Lactobacillus fermentum AGR1487 induces a pro-inflammatory response in germ-free rat colons
Authors: Anderson Rachel C. , Ulluwishewa Dulantha , Young Wayne , Ryan Leigh J. , Henderson Gemma , Meijerink Marjolein , Maier Eva , Wells Jerry M. , Roy Nicole C.
Published: February 2016

Lactobacilli are thought to be beneficial for human health, with lactobacilli-associated infections being confined to immune-compromised individuals. However, Lactobacillus fermentum AGR1487 negatively affects barrier integrity in vitro so we hypothesized that it caused a pro-inflammatory response in the host. We compared germ-free rats inoculated with AGR1487 to those inoculated with another L. fermentum strain, AGR1485, which does not affect in vitro barrier integrity. We showed that rats inoculated with AGR1487 had more inflammatory cells in their colon, higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and increased colonic gene expression of pro-inflammatory pathways. In addition, our in vitro studies showed that AGR1487 had a greater capacity to activate TLR signaling and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines in immune cells. This study indicates the potential of strains of the same species to differentially elicit inflammatory responses in the host and highlights the importance of strain characterization in probiotic approaches to treat inflammatory disorders.
Role of transcription factor-mediated nucleosome disassembly in PHO5 gene expression
Authors: Kharerin Hungyo , Bhat Paike J. , Marko John F. , Padinhateeri Ranjith
Published: February 2016

Studying nucleosome dynamics in promoter regions is crucial for understanding gene regulation. Nucleosomes regulate gene expression by sterically occluding transcription factors (TFs) and other non–histone proteins accessing genomic DNA. How the binding competition between nucleosomes and TFs leads to transcriptionally compatible promoter states is an open question. Here, we present a computational study of the nucleosome dynamics and organization in the promoter region of PHO5 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Introducing a model for nucleosome kinetics that takes into account ATP-dependent remodeling activity, DNA sequence effects and kinetics of TFs (Pho4p), we compute the probability of obtaining different “promoter states” having different nucleosome configurations. Comparing our results with experimental data, we argue that the presence of local remodeling activity (LRA) as opposed to basal remodeling activity (BRA) is crucial in determining transcriptionally active promoter states. By modulating the LRA and Pho4p binding rate, we obtain different mRNA distributions—Poisson, bimodal and long-tail. Through this work we explain many features of the PHO5 promoter such as sequence-dependent TF accessibility and the role of correlated dynamics between nucleosomes and TFs in opening/coverage of the TATA box. We also obtain possible ranges for TF binding rates and the magnitude of LRA.
Bioelectrical Signals and Ion Channels in the Modeling of Multicellular Patterns and Cancer Biophysics
Authors: Cervera Javier , Alcaraz Antonio , Mafe Salvador
Published: February 2016

Bioelectrical signals and ion channels are central to spatial patterns in cell ensembles, a problem of fundamental interest in positional information and cancer processes. We propose a model for electrically connected cells based on simple biological concepts: i) the membrane potential of a single cell characterizes its electrical state; ii) the long-range electrical coupling of the multicellular ensemble is realized by a network of gap junction channels between neighboring cells; and iii) the spatial distribution of an external biochemical agent can modify the conductances of the ion channels in a cell membrane and the multicellular electrical state. We focus on electrical effects in small multicellular ensembles, ignoring slow diffusional processes. The spatio-temporal patterns obtained for the local map of cell electric potentials illustrate the normalization of regions with abnormal cell electrical states. The effects of intercellular coupling and blocking of specific channels on the electrical patterns are described. These patterns can regulate the electrically-induced redistribution of charged nanoparticles over small regions of a model tissue. The inclusion of bioelectrical signals provides new insights for the modeling of cancer biophysics because collective multicellular states show electrical coupling mechanisms that are not readily deduced from biochemical descriptions at the individual cell level.
Cofilin-induced cooperative conformational changes of actin subunits revealed using cofilin-actin fusion protein
Authors: Umeki Nobuhisa , Hirose Keiko , Uyeda Taro Q. P.
Published: February 2016

To investigate cooperative conformational changes of actin filaments induced by cofilin binding, we engineered a fusion protein made of Dictyostelium cofilin and actin. The filaments of the fusion protein were functionally similar to actin filaments bound with cofilin in that they did not bind rhodamine-phalloidin, had quenched fluorescence of pyrene attached to Cys374 and showed enhanced susceptibility of the DNase loop to cleavage by subtilisin. Quantitative analyses of copolymers made of different ratios of the fusion protein and control actin further demonstrated that the fusion protein affects the structure of multiple neighboring actin subunits in copolymers. Based on these and other recent related studies, we propose a mechanism by which conformational changes induced by cofilin binding is propagated unidirectionally to the pointed ends of the filaments and cofilin clusters grow unidirectionally to the pointed ends following this path. Interestingly, the fusion protein was unable to copolymerize with control actin at pH 6.5 and low ionic strength, suggesting that the structural difference between the actin moiety in the fusion protein and control actin is pH-sensitive.
Decline in intertidal biota after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the Fukushima nuclear disaster: field observations
Authors: Horiguchi Toshihiro , Yoshii Hiroshi , Mizuno Satoshi , Shiraishi Hiroaki
Published: February 2016

In 2011, 2012 and 2013, in the intertidal zones of eastern Japan, we investigated the ecological effects of the severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant that accompanied the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The number of intertidal species decreased significantly with decreasing distance from the power plant and no rock shell (Thais clavigera) specimens were collected near the plant, from Hirono to Futaba Beach (a distance of approximately 30 km) in 2012. The collection of rock shell specimens at many other sites hit by the tsunami suggests that the absence of rock shells around the plant in 2012 might have been caused by the nuclear accident in 2011. Quantitative surveys in 2013 showed that the number of species and population densities in the intertidal zones were much lower at sites near, or within several kilometers south of, the plant than at other sites and lower than in 1995, especially in the case of Arthropoda. There is no clear explanation for these findings, but it is evident that the intertidal biota around the power plant has been affected since the nuclear accident.
Linking suckling biomechanics to the development of the palate
Authors: Li Jingtao , Johnson Chelsey A. , Smith Andrew A. , Hunter Daniel J. , Singh Gurpreet , Brunski John B. , Helms Jill A.
Published: February 2016

Skulls are amongst the most informative documents of evolutionary history but a complex geometry, coupled with composite material properties and complicated biomechanics, have made it particularly challenging to identify mechanical principles guiding the skull’s morphogenesis. Despite this challenge, multiple lines of evidence, for example the relationship between masticatory function and the evolution of jaw shape, nonetheless suggest that mechanobiology plays a major role in skull morphogenesis. To begin to tackle this persistent challenge, cellular, molecular and tissue-level analyses of the developing mouse palate were coupled with finite element modeling to demonstrate that patterns of strain created by mammalian-specific oral behaviors produce complementary patterns of chondrogenic gene expression in an initially homogeneous population of cranial neural crest cells. Neural crest cells change from an osteogenic to a chondrogenic fate, leading to the materialization of cartilaginous growth plate-like structures in the palatal midline. These growth plates contribute to lateral expansion of the head but are transient structures; when the strain patterns associated with suckling dissipate at weaning, the growth plates disappear and the palate ossifies. Thus, mechanical cues such as strain appear to co-regulate cell fate specification and ultimately, help drive large-scale morphogenetic changes in head shape.
Plasmon-assisted trapping of nanoparticles using a silver-nanowire-embedded PMMA nanofiber
Authors: Cheng Chang , Xu Xiaohao , Lei Hongxiang , Li Baojun
Published: February 2016

The integration of surface plasmon with waveguide is a strategy for lab-on-a-chip compatible optical trapping. Here, we report a method for trapping of nanoparticles using a silver nanowire (AgNW) embedded poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanofiber with the assistance of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The nanoparticles (polystyrene, 700 nm diameter) are transported along the nanofiber and ultimately trapped at the AgNW embedded region because of the enhanced optical gradient force towards the nanofiber exerted on the nanoparticles and optical potential well generated by the excitation of SPPs. The low optical power requirement and the easy fabrication of the AgNW-embedded nanofiber with broad range of wavelength for SPPs are advantageous to the applications in optofluidics and plasmofluidics.
Role of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 polymorphisms in risk of cancer development: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Zhi-Ming , Zhang Tian-Song , Lin Shuai , Zhang Wang-Gang , Liu Jie , Cao Xing-Mei , Li Hong-Bao , Wang Meng , Liu Xing-Han , Liu Kang , Li Shan-Li , Dai Zhi-Jun
Published: February 2016

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin-17 (IL-17) gene have been shown to be correlated with susceptibility to cancer. However, various studies report different results of this association. The aim of the present work was to clarify the effects of IL-17A G197A (rs2275913) and IL-17F T7488C (rs763780) polymorphisms on cancer risk. We performed systematic searches of the PubMed and CNKI databases to obtain relevant publications. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association of rs2275913 and rs763780 polymorphisms with cancer risk. Data were extracted from the selected studies and statistical analysis was conducted using the STATA software. Our results indicated that rs2275913 and rs763780 polymorphisms significantly increase cancer risk, especially in gastric cancers. Subgroup analysis suggested the existence of a significant correlation between rs763780 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility in Caucasian populations. This updated meta-analysis confirms that rs2275913 and rs763780 polymorphisms are highly associated with increased risk for multiple forms of cancer.
Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease subtypes efficiently transmit in bank voles as genuine prion diseases
Authors: Pirisinu Laura , Di Bari Michele A. , D’Agostino Claudia , Marcon Stefano , Riccardi Geraldina , Poleggi Anna , Cohen Mark L. , Appleby Brian S. , Gambetti Pierluigi , Ghetti Bernardino , Agrimi Umberto , Nonno Romolo
Published: February 2016

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder associated with mutations in the prion protein gene and accumulation of misfolded PrP with protease-resistant fragments (PrPres) of 6–8 kDa. With the exception of a few GSS cases characterized by co-accumulation of PrPres of 21 kDa, efforts to transmit GSS to rodents have been unsuccessful. As a result, GSS subtypes exclusively associated with 6–8 kDa PrPres have often been considered as non-transmissible proteinopathies rather than true prion diseases. We show that GSS with P102L, A117V and F198S mutations transmit efficiently and produce distinct pathological phenotypes in bank voles (M. glareolus), irrespective of the presence of 21 kDa PrPres in the inoculum, demonstrating that GSS is a genuine prion disease characterized by both transmissibility and strain variation.
A Sheet-like Carbon Matrix Hosted Sulfur as Cathode for High-performance Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Lu Songtao , Chen Yan , Zhou Jia , Wang Zhida , Wu Xiaohong , Gu Jian , Zhang Xiaoping , Pang Aimin , Jiao Zilong , Jiang Lixiang
Published: February 2016

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are a promising candidate of next generation energy storage systems owing to its high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, to date, its commercial application was hindered by the inherent problems of sulfur cathode. Additionally, with the rapid decline of non-renewable resources and active appeal of green chemistry, the intensive research of new electrode materials was conducted worldwide. We have obtained a sheet-like carbon material (shaddock peel carbon sheets SPCS) from organic waste shaddock peel, which can be used as the conductive carbon matrix for sulfur-based cathodes. Furthermore, the raw materials are low-cost, truly green and recyclable. As a result, the sulfur cathode made with SPCS (SPCS-S), can deliver a high reversible capacity of 722.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 100 cycles with capacity recuperability of ~90%, demonstrating that the SPCS-S hybrid is of great potential as the cathode for rechargeable Li-S batteries. The high electrochemical performance of SPCS-S hybrid could be attributed to the sheet-like carbon network with large surface area and high conductivity of the SPCS, in which the carbon sheets enable the uniform distribution of sulfur, better ability to trap the soluble polysulfides and accommodate volume expansion/shrinkage of sulfur during repeated charge/discharge cycles.
Backward spoof surface wave in plasmonic metamaterial of ultrathin metallic structure
Authors: Liu Xiaoyong , Feng Yijun , Zhu Bo , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian
Published: February 2016

Backward wave with anti-parallel phase and group velocities is one of the basic properties associated with negative refraction and sub-diffraction image that have attracted considerable interest in the context of photonic metamaterials. It has been predicted theoretically that some plasmonic structures can also support backward wave propagation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), however direct experimental demonstration has not been reported, to the best of our knowledge. In this paper, a specially designed plasmonic metamaterial of corrugated metallic strip has been proposed that can support backward spoof SPP wave propagation. The dispersion analysis, the full electromagnetic field simulation and the transmission measurement of the plasmonic metamaterial waveguide have clearly validated the backward wave propagation with dispersion relation possessing negative slope and opposite directions of group and phase velocities. As a further verification and application, a contra-directional coupler is designed and tested that can route the microwave signal to opposite terminals at different operating frequencies, indicating new application opportunities of plasmonic metamaterial in integrated functional devices and circuits for microwave and terahertz radiation.
The roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in phytoremediation and tree-herb interactions in Pb contaminated soil
Authors: Yang Yurong , Liang Yan , Han Xiaozhen , Chiu Tsan-Yu , Ghosh Amit , Chen Hui , Tang Ming
Published: February 2016

Understanding the roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant interaction is essential for optimizing plant distribution to restore degraded ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of AMF and the presence of legume or grass herbs on phytoremediation with a legume tree, Robinia pseudoacacia, in Pb polluted soil. In monoculture, mycorrhizal dependency of legumes was higher than that of grass and AMF benefited the plant biomass of legumes but had no effect on grass. Mycorrhizal colonization of plant was enhanced by legume neighbors but inhibited by grass neighbor in co-culture system. N, P, S and Mg concentrations of mycorrhizal legumes were larger than these of non-mycorrhizal legumes. Legume herbs decreased soil pH and thereby increased the Pb concentrations of plants. The neighbor effects of legumes shifted from negative to positive with increasing Pb stress levels, whereas grass provided a negative effect on the growth of legume tree. AMF enhanced the competition but equalized growth of legume-legume under unpolluted and Pb stress conditions, respectively. In conclusion, (1) AMF mediate plant interaction through directly influencing plant biomass, and/or indirectly influencing plant photosynthesis, macronutrient acquisition, (2) legume tree inoculated with AMF and co-planted with legume herbs provides an effective way for Pb phytoremediation.
The influence of a caveolin-1 mutant on the function of P-glycoprotein
Authors: Lee Chih-Yuan , Lai Ting-Yu , Tsai Meng-Kun , Ou-Yang Pu , Tsai Ching-Yi , Wu Shu-Wei , Hsu Li-Chung , Chen Jin-Shing
Published: February 2016

The genetic heterogeneity in cancer cells has an increased chance in the acquisition of new mutant such as drug-resistant phenotype in cancer cells. The phenotype of drug resistance in cancer cells could be evaluated by the number or function of drug transporters on cell membranes, which would lead to decreased intracellular anti-cancer drugs concentration. Caveolae are flask-shaped invaginations on cell membrane that function in membrane trafficking, endocytosis and as a compartment where receptors and signaling proteins are concentrated. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is the principal structural protein of caveolae and closely correlates with multidrug resistance in cancer cells. In a systematic study of the ubiquitin-modified proteome, lysine 176 of CAV1 was identified as a potential post-translational modification site for ubiquitination. In this article, we identified a mutation at lysine 176 to arginine (K176R) on CAV1 would interfere with the biogenesis of caveolae and broke the interaction of CAV1 with P-glycoprotein. Functional assays further revealed that K176R mutant of CAV1 in cancer cells increased the transport activity of P-glycoprotein and decreased the killing ability of anti-cancer drugs in non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines.
IgE-tailpiece associates with α-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) to protect IgE from proteolysis without compromising its ability to interact with FcεRI
Authors: Quinn Phyllis M. , Dunne David W. , Moore Shona C. , Pleass Richard J.
Published: February 2016

Several splice variants of IgE exist in human plasma, including a variant called IgE-tailpiece (IgE-tp) that differs from classical IgE by the replacement of two carboxy-terminal amino acids with eight novel residues that include an ultimate cysteine. To date, the role of the secreted IgE-tp isoform in human immunity is unknown. We show that levels of IgE-tp are raised in helminth-infected donors and that both the classical form of IgE (IgE-c) and IgE-tp interact with polymers of the serine protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT). The association of IgE-tp with A1AT polymers in plasma protects the antibody from serine protease-mediated degradation, without affecting the functional interaction of IgE-tp with important receptors, including FcεR1. That polymers of A1AT protect IgE from degradation by helminth proteases may explain why these common and normally non-disease causing polymorphic variants of A1AT have been retained by natural selection. The observation that IgE can be complexed with polymeric forms of A1AT may therefore have important consequences for our understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary diseases that arise either as a consequence of A1AT-deficiency or through IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity responses.
Label-free Electrochemiluminescent Immunosensor for Detection of Prostate Specific Antigen based on Aminated Graphene Quantum Dots and Carboxyl Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Wu Dan , Liu Yixin , Wang Yaoguang , Hu Lihua , Ma Hongmin , Wang Guoqin , Wei Qin
Published: February 2016

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was used as the model, an ultrasensitive label-free electrochemiluminescent immunosensor was developed based on graphene quantum dots. Au/Ag-rGO was sythsized and used as electrode material to load a great deal of graphene quantum dots due to the large surface area and excellent electron conductivity. After aminated graphene quantum dots and acarboxyl graphene quantum dots were modified onto the electrode, the ECL intensity was much high using K2S2O8 as coreactant. Then, antibody of PSA was immobilized on the surface of modified electrode surface through the adsorption of Au/Ag toward proteins, leading to the decrease of the ECL intensity. As proven by ECL spectra test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis, the fabrication process of the immunosensor is successful. Under the optimal conditions, the ECL intensity decreased linearly with the logarithm of PSA concentration in the range of 1 pg/mL ~ 10 ng/mL. The detection limit achieved is 0.29 pg/mL. The immunosensor results were validated through the detection of PSA in serum samples with satisfactory results. Due to excellent stability, high sensitivity, acceptable repeatability and selectivity, the immunosensor has promising applications in disease and drug analysis.
A multi-zoned white organic light-emitting diode with high CRI and low color temperature
Authors: Zhang Tao , He Shou-Jie , Wang Deng-Ke , Jiang Nan , Lu Zheng-Hong
Published: February 2016

White organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs) is becoming a new platform technology for a range of applications such as flat-panel displays, solid-state lightings etc. and are under intensive research. For general solid-state illumination applications, a WOLED’s color rendering index (CRI) and correlated color temperature (CCT) are two crucial parameters. This paper reports that WOLED device structures can be constructed using four stacked emission layers which independently emit lights at blue, green, yellow and red color respectively. The intensity of each emission layer is then engineered by funneling excitons to the targeted emission layer to achieve an ultrahigh 92 CRI at 5000 cd/m2 and to reduce CCT to below 2500 K.
Elevated expression of ABCB5 in ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Authors: Jongkhajornpong Passara , Nakamura Takahiro , Sotozono Chie , Nagata Maho , Inatomi Tsutomu , Kinoshita Shigeru
Published: February 2016

ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 5 (ABCB5) is a new member of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily and has been reported as a novel marker for limbal stem cell (LSC), which is essential for corneal homeostasis. ABCB5 expression has also been discovered in the subpopulation of several cancer cells containing the cancer stem cell (CSC). However, the pathogenetic relationship between LSC and CSC and ABCB5 in the ocular surface squamous neoplasm (OSSN) is still entirely unknown. To improve understanding of the role of ABCB5 in OSSN, we performed immunohistochemistry for ABCB5 in nine OSSN case series. While expression of ABCB5 is restricted to the basal epithelial cell layer in the normal limbus, elevated expressions of ABCB5 were clearly observed in all OSSN and there was some breadth in the range of intensity of ABCB5 expression. Interestingly, the elevated expression patterns of ABCB5 in OSSN could be classified in three categories: perivascular, marginal and diffuse patterns. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that the expression of ABCB5 was upregulated in OSSN and that elevated expression of ABCB5 may be involved in the pathogenesis of OSSN.
Multifunctional Nanocarpets for Cancer Theranostics: Remotely Controlled Graphene Nanoheaters for Thermo-Chemosensitisation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ramachandra Kurup Sasikala Arathyram , Thomas Reju George , Unnithan Afeesh Rajan , Saravanakumar Balasubramaniam , Jeong Yong Yeon , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: February 2016

A new paradigm in cancer theranostics is enabled by safe multifunctional nanoplatform that can be applied for therapeutic functions together with imaging capabilities. Herein, we develop a multifunctional nanocomposite consisting of Graphene Oxide–Iron Oxide -Doxorubicin (GO-IO-DOX) as a theranostic cancer platform. The smart magnetic nanoplatform acts both as a hyperthermic agent that delivers heat when an alternating magnetic field is applied and a chemotherapeutic agent in a cancer environment by providing a pH-dependent drug release to administer a synergistic anticancer treatment with an enhanced T2 contrast for MRI. The novel GO-IO-DOX nanocomposites were tested in vitro and were observed to exhibit an enhanced tumoricidal effect through both hyperthermia and cancer cell-specific DOX release along with an excellent MRI performance, enabling a versatile theranostic platform for cancer. Moreover the localized antitumor effects of GO-IO-DOX increased substantially as a result of the drug sensitization through repeated application of hyperthermia.
Rapid discrimination of bacteria using a miniature mass spectrometer
Authors: Pulliam Christopher J. , Wei Pu , Snyder Dalton T. , Wang Xiao , Ouyang Zheng , Pielak Rafal M. , Graham Cooks R.
Published: February 2016

Bacteria colonies were analyzed using paper spray ionization coupled with a portable mass spectrometer.
A validated stability-indicating HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of econazole nitrate, triamcinolone acetonide, benzoic acid and butylated hydroxyanisole in cream dosage form
Authors: Baker Mostafa M. , Belal Tarek S. , Mahrous Mohamed S. , Ahmed Hytham M. , Daabees Hoda G.
Published: February 2016

A comprehensive stability-indicating HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of econazole nitrate (EN), triamcinolone acetonide (TA), benzoic acid (BA) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).
Characterization and simultaneous quantification of seven triterpenoid saponins in different parts of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge by HPLC-ESI-TOF
Authors: Rong Weiwei , Sun Zheng , Li Qing , Liu Ran , Zhang Taozhen , Wang Tianyang , Yang Wenling , Li Zhe , Bi Kaishun
Published: February 2016

An HPLC-ESI-MS method was developed to simultaneously quantitate seven triterpenoid saponins from X. sorbifolia.
LC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneous quantification of known chemicals and metabolites of Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus extract in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wen Qi , Li Hai-Long , Tan Yin-Feng , Zhang Xu-Guang , Qin Zhen-Miao , Li Wei , Li Yong-Hui , Zhang Jun-Qing , Chen Feng
Published: February 2016

An LC-MS-based method for the quantification of Alpinia oxyphyllae fruit extract components in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study.
The fabrication of formamidinium lead iodide perovskite thin films via organic cation exchange
Authors: Zhou Zhongmin , Pang Shuping , Ji Fuxiang , Zhang Bo , Cui Guanglei
Published: February 2016

With NH4PbI3 as the starting material, an organic cation exchange concept is employed to fabricate high-quality α-FAPbI3 perovskite thin films.
Determining the structural stability of UiO-67 with respect to time: a solid-state NMR investigation
Authors: Lawrence M. C. , Schneider C. , Katz M. J.
Published: February 2016

Revealing defects, the stability of UiO-67 was studied with SS-NMR as a function of time and activation method/solvent.
Pure white-light and colour-tuning of Eu3+–Gd3+-containing metallopolymer
Authors: Zhang Zhao , He Ya-Ni , Liu Lin , Lü Xing-Qiang , Zhu Xun-Jin , Wong Wai-Kwok , Pan Mei , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: February 2016

The first example of Eu3+–Gd3+-containing metallopolymer Poly(2-co-NVK-co-4) was constructed to exhibit tunable photoluminescence and even direct white-light emission.
Calorimetric and spectroscopic studies on solvation energetics for H2storage in the CO2/HCOOH system
Authors: Fink Cornel , Katsyuba Sergey , Laurenczy Gabor
Published: February 2016

The role of solvent interactions in H2-storage/delivery in the carbon dioxide–formic acid couple.
The origin of grain boundary capacitance in highly doped ceria
Authors: Souza Eduardo Caetano C. , Goodenough John B.
Published: February 2016

A space-charge grain boundary capacitance has been observed in a mixed ionic/electronic conductor (MIEC) Sm-doped ceria.
Photophysical properties of octupolar triazatruxene-based chromophores
Authors: He Guiying , Shao Jinjun , Li Yang , Hu Jiangpu , Zhu Huaning , Wang Xian , Guo Qianjin , Chi Chunyan , Xia Andong
Published: February 2016

The intramolecular charge transfer properties of tribranched chromophores related to their TPA properties are explored by estimating the TPA essential factors.
Carbon dioxide reduction on Ir(111): stable hydrocarbon surface species at near-ambient pressure
Authors: Corva Manuel , Feng Zhijing , Dri Carlo , Salvador Federico , Bertoch Paolo , Comelli Giovanni , Vesselli Erik
Published: February 2016

Stable hydrocarbon surface species in the carbon dioxide hydrogenation reaction were identified on Ir(111) under near-ambient pressure conditions.
Neutral, heteroleptic copper(i)-4H-imidazolate complexes: synthesis and characterization of their structural, spectral and redox properties
Authors: Schulz M. , Dröge F. , Herrmann-Westendorf F. , Schindler J. , Görls H. , Presselt M.
Published: February 2016

Facile synthetic access to four novel, neutral, heteroleptic copper(i)-complexes, incorporating 4H-imidazolates as well as the phosphane ligands XantPhos and DPEPhos is reported.
Stabilized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles into nanopores of modified montmorillonite clay: a highly efficient catalyst for the Baeyer–Villiger oxidation under solvent free conditions
Authors: Saikia Pallab Kumar , Sarmah Podma Pollov , Borah Bibek Jyoti , Saikia Lakshi , Saikia Kokil , Dutta Dipak Kumar
Published: February 2016

Fe3O4@AT-mont. based on naturally occurring montmorillonite exhibit an efficient catalytic Baeyer–Villiger oxidation for different cyclic and aromatic ketones.
Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: synthesis by a solvothermal process and functionalization for a magnetic targeted curcumin delivery system
Authors: Qi Man , Zhang Kai , Li Siqiao , Wu Jianrong , Pham-Huy Chuong , Diao Xintong , Xiao Deli , He Hua
Published: February 2016

Different functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles were fabricated for constructing magnetic targeted carriers for curcumin to improve its hydrophilicity and bioavailability.
Amphiphilic unsymmetrically substituted porphyrin zinc derivatives: synthesis, aggregation behavior of the self-assembled films and NO2 sensing properties
Authors: Wu Yanling , Ma Pan , Liu Shanshan , Chen Yanli
Published: February 2016

The first example of n-type amphiphilic metalloporphyrin-based semiconductors as NO2 sensors is reported.
Sugar-functionalized triptycenes used for dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes in aqueous solution by supramolecular interaction
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Qi , Han Bao-Hang
Published: February 2016

Two water-soluble sugar-functionalized triptycene derivatives were synthesized and used for dispersion of SWCNTs in aqueous solutionviasupramolecular interaction.
On the synthesis of functionalized porphyrins and porphyrin conjugates via β-aminoporphyrins
Authors: Abdulaeva Inna A. , Birin Kirill P. , Michalak Julien , Romieu Anthony , Stern Christine , Bessmertnykh-Lemeune Alla , Guilard Roger , Gorbunova Yulia G. , Tsivadze Aslan Yu.
Published: February 2016

A two-step methodology to prepare a series ofmeso-tetraarylporphyrin conjugates bearing water-soluble moieties, anchoring groups and receptor subunits.
Influence of conjugation and other structural changes on the activity of Cu2+ based PNAzymes
Authors: Ghidini A. , Murtola M. , Strömberg R.
Published: February 2016

Neocuproine based PNAzymes with further conjugated entities as well as constructs clamping the target RNA to form a triplex are reported. This extends the arsenal of PNAzymes as efficient artificial RNA restriction nucleases.
Extending the corrole ring conjugation: preparation of β,β′-fused 2,3-[1′,2′-b]pyrazinocorroles
Authors: Berionni Berna Beatrice , Nardis Sara , Mandoj Federica , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: February 2016

A novel method for the preparation of corroles with β-fused pyrazino rings was developed, exploiting a one-pot reaction of 2,3-diaminocorroles (or 2,3,17,18-tetraaminocorroles) with different diones.