bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic (pro)enzymes treatment suppresses BXPC-3 pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell subpopulation and impairs tumour engrafting
Authors: Hernández-Camarero Pablo , López-Ruiz Elena , Griñán-Lisón Carmen , García María Ángel , Chocarro-Wrona Carlos , Marchal Juan Antonio , Kenyon Julian , Perán Macarena
Published: August 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) subpopulation within the tumour is responsible for metastasis and cancer relapse. Here we investigate in vitro and in vivo the effects of a pancreatic (pro)enzyme mixture composed of Chymotrypsinogen and Trypsinogen (PRP) on CSCs derived from a human pancreatic cell line, BxPC3. Exposure of pancreatic CSCs spheres to PRP resulted in a significant decrease of ALDEFLUOR and specific pancreatic CSC markers (CD 326, CD 44 and CxCR4) signal tested by flow cytometry, further CSCs markers expression was also analyzed by western and immunofluorescence assays. PRP also inhibits primary and secondary sphere formation. Three RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays were used to study gene expression regulation after PRP treatment and resulted in, (i) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inhibition; (ii) CSCs related genes suppression; (iii) enhanced expression of tumour suppressor genes; (iv) downregulation of migration and metastasis genes and (v) regulation of MAP Kinase Signalling Pathway. Finally, in vivo anti-tumor xenograft studies demonstrated high anti-tumour efficacy of PRP against tumours induced by BxPC3 human pancreatic CSCs. PRP impaired engrafting of pancreatic CSC’s tumours in nude mice and displayed an antigrowth effect toward initiated xenografts. We concluded that (pro)enzymes treatment is a valuable strategy to suppress the CSC population in solid pancreatic tumours.
Effect of α-glycosidase inhibitors from endophytic fungus Alternaria destruens on survival and development of insect pest Spodoptera litura Fab. and fungal phytopathogens
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Sharma Avinash , Sharma Manish , Kumari Manhas Rajesh , Kaur Sanehdeep , Kaur Amarjeet
Published: August 2019

In the present study the production of α-glycosidase inhibitors was used as a strategy to screen endophytic fungi with insecticidal and antifungal potential. Endophytic fungi were isolated from Calotropis gigantea L. (Gentianales: Apocynaceae) and evaluated for their α-glycosidase inhibitory activity. Maximum inhibitory activity was observed in an isolate AKL-3, identified to be Alternaria destruens E.G.Simmons on the basis of morphological and molecular analysis. Production of inhibitory metabolites was carried out on malt extract and partially purified using column chromatography. Insecticidal potential was examined on Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctudiae). Partially purified α-glycosidase inhibitors induced high mortality, delayed the development period as well as affected the adult emergence and induced adult deformities. Nutritional analysis revealed the toxic and antifeedant effect of AKL-3 inhibitors on various food utilization parameters of S. litura. They also inhibited the in vivo digestive enzymes activity in S. litura. Partially purified α-glycosidase inhibitors were also studied for their antifungal potential. Inhibitors demonstrated antifungal activity against the tested phytopathogens inducing severe morphological changes in mycelium and spores. This is the first report on production of α-glycosidase inhibitors from A. destruens with insecticidal and antifungal activity. The study also highlights the importance of endophytes in providing protection against insect pests and pathogens to the host.
Exploiting Graphoelements and Convolutional Neural Networks with Long Short Term Memory for Classification of the Human Electroencephalogram
Authors: Nejedly P. , Kremen V. , Sladky V. , Cimbalnik J. , Klimes P. , Plesinger F. , Viscor I. , Pail M. , Halamek J. , Brinkmann B. H. , Brazdil M. , Jurak P. , Worrell G.
Published: August 2019

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a cornerstone of neurophysiological research and clinical neurology. Historically, the classification of EEG as showing normal physiological or abnormal pathological activity has been performed by expert visual review. The potential value of unbiased, automated EEG classification has long been recognized, and in recent years the application of machine learning methods has received significant attention. A variety of solutions using convolutional neural networks (CNN) for EEG classification have emerged with impressive results. However, interpretation of CNN results and their connection with underlying basic electrophysiology has been unclear. This paper proposes a CNN architecture, which enables interpretation of intracranial EEG (iEEG) transients driving classification of brain activity as normal, pathological or artifactual. The goal is accomplished using CNN with long short-term memory (LSTM). We show that the method allows the visualization of iEEG graphoelements with the highest contribution to the final classification result using a classification heatmap and thus enables review of the raw iEEG data and interpret the decision of the model by electrophysiology means.
Global distribution modelling, invasion risk assessment and niche dynamics of Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye Daisy) under climate change
Authors: Ahmad Rameez , Khuroo Anzar A. , Charles Bipin , Hamid Maroof , Rashid Irfan , Aravind N. A.
Published: August 2019

In an era of climate change, biological invasions by alien species represent one of the main anthropogenic drivers of global environmental change. The present study, using an ensemble modelling approach, has mapped current and future global distribution of the invasive Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye Daisy) and predicted the invasion hotspots under climate change. The current potential distribution of Ox-eye Daisy coincides well with the actual distribution records, thereby indicating robustness of our model. The model predicted a global increase in the suitable habitat for the potential invasion of this species under climate change. Oceania was shown to be the high-risk region to the potential invasion of this species under both current and future climate change scenarios. The results revealed niche conservatism for Australia and Northern America, but contrastingly a niche shift for Africa, Asia, Oceania and Southern America. The global distribution modelling and risk assessment of Ox-eye Daisy has immediate implications in mitigating its invasion impacts under climate change, as well as predicting the global invasion hotspots and developing region-specific invasion management strategies. Interestingly, the contrasting patterns of niche dynamics shown by this invasive plant species provide novel insights towards disentangling the different operative mechanisms underlying the process of biological invasions at the global scale.
Metabolomics-based biomarker discovery for bee health monitoring: A proof of concept study concerning nutritional stress in Bombus terrestris
Authors: Wang Luoluo , Meeus Ivan , Rombouts Caroline , Van Meulebroek Lieven , Vanhaecke Lynn , Smagghe Guy
Published: August 2019

Bee pollinators are exposed to multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors. Understanding the effects of a single stressor in the complex environmental context of antagonistic/synergistic interactions is critical to pollinator monitoring and may serve as early warning system before a pollination crisis. This study aimed to methodically improve the diagnosis of bee stressors using a simultaneous untargeted and targeted metabolomics-based approach. Analysis of 84 Bombus terrestris hemolymph samples found 8 metabolites retained as potential biomarkers that showed excellent discrimination for nutritional stress. In parallel, 8 significantly altered metabolites, as revealed by targeted profiling, were also assigned as candidate biomarkers. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms were applied to the above-described two biomarker sets, whereby the untargeted eight components showed the best classification performance with sensitivity and specificity up to 99% and 100%, respectively. Based on pathway and biochemistry analysis, we propose that gluconeogenesis contributed significantly to blood sugar stability in bumblebees maintained on a low carbohydrate diet. Taken together, this study demonstrates that metabolomics-based biomarker discovery holds promising potential for improving bee health monitoring and to identify stressor related to energy intake and other environmental stressors.
Successful cloning of a superior buffalo bull
Authors: Selokar Naresh L. , Sharma Papori , Saini Monika , Sheoran Suman , Rajendran Rasika , Kumar Dharmendra , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Motiani Rajender K. , Kumar Pradeep , Jerome A , Khanna Sudhir , Yadav Prem Singh
Published: August 2019

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technology provides an opportunity to multiply superior animals that could speed up dissemination of favorable genes into the population. In the present study, we attempted to reproduce a superior breeding bull of Murrah buffalo, the best dairy breed of buffalo, using donor cells that were established from tail-skin biopsy and seminal plasma. We studied several parameters such as cell cycle stages, histone modifications (H3K9ac and H3K27me3) and expression of developmental genes in donor cells to determine their SCNT reprogramming potentials. We successfully produced the cloned bull from an embryo that was produced from the skin-derived cell. Growth, blood hematology, plasma biochemistries, and reproductive organs of the produced cloned bull were found normal. Subsequently, the bull was employed for semen production. Semen parameters such as CASA (Computer Assisted Semen Analysis) variables and in vitro fertilizing ability of sperms of the cloned bull were found similar to non-cloned bulls, including the donor bull. At present, we have 12 live healthy progenies that were produced using artificial insemination of frozen semen of the cloned bull, which indicate that the cloned bull is fertile and can be utilized in the buffalo breeding schemes. Taken together, we demonstrate that SCNT can be used to reproduce superior buffalo bulls.
Glider observations of interleaving layers beneath the Kuroshio primary velocity core east of Taiwan and analyses of underlying dynamics
Authors: Jan Sen , Wang Shih-Hong , Yang Kai-Chieh , Yang Yiing Jang , Chang Ming-Huei
Published: August 2019

Submesoscale interleaving layers are caused by lateral intrusions of dissimilar water masses in frontal zones, which are significant processes in shaping physical, biogeochemical, and ecological parameters in the ocean. Possible interleaving layers were sometimes observed by ship-based conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) surveys with coarse spacing between adjacent stations in the Kuroshio region east of Taiwan but have never been examined dynamically. Here we show the characteristics of interleaving layers observed by a Seaglider with two repeated hydrographic surveys along a triangle track east of Taiwan from December 2016 to March 2017. Salinity profiles indicate that prominent interleaving layers appeared in the intermediate layer (approximately 500–800 m) with vertical and horizontal length scales of O(50) m and O(10–100) km, respectively, during our observations. A dipole eddy pair and a relatively large anticyclonic eddy impinged on the Kuroshio during the first and second surveys, respectively, which brought certain impacts on the interleaving motion as the eddy potentially altered the density slope across the Kuroshio. The associated instability analysis and the Turner angle suggest that the double diffusive instability is the primary driving mechanism for the development of interleaving layers.
Diagnostic accuracy of interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 for differentiating active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Qiu Xia , Tang Ying , Zou Rong , Zeng Yan , Yue Yan , Li Wenxing , Qu Yi , Mu Dezhi
Published: August 2019

Tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay are not good at differentiating active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis. Interferon-gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) has been widely used to detect tuberculosis infection. However, its values of discriminating active and latent tuberculosis is unknown. To estimate the diagnostic potential of IP-10 for differentiating active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and CBM databases. Eleven studies, accounting for 706 participants (853 samples), were included. We used a bivariate diagnostic random-effects model to conduct the primary data. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative likelihood rate, positive likelihood rate, diagnostic odds ratio and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.68–0.76), 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79–0.87), 0.32 (95% CI: 0.22–0.46), 4.63 (95% CI: 2.79–7.69), 17.86 (95% CI: 2.89–38.49) and 0.8638, respectively. This study shows that IP-10 is a potential biomarker for differentiating active tuberculosis from latent tuberculosis.
High-resolution crystal structure of arthropod Eiger TNF suggests a mode of receptor engagement and altered surface charge within endosomes
Authors: Bertinelli Mattia , Paesen Guido C. , Grimes Jonathan M. , Renner Max
Published: August 2019

The tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) superfamily of proteins are critical in numerous biological processes, such as in development and immunity. Eiger is the sole TNFα member described in arthropods such as in the important model organismDrosophila. To date there are no structural data on any Eiger protein. Here we present the structure of the TNF domain of Eiger from the fall armywormSpodoptera frugiperda(SfEiger) to 1.7 Å from a serendipitously obtained crystal without prior knowledge of the protein sequence. Our structure confirms that canonical trimerization is conserved from ancestral TNFs and points towards a mode of receptor engagement. Furthermore, we observe numerous surface histidines on SfEiger, potentially acting as pH switches following internalization into endosomes. Our data contributes to the genome annotation ofS. frugiperda, a voracious agricultural pest, and can serve as a basis for future structure-function investigations of the TNF system in related arthropods such asDrosophila.
Hierarchical Hidden Markov models enable accurate and diverse detection of antimicrobial resistance sequences
Authors: Lakin Steven M. , Kuhnle Alan , Alipanahi Bahar , Noyes Noelle R. , Dean Chris , Muggli Martin , Raymond Rob , Abdo Zaid , Prosperi Mattia , Belk Keith E. , Morley Paul S. , Boucher Christina
Published: August 2019

The characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes from high-throughput sequencing data has become foundational in public health research and regulation. This requires mapping sequence reads to databases of known antimicrobial resistance genes to determine the genes present in the sample. Mapping sequence reads to known genes is traditionally accomplished using alignment. Alignment methods have high specificity but are limited in their ability to detect sequences that are divergent from the reference database, which can result in a substantial false negative rate. We address this shortcoming through the creation of Meta-MARC, which enables detection of diverse resistance sequences using hierarchical, DNA-based Hidden Markov Models. We first describe Meta-MARC and then demonstrate its efficacy on simulated and functional metagenomic datasets. Meta-MARC has higher sensitivity relative to competing methods. This sensitivity allows for detection of sequences that are divergent from known antimicrobial resistance genes. This functionality is imperative to expanding existing antimicrobial gene databases.
TRAF6 maintains mammary stem cells and promotes pregnancy-induced mammary epithelial cell expansion
Authors: Yamamoto Mizuki , Abe Chiho , Wakinaga Sakura , Sakane Kota , Yumiketa Yo , Taguchi Yuu , Matsumura Takayuki , Ishikawa Kosuke , Fujimoto Jiro , Semba Kentaro , Miyauchi Maki , Akiyama Taishin , Inoue Jun-ichiro
Published: August 2019

Receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB (RANK) signaling promotes pregnancy-dependent epithelial cell differentiation and expansion for mammary gland development, which requires NF-κB pathway-dependent Cyclin D1 induction and inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2) pathway-dependent anti-apoptotic gene induction. However, the roles of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) remain unclear despite its requirement in RANK signaling. Here we show that TRAF6 is crucial for both mammary stem cell maintenance and pregnancy-induced epithelial cell expansion. TRAF6 deficiency impairs phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and canonical NF-κB pathways, whereas noncanonical NF-κB signaling remains functional. Therefore, we propose that TRAF6 promotes cell proliferation by activating PI3K/AKT signaling to induce retinoblastoma phosphorylation in concert with noncanonical NF-κB pathway-dependent Cyclin D1 induction. Furthermore, TRAF6 inhibits apoptosis by activating canonical NF-κB signaling to induce anti-apoptotic genes with the Id2 pathway. Therefore, proper orchestration of TRAF6-dependent and -independent RANK signals likely establishes mammary gland formation.
Dual wettability on diarylethene microcrystalline surface mimicking a termite wing
Authors: Nishimura Ryo , Hyodo Kengo , Mayama Hiroyuki , Yokojima Satoshi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Uchida Kingo
Published: August 2019

The termite wing has a specific property of wetting in contact with a water droplet: it adsorbs water mist, whereas larger water droplets are bounced on the surface. This is owing to the survival strategy of termites. Here, we reproduce the termite wing’s dual wettability by a photoinduced crystal growth technique. Upon UV irradiation to a microcrystalline surface of a mixture of two diarylethenes, two types of needle-shaped crystals of distinctly different sizes are observed to grow. The surface shows behavior akin to the termite wing’s dual wettability. The bouncing ability of a water droplet is attributed to the smaller-sized needle crystals, whereas the adhesive property is owing to the larger-sized ones, explaining the microstructures of the termite wing. Considering dissipation energy and adhesion energy, the bouncing ability and dual wettability can be explained theoretically. The surface could potentially be used in water harvesting applications.
An investigation of new electrochemical sensors for curcumin detection: a mini review
Authors: Zokhtareh Rosan , Rahimnejad Mostafa
Published: August 2019

Curcumin (CM) is a natural pigment with a crystalline structure and is the most important curcuminoid in turmeric.
The sulfation of biomimetic glycosaminoglycan substrates controls binding of growth factors and subsequent neural and glial cell growth
Authors: Malaeb Waddah , Bahmad Hisham F. , Abou-Kheir Wassim , Mhanna Rami
Published: August 2019

This work shows that alginates can be sulfated to engineer defined substrates that control growth factor binding and neural growth.
A highly sensitive fluorescent probe that quantifies transthyretin in human plasma as an early diagnostic tool of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lim Hye Rim , Kim Seo Yun , Jeon Eun Hee , Kim Yun Lan , Shin Yu Mi , Koo Tae-Sung , Park Sung Jean , Hong Ki Bum , Choi Sungwook
Published: August 2019

A robust and simple fluorescent assay for the quantification of TTR in human plasma was developed by utilizing an indole-based fluorophore.
Aromatic β-sheet foldamers based on tertiary squaramides
Authors: Atcher Joan , Nagai Aki , Mayer Peter , Maurizot Victor , Tanatani Aya , Huc Ivan
Published: August 2019

Suitably substituted aryl-methyl tertiary squaramides are convenient and efficient at promoting hairpin turns in aromatic amide sequences.
Integrated magneto-fluorescence nanobeads for ultrasensitive glycoprotein detection using antibody coupled boronate-affinity recognition
Authors: Chen Jing , Hao Liangwen , Wu Yunqing , Lin Tong , Li Xiangmin , Leng Yuankui , Huang Xiaolin , Xiong Yonghua
Published: August 2019

Herein, we report a novel magnet-mediated antibody-boronate sandwich-typed assay (ABSTA) strategy for the ultrasensitive, specific, rapid, and enzyme-free detection of glycoproteins in complex samples.
Isotopic core–satellites enable accurate and sensitive bioassay of adenosine triphosphate
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Zhao Xin , Liu Rui , Zhong Zijin , Hu Jianyu , Lv Yi
Published: August 2019

An isotopic core–satellite structure was developed to realize the accurate and sensitive bioassay of adenosine triphosphate.
Diffusivity and intercalation of electroactive dyes-mediated truly ratiometric homogeneous electrochemical strategy for highly sensitive biosensing
Authors: Chang Jiafu , Li Haiyin , Li Feng
Published: August 2019

A truly ratiometric homogeneous electrochemical biosensor was developed for miRNA detection based on the unique diffusion/intercalation properties of electroactive dyes.
Photodynamic therapy for hypoxic solid tumors via Mn-MOF as a photosensitizer
Authors: Lu Jun , Yang Li , Zhang Wei , Li Ping , Gao Xiaonan , Zhang Wen , Wang Hui , Tang Bo
Published: August 2019

Hypoxia, as an important feature in tumor sites, greatly hinders the performance of photosensitizers, thus affecting the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Stabilization of a new nanocomposite family by reduction of gold nanoclusters with electron-reservoir complexes
Authors: Fu Fangyu , Dedieu Anthony , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Tao , Song Yongbo , Fouquet Eric , Hamon Jean-René , Zhu Manzhou , Astruc Didier
Published: August 2019

The aerobic stabilities of four new Au25 nanocluster-metal sandwich composites are provided by and related to the metal-sandwich ring sizes.
Encapsulation of yellow phosphors into nanocrystalline metal–organic frameworks for blue-excitable white light emission
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yuan , Li Yang , Tsung Chia-Kuang , Li Jing
Published: August 2019

Anin situsynthesis strategy is developed to encapsulate blue-excitable yellow emitting dyes into metal–organic frameworks to generate white light.
Avoiding oxidation with coating: graphene protected magnesium surfaces
Authors: Olmos-Asar Jimena A. , Mariscal Marcelo M.
Published: August 2019

Graphene protected magnesium surfaces are highly resistant towards oxidation, even when the graphene coating presents common defects.
Hydrophobic silane coating films for the inhibition of water ingress into the nanometer pore of calcium silicate hydrate gels
Authors: Yu Jiao , Li Shaochun , Hou Dongshuai , Jin Zuquan , Liu Qingfeng
Published: August 2019

Water molecule capillary transport is inhibited via the nanometer channel of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) with the interior surface impregnated with silane.
Theoretical analysis of oxygen reduction reaction activity on single metal (Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au) atom supported on defective two-dimensional boron nitride materials
Authors: Deng Chaofang , He Rongxing , Shen Wei , Li Ming
Published: August 2019

Single metal atom supported by a defective two-dimensional boron nitride material is a promising ORR catalyst.
Why is the cubic structure preferred in newly formed ice?
Authors: Grabowska Joanna
Published: August 2019

The structure of liquid water promotes the formation of ice in which the content of the cubic structure is higher than the content of the hexagonal structure.
Exploring Burstein–Moss type effects in nickel doped hematite dendrite nanostructures for enhanced photo-electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Gahlawat Soniya , Singh Jaspreet , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Ingole Pravin P.
Published: August 2019

The Burstein–Moss suggests which that the optical band gap of degenerately doped semiconductors increases when all states close to the conduction band get populated is important to obtain different optical properties for the same material.
Kinetic stabilization of low-oxidation state and terminal hydrido main group metal complexes by a sterically demanding N,N′-bis(2,6-terphenyl)triazenide
Authors: Leverett Anthony R. , Diachenko Vera , Cole Marcus L. , McKay Alasdair I.
Published: August 2019

Thermally robust main group metal complexes featuring terminal hydride ligands are achieved by deploying a sterically demanding N,N′-bis(2,6-terphenyl)triazenide ligand.
Composition-defined nanosized assemblies that contain heterometallic early 4d/5d-transition-metals
Authors: Wakizaka Masanori , Imaoka Takane , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: August 2019

Heterometallic nanosized assembly of early 4d/5d-transition metal ions into the TPM-DPAG4 dendrimer.
Urinary and plasmatic metabolomics strategy to explore the holistic mechanism of lignans in S. chinensis in treating Alzheimer's disease using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Wei Mengying , Liu Zhongying , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Shizhe , Hu Mingxin , Yue Kexin , Liu Tianshu , He Yang , Pi Zifeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Fengrui
Published: August 2019

Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (S. chinensis), a functional food, is used as a tonic and sedative agent in traditional Chinese medicine.
Ageritin from poplar mushrooms: scale-up purification and cytotoxicity towards undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Ragucci Sara , Pacifico Severina , Ruocco Maria Rosaria , Crescente Giuseppina , Nasso Rosarita , Simonetti Martina , Masullo Mariorosario , Piccolella Simona , Pedone Paolo V. , Landi Nicola , Di Maro Antimo
Published: August 2019

Ageritin from poplar mushroom is a valuable selective neurotoxin towards undifferentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells.
Plasmonic coloration of silver nanodome arrays for a smartphone-based plasmonic biosensor
Authors: Toma Mana , Tawa Keiko
Published: August 2019

Plasmonic coloration from silver nanodome arrays is successfully implemented in a smartphone-based biosensor enabling sensitive and quantitative detection of biomolecules.
Antidiabetic and antioxidant activities: Is there any link between them?
Authors: Famuyiwa Samson O. , Sanusi Kayode , Faloye Kolade O. , Yilmaz Yusuf , Ceylan Ümit
Published: August 2019

An empirical relationship between antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of molecules using protocatechuic acid (PcA) as a test compound has been found.
Evaluation of silver-incorporating zeolites as bifunctional electrocatalysts for direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Milikić Jadranka , C. P. Oliveira Raisa , Stoševski Ivan , Krstić Jugoslav , Hercigonja Radmila , Miljanić Šćepan , Santos Diogo M. F. , Šljukić Biljana
Published: August 2019

Low cost zeolites with incorporated silver show high activity for both oxygen reduction and borohydride oxidation reaction.
Bromination of tetrapyrrolic scaffolds: a sustainable approach
Authors: Pomarico Giuseppe , Sabuzi Federica , Conte Valeria , Galloni Pierluca
Published: August 2019

A sustainable procedure developed for the bromination of organic substrates, such as olefins and small aromatic rings, has been applied to porphyrin derivatives.
Electrocatalytic hydrogen production using [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimics based on tetracene derivatives
Authors: Watanabe Motonori , Goto Kenta , Miyazaki Takaaki , Shibahara Masahiko , Chang Yuan Jay , Chow Tahsin J. , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: August 2019

The synthesis, structure, physical properties, and electrocatalytic hydrogen production of tetrathiatetracene ligand based [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimic molecules were investigated.
Chemistry, chemical biology and photophysics of certain new chromene–triazole–coumarin triads as fluorescent inhibitors of CDK2 and CDK4 induced cancers
Authors: Shankar E. P. Shyam , Bahulayan Damodaran
Published: August 2019

The chromene–triazole–coumarin triads synthesized through the MCR-Click strategy possess intense solution state fluorescence, intense solid-state fluorescence and CDK2/CDK4 targeted cytotoxic activity against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa).
Urea modified fluorinated carbon nanotubes: unique self-dispersed characteristic in water and high tribological performance as water-based lubricant additives
Authors: Min Chunying , He Zengbao , Liu Dengdeng , Zhang Kan , Dong Changkun
Published: August 2019

UF-CNTs retaining a long-term dispersion stability in aqueous environments exhibit excellent tribological properties.
An oral drug delivery system with programmed drug release and imaging properties for orthotopic colon cancer therapy
Authors: Song Qingling , Jia Jiajia , Niu Xiuxiu , Zheng Cuixia , Zhao Hongjuan , Sun Lingling , Zhang Hongling , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhang Yun
Published: August 2019

Oral drug delivery systems (ODDSs) have attracted considerable attention in relation to orthotopic colon cancer therapy due to certain popular advantages.
The effect of MR1 ligand glyco-analogues on mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell activation
Authors: Braganza Chriselle D. , Shibata Kensuke , Fujiwara Aisa , Motozono Chihiro , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Yamasaki Sho , Stocker Bridget L. , Timmer Mattie S. M.
Published: August 2019

Glyco-analogues of MR1 ligands can bind MR1 and activate MAIT cells at levels similar to 5-OP-RU.
Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers constructed from pillar[n]arene-based supra-amphiphiles
Authors: Xiao Tangxin , Qi Lijie , Zhong Weiwei , Lin Chen , Wang Ruibing , Wang Leyong
Published: August 2019

Recent progress of functional nanocarriers fabricated by pillar[n]arene-based supra-amphiphiles is reviewed.
Structural analysis and antioxidant activity of an arabinoxylan from Malvastrum coromandelianum L. (Garcke)
Authors: Devi Shanti , Lakhera Ajeet K. , Kumar Vineet
Published: August 2019

The structure of MAP was studied by degradative, derivatization and spectroscopic methods, and it was found to be an arabinoxylan comprising a backbone of →4)-β-d-linked Xylp(1→ with branching at O-2 by →3)-α-l-Araf(1→ and →3)-β-d-Xylp(1→ chains.
Ferroelectric properties and Raman spectroscopy of the [(C4H9)4N]3Bi2Cl9 compound
Authors: Trigui W. , Hlel F.
Published: August 2019

The exploration of ferroelectric hybrid materials is highly appealing due to their great technological significance.
DFT study of the therapeutic potential of phosphorene as a new drug-delivery system to treat cancer
Authors: Tariq Amina , Nazir Sidra , Arshad Ahmad Wahab , Nawaz Faisal , Ayub Khurshid , Iqbal Javed
Published: August 2019

Therapeutic potential of phosphorene as drug delivery system for chlorambucil to treat cancer is evaluated. The photo-induced electron transfer suggests that phosphorene possess significant therapeutic potential as drug delivery system.
Template-free preparation of anthracite-based nitrogen-doped porous carbons for high-performance supercapacitors and efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Qi Jiawei , Jin Bolin , Bai Peiyao , Zhang Wendu , Xu Lang
Published: August 2019

Acting as supercapacitor electrodes and ORR electrocatalysts, anthracite-based nitrogen-doped porous carbons are prepared by one/two-step activation/doping processes.
A single quantum dot-based nanosensor with multilayer of multiple acceptors for ultrasensitive detection of human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase
Authors: Li Chen-chen , Liu Wan-xin , Hu Juan , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: August 2019

We develop a single quantum dot-based nanosensor with multilayer of multiple acceptors for ultrasensitive detection of human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase.
CO2 reduction with protons and electrons at a boron-based reaction center
Authors: Taylor Jordan W. , McSkimming Alex , Essex Laura A. , Harman W. Hill
Published: August 2019

A redox-active borane enables CO2 reduction at boron with protons and electrons.
Metal organic framework (MOF) derived iron phosphide as a highly stable and efficient catalyst for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Zhang Rongrong , Wang Wenfeng , Zhou Panpan , Wang Longgang , Chen Tianyun , Xu Huajian , Zheng Lei
Published: August 2019

A facile and universal strategy for preparing metal phosphides using MOFs was designed and a highly efficient HER catalyst was developed.
A novel phosphotungstic acid-supported single metal atom catalyst with high activity and selectivity for the synthesis of NH3 from electrochemical N2 reduction: a DFT prediction
Authors: Gao Liye , Wang Feiteng , Yu Ming-an , Wei Fenfei , Qi Jiamin , Lin Sen , Xie Daiqian
Published: August 2019

A phosphotungstic acid-supported single metal atom is a potential electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction with high activity and high selectivity.
Fe1−xS@S-doped carbon core–shell heterostructured hollow spheres as highly reversible anode materials for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Pan Qichang , Zheng Fenghua , Liu Yanzhen , Li Youpeng , Zhong Wentao , Chen Guilin , Hu Junhua , Yang Chenghao , Liu Meilin
Published: August 2019

Heterostructured Fe1−xS@S-doped carbon hollow spheres have been prepared as sodium ion battery anode material with superior rate capability and excellent long-term cycling stability.
Glutamine-β-cyclodextrin for targeted doxorubicin delivery to triple-negative breast cancer tumors via the transporter ASCT2
Authors: Zhou Ping , Liang Xingmei , Zhou Ce , Qin Jiaqi , Hou Chunyu , Zhu Zhiyan , Zhang Wenxue , Wang Shuqing , Zhong Diansheng
Published: August 2019

Novel cyclodextrin derivative, glutamine-β-cyclodextrin, is developed as DOX carrier to minimize its side effects via TNBC tumors addiction to glutamine.
High-efficiency organic light-emitting diodes with exciplex hosts
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tian Qi-Sheng , Zhang Yuan-Lan , Tang Xun , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: August 2019

Exciplex forming co-hosts have been applied to fabricate high-efficiency organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to the merits of bipolarity, 100% exciton harvesting, preferred dipole alignment, and sensitizing effects.
The design of room-temperature-phosphorescent carbon dots and their application as a security ink
Authors: Li Hao , Ye Shuai , Guo Jia-qing , Kong Jing-tao , Song Jun , Kang Zhen-hui , Qu Jun-le
Published: August 2019

The room-temperature-phosphorescent carbon dots as a security ink are applied in information encryption and the concealment of complex pattern fields.
Highly efficient Ce3+ → Tb3+ energy transfer induced bright narrowband green emissions from garnet-type Ca2YZr2(AlO4)3:Ce3+,Tb3+ phosphors for white LEDs with high color rendering index
Authors: Sun Liangling , Devakumar Balaji , Liang Jia , Wang Shaoying , Sun Qi , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: August 2019

Highly efficient Ce3+ → Tb3+ energy transfer induced bright narrowband green emissions from Ca2YZr2(AlO4)3:Ce3+,Tb3+ garnet phosphors, which showed great potential for application in warm-white LEDs with high color rendering index.
High-throughput transcriptome sequencing reveals extremely high doses of ionizing radiation-response genes in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Xu Youqin , Chen Lina , Liu Mengyi , Lu Yanfang , Yue Yanwei , Liu Yue , Chen Honghao , Xie Fuliang , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2019

This study sought novel ionizing radiation-response (IR-response) genes in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). C. elegans was divided into three groups and exposed to different high doses of IR: 0 gray (Gy), 200 Gy, and 400 Gy. Total RNA was extracted from each group and sequenced. When the transcriptomes were compared among these groups, many genes were shown to be differentially expressed, and these genes were significantly enriched in IR-related biological processes and pathways, including gene ontology (GO) terms related to cellular behaviours, cellular growth and purine metabolism and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways related to ATP binding, GTPase regulator activity, and RNA degradation. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed that these genes displayed differential expression across the treatments. Further gene network analysis showed a cluster of novel gene families, such as the guanylate cyclase (GCY), Sm-like protein (LSM), diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), skp1-related protein (SKR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene families which were upregulated. Thus, these genes likely play important roles in IR response. Meanwhile, some important genes that are well known to be involved in key signalling pathways, such as phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-3 (PLC-3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase age-1 (AGE-1), Raf homolog serine/threonine-protein kinase (LIN-45) and protein cbp-1 (CBP-1), also showed differential expression during IR response, suggesting that IR response might perturb these key signalling pathways. Our study revealed a series of novel IR-response genes in Caenorhabditis elegans that might act as regulators of IR response and represent promising markers of IR exposure.
Challenges and future of precision medicine strategies for breast cancer based on a database on drug reactions
Authors: Zhang Xiping , Yang Hongjian , Zhang Ruiping
Published: August 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is a malignancy with the highest incidence in women. Great progress has been made in research related to traditional precision medicine for BC. However, many reports have suggested that patients with BC have not benefited a lot from such progress. Thus, we analyze traditional precision medicine strategies for BC, sum up their limitations and challenges, and preliminarily propose future orientations of precision medicine strategies based on a database on drug reaction of patients with BC. According to related research, traditional precision medicine strategies for BC, which are based on molecular subtypes, perform pertinent treatments, new drug research and development according to molecular typing results. Nevertheless, these strategies still have some deficiencies. First, there are very few patients with each molecular subtype, the match ratio of drugs is low. Second, these strategies can not solve the problem of poor drug sensitivity resulting from heterogeneity. The main strategy we put forward in the present paper is based on patients’ varying drug reactions. Focusing on treating existing patients and maximizing the utilization of existing drugs, it is expected to not have deficiencies of traditional precision medicine for BC, including low match rate and poor therapeutic efficacy arising from tumor heterogeneity of BC.
BMSC-derived exosomes carrying microRNA-122-5p promote proliferation of osteoblasts in osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Liao Wen , Ning Yu , Xu Hai-Jia , Zou Wen-Zhong , Hu Jing , Liu Xiang-Zhong , Yang Yi , Li Zhang-Hua
Published: August 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multipotential differentiation capacity can differentiate into bone cells under specific conditions and can be used to treat osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head (ONFH) through cell transplantation. The current study aims to explore the role of bone marrow (BM) MSCs (BMSCs)-derived exosomes carrying microRNA-122-5p (miR-122-5p) in ONFH rabbit models.

First, rabbit models with ONFH were established. ONFH-related miRNAs were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A gain-of-function study was performed to investigate the effect of miR-122-5p on osteoblasts and BMSCs and effects of exosomes carrying miR-122-5p on ONFH. Co-culture experiments for osteoblasts and BMSCs were performed to examine the role of exosomal miR-122-5p in osteoblast proliferation and osteogenesis. The target relationship between miR-122-5p and Sprouty2 (SPRY2) was tested.

MiR-122, significantly decreased in ONFH in the GSE89587 expression profile, was screened. MiR-122-5p negatively regulated SPRY2 and elevated the activity of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), thereby promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. In vivo experiments indicated that bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone volume (TBV), and mean trabecular plate thickness (MTPT) of femoral head were increased after over-expressing miR-122-5p in exosomes. Significant healing of necrotic femoral head was also observed.

Exosomes carrying over-expressed miR-122-5p attenuated ONFH development by down-regulating SPRY2 via the RTK/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Findings in the present study may provide miR-122-5p as a novel biomarker for ONFH treatment.
DNA methylation in satellite repeats disorders
Authors: Francastel Claire , Magdinier Frédérique
Published: August 2019

Despite the tremendous progress made in recent years in assembling the human genome, tandemly repeated DNA elements remain poorly characterized. These sequences account for the vast majority of methylated sites in the human genome and their methylated state is necessary for this repetitive DNA to function properly and to maintain genome integrity. Furthermore, recent advances highlight the emerging role of these sequences in regulating the functions of the human genome and its variability during evolution, among individuals, or in disease susceptibility. In addition, a number of inherited rare diseases are directly linked to the alteration of some of these repetitive DNA sequences, either through changes in the organization or size of the tandem repeat arrays or through mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers involved in the epigenetic regulation of these elements.

Although largely overlooked so far in the functional annotation of the human genome, satellite elements play key roles in its architectural and topological organization. This includes functions as boundary elements delimitating functional domains or assembly of repressive nuclear compartments, with local or distal impact on gene expression. Thus, the consideration of satellite repeats organization and their associated epigenetic landmarks, including DNA methylation (DNAme), will become unavoidable in the near future to fully decipher human phenotypes and associated diseases.
New advances in extracting and learning from protein–protein interactions within unstructured biomedical text data
Authors: Caufield J. Harry , Ping Peipei
Published: August 2019

Protein–protein interactions, or PPIs, constitute a basic unit of our understanding of protein function. Though substantial effort has been made to organize PPI knowledge into structured databases, maintenance of these resources requires careful manual curation. Even then, many PPIs remain uncurated within unstructured text data. Extracting PPIs from experimental research supports assembly of PPI networks and highlights relationships crucial to elucidating protein functions. Isolating specific protein–protein relationships from numerous documents is technically demanding by both manual and automated means. Recent advances in the design of these methods have leveraged emerging computational developments and have demonstrated impressive results on test datasets. In this review, we discuss recent developments in PPI extraction from unstructured biomedical text. We explore the historical context of these developments, recent strategies for integrating and comparing PPI data, and their application to advancing the understanding of protein function. Finally, we describe the challenges facing the application of PPI mining to the text concerning protein families, using the multifunctional 14-3-3 protein family as an example.
12 Gbit/s three‐tap FFE half‐rate transmitter with low jitter clock buffering scheme
Authors: Park K. , Oh T.
Published: August 2019

A 12 Gbit/s feed‐forward equalisation (FFE) transmitter has been designed in 65 nm CMOS process. The three‐tap/half‐rate high‐speed tap signal generation technique for the segmented FFE driver is presented. A clock buffer scheme to make the equivalent signal transition for each segmented unit contributes to a low jitter performance. The measurement results show 9.31 ps RMS jitter at 12 Gbit/s after equalisation and the horizontal eye‐opening is 0.204 UI at BER. The prototype transmitter occupies and consumes 1.58 pJ/bit.
Non‐linear optimal control for the hot‐steel rolling mill system
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Zervos Nikolaos , Siano Pierluigi , Abbaszadeh Masoud , Wira Patrice
Published: August 2019

Control of hot‐steel rolling mills aims at raising the levels of quality of the related industrial production and at minimising the cost of the electric energy consumed by such industrial units. This paper proposes a non‐linear optimal control approach for the hot‐steel rolling mill system. The non‐linear dynamic model of the hot‐steel rolling mill undergoes approximate linearisation around a temporary operating point which is recomputed at each iteration of the control method. The linearisation relies on Taylor series expansion and on the calculation of the system's Jacobian matrices. For the approximately linearised model of the hot‐steel rolling process, an H‐infinity feedback controller is designed. This controller provides the solution of the non‐linear optimal control problem for the system under model uncertainty and external perturbations. For the computation of the controller's feedback gain, an algebraic Riccati equation is iteratively solved at each time‐step of the control method. The global asymptotic stability properties of the control method are proven through Lyapunov analysis. Finally, to implement state estimation‐based control for this system, the H‐infinity Kalman filter is proposed as a robust state estimator.
Performance improvement of MIMO FSO systems against destructive interference
Authors: Eghbal Mina , Abouei Jamshid
Published: August 2019

Although multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) technique is used in free space optical (FSO) systems to reduce the effect of atmospheric turbulence, however, employing this technique without sufficient attention to the interference of laser beams not only does not reduce the effect of atmospheric turbulence, but also it can significantly degrade the performance of the FSO system. This study investigates that the average intensity of laser beams at the receiver aperture of MIMO FSO systems is very sensitive to small variations of path lengths between the transmitter and receiver. Therefore, the destructive interference that degrades the performance of MIMO FSO systems compared to equivalent single‐input single‐output (SISO) FSO ones is due to the difference in path lengths of laser beams between transmitter and receiver apertures. For this reason and in order to mitigate the interference effect, the authors compensate small changes of path lengths through adjusting the sending times and the initial parameters of laser beams in the transmitter apertures. The authors' analysis supported by numerical results show that the adjustment of laser parameters could increase the chance of peak intensity of MIMO‐FSO systems to be higher than the peak intensity of equivalent SISO‐FSO ones.
Mixed‐integer second‐order cone programming framework for optimal scheduling of microgrids considering power flow constraints
Authors: Fu Long , Meng Ke , Liu Bin , Dong Zhao Yang
Published: August 2019

Microgrids have been recognised as one of the most promising but challenging research topics over the last decade. The optimal energy scheduling problem is regarded as the most essential aspect in the tertiary level control in microgrids. However, most existing centralised or distributed scheduling models only focus on the logical and dynamical feature of microgrids’ operation or the non‐linear power flow constraint, which would overact the system performance without considering appropriate unit commitment requirements. Moreover, applying decomposition and iteration technics to complex scheduling problems would encounter convergence issues. To address this concern, this study presents a mixed integer linear reformulation to characterise the operation of different controllable devices and convex relaxation techniques to cope with non‐linear power flow constraints, leading to a mixed integer second‐order cone programming framework in a concordant yet computationally efficient pattern, capturing non‐linear, logical and dynamical properties of the optimal energy scheduling problem in microgrids. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is validated on the IEEE 33‐bus distribution network with both grid‐connected and islanded modes.