bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond time-resolved observation of butterfly vibration in electronically excited o-fluorophenol
Authors: Ling Fengzi , Li Shuai , Song Xinli , Wang Yanmei , Long Jinyou , Zhang Bing
Published: November 2017

The butterfly vibration during the hydrogen tunneling process in electronically excited o-fluorophenol has been visualized in real time by femtosecond time-resolved ion yield spectroscopy coupled with time-resolved photoelectron imaging technique. A coherent superposition of out-of-plane C–F butterfly motions is prepared in the first excited electronic state (S1). As the C–F bond vibrates with respect to the aromatic ring, the nuclear geometry varies periodically, leading to the corresponding variation in the photoionization channel. By virtue of the more favorable ionization probability from the nonplanar minimum via resonance with the Rydberg states, the evolution of the vibrational wave packet is manifested as a superimposed beat in the parent-ion transient. Moreover, time-resolved photoelectron spectra offer a direct mapping of the oscillating butterfly vibration between the planar geometry and nonplanar minimum. The beats for the photoelectron peaks originating from the planar geometry are out of phase with those from the nonplanar minimum. Our results provide a physically intuitive and complete picture of the oscillatory flow of energy responsible for the coherent vibrational motion on the excited state surface.
Upregulation of microRNA-4417 and Its Target Genes Contribute to Nickel Chloride-promoted Lung Epithelial Cell Fibrogenesis and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Wu Chih-Hsien , Hsiao Yi-Min , Yeh Kun-Tu , Tsou Tsui-Chun , Chen Chih-Yi , Wu Ming-Fang , Ko Jiunn-Liang
Published: November 2017

Nickel compounds have been classified as carcinogens and shown to be associated with induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis, as well as the crucial role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their related genes in controlling EMT and cancer metastasis. Thus, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of EMT in nickel-treated cells are of potential interest in understanding lung fibrosis and tumor progression. We investigated the miRNA-dependent mechanisms involved in nickel-induced EMT in lung epithelial cells. Nickel increased miR-4417 expression and decreased its target gene TAB2 expression. Treatment of cells with TGF-β inhibitor SB525334 significantly blocked NiCl2 and TGF-β-induced EMT. The expression of miR-4417 was abolished by SB525334 in TGF-β-treated cells, but not in nickel-treated cells. Both overexpression of miR-4417 and silencing of TAB2 induced fibronectin expression, but did not reduce E-cadherin expression. Moreover, oral administration of nickel promoted lung tumor growth in nude mice that had received BEAS-2B transformed cells by intravenous injection. The induction of EMT by nickel is mediated through multiple pathways. Induction of abundant miR-4417 and reduction of TAB2 expression following nickel exposure and may be involved in nickel-induced fibronectin. These findings provide novel insight into the roles of nickel in fibrogenesis and tumor progression.
Clinical and Molecular Characterization of PMP22 point mutations in Taiwanese patients with Inherited Neuropathy
Authors: Liao Yi-Chu , Tsai Pei-Chien , Lin Thy-Sheng , Hsiao Cheng-Tsung , Chao Nai-Chen , Lin Kon-Ping , Lee Yi-Chung
Published: November 2017

Point mutations in the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene have been identified to cause demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP). To investigate the mutation spectrum of PMP22 in Han-Chinese population residing in Taiwan, 53 patients with molecularly unassigned demyelinating CMT and 52 patients with HNPP-like neuropathy of unknown genetic causes were screened for PMP22 mutations by Sanger sequencing. Three point mutations were identified in four patients with demyelinating CMT, including c.256 C > T (p.Q86X) in two, and c.310delA (p.I104FfsX7) and c.319 + 1G > A in one each. One PMP22 missense mutation, c.124 T > C (p.C42R), was identified in a patient with HNPP-like neuropathy. The clinical presentations of these mutations vary from mild HNPP-like syndrome to severe infantile-onset demyelinating CMT. In vitro analyses revealed that both PMP22 p.Q86X and p.I104FfsX7 mutations result in truncated PMP22 proteins that are almost totally retained within cytosol, whereas the p.C42R mutation partially impairs cell membrane localization of PMP22 protein. In conclusion, PMP22 point mutations account for 7.5% and 1.9% of demyelinating CMT and HNPP patients with unknown genetic causes, respectively. This study delineates the clinical and molecular features of PMP22 point mutations in Taiwan, and emphasizes their roles in demyelinating CMT or HNPP-like neuropathy.
Sub genome anchored physical frameworks of the allotetraploid Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genome, and an approach toward reference-grade assemblies of polyploids
Authors: Saski Christopher A. , Scheffler Brian E. , Hulse-Kemp Amanda M. , Liu Bo , Song Qingxin , Ando Atsumi , Stelly David M. , Scheffler Jodi A. , Grimwood Jane , Jones Don C. , Peterson Daniel G. , Schmutz Jeremy , Chen Z. Jeffery
Published: November 2017

Like those of many agricultural crops, the cultivated cotton is an allotetraploid and has a large genome (~2.5 gigabase pairs). The two sub genomes, A and D, are highly similar but unequally sized and repeat-rich, which pose significant challenges for accurate genome reconstruction using standard approaches. Here we report the development of BAC libraries, sub genome specific physical maps, and a new-generation sequencing approach that will lead to a reference-grade genome assembly for Upland cotton. Three BAC libraries were constructed, fingerprinted, and integrated with BAC-end sequences (BES) to produce a de novo whole-genome physical map. The BAC map was partitioned by sub genomes through alignment to the diploid progenitor D-genome reference sequence with densely spaced BES anchor points and computational filtering. The physical maps were validated with FISH and genetic mapping of SNP markers derived from BES. Two pairs of homeologous chromosomes, A11/D11 and A12/D12, were used to assess multiplex sequencing approaches for completeness and scalability. The results represent the first sub genome anchored physical maps of Upland cotton, and a new-generation approach to the whole-genome sequencing, which will lead to the reference-grade assembly of allopolyploid cotton and serve as a general strategy for sequencing other polyploid species.
Preventing shivering with adjuvant low dose intrathecal meperidine: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Cih , Chen Chien-Yu , Liao Yuan-Mei , Liao Alan Hsi-Wen , Lin Pi-Chu , Chang Chuen-Chau
Published: November 2017

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the pros and cons of adjuvant low dose intrathecal meperidine for spinal anaesthesia. We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials using trial sequential analysis (TSA) to evaluate the incidence of reduced rescue analgesics, shivering, pruritus, nausea and vomiting when applying adjuvant intrathecal meperidine. Twenty-eight trials with 2216 patients were included. Adjuvant intrathecal meperidine, 0.05–0.5 mg kg−1, significantly reduced incidence of shivering (relative risk, RR, 0.31, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.24 to 0.40; TSA-adjusted RR, 0.32, 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.41). Intrathecal meperidine also effectively reduced need for intraoperative rescue analgesics (RR, 0.27, 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.64; TSA-adjusted RR, 0.27, 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.91) and the incidence of pruritus was unaffected (RR, 2.31, 95% CI, 0.94 to 5.70; TSA-adjusted RR, 1.42, 95% CI, 0.87 to 2.34). However, nausea and vomiting increased (RR, 1.84, 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.64; TSA-adjusted RR, 1.72, 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.23; RR, 2.23, 95% CI, 1.23 to 4.02; TSA-adjusted RR,1.96, 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.21). Under TSA, these results provided a sufficient level of evidence. In conclusion, adjuvant low dose intrathecal meperidine effectively attenuates spinal anaesthesia-associated shivering and reduces rescue analgesics with residual concerns for the nausea and vomiting.
Captive bottlenose dolphins and killer whales harbor a species-specific skin microbiota that varies among individuals
Authors: Chiarello M. , Villéger S. , Bouvier C. , Auguet J. C. , Bouvier T.
Published: November 2017

Marine animals surfaces host diverse microbial communities, which play major roles for host’s health. Most inventories of marine animal surface microbiota have focused on corals and fishes, while cetaceans remain overlooked. The few studies focused on wild cetaceans, making difficult to distinguish intrinsic inter- and/or intraspecific variability in skin microbiota from environmental effects. We used high-throughput sequencing to assess the skin microbiota from 4 body zones of 8 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and killer whales (Orcinus orca), housed in captivity (Marineland park, France). Overall, cetacean skin microbiota is more diverse than planktonic communities and is dominated by different phylogenetic lineages and functions. In addition, the two cetacean species host different skin microbiotas. Within each species, variability was higher between individuals than between body parts, suggesting a high individuality of cetacean skin microbiota. Overall, the skin microbiota of the assessed cetaceans related more to the humpback whale and fishes’ than to microbiotas of terrestrial mammals.
High yield matrix-free ionization of biomolecules by pulse-heating ion source
Authors: Luo Xi , Tue Phan-Trong , Sugiyama Kiyotaka , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: November 2017

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry has been widely used for biomolecular analysis. However, with conventional MALDI, it is difficult to analyse low-molecular-weight compounds because of the interference of matrix ion signals. Here, we report a matrix-free on-chip pulse-heating desorption/ionization (PHDI) method for a wide range of biomolecules ranging from low molecular-weight substances such as glycine (75.7 Da) to large species such as α-lactalbumin (14.2 kDa). Compared with the conventional MALDI, the matrix-free PHDI method affords high yields of singly charged ions with very less fragmentation and background using only one-pulse without light (laser). We believe that this new technique for matrix-free biomolecules analysis would overcome the limitations of the conventional MALDI.
OsMTP11 is localised at the Golgi and contributes to Mn tolerance
Authors: Farthing Emily C. , Menguer Paloma K. , Fett Janette Palma , Williams Lorraine E.
Published: November 2017

Membrane transporters play a key role in obtaining sufficient quantities of manganese (Mn) but also in protecting against Mn toxicity. We have characterized OsMTP11, a member of the Cation Diffusion Facilitator/Metal Tolerance Protein (CDF/MTP) family of metal cation transporters in Oryza sativa. We demonstrate that OsMTP11 functions in alleviating Mn toxicity as its expression can rescue the Mn-sensitive phenotype of the Arabidopsis mtp11-3 knockout mutant. When expressed stably in Arabidopsis and transiently in rice and tobacco, it localises to the Golgi. OsMTP11 partially rescues the Mn-hypersensitivity of the pmr1 yeast mutant but only slightly alleviates the Zn sensitivity of the zrc1 cot1 yeast mutant. Overall, these results suggest that OsMTP11 predominantly functions as a Mn-transporting CDF with lower affinity for Zn. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed four substitutions in OsMTP11 that appear to alter its transport activity. OsMTP11 harbouring a substitution of leucine 150 to a serine fully rescued pmr1 Mn-sensitivity at all concentrations tested. The other substitutions, including those at conserved DxxxD domains, reduced complementation of pmr1 to different levels. This indicates their importance for OsMTP11 function and is a starting point for refining transporter activity/specificity.
Genuine Multipartite Entanglement in the 3-Photon Decay of Positronium
Authors: Hiesmayr Beatrix C. , Moskal Pawel
Published: November 2017

The electron-positron annihilation into two photons is a standard technology in medicine to observe e.g. metabolic processes in human bodies. A new tomograph will provide the possibility to observe not only direct e+e− annihilations but also the 3 photons from the decay of ortho-positronium atoms formed in the body. We show in this contribution that the three-photon state with respect to polarisation degrees of freedom depends on the angles between the photons and exhibits various specific entanglement features. In particular genuine multipartite entanglement, a type of entanglement involving all degrees of freedom, is subsistent if the positronium was in a definite spin eigenstate. Remarkably, when all spin eigenstates are mixed equally, entanglement –and even stronger genuine multipartite entanglement– survives. Due to a “symmetrization” process, however, Dicke-type or W-type entanglement remains whereas GHZ-type entanglement vanishes. The survival of particular entanglement properties in the mixing scenario may make it possible to extract quantum information in the form of distinct entanglement features, e.g., from metabolic processes in human bodies.
Mitochondrial gene polymorphism is associated with gut microbial communities in mice
Authors: Hirose Misa , Künstner Axel , Schilf Paul , Sünderhauf Annika , Rupp Jan , Jöhren Olaf , Schwaninger Markus , Sina Christian , Baines John F. , Ibrahim Saleh M.
Published: November 2017

Gut microbial communities are key mediators of health and disease and have the capacity to drive the pathogenesis of diverse complex diseases including metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases as well as aging. Host genetics is also a major determinant of disease phenotypes, whereby two different genomes play a role, the nuclear (nDNA)- and mitochondrial genome (mtDNA). We investigated the impact of mutations in mtDNA on the gut microbiota using conplastic mouse strains exhibiting distinct mutations in their mtDNA on an identical nDNA. Each of three strain tested harbors a distinct gut microbiota, ranging from differences at the phylum- to operational taxonomic units level. The C57BL/6J-mt
FVB/NJ
strain, carrying a mutation in the mitochondrial ATP8 synthase gene, exhibits higher Firmicutes abundance than Bacteroidetes, indicating a possible indicative for metabolic dysfunctions. In line with this, the C57BL/6J-mt
FVB/NJ
displays a variety of different phenotypes, including increased susceptibility to metabolic-related and inflammatory disorders. Furthermore, we discuss the cross-talk between mitochondrial genome/mitochondria and commensal microbiota in relation to clinical phenotypes. In summary, we demonstrate that mutations in mtDNA lead to significant differences in the composition of gut microbial communities in mice. Such differences may facilitate the emergence of metabolic disease and therefore constitute potential therapeutic targets.
Evolution of facial color pattern complexity in lemurs
Authors: Rakotonirina Hanitriniaina , Kappeler Peter M. , Fichtel Claudia
Published: November 2017

Interspecific variation in facial color patterns across New and Old World primates has been linked to species recognition and group size. Because group size has opposite effects on interspecific variation in facial color patterns in these two radiations, a study of the third large primate radiation may shed light on convergences and divergences in this context. We therefore compiled published social and ecological data and analyzed facial photographs of 65 lemur species to categorize variation in hair length, hair and skin coloration as well as color brightness. Phylogenetically controlled analyses revealed that group size and the number of sympatric species did not influence the evolution of facial color complexity in lemurs. Climatic factors, however, influenced facial color complexity, pigmentation and hair length in a few facial regions. Hair length in two facial regions was also correlated with group size and may facilitate individual recognition. Since phylogenetic signals were moderate to high for most models, genetic drift may have also played a role in the evolution of facial color patterns of lemurs. In conclusion, social factors seem to have played only a subordinate role in the evolution of facial color complexity in lemurs, and, more generally, group size appears to have no systematic functional effect on facial color complexity across all primates.
Plasticity of the inner cell mass in mouse blastocyst is restricted by the activity of FGF/MAPK pathway
Authors: Wigger M. , Kisielewska K. , Filimonow K. , Plusa B. , Maleszewski M. , Suwińska A.
Published: November 2017

In order to ensure successful development, cells of the early mammalian embryo must differentiate to either trophectoderm (TE) or inner cell mass (ICM), followed by epiblast (EPI) or primitive endoderm (PE) specification within the ICM. Here, we deciphered the mechanism that assures the correct order of these sequential cell fate decisions. We revealed that TE-deprived ICMs derived from 32-cell blastocysts are still able to reconstruct TE during in vitro culture, confirming totipotency of ICM cells at this stage. ICMs isolated from more advanced blastocysts no longer retain totipotency, failing to form TE and generating PE on their surface. We demonstrated that the transition from full potency to lineage priming is prevented by inhibition of the FGF/MAPK signalling pathway. Moreover, we found that after this first restriction step, ICM cells still retain fate flexibility, manifested by ability to convert their fate into an alternative lineage (PE towards EPI and vice versa), until peri-implantation stage.
Current source density mapping of antennal sensory selectivity reveals conserved olfactory systems between tephritids and Drosophila
Authors: Jacob Vincent , Scolari Francesca , Delatte Hélène , Gasperi Giuliano , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle , Malacrida Anna R. , Duyck Pierre-François
Published: November 2017

Ecological specialization of insects involves the functional and morphological reshaping of olfactory systems. Little is known about the degree to which insect sensitivity to odorant compounds is conserved between genera, tribes, or families. Here we compared the olfactory systems of six tephritid fruit fly species spanning two tribes and the distantly related Drosophila melanogaster at molecular, functional, and morphological levels. Olfaction in these flies is mediated by a set of olfactory receptors (ORs) expressed in different functional classes of neurons located in distinct antennal regions. We performed a phylogenetic analysis that revealed both family-specific OR genes and putative orthologous OR genes between tephritids and Drosophila. With respect to function, we then used a current source density (CSD) analysis to map activity across antennae. Functional maps mirrored the intrinsic structure of antennae observed with scanning electron microscopy. Together, the results revealed partial conservation of the olfactory systems between tephritids and Drosophila. We also demonstrate that the mapping of olfactory responses is necessary to decipher antennal sensory selectivity to olfactory compounds. CSD analysis can be easily applied to map antennae of other species and therefore enables the rapid deriving of olfactory maps and the reconstructing of the target organisms’ history of evolution.
Large area few-layer graphene with scalable preparation from waste biomass for high-performance supercapacitor
Authors: Purkait Taniya , Singh Guneet , Singh Mandeep , Kumar Dinesh , Dey Ramendra Sundar
Published: November 2017

Carbonaceous materials with high surface area and a sheet-like structure promote fast ion-transport kinetics, making them an ideal choice to be used in supercapacitors. Few-layer graphene (FLG)-like nanosheets with abundance of micro as well as mesopores are achieved via mechanical exfoliation method from an agricultural waste biomass: peanut shell (PS). A well-known elementary method of probe-sonication, for the achievement of FLG sheets from renewable sources, is introduced in this study for the very first time. The Peanut shell-derived FLG (PS-FLG) possesses remarkably high specific surface area (2070 m2 g−1) with a sufficiently large pore volume of 1.33 cm3 g−1. For the fabrication of a binder-free supercapacitor, the PS-FLG-based electrodes exhibited a high specific capacity of 186 F g−1 without the use of any binder in 1 M H2SO4 as supporting electrolyte. The highest energy density of 58.125 W h Kg−1 and highest power density of 37.5 W Kg−1 was achieved by the material. Surprisingly, the working potential increased to 2.5 V in an organic electrolyte leading to an obvious increase in the energy density to 68 W h Kg−1. Solid-state-supercapacitor was fabricated with this material for the possible use of low-cost, high energy promising energy storage device.
Probing the mechanical stability of bridged DNA-H-NS protein complexes by single-molecule AFM pulling
Authors: Liang Yan , van der Valk Ramon A. , Dame Remus T. , Roos Wouter H. , Wuite Gijs J. L.
Published: November 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has proven to be a powerful tool for the study of DNA-protein interactions due to its ability to image single molecules at the nanoscale. However, the use of AFM in force spectroscopy to study DNA-protein interactions has been limited. Here we developed a high throughput, AFM based, pulling assay to measure the strength and kinetics of protein bridging of DNA molecules. As a model system, we investigated the interactions between DNA and the Histone-like Nucleoid-Structuring protein (H-NS). We confirmed that H-NS both changes DNA rigidity and forms bridges between DNA molecules. This straightforward methodology provides a high-throughput approach with single-molecule resolution which is widely applicable to study cross-substrate interactions such as DNA-bridging proteins.
Acinar injury and early cytokine response in human acute biliary pancreatitis
Authors: Jakkampudi Aparna , Jangala Ramaiah , Reddy Ratnakar , Mitnala Sasikala , Rao G. Venkat , Pradeep Rebala , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Talukdar Rupjyoti
Published: November 2017

Clinical acute pancreatitis (AP) is marked by an early phase of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with multiorgan dysfunction (MODS), and a late phase characterized by sepsis with MODS. However, the mechanisms of acinar injury in human AP and the associated systemic inflammation are not clearly understood. This study, for the first time, evaluated the early interactions of bile acid induced human pancreatic acinar injury and the resulting cytokine response. We exposed freshly procured resected human pancreata to taurolithocolic acid (TLCS) and evaluated for acinar injury, cytokine release and interaction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We observed autophagy in acinar cells in response to TLCS exposure. There was also time-dependent release of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α from the injured acini that resulted in activation of PBMCs. We also observed that cytokines secreted by activated PBMCs resulted in acinar cell apoptosis and further cytokine release from them. Our data suggests that the earliest immune response in human AP originates within the acinar cell itself, which subsequently activates circulating PBMCs leading to SIRS. These findings need further detailed evaluation so that specific therapeutic targets to curb SIRS and resulting early adverse outcomes could be identified and tested.
Electroluminescence properties of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well-based LEDs with different indium contents and different well widths
Authors: Li Changfu , Ji Ziwu , Li Jianfei , Xu Mingsheng , Xiao Hongdi , Xu Xiangang
Published: November 2017

Two InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW)-based blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting photons at approximately the same wavelength, with different indium contents and well widths, are prepared, and the temperature-dependences of their electroluminescence (EL) spectra at different fixed injection currents are investigated. The results show that, compared with sample B with its lower indium content and larger well width, sample A with its higher indium content and smaller well width, has a stronger carrier localization effect and higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) at the lower fixed currents; however, upon increasing the injection current, both the localization effect and EQE for sample A decrease at a faster rate. The former is mainly attributed to the deeper potential levels due to the larger indium fluctuations originating from the higher indium content, and to the smaller well width-induced stronger carrier quantum-confine effect (QCE); the latter is mainly attributed to the more significant growing in the electron leakage and/or electron overflow originating from the smaller well width and larger lattice mismatch-induced stronger piezoelectric field, and to the more significant reduction in carrier localization effect originating from the smaller well width-induced smaller density of high-energy localized states.
Classification Rule for 5-year Cardiovascular Diseases Risk using decision tree in Primary Care Chinese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Chin Weng Yee , Chan Anca Ka Chun , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: November 2017

Cardiovascular disease(CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM), and a risk classification model for CVD among primary care diabetic patients is pivotal for risk-based interventions and patient information. This study developed a simple tool for a 5-year CVD risk prediction for primary care Chinese patients with T2DM. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 137,935 primary care Chinese T2DM patients aged 18–79 years without history of CVD between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2010. New events of CVD of the cohort over a median follow up of 5 years were extracted from the medical records. A classification rule of 5-year CVD risk was obtained from the derivation cohort and validated in the validation cohort. Significant risk factors included in decision tree were age, gender, smoking status, diagnosis duration, obesity, unsatisfactory control on haemoglobin A1c and cholesterol, albuminuria and stage of chronic kidney disease, which categorized patients into five 5-year CVD risk groups(<5%; 5–9%; 10–14%; 15–19% and ≥20%). Taking the group with the lowest CVD risk, the hazard ratios varied from 1.92(1.77,2.08) to 8.46(7.75,9.24). The present prediction model performed comparable discrimination and better calibration from the plot compared to other current existing models.
Discordancy Partitioning for Validating Potentially Inconsistent Pharmacogenomic Studies
Authors: Rao J. Sunil , Liu Hongmei
Published: November 2017

The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) are two major studies that can be used to mine for therapeutic biomarkers for cancers of a large variety. Model validation using the two datasets however has proved challenging. Both predictions and signatures do not consistently validate well for models built on one dataset and tested on the other. While the genomic profiling seems consistent, the drug response data is not. Some efforts at harmonizing experimental designs has helped but not entirely removed model validation difficulties. In this paper, we present a partitioning strategy based on a data sharing concept which directly acknowledges a potential lack of concordance between datasets and in doing so, also allows for extraction of reproducible novel gene-drug interaction signatures as well as accurate test set predictions. We demonstrate these properties in a re-analysis of the GDSC and CCLE datasets.
Statistical Analysis for Collision-free Boson Sampling
Authors: Huang He-Liang , Zhong Han-Sen , Li Tan , Li Feng-Guang , Fu Xiang-Qun , Zhang Shuo , Wang Xiang , Bao Wan-Su
Published: November 2017

Boson sampling is strongly believed to be intractable for classical computers but solvable with photons in linear optics, which raises widespread concern as a rapid way to demonstrate the quantum supremacy. However, due to its solution is mathematically unverifiable, how to certify the experimental results becomes a major difficulty in the boson sampling experiment. Here, we develop a statistical analysis scheme to experimentally certify the collision-free boson sampling. Numerical simulations are performed to show the feasibility and practicability of our scheme, and the effects of realistic experimental conditions are also considered, demonstrating that our proposed scheme is experimentally friendly. Moreover, our broad approach is expected to be generally applied to investigate multi-particle coherent dynamics beyond the boson sampling.
High-accuracy wavefront sensing by phase diversity technique with bisymmetric defocuses diversity phase
Authors: Zhang Peiguang , Yang Chengliang , Xu Zihao , Cao Zhaoliang , Mu Quanquan , Xuan Li
Published: November 2017

We investigate a specific diversity phase for phase diversity (PD) phase retrieval, which possesses higher accuracy than common PD, especially for large-scale and high-frequency wavefront sensing. The commonly used PD algorithm employs the image intensities of the focused plane and one defocused plane to build the error metric. Unlike the commonly used PD, we explore a bisymmetric defocuses diversity phase, which employs the image intensities of two symmetrical defocused planes to build the error metric. This kind of diversity phase, named PD-BD (bisymmetric defocuses phase diversity), is analysed with the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). Statistically, PD-BD shows smaller CRLBs than the commonly used PD, which indicates stronger capacity of phase retrieval. Numerical simulations also verify that PD-BD has higher accuracy of phase retrieval than the commonly used PD when dealing with large-scale and high-frequency wavefront aberrations. To further affirm that PD-BD possesses higher accuracy of wavefront sensing than PD, we also perform a simple verification experiment.
Brief targeted memory reactivation during the awake state enhances memory stability and benefits the weakest memories
Authors: Tambini Arielle , Berners-Lee Alice , Davachi Lila
Published: November 2017

Reactivation of representations corresponding to recent experience is thought to be a critical mechanism supporting long-term memory stabilization. Targeted memory reactivation, or the re-exposure of recently learned cues, seeks to induce reactivation and has been shown to benefit later memory when it takes place during sleep. However, despite recent evidence for endogenous reactivation during post-encoding awake periods, less work has addressed whether awake targeted memory reactivation modulates memory. Here, we found that brief (50 ms) visual stimulus re-exposure during a repetitive foil task enhanced the stability of cued versus uncued associations in memory. The extent of external or task-oriented attention prior to re-exposure was inversely related to cueing benefits, suggesting that an internally-orientated state may be most permissible to reactivation. Critically, cueing-related memory benefits were greatest in participants without explicit recognition of cued items and remained reliable when only considering associations not recognized as cued, suggesting that explicit cue-triggered retrieval processes did not drive cueing benefits. Cueing benefits were strongest for associations and participants with the poorest initial learning. These findings expand our knowledge of the conditions under which targeted memory reactivation can benefit memory, and in doing so, support the notion that reactivation during awake time periods improves memory stabilization.
The effects of vitamin E or lipoic acid supplementation on oxyphytosterols in subjects with elevated oxidative stress: a randomized trial
Authors: Baumgartner Sabine , Mensink Ronald P. , Haenen Guido R. , Bast Aalt , Binder Christoph J. , Bekers Otto , Husche Constanze , Lütjohann Dieter , Plat Jogchum
Published: November 2017

Despite increased serum plant sterol concentrations after consumption of plant sterol enriched margarines, plasma oxyphytosterol concentrations were not increased in healthy subjects. Here, we assessed plasma oxyphytosterol concentrations and whether they are affected by antioxidants in subjects with elevated oxidative stress. Twenty subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or type 2 diabetes (DM2) consumed for 4 weeks placebo, vitamin E (804 mg/d) or lipoic acid capsules (600 mg/d). Plasma and blood cell oxyphytosterol and oxycholesterol concentrations were determined in butylated hydroxytoluene-enriched EDTA plasma via GC-MS. Also, markers reflecting oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity were measured. Plasma oxycampesterol and oxysitosterol concentrations were 122% and 83% higher in IGT or DM2 subjects than in healthy subjects, as determined in an earlier study. Vitamin E or lipoic acid supplementation did not reduce plasma oxyphytosterol and oxycholesterol concentrations, or other markers reflecting oxidative stress or antioxidative capacity. Concentrations of different oxyphytosterols correlated within plasma, and within red blood cells and platelets. However, plasma and blood cell oxyphytosterol levels did not correlate. Although plasma oxyphytosterol concentrations are higher in IGT or DM2 subjects than in healthy subjects, 4-weeks vitamin E or lipoic acid supplementation does not lower plasma oxycholesterol or oxyphytosterol concentrations.
Large-scale identification of lysine acetylated proteins in vegetative hyphae of the rice blast fungus
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Li Zhigang , Liu Hang , Yang Jun , Liang Wenxing , Peng You-Liang , Huang Jinguang
Published: November 2017

Lysine acetylation is a major post-translational modification that plays important regulatory roles in diverse biological processes to perform various cellular functions in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. However, roles of lysine acetylation in plant fungal pathogens were less studied. Here, we provided the first lysine acetylome of vegetative hyphae of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae through a combination of highly sensitive immune-affinity purification and high-resolution LC-MS/MS. This lysine acetylome had 2,720 acetylation sites in 1,269 proteins. The lysine acetylated proteins were involved indiverse cellular functions, and located in 820 nodes and 7,709 edges among the protein-protein interaction network. Several amino acid residues nearby the lysine acetylation sites were conserved, including KacR, KacK, and KacH. Importantly, dozens of lysine acetylated proteins are found to be important to vegetative hyphal growth and fungal pathogenicity. Taken together, our results provided the first comprehensive view of lysine acetylome of M.oryzae and suggested protein lysine acetylation played important roles to fungal development and pathogenicity.
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Enhances the Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells by Notch, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling
Authors: Zhang Jing , Kang Nan , Yu Xiaotong , Ma Yuewen , Pang Xining
Published: November 2017

Neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation play a pivotal role in the repair of brain function in central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) is a non-invasive and innovative treatment for many conditions, yet little is known about the effects of this treatment on NSCs. Mouse NSCs (NE-4C) were exposed to rESWT with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 bar (500 impulses, and 2 Hz) in vitro. Cell viability test results indicated that rESWT, at a dose of 2.5 bar, 500 impulses, and 2 Hz, increased NE-4C viability within 72 h, and that the PI3K/AKT pathway was involved in its mechanisms. Exposure to rESWT also affected proliferation and differentiation of NE-4C after 8 weeks, which may be associated with Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways. This assessment is corroborated by the ability of inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin [Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1)] and the Notch pathway (DAPT) to weaken proliferation and differentiation of NSCs. In summary, a proper dose of rESWT enhanced NSCs augment via the PI3K/AKT pathway initially. Also, Wnt/β-catenin and the Notch pathway play important roles in regulation of the long-term efficacy of rESWT. This study reveals a novel approach to culture NSCs in vitro and support neurogenesis.
Quasi-static and dynamic experimental studies on the tensile strength and failure pattern of concrete and mortar discs
Authors: Jin Xiaochao , Hou Cheng , Fan Xueling , Lu Chunsheng , Yang Huawei , Shu Xuefeng , Wang Zhihua
Published: November 2017

As concrete and mortar materials widely used in structural engineering may suffer dynamic loadings, studies on their mechanical properties under different strain rates are of great importance. In this paper, based on splitting tests of Brazilian discs, the tensile strength and failure pattern of concrete and mortar were investigated under quasi-static and dynamic loadings with a strain rate of 1–200 s−1. It is shown that the quasi-static tensile strength of mortar is higher than that of concrete since coarse aggregates weaken the interface bonding strength of the latter. Numerical results confirmed that the plane stress hypothesis lead to a lower value tensile strength for the cylindrical specimens. With the increase of strain rates, dynamic tensile strengths of concrete and mortar significantly increase, and their failure patterns change form a single crack to multiple cracks and even fragment. Furthermore, a relationship between the dynamic increase factor and strain rate was established by using a linear fitting algorithm, which can be conveniently used to calculate the dynamic increase factor of concrete-like materials in engineering applications.
Reentry via high-frequency pacing in a mathematical model for human-ventricular cardiac tissue with a localized fibrotic region
Authors: Zimik Soling , Pandit Rahul
Published: November 2017

Localized heterogeneities, caused by the regional proliferation of fibroblasts, occur in mammalian hearts because of diseases like myocardial infarction. Such fibroblast clumps can become sources of pathological reentrant activities, e.g., spiral or scroll waves of electrical activation in cardiac tissue. The occurrence of reentry in cardiac tissue with heterogeneities, such as fibroblast clumps, can depend on the frequency at which the medium is paced. Therefore, it is important to study the reentry-initiating potential of such fibroblast clumps at different frequencies of pacing. We investigate the arrhythmogenic effects of fibroblast clumps at high- and low-frequency pacing. We find that reentrant waves are induced in the medium more prominently at high-frequency pacing than with low-frequency pacing. We also study the other factors that affect the potential of fibroblast clumps to induce reentry in cardiac tissue. In particular, we show that the ability of a fibroblast clump to induce reentry depends on the size of the clump, the distribution and percentage of fibroblasts in the clump, and the excitability of the medium. We study the process of reentry in two-dimensional and a three-dimensional mathematical models for cardiac tissue.
Suppression of Th17-polarized airway inflammation by rapamycin
Authors: Joean Oana , Hueber Anja , Feller Felix , Jirmo Adan Chari , Lochner Matthias , Dittrich Anna-Maria , Albrecht Melanie
Published: November 2017

Because Th17-polarized airway inflammation correlates with poor control in bronchial asthma and is a feature of numerous other difficult-to-treat inflammatory lung diseases, new therapeutic approaches for this type of airway inflammation are necessary. We assessed different licensed anti-inflammatory agents with known or expected efficacy against Th17-polarization in mouse models of Th17-dependent airway inflammation. Upon intravenous transfer of in vitro derived Th17 cells and intranasal challenge with the corresponding antigen, we established acute and chronic murine models of Th17-polarised airway inflammation. Consecutively, we assessed the efficacy of methylprednisolone, roflumilast, azithromycin, AM80 and rapamycin against acute or chronic Th17-dependent airway inflammation. Quantifiers for Th17-associated inflammation comprised: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) differential cell counts, allergen-specific cytokine and immunoglobulin secretion, as well as flow cytometric phenotyping of pulmonary inflammatory cells. Only rapamycin proved effective against acute Th17-dependent airway inflammation, accompanied by increased plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and reduced neutrophils as well as reduced CXCL-1 levels in BAL. Chronic Th17-dependent airway inflammation was unaltered by rapamycin treatment. None of the other agents showed efficacy in our models. Our results demonstrate that Th17-dependent airway inflammation is difficult to treat with known agents. However, we identify rapamycin as an agent with inhibitory potential against acute Th17-polarized airway inflammation.
Catalyst-free Organic Synthesis
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam
Published: November 2017

It is well-established that organic synthetic processes have been at the core of the chemical industry for hundreds of years, in the production of organic compounds with a wide range of applications. However, we are becoming increasingly aware of the hazardous substances used and generated by these chemical processes. The field of organic synthesis has undergone profound changes to switch to equally efficient, but more sustainable processes that avoid the extensive use of toxic and hazardous reagents and solvents, harsh reaction conditions and expensive and sophisticated catalysts.

Explaining methods for carrying out chemical syntheses without the use of catalysts, this book shows how avoiding catalysts during synthesis can mean less use of toxic chemicals, environmentally damaging chemicals or endangered elements and lower costs. It is an important reference for chemists involved in organic synthesis, as well as for green chemists.
Highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles generated in situ on layered double hydroxide nanowalls for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of hydrazine
Authors: Xu Liang , Qu Zongkai , Chen Jun , Chen Xu , Li Feng , Yang Wensheng
Published: November 2017

Highly dispersed PdNPs with clean faces have been in situ anchored on CoAl-LDH nanowalls, showing ultrasensitive detection for hydrazine.
Fast and simple method for identification of adulteration of cow's milk with urea using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: de Toledo Paulo R. A. B. , Toci Aline T. , Pezza Helena R. , Pezza Leonardo
Published: November 2017

This work describes the development and application of a simple, fast, cheap, and clean method for the detection of adulteration of raw cow's milk by urea, using a combined spot test/diffuse reflectance spectroscopy procedure.
H2O2induced formation of graded composition sodium-doped tin dioxide and template-free synthesis of yolk–shell SnO2particles and their sensing application
Authors: Mikhaylov Alexey A. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Tripol'skaya Tatiana A. , Popov Victor S. , Mokrushin Artem S. , Krut'ko Dmitry P. , Prikhodchenko Petr V. , Lev Ovadia
Published: November 2017

This article introduces a SnO2yolk–shell synthesis protocol based on hydrogen peroxide sol–gel processing.
Syntheses, structural characterisation and electronic structures of ferrocenyl-osmafuran heterobinuclear organometallic complexes
Authors: Liu Bin , Guo Chun-Lan , Liu Wen-Xia , Guo Ming-E. , Yan Feng , Xue Lu-Sha , Wang Huijuan , Liu Chang-Lin , Jin Shan
Published: November 2017

The electron transfer through the backbone of metallafurans was studied by spectroelectrochemistry and theoretical calculation.
Honeycomb-patterned hybrid films of surfactant-encapsulated polyoxometalates by a breath figure method and its electrocatalysis for BrO3−
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Lei , Liu Shu-xia , Gong Jian , Tang Qun , Su Zhong-min
Published: November 2017

Surfactant-encapsulated POMs can self-assemble into ordered porous honeycomb films under a moist atmosphere. We successfully fabricated (DODA)10{Cu4(PW9)2} honeycomb films by using a one-step method.
Unusual extraction of trivalent f-cations using diglycolamide dendrimers in a room temperature ionic liquid: extraction, spectroscopic and DFT studies
Authors: Ansari Seraj Ahmad , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar , Leoncini Andrea , Ali Sk Musharaf , Singhadeb Ashish , Huskens Jurriaan , Verboom Willem
Published: November 2017

The complexation of Am3+ and Eu3+ was studied with three generations of DGA-Den ligands in a room temperature ionic liquid.
The chemical composition, nutritional value and antimicrobial properties ofAbelmoschus esculentusseeds
Authors: Petropoulos Spyridon , Fernandes Ângela , Barros Lillian , Ciric Ana , Sokovic Marina , Ferreira Isabel C.F.R.
Published: November 2017

Okra seeds present significant nutritional value and antimicrobial properties and could be proposed for innovative okra products and functional foods with antimicrobial and bioactive properties.
Quercetin and fisetin enhanced the small intestine cellular uptake and plasma levels of epi-catechins in in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Chung Jin-Oh , Lee Seon-Bong , Jeong Kang-Hyun , Song Ji-Hoon , Kim Su-Kyung , Joo Kyung-Mi , Jeong Hyun-Woo , Choi Jin-Kyu , Kim Jeong-Kee , Kim Wan-Gi , Shin Song-Seok , Shim Soon-Mi
Published: November 2017

The catechol-containing flavonoids quercetin and fisetin could positively affect the absorption of catechins due to their strong affinity for COMT, which can methylate and cause the excretion of catechins.
Correction: A highly sensitive enzymeless glucose sensor based on 3D graphene–Cu hybrid electrodes
Authors: Hussain Sajjad , Akbar Kamran , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Choi Dong-Chul , Kim Seong Jun , An Ki-Seok , Jung Seunho , Jung Jongwan
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘A highly sensitive enzymeless glucose sensor based on 3D graphene–Cu hybrid electrodes’ by Sajjad Hussain et al., New J. Chem., 2015, 39, 7481–7487.
Highly reliable and low-noise solid-state nanopores with an atomic layer deposited ZnO membrane on a quartz substrate
Authors: Park Kyeong-Beom , Kim Hyung-Jun , Kang Yun-Ho , Yu Jae-Seok , Chae Hongsik , Lee Kidan , Kim Hyun-Mi , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: November 2017

We present a fabrication scheme for a ZnO nanopore membrane directly deposited on top of a quartz substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and investigate the characteristics of DNA translocation through the nanopores.
Template-free synthesis and structural evolution of discrete hydroxycancrinite zeolite nanorods from high-concentration hydrogels
Authors: Chen Shaojiang , Sorge Lukas P. , Seo Dong-Kyun
Published: November 2017

Highly crystalline cancrinite zeolites could be formed as discrete nanorods from a high-concentration hydrogel under mild hydrothermal conditions.
Embedded nanoparticle dynamics and their influence on switching behaviour of resistive memory devices
Authors: Tappertzhofen S. , Hofmann S.
Published: November 2017

Resistively switching Conductive Bridge Random Access Memories (CBRAMs) rely on the controlled formation and dissolution of metallic filaments within a solid insulator, and here the underlying mechanisms of these emerging devices are explored on all relevant length scales by connecting electron microscopy with switching statistics at application relevant conditions.
Size-dependent donor and acceptor states in codoped Si nanocrystals studied by scanning tunneling spectroscopy
Authors: Ashkenazi Or , Azulay Doron , Balberg Isaac , Kano Shinya , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Fujii Minoru , Millo Oded
Published: November 2017

The electrical and optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) can be controlled, in addition to size and shape, by doping.