bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laminin-511 and -521-based matrices for efficient ex vivo-expansion of human limbal epithelial progenitor cells
Authors: Polisetti Naresh , Sorokin Lydia , Okumura Naoki , Koizumi Noriko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Kruse Friedrich E. , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula
Published: July 2017

Optimization of culture conditions for human limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LEPC) that incorporate the in vivo cell-matrix interactions are essential to enhance LEPC ex vivo-expansion and transplantation efficiency. Here, we investigate the efficacy of laminin (LN) isoforms preferentially expressed in the limbal niche as culture matrices for epithelial tissue engineering. Analyses of expression patterns of LN chains in the human limbal niche provided evidence for enrichment of LN-α2, -α3, -α5, -β1, -β2, -β3, -γ1, -γ2 and -γ3 chains in the limbal basement membrane, with LN-α5 representing a signature component specifically produced by epithelial progenitor cells. Recombinant human LN-521 and LN-511 significantly enhanced in vitro LEPC adhesion, migration and proliferation compared to other isoforms, and maintained phenotype stability. The bioactive LN-511-E8 fragment carrying only C-terminal domains showed similar efficacy as full-length LN-511. Functional blocking of α3β1 and α6β1 integrins suppressed adhesion of LEPC to LN-511/521-coated surfaces. Cultivation of LEPC on fibrin-based hydrogels incorporating LN-511-E8 resulted in firm integrin-mediated adhesion to the scaffold and well-stratified epithelial constructs, with maintenance of a progenitor cell phenotype in their (supra)basal layers. Thus, the incorporation of chemically defined LN-511-E8 into biosynthetic scaffolds represents a promising approach for xeno-free corneal epithelial tissue engineering for ocular surface reconstruction.
Tudor Domain Containing Protein 3 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Invasive Capacity of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Morettin Alan , Paris Geneviève , Bouzid Younes , Baldwin R. Mitchell , Falls Theresa J. , Bell John C. , Côté Jocelyn
Published: July 2017

Tudor domain containing protein 3 (TDRD3) is a modular protein identified based on its ability to recognize methylated arginine motifs through its Tudor domain. We have previously shown that TDRD3 localizes to cytoplasmic stress granules, a structure shown to promote survival upon treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer cells. Here, we report TDRD3 as a novel regulator of cell proliferation and invasion in breast cancer cells. Our study also demonstrates that TDRD3 depletion inhibits tumor formation and metastasis to the lung in vivo. Furthermore, we show that TDRD3 regulates the expression of a number of key genes associated with promotion of breast cancer tumorigenesis and disease progression. Strikingly, we report that TDRD3 regulates some of these key targets at the level of translation. These findings provide the first experimental demonstration of a functional role for TDRD3 in promoting breast cancer development and progression, and identify TDRD3 as a potential new therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Dual non-contiguous peptide occupancy of HLA class I evoke antiviral human CD8 T cell response and form neo-epitopes with self-antigens
Authors: Xiao Ziwei , Ye Zhiyong , Tadwal Vikeramjeet Singh , Shen Meixin , Ren Ee Chee
Published: July 2017

Host CD8 T cell response to viral infections involves recognition of 8–10-mer peptides presented by MHC-I molecules. However, proteasomes generate predominantly 2–7-mer peptides, but the role of these peptides is largely unknown. Here, we show that single short peptides of <8-mer from Latent Membrane Protein 2 (LMP2) of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) can bind HLA-A*11:01 and stimulate CD8+cells. Surprisingly, two peptide fragments between 4–7-mer derived from LMP2(340–349)were able to complement each other, forming combination epitopes that can stimulate specific CD8+T cell responses. Moreover, peptides from self-antigens can complement non-self peptides within the HLA binding cleft, forming neoepitopes. Solved structures of a tetra-complex comprising two peptides, HLA and β2-microglobulin revealed the free terminals of the two peptides to adopt an upward conformation directed towards the T cell receptor. Our results demonstrate a previously unknown mix-and-match combination of dual peptide occupancy in HLA that can generate vast combinatorial complexity.
Investigating gene flow between the blind cavefish Garra barreimiae and its conspecific surface populations
Authors: Kirchner Sandra , Sattmann Helmut , Haring Elisabeth , Plan Lukas , Victor Reginald , Kruckenhauser Luise
Published: July 2017

Cave-dwelling taxa often share the same phenotypic modifications like absence of eyes and pigmentation. These “troglomorphic characters” are expressed in the populations of Garra barreimiae from the Al Hoota Cave and nearby Hoti Pit in Northern Oman. Surface morphotypes of this cyprinid species are common throughout the distribution area. Very rarely individuals with intermediate phenotypes can be found. In the present study, potential gene flow between cave and surface populations was tested and population structure within five sampling sites was assessed. Overall, 213 individuals were genotyped at 18 microsatellite loci. We found that the cave populations have lower genetic diversity and are clearly isolated from the surface populations, which seem to be sporadically in contact with each other. The results indicate a recent genetic bottleneck in the cave populations. Thus, it can be assumed that during climatic changes the connection between cave and surface water bodies was disjoined, leaving a subpopulation trapped inside. Nevertheless, occasional gene flow between the morphotypes is detectable, but hybridisation seems only possible in cave habitat with permanent connection to surface water. Individuals from surface sites bearing intermediate phenotypes but cave genotypes imply that phenotypic plasticity might play a role in the development of the phenotype.
Molecular dynamics study on the mechanism of polynucleotide encapsulation by chitosan
Authors: Shen Jia-Wei , Li Jiachen , Zhao Zhennan , Zhang Li , Peng Guoteng , Liang Lijun
Published: July 2017

The safe and effective delivery of therapeutic genes into target cell interiors is of great importance in gene therapy. Chitosan has been extensively studied as a gene delivery carrier due to its good biocompatibility and biodegradability. Understanding the atomic interaction mechanism between chitosan and DNA is important in the design and application of chitosan-based drug and gene delivery systems. In this work, the interactions between single-stranded polynucleotides and different types of chitosan were systematically investigated by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our results demonstrate that the functional groups of chitosan, the types of base and length of polynucleotides regulate the interaction behavior between chitosan and polynucleotides. The encapsulation capacity of polynucleotide by chitosan is mainly balanced by two factors: the strength of polynucleotide binding to chitosan and the tendency of self-aggregation of polynucleotide in the solution. For –NH3+ chitosan, due to the strong electrostatic interaction, especially the H-bond between –NH3+ groups in chitosan and phosphate groups in polynucleotide, the aggregation effect could be partially eliminated. The good dispersal capacity of polynucleotides may improve the encapsulation of polynucleotides by chitosan, and hence increase the delivery and transfection efficiency of chitosan-based gene carrier.
Identification of FBXL4 as a Metastasis Associated Gene in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Stankiewicz Elzbieta , Mao Xueying , Mangham D. Chas , Xu Lei , Yeste-Velasco Marc , Fisher Gabrielle , North Bernard , Chaplin Tracy , Young Bryan , Wang Yuqin , Kaur Bansal Jasmin , Kudahetti Sakunthala , Spencer Lucy , Foster Christopher S. , Møller Henrik , Scardino Peter , Oliver R. Tim , Shamash Jonathan , Cuzick Jack , Cooper Colin S. , Berney Daniel M. , Lu Yong-Jie
Published: July 2017

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among western men, with a significant mortality and morbidity reported for advanced metastatic disease. Current understanding of metastatic disease is limited due to difficulty of sampling as prostate cancer mainly metastasizes to bone. By analysing prostate cancer bone metastases using high density microarrays, we found a common genomic copy number loss at 6q16.1–16.2, containing the FBXL4 gene, which was confirmed in larger series of bone metastases by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Loss of FBXL4 was also detected in primary tumours and it was highly associated with prognostic factors including high Gleason score, clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and extent of disease, as well as poor patient survival, suggesting that FBXL4 loss contributes to prostate cancer progression. We also demonstrated that FBXL4 deletion is detectable in circulating tumour cells (CTCs), making it a potential prognostic biomarker by ‘liquid biopsy’. In vitro analysis showed that FBXL4 plays a role in regulating the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. FBXL4 potentially controls cancer metastasis through regulation of ERLEC1 levels. Therefore, FBXL4 could be a potential novel prostate cancer suppressor gene, which may prevent cancer progression and metastasis through controlling cell invasion.
Regional and local environmental conditions do not shape the response to warming of a marine habitat-forming species
Authors: Crisci C. , Ledoux J.-B. , Mokhtar- Jamaï K. , Bally M. , Bensoussan N. , Aurelle D. , Cebrian E. , Coma R. , Féral J.- P. , La Rivière M. , Linares C. , López-Sendino P. , Marschal C. , Ribes M. , Teixidó N. , Zuberer F. , Garrabou J.
Published: July 2017

The differential response of marine populations to climate change remains poorly understood. Here, we combine common garden thermotolerance experiments in aquaria and population genetics to disentangle the factors driving the population response to thermal stress in a temperate habitat-forming species: the octocoral Paramuricea clavata. Using eight populations separated from tens of meters to hundreds of kilometers, which were differentially impacted by recent mortality events, we identify 25 °C as a critical thermal threshold. After one week of exposure at this temperature, seven of the eight populations were affected by tissue necrosis and after 30 days of exposure at this temperature, the mean % of affected colonies increased gradually from 3 to 97%. We then demonstrate the weak relation between the observed differential phenotypic responses and the local temperature regimes experienced by each population. A significant correlation was observed between these responses and the extent of genetic drift impacting each population. Local adaptation may thus be hindered by genetic drift, which seems to be the main driver of the differential response. Accordingly, conservation measures should promote connectivity and control density erosion in order to limit the impact of genetic drift on marine populations facing climate change.
Selenoprotein MsrB1 promotes anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in macrophages and controls immune response in vivo
Authors: Lee Byung Cheon , Lee Sang-Goo , Choo Min-Kyung , Kim Ji Hyung , Lee Hae Min , Kim Sorah , Fomenko Dmitri E. , Kim Hwa-Young , Park Jin Mo , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: July 2017

Post-translational redox modification of methionine residues often triggers a change in protein function. Emerging evidence points to this reversible protein modification being an important regulatory mechanism under various physiological conditions. Reduction of oxidized methionine residues is catalyzed by methionine sulfoxide reductases (Msrs). Here, we show that one of these enzymes, a selenium-containing MsrB1, is highly expressed in immune-activated macrophages and contributes to shaping cellular and organismal immune responses. In particular, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces expression of MsrB1, but not other Msrs. Genetic ablation of MsrB1 did not preclude LPS-induced intracellular signaling in macrophages, but resulted in attenuated induction of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-10 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist. This anomaly was associated with excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production as well as an increase in acute tissue inflammation in mice. Together, our findings suggest that MsrB1 controls immune responses by promoting anti-inflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages. MsrB1-dependent reduction of oxidized methionine in proteins may be a heretofore unrecognized regulatory event underlying immunity and inflammatory disease, and a novel target for clinical applications.
Efficient Characterization and Classification of Contrast Sensitivity Functions in Aging
Authors: Yan Fang-Fang , Hou Fang , Lu Zhong-Lin , Hu Xiaopeng , Huang Chang-Bing
Published: July 2017

The contrast sensitivity function (CSF), delineating contrast sensitivity over a wide range of spatial frequencies, provides a comprehensive characterization of spatial vision and a sensitive test for many physiological and pathological processes. A precise CSF measurement tool for the aging population is of great theoretical and practical importance. In the current study, we tested whether the assumptions of the newly developed quick CSF method were valid and whether it can rapidly, reliably, and effectively evaluate CSFs in the aging population. The quick CSF method combines Bayesian adaptive inference with an information gain strategy to directly estimate four parameters that define the observer’s CSF. Eighteen young and twenty-five old observers participated in the evaluation of the quick CSF method. All observers were screened for ophthalmological and mental diseases. Our results showed that the CSFs derived from the quick CSF method well matched with those from the traditional Ψ method, with excellent test-retest reliability. More importantly, the quick CSF method can accurately detect the difference of CSFs between the young and old groups. Aging significantly degrades contrast sensitivity. The quick CSF method demonstrates great potentials for both laboratory research and clinical applications in the aging population.
Optimization of hormone combinations for root growth and bud germination in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) clone leaf cuttings
Authors: Li Shubin , Huang Peng , Ding Guochang , Zhou Lili , Tang Piao , Sun Min , Zheng Yingying , Lin Sizu
Published: July 2017

In order to ascertain the optimal hormone combination for Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) leaf cuttings, an L16(4)4 orthogonal test of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (0, 10, 30, or 50 mg · L−1 of each exogenous hormone) immersion for 5, 10, 15, or 20 min was conducted. Callus initiation rate and rooting promotion rate were mainly affected by treatment time, root length increase by 6-BA concentration, and bud germination rate and plantlet formation rate by NAA concentration. The expected optimal combination for callus initiation rate was 50 mg · L−1 6-BA + 0 mg · L−1 NAA + 30 mg · L−1 IBA + 10 min; for rooting promotion rate, it was 0–10 mg · L−1 6-BA + 10 mg · L−1 NAA + 30 mg · L−1 IBA + 20 min; for bud germination rate, it was 50 mg · L−1 6-BA + 0–10 mg · L−1 NAA + 0–30 mg · L−1 IBA + 20 min; and for seedling formation rate for No. 4, it was 10 mg · L−1 6-BA + 10 mg · L−1 NAA + 0 mg · L−1 IBA + 20 min. Light microscopy image analysis revealed that a cluster of primordial cells was produced 40 days after cutting, and mastoid cells developed into peninsula cells in calli that were cultured for 50 days.
An intragenic mutagenesis strategy in Physcomitrella patens to preserve intron splicing
Authors: Ako Ako Eugene , Perroud Pierre-François , Innocent Joseph , Demko Viktor , Olsen Odd-Arne , Johansen Wenche
Published: July 2017

Gene targeting is a powerful reverse genetics technique for site-specific genome modification. Intrinsic homologous recombination in the moss Physcomitrella patens permits highly effective gene targeting, a characteristic that makes this organism a valuable model for functional genetics. Functional characterization of domains located within a multi-domain protein depends on the ability to generate mutants harboring genetic modifications at internal gene positions while maintaining the reading-frames of the flanking exons. In this study, we designed and evaluated different gene targeting constructs for targeted gene manipulation of sequences corresponding to internal domains of the DEFECTIVE KERNEL1 protein in Physcomitrella patens. Our results show that gene targeting-associated mutagenesis of introns can have adverse effects on splicing, corrupting the normal reading frame of the transcript. We show that successful genetic modification of internal sequences of multi-exon genes depends on gene-targeting strategies which insert the selection marker cassette into the 5′ end of the intron and preserve the nucleotide sequence of the targeted intron.
In-situ terahertz optical Hall effect measurements of ambient effects on free charge carrier properties of epitaxial graphene
Authors: Knight Sean , Hofmann Tino , Bouhafs Chamseddine , Armakavicius Nerijus , Kühne Philipp , Stanishev Vallery , Ivanov Ivan G. , Yakimova Rositsa , Wimer Shawn , Schubert Mathias , Darakchieva Vanya
Published: July 2017

Unraveling the doping-related charge carrier scattering mechanisms in two-dimensional materials such as graphene is vital for limiting parasitic electrical conductivity losses in future electronic applications. While electric field doping is well understood, assessment of mobility and density as a function of chemical doping remained a challenge thus far. In this work, we investigate the effects of cyclically exposing epitaxial graphene to controlled inert gases and ambient humidity conditions, while measuring the Lorentz force-induced birefringence in graphene at Terahertz frequencies in magnetic fields. This technique, previously identified as the optical analogue of the electrical Hall effect, permits here measurement of charge carrier type, density, and mobility in epitaxial graphene on silicon-face silicon carbide. We observe a distinct, nearly linear relationship between mobility and electron charge density, similar to field-effect induced changes measured in electrical Hall bar devices previously. The observed doping process is completely reversible and independent of the type of inert gas exposure.
Spatial patterns of wet season precipitation vertical gradients on the Tibetan Plateau and the surroundings
Authors: Cuo Lan , Zhang Yongxin
Published: July 2017

The Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding (TPS) with its vast land mass and high elevation affects regional climate and weather. The TPS is also the headwater of 9 major Asian rivers that provide fresh water for 1.65 billion people and many ecosystems, with wet season (May–September) precipitation being the critical component of the fresh water. Using station observations, ERA-Interim and MERRA2 reanalysis, we find that wet season precipitation displays vertical gradients (i.e., changes with elevation) that vary within the region on the TPS. The decrease of precipitation with elevation occurs in the interior TPS with elevation larger than 4000 m, little or no change over the southeastern TPS, and increase elsewhere. The increase of precipitation with elevation is caused by increasing convective available potential energy (CAPE) and decreasing lifting condensation level (LCL) with elevation overwhelming the effects of decreasing total column water vapor (TCWV) with elevation. The decreasing precipitation with elevation is due to the combined effects of increasing LCL and decreasing TCWV. LCL and CAPE play a more important role than TCWV in determining the spatial patterns. These findings are important for hydrology study in observation scarce mountainous areas, water resources and ecosystem managements in the region.
Reading-induced shifts of perceptual speech representations in auditory cortex
Authors: Bonte Milene , Correia Joao M. , Keetels Mirjam , Vroomen Jean , Formisano Elia
Published: July 2017

Learning to read requires the formation of efficient neural associations between written and spoken language. Whether these associations influence the auditory cortical representation of speech remains unknown. Here we address this question by combining multivariate functional MRI analysis and a newly-developed ‘text-based recalibration’ paradigm. In this paradigm, the pairing of visual text and ambiguous speech sounds shifts (i.e. recalibrates) the perceptual interpretation of the ambiguous sounds in subsequent auditory-only trials. We show that it is possible to retrieve the text-induced perceptual interpretation from fMRI activity patterns in the posterior superior temporal cortex. Furthermore, this auditory cortical region showed significant functional connectivity with the inferior parietal lobe (IPL) during the pairing of text with ambiguous speech. Our findings indicate that reading-related audiovisual mappings can adjust the auditory cortical representation of speech in typically reading adults. Additionally, they suggest the involvement of the IPL in audiovisual and/or higher-order perceptual processes leading to this adjustment. When applied in typical and dyslexic readers of different ages, our text-based recalibration paradigm may reveal relevant aspects of perceptual learning and plasticity during successful and failing reading development.
Distinct Properties of Long-Term Potentiation in the Dentate Gyrus along the Dorsoventral Axis: Influence of Age and Inhibition
Authors: Schreurs An , Sabanov Victor , Balschun Detlef
Published: July 2017

The hippocampus is important for spatial navigation, episodic memory and affective behaviour. Increasing evidence suggests that these multiple functions are accomplished by different segments along the dorsal-ventral (septal-temporal) axis. Long-term potentiation (LTP), the best-investigated cellular correlate of learning and memory, has distinct properties along this axis in the CA1 region, but so far, little is known about longitudinal differences in dentate gyrus (DG). Therefore, here we examined potential dorsoventral differences in DG-LTP usingin vitromulti-electrode array recordings. In young mice, we found higher basal synaptic transmission in the dorsal DG, while the LTP magnitude markedly increased towards the ventral pole. Strikingly, these differences were greatly reduced in slices from middle-aged mice. Short-term plasticity, evaluated by paired-pulse ratios, was similar across groups. Recordings in the presence and absence of GABAA-receptor blocker picrotoxin suggested a higher inhibitory tone in the ventral DG of young mice, confirmed by an increased frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Our findings support the view that the hippocampus contains discrete functional domains along its dorsoventral axis and demonstrate that these are subject to age-dependent changes. Since these characteristics are presumably conserved in the human hippocampus, our findings have important clinical implications for hippocampus- and age-related disorders.
Electronic bandstructure and van der Waals coupling of ReSe2 revealed by high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Hart Lewis S. , Webb James L. , Dale Sara , Bending Simon J. , Mucha-Kruczynski Marcin , Wolverson Daniel , Chen Chaoyu , Avila José , Asensio Maria C.
Published: July 2017

ReSe2 and ReS2 are unusual compounds amongst the layered transition metal dichalcogenides as a result of their low symmetry, with a characteristic in-plane anisotropy due to in-plane rhenium ‘chains’. They preserve inversion symmetry independent of the number of layers and, in contrast to more well-known transition metal dichalcogenides, bulk and few-monolayer Re-TMD compounds have been proposed to behave as electronically and vibrational decoupled layers. Here, we probe for the first time the electronic band structure of bulk ReSe2 by direct nanoscale angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We find a highly anisotropic in- and out-of-plane electronic structure, with the valence band maxima located away from any particular high-symmetry direction. The effective mass doubles its value perpendicular to the Re chains and the interlayer van der Waals coupling generates significant electronic dispersion normal to the layers. Our density functional theory calculations, including spin-orbit effects, are in excellent agreement with these experimental findings.
Monitoring changes of docosahexaenoic acid-containing lipids during the recovery process of traumatic brain injury in rat using mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Guo Shuai , Zhou Dan , Zhang Mo , Li Tiejun , Liu Yujie , Xu Yupin , Chen Tianjing , Li Zhili
Published: July 2017

Brain lipid homoeostasis is critical during recovery process after traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, we integrated liquid extraction and electrosonic spray ionization technology to develop an ionization device coupled with a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer for imaging of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing lipids on rat brain tissues. The ion images of the brain tissue sections from the normal rats and the rats after TBI at acute phase (0 and 1 day) and chronic phase (3, 5, and 7 days) were obtained. The imaging results indicate that the levels of DHA and lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine (22:6) in the injury area of TBI rats increased significantly at the acute phase and subsequently decreased at the chronic phase. But the levels of DHA-containing phospholipids including phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)(P-18:0/22:6), PE(18:0/22:6), and phosphatidylserine (18:0/22:6) decreased at the acute phase and gradually increased at the chronic phase in the injury area accompanied by the morphogenesis and wound healing. These findings indicate that the DHA may participate in the recovery process of brain injury. This is the first report to in situ detect the changes in the levels of DHA and DHA-containing lipids in the TBI model.
On the stochastic phase stability of Ti2AlC-Cr2AlC
Authors: Duong Thien C. , Talapatra Anjana , Son Woongrak , Radovic Miladin , Arróyave Raymundo
Published: July 2017

The quest towards expansion of the M
n+1AX
n
design space has been accelerated with the recent discovery of several solid solution and ordered phases involving at least two M
n+1AX
n
end members. Going beyond the nominal M
n+1AX
n
compounds enables not only fine tuning of existing properties but also entirely new functionality. This search, however, has been mostly done through painstaking experiments as knowledge of the phase stability of the relevant systems is rather scarce. In this work, we report the first attempt to evaluate the finite-temperature pseudo-binary phase diagram of the Ti2AlC-Cr2AlC via first-principles-guided Bayesian CALPHAD framework that accounts for uncertainties not only in ab initio calculations and thermodynamic models but also in synthesis conditions in reported experiments. The phase stability analyses are shown to have good agreement with previous experiments. The work points towards a promising way of investigating phase stability in other MAX Phase systems providing the knowledge necessary to elucidate possible synthesis routes for M
n+1AX
n
systems with unprecedented properties.
Characteristics of Sonography in a Rat Achilles Tendinopathy Model: Possible Non-invasive Predictors of Biomechanics
Authors: Lee Su-Ya , Chieh Hsiao-Feng , Lin Chien-Ju , Jou I-Ming , Sun Yung-Nien , Kuo Li-Chieh , Wu Po-Ting , Su Fong-Chin
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of histopathology, biomechanical properties, echo intensity, and ultrasound features in a collagenase-induced tendinopathy model of rat Achilles tendons, and to examine the associations among biomechanical properties, echo intensity, and ultrasound features. Forty-two rats received an ultrasound-guided collagenase injection on their left Achilles tendons, and needle puncture on the right ones as the control. At four, eight, and twelve weeks post-injury, the tendons were examined via measurements of their biomechanical properties, histopathological and ultrasonographic characteristics. The injured tendons showed significantly higher histopathological scores, lower Young’s modulus, and higher ultrasound feature scores than the those of control ones throughout the study period. Up to week 12, all injured tendons showed defective healing. The neovascularization score had a significant negative linear association with the failure stress and Young’s modulus. Maximum normalized echo intensity had a significant positive linear association with maximum strain. Therefore, neovascularization and maximum normalized echo intensity are associated with mechanically altered tendinopathic tendons. Non-invasive ultrasound methodology, including echo intensity and ultrasound feature scores, may provide useful information about biomechanical properties of tendinopathic tendons.
An E2F1/MiR-17-92 Negative Feedback Loop mediates proliferation of Mouse Palatal Mesenchymal Cells
Authors: Li Ling , Shi Bing , Chen Jin , Li Chunhua , Wang Shaoxin , Wang Zhaohui , Zhu Guiquan
Published: July 2017

Normal cell cycle progression and proliferation of palatal mesenchymal cells are important for palatal development. As targets of miR-17-92, E2F transcription factors family has been suggested to induce the transcription of miR-17-92 in several cell types. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether this negative feedback loop exists in mouse PMCs and what the function of this negative feedback loop would be in palatal mesenchymal cells. Using GeneMANIA, we revealed that the most important function of experimentally verified targets of miR-17-92 is cell cycle regulation. E2F1 and E2F3, but not E2F2, were extensively expressed in mouse palate. Over-expression of E2F1 significantly increased the expression of all the members of miR-17-92. After increased by E2F1, miR-17 and miR-20a may negatively target E2F1, and thereby prevent the cells from excessive proliferation. We suggest that the negative feedback loop between E2F1 and miR-17-92 may contribute to palatal development by regulating the proliferation and cell cycle of palatal mesenchymal cells.
Metabolic Effects of Clenbuterol and Salbutamol on Pork Meat Studied Using Internal Extractive Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Zhang Hua , Zhu Tenggao , Xiao Yipo , Xie Shaoxian , Gu Haiwei , Cui Meng , Luo Liping
Published: July 2017

Direct mass spectrometry analysis of metabolic effects of clenbuterol and salbutamol on pork quality at the molecular level is incredibly beneficial for food regulations, public health and the development of new anti-obesity drugs. With internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (iEESI-MS), nutrients including creatine, amino acids, L-carnitine, vitamin B6, carnosine and phosphatidylcholines in pork tissue were identified, without sample pretreatment, using collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments and by comparison with authentic compounds. Furthermore, normal pork samples were clearly differentiated from pork samples with clenbuterol and salbutamol via principal component analysis (PCA). Correlation analysis performed on the spectral data revealed that the above-mentioned nutrients strongly correlated with pork quality, and the absolute intensity of phosphatidylcholines in normal pork was much higher than pork contaminated by clenbuterol and salbutamol. Our findings suggested that clenbuterol and salbutamol may render effects on the activity of carnitine acyltransferase I, hence the process that L-carnitine transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria and the formation of phosphatidylcholines might be affected. However, the underlying metabolic mechanisms of clenbuterol and salbutamol on carnitine acyltransferase I requires more comprehensive studies in future work.
Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain-heart coupling
Authors: Kyeong Sunghyon , Kim Joohan , Kim Dae Jin , Kim Hesun Erin , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: July 2017

A sense of gratitude is a powerful and positive experience that can promote a happier life, whereas resentment is associated with life dissatisfaction. To explore the effects of gratitude and resentment on mental well-being, we acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging and heart rate (HR) data before, during, and after the gratitude and resentment interventions. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis was conducted to identify the modulatory effects of gratitude on the default mode, emotion, and reward-motivation networks. The average HR was significantly lower during the gratitude intervention than during the resentment intervention. Temporostriatal FC showed a positive correlation with HR during the gratitude intervention, but not during the resentment intervention. Temporostriatal resting-state FC was significantly decreased after the gratitude intervention compared to the resentment intervention. After the gratitude intervention, resting-state FC of the amygdala with the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were positively correlated with anxiety scale and depression scale, respectively. Taken together, our findings shed light on the effect of gratitude meditation on an individual’s mental well-being, and indicate that it may be a means of improving both emotion regulation and self-motivation by modulating resting-state FC in emotion and motivation-related brain regions.
Activated Monocytes Enhance Platelet-Driven Contraction of Blood Clots via Tissue Factor Expression
Authors: Peshkova Alina D. , Le Minh Giang , Tutwiler Valerie , Andrianova Izabella A. , Weisel John W. , Litvinov Rustem I.
Published: July 2017

Platelet-driven reduction in blood clot volume (clot contraction or retraction) has been implicated to play a role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Although these processes are often linked with inflammation, the role of inflammatory cells in contraction of blood clots and thrombi has not been investigated. The aim of this work was to study the influence of activated monocytes on clot contraction. The effects of monocytes were evaluated using a quantitative optical tracking methodology to follow volume changes in a blood clot formed in vitro. When a physiologically relevant number of isolated human monocytes pre-activated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) were added back into whole blood, the extent and rate of clot contraction were increased compared to addition of non-activated cells. Inhibition of tissue factor expression or its inactivation on the surface of PMA-treated monocytes reduced the extent and rate of clot contraction back to control levels with non-activated monocytes. On the contrary, addition of tissue factor enhanced clot contraction, mimicking the effects of tissue factor expressed on the activated monocytes. These data suggest that the inflammatory cells through their expression of tissue factor can directly affect hemostasis and thrombosis by modulating the size and density of intra- and extravascular clots and thrombi.
Engaging students in analyzing and interpreting data to construct mathematical models: an analysis of students’ reasoning in a method of initial rates task
Authors: Becker Nicole M. , Rupp Charlie A. , Brandriet Alexandra
Published: July 2017

Models related to the topic of chemical kinetics are critical for predicting and explaining chemical reactivity. Here we present a qualitative study of 15 general chemistry students’ reasoning about a method of initial rates task. We asked students to discuss their understanding of the terms rate law and initial rate, and then analyze rate and concentration data in order to construct a rate law. We also asked participants to critique rate laws constructed by hypothetical students. We discuss five patterns in the students’ approach to the method of initial rates task, ranging from the use of surface-features, such as stoichiometric coefficients in the construction of a rate law, to more sophisticated interpretations and mathematization of the trends in the data. Findings highlight specific difficulties with inter-related competences required to engage in the task, such as interpreting data and reasoning mathematically, and provide insight into assessment strategies for similar tasks.
Correction: A smart multi-pipette for hand-held operation of microfluidic devices
Authors: Kim Byeongyeon , Hahn Young Ki , You Dongwon , Oh Sein , Choi Sungyoung
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘A smart multi-pipette for hand-held operation of microfluidic devices’ by Byeongyeon Kim et al., Analyst, 2016, 141, 5753–5758.
A ZnO–RGO-modified electrode coupled to microwave digestion for the determination of trace cadmium and lead in six species fish
Authors: Zhang Wen , Xu Yiwei , Zou Xiaobo
Published: July 2017

Herein, a composite of a ZnO nanoparticle and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was employed as a sensing interface in a practical electrode for the determination of cadmium (Cd2+) and lead (Pb2+).
Standard and rapid scan infrared spectroscopic studies of o-xylene transformations in terms of pore arrangement of 10-ring zeolites – 2D COS analysis
Authors: Gołąbek Kinga , Tarach Karolina A. , Góra-Marek Kinga
Published: July 2017

This study attempts to offer an insight into o-xylene isomerization process in terms of steric constraints of 10-ring zeolites.
Enhanced durability of an iridium-bipyridine complex embedded into organosilica nanotubes for water oxidation
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Wang Hua , Li Mei , Han Jinyu , Inagaki Shinji , Liu Xiao
Published: July 2017

Robust bipyridine-incorporated organosilica nanotubes were used to fabricate heterogeneous iridium-bipyridine catalysts, which showed enhanced durability in the water oxidation reaction, benefiting from the stable nanotube structures as well as the isolated active sites.
Insights into the RNA binding mechanism of human L1-ORF1p: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Rajagopalan Muthukumaran , Balasubramanian Sangeetha , Ramaswamy Amutha
Published: July 2017

The single-standard L1 mRNA binding pathway of ORF1p proposed by ligand mapping methodology and molecular dynamics simulations.
Remarkable differences in the biochemical fate of Cd2+, Hg2+, CH3Hg+ and thimerosal in red blood cell lysate
Authors: Gibson Matthew A. , Sarpong-Kumankomah Sophia , Nehzati Susan , George Graham N. , Gailer Jürgen
Published: July 2017

The application of a metallomics method revealed that all investigated Hg species bound to hemoglobin and that these interactions are of toxicological significance.
Pd-Catalyzed regioselective C–H halogenation of quinazolinones and benzoxazinones
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Farajinia Lehi Noushin , Kazemi Movahed Siyavash , Khavasi Hamid Reza
Published: July 2017

A Pd-catalyzed ortho-selective halogenation of benzoxazinone and quinazolinone scaffolds has been described employing N-halosuccinimide via C–H bond activation.
Dual thermo- and light-responsive coumarin-based copolymers with programmable cloud points
Authors: Benoit Couturaud , Talitha Stefanello , David Fournier , Michel Sliwa , Anna Szarpack-Jankowska , Rachel Auzély-Velty , Patrice Woisel
Published: July 2017

This article deals with the design of a new class of dual-responsive coumarin-based copolymers, sensitive to temperature and light (UV and near infrared).
Enhancing the rate performance of spherical LiFeBO3/C via Cr doping
Authors: Dong X. X. , Huang C. Y. , Jin Q. , Zhou J. , Feng P. , Shi F. Y. , Zhang D. Y.
Published: July 2017

Spherical LiFe1−xCrxBO3/C (x = 0, 0.005, 0.008) has been successfully synthesized by ball-milling and spray-drying assisted high-temperature solid-state reaction.
A novel experimental device for electrochemical measurements in supercritical fluids up to 700 °C/1000 bar and its application in the corrosion study of superalloy Inconel 740H
Authors: Lin Sen , Li Heping , Xu Liping , Zhang Yanqing , Cui Can
Published: July 2017

The design of the device enables in situ electrochemical measurements in ultra-supercritical fluids up to 700 °C/1000 bar.
New endeavours involving the cooperative behaviour of TMAO and urea towards the globular state of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Narang Payal , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: July 2017

Studies have provided evidence for the destruction of the hydrogen bonds of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in the presence of osmolytes such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and urea.
Students’ perceptions of a project-based Organic Chemistry laboratory environment: a phenomenographic approach
Authors: Burrows Nikita L. , Nowak Montana K. , Mooring Suazette R.
Published: July 2017

Students can perceive the laboratory environment in a variety of ways that can affect what they take away from the laboratory course. This qualitative study characterizes undergraduate students’ perspectives of a project-based Organic Chemistry laboratory using the theoretical framework of phenomenography. Eighteen participants were interviewed in a semi-structured format to collect their perspectives of the Organic Chemistry lab. Eight qualitatively different ways in which students perceived the lab were uncovered and an outcome space was derived. The findings of this work are intended to inform the design of the undergraduate laboratory curriculum in chemistry that facilitate better student learning. Implications and suggestions for design of laboratory courses based on the results of this work are also presented.
Precision spherical nucleic acids for delivery of anticancer drugs
Authors: Bousmail Danny , Amrein Lilian , Fakhoury Johans J. , Fakih Hassan H. , Hsu John C. C. , Panasci Lawrence , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: July 2017

Highly monodisperse sequence-defined spherical nucleic acids (HE12–SNAs) for delivery of small-molecule anticancer drugs.
Stability of the Cortical Sensory Waveforms, the P1-N1-P2 Complex and T-Complex, of Auditory Evoked Potentials
Authors: Wagner Monica , Shafer Valerie L. , Haxhari Evis , Kiprovski Kevin , Behrmann Katherine , Griffiths Tara
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Atypical cortical sensory waveforms reflecting impaired encoding of auditory stimuli may result from inconsistency in cortical response to the acoustic feature changes within spoken words. Thus, the present study assessed intrasubject stability of the P1-N1-P2 complex and T-complex to multiple productions of spoken nonwords in 48 adults to provide benchmarks for future studies probing auditory processing deficits.

Method

Response trials were split (split epoch averages) for each of 4 word types for each subject and compared for similarity in waveform morphology. Waveform morphology association was assessed between 50 and 600 ms, the time frame reflecting spectro-temporal feature processing for the stimuli used in the study.

Results

Using approximately 70 trials in each split epoch, the P1-N1-P2 complex was found to be highly stable, with high positive associations found for all subjects for at least 3 word types. The T-complex was more variable, with high positive associations found for all subjects to at least 1 word type.

Conclusions

The P1-N1-P2 split epochs at group and individual levels and the T-complex at group level can be used to assess consistency of neural response in individuals with auditory processing deficits. The T-complex relative to the P1-N1-P2 complex in individuals can provide information pertaining to phonological processing.
Switchable non‐physical LTE/WWAN antenna
Authors: Chuang Kai‐Jen , Syu Wei‐Ming , Chen Shu‐Chuan , Wang Ching‐Cheng
Published: July 2017

This research proposes a switchable non‐physical LTE/WWAN antenna. It adopts the metal zone around the hinge slot, created by the existing display ground plane, keyboard ground plane, and metal hinges, to create the radiator. It then feeds a signal at the proper position in the hinge slot to effectively excite the resonance modes of the loop path around the hinge slot. Moreover, it adopts switchable feeding points to cover the LTE700/2300/2500 triple‐bands required by LTE and the GSM850/900/1800/1900/UMTS penta‐bands required by WWAN, respectively, and fulfils the operating requirements of fourth generation communication. In addition, since no additional deployment space and structure design for antenna is required, the design can resolve the space requirement for communication device, and provide new antenna design technology.
FAST: truthful auction with access flexibility for cooperative communications
Authors: Wang Xinglong , Huang Liusheng , Xu Hongli , Huang He
Published: July 2017

Cooperative communication has great potential to enhance the performance of wireless networks by exploiting relay nodes' spatial diversity. Relay assignment plays a vital role in making the most of this potential. However, most previous studies investigate relay assignment in a rather static manner which may lead to the under‐utilisation of relay nodes, especially in the scenarios where source nodes' demands are time varying. Hence, in this study, the authors consider the relay assignment problem for cooperative networks using auction model with access flexibility, i.e. providing sufficient flexibility for source nodes to access relay nodes in time domain. They divide relay nodes' access time into multiple smaller access units and permit each source node to bid for a bundle of desired access units in the auction. This model is formulated as a combinational auction whose winner determination problem is NP hard. They thus present an auction mechanism with an elaborated greed strategy which not only achieves adorable properties such as truthfulness, individual rationality and computational efficiency, but also guarantees near‐optimal social welfare. Finally, they conduct extensive evaluations to verify the performance of their mechanism.
Transverse function approach to practical stabilisation of underactuated surface vessels with modelling uncertainties and unknown disturbances
Authors: Dai Shi‐Lu , He Shude , Xu Yuge
Published: July 2017

This study addresses the problem of stabilising a desired trajectory (also referred to as the trajectory tracking problem) for underactuated surface vessels. The desired trajectory does not need to be a particular type (e.g. feasible trajectory) and can be any sufficiently smooth curve parameterised by time. To overcome difficulties caused by underactuation, the authors apply the transverse function approach to introduce an additional control input in backstepping design procedure. They give the calculation of transverse functions accordingly. To compensate for the effects of the external disturbances, they employ disturbance observer to estimate the unknown time‐varying disturbances. Subsequently, disturbance‐observer‐based tracking control is designed that achieves practical stabilisation of any smooth reference trajectory (i.e. the vessel position and orientation tracking errors converge to a small neighbourhood of zero). A noticeable feature of the design technique is that the desired reference trajectory allows to be feasible or non‐feasible. Besides the nominal case where exact knowledge of the vessel model is available, they also deal with scenarios wherein modelling uncertainties are present. The proposed control is robust not only to modelling uncertainties but also to external disturbances. Simulation studies are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design technique.