bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRAF2 in osteotropic breast cancer cells enhances skeletal tumour growth and promotes osteolysis
Authors: Peramuhendige Prabha , Marino Silvia , Bishop Ryan T. , de Ridder Daniëlle , Khogeer Asim , Baldini Isabella , Capulli Mattia , Rucci Nadia , Idris Aymen I.
Published: January 2018

NFκB plays an important role in inflammation and bone remodelling. Tumour necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), a key component of NFκB signalling, has been identified as an oncogene, but its role in the regulation of breast cancer osteolytic metastasis remains unknown. Here, we report that stable overexpression of TRAF2 in parental and osteotropic sub-clones of human MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) breast cancer cells increased cell growth and motility in vitro, whereas TRAF2 knockdown was inhibitory. In vivo, TRAF2 overexpression in the parental MDA-231-P cells enhanced tumour growth after orthotopic injection into the mammary fat pad of mice but failed to promote the metastasis of these cells to bone. In contrast, overexpression of TRAF2 in osteotropic MDA-231-BT cells increased skeletal tumour growth, enhanced osteoclast formation and worsened osteolytic bone loss after intra-tibial injection in mice. Mechanistic and functional studies in osteotropic MDA-231-BT and osteoclasts revealed that upregulation of TRAF2 increased the ability of osteotropic MDA-231-BT cells to migrate and to enhance osteoclastogenesis by a mechanism dependent, at least in part, on NFκB activation. Thus, the TRAF2/NFκB axis is implicated in the regulation of skeletal tumour burden and osteolysis associated with advanced breast cancer.
Multi-valued and Fuzzy Logic Realization using TaOx Memristive Devices
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debjyoti , Kim Wonjoo , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Waser Rainer , Rana Vikas
Published: January 2018

Among emerging non-volatile storage technologies, redox-based resistive switching Random Access Memory (ReRAM) is a prominent one. The realization of Boolean logic functionalities using ReRAM adds an extra edge to this technology. Recently, 7-state ReRAM devices were used to realize ternary arithmetic circuits, which opens up the computing space beyond traditional binary values. In this manuscript, we report realization of multi-valued and fuzzy logic operators with a representative application using ReRAM devices. Multi-valued logic (MVL), such as Łukasiewicz logic generalizes Boolean logic by allowing more than two truth values. MVL also permits operations on fuzzy sets, where, in contrast to standard crisp logic, an element is permitted to have a degree of membership to a given set. Fuzzy operations generally model human reasoning better than Boolean logic operations, which is predominant in current computing technologies. When the available information for the modelling of a system is imprecise and incomplete, fuzzy logic provides an excellent framework for the system design. Practical applications of fuzzy logic include, industrial control systems, robotics, and in general, design of expert systems through knowledge-based reasoning. Our experimental results show, for the first time, that it is possible to model fuzzy logic natively using multi-state memristive devices.
Attentional gain is modulated by probabilistic feature expectations in a spatial cueing task: ERP evidence
Authors: Marzecová Anna , Schettino Antonio , Widmann Andreas , SanMiguel Iria , Kotz Sonja A. , Schröger Erich
Published: January 2018

Several theoretical and empirical studies suggest that attention and perceptual expectations influence perception in an interactive manner, whereby attentional gain is enhanced for predicted stimuli. The current study assessed whether attention and perceptual expectations interface when they are fully orthogonal, i.e., each of them relates to different stimulus features. We used a spatial cueing task with block-wise spatial attention cues that directed attention to either left or right visual field, in which Gabor gratings of either predicted (more likely) or unpredicted (less likely) orientation were presented. The lateralised posterior N1pc component was additively influenced by attention and perceptual expectations. Bayesian analysis showed no reliable evidence for the interactive effect of attention and expectations on the N1pc amplitude. However, attention and perceptual expectations interactively influenced the frontally distributed anterior N1 component (N1a). The attention effect (i.e., enhanced N1a amplitude in the attended compared to the unattended condition) was observed only for the gratings of predicted orientation, but not in the unpredicted condition. These findings suggest that attention and perceptual expectations interactively influence visual processing within 200 ms after stimulus onset and such joint influence may lead to enhanced endogenous attentional control in the dorsal fronto-parietal attention network.
Imaging 4D morphology and dynamics of mitral annulus in humans using cardiac cine MR feature tracking
Authors: Leng Shuang , Zhang Shuo , Jiang Meng , Zhao Xiaodan , Wu Rui , Allen John , He Ben , Tan Ru San , Zhong Liang
Published: January 2018

Feature tracking in cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a quantitative technique to assess heart structure and function. We investigated 4-dimensional (4D) dynamics and morphology of the mitral annulus (MA) using a novel tracking system based on radially rotational long-axis cine CMR series. A total of 30 normal controls and patients with mitral regurgitation were enrolled. The spatiotemporal changes of the MA were characterized by an in-house developed program. Dynamic and morphological parameters extracted from all 18 radial slices were used as references and were compared with those from subsequently generated sub-datasets with different degrees of sparsity. An excellent agreement was found among all datasets including routine 2-, 3- and 4-chamber views for MA dynamics such as peak systolic velocity (Sm) and mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE). MA morphology for size and shape was addressed adequately by as few as 6 radial slices, but poorly by only three routine views. Patients with regurgitation showed significantly reduced mitral dynamics and mild annular deformation, which was consistent between three routine views and 18 reference slices. In conclusion, feature tracking cine CMR provided a comprehensive and distinctive profile for 4D MA dynamics and morphology, which may help in studying different cardiac diseases.
Bace1-dependent amyloid processing regulates hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in obese mice
Authors: Meakin Paul J. , Jalicy Susan M. , Montagut Gemma , Allsop David J. P. , Cavellini Daniella L. , Irvine Stuart W. , McGinley Christopher , Liddell Mary K. , McNeilly Alison D. , Parmionova Karolina , Liu Yu-Ru , Bailey Charlotte L. S. , Dale J. Kim , Heisler Lora K. , McCrimmon Rory J. , Ashford Michael L. J.
Published: January 2018

Obesity places an enormous medical and economic burden on society. The principal driver appears to be central leptin resistance with hyperleptinemia. Accordingly, a compound that reverses or prevents leptin resistance should promote weight normalisation and improve glucose homeostasis. The protease Bace1 drives beta amyloid (Aβ) production with obesity elevating hypothalamic Bace1 activity and Aβ1–42 production. Pharmacological inhibition of Bace1 reduces body weight, improves glucose homeostasis and lowers plasma leptin in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. These actions are not apparent in ob/ob or db/db mice, indicating the requirement for functional leptin signalling. Decreasing Bace1 activity normalises hypothalamic inflammation, lowers PTP1B and SOCS3 and restores hypothalamic leptin sensitivity and pSTAT3 response in obese mice, but does not affect leptin sensitivity in lean mice. Raising central Aβ1–42 levels in the early stage of DIO increases hypothalamic basal pSTAT3 and reduces the amplitude of the leptin pSTAT3 signal without increased inflammation. Thus, elevated Aβ1–42 promotes hypothalamic leptin resistance, which is associated with diminished whole-body sensitivity to exogenous leptin and exacerbated body weight gain in high fat fed mice. These results indicate that Bace1 inhibitors, currently in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, may be useful agents for the treatment of obesity and associated diabetes.
A specific form of prefibrillar aggregates that functions as a precursor of amyloid nucleation
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Tsuhara Shoko , Tamura Atsuo , Chatani Eri
Published: January 2018

Non-fibrillar protein aggregates that appear in the earlier stages of amyloid fibril formation are sometimes considered to play a key role in amyloid nucleation; however, the structural features of these aggregates currently remain unclear. We herein identified a characteristic pathway of fibril formation by human insulin B chain, in which two major species of prefibrillar aggregates were identified. Based on the time-resolved tracking of this pathway with far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, the first prefibrillar aggregate with a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 70 nm accumulated concomitantly with the formation of a β-sheet structure, and the size further evolved to 130 nm with an additional structural development. These prefibrillar aggregates were metastable and survived at least 24 hours as long as they were maintained under quiescent conditions. The energy barrier for nucleation was overcome by shaking or even by applying a single short ultrasonic pulse. Furthermore, an investigation where nucleation efficiency was monitored by fibrillation rates with varying the timing of the ultrasonic-pulse treatment revealed that the second prefibrillar aggregate specifically produced amyloid nuclei. These results suggest that the second form of the prefibrillar aggregates acts as a direct precursor for the amyloid nucleation.
Genomic diversity and distribution of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum across the human lifespan
Authors: Odamaki Toshitaka , Bottacini Francesca , Kato Kumiko , Mitsuyama Eri , Yoshida Keisuke , Horigome Ayako , Xiao Jin-zhong , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: January 2018

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum represents one of the most prevalent bifidobacterial species in the infant, adult and elderly (human) gut. In the current study, we performed a comparative genome analysis involving 145 B. longum representatives, including 113 B. longum subsp. longum strains obtained from healthy Japanese subjects aged between 0 and 98 years. Although MCL clustering did not reveal any correlation between isolated strains and subject age, certain characteristics appear to be more prevalent among strains corresponding to specific host ages, such as genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and environmental response. Remarkably, a substantial number of strains appeared to have been transmitted across family members, a phenomenon that was shown not to be confined to mother-infant pairs. This suggests that the ubiquitous distribution of B. longum subsp. longum across the human lifespan is at least partly due to extensive transmission between relatives. Our findings form a foundation for future research aimed at unraveling the mechanisms that allow B. longum strains to successfully transfer between human hosts, where they then colonize and persist in the gut environment throughout the host’s lifespan.
Ecological plasticity in the gastrointestinal microbiomes of Ethiopian Chlorocebus monkeys
Authors: Trosvik Pål , Rueness Eli K. , de Muinck Eric J. , Moges Amera , Mekonnen Addisu
Published: January 2018

Human activities can cause habitat degradation that may alter the types and quality of available food resources and thus influence the microbiomes of wild animal populations. Furthermore, seasonal shifts in food availability may cause adaptive responses in the gut microbiome to meet the need for different metabolic capabilities. Here, we demonstrate local-scale population structure in the gastrointestinal microbiotas of Chlorocebus monkeys, in southern Ethiopia, in response to varying degrees of human encroachment. We further provide evidence of adaptation to ecological conditions associated with the dry and wet seasons, and show seasonal effects to be more pronounced in areas with limited human activity. Finally, we report species-level microbiota differences between the endemic Ethiopian Bale monkey, an ecological specialist, and generalist Chlorocebus species from the same geographical region.
Mechanistic insights into remodeled Tau-derived PHF6 peptide fibrils by Naphthoquinone-Tryptophan hybrids
Authors: KrishnaKumar V. Guru , Paul Ashim , Gazit Ehud , Segal Daniel
Published: January 2018

Intra-cellular tau protein tangles and extra-cellular β-amyloid plaques are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by the conversion of natively unfolded monomeric protein/peptide into misfolded β-sheet rich aggregates. Therefore, inhibiting the aggregation cascade or disassembling the pre-formed aggregates becomes a pivotal event in disease treatment. In the present study, we show that Naphthoquinone-Tryptophan hybrids, i.e., NQTrp and Cl-NQTrp significantly disrupted the pre-formed fibrillar aggregates of Tau-derived PHF6 (VQIVYK) peptide and full-length tau proteinin vitro, in a dose-dependent manner as evident from ThS assay, CD spectroscopy, and TEM. Molecular dynamics simulation of PHF6 oligomers and fibrils with the Naphthoquinone-Tryptophan hybrids provides a possible structure-function based mechanism-of-action, highlighting the role of hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bond formation during fibril disassembly. These findings signify the effectiveness of NQTrp and Cl-NQTrp in disassembling fibrillar aggregates and may help in designing novel hybrid molecules for AD treatment.
Application of variable selection in the origin discrimination of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb. based on near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yuan Tianjun , Zhao Yanli , Zhang Ji , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: January 2018

Dried sclerotium of Wolfiporia cocos (F.A. Wolf) Ryvarden & Gilb. is a traditional Chinese medicine. Its chemical components showed difference among geographical origins, which made it difficult to keep therapeutic potency consistent. The identification of the geographical origin of W. cocos is the fundamental prerequisite for its worldwide recognition and acceptance. Four variable selection methods were employed for near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) variable selection and the characteristic variables were screened for the establishment of Fisher function models in further identification of the origin of W. cocos from Yunnan, China. For the obvious differences between poriae cutis (fu-ling-pi in Chinese, or FLP) and the inner part (bai-fu-ling in Chinese, or BFL) of the sclerotia of W. cocos in the pattern space of principal component analysis (PCA), we established discriminant models for FLP and BFL separately. Through variable selection, the models were significant improved and also the models were simplified by using only a small part of the variables. The characteristic variables were screened (13 for BFL and 10 for FLP) to build Fisher discriminant function models and the validation results showed the models were reliable and effective. Additionally, the characteristic variables were interpreted.
Association of BAP with urinary albumin excretion in postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, non-CKD Japanese women
Authors: Ozaki Etsuko , Yamada Shinsuke , Kuriyama Nagato , Matsui Daisuke , Watanabe Isao , Koyama Teruhide , Imanishi Yasuo , Inaba Masaaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2018

We investigated whether the phosphate (Pi) load in the circulation causes renal damage in non-CKD women. This cross-sectional study included 1,094 non-CKD Japanese women. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 as a parameter for the Pi load, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) as a bone metabolic marker, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) as an early marker for renal damage were measured. Postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher levels of serum Pi, FGF-23, BAP, and UACR and significantly lower eGFR than premenopausal women. In postmenopausal women, a multiple regression analysis confirmed a correlation between serum BAP and log UACR. In premenopausal women, although serum FGF-23 did not correlate with log UACR, a multiple regression analysis revealed that FGF-23 correlated with log UACR. Based on the i ncrease observed in BAP and its close relationship with log UACR in postmenopausal women, the release of Pi from bone may be linked to the systemic circulation of Pi, which has the potential to induce renal and vascular damage. Therefore, serum FGF-23 may be a useful marker for renal and vascular damage in premenopausal women; however, it currently remains unclear whether FGF-23 by itself or as a surrogate marker for the Pi load induces damage in the kidney and/or vasculature.
CLIQ-BID: A method to quantify bacteria-induced damage to eukaryotic cells by automated live-imaging of bright nuclei
Authors: Wallez Yann , Bouillot Stéphanie , Soleilhac Emmanuelle , Huber Philippe , Attrée Ina , Faudry Eric
Published: January 2018

Pathogenic bacteria induce eukaryotic cell damage which range from discrete modifications of signalling pathways, to morphological alterations and even to cell death. Accurate quantitative detection of these events is necessary for studying host-pathogen interactions and for developing strategies to protect host organisms from bacterial infections. Investigation of morphological changes is cumbersome and not adapted to high-throughput and kinetics measurements. Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective method based on automated analysis of live cells with stained nuclei, which allows real-time quantification of bacteria-induced eukaryotic cell damage at single-cell resolution. We demonstrate that this automated high-throughput microscopy approach permits screening of libraries composed of interference-RNA, bacterial strains, antibodies and chemical compounds in ex vivo infection settings. The use of fluorescently-labelled bacteria enables the concomitant detection of changes in bacterial growth. Using this method named CLIQ-BID (Cell Live Imaging Quantification of Bacteria Induced Damage), we were able to distinguish the virulence profiles of different pathogenic bacterial species and clinical strains.
Plasmonic waveguide design for the enhanced forward stimulated brillouin scattering in diamond
Authors: Liu Qiang , Bibbó Luigi , Albin Sacharia , Wang Qiong , Lin Mi , Lu Huihui , Ouyang Zhengbiao
Published: January 2018

We propose a scheme of metal/dielectric/metal waveguide for the enhanced forward stimulated Brillouin scattering (FSBS) in diamond that is mediated by gap surface plasmons. Numerical results based on finite-element method show that the maximum Brillouin gain in the small gap (~100 nm) can exceed 106 W−1 m−1, which is three orders of magnitude higher than that in diamond-only waveguides. It is found that the radiation pressure that exists at the boundaries of metal and diamond plays a dominant role in contributing to the enhanced forward stimulated Brillouin gain, although electrostrictive forces interfere destructively. Detailed study shows that high FSBS gain can still be obtained regardless of the photoelastic property of the dielectric material in the proposed plasmonic waveguide. The strong photon-phonon coupling in this gap-surface-plasmon waveguide may make our design useful in the development of phonon laser, RF wave generation and optomechanical information processing in quantum system.
Choroidal vascularity index in type-2 diabetes analyzed by swept-source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kim Mirinae , Ha Min Ji , Choi Seung Yong , Park Young-Hoon
Published: January 2018

The relationships between changes in choroidal vasculature and the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) remain unclear. We assessed choroidal changes in diabetic patients by measuring choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in conjunction with DR stage. In this study, patients with diabetes and healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects were divided into seven groups as follows: Healthy controls, no DR, mild/moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR), severe NPDR, proliferative DR (PDR), panretinal photocoagulation-treated DR, and clinically significant macular edema. The mean CVI values in the above groups were 69.08, 67.07, 66.28, 66.20, 63.48, 65.38, and 66.28, respectively. The eyes of diabetic patients exhibited a significantly lower CVI value than those of healthy controls even without DR. The PDR group exhibited a significantly lower CVI value than the healthy control, no DR, and mild/moderate NPDR groups. Age, sex, disease duration, glycated hemoglobin, fasting blood sugar, or intraocular pressure had no correlation with CVI. In multivariate regression analysis, thicker subfoveal choroid and thinner central retina were significantly associated with higher CVI values. These findings carefully suggest that changes in choroidal vasculature could be the primary event in diabetes even where there is no DR.
Evidence for a radiation-responsive ‘p53 gateway’ contributing significantly to the radioresistance of lepidopteran insect cells
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Chandna Sudhir
Published: January 2018

Recently, we have demonstrated that microRNA-31 (miR-31) overexpression is inherent to radiation-induced cell death in the highly radioresistant Sf9 insect cells, and regulates pro-apoptotic Bax translocation to mitochondria. In the present study, we report that at sub-lethal radiation doses for Sf9 cells, miR-31 is significantly downregulated and is tightly regulated by an unusual mechanism involving p53. While ectopic overexpression of a well-conserved Sfp53 caused typical apoptosis, radiation-induced p53 accumulation observed selectively at sub-lethal doses failed to induce cell death. Further investigation of this paradoxical response revealed an intriguing phenomenon that sub-lethal radiation doses result in accumulation of a ‘hyper-phosphorylated’ Sfp53, which in turn binds to miR-31 genomic location and suppresses its expression to prevent cell death. Interestingly, priming cells with sub-lethal doses even prevented the apoptosis induced by lethal radiation or ectopic Sfp53 overexpression. On the other hand, silencing p53 increased radiation-induced cell death by inhibiting miR-31 downregulation. This study thus shows the existence of a unique radiation-responsive ‘p53 gateway’ preventing miR-31-mediated apoptosis in Sf9 cells. Since Sfp53 has a good functional homology with human p53, this study may have significant implications for effectively modulating the mammalian cell radioresistance.
Vitamin A and E Nutritional Status in Relation to Leptin, Adiponectin, IGF-I and IGF-II in Early Life - a Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Du Qinwen , Luo Zhong-Cheng , Nuyt Anne Monique , Audibert Francois , Julien Pierre , Wei Shu-Qin , Zhang Dan-Li , Fraser William , Levy Emile
Published: January 2018

The metabolic health effects of vitamin A and E nutritional status in early life are largely unknown. We assessed whether vitamin A and vitamin E nutritional status may affect circulating leptin, adiponectin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II levels in early life in humans. In a singleton birth cohort (n = 248), vitamin A and E nutritional status in fetuses/newborns were assessed by cord plasma concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, α- and γ-tocopherols. The primary outcomes were cord plasma leptin, adiponectin, IGF-I and IGF-II concentrations. Cord plasma retinol was significantly positively correlated to IGF-I in girls (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001) but not in boys (r = 0.14, P = 0.11). Adjusting for maternal and newborn’s characteristics, one log unit increase in cord plasma retinol was associated with a 28.0% (95% CI: 11.1–47.5%) increase in IGF-I in girls (P < 0.001) but not in boys (P = 0.75). One log unit increment in cord plasma α-tocopherol was associated with a 6.6% (0.4–12.3%) decrease in adiponectin (P = 0.04), while one log unit increment in cord plasma γ-tocopherol was associated with a 21.2% (4.7–34.8%) decrease in leptin (P = 0.01). There may be a sex-specific association between retinol and IGF-I, a negative association between α-tocopherol and adiponectin, and a negative association between γ-tocopherol and leptin in early life in humans.
Blockade of soluble epoxide hydrolase attenuates post-ischemic neuronal hyperexcitation and confers resilience against stroke with TrkB activation
Authors: Chang Li-Hsin , Lin Hui-Ching , Huang Shiang-Suo , Chen I-Chih , Chu Kai-Wen , Chih Chun-Lien , Liang Yao-Wen , Lee Yi-Chung , Chen You-Yin , Lee Yi-Hsuan , Lee I-Hui
Published: January 2018

Inhibition and deletion of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) has been suggested to ameliorate infarction in experimental ischemic stroke possibly via vasoactive epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. However, it is unknown whether the neuroprotective mechanisms involve alteration of post-ischemic neuronal transmission and neurotrophic signaling. We used a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in adult wild-type mice with the sEH inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)dodecanoic acid (AUDA) post-treatment and in sEH knockout (sEH KO) mice. We found that sensorimotor recovery was significantly enhanced after MCAO in both AUDA-treated and sEH KO mice, with decreased sEH activity and brain infarction. Decreased post-ischemic long-term potentiation (iLTP) was observed in an ex vivo hippocampal oxygen-glucose deprivation model. Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) activation, rather than glutamate receptor alteration, was consistently found after the different manipulations. Immunohistochemistry further revealed peri-infarct neuronal TrkB activation and microvasculature augmentation in AUDA-treated and sEH KO mice, suggesting parallel neurovascular enhancement. Mechanistically, pretreatment with a selective TrkB antagonist ANA12 countered the effect of iLTP attenuation induced by sEH deletion ex vivo and abolished the infarct reduction in vivo. Together, the neuroprotective effects of sEH inhibition and gene deletion can both be mediated partially via enhancement of TrkB signaling which attenuated post-ischemic neuroexcitation and neurological deficits.
Systematic analysis of the regulatory roles of microRNAs in postnatal maturation and metergasis of liver of breeder cocks
Authors: Wu Shengru , Guo Wei , Liang Saisai , Lu Hong , Sun Wenqiang , Ren Xiaochun , Sun Qingzhu , Yang Xiaojun
Published: January 2018

The liver function of chickens is intensively remodeled from birth to adult, which was validated by metabolomics research in the present study. In order to understand the roles of microRNAs (miRNA) in liver maturation and metergasis, miRNA expression profiles in livers of 20 male chicks aged one day and five adult cocks aged 35 weeks were determined. A total of 191 differentially expressed miRNAs with the criteria of P < 0.05 and fold changes either >1.5 or <0.67 and 32 differentially expressed miRNAs with the criteria of false discovery value (FDR) < 0.05 and fold changes either >1.5 or <0.67 were detected. Subsequently, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses of the targets revealed that candidate miRNAs may involve in the regulation of hepatic metabolism and immune functions, and some pathways including cell cycle which were implicated in postnatal liver development. Furthermore, 1211 differentially expressed mRNAs (messenger RNA) in livers between the postnatal and matured chickens were used to define the roles of differentially expressed miRNAs in regulating the expression of target genes. Our results revealed the first miRNA profile related to the adaption of mature liver functions after birth in breeder cock.
Theranostics in the Gut
Authors: Stewart Fraser , Mulvana Helen , Näthke Inke , Cochran Sandy
Published: January 2018

As a part of the body that is considered external, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract should allow easy access, but it remained relatively obscure, particularly the small intestine, until video capsule endoscopy (VCE) emerged in the past 20 years, uniquely able to view the entire length routinely. Additionally, drawing on contemporary topics including miniaturisation of electronics, wireless communications and efficient electrical power delivery, VCE provides a model for future devices. However, research in therapeutic capsule endoscopy (TCE) has been limited and poorly integrated with diagnostics. This chapter reviews relevant progress, highlighting ultrasound (US) as particularly promising for GI TCE. A description of the GI tract at different length scales is given, including the common, multi-layered structure maintained from mouth to anus and its variation down to cellular and sub-cellular level. Recent developments in multimodal capsule endoscopy are described, including US for imaging within tissue, and targeted drug delivery (TDD) is highlighted for TCE, particularly with US-mediation, because of the potential perforation associated with simpler ablation techniques. This is exemplified by a proof-of-concept theranostic device with the potential to treat conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. Finally, with significant development ahead, relevant areas are highlighted, including further capsule development and nanotechnology.
Preparation of an anti-formoterol monoclonal antibody for indirect competitive ELISA detection of formoterol in urine and pork samples
Authors: Chunsheng Li , Yujing Li , Yan Zhang , Jingjing Liu , Junhua Li , Meng Wu , Haiyan Liu , Zhencai Yang
Published: January 2018

In this study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established to detect formoterol (FMT) residue in pork and urine samples.
Bandgap-tunable black phosphorus quantum dots: visible-light-active photocatalysts
Authors: Yuan Yong-Jun , Yang Shuhui , Wang Pei , Yang Yan , Li Zijian , Chen Daqin , Yu Zhen-Tao , Zou Zhi-Gang
Published: January 2018

Bandgap-tunable black phosphorus quantum dots were prepared by a liquid exfoliation method for the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B.
In situ fluorescence activation of DNA–silver nanoclusters as a label-free and general strategy for cell nucleus imaging
Authors: Li Duo , Qiao Zhenzhen , Yu Yanru , Tang Jinlu , He Xiaoxiao , Shi Hui , Ye Xiaosheng , Lei Yanli , Wang Kemin
Published: January 2018

A simple, specific, label-free and general nucleus imaging strategy was developed based on in situ fluorescence activation of silver nanoclusters.
Controllable supramolecular polymerization via a chain-growth mechanism
Authors: Pal Deep Sankar , Kar Haridas , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: January 2018

A naphthalene-diimide appended carboxylic acid either spontaneously self-assembles (P) by an open-chain H-bonding or can be arrested in an intra-molecularly H-bonded monomeric state (M) depending on the sample preparation method. Living supramoleular polymerization of M can be initiated by a seed, generated from P.
Selective hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes over Pt nanoparticles promoted by the cooperation of steric and electronic effects
Authors: Liu Hangyu , Mei Qingqing , Li Shaopeng , Yang Youdi , Wang YanYan , Liu Huizhen , Zheng LiRong , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Han Buxing
Published: January 2018

The selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes to unsaturated alcohols can reach high selectivity and activity at room temperature using Pt nanoparticles immobilized on a non-porous Al2O3 support stabilized by aspartic acid.
Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes as photocages for bioactive compounds containing nitriles and aromatic heterocycles
Authors: Li Ao , Turro Claudia , Kodanko Jeremy J.
Published: January 2018

Photocaging allows for precise spatiotemporal control over the release of biologically active compounds with light.
Investigating isomer specific photoprotection in a model plant sunscreen
Authors: Horbury M. D. , Flourat A. L. , Greenough S. E. , Allais F. , Stavros V. G.
Published: January 2018

Sinapate esters are used throughout the plant kingdom, for example in photoprotection from ultraviolet radiation.
An enzymatic advance in nicotine cessation therapy
Authors: Xue Song , Kallupi Marsida , Zhou Bin , Smith Lauren C. , Miranda Pedro O. , George Olivier , Janda Kim D.
Published: January 2018

A nicotine-degrading enzyme was altered to improve its pharmacokinetic properties, which translated to a successful blockade of nicotine's psychoactive effects.
Interplay of Lewis acidity, intramolecular O→Sn interactions and selectivity: organotin-functionalized crown ethers as ditopic hosts for sodium and potassium halides
Authors: Tagne Kuate Alain Charly , Naseer Muhammad Moazzam , Lutter Michael , Jurkschat Klaus
Published: January 2018

Not only ditopic complexation, but also selectivity has been realized by increasing the Lewis acidity of tin atom in organotin-functionalized crown ethers.
Hidden aryl-exchange processes in stable 16e RhIII[RhCp*Ar2] complexes, and their unexpected transmetalation mechanism
Authors: Peñas-Defrutos M. N. , Bartolomé C. , García-Melchor M. , Espinet P.
Published: January 2018

An unsuspected RhCp*Ar(OH) catalyst is the key piece to make aryl exchanges that have never been reported before in RhCp*Ar2complexes feasible.
Kinetic stabilisation of a molecular strontium hydride complex using an extremely bulky amidinate ligand
Authors: de Bruin-Dickason Caspar N. , Sutcliffe Thomas , Alvarez Lamsfus Carlos , Deacon Glen B. , Maron Laurent , Jones Cameron
Published: January 2018

The first dimeric strontium hydride complex (see picture, Dip = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, Ad = 1-adamantyl), and analogous magnesium hydride systems, have been kinetically stabilised by extremely bulky amidinate ligands, developed for this study.
Effects of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures on autophagy in chondrocytes
Authors: Shi Sirong , Lin Shiyu , Li Yong , Zhang Tao , Shao Xiaoru , Tian Taoran , Zhou Tengfei , Li Qianshun , Lin Yunfeng
Published: January 2018

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) have gathered great attention and are being widely used in biomedicine.
Structural and morphological evolution of an octahedral KNbO3 mesocrystal via self-assembly-topotactic conversion process
Authors: Hu Dengwei , Zhang Wenxiong , Yao Fangyi , Kang Fang , Cheng Hualei , Wang Yan , Kong Xingang , Wen Puhong , Feng Qi
Published: January 2018

A meaningful KNbO3 (KN) mesocrystal with octahedral morphology was formed using classical crystallizations including stacking and topotactic structural conversion processes.
Central-metal effect on intramolecular vibrational energy transfer of M(CO)5Br (M = Mn, Re) probed by two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Fan , Dong Xueqian , Feng Minjun , Zhao Juan , Wang Jianping
Published: January 2018

Central-metal effect on IVR time correlates with the vibrational coupling between the two involved modes.
Water thermophoresis in carbon nanotubes: the interplay between thermophoretic and friction forces
Authors: Oyarzua Elton , Walther Jens H. , Zambrano Harvey A.
Published: January 2018

MD simulations show that the thermophoretic force is not velocity dependent while the friction force increases with the droplet speed.
Water-induced formation of a chiral phenylalanine derivative supramolecule
Authors: Chen Weilin , Zhu Zhiqiang , Yin Chang , Li Yibao , Liu Yi , Zhang Yuting , Fan Yulan , Fan Xiaolin
Published: January 2018

In biological systems, chiral self-assemblies are formed in water.
Largely enhanced dielectric constant of PVDF nanocomposites through a core–shell strategy
Authors: Yang Minhao , Zhao Hang , Hu Chaohe , Haghi-Ashtiani Paul , He Delong , Dang Zhi-Min , Bai Jinbo
Published: January 2018

Core–shell structured TiO2@C nanowires were synthesized and the dielectric properties of the nanocomposites could be largely enhanced after incorporating these core–shell structured nanowires.
Chemical dynamics simulations of CID of peptide ions: comparisons between TIK(H+)2and TLK(H+)2fragmentation dynamics, and with thermal simulations
Authors: Homayoon Zahra , Macaluso Veronica , Martin-Somer Ana , Muniz Maria Carolina Nicola Barbosa , Borges Itamar , Hase William L. , Spezia Riccardo
Published: January 2018

Unimolecular dissociation of tripeptidesviachemical dynamics simulations with different activation modes.
Abnormal separation of the silicon–oxygen bond in the liquid layering transition of silicon dioxide in a nanoslit
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Li Tao , Duan Yunrui , Wu Weikang , Zhao Zhenyang , Liu Yao , Li Hui
Published: January 2018

Layering transition and separation of silicon and oxygen in liquid SiO2 become obvious due to the strengthening of the nanoconfined effect.
Modeling study of the anti-knock tendency of substituted phenols as additives: an application of the reaction mechanism generator (RMG)
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yee Nathan W. , Filip Sorin V. , Hetrick Casey E. , Yang Bin , Green William H.
Published: January 2018

This work presents kinetic modeling efforts to evaluate the anti-knock tendency of several substituted phenols if used as gasoline additives.
Theoretical study on the charge transport in single crystals of TCNQ, F2-TCNQ and F4-TCNQ
Authors: Ji Li-Fei , Fan Jian-Xun , Zhang Shou-Feng , Ren Ai-Min
Published: January 2018

The outstanding electron transport behavior of F2-TCNQ arises from its 3D close-packing motif and the nuclear tunneling effect; meanwhile, the poor transport properties of TCNQ and F4-TCNQ stem from their poor packing and strong thermal disorder.
Anharmonic vibrational spectra from double incremental potential energy and dipole surfaces
Authors: Madsen Diana , Christiansen Ove , König Carolin
Published: January 2018

Using incremental approaches, size limitations for property surface generations are pushed significantly, enabling accurate large molecule anharmonic vibrational spectra calculations.
Transition of surface phase of cobalt oxide during CO oxidation
Authors: Tang Yu , Ma Lingjuan , Dou Jian , Andolina Christopher M. , Li Yuting , Ma Hongbin , House Stephen D. , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Judith , Tao Franklin (Feng)
Published: January 2018

Transition of surface phase of cobalt oxide nanoparticle catalyst during CO oxidation in 60–200 °C tracked through AP-XPS.
Effect of heteroatom and functionality substitution on the oxidation potential of cyclic nitroxide radicals: role of electrostatics in electrochemistry
Authors: Zhang Kai , Noble Benjamin B. , Mater Adam C. , Monteiro Michael J. , Coote Michelle L. , Jia Zhongfan
Published: January 2018

Electrostatic effects on electrochemical oxidation potentials of heteroatomic and functional substituted nitroxides were studied both experimentally and computationally.
Ab initiosurface properties of Ag–Sn alloys: implications for lead-free soldering
Authors: Saleh Gabriele , Xu Chen , Sanvito Stefano
Published: January 2018

Structure, stability and reactivity of silver–tin alloy surfaces revealed using DFT calculations and discussed in the framework of lead-free soldering.
Maximizing the absorption of small cosolutes inside neutral hydrogels: steric exclusion versus hydrophobic adhesion
Authors: Pérez-Mas Luis , Martín-Molina Alberto , Quesada-Pérez Manuel , Moncho-Jordá Arturo
Published: January 2018

In this work the equilibrium absorption of nanometric cosolutes (which could represent drugs, reactants, small globular proteins and other kind of biomacromolecules) inside neutral hydrogels is studied.
Dynamics of acetylene dimers hosted in helium droplets
Authors: Briant M. , Mengesha E. , Gaveau M.-A. , Soep B. , Mestdagh J.-M. , Poisson L.
Published: January 2018

The CH antisymmetric stretch of the C2H2 moieties in acetylene dimers was explored over the range 3270–3290 cm−1 using the helium nanodroplet isolation (HENDI) technique.
Tuning the indirect–direct band gap transition in the MoS2−xSex armchair nanotube by diameter modulation
Authors: Wu Hong-Hui , Meng Qiangqiang , Huang He , Liu C. T. , Wang Xun-Li
Published: January 2018

The indirect–direct band gap transition is observed in armchair nanotubes MoSSe and MoSe2 by diameter modulation.
Coordination supramolecular assemblies of a monohydroxycucurbit[7]uril and their potential applications in gas sorption
Authors: Gao Rui Han , Hua Zi-Yi , Chen Kai , Xu Jing , Zhu Qian-Jiang , Tao Zhu , Zhao Jiang-Lin
Published: January 2018

The porous structure of the (HO)Q[7]/AE2+-based coordination supramolecular assemblies could result in potential applications in the selective sorption of polar volatile organic molecules, which may be useful in molecular sieves, sensors, absorption and separation.
Oxygen vacancy rich Cu2O based composite material with nitrogen doped carbon as matrix for photocatalytic H2 production and organic pollutant removal
Authors: Lu Lele , Xu Xinxin , Yan Jiaming , Shi Fa-Nian , Huo Yuqiu
Published: January 2018

A new strategy was explored to obtain oxygen vacancy rich Cu2O based photocatalyst with nitrogen doped carbon as the matrix through the calcination of coordination polymer precursor.
Ligand modification of UiO-66 with an unusual visible light photocatalytic behavior for RhB degradation
Authors: Mu Xixi , Jiang Jifei , Chao Fufang , Lou Yongbing , Chen Jinxi
Published: December 2017

A new mechanism was proposed for the degradation of Rhodamine B by the catalysts of UiO-66-X.
Self-assembled energetic 3D metal–organic framework [Na8(N5)8(H2O)3]n based on cyclo-N5–
Authors: Xu Yuangang , Wang Pengcheng , Lin Qiuhan , Mei Xuefeng , Lu Ming
Published: December 2017

A new 3D zeolite-like MOF [Na8(N5)8(H2O)3]n with an enhanced stability has been successfully synthesized by the self-assembly of Na+ with cyclo-N5− ligands.
A helical chain-like organic–inorganic hybrid arsenotungstate with color-tunable photoluminescence
Authors: Wu Hechen , Wan Rong , Si Yanan , Ma Pengtao , Wang Jingping , Niu Jingyang
Published: January 2018

A 1-D helical chain-like organic–inorganic hybrid arsenotungstate Na4H8[{Pr(H2O)2}2{As2W19O68}{WO2(mal)}2]·24H2O (1) exhibits excitation-wavelength-dependent emission behaviors with a reversible green–orange-yellow luminescence.
Tuning the properties of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) anion exchange membranes and their performance in H2/O2 fuel cells
Authors: Liu Lei , Chu Xiaomeng , Liao Jiayou , Huang Yingda , Li Ying , Ge Ziyi , Hickner Michael A. , Li Nanwen
Published: January 2018

A complete investigation of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene) AEMs with different quaternary ammonium groups is provided comparing the properties and fuel cell performance.
Catalyst-free room-temperature decarboxylative tri- or tetrafunctionalization of alkynyl carboxylic acids with N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) and diselenides
Authors: Wang Ying-chun , Liu Li-qiu , Wang Guang-mang , Ouyang Hui , Li You-ji
Published: January 2018

The combination of N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) with diselenides allowed the rapid decarboxylative tri- or tetrafunctionalization of alkynyl carboxylic acids under catalyst-free room-temperature conditions. This reaction offers an novel and facile route to polyseleno-substituted enamines.
Metal-free regioselective hydrochlorination of unactivated alkenesviaa combined acid catalytic system
Authors: Liang Shengzong , Hammond Gerald B. , Xu Bo
Published: January 2018

A combined acid HCl/DMPU-acetic acid catalytic system was used in the hydrochlorination of a wide range of unactivated alkenes.
Iodine/DMSO oxidations: a contemporary paradigm in C–N bond chemistry
Authors: Monga Aparna , Bagchi Sourav , Sharma Anuj
Published: January 2018

A new era in the organic synthetic world is demanding greener protocols for the execution of reactions.
A core–shell structured Ni–Co@Pt/C nanocomposite-modified sensor for the voltammetric determination of pseudoephedrine HCl
Authors: Abdel Hameed R. M.
Published: January 2018

Herein, a core–shell structured Ni–Co@Pt/C nanocomposite was developed for the determination of pseudoephedrine HCl (PSE) in drug samples.
Magnetic properties of core–shell nanoparticles possessing a novel Fe(ii)-chromia phase: an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Delower , Mayanovic Robert A. , Sakidja Ridwan , Benamara Mourad , Wirth Richard
Published: January 2018

Highly ordered bimagnetic core–shell nanoparticles exhibit room-temperature ferrimagnetic and superparamagnetic properties.
Sub-nanometer Co3O4 clusters anchored on TiO2(B) nano-sheets: Pt replaceable Co-catalysts for H2 evolution
Authors: Si Jingjing , Xiao Shuying , Wang Yu , Zhu Lingbin , Xia Xiaohong , Huang Zhongbing , Gao Yun
Published: January 2018

Sub-nanometer Co3O4 clusters anchored to 2D ultrathin TiO2(B) nanosheets as cocatalyst for H2 evolution reaction (HER).
Near infrared dye-labelled polymeric micro- and nanomaterials:in vivoimaging and evaluation of their local persistence
Authors: Mendoza Gracia , Ortiz de Solorzano Isabel , Pintre Inmaculada , Garcia-Salinas Sara , Sebastian Victor , Andreu Vanesa , Gimeno Marina , Arruebo Manuel
Published: January 2018

NIR labelling of polymeric materials by chemical modification has been achieved to obtain biocompatible drug carriers for preclinical imaging.
Ru nanoparticles dispersed on magnetic yolk–shell nanoarchitectures with Fe3O4 core and sulfoacid-containing periodic mesoporous organosilica shell as bifunctional catalysts for direct conversion of cellulose to isosorbide
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhang Wen , Yang Feng , Zhou Biao , Zeng Dehong , Zhang Na , Zhao Guoming , Hao Shijie , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2018

High productivity of isosorbide was achieved using novel magnetic Ru–SO3H nanoreactors as bifunctional catalysts.
Anomalous thermoelectricity of pure ZnO from 3D continuous ultrathin nanoshell structures
Authors: Kim Kisun , Park Junyong , Hong Seokkyoon , Park Sun Hwa , Jeon Seong Gi , Ahn Changui , Song Jae Yong , Jeon Seokwoo
Published: January 2018

A new concept for realizing 3D nanostructured thermoelectric materials with greatly enhanced performance.
Selective growth of two-dimensional phosphorene on catalyst surface
Authors: Qiu L. , Dong J. C. , Ding F.
Published: January 2018

Selective CVD synthesis of phosphorene isomers by choosing different metal substrates—black phosphorene on Sn surface and blue phosphorene on Au or Ag surface.
Free-electron-laser coherent diffraction images of individual drug-carrying liposome particles in solution
Authors: Huang Chi-Feng , Liang Keng S. , Hsu Tsui-Ling , Lee Tsung-Tse , Chen Yi-Yun , Yang Shun-Min , Chen Hsiang-Hsin , Huang Shih-Hsin , Chang Wei-Hau , Lee Ting-Kuo , Chen Peilin , Peng Kuei-En , Chen Chien-Chun , Shi Cheng-Zhi , Hu Yu-Fang , Margaritondo Giorgio , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Wong Chi-Huey , Hwu Y.
Published: January 2018

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) with X-ray free electron laser (X-FEL) detected individual blank (left) and drug containing (right, with Doxorubicin nanorod) liposome nanoparticles in solution.
Theoretical insight into the regioselective ring-expansions of bicyclic aziridinium ions
Authors: Boydas Esma B. , Tanriver Gamze , D'hooghe Matthias , Ha Hyun-Joon , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Catak Saron
Published: January 2018

Unraveling the factors affecting the regioselectivity in the ring-expansions of bicyclic aziridiniums.
Development of liquid crystalline polyurethane composites with stage-responsive shape memory effects
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Ban Jianfeng , Mu Luona , Zhuo Haitao
Published: January 2018

Novel liquid crystalline shape memory polymer composites with interesting staging-responsive shape memory properties were successfully prepared. The liquid crystalline shape memory polymer composites maintain the intrinsic reversible liquid crystalline properties of Azo11.
A new echelon of precision polypentenamers: highly isotactic branching on every five carbons
Authors: Brits Stefan , Neary William J. , Palui Goutam , Kennemur Justin G.
Published: January 2018

A systematic study shows that bulky allylic substituents on cyclopentene monomers affords a highly precise microstructure after ring-opening metathesis polymerization.
A combination of docking and cheminformatics approaches for the identification of inhibitors against 4′ phosphopantetheinyl transferase ofMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Rohilla Akshay , Khare Garima , Tyagi Anil K.
Published: January 2018

We integrated virtual screening,in vitroandex vivoapproaches to identify numerous potent inhibitory scaffolds againstM. tbPptT.