bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53 induces miR199a-3p to suppress SOCS7 for STAT3 activation and renal fibrosis in UUO
Authors: Yang Ruhao , Xu Xuan , Li Huiling , Chen Jinwen , Xiang Xudong , Dong Zheng , Zhang Dongshan
Published: February 2017

The role of p53 in renal fibrosis has recently been suggested, however, its function remains controversial and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that pharmacological and genetic blockade of p53 attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation in mice with unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO). Interestingly, p53 blockade was associated with the suppression of miR-215-5p, miR-199a-5p&3p, and STAT3. In cultured human kidney tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), TGF-β1 treatment induced fibrotic changes, including collagen I and vimentin expression, being associated with p53 accumulation, p53 Ser15 phosphorylation, and miR-199a-3p expression. Inhibition of p53 by pifithrin-α blocked STAT3 activation and the expression of miR-199a-3p, collagen I, and vimentin during TGF-β1 treatment. Over-expression of miR-199a-3p increased TGFβ1-induced collagen I and vimentin expression and restored SOCS7 expression. Furthermore, SOCS7 was identified as a target gene of miR-199a-3p, and silencing of SOCS7 promoted STAT3 activation. ChIp analyses indicated the binding of p53 to the promoter region of miR-199a-3p. Consistently, kidney biopsies from patients with IgA nephropathy and diabetic nephropathy exhibited substantial activation of p53 and STAT3, decreased expression of SOCS7, and increase in profibrotic proteins and miR-199a-3p. Together, these results demonstrate the novel p53/miR-199a-3p/SOCS7/STAT3 pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis.
New targets to alleviate skeletal muscle inflammation: role of microRNAs regulated by adiponectin
Authors: Boursereau Raphaël , Abou-Samra Michel , Lecompte Sophie , Noel Laurence , Brichard Sonia M.
Published: February 2017

Muscle inflammation worsens metabolic disorders as well as devastating myopathies. The hormone adiponectin (ApN) has emerged has a master regulator of inflammation/immunity in several tissues including the skeletal muscle. In this work, we explore whether microRNAs regulated by ApN may represent novel mechanisms for controlling muscle inflammation. By screening arrays, we found miR-711 as a strong candidate for mediating ApN action. Thus, ApN-knockout mice showed decreased muscular expression of miR-711 together with enhanced inflammation/oxidative stress markers, while mice overexpressing ApN showed increased miR-711 levels. Likewise, electrotransfer of the ApN gene in muscle of ApN-knockout mice upregulated miR-711 while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Similar data were obtained in murine C2C12 cells or in human primary myotubes treated with ApN. MiR-711 overexpression downregulated several components of the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) pathway, which led to repression of NF-κB activity and downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines. MiR-711 blockade had opposite effects. Moreover, muscle electrotransfer of pre-miR-711 recapitulated in vivo the anti-inflammatory effects observed in vitro. Thus, miR-711, which is upregulated by ApN represses TLR4 signaling, acting therefore as a major mediator of the anti-inflammatory action of ApN. This novel miRNA and its related target genes may open new therapeutic perspectives for controlling muscle inflammation.
Non-invasive MRI biomarkers for the early assessment of iron overload in a humanized mouse model of β-thalassemia
Authors: Jackson Laurence H. , Vlachodimitropoulou Evangelia , Shangaris Panicos , Roberts Thomas A. , Ryan Thomas M. , Campbell-Washburn Adrienne E. , David Anna L. , Porter John B. , Lythgoe Mark F. , Stuckey Daniel J.
Published: February 2017

β-thalassemia (βT) is a genetic blood disorder causing profound and life threatening anemia. Current clinical management of βT is a lifelong dependence on regular blood transfusions, a consequence of which is systemic iron overload leading to acute heart failure. Recent developments in gene and chelation therapy give hope of better prognosis for patients, but successful translation to clinical practice is hindered by the lack of thorough preclinical testing using representative animal models and clinically relevant quantitative biomarkers. Here we demonstrate a quantitative and non-invasive preclinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) platform for the assessment of βT in the γβ0/γβA humanized mouse model of βT. Changes in the quantitative MRI relaxation times as well as severe splenomegaly were observed in the heart, liver and spleen in βT. These data showed high sensitivity to iron overload and a strong relationship between quantitative MRI relaxation times and hepatic iron content. Importantly these changes preceded the onset of iron overload cardiomyopathy, providing an early biomarker of disease progression. This work demonstrates that multiparametric MRI is a powerful tool for the assessment of preclinical βT, providing sensitive and quantitative monitoring of tissue iron sequestration and cardiac dysfunction- parameters essential for the preclinical development of new therapeutics.
Interleukin-27 Enhances the Potential of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation from Monocyte-derived Macrophages and Dendritic cells by Induction of p47phox
Authors: Sowrirajan Bharatwaj , Saito Yoshiro , Poudyal Deepak , Chen Qian , Sui Hongyan , DeRavin Suk See , Imamichi Hiromi , Sato Toyotaka , Kuhns Douglas B. , Noguchi Noriko , Malech Harry L. , Lane H. Clifford , Imamichi Tomozumi
Published: February 2017

Interleukin (IL)-27, a member of the IL-12 cytokine family, plays an important and diverse role in the function of the immune system. We have previously demonstrated that IL-27 is an anti-viral cytokine which inhibits HIV-1, HIV-2, Influenza virus and herpes simplex virus infection, and enhances the potential of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating activity during differentiation of monocytes to macrophages. In this study, we further investigated the mechanism of the enhanced potential for ROS generation by IL-27. Real time PCR, western blot and knock down assays demonstrate that IL-27 is able to enhance the potential of superoxide production not only during differentiation but also in terminally differentiated-macrophages and immature dendritic cells (iDC) in association with the induction of p47phox, a cytosolic component of the ROS producing enzyme, NADPH oxidase, and the increase in amounts of phosphorylated p47phox upon stimulation. We also demonstrate that IL-27 is able to induce extracellular superoxide dismutase during differentiation of monocytes but not in terminal differentiated macrophages. Since ROS plays an important role in a variety of inflammation, our data demonstrate that IL-27 is a potent regulator of ROS induction and may be a novel therapeutic target.
Autaptic regulation of electrical activities in neuron under electromagnetic induction
Authors: Xu Ying , Ying Heping , Jia Ya , Ma Jun , Hayat Tasawar
Published: February 2017

Realistic neurons may hold complex anatomical structure, for example, autapse connection to some internuncial neurons, which this specific synapse can connect to its body via a close loop. Continuous exchanges of charged ions across the membrane can induce complex distribution fluctuation of intracellular and extracellular charged ions of cell, and a time-varying electromagnetic field is set to modulate the membrane potential of neuron. In this paper, an autapse-modulated neuron model is presented and the effect of electromagnetic induction is considered by using magnetic flux. Bifurcation analysis and sampled time series for membrane potentials are calculated to investigate the mode transition in electrical activities and the biological function of autapse connection is discussed. Furthermore, the Gaussian white noise and electromagnetic radiation are considered on the improved neuron model, it is found appropriate setting and selection for feedback gain and time delay in autapse can suppress the bursting in neuronal behaviors. It indicates the formation of autapse can enhance the self-adaption of neuron so that appropriate response to external forcing can be selected, this biological function is helpful for encoding and signal propagation of neurons. It can be useful for investigation about collective behaviors in neuronal networks exposed to electromagnetic radiation.
Atlastin regulates store-operated calcium entry for nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth
Authors: Li Jing , Yan Bing , Si Hongjiang , Peng Xu , Zhang Shenyuan L. , Hu Junjie
Published: February 2017

Homotypic membrane fusion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is mediated by a class of dynamin-like GTPases known as atlastin (ATL). Depletion of or mutations in ATL cause an unbranched ER morphology and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by axon shortening in corticospinal motor neurons and progressive spasticity of the lower limbs. How ER shaping is linked to neuronal defects is poorly understood. Here, we show that dominant-negative mutants of ATL1 in PC-12 cells inhibit nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth. Overexpression of wild-type or mutant ATL1 or depletion of ATLs alters ER morphology and affects store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) by decreasing STIM1 puncta formation near the plasma membrane upon calcium depletion of the ER. In addition, blockage of the STIM1-Orai pathway effectively abolishes neurite outgrowth of PC-12 cells stimulated by NGF. These results suggest that SOCE plays an important role in neuronal regeneration, and mutations in ATL1 may cause HSP, partly by undermining SOCE.
Essentiality of mmpL3 and impact of its silencing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis gene expression
Authors: Degiacomi Giulia , Benjak Andrej , Madacki Jan , Boldrin Francesca , Provvedi Roberta , Palù Giorgio , Kordulakova Jana , Cole Stewart T. , Manganelli Riccardo
Published: February 2017

MmpL3 is an inner membrane transporter of Mycobacterium tuberculosis responsible for the export of trehalose momomycolate, a precursor of the mycobacterial outer membrane component trehalose dimycolate (TDM), as well as mycolic acids bound to arabinogalactan. MmpL3 represents an emerging target for tuberculosis therapy. In this paper, we describe the construction and characterization of an mmpL3 knockdown strain of M. tuberculosis. Downregulation of mmpL3 led to a stop in bacterial division and rapid cell death, preceded by the accumulation of TDM precursors. MmpL3 was also shown to be essential for growth in monocyte-derived human macrophages. Using RNA-seq we also found that MmpL3 depletion caused up-regulation of 47 genes and down-regulation of 23 genes (at least 3-fold change and false discovery rate ≤1%). Several genes related to osmoprotection and metal homeostasis were induced, while several genes related to energy production and mycolic acids biosynthesis were repressed suggesting that inability to synthesize a correct outer membrane leads to changes in cellular permeability and a metabolic downshift.
Overexpressing the novel autocrine/endocrine adipokine WISP2 induces hyperplasia of the heart, white and brown adipose tissues and prevents insulin resistance
Authors: Grünberg John R. , Hoffmann Jenny M. , Hedjazifar Shahram , Nerstedt Annika , Jenndahl Lachmi , Elvin Johannes , Castellot John , Wei Lan , Movérare-Skrtic Sofia , Ohlsson Claes , Holm Louise Mannerås , Bäckhed Fredrik , Syed Ismail , Bosch Fatima , Saghatelian Alan , Kahn Barbara B. , Hammarstedt Ann , Smith Ulf
Published: February 2017

WISP2 is a novel adipokine, most highly expressed in the adipose tissue and primarily in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. As a secreted protein, it is an autocrine/paracrine activator of canonical WNT signaling and, as an intracellular protein, it helps to maintain precursor cells undifferentiated. To examine effects of increased WISP2 in vivo, we generated an aP2-WISP2 transgenic (Tg) mouse. These mice had increased serum levels of WISP2, increased lean body mass and whole body energy expenditure, hyperplastic brown/white adipose tissues and larger hyperplastic hearts. Obese Tg mice remained insulin sensitive, had increased glucose uptake by adipose cells and skeletal muscle in vivo and ex vivo, increased GLUT4, increased ChREBP and markers of adipose tissue lipogenesis. Serum levels of the novel fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) were increased and transplantation of Tg adipose tissue improved glucose tolerance in recipient mice supporting a role of secreted FAHFAs. The growth-promoting effect of WISP2 was shown by increased BrdU incorporation in vivo and Tg serum increased mesenchymal precursor cell proliferation in vitro. In contrast to conventional canonical WNT ligands, WISP2 expression was inhibited by BMP4 thereby allowing normal induction of adipogenesis. WISP2 is a novel secreted regulator of mesenchymal tissue cellularity.
Circulating cathepsin-S levels correlate with GFR decline and sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels in mice and humans
Authors: Steubl Dominik , Kumar Santhosh V. , Tato Maia , Mulay Shrikant R. , Larsson Anders , Lind Lars , Risérus Ulf , Renders Lutz , Heemann Uwe , Carlsson Axel C. , Ärnlöv Johan , Anders Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2017

Cardiovascular complications determine morbidity/mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We hypothesized that progressive CKD drives the release of cathepsin-S (Cat-S), a cysteine protease that promotes endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, Cat-S, soluble tumor-necrosis-factor receptor (sTNFR) 1/2 and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured in a CKD mouse model, a German CKD-cohort (MCKD, n = 421) and two Swedish community-based cohorts (ULSAM, n = 764 and PIVUS, n = 804). Association between Cat-S and sTNFR1/2/GFR was assessed using multivariable linear regression. In the mouse model, Cat-S and sTNFR1/2 concentrations were increased following the progressive decline of GFR, showing a strong correlation between Cat-S and GFR (r = −0.746, p < 0.001) and Cat-S and sTNFR1/sTNFR2 (r = 0.837/0.916, p < 0.001, respectively). In the human cohorts, an increase of one standard deviation of estimated GFR was associated with a decrease of 1.008 ng/ml (95%-confidence interval (95%-CI) −1.576–(−0.439), p < 0.001) in Cat-S levels in MCKD; in ULSAM and PIVUS, results were similar. In all three cohorts, Cat-S and sTNFR1/sTNFR2 levels were associated in multivariable linear regression (p < 0.001). In conclusion, as GFR declines Cat-S and markers of inflammation-related endothelial dysfunction increase. The present data indicating that Cat-S activity increases with CKD progression suggest that Cat-S might be a therapeutic target to prevent cardiovascular complications in CKD.
Hygroscopic properties of potassium chloride and its internal mixtures with organic compounds relevant to biomass burning aerosol particles
Authors: Jing Bo , Peng Chao , Wang Yidan , Liu Qifan , Tong Shengrui , Zhang Yunhong , Ge Maofa
Published: February 2017

While water uptake of aerosols exerts considerable impacts on climate, the effects of aerosol composition and potential interactions between species on hygroscopicity of atmospheric particles have not been fully characterized. The water uptake behaviors of potassium chloride and its internal mixtures with water soluble organic compounds (WSOCs) related to biomass burning aerosols including oxalic acid, levoglucosan and humic acid at different mass ratios were investigated using a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA). Deliquescence points of KCl/organic mixtures were observed to occur at lower RH values and over a broader RH range eventually disappearing at high organic mass fractions. This leads to substantial under-prediction of water uptake at intermediate RH. Large discrepancies for water content between model predictions and measurements were observed for KCl aerosols with 75 wt% oxalic acid content, which is likely due to the formation of less hygroscopic potassium oxalate from interactions between KCl and oxalic acid without taken into account in the model methods. Our results also indicate strong influence of levoglucosan on hygroscopic behaviors of multicomponent mixed particles. These findings are important in further understanding the role of interactions between WSOCs and inorganic salt on hygroscopic behaviors and environmental effects of atmospheric particles.
Amyloid plaque structure and cell surface interactions of β-amyloid fibrils revealed by electron tomography
Authors: Han Shen , Kollmer Marius , Markx Daniel , Claus Stephanie , Walther Paul , Fändrich Marcus
Published: February 2017

The deposition of amyloid fibrils as plaques is a key feature of several neurodegenerative diseases including in particular Alzheimer’s. This disease is characterized, if not provoked, by amyloid aggregates formed from Aβ peptide that deposit inside the brain or are toxic to neuronal cells. We here used scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to determine the fibril network structure and interactions of Aβ fibrils within a cell culture model of Alzheimer’s disease. STEM images taken from the formed Aβ amyloid deposits revealed three main types of fibril network structures, termed amorphous meshwork, fibril bundle and amyloid star. All three were infiltrated by different types of lipid inclusions from small-sized exosome-like structures (50–100 nm diameter) to large-sized extracellular vesicles (up to 300 nm). The fibrils also presented strong interactions with the surrounding cells such that fibril bundles extended into tubular invaginations of the plasma membrane. Amyloid formation in the cell model was previously found to have an intracellular origin and we show here that it functionally destroys the integrity of the intracellular membranes as it leads to lysosomal leakage. These data provide a mechanistic link to explain why intracellular fibril formation is toxic to the cell.
Facile Synthesis of Layer Structured GeP3/C with Stable Chemical Bonding for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Qi Wen , Zhao Haihua , Wu Ying , Zeng Hong , Tao Tao , Chen Chao , Kuang Chunjiang , Zhou Shaoxiong , Huang Yunhui
Published: February 2017

Recently, metal phosphides have been investigated as potential anode materials because of higher specific capacity compared with those of carbonaceous materials. However, the rapid capacity fade upon cycling leads to poor durability and short cycle life, which cannot meet the need of lithium-ion batteries with high energy density. Herein, we report a layer-structured GeP3/C nanocomposite anode material with high performance prepared by a facial and large-scale ball milling method via in-situ mechanical reaction. The P-O-C bonds are formed in the composite, leading to close contact between GeP3 and carbon. As a result, the GeP3/C anode displays excellent lithium storage performance with a high reversible capacity up to 1109 mA h g−1 after 130 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Even at high current densities of 2 and 5 A g−1, the reversible capacities are still as high as 590 and 425 mA h g−1, respectively. This suggests that the GeP3/C composite is promising to achieve high-energy lithium-ion batteries and the mechanical milling is an efficient method to fabricate such composite electrode materials especially for large-scale application.
Translation of Sindbis Subgenomic mRNA is Independent of eIF2, eIF2A and eIF2D
Authors: Sanz Miguel Angel , González Almela Esther , Carrasco Luis
Published: February 2017

Translation of Sindbis virus subgenomic mRNA (sgmRNA) can occur after inactivation of eIF2 by phosphorylation in mammalian cells. Several studies have suggested that eIF2 can be replaced by eIF2A or eIF2D. HAP1 human cell lines knocked-out for eIF2A, eIF2D or both by CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering were compared with wild-type (WT) cells to test the potential role of eIF2A and eIF2D in translation. Sindbis virus infection was comparable between the four cell lines. Moreover, synthesis of viral proteins during late stage infection was similar in all four cell lines despite the fact that eIF2α became phosphorylated. These findings demonstrate that eIF2A and eIF2D are not required for the translation of sgmRNA when eIF2α is phosphorylated. Moreover, silencing of eIF2A or eIF2D by transfection of the corresponding siRNAs in HAP1 WT, HAP1-eIF2A− and HAP1-eIF2D− cells had little effect on the synthesis of viral proteins late in infection. Modification of AUGi to other codons in sgmRNA failed to abrogate translation. Sindbis virus replicons containing these sgmRNA variants could still direct the synthesis of viral proteins. No significant differences were found between the cell lines assayed, suggesting that neither eIF2A nor eIF2D are involved in the translation of this sgmRNA bearing non-AUG codons.
Using Food-Frequency Questionnaires for Calcium Intakes
Authors: Pampaloni B. , Brandi M. L.
Published: February 2017

An accurate knowledge of people's eating habits makes it possible to develop strategies to counteract bad habits and thereby reduce the risk factors for many chronic degenerative diseases. There are several methods that can be used to assess dietary intake and that provide valid data in large-scale population studies, but the food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) has the advantage of being an inexpensive method to rapidly obtain data from a large number of subjects with a relatively low respondent burden. Therefore, the FFQ is a useful tool for assessing nutritional habits in a number of different types of study. There is no standard FFQ, each questionnaire should be judged for its ability to provide the information for which it is intended. Calcium is an essential nutrient for body health that plays a vital role in neuromuscular function, many enzyme-mediated processes, and blood clotting. For skeletal health, calcium is the most important nutrient throughout the lifespan, and assumes a critical role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
A universal method for direct PCR amplification of plant tissues
Authors: Li Yuping , Zhao Huanhuan , Yan Xuefen , Li Meng , Chen Peng , Zhang Suiqi
Published: February 2017

PCR is a vital tool in modern biology; however, it can be costly owing to the price of commercial DNA purification kits.
Wafer-scale fabrication of a Cu/graphene double-nanocap array for surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Liu Ao , Li Da , Zhang Yongcheng , Wang Xiaoxia , Yang Wenrong , Gooding J. Justin , Liu Jingquan
Published: February 2017

A novel Cu/graphene double-nanocap array is developed via low-temperature CVD to serve as a highly sensitive, reproducible and stable SERS platform.
A triarylborane-based biphenyl exhibiting abrupt fluorescence enhancement at a specific high temperature
Authors: Li Sheng-Yong , Hui Ya-Jun , Sun Zuo-Bang , Zhao Cui-Hua
Published: February 2017

A triarylborane exhibits significant fluorescence enhancement abruptly at a specific high temperature and can remain intensely emissive even after cooling to room temperature.
Adsorption of the natural protein surfactant Rsn-2 onto liquid interfaces
Authors: Brandani Giovanni B. , Vance Steven J. , Schor Marieke , Cooper Alan , Kennedy Malcolm W. , Smith Brian O. , MacPhee Cait E. , Cheung David L.
Published: February 2017

Using simulation and experiment we investigated the interfacial adsorption of the novel protein surfactant Rsn-2, unveiling the role of its flexible termini in this process.
Hypervalency, secondary bonding and hydrogen bonding: siblings under the skin
Authors: Crabtree Robert H.
Published: February 2017

The common features of the title topics are compared and contrasted.
One-step preparation of N-doped graphitic layer-encased cobalt/iron carbide nanoparticles derived from cross-linked polyphthalocyanines as highly active electrocatalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Zhengping , Yang Shaoxuan , Dou Meiling , Ji Jing , Wang Feng
Published: February 2017

The pyrolyzed polyphthalocyanine exhibit much better activity than the pyrolyzed pure phthalocyanine.
Interaction of copper with dinitrogen tetroxide in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids
Authors: Morozov I. V. , Deeva E. B. , Glazunova T. Yu. , Troyanov S. I. , Guseinov F. I. , Kustov L. M.
Published: February 2017

Ionic liquids that are stable toward oxidation and nitration and are based on the 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazloium cation (BMIm+) can be used as solvents and reaction media for copper dissolution in liquid dinitrogen tetraoxide N2O4.
Tubular nitrogen-doped TiO2 samples with efficient photocatalytic properties based on long-lived charge separation under visible-light irradiation: synthesis, characterization and reactivity
Authors: Hirose Yoshikazu , Itadani Atsushi , Ohkubo Takahiro , Hashimoto Hideki , Takada Jun , Kittaka Shigeharu , Kuroda Yasushige
Published: February 2017

Synthesized tubular TiO2−δNδ activates O2 or even N2 at 300 K and exhibits efficient decomposition nature for CH3COOH under visible-light irradiation conditions.
Use of imaging techniques to identify efficient controlled release systems of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG during in vitro digestion
Authors: Guerin Justine , Burgain Jennifer , Borges Frédéric , Bhandari Bhesh , Desobry Stéphane , Scher Joël , Gaiani Claire
Published: February 2017

Complementary microscopy techniques were used to highlight the importance of matrix formulation on lactic acid bacteria delivery system efficiency.
Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects of polyphenols as modulators of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor
Authors: Xue Zhaohui , Li Dan , Yu Wancong , Zhang Qian , Hou Xiaonan , He Yulong , Kou Xiaohong
Published: February 2017

Polyphenolic AhR modulators displayed concentration-, XRE-, gene-, species- and cell-specific agonistic/antagonistic activity.
Flavonoids from sea buckthorn inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Jiang Fan , Guan Haining , Liu Danyi , Wu Xi , Fan Mingcheng , Han Jianchun
Published: February 2017

Seabuckthorn flavonoids (SFs) exerted their anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by blocking the activation of MAPK and NF-κB.
Singlet ground states in compounds with a [MnIII4O2]8+ core due to broken degeneration
Authors: Escriche-Tur Luis , Albela Belén , Font-Bardia Mercè , Corbella Montserrat
Published: February 2017

Energy distribution of spin states depending on the distinction between the magnetic interactions. Singlet ground states due to broken degeneration of ST ≠ 0 states. Attempt to assign spin states to a particular spin configuration.
9-Fluorenone and 9,10-anthraquinone potential fused aromatic building blocks to synthesize electron acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Do Thu Trang , Rundel Kira , Gu Qinying , Gann Eliot , Manzhos Sergei , Feron Krishna , Bell John , McNeill Christopher R. , Sonar Prashant
Published: February 2017

Two novel small molecules based on fluorenone or 9,10-anthraquinone and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) were synthesized and utilised as electron acceptor materials in fullerene-free organic solar cells.
CO2 adsorption and catalytic application of imidazole ionic liquid functionalized porous organic polymers
Authors: Hao Shuang , Liu Yuchuan , Shang Chuning , Liang Zhiqiang , Yu Jihong
Published: February 2017

A class of imidazole ionic liquid functionalized porous organic polymers has been synthesized by the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction. The resulting materials show high CO2 uptake and catalytic activity in the syntheses of benzimidazole derivatives.
Photoinitiators for two-photon polymerisation: effect of branching and viscosity on polymerisation thresholds
Authors: Whitby Reece , Ben-Tal Yael , MacMillan Ryan , Janssens Stefaan , Raymond Sebastiampillai , Clarke Dave , Jin Jianyong , Kay Andrew , Simpson M. Cather
Published: February 2017

The effect of the photoinitiator branching on polymerisation thresholds in a series of triphenylamine ethyl ester derivatives is studied.
Broad red-emission of Sr3Y2Ge3O12:Eu2+ garnet phosphors under blue excitation for warm WLED applications
Authors: Hussain Sk. Khaja , Yu Jae Su
Published: February 2017

By blending a novel Sr3Y2Ge3O12:Eu2+ red phosphor with a commercial Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ phosphor, a warm WLED was fabricated with a CRI value of 85.81.
Stepwise observation and quantification and mixed matrix membrane separation of CO2 within a hydroxy-decorated porous host
Authors: Morris Christopher G. , Jacques Nicholas M. , Godfrey Harry G. W. , Mitra Tamoghna , Fritsch Detlev , Lu Zhenzhong , Murray Claire A. , Potter Jonathan , Cobb Tom M. , Yuan Fajin , Tang Chiu C. , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: February 2017

CO2 binding and separation using porous MFM-300(VIII) has been fully studied.
Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of liquid water using high quality meta-GGA functionals
Authors: Ruiz Pestana Luis , Mardirossian Narbe , Head-Gordon Martin , Head-Gordon Teresa
Published: February 2017

We have used ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) to characterize water properties using two meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA) functionals, M06-L-D3 and B97M-rV, and compared their performance against a standard GGA corrected for dispersion, revPBE-D3, at ambient conditions (298 K, and 1 g cm−3 or 1 atm).
Mild, visible light-mediated decarboxylation of aryl carboxylic acids to access aryl radicals
Authors: Candish L. , Freitag M. , Gensch T. , Glorius F.
Published: February 2017

Herein we present the first example of aryl radical formationviathe visible light-mediated decarboxylation of aryl carboxylic acids using photoredox catalysis.
Pt-like electrocatalytic behavior of Ru–MoO2 nanocomposites for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Jiang Peng , Yang Yang , Shi Ruohong , Xia Guoliang , Chen Jitang , Su Jianwei , Chen Qianwang
Published: February 2017

The synergistic interplay between Ru and MoO2 contributes to an outstanding Pt-like electrocatalytic behavior towards the hydrogen evolution reaction.
A facile supramolecular approach to fabricate multifunctional upconversion nanoparticles as a versatile platform for drug loading, in vivo delivery and tumor imaging
Authors: Yuan Yingying , Xu Li , Dai Shuyun , Wang Min , Wang Hangxiang
Published: February 2017

A facile one-pot supramolecular approach was developed to prepare a lipophilic cytotoxic prodrug-integrated and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-cloaked UCNPs scaffold.
Fabrication of high-performance p-type thin film transistors using atomic-layer-deposited SnO films
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Baek In-Hwan , Kim Da Hye , Pyeon Jung Joon , Chung Taek-Mo , Baek Seung-Hyub , Kim Jin-Sang , Han Jeong Hwan , Kim Seong Keun
Published: February 2017

Here, we demonstrate high-performance p-type thin film transistors (TFTs) with a SnO channel layer grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD).
Microwave-induced fast incorporation of titanium into UiO-66 metal–organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic properties
Authors: Tu Jiping , Zeng Xiaoliang , Xu Fujian , Wu Xi , Tian Yunfei , Hou Xiandeng , Long Zhou
Published: February 2017

A microwave-assisted method was developed to incorporate Ti into UiO-66(Zr) to obtain a bimetallic MOF with enhanced photocatalytic performance.
A new type of gasochromic material: conducting polymers with catalytic nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Chih-Wei , Yamada Yasusei , Yoshimura Kazuki
Published: February 2017

The PANI:PSS/PtNPs nanocomposite shows novel gasochromic phenomena after exposing to hydrogen.
A D3h-symmetry hexaazatriphenylene-tris-N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and its coordination to iridium and gold: preliminary catalytic studies
Authors: Ibáñez S. , Poyatos M. , Peris E.
Published: February 2017

A planar star-shaped tris-NHC ligand with a hexaazatriphenylene core was coordinated to gold and iridium. The tris–Au(i) complex shows enhanced catalytic activities due to the electron-deficient character of the HAT core.
Boronic acid-modified alginate enables direct formation of injectable, self-healing and multistimuli-responsive hydrogels
Authors: Pettignano Asja , Grijalvo Santiago , Häring Marleen , Eritja Ramon , Tanchoux Nathalie , Quignard Françoise , Díaz Díaz David
Published: February 2017

Boronic acid-modified alginate allows the direct formation of biocompatible hydrogels under basic conditions with remarkable injectable, self-healing and multistimuli-responsive properties.
An iminodiacetate-modified conjugated polyelectrolyte for fluorescent labeling of histidine-tagged proteins
Authors: Cai Kai , Tan Ying , Tan Chunyan , Wu Jiatao , Wu Pan , Liang Jiamei , Liu Shuwen , Zhang Bibo , Jiang Yuyang
Published: February 2017

An iminodiacetate-modified conjugated polyelectrolyte was used in the fluorescent labeling of hexahistidine-tagged proteins.
Investigation on the thermal effects of NaYF4:Er under 1550 nm irradiation
Authors: Wang Hong , Yin Xiumei , Xing Mingming , Fu Yao , Tian Ying , Feng Xin , Jiang Tao , Luo Xixian
Published: February 2017

The thermal effects of NaYF4:Er microcrystals under 1550 nm laser diode irradiation were investigated using an infrared thermal imaging method.
A DFT study of the interplay between dopants and oxygen functional groups over the graphene basal plane – implications in energy-related applications
Authors: Dobrota Ana S. , Pašti Igor A. , Mentus Slavko V. , Skorodumova Natalia V.
Published: February 2017

The reactivity of the graphene basal plane modified by doping and vacancy formation is investigated in detail using DFT calculations.
Computational study of C(sp3)–O bond formation at a PdIV centre
Authors: Canty Allan J. , Ariafard Alireza , Camasso Nicole M. , Higgs Andrew T. , Yates Brian F. , Sanford Melanie S.
Published: February 2017

This report describes a computational study of C(sp3)–OR bond formation from PdIV complexes of general structure PdIV(CH2CMe2-o-C6H4-C,C′)(F)(OR)(bpy-N,N′) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine).
A dinuclear biomimetic Cu complex derived from l-histidine: synthesis and stereoselective oxidations
Authors: Perrone Maria L. , Salvadeo Elena , Lo Presti Eliana , Pasotti Luca , Monzani Enrico , Santagostini Laura , Casella Luigi
Published: February 2017

A new dicopper(ii) complex with a histidine-derived N6 ligand performs a biomimetic stereoselective oxidation of catechols.
Tunable white-light emission PMMA-supported film materials containing lanthanide coordination polymers: preparation, characterization, and properties
Authors: Chen Wei , Fan Ruiqing , Zhang Huijie , Dong Yuwei , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin
Published: February 2017

A tunable white-light emission luminescence material W(4-Eu,5-Gd,6-Tb)-PMMA film is obtained by co-doping coordination polymers 4-Eu, 5-Gd, and 6-Tb within PMMA.
Copper(ii) thiosemicarbazone complexes induce marked ROS accumulation and promote nrf2-mediated antioxidant response in highly resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Sîrbu Angela , Palamarciuc Oleg , Babak Maria V. , Lim Jia Min , Ohui Kateryna , Enyedy Eva A. , Shova Sergiu , Darvasiová Denisa , Rapta Peter , Ang Wee Han , Arion Vladimir B.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis, characterisation and mode of action of water-soluble copper(ii)–TSC complexes are reported.
β-Diketiminate complexes of the first row transition metals: applications in catalysis
Authors: Webster R. L.
Published: February 2017

Although β-diketiminate complexes have been widely explored in stoichiometric studies, their use as catalysts is largely underdeveloped.
Anion-controlled photochromism of two bipyridinium-based coordination polymers and nondestructive luminescence readout
Authors: Yang Xiao-Dong , Sun Li , Chen Cheng , Zhang Ya-Jun , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2017

The first Zn-based coordination polymer constructed with a bipyridinium-functionalized m-benzenedicarboxyl ligand has been synthesized, which can show dual luminescence responses to light in different spectral regions to render nondestructive luminescence readout.
One-pot method to prepare a theranostic nanosystem with magnetic resonance imaging function and anticancer activity through multiple mechanisms
Authors: Chen Enyi , Chen Xin , Yuan Xiuxue , Wei Shaohua , Zhou Lin , Zhou Jiahong , Shen Jian
Published: February 2017

A facile and robust one-pot approach to prepare a theranostic nanoplatform, based on chelation between Gd3+ and hypericin photosensitizer (PS) and their controlled in situ hydrolysis precipitation, was developed.
A metal ion regulated artificial metalloenzyme
Authors: Bersellini Manuela , Roelfes Gerard
Published: February 2017

An artificial metalloenzyme containing both a regulatory and a catalytic domain is selectively activated in presence of Fe2+ ions.
Targeting quinolone- and aminocoumarin-resistant bacteria with new gyramide analogs that inhibit DNA gyrase
Authors: Hurley Katherine A. , Santos Thiago M. A. , Fensterwald Molly R. , Rajendran Madhusudan , Moore Jared T. , Balmond Edward I. , Blahnik Brice J. , Faulkner Katherine C. , Foss Marie H. , Heinrich Victoria A. , Lammers Matthew G. , Moore Lucas C. , Reynolds Gregory D. , Shearn-Nance Galen P. , Stearns Brian A. , Yao Zi W. , Shaw Jared T. , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: February 2017

New gyramide antibiotics with reduced drug efflux and improved antibiotic activity against pathogenic bacteria.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of N-alkyl naphthoimidazoles derived from β-lapachone against Trypanosoma cruzi bloodstream trypomastigotes
Authors: da Silva Ari Miranda , Araújo-Silva Leonardo , Bombaça Ana Cristina S. , Menna-Barreto Rubem F. S. , Rodrigues-Santos Claudio Eduardo , Buarque Ferreira Aurélio B. , de Castro Solange L.
Published: February 2017

The trypanocidal activity of N-hexyl naphthoimidazoles (and other N-alkyl-naphthoimidazoles) is demonstrated for the first time, supporting further studies for rational chemical optimization.
Spirooxindole synthesis via palladium-catalyzed dearomative reductive-Heck reaction
Authors: Liu Ren-Rong , Xu Yang , Liang Ren-Xiao , Xiang Bin , Xie Hu-Jun , Gao Jian-Rong , Jia Yi-Xia
Published: February 2017

Synthesis of 3,2′-spiropyrrolidine oxindole scaffolds via palladium-catalyzed intramolecular dearomative reductive-Heck reaction and [2,3-b]quinolinones through direct C3-arylation.
Acid-promoted cyclization of 2,4-diaryl-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-oles and their TMS-ethers into CF3-indenes
Authors: Martynov Matvei Yu. , Iakovenko Roman O. , Kazakova Anna N. , Boyarskaya Irina A. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: February 2017

2,4-Diaryl-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-oles and their TMS-ethers in H2SO4 at room temperature in just 2 min are quantitatively cyclized into 1-aryl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-indenes.
AIE luminogen-functionalised mesoporous silica nanoparticles as nanotheranostic agents for imaging guided synergetic chemo-/photothermal therapy
Authors: Fan Zhiying , Ren Li , Zhang Wenjing , Li Dongdong , Zhao Guoqing , Yu Jihong
Published: February 2017

A novel AIE luminogen-functionalised nanotheranostic platform for cell imaging and simultaneous chemo- and photothermal therapies.
Design and synthesis of dodecahedral carbon nanocages incorporated with Fe3O4
Authors: Xiang Siyuan , Shi Yanhong , Zhang Kai , Chen Yixin , Ge Rui , Wu Ce , Sun Haizhu , Yang Bai
Published: February 2017

Dodecahedral carbon nanocages modified with Fe3O4NPs (Fe3O4/C NCs) were constructed using ZIF-8 as template and polydopamine as carbon source. The NCs display controllable feature structures with Fe3O4NPs homogenously distributed, which enriched the function of the C NCs.
Oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes and nanocones: a DFT study
Authors: De Souza Leonardo A. , Da Silva Antônio M. , Dos Santos Hélio F. , De Almeida Wagner B.
Published: February 2017

B3LYP/6-31G optimized structures of carbon nanotube oxidized model. The left and right pictures show the oxidized molecules on the cap and tubular regions, respectively.
Polystyrene/poly(dibenzo-18-crown-6) composite nanofibers for the selective adsorption of plasma catecholamines
Authors: Chen LiQin , Zhu XingHua , Huang DanNi , Xu Zhen , Shen Jun , Zhang WanQi
Published: February 2017

This convenient and selective packed fiber SPE method might be promising in analysis of human plasma CAs.
Hydrothermal crystallization of a Ln2(OH)4SO4·nH2O layered compound for a wide range of Ln (Ln = La–Dy), thermolysis, and facile transformation into oxysulfate and oxysulfide phosphors
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Li Ji-Guang , Molokeev Maxim S. , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Weigang , Zhu Qi , Tanaka Hidehiko , Suzuta Keiko , Kim Byung-Nam , Sakka Yoshio
Published: February 2017

Ln-Dependent crystallization, structure, and thermolysis were systematically studied for layered Ln2(OH)4SO4·nH2O compounds, and their transformation into oxysulfate and oxysulfide phosphors was demonstrated.
Facile synthesis of self-aligned gold nanoparticles by crack templated reduction lithography
Authors: Lim Min-Cheol , Kim Sae-Hyung , Park Kisang , Kim Young-Rok , Kim Jae-Ho , Ok Gyeongsik , Choi Sung-Wook
Published: February 2017

Crack templated reduction lithography for the facile synthesis of self-aligned gold nanoparticles.
ZnO nanosheet/squeezebox-like porous carbon composites synthesized by in situ pyrolysis of a mixed-ligand metal–organic framework
Authors: Li Ang , Song Huaihe , Bian Zhuo , Shi Liluo , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Jisheng
Published: February 2017

ZnO nanosheets growing on MOF-derived porous carbon were synthesized by controlling the intermediate structures of precursors during the pyrolysis process.
Enabling effective polysulfide trapping and high sulfur loading via a pyrrole modified graphene foam host for advanced lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhang Kun , Xie Keyu , Yuan Kai , Lu Wei , Hu Shitian , Wei Wenfei , Bai Maohui , Shen Chao
Published: February 2017

A Py-GF@S cathode with high sulfur loading has been synthesized and it displays excellent electrochemical performances via chemical absorption by pyrrole and physical entrapment of polysulfides by 3D graphene foam.
Enhanced Li–S battery performance based on solution-impregnation-assisted sulfur/mesoporous carbon cathodes and a carbon-coated separator
Authors: Oh Changil , Yoon Naeun , Choi Jaeho , Choi Yeseul , Ahn Seonghyeon , Lee Jung Kyoo
Published: February 2017

A new sulfur-loading method for S/mesoporous carbon cathodes coupled with a new type of carbon-coated separator is successfully demonstrated to enhance Li–S battery performances.
A thermally and water activated shape memory gelatin physical hydrogel, with a gel point above the physiological temperature, for biomedical applications
Authors: Zamani Alavijeh R. , Shokrollahi P. , Barzin J.
Published: February 2017

In this study, a science based approach is taken to monitor the variation of the properties, bioactivity and hydrogel formation behavior of gelatin upon functionalization with Ureido Pyrimidinone hexyl isocyanate (UPy synthon), which results in reversible physical network formation.
A two-photon fluorescent probe for viscosity imaging in vivo
Authors: Ning Peng , Dong Pengyu , Geng Qian , Bai Lei , Ding Yaqi , Tian Xiaohe , Shao Rong , Li Lin , Meng Xiangming
Published: February 2017

A quinoline-based two-photon fluorescent probe (MCN) was developed for viscosity imagingin vivo.
Development of a unique family of two-photon full-color-tunable fluorescent materials for imaging in live subcellular organelles, cells, and tissues
Authors: Chen Hua , Tang Yonghe , Shang Huiming , Kong Xiuqi , Guo Rui , Lin Weiying
Published: February 2017

We outline the rational design, synthesis, optical property studies, and biological imaging studies of a unique family of two-photon full-color-tunable functional fluorescent materials.
A perylene diimide electron acceptor with a triptycene core for organic solar cells
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Cai Yunhao , Huang Xuebin , Zhang Rubo , Sun Xiaobo
Published: February 2017

A novel nonplanar 3D acceptor material for organic solar cells composed of three perylene diimide units and a triptycene core is synthesized and characterized.
The German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G): Reliability and Validity of a Novel Assessment of Communicative Participation
Authors: Neumann Sandra , Salm Sandra , Rietz Christian , Stenneken Prisca
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Our purpose was to explore the validity and reliability of the German Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (FOCUS-G; Thomas-Stonell, Oddson, Robertson, & Rosenbaum, 2010, 2012), which is an authorized adaptation of the Focus on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six (Thomas-Stonell et al., 2010) tool, which measures communicative participation in preschool children.

Method

Parents of typically developing children (TDC) and of children with speech impairment (CSI) completed the FOCUS-G and the Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children (KiddyKINDL; Ravens-Sieberer & Bullinger, 2000). To determine test–retest reliability, the FOCUS-G was readministered to a subsample of parents 1 week later.

Results

The FOCUS-G had high values for internal consistency (α = .959, Ω = .941), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .974), and split–half reliability (
r
= .832). Total scores on the FOCUS-G and KiddyKINDL demonstrated significant associations. FOCUS-G total scores and subdomain scores for both samples showed significant correlations, indicating good construct validity. The discriminatory ability of the FOCUS-G was indicated by significantly higher mean scores for TDC (
M
= 6.03,
SD
= 0.65) than CSI (
M
= 5.47,
SD
= 1.02).

Conclusion

The overall good psychometric properties of this novel assessment of communicative participation support its use by speech-language pathologists for clinical and research purposes with German-speaking children.
Nonword Repetition and Vocabulary Knowledge as Predictors of Children's Phonological and Semantic Word Learning
Authors: Adlof Suzanne M. , Patten Hannah
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study examined the unique and shared variance that nonword repetition and vocabulary knowledge contribute to children's ability to learn new words. Multiple measures of word learning were used to assess recall and recognition of phonological and semantic information.

Method

Fifty children, with a mean age of 8 years (range 5–12 years), completed experimental assessments of word learning and norm-referenced assessments of receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge and nonword repetition skills. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the variance in word learning that was explained by vocabulary knowledge and nonword repetition after controlling for chronological age.

Results

Together with chronological age, nonword repetition and vocabulary knowledge explained up to 44% of the variance in children's word learning. Nonword repetition was the stronger predictor of phonological recall, phonological recognition, and semantic recognition, whereas vocabulary knowledge was the stronger predictor of verbal semantic recall.

Conclusions

These findings extend the results of past studies indicating that both nonword repetition skill and existing vocabulary knowledge are important for new word learning, but the relative influence of each predictor depends on the way word learning is measured. Suggestions for further research involving typically developing children and children with language or reading impairments are discussed.