bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated roles of BclA and DD-carboxypeptidase 1 in Bradyrhizobium differentiation within NCR-producing and NCR-lacking root nodules
Authors: Barrière Quentin , Guefrachi Ibtissem , Gully Djamel , Lamouche Florian , Pierre Olivier , Fardoux Joël , Chaintreuil Clémence , Alunni Benoît , Timchenko Tatiana , Giraud Eric , Mergaert Peter
Published: August 2017

Legumes harbor in their symbiotic nodule organs nitrogen fixing rhizobium bacteria called bacteroids. Some legumes produce Nodule-specific Cysteine-Rich (NCR) peptides in the nodule cells to control the intracellular bacterial population. NCR peptides have antimicrobial activity and drive bacteroids toward terminal differentiation. Other legumes do not produce NCR peptides and their bacteroids are not differentiated. Bradyrhizobia, infecting NCR-producing Aeschynomene plants, require the peptide uptake transporter BclA to cope with the NCR peptides as well as a specific peptidoglycan-modifying DD-carboxypeptidase, DD-CPase1. We show that Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens strain USDA110 forms undifferentiated bacteroids in NCR-lacking soybean nodules. Unexpectedly, in Aeschynomene afraspera nodules the nitrogen fixing USDA110 bacteroids are hardly differentiated despite the fact that this host produces NCR peptides, suggesting that USDA110 is insensitive to the host peptide effectors and that nitrogen fixation can be uncoupled from differentiation. In agreement with the absence of bacteroid differentiation, USDA110 does not require its bclA gene for nitrogen fixing symbiosis with these two host plants. Furthermore, we show that the BclA and DD-CPase1 act independently in the NCR-induced morphological differentiation of bacteroids. Our results suggest that BclA is required to protect the rhizobia against the NCR stress but not to induce the terminal differentiation pathway.
Drug screening of cancer cell lines and human primary tumors using droplet microfluidics
Authors: Wong Ada Hang-Heng , Li Haoran , Jia Yanwei , Mak Pui-In , Martins Rui Paulo da Silva , Liu Yan , Vong Chi Man , Wong Hang Cheong , Wong Pak Kin , Wang Haitao , Sun Heng , Deng Chu-Xia
Published: August 2017

Precision Medicine in Oncology requires tailoring of therapeutic strategies to individual cancer patients. Due to the limited quantity of tumor samples, this proves to be difficult, especially for early stage cancer patients whose tumors are small. In this study, we exploited a 2.4 × 2.4 centimeters polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic chip which employed droplet microfluidics to conduct drug screens against suspended and adherent cancer cell lines, as well as cells dissociated from primary tumor of human patients. Single cells were dispersed in aqueous droplets and imaged within 24 hours of drug treatment to assess cell viability by ethidium homodimer 1 staining. Our results showed that 5 conditions could be screened for every 80,000 cells in one channel on our chip under current circumstances. Additionally, screening conditions have been adapted to both suspended and adherent cancer cells, giving versatility to potentially all types of cancers. Hence, this study provides a powerful tool for rapid, low-input drug screening of primary cancers within 24 hours after tumor resection from cancer patients. This paves the way for further technological advancement to cutting down sample size and increasing drug screening throughput in advent to personalized cancer therapy.
Microchannel contacting of crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Bullock James , Ota Hiroki , Wang Hanchen , Xu Zhaoran , Hettick Mark , Yan Di , Samundsett Christian , Wan Yimao , Essig Stephanie , Morales-Masis Monica , Cuevas Andrés , Javey Ali
Published: August 2017

There is tremendous interest in reducing losses caused by the metal contacts in silicon photovoltaics, particularly the optical and resistive losses of the front metal grid. One commonly sought-after goal is the creation of high aspect-ratio metal fingers which provide an optically narrow and low resistance pathway to the external circuit. Currently, the most widely used metal contact deposition techniques are limited to widths and aspect-ratios of ~40 μm and ~0.5, respectively. In this study, we introduce the use of a micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane encapsulation layer to form narrow (~20 μm) microchannels, with aspect-ratios up to 8, on the surface of solar cells. We demonstrate that low temperature metal pastes, electroless plating and atomic layer deposition can all be used within the microchannels. Further, we fabricate proof-of-concept structures including simple planar silicon heterojunction and homojunction solar cells. While preliminary in both design and efficiency, these results demonstrate the potential of this approach and its compatibility with current solar cell architectures.
Chemically imaging bacteria with super-resolution SERS on ultra-thin silver substrates
Authors: Olson Aeli P. , Spies Kelsey B. , Browning Anna C. , Soneral Paula A. G. , Lindquist Nathan C.
Published: August 2017

Plasmonic hotspots generate a blinking Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) effect that can be processed using Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM) algorithms for super-resolved imaging. Furthermore, by imaging through a diffraction grating, STORM algorithms can be modified to extract a full SERS spectrum, thereby capturing spectral as well as spatial content simultaneously. Here we demonstrate SERS and STORM combined in this way for super-resolved chemical imaging using an ultra-thin silver substrate. Images of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria taken with this technique show excellent agreement with scanning electron microscope images, high spatial resolution at <50 nm, and spectral SERS content that can be correlated to different regions. This may be used to identify unique chemical signatures of various cells. Finally, because we image through as-deposited, ultra-thin silver films, this technique requires no nanofabrication beyond a single deposition and looks at the cell samples from below. This allows direct imaging of the cell/substrate interface of thick specimens or imaging samples in turbid or opaque liquids since the optical path doesn’t pass through the sample. These results show promise that super-resolution chemical imaging may be used to differentiate chemical signatures from cells and could be applied to other biological structures of interest.
Fear or food – abundance of red fox in relation to occurrence of lynx and wolf
Authors: Wikenros Camilla , Aronsson Malin , Liberg Olof , Jarnemo Anders , Hansson Jessica , Wallgren Märtha , Sand Håkan , Bergström Roger
Published: August 2017

Apex predators may affect mesopredators through intraguild predation and/or supply of carrion from their prey, causing a trade-off between avoidance and attractiveness. We used wildlife triangle snow-tracking data to investigate the abundance of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in relation to lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus) occurrence as well as land composition and vole (Microtusspp.) density. Data from the Swedish wolf-monitoring system and VHF/GPS-collared wolves were used to study the effect of wolf pack size and time since wolf territory establishment on fox abundance. Bottom-up processes were more influential than top-down effects as the proportion of arable land was the key indicator of fox abundance at the landscape level. At this spatial scale, there was no effect of wolf abundance on fox abundance, whereas lynx abundance had a positive effect. In contrast, at the wolf territory level there was a negative effect of wolves on fox abundance when including detailed information of pack size and time since territory establishment, whereas there was no effect of lynx abundance. This study shows that different apex predator species may affect mesopredator abundance in different ways and that the results may be dependent on the spatiotemporal scale and resolution of the data.
EGFR and PDGFRA co-expression and heterodimerization in glioblastoma tumor sphere lines
Authors: Chakravarty Debyani , Pedraza Alicia M. , Cotari Jesse , Liu Angela H. , Punko Diana , Kokroo Aushim , Huse Jason T. , Altan-Bonnet Gregoire , Brennan Cameron W.
Published: August 2017

Concurrent amplifications of EGFR and PDGFRA have been reported in up to 5% of glioblastoma (GBM) and it remains unclear why such independent amplification events, and associated receptor overexpression, would be adaptive during glioma evolution. Here, we document that EGFR and PDGFRA protein co-expression occurs in 37% of GBM. There is wide cell-to-cell variation in the expressions of these receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in stable tumor sphere lines, frequently defining tumor cell subpopulations with distinct sensitivities to growth factors and RTK inhibitors. We also find evidence for functional transactivation of PDGFRA by EGFR and EGF-induced receptor heterodimerization, both of which are abolished by EGFR inhibitors. These results indicate that GBM growth responses to targeted therapies previously tested in clinical trials are strongly influenced by the balance of EGFR and PDGFRA activation in individual cells, which is heterogeneous at baseline.
Discrepancies between leg-to-leg bioelectrical Impedance analysis and computerized tomography in abdominal visceral fat measurement
Authors: Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Chen Yu-Yawn , Yeh Chinagwen , Chuang Chih-Lin , Chiang Li-Ming , Lai Chung-Liang , Casebolt Kevin M. , Huang Ai-Chun , Lin Wen-Long , Hsieh Kuen-Chang
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis (LBIA) using a four-contact electrode system for measuring abdominal visceral fat area (VFA). The present study recruited 381 (240 male and 141 female) Chinese participants to compare VFA measurements estimated by a standing LBIA system (VFALBIA) with computerized tomography (CT) scanned at the L4-L5 vertebrae (VFACT). The total mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, Bland-Altman plot, and paired sample t-tests were used to analyze the accuracy of the VFALBIA. For the total subjects, the regression line was VFALBIA = 0.698 VFACT + 29.521, (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.789, standard estimate of error (SEE) = 24.470 cm2, p < 0.001), Lin’s correlation coefficient (CCC) was 0.785; and the limit of agreement (LOA; mean difference ±2 standard deviation) ranged from −43.950 to 67.951 cm2, LOA% (given as a percentage of mean value measured by the CT) was 48.2%. VFALBIA and VFACT showed significant difference (p < 0.001). Collectively, the current study indicates that LBIA has limited potential to accurately estimate visceral fat in a clinical setting.
Percutaneous Closure of Left Atrial Appendage affects Mid-Term Release of MR-proANP
Authors: Behnes Michael , Sartorius Benjamin , Wenke Annika , Lang Siegfried , Hoffmann Ursula , Fastner Christian , Borggrefe Martin , Roth Thomas , Triebel Jakob , Bertsch Thomas , Akin Ibrahim
Published: August 2017

The left atrial appendage (LAA) represents both a predisposing source of thrombus formation and of neuro-humoral haemostasis. This study aims to evaluate changes of biomarker expression before and after successful percutaneous closure of the LAA. Patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for oral anticoagulant therapy were enrolled. Blood samples were taken within 24 hours before (T1) and at least 6 months (mid-term) (T2) after successful implantation of LAA occlusion devices. Blood levels of high sensitivity troponin I and T (hsTnI, hsTnT), aminoterminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) were evaluated at both time points. A total of 42 patients with successful percutaneous LAA closure were included. Median mid-term follow-up was of 183 days. HsTnT, hsTnI and NT-proBNP did not show any significant differences over time. Serum levels of MR-proANP increased significantly between immediate pre-intervention (T1: median = 245.7 pmol/l, IQR 155.8–361.3 pmol/l) and at mid-term follow-up (T2: median = 254 pmol/l, IQR 183.4–396.4 pmol/l) (p = 0.037). These results indicate, that percutaneous LAA closure affects neuro-humoral haemostasis by increasing MR-proANP serum levels at mid-term follow-up.
A novel fluorescent imaging technique for assessment of cerebral vasospasm after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Aum Diane J. , Vellimana Ananth K. , Singh Itender , Milner Eric , Nelson James W. , Han Byung Hee , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: August 2017

Various techniques have been developed to study changes in the cerebral vasculature in numerous neuropathological processes including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). One of the most widely employed techniques uses India ink-gelatin casting, which presents numerous challenges due to its high viscosity, rapid solidification, and its impact on immunohistochemical analysis. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel technique for assessing cerebral vasospasm using cerebrovascular perfusion with ROX, SE (5-Carboxy-X-Rhodamine, Succinimidyl Ester), a fluorescent labeling dye. We found that ROX SE perfusion achieves excellent delineation of the cerebral vasculature, was qualitatively and quantitatively superior to India ink-gelatin casting for the assessment of cerebral vasospasm, permits outstanding immunohistochemical examination of non-vasospasm components of secondary brain injury, and is a more efficient and cost-effective experimental technique. ROX SE perfusion is therefore a novel and highly useful technique for studying cerebrovascular pathology following experimental SAH.
Taxonomic bias in biodiversity data and societal preferences
Authors: Troudet Julien , Grandcolas Philippe , Blin Amandine , Vignes-Lebbe Régine , Legendre Frédéric
Published: August 2017

Studying and protecting each and every living species on Earth is a major challenge of the 21st century. Yet, most species remain unknown or unstudied, while others attract most of the public, scientific and government attention. Although known to be detrimental, this taxonomic bias continues to be pervasive in the scientific literature, but is still poorly studied and understood. Here, we used 626 million occurrences from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the biggest biodiversity data portal, to characterize the taxonomic bias in biodiversity data. We also investigated how societal preferences and taxonomic research relate to biodiversity data gathering. For each species belonging to 24 taxonomic classes, we used the number of publications from Web of Science and the number of web pages from Bing searches to approximate research activity and societal preferences. Our results show that societal preferences, rather than research activity, strongly correlate with taxonomic bias, which lead us to assert that scientists should advertise less charismatic species and develop societal initiatives (e.g. citizen science) that specifically target neglected organisms. Ensuring that biodiversity is representatively sampled while this is still possible is an urgent prerequisite for achieving efficient conservation plans and a global understanding of our surrounding environment.
Hypertriglyceridemia-waist and risk of developing type 2 diabetes: The Rural Chinese Cohort Study
Authors: Ren Yongcheng , Liu Yu , Sun Xizhuo , Deng Kunpeng , Wang Chongjian , Li Linlin , Zhang Lu , Wang Bingyuan , Zhao Yang , Zhou Junmei , Han Chengyi , Zhang Hongyan , Yang Xiangyu , Luo Xinping , Pang Chao , Yin Lei , Feng Tianping , Zhao Jingzhi , Zhang Ming , Hu Dongsheng
Published: August 2017

Limited information is available on the effect of hypertriglyceridemia–waist (HTGW) combination and its dynamic status on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in rural China. A cohort of 12,086 participants 18 to 92 years old was retained in this study. Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded the cumulative incidence of T2DM for each phenotype group (based on TG level and waist circumference [WC] at baseline). Cox regression yielded hazard ratios relating HTGW (based on TG level and WC at baseline and follow-up) to risk of developing T2DM. After a median follow-up of 6.0 years (71,432 person-years of follow-up), T2DM developed in 621 participants. For HTGW participants, the incidence of T2DM was 26.4/1000, 20.6/1000, and 21.9/1000 person-years for males, females, and overall, respectively. The adjusted HR for HTGW associated with T2DM was 7.63 (95% CI 4.32–13.49) for males and 7.75 (4.71–12.78) for females. Compared with consistent HTGW, with transformation from baseline HTGW to normal WC and normal triglycerides level at follow-up, the risk of developing T2DM was reduced by 75% and 78% for males and females. HTGW is a major risk factor for T2DM, but the risk could be reduced by improved triglycerides level and WC.
The influence of vision on tactile Hebbian learning
Authors: Kuehn Esther , Doehler Juliane , Pleger Burkhard
Published: August 2017

NMDA-dependent Hebbian learning drives neuronal plasticity in different cortical areas, and across species. In the primary somatosensory cortex (S-I), Hebbian learning is induced via the persistent low-rate afferent stimulation of a small area of skin. In particular, plasticity is induced in superficial cortical layers II/III of the S-I cortex that represents the stimulated area of skin. Here, we used the model system of NMDA-dependent Hebbian learning to investigate the influence of non-afferent (visual) input on Hebbian plasticity in S-I. We induced Hebbian learning in 48 participants by applying 3 hours of tactile coactivation to the right index fingertip via small loudspeaker membranes. During coactivation, different groups viewed either touches to individual fingers, which is known to activate S-I receptive fields, touches to an object, which should not activate S-I receptive fields, or no touch at all. Our results show that coactivation significantly lowers tactile spatial discrimination thresholds at the stimulated finger post- versus pre-training across groups. However, we did not find evidence for a significant modulatory effect of visual condition on tactile spatial discrimination performance. This suggests that non-afferent (visual) signals do not interact with Hebbian learning in superficial cortical layers of S-I, but may integrate into deeper cortical layers instead.
Unraveling the genetic cause of a consanguineous family with unilateral coloboma and retinoschisis: expanding the phenotypic variability of RAX mutations
Authors: Huang Xiu-Feng , Huang Zhi-Qin , Lin Dan , Dai Ma-Li , Wang Qing-Feng , Chen Zhen-Ji , Jin Zi-Bing , Wang Yuqin
Published: August 2017

Ocular coloboma is a common eye malformation arising from incomplete closure of the human optic fissure during development. Multiple genetic mutations contribute to the disease process, showing extensive genetic heterogeneity and complexity of coloboma spectrum diseases. In this study, we aimed to unravel the genetic cause of a consanguineous family with unilateral coloboma and retinoschisis. The subjects were recruited and underwent specialized ophthalmologic clinical examination. A combination of whole exome sequencing (WES), homozygosity mapping, and comprehensive variant analyses was performed to uncover the causative mutation. Only one homozygous mutation (c.113 T > C, p.I38T) in RAX gene survived our strict variant filtering process, consistent with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. This mutation segregated perfectly in the family and is located in a highly conserved functional domain. Crystal structure modeling indicated that I38T affected the protein structure. We describe a patient from a consanguineous Chinese family with unusual coloboma, proven to harbor a novel RAX mutation (c.113 T > C, p.I38T, homozygous), expanding the phenotypic variability of ocular coloboma and RAX mutations.
A novel inducible prophage from the mycosphere inhabitant Paraburkholderia terrae BS437
Authors: Pratama Akbar Adjie , van Elsas Jan Dirk
Published: August 2017

Bacteriophages constitute key gene transfer agents in many bacteria. Specifically, they may confer gene mobility to Paraburkholderia spp. that dwells in soil and the mycosphere. In this study, we first screened mycosphere and bulk soils for phages able to produce plaques, however found these to be below detection. Then, prophage identification methods were applied to the genome sequences of the mycosphere-derived Paraburkholderia terrae strains BS001, BS007, BS110 and BS437, next to P. phytofirmans strains BS455, BIFAS53, J1U5 and PsJN. These analyses revealed all bacterial genomes to contain considerable amounts [up to 13.3%] of prophage-like sequences. One sequence predicted to encode a complete phage was found in the genome of P. terrae BS437. Using the inducing agent mitomycin C, we produced high-titered phage suspensions. These indeed encompassed the progeny of the identified prophage (denoted ɸ437), as evidenced using phage major capsid gene molecular detection. We obtained the full sequence of phage ɸ437, which, remarkably, had undergone a reshuffling of two large gene blocks. One predicted moron gene was found, and it is currently analyzed to understand the extent of its ecological significance for the host.
Potential Use of MALDI-ToF Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Detection of Antifungal Resistance in the Human Pathogen Candida glabrata
Authors: Vella Antonietta , De Carolis Elena , Mello Enrica , Perlin David S. , Sanglard Dominique , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella
Published: August 2017

The echinocandins are relatively new antifungal drugs that represent, together with the older azoles, the recommended and/or preferred agents to treat candidaemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis in human patients. If “time is of the essence” to reduce the mortality for these infections, the administration of appropriate antifungal therapy could be accelerated by the timely reporting of laboratory test results. In this study, we attempted to validate a MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry-based assay for the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of the potentially multidrug-resistant pathogen Candida glabrata against anidulafungin and fluconazole. The practical applicability of the assay, reported here as MS-AFST, was assessed with a panel of clinical isolates that were selected to represent phenotypically and genotypically/molecularly susceptible or resistant strains. The data show the potential of our assay for rapid detection of antifungal resistance, although the MS-AFST assay performed at 3 h of the in vitro antifungal exposure failed to detect C. glabrata isolates with echinocandin resistance-associated FKS2 mutations. However, cell growth kinetics in the presence of anidulafungin revealed important cues about the in vitro fitness of C. glabrata isolates, which may lead to genotypic or phenotypic antifungal testing in clinical practice.
Direct evidence of correlation between the second harmonic generation anisotropy patterns and the polarization orientation of perovskite ferroelectric
Authors: Wang Jie-su , Jin Kui-juan , Gu Jun-xing , Wan Qian , Yao Hong-bao , Yang Guo-zhen
Published: August 2017

For ferroelectric materials, where the polar state breaks the inversion symmetry, second harmonic generation is a useful tool to prove their ferroelectric properties. However, the correlation between the anisotropy patterns and the polarization orientation of the ferroelectric domains has not been clarified yet. In this work, we systematically investigated this correlation in a typical perovskite oxide ferroelectric, Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) crystal, by second harmonic generation and the piezoresponse force microscopy technique. The evolution of polarization-dependent anisotropy patterns proves that there is a linear relationship between the rotation angle of second harmonic generation anisotropy patterns and the polarization angle of BaTiO3 single crystals. It is a direct evidence illustrating that the polarization of BaTiO3 crystal can be qualitatively identified in 0°–180° by second harmonic generation technology. This work gives a glance at improving a nonintrusive and convenient method to identify the polarization of perovskite ferroelectric materials.
Abnormal skin in toe webs is a marker for abnormal glucose metabolism. A cross-sectional survey among 1,849 adults in Finland
Authors: Sinikumpu Suvi-Päivikki , Auvinen Juha , Jokelainen Jari , Huilaja Laura , Puukka Katri , Ruokonen Aimo , Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Tasanen Kaisa , Timonen Markku
Published: August 2017

Diabetes is undiagnosed disease and easy screening tools for it are warranted. Because foot complications are usual in diabetes, we aimed to test hypothesis that skin abnormalities are found already from patients who are not aware of having diabetes, by studying the possible association between unhealthy toe web skin and abnormal glucose metabolism. 1,849 cases without previously diagnosed diabetes participated to the 46-year follow-up study of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort. A skin investigation was performed for all, and abnormal skin findings in toe web spaces were taken as explanatory variables. Abnormal glucose tolerance was the main outcome and it was tested with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycosylated haemoglobin fraction (HbA1c) Values are numbers (percentages) of sub and fasting blood glucose. The participants who had any abnormal skin findings in toe webs were associated with 2.5-fold (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.9) and 6-fold (OR 6.2, 1.4–27.6) increased risk of having previously undiagnosed diabetes detected by a 2-hour OGTT and HbA1c, respectively. The predictive power of toe web findings was comparable with FINDRISC score. Abnormal skin findings in the toe webs show increased risk of occult diabetes, and may, thus serve as an additional sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
Maskless X-Ray Writing of Electrical Devices on a Superconducting Oxide with Nanometer Resolution and Online Process Monitoring
Authors: Mino Lorenzo , Bonino Valentina , Agostino Angelo , Prestipino Carmelo , Borfecchia Elisa , Lamberti Carlo , Operti Lorenza , Fretto Matteo , De Leo Natascia , Truccato Marco
Published: August 2017

X-ray nanofabrication has so far been usually limited to mask methods involving photoresist impression and subsequent etching. Herein we show that an innovative maskless X-ray nanopatterning approach allows writing electrical devices with nanometer feature size. In particular we fabricated a Josephson device on a Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi-2212) superconducting oxide micro-crystal by drawing two single lines of only 50 nm in width using a 17.4 keV synchrotron nano-beam. A precise control of the fabrication process was achieved by monitoring in situ the variations of the device electrical resistance during X-ray irradiation, thus finely tuning the irradiation time to drive the material into a non-superconducting state only in the irradiated regions, without significantly perturbing the crystal structure. Time-dependent finite element model simulations show that a possible microscopic origin of this effect can be related to the instantaneous temperature increase induced by the intense synchrotron picosecond X-ray pulses. These results prove that a conceptually new patterning method for oxide electrical devices, based on the local change of electrical properties, is actually possible with potential advantages in terms of heat dissipation, chemical contamination, miniaturization and high aspect ratio of the devices.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Primary Giant Cell Tumors of the Distal Radium: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Cao Hongbin , Lin Fengsong , Hu Yongcheng , Zhao Liming , Yu Xiuchun , Wang Zhen , Ye Zhaoming , Wu Sujia , Guo Shibing , Zhang Guochuan , Wang Jinghua
Published: August 2017

Giant cell tumors of the distal radius are challenging for surgeons because they are associated with high recurrence rates and poor functional outcomes. Between June 2005 and October 2015, patients with primary giant cell tumors of the distal radius were recruited from seven orthopedic centers in China. The patients’ clinical features and demographic characteristics were obtained from medical records and reviewed retrospectively. Overall, 48 cases of giant cell tumors of the distal radius were assessed in this study. These patients were more likely to be between 20 and 40 years of age, to have a Campanacci grade of III, and to undergo a surgical style of resection. The prevalence of pathological fractures was 12.5% overall (20.0% in men and 4.3% in women). The prevalence of local recurrence was 30.0% overall (38.1% in men and 21.1% in women) during the average follow-up period of 62.5 months, with a pulmonary metastasis rate of 5.0%. Giant cell tumors of the distal radius were predominant in men and were more likely to recur locally than around the knee. These findings suggest that it is crucial to evaluate the optimal surgical approach for balancing local recurrence control and functional outcomes to reduce the disease burden.
Subcellular domain-dependent molecular hierarchy of SFK and FAK in mechanotransduction and cytokine signaling
Authors: Wan Qiaoqiao , TruongVo ThucNhi , Steele Hannah E. , Ozcelikkale Altug , Han Bumsoo , Wang Yingxiao , Oh Junghwan , Yokota Hiroki , Na Sungsoo
Published: August 2017

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src family kinases (SFK) are known to play critical roles in mechanotransduction and other crucial cell functions. Recent reports indicate that they reside in different microdomains of the plasma membrane. However, little is known about their subcellular domain-dependent roles and responses to extracellular stimuli. Here, we employed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors in conjunction with collagen-coupled agarose gels to detect subcellular activities of SFK and FAK in three-dimensional (3D) settings. We observed that SFK and FAK in the lipid rafts and nonrafts are differently regulated by fluid flow and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of FAK in the lipid rafts blocked SFK response to fluid flow, while inhibition of SFK in the non-rafts blocked FAK activation by the cytokines. Ex-vivo FRET imaging of mouse cartilage explants showed that intermediate level of interstitial fluid flow selectively decreased cytokine-induced SFK/FAK activation. These findings suggest that SFK and FAK exert distinctive molecular hierarchy depending on their subcellular location and extracellular stimuli.
Large-Area Nanolattice Film with Enhanced Modulus, Hardness, and Energy Dissipation
Authors: Bagal Abhijeet , Zhang Xu A. , Shahrin Rahnuma , Dandley Erinn C. , Zhao Junjie , Poblete Felipe R. , Oldham Christopher J. , Zhu Yong , Parsons Gregory N. , Bobko Christopher , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: August 2017

We present an engineered nanolattice material with enhanced mechanical properties that can be broadly applied as a thin film over large areas. The nanolattice films consist of ordered, three-dimensional architecture with thin-shell tubular elements, resulting in favorable modulus-density scaling (n ~ 1.1), enhanced energy dissipation, and extremely large material recoverability for strains up to 20% under normal compressive loading. At 95.6% porosity, the nanolattice film has demonstrated modulus of 1.19 GPa and specific energy dissipation of 325.5 kJ/kg, surpassing previously reported values at similar densities. The largest length scale in the reported nanolattice is the 500 nm unit-cell lattice constant, allowing the film to behave more like a continuum material and be visually unobservable. Fabricated using three-dimensional colloidal nanolithography and atomic layer deposition, the process can be scaled for large-area patterning. The proposed nanolattice film can find applications as a robust multifunctional insulating film that can be applied in integrated photonic elements, optoelectronic devices, and microcircuit chips.
Global Proteomics-based Identification and Validation of Thymosin Beta-4 X-Linked as a Prognostic Marker for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chi Li-Hsing , Chang Wei-Min , Chang Yu-Chan , Chan Yung-Chieh , Tai Chia-Chen , Leung Kam-Wing , Chen Chi-Long , Wu Alexander TH , Lai Tsung-Ching , Li Yu-Chuan , Hsiao Michael
Published: August 2017

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a major health concern worldwide. We applied the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) to analyze paired normal (N) and tumor (T) samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as well as liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis in HNSCC cell lines to identify tumor-associated biomarkers. Our results showed a number of proteins found to be over-expressed in HNSCC. We identified thymosin beta-4 X-linked (TMSB4X) is one of the most significant candidate biomarkers. Higher TMSB4X expression in the tumor was found by N/T-paired HNSCC samples at both RNA and protein level. Overexpression of TMSB4X was found significantly associated with poor prognosis of overall survival (OS, P = 0.006) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, P = 0.013) in HNSCC patients. Silencing of TMSB4X expression in HNSCC cell line reduced the proliferation and invasion ability in vitro, as well as inhibited the cervical lymph node metastasis in vivo. Altogether, our global proteomics analysis identified that TMSB4X is a newly discovered biomarker in HNSCC whose functions resulted in enhanced proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. TMSB4X may be a potential therapeutic target for treating HNSCC patients.
Effects of genotype and temperature on accumulation of plant secondary metabolites in Canadian and Australian wheat grown under controlled environments
Authors: Shamloo Maryam , Babawale Elizabeth A. , Furtado Agnelo , Henry Robert J. , Eck Peter K. , Jones Peter J. H.
Published: August 2017

Predictions of global increased temperature are for 1.8–4 °C by 2100. Increased temperature as an abiotic stress may exert a considerable influence on the levels of secondary metabolites in plants. These secondary metabolites may possibly exert biological activities beneficial in prevention or treatment of disorders linked to oxidative stress in human. Wheat secondary compounds in three Canadian and three Australian genotypes grown under controlled environments, in which the only changing parameter was temperature, were investigated. Kennedy and AC Navigator contained the highest amount of total phenolic acids among Australian and Canadian wheat genotypes, respectively. The total phenolic acids and total flavonoid contents of wheat genotypes increased following the increase of the growing temperature. In all the wheat genotypes, regardless of their growing temperatures, linoleic acid (C18:2n6) was measured as the main fatty acid. Significant increases in palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1n9) and significant decreases in linoleic acid (C18:2n6) and linolenic acid (C18:3n3) were observed at increased of growing temperature for all wheat genotypes. Growing temperature decreased campesterol content of wheat genotypes. Genotype and growing temperature significantly shifted the production of wheat secondary metabolites. This information might be used as a guide for breeding wheat varieties with higher antioxidant properties.
Pioglitazone Enhances Cytosolic Lipolysis, β-oxidation and Autophagy to Ameliorate Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Hsiao Pi-Jung , Chiou Hsin-Ying Clair , Jiang He-Jiun , Lee Mei-Yueh , Hsieh Tusty-Jiuan , Kuo Kung-Kai
Published: August 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease closely contributes to the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Even though pioglitazone has been reported to effectively lessen hepatic steatosis in human studies, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study is designed to investigate the regulation of cytosolic lipolysis, β-oxidation and autophagy by pioglitazone in a mice model of high fat diet (HFD) and cell model incubated with palmitic acid. Our results revealed hepatic steatosis was apparently induced by HFD and it was significantly reversed by pioglitazone. The serum insulin and hepatic triglyceride content was significantly decreased by co-administered pioglitazone with HFD. Hepatic expression of cytosolic-lipolysis related proteins (ATGL, HSL), β-oxidation (CPT-1A) and autophagy-related proteins (ATG7, LC3, LAL) was significantly enhanced by pioglitazone. Knockdown PPARα/PPARγ in AML12 cells significantly and proportionally reduced the expressions of ATGL, CPT-1A and LC3II, which was induced by pioglitazone. Furthermore, facilitation of the autophagic flux by pioglitazone was obviously blocked by lysosomal inhibitor, leupeptin, to demonstrate accumulation of the LC3II and intracellular lipid in AML12 cells. Our results demonstrated that pioglitazone attenuating the hepatic steatosis may be mediated by enhancing cytosolic lipolysis, β-oxidation and autophagy in a PPARα and PPARγ dependent manner.
Diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Li Xu , Gao Yang , Xu Hongqin , Hou Jie , Gao Pujun
Published: August 2017

We explored the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). To examine the link between DM and liver cirrhosis, we conducted a case-control study of 210 Chinese CHC patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, comparing them to an age- and sex-matched control group of 431 CHC patients without liver cirrhosis. We conducted logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic features and liver cirrhosis risk factors, and found that DM increased the risk of developing liver cirrhosis 2-fold [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.132; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.344–3.382]. Furthermore, the proportion of liver cirrhosis patients and CHC-only patients with elevated serum triglycerides (>1.8 mmol/L) were 5.2% and 17.4%, respectively, yielding an AOR of 0.264 (95% CI, 0.135–0.517). Multivariate analyses that stratified the risk of developing HCV-related liver cirrhosis in DM patients by gender revealed that the estimated AOR (95% CI) for males was 0.415 (0.178–0.969). In conclusion, DM was associated with an increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis in CHC patients in China. Furthermore, among patients diagnosed with both CHC and DM, females had an increased risk of liver cirrhosis development.
Freestanding and flexible graphene papers as bioelectrochemical cathode for selective and efficient CO2 conversion
Authors: Aryal Nabin , Halder Arnab , Zhang Minwei , Whelan Patrick R. , Tremblay Pier-Luc , Chi Qijin , Zhang Tian
Published: August 2017

During microbial electrosynthesis (MES) driven CO2 reduction, cathode plays a vital role by donating electrons to microbe. Here, we exploited the advantage of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) paper as novel cathode material to enhance electron transfer between the cathode and microbe, which in turn facilitated CO2 reduction. The acetate production rate of Sporomusa ovata-driven MES reactors was 168.5 ± 22.4 mmol m−2 d−1 with RGO paper cathodes poised at −690 mV versus standard hydrogen electrode. This rate was approximately 8 fold faster than for carbon paper electrodes of the same dimension. The current density with RGO paper cathodes of 2580 ± 540 mA m−2 was increased 7 fold compared to carbon paper cathodes. This also corresponded to a better cathodic current response on their cyclic voltammetric curves. The coulombic efficiency for the electrons conversion into acetate was 90.7 ± 9.3% with RGO paper cathodes and 83.8 ± 4.2% with carbon paper cathodes, respectively. Furthermore, more intensive cell attachment was observed on RGO paper electrodes than on carbon paper electrodes with confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. These results highlight the potential of RGO paper as a promising cathode for MES from CO2.
A multiplex microplatform for the detection of multiple DNA methylation events using gold–DNA affinity
Authors: Sina Abu Ali Ibn , Foster Matthew Thomas , Korbie Darren , Carrascosa Laura G. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Gao Jing , Dey Shuvashis , Trau Matt
Published: August 2017

We report a new multiplexed strategy for the electrochemical detection of regional DNA methylation across multiple regions.
A luminescent and colorimetric probe based on the functionalization of gold nanoparticles by ruthenium(ii) complexes for heparin detection
Authors: Li Jing , Cheng Meng , Li Mei-Jin
Published: August 2017

A colorimetric and luminescent bifunctional Ru(ii) complex-modified gold nanoprobe for the sensing of heparin in Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4) and 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS) was developed.
A cancer cell specific targeting nanocomplex for combination of mRNA-responsive photodynamic and chemo-therapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Tan Xionghong , Zhang Da , Liao Naishun , Zheng Youshi , Zheng Aixian , Zeng Yongyi , Liu Xiaolong , Liu Jingfeng
Published: August 2017

Herein, a cancer cell specific targeting nanocomplex which combines photodynamic therapy with chemotherapy through precisely responding to the intracellular tumor-related mRNA is presented.
Synthesis, structure, and photoluminescent behaviour of molecular lanthanide–2-thiophenecarboxylate–2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine materials
Authors: Batrice Rami J. , Ridenour J. August , Ayscue III R. Lee , Bertke Jeffery A. , Knope Karah E.
Published: August 2017

A lanthanide series incorporating 2-thiophenecarboxylate and terpyridine is presented. Four structure types are observed with differences in the coordination number and nuclearity of the complexes attributed to the effects of the lanthanide contraction.
Solvate and protic ionic liquids from aza-crown ethers: synthesis, thermal properties, and LCST behavior
Authors: Oba Yukiko , Okuhata Megumi , Osakai Toshiyuki , Mochida Tomoyuki
Published: August 2017

Solvate and protic ILs containing alkyl aza-crown ethers were synthesized, some of which exhibited an LCST-type behavior in water.
Large magnetic anisotropy and strain induced enhancement of magnetic anisotropy in monolayer TaTe2
Authors: Zhang Jianmin , Yang Baishun , Zheng Huiling , Han Xiufeng , Yan Yu
Published: August 2017

MAE of monolayer TaTe2 under different strains ranges from 0% to 10%.
Nanoporous amorphous Ge–Si alloys – unraveling the physics behind ion beam induced morphogenesis
Authors: Lehnert Fritz , Mayr Stefan G.
Published: August 2017

By employing a combined experimental-computational study, the atomic scale mechanisms for nanoporous morphogenesis due to exposure to energetic ions are unveiled. This opens avenues for generalizations and a design-by-understanding approach to synthesize tailored nanosponges.
Diverse dissolution–recrystallization structural transformations and sequential Förster resonance energy transfer behavior of a luminescent porous Cd-MOF
Authors: Cao Li-Hui , Li Hai-Yang , Xu Hong , Wei Yong-Li , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: August 2017

The fluorescent porous MOFs can be host materials to explore vectorial Förster resonance energy transfer between MOFs and organic dyes.
Preparation, characterization and bioavailability by oral administration of O/W curcumin nanoemulsions stabilized with lysophosphatidylcholine
Authors: Chávez-Zamudio Rubi , Ochoa-Flores Angélica A. , Soto-Rodríguez Ida , Garcia-Varela Rebeca , García Hugo Sergio
Published: August 2017

Curcumin has low solubility in aqueous media. In our study, O/W nanoemulsions of curcumin were prepared using lysophosphatidylcholine, to increase its bioavailability when administered orally.
Synthesis of nano- and microstructures from proanthocyanidins, tannic acid and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate for active delivery
Authors: Bartzoka Elisavet D. , Lange Heiko , Mosesso Pasquale , Crestini Claudia
Published: August 2017

Versatile tannin nano- and microstructures have been createdviaultrasound treatment and thoroughly characterized for the stimuli responsive delivery of active molecules.
Ag-Incorporated CeO2 nano cauliflowers for high-performance supercapacitor devices
Authors: Maheswari Nallappan , Muralidharan Gopalan
Published: August 2017

This cauliflower-like morphological structures significantly inflate the electrochemical nature of the material.
Covalent immobilisation of magnetic nanoparticles on surfaces via strain-promoted azide–alkyne click chemistry
Authors: Fratila Raluca M. , Navascuez Marcos , Idiago-López Javier , Eceiza Maite , Miranda José I. , Aizpurua Jesús M. , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: August 2017

We report a new family of clickable cyclooctynyl magnetic nanoparticles suitable for bioorthogonal click chemistry applications.
First-principles investigation of quantum emission from hBN defects
Authors: Tawfik Sherif Abdulkader , Ali Sajid , Fronzi Marco , Kianinia Mehran , Tran Toan Trong , Stampfl Catherine , Aharonovich Igor , Toth Milos , Ford Michael J.
Published: August 2017

Our comprehensive theoretical investigation of hexagonal boron defects established that a carbon-based defect is a likely candidate for visible-light quantum emission.
Synthesis of 1,2,2-trifluorovinyl sulphides and selenides from trifluorovinylation of organic thiocyanates and selenocyanates
Authors: Zhang Yunxiao , Wu Dongping , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: August 2017

A nucleophilic trifluorovinylation of organothiocyanates with trifluorovinyl trimethylsilane for the synthesis of trifluorovinyl sulphides has been developed.
Synthesis of zinc-based acrylate copolymers and their marine antifouling application
Authors: Chen Rongrong , Li Yakun , Tang Liang , Yang Haocheng , Lu Zetong , Wang Jun , Liu Lianhe , Takahashi Kazunobu
Published: August 2017

Marine fouling organisms have caused inconvenience to humans for a long time owing to their high vitality and great destructiveness.
Photodegradation of sulfadiazine catalyzed by p-benzoquinones and picric acid: application to charge transfer complexes
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M. , Soliman Fatma A. , Shehab Ola R. , Abdel-Ghani Nour T.
Published: August 2017

The photo degradation of sulfadiazine drug was effectively carried out at 256 nm in presence of DDQ and sodium nitrite. This was simply followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The effect of some additives such as oxalic acid, and/or hematite nanoparticles was studied.
Evaluation of structure–activity relationships of ginsenosides against amyloid β induced pathological behaviours in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhang Mu , Qian Fei , Liu Qingling , Qian Cheng , Thu Pyone Myat , Wang Yanyan , Zheng Zu-Guo , Yang Hua , Li Ping , Xu Xiaojun
Published: August 2017

The systematic in vivo study comparing the effects of different ginsenosides on Aβ induced toxicity and cognitive impairment.
Upconversion luminescence and temperature-sensing properties of Ho3+/Yb3+-codoped ZnWO4phosphors based on fluorescence intensity ratios
Authors: Chai Xiaona , Li Jun , Wang Xusheng , Li Yanxia , Yao Xi
Published: August 2017

Ho3+/Yb3+-codoped ZnWO4phosphors were synthesized using a solid state reaction method. The optical temperature sensing properties of ZnWO4:0.01Ho3+/0.15Yb3+phosphors have been discussed by using four-level system and the intensity ratio between the red and green emissions.
Mechanistic insight into the rapid one-step facile biofabrication of antibacterial silver nanoparticles from bacterial release and their biogenicity and concentration-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity to colon cells
Authors: Verma Suresh K. , Jha Ealisha , Sahoo Babrubahan , Panda Pritam Kumar , Thirumurugan Arun , Parashar S. K. S. , Suar Mrutyunjay
Published: August 2017

Rapid biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Gram +ve and Gram −ve bacterial strains and their hiogenicity dependent antibacterial and cytntoxicity.
Graphene oxide scroll meshes encapsulated Ag nanoparticles for humidity sensing
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Lin , Zhang Hao , Ran Feirong , Yang Peng , Li Hai
Published: August 2017

rGO–Ag scroll meshes shows 3 orders of magnitude higher humidity response compared to that of rGO scroll meshes.
Metabolic profiling of myrislignan by UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS-based metabolomics
Authors: Yang Xiao-Nan , Lv Qian-Qian , Zhao Qi , Li Xin-Mei , Yan Dong-Mei , Yang Xiu-Wei , Li Fei
Published: August 2017

The metabolic map of myrislignan was determined by UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS-based metabolomics in vivo and in vitro.