bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive plasmonic sensing in air using optical fibre spectral combs
Authors: Caucheteur Christophe , Guo Tuan , Liu Fu , Guan Bai-Ou , Albert Jacques
Published: November 2016

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) can be excited on metal-coated optical fibres, enabling the accurate monitoring of refractive index changes. Configurations reported so far mainly operate in liquids but not in air because of a mismatch between permittivities of guided light modes and the surrounding medium. Here we demonstrate a plasmonic optical fibre platform that overcomes this limitation. The underpinning of our work is a grating architecture—a gold-coated highly tilted Bragg grating—that excites a spectral comb of narrowband-cladding modes with effective indices near 1.0 and below. Using conventional spectral interrogation, we measure shifts of the SPP-matched resonances in response to static atmospheric pressure changes. A dynamic experiment conducted using a laser lined-up with an SPP-matched resonance demonstrates the ability to detect an acoustic wave with a resolution of 10−8 refractive index unit (RIU). We believe that this configuration opens research directions for highly sensitive plasmonic sensing in gas.
The pangenome of an agronomically important crop plant Brassica oleracea
Authors: Golicz Agnieszka A. , Bayer Philipp E. , Barker Guy C. , Edger Patrick P. , Kim HyeRan , Martinez Paula A. , Chan Chon Kit Kenneth , Severn-Ellis Anita , McCombie W. Richard , Parkin Isobel A. P. , Paterson Andrew H. , Pires J. Chris , Sharpe Andrew G. , Tang Haibao , Teakle Graham R. , Town Christopher D. , Batley Jacqueline , Edwards David
Published: November 2016

There is an increasing awareness that as a result of structural variation, a reference sequence representing a genome of a single individual is unable to capture all of the gene repertoire found in the species. A large number of genes affected by presence/absence and copy number variation suggest that it may contribute to phenotypic and agronomic trait diversity. Here we show by analysis of the Brassica oleracea pangenome that nearly 20% of genes are affected by presence/absence variation. Several genes displaying presence/absence variation are annotated with functions related to major agronomic traits, including disease resistance, flowering time, glucosinolate metabolism and vitamin biosynthesis.
Hierarchical zwitterionic modification of a SERS substrate enables real-time drug monitoring in blood plasma
Authors: Sun Fang , Hung Hsiang-Chieh , Sinclair Andrew , Zhang Peng , Bai Tao , Galvan Daniel David , Jain Priyesh , Li Bowen , Jiang Shaoyi , Yu Qiuming
Published: November 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an ultrasensitive analytical technique with molecular specificity, making it an ideal candidate for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, in critical diagnostic media including blood, nonspecific protein adsorption coupled with weak surface affinities and small Raman activities of many analytes hinder the TDM application of SERS. Here we report a hierarchical surface modification strategy, first by coating a gold surface with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) designed to attract or probe for analytes and then by grafting a non-fouling zwitterionic polymer brush layer to effectively repel protein fouling. We demonstrate how this modification can enable TDM applications by quantitatively and dynamically measuring the concentrations of several analytes—including an anticancer drug (doxorubicin), several TDM-requiring antidepressant and anti-seizure drugs, fructose and blood pH—in undiluted plasma. This hierarchical surface chemistry is widely applicable to many analytes and provides a generalized platform for SERS-based biosensing in complex real-world media.
Mapping synaptic glutamate transporter dysfunction in vivo to regions surrounding Aβ plaques by iGluSnFR two-photon imaging
Authors: Hefendehl J. K. , LeDue J. , Ko R. W. Y. , Mahler J. , Murphy T. H. , MacVicar B. A.
Published: November 2016

Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are surrounded by regions of neuronal and glial hyperactivity. We use in vivo two-photon and wide-field imaging of the glutamate sensor iGluSnFR to determine whether pathological changes in glutamate dynamics in the immediate vicinity of Aβ deposits in APPPS1 transgenic mice could alter neuronal activity in this microenvironment. In regions close to Aβ plaques chronic states of high spontaneous glutamate fluctuations are observed and the timing of glutamate responses evoked by sensory stimulation exhibit slower decay rates in two cortical brain areas. GLT-1 expression is reduced around Aβ plaques and upregulation of GLT-1 expression and activity by ceftriaxone partially restores glutamate dynamics to values in control regions. We conclude that the toxic microenvironment surrounding Aβ plaques results, at least partially, from enhanced glutamate levels and that pharmacologically increasing GLT-1 expression and activity may be a new target for early therapeutic intervention.
Ultrastructural Characterization of the Lower Motor System in a Mouse Model of Krabbe Disease
Authors: Cappello Valentina , Marchetti Laura , Parlanti Paola , Landi Silvia , Tonazzini Ilaria , Cecchini Marco , Piazza Vincenzo , Gemmi Mauro
Published: November 2016

Krabbe disease (KD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the lack of β- galactosylceramidase enzymatic activity and by widespread accumulation of the cytotoxic galactosyl-sphingosine in neuronal, myelinating and endothelial cells. Despite the wide use of Twitcher mice as experimental model for KD, the ultrastructure of this model is partial and mainly addressing peripheral nerves. More details are requested to elucidate the basis of the motor defects, which are the first to appear during KD onset. Here we use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to focus on the alterations produced by KD in the lower motor system at postnatal day 15 (P15), a nearly asymptomatic stage, and in the juvenile P30 mouse. We find mild effects on motorneuron soma, severe ones on sciatic nerves and very severe effects on nerve terminals and neuromuscular junctions at P30, with peripheral damage being already detectable at P15. Finally, we find that the gastrocnemius muscle undergoes atrophy and structural changes that are independent of denervation at P15. Our data further characterize the ultrastructural analysis of the KD mouse model, and support recent theories of a dying-back mechanism for neuronal degeneration, which is independent of demyelination.
Crystal structure-based discovery of a novel synthesized PARP1 inhibitor (OL-1) with apoptosis-inducing mechanisms in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Fu Leilei , Wang Shuya , Wang Xuan , Wang Peiqi , Zheng Yaxin , Yao Dahong , Guo Mingrui , Zhang Lan , Ouyang Liang
Published: November 2016

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a highly conserved enzyme focused on the self-repair of cellular DNA damage. Until now, numbers of PARP inhibitors have been reported and used for breast cancer therapy in recent years, especially in TNBC. However, developing a new type PARP inhibitor with distinctive skeleton is alternatively promising strategy for TNBC therapy. In this study, based on co-crystallization studies and pharmacophore-docking-based virtual screening, we discovered a series of dihydrodibenzo[b,e]-oxepin compounds as PARP1 inhibitors. Lead optimization result in the identification of compound OL-1 (2-(11-(3-(dimethylamino)propylidene)-6,11- dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin )-2-yl)acetohydrazide), which has a novel chemical scaffold and unique binding interaction with PARP1 protein. OL-1 demonstrated excellent potency (inhibiting PARP1 enzyme activity with IC50 = 0.079 μM), as well as inhibiting PARP-modulated PARylation and cell proliferation in MDA-MB-436 cells (BRAC1 mutation). In addition, OL-1 also inhibited cell migration that closely related to cancer metastasis and displayed remarkable anti-tumor efficacy in MDA-MB-436 xenograft model without apparent toxicities. These findings highlight a new small-molecule PAPR1 inhibitor (OL-1) that has the potential to impact future TNBC therapy.
Prevalence of HBV DNA among 20 million seronegative blood donations in China from 2010 to 2015
Authors: Liu Chao , Chang Le , Ji Huimin , Guo Fei , Zhang Kuo , Lin Guigao , Zhang Rui , Li Jinming , Wang Lunan
Published: November 2016

The prevalence of HBV DNA among seronegative blood donations in China has not been studied extensively on a nationwide scale. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence, trend, distributions, and serological characteristics of HBV DNA positive/seronegative blood donations. We collected HBV test data from all blood banks of China from 2010 to 2015 and performed supplemental serological tests and quantitative detection of HBV DNA of the seronegative/HBV DNA positive blood donations. We analysed the prevalence of HBV DNA among seronegative blood donations screened by varying nucleotide acid test (NAT) reagents. The analysis results showed that a total of 20,084,187 seronegative blood donations were screened by NAT from 2010 to 2015 in China. The average frequency of HBV DNA among seronegative blood donations was 1/1482, but there has been a steady increase from 1/1861 in 2011 to 1/1269 in 2015. The geographical distribution of seronegative and HBV DNA positive blood donations was roughly consistent with that of HBsAg. The most common serological pattern was HBeAb and HBcAb positive. In conclusion, our study offeres fundamental data of seronegative and HBV DNA positive blood donations throughout China.
Near-infrared bioluminescent proteins for two-color multimodal imaging
Authors: Rumyantsev Konstantin A. , Turoverov Konstantin K. , Verkhusha Vladislav V.
Published: November 2016

Bioluminescence imaging became a widely used technique for noninvasive study of biological processes in small animals. Bioluminescent probes with emission in near-infrared (NIR) spectral region confer the advantage of having deep tissue penetration capacity. However, there are a very limited number of currently available luciferases that exhibit NIR bioluminescence. Here, we engineered two novel chimeric probes based on RLuc8 luciferase fused with iRFP670 and iRFP720 NIR fluorescent proteins. Due to an intramolecular bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) between RLuc8 and iRFPs, the chimeric luciferases exhibit NIR bioluminescence with maxima at 670 nm and 720 nm, respectively. The 50 nm spectral shift between emissions of the two iRFP chimeras enables combined multicolor bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and the respective multicolor fluorescence imaging (FLI) of the iRFPs. We show that for subcutaneously implanted cells, NIR bioluminescence provided a 10-fold increase in sensitivity compared to NIR FLI. In deep tissues, NIR BLI enabled detection of as low as 104 cells. Both BLI and FLI allowed monitoring of tumor growth and metastasis from early to late stages. Multimodal imaging, which combines concurrent BLI and FLI, provides continuous spatiotemporal analysis of metastatic cells in animals, including their localization and quantification.
Evolution of the sink and source of dissolved inorganic nitrogen with salinity as a tracer during summer in the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Wu Mei-Lin , Hong Yi-Guo , Yin Jian-Ping , Dong Jun-De , Wang You-Shao
Published: November 2016

In this study, we evaluated the sink and source of the surface water along the PRE using a mixing model method with salinity as tracer. The observational data showed that the decreasing of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) did not closely follow the physical mixing lines of freshwater and modified seawater. In the western part, DIN consumption by phytoplankton and bacteria uptake (ΔDIN)varied from 15.81 μmol L−1to 88.53 μmol L−1. On the contrary, in the eastern part, ΔDIN varied from −63.66 μmol L−1to −10.45 μmol L−1. DIN source in the eastern part may be mainly caused by organic matter decomposition, while DIN remove is strongly associated with phytoplankton growth and bacteria consumption. These differential behaviors of the estuary with respect to DIN are largely due to varying degrees of hydrodynamics due to different topography in the two areas. Sensitivity analysis indicated reduction strategies of DIN inputs to coastal waters may improve environment quality in the PRE, due to DIN changes in the freshwater end-member having a determined influence on biological activities (R). Our results indicate that the model may be a valuable way to address the sources and sink of DIN in the river-dominated estuaries.
Multistate Memristive Tantalum Oxide Devices for Ternary Arithmetic
Authors: Kim Wonjoo , Chattopadhyay Anupam , Siemon Anne , Linn Eike , Waser Rainer , Rana Vikas
Published: November 2016

Redox-based resistive switching random access memory (ReRAM) offers excellent properties to implement future non-volatile memory arrays. Recently, the capability of two-state ReRAMs to implement Boolean logic functionality gained wide interest. Here, we report on seven-states Tantalum Oxide Devices, which enable the realization of an intrinsic modular arithmetic using a ternary number system. Modular arithmetic, a fundamental system for operating on numbers within the limit of a modulus, is known to mathematicians since the days of Euclid and finds applications in diverse areas ranging from e-commerce to musical notations. We demonstrate that multistate devices not only reduce the storage area consumption drastically, but also enable novel in-memory operations, such as computing using high-radix number systems, which could not be implemented using two-state devices. The use of high radix number system reduces the computational complexity by reducing the number of needed digits. Thus the number of calculation operations in an addition and the number of logic devices can be reduced.
Predicted reentrant melting of dense hydrogen at ultra-high pressures
Authors: Geng Hua Y. , Wu Q.
Published: November 2016

The phase diagram of hydrogen is one of the most important challenges in high-pressure physics and astrophysics. Especially, the melting of dense hydrogen is complicated by dimer dissociation, metallization and nuclear quantum effect of protons, which together lead to a cold melting of dense hydrogen when above 500 GPa. Nonetheless, the variation of the melting curve at higher pressures is virtually uncharted. Here we report that using ab initio molecular dynamics and path integral simulations based on density functional theory, a new atomic phase is discovered, which gives an uplifting melting curve of dense hydrogen when beyond 2 TPa, and results in a reentrant solid-liquid transition before entering the Wigner crystalline phase of protons. The findings greatly extend the phase diagram of dense hydrogen, and put metallic hydrogen into the group of alkali metals, with its melting curve closely resembling those of lithium and sodium.
Re-visiting the Protamine-2 locus: deletion, but not haploinsufficiency, renders male mice infertile
Authors: Schneider Simon , Balbach Melanie , Jan F. Jikeli  , Fietz Daniela , Nettersheim Daniel , Jostes Sina , Schmidt Rovenna , Kressin Monika , Bergmann Martin , Wachten Dagmar , Steger Klaus , Schorle Hubert
Published: November 2016

Protamines are arginine-rich DNA-binding proteins that replace histones in elongating spermatids. This leads to hypercondensation of chromatin and ensures physiological sperm morphology, thereby protecting DNA integrity. In mice and humans, two protamines, protamine-1 (Prm1) and protamine-2 (Prm2) are expressed in a species-specific ratio. In humans, alterations of this PRM1/PRM2 ratio is associated with subfertility. By applying CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene-editing in oocytes, we established Prm2-deficient mice. Surprisingly, heterozygous males remained fertile with sperm displaying normal head morphology and motility. In Prm2-deficient sperm, however, DNA-hypercondensation and acrosome formation was severely impaired. Further, the sperm displayed severe membrane defects resulting in immotility. Thus, lack of Prm2 leads not only to impaired histone to protamine exchange and disturbed DNA-hypercondensation, but also to severe membrane defects resulting in immotility. Interestingly, previous attempts using a regular gene-targeting approach failed to establish Prm2-deficient mice. This was due to the fact that already chimeric animals generated with Prm2+/− ES cells were sterile. However, the Prm2-deficient mouse lines established here clearly demonstrate that mice tolerate loss of one Prm2 allele. As such they present an ideal model for further studies on protamine function and chromatin organization in murine sperm.
Analysis of Zinc-Exporters Expression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Singh Chandra K. , Malas Kareem M. , Tydrick Caitlin , Siddiqui Imtiaz A. , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Ahmad Nihal
Published: November 2016

Maintaining optimal intracellular zinc (Zn) concentration is crucial for critical cellular functions. Depleted Zn has been associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Solute carrier family 30 (SLC30A) proteins maintain cytoplasmic Zn balance by exporting Zn out to the extracellular space or by sequestering cytoplasmic Zn into intracellular compartments. In this study, we determined the involvement of Zn-exporters, SLC30A 1–10 in PCa, in the context of racial health disparity in human PCa samples obtained from European-American (EA) and African-American (AA) populations. We also analyzed the levels of Zn-exporters in a panel of PCa cells derived from EA and AA populations. We further explored the expression profile of Zn-exporters in PCa using Oncomine database. Zn-exporters were found to be differentially expressed at the mRNA level, with a significant upregulation of SLC30A1, SLC30A9 and SLC30A10, and downregulation of SLC30A5 and SLC30A6 in PCa, compared to benign prostate. Moreover, Ingenuity Pathway analysis revealed several interactions of Zn-exporters with certain tumor suppressor and promoter proteins known to be modulated in PCa. Our study provides an insight regarding Zn-exporters in PCa, which may open new avenues for future studies aimed at enhancing the levels of Zn by modulating Zn-transporters via pharmacological means.
Exploitation of heterosis loci for yield and yield components in rice using chromosome segment substitution lines
Authors: Tao Yajun , Zhu Jinyan , Xu Jianjun , Wang Liujun , Gu Houwen , Zhou Ronghua , Yang Zefeng , Zhou Yong , Liang Guohua
Published: November 2016

We constructed 128 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs), derived from a cross between indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) 9311 and japonica rice Nipponbare, to investigate the genetic mechanism of heterosis. Three photo-thermo-sensitive-genic male sterile lines (Guangzhan63-4s, 036s, and Lian99s) were selected to cross with each CSSL to produce testcross populations (TCs). Field experiments were carried out in 2009, 2011, and 2015 to evaluate yield and yield-related traits in the CSSLs and TCs. Four traits (plant height, spikelet per panicle, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield per plant) were significantly related between CSSLs and TCs. In the TCs, plant height, panicle length, seed setting rate, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield per plant showed partial dominance, indicating that dominance largely contributes to heterosis of these five traits. While overdominance may be more important for heterosis of panicles per plant and spikelet per panicle. Based on the bin-maps of CSSLs and TCs, we detected 62 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 97 heterotic loci (HLs) using multiple linear regression analyses. Some of these loci were clustered together. The identification of QTLs and HLs for yield and yield-related traits provide useful information for hybrid rice breeding, and help to uncover the genetic basis of rice heterosis.
Backward transfer entropy: Informational measure for detecting hidden Markov models and its interpretations in thermodynamics, gambling and causality
Authors: Ito Sosuke
Published: November 2016

The transfer entropy is a well-established measure of information flow, which quantifies directed influence between two stochastic time series and has been shown to be useful in a variety fields of science. Here we introduce the transfer entropy of the backward time series called the backward transfer entropy, and show that the backward transfer entropy quantifies how far it is from dynamics to a hidden Markov model. Furthermore, we discuss physical interpretations of the backward transfer entropy in completely different settings of thermodynamics for information processing and the gambling with side information. In both settings of thermodynamics and the gambling, the backward transfer entropy characterizes a possible loss of some benefit, where the conventional transfer entropy characterizes a possible benefit. Our result implies the deep connection between thermodynamics and the gambling in the presence of information flow, and that the backward transfer entropy would be useful as a novel measure of information flow in nonequilibrium thermodynamics, biochemical sciences, economics and statistics.
Dual-wavelength pump-probe microscopy analysis of melanin composition
Authors: Thompson Andrew , Robles Francisco E. , Wilson Jesse W. , Deb Sanghamitra , Calderbank Robert , Warren Warren S.
Published: November 2016

Pump-probe microscopy is an emerging technique that provides detailed chemical information of absorbers with sub-micrometer spatial resolution. Recent work has shown that the pump-probe signals from melanin in human skin cancers correlate well with clinical concern, but it has been difficult to infer the molecular origins of these differences. Here we develop a mathematical framework to describe the pump-probe dynamics of melanin in human pigmented tissue samples, which treats the ensemble of individual chromophores that make up melanin as Gaussian absorbers with bandwidth related via Frenkel excitons. Thus, observed signals result from an interplay between the spectral bandwidths of the individual underlying chromophores and spectral proximity of the pump and probe wavelengths. The model is tested using a dual-wavelength pump-probe approach and a novel signal processing method based on gnomonic projections. Results show signals can be described by a single linear transition path with different rates of progress for different individual pump-probe wavelength pairs. Moreover, the combined dual-wavelength data shows a nonlinear transition that supports our mathematical framework and the excitonic model to describe the optical properties of melanin. The novel gnomonic projection analysis can also be an attractive generic tool for analyzing mixing paths in biomolecular and analytical chemistry.
Transcriptome analysis of follicles reveals the importance of autophagy and hormones in regulating broodiness of Zhedong white goose
Authors: Yu Jing , Lou Yaping , Zhao Ayong
Published: November 2016

Broodiness, a maternal behavior and instinct for natural breeding in poultry, inhibits egg production and affects the poultry industry. Phenotypic and physiological factors influencing broodiness in poultry have been extensively studied, but the molecular regulation mechanism of broodiness remains unclear. Effective research strategies focusing on broodiness are hindered by limited understanding of goose developmental biology. Here we established the transcriptomes of goose follicles at egg-laying and broody stages by Illumina HiSeq platform and compared the sequenced transcriptomes of three types of follicles (small white, large white and small yellow). It was found that there were 92 up-regulated and 84 down-regulated transcription factors and 101 up-regulated and 51 down-regulated hormone-related genes. Many of these genes code for proteins involved in hormone response, follicular development, autophagy, and oxidation. Moreover, the contents of progesterone and estradiol in follicles were altered, and the autophagy levels of follicles were enhanced during the broody stage. These results suggest that hormone- and autophagy-signaling pathways are critical for controlling broodiness in the goose. We demonstrated that transcriptome analysis of egg-laying and broody Zhedong white goose follicles provided novel insights into broodiness in birds.
Contribution of HN protein length diversity to Newcastle disease virus virulence, replication and biological activities
Authors: Jin Jihui , Zhao Jing , Ren Yingchao , Zhong Qi , Zhang Guozhong
Published: November 2016

To evaluate the contribution of length diversity in the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein to the pathogenicity, replication and biological characteristics of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), we used reverse genetics to generate a series of recombinant NDVs containing truncated or extended HN proteins based on an infectious clone of genotype VII NDV (SG10 strain). The mean death times and intracerebral pathogenicity indices of these viruses showed that the different length mutations in the HN protein did not alter the virulence of NDV. In vitro studies of recombinant NDVs containing truncated or extended HN proteins revealed that the extension of HN protein increased its hemagglutination titer, receptor-binding ability and impaired its neuraminidase activity, fusogenic activity and replication ability. Furthermore, the hemadsorption, neuraminidase and fusogenic promotion activities at the protein level were consistent with those of viral level. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the HN biological activities affected by the C-terminal extension are associated with NDV replication but not the virulence.
16-nor Limonoids from Harrisonia perforata as promising selective 11β-HSD1 inhibitors
Authors: Yan Xiao-Hui , Yi Ping , Cao Pei , Yang Shi-Ying , Fang Xin , Zhang Yu , Bin Wu  , Leng Ying , Di Ying-Tong , Lv Yang , Hao Xiao-Jiang
Published: November 2016

Two new 16-nor limonoids, harperspinoids A and B (1 and 2), with a unique 7/5/5/6/5 ring system, have been isolated from the plant Harrisonia perforate together with a known one, Harperforin G (3). Their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and computational modelling. Compound 1 exists as polymorphic crystals. Conformations of 1 in solution were further discussed based on the computational results. These compounds exhibited notable inhibitory activity against the 11β-HSD1 enzyme. Compound 3 had potencies for the inhibition of human 11β-HSD1 with high selectivity against 11β-HSD2 (IC50 0.58 μM, SI > 174). Molecular docking and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies revealed a mixed regulatory mechanism.
Qishen granules inhibit myocardial inflammation injury through regulating arachidonic acid metabolism
Authors: Li Chun , Wang Jing , Wang Qiyan , Zhang Yi , Zhang Na , Lu Linghui , Wu Yan , Zhang Qian , Wang Wei , Wang Yong , Tu Pengfei
Published: November 2016

Qishen granules (QSG), a traditional Chinese medicine, have been prescribed widely in the treatment of coronary heart diseases. Previous studies demonstrated that QSG had anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects in mice with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the mechanisms by which QSG attenuate inflammation and prevent post-AMI heart failure (HF) are still unclear. In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of QSG by in vitro and in vivo experiments. A novel inflammatory injury model of H9C2 cells was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage-conditioned media (CM). An animal model of AMI was conducted by ligation of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery in mice. We found that QSG inhibited release of cytokines from LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and protected H9C2 cardiac cells against CM-induced injury. In vivo results showed that QSG administration could improve cardiac functions and alter pathological changes in model of AMI. QSG regulated multiple key molecules, including phospholipases A2 (PLA2), cyclooxygenases (COXs) and lipoxygenases (LOXs), in arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. Interestingly, QSG also targeted TNF-α-NF-κB and IL-6-JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways. Taken together, QSG achieve synergistic effects in mitigating post-AMI HF by regulating multiple targets in inflammatory pathways. This study provides insights into anti-inflammatory therapeutics in managing HF after AMI.
Soluble γc cytokine receptor suppresses IL-15 signaling and impairs iNKT cell development in the thymus
Authors: Park Joo-Young , Jo Yuna , Ko Eunhee , Luckey Megan A. , Park Yoo Kyoung , Park Se-Ho , Park Jung-Hyun , Hong Changwan
Published: November 2016

The soluble γc protein (sγc) is a naturally occurring splice isoform of the γc cytokine receptor that is produced by activated T cells and inhibits γc cytokine signaling. Here we show that sγc expression is also highly upregulated in immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes but then downregulated in mature thymocytes. These results indicate a developmentally controlled mechanism for sγc expression and suggest a potential role for sγc in regulating T cell development in the thymus. Indeed, sγc overexpression resulted in significantly reduced thymocyte numbers and diminished expansion of immature thymocytes, concordant to its role in suppressing signaling by IL-7, a critical γc cytokine in early thymopoiesis. Notably, sγc overexpression also impaired generation of iNKT cells, resulting in reduced iNKT cell percentages and numbers in the thymus. iNKT cell development requires IL-15, and we found that sγc interfered with IL-15 signaling to suppress iNKT cell generation in the thymus. Thus, sγc represents a new mechanism to control cytokine availability during T cell development that constrains mature T cell production and specifically iNKT cell generation in the thymus.
Multicore-shell nanofiber architecture of polyimide/polyvinylidene fluoride blend for thermal and long-term stability of lithium ion battery separator
Authors: Park Sejoon , Son Chung Woo , Lee Sungho , Kim Dong Young , Park Cheolmin , Eom Kwang Sup , Fuller Thomas F. , Joh Han-Ik , Jo Seong Mu
Published: November 2016

Li-ion battery, separator, multicoreshell structure, thermal stability, long-term stability. A nanofibrous membrane with multiple cores of polyimide (PI) in the shell of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) was prepared using a facile one-pot electrospinning technique with a single nozzle. Unique multicore-shell (MCS) structure of the electrospun composite fibers was obtained, which resulted from electrospinning a phase-separated polymer composite solution. Multiple PI core fibrils with high molecular orientation were well-embedded across the cross-section and contributed remarkable thermal stabilities to the MCS membrane. Thus, no outbreaks were found in its dimension and ionic resistance up to 200 and 250 °C, respectively. Moreover, the MCS membrane (at ~200 °C), as a lithium ion battery (LIB) separator, showed superior thermal and electrochemical stabilities compared with a widely used commercial separator (~120 °C). The average capacity decay rate of LIB for 500 cycles was calculated to be approximately 0.030 mAh/g/cycle. This value demonstrated exceptional long-term stability compared with commercial LIBs and with two other types (single core-shell and co-electrospun separators incorporating with functionalized TiO2) of PI/PVdF composite separators. The proper architecture and synergy effects of multiple PI nanofibrils as a thermally stable polymer in the PVdF shell as electrolyte compatible polymers are responsible for the superior thermal performance and long-term stability of the LIB.
An Antarctic molluscan biomineralisation tool-kit
Authors: Sleight Victoria A. , Marie Benjamin , Jackson Daniel J. , Dyrynda Elisabeth A. , Marie Arul , Clark Melody S.
Published: November 2016

The Antarctic clam Laternula elliptica lives almost permanently below 0 °C and therefore is a valuable and tractable model to study the mechanisms of biomineralisation in cold water. The present study employed a multidisciplinary approach using histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, proteomics and gene expression to investigate this process. Thirty seven proteins were identified via proteomic extraction of the nacreous shell layer, including two not previously found in nacre; a novel T-rich Mucin-like protein and a Zinc-dependent metalloprotease. In situ hybridisation of seven candidate biomineralisation genes revealed discrete spatial expression patterns within the mantle tissue, hinting at modular organisation, which is also observed in the mantle tissues of other molluscs. All seven of these biomineralisation candidates displayed evidence of multifunctionality and strong association with vesicles, which are potentially involved in shell secretion in this species.
TERT promoter Mutation and Its Association with Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Chunping , Liu Zeming , Chen Tianwen , Zeng Wen , Guo Yawen , Huang Tao
Published: November 2016

We performed a meta-analysis to elucidate the associations of the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with TERT promoter mutations. A literature search was performed of the PubMed and EMBASE databases using Medical Subject Headings and keywords. Individual study-specific odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The average prevalence rate of TERT promoter mutations was 10.1%. TERT promoter mutations occurred more frequently in patients with larger tumors (p = 0.003). TERT promoter mutations were associated with advanced stage (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 2.22–4.36), lymph node metastasis (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.12–2.96), distant metastasis (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.61–10.81), BRAF mutation positivity (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.45–3.24), recurrence (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.83–8.34), and mortality (OR = 8.13, 95% CI = 3.77–17.53). The associations of TERT promoter mutations with extrathyroidal invasion (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 0.96–4.07), unifocality (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 0.90–2.07), and vascular invasion (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.92–2.30) were not significant. TERT promoter mutations are closely associated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics and poorer prognosis in PTC.
Photothermal therapy improves the efficacy of a MEK inhibitor in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Sweeney Elizabeth E. , Burga Rachel A. , Li Chaoyang , Zhu Yuan , Fernandes Rohan
Published: November 2016

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive tumors with low survival rates and the leading cause of death in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients under 40 years old. Surgical resection is the standard of care for MPNSTs, but is often incomplete and can generate loss of function, necessitating the development of novel treatment methods for this patient population. Here, we describe a novel combination therapy comprising MEK inhibition and nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy (PTT) for MPNSTs. MEK inhibitors block activity driven by Ras, an oncogene constitutively activated in NF1-associated MPNSTs, while PTT serves as a minimally invasive method to ablate cancer cells. Our rationale for combining these seemingly disparate techniques for MPNSTs is based on several reports demonstrating the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy with local PTT. We combine the MEK inhibitor, PD-0325901 (PD901), with Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) as PTT agents, to block MEK activity and simultaneously ablate MPNSTs. Our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining PD901 with PBNP-based PTT, which converge through the Ras pathway to generate apoptosis, necrosis, and decreased proliferation, thereby mitigating tumor growth and increasing survival of MPNST-bearing animals. Our results suggest the potential of this novel local-systemic combination “nanochemotherapy” for treating patients with MPNSTs.
Nanofluidic Devices for Electroanalytical Applications
Authors: Nadappuram Binoy Paulose
Published: November 2016

The use of nanofluidic devices for ultrasensitive electroanalytical applications is at the forefront of emerging detection techniques. These devices generally incorporate two individually addressable electrodes embedded within a nanochannel and are well suited for performing highly efficient redox cycling–repeated oxidation and reduction to amplify the electrochemical signals, enabling detection and quantification of the analyte molecules. The small capacitive current and steady-state voltammetric response offered by these devices makes them ideal systems for single molecule electrochemical detection. In this chapter, the concept of redox cycling employed in nanofluidic devices along with their fabrication strategies and applications relevant to electrochemistry is summarised.
Design and application of Au decorated ZnO/TiO2as a stable photocatalyst for wide spectral coverage
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Soumita , Maiti Debabrata , Chatterjee Sabyasachi , Devi Parukuttyamma Sujatha , Suresh Kumar Gopinatha
Published: November 2016

A ternary nanostructured photocatalyst ZnO/TiO2/Au was rationally fabricated with proper band alignment and geometrical morphology, to exert significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity with a broad spectral region under simulated solar irradiation.
Boronic acid and boronic ester containing polyoxometalates
Authors: Karoui Hedi , Ritchie Chris
Published: November 2016

Three organoboron functionalized polyoxometalates have been synthesized using Schiff base chemistry including a boronic acid, its methyl ester and its trimethylene glycol ester.
Fe/C and FeMo/C hybrid materials for the biphasic oxidation of fuel contaminants
Authors: Mambrini Raquel V. , Maia Camila Z. , Ardisson José D. , de Souza Patterson Patrício , Moura Flávia C. C.
Published: November 2016

Amphiphilic materials based on carbon and iron have been developed to promote the biphasic oxidation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants from fuels.
Gold(i)-catalyzed addition of aldehydes to cyclopropylidene bearing 6-aryl-1,5-enynes
Authors: Roselli Christina A. , Gagné Michel R.
Published: November 2016

A diastereoselective, gold-catalyzed cascading cycloisomerization of alkylidene cyclopropane bearing 1,5-enynes that terminates in a cyclo-addition of aldehydes has been developed.
Solid-state synthesis of Nd-doped glass: thermal collapse of Nd3+-incorporated NaY zeolites
Authors: Wang Jing-Feng , Lin Lin , He Dan-Nong
Published: November 2016

A new solid-state synthesis route to fabricate a new type of thermal resistant Nd-glass from Nd3+-incorporated NaY zeolites has been developed by our research, in which Nd3+ cations are well and rationally dispersed after being heated beyond 1278 K.
Hyper-crosslinked cyclodextrin porous polymer: an efficient CO2 capturing material with tunable porosity
Authors: Meng Bo , Li Haiying , Mahurin Shannon M. , Liu Honglai , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2016

Several cyclodextrin (CD)-based hyper-crosslinked porous polymers (HCPPs) were designed and synthesized for selective CO2 adsorption and storage. A feasible way to tailor the porosity of the materials was also established.
Microwave-assisted chemical bath deposition process to fabricate CdS buffer layers used in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Ma Jeng-Shin , Das Subrata , Lu Chung-Hsin
Published: November 2016

Development of CdS buffer layers in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells via a microwave-assisted chemical bath deposition process.
Monofunctional platinum(ii) dithiocarbamate complexes: synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity
Authors: Amir Muhammad Kashif , Zia-ur-Rehman Zia-ur-Rehman , Hayat Faisal , Khan Shahan Zeb , Hogarth Graeme , Kondratyuk Tamara , Pezzuto John M. , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz
Published: November 2016

Three heteroleptic platinum(ii) dithiocarbamates with good anticancer potency have been synthesized and characterized. The anticancer activity against five cell lines may be due to their strong complex-DNA adduct formation ability.
Polarizable polysiloxane stationary phase containing a cyano unit attached to an aromatic side group for highly selective separation of H-bonding and aromatic analytes
Authors: Han Xue , He Xinxin , Wang Bing , Wu Bo
Published: November 2016

A new polarizable polysiloxane stationary phase containing a cyano unit attached to an aromatic side group, called CPPP [14.6% 3,4-bis(4-cyanophenyl)-2,5-diphenyl phenyl polysiloxane], was synthesized and used as a stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography (GC).
Electrochromic/supercapacitive dual functional fibres
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhao Yan , Fang Jian , Lin Tong
Published: November 2016

Wearable electronics have shown great potential to improve our lifestyle and health.
Dieckol, an edible seaweed polyphenol, retards rotenone-induced neurotoxicity and α-synuclein aggregation in human dopaminergic neuronal cells
Authors: Cha Seon-Heui , Heo Soo-Jin , Jeon You-Jin , Park Sang Myun
Published: November 2016

Dopaminergic neurons are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which may initiate a cascade of intracellular toxic events that lead to protein aggregation and subsequent cell death, causing Parkinson's disease.
Optimization of chitosan gated electric double layer transistors by combining nanoparticle incorporation and acid doping
Authors: Shao Feng , Wan Xiang , Yang Yi , Du Peifu , Feng Ping
Published: November 2016

Electric double layer transistors gated by bio-polyelectrolyte chitosan could be optimized by combining nanoparticle incorporation and acid doping.
Green synthesis and antifungal activity of Al2O3NPs against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp isolated from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Jalal Mohammad , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Shukla Arun Kumar , Ali Syed G. , Khan Haris M. , Pal Ruchita , Alam Javed , Cameotra Swaranjit Singh
Published: November 2016

Antifungal activity of ecofriendly and cost effectively prepared Al2O3NPs onCandia alibicans.
Dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting acetone and Fe3+ based on {Cu2N4} substructure bridged Cu(i) coordination polymer
Authors: Song Yang , Fan Ruiqing , Du Xi , Xing Kai , Dong Yuwei , Wang Ping , Yang Yulin
Published: November 2016

A novel red emission polymer can serve as a dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting trace amounts of acetone and Fe3+ though quenching the luminescence.
High concentration levulinic acid production from corn stover
Authors: Alipour Siamak , Omidvarborna Hamid
Published: November 2016

In this study, a novel approach is presented for high concentration levulinic acid (LA) production from biomass hydrolysate.
Facile route to a conducting ternary polyaniline@TiO2/GN nanocomposite for environmentally benign applications: photocatalytic degradation of pollutants and biological activity
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Ansari Mohammad Omaish , Parveen Nazish , Oves Mohammad , Barakat M. A. , Alshahri Ahmed , Khan Mohd. Yusuf , Cho Moo Hwan
Published: November 2016

A polyaniline@TiO2/graphene (Pani@TiO2/GN) nanocomposite was prepared by the in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of TiO2 and GN nanoparticles.
Facile fabrication of asymmetric wettable fabric with weft backed weave for oil/water separation
Authors: Liu Qibao , Li Xiaoyan , Cai Zaisheng
Published: November 2016

Fabric with weft backed weave gains asymmetric wettability, which has been successfully used for oil/water separation to achieve water-removal and oil-removal.
Surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes: fabrication and applications
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Soltanian Samaneh
Published: November 2016

This review highlights recent development in functionalization of CNTs and their applications.
Efficient water oxidation kinetics and enhanced electron transport in Li-doped TiO2 nanotube photoanodes
Authors: Tsui Lok-kun , Xu Yin , Dawidowski Damian , Cafiso David , Zangari Giovanni
Published: November 2016

Lithium modification of TiO2 nanotubes allows 2–3 times higher photocurrents, while oxygen evolution catalysts shift the photocurrent to negative potentials.
Unique nanocrystalline frameworks in mesoporous tin phosphate prepared through a hydrofluoric acid assisted chemical reaction
Authors: Pramanik Malay , Lee Jaewoo , Tominaka Satoshi , Ide Yusuke , Kim Jung Ho , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2016

A mesostructured tin phosphate (SnPi) material has been prepared in the presence of an amphiphilic block copolymer (F127), tin chloride (SnCl4), and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in an ethanol–water mixed solvent medium.
Manipulating and trapping light with photonic crystals from fundamental studies to practical applications
Authors: Kuramochi Eiichi
Published: November 2016

This review summarizes recent advances in trapping and extracting light, cavity-QED studies, and low power consumption photonic devices by photonic crystals and nanostructures.
Proliferation in culture of primordial germ cells derived from embryonic stem cell: induction by retinoic acid
Authors: Makoolati Zohreh , Movahedin Mansoureh , Forouzandeh-Moghadam Mehdi
Published: November 2016

An in vitro system that supports primordial germ cells (PGCs) survival and proliferation is useful for enhancement of these cells and efficient transplantation in infertility disorders. One approach is cultivation of PGCs under proper conditions that allow self-renewal and proliferation of PGCs. For this purpose, we compared the effects of different concentrations of retinoic acid (RA), and the effect of PGCs co-culture (Co-C) with SIM mouse embryo-derived thioguanine- and ouabain-resistant (STO) cells on the proliferation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs)-derived PGCs. One-day-old embryoid body (EB) was cultured for 4 days in simple culture system in the presence of 5 ng/ml bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) (SCB group) for PGC induction. For PGC enrichment, ESCs-derived germ cells were cultured for 7 days in the presence of different doses (0–5  μM) of RA, both in the simple and STO Co-C systems. At the end of the culture period, viability and proliferation rates were assessed and expression of mouse vasa homologue (Mvh),  α6 integrin,  β1 integrin, stimulated by retinoic acid 8 (Stra8) and piwi (Drosophila)-like 2 (Piwil2) was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Also, the inductive effects were investigated immunocytochemically with Mvh and cadherin1 (CDH1) on the selected groups. Immunocytochemistry/PCR results showed higher expression of Mvh, the PGC-specific marker, in 3  μM RA concentrations on the top of the STO feeder layer. Meanwhile, assessment of the Stra8 mRNA and CDH1 protein, the specific makers for spermatogonia, showed no significant differences between groups. Based on the results, it seems that in the presence of 3 μM RA on top of the STO feeder layer cells, the majority of the cells transdifferentiated into germ cells were PGCs.