bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PID1 increases chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cells in a manner that involves NFκB
Authors: Xu Jingying , Ren Xiuhai , Pathania Anup Singh , Fernandez G. Esteban , Tran Anthony , Zhang Yifu , Moats Rex A. , Shackleford Gregory M. , Erdreich-Epstein Anat
Published: April 2017

Phosphotyrosine Interaction Domain containing 1 (PID1; NYGGF4) inhibits growth of medulloblastoma, glioblastoma and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor cell lines. PID1 tumor mRNA levels are highly correlated with longer survival in medulloblastoma and glioma patients, suggesting their tumors may have been more sensitive to therapy. We hypothesized that PID1 sensitizes brain tumors to therapy. We found that PID1 increased the apoptosis induced by cisplatin and etoposide in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cell lines. PID1 siRNA diminished cisplatin-induced apoptosis, suggesting that PID1 is required for cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Etoposide and cisplatin increased NFκB promoter reporter activity and etoposide induced nuclear translocation of NFκB. Etoposide also increased PID1 promoter reporter activity, PID1 mRNA, and PID1 protein, which were diminished by NFκB inhibitors JSH-23 and Bay117082. However, while cisplatin increased PID1 mRNA, it decreased PID1 protein. This decrease in PID1 protein was mitigated by the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, suggesting that cisplatin induced proteasome dependent degradation of PID1. These data demonstrate for the first time that etoposide- and cisplatin-induced apoptosis in medulloblastoma and glioblastoma cell lines is mediated in part by PID1, involves NFκB, and may be regulated by proteasomal degradation. This suggests that PID1 may contribute to responsiveness to chemotherapy.
Complexity analysis of fNIRS signals in ADHD children during working memory task
Authors: Gu Yue , Miao Shuo , Han Junxia , Zeng Ke , Ouyang Gaoxiang , Yang Jian , Li Xiaoli
Published: April 2017

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Neuroimaging studies have revealed abnormalities of neural activities in some brain regions, including the frontal cortex, striatum, cerebellum, and occipital cortex. Recently, some investigators have demonstrated that nonlinear complexity analysis of neural activity may provide a new index to indicate ADHD. In the present study, we used the permutation entropy (PE) to measure the complexity of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals in children with and without ADHD during a working memory task, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the PE values and the cortical activations, and the different PE values between the children with and without ADHD. We found that PE values exhibited significantly negative correlation with the cortical activations (r = −0.515, p = 0.003), and the PE values of right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in ADHD children were significantly larger than those in normal controls (p = 0.027). In addition, the PE values of right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were positively correlated to the ADHD index (r = 0.448, p = 0.012). These results suggest that complexity analysis of fNIRS signals could be a promising tool in diagnosing children with ADHD.
Imaging atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: evidence for increased prevalence, altered phenotype and a link between systemic and localised plaque inflammation
Authors: Skeoch S. , Cristinacce P. L. Hubbard , Williams H. , Pemberton P. , Xu D. , Sun J. , James J. , Yuan C. , Hatsukami T. , Hockings P. D. , Alexander M. Y. , Waterton J. C. , Bruce I. N.
Published: April 2017

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), chronic inflammation is thought to drive increased cardiovascular risk through accelerated atherosclerosis. It may also lead to a more high-risk plaque phenotype. We sought to investigate carotid plaque phenotype in RA patients using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and Fludeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography(FDG-PET). In this pilot study, RA patients and age/sex-matched controls were evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors and carotid plaque on ultrasound. Subjects with plaque >2 mm thick underwent DCE-MRI, and a subgroup of patients had FDG-PET. Comparison of MRI findings between groups and correlation between clinical, serological markers and imaging findings was undertaken. 130 patients and 62 controls were recruited. Plaque was more prevalent in the RA group (53.1% vs 37.0%, p = 0.038) and was independently associated with IL6 levels (HR[95%CI]: 2.03 [1.26, 3.26] per quartile). DCE-MRI data were available in 15 patients and 5 controls. Higher prevalence of plaque calcification was noted in RA, despite similar plaque size (73.3% vs 20%, p = 0.04). FDG-PET detected plaque inflammation in 12/13 patients scanned and degree of inflammation correlated with hs-CRP (r = 0.58, p = 0.04). This study confirms increased prevalence of atherosclerosis in RA and provides data to support the hypothesis that patients have a high-risk plaque phenotype.
LPS promotes a monocyte phenotype permissive for human cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene expression upon infection but not reactivation from latency
Authors: Kew V. G. , Wills M. R. , Reeves M. B.
Published: April 2017

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection of myeloid cells is closely linked with the differentiation status of the cell. Haematopoietic progenitors and CD14+ monocytes are usually non-permissive for lytic gene expression which can lead to the establishment of latent infections. In contrast, differentiation to macrophage or dendritic cell (DC) phenotypes promotes viral reactivation or renders them permissive for lytic infection. The observation that high doses of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) drove rapid monocyte differentiation in mice led us to investigate the response of human monocytes to HCMV following LPS stimulationin vitro. Here we report that LPS triggers a monocyte phenotype permissiveness for lytic infection directly correlating with LPS concentration. In contrast, addition of LPS directly to latently infected monocytes was not sufficient to trigger viral reactivation which is likely linked with the failure of the monocytes to differentiate to a DC phenotype. Interestingly, we observe that this effect on lytic infection of monocytes is transient, appears to be dependent on COX-2 activation and does not result in a full productive infection. Thus LPS stimulated monocytes are partially permissive lytic gene expression but did not have long term impact on monocyte identity regarding their differentiation and susceptibility for the full lytic cycle of HCMV.
Protein-coding genes in B chromosomes of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans
Authors: Navarro-Domínguez Beatriz , Ruiz-Ruano Francisco J. , Cabrero Josefa , Corral José María , López-León María Dolores , Sharbel Timothy F. , Camacho Juan Pedro M.
Published: April 2017

For many years, parasitic B chromosomes have been considered genetically inert elements. Here we show the presence of ten protein-coding genes in the B chromosome of the grasshopperEyprepocnemis plorans. Four of these genes (CIP2A, GTPB6, KIF20A, andMTG1) were complete in the B chromosome whereas the six remaining (CKAP2, CAP-G, HYI, MYCB2, SLITandTOP2A) were truncated. Five of these genes (CIP2A, CKAP2, CAP-G, KIF20A, andMYCB2) were significantly up-regulated in B-carrying individuals, as expected if they were actively transcribed from the B chromosome. This conclusion is supported by three truncated genes (CKAP2, CAP-GandMYCB2) which showed up-regulation only in the regions being present in the B chromosome. Our results indicate that B chromosomes are not so silenced as was hitherto believed. Interestingly, the five active genes in the B chromosome code for functions related with cell division, which is the main arena where B chromosome destiny is played. This suggests that B chromosome evolutionary success can lie on its gene content.
Roles of Oxygen and Hydrogen in Crystal Orientation Transition of Copper Foils for High-Quality Graphene Growth
Authors: Hu Junxiong , Xu Jianbao , Zhao Yanfei , Shi Lin , Li Qi , Liu Fengkui , Ullah Zaka , Li Weiwei , Guo Yufen , Liu Liwei
Published: April 2017

The high-quality graphene film can be grown on single-crystal Cu substrate by seamlessly stitching the aligned graphene domains. The roles of O2 and H2 have been intensively studied in the graphene growth kinetics, including lowering the nucleation sites and tailoring the domain structures. However, how the O2 and H2 influence Cu orientations during recrystallization prior to growing graphene, still remains unclear. Here we report that the oxidation of Cu surface tends to stabilize the Cu(001) orientation while impedes the evolution of Cu(111) single domain during annealing process. The crystal orientation-controlled synthesis of aligned graphene seeds is further realized on the long-range ordered Cu(111) substrate. With decreasing the thickness of oxide layer on Cu surface by introducing H2, the Cu(001) orientation changes into Cu(111) orientation. Meanwhile, the average domain size of Cu foils is increased from 50 μm to larger than 1000 μm. The density functional theory calculations reveal that the oxygen increases the energy barrier for Cu(111) surface and makes O/Cu(001) more stable than O/Cu(111) structure. Our work can be helpful for revealing the roles of O2 and H2 in controlling the formation of Cu single-crystal substrate as well as in growing high-quality graphene films.
On the determination of elastic moduli of cells by AFM based indentation
Authors: Ding Yue , Xu Guang-Kui , Wang Gang-Feng
Published: April 2017

The atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been widely used to measure the mechanical properties of biological cells through indentations. In most of existing studies, the cell is supposed to be linear elastic within the small strain regime when analyzing the AFM indentation data. However, in experimental situations, the roles of large deformation and surface tension of cells should be taken into consideration. Here, we use the neo-Hookean model to describe the hyperelastic behavior of cells and investigate the influence of surface tension through finite element simulations. At large deformation, a correction factor, depending on the geometric ratio of indenter radius to cell radius, is introduced to modify the force-indent depth relation of classical Hertzian model. Moreover, when the indent depth is comparable with an intrinsic length defined as the ratio of surface tension to elastic modulus, the surface tension evidently affects the indentation response, indicating an overestimation of elastic modulus by the Hertzian model. The dimensionless-analysis-based theoretical predictions, which include both large deformation and surface tension, are in good agreement with our finite element simulation data. This study provides a novel method to more accurately measure the mechanical properties of biological cells and soft materials in AFM indentation experiments.
Correction: Corrigendum: Analyzing historical land use changes using a Historical Land Use Reconstruction Model: a case study in Zhenlai County, northeastern China
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Zhang Shuwen , Liu Yansui , Xing Xiaoshi , de Sherbinin Alex
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 41275; published online: 30 January 2017; updated: 05 April 2017 In the original version of this Article, Affiliation 1 was incomplete. The correct affiliation is listed below. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Fancd2 in vivo interaction network reveals a non-canonical role in mitochondrial function
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Du Wei , Wilson Andrew F. , Namekawa Satoshi H. , Andreassen Paul R. , Meetei Amom Ruhikanta , Pang Qishen
Published: April 2017

Fancd2 is a component of the Fanconi anemia (FA) DNA repair pathway, which is frequently found defective in human cancers. The full repertoire of Fancd2 functions in normal development and tumorigenesis remains to be determined. Here we developed a Flag- and hemagglutinin-tagged Fancd2 knock-in mouse strain that allowed a high throughput mass spectrometry approach to search for Fancd2-binding proteins in different mouse organs. In addition to DNA repair partners, we observed that many Fancd2-interacting proteins are mitochondrion-specific. Fancd2 localizes in the mitochondrion and associates with the nucleoid complex components Atad3 and Tufm. The Atad3-Tufm complex is disrupted in Fancd2−/− mice and those deficient for the FA core component Fanca. Fancd2 mitochondrial localization requires Atad3. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for Fancd2 as a crucial regulator of mitochondrion biosynthesis, and of a molecular link between FA and mitochondrial homeostasis.
A mitochondria-targeting artemisinin derivative with sharply increased antitumor but depressed anti-yeast and anti-malaria activities
Authors: Sun Chen , Cao Yu , Zhu Pan , Zhou Bing
Published: April 2017

The potent anti-malarial drug artemisinins are additionally anti-tumorigenic and inhibitory to yeast growth. The action mechanism of artemisinins, however, is not well understood. Heme and mitochondrial membrane are both suggested to be involved in the action of artemisinins. Because heme is also synthesized in the mitochondrion, mitochondria appear to be a critical organelle for artemisinins’ activities. In this study, we synthesized a mitochondria-targeting artemisinin derivative by conjugating triphenylphosphonium (TPP) to artelinic acid (ARTa). ARTa-TPP displays far more potent anti-tumorigenic activity than its parent compound. In contrast, ARTa-TPP is much less active against yeast respiration growth and malarial parasites. Notably, ARTa-TPP is also associated with increased toxicity to other kinds of control mammalian cells. These results suggest divergent action modes for artemisinins against cancer cells and malaria or yeast cells. We conclude that mitochondrial targeting could substantially elevate the anticancer potency of artemisinins, but the accompanied increased toxicity to normal cells raises an alert. The mechanism regarding the opposing effects of TPP conjugation to ARTa on its anticancer and anti-malarial/anti-yeast potencies is discussed based on our current understandings of artemisinins’ action.
Action potential initiation in a two-compartment model of pyramidal neuron mediated by dendritic Ca2+ spike
Authors: Yi Guosheng , Wang Jiang , Wei Xile , Deng Bin
Published: April 2017

Dendritic Ca2+spike endows cortical pyramidal cell with powerful ability of synaptic integration, which is critical for neuronal computation. Here we propose a two-compartment conductance-based model to investigate how the Ca2+activity of apical dendrite participates in the action potential (AP) initiation to affect the firing properties of pyramidal neurons. We have shown that the apical input with sufficient intensity triggers a dendritic Ca2+spike, which significantly boosts dendritic inputs as it propagates to soma. Such event instantaneously shifts the limit cycle attractor of the neuron and results in a burst of APs, which makes its firing rate reach a plateau steady-state level. Delivering current to two chambers simultaneously increases the level of neuronal excitability and decreases the threshold of input-output relation. Here the back-propagating APs facilitate the initiation of dendritic Ca2+spike and evoke BAC firing. These findings indicate that the proposed model is capable of reproducingin vitroexperimental observations. By determining spike initiating dynamics, we have provided a fundamental link between dendritic Ca2+spike and output APs, which could contribute to mechanically interpreting how dendritic Ca2+activity participates in the simple computations of pyramidal neuron.
Real-time iTRAQ-based proteome profiling revealed the central metabolism involved in nitrogen starvation induced lipid accumulation in microalgae
Authors: Rai Vineeta , Muthuraj Muthusivaramapandian , Gandhi Mayuri N. , Das Debasish , Srivastava Sanjeeva
Published: April 2017

To understand the post-transcriptional molecular mechanisms attributing to oleaginousness in microalgae challenged with nitrogen starvation (N-starvation), the longitudinal proteome dynamics of Chlorella sp. FC2 IITG was investigated using multipronged quantitative proteomics and multiple reaction monitoring assays. Physiological data suggested a remarkably enhanced lipid accumulation with concomitant reduction in carbon flux towards carbohydrate, protein and chlorophyll biosynthesis. The proteomics-based investigations identified the down-regulation of enzymes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis (porphobilinogen deaminase) and photosynthetic carbon fixation (sedoheptulose-1,7 bisphosphate and phosphoribulokinase). Profound up-regulation of hydroxyacyl-ACP dehydrogenase and enoyl-ACP reductase ascertained lipid accumulation. The carbon skeletons to be integrated into lipid precursors were regenerated by glycolysis, β-oxidation and TCA cycle. The enhanced expression of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway enzymes indicates heightened energy needs of FC2 cells for the sustenance of N-starvation. FC2 cells strategically reserved nitrogen by incorporating it into the TCA-cycle intermediates to form amino acids; particularly the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of glutamate, aspartate and arginine were up-regulated. Regulation of arginine, superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin-peroxiredoxin, lipocalin, serine-hydroxymethyltransferase, cysteine synthase, and octanoyltransferase play a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis during N-starvation. These findings may provide a rationale for genetic engineering of microalgae, which may enable synchronized biomass and lipid synthesis.
Correction: Corrigendum: Oligofructose as an adjunct in treatment of diabetes in NOD mice
Authors: Chan Clement , Hyslop Colin M. , Shrivastava Vipul , Ochoa Andrea , Reimer Raylene A. , Huang Carol
Published: April 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37627; published online: 22 November 2016; updated: 05 April 2017 This Article contains an error in the labelling of Figure 4D, where the panel labels ‘αCD3’ and ‘αCD3 + OFS’ are inverted. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1.
Tropical rainfall over the last two millennia: evidence for a low-latitude hydrologic seesaw
Authors: Lechleitner Franziska A. , Breitenbach Sebastian F. M. , Rehfeld Kira , Ridley Harriet E. , Asmerom Yemane , Prufer Keith M. , Marwan Norbert , Goswami Bedartha , Kennett Douglas J. , Aquino Valorie V. , Polyak Victor , Haug Gerald H. , Eglinton Timothy I. , Baldini James U. L.
Published: April 2017

The presence of a low- to mid-latitude interhemispheric hydrologic seesaw is apparent over orbital and glacial-interglacial timescales, but its existence over the most recent past remains unclear. Here we investigate, based on climate proxy reconstructions from both hemispheres, the inter-hemispherical phasing of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the low- to mid-latitude teleconnections in the Northern Hemisphere over the past 2000 years. A clear feature is a persistent southward shift of the ITCZ during the Little Ice Age until the beginning of the 19th Century. Strong covariation between our new composite ITCZ-stack and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) records reveals a tight coupling between these two synoptic weather and climate phenomena over decadal-to-centennial timescales. This relationship becomes most apparent when comparing two precisely dated, high-resolution paleorainfall records from Belize and Scotland, indicating that the low- to mid-latitude teleconnection was also active over annual-decadal timescales. It is likely a combination of external forcing, i.e., solar and volcanic, and internal feedbacks, that drives the synchronous ITCZ and NAO shifts via energy flux perturbations in the tropics.
Magnetism in the p-type Monolayer II-VI semiconductors SrS and SrSe
Authors: Lin Heng-Fu , Lau Woon-Ming , Zhao Jijun
Published: April 2017

Using density functional theory calculations, we study the electronic and magnetic properties of the p-type monolayer II-VI semiconductors SrX (X = S,Se). The pristine SrS and SrSe monolayers are large band gap semiconductor with a very flat band in the top valence band. Upon injecting hole uniformly, ferromagnetism emerges in those system in a large range of hole density. By varying hole density, the systems also show complicated phases transition among nonmagnetic semiconductor, half metal, magnetic semiconductor, and nonmagnetic metal. Furthermore, after introducing p-type dopants in SrS and SrSe via substitutionary inserting P (or As) dopants at the S (or Se) sites, local magnetic moments are formed around the substitutional sites. The local magnetic moments are stable with the ferromagnetic order with appreciable Curie temperature. The ferromagnetism originates from the instability of the electronic states in SrS and SrSe with the large density of states at the valence band edge, which demonstrates a useful strategy for realizing the ferromagnetism in the two dimensional semiconductors.
From Lark to Owl: developmental changes in morningness-eveningness from new-borns to early adulthood
Authors: Randler Christoph , Faßl Corina , Kalb Nadine
Published: April 2017

Morningness-eveningness or chronotype changes significantly throughout the life span. This has been reported for the transition during adolescence in some studies, and to a lesser extent in early adulthood. Primary and pre-school children have been under investigation in fewer studies. This is the first comprehensive study covering the age range from very young children until early adulthood (0–30 years) based on the same measurement instrument. Here, we show that the turn towards eveningness starts at an early age in German children. Based on 26,214 cross-sectional data, we further show that at the end of adolescence, morningness-eveningness does not significantly change during early adulthood. Sex differences arise during puberty and remain until 30 years. The breaking point for the turn towards morningness is 15.7 years in girls and 17.2 boys. At the age of 0–1 years, there are about 70% morning types, and about 1% evening types, while at the age of 16 years, only 5% are morning types and 19% are evening types.
Basin stability measure of different steady states in coupled oscillators
Authors: Rakshit Sarbendu , Bera Bidesh K. , Majhi Soumen , Hens Chittaranjan , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: April 2017

In this report, we investigate the stabilization of saddle fixed points in coupled oscillators where individual oscillators exhibit the saddle fixed points. The coupled oscillators may have two structurally different types of suppressed states, namely amplitude death and oscillation death. The stabilization of saddle equilibrium point refers to the amplitude death state where oscillations are ceased and all the oscillators converge to the single stable steady state via inverse pitchfork bifurcation. Due to multistability features of oscillation death states, linear stability theory fails to analyze the stability of such states analytically, so we quantify all the states by basin stability measurement which is an universal nonlocal nonlinear concept and it interplays with the volume of basins of attractions. We also observe multi-clustered oscillation death states in a random network and measure them using basin stability framework. To explore such phenomena we choose a network of coupled Duffing-Holmes and Lorenz oscillators which are interacting through mean-field coupling. We investigate how basin stability for different steady states depends on mean-field density and coupling strength. We also analytically derive stability conditions for different steady states and confirm by rigorous bifurcation analysis.
Coseismic seafloor deformation in the trench region during the Mw8.8 Maule megathrust earthquake
Authors: Maksymowicz A. , Chadwell C. D. , Ruiz J. , Tréhu A. M. , Contreras-Reyes E. , Weinrebe W. , Díaz-Naveas J. , Gibson J. C. , Lonsdale P. , Tryon M. D.
Published: April 2017

The Mw 8.8 megathrust earthquake that occurred on 27 February 2010 offshore the Maule region of central Chile triggered a destructive tsunami. Whether the earthquake rupture extended to the shallow part of the plate boundary near the trench remains controversial. The up-dip limit of rupture during large subduction zone earthquakes has important implications for tsunami generation and for the rheological behavior of the sedimentary prism in accretionary margins. However, in general, the slip models derived from tsunami wave modeling and seismological data are poorly constrained by direct seafloor geodetic observations. We difference swath bathymetric data acquired across the trench in 2008, 2011 and 2012 and find ~3–5 m of uplift of the seafloor landward of the deformation front, at the eastern edge of the trench. Modeling suggests this is compatible with slip extending seaward, at least, to within ~6 km of the deformation front. After the Mw 9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake, this result for the Maule earthquake represents only the second time that repeated bathymetric data has been used to detect the deformation following megathrust earthquakes, providing methodological guidelines for this relatively inexpensive way of obtaining seafloor geodetic data across subduction zone.
Two-Dimensional Large Gap Topological Insulators with Tunable Rashba Spin-Orbit Coupling in Group-IV films
Authors: Zhang Shou-juan , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Li Ping , Wang Pei-ji
Published: April 2017

The coexistence of nontrivial topology and giant Rashba splitting, however, has rare been observed in two-dimensional (2D) films, limiting severely its potential applications at room temperature. Here, we through first-principles calculations to propose a series of inversion-asymmetric group-IV films, ABZ2 (A ≠ B = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb; Z = F, Cl, Br), whose stability are confirmed by phonon spectrum calculations. The analyses of electronic structures reveal that they are intrinsic 2D TIs with a bulk gap as large as 0.74 eV, except for GeSiF2, SnSiCl2, GeSiCl2 and GeSiBr2 monolayers which can transform from normal to topological phases under appropriate tensile strain of 4, 4, 5, and 4%, respectively. The nontrivial topology is identified by Z2 topological invariant together with helical edge states, as well as the berry curvature of these systems. Another prominent intriguing feature is the giant Rashba spin splitting with a magnitude reaching 0.15 eV, the largest value reported in 2D films so far. The tunability of Rashba SOC and band topology can be realized through achievable compressive/tensile strains (−4 ~ 6%). Also, the BaTe semiconductor is an ideal substrate for growing ABZ2 films without destroying their nontrivial topology.
A voltammetric determination of caffeic acid in red wines based on the nitrogen doped carbon modified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Karikalan Natarajan , Karthik Raj , Chen Shen-Ming , Chen Hsi-An
Published: April 2017

We reported an electrochemical determination of caffeic acid (CA) based on the nitrogen doped carbon (NDC). The described sensor material was prepared by the flame synthesis method, which gave an excellent platform for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials with the hetero atom dopant. The synthesized material was confirmed by various physical characterizations and it was further characterized by different electrochemical experiments. The NDC modified glassy carbon electrode (NDC/GCE) shows the superior electrocatalytic performance towards the determination of CA with the wide linear concentration range from 0.01 to 350 μM. It achieves the lowest detection limit of 0.0024 μM and the limit of quantification of 0.004 μM. The NDC/GCE-CA sensor reveals the good selectivity, stability, sensitivity and reproducibility which endorsed that the NDC is promising electrode for the determination of CA. In addition, NDC modified electrode is applied to the determination of CA in red wines and acquired good results.
Glypican 3 as a Serum Marker for Hepatoblastoma
Authors: Zhou Shengmei , O’Gorman Maurice R. G. , Yang Fusheng , Andresen Kevin , Wang Larry
Published: April 2017

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver cancer in children. The conventional serum marker for HB, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), has its limitations. Novel serum markers need to be explored. Glypican 3 (GPC3) has been reported to be an excellent histological immunomarker for HB. However, the clinical value of serum GPC3 in patients with HB is unknown. A total of 184 serum samples were tested for both GPC3 by ELISA, and AFP by immunometric assay. Of these, 134 were from 32 patients with HB at three treatment stages, 30 from age-matched patients with benign hepatobiliary disorders (BHD) and 20 from age-matched “normal controls”(NC). We found that the GPC3 levels in HB pretreatment group were significantly higher than those in NC group and HB remission group but not statistically different from those in BHD group and HB during treatment group. In contrast, AFP showed significant differences among different groups. The areas under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) value, sensitivity and specificity of GPC3 for HB pretreatment group versus all controls were all significantly lower than those of AFP. Serum GPC3 levels were not associated with prognostic parameters. We concluded that GPC3 is inferior to AFP as a serum marker for HB.
Proteomic signature of muscle fibre hyperplasia in response to faba bean intake in grass carp
Authors: Yu Er-Meng , Zhang Hao-Fang , Li Zhi-Fei , Wang Guang-Jun , Wu Hong-Kai , Xie Jun , Yu De-Guang , Xia Yun , Zhang Kai , Gong Wang-Bo
Published: April 2017

Fish muscle growth is important for the rapidly developing global aquaculture industry, particularly with respect to production and quality. Changes in muscle fibre size are accomplished by altering the balance between protein synthesis and proteolysis. However, our understanding regarding the effects of different protein sources on fish muscle proteins is still limited. Here we report on the proteomic profile of muscle fibre hyperplasia in grass carp fed only with whole faba bean. From the results, a total of 99 significantly changed proteins after muscle hyperplasia increase were identified (p < 0.05, ratio <0.5 or >2). Protein–protein interaction analysis demonstrated the presence of a network containing 56 differentially expressed proteins, and muscle fibre hyperplasia was closely related to a protein–protein network of 12 muscle component proteins. Muscle fibre hyperplasia was also accompanied by decreased abundance in the fatty acid degradation and calcium signalling pathways. In addition, metabolism via the pentose phosphate pathway decreased in grass carp after ingestion of faba bean, leading to haemolysis. These findings could provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (“favism”).
Environmental dust effects on aluminum surfaces in humid air ambient
Authors: Yilbas Bekir Sami , Hassan Ghassan , Ali Haider , Al-Aqeeli Nasser
Published: April 2017

Environmental dusts settle on surfaces and influence the performance of concentrated solar energy harvesting devices, such as aluminum troughs. The characteristics of environmental dust and the effects of mud formed from the dust particles as a result of water condensing in humid air conditions on an aluminum wafer surface are examined. The dissolution of alkaline and alkaline earth compounds in water condensate form a chemically active mud liquid with pH 8.2. Due to gravity, the mud liquid settles at the interface of the mud and the aluminum surface while forming locally scattered patches of liquid films. Once the mud liquid dries, adhesion work to remove the dry mud increases significantly. The mud liquid gives rise to the formation of pinholes and local pit sites on the aluminum surface. Morphological changes due to pit sites and residues of the dry mud on the aluminum surface lower the surface reflection after the removal of the dry mud from the surface. The characteristics of the aluminum surface can address the dust/mud-related limitations of reflective surfaces and may have implications for the reductions in the efficiencies of solar concentrated power systems.
Unraveling the role of Calcium ions in the mechanical properties of individual collagen fibrils
Authors: Pang Xiangchao , Lin Lijun , Tang Bin
Published: April 2017

Collagen, the dominating material in the extracellular matrix, provides the strength, elasticity and mechanical stability to the organisms. The mechanical property of collagen is mainly dominated by its surrounding environments. However, the variation and origin of the mechanics of collagen fibril under different concentrations of calcium ions (χCa) remains unknown. By using the atomic force microscopy based nanoindentation, the mechanics and structure of individual type II collagen fibril were first investigated under different χCa in this study. The results demonstrate that both of the mechanical and structural properties of the collagen fibril show a prominent dependence on χCa. The mechanism of χCa-dependence of the collagen fibril was attributed to the chelation between collagen molecules and the calcium ions. Given the role of calcium in the pathology of osteoarthritis, the current study may cast new light on the understanding of osteoarthritis and other soft tissue hardening related diseases in the future.
α-MSH and melanocortin receptors at early ontogeny in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.)
Authors: Tsalafouta A. , Gorissen M. , Pelgrim T. N. M. , Papandroulakis N. , Flik G. , Pavlidis M.
Published: April 2017

Temporal patterns of whole-body α-MSH concentrations and of transcripts of melanocortin receptors during early development as well as the endocrine response (α-MSH, cortisol, MCR mRNAs) to stress at the end of the larval period were characterized in Dicentrarchus labrax. Immunohistochemistry showed α-MSH positive cells in the pituitary pars intermedia in all stages examined. As development proceeds, α-MSH content gradually increases; mRNA levels of mc2r and mc4r remain low until first feeding where peak values are observed. Mc1r expression was constant during development, pomc mRNA levels remain low until the stage of flexion after which a significant increase is observed. At the stage of the formation of all fins, whole-body cortisol and α-MSH concentrations responded with peak values at 2 h post stress. Additionally, the stress challenge resulted in elevated transcript levels of pomc, mc2r and mc4r but not in mc1r, with a pattern characterized by peak values at 1 h post stress and a strong correlation with whole body α-MSH concentrations was found. Our data provide for the first time a view on the importance of the α-MSH stress response in early development of European sea bass, an additional and relatively poorly understood signal involved in the stress response in teleosts.
Immunoscreening of Plasmodium falciparum proteins expressed in a wheat germ cell-free system reveals a novel malaria vaccine candidate
Authors: Morita Masayuki , Takashima Eizo , Ito Daisuke , Miura Kazutoyo , Thongkukiatkul Amporn , Diouf Ababacar , Fairhurst Rick M. , Diakite Mahamadou , Long Carole A. , Torii Motomi , Tsuboi Takafumi
Published: April 2017

The number of malaria vaccine candidates in preclinical and clinical development is limited. To identify novel blood-stage malaria vaccine candidates, we constructed a library of 1,827P. falciparum proteins prepared using the wheat germ cell-free system (WGCFS). Also, a high-throughput AlphaScreen procedure was developed to measure antibody reactivity to the recombinant products. Purified IgGs from residents in malaria endemic areas have shown functional activity against blood-stage parasites as judged by an in vitro parasite Growth Inhibition Assay (GIA). Therefore, we evaluated the GIA activity of 51 plasma samples prepared from Malian adults living in a malaria endemic area against the WGCFS library. Using the AlphaScreen-based immunoreactivity measurements, antibody reactivity against 3 proteins was positively associated with GIA activity. Since anti-LSA3-C responses showed the strongest correlation with GIA activity, this protein was investigated further. Anti-LSA3-C-specific antibody purified from Malian adult plasmas showed GIA activity, and expression of LSA3 in blood-stage parasites was confirmed by western blotting. Taken together, we identified LSA3 as a novel blood-stage vaccine candidate, and we propose that this system will be useful for future vaccine candidate discovery.
MKRN2 is a novel ubiquitin E3 ligase for the p65 subunit of NF-κB and negatively regulates inflammatory responses
Authors: Shin Chanyoung , Ito Yuma , Ichikawa Shota , Tokunaga Makio , Sakata-Sogawa Kumiko , Tanaka Takashi
Published: April 2017

Activation of NF-κB transcription factor is strictly regulated to prevent excessive inflammatory responses leading to immunopathology. However, it still remains unclear how NF-κB activation is negatively controlled. The PDZ-LIM domain-containing protein PDLIM2 is a nuclear ubiquitin E3 ligase targeting the p65 subunit of NF-κB for degradation, thus terminating NF-κB-mediated inflammation. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we sought to isolate PDLIM2-interacting proteins that are critical for suppressing NF-κB signaling. Here we identified MKRN2, a RING finger domain-containing protein that belongs to the makorin ring finger protein gene family, as a novel p65 ubiquitin E3 ligase. MKRN2 bound to p65 and promoted the polyubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of p65 through the MKRN2 RING finger domain, thereby suppressing p65-mediated NF-κB transactivation. Notably, MKRN2 and PDLIM2 synergistically promote polyubiquitination and degradation of p65. Consistently, MKRN2 knockdown in dendritic cells resulted in larger amounts of nuclear p65 and augmented production of proinflammatory cytokines in responses to innate stimuli. These results delineate a novel role of MKRN2 in negatively regulating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses, cooperatively with PDLIM2.
Excited state relaxation processes of H2-evolving Ru–Pd supramolecular photocatalysts containing a linear or non-linear bridge: a DFT and TDDFT study
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhou Yun
Published: April 2017

The bridge-based 3MLCT state of the Ru–Pd complex containing a 2,2′:5′,2′′-terpyridine bridge is the lowest triplet state (T1) that is related to the photocatalytic reaction, while for that having a 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine bridge, the T1 is a 3MCRu state and its fast conversion to S0 is responsible for the observed inefficiency of H2 production.
A unified strategy for silver-, base-, and oxidant-free direct arylation of C–H bonds
Authors: Sahoo Manoj K. , Midya Siba P. , Landge Vinod G. , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: April 2017

An external oxidant-free, base-free direct C–H arylation of anilides by visible-light mediated metal-free photoredox catalysis in tandem with palladium catalysis is described. The reaction operates at room temperature, without a silver-salt activator and additives, and no generation of copious metal waste.
β-Sitosterol isolated from rice hulls as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic environments
Authors: Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Kim Seung-Hyun , Sasireka Asokan , Hemapriya Venkatesan , Chung Ill-Min
Published: April 2017

β-Sitosterol has an inhibiting effect on the corrosion of mild steel.
Synthesis of diblock copolymers consisting of POSS-containing random methacrylate copolymers and polystyrene and their cross-linked microphase-separated structure via fluoride ion-mediated cage scrambling
Authors: Tsuchiya Kousuke , Ishida Yoshihito , Kameyama Atsushi
Published: April 2017

POSS-containing diblock copolymers were synthesized for the formation of cross-linked microphase-separated structure.
Fluorescent silver nanoparticle based highly sensitive immunoassay for early detection of HIV infection
Authors: Kurdekar Aditya Dileep , Chunduri L. A. Avinash , Chelli Sai Manohar , Haleyurgirisetty Mohan Kumar , Bulagonda Eswarappa Pradeep , Zheng Jiwen , Hewlett Indira K. , Kamisetti Venkataramaniah
Published: April 2017

Fluorescent silver nanoparticles have been employed in an immunoassay to detect HIV p24 antigen with high sensitivity in the linear range of 10–1000 pg mL−1.
A well-defined NHC–Ir(iii) catalyst for the silylation of aromatic C–H bonds: substrate survey and mechanistic insights
Authors: Rubio-Pérez Laura , Iglesias Manuel , Munárriz Julen , Polo Victor , Passarelli Vincenzo , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: April 2017

A well-defined NHC-Ir(iii) catalyst provides access to a wide range of aryl- and heteroarylsilanes by intermolecular dehydrogenative C–H bond silylation.
Improving the photo-oxidative capability of BiOBr via crystal facet engineering
Authors: Wu Xuelian , Ng Yun Hau , Wang Liang , Du Yi , Dou Shi Xue , Amal Rose , Scott Jason
Published: April 2017

An increased presence of the {010} facet improved the performance of BiOBr for both water photooxidation and formic acid photodegradation.
Fe(iii) doped NiS2 nanosheet: a highly efficient and low-cost hydrogen evolution catalyst
Authors: Yan Junqing , Wu Huan , li Ping , Chen Hong , Jiang Ruibin , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: April 2017

We synthesized Fe-NiS2 nanosheet sample with the good electrocatalytic HER performance of a low Tafel slope of 37 mV dec−1 and a small overpotential of 121 mV at 10 mA cm−2, also the considerable stability.
Preparation of covalent triazine frameworks with imidazolium cations embedded in basic sites and their application for CO2 capture
Authors: Park Kwangho , Lee Kwangyeol , Kim Hyunuk , Ganesan Vinothkumar , Cho Kanghee , Jeong Soon Kwan , Yoon Sungho
Published: April 2017

Functionalized covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) realized by rational design of the monomer have been recognized as a promising candidate to achieve improvements in various applications.
Dual-functional selenium nanoparticles bind to and inhibit amyloid β fiber formation in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yang Licong , Sun Jing , Xie Wenjie , Liu Yanan , Liu Jie
Published: April 2017

LPFFD/TGN modified SeNPs could cross the BBB and selectively bind to Aβ species. This binding might disrupted Aβ40nucleation, and finally decrease Aβ40fibrillation and their corresponding neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.
Investigation of the role of nitric oxide driven angiogenesis by zinc oxide nanoflowers
Authors: Barui Ayan Kumar , Nethi Susheel Kumar , Patra Chitta Ranjan
Published: April 2017

Zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZONF) induce the generation of intracellular ROS that stimulates the phosphorylation of Akt and p38MAPK leading to activation of eNOS to produce NO, triggering angiogenesis in a cGMP dependent manner.
An in-plane switching liquid crystal cell with weakly anchored liquid crystals on the electrode substrate
Authors: Sato O. , Iwata N. , Kawamura J. , Maeda T. , Tsujii Y. , Watanabe J. , Tokita M.
Published: April 2017

We present the “one-side zero-anchoring in-plane switching” (OZ-IPS) mode in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) comprising an electrode substrate onto which poly(hexyl methacrylate) chains are grafted and a counter substrate coated with a rubbed polyimide film.
Microcontact printing with aminosilanes: creating biomolecule micro- and nanoarrays for multiplexed microfluidic bioassays
Authors: Sathish Shivani , Ricoult Sébastien G. , Toda-Peters Kazumi , Shen Amy Q.
Published: April 2017

Aqueous based microcontact printing (μCP) to create micro- and nanoarrays of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) on glass substrates of microfluidic devices for covalent immobilization of DNA aptamers and antibodies.
An “on–off–on” fluorescence assay based on silicon nanoparticles for selective detection of manganese(ii)
Authors: Meng Lei , Yuan Yaqing , Pu Guang , Xu Na
Published: April 2017

Preparation of Si NPs and the “on–off–on” fluorescence strategy for Mn2+detection.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for specific detection of hydrogen sulfide based on a familiar ESIPT fluorophore bearing AIE characteristics
Authors: Chen Liyan , Wu Di , Lim Chang Su , Kim Dayoung , Nam Sang-Jip , Lee Woolin , Kim Gyungmi , Kim Hwan Myung , Yoon Juyoung
Published: April 2017

A two-photon fluorescent probe based on an ESIPT fluorophore bearing AIE characteristics was utilized to detect H2S.
Lighting-up breast cancer cells by a near-infrared fluorescent probe based on KIAA1363 enzyme-targeting
Authors: Fan Jiangli , Guo Shigang , Wang Suzhen , Kang Yao , Yao Qichao , Wang Jia , Gao Xue , Wang Hongjiang , Du Jianjun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: April 2017

NB-AX, the first NIR KIAA1363-targeting fluorescent probe, could be used for the ultrafast lighting up of breast cancer cells and detection of tissues and tumors in vivo.
Synthesis, structure and bonding of actinide disulphide dications in the gas phase
Authors: Lucena Ana F. , Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Pereira Cláudia C. L. , Gibson John K. , Marçalo Joaquim
Published: April 2017

CASPT2 computations reveal that gas-phase AnS22+ ions have ground states with triangular geometries and linear thio-actinyl structures are higher in energy, with a difference that increases upon moving from U to Pu.
Comparative investigation of the deactivation behaviors over HZSM-5 and HSAPO-34 catalysts during low-temperature methanol conversion
Authors: Qi Liang , Li Jinzhe , Wang Linying , Wang Chan , Xu Lei , Liu Zhongmin
Published: April 2017

Deactivation over HZSM-5 originated from overloaded HCP species, while that over HSAPO-34 was caused by methyladamantanes generated from the external surface.
Highly efficient CoOx/SBA-15 catalysts prepared by atomic layer deposition for the epoxidation reaction of styrene
Authors: Li Yunqin , Zhao Shichao , Hu Qingmin , Gao Zhe , Liu Yequn , Zhang Jiankang , Qin Yong
Published: April 2017

CoOx was deposited in SBA-15 by ALD as efficient catalyst for styrene epoxidation, and an ultrathin TiO2 layer was coated firstly to improve performance further.
Hollow hematite single crystals deposited with ultra-thin Al2O3 by atom layer deposition for improved photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Jiao Wei , Wu Jingrui , Cui Siwen , Wei Ning , Rahman Zia Ur , Yu Meiyan , Chen Shougang , Zhou Yangtao , Wang Daoai
Published: April 2017

Hollow and single crystal α-Fe2O3 was prepared by a hydrothermal method, which showed enhanced PEC performance on coating with ultra-thin Al2O3.