bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric Ablation with Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) in Vital Hepatic Structures and Follow-up Investigation
Authors: Chen Xinhua , Ren Zhigang , Zhu Tongyin , Zhang Xiongxin , Peng Zhiyi , Xie Haiyang , Zhou Lin , Yin Shengyong , Sun Junhui , Zheng Shusen
Published: November 2015

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) with microsecond-pulsed electric fields (μsPEFs) can effectively ablate hepatocellular carcinomas in animal models. This preclinical study evaluates the feasibility and safety of IRE on porcine livers. Altogether, 10 pigs were included. Computed tomography (CT) was used to guide two-needle electrodes that were inserted near the hilus hepatis and gall bladder. Animals were followed-up at 2 hours and at 2, 7 and 14 days post-treatment. During and after μsPEF ablation, electrocardiographs found no cardiovascular events and contrast CT found no portal vein thrombosis. There was necrosis in the ablation zone. Mild cystic oedema around the gall bladder was found 2 hours post-treatment. Pathological studies showed extensive cell death. There was no large vessel damage, but there was mild endothelial damage in some small vessels. Follow-up liver function tests and routine blood tests showed immediate liver function damage and recovery from the damage, which correlated to the pathological changes. These results indicate that μsPEF ablation affects liver tissue and is less effective in vessels, which enable μsPEFs to ablate central tumour lesions close to the hilus hepatis and near large vessels and bile ducts, removing some of the limitations and contraindications of conventional thermal ablation.
Dual ligand/receptor interactions activate urothelial defenses against uropathogenic E. coli
Authors: Liu Yan , Mémet Sylvie , Saban Ricardo , Kong Xiangpeng , Aprikian Pavel , Sokurenko Evgeni , Sun Tung-Tien , Wu Xue-Ru
Published: November 2015

During urinary tract infection (UTI), the second most common bacterial infection, dynamic interactions take place between uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and host urothelial cells. While significant strides have been made in the identification of the virulence factors of UPEC, our understanding of how the urothelial cells mobilize innate defenses against the invading UPEC remains rudimentary. Here we show that mouse urothelium responds to the adhesion of type 1-fimbriated UPEC by rapidly activating the canonical NF-κB selectively in terminally differentiated, superficial (umbrella) cells. This activation depends on a dual ligand/receptor system, one between FimH adhesin and uroplakin Ia and another between lipopolysaccharide and Toll-like receptor 4. When activated, all the nuclei (up to 11) of a multinucleated umbrella cell are affected, leading to significant amplification of proinflammatory signals. Intermediate and basal cells of the urothelium undergo NF-κB activation only if the umbrella cells are detached or if the UPEC persistently express type 1-fimbriae. Inhibition of NF-κB prevents the urothelium from clearing the intracellular bacterial communities, leading to prolonged bladder colonization by UPEC. Based on these data, we propose a model of dual ligand/receptor system in innate urothelial defenses against UPEC.
Chronic Stress Alters Spatial Representation and Bursting Patterns of Place Cells in Behaving Mice
Authors: Park Mijeong , Kim Chong-Hyun , Jo Seonmi , Kim Eun Joo , Rhim Hyewhon , Lee C. Justin , Kim Jeansok J. , Cho Jeiwon
Published: November 2015

Chronic uncontrollable stress has been shown to produce various physiological alterations and impair mnemonic functions in the rodent hippocampus. Impacts on neuronal activities, however, have not been well investigated. The present study examined dorsal CA1 place cells to elucidate the computational changes associated with chronic stress effects on cognitive behaviors. After administering chronic restraint stress (CRS; 6 hours/day for ≥21 consecutive days) to adult male mice, several hippocampal characteristics were examined; i.e., spatial learning, in vitro synaptic plasticity, in vivo place cell recording and western blot analysis to determine protein levels related to learning and memory. Behaviorally, CRS significantly impeded spatial learning but enhanced non-spatial cue learning on the Morris water maze. Physiologically, CRS reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) of Schaffer collateral/commisural-CA1 pathway, phospho-αCaMKII (alpha Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) level in the hippocampus and stability of spatial representation and the mean firing rates (FRs) of place cells. Moreover, the local cue-dependency of place fields was increased and the intra-burst interval (IntraBI) between consecutive spikes within a burst was prolonged following CRS. These results extend the previous findings of stress impairing LTP and spatial learning to CRS modifying physical properties of spiking in place cells that contribute to changes in navigation and synaptic plasticity.
Identification of genetic factors that modify motor performance and body weight using Collaborative Cross mice
Authors: Mao Jian-Hua , Langley Sasha A. , Huang Yurong , Hang Michael , Bouchard Kristofer E. , Celniker Susan E. , Brown James B. , Jansson Janet K. , Karpen Gary H. , Snijders Antoine M.
Published: November 2015

Evidence has emerged that suggests a link between motor deficits, obesity and many neurological disorders. However, the contributing genetic risk factors are poorly understood. Here we used the Collaborative Cross (CC), a large panel of newly inbred mice that captures 90% of the known variation among laboratory mice, to identify the genetic loci controlling rotarod performance and its relationship with body weight in a cohort of 365 mice across 16 CC strains. Body weight and rotarod performance varied widely across CC strains and were significantly negatively correlated. Genetic linkage analysis identified 14 loci that were associated with body weight. However, 45 loci affected rotarod performance, seven of which were also associated with body weight, suggesting a strong link at the genetic level. Lastly, we show that genes identified in this study overlap significantly with those related to neurological disorders and obesity found in human GWA studies. In conclusion, our results provide a genetic framework for studies of the connection between body weight, the central nervous system and behavior.
A hierarchical view on material formation during pulsed-laser synthesis of nanoparticles in liquid
Authors: Ibrahimkutty Shyjumon , Wagener Philipp , Rolo Tomy dos Santos , Karpov Dmitry , Menzel Andreas , Baumbach Tilo , Barcikowski Stephan , Plech Anton
Published: November 2015

Pulsed-laser assisted nanoparticle synthesis in liquids (PLAL) is a versatile tool for nanoparticle synthesis. However, fundamental aspects of structure formation during PLAL are presently poorly understood. We analyse the spatio-temporal kinetics during PLAL by means of fast X-ray radiography (XR) and scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), which permits us to probe the process on length scales from nanometers to millimeters with microsecond temporal resolution. We find that the global structural evolution, such as the dynamics of the vapor bubble can be correlated to the locus and evolution of silver nanoparticles. The bubble plays an important role in particle formation, as it confines the primary particles and redeposits them to the substrate. Agglomeration takes place for the confined particles in the second bubble. Additionally, upon the collapse of the second bubble a jet of confined material is ejected perpendicularly to the surface. We hypothesize that these kinetics influence the final particle size distribution and determine the quality of the resulting colloids, such as polydispersity and modality through the interplay between particle cloud compression and particle release into the liquid.
Revisiting the reference genomes of human pathogenic Cryptosporidium species: reannotation of C. parvum Iowa and a new C. hominis reference
Authors: Isaza Juan P. , Galván Ana Luz , Polanco Victor , Huang Bernice , Matveyev Andrey V. , Serrano Myrna G. , Manque Patricio , Buck Gregory A. , Alzate Juan F.
Published: November 2015

Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis are the most relevant species of this genus for human health. Both cause a self-limiting diarrhea in immunocompetent individuals, but cause potentially life-threatening disease in the immunocompromised. Despite the importance of these pathogens, only one reference genome of each has been analyzed and published. These two reference genomes were sequenced using automated capillary sequencing; as of yet, no next generation sequencing technology has been applied to improve their assemblies and annotations. For C. hominis, the main challenge that prevents a larger number of genomes to be sequenced is its resistance to axenic culture. In the present study, we employed next generation technology to analyse the genomic DNA and RNA to generate a new reference genome sequence of a C. hominis strain isolated directly from human stool and a new genome annotation of the C. parvum Iowa reference genome.
Ferritic Alloys with Extreme Creep Resistance via Coherent Hierarchical Precipitates
Authors: Song Gian , Sun Zhiqian , Li Lin , Xu Xiandong , Rawlings Michael , Liebscher Christian H. , Clausen Bjørn , Poplawsky Jonathan , Leonard Donovan N. , Huang Shenyan , Teng Zhenke , Liu Chain T. , Asta Mark D. , Gao Yanfei , Dunand David C. , Ghosh Gautam , Chen Mingwei , Fine Morris E. , Liaw Peter K.
Published: November 2015

There have been numerous efforts to develop creep-resistant materials strengthened by incoherent particles at high temperatures and stresses in response to future energy needs for steam turbines in thermal-power plants. However, the microstructural instability of the incoherent-particle-strengthened ferritic steels limits their application to temperatures below 900 K. Here, we report a novel ferritic alloy with the excellent creep resistance enhanced by coherent hierarchical precipitates, using the integrated experimental (transmission-electron microscopy/scanning-transmission-electron microscopy,in-situneutron diffraction and atom-probe tomography) and theoretical (crystal-plasticity finite-element modeling) approaches. This alloy is strengthened by nano-scaled L21-Ni2TiAl (Heusler phase)-based precipitates, which themselves contain coherent nano-scaled B2 zones. These coherent hierarchical precipitates are uniformly distributed within the Fe matrix. Our hierarchical structure material exhibits the superior creep resistance at 973 K in terms of the minimal creep rate, which is four orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional ferritic steels. These results provide a new alloy-design strategy using the novel concept of hierarchical precipitates and the fundamental science for developing creep-resistant ferritic alloys. The present research will broaden the applications of ferritic alloys to higher temperatures.
Muscle tissue engineering and regeneration through epigenetic reprogramming and scaffold manipulation
Authors: Tan S.J. , Fang J.Y. , Wu Y. , Yang Z. , Liang G. , Han B.
Published: November 2015

Efficiency of cell-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has been limited by inadequate cellular responses to injury because of aging and poor controllability of cellular interactions. Since cell progression is under a tight epigenetic regulation, epigenetic modulators such as 5-azacytidine (5-Aza-CR) have been utilized to facilitate reprogramming and development of somatic cells in 2-dimensional (2-D) settings. Nonetheless, progression of a specific tissue lineage toward the terminal phenotype is dependent not only on the genomic potential, but also on the microenvironment cues that are beyond the capability of 2-D approaches. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of matrices of variable rigidities and the treatment with the epigenetic modulator 5-Aza-CR on reprogramming adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) into myoblast-like cells by utilizing tunable transglutaminase cross-linked gelatin (Col-Tgel) in vitro and in vivo. Our experiments demonstrated that cellular plasticity and trans-differentiation were significantly enhanced when ADSCs were treated with an effective dose of 5-Aza-CR (1.25 to 12.5 ng) in the optimal myogenic matrix (15 ± 5 kPa Col-Tgel). Our findings suggest that both physical signals and chemical milieu are critical for the regulation of cellular responses.
Interface control by homoepitaxial growth in pulsed laser deposited iron chalcogenide thin films
Authors: Molatta Sebastian , Haindl Silvia , Trommler Sascha , Schulze Michael , Wurmehl Sabine , Hühne Ruben
Published: November 2015

Thin film growth of iron chalcogenides by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) is still a delicate issue in terms of simultaneous control of stoichiometry, texture, substrate/film interface properties and superconducting properties. The high volatility of the constituents sharply limits optimal deposition temperatures to a narrow window and mainly challenges reproducibility for vacuum based methods. In this work we demonstrate the beneficial introduction of a semiconducting FeSe1−xTex seed layer for subsequent homoepitaxial growth of superconducting FeSe1−xTex thin film on MgO substrates. MgO is one of the most favorable substrates used in superconducting thin film applications, but the controlled growth of iron chalcogenide thin films on MgO has not yet been optimized and is the least understood. The large mismatch between the lattice constants of MgO and FeSe1−xTex of about 11% results in thin films with a mixed texture, that prevents further accurate investigations of a correlation between structural and electrical properties of FeSe1−xTex. Here we present an effective way to significantly improve epitaxial growth of superconducting FeSe1−xTex thin films with reproducible high critical temperatures (≥17 K) at reduced deposition temperatures (200 °C–320 °C) on MgO using PLD. This offers a broad scope of various applications.
Frequency-noise measurements of optical frequency combs by multiple fringe-side discriminator
Authors: Coluccelli Nicola , Cassinerio Marco , Gambetta Alessio , Laporta Paolo , Galzerano Gianluca
Published: November 2015

The frequency noise of an optical frequency comb is routinely measured through the hetherodyne beat of one comb tooth against a stable continuous-wave laser. After frequency-to-voltage conversion, the beatnote is sent to a spectrum analyzer to retrive the power spectral density of the frequency noise. Because narrow-linewidth continuous-wave lasers are available only at certain wavelengths, heterodyning the comb tooth can be challenging. We present a new technique for direct characterization of the frequency noise of an optical frequency comb, requiring no supplementary reference lasers and easily applicable in all spectral regions from the terahertz to the ultraviolet. The technique is based on the combination of a low finesse Fabry-Perot resonator and the so-called “fringe-side locking” method, usually adopted to characterize the spectral purity of single-frequency lasers, here generalized to optical frequency combs. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated with an Er-fiber comb source across the wavelength range from 1 to 2 μm.
Deciphering Supramolecular Structures with Protein-Protein Interaction Network Modeling
Authors: Tsuji Toshiyuki , Yoda Takao , Shirai Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2015

Many biological molecules are assembled into supramolecules that are essential to perform complicated functions in the cell. However, experimental information about the structures of supramolecules is not sufficient at this point. We developed a method of predicting and modeling the structures of supramolecules in a biological network by combining structural data of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and interaction data in IntAct databases. Templates for binary complexes in IntAct were extracted from PDB. Modeling was attempted by assembling binary complexes with superposed shared subunits. A total of 3,197 models were constructed and 1,306 (41% of the total) contained at least one subunit absent from experimental structures. The models also suggested 970 (25% of the total) experimentally undetected subunit interfaces and 41 human disease-related amino acid variants were mapped onto these model-suggested interfaces. The models demonstrated that protein-protein interaction network modeling is useful to fill the information gap between biological networks and structures.
A metabolomics study delineating geographical location-associated primary metabolic changes in the leaves of growing tobacco plants by GC-MS and CE-MS
Authors: Zhao Yanni , Zhao Jieyu , Zhao Chunxia , Zhou Huina , Li Yanli , Zhang Junjie , Li Lili , Hu Chunxiu , Li Wenzheng , Peng Xiaojun , Lu Xin , Lin Fucheng , Xu Guowang
Published: November 2015

Ecological conditions and developmental senescence significantly affect the physiological metabolism of plants, yet relatively little is known about the influence of geographical location on dynamic changes in plant leaves during growth. Pseudotargeted gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring-mass spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry were used to investigate a time course of the metabolic responses of tobacco leaves to geographical location. Principal component analysis revealed obvious metabolic discrimination between growing districts relative to cultivars. A complex carbon and nitrogen metabolic network was modulated by environmental factors during growth. When the Xuchang and Dali Districts in China were compared, the results indicated that higher rates of photosynthesis, photorespiration and respiration were utilized in Xuchang District to generate the energy and carbon skeletons needed for the biosynthesis of nitrogen-containing metabolites. The increased abundance of defense-associated metabolites generated from the shikimate-phenylpropanoid pathway in Xuchang relative to Dali was implicated in protection against stress.
Highly Conductive Graphene/Ag Hybrid Fibers for Flexible Fiber-Type Transistors
Authors: Yoon Sang Su , Lee Kang Eun , Cha Hwa-Jin , Seong Dong Gi , Um Moon-Kwang , Byun Joon-Hyung , Oh Youngseok , Oh Joon Hak , Lee Wonoh , Lee Jea Uk
Published: November 2015

Mechanically robust, flexible and electrically conductive textiles are highly suitable for use in wearable electronic applications. In this study, highly conductive and flexible graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were prepared and used as electrodes for planar and fiber-type transistors. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers were fabricated by the wet-spinning/drawing of giant graphene oxide and subsequent functionalization with Ag nanoparticles. The graphene/Ag hybrid fibers exhibited record-high electrical conductivity of up to 15,800 S cm−1. As the graphene/Ag hybrid fibers can be easily cut and placed onto flexible substrates by simply gluing or stitching, ion gel-gated planar transistors were fabricated by using the hybrid fibers as source, drain and gate electrodes. Finally, fiber-type transistors were constructed by embedding the graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes onto conventional polyurethane monofilaments, which exhibited excellent flexibility (highly bendable and rollable properties), high electrical performance (μh = 15.6 cm2 V−1 s−1, Ion/Ioff > 104) and outstanding device performance stability (stable after 1,000 cycles of bending tests and being exposed for 30 days to ambient conditions). We believe that our simple methods for the fabrication of graphene/Ag hybrid fiber electrodes for use in fiber-type transistors can potentially be applied to the development all-organic wearable devices.
Broadband and enhanced nonlinear optical response of MoS2/graphene nanocomposites for ultrafast photonics applications
Authors: Jiang Yaqin , Miao Lili , Jiang Guobao , Chen Yu , Qi Xiang , Jiang Xiao-fang , Zhang Han , Wen Shuangchun
Published: November 2015

Due to their relatively high compatibility with specific photonic structures, strong light-matter interactions and unique nonlinear optical response, two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, are attractive for ultrafast photonics applications. Here, we fabricate MoS2/graphene nanocomposites by a typical hydrothermal method. In addition, we systematically investigate their nonlinear optical responses. Our experiments indicate that the combined advantages of ultrafast relaxation, a broadband response from graphene and the strong light-matter interaction from MoS2, can be integrated together by composition. The optical properties in terms of carrier relaxation dynamics, saturation intensity and modulation depth suggest great potential for the MoS2/graphene nanocomposites in photonics applications. We have further fabricated 2D nanocomposites based optical saturable absorbers and integrated them into a 1.5 μm Erbium-doped fiber laser to demonstrate Q-switched and mode-locked pulse generation. The fabrication of 2D nanocomposites assembled from different types of 2D materials, via this simple and scalable growth approach, paves the way for the formation and tuning of new 2D materials with desirable photonic properties and applications.
miR-150 Regulates Differentiation and Cytolytic Effector Function in CD8+ T cells
Authors: Smith Norah L. , Wissink Erin M. , Grimson Andrew , Rudd Brian D.
Published: November 2015

MicroRNAs regulate most mammalian genes and they control numerous aspects of immune system development and function. Their precise roles in the CD8+ T cell response, however, remain unclear. In this report, we show that in the absence of the microRNA miR-150, CD8+ T cells fail to undergo robust expansion and differentiation into short-lived terminal effector cells in response to primary infection with Listeria monocytogenes or Vaccinia virus. Notably, even after transitioning into the memory pool, miR-150−/− cells still mount a weaker recall response to secondary infection and remain less differentiated than their wild-type counterparts. Transcriptome analysis shows miR-150 gene targets are globally upregulated in cells lacking miR-150 and amongst these targets, we found misregulation of genes associated with proliferation and effector cell function. These transcriptome data suggest that miR-150 deficient CD8+ T cells are less efficient in killing infected cells, which we validate experimentally. Together, these results reveal a cell-intrinsic role for miR-150 in the regulation of effector CD8+ T cell fate and function.
Hemicelluloses/montmorillonite hybrid films with improved mechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Chen Ge-Gu , Qi Xian-Ming , Li Ming-Peng , Guan Ying , Bian Jing , Peng Feng , Yao Chun-Li , Sun Run-Cang
Published: November 2015

A facile and environmentally friendly method was introduced to incorporate montmorillonite (MMT) as an inorganic phase into quaternized hemicelluloses (QH) for forming hemicellulose-based films. Two fillers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitin nanowhiskers (NCH), were added into the hemicelluloses/MMT hybrid matrices to prepare hybrid films, respectively. The hybrid films were nanocomposites with nacre-like structure and multifunctional characteristics including higher strength and good oxygen barrier properties via the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The addition of PVA and NCH could induce changes in surface topography and effectively enhance mechanical strength, thermal stability, transparency and oxygen barrier properties. The tensile strengths of the composite films FPVA(0.3), FPVA(0.5) and FNCH(0.8) were 53.7, 46.3 and 50.1 MPa, respectively, which were 171%, 134% and 153% larger than the FQH-MMT film (19.8 MPa). The tensile strength and oxygen transmission rate of QH-MMT-PVA film were better than those of quaternized hemicelluloses/MMT films. Thus, the proper filler is very important for the strength of the hybrid film. These results provide insights into the understanding of the structural relationships of hemicellulose-based composite films in coating and packaging application for the future.
An EGFR/Src-dependent β4 integrin/FAK complex contributes to malignancy of breast cancer
Authors: Tai Yu-Ling , Chu Pei-Yu , Lai I-Rue , Wang Ming-Yang , Tseng Hui-Yuan , Guan Jun-Lin , Liou Jun-Yang , Shen Tang-Long
Published: November 2015

β4 integrin and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are often associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients and their signaling events have recently been linked to malignant outcomes. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, physical and functional interactions between β4 integrin and FAK that influence breast cancer malignancy. An amino-terminal linker within FAK is essential for its binding with the cytodomain of β4 integrin. Moreover, EGFR/Src-signaling triggers the tyrosine phosphorylation of β4 integrin, which, in turn, recruits FAK to β4 integrin and leads to FAK activation and signaling. Upon disruption of the β4 integrin/FAK complex, tumorigenesis and metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer were markedly reduced. Importantly, the concomitant overexpression of β4 integrin and FAK significantly correlates with malignant potential in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. This study describes a pro-metastatic EGFR/Src-dependent β4 integrin/FAK complex that is involved in breast cancer malignancy and is a novel therapeutic target for triple-negative breast cancer.
Observation of Landau levels on nitrogen-doped flat graphite surfaces without external magnetic fields
Authors: Kondo Takahiro , Guo Donghui , Shikano Taishi , Suzuki Tetsuya , Sakurai Masataka , Okada Susumu , Nakamura Junji
Published: November 2015

Under perpendicular external magnetic fields, two-dimensional carriers exhibit Landau levels (LLs). However, it has recently been reported that LLs have been observed on graphene and graphite surfaces without external magnetic fields being applied. These anomalous LLs have been ascribed primarily to a strain of graphene sheets, leading to in-plane hopping modulation of electrons. Here, we report the observation of the LLs of massive Dirac fermions on atomically flat areas of a nitrogen-doped graphite surface in the absence of external magnetic fields. The corresponding magnetic fields were estimated to be as much as approximately 100 T. The generation of the LLs at the area with negligible strain can be explained by inequivalent hopping of π electrons that takes place at the perimeter of high-potential domains surrounded by positively charged substituted graphitic-nitrogen atoms.
Individual honey bee (Apis cerana) foragers adjust their fuel load to match variability in forage reward
Authors: Tan Ken , Latty Tanya , Dong Shihao , Liu Xiwen , Wang Chao , Oldroyd Benjamin P.
Published: November 2015

Animals may adjust their behavior according to their perception of risk. Here we show that free-flying honey bee (Apis cerana) foragers mitigate the risk of starvation in the field when foraging on a food source that offers variable rewards by carrying more ‘fuel’ food on their outward journey. We trained foragers to a feeder located 1.2 km from each of four colonies. On average foragers carried 12.7% greater volume of fuel, equivalent to 30.2% more glucose when foraging on a variable source (a random sequence of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 M sucrose solution, average sucrose content 1.5 M) than when forging on a consistent source (constant 1.5 M sucrose solution). Our findings complement an earlier study that showed that foragers decrease their fuel load as they become more familiar with a foraging place. We suggest that honey bee foragers are risk sensitive and carry more fuel to minimize the risk of starvation in the field when a foraging trip is perceived as being risky, either because the forager is unfamiliar with the foraging site, or because the forage available at a familiar site offers variable rewards.
Association of Pre-Operative Albuminuria with Post-Operative Outcomes after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: George Lekha K. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Lu Jun L. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Koshy Santhosh K. G. , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: November 2015

The effect on post-operative outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) surgery is not clear. Among 17,812 patients who underwent CABG during October 1,2006-September 28,2012 in any Department of US Veterans Affairs(VA) hospital, we identified 5,968 with available preoperative urine albumin-creatinine ratio(UACR) measurements. We examined the association of UACR<30, 30–299 and >=300 mg/g with 30/90/180/365-day and overall all-cause mortality and hospitalization length >10 days and with acute kidney injury(AKI). Mean ± SD baseline age and eGFR were 66 ± 8 years and 77 ± 19 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. 788 patients(13.2%) died during a median follow-up of 3.2 years and 26.8% patients developed AKI(23.1%-Stage 1; 2.9%-Stage 2; 0.8%-Stage 3) within 30 days of CABG. The median lengths of stay were 8 days(IQR: 6–13 days), 10 days(IQR: 7–14 days) and 12 days(IQR: 8–19 days) for groups with UACR < 30 mg/g, 30–299 mg/g and ≥300 mg/g, respectively. Higher UACR conferred 72 to 85% higher 90-, 180- and 365-day mortality compared to UACR<30 mg/g (odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for UACR≥300 vs. <30 mg/g: 1.72(1.01–2.95); 1.85(1.14–3.01); 1.74(1.15–2.61), respectively). Higher UACR was also associated with significantly longer hospitalizations and higher incidence of all stages of AKI. Higher UACR is associated with significantly higher odds of mortality, longer post-CABG hospitalization and higher AKI incidence.
Large-area functionalized CVD graphene for work function matched transparent electrodes
Authors: Bointon Thomas H. , Jones Gareth F. , De Sanctis Adolfo , Hill-Pearce Ruth , Craciun Monica F. , Russo Saverio
Published: November 2015

The efficiency of flexible photovoltaic and organic light emitting devices is heavily dependent on the availability of flexible and transparent conductors with at least a similar workfunction to that of Indium Tin Oxide. Here we present the first study of the work function of large area (up to 9 cm2) FeCl3 intercalated graphene grown by chemical vapour deposition on Nickel and demonstrate values as large as 5.1 eV. Upon intercalation, a charge density per graphene layer of 5 ⋅ 1013 ± 5 ⋅ 1012 cm−2 is attained, making this material an attractive platform for the study of plasmonic excitations in the infrared wavelength spectrum of interest to the telecommunication industry. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of this material for flexible electronics in a transparent circuit on a polyethylene naphthalate substrate.
TIMP-1 mediates TGF-β-dependent crosstalk between hepatic stellate and cancer cells via FAK signaling
Authors: Park Sang-A , Kim Min-Jin , Park So-Yeon , Kim Jung-Shin , Lim Woosung , Nam Jeong-Seok , Yhong Sheen Yhun
Published: November 2015

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in progression and metastasis of HCC. This study was undertaken to gain the proof of concept of a small-molecule inhibitor of TGF-β type I receptor kinase, EW-7197 as a potent anti-cancer therapy for HCC. We identified tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) as one of the secreted proteins of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and a key mediator of TGF-β-mediated crosstalk between HSCs and HCC cells. TGF-β signaling led to increased expression of TIMP-1, which activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling via its interaction with CD63. Inhibition of TGF-β signaling using EW-7197 significantly attenuated the progression and intrahepatic metastasis of HCC in an SK-HEP1-Luc orthotopic-xenograft mouse model. In addition, EW-7197 inhibited TGF-β-stimulated TIMP-1 secretion by HSCs as well as the TIMP-1-induced proliferation, motility and survival of HCC cells. Further, EW-7197 interrupted TGF-β-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and Akt signaling, leading to significant reductions in the motility and anchorage-independent growth of HCC cells. In conclusion, we found that TIMP-1 mediates TGF-β-regulated crosstalk between HSCs and HCC cells via FAK signaling. In addition, EW-7197 demonstrates potent in vivo anti-cancer therapeutic activity and may be a potential new anti-cancer drug of choice to treat patients with liver cancer.
Convergent evolution of marine mammals is associated with distinct substitutions in common genes
Authors: Zhou Xuming , Seim Inge , Gladyshev Vadim N.
Published: November 2015

Phenotypic convergence is thought to be driven by parallel substitutions coupled with natural selection at the sequence level. Multiple independent evolutionary transitions of mammals to an aquatic environment offer an opportunity to test this thesis. Here, whole genome alignment of coding sequences identified widespread parallel amino acid substitutions in marine mammals; however, the majority of these changes were not unique to these animals. Conversely, we report that candidate aquatic adaptation genes, identified by signatures of likelihood convergence and/or elevated ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rate, are characterized by very few parallel substitutions and exhibit distinct sequence changes in each group. Moreover, no significant positive correlation was found between likelihood convergence and positive selection in all three marine lineages. These results suggest that convergence in protein coding genes associated with aquatic lifestyle is mainly characterized by independent substitutions and relaxed negative selection.
Bats and Rodents Shape Mammalian Retroviral Phylogeny
Authors: Cui Jie , Tachedjian Gilda , Wang Lin-Fa
Published: November 2015

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) represent past retroviral infections and accordingly can provide an ideal framework to infer virus-host interaction over their evolutionary history. In this study, we target high quality Pol sequences from 7,994 Class I and 8,119 Class II ERVs from 69 mammalian genomes and surprisingly find that retroviruses harbored by bats and rodents combined occupy the major phylogenetic diversity of both classes. By analyzing transmission patterns of 30 well-defined ERV clades, we corroborate the previously published observation that rodents are more competent as originators of mammalian retroviruses and reveal that bats are more capable of receiving retroviruses from non-bat mammalian origins. The powerful retroviral hosting ability of bats is further supported by a detailed analysis revealing that the novel bat gammaretrovirus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum retrovirus, likely originated from tree shrews. Taken together, this study advances our understanding of host-shaped mammalian retroviral evolution in general.
Rayleigh-wave dispersion reveals crust-mantle decoupling beneath eastern Tibet
Authors: Legendre Cédric P. , Deschamps Frédéric , Zhao Li , Chen Qi-Fu
Published: November 2015

The Tibetan Plateau results from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian Plates during the Cenozoic, which produced at least 2,000 km of convergence. Its tectonics is dominated by an eastward extrusion of crustal material that has been explained by models implying either a mechanical decoupling between the crust and the lithosphere, or lithospheric deformation. Discriminating between these end-member models requires constraints on crustal and lithospheric mantle deformations. Distribution of seismic anisotropy may be inferred from the mapping of azimuthal anisotropy of surface waves. Here, we use data from the CNSN to map Rayleigh-wave azimuthal anisotropy in the crust and lithospheric mantle beneath eastern Tibet. Beneath Tibet, the anisotropic patterns at periods sampling the crust support an eastward flow up to 100°E in longitude and a southward bend between 100°E and 104°E. At longer periods, sampling the lithospheric mantle, the anisotropic structures are consistent with the absolute plate motion. By contrast, in the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons, the direction of fast propagation remains unchanged throughout the period range sampling the crust and lithospheric mantle. These observations suggest that the crust and lithospheric mantle are mechanically decoupled beneath eastern Tibet and coupled beneath the Sino-Korean and Yangtze cratons.
Liposome chaperon in cell-free membrane protein synthesis: one-step preparation of KcsA-integrated liposomes and electrophysiological analysis by the planar bilayer method
Authors: Ando M. , Akiyama M. , Okuno D. , Hirano M. , Ide T. , Sawada S. , Sasaki Y. , Akiyoshi K.
Published: November 2015

Chaperoning functions of liposomes were investigated using cell-free membrane protein synthesis.
Azeotropic drying free [18F]FDG synthesis and its application to a lab-on-chip platform
Authors: Lindner S. , Rensch C. , Neubaur S. , Neumeier M. , Salvamoser R. , Samper V. , Bartenstein P.
Published: November 2015

[18F]FDG was prepared using a cartridge-based drying technique for [18F]fluoride. The application to a lab-on-chip platform demonstrates a proof of concept towards reduced hardware complexity.
Ternary NiFeMn layered double hydroxides as highly-efficient oxygen evolution catalysts
Authors: Lu Zhiyi , Qian Li , Tian Yang , Li Yaping , Sun Xiaoming , Duan Xue
Published: November 2015

A ternary NiFeMn-LDH with an optimized transition metal ratio is developed as an advanced catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Morphology-controlled assembly and enhanced emission of fluorescence in organic nanospheres and microrods based on 1,2-diphenyl-4-(4-dibenzothienyl)phenyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene
Authors: Ye Junwei , Huang Xueming , Gao Yuan , Wang Xiaoxiao , Zheng Ting , Lin Yuan , Liu Xin , Ning Guiling
Published: November 2015

Fluorescent organic micro/nanostructures of 1,2-diphenyl-4-(4-dibenzothienyl)phenyl-1,3-cyclopentadiene have been prepared via controlling the solvent composition.
Hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in the binding of coomassie brilliant blue-R to hemoglobin: FT-IR, fluorescence and molecular dynamics studies
Authors: Maity Mritunjoy , Dolui Sandip , Maiti Nakul C.
Published: November 2015

Coomassie brilliant blue-R (CBB-R) specifically binds to bovine hemoglobin with a stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 1.
Ligand influence on the electronic spectra of monocationic copper–bipyridine complexes
Authors: Xu Shuang , Gozem Samer , Krylov Anna I. , Christopher Casey R. , Mathias Weber J.
Published: November 2015

We present photodissociation spectroscopy and computational analysis of three monocationic Cu–bipyridine complexes with one additional ligand of different interaction strength (N2, H2O and Cl) in the visible and UV.
High thermoelectric performance from optimization of hole-doped CuInTe2
Authors: Zhou Gang , Wang Dong
Published: November 2015

p-Type CuInTe2 is predicted to be a promising thermoelectric material at medium temperatures by optimization of doping at the In-site.
Nitrogen-doped carbon species: a promising nonmetallic promoter for the Co/SiO2 Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst
Authors: Li Shuo , Yao Nan , Zhao Fengdong , Li Xiaonian
Published: November 2015

The turnover frequency of Co/SiO2 in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is enhanced because pyrrolic nitrogen atoms transfer electrons to the Co0 particle.
Tuning the CuxO nanorod composition for efficient visible light induced photocatalysis
Authors: Basnet Pradip , Zhao Yiping
Published: November 2015

Single and mixed phase Cu2O/CuO nanorod arrays prepared by thermal oxidation were tested for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical properties.
Preparation of high oxygen storage capacity and thermally stable ceria–zirconia solid solution
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Xiaofei , Zhan Wangcheng , Guo Yun , Guo Yanglong , Lu Guanzhong
Published: November 2015

Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 prepared by the complexing–coprecipitation method (CZ-2) exhibits higher oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and thermal stability than that prepared by coprecipitation (CZ-1) or the complexing–coprecipitation-solution (CZ-3) method. After being aged at 1100 °C for 6 h, CZ-2a exhibited the highest OSC and catalytic activity.
Iterative multitarget evolution dramatically enhances the enantioselectivity and catalytic efficiency of Bacillus subtilis esterase towards bulky benzoate esters ofdl-menthol
Authors: Gong Yi , Xu Guo-Chao , Chen Qi , Yin Jin-Gang , Li Chun-Xiu , Xu Jian-He
Published: November 2015

Structure-based directed evolution has been successfully applied toBacillus subtilisesterase to produce a mutant with higher enantioselectivity and elevated efficiency.
Catalytic metallodrugs based on the LaR2C peptide target HCV SLIV IRES RNA
Authors: Ross Martin James , Bradford Seth S. , Cowan J. A.
Published: November 2015

Catalytic metallodrugs based on the human La protein demonstrate selected cleavage of stem-loop IV of the Hepatitis C Virus IRES.
Addition of phenylacetylene to a magnesium complex of monoiminoacenaphtheneone (dpp-mian)
Authors: Razborov D. A. , Lukoyanov A. N. , Baranov E. V. , Fedushkin I. L.
Published: November 2015

Reaction of alkoxy-amido magnesium complex 4 with phenylacetylene affords cycloaddition product 6. The protonation of the latter with phenylacetylene results alkoxy-imino derivative 7.
Syntheses, crystal structures and physical properties of three new chalcogenides: NaGaGe3Se8, K3Ga3Ge7S20, and K3Ga3Ge7Se20
Authors: Li Xiaoshuang , Li Chao , Gong Pifu , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong , Wu Yicheng
Published: November 2015

NaGaGe3Se8has a layered structure, while K3Ga3Ge7Q20(Q = S, Se) are constructed by incompletely isolated quasi-2D layers, leading to large channels loosely occupied by K+cations.
Rational design of a highly sensitive and selective “turn-on” fluorescent sensor for PO43− detection
Authors: Jiang Si-Quan , Zhou Zi-Yan , Zhuo Shu-Ping , Shan Guo-Gang , Xing Ling-Bao , Wang Hai-Ning , Su Zhong-Min
Published: November 2015

An in situ-generated iron(iii) complex with a 1,8-naphthalene-based Schiff base unit has been rationally designed, which exhibits a highly selective response and excellent sensitivity for the turn-on detection of PO43− anions.
Microwave-assisted FLP-catalyzed hydrogenations
Authors: Tussing S. , Paradies J.
Published: November 2015

Microwave-irradiation accelerates FLP-catalyzed hydrogenations.
The expanding field of polyphosphazene high polymers
Authors: Allcock Harry R.
Published: November 2015

The wide variety of accessible poly(organophosphazenes) is a consequence of the unusual macromolecular substitution approach to their synthesis.
Planar Dy3+ Dy3clusters: design, structure and axial ligand perturbed magnetic dynamics
Authors: Li Xiao-Lei , Li Han , Chen Di-Ming , Wang Chao , Wu Jianfeng , Tang Jinkui , Shi Wei , Cheng Peng
Published: November 2015

Coupling Dy3triangles results in two unique Dy6complexes showing single-molecule magnetic behaviour with high energy barriers of 116 and 181 K forDy6–NO3andDy6–SCN, respectively.
Cationic aza-macrocyclic complexes of germanium(ii) and silicon(iv)
Authors: Everett Matthew , Jolleys Andrew , Levason William , Light Mark E. , Pugh David , Reid Gillian
Published: November 2015

Unusual cationic Ge(ii) and Si(iv) complexes with neutral tri-aza and tetra-aza macrocycles are reported and their structural properties discussed.
Aggregation and stability of anisotropic charged clay colloids in aqueous medium in the presence of salt
Authors: Ali Samim , Bandyopadhyay Ranjini
Published: November 2015

Na-montmorillonite nanoclay is a colloid of layered mineral silicate. When dispersed in water, this mineral swells on absorption of water and exfoliates into platelets with electric double layers on their surfaces. Even at low particle concentration, the aqueous dispersion can exhibit a spontaneous ergodicity breaking phase transition from a free flowing liquid to nonequilibrium, kinetically arrested and disordered states such as gels and glasses. In an earlier publication [Applied Clay Science, 2015, 114, 8592], we showed that the stability of clay gels can be enhanced by adding a salt later to the clay dispersion prepared in deionized water, rather than by adding the clay mineral to a previously mixed salt solution. Here, we directly track the collapsing interface of sedimenting clay gels using an optical method and show that adding salt after dispersing the clay mineral does indeed result in more stable gels even in very dilute dispersions. These weak gels are seen to exhibit a transient collapse after a finite delay time, a phenomenon observed previously in depletion gels. The velocity of the collapse oscillates with the age of the sample. However, the average velocity of collapse increases with sample age up to a peak value before decreasing at higher ages. With increasing salt concentration, the delay time for transient collapse decreases, while the peak value of the collapsing velocity increases. Using ultrasound attenuation spectroscopy, rheometry and cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, we confirm that morphological changes of the gel network assembly, facilitated by thermal fluctuations, lead to the observed collapse phenomenon. Since clay minerals are used extensively in polymer nanocomposites, as rheological modifiers, stabilizers and gas absorbents, we believe that the results reported in this work are extremely useful for several practical applications and also for understanding geophysical phenomena such as the formation and stability of quicksand and river deltas.
Surfactant technology applied toward an active pharmaceutical ingredient: more than a simple green chemistry advance
Authors: Gallou Fabrice , Isley Nicholas A. , Ganic Adnan , Onken Ulrich , Parmentier Michael
Published: November 2015

Process Mass Intensity (PMI) for (a) process in organic solvents, (b) process in water with surfactants.
Optofluidic tunable lenses using laser-induced thermal gradient
Authors: Chen Qingming , Jian Aoqun , Li Zhaohui , Zhang Xuming
Published: November 2015

We report a new design of optofluidic tunable lens with a 2D refractive index gradient generated by shining light onto a pair of metal strips.
Tubular optical microcavities of indefinite medium for sensitive liquid refractometers
Authors: Tang Shiwei , Fang Yangfu , Liu Zhaowei , Zhou Lei , Mei Yongfeng
Published: November 2015

Based on Mie scattering theory, we propose a tubular microcavity made by anisotropic metamaterials with hyperbolic dispersion called indefinite media (IM). Such a microcavity provides both a high sensitivity S and a high Q factor, which could be useful for liquid refractometers.
Reverse Watson–Crick G–G base pair in G-quadruplex formation
Authors: Mondal Soma , Bhat Jyotsna , Jana Jagannath , Mukherjee Meghomukta , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: November 2015

Cisplatin binds to N7 of guanine in a reverse Watson–Crick G–G pair.
Elucidating the general principles of cell adhesion with a coarse-grained simulation model
Authors: Chen Jiawen , Xie Zhong-Ru , Wu Yinghao
Published: November 2015

Coarse-grained simulation of interplay between cell adhesion and cell signaling.
High-resolution complementary chemical imaging of bio-elements in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hare Dominic J. , Jones Michael W. M. , Wimmer Verena C. , Jenkins Nicole L. , de Jonge Martin D. , Bush Ashley I. , McColl Gawain
Published: November 2015

A unified approach to chemical imaging was used to spatially profile essential bio-elements in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Zinc oxide nanoring embedded lacey graphene nanoribbons in symmetric/asymmetric electrochemical capacitive energy storage
Authors: Sahu Vikrant , Goel Shubhra , Sharma Raj Kishore , Singh Gurmeet
Published: November 2015

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoring embedded graphene nanoribbons.
Moving graphene devices from lab to market: advanced graphene-coated nanoprobes
Authors: Hui Fei , Vajha Pujashree , Shi Yuanyuan , Ji Yanfeng , Duan Huiling , Padovani Andrea , Larcher Luca , Li Xiao Rong , Xu Jing Juan , Lanza Mario
Published: November 2015

In this manuscript we report an exciting development of a graphene product consisting of ultra-sharp nanoprobes coated with graphene flakes at the apex. This coating remarkably enhances the reliability and lifetime of the tips, and it also can provide additional properties.
Ultra-capacitor flexible films with tailored dielectric constants using electric field assisted assembly of nanoparticles
Authors: Batra Saurabh , Cakmak Miko
Published: November 2015

Dielectric properties of polymer nanocomposites can be tailored by directional percolation of BaTiO3 nanoparticles using electric field assisted assembly.