bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-functionality Redefined with Colloidal Carotene Carbon Nanoparticles for Synchronized Chemical Imaging, Enriched Cellular Uptake and Therapy
Authors: Misra Santosh K. , Mukherjee Prabuddha , Chang Huei-Huei , Tiwari Saumya , Gryka Mark , Bhargava Rohit , Pan Dipanjan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTypically, multiplexing high nanoparticle uptake, imaging and therapy requires careful integration of three different functions of a multiscale molecular-particle assembly. Here, we present a simpler approach to multiplexing by utilizing one component of the system for multiple functions. Specifically, we successfully synthesized and characterized colloidal carotene carbon nanoparticle (C3-NP), in which a single functional molecule served a threefold purpose. First, the presence of carotene moieties promoted the passage of the particle through the cell membrane and into the cells. Second, the ligand acted as a potent detrimental moiety for cancer cells and, finally, the ligands produced optical contrast for robust microscopic detection in complex cellular environments. In comparative tests, C3-NP were found to provide effective intracellular delivery that enables both robust detection at cellular and tissue level and presents significant therapeutic potential without altering the mechanism of intracellular action of β-carotene. Surface coating of C3 with phospholipid was used to generate C3-Lipocoat nanoparticles with further improved function and biocompatibility, paving the path to eventual in vivo studies.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is killed by homologues of 2-(1-undecyloxy)-1-ethanol
Authors: Kim Junheon , Lee Sang-Myeong , Park Chung Gyoo 
Published: July 2016

Abstract2-(1-Undecyloxy)-1-ethanol, monochamol, is a male-produced aggregation pheromone of the Monochamus species, which are efficient vectors of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which cause devastating damage to pines worldwide. The nematicidal activity of synthetic monochamol and its homologues (ROEtOH: R = C7-C13) were investigated to find potential alternatives to the currently used PWN control agents abamectin and emamectin. Compounds with C7-C13 chain length alkyl groups exhibited 100% nematicidal activity at a concentration of 1000 mg/L. At a concentration of 100 mg/L, 2-(1-nonyloxy)-1-ethanol (C9OEtOH), 2-(1-decyloxy)-1-ethanol (C10OEtOH), 2-(1-undecyloxy)-1-ethanol (C11OEtOH), and 2-(1-dodecyloxy)-1-ethanol (C12OEtOH) showed 100% nematicidal activity, but the others showed weaker activities. C11OEtOH showed similar nematicidal activity to abamectin in terms of LD90 values, which were 13.30 and 12.53 mg/L, respectively. However, C9OEtOH, C10OEtOH, and C12OEtOH (LC90 values: 53.63, 38.18, and 46.68 mg/L, respectively) were less effective than C11OEtOH and abamectin. These results indicate that monochamol could be an effective alternative agent against PWN. The relationship of insecticidal and nematicidal activity to different carbon chain lengths in compounds is discussed.
Single-Crystal X-ray Structures of conductive π-Stacking Dimers of Tetrakis(alkylthio)benzene Radical Cations
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Gao Feng , Yang Wuqin 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSalts containing radical cations of 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(isopropylthio)benzene (TPB) and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(ethylthio) benzene (TEB) have been successfully synthesized with "Equation missing". These newly synthesized salts have been characterized by UV-Vis absorption, EPR spectroscopy, conductivity measurement, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis as well as DFT calculation. This study raises the first crystal structure of conductive π-stacking radical cation with single phenyl ring and reveals their conductivity has relationship with the stack structure which affected by the substituent.
The phase of ongoing EEG oscillations predicts the amplitude of peri-saccadic mislocalization
Authors: McLelland Douglas , Lavergne Louisa , VanRullen Rufin 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOur constant eye movements mean that updating processes, such as saccadic remapping, are essential for the maintenance of a stable spatial representation of the world around us. It has been proposed that, rather than continually update a full spatiotopic map, only the location of a few key objects is updated, suggesting that the process is linked to attention. At the same time, mounting evidence links attention to oscillatory neuronal processes. We therefore hypothesized that updating processes should themselves show oscillatory characteristics, inherited from underlying attentional processes. To test this, we carried out a combined psychophysics and EEG experiment in human participants, using a saccadic mislocalization task as a behaviourally measureable proxy for spatial updating, and simultaneously recording 64-channel EEG. We then used a time-frequency analysis to test for a correlation between oscillation phase and perceptual outcome. We found a significant phase-dependence of mislocalization in a time-frequency region from around 400 ms prior to saccade initiation and peaking at around 7 Hz, principally apparent over occipital electrodes. Thus the degree of perceived mislocalization is correlated with the phase of a theta-frequency oscillation prior to saccade onset. We conclude that spatial updating processes are indeed linked to rhythmic processes in the brain.
Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the sex-determination gene doublesex in the sexually dimorphic broad-horned beetle Gnatocerus cornutus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Gotoh Hiroki , Ishiguro Mai , Nishikawa Hideto , Morita Shinichi , Okada Kensuke , Miyatake Takahisa , Yaginuma Toshinobu , Niimi Teruyuki 
Published: July 2016

AbstractVarious types of weapon traits found in insect order Coleoptera are known as outstanding examples of sexually selected exaggerated characters. It is known that the sex determination genedoublesex(dsx) plays a significant role in sex-specific expression of weapon traits in various beetles belonging to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. Although sex-specific weapon traits have evolved independently in various Coleopteran groups, developmental mechanisms of sex-specific expression have not been studied outside of the Scarabaeoidea. In order to test the hypothesis thatdsx-dependent sex-specific expression of weapon traits is a general mechanism among the Coleoptera, we have characterized thedsxin the sexually dimorphic broad-horned beetleGnatocerus cornutus(Tenebrionidea, Tenebirionidae). By using molecular cloning, we identified five splicing variants ofGnatocerus cornutus dsx(Gcdsx), which are predicted to code four different isoforms. We found one male-specific variant (GcDsx-M), two female-specific variants (GcDsx-FL and GcDsx-FS) and two non-sex-specific variants (correspond to a single isoform, GcDsx-C). Knockdown of all Dsx isoforms resulted in intersex phenotype both in male and female. Also, knockdown of all female-specific isoforms transformed females to intersex phenotype, while did not affect male phenotype. Our results clearly illustrate the important function ofGcdsxin determining sex-specific trait expression in both sexes.
Multi-scale factors influencing the characteristics of avian communities in urban parks across Beijing during the breeding season
Authors: Xie Shilin , Lu Fei , Cao Lei , Zhou Weiqi , Ouyang Zhiyun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that influence the characteristics of avian communities using urban parks at both the patch and landscape level is important to focus management effort towards enhancing bird diversity. Here, we investigated this issue during the breeding season across urban parks in Beijing, China, using high-resolution satellite imagery. Fifty-two bird species were recorded across 29 parks. Analysis of residence type of birds showed that passengers were the most prevalent (37%), indicating that Beijing is a major node in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. Park size was crucial for total species abundance, but foliage height diversity was the most important factor influencing avian species diversity. Thus, optimizing the configuration of vertical vegetation structure in certain park areas is critical for supporting avian communities in urban parks. Human visitation also showed negative impact on species diversity. At the landscape level, the percentage of artificial surface and largest patch index of woodland in the buffer region significantly affected total species richness, with insectivores and granivores being more sensitive to the landscape pattern of the buffer region. In conclusion, urban birds in Beijing are influenced by various multi-scale factors; however, these effects vary with different feeding types.
Suppression of PPARγ-mediated monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 expression ameliorates alcoholic hepatic steatosis
Authors: Yu Jung Hwan , Song Su Jin , Kim Ara , Choi Yoonjeong , Seok Jo Woon , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Yoo Jeong , Lee Kwan Sik , Kim Jae-woo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAlcohol consumption is one of the major causes of hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and superimposed hepatocellular carcinoma. Ethanol metabolism alters the NAD+/NADH ratio, thereby suppressing the activity of sirtuin family proteins, which may affect lipid metabolism in liver cells. However, it is not clear how long-term ingestion of ethanol eventually causes lipid accumulation in liver. Here, we demonstrate that chronic ethanol ingestion activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and its target gene, monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (MGAT1). During ethanol metabolism, a low NAD+/NADH ratio repressed NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity, concomitantly resulting in increased acetylated PPARγ with high transcriptional activity. Accordingly, SIRT1 transgenic mice exhibited a low level of acetylated PPARγ and were protected from hepatic steatosis driven by alcohol or PPARγ2 overexpression, suggesting that ethanol metabolism causes lipid accumulation through activation of PPARγ through acetylation. Among the genes induced by PPARγ upon alcohol consumption, MGAT1 has been shown to be involved in triglyceride synthesis. Thus, we tested the effect of MGAT1 knockdown in mice following ethanol consumption, and found a significant reduction in alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. These results suggest that MGAT1 may afford a promising approach to the treatment of fatty liver disease.
Diverse architectural properties of Sso10a proteins: Evidence for a role in chromatin compaction and organization
Authors: Driessen Rosalie P. C. , Lin Szu-Ning , Waterreus Willem-Jan , van der Meulen Alson L. H. , van der Valk Ramon A. , Laurens Niels , Moolenaar Geri F. , Pannu Navraj S. , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Goosen Nora , Dame Remus T. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSso10a proteins are small DNA-binding proteins expressed by the crenarchaeal model organism Sulfolobus solfataricus. Based on the structure of Sso10a1, which contains a winged helix-turn-helix motif, it is believed that Sso10a proteins function as sequence-specific transcription factors. Here we show that Sso10a1 and Sso10a2 exhibit different distinct DNA-binding modes. While the ability to bend DNA is shared between the two proteins, DNA bridging is observed only for Sso10a1 and only Sso10a2 exhibits filament formation along DNA. The architectural properties of Sso10a proteins suggest that these proteins fulfil generic roles in chromatin organization and compaction. As these proteins exhibit different binding behaviour depending on their DNA binding stoichiometry, altered levels of expression in the cell can be exploited to drive changes in local genome folding, which may operate to modulate transcription.
Enhanced optoelectronic performances of vertically aligned hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls-nanocrystalline diamond heterostructures
Authors: Sankaran Kamatchi Jothiramalingam , Hoang Duc Quang , Kunuku Srinivasu , Korneychuk Svetlana , Turner Stuart , Pobedinskas Paulius , Drijkoningen Sien , Van Bael Marlies K. , D’ Haen Jan , Verbeeck Johan , Leou Keh-Chyang , Lin I-Nan , Haenen Ken 
Published: July 2016

AbstractField electron emission (FEE) properties of vertically aligned hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls (hBNNWs) grown on Si have been markedly enhanced through the use of nitrogen doped nanocrystalline diamond (nNCD) films as an interlayer. The FEE properties of hBNNWs-nNCD heterostructures show a low turn-on field of 15.2 V/μm, a high FEE current density of 1.48 mA/cm2and life-time up to a period of 248 min. These values are far superior to those for hBNNWs grown on Si substrates without the nNCD interlayer, which have a turn-on field of 46.6 V/μm with 0.21 mA/cm2FEE current density and life-time of 27 min. Cross-sectional TEM investigation reveals that the utilization of the diamond interlayer circumvented the formation of amorphous boron nitride prior to the growth of hexagonal boron nitride. Moreover, incorporation of carbon in hBNNWs improves the conductivity of hBNNWs. Such a unique combination of materials results in efficient electron transport crossing nNCD-to-hBNNWs interface and inside the hBNNWs that results in enhanced field emission of electrons. The prospective application of these materials is manifested by plasma illumination measurements with lower threshold voltage (370 V) and longer life-time, authorizing the role of hBNNWs-nNCD heterostructures in the enhancement of electron emission.
Enhanced Conversion Efficiencies in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Achieved through Self-Assembled Platinum(II) Metallacages
Authors: He Zuoli , Hou Zhiqiang , Xing Yonglei , Liu Xiaobin , Yin Xingtian , Que Meidan , Shao Jinyou , Que Wenxiu , Stang Peter J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTwo-component self-assembly supramolecular coordination complexes with particular photo-physical property, wherein unique donors are combined with a single metal acceptor, can be utilized for many applications including in photo-devices. In this communication, we described the synthesis and characterization of two-component self-assembly supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) bearing triazine and porphyrin faces with promising light-harvesting properties. These complexes were obtained from the self-assembly of a 90° Pt(II) acceptor with 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPyT) or 5,10,15,20-Tetra(4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine (TPyP). The greatly improved conversion efficiencies of the dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells were 6.79 and 6.08 respectively, while these SCCs were introduced into the TiO2 nanoparticle film photoanodes. In addition, the open circuit voltage (Voc) of dye-sensitized solar cells was also increased to 0.769 and 0.768 V, which could be ascribed to the inhibited interfacial charge recombination due to the addition of SCCs.
Capturing relativistic wakefield structures in plasmas using ultrashort high-energy electrons as a probe
Authors: Zhang C. J. , Hua J. F. , Xu X. L. , Li F. , Pai C.-H. , Wan Y. , Wu Y. P. , Gu Y. Q. , Mori W. B. , Joshi C. , Lu W. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA new method capable of capturing coherent electric field structures propagating at nearly the speed of light in plasma with a time resolution as small as a few femtoseconds is proposed. This method uses a few femtoseconds long relativistic electron bunch to probe the wake produced in a plasma by an intense laser pulse or an ultra-short relativistic charged particle beam. As the probe bunch traverses the wake, its momentum is modulated by the electric field of the wake, leading to a density variation of the probe after free-space propagation. This variation of probe density produces a snapshot of the wake that can directly give many useful information of the wake structure and its evolution. Furthermore, this snapshot allows detailed mapping of the longitudinal and transverse components of the wakefield. We develop a theoretical model for field reconstruction and verify it using 3-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. This model can accurately reconstruct the wakefield structure in the linear regime and it can also qualitatively map the major features of nonlinear wakes. The capturing of the injection in a nonlinear wake is demonstrated through 3D PIC simulations as an example of the application of this new method.
Endothelial cell alignment as a result of anisotropic strain and flow induced shear stress combinations
Authors: Sinha Ravi , Le Gac Séverine , Verdonschot Nico , van den Berg Albert , Koopman Bart , Rouwkema Jeroen 
Published: July 2016

AbstractEndothelial cells (ECs) are continuously exposed in vivo to cyclic strain and shear stress from pulsatile blood flow. When these stimuli are applied in vitro, ECs adopt an appearance resembling their in vivo state, most apparent in their alignment (perpendicular to uniaxial strain and along the flow). Uniaxial strain and flow perpendicular to the strain, used in most in vitro studies, only represent the in vivo conditions in straight parts of vessels. The conditions present over large fractions of the vasculature can be better represented by anisotropic biaxial strains at various orientations to flow. To emulate these biological complexities in vitro, we have developed a medium-throughput device to screen for the effects on cells of variously oriented anisotropic biaxial strains and flow combinations. Upon the application of only strains for 24 h, ECs (HUVECs) aligned perpendicular to the maximum principal strain and the alignment was stronger for a higher maximum:minimum principal strain ratio. A 0.55 Pa shear stress, when applied alone or with strain for 24 h, caused cells to align along the flow. Studying EC response to such combined physiological mechanical stimuli was not possible with existing platforms and to our best knowledge, has not been reported before.
Serum metabolomics profiles in response to n-3 fatty acids in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Ju-Sheng , Lin Mei , Imamura Fumiaki , Cai Wenwen , Wang Ling , Feng Jue-Ping , Ruan Yue , Tang Jun , Wang Fenglei , Yang Hong , Li Duo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the change of serum metabolomics in response to n-3 fatty acid supplements in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In a double-blind parallel randomised controlled trial, 59 Chinese T2D patients were randomised to receive either fish oil (FO), flaxseed oil (FSO) or corn oil capsules (CO, served as a control group) and followed up for 180 days. An additional 17 healthy non-T2D participants were recruited at baseline for cross-sectional comparison between cases and non-cases. A total of 296 serum metabolites were measured among healthy controls and T2D patients before and after the intervention. Serum 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF) (P-interaction = 1.8 × 10−7) was the most significant metabolite identified by repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by eicosapentaenoate (P-interaction = 4.6 × 10−6), 1-eicosapentaenoylglycerophosphocholine (P-interaction = 3.4 × 10−4), docosahexaenoate (P-interaction = 0.001), linolenate (n-3 or n-6, P-interaction = 0.005) and docosapentaenoate (n-3, P-interaction = 0.021). CMPF level was lower in T2D patients than in the healthy controls (P = 0.014) and it was significantly increased in the FO compared with CO group (P = 1.17 × 10−7). Furthermore, change of CMPF during the intervention was negatively correlated with change of serum triglycerides (P = 0.016). In conclusion, furan fatty acid metabolite CMPF was the strongest biomarker of fish oil intake. The association of CMPF with metabolic markers warrants further investigation.
Multiplex amplicon sequencing for microbe identification in community-based culture collections
Authors: Armanhi Jaderson Silveira Leite , de Souza Rafael Soares Correa , de Araújo Laura Migliorini , Okura Vagner Katsumi , Mieczkowski Piotr , Imperial Juan , Arruda Paulo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMicrobiome analysis using metagenomic sequencing has revealed a vast microbial diversity associated with plants. Identifying the molecular functions associated with microbiome-plant interaction is a significant challenge concerning the development of microbiome-derived technologies applied to agriculture. An alternative to accelerate the discovery of the microbiome benefits to plants is to construct microbial culture collections concomitant with accessing microbial community structure and abundance. However, traditional methods of isolation, cultivation and identification of microbes are time-consuming and expensive. Here we describe a method for identification of microbes in culture collections constructed by picking colonies from primary platings that may contain single or multiple microorganisms, which we named community-based culture collections (CBC). A multiplexing 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing based on two-step PCR amplifications with tagged primers for plates, rows and columns allowed the identification of the microbial composition regardless if the well contains single or multiple microorganisms. The multiplexing system enables pooling amplicons into a single tube. The sequencing performed on the PacBio platform led to recovery near-full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences allowing accurate identification of microorganism composition in each plate well. Cross-referencing with plant microbiome structure and abundance allowed the estimation of diversity and abundance representation of microorganism in the CBC.
Analyzing the CDR3 Repertoire with respect to TCR—Beta Chain V-D-J and V-J Rearrangements in Peripheral T Cells using HTS
Authors: Ma Long , Yang Liwen , Bin Shi  , He Xiaoyan , Peng Aihua , Li Yuehong , Zhang Teng , Sun Suhong , Ma Rui , Yao Xinsheng 
Published: July 2016

AbstractV-D-J rearrangement of the TCR—beta chain follows the 12/23 rule and the beyond 12/23 restriction. Currently, the proportion and characteristics of TCR—beta chain V—J rearrangement is unclear. We used high-throughput sequencing to compare and analyze TCR—beta chain V-J rearrangement and V-D-J rearrangement in the CDR3 repertoires of T cells from the PBMCs of six volunteers and six BALB/c mice. The results showed that the percentage of V-J rearrangement of the volunteers was approximately 0.7%, whereas that of the mice was 2.2%. The clonality of mice V-J rearrangement was significantly reduced compared with the V-D-J rearrangement, whereas the clonality of human V-J rearrangement was slightly reduced compared with the V-D-J rearrangement. V-J rearrangement in CDR3 involved the significant usage of N, S, F and L, whereas V-D-J rearrangement in CDR3 involved the significant usage of R and G. The levels of V deletion and J deletion in V-J rearrangement were significantly reduced compared with V-D-J rearrangement. TRBD and TRBJ usage in V-J rearrangement differed from that of V-D-J rearrangement, including dominant usage of TRBV and TRBJ and their pairing. Taken together, these results provide new ideas and technology for studies of V-D-J rearrangement and V-J rearrangement in the CDR3 repertoire.