bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A damaged genome’s transcriptional landscape through multilayered expression profiling around in situ-mapped DNA double-strand breaks
Authors: Iannelli Fabio , Galbiati Alessandro , Capozzo Ilaria , Nguyen Quan , Magnuson Brian , Michelini Flavia , D’Alessandro Giuseppina , Cabrini Matteo , Roncador Marco , Francia Sofia , Crosetto Nicola , Ljungman Mats , Carninci Piero , d’Adda di Fagagna Fabrizio
Published: May 2017

Of the many types of DNA damage, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are probably the most deleterious. Mounting evidence points to an intricate relationship between DSBs and transcription. A cell system in which the impact on transcription can be investigated at precisely mapped genomic DSBs is essential to study this relationship. Here in a human cell line, we map genome-wide and at high resolution the DSBs induced by a restriction enzyme, and we characterize their impact on gene expression by four independent approaches by monitoring steady-state RNA levels, rates of RNA synthesis, transcription initiation and RNA polymerase II elongation. We consistently observe transcriptional repression in proximity to DSBs. Downregulation of transcription depends on ATM kinase activity and on the distance from the DSB. Our study couples for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, high-resolution mapping of DSBs with multilayered transcriptomics to dissect the events shaping gene expression after DSB induction at multiple endogenous sites.
Turbulence hierarchy in a random fibre laser
Authors: González Iván R. Roa , Lima Bismarck C. , Pincheira Pablo I. R. , Brum Arthur A. , Macêdo Antônio M. S. , Vasconcelos Giovani L. , de S. Menezes Leonardo , Raposo Ernesto P. , Gomes Anderson S. L. , Kashyap Raman
Published: May 2017

Turbulence is a challenging feature common to a wide range of complex phenomena. Random fibre lasers are a special class of lasers in which the feedback arises from multiple scattering in a one-dimensional disordered cavity-less medium. Here we report on statistical signatures of turbulence in the distribution of intensity fluctuations in a continuous-wave-pumped erbium-based random fibre laser, with random Bragg grating scatterers. The distribution of intensity fluctuations in an extensive data set exhibits three qualitatively distinct behaviours: a Gaussian regime below threshold, a mixture of two distributions with exponentially decaying tails near the threshold and a mixture of distributions with stretched-exponential tails above threshold. All distributions are well described by a hierarchical stochastic model that incorporates Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence, which includes energy cascade and the intermittence phenomenon. Our findings have implications for explaining the remarkably challenging turbulent behaviour in photonics, using a random fibre laser as the experimental platform.
Metabolic injury-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation dampens phospholipid degradation
Authors: Rampanelli Elena , Orsó Evelyn , Ochodnicky Peter , Liebisch Gerhard , Bakker Pieter J. , Claessen Nike , Butter Loes M. , van den Bergh Weerman Marius A. , Florquin Sandrine , Schmitz Gerd , Leemans Jaklien C.
Published: May 2017

The collateral effects of obesity/metabolic syndrome include inflammation and renal function decline. As renal disease in obesity can occur independently of hypertension and diabetes, other yet undefined causal pathological pathways must be present. Our study elucidate novel pathological pathways of metabolic renal injury through LDL-induced lipotoxicity and metainflammation. Our in vitro and in vivo analysis revealed a direct lipotoxic effect of metabolic overloading on tubular renal cells through a multifaceted mechanism that includes intralysosomal lipid amassing, lysosomal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and tubular dysfunction. The combination of these endogenous metabolic injuries culminated in the activation of the innate immune NLRP3 inflammasome complex. By inhibiting the sirtuin-1/LKB1/AMPK pathway, NLRP3 inflammasome dampened lipid breakdown, thereby worsening the LDL-induced intratubular phospholipid accumulation. Consequently, the presence of NLRP3 exacerbated tubular oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage and malabsorption during overnutrition. Altogether, our data demonstrate a causal link between LDL and tubular damage and the creation of a vicious cycle of excessive nutrients-NLRP3 activation-catabolism inhibition during metabolic kidney injury. Hence, this study strongly highlights the importance of renal epithelium in lipid handling and recognizes the role of NLRP3 as a central hub in metainflammation and immunometabolism in parenchymal non-immune cells.
A Four-Biomarker Blood Signature Discriminates Systemic Inflammation Due to Viral Infection Versus Other Etiologies
Authors: Sampson D. L. , Fox B. A. , Yager T. D. , Bhide S. , Cermelli S. , McHugh L. C. , Seldon T. A. , Brandon R. A. , Sullivan E. , Zimmerman J. J. , Noursadeghi M. , Brandon R. B.
Published: May 2017

The innate immune system of humans and other mammals responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are conserved across broad classes of infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. We hypothesized that a blood-based transcriptional signature could be discovered indicating a host systemic response to viral infection. Previous work identified host transcriptional signatures to individual viruses including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and dengue, but the generality of these signatures across all viral infection types has not been established. Based on 44 publicly available datasets and two clinical studies of our own design, we discovered and validated a four-gene expression signature in whole blood, indicative of a general host systemic response to many types of viral infection. The signature’s genes are: Interferon Stimulated Gene 15 (ISG15), Interleukin 16 (IL16), 2′,5′-Oligoadenylate Synthetase Like (OASL), and Adhesion G Protein Coupled Receptor E5 (ADGRE5). In each of 13 validation datasets encompassing human, macaque, chimpanzee, pig, mouse, rat and all seven Baltimore virus classification groups, the signature provides statistically significant (p < 0.05) discrimination between viral and non-viral conditions. The signature may have clinical utility for differentiating host systemic inflammation (SI) due to viral versus bacterial or non-infectious causes.
Parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita interactions with different Capsicum annum cultivars reveal the chemical constituents modulating root herbivory
Authors: Kihika Ruth , Murungi Lucy K. , Coyne Danny , Ng’ang’a Margaret , Hassanali Ahmed , Teal Peter E. A. , Torto Baldwyn
Published: May 2017

Plant volatile signatures are often used as cues by herbivores to locate their preferred hosts. Here, we report on the volatile organic compounds used by the subterranean root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita for host location. We compared responses of infective second stage juveniles (J2s) to root volatiles of three cultivars and one accession of the solanaceous plant, Capsicum annum against moist sand in dual choice assays. J2s were more attracted to the three cultivars than to the accession, relative to controls. GC/MS analysis of the volatiles identified common constituents in each plant, five of which were identified as α-pinene, limonene, 2-methoxy-3-(1-methylpropyl)-pyrazine, methyl salicylate and tridecane. We additionally identified thymol as being specific to the accession. In dose-response assays, a blend of the five components elicited positive chemotaxis (71–88%), whereas individual components elicited varying responses; Methyl salicylate (MeSA) elicited the highest positive chemotaxis (70–80%), α-pinene, limonene and tridecane were intermediate (54–60%), and 2-methoxy-3-(1-methylpropyl)-pyrazine the lowest (49–55%). In contrast, thymol alone or thymol combined with either the preferred natural plant root volatiles or the five-component synthetic blend induced negative chemotaxis. Our results provide insights into RKN-host plant interactions, creating new opportunities for plant breeding programmes towards management of RKNs.
Photo-acoustic spectroscopy revealing resonant absorption of self-assembled GaAs-based nanowires
Authors: Leahu Grigore , Petronijevic Emilija , Belardini Alessandro , Centini Marco , Li Voti Roberto , Hakkarainen Teemu , Koivusalo Eero , Guina Mircea , Sibilia Concita
Published: May 2017

III–V semiconductors nanowires (NW) have recently attracted a significant interest for their potential application in the development of high efficiency, highly-integrated photonic devices and in particular for the possibility to integrate direct bandgap materials with silicon-based devices. Here we report the absorbance properties of GaAs-AlGaAs-GaAs core-shell-supershell NWs using photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS) measurements in the spectral range from 300 nm to 1100 nm wavelengths. The NWs were fabricated by self-catalyzed growth on Si substrates and their dimensions (length ~5 μm, diameter ~140–150 nm) allow for the coupling of the incident light to the guided modes in near-infrared (IR) part of the spectrum. This coupling results in resonant absorption peaks in the visible and near IR clearly evidenced by PAS. The analysis reveal broadening of the resonant absorption peaks arising from the NW size distribution and the interaction with other NWs. The results show that the PAS technique, directly providing scattering independent absorption spectra, is a very useful tool for the characterization and investigation of vertical NWs as well as for the design of NW ensembles for photonic applications, such as Si-integrated light sources, solar cells, and wavelength dependent photodetectors.
The development of fluorescent protein tracing vectors for multicolor imaging of clinically isolated Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kato Fuminori , Nakamura Motoki , Sugai Motoyuki
Published: May 2017

Recent advances in fluorescent protein technology provide a wide variety of biological imaging applications; however current tools for bio-imaging in the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus has necessitated further developments for fluorescence intensity and for a multicolor palette of fluorescent proteins. To enhance the expression of multicolor fluorescent proteins in clinical S. aureus strains, we developed new fluorescent protein expression vectors, containing the blaZ/sodp promoter consisting of the β-lactamase gene (blaZ) promoter and the ribosome binding site (RBS) of superoxide dismutase gene (sod). We found S. aureus-adapted GFP (GFPsa) driven by the blaZ/sodp promoter was highly expressed in the S. aureus laboratory strain RN4220, but not in the clinical strains, MW2 and N315, harboring the endogenous blaI gene, a repressor of the blaZ gene promoter. We therefore constructed a constitutively induced blaZ/sodp promoter (blaZ/sodp(Con)) by introducing substitution mutations into the BlaI binding motif, and this modification allowed enhanced expression of the multicolor GFP variants (GFPsa, EGFP, mEmerald, Citrine, Cerulean, and BFP) as well as codon-optimized reef coral fluorescent proteins (mCherry and AmCyan) in the S. aureus clinical strains. These new fluorescent probes provide new tools to enhance expression of multicolor fluorescent proteins and facilitate clear visualization of clinical S. aureus strains.
Changes in soil microbial community composition and organic carbon fractions in an integrated rice–crayfish farming system in subtropical China
Authors: Si Guohan , Peng Chenglin , Yuan Jiafu , Xu Xiangyu , Zhao Shujun , Xu Dabing , Wu Jinshui
Published: May 2017

Integrated rice–crayfish farming system is a highly efficient artificial ecosystem in which the rice (Oryza sativa) variety ‘Jianzhen 2′ is cultivated in waterlogged paddy fields along with crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We investigated soil carbon fractions and microbial community structure by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis in a 10-year field experiment using an integrated rice–crayfish (CR) model and a rice monoculture (MR) model at soil depths of 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm, and 30–40 cm. Compared with the MR model, the CR model had significantly more total organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, and dissolved organic carbon contents in all of the layers examined and microbial biomass carbon content in the 20–40 cm layer. Principal components analysis revealed that microbial community composition in the CR model differed from that in the MR model in the 20–30 cm layer. Higher proportions of gram–negative bacteria, aerobic bacteria and fungi in the 20–30 cm soil layer were observed for the CR model than the MR model. These results indicate that the CR model increases soil carbon levels, and strongly affects microbial community composition and structure in the deeper layers of soil, thereby accelerating subsurface soil nutrient cycling.
Network Analysis Reveals the Recognition Mechanism for Dimer Formation of Bulb-type Lectins
Authors: Zhao Yunjie , Jian Yiren , Liu Zhichao , Liu Hang , Liu Qin , Chen Chanyou , Li Zhangyong , Wang Lu , Huang H. Howie , Zeng Chen
Published: May 2017

The bulb-type lectins are proteins consist of three sequential beta-sheet subdomains that bind to specific carbohydrates to perform certain biological functions. The active states of most bulb-type lectins are dimeric and it is thus important to elucidate the short- and long-range recognition mechanism for this dimer formation. To do so, we perform comparative sequence analysis for the single- and double-domain bulb-type lectins abundant in plant genomes. In contrast to the dimer complex of two single-domain lectins formed via protein-protein interactions, the double-domain lectin fuses two single-domain proteins into one protein with a short linker and requires only short-range interactions because its two single domains are always in close proximity. Sequence analysis demonstrates that the highly variable but coevolving polar residues at the interface of dimeric bulb-type lectins are largely absent in the double-domain bulb-type lectins. Moreover, network analysis on bulb-type lectin proteins show that these same polar residues have high closeness scores and thus serve as hubs with strong connections to all other residues. Taken together, we propose a potential mechanism for this lectin complex formation where coevolving polar residues of high closeness are responsible for long-range recognition.
PP2A inhibition from LB100 therapy enhances daunorubicin cytotoxicity in secondary acute myeloid leukemia via miR-181b-1 upregulation
Authors: Hu Chao , Yu Mengxia , Ren Yanling , Li Kongfei , Maggio Dominic M. , Mei Chen , Ye Li , Wei Juying , Jin Jie , Zhuang Zhengping , Tong Hongyan
Published: May 2017

Patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) arising from myelodysplastic syndromes have a poor prognosis marked by an increased resistance to chemotherapy. An urgent need exists for adjuvant treatments that can enhance or replace current therapeutic options. Here we show the potential of LB100, a small-molecule protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) inhibitor, as a monotherapy and chemosensitizing agent for sAML using an in-vitro and in-vivo approach. We demonstrate that LB100 decreases cell viability through caspase activation and G2/M cell-cycle arrest. LB100 enhances daunorubicin (DNR) cytotoxicity resulting in decreased xenograft volumes and improved overall survival. LB100 profoundly upregulates miR-181b-1, which we show directly binds to the 3′ untranslated region of Bcl-2 mRNA leading to its translational inhibition. MiR-181b-1 ectopic overexpression further diminishes Bcl-2 expression leading to suppression of sAML cell growth, and enhancement of DNR cytotoxicity. Our research highlights the therapeutic potential of LB100, and provides new insights into the mechanism of LB100 chemosensitization.
Estimating age-related incidence of HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B virus infections of China by using a dynamic compartmental model
Authors: Zu Jian , Zhuang Guihua , Liang Peifeng , Cui Fuqiang , Wang Fuzhen , Zheng Hui , Liang Xiaofeng
Published: May 2017

The age-specific seroclearance pattern of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections of China remains unclear. In this study, based on three national serosurvey data of hepatitis B in China, we propose an age- and time-dependent discrete model and use the method of non-linear least squares to estimate the age-specific annual rate of HBsAg seroclearance. We found that the HBsAg seroclearance in chronic HBV infections of China aged 1–59 years occurred at an average annual rate of 1.80% (95% CI, 1.54–2.06%) from 1993 to 2006. The HBsAg seroclearance occurred predominantly in the early childhood, 20–24 and 35–39 year age groups. Moreover, our model estimated that HBsAg seroclearance resulted in 23.38% of the decrease of total HBsAg prevalence for population aged 1–59 years in 2006. It also prevented 9.30% of new HBV infections (about 7.43 million people) and 9.95% of HBV-related deaths (about 0.25 million people) from 1993 to 2006. This study develops a new and efficient method to estimate the age-specific incidence of HBsAg seroclearance at a population-level and evaluate its effect.
Frequency of GNAS R201H substitution mutation in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia: Pyrosequencing analysis in tissue samples with or without decalcification
Authors: Shin Su-Jin , Lee Seok Joo , Kim Sang Kyum
Published: May 2017

Guanine nucleotide-binding protein/α-subunit (GNAS) mutations are involved in fibrous dysplasia (FD) pathogenesis. Here, we analyzed GNAS mutations in FD which were performed by pyrosequencing DNA isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The mutation detection rate was determined in FD specimens with and without decalcification. GNAS mutation was identified in 28 cases out of 87 FDs (32.18%) [p.R201C (N = 14) and p.R201H (N = 14)]. GNAS mutation was more likely to occur in polyostotic FD (7/28, 25.0%); FD without GNAS mutation was mostly monostotic form (56/59, 94.9%, P = 0.011). The G > A (R201H) mutation was more frequent in polyostotic FD (6/14 patients, 42.9%) than the C > T (R201C) mutation (1/14, 7.1%) (P = 0.077). We divided the FD cases into two subgroups: tissue specimens that were not decalcified (N = 35, 40.2%), and tissue specimens that were decalcified (N = 52, 59.8%). GNAS mutation was more frequently identified in FD specimens that were not subjected to decalcification (23/35, 65.7%) than in FD specimens that were decalcified (5/52, 9.6%) (P = 0.001). In conclusion, mutation analysis of GNAS by pyrosequencing has diagnostic value in FFPE tissue of patients with FD, especially in specimens that were not decalcified. The R201H substitution mutation of GNAS may be involved in the pathogenesis of polyostotic FD.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printed Tablets for Intragastric Floating Delivery of Domperidone
Authors: Chai Xuyu , Chai Hongyu , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Jingjing , Li Jin , Zhao Yan , Cai Weimin , Tao Tao , Xiang Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to prepare intragastric floating sustained release (FSR) tablets. Domperidone (DOM), an insoluble weak base, was chosen as a model drug to investigate the potential of FSR in increasing its oral bioavailability and reducing its administration frequency. DOM was successfully loaded into hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) filaments using hot melt extrusion (HME). The filaments were then printed into hollow structured tablets through changing the shell numbers and the infill percentages. Physical characterization results indicated that the majority of DOM gradually turned into the amorphous form during the fabrication process. The optimized formulation (contain 10% DOM, with 2 shells and 0% infill) exhibited the sustained release characteristic and was able to float for about 10 h in vitro. Radiographic images showed that the BaSO4-labeled tablets were retained in the stomach of rabbits for more than 8 h. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic studies showed the relative bioavailability of the FSR tablets compared with reference commercial tablets was 222.49 ± 62.85%. All the results showed that FDM based 3D printing might be a promising way to fabricate hollow tablets for the purpose of intragastric floating drug delivery.
The effects of Brazilian green propolis that contains flavonols against mutant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase-mediated toxicity
Authors: Ueda Tomoyuki , Inden Masatoshi , Shirai Katsuhiro , Sekine Shin-ichiro , Masaki Yuji , Kurita Hisaka , Ichihara Kenji , Inuzuka Takashi , Hozumi Isao
Published: May 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motor neurons. The purpose of this study was to clarify effects of brazilian green propolis and the active ingredient against ALS-associated mutant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1)-mediated toxicity. Ethanol extract of brazilian green propolis (EBGP) protected N2a cells against mutant SOD1-induced neurotoxicity and reduced aggregated mutant SOD1 by induction of autophagy. Kaempferide and kaempferol, the active ingredients of EBGP, also inhibited mutant SOD1-induced cell death and reduced the intracellular mutant SOD1 aggregates. Both kaempferide and kaempferol significantly suppressed mutant SOD1-induced superoxide in mitochondria. Western blot analysis showed that kaempferol potentially induced autophagy via the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) - the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. These results suggest that EBGP containing the active ingredient against mutant SOD1-mediated toxicity is a promising medicine or health food for prevention and treatment of ALS.
Fluorometric evaluation of CYP3A4 expression using improved transgenic HepaRG cells carrying a dual-colour reporter for CYP3A4 and CYP3A7
Authors: Ueyama Takafumi , Tsuji Saori , Sugiyama Takemi , Tada Masako
Published: May 2017

Primary human hepatocytes are necessary to evaluate cytotoxicity, drug metabolism, and drug–drug interactions for candidate compounds in early-phase drug discovery and development. However, these analyses are often hampered by limited resources and functional or genetic variation among lots. HepaRG human hepatocellular carcinoma cells can differentiate into mature hepatocyte-like cells (HepLCs) that possess similar metabolic activity to human hepatocytes. We previously established transgenic HepaRG cells carrying a dual reporter that express red fluorescent protein (RFP) under the transcriptional regulation of CYP3A7 in the hepatoblast-like cell state and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional regulation of CYP3A4 following HepLC differentiation. In this study, we successfully isolated a subclone of transgenic CYP3A4G/7R HepaRG cells with an improved HepLC differentiation potency. Midazolam metabolism by CYP3A4 in these HepLCs was comparable to that in wild-type HepLCs. The EGFP fluorescence intensity was greatly induced by rifampicin (RIF) treatment. There was a strong correlation between fluorometric and metabolic analyses. The fold change in EGFP-positive cells was comparable to those in the CYP3A4 mRNA level and luminescence of proluciferin metabolites. RIF treatment and cell proliferation increased the RFP-positive cell number. Thus, CYP3A4G/7R HepLCs provide a real-time, multiwell-based system to co-evaluate CYP3A4 induction and hepatic regeneration.
Evidence for exocellular Arsenic in Fronds of Pteris vittata
Authors: Datta Rupali , Das Padmini , Tappero Ryan , Punamiya Pravin , Elzinga Evert , Sahi Shivendra , Feng Huan , Kiiskila Jeffrey , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: May 2017

The arsenic (As) hyperaccumulating fern speciesPteris vittata(PV) is capable of accumulating large quantities of As in its aboveground tissues. Transformation to AsIII and vacuolar sequestration is believed to be the As detoxification mechanism in PV. Here we present evidence for a preponderance of exocellular As in fronds ofPteris vittatadespite numerous reports of a tolerance mechanism involving intracellular compartmentalization. Results of an extraction experiment show that 43–71% of the As extruded out of the fronds of PV grown in 0.67, 3.3 and 6.7 mM AsV. SEM-EDX analysis showed that As was localized largely on the lower pinna surface, with smaller amounts on the upper surface, as crystalline deposits. X-ray fluorescence imaging of pinna cross-sections revealed preferential localization of As on the pinna surface in the proximity of veins, with the majority localized near the midrib. Majority of the As in the pinnae is contained in the apoplast rather than vacuoles. Our results provide evidence that exocellular sequestration is potentially a mechanism of As detoxification in PV, particularly at higher As concentrations, raising concern about its use for phytoremediation.
Terahertz electromagnetic fences on a graphene surface plasmon polariton platform
Authors: Wu Xidong , Guo Xiang
Published: May 2017

Controlling the loss of graphene can be used in the field of transformation optics. We propose a new concept of electromagnetic fence on a monolayer graphene surface plasmon polariton platform. Using a Dot-Density-Renderer quasicrystal metasurface, we can simulate the absorption of gradient index optics structures. Numerical simulations show that the incident waves to our designed electromagnetic fence are trapped toward the central lines and quickly absorbed by the high-loss region. Two basic types of electromagnetic fence and its composite structures have been designed and analyzed, which exhibit excellent broadband absorbing performances at 8 THz–12 THz. Because of its advantages in controlling the soft-boundary effects and easy manufacturing characteristics, the proposed electromagnetic fence seems very promising for THz–frequency-transformation plasmonics applications.
Magnetic anisotropy and high-frequency property of flexible FeCoTa films obliquely deposited on a wrinkled topography
Authors: Li Jincai , Zhan Qingfeng , Zhang Shuanglan , Wei Jinwu , Wang Jianbo , Pan Minjie , Xie Yali , Yang Huali , Zhou Zheng , Xie Shuhong , Wang Baomin , Li Run-Wei
Published: May 2017

We investigated the magnetic anisotropy and the high-frequency property of flexible Fe60Co26Ta14 (FeCoTa) thin films obtained by oblique sputtering onto a wrinkled surface. The sinuously wrinkled topography is produced by growing Ta layer on a pre-strained polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane. Due to the enhanced effect of shadowing, the oblique deposition of FeCoTa layer gives rise to a shift of wrinkle peak towards the incident atomic flux. With increasing the PDMS pre-strain or increasing the oblique sputtering angle, both the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and the ferromagnetic resonance frequency of FeCoTa films are enhanced, but the initial permeability decreases. The magnetization reversal mechanism of wrinkled FeCoTa films can be interpreted by a two-phase model composed of both coherent rotation and domain wall nucleation. With the enhancement of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the domain wall nucleation becomes pronounced in FeCoTa films.
A Pilot Study of 18F-Alfatide PET/CT Imaging for Detecting Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhou Yue , Gao Song , Huang Yong , Zheng Jinsong , Dong Yinjun , Zhang Baijiang , Zhao Shuqiang , Lu Hong , Liu Zhibo , Yu Jinming , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: May 2017

Angiogenesis plays a key role in tumor development and αvβ3 integrin are overexpressed on the endothelial cell surface of newly forming vessels. 18F-Alfatide has favorable properties for αvβ3 integrin targeting and showed potential for imaging angiogenesis with Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). In this study, 13 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent 18F-Alfatide PET/CT before surgery were enrolled. The uptake of all dissected lymph nodes (LNs) of 18F-Alfatide were assessed visually and analyzed with a maximum and mean standard uptake value (SUVmax, SUVmean) and SUV ratios. LN metastases were pathologically confirmed and 20 of 196 LNs were malignant. All malignant LNs were successfully visualized on 18F-Alfatide PET/CT in patients and the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy was 100.0%, 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. SUVmax, SUVmean and SUV ratios in malignant LNs were significantly higher than in benign LNs for NSCLC patients (P < 0.001). The same result was observed in patients with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.001). The 18F-Alfatide parameter shows high sensitivity (83.9–100%), specificity (78.6–96.7%) and accuracy (81.7–96.9%) according to thresholds calculated from receiver operating characteristic curve. Our results suggest that 18F-Alfatide PET/CT is valuable in the diagnosis of metastatic LNs for NSCLC patients.
Correction: Corrigendum: Green tea consumption is associated with reduced incident CHD and improved CHD-related biomarkers in the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort
Authors: Tian Chong , Huang Qiao , Yang Liangle , Légaré Sébastien , Angileri Francesca , Yang Handong , Li Xiulou , Min Xinwen , Zhang Ce , Xu Chengwei , Yuan Jing , Miao Xiaoping , He Mei-an , Wu Tangchun , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: May 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 24353; published online: 13 April 2016; updated: 31 May 2017. The original version of this Article contained errors in the order of the authors’ affiliations, and an additional affiliation for Chong Tian was omitted. The affiliations for all authors are listed as below:
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates cerebral cortex damage and promotes brain regeneration in acrylamide-treated rats
Authors: He Yin , Tan Dehong , Mi Yan , Zhou Qian , Ji Shujuan
Published: May 2017

ACR increased the rate of nestin-positive cells implying that ACR caused cell damage, and EGCG decreased the rates of nestin-positive cells against ACR suggesting that EGCG may promote cell regeneration.
Sensitive determination of chlorogenic acid in pharmaceutical products based on the decoration of 3D macroporous carbon with Au nanoparticles via polyoxometalates
Authors: Zhang Tongrui , Liu Mengjun , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Yeyu , Kong Xiangyi , Wang Lei , Wang Huan , Zhang Yufan
Published: May 2017

A simple and sensitive electrochemical sensor is constructed for the detection of chlorogenic acid (CGA).
Recent advances in nanomedicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Qin , Sun Xun
Published: May 2017

Schematic illustration of inflammatory microenvironment in inflamed joints and events occurring in rheumatoid arthritis.
A novel indeno[1,2-b]pyridinone derivative, a DNA intercalative human topoisomerase IIα catalytic inhibitor, for caspase 3-independent anticancer activity
Authors: Jeon K. H. , Park C. , Kadayat T. M. , Shrestha A. , Lee E. S. , Kwon Y.
Published: May 2017

A novel 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-(pyridin-2-yl)-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridin-5-one (TI-1-190) was synthesized using a simple microwave-assisted method and its mode of action was systematically characterized.
Developing a ferroelectric nanohybrid for enhanced photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Song Jianmin , Gao Feng , Su Ran , Zhang Dawei , Liu Yang , Xu Congcong , Lou Xiaojie , Yang Yaodong
Published: May 2017

We develop a ferroelectric nanohybrid that improves photocatalytic efficiency by reducing the recombination of holes and electron charge carriers.
Multifunctional catalysis: stereoselective construction of α-methylidene-γ-lactams via an amidation/Rauhut–Currier sequence
Authors: Kishi Kenta , Arteaga Fernando Arteaga , Takizawa Shinobu , Sasai Hiroaki
Published: May 2017

Novel chiral organocatalyst 5a, which can simultaneously act as Brønsted and Lewis base catalysts, leads to a one-pot amidation/Rauhut–Currier sequence that affords highly functionalized α-methylidene-γ-lactams with chiral tetrasubstituted carbon stereogenic centers.
Hyperpolarized133Cs is a sensitive probe for real-time monitoring of biophysical environments
Authors: Karlsson M. , Ardenkjær-Larsen J. H. , Lerche M. H.
Published: May 2017

30% polarization on133Cs in 5 min allows detection of intracellular133Cs in membrane-impaired cells.
Metal-free formal carbon–halogen bond insertion: facile syntheses of 3-halo 3,3′-disubstituted oxindoles and spirooxindole-γ-butyrolactones
Authors: Zhou Rong , Liu Rongfang , Zhang Kai , Han Ling , Zhang Honghui , Gao Wenchao , Li Ruifeng
Published: May 2017

A metal-free carbon–heteroatom bond insertion of isatins into allylic and benzylic bromides/chlorides is reported.
Molecular interactions and thermal transport in ionic liquids with carbon nanomaterials
Authors: França João M. P. , Nieto de Castro Carlos A. , Pádua Agílio A. H.
Published: May 2017

We used molecular dynamics simulation to study the effect of suspended carbon nanomaterials, nanotubes and graphene sheets, on the thermal conductivity of ionic liquids, an issue related to understanding the properties of nanofluids.
Structure–property relationship of blue solid state emissive phenanthroimidazole derivatives
Authors: Ivanauskaite Agne , Lygaitis Ramunas , Raisys Steponas , Kazlauskas Karolis , Kreiza Gediminas , Volyniuk Dmytro , Gudeika Dalius , Jursenas Saulius , Grazulevicius Juozas V.
Published: May 2017

A series of phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole derivatives featuring multifunctional properties of ambipolar transport have been synthesized, a deep blue emission with high fluorescence quantum yield is observed, and the formation of thermally stable molecular glass is described.
The effect of STW defects on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of pristine and hydrogenated graphene
Authors: Verma Akarsh , Parashar Avinash
Published: May 2017

Graphene is emerging as a versatile material with a diverse field of applications.
The hypothiocyanite radical OSCN and its isomers
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Xu Jian , Liu Qifan , Dong Xuelin , Li Dingqing , Holzmann Nicole , Frenking Gernot , Trabelsi Tarek , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: May 2017

An elusive biologically relevant hypothiocyanite radical (OSCN) has been generated in the gas phase, and its reversible photoisomerization with two novel isomers OSNC and SOCN has been observed in cryogenic Ar and N2 matrices at 2.8 K.
Battery operated preconcentration-assisted lateral flow assay
Authors: Kim Cheonjung , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Han Sung Il , Lee Junwoo , Lee Dohwan , Lee Kyungjae , Hwang Kyo Seon , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Chung Seok , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: May 2017

A direct integration of the ICP preconcentrator with the LFA is simple, cheap, and directly applicable to a commercialized platform.
Tamoxifen-like metallocifens target the thioredoxin system determining mitochondrial impairment leading to apoptosis in Jurkat cells
Authors: Scalcon Valeria , Salmain Michèle , Folda Alessandra , Top Siden , Pigeon Pascal , Shirley Lee Hui Zhi , Jaouen Gérard , Bindoli Alberto , Vessières Anne , Rigobello Maria Pia
Published: May 2017

Metallocifens of Fe, Os and Ru derived from tamoxifen target mitochondria, inhibit the thioredoxin system, determine ROS increase and collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential triggering cell death.
Platinum porphyrin/3-(trimethoxysily)propylmethacrylate functionalized flexible PDMS micropillar arrays as optical oxygen sensors
Authors: Mao Yongyun , Zhao Qian , Pan Tingting , Shi Jiayan , Jiang Shimei , Chen Meiwan , Zhou Bingpu , Tian Yanqing
Published: May 2017

A PtTPP/TPMA functionalized PDMS-based micropillar array film was presented as a flexible optical oxygen sensor with efficiently improved sensing capabilities.
Symbiosis-inspired approaches to antibiotic discovery
Authors: Adnani Navid , Rajski Scott R. , Bugni Tim S.
Published: May 2017

Advances in our understanding of symbioses, enabled by newly developed “omics” and co-culturing technologies, inspire new approaches to antibiotic discovery.
An innovative scheme for sub-50 nm patterning via electrohydrodynamic lithography
Authors: Lee Suok , Jung Sanghee , Jang A-Rang , Hwang Jaeseok , Shin Hyeon Suk , Lee JaeJong , Kang Dae Joon
Published: May 2017

we report a low-cost, simple, direct writing nanopatterning via electrohydrodynamic lithography with great fidelity for obtaining sub-50 nm nanostructures.
Ag(i)-Catalyzed oxidative decarboxylation of difluoroacetates with activated alkenes to form difluorooxindoles
Authors: Wan Wen , Li Jialiang , Ma Guobin , Chen Yunrong , Jiang Haizhen , Deng Hongmei , Hao Jian
Published: May 2017

A silver-catalyzed oxidative decarboxylative gem-difluoromethylenation of difluoroacetates with activated alkenes to gem-difluoromethylenated oxindoles.
Synthesis of short-chain passivated carbon quantum dots as the light emitting layer towards electroluminescence
Authors: Ding Yuanfei , Zhang Feng , Xu Jiacong , Miao Yanqin , Yang Yongzhen , Liu Xuguang , Xu Bingshe
Published: May 2017

S-CQDs were chosen as a light emitting layer by virtue of their structure characteristics, optical properties and film-forming ability to obtain CQD-LEDs.
Microwave-assisted rapid synthesis of a polyether from a plant oil derived monomer and its optimization by Box–Behnken design
Authors: Ahmadi Reza , Ullah Aman
Published: May 2017

In this study, a new strategy for making biopolyethers from plant oil derived monomer (α-olefin) was developed using microwave irradiation, conditions were optimized and compared with a conventional method.
Control of the compensating defects in Al-doped and Ga-doped ZnO nanocrystals for MIR plasmonics
Authors: Hamza Taha M. K. , Boisron O. , Canut B. , Melinon P. , Penuelas J. , Gendry M. , Masenelli B.
Published: May 2017

The MIR plasmon of degenerate ZnO nanocrystals is tuned by the direct control of oxygen during their synthesis.
Collagen membranes crosslinked by β-cyclodextrin polyrotaxane monoaldehyde with good biocompatibilities and repair capabilities for cornea repair
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Song Wenjing , Li Weichang , Liu Sa , Wang Lin , Ren Li
Published: May 2017

Better mechanical properties; suturability; corneal regeneration.
Graphene oxide-modified electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous scaffolds with potential as skin wound dressings
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Du Qiaoyue , Zhao Yanan , Chen Feixiang , Wang Zijian , Zhang Yaxing , Ni Hong , Deng Hongbing , Li Yinping , Chen Yun
Published: May 2017

Graphene oxide-modified electrospun polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous scaffolds exhibit good biocompatibility and have potential application in skin tissue engineering.
Universal substrates based on Ag colloidal particles for routine surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectral measurements
Authors: Yoon Hyeokjin , Suh Jung Sang
Published: May 2017

We developed a simple method to fabricate sensitive and stable substrates that can be used in the routine surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectral measurements.
Carbon nanotubes synthesis using carbonization of pretreated rice straw through chemical vapor deposition of camphor
Authors: Fathy Nady A.
Published: May 2017

There is a pressing demand to prepare low-cost carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from renewable biomass resources as cheap carbon precursors and catalyst supports during chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Bismuth-doped La1.75Sr0.25NiO4+δ as a novel cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Zhu Zhesheng , Li Mei , Xia Changrong , Bouwmeester Henny J. M.
Published: May 2017

A-site substitution with bismuth promotes oxygen transport in the layered mixed ionic–electronic conductor La1.75Sr0.25NiO4+δ, improving its performance as an IT-SOFC cathode.
Insight into the formation mechanism of Li4Ti5O12 microspheres obtained by a CTAB-assisted synthetic method and their electrochemical performances
Authors: Zhao S. , Zhang M. M. , Xian X. C. , Ka O. , Wang Z. H. , Wang J.
Published: May 2017

Porous Li4Ti5O12 microspheres consisting of a stack of primary nano-crystalline grains were prepared by CTAB-assisted hydrothermal synthesis followed by calcination, and the formation mechanism was proposed.
Tunable Co3O4 hollow structures (from yolk–shell to multi-shell) and their Li storage properties
Authors: Yin Jingzhou , Zhang Yu , Lu Qingyi , Wu Xinglong , Jiang Zhengjing , Dang Liyun , Ma Haifeng , Guo Yuanyuan , Gao Feng , Yan Qingyu
Published: May 2017

In this work, we report a facile approach to synthesize uniform Co3O4 hollow spheres with tunable shell numbers via controllably annealing cobalt(ii) complex precursors at different heating rates.
Biodegradable PEG–dendritic block copolymers: synthesis and biofunctionality assessment as vectors of siRNA
Authors: Leiro Victoria , Garcia João Pedro , Moreno Pedro M. D. , Spencer Ana Patrícia , Fernandez-Villamarin Marcos , Riguera Ricardo , Fernandez-Megia Eduardo , Paula Pêgo Ana
Published: May 2017

New hybrid-biodegradable PEG–dendritic block copolymers as versatile delivery vectors for biomedical applications. Here, their biofunctionality as siRNA vectors is presented.
The controllable synthesis of ultrafine one-dimensional small-molecule semiconducting nanocrystals in surfactant-assisted wet chemical reactions and their confinement effect
Authors: Pan Jiannan , Kang Longtian , Huang Ping , Jia Ziyan , Liu Jingjing , Yao Jiannian
Published: May 2017

Ultrafine 1D nanocrystals of (FeTPP)2O have been successfully synthesized in a CTAB-assisted wet chemical reaction. The 1D confinement effect of the intermolecular charge transfer state was found.
Multifunctional emitters for efficient simplified non-doped blueish green organic light emitting devices with extremely low efficiency roll-off
Authors: Islam Amjad , Zhang Dongdong , Ouyang Xinhua , Yang Rongjuan , Lei Tao , Hong Ling , Peng Ruixiang , Duan Lian , Ge Ziyi
Published: May 2017

Highly efficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with simplified device structures are widely desired for both scientific research and industrial applications.
Biochemical and functional characterization of the human tissue kallikrein 9
Authors: Filippou Panagiota S. , Farkona Sofia , Brinc Davor , Yu Yijing , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2017

Human tissue kallikrein 9 (KLK9) is a member of the kallikrein-related family of proteases. Despite its known expression profile, much less is known about the functional roles of this protease and its implications in normal physiology and disease. We present here the first data on the biochemical characterization of KLK9, investigate parameters that affect its enzymatic activity (such as inhibitors) and provide preliminary insights into its putative substrates. We show that mature KLK9 is a glycosylated chymotrypsin-like enzyme with strong preference for tyrosine over phenylalanine at the P1 cleavage position. The enzyme activity is enhanced by Mg2+ and Ca2+, but is reversibly attenuated by Zn2+. KLK9 is inhibited in vitro by many naturally occurring or synthetic protease inhibitors. Using a combination of degradomic and substrate specificity assays, we identified candidate KLK9 substrates in two different epithelial cell lines [the non-tumorigenic human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and the tumorigenic tongue squamous carcinoma cells (SCC9)]. Two potential KLK9 substrates [KLK10 and midkine (MDK)] were subjected to further validation. Taken together, our data delineate some functional and biochemical properties of KLK9 for future elucidation of the role of this enzyme in health and disease.
miR-214 promotes radioresistance in human ovarian cancer cells by targeting PETN
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhang Shuxiang
Published: May 2017

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death among gynecological malignancies. Increasing evidence indicate that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays an important role in tumor radioresistance. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether microRNA-214 (miR-214) was involved in radioresistance of human ovarian cancer. Here, we showed that miR-214 was significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancer tissues and radioresistance ovarian cancer cell lines. Transfection of miR-214 agomir in radiosensitive ovarian cancer cell lines promoted them for resistance to ionizing radiation, whereas transfection of miR-214 antagomir in radioresistance ovarian cancer cell lines sensitized them to ionizing radiation again. Furthermore, we found miR-214 effectively promoted tumor radioresistance in xenograft animal experiment. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated that miR-214 negatively regulated PTEN in radioresistance ovarian cancer cell lines and ovarian cancer tissues. Taken together, our data conclude that miR-214 contributes to radioresistance of ovarian cancer by directly targeting PTEN.
FGF21 ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy by activating the AMPK-paraoxonase 1 signaling axis in mice
Authors: Wu Fan , Wang Baile , Zhang Saisai , Shi Lihua , Wang Yanfang , Xiong Rongrong , Pan Xuebo , Gong Fanghua , Li Xiaokun , Lin Zhuofeng
Published: May 2017

The aim of the present study is to explore the molecular mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in protecting against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Streptozotocin/high-fat diet (STZ/HFD) was used to induced diabetes in FGF21-deficient mice and their wild-type littermates, followed by evaluation of the difference in DCM between the two genotypes. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes were also used to explore the potential molecular mechanism of FGF21 in the protection of high glucose (HG)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. STZ/HFD-induced cardiomyopathy was exacerbated in FGF21 knockout mice, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in cardiac AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) expression. By contrast, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of FGF21 in STZ/HFD-induced diabetic mice significantly enhanced cardiac AMPK activity, PON1 expression and its biological activity, resulting in alleviated DCM. In cultured cardiomyocytes, treatment with recombinant mouse FGF21 (rmFGF21) counteracted HG-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses, leading to increased AMPK activity and PON1 expression. However, these beneficial effects of FGF21 were markedly weakened by genetic blockage of AMPK or PON1. Furthermore, inactivation of AMPK also markedly blunted FGF21-induced PON1 expression but significantly increased HG-induced cytotoxicity in cardiomyocytes, the latter of which was largely reversed by adenovirus-mediated PON1 overexpression. These findings suggest that FGF21 ameliorates DCM in part by activation of the AMPK-PON1 axis.
Epigenetics in the Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Cheung Angela , LaRusso Nicholas , Gores Gregory , Lazaridis Konstantinos
Published: May 2017

Epigenomics, the study of modifications to genetic material that do not alter the underlying DNA sequence, is generating increasing interest as a means to help clarify disease pathogenesis and outcomes. Although genome-wide association studies have identified several potential candidate genes that may be implicated in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), it is estimated that these genes explain less than 20% of the heritability of these diseases. Thus, to date, the origins of “missing heritability” for PBC and PSC remain elusive. The epigenome may provide a potentially elegant solution to this phenomenon, as it can be modified by both internal and external exposures (coined the “exposome”). This may explain differences in disease presentation, treatment response, and rates of progression between individuals. Epigenetic changes may also provide a framework for discovering potential biomarkers for diagnosis and screening of PBC and PSC. Importantly, because the epigenome is modifiable, it may also highlight novel pathways for therapeutic discovery and interventions of these diseases.