bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenoprotein S Is Highly Expressed in the Blood Vessels and Prevents Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells From Apoptosis
Authors: Ye Yali , Fu Fen , Li Xiaoming , Yang Jie , Liu Hongmei
Published: June 2015

Atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide. The protection of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from apoptosis in the plaque has become an important therapeutic target for atherosclerotic plaque stabilization. A significant association of selenoprotein S (SelS) gene polymorphism with atherosclerotic CVD has been reported in epidemiologic studies, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this paper, SelS expression in the thoracic aorta and its role in the protection of VSMCs from apoptosis have been studied. Western blot analysis showed that SelS was highly expressed in rat thoracic aorta. SelS gene silence by small interference RNA (siRNA) rendered VSMCs more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide‐ or tunicamycin‐ induced injury and apoptosis, as determined by MTT assay, Hoechst staining, and annexin V/propidium iodide staining. SelS silence aggravated hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) in VSMCs. Furthermore, SelS silence enhanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by hydrogen peroxide or tunicamycin, as showed by the increased protein levels of ER chaperone 78 kDa glucose‐regulated protein (GRP78), ER stress transducer phosphorylated protein kinase RNA like ER kinase (PERK), and the proapoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). In conclusion, the present study suggested that SelS highly expressed in the blood vessel might protect VSMCs from apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and ER stress. Our finding provided mechanistic insights for the potential preventive role of SelS in atherosclerotic CVD. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 106–117, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Core Binding Factor β Plays a Critical Role During Chondrocyte Differentiation
Authors: Park Na‐Rae , Lim Kyung‐Eun , Han Min‐Su , Che Xiangguo , Park Clara Yongjoo , Kim Jung‐Eun , Taniuchi Ichiro , Bae Suk‐Chul , Choi Je‐Yong
Published: June 2015

Core binding factor β (Cbfβ) is a partner protein of Runx family transcription factors with minimally characterized function in cartilage. Here we address the role of Cbfβ in cartilage by generating chondrocyte‐specific Cbfβ‐deficient mice (CbfbΔch/Δch) from Cbfb‐floxed mice crossed with mice expressing Cre from the Col2a1 promoter. CbfbΔch/Δch mice died soon after birth and exhibited delayed endochondral bone formation, shorter appendicular skeleton length with increased proliferative chondrocytes, and nearly absent hypertrophic chondrocyte zones. Immunohistochemical and quantitative real‐time PCR analyses showed that the number and size of proliferative chondrocytes increased and the expression of chondrocyte maturation markers at the growth plates, including Runx2, osterix, and osteopontin, significantly diminished in CbfbΔch/Δch mice compared to wild type mice. With regard to signaling pathways, both PTHrP‐Ihh and BMP signaling were compromised in CbfbΔch/Δch mice. Mechanistically, Cbfβ deficiency in chondrocytes caused a decrease of protein levels of Runx transcription factors by accelerating polyubiquitination‐mediated proteosomal degradation in vitro. Indeed, Runx2 and Runx3, but not Runx1, decreased in CbfbΔch/Δch mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that Cbfβ plays a critical role for chondrocyte differentiation through stabilizing Runx2 and Runx3 proteins in cartilage J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 162–171, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Uterine leiomyoma confounding a noninvasive prenatal test result
Authors: Dharajiya Nilesh G. , Namba Akira , Horiuchi Isao , Miyai Shunsuke , Farkas Daniel H. , Almasri Eyad , Saldivar Juan‐Sebastian , Takagi Kenjiro , Kamei Yoshimasa
Published: June 2015

What's already known about this topic?

The noninvasive prenatal testing from maternal blood can be confounded by maternal conditions that lead to structural variants/copy number variations in the genome.

What does this study add?

This study provides further evidence that the grossly ‘abnormal’ and ‘non‐reportable’ noninvasive prenatal testing result due to global genomic changes was attributable to a maternal uterine leiomyoma, in an otherwise normal fetus. The possibility of such adventitious findings is something about which physicians ordering noninvasive prenatal testing for their patients may want to offer pre‐test counseling.

© 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Proteomic Profiling of Extra-Embryonic Endoderm Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Mulvey Claire M. , Schröter Christian , Gatto Laurent , Dikicioglu Duygu , Fidaner Isik Baris , Christoforou Andy , Deery Michael J. , Cho Lily T. Y. , Niakan Kathy K. , Martinez-Arias Alfonso , Lilley Kathryn S.
Published: June 2015

During mammalian preimplantation development, the cells of the blastocyst's inner cell mass differentiate into the epiblast and primitive endoderm lineages, which give rise to the fetus and extra-embryonic tissues, respectively. Extra-embryonic endoderm (XEN) differentiation can be modeled in vitro by induced expression of GATA transcription factors in mouse embryonic stem cells. Here, we use this GATA-inducible system to quantitatively monitor the dynamics of global proteomic changes during the early stages of this differentiation event and also investigate the fully differentiated phenotype, as represented by embryo-derived XEN cells. Using mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic profiling with multivariate data analysis tools, we reproducibly quantified 2,336 proteins across three biological replicates and have identified clusters of proteins characterized by distinct, dynamic temporal abundance profiles. We first used this approach to highlight novel marker candidates of the pluripotent state and XEN differentiation. Through functional annotation enrichment analysis, we have shown that the downregulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes, the reorganization of membrane trafficking machinery, and the breakdown of cell–cell adhesion are successive steps of the extra-embryonic differentiation process. Thus, applying a range of sophisticated clustering approaches to a time-resolved proteomic dataset has allowed the elucidation of complex biological processes which characterize stem cell differentiation and could establish a general paradigm for the investigation of these processes. Stem Cells  2015;33:2712—2725
A shortest path method for sequential change propagations in complex engineering design processes
Authors: Li Yuliang , Zhao Wei , Ma Yongsheng
Published: June 2015

Engineering design changes constantly occur in complex engineering design processes. Designers need appropriate measures to handle the numerous design changes in order to realize consistent and completely validated product models so that successful product development is assured. In this paper, a time-based mathematic model is presented to characterize the sequential change propagation process, and then the shortest path algorithm is given to find the most timesaving routes for changes to propagate to other dependent design tasks. An analysis method is introduced to compute the sensitivities of change impacts on the affected design tasks, which indicates that the more time consumed by a change to take its effect, the more sensitive the change impacts on those downstream dependent tasks. A case study of change propagations in motorcycle engine design process was presented to demonstrate the proposed method.
Energy efficiency, robustness, and makespan optimality in job-shop scheduling problems
Authors: Salido Miguel A. , Escamilla Joan , Barber Federico , Giret Adriana , Tang Dunbing , Dai Min
Published: June 2015

Many real-world problems are known as planning and scheduling problems, where resources must be allocated so as to optimize overall performance objectives. The traditional scheduling models consider performance indicators such as processing time, cost, and quality as optimization objectives. However, most of them do not take into account energy consumption and robustness. We focus our attention in a job-shop scheduling problem where machines can work at different speeds. It represents an extension of the classical job-shop scheduling problem, where each operation has to be executed by one machine and this machine can work at different speeds. The main goal of the paper is focused on the analysis of three important objectives (energy efficiency, robustness, and makespan) and the relationship among them. We present some analytical formulas to estimate the ratio/relationship between these parameters. It can be observed that there exists a clear relationship between robustness and energy efficiency and a clear trade-off between robustness/energy efficiency and makespan. It represents an advance in the state of the art of production scheduling, so obtaining energy-efficient solutions also supposes obtaining robust solutions, and vice versa.
Mobile technology in second language classrooms: Insights into its uses, pedagogical implications, and teacher beliefs
Authors: Van Praag Benjamin , Sanchez Hugo Santiago
Published: June 2015

Adopting a multiple-case, multiple-method design, this study investigates mobile technology use in the practices of three experienced second language teachers. The findings, based on an analysis of the teachers’ rationales, stated beliefs and classroom actions, show that the teachers tend to prohibit or reluctantly tolerate mobile device usage, while they recognise some of its potential benefits to support their teaching and student learning. They also highlight the incentives and barriers which respectively facilitate and hinder the integration of mobile technology, including factors which are internal (e.g. beliefs) and external (e.g. contextual constraints) to the teachers. Implications for classroom practice and teacher education are drawn.
Tackling Social Cognition in Schizophrenia: A Randomized Feasibility Trial
Authors: Taylor Rumina , Cella Matteo , Csipke Emese , Heriot-Maitland Charles , Gibbs Caroline , Wykes Til
Published: June 2015

Background: Social cognition difficulties in schizophrenia are seen as a barrier to recovery. Intervention tackling problems in this domain have the potential to facilitate functioning and recovery. Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a manual-based psychological therapy designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a modified version of SCIT for inpatient forensic wards. The potential benefits of the intervention were also assessed. Method: This study is a randomized single blind controlled design, with participants randomized to receive SCIT (N = 21) or treatment as usual (TAU; N = 15). SCIT consisted of 8-week therapy sessions twice per week. Participants were assessed at week 0 and one week after the intervention on measures of social cognition. Feasibility was assessed through group attendance and attrition. Participant acceptability and outcome was evaluated through post-group satisfaction and achievement of social goals. Results: The intervention was well received by all participants and the majority reported their confidence improved. The SCIT group showed a significant improvement in facial affect recognition compared to TAU. Almost all participants agreed they had achieved their social goal as a result of the intervention. Conclusions: It is feasible to deliver SCIT in a forensic ward setting; however, some adaptation to the protocol may need to be considered in order to accommodate for the reduced social contact within forensic wards. Practice of social cognition skills in real life may be necessary to achieve benefits to theory of mind and attributional style.
Parenting Support in France: Policy in an Ideological Battlefield
Authors: Martin Claude
Published: June 2015

Since the beginning of the 1990s, a set of measures and interventions has been progressively implemented in France under the heading of ‘parenting support’ (soutien à la parentalité). This article describes this policy process in order to understand the drivers, instruments and actors at work, and also to highlight the controversies and ideological roots of the policy and its framing. It is argued that parenting support policy is the result of a complex process engaging a potent combination of old and new ideas, objectives and instruments which involve political and ideological contestation. The current turn to parenting in France is mainly a recalibration of previous experiences that were themselves also the site of important contradictions and controversies.
Black and White as Valence Cues
Authors: Meier Brian P. , Fetterman Adam K. , Robinson Michael D.
Published: June 2015

Replication efforts involving large samples are recommended in helping to determine the reliability of an effect. This approach was taken for a study from Meier, Robinson, and Clore (2004) , one of the first papers in social cognition guided by conceptual metaphor theory, which reported that evaluations were faster when word valence metaphorically matched (e.g., a word with a negative meaning in black) rather than mismatched (e.g., a word with a negative meaning in white) font color. The present investigation was a direct large-scale replication attempt involving 980 participants who completed an experiment using web-based software and were diverse in terms of race, age, and geographical location. Words with a positive meaning were evaluated faster when font color was white rather than black and words with a negative meaning were evaluated faster when font color was black rather than white, replicating the main results of Meier et al. (2004) .
The Role of Nature and Nurture in Conceptual Metaphors
Authors: Gilead Michael , Gal Orian , Polak Marin , Cholow Yael
Published: June 2015

It is unclear whether embodied-cognition effects are caused by the activation of cultural-linguistic metaphors, or whether these metaphors stem from preverbal mechanisms that directly affect both language and behavior. Therefore, we conducted a study wherein 62 Israeli participants ate sweet or spicy snacks and performed a social judgment task. Preverbal mechanisms assign positive hedonic value to sweetness and negative value to spiciness. However, in Israeli culture, “sweetness” is used as a metaphor for inauthenticity, whereas “spiciness” stands for intellectual competence. In accordance with the predictions of a culturally-mediated variant of conceptual-metaphor theory, the results showed that priming participants with spicy (vs. sweet) tastes increased judgments of intellectual competence, decreased judgments of inauthenticity, and increased overall evaluation of a social target.
Addressing Challenges of Mitigating Flood Risk in Mountain Areas
Authors: Tullos Desirée , Jain Sharad
Published: June 2015

Workshop on Modeling and Managing Flood Risk in Mountainous Areas; Folsom, California, 17–19 February 2015
Cytosine methylation of tRNA-Asp by DNMT2 has a role in translation of proteins containing poly-Asp sequences
Authors: Shanmugam Raghuvaran , Fierer Jacob , Kaiser Steffen , Helm Mark , Jurkowski Tomasz P , Jeltsch Albert
Published: June 2015

The Dnmt2 RNA methyltransferase catalyses the methylation of C38 in the anticodon loop of tRNA-Asp, but the molecular role of this methylation is unknown. Here, we report that mouse aspartyl-tRNA synthetase shows a four to fivefold preference for C38-methylated tRNA-Asp. Consistently, a 30% reduced charging level of tRNA-Asp was observed in Dnmt2 knockout (KO) murine embryonic fibroblast cells. Gene expression analysis with fluorescent reporter proteins fused to an N-terminal poly-Asp sequence showed that protein synthesis of poly-Asp-tagged reporter proteins was reduced in Dnmt2 KO cells as well. The same effect was observed with endogenous proteins containing poly-Asp sequences, indicating that Dnmt2-mediated C38 methylation of tRNA-Asp regulates the translation of proteins containing poly-Asp sequences. Gene ontology searches for proteins containing poly-Asp sequences in the human proteome showed that a significant number of these proteins have roles in transcriptional regulation and gene expression. Hence, the Dnmt2-mediated methylation of tRNA-Asp exhibits a post-transcriptional regulatory role by controlling the synthesis of a group of target proteins containing poly-Asp sequences.
Microbial DNA records historical delivery of anthropogenic mercury
Authors: Poulain Alexandre J , Aris-Brosou Stéphane , Blais Jules M , Brazeau Michelle , Keller Wendel (Bill) , Paterson Andrew M
Published: June 2015

Mercury (Hg) is an anthropogenic pollutant that is toxic to wildlife and humans, but the response of remote ecosystems to globally distributed Hg is elusive. Here, we use DNA extracted from a dated sediment core to infer the response of microbes to historical Hg delivery. We observe a significant association between the mercuric reductase gene (merA) phylogeny and the timing of Hg deposition. Using relaxed molecular clock models, we show a significant increase in the scaled effective population size of the merA gene beginning ~200 years ago, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution and a coincident strong signal for positive selection acting on residues in the terminal region of the mercuric reductase. This rapid evolutionary response of microbes to changes in the delivery of anthropogenic Hg indicates that microbial genomes record ecosystem response to pollutant deposition in remote regions.
Extreme multifunctional proteins identified from a human protein interaction network
Authors: Chapple Charles E. , Robisson Benoit , Spinelli Lionel , Guien Céline , Becker Emmanuelle , Brun Christine
Published: June 2015

Moonlighting proteins are a subclass of multifunctional proteins whose functions are unrelated. Although they may play important roles in cells, there has been no large-scale method to identify them, nor any effort to characterize them as a group. Here, we propose the first method for the identification of ‘extreme multifunctional’ proteins from an interactome as a first step to characterize moonlighting proteins. By combining network topological information with protein annotations, we identify 430 extreme multifunctional proteins (3% of the human interactome). We show that the candidates form a distinct sub-group of proteins, characterized by specific features, which form a signature of extreme multifunctionality. Overall, extreme multifunctional proteins are enriched in linear motifs and less intrinsically disordered than network hubs. We also provide MoonDB, a database containing information on all the candidates identified in the analysis and a set of manually curated human moonlighting proteins.
The catechol-o-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism modulates the intrinsic functional network centrality of the parahippocampal cortex in healthy subjects
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Li Jin , Qin Wen , Yu Chunshui , Liu Bing , Jiang Tianzi
Published: June 2015

The influence of catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met on brain activation and functional connectivity has been widely reported. However, voxel-wise effects of this genotype on resting-state brain networks remain unclear. Here, we used resting-state fMRI and eigenvector centrality to examine the effects of COMT Val158Met genotypes on the connection patterns of the brain network and working memory (WM) in healthy, young Val/Val and Met carrier subjects. There were significant differences in the performance level on the 2-back WM task between the different COMT genotypes: Val/Val individuals exhibited a higher correct rate compared to the Met carriers. A two-sample t test was used to examine the differences in the eigenvector centrality maps, using age and gender as covariates of no interest, between the Val/Val and Met carriers. We found that the Val/Val individuals exhibited significantly higher eigenvector centrality compared to the Met carriers in the left parahippocampal cortex. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation between the mean eigenvector centrality of the significant cluster and the correct rate of the 2-back WM task was observed. By using a voxel-wise data-driven method, our findings may provide plausible implications regarding individual differences in the genetic contribution of COMT Val158Met to the brain network and cognition.
Pd loaded amphiphilic COF as catalyst for multi-fold Heck reactions, C-C couplings and CO oxidation
Authors: Mullangi Dinesh , Nandi Shyamapada , Shalini Sorout , Sreedhala Sheshadri , Vinod Chathakudath P. , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: June 2015

COFs represent a class of polymers with designable crystalline structures capable of interacting with active metal nanoparticles to form excellent heterogeneous catalysts. Many valuable ligands/monomers employed in making coordination/organic polymers are prepared via Heck and C-C couplings. Here, we report an amphiphilic triazine COF and the facile single-step loading of Pd0 nanoparticles into it. An 18–20% nano-Pd loading gives highly active composite working in open air at low concentrations (Conc. Pd(0) <0.05 mol%, average TON 1500) catalyzing simultaneous multiple site Heck couplings and C-C couplings using ‘non-boronic acid’ substrates and exhibits good recyclability with no sign of catalyst leaching. As an oxidation catalyst, it shows 100% conversion of CO to CO2 at 150 °C with no loss of activity with time and between cycles. Both vapor sorptions and contact angle measurements confirm the amphiphilic character of the COF. DFT-TB studies showed the presence of Pd-triazine and Pd-Schiff bond interactions as being favorable.
Non-contact method for directing electrotaxis
Authors: Ahirwar Dinesh K. , Nasser Mohd W. , Jones Travis H. , Sequin Emily K. , West Joseph D. , Henthorne Timothy L. , Javor Joshua , Kaushik Aniruddha M. , Ganju Ramesh K. , Subramaniam Vish V.
Published: June 2015

We present a method to induce electric fields and drive electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) without the need for electrodes to be in contact with the media containing the cell cultures. We report experimental results using a modification of the transmembrane assay, demonstrating the hindrance of migration of breast cancer cells (SCP2) when an induced a.c. electric field is present in the appropriate direction (i.e. in the direction of migration). Of significance is that migration of these cells is hindered at electric field strengths many orders of magnitude (5 to 6) below those previously reported for d.c. electrotaxis and even in the presence of a chemokine (SDF-1α) or a growth factor (EGF). Induced a.c. electric fields applied in the direction of migration are also shown to hinder motility of non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) in the presence of the growth factor EGF. In addition, we also show how our method can be applied to other cell migration assays (scratch assay) and by changing the coil design and holder, that it is also compatible with commercially available multi-well culture plates.
Enhanced magnetic refrigeration properties in Mn-rich Ni-Mn-Sn ribbons by optimal annealing
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Linlin , Zheng Qiang , Zheng Xinqi , Li Ming , Du Juan , Yan Aru
Published: June 2015

The influence of annealing time on temperature range of martensitic phase transition (ΔTA-M), thermal hysteresis (ΔThys), magnetic hysteresis loss (ΔMhys), magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) and relative refrigeration capacity (RC) of the Mn-rich Ni43Mn46Sn11 melt spun ribbons have been systematically studied. By optimal annealing, an extremely large ΔSM of 43.2 J.kg−1K−1 and a maximum RC of 221.0 J.kg−1 could be obtained respectively in a field change of 5 T. Both ΔTA-M and ΔThys decreases after annealing, while ΔMhys and ΔSM first dramatically increase to a maximum then degenerates as increase of annealing time. A large effective cooling capacity (RCeff) of 115.4 J.kg−1 was achieved in 60 min annealed ribbons, which increased 75% compared with that unannealed ribbons. The evolution of magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect has been discussed and proved by atomic ordering degree, microstructure and composition analysis.
Miniaturized GPS Tags Identify Non-breeding Territories of a Small Breeding Migratory Songbird
Authors: Hallworth Michael T. , Marra Peter P.
Published: June 2015

For the first time, we use a small archival global positioning system (GPS) tag to identify and characterize non-breeding territories, quantify migratory connectivity and identify population boundaries of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla), a small migratory songbird, captured at two widely separated breeding locations. We recovered 15 (31%) GPS tags with data and located the non-breeding territories of breeding Ovenbirds from Maryland and New Hampshire, USA (0.50 ± 0.15 ha, mean ± SE). All non-breeding territories had similar environmental attributes despite being distributed across parts of Florida, Cuba and Hispaniola. New Hampshire and Maryland breeding populations had non-overlapping non-breeding population boundaries that encompassed 114,803 and 169,233 km2, respectively. Archival GPS tags provided unprecedented pinpoint locations and associated environmental information of tropical non-breeding territories. This technology is an important step forward in understanding seasonal interactions and ultimately population dynamics of populations throughout the annual cycle.
Plant growth improvement mediated by nitrate capture in co-composted biochar
Authors: Kammann Claudia I. , Schmidt Hans-Peter , Messerschmidt Nicole , Linsel Sebastian , Steffens Diedrich , Müller Christoph , Koyro Hans-Werner , Conte Pellegrino , Joseph Stephen
Published: June 2015

Soil amendment with pyrogenic carbon (biochar) is discussed as strategy to improve soil fertility to enable economic plus environmental benefits. In temperate soils, however, the use of pure biochar mostly has moderately-negative to -positive yield effects. Here we demonstrate that co-composting considerably promoted biochars’ positive effects, largely by nitrate (nutrient) capture and delivery. In a full-factorial growth study with Chenopodium quinoa, biomass yield increased up to 305% in a sandy-poor soil amended with 2% (w/w) co-composted biochar (BCcomp). Conversely, addition of 2% (w/w) untreated biochar (BCpure) decreased the biomass to 60% of the control. Growth-promoting (BCcomp) as well as growth-reducing (BCpure) effects were more pronounced at lower nutrient-supply levels. Electro-ultra filtration and sequential biochar-particle washing revealed that co-composted biochar was nutrient-enriched, particularly with the anions nitrate and phosphate. The captured nitrate in BCcomp was (1) only partly detectable with standard methods, (2) largely protected against leaching, (3) partly plant-available and (4) did not stimulate N2O emissions. We hypothesize that surface ageing plus non-conventional ion-water bonding in micro- and nano-pores promoted nitrate capture in biochar particles. Amending (N-rich) bio-waste with biochar may enhance its agronomic value and reduce nutrient losses from bio-wastes and agricultural soils.
High-throughput sequencing of small RNAs and anatomical characteristics associated with leaf development in celery
Authors: Jia Xiao-Ling , Li Meng-Yao , Jiang Qian , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Wang Feng , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit diverse and important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses and regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Knowledge about the diversity of miRNAs and their roles in leaf development in celery remains unknown. To elucidate the roles of miRNAs in celery leaf development, we identified leaf development-related miRNAs through high-throughput sequencing. Small RNA libraries were constructed using leaves from three stages (10, 20 and 30 cm) of celery cv.‘Ventura’ and then subjected to high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. At Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 of ‘Ventura’, a total of 333, 329 and 344 conserved miRNAs (belonging to 35, 35 and 32 families, respectively) were identified. A total of 131 miRNAs were identified as novel in ‘Ventura’. Potential miRNA target genes were predicted and annotated using the eggNOG, GO and KEGG databases to explore gene functions. The abundance of five conserved miRNAs and their corresponding potential target genes were validated. Expression profiles of novel potential miRNAs were also detected. Anatomical characteristics of the leaf blades and petioles at three leaf stages were further analyzed. This study contributes to our understanding on the functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in celery leaf development.
PC, a Novel Oral Insecticidal Toxin from Bacillus bombysepticus Involved in Host Lethality via APN and BtR-175
Authors: Lin Ping , Cheng Tingcai , Jin Shengkai , Wu Yuqian , Fu Bohua , Long Renwen , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou
Published: June 2015

Insect pests have developed resistance to chemical insecticides, insecticidal toxins as bioinsecticides or genetic protection built into crops. Consequently, novel, orally active insecticidal toxins would be valuable biological alternatives for pest control. Here, we identified a novel insecticidal toxin, parasporal crystal toxin (PC), from Bacillus bombysepticus (Bb). PC shows oral pathogenic activity and lethality towards silkworms and Cry1Ac-resistant Helicoverpa armigera strains. In vitro assays, PC after activated by trypsin binds to BmAPN4 and BtR-175 by interacting with CR7 and CR12 fragments. Additionally, trypsin-activated PC demonstrates cytotoxicity against Sf9 cells expressing BmAPN4, revealing that BmAPN4 serves as a functional receptor that participates in Bb and PC pathogenicity. In vivo assay, knocking out BtR-175 increased the resistance of silkworms to PC. These data suggest that PC is the first protein with insecticidal activity identified in Bb that is capable of causing silkworm death via receptor interactions, representing an important advance in our understanding of the toxicity of Bb and the contributions of interactions between microbial pathogens and insects to disease pathology. Furthermore, the potency of PC as an insecticidal protein makes it a good candidate for inclusion in integrated agricultural pest management systems.
Conical Gradient Junctions of Dendritic Viologen Arrays on Electrodes
Authors: Kawauchi Takehiro , Oguchi Yuki , Nagai Keiji , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: June 2015

The three-dimensional construction of arrays of functional molecules on an electrode surface, such as organic semiconductors and redox-active molecules, is a considerable challenge in the fabrication of sophisticated junctions for molecular devices. In particular, well-defined organic layers with precise molecular gradients are anticipated to function as novel metal/organic interfaces with specific electrical properties, such as a space charge layer at the metal/semiconductor interface. Here, we report a strategy for the construction of a three-dimensional molecular array with an electrical connection to a metal electrode by exploiting dendritic molecular architecture. Newly designed dendritic molecules consisting of viologens (1,1′-disubstituted-4,4′-bipyridilium salts) as the framework and mercapto groups as anchor units form unique self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a gold surface reflecting the molecular design. The dendritic molecules exhibit a conical shape and closely pack to form cone arrays on the substrate, whereas, in solution, they expand into more flexible conformations. Differences in the introduction position of the anchor units in the dendritic structure result in apical- and basal-type cone arrays in which the spatial concentration of the viologen units can be precisely configured in the cones. The concentration in apical-type SAMs increases away from the substrate, whereas the opposite is true in basal-type SAMs.
Co-existence of intact stemness and priming of neural differentiation programs in mES cells lacking Trim71
Authors: Mitschka Sibylle , Ulas Thomas , Goller Tobias , Schneider Karin , Egert Angela , Mertens Jérôme , Brüstle Oliver , Schorle Hubert , Beyer Marc , Klee Kathrin , Xue Jia , Günther Patrick , Bassler Kevin , Schultze Joachim L. , Kolanus Waldemar
Published: June 2015

Regulatory networks for differentiation and pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells have long been suggested to be mutually exclusive. However, with the identification of many new components of these networks ranging from epigenetic, transcriptional and translational to even post-translational mechanisms, the cellular states of pluripotency and early differentiation might not be strictly bi-modal, but differentiating stem cells appear to go through phases of simultaneous expression of stemness and differentiation genes. Translational regulators such as RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs) might be prime candidates for guiding a cell from pluripotency to differentiation. Using Trim71, one of two members of the Tripartite motif (Trim) protein family with RNA binding activity expressed in murine ES cells, we demonstrate that Trim71 is not involved in regulatory networks of pluripotency but regulates neural differentiation. Loss of Trim71 in mES cells leaves stemness and self-maintenance of these cells intact, but many genes required for neural development are up-regulated at the same time. Concordantly, Trim71−/− mES show increased neural marker expression following treatment with retinoic acid. Our findings strongly suggest that Trim71 keeps priming steps of differentiation in check, which do not pre-require a loss of the pluripotency network in ES cells.
On the role of scales in contact mechanics and friction between elastomers and randomly rough self-affine surfaces
Authors: Popov Valentin L. , Dimaki Andrey , Psakhie Sergey , Popov Mikhail
Published: June 2015

The paper is devoted to a qualitative analysis of friction of elastomers from the point of view of scales contributing to the force of friction. We argue that – contrary to widespread opinion – friction between a randomly rough self-affine fractal surface and an elastomer is not a multiscale phenomenon, but is governed mostly by the interplay of only two scales – as a rule the largest and the smallest scales of roughness of the contacting bodies. The hypothesis of two-scale character of elastomer friction is illustrated by computer simulations in the framework of the paradigm of Greenwood, Tabor and Grosch using a simplified one-dimensional model.
Glutamate transporter splice variant expression in an enriched pyramidal cell population in schizophrenia
Authors: O'Donovan S M , Hasselfeld K , Bauer D , Simmons M , Roussos P , Haroutunian V , Meador-Woodruff J H , McCullumsmith R E
Published: June 2015

Dysregulation of the glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2 and their isoforms have been implicated in schizophrenia. EAAT1 and EAAT2 expression has been studied in different brain regions but the prevalence of astrocytic glutamate transporter expression masks the more subtle changes in excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) isoforms in neurons in the cortex. Using laser capture microdissection, pyramidal neurons were cut from the anterior cingulate cortex of postmortem schizophrenia (n=20) and control (n=20) subjects. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EAAT1, EAAT2 and the splice variants EAAT1 exon9skipping, EAAT2 exon9skipping and EAAT2b were analyzed by real time PCR (RT-PCR) in an enriched population of neurons. Region-level expression of these transcripts was measured in postmortem schizophrenia (n=25) and controls (n=25). The relationship between selected EAAT polymorphisms and EAAT splice variant expression was also explored. Anterior cingulate cortex pyramidal cell expression of EAAT2b mRNA was increased (P<0.001; 67%) in schizophrenia subjects compared with controls. There was no significant change in other EAAT variants. EAAT2 exon9skipping mRNA was increased (P<0.05; 38%) at region level in the anterior cingulate cortex with no significant change in other EAAT variants at region level. EAAT2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly associated with changes in EAAT2 isoform expression. Haloperidol decanoate-treated animals, acting as controls for possible antipsychotic effects, did not have significantly altered neuronal EAAT2b mRNA levels. The novel finding that EAAT2b levels are increased in populations of anterior cingulate cortex pyramidal cells further demonstrates a role for neuronal glutamate transporter splice variant expression in schizophrenia.
Thin film field-effect transistors of 2,6-diphenyl anthracene (DPA)
Authors: Liu Jie , Dong Huanli , Wang Zongrui , Ji Deyang , Cheng Changli , Geng Hua , Zhang Hantang , Zhen Yonggang , Jiang Lang , Fu Hongbing , Bo Zhishan , Chen Wei , Shuai Zhigang , Hu Wenping
Published: June 2015

The present work showed the design, synthesis and characterization of a high performance anthracene-based semiconductor.
Development of individualized anti-metastasis strategies by engineering nanomedicines
Authors: He Qianjun , Guo Shengrong , Qian Zhiyong , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2015

An overview of various nanomedicine-based anti-metastasis strategies aiming at one or more steps of the metastatic cascade.
A uniform measurement expression for cross method comparison of nanoparticle aggregate size distributions
Authors: Dudkiewicz Agnieszka , Wagner Stephan , Lehner Angela , Chaudhry Qasim , Pietravalle Stéphane , Tiede Karen , Boxall Alistair B. A. , Allmaier Guenter , Tiede Dirk , Grombe Ringo , von der Kammer Frank , Hofmann Thilo , Mølhave Kristian
Published: June 2015

Measurement methods produce incomparable results when applied to aggregated nanoparticles.
Preparation and evaluation of nanocellulose–gold nanoparticle nanocomposites for SERS applications
Authors: Wei Haoran , Rodriguez Katia , Renneckar Scott , Leng Weinan , Vikesland Peter J.
Published: June 2015

We present a gold nanoparticle/bacterial cellulose nanocomposite SERS substrate that accumulates analytes in hydrogel form and then exhibits strong Raman signal enhancements after drying.
A label-free electrochemical impedance aptasensor for cylindrospermopsin detection based on thionine–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Chen Hongda , Ma Lina , Liu Dianjun , Wang Zhenxin
Published: June 2015

A simple and effective label-free electrochemical impedance aptasensor based on thionine–graphene nanocomposites has been fabricated for cylindrospermopsin (CYN) determination.
Serum metabolic profiling study of endometriosis by using wooden-tip electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Bi-cheng , Liu Fa-ying , Wang Li-qun , Zou Yang , Wang Feng , Deng Wei , Wan Xi-di , Yang Xiao , He Ming , Huang Ou-ping
Published: June 2015

A high throughput metabolite fingerprinting tool based on WT-ESI-MS has been established for the serum metabolic profiling study of endometriosis with little sample pre-treatment, no chromatography and instrument cycle times of less than 5 min.
Design and synthesis of active heparan sulfate-based probes
Authors: Zhou Wen , Hsieh Po-Hung , Xu Yongmei , O’Leary Timothy R. , Huang Xuefei , Liu Jian
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of sulfated carbohydrate molecular probes and the utilities as specific inhibitors for carbohydrate sulfotransferases.
Two step growth phenomena of molybdenum disulfide–tungsten disulfide heterostructures
Authors: Ionescu Robert , Ruiz Isaac , Favors Zach , Campbell Brennan , Neupane Mahesh R. , Wickramaratne Darshana , Ahmed Kazi , Liu Chueh , Abrahamian Narek , Lake Roger K. , Ozkan Mihri , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: June 2015

Heterostructure growth achieved via a two-step CVD process paves the road towards controlled stacking of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Solventless synthesis of acyl phosphonamidates, precursors to masked bisphosphonates
Authors: Crossey Kerri , Migaud Marie E.
Published: June 2015

A series of acyl phosphonamidates, the synthetic precursors to bisphosphonates, have been readily prepared from phosphoramidite type reagents and a range of acid chlorides.
Highly efficient oxidation of alcohols catalyzed by a porphyrin-inspired manganese complex
Authors: Dai Wen , Lv Ying , Wang Lianyue , Shang Sensen , Chen Bo , Li Guosong , Gao Shuang
Published: June 2015

A novel strategy for catalytic oxidation of a variety of benzylic, allylic, propargylic, and aliphatic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones has been successfully developed.
Dissolving process of a cellulose bunch in ionic liquids: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Li Yao , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Suojiang , Yao Yingying , Yao Xiaoqian , Xu Junli , Lu Xingmei
Published: June 2015

The whole dissolving process of a cellulose bunch in ionic liquids revealed by molecular dynamics simulation.
Exceptional adsorption-induced cluster and network deformation in the flexible metal–organic framework DUT-8(Ni) observed by in situ X-ray diffraction and EXAFS
Authors: Bon Volodymyr , Klein Nicole , Senkovska Irena , Heerwig Andreas , Getzschmann Jürgen , Wallacher Dirk , Zizak Ivo , Brzhezinskaya Maria , Mueller Uwe , Kaskel Stefan
Published: June 2015

The “gate opening” mechanism in flexible MOF Ni2(2,6-ndc)2dabco was elucidated in detail.
Molecular orientation of organic thin films on dielectric solid substrates: a phase-sensitive vibrational SFG study
Authors: Ge Aimin , Peng Qiling , Qiao Lin , Yepuri Nageshwar R. , Darwish Tamim A. , Matsusaki Michiya , Akashi Mitsuru , Ye Shen
Published: June 2015

Phase-sensitive SFG spectroscopy is employed to determine the absolute molecular orientation on the solid/air and solid/liquid interfaces.
Enzymatic conversion of carbon dioxide
Authors: Shi Jiafu , Jiang Yanjun , Jiang Zhongyi , Wang Xueyan , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Shaohua , Han Pingping , Yang Chen
Published: June 2015

Recent advances in the enzymatic conversion of CO2 are reviewed and highlighted.
A new perspective on catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene: the influence of side-reactions on catalytic performance
Authors: Gomez Sanz Sara , McMillan Liam , McGregor James , Zeitler J. Axel , Al-Yassir Nabil , Al-Khattaf Sulaiman , Gladden Lynn F.
Published: June 2015

The dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene over CrOx/Al2O3 proceeds via a partially oxidative mechanism due to in situ formation of CO2. Coke formation also plays a key role in dictating catalytic performance.
Calcium and heterometallic manganese–calcium complexes supported by tripodal pyridine-carboxylate ligands: structural, EPR and theoretical investigations
Authors: Gerey Bertrand , Gennari Marcello , Gouré Eric , Pécaut Jacques , Blackman Allan , Pantazis Dimitrios A. , Neese Frank , Molton Florian , Fortage Jérôme , Duboc Carole , Collomb Marie-Noëlle
Published: June 2015

Rare examples of heteronuclear μ-carboxylato bridged Mn–Ca complexes are reported.
Intramolecular cyclization of a diruthenium complex: insight into the mechanism of heteroatom-directed intramolecular C–H/olefin coupling reactions
Authors: Gong Dawei , Hu Bowen , Shi Jing , Chen Dafa
Published: June 2015

The reactivities of a trinuclear ruthenium complex with 1,5-hexadiene suggest that the CC double bond is the second directing group in transition-metal catalyzed heteroatom-directed intramolecular C–H/olefin coupling reactions.
Fabrication of lanthanum-based phosphate binder using cross-linked alginate as a carrier
Authors: Ji Xiang , Wu Di , Wang Yongqiang , Ge Lin , Hong Wei , Xue Ruinan , Wang Bing
Published: June 2015

Lanthanum carbonate loaded sodium alginate cross-linked beads were fabricated and used for phosphate binding.
Room-temperature synthetic NiFe layered double hydroxide with different anions intercalation as an excellent oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Xu Yuqi , Hao Yongchao , Zhang Guoxin , Lu Zhiyi , Han Shuang , Li Yaping , Sun Xiaoming
Published: June 2015

The Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) is regarded one of the best catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), yet bridging the relationship between the LDH nanostructure and OER performance still remains a big challenge.
Robust dual physically cross-linked hydrogels with unique self-reinforcing behavior and improved dye adsorption capacity
Authors: Cui Wei , Zhang Zi-Jing , Li Hang , Zhu Le-Min , Liu Huan , Ran Rong
Published: June 2015

Schematic illumination of the self-reinforcement of DPC gels achieved by self-healing and remolding.
Synthesis and characterization of a CuS–WO3 composite photocatalyst for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Theerthagiri J. , Senthil R. A. , Malathi A. , Selvi A. , Madhavan J. , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: June 2015

WO3 nanorods and flower-like CuS were synthesized by a hydrothermal process.
Influence of microwave hydrothermal reaction factor on the morphology of NaY(MoO4)2 nano-/micro-structures and luminescence properties of NaY(MoO4)2:Tb3+
Authors: Zheng Hui , Chen Baojiu , Yu Hongquan , Sun Jiashi , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Zhong Hua , Wu Zhongli , Xia Haiping
Published: June 2015

The crystal structure and morphology of NaY(MoO4)2 micro-/nano-structures and their luminescence properties depend on pH, Cit3−/Ln3+ and MoO42−/Ln3+ ratios.
Can microwave assisted in situ reduction of supported Pt nanoparticles challenge the chemical method in controlling the dispersion profile-catalytic performance relationship?
Authors: Hassan Salah A. , Gobara Heba M. , Gomaa Mohamed M. , Mohamed Rasha S. , Khalil Fikry H.
Published: June 2015

In this comparative study of dispersion profile-catalytic performance relationships, Pt (of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 wt%) was supported on mesoporous silica surface via microwave assisted solution method or rotary chemical evaporation method in the in situ reduction step.
Controlled growth of in situ silica in a NR/CR blend by a solution sol–gel method and the studies of its composite properties
Authors: Bansod Naresh D. , Kapgate Bharat P. , Das Chayan , Basu Debdipta , Debnath Subhas Chandra , Roy Kumarjyoti , Wiessner Sven
Published: June 2015

Controlled loading of in situ silica in NR/CR blend by solution sol–gel method for enhancing the reinforcement.
One-pot synthesis of Ag-modified LaMnO3–graphene hybrid photocatalysts and application in the photocatalytic discoloration of an azo-dye
Authors: Hu Jie , Men Jie , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Hao , Jiao Tifeng
Published: June 2015

Ag-modified LaMnO3–graphene nanocomposites possess excellent photocatalytic activity for Direct Green BE photodegradation and the active hole generated in Ag/LaMnO3–graphene plays a key role.
Synthesis of core–shell ZSM-5@meso-SAPO-34 composite and its application in methanol to aromatics
Authors: Zhang Ling , Jiang Zhong-Xiang , Yu Yue , Sun Chong-Shuai , Wang Yu-Jia , Wang Hai-Yan
Published: June 2015

A core/shell-structured ZSM-5@meso-SAPO-34 composite catalyst was hydrothermally synthesized through overgrowing SAPO-34 molecular sieve on the external surface of ZSM-5.
Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy as tools for monitoring redox transformations of uranium in biological systems
Authors: Jones Debbie L. , Andrews Michael B. , Swinburne Adam N. , Botchway Stanley W. , Ward Andrew D. , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Natrajan Louise S.
Published: June 2015

Luminescence spectroscopy, microscopy and lifetime image mapping offers new insights into the bioreduction ofGeobacter sulfurreducenswith uranyl.
Rheology and dynamics of colloidal superballs
Authors: Royer John R. , Burton George L. , Blair Daniel L. , Hudson Steven D.
Published: June 2015

Individual cube-like ‘superball’ shaped colloids are hydrodynamically similar to colloidal spheres, yet their interactions at moderate volume fractions are markedly shape-mediated, affecting the suspension micro-structure, particle diffusion and shear thickening behavior.
Biocompatibled-penicillamine conjugated Au nanoparticles: targeting intracellular free copper ions for detoxification
Authors: Kandanapitiye Murthi S. , Gunathilake Chamila , Jaroniec Mietek , Huang Songping D.
Published: June 2015

High thiophillicicity of the Au-nanoparticle (Au NP) surface leads to covalent attachment ofd-penicillamine molecules to Au NPs to form biocompatibled-penicillamine conjugated Au NPs.