bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptin sustains spontaneous remyelination in the adult central nervous system
Authors: Matoba Ken , Muramatsu Rieko , Yamashita Toshihide
Published: January 2017

Demyelination is a common feature of many central nervous system (CNS) diseases and is associated with neurological impairment. Demyelinated axons are spontaneously remyelinated depending on oligodendrocyte development, which mainly involves molecules expressed in the CNS environment. In this study, we found that leptin, a peripheral hormone secreted from adipocytes, promoted the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Leptin increased the OPC proliferation viain vitrophosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK); whereas leptin neutralization inhibited OPC proliferation and remyelination in a mouse model of toxin-induced demyelination. The OPC-specific leptin receptor long isoform (LepRb) deletion in mice inhibited both OPC proliferation and remyelination in the response to demyelination. Intrathecal leptin administration increased OPC proliferation. These results demonstrated a novel molecular mechanism by which leptin sustained OPC proliferation and remyelination in a pathological CNS.
Genome Analysis of a Zygomycete Fungus Choanephora cucurbitarum Elucidates Necrotrophic Features Including Bacterial Genes Related to Plant Colonization
Authors: Min Byoungnam , Park Ji-Hyun , Park Hongjae , Shin Hyeon-Dong , Choi In-Geol
Published: January 2017

A zygomycete fungus, Choanephora cucurbitarum is a plant pathogen that causes blossom rot in cucurbits and other plants. Here we report the genome sequence of Choanephora cucurbitarum KUS-F28377 isolated from squash. The assembled genome has a size of 29.1 Mbp and 11,977 protein-coding genes. The genome analysis indicated that C. cucurbitarum may employ a plant pathogenic mechanism similar to that of bacterial plant pathogens. The genome contained 11 genes with a Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor-like domain, which plays an important role in the defense against plant immunity. This domain has been found only in bacterial genomes. Carbohydrate active enzyme analysis detected 312 CAZymes in this genome where carbohydrate esterase family 6, rarely found in dikaryotic fungal genomes, was comparatively enriched. The comparative genome analysis showed that the genes related to sexual communication such as the biosynthesis of β-carotene and trisporic acid were conserved and diverged during the evolution of zygomycete genomes. Overall, these findings will help us to understand how zygomycetes are associated with plants.
An electromagnetic modulator based on electrically controllable metamaterial analogue to electromagnetically induced transparency
Authors: Fan Yuancheng , Qiao Tong , Zhang Fuli , Fu Quanhong , Dong Jiajia , Kong Botao , Li Hongqiang
Published: January 2017

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a promising technology for the enhancement of light-matter interactions, and recent demonstrations of the EIT analogue realized in artificial micro-structured medium have remarkably reduced the extreme requirement for experimental observation of EIT spectrum. In this paper, we propose to electrically control the EIT-like spectrum in a metamaterial as an electromagnetic modulator. A diode acting as a tunable resistor is loaded in the gap of paired wires to inductively tune the magnetic resonance, which induces remarkable modulation on the EIT-like spectrum through the metamaterial sample. The experimental measurements confirmed that the prediction of electromagnetic modulation in three narrow bands on the EIT-like spectrum, and a modulation contrast of up to 31 dB was achieved on the transmission through the metamaterial. Our results may facilitate the study on active/dynamical technology in translational metamaterials, which connect extraordinary manipulations on the flow of light in metamaterials, e.g., the exotic EIT, and practical applications in industry.
Hybrid Dielectric-loaded Nanoridge Plasmonic Waveguide for Low-Loss Light Transmission at the Subwavelength Scale
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bian Yusheng , Ren Liqiang , Guo Feng , Tang Shi-Yang , Mao Zhangming , Liu Xiaomin , Sun Jinju , Gong Jianying , Guo Xiasheng , Huang Tony Jun
Published: January 2017

The emerging development of the hybrid plasmonic waveguide has recently received significant attention owing to its remarkable capability of enabling subwavelength field confinement and great transmission distance. Here we report a guiding approach that integrates hybrid plasmon polariton with dielectric-loaded plasmonic waveguiding. By introducing a deep-subwavelength dielectric ridge between a dielectric slab and a metallic substrate, a hybrid dielectric-loaded nanoridge plasmonic waveguide is formed. The waveguide features lower propagation loss than its conventional hybrid waveguiding counterpart, while maintaining strong optical confinement at telecommunication wavelengths. Through systematic structural parameter tuning, we realize an efficient balance between confinement and attenuation of the fundamental hybrid mode, and we demonstrate the tolerance of its properties despite fabrication imperfections. Furthermore, we show that the waveguide concept can be extended to other metal/dielectric composites as well, including metal-insulator-metal and insulator-metal-insulator configurations. Our hybrid dielectric-loaded nanoridge plasmonic platform may serve as a fundamental building block for various functional photonic components and be used in applications such as sensing, nanofocusing, and nanolasing.
Bacillus volatiles adversely affect the physiology and ultra-structure of Ralstonia solanacearum and induce systemic resistance in tobacco against bacterial wilt
Authors: Tahir Hafiz Abdul Samad , Gu Qin , Wu Huijun , Niu Yuedi , Huo Rong , Gao Xuewen
Published: January 2017

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by various bacteria have significant potential to enhance plant growth and to control phytopathogens. Six of the most effective antagonistic Bacillus spp. were used in this study against Ralstonia solanacearum (Rsc) TBBS1, the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease in tobacco. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 and Bacillus artrophaeus LSSC22 had the strongest inhibitory effect against Rsc. Thirteen VOCs produced by FZB42 and 10 by LSSC22 were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Benzaldehyde, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2 H)-one and 1,3-butadiene significantly inhibited the colony size, cell viability, and motility of pathogens and negatively influenced chemotaxis. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed severe morphological and ultra-structural changes in cells of Rsc. Furthermore, VOCs altered the transcriptional expression level of PhcA (a global virulence regulator), type III secretion system (T3SS), type IV secretion system (T4SS), extracellular polysaccharides and chemotaxis-related genes, which are major contributors to pathogenicity, resulting in decreased wilt disease. The VOCs significantly up-regulated the expression of genes related to wilt resistance and pathogen defense. Over-expression of EDS1 and NPR1 suggest the involvement of SA pathway in induction of systemic resistance. Our findings provide new insights regarding the potential of antibacterial VOCs as a biocontrol tool against bacterial wilt diseases.
High performance magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles assembled from terbium and gadolinium 1,3-diketones
Authors: Zairov Rustem , Mustafina Asiya , Shamsutdinova Nataliya , Nizameev Irek , Moreira Beatriz , Sudakova Svetlana , Podyachev Sergey , Fattakhova Alfia , Safina Gulnara , Lundstrom Ingemar , Gubaidullin Aidar , Vomiero Alberto
Published: January 2017

Polyelectrolyte-coated nanoparticles consisting of terbium and gadolinium complexes with calix[4]arene tetra-diketone ligand were first synthesized. The antenna effect of the ligand on Tb(III) green luminescence and the presence of water molecules in the coordination sphere of Gd(III) bring strong luminescent and magnetic performance to the core-shell nanoparticles. The size and the core-shell morphology of the colloids were studied using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The correlation between photophysical and magnetic properties of the nanoparticles and their core composition was highlighted. The core composition was optimized for the longitudinal relaxivity to be greater than that of the commercial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents together with high level of Tb(III)-centered luminescence. The tuning of both magnetic and luminescent output of nanoparticles is obtained via the simple variation of lanthanide chelates concentrations in the initial synthetic solution. The exposure of the pheochromocytoma 12 (PC 12) tumor cells and periphery human blood lymphocytes to nanoparticles results in negligible effect on cell viability, decreased platelet aggregation and bright coloring, indicating the nanoparticles as promising candidates for dual magneto-fluorescent bioimaging.
Functional analysis reveals that RBM10 mutations contribute to lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis by deregulating splicing
Authors: Zhao Jiawei , Sun Yue , Huang Yin , Song Fan , Huang Zengshu , Bao Yufang , Zuo Ji , Saffen David , Shao Zhen , Liu Wen , Wang Yongbo
Published: January 2017

RBM10 is an RNA splicing regulator that is frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and has recently been proposed to be a cancer gene. How RBM10 mutations observed in LUAD affect its normal functions, however, remains largely unknown. Here integrative analysis of RBM10 mutation and RNA expression data revealed that LUAD-associated RBM10 mutations exhibit a mutational spectrum similar to that of tumor suppressor genes. In addition, this analysis showed that RBM10 mutations identified in LUAD patients lacking canonical oncogenes are associated with significantly reduced RBM10 expression. To systematically investigate RBM10 mutations, we developed an experimental pipeline for elucidating their functional effects. Among six representative LUAD-associated RBM10 mutations, one nonsense and one frameshift mutation caused loss-of-function as expected, whereas four missense mutations differentially affected RBM10-mediated splicing. Importantly, changes in proliferation rates of LUAD-derived cells caused by these RBM10 missense mutants correlated with alterations in RNA splicing of RBM10 target genes. Together, our data implies that RBM10 mutations contribute to LUAD pathogenesis, at least in large part, by deregulating splicing. The methods described in this study should be useful for analyzing mutations in additional cancer-associated RNA splicing regulators.
Photoacoustic pump-probe tomography of fluorophores in vivo using interleaved image acquisition for motion suppression
Authors: Märk Julia , Wagener Asja , Zhang Edward , Laufer Jan
Published: January 2017

In fluorophores, the excited state lifetime can be modulated using pump-probe excitation. By generating photoacoustic (PA) signals using simultaneous and time-delayed pump and probe excitation pulses at fluences below the maximum permissible exposure, a modulation of the signal amplitude is observed in fluorophores but not in endogenous chromophores. This provides a highly specific contrast mechanism that can be used to recover the location of the fluorophore using difference imaging. The practical challenges in applying this method to in vivo PA tomography include the typically low concentrations of fluorescent contrast agents, and tissue motion. The former results in smaller PA signal amplitudes compared to those measured in blood, while the latter gives rise to difference image artefacts that compromise the unambiguous and potentially noise-limited detection of fluorescent contrast agents. To address this limitation, a method based on interleaved pump-probe image acquisition was developed. It relies on fast switching between simultaneous and time-delayed pump-probe excitation to acquire PA difference signals in quick succession, and to minimise the effects of tissue motion. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated in tissue phantoms and in initial experiments in vivo.
An Inert Pesticide Adjuvant Synergizes Viral Pathogenicity and Mortality in Honey Bee Larvae
Authors: Fine Julia D. , Cox-Foster Diana L. , Mullin Christopher A.
Published: January 2017

Honey bees are highly valued for their pollination services in agricultural settings, and recent declines in managed populations have caused concern. Colony losses following a major pollination event in the United States, almond pollination, have been characterized by brood mortality with specific symptoms, followed by eventual colony loss weeks later. In this study, we demonstrate that these symptoms can be produced by chronically exposing brood to both an organosilicone surfactant adjuvant (OSS) commonly used on many agricultural crops including wine grapes, tree nuts and tree fruits and exogenous viral pathogens by simulating a horizontal transmission event. Observed synergistic mortality occurred during the larval-pupal molt. Using q-PCR techniques to measure gene expression and viral levels in larvae taken prior to observed mortality at metamorphosis, we found that exposure to OSS and exogenous virus resulted in significantly heightened Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV) titers and lower expression of a Toll 7-like-receptor associated with autophagic viral defense (Am18w). These results demonstrate that organosilicone spray adjuvants that are considered biologically inert potentiate viral pathogenicity in honey bee larvae, and guidelines for OSS use may be warranted.
Adrenomedullin promotes angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer through upregulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xu Yang , Ma Jian , Pang Xiaoyan , Dong Mei
Published: January 2017

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a multi-functional peptide related to many kinds of tumors. This study was aimed to investigate the role of ADM on angiogenesis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its possible mechanism. The expressions of ADM, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and CD34 were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. The relationship among ADM, HIF-1α, VEGF and micro-vessel density (MVD) was assessed in 56 EOC tissues. CAOV3 cells were stably transfected with pcDNA-ADM (plasmid overexpressing ADM gene) or pRNA-shADM (small interfering RNA for ADM gene). Real-time PCR and western blot analysis were performed to detect the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF. The MTT, transwell migration assay and in vitro tube formation analysis were used to evaluate the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) which were pretreated with ADM or ADM receptor antagonist ADM22-52. Our findings showed that ADM expression was positively correlated with the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF or MVD in EOC. ADM upregulated expression of HIF-1α and VEGF in CAOV3 cells. ADM promoted HUVECs proliferation, migration and tube formation. In conclusion, ADM was an upstream molecule of HIF-1α/VEGF and it promoted angiogenesis through upregulating HIF-1α/VEGF in EOC.
Wave Function Parity Loss Used to Mitigate Thermal Broadening in Spin-orbit Coupled Zigzag Graphene Analogues
Authors: Sadi Mohammad Abdullah , Liang Gengchiau
Published: January 2017

Carrier transport through a graphene zigzag nanoribbon (ZNR) is possible to be blocked by a p-n profile implemented along its transport direction. However, we found that in cases of analogous materials with significant intrinsic spin-orbit coupling (SOC), i.e. silicene and germanene, such a profile on ZNR of these materials allows transmission mostly through spin-orbit coupled energy window due to the loss of the parity of wave functions at different energies caused by SOC. Next, a p-i-n scheme on germanene ZNR is proposed to simultaneously permit edge transmission and decimate bulk transmission. The transmission spectrum is shown to mitigate the effect of thermal broadening on germanene and silicene ZNR based spin-separators by improving spin polarization yield by 400% and 785%, respectively, at 300 K. The importance of proper gate voltage and position for such performance is further elucidated. Finally, the modulation the current output of the proposed U-shape p-i-n device while maintaining its spin polarization is discussed.
Increasing the potential for malaria elimination by targeting zoophilic vectors
Authors: Waite Jessica L. , Swain Sunita , Lynch Penelope A. , Sharma S. K. , Haque Mohammed Asrarul , Montgomery Jacqui , Thomas Matthew B.
Published: January 2017

Countries in the Asia Pacific region aim to eliminate malaria by 2030. A cornerstone of malaria elimination is the effective management ofAnophelesmosquito vectors. Current control tools such as insecticide treated nets or indoor residual sprays target mosquitoes in human dwellings. We find in a high transmission region in India, malaria vector populations show a high propensity to feed on livestock (cattle) and rest in outdoor structures such as cattle shelters. We also find evidence for a shift in vector species complex towards increased zoophilic behavior in recent years. Using a malaria transmission model we demonstrate that in such regions dominated by zoophilic vectors, existing vector control tactics will be insufficient to achieve elimination, even if maximized. However, by increasing mortality in the zoophilic cycle, the elimination threshold can be reached. Current national vector control policy in India restricts use of residual insecticide sprays to domestic dwellings. Our study suggests substantial benefits of extending the approach to treatment of cattle sheds, or deploying other tactics that target zoophilic behavior. Optimizing use of existing tools will be essential to achieving the ambitious 2030 elimination target.
18F-FLT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Predicting Response to Chemoradiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Preliminary Results
Authors: Qi Shi , Zhongyi Yang , Yingjian Zhang , Chaosu Hu
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of 18F-Fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in predicting treatment response of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Patients with NPC of Stage II-IVB were prospectively enrolled, receiving 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Each patient underwent pretreatment and post-NACT FLT PET/CT and FDG PET/CT. Standard uptake values (SUV) and tumor volume were measured. Tumor response to NACT was evaluated before radiotherapy by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and tumor regression at the end of radiotherapy was evaluated at 55 Gy, according to RECIST 1.1 Criteria. Finally, 20 patients were consecutively enrolled. At the end of radiotherapy, 7 patients reached complete regression while others were partial regression. After 2 cycles of NACT both FLT and FDG parameters declined remarkably. Parameters of FDG PET were more strongly correlated to tumor regression than those of FLT PET.70% SUVmax was the best threshold to define contouring margin around the target. Some residual lesions after NACT showed by MRI were negative in PET/CT. Preliminary results showed both 18F-FDG and 18F-FLT PET have the potential to monitor and predict tumor regression.
Unravelling a simple method for the low temperature synthesis of silicon nanocrystals and monolithic nanocrystalline thin films
Authors: Kim Ka-Hyun , Johnson Erik V. , Kazanskii Andrey G. , Khenkin Mark V. , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: January 2017

In this work, we present new results on the plasma processing and structure of hydrogenated polymorphous silicon (pm-Si:H) thin films. pm-Si:H thin films consist of a low volume fraction of silicon nanocrystals embedded in a silicon matrix with medium range order, and they possess this morphology as a significant contribution to their growth comes from the impact on the substrate of silicon clusters and nanocrystals synthesized in the plasma. Quadrupole mass spectrometry, ion flux measurements, and material characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy all provide insight on the contribution to the growth by silicon nanocrystals during PECVD deposition. In particular, cross-section TEM measurements show for the first time that the silicon nanocrystals are uniformly distributed across the thickness of the pm-Si:H film. Moreover, parametric studies indicate that the best pm-Si:H material is obtained at the conditions after the transition between a pristine plasma and one containing nanocrystals, namely a total gas pressure around 2 Torr and a silane to hydrogen ratio between 0.05 to 0.1. From a practical point of view these conditions also correspond to the highest deposition rate achievable for a given RF power and silane flow rate.
Androgen receptor gene polymorphisms and risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Weng Hong , Li Sheng , Huang Jing-Yu , He Zi-Qi , Meng Xiang-Yu , Cao Yue , Fang Cheng , Zeng Xian-Tao
Published: January 2017

Although the association between CAG and GGN repeats in the androgen receptor gene and prostate cancer risk has been widely studied, it remains controversial from previous meta-analyses and narrative reviews. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to provide more precise estimates with sufficient power. A total of 51 publications with 61 studies for CAG repeats and 14 publications with 16 studies for GGN repeats were identified in the meta-analysis. The results showed that short CAG repeats (<22 repeats) carriers presented an elevated risk of prostate cancer than long CAG repeats (≥22) carriers (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.47). Prostate cancer cases presented an average fewer CAG repeats (MD = −0.85, 95% CI −1.28 to −0.42) than controls. Short GGN repeats (≤16) carriers presented an increased risk of prostate cancer than long GGN repeats (>16) carriers (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.82). In subgroup analyses, the abovementioned significant association was predominantly observed in Caucasian populations. The meta-analysis showed that short CAG and GGN repeats in androgen receptor gene were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer, especially in Caucasians.
Development and Evaluation of a High Density Genotyping ‘Axiom_Arachis’ Array with 58 K SNPs for Accelerating Genetics and Breeding in Groundnut
Authors: Pandey Manish K. , Agarwal Gaurav , Kale Sandip M. , Clevenger Josh , Nayak Spurthi N. , Sriswathi Manda , Chitikineni Annapurna , Chavarro Carolina , Chen Xiaoping , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Vishwakarma Manish K. , Leal-Bertioli Soraya , Liang Xuanqiang , Bertioli David J. , Guo Baozhu , Jackson Scott A. , Ozias-Akins Peggy , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: January 2017

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant DNA sequence variation in the genomes which can be used to associate genotypic variation to the phenotype. Therefore, availability of a high-density SNP array with uniform genome coverage can advance genetic studies and breeding applications. Here we report the development of a high-density SNP array ‘Axiom_Arachis’ with 58 K SNPs and its utility in groundnut genetic diversity study. In this context, from a total of 163,782 SNPs derived from DNA resequencing and RNA-sequencing of 41 groundnut accessions and wild diploid ancestors, a total of 58,233 unique and informative SNPs were selected for developing the array. In addition to cultivated groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea), fair representation was kept for other diploids (A. duranensis, A. stenosperma, A. cardenasii, A. magna and A. batizocoi). Genotyping of the groundnut ‘Reference Set’ containing 300 genotypes identified 44,424 polymorphic SNPs and genetic diversity analysis provided in-depth insights into the genetic architecture of this material. The availability of the high-density SNP array ‘Axiom_Arachis’ with 58 K SNPs will accelerate the process of high resolution trait genetics and molecular breeding in cultivated groundnut.
A computational psychiatry approach identifies how alpha-2A noradrenergic agonist Guanfacine affects feature-based reinforcement learning in the macaque
Authors: Hassani S. A. , Oemisch M. , Balcarras M. , Westendorff S. , Ardid S. , van der Meer M. A. , Tiesinga P. , Womelsdorf T.
Published: January 2017

Noradrenaline is believed to support cognitive flexibility through the alpha 2A noradrenergic receptor (a2A-NAR) acting in prefrontal cortex. Enhanced flexibility has been inferred from improved working memory with the a2A-NA agonist Guanfacine. But it has been unclear whether Guanfacine improves specific attention and learning mechanisms beyond working memory, and whether the drug effects can be formalized computationally to allow single subject predictions. We tested and confirmed these suggestions in a case study with a healthy nonhuman primate performing a feature-based reversal learning task evaluating performance using Bayesian and Reinforcement learning models. In an initial dose-testing phase we found a Guanfacine dose that increased performance accuracy, decreased distractibility and improved learning. In a second experimental phase using only that dose we examined the faster feature-based reversal learning with Guanfacine with single-subject computational modeling. Parameter estimation suggested that improved learning is not accounted for by varying a single reinforcement learning mechanism, but by changing the set of parameter values to higher learning rates and stronger suppression of non-chosen over chosen feature information. These findings provide an important starting point for developing nonhuman primate models to discern the synaptic mechanisms of attention and learning functions within the context of a computational neuropsychiatry framework.
Soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) predicts microalbuminuria in patients at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Guthoff Martina , Wagner Robert , Randrianarisoa Elko , Hatziagelaki Erifili , Peter Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Fritsche Andreas , Heyne Nils
Published: January 2017

Early identification of patients at risk of developing diabetic nephropathy is essential. Elevated serum concentrations of soluble urokinase receptor (suPAR) associate with diabetes mellitus and predict onset and loss of renal function in chronic kidney disease. We hypothesize, that suPAR may be an early risk indicator for diabetic nephropathy, preceding microalbuminuria. The relationship of baseline suPAR and incident microalbuminuria was assessed in a prospective long-term cohort of subjects at increased risk for type 2 diabetes (TULIP, n = 258). Association with albuminuria at later stages of disease was studied in a cross-sectional cohort with manifest type 2 diabetes (ICEPHA, n = 266). A higher baseline suPAR was associated with an increased risk of new-onset microalbuminuria in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 5.3 (95% CI 1.1–25.2, p = 0.03) for the highest vs. lowest suPAR quartile). The proportion of subjects with prediabetes at the end of observation was higher in subjects with new-onset microalbuminuria. suPAR consistently correlated with albuminuria in a separate cohort with manifest type 2 diabetes. Elevated baseline suPAR concentrations independently associate with new-onset microalbuminuria in subjects at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. suPAR may hence allow for earlier risk stratification than microalbuminuria.
Effective extraction of Arabidopsis adherent seed mucilage by ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Zhao Xianhai , Qiao Lijun , Wu Ai-Min
Published: January 2017

The Arabidopsis seed coat is composed of two layers of mucilage, a water-soluble non-adherent outer layer and an adherent inner layer. The non-adherent mucilage can easily be extracted by gentle shaking. However, adherent mucilage is extremely difficult to dissociate from the seed coat. Despite various treatments to extract the adherent mucilage, including EDTA, ammonium oxalate, dilute alkali or acid washes, most of it remains on the seed coat. Here, we show for the first time the extraction of almost all of the adherent mucilage from the Arabidopsis seed coat. Our results demonstrate that ultrasonic treatment was able to extract the adherent mucilage effectively within 20 seconds. Adherent mucilage, like non-adherent mucilage, is mainly composed of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG I). The crystalline cellulose content in adherent mucilage was measured as 3.7 mg g−1 of dry seed. Compared with non-adherent mucilage, the adherent mucilage exhibits relatively stable levels of sugar under various environmental conditions. In all cases, adherent mucilage showed higher levels of sugar than non-adherent mucilage. The cell wall remnant could associate with the adherent mucilage, which could prevent the extraction of the adherent mucilage. Our results show that ultrasonic treatment is an effective method for the quick extraction of Arabidopsis adherent mucilage with little effort.
Enhancement of Outflow Facility in the Murine Eye by Targeting Selected Tight-Junctions of Schlemm’s Canal Endothelia
Authors: Tam Lawrence C. S. , Reina-Torres Ester , Sherwood Joseph M. , Cassidy Paul S. , Crosbie Darragh E. , Lütjen-Drecoll Elke , Flügel-Koch Cassandra , Perkumas Kristin , Humphries Marian M. , Kiang Anna-Sophia , O’Callaghan Jeffrey , Callanan John J. , Read A. Thomas , Ethier C. Ross , O’Brien Colm , Lawrence Matthew , Campbell Matthew , Stamer W. Daniel , Overby Darryl R. , Humphries Pete
Published: January 2017

The juxtacanalicular connective tissue of the trabecular meshwork together with inner wall endothelium of Schlemm’s canal (SC) provide the bulk of resistance to aqueous outflow from the anterior chamber. Endothelial cells lining SC elaborate tight junctions (TJs), down-regulation of which may widen paracellular spaces between cells, allowing greater fluid outflow. We observed significant increase in paracellular permeability following siRNA-mediated suppression of TJ transcripts, claudin-11, zonula-occludens-1 (ZO-1) and tricellulin in human SC endothelial monolayers. In mice claudin-11 was not detected, but intracameral injection of siRNAs targeting ZO-1 and tricellulin increased outflow facility significantly. Structural qualitative and quantitative analysis of SC inner wall by transmission electron microscopy revealed significantly more open clefts between endothelial cells treated with targeting, as opposed to non-targeting siRNA. These data substantiate the concept that the continuity of SC endothelium is an important determinant of outflow resistance, and suggest that SC endothelial TJs represent a specific target for enhancement of aqueous movement through the conventional outflow system.
Androgen Mediated Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation and its Effects on Prostate Cancer
Authors: Erzurumlu Yalcin , Ballar Petek
Published: January 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) comprises thirty percent of the newly translated proteins in eukaryotic cells. The quality control mechanism within the ER distinguishes between properly and improperly folded proteins and ensures that unwanted proteins are retained in the ER and subsequently degraded through ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Besides cleaning of misfolded proteins ERAD is also important for physiological processes by regulating the abundance of normal proteins of the ER. Thus it is important to unreveal the regulation patterns of ERAD. Here, we describe that ERAD pathway is regulated by androgen, where its inhibitor SVIP was downregulated, all other ERAD genes were upregulated. Consistently, androgen treatment increased the degradation rate of ERAD substrates. Using several independent techniques, we showed that this regulation is through androgen receptor transactivation. ERAD genes found to be upregulated in prostate cancer tissues and silencing expression of Hrd1, SVIP, and gp78 reduced the in vitro migration and malignant transformation of LNCaP cells. Our data suggests that expression levels of ERAD components are regulated by androgens, that promotes ERAD proteolytic activity, which is positively related with prostate tumorigenesis.
Paracrine cross-talk between skeletal muscle and macrophages in exercise by PGC-1α-controlled BNP
Authors: Furrer Regula , Eisele Petra S. , Schmidt Alexander , Beer Markus , Handschin Christoph
Published: January 2017

Activation of resident and infiltrating immune cells is a central event in training adaptation and other contexts of skeletal muscle repair and regeneration. A precise orchestration of inflammatory events in muscle fibers and immune cells is required after recurrent contraction-relaxation cycles. However, the mechanistic aspects of this important regulation remain largely unknown. We now demonstrate that besides a dominant role in controlling cellular metabolism, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α) also has a profound effect on cytokine expression in muscle tissue. Muscle PGC-1α expression results in activation of tissue-resident macrophages, at least in part mediated by PGC-1α-dependent B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) production and secretion. Positive effects of exercise in metabolic diseases and other pathologies associated with chronic inflammation could accordingly involve the PGC-1α-BNP axis and thereby provide novel targets for therapeutic approaches.
Erratum: Vectorized magnetometer for space applications using electrical readout of atomic scale defects in silicon carbide
Authors: Cochrane Corey J. , Blacksberg Jordana , Anders Mark A. , Lenahan Patrick M.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37077; published online: 28 November 2016 updated: 16 January 2017. This Article contains a typographical error. In the Results section, under the subheading “SiC Sensor” “These intermediate coupled pair states can be described by the singlet-triplet basis: the symmetric triplet states, T+ = |↑↑〉, T0 = (|↑↓〉 + |↓↑〉)/, and T− = |↓↓〉, each having spin angular momentum S = 1 with ms = +1, 0, −1 respectively or the anti-symmetric singlet state, S0 = (|↑↓〉 + |↓↑〉)/ which has spin angular momentum S = 0 with ms = 0”.
Icaritin enhances mESC self-renewal through upregulating core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα
Authors: Tsang Wing Pui , Zhang Fengjie , He Qiling , Cai Waijiao , Huang Jianhua , Chan Wai Yee , Shen Ziyin , Wan Chao
Published: January 2017

Utilization of small molecules in modulation of stem cell self-renewal is a promising approach to expand stem cells for regenerative therapy. Here, we identify Icaritin, a phytoestrogen molecule enhances self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Icaritin increases mESCs proliferation while maintains their self-renewal capacity in vitro and pluripotency in vivo. This coincides with upregulation of key pluripotency transcription factors OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and SOX2. The enhancement of mESCs self-renewal is characterized by increased population in S-phase of cell cycle, elevation of Cylin E and Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and downregulation of p21, p27 and p57. PCR array screening reveals that caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) and Rbl2/p130 are remarkably suppressed in mESCs treated with Icaritin. siRNA knockdown of Cdx2 or Rbl2/p130 upregulates the expression of Cyclin E, OCT4 and SOX2, and subsequently increases cell proliferation and colony forming efficiency of mESCs. We then demonstrate that Icaritin co-localizes with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and activates its nuclear translocation in mESCs. The promotive effect of Icaritin on cell cycle and pluripotency regulators are eliminated by siRNA knockdown of ERα in mESCs. The results suggest that Icaritin enhances mESCs self-renewal by regulating cell cycle machinery and core pluripotency transcription factors mediated by ERα.
A sub-picomolar assay for protein by using cubic Cu2O nanocages loaded with Au nanoparticles as robust redox probes and efficient non-enzymatic electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhao Jianmin , Zheng Ting , Gao Jiaxi , Guo Shijing , Zhou Xingxing , Xu Wenju
Published: January 2017

In this work, a simple and sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for protein (thrombin – TB used as the model) was developed by using cubic Cu2O nanocages (Cu2O-NCs) loaded with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs@Cu2O-NCs) as non-enzymatic electrocatalysts and robust redox probes.
A chiral smectic structure assembled from nanosheets and nanorods
Authors: Pan H. , Zhu C. , Lu T. , Lin J. , Ma J. , Zhang D. , Zhu S.
Published: January 2017

A chiral smectic structure assembled from nanosheets and nanorods should open a new route to create a variety of chiral structures.
Cobalt-catalyzed aryl C–H activation and highly regioselective intermolecular annulation of sulfonamides with allenes
Authors: Thrimurtulu Neetipalli , Nallagonda Rajender , Volla Chandra M. R.
Published: January 2017

Cobalt(ii)-catalyzed C–H activation of aryl and heteroaryl sulfonamides and their intermolecular heteroannulation reaction with allenes was described providing a convergent strategy for the synthesis of biologically interesting heterocyclic scaffolds.
Ir/PTC cooperatively catalyzed asymmetric umpolung allylation of α-imino ester enabled synthesis of α-quaternary amino acid derivatives bearing two vicinal stereocenters
Authors: Su Yong-Liang , Li Yu-Hui , Chen Yu-Gen , Han Zhi-Yong
Published: January 2017

A novel Ir/PTC (phase-transfer catalyst) cooperatively catalyzed asymmetric umpolung allylation of simple α-imino esters is developed and it provides facile access to α-quaternary amino acid derivatives bearing two vicinal stereocenters.
Enhancing the power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells via molecular plasmon-like excitations
Authors: Li Jian-Hao , Gryn'ova Ganna , Prlj Antonio , Corminboeuf Clémence
Published: January 2017

We introduce a tactic for employing molecular plasmon-like excitations to enhance solar-to-electric power conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells.
Robust synthesis of free-standing and thickness controllable conjugated microporous polymer nanofilms
Authors: Chen Zhen , Chen Min , Yu Yanlei , Wu Limin
Published: January 2017

A new polymerization strategy based on Sonogashira–Hagihara reaction and Schiff-base reaction at oil–water interfaces is developed to synthesize free-standing and thickness controllable conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) nanofilms.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of a coordination polymer from 2D to 3D by [2 + 2] photodimerization assisted by a coexisting flexible ligand
Authors: Lee Jae Hwa , Park Sungbin , Jeoung Sungeun , Moon Hoi Ri
Published: January 2017

A 2D interdigitated [Ni2(adipate)2(spy)4(H2O)2] was transformed to a 3D coordination polymer through [2 + 2] photodimerization with conformational changes of adipate ligands.
In situ X-ray absorption near edge structure studies and charge transfer kinetics of Na6[V10O28] electrodes
Authors: Chen Han-Yi , Friedl Jochen , Pan Chun-Jern , Haider Ali , Al-Oweini Rami , Cheah Yan Ling , Lin Ming-Hsien , Kortz Ulrich , Hwang Bing-Joe , Srinivasan Madhavi , Stimming Ulrich
Published: January 2017

The electron transfer of Na6[V10O28] was investigated byin situV K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy and chronoamperometric experiments for the first time.
Atomic structure of water/Au, Ag, Cu and Pt atomic junctions
Authors: Li Yu , Kaneko Satoshi , Fujii Shintaro , Nishino Tomoaki , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: January 2017

The atomic and electrical conductance of single water molecule–Au, Ag, Cu and Pt junction systems were investigated at low temperatures using a mechanically controllable break junction technique.
Exploring the relevance of gas-phase structures to biology: cold ion spectroscopy of the decapeptide neurokinin A
Authors: Pereverzev A. Y. , Boyarkin O. V.
Published: January 2017

Linking the intrinsic tertiary structures of biomolecules to their native geometries is a central prerequisite for making gas-phase studies directly relevant to biology.
Spectroscopic and microscopic investigations of tautomerization in porphycenes: condensed phases, supersonic jets, and single molecule studies
Authors: Fita P. , Grill L. , Listkowski A. , Piwoński H. , Gawinkowski S. , Pszona M. , Sepioł J. , Mengesha E. , Kumagai T. , Waluk J.
Published: January 2017

Tautomerization of porphycene, coherent in supersonic jets and a rate process in solutions, can be controlled for single molecules on surfaces.
Development of hybrid photocatalysts constructed with a metal complex and graphitic carbon nitride for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction
Authors: Kuriki Ryo , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: January 2017

The research progress of metal-complex/C3N4 hybrid photocatalysts for CO2 reduction made by our group is highlighted.
Electrical double layer properties of spherical oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hunley Christian , Marucho Marcelo
Published: January 2017

The accurate characterization of the electrical double layer properties of nanoparticles is of fundamental importance for optimizing their physicochemical properties for specific biotechnological and biomedical applications.
A cationic naphthyl derivative defies the non-equilibrated excited rotamers principle
Authors: Cesaretti A. , Carlotti B. , Elisei F. , Fortuna C. G. , Consiglio G. , Spalletti A.
Published: January 2017

Four quasi-isoenergetic ground state (S0) conformers undergo ultrafast rotamer interconversions in the excited state (S1) against the non-equilibrated excited rotamers principle.
The role of OH−in the formation of highly selective gold nanowires at extreme pH: multi-fold enhancement in the rate of the catalytic reduction reaction by gold nanowires
Authors: El Kurdi Riham , Patra Digambara
Published: January 2017

Illustration (not to scale) of the growth mechanism of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) at pH 4 to 11 (left) and gold nanowires (Au NWs) at pH 13 (right), by reducing Au3+to Au0using curcumin in CTAB media in the presence of Ag+.
Mechanisms governing selective hydrogenation of acetylene over γ-Mo2N surfaces
Authors: Jaf Zainab N. , Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Miran Hussein A. , Jiang Zhong-Tao , Dlugogorski Bogdan Z.
Published: January 2017

We demonstrate that the selective hydrogenation of acetylene depends on energy profile of the partial and full hydrogenation routes and the thermodynamic stability of adsorbed C2H2in comparison to C2H4.
Thioborates: potential nonlinear optical materials with rich structural chemistry
Authors: Lian Yu-kun , Wu Li-Ming , Chen Ling
Published: January 2017

This review summarizes thioborates and their structural motifs ranging from zero-dimension to three-dimension. The most commonly observed building units of these examples are planar-triangle BS3 and tetrahedron BS4. Thioborates possess advantages with respect to their structural diversity, optical nonlinearity, laser-induced damage threshold and transparency range, and represent potentially a rich supply of new nonlinear optical materials.
Junction behavior of n-Si photoanodes protected by thin Ni elucidated from dual working electrode photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Laskowski Forrest A. L. , Nellist Michael R. , Venkatkarthick Radhakrishnan , Boettcher Shannon W.
Published: January 2017

Dual-working-electrode photoelectrochemical techniques are implemented to characterize semiconductor–catalyst–solution interfaces in protected n-Si photoanodes in situ for the first time.
Aggregation induced emission: Concluding Remarks
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Ruoyu
Published: January 2017

This article presents the Closing Remarks of the Faraday Discussion on aggregation induced emission (AIE) held in Guangzhou, China in November 2016. The history of the AIE phenomenon is summarized, from its discovery and mechanistic studies to real-life applications in optoelectronics, environmental monitoring and biomedical research. The paper concludes with comments on the future perspectives of the field.
Dehydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to diformylfuran in compressed carbon dioxide: an oxidant free approach
Authors: Chatterjee Maya , Ishizaka Takayuki , Chatterjee Abhijit , Kawanami Hajime
Published: January 2017

The dehydrogenation of biomass-based 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) was achieved utilizing an activated carbon supported rhodium (Rh/C) catalyst under mild reaction conditions.
Effective separation of aromatic and aliphatic amino acid mixtures using ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems
Authors: Capela Emanuel V. , Quental Maria V. , Domingues Pedro , Coutinho João A. P. , Freire Mara G.
Published: January 2017

Ionic-liquid-based aqueous biphasic systems allow an efficient and selective separation of aliphatic and aromatic amino acid mixtures usually present in protein hydrolysates or fermentation broths.
Photoinduced radical-initiated carboxylative cyclization of allyl amines with carbon dioxide
Authors: Wang Mei-Yan , Cao Yu , Liu Xi , Wang Ning , He Liang-Nian , Li Si-Han
Published: January 2017

A highly efficient photoinduced radical-initiated strategy for the carboxylative cyclization of allyl amines with CO2 was developed firstly.
Copolymerization of lactones and bioaromatics via concurrent ring-opening polymerization/polycondensation
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi Hoang , Short Gabriel N. , Qi Pengxu , Miller Stephen A.
Published: January 2017

Concurrent ring-opening polymerization/polycondensation of lactones and bioaromatic hydroxy-acids yields random copolymers with improved and controlled thermal properties.
Pd/Cu-free Heck and Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction by Co nanoparticles immobilized on magnetic chitosan as reusable catalyst
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Rezaei Fatemeh , Khorsandi Zahra
Published: January 2017

Chitosan (CS) is a porous, self-standing, nanofibrillar microsphere that can be used as a metal carrier. Amino groups on CS enable to modulate cobalt coordination using a safe organic ligand (methyl salicylate).
A simple and low-cost chip bonding solution for high pressure, high temperature and biological applications
Authors: Serra M. , Pereiro I. , Yamada A. , Viovy J.-L. , Descroix S. , Ferraro D.
Published: January 2017

An adhesive-based strategy for the low-cost and reversible sealing of a wide range of materials used in microfluidics, requiring only the application of manually-achievable pressures.
Synthesis of two potential anticancer copper(ii) complex drugs: their crystal structure, human serum albumin/DNA binding and anticancer mechanism
Authors: Hu Kun , Li Feiyan , Zhang Zhong , Liang Fupei
Published: January 2017

Two potential anticancer copper(ii) complex drugs showed better activity than cisplatin against HeLa cells, and efficiently bonded with DNA/HSA.
Imidazolium-based ionic liquids with large weakly coordinating anions
Authors: Levason William , Pugh David , Reid Gillian
Published: January 2017

An investigation into the intramolecular interactions in a series of imidazolium salts with weakly coordinating anions reveals that it is possible to control the strength and location of hydrogen bonding by varying the substituents on the imidazolium cation.
Nerve agent simulant diethyl chlorophosphate detection using a cyclization reaction approach with high stokes shift system
Authors: Jang Yoon Jeong , Mulay Sandip V. , Kim Youngsam , Jorayev Perman , Churchill David G.
Published: January 2017

A intramolecular cyclization reaction-based “turn-on” fluorescent probe (CoumNMe2) for selective detection of diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP) over close competitors diethyl cyanophosphonate (DECP), and diethyl methylphosphonate (DEMP) was developed.
The annular tautomerism of lithium 1,2,3-triazolate
Authors: Pulst Martin , Elgabarty Hossam , Sebastiani Daniel , Kressler Jörg
Published: January 2017

The tautomeric equilibrium of 1-lithium-1,2,3-triazolate (1Li-TR) and 2-lithium-1,2,3-triazolate (2Li-TR) is studied by X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.
A room-temperature two-stage thiol–ene photoaddition approach towards monodomain liquid crystalline elastomers
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Wei , Guo Ling-Xiang , Lin Bao-Ping , Zhang Xue-Qin , Sun Ying , Yang Hong
Published: January 2017

Here we report a room-temperature, one-pot, two-stage thiol–ene photoaddition method to synthesize monodomain liquid crystalline elastomers. Starting from mesogenic monomers, the whole preparation process can be finished in less than 30 minutes.