bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic reticulum stress drives proteinuria-induced kidney lesions via Lipocalin 2
Authors: El Karoui Khalil , Viau Amandine , Dellis Olivier , Bagattin Alessia , Nguyen Clément , Baron William , Burtin Martine , Broueilh Mélanie , Heidet Laurence , Mollet Géraldine , Druilhe Anne , Antignac Corinne , Knebelmann Bertrand , Friedlander Gérard , Bienaimé Frank , Gallazzini Morgan , Terzi Fabiola
Published: January 2016

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), proteinuria results in severe tubulointerstitial lesions, which ultimately lead to end-stage renal disease. Here we identify 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA), a chemical chaperone already used in humans, as a novel therapeutic strategy capable to counteract the toxic effect of proteinuria. Mechanistically, we show that albumin induces tubular unfolded protein response via cytosolic calcium rise, which leads to tubular apoptosis by Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) modulation through ATF4. Consistent with the key role of LCN2 in CKD progression, Lcn2 gene inactivation decreases ER stress-induced apoptosis, tubulointerstitial lesions and mortality in proteinuric mice. More importantly, the inhibition of this pathway by PBA protects kidneys from morphological and functional degradation in proteinuric mice. These results are relevant to human CKD, as LCN2 is increased in proteinuric patients. In conclusion, our study identifies a therapeutic strategy susceptible to improve the benefit of RAS inhibitors in proteinuria-induced CKD progression.
Removal of the mechanoprotective influence of the cytoskeleton reveals PIEZO1 is gated by bilayer tension
Authors: Cox Charles D. , Bae Chilman , Ziegler Lynn , Hartley Silas , Nikolova-Krstevski Vesna , Rohde Paul R. , Ng Chai-Ann , Sachs Frederick , Gottlieb Philip A. , Martinac Boris
Published: January 2016

Mechanosensitive ion channels are force-transducing enzymes that couple mechanical stimuli to ion flux. Understanding the gating mechanism of mechanosensitive channels is challenging because the stimulus seen by the channel reflects forces shared between the membrane, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix. Here we examine whether the mechanosensitive channel PIEZO1 is activated by force-transmission through the bilayer. To achieve this, we generate HEK293 cell membrane blebs largely free of cytoskeleton. Using the bacterial channel MscL, we calibrate the bilayer tension demonstrating that activation of MscL in blebs is identical to that in reconstituted bilayers. Utilizing a novel PIEZO1–GFP fusion, we then show PIEZO1 is activated by bilayer tension in bleb membranes, gating at lower pressures indicative of removal of the cortical cytoskeleton and the mechanoprotection it provides. Thus, PIEZO1 channels must sense force directly transmitted through the bilayer.
The onset of visual experience gates auditory cortex critical periods
Authors: Mowery Todd M. , Kotak Vibhakar C. , Sanes Dan H.
Published: January 2016

Sensory systems influence one another during development and deprivation can lead to cross-modal plasticity. As auditory function begins before vision, we investigate the effect of manipulating visual experience during auditory cortex critical periods (CPs) by assessing the influence of early, normal and delayed eyelid opening on hearing loss-induced changes to membrane and inhibitory synaptic properties. Early eyelid opening closes the auditory cortex CPs precociously and dark rearing prevents this effect. In contrast, delayed eyelid opening extends the auditory cortex CPs by several additional days. The CP for recovery from hearing loss is also closed prematurely by early eyelid opening and extended by delayed eyelid opening. Furthermore, when coupled with transient hearing loss that animals normally fully recover from, very early visual experience leads to inhibitory deficits that persist into adulthood. Finally, we demonstrate a functional projection from the visual to auditory cortex that could mediate these effects.
In vivo covalent cross-linking of photon-converted rare-earth nanostructures for tumour localization and theranostics
Authors: Ai Xiangzhao , Ho Chris Jun Hui , Aw Junxin , Attia Amalina Binte Ebrahim , Mu Jing , Wang Yu , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Yong , Liu Xiaogang , Chen Huabing , Gao Mingyuan , Chen Xiaoyuan , Yeow Edwin K.L. , Liu Gang , Olivo Malini , Xing Bengang
Published: January 2016

The development of precision nanomedicines to direct nanostructure-based reagents into tumour-targeted areas remains a critical challenge in clinics. Chemical reaction-mediated localization in response to tumour environmental perturbations offers promising opportunities for rational design of effective nano-theranostics. Here, we present a unique microenvironment-sensitive strategy for localization of peptide-premodified upconversion nanocrystals (UCNs) within tumour areas. Upon tumour-specific cathepsin protease reactions, the cleavage of peptides induces covalent cross-linking between the exposed cysteine and 2-cyanobenzothiazole on neighbouring particles, thus triggering the accumulation of UCNs into tumour site. Such enzyme-triggered cross-linking of UCNs leads to enhanced upconversion emission upon 808 nm laser irradiation, and in turn amplifies the singlet oxygen generation from the photosensitizers attached on UCNs. Importantly, this design enables remarkable tumour inhibition through either intratumoral UCNs injection or intravenous injection of nanoparticles modified with the targeting ligand. Our strategy may provide a multimodality solution for effective molecular sensing and site-specific tumour treatment.
Correction: Corrigendum: Bilirubin Increases Insulin Sensitivity by Regulating Cholesterol Metabolism, Adipokines and PPARγ Levels
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Dong Huansheng , Zhang Yong , Cao Mingjun , Song Lili , Pan Qingjie , Bulmer Andrew , Adams David B. , Dong Xiao , Wang Hongjun
Published: January 2016

Obesity can cause insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Moderate elevations in bilirubin levels have anti-diabetic effects. This study is aimed at determining the mechanisms by which bilirubin treatment reduces obesity and insulin resistance in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. DIO mice were treated with bilirubin or vehicle for 14 days. Body weights, plasma glucose, and insulin tolerance tests were performed prior to, immediately, and 7 weeks post-treatment. Serum lipid, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, total and direct bilirubin levels were measured. Expression of factors involved in adipose metabolism including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP-1), insulin receptor (IR), and PPARγ in liver were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. Compared to controls, bilirubin-treated mice exhibited reductions in body weight, blood glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), leptin, total and direct bilirubin, and increases in adiponectin and expression of SREBP-1, IR, and PPARγ mRNA. The improved metabolic control achieved by bilirubin-treated mice was persistent: at two months after treatment termination, bilirubin-treated DIO mice remained insulin sensitive with lower leptin and higher adiponectin levels, together with increased PPARγ expression. These results indicate that bilirubin regulates cholesterol metabolism, adipokines and PPARγ levels, which likely contribute to increased insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in DIO mice.
Irx3 is required for postnatal maturation of the mouse ventricular conduction system
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Han , Rosen Anna , Hussein Samer M. I. , Puviindran Vijitha , Korogyi Adam S. , Chiarello Carmelina , Nagy Andras , Hui Chi-chung , Backx Peter H.
Published: January 2016

The ventricular conduction system (VCS) orchestrates the harmonious contraction in every heartbeat. Defects in the VCS are often associated with life-threatening arrhythmias and also promote adverse remodeling in heart disease. We have previously established that theIrx3homeobox gene regulates rapid electrical propagation in the VCS by modulating the transcription of gap junction proteins Cx40 and Cx43. However, it is unknown whether other factors contribute to the conduction defects observed inIrx3knockout (Irx3−/−) mice. In this study, we show that during the early postnatal period,Irx3−/−mice develop morphological defects in the VCS which are temporally dissociated from changes in gap junction expression. These morphological defects were accompanied with progressive changes in the cardiac electrocardiogram including right bundle branch block. Hypoplastic VCS was not associated with increased apoptosis of VCS cardiomyocytes but with a lack of recruitment and maturation of ventricular cardiomyocytes into the VCS. Computational analysis followed by functional verification revealed that Irx3 promotes VCS-enriched transcripts targeted by Nkx2.5 and/or Tbx5. Altogether, these results indicate that, in addition to ensuring the appropriate expression of gap junctional channels in the VCS,Irx3is necessary for the postnatal maturation of the VCS, possibly via its interactions with Tbx5 and Nkx2.5.
A sex-inducing pheromone triggers cell cycle arrest and mate attraction in the diatom Seminavis robusta
Authors: Moeys Sara , Frenkel Johannes , Lembke Christine , Gillard Jeroen T. F. , Devos Valerie , Van den Berge Koen , Bouillon Barbara , Huysman Marie J. J. , De Decker Sam , Scharf Julia , Bones Atle , Brembu Tore , Winge Per , Sabbe Koen , Vuylsteke Marnik , Clement Lieven , De Veylder Lieven , Pohnert Georg , Vyverman Wim
Published: January 2016

Although sexual reproduction is believed to play a major role in the high diversification rates and species richness of diatoms, a mechanistic understanding of diatom life cycle control is virtually lacking. Diatom sexual signalling is controlled by a complex, yet largely unknown, pheromone system. Here, a sex-inducing pheromone (SIP+) of the benthic pennate diatom Seminavis robusta was identified by comparative metabolomics, subsequently purified and physicochemically characterized. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SIP+ triggers the switch from mitosis-to-meiosis in the opposing mating type, coupled with the transcriptional induction of proline biosynthesis genes and the release of the proline-derived attraction pheromone. The induction of cell cycle arrest by a pheromone, chemically distinct from the one used to attract the opposite mating type, highlights the existence of a sophisticated mechanism to increase chances of mate finding, while keeping the metabolic losses associated with the release of an attraction pheromone to a minimum.
Which risk scenarios can drive the emergence of costly cooperation?
Authors: Hagel Kristin , Abou Chakra Maria , Bauer Benedikt , Traulsen Arne
Published: January 2016

In collective risk dilemmas, cooperation prevents collective loss only when players contribute sufficiently. In these more complex variants of a social dilemma, the form of the risk curve is crucial and can strongly affect the feasibility of a cooperative outcome. The risk typically depends on the sum of all individual contributions. Here, we introduce a general approach to analyze the stabilization of cooperation under any decreasing risk curve and discuss how different risk curves affect cooperative outcomes. We show that the corresponding solutions can be reached by social learning or evolutionary dynamics. Furthermore, we extend our analysis to cases where individuals do not only care about their expected payoff, but also about the associated distribution of payoffs. This approach is an essential step to understand the effects of risk decay on cooperation.
Strong lattice correlation of non-equilibrium quasiparticles in a pseudospin-1/2 Mott insulator Sr2IrO4
Authors: Li Yuelin , Schaller Richard D. , Zhu Mengze , Walko Donald A. , Kim Jungho , Ke Xianglin , Miao Ludi , Mao Z. Q.
Published: January 2016

In correlated oxides the coupling of quasiparticles to other degrees of freedom such as spin and lattice plays critical roles in the emergence of symmetry-breaking quantum ordered states such as high temperature superconductivity. We report a strong lattice coupling of photon-induced quasiparticles in spin-orbital coupling Mott insulator Sr2IrO4 probed via optical excitation. Combining time-resolved x-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy techniques, we reconstruct a spatiotemporal map of the diffusion of these quasiparticles. Due to the unique electronic configuration of the quasiparticles, the strong lattice correlation is unexpected but extends the similarity between Sr2IrO4 and cuprates to a new dimension of electron-phonon coupling which persists under highly non-equilibrium conditions.
Efficient extravasation of tumor-repopulating cells depends on cell deformability
Authors: Chen Junjian , Zhou Wenwen , Jia Qiong , Chen Junwei , Zhang Shuang , Yao Wenting , Wei Fuxiang , Zhang Yuejin , Yang Fang , Huang Wei , Zhang Yao , Zhang Huafeng , Zhang Yi , Huang Bo , Zhang Zhihong , Jia Haibo , Wang Ning
Published: January 2016

Cancer metastasis is the most deadly stage in cancer progression. Despite significant efforts over the past decades, it remains elusive why only a very small fraction of cancer cells is able to generate micrometastasis and metastatic colonization. Recently we have shown that tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs), a highly tumorigenic subpopulation of mouse melanoma cells, can be selected by being cultured and grown in 3D soft fibrin gels. Here we show that when injected into the yolk of a 2 day-post-fertilization (dpf) embryo of Tg (fli1:EGFP or kdrl:mCherry) zebrafish, TRCs are much more efficient in surviving and growing at various secondary sites to generate micrometastasis and metastatic colonization than control melanoma cells that are grown on rigid plastic. The metastasis of TRCs is dependent on the presence of Sox2, a self-renewal gene and silencing Sox2 leads to the inhibition of TRC metastasis. High-resolution of 3D confocal images of the TRCs at the secondary sites show that extravasation and formation of micrometastases by TRCs are more efficient than by the control cells. Remarkably, efficient extravasation of TRCs in vivo and transmigration in vitro are determined by TRC deformability, as a result of low Cdc42 and high Sox2. Our findings suggest that tumor cell deformability is a key factor in controlling extravasation dynamics during metastasis.
Correction: Corrigendum: MoS2 Surface Structure Tailoring via Carbonaceous Promoter
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Li Henan , It Wong Jen , Zhang Xiaoting , Wang Ye , Song Huaihe , Ying Yang Hui
Published: January 2016

Atomically thin semiconducting transition-metal dichalcogenides have been attracting lots of attentions, particularly, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers show promising applications in field effect transistors, optoelectronics and valleytronics. However, the controlled synthesis of highly crystalline MoS2 remain a challenge especially the systematic approach to manipulate its structure and morphology. Herein, we report a method for controlled synthesis of highly crystalline MoS2 by using chemical vapor deposition method with carbonaceous materials as growth promoter. A uniform and highly crystalline MoS2 monolayer with the grain size close to 40 μm was achieved. Furthermore, we extend the method to the manipulation of MoS2 morphology, flower-shape vertical grown MoS2 layers were obtained on growth promoting substrates. This simple approach allows an easy access of highly crystalline MoS2 layers with morphology tuned in a controllable manner. Moreover, the flower-shape MoS2 grown on graphene oxide film used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries showed excellent electrochemical performance.
Ca2+ dynamics in oocytes from naturally-aged mice
Authors: Haverfield Jenna , Nakagawa Shoma , Love Daniel , Tsichlaki Elina , Nomikos Michail , Lai F. Anthony , Swann Karl , FitzHarris Greg
Published: January 2016

The ability of human metaphase-II arrested eggs to activate following fertilisation declines with advancing maternal age. Egg activation is triggered by repetitive increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the ooplasm as a result of sperm-egg fusion. We therefore hypothesised that eggs from older females feature a reduced ability to mount appropriate Ca2+ responses at fertilisation. To test this hypothesis we performed the first examination of Ca2+ dynamics in eggs from young and naturally-aged mice. Strikingly, we find that Ca2+ stores and resting [Ca2+]i are unchanged with age. Although eggs from aged mice feature a reduced ability to replenish intracellular Ca2+ stores following depletion, this difference had no effect on the duration, number, or amplitude of Ca2+ oscillations following intracytoplasmic sperm injection or expression of phospholipase C zeta. In contrast, we describe a substantial reduction in the frequency and duration of oscillations in aged eggs upon parthenogenetic activation with SrCl2. We conclude that the ability to mount and respond to an appropriate Ca2+ signal at fertilisation is largely unchanged by advancing maternal age, but subtle changes in Ca2+ handling occur that may have more substantial impacts upon commonly used means of parthenogenetic activation.
Assessing the utility of Xpert® MTB/RIF as a screening tool for patients admitted to medical wards in South Africa
Authors: Heidebrecht Christine L. , Podewils Laura J. , Pym Alexander S. , Cohen Ted , Mthiyane Thuli , Wilson Douglas
Published: January 2016

Many hospital inpatients in South Africa have undiagnosed active and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). Early detection of TB is essential to inform immediate infection control actions to minimize transmission risk. We assessed the utility of Xpert® MTB/RIF (GeneXpert) as a screening tool for medical admissions at a large public hospital in South Africa. Consecutive adult patients admitted to medical wards between March-June 2013 were enrolled; sputum specimens were collected and tested by GeneXpert, smear microscopy and culture. Chest X-rays (CXRs) were conducted as standard care for all patients admitted. We evaluated the proportion of patients identified with TB disease through each diagnostic method. Among enrolled patients whose medical charts were available for review post-discharge, 61 (27%) were diagnosed with TB; 34 (56% of diagnosed TB cases) were GeneXpert positive. When patients in whom TB was identified by other means were excluded, GeneXpert yielded only four additional TB cases. However, GeneXpert identified rifampicin-resistant TB in one patient, who was initially diagnosed based on CXR. The utility of GeneXpert for TB screening was limited in an institution where CXR is conducted routinely and which serves a population in which TB and TB/HIV co-infection are highly prevalent, but it allowed for rapid detection of rifampicin resistance.
Novel ALK inhibitor AZD3463 inhibits neuroblastoma growth by overcoming crizotinib resistance and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Wang Long , Guan Shan , Cao Wenming , Wang Hao , Chen Zhenghu , Zhao Yanling , Yu Yang , Zhang Huiyuan , Pang Jonathan C. , Huang Sophia L. , Akiyama Yo , Yang Yifan , Sun Wenjing , Xu Xin , Shi Yan , Zhang Hong , Kim Eugene S. , Muscal Jodi A. , Lu Fengmin , Yang Jianhua
Published: January 2016

ALK receptor tyrosine kinase has been shown to be a therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. Germline ALK activating mutations are responsible for the majority of hereditary neuroblastoma and somatic ALK activating mutations are also frequently observed in sporadic cases of advanced NB. Crizotinib, a first-line therapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring ALK rearrangements, demonstrates striking efficacy against ALK-rearranged NB. However, crizotinib fails to effectively inhibit the activity of ALK when activating mutations are present within its kinase domain, as with the F1174L mutation. Here we show that a new ALK inhibitor AZD3463 effectively suppressed the proliferation of NB cell lines with wild type ALK (WT) as well as ALK activating mutations (F1174L and D1091N) by blocking the ALK-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and ultimately induced apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, AZD3463 enhanced the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin on NB cells. AZD3463 also exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy on the growth of the NB tumors with WT and F1174L activating mutation ALK in orthotopic xenograft mouse models. These results indicate that AZD3463 is a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of NB.
The genome sequence of the outbreeding globe artichoke constructed de novo incorporating a phase-aware low-pass sequencing strategy of F1 progeny
Authors: Scaglione Davide , Reyes-Chin-Wo Sebastian , Acquadro Alberto , Froenicke Lutz , Portis Ezio , Beitel Christopher , Tirone Matteo , Mauro Rosario , Lo Monaco Antonino , Mauromicale Giovanni , Faccioli Primetta , Cattivelli Luigi , Rieseberg Loren , Michelmore Richard , Lanteri Sergio
Published: January 2016

Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is an out-crossing, perennial, multi-use crop species that is grown worldwide and belongs to the Compositae, one of the most successful Angiosperm families. We describe the first genome sequence of globe artichoke. The assembly, comprising of 13,588 scaffolds covering 725 of the 1,084 Mb genome, was generated using ~133-fold Illumina sequencing data and encodes 26,889 predicted genes. Re-sequencing (30×) of globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon (C. cardunculus var. altilis) parental genotypes and low-coverage (0.5 to 1×) genotyping-by-sequencing of 163 F1 individuals resulted in 73% of the assembled genome being anchored in 2,178 genetic bins ordered along 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules. This was achieved using a novel pipeline, SOILoCo (Scaffold Ordering by Imputation with Low Coverage), to detect heterozygous regions and assign parental haplotypes with low sequencing read depth and of unknown phase. SOILoCo provides a powerful tool for de novo genome analysis of outcrossing species. Our data will enable genome-scale analyses of evolutionary processes among crops, weeds and wild species within and beyond the Compositae and will facilitate the identification of economically important genes from related species.
Improving power and accuracy of genome-wide association studies via a multi-locus mixed linear model methodology
Authors: Wang Shi-Bo , Feng Jian-Ying , Ren Wen-Long , Huang Bo , Zhou Ling , Wen Yang-Jun , Zhang Jin , Dunwell Jim M. , Xu Shizhong , Zhang Yuan-Ming
Published: January 2016

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been widely used in genetic dissection of complex traits. However, common methods are all based on a fixed-SNP-effect mixed linear model (MLM) and single marker analysis, such as efficient mixed model analysis (EMMA). These methods require Bonferroni correction for multiple tests, which often is too conservative when the number of markers is extremely large. To address this concern, we proposed a random-SNP-effect MLM (RMLM) and a multi-locus RMLM (MRMLM) for GWAS. The RMLM simply treats the SNP-effect as random, but it allows a modified Bonferroni correction to be used to calculate the threshold p value for significance tests. The MRMLM is a multi-locus model including markers selected from the RMLM method with a less stringent selection criterion. Due to the multi-locus nature, no multiple test correction is needed. Simulation studies show that the MRMLM is more powerful in QTN detection and more accurate in QTN effect estimation than the RMLM, which in turn is more powerful and accurate than the EMMA. To demonstrate the new methods, we analyzed six flowering time related traits in Arabidopsis thaliana and detected more genes than previous reported using the EMMA. Therefore, the MRMLM provides an alternative for multi-locus GWAS.
Distinct mutation accumulation rates among tissues determine the variation in cancer risk
Authors: Hao Dapeng , Wang Li , Di Li-jun
Published: January 2016

Cancer is believed to be a result of accumulated mutations. However, this concept has not been fully confirmed owing to the impossibility of tracking down the ancestral somatic cell. We sought to verify the concept by exploring the correlation between cancer risk and mutation accumulation among different tissues. We hypothesized that the detected mutations through bulk tumor sequencing are commonly shared in majority, if not all, of tumor cells and are therefore largely a reflection of the mutations accumulated in the ancestral cell that gives rise to tumor. We collected a comprehensive list of mutation frequencies revealed by bulk tumor sequencing and investigated its correlation with cancer risk to mirror the correlation between mutation accumulation and cancer risk. This revealed an approximate 1:1 relationship between mutation frequency and cancer risk in 41 different cancer types based on the sequencing data of 5,542 patients. The correlation strongly suggests that variation in cancer risk among tissues is mainly attributable to distinct mutation accumulation rates. Moreover, the correlation establishes a baseline to evaluate the effect of non-mutagenic carcinogens on cancer risk. Finally, our mathematic modeling provides a reasonable explanation to reinforce that cancer risk is predominantly determined by the first rate-limiting mutation.
Transient nature of cooperation by pay-it-forward reciprocity
Authors: Horita Yutaka , Takezawa Masanori , Kinjo Takuji , Nakawake Yo , Masuda Naoki
Published: January 2016

Humans often forward kindness received from others to strangers, a phenomenon called the upstream or pay-it-forward indirect reciprocity. Some field observations and laboratory experiments found evidence of pay-it-forward reciprocity in which chains of cooperative acts persist in social dilemma situations. Theoretically, however, cooperation based on pay-it-forward reciprocity is not sustainable. We carried out laboratory experiments of a pay-it-forward indirect reciprocity game (i.e., chained gift-giving game) on a large scale in terms of group size and time. We found that cooperation consistent with pay-it-forward reciprocity occurred only in a first few decisions per participant and that cooperation originated from inherent pro-sociality of individuals. In contrast, the same groups of participants showed persisting chains of cooperation in a different indirect reciprocity game in which participants earned reputation by cooperating. Our experimental results suggest that pay-it-forward reciprocity is transient and disappears when a person makes decisions repeatedly, whereas the reputation-based reciprocity is stable in the same situation.
Stress Induced Mechano-electrical Writing-Reading of Polymer Film Powered by Contact Electrification Mechanism
Authors: Goswami Sumita , Nandy Suman , Calmeiro Tomás R. , Igreja Rui , Martins Rodrigo , Fortunato Elvira
Published: January 2016

Mechano-electrical writing and reading in polyaniline (PANI) thin film are demonstrated via metal-polymer contact electrification mechanism (CEM). An innovative conception for a non-destructive self-powered writable-readable data sheet is presented which can pave the way towards new type of stress induced current harvesting devices. A localized forced deformation of the interface has been enacted by pressing the atomic force microscopic probe against the polymer surface, allowing charge transfer between materials interfaces. The process yields a well-defined charge pattern by transmuting mechanical stress in to readable information. The average of output current increment has been influenced from 0.5 nA to 15 nA for the applied force of 2 nN to 14 nN instead of electrical bias. These results underscore the importance of stress-induced current harvesting mechanism and could be scaled up for charge patterning of polymer surface to writable-readable data sheet. Time evolutional current distribution (TECD) study of the stress-induced patterned PANI surface shows the response of readability of the recorded data with time.
Metabolomic Profiling of Mice Serum during Toxoplasmosis Progression Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhou Chun-Xue , Zhou Dong-Hui , Elsheikha Hany M. , Zhao Yu , Suo Xun , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: January 2016

Better understanding of the molecular changes associated with disease is essential for identifying new routes to improved therapeutics and diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes in the metabolic profile of mouse sera during T. gondii infection. We carried out untargeted metabolomic analysis of sera collected from female BALB/c mice experimentally infected with the T. gondii Pru strain (Genotype II). Serum samples were collected at 7, 14 and 21 day post infection (DPI) from infected and control mice and were subjected to liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS)-based global metabolomics analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis identified 79 differentially expressed metabolites in ESI+ mode and 74 in ESI− mode in sera of T. gondii-infected mice compared to the control mice. Further principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) identified 19 dysregulated metabolites (5 in ESI+ mode and 14 in ESI− mode) related to the metabolism of amino acids and energy metabolism. The potential utility of these metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers was validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. These findings provide putative metabolite biomarkers for future study and allow for hypothesis generation about the pathophysiology of toxoplasmosis.
Programmable SERS active substrates for chemical and biosensing applications using amorphous/crystalline hybrid silicon nanomaterial
Authors: Powell Jeffery Alexander , Venkatakrishnan Krishnan , Tan Bo
Published: January 2016

We present the creation of a unique nanostructured amorphous/crystalline hybrid silicon material that exhibits surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. This nanomaterial is an interconnected network of amorphous/crystalline nanospheroids which form a nanoweb structure; to our knowledge this material has not been previously observed nor has it been applied for use as a SERS sensing material. This material is formed using a femtosecond synthesis technique which facilitates a laser plume ion condensation formation mechanism. By fine-tuning the laser plume temperature and ion interaction mechanisms within the plume, we are able to precisely program the relative proportion of crystalline Si to amorphous Si content in the nanospheroids as well as the size distribution of individual nanospheroids and the size of Raman hotspot nanogaps. With the use of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and Crystal Violet (CV) chemical dyes, we have been able to observe a maximum enhancement factor of 5.38 × 106 and 3.72 × 106 respectively, for the hybrid nanomaterial compared to a bulk Si wafer substrate. With the creation of a silicon-based nanomaterial capable of SERS detection of analytes, this work demonstrates a redefinition of the role of nanostructured Si from an inactive to SERS active role in nano-Raman sensing applications.
The role of off-equatorial surface temperature anomalies in the 2014 El Niño prediction
Authors: Zhu Jieshun , Kumar Arun , Huang Bohua , Balmaseda Magdalena A. , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Marx Lawrence , Kinter III James L.
Published: January 2016

The 2014 El Niño, anticipated to be a strong event in early 2014, turned out to be fairly weak. In early 2014, the tropical Pacific exhibited persistent negative SST anomalies in the southeastern Pacific and positive SST anomalies in north, following the pattern of the Southern Pacific Meridional Mode. In this study, we explored the role of the off-equatorial SST anomalies in the 2014 prediction. Our experiments show that 40% of the amplitude error at the peak phase could be attributed to the lack of prediction of negative SST anomalies in the southeastern Pacific. However, the impact of this model error is partially compensated by the absence of the positive SST anomalies in the tropical western North Pacific in the model. The model response to the amplitude of negative southeastern Pacific SST anomalies is nonlinear in terms of equatorial warming, because the enhanced meridional pressure gradient forces very strong meridional winds without accelerating the zonal wind component near the equator. Our study suggests that reliable forecasts of ENSO strongly rely on correctly modeling the meridional SST gradient, as well as its delicate feedback with the zonal (ENSO) mode.
Charge transport through one-dimensional Moiré crystals
Authors: Bonnet Roméo , Lherbier Aurélien , Barraud Clément , Rocca Maria Luisa Della , Lafarge Philippe , Charlier Jean-Christophe
Published: January 2016

Moiré superlattices were generated in two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures and have revealed intriguing electronic structures. The appearance of mini-Dirac cones within the conduction and valence bands of graphene is one of the most striking among the new quantum features. A Moiré superstructure emerges when at least two periodic sub-structures superimpose. 2D Moiré patterns have been particularly investigated in stacked hexagonal 2D atomic lattices like twisted graphene layers and graphene deposited on hexagonal boron-nitride. In this letter, we report both experimentally and theoretically evidence of superlattices physics in transport properties of one-dimensional (1D) Moiré crystals. Rolling-up few layers of graphene to form a multiwall carbon nanotube adds boundaries conditions that can be translated into interference fringes-like Moiré patterns along the circumference of the cylinder. Such a 1D Moiré crystal exhibits a complex 1D multiple bands structure with clear and robust interband quantum transitions due to the presence of mini-Dirac points and pseudo-gaps. Our devices consist in a very large diameter (>80 nm) multiwall carbon nanotubes of high quality, electrically connected by metallic electrodes acting as charge reservoirs. Conductance measurements reveal the presence of van Hove singularities assigned to 1D Moiré superlattice effect and illustrated by electronic structure calculations.
Quantum Criticality in the Biased Dicke Model
Authors: Zhu Hanjie , Zhang Guofeng , Fan Heng
Published: January 2016

The biased Dicke model describes a system of biased two-level atoms coupled to a bosonic field and is expected to produce new phenomena that are not present in the original Dicke model. In this paper, we study the critical properties of the biased Dicke model in the classical oscillator limits. For the finite-biased case in this limit, We present analytical results demonstrating that the excitation energy does not vanish for arbitrary coupling. This indicates that the second order phase transition is avoided in the biased Dicke model, which contrasts to the original Dicke model. We also analyze the squeezing and the entanglement in the ground state and find that a finite bias will strongly modify their behaviors in the vicinity of the critical coupling point.
Selective extraction of progesterone hormones from environmental and biological samples using a polypyrrole molecularly imprinted polymer and determination by gas chromatography
Authors: Nezhadali A. , Es’haghi Z. , Khatibi A.
Published: January 2016

A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) was chemically prepared for the selective batch extraction of progesterone (PGN) hormones by chemical oxidation of pyrrole using FeCl3.
Simultaneous determination of metoclopramide and aspirin by spectrofluorimetric technique: application to pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma
Authors: Elmansi H. , Abo El Abass Mohamed Samah , Fathy M. E.
Published: January 2016

A simple, sensitive and rapid spectrofluorimetric method for the simultaneous determination of metoclopramide (MET) and aspirin (ASP) was executed.
Simultaneous separation of cations and anions in capillary electrophoresis – recent applications
Authors: Koenka Israel Joel , Mai Thanh Duc , Hauser Peter C. , Sáiz Jorge
Published: January 2016

In this review, the simultaneous determination of anionic and cationic species in capillary electrophoresis for different applications such as water quality analysis, medical diagnosis, pharmaceutical analysis, forensic science and food control is discussed.
A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe for the rapid and sensitive detection of sulfite in sugar
Authors: Jiang Xiaoming , Xu Junchao , Zhang Youlai , Wang Hongying , Zeng Lintao , Zhang Yue
Published: January 2016

A colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe shows a fast response and high selectivity towards sulfite with a low detection limit (12 nM).
A green synthesis of highly fluorescent nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots for the highly sensitive and selective detection of mercury(ii) ions and biothiols
Authors: Yan Zhengyu , Qu Xincheng , Niu Qianqian , Tian Chunqing , Fan Chuanjian , Ye Baofen
Published: January 2016

A green synthesis of nitrogen-doped GQDs for the detection of mercury(ii) ions and biothiols.
Oseltamivir-conjugated polymeric micelles prepared by RAFT living radical polymerization as a new active tumor targeting drug delivery platform
Authors: Kapishon Vitaliy , Allison Stephanie , Whitney Ralph A. , Cunningham Michael F. , Szewczuk Myron R. , Neufeld Ronald J.
Published: January 2016

Synthetic steps and subsequent preparation of oseltamivir-conjugated micelles capable of targeting and triggering receptor-induced endocytosis in cancer cells.
In situ atomic scale visualization of surface kinetics driven dynamics of oxide growth on a Ni–Cr surface
Authors: Luo Langli , Zou Lianfeng , Schreiber Daniel K. , Olszta Matthew J. , Baer Donald R. , Bruemmer Stephen M. , Zhou Guangwen , Wang Chong-Min
Published: January 2016

We report the in situ atomic-scale visualization of the dynamic three-dimensional growth of NiO during the initial oxidation of Ni–10at%Cr using environmental transmission electron microscopy.
The SQM/COSMO filter: reliable native pose identification based on the quantum-mechanical description of protein–ligand interactions and implicit COSMO solvation
Authors: Pecina Adam , Meier René , Fanfrlík Jindřich , Lepšík Martin , Řezáč Jan , Hobza Pavel , Baldauf Carsten
Published: January 2016

Strictly uphill – in cognate docking experiments we show that a quantum mechanical description of interaction and solvation outperforms established scoring functions in sharply distinguishing the native state from decoy poses.
Understanding conductivity in molecular switches: a real space approach in octaphyrins
Authors: Woller T. , Ramos-Berdullas N. , Mandado M. , Alonso M. , de Proft F. , Contreras-García J.
Published: January 2016

In recent years, expanded porphyrins have emerged as a promising class of π-conjugated switches whose conductance is studied from the electron density.
Stable water layers on solid surfaces
Authors: Hong Ying-Jhan , Tai Lin-Ai , Chen Hung-Jen , Chang Pin , Yang Chung-Shi , Yew Tri-Rung
Published: January 2016

A water layer adhered to a microchannel wall is 100 to 170 nm thick and stable against surface tension. The water layer thickness was measured using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and the water layer structure was characterized by using a quantitative nanoparticle counting technique.
Alkynyl bridged cyclometalated Ir2M2 clusters: impact of the heterometal in the photo- and electro-luminescence properties
Authors: Fernández-Cestau Julio , Giménez Nora , Lalinde Elena , Montaño Patricia , Moreno M. Teresa , Sánchez Sergio , Weber Michael D. , Costa Rubén D.
Published: January 2016

The distinct photo- and electro-luminescence properties of clusters [Ir2M2(ppy)4(μ-CCC6H4-OMe3)4] (M = Ag, Cu) provide an example of the role of the CCR groups in modulating metallophillic bonding in the T1 state.
Synthesis and characterization of bridged bis(amidato) rare earth metal amides and their applications in C–N bond formation reactions
Authors: Zhao Bei , Xiao Yang , Yuan Dan , Lu Chengrong , Yao Yingming
Published: January 2016

Eight bis(amidato) rare-earth metal amides were successfully synthesized and well characterized, which exhibited high catalytic activities in both the direct amidation of aldehydes and the addition of amines with carbodiimine.
Metal–organic gel templated synthesis of magnetic porous carbon for highly efficient removal of organic dyes
Authors: Wang Luhuan , Ke Fei , Zhu Junfa
Published: January 2016

Magnetic porous carbon composites synthesized from a metal–organic gel show efficient removal of organic dyes and can be easily recycled.
Synthesis and structural characterization of monomeric mercury(ii) selenolate complexes derived from 2-phenylbenzamide ligands
Authors: Patel Saket , Meenakshi Meenakshi , Hodage Ananda S. , Verma Ajay , Agrawal Shailendra , Yadav Abhimanyu , Kumar Sangit
Published: January 2016

The present work describes the synthesis and structural characterization of mercury selenolate complexes derived from 2-phenylbenzamide ligands and their isolation in monomeric form for the first time.
Redox chemistry of the molecular interactions between tea catechins and human serum proteins under simulated hyperglycemic conditions
Authors: Özyurt Hazal , Luna Carolina , Estévez Mario
Published: January 2016

Carbonylation is an irreversible modification in oxidized proteins that has been directly related to a number of health disorders including Type 2 diabetes.
Glabridin-chalcone hybrid molecules: drug resistance reversal agent against clinical isolates of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kapkoti Deepak Singh , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Darokar Mahendra Padurang , Bhakuni Rajendra Singh
Published: January 2016

16 folds reduction in MICs with norfloxacin against various clinical isolates of MRSA (FICI range from 0.312–0.375).
Hydrothermal treatment of a TiO2film by hydrochloric acid for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wen Qiuxiang , Yu Jun , Sun Xiaoyong , Zhuang Jia , He Quangui , You Xin , Guo Jiang , Tao Liying
Published: January 2016

The thickness, band gap, and electron transfer properties of nanoporous TiO2films changed when treated by HCl.
A point acoustic device based on aluminum nanowires
Authors: Xie Qian-Yi , Ju Zhen-Yi , Tian He , Xue Qing-Tang , Chen Yuan-Quan , Tao Lu-Qi , Mohammad Mohammad Ali , Zhang Xue-Yue , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: January 2016

The point-contact-structure minimizes the heat loss through the substrate and enhances the performance of the electrical thermal acoustic devices.
Emulsion droplets as a dynamic interface for the direct and large-scale synthesis of ultrathin free-standing mesoporous silica films as well as 2D polymeric and carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Li Jian , Zhu Wei , Ji Jingwei , Wang Peng , Wang Chen , Yin Xianpeng , Wang Hui , Lan Yue , Gao Ning , Li Guangtao
Published: January 2016

The large-scale synthesis of ultrathin free-standing mesoporous silica films as well as 2D nanomaterials was achieved via dynamic emulsion interface.
Hybrid phase ligation for efficient synthesis of histone proteins
Authors: Yu Ruixuan R. , Mahto Santosh K. , Justus Kurt , Alexander Mallory M. , Howard Cecil J. , Ottesen Jennifer J.
Published: January 2016

We report a hybrid solid-solution phase ligation approach that combines the efficiency of solid phase ligation with solution phase ligation in the total synthesis of modified histone proteins.
Synthesis of inositol phosphate-based competitive antagonists of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors
Authors: Konieczny Vera , Stefanakis John. G. , Sitsanidis Efstratios D. , Ioannidou Natalia-Anastasia T. , Papadopoulos Nikolaos V. , Fylaktakidou Konstantina C. , Taylor Colin W. , Koumbis Alexandros E.
Published: January 2016

Potent competitive antagonists of the IP3receptors, through which Ca2+is released in mammalian cells, are synthesized and characterized.
Synthesis of high-molecular-weight aliphatic polycarbonates by organo-catalysis
Authors: Sun Jingjiang , Kuckling Dirk
Published: January 2016

Aliphatic polycarbonates have attracted significant attention for biomedical application over the last few years due to their biodegradability, low toxicity and good biocompatibility.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/hydrophobic nano-silica (H-SiO2) coated superhydrophobic porous materials for water/oil separation
Authors: Peng Lei , Lei Wenkang , Yu Ping , Luo Yunbai
Published: January 2016

Superhydrophobic porous materials are fabricated and used in oil/water separation.
Preparation of porous graphene oxide/hydrogel nanocomposites and their ability for efficient adsorption of methylene blue
Authors: Pourjavadi Ali , Nazari Mojtaba , Kabiri Bahareh , Hosseini Seyed Hassan , Bennett Craig
Published: January 2016

Porous nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared using CaCO3 particles as solid porogens.
Effect of the reactive amino and glycidyl ether terminated polyethylene oxide additives on the gas transport properties of Pebax® bulk and thin film composite membranes
Authors: Lillepärg Jelena , Georgopanos Prokopios , Emmler Thomas , Shishatskiy Sergey
Published: January 2016

New CO2 selective blend materials were tested for gas transport properties as thick film and thin film composite membrane.
Investigation on the structural features of Zhundong subbituminous coal through ruthenium ion-catalyzed oxidation
Authors: Lv Jing-Hui , Wei Xian-Yong , Wang Ying-Hua , Wang Tie-Min , Liu Jing , Zhang Dong-Dong , Zong Zhi-Min
Published: January 2016

The structural features of Zhundong subbituminous coal were investigated by RICO and subsequent analysis with a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and an atmospheric pressure solid-analysis probe/time of flight-mass spectrometer.
Electrodeposition of crystalline silicon directly from silicon tetrachloride in ionic liquid at low temperature
Authors: Zhang Junling , Chen Shimou , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Suojiang , Yao Xue , Shi Zhaohui
Published: January 2016

Crystalline silicon was fabricated directly from silicon tetrachloride in ionic liquid at low temperature of 100 °C. SEM, TEM and SEAD revealed that as-deposited crystalline Si with diamond cubic crystal structure.
Palladium-modified functionalized cyclodextrin as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Guo Yafei , Li Jiuling , Zhao Fen , Lan Guineng , Li Liang , Liu Yuqi , Si Yunsen , Jiang Yubo , Yang Bo , Yang Rui
Published: January 2016

A kind of palladium-modified functionalized cyclodextrin catalytic system was synthesized and characterized. It showed high activity in the reduction of nitroarenes with the absence of sodium borohydride in water at room temperature.
Alumina membrane coated activated carbon: a novel strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of a solid catalyst
Authors: Cheng Dang-guo , Jin Weiyang , Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Fengqiu
Published: January 2016

A novel strategy is described to enhance mechanical properties of solid catalyst by coating a thin layer of alumina membrane on activated carbon particles. This method can make the attrition index of activated carbon decrease significantly.
Soy polyester urethane/TiO2and Ce-TiO2nanocomposites: preparation, characterization and evaluation of electrochemical corrosion resistance performance
Authors: Rahman Obaid ur , Ahmad Sharif
Published: January 2016

Eco-friendly soy polyester urethane nanocomposite coating materials were prepared by dispersing TiO2and Ce-TiO2nanoparticles in a 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTES) modified soy oil (SO) polyester urethane (PEUTES) matrix.
Exploring the different ligand escape pathways in acylaminoacyl peptidase by random acceleration and steered molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Jin Hanyong , Zhu Jingxuan , Dong Yang , Han Weiwei
Published: January 2016

Acylaminoacyl peptidase (APH, EC 3.4.19.1) is a novel class of serine-type protease belonging to the prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) family.
N- and p-type doping of antimonene
Authors: Xie Meiqiu , Zhang Shengli , Cai Bo , Zou Yousheng , Zeng Haibo
Published: January 2016

Here, we introduce tetrathiafulvalene and tetracyanoquinodimethane to antimonene, monolayer antimony, as electron and hole dopants to attain n- and p-type semiconductors.
Morphology-dependent enhancement of template-guided tunable polyaniline nanostructures for the removal of Cr(vi)
Authors: Tian Yaxi , Li Haizhen , Liu Yan , Cui Guijia , Sun Zebin , Yan Shiqiang
Published: January 2016

Three nanostructured polyanilines (PANIs) with different morphologies, including nanofibers, nanotubes and nanosheets, have been successfully synthesized using MnO2 with tunable morphologies as the reactive templates.