bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chelerythrine down regulates expression of VEGFA, BCL2 and KRAS by arresting G-Quadruplex structures at their promoter regions
Authors: Jana Jagannath , Mondal Soma , Bhattacharjee Payel , Sengupta Pallabi , Roychowdhury Tanaya , Saha Pranay , Kundu Pallob , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: January 2017

A putative anticancer plant alkaloid, Chelerythrine binds to G-quadruplexes at promoters of VEGFA, BCL2 and KRAS genes and down regulates their expression. The association of Chelerythrine to G-quadruplex at the promoters of these oncogenes were monitored using UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence anisotropy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, CD melting, isothermal titration calorimetry, molecular dynamics simulation and quantitative RT-PCR technique. The pronounced hypochromism accompanied by red shifts in UV absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with ethidium bromide displacement assay indicates end stacking mode of interaction of Chelerythrine with the corresponding G-quadruplex structures. An increase in fluorescence anisotropy and CD melting temperature of Chelerythrine-quadruplex complex revealed the formation of stable Chelerythrine-quadruplex complex. Isothermal titration calorimetry data confirmed that Chelerythrine-quadruplex complex formation is thermodynamically favourable. Results of quantative RT-PCR experiment in combination with luciferase assay showed that Chelerythrine treatment to MCF7 breast cancer cells effectively down regulated transcript level of all three genes, suggesting that Chelerythrine efficiently binds toin celluloquadruplex motifs. MD simulation provides the molecular picture showing interaction between Chelerythrine and G-quadruplex. Binding of Chelerythrine with BCL2, VEGFA and KRAS genes involved in evasion, angiogenesis and self sufficiency of cancer cells provides a new insight for the development of future therapeutics against cancer.
Super-strong materials for temperatures exceeding 2000 °C
Authors: Silvestroni Laura , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Fahrenholtz William G. , Watts Jeremy
Published: January 2017

Ceramics based on group IV-V transition metal borides and carbides possess melting points above 3000 °C, are ablation resistant and are, therefore, candidates for the design of components of next generation space vehicles, rocket nozzle inserts, and nose cones or leading edges for hypersonic aerospace vehicles. As such, they will have to bear high thermo-mechanical loads, which makes strength at high temperature of great importance. While testing of these materials above 2000 °C is necessary to prove their capabilities at anticipated operating temperatures, literature reports are quite limited. Reported strength values for zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics can exceed 1 GPa at room temperature, but these values rapidly decrease, with all previously reported strengths being less than 340 MPa at 1500 °C or above. Here, we show how the strength of ZrB2ceramics can be increased to more than 800 MPa at temperatures in the range of 1500–2100 °C. These exceptional strengths are due to a core-shell microstructure, which leads toin-situtoughening and sub-grain refinement at elevated temperatures. Our findings promise to open a new avenue to designing materials that are super-strong at ultra-high temperatures.
Tracking of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fluorescence Endomicroscopy Imaging in Radiotherapy-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Perez Jessica R. , Ybarra Norma , Chagnon Frederic , Serban Monica , Lee Sangkyu , Seuntjens Jan , Lesur Olivier , El Naqa Issam
Published: January 2017

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential for reducing inflammation and promoting organ repair. However, limitations in available techniques to track them and assess this potential for lung repair have hindered their applicability. In this work, we proposed, implemented and evaluated the use of fluorescence endomicroscopy as a novel imaging tool to track MSCs in vivo. MSCs were fluorescently labeled and injected into a rat model of radiation-induced lung injury via endotracheal (ET) or intravascular (IV) administration. Our results show that MSCs were visible in the lungs with fluorescence endomicroscopy. Moreover, we developed an automatic cell counting algorithm to quantify the number of detected cells in each condition. We observed a significantly higher number of detected cells in ET injection compared to IV and a slight increase in the mean number of detected cells in irradiated lungs compared to control, although the latter did not reach statistical significance. Fluorescence endomicroscopy imaging is a powerful new minimally invasive and translatable tool that can be used to track and quantify MSCs in the lungs and help assess their potential in organ repair.
Dynamic modeling of uteroplacental blood flow in IUGR indicates vortices and elevated pressure in the intervillous space – a pilot study
Authors: Roth Christian J. , Haeussner Eva , Ruebelmann Tanja , Koch Franz v. , Schmitz Christoph , Frank Hans-Georg , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: January 2017

Ischemic placental disease is a concept that links intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and preeclampsia (PE) back to insufficient remodeling of uterine spiral arteries. The rheological consequences of insufficient remodeling of uterine spiral arteries were hypothesized to mediate the considerably later manifestation of obstetric disease. However, the micro-rheology in the intervillous space (IVS) cannot be examined clinically and rheological animal models of the human IVS do not exist. Thus, an in silico approach was implemented to provide in vivo inaccessible data. The morphology of a spiral artery and the inflow region of the IVS were three-dimensionally reconstructed to provide a morphological stage for the simulations. Advanced high-end supercomputing resources were used to provide blood flow simulations at high spatial resolution. Our simulations revealed turbulent blood flow (high-velocity jets and vortices) combined with elevated blood pressure in the IVS and increased wall shear stress at the villous surface in conjunction with insufficient spiral artery remodeling only. Post-hoc histological analysis of uterine veins showed evidence of increased trophoblast shedding in an IUGR placenta. Our data support that rheological alteration in the IVS is a relevant mechanism linking ischemic placental disease to altered structural integrity and function of the placenta.
New insights into fetal mammary gland morphogenesis: differential effects of natural and environmental estrogens
Authors: Speroni Lucia , Voutilainen Maria , Mikkola Marja L. , Klager Skylar A. , Schaeberle Cheryl M. , Sonnenschein Carlos , Soto Ana M.
Published: January 2017

An increased breast cancer risk during adulthood has been linked to estrogen exposure during fetal life. However, the impossibility of removing estrogens from the feto-maternal unit has hindered the testing of estrogen’s direct effect on mammary gland organogenesis. To overcome this limitation, we developed an ex vivo culture method of the mammary gland where the direct action of estrogens can be tested during embryonic days (E)14 to 19. Mouse mammary buds dissected at E14 and cultured for 5 days showed that estrogens directly altered fetal mammary gland development. Exposure to 0.1 pM, 10 pM, and 1 nM 17 β-estradiol (E2) resulted in monotonic inhibition of mammary buds ductal growth. In contrast, Bisphenol-A (BPA) elicited a non-monotonic response. At environmentally relevant doses (1 nM), BPA significantly increased ductal growth, as previously observed in vivo, while 1 μM BPA significantly inhibited ductal growth. Ductal branching followed the same pattern. This effect of BPA was blocked by Fulvestrant, a full estrogen antagonist, while the effect of estradiol was not. This method may be used to study the hormonal regulation of mammary gland development, and to test newly synthesized chemicals that are released into the environment without proper assessment of their hormonal action on critical targets like the mammary gland.
Viral microRNAs Target a Gene Network, Inhibit STAT Activation, and Suppress Interferon Responses
Authors: Ramalingam Dhivya , Ziegelbauer Joseph M.
Published: January 2017

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes 12 pre-microRNAs during latency that are processed to yield ~25 mature microRNAs (miRNAs). We were interested in identifying cellular networks that were targeted by KSHV-miRNAs and employed network building strategies using validated KSHV miRNA targets. Here, we report the identification of a gene network centering on the transcription factor- signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) that is targeted by KSHV miRNAs. KSHV miRNAs suppressed STAT3 and STAT5 activation and inhibited STAT3-dependent reporter activation upon IL6-treatment. KSHV miRNAs also repressed the induction of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes upon IFNα- treatment. Finally, we observed increased lytic reactivation of KSHV from latently infected cells upon STAT3 repression with siRNAs or a small molecule inhibitor. Our data suggest that treatment of infected cells with a STAT3 inhibitor and a viral replication inhibitor, ganciclovir, represents a possible strategy to eliminate latently infected cells without increasing virion production. Together, we show that KSHV miRNAs suppress a network of targets associated with STAT3, deregulate cytokine-mediated gene activation, suppress an interferon response, and influence the transition into the lytic phase of viral replication.
Systemic regulation of L-carnitine in nutritional metabolism in zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Li Jia-Min , Li Ling-Yu , Qin Xuan , Ning Li-Jun , Lu Dong-Liang , Li Dong-Liang , Zhang Mei-Ling , Wang Xin , Du Zhen-Yu
Published: January 2017

Excess fat accumulation has been observed widely in farmed fish; therefore, efficient lipid-lowering factors have obtained high attention in the current fish nutrition studies. Dietary L-carnitine can increase fatty acid β-oxidation in mammals, but has produced contradictory results in different fish species. To date, the mechanisms of metabolic regulation of L-carnitine in fish have not been fully determined. The present study used zebrafish to investigate the systemic regulation of nutrient metabolism by dietary L-carnitine supplementation. L-carnitine significantly decreased the lipid content in liver and muscle, accompanied by increased concentrations of total and free carnitine in tissues. Meanwhile, L-carnitine enhanced mitochondrial β-oxidation activities and the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA significantly, whereas it depressed the mRNA expression of adipogenesis-related genes. In addition, L-carnitine caused higher glycogen deposition in the fasting state, and increased and decreased the mRNA expressions of gluconeogenesis-related and glycolysis-related genes, respectively. L-carnitine also increased the hepatic expression of mTOR in the feeding state. Taken together, dietary L-carnitine supplementation decreased lipid deposition by increasing mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, and is likely to promote protein synthesis. However, the L-carnitine-enhanced lipid catabolism would cause a decrease in glucose utilization. Therefore, L-carnitine has comprehensive effects on nutrient metabolism in fish.
Temporal Topic Modeling to Assess Associations between News Trends and Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Ghosh Saurav , Chakraborty Prithwish , Nsoesie Elaine O. , Cohn Emily , Mekaru Sumiko R. , Brownstein John S. , Ramakrishnan Naren
Published: January 2017

In retrospective assessments, internet news reports have been shown to capture early reports of unknown infectious disease transmission prior to official laboratory confirmation. In general, media interest and reporting peaks and wanes during the course of an outbreak. In this study, we quantify the extent to which media interest during infectious disease outbreaks is indicative of trends of reported incidence. We introduce an approach that uses supervised temporal topic models to transform large corpora of news articles into temporal topic trends. The key advantages of this approach include: applicability to a wide range of diseases and ability to capture disease dynamics, including seasonality, abrupt peaks and troughs. We evaluated the method using data from multiple infectious disease outbreaks reported in the United States of America (U.S.), China, and India. We demonstrate that temporal topic trends extracted from disease-related news reports successfully capture the dynamics of multiple outbreaks such as whooping cough in U.S. (2012), dengue outbreaks in India (2013) and China (2014). Our observations also suggest that, when news coverage is uniform, efficient modeling of temporal topic trends using time-series regression techniques can estimate disease case counts with increased precision before official reports by health organizations.
Structure and membrane interactions of the homodimeric antibiotic peptide homotarsinin
Authors: Verly Rodrigo M. , Resende Jarbas M. , Junior Eduardo F. C. , de Magalhães Mariana T. Q. , Guimarães Carlos F. C. R. , Munhoz Victor H. O. , Bemquerer Marcelo Porto , Almeida Fábio C. L. , Santoro Marcelo M. , Piló-Veloso Dorila , Bechinger Burkhard
Published: January 2017

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from amphibian skin are valuable template structures to find new treatments against bacterial infections. This work describes for the first time the structure and membrane interactions of a homodimeric AMP. Homotarsinin, which was found in Phyllomedusa tarsius anurans, consists of two identical cystine-linked polypeptide chains each of 24 amino acid residues. The high-resolution structures of the monomeric and dimeric peptides were determined in aqueous buffers. The dimer exhibits a tightly packed coiled coil three-dimensional structure, keeping the hydrophobic residues screened from the aqueous environment. An overall cationic surface of the dimer assures enhanced interactions with negatively charged membranes. An extensive set of biophysical data allowed us to establish structure-function correlations with antimicrobial assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Although both peptides present considerable antimicrobial activity, the dimer is significantly more effective in both antibacterial and membrane biophysical assays.
Origins of Ripples in CVD-Grown Few-layered MoS2 Structures under Applied Strain at Atomic Scales
Authors: Wang Jin , Namburu Raju R. , Dubey Madan , Dongare Avinash M.
Published: January 2017

The potential of the applicability of two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) structures, in various electronics, optoelectronics, and flexible devices requires a fundamental understanding of the effects of strain on the electronic, magnetic and optical properties. Particularly important is the recent capability to grow large flakes of few-layered structures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) wherein the top layers are relatively smaller in size than the bottom layers, resulting in the presence of edges/steps across adjacent layers. This paper investigates the strain response of such suspended few-layered structures at the atomic scales using classic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. MD simulations suggest that the suspended CVD-grown structures are able to relax the applied in-plane strain through the nucleation of ripples under both tensile and compressive loading conditions. The presence of terraced edges in these structures is the cause for the nucleation of ripples at the edges that grow towards the center of the structure under applied in-plane strains. The peak amplitudes of ripples observed are in excellent agreement with the experimental observations. The study provides critical insights into the mechanisms of strain relaxation of suspended few-layered MoS2 structures that determine the interplay between the mechanical response and the electronic properties of CVD-grown structures.
Interspecies cathelicidin comparison reveals divergence in antimicrobial activity, TLR modulation, chemokine induction and regulation of phagocytosis
Authors: Coorens Maarten , Scheenstra Maaike R. , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Haagsman Henk P.
Published: January 2017

Cathelicidins are short cationic peptides initially described as antimicrobial peptides, which can also modulate the immune system. Because most findings have been described in the context of human LL-37 or murine CRAMP, or have been investigated under varying conditions, it is unclear which functions are cathelicidin specific and which functions are general cathelicidin properties. This study compares 12 cathelicidins from 6 species under standardized conditions to better understand the conservation of cathelicidin functions. Most tested cathelicidins had strong antimicrobial activity againstE. coliand/or MRSA. Interestingly, while more physiological culture conditions limit the antimicrobial activity of almost all cathelicidins againstE. coli, activity against MRSA is enhanced. Seven out of 12 cathelicidins were able to neutralize LPS and another 7 cathelicidins were able to neutralize LTA; however, there was no correlation found with LPS neutralization. In contrast, only 4 cathelicidins enhanced DNA-induced TLR9 activation. In conclusion, these results provide new insight in the functional differences of cathelicidins both within and between species. In addition, these results underline the importance not to generalize cathelicidin functions and indicates that caution should be taken in extrapolating results from LL-37- or CRAMP-related studies to other animal settings.
Novel Electron-Phonon Relaxation Pathway in Graphite Revealed by Time-Resolved Raman Scattering and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Jhih-An , Parham Stephen , Dessau Daniel , Reznik Dmitry
Published: January 2017

Time dynamics of photoexcited electron-hole pairs is important for a number of technologies, in particular solar cells. We combined ultrafast pump-probe Raman scattering and photoemission to directly follow electron-hole excitations as well as the G-phonon in graphite after an excitation by an intense laser pulse. This phonon is known to couple relatively strongly to electrons. Cross-correlating effective electronic and phonon temperatures places new constraints on model-based fits. The accepted two-temperature model predicts that G-phonon population should start to increase as soon as excited electron-hole pairs are created and that the rate of increase should not depend strongly on the pump fluence. Instead we found that the increase of the G-phonon population occurs with a delay of ~65 fs. This time-delay is also evidenced by the absence of the so-called self-pumping for G phonons. It decreases with increased pump fluence. We show that these observations imply a new relaxation pathway: Instead of hot carriers transferring energy to G-phonons directly, the energy is first transferred to optical phonons near the zone boundary K-points, which then decay into G-phonons via phonon-phonon scattering. Our work demonstrates that phonon-phonon interactions must be included in any calculations of hot carrier relaxation in optical absorbers even when only short timescales are considered.
Panmixia and dispersal from the Mediterranean Basin to Macaronesian Islands of a macrolichen species
Authors: Alors David , Grande Francesco Dal , Cubas Paloma , Crespo Ana , Schmitt Imke , Molina M. Carmen , Divakar Pradeep K.
Published: January 2017

The Mediterranean region, comprising the Mediterranean Basin and the Macaronesian Islands, represents a center of diversification for many organisms. The genetic structure and connectivity of mainland and island microbial populations has been poorly explored, in particular in the case of symbiotic fungi. Here we investigated genetic diversity and spatial structure of the obligate outcrossing lichen-forming fungus Parmelina carporrhizans in the Mediterranean region. Using eight microsatellite and mating-type markers we showed that fungal populations are highly diverse but lack spatial structure. This is likely due to high connectivity and long distance dispersal of fungal spores. Consistent with low levels of linkage disequilibrium and lack of clonality, we detected both mating-type idiomorphs in all populations. Furthermore we showed that the Macaronesian Islands are the result of colonization from the Mediterranean Basin. The unidirectional gene flow, though, seemed not to be sufficient to counterbalance the effects of drift, resulting in comparatively allelic poor peripheral populations. Our study is the first to shed light on the high connectivity and lack of population structure in natural populations of a strictly sexual lichen fungus. Our data further support the view of the Macaronesian Islands as the end of the colonization road for this symbiotic ascomycete.
Development of patient-specific phantoms for verification of stereotactic body radiation therapy planning in patients with metallic screw fixation
Authors: Oh Dongryul , Hong Chae-Seon , Ju Sang Gyu , Kim Minkyu , Koo Bum Yong , Choi SungBack , Park Hee Chul , Choi Doo Ho , Pyo Hongryull
Published: January 2017

A new technique for manufacturing a patient-specific dosimetric phantom using three-dimensional printing (PSDP_3DP) was developed, and its geometrical and dosimetric accuracy was analyzed. External body contours and structures of the spine and metallic fixation screws (MFS) were delineated from CT images of a patient with MFS who underwent stereotactic body radiation therapy for spine metastasis. Contours were converted into a STereoLithography file format using in-house program. A hollow, four-section PSDP was designed and manufactured using three types of 3DP to allow filling with a muscle-equivalent liquid and insertion of dosimeters. To evaluate the geometrical accuracy of PSDP_3DP, CT images were obtained and compared with patient CT data for volume, mean density, and Dice similarity coefficient for contours. The dose distribution in the PSDP_3DP was calculated by applying the same beam parameters as for the patient, and the dosimetric characteristics of the PSDP_3DP were compared with the patient plan. The registered CT of the PSDP_3DP was well matched with that of the real patient CT in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The physical accuracy and dosimetric characteristics of PSDP_3DP were comparable to those of a real patient. The ability to manufacture a PSDP representing an extreme patient condition was demonstrated.
Effects of Increased Nitrogen and Phosphorus Deposition on Offspring Performance of Two Dominant Species in a Temperate Steppe Ecosystem
Authors: Li Yang , Hou Longyu , Song Bing , Yang Liuyi , Li Linghao
Published: January 2017

Plants adapt to environment by plastic growth which will be transferred to offspring through transgenerational effect. Performance and response of maternal and offspring plant will affect population dynamics and community composition. However, it is scarcely understood how maternal nutrient environment affect the performance and response of offspring through transgenerational effect. Here we studied the impacts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment on maternal and offspring performances and responses ofStipa kryloviiandArtemisia frigida. Seeds were collected from maternal plant experiencing N or/and P addition for three years in Inner Mongolia grassland. We found that maternal nutrient addition significantly affected seed traits, offspring biomass, and offspring responses ofA. frigida. Maternal N addition significantly affected maternal reproductive biomass, seed traits ofS. kryloii. Maternal P addition ofS. kryloiisignificantly affected seed qualities, seedling biomass and seeding response to N addition. Our results suggested that transgenerational effects of N and P enrichment to the two dominant plant species existed in this ecosystem. Furthermore, the two species exhibited different adaptive strategies to future nutrient addition. These findings indicate that maternal environmental effect should be considered into the model projection of vegetation dynamics in response to ongoing environmental change.
Cofilin Regulates Nuclear Architecture through a Myosin-II Dependent Mechanotransduction Module
Authors: Wiggan O’Neil , Schroder Bryce , Krapf Diego , Bamburg James R. , DeLuca Jennifer G.
Published: January 2017

Structural features of the nucleus including shape, size and deformability impact its function affecting normal cellular processes such as cell differentiation and pathological conditions such as tumor cell migration. Despite the fact that abnormal nuclear morphology has long been a defining characteristic for diseases such as cancer relatively little is known about the mechanisms that control normal nuclear architecture. Mounting evidence suggests close coupling between F-actin cytoskeletal organization and nuclear morphology however, mechanisms regulating this coupling are lacking. Here we identify that Cofilin/ADF-family F-actin remodeling proteins are essential for normal nuclear structure in different cell types. siRNA mediated silencing of Cofilin/ADF provokes striking nuclear defects including aberrant shapes, nuclear lamina disruption and reductions to peripheral heterochromatin. We provide evidence that these anomalies are primarily due to Rho kinase (ROCK) controlled excessive contractile myosin-II activity and not to elevated F-actin polymerization. Furthermore, we demonstrate a requirement for nuclear envelope LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex proteins together with lamin A/C for nuclear aberrations induced by Cofilin/ADF loss. Our study elucidates a pivotal regulatory mechanism responsible for normal nuclear structure and which is expected to fundamentally influence nuclear function.
Human p53 interacts with the elongating RNAPII complex and is required for the release of actinomycin D induced transcription blockage
Authors: Borsos Barbara N. , Huliák Ildikó , Majoros Hajnalka , Ujfaludi Zsuzsanna , Gyenis Ákos , Pukler Peter , Boros Imre M. , Pankotai Tibor
Published: January 2017

The p53 tumour suppressor regulates the transcription initiation of selected genes by binding to specific DNA sequences at their promoters. Here we report a novel role of p53 in transcription elongation in human cells. Our data demonstrate that upon transcription elongation blockage, p53 is associated with genes that have not been reported as its direct targets. p53 could be co-immunoprecipitated with active forms of DNA-directed RNA polymerase II subunit 1 (RPB1), highlighting its association with the elongating RNA polymerase II. During a normal transcription cycle, p53 and RPB1 are localised at distinct regions of selected non-canonical p53 target genes and this pattern of localisation was changed upon blockage of transcription elongation. Additionally, transcription elongation blockage induced the proteasomal degradation of RPB1. Our results reveal a novel role of p53 in human cells during transcription elongation blockage that may facilitate the removal of RNA polymerase II from DNA.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis with a novel shear wave speed imaging for differential diagnosis of breast lesions
Authors: Yang Yu-Ping , Xu Xiao-Hong , Guo Le-Hang , He Ya-Ping , Wang Dan , Liu Bo-Ji , Zhao Chong-Ke , Chen Bao-Ding , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: January 2017

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a new two-dimensional shear wave speed (SWS) imaging (i.e. Toshiba shear wave elastography, T-SWE) in differential diagnosis of breast lesions. 225 pathologically confirmed breast lesions in 218 patients were subject to conventional ultrasound and T-SWE examinations. The mean, standard deviation and ratio of SWS values (m/s) and elastic modulus (KPa) on T-SWE were computed. Besides, the 2D elastic images were classified into four color patterns. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of T-SWE in differentiation of breast lesions. Compared with other quantitative T-SWE parameters, mean value expressed in KPa had the highest AUROC value (AUROC = 0.943), with corresponding cut-off value of 36.1 KPa, sensitivity of 85.1%, specificity of 96.6%, accuracy of 94.2%, PPV of 87.0%, and NPV of 96.1%. The AUROC of qualitative color patterns in this study obtained the best performance (AUROC = 0.957), while the differences were not significant except for that of Eratio expressed in m/s (AUROC = 0.863) (P = 0.03). In summary, qualitative color patterns of T-SWE obtained the best performance in all parameters, while mean stiffness (36.05 KPa) provided the best diagnostic performance in the quantitative parameters.
Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-inducing Effect of exo-Protoporphyrin IX based Sonodynamic Therapy on Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lv Yanhong , Zheng Jinhua , Zhou Qi , Jia Limin , Wang Chunying , Liu Nian , Zhao Hong , Ji Hang , Li Baoxin , Cao Wenwu
Published: January 2017

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is an innovative modality for cancer treatment. But the biological effect of SDT on oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been studied. Our previous study has shown that endo-Protoporphyrin IX based SDT (ALA-SDT) could induce apoptosis in human tongue squamous carcinoma SAS cells through mitochondrial pathway. Herein, we investigated the effect of exo- Protoporphyrin based SDT (PpIX-SDT) on SAS cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that PpIX-SDT increased the ratio of cells in the G2/M phase and induced 3–4 times more cell apoptosis compared to sonocation alone. PpIX-SDT caused cell membrane damage prior to mitochondria damage and upregulated the expression of Fas and Fas L, while the effect was suppressed if cells were pre-treated with p53 inhibitor. Additionally, we examined the SDT-induced cell apoptosis in two cell lines with different p53 status. The increases of p53 expression and apoptosis rate in wild-type p53 SAS cells were found in the SDT group, while p53-mutated HSC-3 cells did not show such increase. Our data suggest that PpIX-SDT suppress the proliferation of SAS cells via arresting cell cycle at G2/M phase and activating the extrinsic Fas-mediated membrane receptor pathway to induce apoptosis, which is regulated by p53.
Conserving herbivorous and predatory insects in urban green spaces
Authors: Mata Luis , Threlfall Caragh G. , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Hahs Amy K. , Malipatil Mallik , Stork Nigel E. , Livesley Stephen J.
Published: January 2017

Insects are key components of urban ecological networks and are greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Yet, few studies have examined how insect functional groups respond to changes to urban vegetation associated with different management actions. We investigated the response of herbivorous and predatory heteropteran bugs to differences in vegetation structure and diversity in golf courses, gardens and parks. We assessed how the species richness of these groups varied amongst green space types, and the effect of vegetation volume and plant diversity on trophic- and species-specific occupancy. We found that golf courses sustain higher species richness of herbivores and predators than parks and gardens. At the trophic- and species-specific levels, herbivores and predators show strong positive responses to vegetation volume. The effect of plant diversity, however, is distinctly species-specific, with species showing both positive and negative responses. Our findings further suggest that high occupancy of bugs is obtained in green spaces with specific combinations of vegetation structure and diversity. The challenge for managers is to boost green space conservation value through actions promoting synergistic combinations of vegetation structure and diversity. Tackling this conservation challenge could provide enormous benefits for other elements of urban ecological networks and people that live in cities.
Erratum: Measuring the Complex Optical Conductivity of Graphene by Fabry-Pérot Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Ghamsari Behnood G. , Tosado Jacob , Yamamoto Mahito , Fuhrer Michael S. , Anlage Steven M.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34166; published online: 29 September 2016; updated: 19 January 2017. This Article contains an error in the Introduction section. “Here, H and E are the magnetic and electric fields, respectively, ε 0 = (n − ik)2 is the permittivity of free space, ε c is the complex relative permittivity, σ is the optical conductivity, and ω is the angular frequency of the incident monochromatic optical field.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of Different Recommended Doses of PPIs and H2RAs in GERD: Network Meta-Analysis and GRADE system
Authors: Zhang Chao , Kwong Joey S. W. , Yuan Rui-Xia , Chen Hao , Xu Chang , Wang Yi-Pin , Yang Gong-Li , Yan Jin-Zhu , Peng Le , Zeng Xian-Tao , Weng Hong , Luo Jie , Niu Yu-Ming
Published: January 2017

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are used for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, the clinical evidence for treatment is poor. We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of different doses of PPIs, H2RAs and placebo in adults with GERD. Six online databases were searched through September 1, 2016. All related articles were included and combined with a Bayesian network meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The GRADE systems were employed to assess the main outcome. Ninety-eight RCTs were identified, which included 45,964 participants. Our analysis indicated that the full/standard dose of esomeprazole at 40 mg per day was the most efficient in healing among nine different dosages of PPIs and H2RAs. The main efficacy outcome did not change after adjustments for the area, age, level of disease from endoscopy, year of publication, pharmaceutical industry sponsorship, Intention-to-treat (ITT)/per-protocol (PP), withdrawal rate, pre-set select design bias, single blinded and unblinded studies, study origination in China, study arms that included zero events, inconsistency node or discontinued drug were accounted for in the meta-regressions and sensitivity analyses. This research suggests that the full/standard doses (40 mg per day) of esomeprazole should be recommended as first-line treatments for GERD in adults for short-term therapy.
An open sandwich immunoassay for detection of 13(R,S)-hydroxy-9(E),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid
Authors: Dong Jinhua , Shichiri Mototada , Chung Chan-I. , Shibata Takahiro , Uchida Koji , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Yoshida Yasukazu , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: January 2017

Lipid peroxidation is involved in many disorders and diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and even aging.
Liquid membrane transport of potassium fluoride by the organotin-based ditopic host Ph2FSnCH2SnFPh-CH2-[19]-crown-6
Authors: Tagne Kuate Alain Charly , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: January 2017

A novel tin-based ditopic host efficiently transports KF through an organic membrane.
Enhancing optical anisotropy of crystals by optimizing bonding electron distribution in anionic groups
Authors: Lei Bing-Hua , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: January 2017

Contrivable deep-UV coherent light from an originally non-phase-matchable crystal was achieved by optimizing bonding electron distribution in anionic groups.
Catalytic stereospecific O-glycosylation
Authors: Kowalska K. , Pedersen C. M.
Published: January 2017

Glycosylation using Tf2NH or Tf2NTMS as the catalysts and a trichloroacetimidate donor gives glycosides with inverted anomeric stereochemistry.
Rational design and controllable preparation of holey MnO2 nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Gaini , Ren Lijun , Yan Zhe , Kang Liping , Lei Zhibin , Xu Hua , Shi Feng , Liu Zong-Huai
Published: January 2017

A novel technique for the design and controllable preparation of holey MnO2 nanosheets was first developed by an in situ redox reaction between the MnO2 nanosheets and adsorbed Fe2+ ions at room temperature, in which Fe2+ ions originated from a redox reaction between Cu wire and Fe3+ ions.
ReaxFF based molecular dynamics simulations of ignition front propagation in hydrocarbon/oxygen mixtures under high temperature and pressure conditions
Authors: Ashraf Chowdhury , Jain Abhishek , Xuan Yuan , van Duin Adri C. T.
Published: January 2017

This work investigates the ignition front speed of hydrocarbon fuels at atomistic level for the first time using the ReaxFF reactive force field method.
The recent development of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal nanocatalysts
Authors: Wang Dong , Astruc Didier
Published: January 2017

This review presents the recent remarkable developments of efficient Earth-abundant transition-metal nanocatalysts.
Titania supported MOF-199 derived Cu–Cu2O nanoparticles: highly efficient non-noble metal photocatalysts for hydrogen production from alcohol–water mixtures
Authors: Majeed Imran , Nadeem Muhammad Amtiaz , Badshah Amin , Kanodarwala Fehmida K. , Ali Hassan , Khan M. Abdullah , Stride John Arron , Nadeem Muhammad Arif
Published: January 2017

Water splitting over Cu–Cu2O/TiO2 photocatalysts.
Peculiar holes on checkerboard facets of a trigonal prismatic Au9Ag36(SPhCl2)27(PPh3)6cluster caused by steric hindrance and magic electron count
Authors: Huang Lei , Yan Juanzhu , Ren Liting , Teo Boon K. , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: January 2017

A trigonal-prismatic Au–Ag bimetallic nanocluster, Au9Ag36(SPhCl2)27(PPh3)6, having “holes” on the ligand shell was prepared and crystallographically characterized.
Linear free energy relationships for the adsorption of volatile organic compounds onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes at different relative humidities: comparison with organoclays and activated carbon
Authors: Li Mei-syue , Wang Reuben , Fu Kuo Dave Ta , Shih Yang-hsin
Published: January 2017

Adsorption behavior of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on carbon nanotubes is critical for developing effective assessment and treatments for nanomaterial-bound contaminants.
Direct observation of active material interactions in flowable electrodes using X-ray tomography
Authors: Hatzell Kelsey B. , Eller Jens , Morelly Samantha L. , Tang Maureen H. , Alvarez Nicolas J. , Gogotsi Yury
Published: January 2017

Understanding electrical percolation and charging mechanisms in electrochemically active biphasic flowable electrodes is critical for enabling scalable deionization (desalination) and energy storage. Flowable electrodes are dynamic material systems which store charge (remove ions) and have the ability to flow. This flow process can induce structural changes in the underlying material arrangement and result in transient and non-uniform material properties. Carbon-based suspensions are opaque, multi-phase, and three dimensional, and thus prior characterization of the structural properties has been limited to indirect methods (electrochemical and rheology). Herein, a range of mixed electronic and ionically conducting suspensions are evaluated to determine their static structure, function, and properties, utilizing synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM). The high brilliance of the synchrotron light enables deconvolution of the liquid and solid phases. Reconstruction of the solid phase reveals agglomeration cluster volumes between 10 μm3 and 103 μm3 (1 pL) for low loaded samples (5 wt% carbon). The largest agglomeration cluster in the low loaded sample (5 wt%) occupied only 3% of the reconstructed volume whereas samples loaded with 10 wt% activated carbon demonstrated electrically connected clusters that occupied 22% of the imaged region. The highly loaded samples (20 wt%) demonstrated clusters of the order of a microliter, which accounted for 63–85% of the imaged region. These results demonstrate a capability for discerning the structural properties of biphasic systems utilizing SRXTM techniques, and show that discontinuity in the carbon particle networks induces decreased material utilization in low-loaded flowable electrodes.
Controlling turbulent drag across electrolytes using electric fields
Authors: Ostilla-Mónico Rodolfo , Lee Alpha A.
Published: January 2017

Reversible in operando control of friction is an unsolved challenge that is crucial to industrial tribology. Recent studies show that at low sliding velocities, this control can be achieved by applying an electric field across electrolyte lubricants. However, the phenomenology at high sliding velocities is yet unknown. In this paper, we investigate the hydrodynamic friction across electrolytes under shear beyond the transition to turbulence. We develop a novel, highly parallelised numerical method for solving the coupled Navier–Stokes Poisson–Nernst–Planck equation. Our results show that turbulent drag cannot be controlled across dilute electrolytes using static electric fields alone. The limitations of the Poisson–Nernst–Planck formalism hint at ways in which turbulent drag could be controlled using electric fields.
A nano flow cytometer for single lipid vesicle analysis
Authors: Friedrich Remo , Block Stephan , Alizadehheidari Mohammadreza , Heider Susanne , Fritzsche Joachim , Esbjörner Elin K. , Westerlund Fredrik , Bally Marta
Published: January 2017

A nano flow cytometer to quantify lipid vesicles and to analyse fluorescence intensity on a single vesicle level is presented.
Regulation of lipids is central to replicative senescence
Authors: Lizardo Darleny Y. , Lin Yen-Lung , Gokcumen Omer , Atilla-Gokcumen G. Ekin
Published: January 2017

In this work, we show that lipids are highly regulated at transcriptome and metabolite level during replicative senescence.
Detecting the shape of anisotropic gold nanoparticles in dispersion with single particle extinction and scattering
Authors: Potenza M. A. C. , Krpetić Ž. , Sanvito T. , Cai Q. , Monopoli M. , de Araújo J. M. , Cella C. , Boselli L. , Castagnola V. , Milani P. , Dawson K. A.
Published: January 2017

Single particle extinction and scattering (SPES) is used to detect the shape of anisotropic gold nanoparticles in dispersion in situ.
Double-stranded RNA-binding artificial cationic oligosaccharides stabilizing siRNAs with a low N/P ratio
Authors: Hara Rintaro Iwata , Maeda Yusuke , Sakamoto Taiichi , Wada Takeshi
Published: January 2017

Novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding molecules were developed for the effective thermodynamic and biological stabilization of nucleic acids including short interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
Bifunctional bispidine derivatives for copper-64 labelling and positron emission tomography
Authors: Roux Amandine , Gillet Raphaël , Huclier-Markai Sandrine , Ehret-Sabatier Laurence , Charbonnière Loïc J. , Nonat Aline M.
Published: January 2017

A bispidine cage coordinates 64Cu2+ rapidly and quantitatively at room temperature, and biotin and maleimide functions allow for targeted PET imaging.
Synthesis and photovoltaic properties of three different types of terpolymers
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Afsar , An Na Gyeong , Li Yuxiang , Song Seyeong , Ryu Hwasook , Kim Jin Young , Woo Han Young
Published: January 2017

A series of terpolymers (Random, Regular and Block) based on dithienylphenylene, difluorobenzothiadiazole and dicyanobenzothiadiazole moieties were synthesized, and their optical, electrochemical, morphological, electrical and photovoltaic properties were studied.
Comparative synthesis and properties of POSS-based fluorinated poly(ether sulfone) random terpolymers
Authors: Wei Yanfeng , Jiang Qiyang , Hao Jinmeng , Mu Jianxin
Published: January 2017

In this article, the effect of the number of trifluoromethyl groups, the attached position of trifluoromethyl to the polymer chain and the POSS content on the properties was comparatively studied.
Nonlinear intrinsic dissipation in single layer MoS2 resonators
Authors: De Subhadeep , Kunal K. , Aluru N. R.
Published: January 2017

Using dissipation models based on Akhiezer theory, we analyze the microscopic origin of nonlinearity in intrinsic loss of a single layer MoS2.
Highly efficient removal of uranium(vi) from wastewater by polyacrylic acid hydrogels
Authors: Yi Xiaofeng , Xu Zhiqun , Liu Yan , Guo Xueyong , Ou Minrui , Xu Xiaoping
Published: January 2017

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel prepared by radical polymerization in a clean and extremely simple way was used to adsorb U(vi) ions from aqueous solutions.
Pebax-based composite membranes with high gas transport properties enhanced by ionic liquids for CO2 separation
Authors: Li Mengdie , Zhang Xiangping , Zeng Shaojuan , bai Lu , Gao Hongshuai , Deng Jing , Yang Qingyuan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: January 2017

A series of composite membranes with high gas transport properties enhanced by IL and ZIF-8 have been developed. The influence of ionic liquid and ZIF-8 addition on gas separation performance were systematically investigated.
Controllable growth of MnOx dual-nanocrystals on N-doped graphene as lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Li Zhongtao , Wang Yuankun , Chen Yan , Wu Mingbo
Published: January 2017

Nanocomposites containing Mn3O4 and MnOOH dual-nanocrystals on N-doped graphene sheets were prepared as LIBs anode using a solvothermal method.
Photophysical properties of betaxanthins: miraxanthin V – insight into the excited-state deactivation mechanism from experiment and computations
Authors: Niziński Stanisław , Wendel Monika , Rode Michał F. , Prukała Dorota , Sikorski Marek , Wybraniec Sławomir , Burdziński Gotard
Published: January 2017

Fast radiationless S1 → S0 transition in photo-excited betaxanthins is due to conical intersection seam between S1 and S0 surfaces.
Nuclear-targeted siRNA delivery for long-term gene silencing
Authors: Li Na , Yang Huijun , Yu Zhengze , Li Yanli , Pan Wei , Wang Hongyu , Tang Bo
Published: January 2017

A nuclear-targeted siRNA delivery system was developed for long-term gene silencing in cancer cells. The nanocarrier consists of gold nanoparticles, synthetic siRNAs and nuclear localization signal peptides.
Robust construction of a graphene oxide barrier layer on a nanofibrous substrate assisted by the flexible poly(vinylalcohol) for efficient pervaporation desalination
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Shen Lingdi , Yu Xufeng , Yang Yin , Li Xiong , Wang Xuefen
Published: January 2017

A novel thin-film nanofibrous composite (TFNC) membrane with a robust graphene oxide barrier layer assisted by PVA for efficient pervaporation desalination.
Direct evidence for high Na+mobility and high voltage structural processes in P2-Nax[LiyNizMn1−y−z]O2(x, y, z ≤ 1) cathodes from solid-state NMR and DFT calculations
Authors: Clément R. J. , Xu J. , Middlemiss D. S. , Alvarado J. , Ma C. , Meng Y. S. , Grey C. P.
Published: January 2017

23Na and7Li NMR on P2-Nax[LiyNizMn1−y−z]O2sodium-ion battery cathodes provide evidence for fast Na-ion motion and structural stabilization of the Li-substituted materials upon Na electrochemical extraction.
Special oleophobic and hydrophilic surfaces: approaches, mechanisms, and applications
Authors: Wang Yongjin , Gong Xiao
Published: January 2017

This article highlights the approaches, mechanisms, and applications of special oleophobic/hydrophilic surfaces.
Electrospun multicomponent and multifunctional nanofibrous bone tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Wang Chong , Wang Min
Published: January 2017

A tricomponent bone tissue engineering scaffold incorporating rhVEGF, rhBMP-2 and Ca-P was made through multi-source dual-power electrospinning.
Disulfide modified self-assembly of lipopeptides with arginine-rich periphery achieve excellent gene transfection efficiency at relatively low nitrogen to phosphorus ratios
Authors: Chen Xiaobing , Yang Jun , Liang Hong , Jiang Qian , Ke Bowen , Nie Yu
Published: January 2017

Self-assembled lipopeptides, with viral envelope, capsid-inspired arginine-rich periphery and disulfide bonds, achieve excellent transfectionin vitroandin vivo.
Modular synthesis of asymmetric rylene derivatives
Authors: Sample Caitlin S. , Goto Eisuke , Handa Nisha V. , Page Zachariah A. , Luo Yingdong , Hawker Craig J.
Published: January 2017

Modular synthesis of asymmetric rylenes from commercially available naphthalic anhydride derivatives provides access to novel materials with tunable functional handles at the imide-position, site-specific incorporation of bay position substituents and tailored extension of the molecular core.