bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Biocompatible and Biodegradable Protein Hydrogel with Green and Red Autofluorescence: Preparation, Characterization and In Vivo Biodegradation Tracking and Modeling
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Sun Xiangcheng , Hargrove Derek , Chen Jun , Song Donghui , Dong Qiuchen , Lu Xiuling , Fan Tai-Hsi , Fu Youjun , Lei Yu
Published: January 2016

Because of its good biocompatibility and biodegradability, albumins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) have found a wide range of biomedical applications. Herein, we report that glutaraldehyde cross-linked BSA (or HSA) forms a novel fluorescent biological hydrogel, exhibiting new green and red autofluorescence in vitro and in vivo without the use of any additional fluorescent labels. UV-vis spectra studies, in conjunction with the fluorescence spectra studies including emission, excitation and synchronous scans, indicated that three classes of fluorescent compounds are presumably formed during the gelation process. SEM, FTIR and mechanical tests were further employed to investigate the morphology, the specific chemical structures and the mechanical strength of the as-prepared autofluorescent hydrogel, respectively. Its biocompatibility and biodegradability were also demonstrated through extensive in vitro and in vivo studies. More interestingly, the strong red autofluorescence of the as-prepared hydrogel allows for conveniently and non-invasively tracking and modeling its in vivo degradation based on the time-dependent fluorescent images of mice. A mathematical model was proposed and was in good agreement with the experimental results. The developed facile strategy to prepare novel biocompatible and biodegradable autofluorescent protein hydrogels could significantly expand the scope of protein hydrogels in biomedical applications.
Correction: Corrigendum: The conservation and signatures of lincRNAs in Marek’s disease of chicken
Authors: He Yanghua , Ding Yi , Zhan Fei , Zhang Huanmin , Han Bo , Hu Gangqing , Zhao Keji , Yang Ning , Yu Ying , Mao Li , Song Jiuzhou
Published: January 2016

Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) associated with a number of cancers and other diseases have been identified in mammals, but they are still formidable to be comprehensively identified and characterized. Marek’s disease (MD) is a T cell lymphoma of chickens induced by Marek’s disease virus (MDV). Here, we used a MD chicken model to develop a precise pipeline for identifying lincRNAs and to determine the roles of lincRNAs in T cell tumorigenesis. More than 1,000 lincRNA loci were identified in chicken bursa. Computational analyses demonstrated that lincRNAs are conserved among different species such as human, mouse and chicken. The putative lincRNAs were found to be associated with a wide range of biological functions including immune responses. Interestingly, we observed distinct lincRNA expression signatures in bursa between MD resistant and susceptible lines of chickens. One of the candidate lincRNAs, termed linc-satb1, was found to play a crucial role in MD immune response by regulating a nearby protein-coding gene SATB1. Thus, our results manifested that lincRNAs may exert considerable influence on MDV-induced T cell tumorigenesis and provide a rich resource for hypothesis-driven functional studies to reveal genetic mechanisms underlying susceptibility to tumorigenesis.
Hyperuricemia and the risk for coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Li Min , Hu Xiaolan , Fan Yingli , Li Kun , Zhang Xiaowei , Hou Wenshang , Tang Zhenyu
Published: January 2016

Considerable controversy exists regarding the association between hyperuricemia and coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, we performed a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies to examine the controversy. Prospective cohort studies with relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CHD according to serum uric acid levels in adults were eligible. A random-effects model was used to compute the pooled risk estimate. The search yielded 29 prospective cohort studies (n = 958410 participants). Hyperuricemia was associated with increased risk of CHD morbidity (adjusted RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.21) and mortality (adjusted RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.39). For each increase of 1 mg/dl in uric acid level, the pooled multivariate RR of CHD mortality was 1.13 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.20). Dose-response analysis indicated that the combined RR of CHD mortality for an increase of 1 mg uric acid level per dl was 1.02 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.24) without heterogeneity among males (P = 0.879,I2 = 0%) and 2.44 (95% CI 1.69 to 3.54) without heterogeneity among females (P = 0.526,I2 = 0%). The increased risk of CHD associated with hyperuricemia was consistent across most subgroups. Hyperuricemia may increase the risk of CHD events, particularly CHD mortality in females.
Minimizing resource overheads for fault-tolerant preparation of encoded states of the Steane code
Authors: Goto Hayato
Published: January 2016

The seven-qubit quantum error-correcting code originally proposed by Steane is one of the best known quantum codes. The Steane code has a desirable property that most basic operations can be performed easily in a fault-tolerant manner. A major obstacle to fault-tolerant quantum computation with the Steane code is fault-tolerant preparation of encoded states, which requires large computational resources. Here we propose efficient state preparation methods for zero and magic states encoded with the Steane code, where the zero state is one of the computational basis states and the magic state allows us to achieve universality in fault-tolerant quantum computation. The methods minimize resource overheads for the fault-tolerant state preparation and therefore reduce necessary resources for quantum computation with the Steane code. Thus, the present results will open a new possibility for efficient fault-tolerant quantum computation.
Bulk Crystallization in a SiO2/Al2O3/Y2O3/AlF3/B2O3/Na2O Glass: Fivefold Pseudo Symmetry due to Monoclinic Growth in a Glassy Matrix Containing Growth Barriers
Authors: Wisniewski Wolfgang , Seyring Martin , Patzig Christian , Höche Thomas , Keshavarzi Ashkan , Rüssel Christian
Published: January 2016

A glass with the mol% composition 17 Y2O3·33 Al2O3·40 SiO2·2 AlF3·3 Na2O·2 CeF3·3 B2O3 is heat treated at 1000 °C for 6–24 h. This results in the surface nucleation and growth of YAG. Nucleation and growth of star-shaped alumina and later of monoclinic β-Y2Si2O7 and orthorhombic δ-Y2Si2O7 are additionally observed in the bulk. Phase identification and localization are performed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) as well as TEM analysis. The monoclinic β-Y2Si2O7 observed in the bulk occurs in the form of large, crystal agglomerates which range from 50 to 120 μm in size. The individual crystals are aligned along the c-axis which is the fastest growing axis. Ten probability maxima are observed in the pole-figures illustrating the rotation of orientations around the c-axes indicating a fivefold symmetry. This symmetry is caused by multiple twinning which results in a high probability of specific orientation relationships with rotation angles of ~36°, ~108° (also referred to as the pentagon angle) and ~144° around the c-axis. All these rotation angles are close to the multiples of 36° which are required for an ideal fivefold symmetry. This is the first report of a fivefold symmetry triggered by the presence of barriers hindering crystal growth.
Sequence features associated with the cleavage efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Homma Ayaka , Sayadi Jamasb , Yang Shu , Ohashi Jun , Takumi Toru
Published: January 2016

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has recently emerged as a versatile tool for biological and medical research. In this system, a single guide RNA (sgRNA) directs the endonuclease Cas9 to a targeted DNA sequence for site-specific manipulation. In addition to this targeting function, the sgRNA has also been shown to play a role in activating the endonuclease activity of Cas9. This dual function of the sgRNA likely underlies observations that different sgRNAs have varying on-target activities. Currently, our understanding of the relationship between sequence features of sgRNAs and their on-target cleavage efficiencies remains limited, largely due to difficulties in assessing the cleavage capacity of a large number of sgRNAs. In this study, we evaluated the cleavage activities of 218 sgRNAs using in vitro Surveyor assays. We found that nucleotides at both PAM-distal and PAM-proximal regions of the sgRNA are significantly correlated with on-target efficiency. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that the genomic context of the targeted DNA, the GC percentage and the secondary structure of sgRNA are critical factors contributing to cleavage efficiency. In summary, our study reveals important parameters for the design of sgRNAs with high on-target efficiencies, especially in the context of high throughput applications.
Bactericidal activity of green tea extracts: the importance of catechin containing nano particles
Authors: Gopal Judy , Muthu Manikandan , Paul Diby , Kim Doo-Hwan , Chun Sechul
Published: January 2016

When we drink green tea infusion, we believe we are drinking the extract of the green tea leaves. While practically each tea bag infused in 300 mL water contains about 50 mg of suspended green tea leaf particles. What is the role of these particles in the green tea effect is the objective of this study. These particles (three different size ranges) were isolated via varying speed centrifugation and their respective inputs evaluated. Live oral bacterial samples from human volunteers have been screened against green tea extracts and macro, micro and nano sized green tea particles. The results showed that the presence/absence of the macro and mico sized tea particles in the green tea extract did not contribute much. However, the nano sized particles were characterized to be nature’s nano stores of the bioactive catechins. Eradication of these nano tea particles resulted in decrease in the bactericidal property of the green tea extracts. This is a curtain raiser investigation, busting the nano as well as green tea leaf particle contribution in green tea extracts.
ExoMeg1: a new exonuclease from metagenomic library
Authors: Silva-Portela Rita C. B. , Carvalho Fabíola M. , Pereira Carolina P. M. , de Souza-Pinto Nadja C. , Modesti Mauro , Fuchs Robert P. , Agnez-Lima Lucymara F.
Published: January 2016

DNA repair mechanisms are responsible for maintaining the integrity of DNA and are essential to life. However, our knowledge of DNA repair mechanisms is based on model organisms such as Escherichia coli, and little is known about free living and uncultured microorganisms. In this study, a functional screening was applied in a metagenomic library with the goal of discovering new genes involved in the maintenance of genomic integrity. One clone was identified and the sequence analysis showed an open reading frame homolog to a hypothetical protein annotated as a member of the Exo_Endo_Phos superfamily. This novel enzyme shows 3′-5′ exonuclease activity on single and double strand DNA substrates and it is divalent metal-dependent, EDTA-sensitive and salt resistant. The clone carrying the hypothetical ORF was able to complement strains deficient in recombination or base excision repair, suggesting that the new enzyme may be acting on the repair of single strand breaks with 3′ blockers, which are substrates for these repair pathways. Because this is the first report of an enzyme obtained from a metagenomic approach showing exonuclease activity, it was named ExoMeg1. The metagenomic approach has proved to be a useful tool for identifying new genes of uncultured microorganisms.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Non-thermal plasma inhibits human cervical cancer HeLa cells invasiveness by suppressing the MAPK pathway and decreasing matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression
Authors: Li Wei , Yu K. N. , Bao Lingzhi , Shen Jie , Cheng Cheng , Han Wei
Published: January 2016

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has been proposed as a novel therapeutic method for anticancer treatment. However, the mechanism underlying its biological effects remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of NTP on the invasion of HeLa cells and explored the possible mechanism. Our results showed that NTP exposure for 20 or 40 s significantly suppressed the migration and invasion of HeLa cells on the basis of matrigel invasion assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Moreover, NTP reduced the activity and protein expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 enzyme. Western blot analysis indicated that NTP exposure effectively decreased phosphorylation level of both ERK1/2 and JNK, but not p38 MAPK. Furthermore, treatment with MAPK signal pathway inhibitors or NTP all exhibited significant depression of HeLa cells migration and MMP-9 expression. The result showed that NTP synergistically suppressed migration and MMP-9 expression in the presence of ERK1/2 inhibitor and JNK inhibitor, but not p38 MAPK inhibitor. Taken together, these findings suggested that NTP exposure inhibited the migration and invasion of HeLa cells via down-regulating MMP-9 expression in ERK1/2 and JNK signaling pathways dependent manner. These findings provide hints to the potential clinical research and therapy of NTP on cervical cancer metastasis.
Autologous skeletal muscle derived cells expressing a novel functional dystrophin provide a potential therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Meng Jinhong , Counsell John R. , Reza Mojgan , Laval Steven H. , Danos Olivier , Thrasher Adrian , Lochmüller Hanns , Muntoni Francesco , Morgan Jennifer E.
Published: January 2016

Autologous stem cells that have been genetically modified to express dystrophin are a possible means of treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). To maximize the therapeutic effect, dystrophin construct needs to contain as many functional motifs as possible, within the packaging capacity of the viral vector. Existing dystrophin constructs used for transduction of muscle stem cells do not contain the nNOS binding site, an important functional motif within the dystrophin gene. In this proof-of-concept study, using stem cells derived from skeletal muscle of a DMD patient (mdcs) transplanted into an immunodeficient mouse model of DMD, we report that two novel dystrophin constructs, C1 (ΔR3-R13) and C2 (ΔH2-R23), can be lentivirally transduced into mdcs and produce dystrophin. These dystrophin proteins were functional in vivo, as members of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex were restored in muscle fibres containing donor-derived dystrophin. In muscle fibres derived from cells that had been transduced with construct C1, the largest dystrophin construct packaged into a lentiviral system, nNOS was restored. The combination of autologous stem cells and a lentivirus expressing a novel dystrophin construct which optimally restores proteins of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex may have therapeutic application for all DMD patients, regardless of their dystrophin mutation.
Global inorganic nitrogen dry deposition inferred from ground- and space-based measurements
Authors: Jia Yanlong , Yu Guirui , Gao Yanni , He Nianpeng , Wang Qiufeng , Jiao Cuicui , Zuo Yao
Published: January 2016

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) dry deposition is an important component in total N deposition. However, uncertainty exists in the assessment of global dry deposition. Here, we develop empirical models for estimating ground N concentrations using NO2 satellite measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and ground measurements from 555 monitoring sites. Global patterns and trends in the fluxes of NO2, HNO3, NH4+ and NO3− were assessed for 2005–2014. Moreover, we estimated global NH3 dry deposition directly using data from 267 monitoring sites. Our results showed that East Asia, the United States and Europe were important regions of N deposition and the total annual amount of global inorganic N deposition was 34.26 Tg N. The dry deposition fluxes were low in Africa and South America, but because of their large area, the total amounts in these regions were comparable to those in Europe and North America. In the past decade, the western United States and Eurasia, particularly eastern China, experienced the largest increases in dry deposition, whereas the eastern United States, Western Europe and Japan experienced clear decreases through control of NOx and NH3 emissions. These findings provide a scientific background for policy-makers and future research into global changes.
Quantum random walks on congested lattices and the effect of dephasing
Authors: Motes Keith R. , Gilchrist Alexei , Rohde Peter P.
Published: January 2016

We consider quantum random walks on congested lattices and contrast them to classical random walks. Congestion is modelled on lattices that contain static defects which reverse the walker’s direction. We implement a dephasing process after each step which allows us to smoothly interpolate between classical and quantum random walks as well as study the effect of dephasing on the quantum walk. Our key results show that a quantum walker escapes a finite boundary dramatically faster than a classical walker and that this advantage remains in the presence of heavily congested lattices.
Large scale patterns in vertical distribution and behaviour of mesopelagic scattering layers
Authors: Klevjer T. A. , Irigoien X. , Røstad A. , Fraile-Nuez E. , Benítez-Barrios V. M. , Kaartvedt. S.
Published: January 2016

Recent studies suggest that previous estimates of mesopelagic biomasses are severely biased, with the new, higher estimates underlining the need to unveil behaviourally mediated coupling between shallow and deep ocean habitats. We analysed vertical distribution and diel vertical migration (DVM) of mesopelagic acoustic scattering layers (SLs) recorded at 38 kHz across oceanographic regimes encountered during the circumglobal Malaspina expedition. Mesopelagic SLs were observed in all areas covered, but vertical distributions and DVM patterns varied markedly. The distribution of mesopelagic backscatter was deepest in the southern Indian Ocean (weighted mean daytime depth: WMD 590 m) and shallowest at the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern Pacific (WMD 350 m). DVM was evident in all areas covered, on average ~50% of mesopelagic backscatter made daily excursions from mesopelagic depths to shallow waters. There were marked differences in migrating proportions between the regions, ranging from ~20% in the Indian Ocean to ~90% in the Eastern Pacific. Overall the data suggest strong spatial gradients in mesopelagic DVM patterns, with implied ecological and biogeochemical consequences. Our results suggest that parts of this spatial variability can be explained by horizontal patterns in physical-chemical properties of water masses, such as oxygen, temperature and turbidity.
Single-crystalline aluminum film for ultraviolet plasmonic nanolasers
Authors: Chou Bo-Tsun , Chou Yu-Hsun , Wu Yen-Mo , Chung Yi-Cheng , Hsueh Wei-Jen , Lin Shih-Wei , Lu Tien-Chang , Lin Tzy-Rong , Lin Sheng-Di
Published: January 2016

Significant advances have been made in the development of plasmonic devices in the past decade. Plasmonic nanolasers, which display interesting properties, have come to play an important role in biomedicine, chemical sensors, information technology and optical integrated circuits. However, nanoscale plasmonic devices, particularly those operating in the ultraviolet regime, are extremely sensitive to the metal and interface quality. Thus, these factors have a significant bearing on the development of ultraviolet plasmonic devices. Here, by addressing these material-related issues, we demonstrate a low-threshold, high-characteristic-temperature metal-oxide-semiconductor ZnO nanolaser that operates at room temperature. The template for the ZnO nanowires consists of a flat single-crystalline Al film grown by molecular beam epitaxy and an ultrasmooth Al2O3 spacer layer synthesized by atomic layer deposition. By effectively reducing the surface plasmon scattering and metal intrinsic absorption losses, the high-quality metal film and the sharp interfaces formed between the layers boost the device performance. This work should pave the way for the use of ultraviolet plasmonic nanolasers and related devices in a wider range of applications.
Surface hydrophobicity of slippery zones in the pitchers of two Nepenthes species and a hybrid
Authors: Wang Lixin , Zhou Qiang
Published: January 2016

To investigate the hydrophobicity of slippery zones, static contact angle measurement and microstructure observation of slippery surfaces from two Nepenthes species and a hybrid were conducted. Marginally different static contact angles were observed, as the smallest (133.83°) and greatest (143.63°) values were recorded for the N. alata and N. miranda respectively and the median value (140.40°) was presented for the N. khasiana. The slippery zones under investigation exhibited rather similar surface morphologies, but different structural dimensions. These findings probably suggest that the geometrical dimensions of surface architecture exert primary effects on differences in the hydrophobicity of the slippery zone. Based on the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter equations, models were proposed to analyze the manner in which geometrical dimensions affect the hydrophobicity of the slippery surfaces. The results of our analysis demonstrated that the different structural dimensions of lunate cells and wax platelets make the slippery zones present different real area of the rough surface and thereby generate somewhat distinguishable hydrophobicity. The results support a supplementary interpretation of surface hydrophobicity in plant leaves and provide a theoretical foundation for developing bioinspired materials with hydrophobic properties and self-cleaning abilities.
NF-κB promotes leaky expression of adenovirus genes in a replication-incompetent adenovirus vector
Authors: Machitani M. , Sakurai F. , Wakabayashi K. , Nakatani K. , Shimizu K. , Tachibana M. , Mizuguchi H.
Published: January 2016

The replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad) vector is one of the most promising vectors for gene therapy; however, systemic administration of Ad vectors results in severe hepatotoxicities, partly due to the leaky expression of Ad genes in the liver. Here we show that nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) mediates the leaky expression of Ad genes from the Ad vector genome and that the inhibition of NF-κB leads to the suppression of Ad gene expression and hepatotoxicities following transduction with Ad vectors. Activation of NF-κB by recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α significantly enhanced the leaky expression of Ad genes. More than 50% suppression of the Ad gene expression was found by inhibitors of NF-κB signaling and siRNA-mediated knockdown of NF-κB. Similar results were found when cells were infected with wild-type Ad. Compared with a conventional Ad vector, an Ad vector expressing a dominant-negative IκBα (Adv-CADNIκBα), which is a negative regulator of NF-κB, mediated approximately 70% suppression of the leaky expression of Ad genes in the liver. Adv-CADNIκBα did not induce apparent hepatotoxicities. These results indicate that inhibition of NF-κB leads to suppression of Ad vector-mediated tissue damages via not only suppression of inflammatory responses but also reduction in the leaky expression of Ad genes.
Wood reinforcement of poplar by rice NAC transcription factor
Authors: Sakamoto Shingo , Takata Naoki , Oshima Yoshimi , Yoshida Kouki , Taniguchi Toru , Mitsuda Nobutaka
Published: January 2016

Lignocellulose, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, in the secondary cell wall constitutes wood and is the most abundant form of biomass on Earth. Enhancement of wood accumulation may be an effective strategy to increase biomass as well as wood strength, but currently only limited research has been undertaken. Here, we demonstrated that OsSWN1, the orthologue of the rice NAC Secondary-wall Thickening factor (NST) transcription factor, effectively enhanced secondary cell wall formation in the Arabidopsis inflorescence stem and poplar (Populus tremula×Populus tremuloides) stem when expressed by the Arabidopsis NST3 promoter. Interestingly, in transgenic Arabidopsis and poplar, ectopic secondary cell wall deposition in the pith area was observed in addition to densification of the secondary cell wall in fiber cells. The cell wall content or density of the stem increased on average by up to 38% and 39% in Arabidopsis and poplar, respectively, without causing growth inhibition. As a result, physical strength of the stem increased by up to 57% in poplar. Collectively, these data suggest that the reinforcement of wood by NST3pro:OsSWN1 is a promising strategy to enhance wood-biomass production in dicotyledonous plant species.
Microcantilever Actuation by Laser Induced Photoacoustic Waves
Authors: Gao Naikun , Zhao Dongfang , Jia Ran , Liu Duo
Published: January 2016

We present here a combined theoretical and experimental investigation on effective excitation of microcantilever by using photoacoustic waves. The photoacoustic waves arose from a vibrating Al foil induced by an intensity-modulated laser. We demonstrate that, superior to photothermal excitation, this new configuration avoids direct heating of the microcantilever, thus minimizing undesired thermal effects on the vibration of microcantilever, while still keeps the advantage of being a remote, non-contact excitation method. We also measured the vibration amplitude of the microcantilever as a function of distance between the microcantilever and the Al foil and found that the amplitudes decay gradually according to the inverse distance law. This method is universal and can be adopted in bio-microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMs) for the detection of small signals where detrimental thermal effects must be avoided.
Fitness costs of increased cataract frequency and cumulative radiation dose in natural mammalian populations from Chernobyl
Authors: Lehmann Philipp , Boratyński Zbyszek , Mappes Tapio , Mousseau Timothy A. , Møller Anders P.
Published: January 2016

A cataract is a clouding of the lens that reduces light transmission to the retina and it decreases the visual acuity of the bearer. The prevalence of cataracts in natural populations of mammals and their potential ecological significance, is poorly known. Cataracts have been reported to arise from high levels of oxidative stress and a major cause of oxidative stress is ionizing radiation. We investigated whether elevated frequencies of cataracts are found in eyes of bank voles Myodes glareolus collected from natural populations in areas with varying levels of background radiation in Chernobyl. We found high frequencies of cataracts in voles collected from different areas in Chernobyl. The frequency of cataracts was positively correlated with age and in females also with the accumulated radiation dose. Furthermore, the number of offspring in female voles was negatively correlated with cataract severity. The results suggest that cataracts primarily develop as a function of ionizing background radiation, most likely as a plastic response to high levels of oxidative stress. It is therefore possible that the elevated levels of background radiation in Chernobyl affect the ecology and fitness of local mammals both directly through, for instance, reduced fertility and indirectly, through increased cataractogenesis.
Tunable Wide-Angle Tunneling in Graphene-Assisted Frustrated Total Internal Reflection
Authors: Tran Thang Q. , Lee Sangjun , Heo Hyungjun , Kim Sangin
Published: January 2016

Electrically tunable permittivity of graphene provides an excellent tool in photonic device design. Many previous works on graphene-based photonic devices relied on variable absorption in graphene, which is naturally small in the optical region and resonant structures to enhance it. Here we proposed a novel scheme to control evanescent coupling strength by inserting two graphene layers to a frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) configuration. The resulting structure behaves in a drastically different way from the original FTIR: optical transmission though the structure can be electrically controlled from ~10−5 to ~1 with little dependency on angle of incidence. This unique feature stems from the fact that the permittivity of doped graphene can be close to zero at a certain photon energy. The electrical controllability of evanescent coupling strength can enable novel design of optical devices. As a proof-of-concept, we designed a waveguide-type optical modulator of a novel operation principle: transmission modulation depends on the electrically controlled existence of a guided-mode of the waveguide, not the variation of the ohmic loss of graphene, resulting in a low insertion loss and a small device footprint.
Atrasentan increased the expression of klotho by mediating miR-199b-5p and prevented renal tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kang Wen-Ling , Xu Gao-Si
Published: January 2016

Atrasentan is a promising therapy for treating diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here we evaluated whether atrasentan down-regulated the miR-199b-5p expression, thereby increasing klotho and preventing renal tubular injury in DN. One-hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 40 healthy subjects were included. A DN mice model was established by an injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Human renal proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were exposed to high glucose (20 mmol/L). Treated the mice and HK-2 cells with atrasentan and we then investigated whether and how miR-199b-5p and Klotho were involved in preventing renal tubular injury in DN. In patients, the serum miR-199b-5p level increased and the klotho concentration decreased in accordance with elevated albuminuria. Atrasentan down-regulated miR-199b-5p and up-regulated klotho of the DN mice and HK-2 cells exposed to high glucose. High glucose promoted the binding of histone H3 to the miR-199b-5p promoter and atrasentan canceled this effect. MiR-199b-5p targeted the 3′ UTR of klotho. Overexpression of miR-199b-5p canceled the effects of atrasentan on klotho expression and apoptosis of renal tubular cells in both in vivo and in vitro. The increased serum klotho, mediated by miR-199b-5p, is a possible mechanism by which atrasentan prevents renal tubular injury in DN.
An Indirect Action Contributes to C-Fos Induction in Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus by Neuropeptide Y
Authors: Fan Shengjie , Dakshinamoorthy Janani , Kim Eun Ran , Xu Yong , Huang Cheng , Tong Qingchun
Published: January 2016

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a well-established orexigenic peptide and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVH) is one major brain site that mediates the orexigenic action of NPY. NPY induces abundant expression of C-Fos, an indicator for neuronal activation, in the PVH, which has been used extensively to examine the underlying NPY orexigenic neural pathways. However, PVH C-Fos induction is in discordance with the abundant expression of NPY receptors, a group of inhibitory Gi protein coupled receptors in the PVH and with the overall role of PVH neurons in feeding inhibition, suggesting a mechanism of indirect action. Here we showed that the ability of NPY on C-Fos induction in the PVH was blunted in conditions of insulin deficiency and fasting, a condition associated with a high level of NPY and a low level of insulin. Moreover, insulin insufficiency blunted C-Fos induction in the PVH by fasting-induced re-feeding and insulin and NPY induced c-Fos induction in the same group of PVH neurons. Finally, NPY produced normal C-Fos induction in the PVH with disruption of GABA-A receptors. Thus, our results revealed that PVH C-Fos induction by NPY is mediated by an indirect action, which is at least partially mediated by insulin action, but not GABA-A receptors.
Reconfigurable Optical Signal Processing Based on a Distributed Feedback Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Authors: Li Ming , Deng Ye , Tang Jian , Sun Shuqian , Yao Jianping , Azaña José , Zhu Ninghua
Published: January 2016

All-optical signal processing has been considered a solution to overcome the bandwidth and speed limitations imposed by conventional electronic-based systems. Over the last few years, an impressive range of all-optical signal processors have been proposed, but few of them come with reconfigurability, a feature highly needed for practical signal processing applications. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate an analog optical signal processor based on a phase-shifted distributed feedback semiconductor optical amplifier (DFB-SOA) and an optical filter. The proposed analog optical signal processor can be reconfigured to perform signal processing functions including ordinary differential equation solving and temporal intensity differentiation. The reconfigurability is achieved by controlling the injection currents. Our demonstration provitdes a simple and effective solution for all-optical signal processing and computing.
Heat-Initiated Chemical Functionalization of Graphene
Authors: Gao Guodong , Liu Dandan , Tang Shangcheng , Huang Can , He Mengci , Guo Yu , Sun Xiudong , Gao Bo
Published: January 2016

A heat-initiated chemical reaction was developed to functionalize CVD-grown graphene at wafer scale and the reaction was universally extended to carbon nanotubes and other precursors that could be thermally converted to active radicals. The chemical reaction can occur in absence of oxygen and water vapor when the temperature is above the decomposition temperature of the reactants. The chemical reaction was also found to be substrate-dependent due to surface doping and inhomogeneity. A large-scale graphene pattern was demonstrated by combing with microfluidic technique. This heat-initiated solid-phase chemical reaction provides a facile and environmentally friendly approach to functionalize carbon nanomaterials with various functional groups.
Genetic and functional analysis of a Li Fraumeni syndrome family in China
Authors: Hu Huaying , Liu Jingping , Liao Xinbin , Zhang Shuju , Li Haibo , Lu Renbin , Li Xianfeng , Lin Wei , Liu Minji , Xia Zanxian , Qing Guoliang , Li Jia-Da
Published: January 2016

Li Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare familial cancer predisposition syndrome with autosomal-dominant inheritance, occurring as frequently as one in 5,000–20,000 individuals. However, no LFS case has been reported from mainland China although it constitutes one quarter of population on earth. In this study, we identified, to our best knowledge, the first Li Fraumeni syndrome family in China. Six family members were affected with various tumors. A TP53 mutation (c.730G > A; p.G244S) co-segregated with the tumor phenotype within this family. Functional analysis indicated that G244S mutation disrupted the transactivity, DNA-binding and cell growth inhibition activity of p53 protein. Two available tumor samples (medulloblastoma and choroid plexus papilloma) underwent large rearrangement in the chromosomes and loss of wild-type TP53. Our data warranted further studies on the prevalence of germline TP53 mutation in various tumor patients in China.
Fingolimod induces neurogenesis in adult mouse hippocampus and improves contextual fear memory
Authors: Efstathopoulos P , Kourgiantaki A , Karali K , Sidiropoulou K , Margioris A N , Gravanis A , Charalampopoulos I
Published: January 2016

Fingolimod (FTY720) was the first per os administered disease-modifying agent approved for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. It is thought that fingolimod modulates the immune response by activating sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor type 1 (S1P1) on lymphocytes following its in vivo phosphorylation. In addition to its immune-related effects, there is evidence that fingolimod exerts several other effects in the central nervous system, including regulation of the proliferation, survival and differentiation of various cell types and their precursors. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of fingolimod on the production of new neurons in the adult mouse hippocampus and the association of this effect with the ability for pattern separation, an established adult neurogenesis-dependent memory function. Immunofluorescence analysis after chronic administration of a physiologic dose of fingolimod (0.3 mg kg−1) revealed a significant increase in both the proliferation and the survival of neural progenitors in the area of dentate gyrus of hippocampus, compared with control animals. These effects were replicated in vitro, in cultures of murine hippocampal neural stem/precursor cells that express S1P1 receptor, suggesting cell-autonomous actions. The effects of fingolimod on neurogenesis were correlated to enhanced ability for context discrimination after fear conditioning. Since impairment of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and memory is a common feature of many neuropsychiatric conditions, fingolimod treatment may be beneficial in therapeutic armamentarium of these disorders.
A FRET-based biosensor for the detection of neutrophil elastase
Authors: Schulenburg C. , Faccio G. , Jankowska D. , Maniura-Weber K. , Richter M.
Published: January 2016

The direct and specific detection of biomarkers activity is crucial as it can allow monitoring the state of tissue or wound, as well as the progression of the inflammatory process.
A fluorescent nanoprobe for single bacterium tracking: functionalization of silver nanoparticles with tryptophan to probe the nanoparticle accumulation with single cell resolution
Authors: Dojčilović R. , Pajović J. D. , Božanić D. K. , Vodnik V. V. , Dimitrijević-Branković S. , Milosavljević A. R. , Kaščàkovà S. , Réfrégiers M. , Djoković V.
Published: January 2016

DUV fluorescence imaging ofE. colicells incubated with tryptophan functionalized silver nanoparticles.
Ionic liquid–lithium salt based microwave pretreatment followed by ultrasonic-assisted extraction of syringin and oleuropein from Syringa reticulata var. mandshurica branch bark by a dual response surface methodology
Authors: Zhao Lianfei , Wang Hua , Gu Huiyan , Yang Lei
Published: January 2016

An ionic liquid/lithium salt solvent system was successfully introduced into the separation technique for the preparation of syringin and oleuropein fromSyringa reticulatavar.mandshuricabranch bark.
Oxidation-triggered aggregation of gold nanoparticles for naked-eye detection of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Wu Shaojue , Tan Si Yu , Ang Chung Yen , Luo Zhong , Zhao Yanli
Published: January 2016

A gold nanoparticle-based platform for naked-eye detection of H2O2 was realized by changing the surface hydrophilicity.
On the nature of the stabilisation of the E⋯π pnicogen bond in the SbCl3⋯toluene complex
Authors: Lo Rabindranath , Švec Petr , Růžičková Zdeňka , Růžička Aleš , Hobza Pavel
Published: January 2016

The characteristic features of pnicogen bonding are due to the concert action of attractive dispersion and electrostatic interactions.
Detection of C-reactive protein using nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance using an aptamer-antibody sandwich assay
Authors: Wu Bin , Jiang Rui , Wang Qing , Huang Jin , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin , Li Wenshan , Chen Nandi , Li Qing
Published: January 2016

Detection of C-reactive protein using nanoparticle-enhanced surface plasmon resonance using an aptamer-antibody sandwich assay.
Structural determination of niobium-doped silicon clusters by far-infrared spectroscopy and theory
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Claes Pieterjan , Haertelt Marko , Lievens Peter , Janssens Ewald , Fielicke André
Published: January 2016

The structures of niobium doped silicon cluster cations are determined by a combination of infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations.
Tuning the carrier concentration using Zintl chemistry in Mg3Sb2, and its implications for thermoelectric figure-of-merit
Authors: Bhardwaj A. , Chauhan N. S. , Goel S. , Singh Vijeta , Pulikkotil J. J. , Senguttuvan T. D. , Misra D. K.
Published: January 2016

The Zn2+ substitution on Mg2+ site in the anionic framework (Mg2Sb2)2− of Mg3Sb2 results in an optimal control over the carrier concentration and the reduction in thermal conductivity via mass fluctuation scattering which drives the system to achieve a ZT of 0.37 at 773 K in Mg2.9Zn0.1Sb2.
The influence of zero-flux surface motion on chemical reactivity
Authors: Morgenstern Amanda , Morgenstern Charles , Miorelli Jonathan , Wilson Tim , Eberhart M. E.
Published: January 2016

Motion of zero-flux surfaces when an electron is removed from an ICCF molecule.
The development of nanostructure assisted isothermal amplification in biosensors
Authors: Duan Ruixue , Lou Xiaoding , Xia Fan
Published: January 2016

This review discusses how to construct N : N, 1 : N, and 1 : N2 amplification methods using DNA and non-DNA nanostructures.
Synthesis and evaluation of highly dispersed SBA-15 supported Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts for steam reforming of biomass derived tar reaction
Authors: Kathiraser Y. , Ashok J. , Kawi S.
Published: January 2016

Highly dispersed Ni–Fe bimetallic catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15 were synthesized via an incipient wetness impregnation method by impregnation of a small amount of oleic acid mixed with a metal precursor on the SBA-15 support.
A one-step Cu/ZnO quasi-homogeneous catalyst for DME production from syn-gas
Authors: García-Trenco A. , White E. R. , Shaffer M. S. P. , Williams C. K.
Published: January 2016

Colloidal Cu/ZnO nanoparticles combine with γ-Al2O3 to form promising hybrid catalysts for the direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) in liquid phase, showing high activity, selectivity and stability.
Scalable fabrication of micron-scale graphene nanomeshes for high-performance supercapacitor applications
Authors: Kim Hyun-Kyung , Bak Seong-Min , Lee Suk Woo , Kim Myeong-Seong , Park Byeongho , Lee Su Chan , Choi Yeon Jun , Jun Seong Chan , Han Joong Tark , Nam Kyung-Wan , Chung Kyung Yoon , Wang Jian , Zhou Jigang , Yang Xiao-Qing , Roh Kwang Chul , Kim Kwang-Bum
Published: January 2016

GNM electrodes exhibit superior electrochemical properties.
Understanding arsenic mobilization using reactive transport modeling of groundwater hydrochemistry in the Datong basin study plot, China
Authors: Mapoma Harold Wilson Tumwitike , Xie Xianjun , Pi Kunfu , Liu Yaqing , Zhu Yapeng
Published: January 2016

Spatial and temporal evolution of arsenic (As(iii)/As(v)) along a flow path was simulated using TOUGHREACT based on local conditions.
Standardized extract of Tinospora crispa stimulates innate and adaptive immune responses in Balb/c mice
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , Jantan Ibrahim , Kumolosasi Endang , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: January 2016

Tinospora crispaextract exhibited immunostimulatory effects by promoting nitric oxide production ability, peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, delayed type hypersensitivity, and enhancing serum immunoglobulins and serum lysozyme levels.
Synergetic catalysis of palladium nanoparticles encaged within amine-functionalized UiO-66 in the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin in water
Authors: Zhang Fumin , Zheng Shuang , Xiao Qiang , Zhong Yijun , Zhu Weidong , Lin Andrew , Samy El-Shall M.
Published: January 2016

Ultrasmall palladium nanoparticles (1.5–2.5 nm) encapsulated within the highly porous and hydrothermally stable amine-functionalized metal–organic framework UiO-66 exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the selective conversion of vanillin to 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol.
Luminescence, energy transfer and tunable color of Ce3+,Dy3+/Tb3+ doped BaZn2(PO4)2 phosphors
Authors: Wang Luxiang , Xu Mengjiao , Zhao Hongyang , Jia Dianzeng
Published: January 2016

Tunable emission from blue to bluish white and green can be realized by energy transfer and changing the doping concentrations of Dy3+ and Tb3+ in BaZn2(PO4)2 phosphors.
Ultrasensitive 1D field-effect phototransistors: CH3NH3PbI3 nanowire sensitized individual carbon nanotubes
Authors: Spina M. , Náfrádi B. , Tóháti H. M. , Kamarás K. , Bonvin E. , Gaal R. , Forró L. , Horváth E.
Published: January 2016

Field-effect phototransistors were fabricated based on individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) sensitized by CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires (MAPbI3NWs).
Probing the PEDOT:PSS/cell interface with conductive colloidal probe AFM-SECM
Authors: Knittel P. , Zhang H. , Kranz C. , Wallace G. G. , Higgins M. J.
Published: January 2016

We introduce a novel conductive colloidal Atomic Force-Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (AFM-SECM) probe for single cell force spectroscopy that enables detection of single cell and molecular-level force interactions at electromaterial interfaces whilst applying electrical stimulation.
Suppressed blinking behavior of CdSe/CdS QDs by polymer coating
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Bian Yannan , Wang Jinjie , Chen Kuiyong , Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: January 2016

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are very important fluorescent nanocrystals with excellent optical properties.
Designing axial growth of Co–Ni bimetallic nanowires with hexagon-like caps and their catalytic hydrogenation for nitrobenzene
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Liu Jingwei , Yang Nating , Huang Shuangshuang , Sun Yuhan , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2016

Co–Ni bimetal nanowires with hexagonal caps are more effective than corresponding nanoparticles for the nitrobenzene hydrogenation to produce aniline.
Construction of redox/pH dual stimuli-responsive PEGylated polymeric micelles for intracellular doxorubicin delivery in liver cancer
Authors: Yang Hong Yu , Jang Moon-Sun , Gao Guang Hui , Lee Jung Hee , Lee Doo Sung
Published: January 2016

A schematic of the complete process of DOX-loaded mPEG-SS-PNLG micelles uptake into tumor cells and intracellular release of DOX; size distribution of mPEG-SS-PNLG (90%) micelles and in vivo antitumor efficacy.
Design, synthesis and in vitro evaluation of anticancer and antibacterial potential of surface modified Tb(OH)3@SiO2core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Shahanavaj , Ansari Anees A. , Khan Abdul Arif , Al-Kattan Wael , Al-Obeed Omar , Ahmad Rehan
Published: January 2016

In the current study, we modified the surface of Tb(OH)3nanoparticles with a silica layer to enhance their solubility and biocompatibility.
Synthesis of Ag/PANI@MnO2 core–shell nanowires and their capacitance behavior
Authors: Pan Chao , Lv Yinhua , Gong Huimin , Jiang Qike , Miao Shu , Liu Jingyue
Published: January 2016

A Ag/PANI@MnO2 electrode was synthesized, exhibiting a high specific capacitance of 518.0 F g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and a retention ratio of 88.4% after 1600 cycles, attributed to the synergistic effects of the Ag/PANI@MnO2 nanocomposite and core–shell nanowire architecture.
Evaluation of Ba-deficient PrBa1−xFe2O5+δ oxides as cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Chen Tao , Pang Shengli , Shen Xiangqian , Jiang Xuening , Wang Wenzhi
Published: January 2016

Cobalt-free double perovskite oxides are promising cathode materials in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells, and often suffer from low activity in oxygen reduction reactions.
Evidence of microscopic correlation between biofilm kinetics and divalent cations for enhanced wastewater treatment efficiency
Authors: Sehar Shama , Naz Iffat , Das Theerthankar , Ahmed Safia
Published: January 2016

The interplay between biofilm kinetics and divalent cation subjection was studied microscopically to obtain enhanced wastewater treatment efficiencies.
Functional, rheological and sensory properties of probiotic milk chocolate produced in a ball mill
Authors: Zarić Danica B. , Bulatović Maja Lj. , Rakin Marica B. , Krunić Tanja Ž. , Lončarević Ivana S. , Pajin Biljana S.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the survival of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilusNCFM,Lactobacillus rhamnosusHN001 andBifidobacterium lactisHN019) in milk chocolate masses prepared at temperatures 35 °C and 40 °C.
Nanoscale characteristics of antibacterial cationic polymeric brushes and single bacterium interactions probed by force microscopy
Authors: Gultekinoglu Merve , Oh Yoo Jin , Hinterdorfer Peter , Duman Memed , Çatçat Demet , Ulubayram Kezban
Published: January 2016

A direct probing technique was applied to PEI brushes to investigate bacteria–PEI brush interactions in a single bacterium resolution.