bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant expression of the candidate tumor suppressor gene DAL-1 due to hypermethylation in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Man , Cui Xiaobo , Liu Yixin , Zhang Yi , Sui Yu , Wang Dong , Peng Lei , Wang Dexu , Yu Jingcui
Published: February 2016

By allelotyping for loss of heterozygosity (LOH), we previously identified a deletion region that harbors the candidate tumor suppressor gene DAL-1 at 18p11.3 in sporadic gastric cancers (GCs). The expression and function of DAL-1 in GCs remained unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the absence of or notable decreases in the expression of DAL-1 mRNA and protein was highly correlated with CpG hypermethylation of the DAL-1 promoter in primary GC tissues and in GC cell lines. Furthermore, abnormal DAL-1 subcellular localization was also observed in GC cells. Exogenous DAL-1 effectively inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT); exogenous DAL-1 also promoted apoptosis in GC AGS cells. When endogenous DAL-1 was knocked down in GC HGC-27 cells, the cells appeared highly aggressive. Taken together, these findings provide solid evidence that aberrant expression of DAL-1 by hypermethylation in the promoter region results in tumor suppressor gene behavior that plays important roles in the malignancy of GCs. Understanding the role of it played in the molecular pathogenesis of GC, DAL-1 might be a potential biomarker for molecular diagnosis and evaluation of the GC.
Phylogeography of a semi-aquatic bug, Microvelia horvathi (Hemiptera: Veliidae): an evaluation of historical, geographical and ecological factors
Authors: Ye Zhen , Zhu Gengping , Damgaard Jakob , Chen Xin , Chen Pingping , Bu Wenjun
Published: February 2016

Subtropical China is a centre of speciation and well known for its high biological diversity and endemism. To understand the impact of historical, geographical and ecological factors on the intraspecific lineage divergence of invertebrates, we examined these processes in a semiaquatic bug, Microvelia horvathi (Hemiptera: Veliidae). Three hypotheses were developed using ecological niche models (ENM). We tested these hypotheses using mitochondrial (COI + COII) and nuclear data (ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2). The phylogenic analysis revealed a shallow divergence in mitochondrial data. Clade I was mostly confined to the northern region and clade II was nearly restricted to the southern region. The historical process of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations during the LGM promoted divergence, along with such geographical barriers as the Wuyi, Nanling and Xuefeng mountains and ecological factors of temperature and vegetation type, contributed to these shallow genetic divergences and helped maintain them. The north-south population differentiation probably occurred during the transition from LIG to LGM, with post-LGM population expansion. The results of genetic data were mostly consistent with the spatial predictions from ENM. Our study emphasizes the multiple effects influencing genetic population differentiation and also contributes to our knowledge of the phylogeography of other aquatic organisms in subtropical China.
Intraoperative Identification of Liver Cancer Microfoci Using a Targeted Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Imaging-Guided Surgery
Authors: Zeng Chaoting , Shang Wenting , Wang Kun , Chi Chongwei , Jia Xiaohua , Fang Cheng , Yang Du , Ye Jinzuo , Fang Chihua , Tian Jie
Published: February 2016

Difficulties in the highly sensitive detection of tumour microfoci represent a critical obstacle toward improved surgical intervention in liver cancer. Conventional preoperative imaging methods and surgeons’ subjective experience are limited by their inability to effectively detect tumour lesions measuring less than 2 mm; however, intraoperative fluorescence molecular imaging may overcome this limitation. Here, we synthesised an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) highly loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) dye that could accurately delineate liver cancer margins and provide excellent tumour-to-normal tissue contrast intraoperatively. The increased ICG loading capacity and tumour specificity enabled the identification of residual microtumours and satellite lesions measuring less than 1 mm in living mice. Histological analysis validated the sensitivity and accuracy of this approach. We believe this technique utilising a new fluorescent nanoprobe with intraoperative optical imaging may offer a more sensitive and accurate method for liver cancer resection guidance, resulting in better surgical outcomes.
Roles of Distal and Genic Methylation in the Development of Prostate Tumorigenesis Revealed by Genome-wide DNA Methylation Analysis
Authors: Wang Yao , Jadhav Rohit Ramakant , Liu Joseph , Wilson Desiree , Chen Yidong , Thompson Ian M. , Troyer Dean A. , Hernandez Javier , Shi Huidong , Leach Robin J. , Huang Tim H.-M. , Jin Victor X.
Published: February 2016

Aberrant DNA methylation at promoters is often linked to tumorigenesis. But many aspects of DNA methylation remain unexplored, including the individual roles of distal and gene body methylation, as well as their collaborative roles with promoter methylation. Here we performed a MBD-seq analysis on prostate specimens classified into low, high and very high risk group based on Gleason score and TNM stages. We identified gene sets with differential methylation regions (DMRs) in Distal, TSS, gene body and TES. To understand the collaborative roles, TSS was compared with the other three DMRs, resulted in 12 groups of genes with collaborative differential methylation patterns (CDMPs). We found several groups of genes that show opposite methylation patterns in Distal and Genic regions compared to TSS region and in general they are differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in tumors in TCGA RNA-seq data. IPA (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) reveals AR/TP53 signaling network to be a major signaling pathway and survival analysis indicates genes subsets significantly associated with prostate cancer recurrence. Our results suggest that DNA methylation in Distal and Genic regions also plays critical roles in contributing to prostate tumorigenesis and may act either positively or negatively with TSSs to alter gene regulation in tumors.
Microfluidic enrichment for the single cell analysis of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Yeo Trifanny , Tan Swee Jin , Lim Chew Leng , Lau Dawn Ping Xi , Chua Yong Wei , Krisna Sai Sakktee , Iyer Gopal , Tan Gek San , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Tan Daniel S.W. , Lim Wan-Teck , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: February 2016

Resistance to drug therapy is a major concern in cancer treatment. To probe clones resistant to chemotherapy, the current approach is to conduct pooled cell analysis. However, this can yield false negative outcomes, especially when we are analyzing a rare number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) among an abundance of other cell types. Here, we develop a microfluidic device that is able to perform high throughput, selective picking and isolation of single CTC to 100% purity from a larger population of other cells. This microfluidic device can effectively separate the very rare CTCs from blood samples from as few as 1 in 20,000 white blood cells. We first demonstrate isolation of pure tumor cells from a mixed population and track variations of acquired T790M mutations before and after drug treatment using a model PC9 cell line. With clinical CTC samples, we then show that the isolated single CTCs are representative of dominant EGFR mutations such as T790M and L858R found in the primary tumor. With this single cell recovery device, we can potentially implement personalized treatment not only through detecting genetic aberrations at the single cell level, but also through tracking such changes during an anticancer therapy.
Dense blocks of energetic ions driven by multi-petawatt lasers
Authors: Weng S. M. , Liu M. , Sheng Z. M. , Murakami M. , Chen M. , Yu L. L. , Zhang J.
Published: February 2016

Laser-driven ion accelerators have the advantages of compact size, high density and short bunch duration over conventional accelerators. Nevertheless, it is still challenging to simultaneously enhance the yield and quality of laser-driven ion beams for practical applications. Here we propose a scheme to address this challenge via the use of emerging multi-petawatt lasers and a density-modulated target. The density-modulated target permits its ions to be uniformly accelerated as a dense block by laser radiation pressure. In addition, the beam quality of the accelerated ions is remarkably improved by embedding the target in a thick enough substrate, which suppresses hot electron refluxing and thus alleviates plasma heating. Particle-in-cell simulations demonstrate that almost all ions in a solid-density plasma of a few microns can be uniformly accelerated to about 25% of the speed of light by a laser pulse at an intensity around 1022 W/cm2. The resulting dense block of energetic ions may drive fusion ignition and more generally create matter with unprecedented high energy density.
In vivo optical imaging of MMP2 immuno protein antibody: tumor uptake is associated with MMP2 activity
Authors: Panth Kranthi Marella , van den Beucken Twan , Biemans Rianne , Lieuwes Natasja G. , Weber Marcel , Losen Mario , Yaromina Ala , Dubois Ludwig J. , Lambin Philippe
Published: February 2016

Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) is important in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and tumor invasion. In this study, we investigated if the Cy5-tagged small immuno protein targeting the catalytic domain of human MMP2 (aMMP2-SIP) detects MMP2 in tumors non-invasively. For this purpose, we generated MMP2 expressing (empty vector EV) and knock-down (KD) HT1080, U373 and U87 cells, which were injected subcutaneously in the lateral flank of NMRI-nu mice. Optical imaging (Optix MX2) performed at 0.5, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 hour post injection (h.p.i.) of Cy5 tagged aMMP2-SIP, indicated significantly lower tumor to background ratios at both 24 (P = 0.0090) and 48 h.p.i. (P < 0.0001) for the U87 MMP2-KD compared to control tumors. No differences were found for HT1080 and U373 models. U87 MMP2-KD tumors had significantly lower MMP2 activity (P < 0.0001) than EV tumors as determined by gelatin zymography in tumor sections and lysates, while no differences were observed between EV and MMP2-KD in HT1080 and U373. In line with these data, only U87 MMP2-KD tumors had a reduced tumor growth compared to control tumors (P = 0.0053). aMMP2-SIP uptake correlates with MMP2 activity and might therefore be a potential non-invasive imaging biomarker for the evaluation of MMP2 activity in tumors.
Temperature sensitivity and enzymatic mechanisms of soil organic matter decomposition along an altitudinal gradient on Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Blagodatskaya Еvgenia , Blagodatsky Sergey , Khomyakov Nikita , Myachina Olga , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: February 2016

Short-term acceleration of soil organic matter decomposition by increasing temperature conflicts with the thermal adaptation observed in long-term studies. Here we used the altitudinal gradient on Mt. Kilimanjaro to demonstrate the mechanisms of thermal adaptation of extra- and intracellular enzymes that hydrolyze cellulose, chitin and phytate and oxidize monomers (14C-glucose) in warm- and cold-climate soils. We revealed that no response of decomposition rate to temperature occurs because of a cancelling effect consisting in an increase in half-saturation constants (Km), which counteracts the increase in maximal reaction rates (Vmax with temperature). We used the parameters of enzyme kinetics to predict thresholds of substrate concentration (Scrit) below which decomposition rates will be insensitive to global warming. Increasing values of Scrit, and hence stronger canceling effects with increasing altitude on Mt. Kilimanjaro, explained the thermal adaptation of polymer decomposition. The reduction of the temperature sensitivity of Vmax along the altitudinal gradient contributed to thermal adaptation of both polymer and monomer degradation. Extrapolating the altitudinal gradient to the large-scale latitudinal gradient, these results show that the soils of cold climates with stronger and more frequent temperature variation are less sensitive to global warming than soils adapted to high temperatures.
Cobalt oxide nanoparticles can enter inside the cells by crossing plasma membranes
Authors: Bossi Elena , Zanella Daniele , Gornati Rosalba , Bernardini Giovanni
Published: February 2016

The ability of nanoparticles (NPs) to be promptly uptaken by the cells makes them both dangerous and useful to human health. It was recently postulated that some NPs might cross the plasma membrane also by a non-endocytotic pathway gaining access to the cytoplasm. To this aim, after having filled mature Xenopus oocytes with Calcein, whose fluorescence is strongly quenched by divalent metal ions, we have exposed them to different cobalt NPs quantifying quenching as evidence of the increase of the concentration of Co2+ released by the NPs that entered into the cytoplasm. We demonstrated that cobalt oxide NPs, but not cobalt nor cobalt oxide NPs that were surrounded by a protein corona, can indeed cross plasma membranes.
Autoimmune Responses to Soluble Aggregates of Amyloidogenic Proteins Involved in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Overlapping Aggregation Prone and Autoimmunogenic regions
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Thangakani A. Mary , Nagarajan R. , Singh Satish K. , Velmurugan D. , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: February 2016

Why do patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases generate autoantibodies that selectively bind soluble aggregates of amyloidogenic proteins? Presently, molecular basis of interactions between the soluble aggregates and human immune system is unknown. By analyzing sequences of experimentally validated T-cell autoimmune epitopes, aggregating peptides, amyloidogenic proteins and randomly generated peptides, here we report overlapping regions that likely drive aggregation as well as generate autoantibodies against the aggregates. Sequence features, that make short peptides susceptible to aggregation, increase their incidence in human T-cell autoimmune epitopes by 4–6 times. Many epitopes are predicted to be significantly aggregation prone (aggregation propensities ≥10%) and the ones containing experimentally validated aggregating regions are enriched in hydrophobicity by 10–20%. Aggregate morphologies also influence Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) - types recognized by the aggregating regions containing epitopes. Most (88%) epitopes that contain amyloid fibril forming regions bind HLA-DR, while majority (63%) of those containing amorphous β-aggregating regions bind HLA-DQ. More than two-thirds (70%) of human amyloidogenic proteins contain overlapping regions that are simultaneously aggregation prone and auto-immunogenic. Such regions help clear soluble aggregates by generating selective autoantibodies against them. This can be harnessed for early diagnosis of proteinopathies and for drug/vaccine design against them.
Isothiocyanates as effective agents against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli: insight to the mode of action
Authors: Nowicki Dariusz , Rodzik Olga , Herman-Antosiewicz Anna , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka
Published: February 2016

Production of Shiga toxins by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) which is responsible for the pathogenicity of these strains, is strictly correlated with induction of lambdoid bacteriophages present in the host’s genome, replication of phage DNA and expression of stx genes. Antibiotic treatment of EHEC infection may lead to induction of prophage into a lytic development, thus increasing the risk of severe complications. This, together with the spread of multi-drug resistance, increases the need for novel antimicrobial agents. We report here that isothiocyanates (ITC), plant secondary metabolites, such as sulforaphane (SFN), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), benzyl isothiocynanate (BITC), phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC) and isopropyl isothiocyanate (IPRITC), inhibit bacterial growth and lytic development of stx-harboring prophages. The mechanism underlying the antimicrobial effect of ITCs involves the induction of global bacterial stress regulatory system, the stringent response. Its alarmone, guanosine penta/tetraphosphate ((p)ppGpp) affects major cellular processes, including nucleic acids synthesis, which leads to the efficient inhibition of both, prophage induction and toxin synthesis, abolishing in this way EHEC virulence for human and simian cells. Thus, ITCs could be considered as potential therapeutic agents in EHEC infections.
Tuning near-gap electronic structure, interface charge transfer and visible light response of hybrid doped graphene and Ag3PO4 composite: Dopant effects
Authors: He Chao-Ni , Huang Wei-Qing , Xu Liang , Yang Yin-Cai , Zhou Bing-Xin , Huang Gui-Fang , Peng P. , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: February 2016

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of doped graphene (GR)/semiconductor nanocomposites have recently been widely observed, but an understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind it is still out of reach. As a model system to study the dopant effects, we investigate the electronic structures and optical properties of doped GR/Ag3PO4 nanocomposites using the first-principles calculations, demonstrating that the band gap, near-gap electronic structure and interface charge transfer of the doped GR/Ag3PO4(100) composite can be tuned by the dopants. Interestingly, the doping atom and C atoms bonded to dopant become active sites for photocatalysis because they are positively or negatively charged due to the charge redistribution caused by interaction. The dopants can enhance the visible light absorption and photoinduced electron transfer. We propose that the N atom may be one of the most appropriate dopants for the GR/Ag3PO4 photocatalyst. This work can rationalize the available experimental results about N-doped GR-semiconductor composites and enriches our understanding on the dopant effects in the doped GR-based composites for developing high-performance photocatalysts.
Cadmium Sulfide and Nickel Synergetic Co-catalysts Supported on Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yue Xinzheng , Yi Shasha , Wang Runwei , Zhang Zongtao , Qiu Shilun
Published: February 2016

Design and preparation of noble-metal-free photocatalysts is of great importance for photocatalytic water splitting harvesting solar energy. Here, we report the high visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution upon the hybrid photocatalyst system consisting of CdS nanocrystals and Ni@NiO nanoparticles grown on the surface of g-C3N4. The hybrid system shows a high H2-production rate of 1258.7 μmol h−1 g−1 in the presence of triethanolamine as a sacrificial electron donor under visible light irradiation. The synergetic catalytic mechanism has been studied and the results of photovoltaic and photoluminescence properties show that efficient electron transfer could be achieved from g-C3N4 to CdS nanocrystals and subsequently to Ni@NiO hybrid.
Epitaxial growth of iridate pyrochlore Nd2Ir2O7 films
Authors: Gallagher J. C. , Esser B. D. , Morrow R. , Dunsiger S. R. , Williams R. E. A. , Woodward P. M. , McComb D. W. , Yang F. Y.
Published: February 2016

Epitaxial films of the pyrochlore Nd2Ir2O7 have been grown on (111)-oriented yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates by off-axis sputtering followed by post-growth annealing. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results demonstrate phase-pure epitaxial growth of the pyrochlore films on YSZ. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) investigation of an Nd2Ir2O7 film with a short post-annealing provides insight into the mechanism for crystallization of Nd2Ir2O7 during the post-annealing process. STEM images reveal clear pyrochlore ordering of Nd and Ir in the films. The epitaxial relationship between the YSZ and Nd2Ir2O7 is observed clearly while some interfacial regions show a thin region with polycrystalline Ir nanocrystals.
Abundant box jellyfish, Chironex sp. (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropidae), discovered at depths of over 50 m on western Australian coastal reefs
Authors: Keesing John K. , Strzelecki Joanna , Stowar Marcus , Wakeford Mary , Miller Karen J. , Gershwin Lisa-Ann , Liu Dongyan
Published: February 2016

Box jellyfish cause human fatalities and have a life cycle and habit associated with shallow waters (<5 m) in mangrove creeks, coastal beaches, embayments. In north-western Australia, tow video and epibenthic sled surveys discovered large numbers (64 in a 1500 m tow or 0.05 m−2) of Chironex sp. very near to the benthos (<50 cm) at depths of 39–56 m. This is the first record of a population of box jellyfish closely associated with the benthos at such depths. Chironex were not widespread, occurring only in 2 of 33 tow videos and 3 of 41 epibenthic sleds spread over 2000 km2. All Chironex filmed or captured were on low to medium relief reefs with rich filter feeder communities. None were on soft sediment habitat despite these habitats comprising 49% of all sites. The importance of the reef habitat to Chironex remains unclear. Being associated with filter feeder communities might represent a hazard, and other studies have shown C. fleckeri avoid habitats which represent a risk of entanglement of their tentacles. Most of our observations were made during the period of lowest tidal current flow in the morning. This may represent a period favourable for active hunting for prey close to the seabed.
A new switching parameter varying optoelectronic delayed feedback model with computer simulation
Authors: Liu Lingfeng , Miao Suoxia , Cheng Mengfan , Gao Xiaojing
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a new switching parameter varying optoelectronic delayed feedback model is proposed and analyzed by computer simulation. This model is switching between two parameter varying optoelectronic delayed feedback models based on chaotic pseudorandom sequences. Complexity performance results show that this model has a high complexity compared to the original model. Furthermore, this model can conceal the time delay effectively against the auto-correlation function, delayed mutual information and permutation information analysis methods, and can extent the key space, which greatly improve its security.
Morphology-dependent Electrochemical Enhancements of Porous Carbon as Sensitive Determination Platform for Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Cheng Qin , Ji Liudi , Wu Kangbing , Zhang Weikang
Published: February 2016

Using starch as the carbon precursor and different-sized ZnO naoparticles as the hard template, a series of porous carbon materials for electrochemical sensing were prepared. Experiments of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms reveal that the particle size of ZnO has big impacts on the porous morphology and surface area of the resulting carbon materials. Through ultrasonic dispersion of porous carbon and subsequent solvent evaporation, different sensing interfaces were constructed on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical behaviors of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) were studied. On the surface of porous carbon materials, the accumulation efficiency and electron transfer ability of AA, DA and UA are improved, and consequently their oxidation signals enhance greatly. Moreover, the interface enhancement effects of porous carbon are also controlled by the particle size of hard template. The constructed porous carbon interface displays strong signal amplification ability and holds great promise in constructing a sensitive platform for the simultaneous determination of AA, DA and UA.
Generalized Negative Reciprocity in the Dictator Game – How to Interrupt the Chain of Unfairness
Authors: Strang Sabrina , Grote Xenia , Kuss Katarina , Park Soyoung Q. , Weber Bernd
Published: February 2016

Humans are tremendously sensitive to unfairness. Unfairness provokes strong negative emotional reactions and influences our subsequent decision making. These decisions might not only have consequences for ourselves and the person who treated us unfairly but can even transmit to innocent third persons – a phenomenon that has been referred to as generalized negative reciprocity. In this study we aimed to investigate whether regulation of emotions can interrupt this chain of unfairness. Real allocations in a dictator game were used to create unfair situations. Three different regulation strategies, namely writing a message to the dictator who made an unfair offer, either forwarded or not forwarded, describing a neutral picture and a control condition in which subjects just had to wait for three minutes, were then tested on their ability to influence the elicited emotions. Subsequently participants were asked to allocate money between themselves and a third person. We show that writing a message which is forwarded to the unfair actor is an effective emotion regulation strategy and that those participants who regulated their emotions successfully by writing a message made higher allocations to a third person. Thus, using message writing as an emotion regulation strategy can interrupt the chain of unfairness.
Questioning the role of the frontopolar cortex in multi-component behavior – a TMS/EEG study
Authors: Gohil Krutika , Dippel Gabriel , Beste Christian
Published: February 2016

Cognitive control is central to many every day situations. There, we usually have to combine different actions to achieve a task goal. Several lines of research indicated that areas in the prefrontal cortex determine cognitive control in situations requiring multi-component behavior. One of this is the frontopolar cortex (FPC). However, direct non-correlative evidence for this notion is widely lacking. In the current study we test the importance of the FPC for the implementation of action cascading processes in a TMS/EEG study. The data, however, clearly show that the FPC does not modulate behavioral or neurophysiological parameters reflecting action cascading, which is in contrast to the findings of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The results are supported by a Bayesian analysis of the data. The results suggest that a possible role of the FPC in multi-component behavior needs to be refined. At least in situations, where multi-component behavior is achieved by stopping and switching processes and does not impose high demands on working memory processes the FPC seems to play no role in the implementation of this major cognitive control function.
Internal dynamics of intense twin beams and their coherence
Authors: Peřina Jan , Haderka Ondřej , Allevi Alessia , Bondani Maria
Published: February 2016

The dynamics of intense twin beams in pump-depleted parametric down-conversion is studied. A generalized parametric approximation is suggested to solve the quantum model. Its comparison with a semiclassical model valid for larger twin-beam intensities confirms its applicability. The experimentally observed maxima in the spectral and spatial intensity auto- and cross- correlation functions depending on pump power are explained in terms of different speeds of the (back-) flow of energy between the individual down-converted modes and the corresponding pump modes. This effect is also responsible for the gradual replacement of the initial exponential growth of the down-converted fields by the linear one. Furthermore, it forms a minimum in the curve giving the effective number of twin-beam modes. These effects manifest a tight relation between the twin-beam coherence and its internal structure, as clearly visible in the model. Multiple maxima in the intensity correlation functions originating in the oscillations of energy flow between the pump and down-converted modes are theoretically predicted.
Anemia rather than hypertension contributes to cerebral hyperperfusion in young adults undergoing hemodialysis: A phase contrast MRI study
Authors: Zheng Gang , Wen Jiqiu , Yu Wenkui , Li Xue , Zhang Zhe , Chen Huijuan , Kong Xiang , Luo Song , Jiang Xiaolu , Liu Ya , Zhang Zongjun , Zhang Long Jiang , Lu Guang Ming
Published: February 2016

Cerebral hyperperfusion, anemia and hypertension are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Young ESRD adults might afford a better hemodynamic tolerance; however, their cerebral vascular disorders are often overlooked. This phase-contrast MRI study investigated relationships between cerebral blood flow (CBF), anemia and hypertension in young adults undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Blood flows, velocities and cross-sectional areas of bilateral internal carotid arteries and vertebral arteries were quantified on phase maps in 33 patients and 27 healthy controls. Cerebral oxygen delivery (COD) and vascular resistance were (CVR) were computed based on CBF, hemoglobin and mean arterial pressure (MAP). We found strong correlations among hemoglobin, MAP and CBF. Hemoglobin rather than MAP was directly related to CBF. COD was negatively related to MAP, while CVR was positively related to hemoglobin. The cross-sectional areas of arteries were increased which were directly associated with hemoglobin rather than MAP. HD patients were of elevated CBF, decreased COD and unchanged CVR. Although elevated CBF compensated anemia-induced hypoxia, COD of these patients was still lower. Anemia directly contributed to elevated CBF and hypertension affected CBF through anemia. Unaffected CVR of young patients probably indicated that they could maintain basic functions of cerebral circulation under multiple risk factors.
Silane modified upconversion nanoparticles with multifunctions: imaging, therapy and hypoxia detection
Authors: Xu Shihan , Zhang Xinran , Xu Hongwei , Dong Biao , Qu Xuesong , Chen Boting , Zhang Shuang , Zhang Tianxiang , Cheng Yu , Xu Sai , Song Hongwei
Published: February 2016

Herein, we report a facile route to synthesize silane coated upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs@silane) with an ultrathin layer (the thickness: 1–2 nm), which not only provides good biocompatibility, but also affords hydrophobic interspace to load organic molecules to realize multifunctions. Besides the function of upconversion imaging of UCNPs, cancer therapy and oxygen level detection can also be realized by the addition of chemotherapy drug, PTX, and oxygen sensitive molecules, Platinum (II) octaethylporphine (PtOEP). In bio-experiments, besides the MTT assays, therapy efficacy of UCNPs@PTX@silane can also be detected with the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) by staining methods. UCNPs@PtOEP@silane can afford minimally invasive analysis of dissolved oxygen and then respond sensitively to the variance of intracellular oxygen concentration affected by therapeutic UCNPs@PTX@silane.
Retinal vein occlusion and the risk of acute myocardial infarction development: a 12-year nationwide cohort study
Authors: Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Han John Seungsoo , Oh Jaewon , Kim Dong Wook , Kang Seok-Min , Chung Eun Jee
Published: February 2016

The goal of this study was to evaluate the risk of developing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) following retinal vein occlusion (RVO). A retrospective cohort study was performed from the National Health Insurance Service and comprised 1,025,340 random subjects who were followed from 2002 to 2013. Patients with RVO in 2002 were excluded. The RVO group was composed of patients who received an initial RVO diagnosis between January 2003 and December 2007 (n = 1677). The comparison group was selected (five patients per RVO patient; n = 8367) using propensity score matching according to sociodemographic factors and the year of enrolment. Each patient was tracked until 2013. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used. AMI developed in 7.6% of the RVO group and 5.3% of the comparison group (p < 0.001) for 7.7 median follow-up periods. RVO increased the risk of AMI development [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.25; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02 to 1.52]. In the subgroup analysis, RVO patients aged <65 years and the males within this age group had an adjusted HR of 1.47 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.98) and an adjusted HR of 2.00 (95% CI 1.38 to 2.91) for AMI development, respectively. RVO was significantly associated with AMI development.
A novel hepatovirus identified in wild woodchuck Marmota himalayana
Authors: Yu Jie-mei , Li Li-li , Zhang Cui-yuan , Lu Shan , Ao Yuan-yun , Gao Han-chun , Xie Zhi-ping , Xie Guang-cheng , Sun Xiao-man , Pang Li-li , Xu Jian-guo , Lipkin W. Ian , Duan Zhao-Jun
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a hepatotropic picornavirus that causes acute liver disease worldwide. Here, we report on the identification of a novel hepatovirus tentatively named Marmota Himalayana hepatovirus (MHHAV) in wild woodchucks (Marmota Himalayana) in China. The genomic and molecular characterization of MHHAV indicated that it is most closely related genetically to HAV. MHHAV has wide tissue distribution but shows tropism for the liver. The virus is morphologically and structurally similar to HAV. The pattern of its codon usage bias is also consistent with that of HAV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that MHHAV groups with known HAVs but forms an independent branch and represents a new species in the genus Hepatovirus within the family Picornaviridae. Antigenic site analysis suggested MHHAV has a new antigenic property to other HAVs. Further evolutionary analysis of MHHAV and primate HAVs led to a most recent common ancestor estimate of 1,000 years ago, while the common ancestor of all HAV-related viruses including phopivirus can be traced back to 1800 years ago. The discovery of MHHAV may provide new insights into the origin and evolution of HAV and a model system with which to explore the pathogenesis of HAV infection.
Biological movement and the encoding of its motion and orientation
Authors: Benton Christopher P. , Thirkettle Martin , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E.
Published: February 2016

Are you walking at me? Biological movement and the encoding of its motion and orientation. A person’s motion conveys a wealth of information that ranges from the complex, such as intention or emotional state, to the simple, such as direction of locomotion. How we recognise and recover people’s motion is addressed by models of biological motion processing. Single channel models propose that this occurs through the operation of form template neurons which respond to viewpoint dependent snapshots of posture. More controversially, a dual channel approach proposes a second stream containing motion template neurons sensitive to view dependent snapshots of biological movement’s characteristic local velocity field. We used behavioural adaptation to look for the co-encoding of viewpoint and walker motion, a hallmark of motion template analysis. We show that opposite viewpoint aftereffects can simultaneously be induced for forwards and reversed walkers. This demonstrates that distinct populations of neurons encode forwards and reversed walking. To account for such aftereffects, these units must either be able to inhibit viewpoint-encoding neurons, or they must encode viewpoint directly. Whereas current single channel models would need extending to incorporate these characteristics, the idea that walker motion is encoded directly, such that viewpoint and motion are intrinsically interlinked, is a fundamental component of the dual channel model.
Critical phenomenon of the near room temperature skyrmion material FeGe
Authors: Zhang Lei , Han Hui , Ge Min , Du Haifeng , Jin Chiming , Wei Wensen , Fan Jiyu , Zhang Changjin , Pi Li , Zhang Yuheng
Published: February 2016

The cubic B20 compound FeGe, which exhibits a near room temperature skyrmion phase, is of great importance not only for fundamental physics such as nonlinear magnetic ordering and solitons but also for future application of skyrmion states in spintronics. In this work, the critical behavior of the cubic FeGe is investigated by means of bulk dc-magnetization. We obtain the critical exponents (β = 0.336 ± 0.004, γ = 1.352 ± 0.003 and β = 5.276 ± 0.001), where the self-consistency and reliability are verified by the Widom scaling law and scaling equations. The magnetic exchange distance is found to decay as "Equation missing"r−4.9, which is close to the theoretical prediction of 3D-Heisenberg model (r−5). The critical behavior of FeGe indicates a short-range magnetic interaction. Meanwhile, the critical exponents also imply an anisotropic magnetic coupling in this system.
Smart three-dimensional lightweight structure triggered from a thin composite sheet via 3D printing technique
Authors: Zhang Quan , Zhang Kai , Hu Gengkai
Published: February 2016

Complex fabrication process and expensive materials have restricted the development of smart three-dimensional (3D) lightweight structures, which are expected to possess self-shaping, self-folding and self-unfolding performances. Here we present a simple approach to fabricate smart lightweight structures by triggering shape transformation from thin printed composite sheets. The release of the internal strain in printed polymer materials enables the printed composite sheet to keep flat under heating and transform into a designed 3D configuration when cooled down to room temperature. The 3D lightweight structure can be switched between flat and 3D configuration under appropriate thermal stimuli. Our work exploits uniform internal strain in printed materials as a controllable tool to fabricate smart 3D lightweight structures, opening an avenue for possible applications in engineering fields.
Na-ion Storage Performances of FeSex and Fe2O3 Hollow Nanoparticles-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Balls prepared by Nanoscale Kirkendall Diffusion Process
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Cho Jung Sang , Lee Jung-Kul , Kang Yun Chan
Published: February 2016

Uniquely structured FeSex-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite powders, in which hollow FeSex nanoparticles are uniformly distributed throughout the rGO matrix, were prepared by spray pyrolysis applying the nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion process. Iron oxide-rGO composite powders were transformed into FeSex-rGO composite powders by a two-step post-treatment process. Metallic Fe nanocrystals formed during the first-step post-treatment process were transformed into hollow FeSex nanoparticles during the selenization process. The FeSex-rGO composite powders had mixed crystal structures of FeSe and FeSe2 phases. A rGO content of 33% was estimated from the TG analysis of the FeSex-rGO composite powders. The FeSex-rGO composite powders had superior sodium-ion storage properties compared to those of the Fe2O3-rGO composite powders with similar morphological characteristics. The discharge capacities of the FeSex- and Fe2O3-rGO composite powders for the 200th cycle at a constant current density of 0.3 A g−1 were 434 and 174 mA h g−1, respectively. The FeSex-rGO composite powders had a high discharge capacity of 311 mA h g−1 for the 1000th cycle at a high current density of 1 A g−1.
Simultaneous quasi-one-dimensional propagation and tuning of upconversion luminescence through waveguide effect
Authors: Gao Dangli , Tian Dongping , Zhang Xiangyu , Gao Wei
Published: February 2016

Luminescence-based waveguide is widely investigated as a promising alternative to conquer the difficulties of efficiently coupling light into a waveguide. But applications have been still limited due to employing blue or ultraviolet light as excitation source with the lower penetration depth leading to a weak guided light. Here, we show a quasi-one-dimensional propagation of luminescence and then resulting in a strong luminescence output from the top end of a single NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ microtube under near infrared light excitation. The mechanism of upconversion propagation, based on the optical waveguide effect accompanied with energy migration, is proposed. The efficiency of luminescence output is highly dependent on the concentration of dopant ions, excitation power, morphology and crystallinity of tube as an indirect evidence of the existence of the optical actived waveguide effect. These findings provide the possibility for the construction of upconversion fiber laser.
Predicting efficacies of anticancer drugs using single cell HaloChip assay
Authors: Ma Liyuan , Xun Xiaojie , Qiao Yong , An Jincui , Su Ming
Published: February 2016

Single cell HaloChip assay can be used to assess DNA repair ability.
Hydrogen-atom attack on phenol and toluene is ortho-directed
Authors: Krechkivska Olha , Wilcox Callan M. , Troy Tyler P. , Nauta Klaas , Chan Bun , Jacob Rebecca , Reid Scott A. , Radom Leo , Schmidt Timothy W. , Kable Scott H.
Published: February 2016

The reaction of H + phenol and H/D + toluene has been studied in a supersonic expansion after electric discharge.
Insights into the carbon catalyzed direct dehydrogenation of isobutane by employing modified OMCs
Authors: Zhang Zhongshen , Li Yang , Wang Junhui , Yang Hongling , Li Na , Ma Chunyan , Hao Zhengping
Published: February 2016

The defects/vacancies existing in both carbon and coke, are the active sites for carbon catalyzed isobutane direct dehydrogenation.
Pyrrolidine modified PANF catalyst for asymmetric Michael addition of ketones to nitrostyrenes in aqueous phase
Authors: Du Jianguo , Shuai Bin , Tao Minli , Wang Guangwei , Zhang Wenqin
Published: February 2016

Three chiral pyrrolidine functionalized polyacrylonitrile fiber catalysts have been designed, prepared, and evaluated for their catalytic performance in asymmetric Michael addition of ketones to nitrostyrenes in water.
Application of a novel electrochemical sensor based on modified siliceous mesocellular foam for electrochemical detection of ultra-trace amounts of mercury ions
Authors: Kalate Bojdi Majid , Behbahani Mohammad , Omidi Fariborz , Hesam Ghasem
Published: February 2016

S-MCF particles were functionalized with dithizone groups, and applied as a new class of mesoporous electrode material for preconcentration and electrochemical detection of trace mercury ions in environmental samples.
A highly selective and reversible water-soluble polymer based-colorimetric chemosensor for rapid detection of Cu2+ in pure aqueous solution
Authors: Li Guang , Tao Farong , Liu Qian , Wang Liping , Wei Zhuang , Zhu Fen , Chen Wenxiu , Sun Houyu , Zhou Yujie
Published: February 2016

A novel reversible colorimetric chemosensor based on polyethylene glycol has been developed to detect Cu2+ ions in pure aqueous solution.
Calyculin: Nature's way of making the sponge-derived cytotoxin
Authors: Wakimoto Toshiyuki , Egami Yoko , Abe Ikuro
Published: February 2016

In this highlight, we focus on the recent studies addressing nature's design and biogenesis of calyculin A, a cytotoxic compound isolated from the Japanese marine sponge Discodermia calyx.
Enrichment of cancer stem cells by cotton fiber
Authors: Wang Junhua , Sun Bo , Wang Xiu , Liang Gaofeng , Zhang Jun , Xu Chengxiong , Xiao Zhongdang
Published: February 2016

In this study, a new, simple method for selecting and expanding CSCs was developed. In the system, PC12 cells were cultured on a supporting material of cotton fibers treated by NH3 plasma.
Thermal stability and decomposition of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) salts
Authors: Kerner Manfred , Plylahan Nareerat , Scheers Johan , Johansson Patrik
Published: February 2016

Here the performance of three commercial LiFSI salts is compared with focus on thermal stability and phase transitions together with a vibrational spectroscopy based assessment of salt purity and decomposition products.
Multi-dimensional, comprehensive sample extraction combined with LC-GC/MS analysis for complex biological samples: application in the metabolomics study of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yang Qin , Sun Jia , Chen Yong Q.
Published: February 2016

Multi-dimensional sample extraction and optimal LC-GC/MS were combined to obtain as much sample information as possible for metabolomics applications.
Supramolecular reactions of metallo-architectures: Ag2-double-helicate/Zn4-grid, Pb4-grid/Zn4-grid interconversions, and Ag2-double-helicate fusion
Authors: Stadler Adrian-Mihail , Ramírez Juan , Lehn Jean-Marie , Vincent Bruno
Published: February 2016

A Ag+dinuclear double-helicate was converted into a Zn2+tetranuclear grid, and a Pb2+grid, into a Zn2+grid; a Ag+heterostranded double helicate was obtained from two homostranded helicates.
Structural properties of polymer-brush-grafted gold nanoparticles at the oil–water interface: insights from coarse-grained simulations
Authors: Quan Xuebo , Peng ChunWang , Dong Jiaqi , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2016

Phase transfer of polymer brush-grafted gold nanoparticles across the oil–water interface.
Controlled functionalization of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) films for high energy storage applications
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Lin , Zhu Meng , Wang Yiguang , Li Nanwen , Zhang Zhijie , Chen Quan , An Linan , Lin Yuanhua , Nan Cewen
Published: February 2016

A new family of poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) ionomers with high energy density at a high breakdown strength, high charge-discharge energy efficiency and a very narrow breakdown distribution for energy storage in future capacitor devices.
Efficient gene transfection to liver cells via the cellular regulation of a multifunctional polylactitol-based gene transporter
Authors: Kim Young-Dong , Park Tae-Eun , Singh Bijay , Cho Kye-Soo , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Choi Yun-Jaie , Arote Rohidas B. , Cho Chong-Su
Published: February 2016

A new polylactitol-based multifunctional gene carrier has shown low cytotoxicity, a high transfection efficiency, and liver cell targeting bothin vitroandin vivo.
N-dots as a photoluminescent probe for the rapid and selective detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ in aqueous solution
Authors: Wu Zhisheng , Feng Mengke , Chen Xiuxian , Tang Xinjing
Published: February 2016

New N-dots for the sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+ and Ag+ without surface modifications.
Beyond platinum: silver-catalyst based bubble-propelled tubular micromotors
Authors: Teo Wei Zhe , Wang Hong , Pumera Martin
Published: February 2016

Tubular micromotors prepared with silver catalyst exhibited high mobility and could reduce reliance on scarce Pt metal.
High performance Au–Cu alloy for enhanced visible-light water splitting driven by coinage metals
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Zhou Wei , Wang Ting , Wang Defa , Liu Lequan , Ye Jinhua
Published: February 2016

A Au–Cu alloy strategy is demonstrated to be effective in enhancing visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution over photosensitized SrTiO3via promoting metal interband transitions.
Optimized Rhodamine B labeled mesoporous silica nanoparticles as fluorescent scaffolds for the immobilization of photosensitizers: a theranostic platform for optical imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Martins Estevão B. , Miletto I. , Marchese L. , Gianotti E.
Published: February 2016

A theranostic nanoplatform coupling optical-imaging with photodynamic-therapy was prepared by using Rhodamine B as a contrast agent and verteporfin as a photosensitizer.
Synthesis, structure, ultrafast kinetics, and light-induced dynamics of CuHETPHEN chromophores
Authors: Kohler Lars , Hayes Dugan , Hong Jiyun , Carter Tyler J. , Shelby Megan L. , Fransted Kelly A. , Chen Lin X. , Mulfort Karen L.
Published: February 2016

Five heteroleptic Cu(i)bis(phenanthroline) chromophores with distinct variation in the steric bulk at the 2,9-phenanthroline position were synthesized using the HETPHEN method, and their ground and excited state properties are described.
Hydrogenation of levulinic acid by RuCl2(PPh3)3 in supercritical CO2: the significance of structural changes of Ru complexes via interaction with CO2
Authors: Yang Wenjing , Cheng Haiyang , Zhang Bin , Li Yan , Liu Tong , Lan Mingli , Yu Yancun , Zhang Chao , Lin Weiwei , Fujita Shin-ichiro , Arai Masahiko , Zhao Fengyu
Published: February 2016

The molecular interaction between CO2 and RuCl2(PPh3)3 resulted high hydrogenation rate in scCO2.
Effective recycling of manganese oxide cathodes for lithium based batteries
Authors: Poyraz Altug S. , Huang Jianping , Cheng Shaobo , Bock David C. , Wu Lijun , Zhu Yimei , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Takeuchi Esther S.
Published: February 2016

A facile cathode recycling process is demonstrated where the previously used binder-free self-supporting cathodes (BFSSC) are removed from a cell, heat treated, and then inserted into a new cell restoring the delivered capacity and cycle life.