bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of androgen receptor and programmed death-ligand 1 in BRCA1-associated and sporadic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tung Nadine , Garber Judy E , Hacker Michele R , Torous Vanda , Freeman Gordon J , Poles Emily , Rodig Scott , Alexander Brian , Lee Larissa , Collins Laura C , Schnitt Stuart J
Published: February 2016

Background:

Triple-negative breast cancers comprise 15% of breast cancers and are more common in women with BRCA1 mutations. Although most have basal gene expression signatures, others resemble luminal tumors with expression of androgen receptor-related genes and some express the immunoinhibitory protein programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Given the availability of androgen receptor-targeted and immune therapies for triple-negative breast cancers, determining predictors of these biomarkers is important.

Aims:

To determine the prevalence and predictors of androgen receptor and PD-L1 expression in BRCA1-associated and sporadic triple-negative breast cancer.

Methods:

We studied 197 triple-negative breast cancers: 78 (39.6%) from BRCA1 mutation carriers and 119 (60.4%) from noncarriers. Tumor pathology was reviewed and tissue microarray sections were immunostained for androgen receptor and PD-L1.

Results:

Androgen receptor expression was seen in 18% of tumors and was significantly less common in tumors from BRCA1 mutation carriers than noncarriers (9.2 vs. 23.7%; P=0.01). Twenty-six percent of cancers expressed PD-L1 with no significant difference in frequency between carriers and noncarriers. Factors predicting androgen receptor expression were lower histologic grade (odds ratio (OR) 4.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–19.7), older age at diagnosis (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.03–1.7) and PD-L1 expression (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1–6.1). PD-L1 expression was significantly more common in cancers with lymphocytic infiltrates (OR, 3.3; 95% CI 1.1–10.4) and androgen receptor expression (OR, 3.2; 95% CI 1.4–7.5), and less common in tumors with lymphovascular invasion (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.92).

Conclusions:

These results identify predictors for androgen receptor and PD-L1 expression among triple-negative breast cancers that may lead to better treatment selection and participation in clinical trials.
Hepatic carcinoma-associated fibroblasts induce IDO-producing regulatory dendritic cells through IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation
Authors: Cheng J-t , Deng Y-n , Yi H-m , Wang G-y , Fu B-s , Chen W-j , Liu W , Tai Y , Peng Y-w , Zhang Q
Published: February 2016

Although carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor microenvironments have a critical role in immune cell modulation, their effects on the generation of regulatory dendritic cells (DCs) are still unclear. In this study, we initially show that CAFs derived from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors facilitate the generation of regulatory DCs, which are characterized by low expression of costimulatory molecules, high suppressive cytokines production and enhanced regulation of immune responses, including T-cell proliferation impairment and promotion of regulatory T-cell (Treg) expansion via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) upregulation. Our findings also indicate that STAT3 activation in DCs, as mediated by CAF-derived interleukin (IL)-6, is essential to IDO production. Moreover, IDO inhibitor, STAT3 and IL-6 blocking antibodies can reverse this hepatic CAF-DC regulatory function. Therefore, our results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which CAFs induce tumor immune escape as well as a novel cancer immunotherapeutic approach (for example, targeting CAFs, IDO or IL-6).
Histone acetyltransferease p300 modulates TIM4 expression in dendritic cells
Authors: Yang Bo , Li Lin-Jing , Xu Ling-Zhi , Liu Jiang-Qi , Zhang Huan-Ping , Geng Xiao-Rui , Liu Zhi-Gang , Yang Ping-Chang
Published: February 2016

TIM4 (T cell immunoglobulin mucin domain molecule-4) plays a critical role in the initiation of skewed T helper (Th) 2 polarization. The factors regulating TIM4 expression are unclear. This study tests a hypothesis that p300 and STAT6 (signal transducer and activator transcription-6) regulates TIM4 expression in dendritic cells (DC). In this study, a food allergy mouse model was developed with ovalbumin (a specific antigen) and cholera toxin (CT; an adjuvant). The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to evaluate the chromatin changes at TIM4 and STAT6 promoters. The TIM4 expression was evaluated by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that high levels of p300 and TIM4 were detected in the intestinal DCs of mice with intestinal allergy. p300 is involved in the CT-induced TIM4 expression in DCs. p300 interacts with the chromatin at the TIM4 promoter locus in DCs isolated from allergic mice. CT increases p300 expression to regulate STAT6 levels in DCs. STAT6 mediates the CT-induced TIM4 expression in DCs. In conclusion, p300 and STAT6 mediate the microbial product CT-induced TIM4 expression in DCs.
Heterogeneity induces rhythms of weakly coupled circadian neurons
Authors: Gu Changgui , Liang Xiaoming , Yang Huijie , Rohling Jos H. T.
Published: February 2016

The main clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) regulates circadian rhythms in mammals. The SCN is composed of approximately twenty thousand heterogeneous self-oscillating neurons, that have intrinsic periods varying from 22 h to 28 h. They are coupled through neurotransmitters and neuropeptides to form a network and output a uniform periodic rhythm. Previous studies found that the heterogeneity of the neurons leads to attenuation of the circadian rhythm with strong cellular coupling. In the present study, we investigate the heterogeneity of the neurons and of the network in the condition of constant darkness. Interestingly, we found that the heterogeneity of weakly coupled neurons enables them to oscillate and strengthen the circadian rhythm. In addition, we found that the period of the SCN network increases with the increase of the degree of heterogeneity. As the network heterogeneity does not change the dynamics of the rhythm, our study shows that the heterogeneity of the neurons is vitally important for rhythm generation in weakly coupled systems, such as the SCN and it provides a new method to strengthen the circadian rhythm, as well as an alternative explanation for differences in free running periods between species in the absence of the daily cycle.
Non-invasive cell type selective in vivo monitoring of insulin resistance dynamics
Authors: Paschen Meike , Moede Tilo , Leibiger Barbara , Jacob Stefan , Bryzgalova Galyna , Leibiger Ingo B. , Berggren Per-Olof
Published: February 2016

Insulin resistance contributes to the development of cardio-vascular disease and diabetes. An important but unresolved task is to study the dynamics of insulin resistance in selective cell types of insulin target tissues in vivo. Here we present a novel technique to monitor insulin resistance dynamics non-invasively and longitudinally in vivo in a cell type-specific manner, exemplified by the pancreatic β-cell situated within the micro-organ the islet of Langerhans. We utilize the anterior chamber of the eye (ACE) as a transplantation site and the cornea as a natural body-window to study the development and reversibility of insulin resistance. Engrafted islets in the ACE that express a FoxO1-GFP-based biosensor in their β-cells, report on insulin resistance measured by fluorescence microscopy at single-cell resolution in the living mouse. This technique allows monitoring of cell type specific insulin sensitivity/resistance in real-time in the context of whole body insulin resistance during progression and intervention of disease.
Nighttime sleep duration, 24-hour sleep duration and risk of all-cause mortality among adults: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Shen Xiaoli , Wu Yili , Zhang Dongfeng
Published: February 2016

A dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to summarize evidence from prospective cohort studies about the association of nighttime sleep duration and 24-hour sleep duration with risk of all-cause mortality among adults. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of Embase and PubMed databases to March 2015. A two-stage random-effects dose–response meta-analysis was used to combine study-specific relative risks and 95% confidence intervals [RRs (95% CIs)]. Thirty-five articles were included. Compared with 7 hours/day, the RRs (95% CIs) of all-cause mortality were 1.07 (1.03–1.13), 1.04 (1.01–1.07), 1.01 (1.00–1.02), 1.07 (1.06–1.09), 1.21 (1.18–1.24), 1.37 (1.32–1.42) and 1.55 (1.47–1.63) for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 hours/day of nighttime sleep, respectively (146,830 death cases among 1,526,609 participants), and the risks were 1.09 (1.04–1.14), 1.05 (1.02–1.09), 1.02 (1.00–1.03), 1.08 (1.05–1.10), 1.27 (1.20–1.36), 1.53 (1.38–1.70) and 1.84 (1.59–2.13) for 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 hours/day of 24-hour sleep, respectively (101,641 death cases among 903,727 participants). The above relationships were also found in subjects without cardiovascular diseases and cancer at baseline, and other covariates did not influence the relationships substantially. The results suggested that 7 hours/day of sleep duration should be recommended to prevent premature death among adults.
Anthropogenic plutonium-244 in the environment: Insights into plutonium’s longest-lived isotope
Authors: Armstrong Christopher R. , Brant Heather A. , Nuessle Patterson R. , Hall Gregory , Cadieux James R.
Published: February 2016

Owing to the rich history of heavy element production in the unique high flux reactors that operated at the Savannah River Site, USA (SRS) decades ago, trace quantities of plutonium with highly unique isotopic characteristics still persist today in the SRS terrestrial environment. Development of an effective sampling, processing and analysis strategy enables detailed monitoring of the SRS environment, revealing plutonium isotopic compositions, e.g., 244Pu, that reflect the unique legacy of plutonium production at SRS. This work describes the first long-term investigation of anthropogenic 244Pu occurrence in the environment. Environmental samples, consisting of collected foot borne debris, were taken at SRS over an eleven year period, from 2003 to 2014. Separation and purification of trace plutonium was carried out followed by three stage thermal ionization mass spectrometry (3STIMS) measurements for plutonium isotopic content and isotopic ratios. Significant 244Pu was measured in all of the years sampled with the highest amount observed in 2003. The 244Pu content, in femtograms (fg = 10−15 g) per gram, ranged from 0.31 fg/g to 44 fg/g in years 2006 and 2003 respectively. In all years, the 244Pu/239Pu atom ratios were significantly higher than global fallout, ranging from 0.003 to 0.698 in years 2014 and 2003 respectively.
Heterotrophic respiration does not acclimate to continuous warming in a subtropical forest
Authors: Wu Chuansheng , Liang Naishen , Sha Liqing , Xu Xingliang , Zhang Yiping , Lu Huazheng , Song Liang , Song Qinghai , Xie Youneng
Published: February 2016

As heterotrophic respiration (RH) has great potential to increase atmospheric CO2 concentrations, it is important to understand warming effects on RH for a better prediction of carbon–climate feedbacks. However, it remains unclear how RH responds to warming in subtropical forests. Here, we carried out trenching alone and trenching with warming treatments to test the climate warming effect on RH in a subtropical forest in southwestern China. During the measurement period, warming increased annual soil temperature by 2.1 °C and increased annual mean RH by 22.9%. Warming effect on soil temperature (WET) showed very similar pattern with warming effect on RH (WERH), decreasing yearly. Regression analyses suggest that WERH was controlled by WET and also regulated by the soil water content. These results showed that the decrease of WERH was not caused by acclimation to the warmer temperature, but was instead due to decrease of WET. We therefore suggest that global warming will accelerate soil carbon efflux to the atmosphere, regulated by the change in soil water content in subtropical forests.
Mechanical characterization of the P56 mouse brain under large-deformation dynamic indentation
Authors: MacManus David B. , Pierrat Baptiste , Murphy Jeremiah G. , Gilchrist Michael D.
Published: February 2016

The brain is a complex organ made up of many different functional and structural regions consisting of different types of cells such as neurons and glia, as well as complex anatomical geometries. It is hypothesized that the different regions of the brain exhibit significantly different mechanical properties, which may be attributed to the diversity of cells and anisotropy of neuronal fibers within individual brain regions. The regional dynamic mechanical properties of P56 mouse brain tissue in vitro and in situ at velocities of 0.71–4.28 mm/s, up to a deformation of 70 μm are presented and discussed in the context of traumatic brain injury. The experimental data obtained from micro-indentation measurements were fit to three hyperelastic material models using the inverse Finite Element method. The cerebral cortex elicited a stiffer response than the cerebellum, thalamus and medulla oblongata regions for all velocities. The thalamus was found to be the least sensitive to changes in velocity and the medulla oblongata was most compliant. The results show that different regions of the mouse brain possess significantly different mechanical properties and a significant difference also exists between the in vitro and in situ brain.
Integrative topological analysis of mass spectrometry data reveals molecular features with clinical relevance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gao She-Gan , Liu Rui-Min , Zhao Yun-Gang , Wang Pei , Ward Douglas G. , Wang Guang-Chao , Guo Xiang-Qian , Gu Juan , Niu Wan-Bin , Zhang Tian , Martin Ashley , Guo Zhi-Peng , Feng Xiao-Shan , Qi Yi-Jun , Ma Yuan-Fang
Published: February 2016

Combining MS-based proteomic data with network and topological features of such network would identify more clinically relevant molecules and meaningfully expand the repertoire of proteins derived from MS analysis. The integrative topological indexes representing 95.96% information of seven individual topological measures of node proteins were calculated within a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, built using 244 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) identified by iTRAQ 2D-LC-MS/MS. Compared with DEPs, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and comprehensive features (CFs), structurally dominant nodes (SDNs) based on integrative topological index distribution produced comparable classification performance in three different clinical settings using five independent gene expression data sets. The signature molecules of SDN-based classifier for distinction of early from late clinical TNM stages were enriched in biological traits of protein synthesis, intracellular localization and ribosome biogenesis, which suggests that ribosome biogenesis represents a promising therapeutic target for treating ESCC. In addition, ITGB1 expression selected exclusively by integrative topological measures correlated with clinical stages and prognosis, which was further validated with two independent cohorts of ESCC samples. Thus the integrative topological analysis of PPI networks proposed in this study provides an alternative approach to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets from MS/MS data with functional insights in ESCC.
Substituent Effects on the Photodeprotection Reactions of Selected Ketoprofen Derivatives in Phosphate Buffered Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Li Ming-De , Huang Jinqing , Li Tianlu , Liu Han , Li Xuechen , Phillips David Lee
Published: February 2016

Photodeprotection is an important reaction that has been attracting broad interest for use in a variety of applications. Recent advances in ultrafast and vibrational time-resolved spectroscopies can facilitate obtaining data to help unravel the reaction mechanisms involving in the photochemical reactions of interest. The kinetics and reaction mechanisms for the photodeprotection reactions of ketoprofen derivatives containing three different substituents (ibuprofen, Br and I) were investigated by femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) and nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (ns-TR3) spectroscopy methods in phosphate buffered solutions (PBS). Fs-TA allows us to detect the decay kinetics of the triplet species as the key precursor for formation of a carbanion species for three different substituents attached to ketoprofen. To characterize the structural and electronic properties of the corresponding carbanion and triplet intermediates, TR3 spectroscopic experiments were conducted. The transient spectroscopy work reveals that the different substituents affect the photodecarboxylation reaction to produce carbon dioxide which in turn influences the generation of the carbanion species which determines the rate of the photorelease of the functional groups attached on the ketoprofen parent molecule. The fingerprint TR3 spectroscopy results suggest that ketoprofen derivatives may be deactivated to produce a triplet carbanion when increasing the atom mass of the halogen atoms.
High-throughput proteomics reveal alarmins as amplifiers of tissue pathology and inflammation after spinal cord injury
Authors: Didangelos Athanasios , Puglia Michele , Iberl Michaela , Sanchez-Bellot Candela , Roschitzki Bernd , Bradbury Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2016

Spinal cord injury is characterized by acute cellular and axonal damage followed by aggressive inflammation and pathological tissue remodelling. The biological mediators underlying these processes are still largely unknown. Here we apply an innovative proteomics approach targeting the enriched extracellular proteome after spinal cord injury for the first time. Proteomics revealed multiple matrix proteins not previously associated with injured spinal tissue, including small proteoglycans involved in cell-matrix adhesion and collagen fibrillogenesis. Network analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics datasets uncovered persistent overexpression of extracellular alarmins that can trigger inflammation via pattern recognition receptors. In mechanistic experiments, inhibition of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) revealed the involvement of alarmins in inflammatory gene expression, which was found to be dominated by IL1 and NFκΒ signalling. Extracellular high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) was identified as the likely endogenous regulator of IL1 expression after injury. These data reveal a novel tissue remodelling signature and identify endogenous alarmins as amplifiers of the inflammatory response that promotes tissue pathology and impedes neuronal repair after spinal cord injury.
Burning and graphitization of optically levitated nanodiamonds in vacuum
Authors: Rahman A. T. M. A. , Frangeskou A. C. , Kim M. S. , Bose S. , Morley G. W. , Barker P. F.
Published: February 2016

A nitrogen-vacancy (NV−) centre in a nanodiamond, levitated in high vacuum, has recently been proposed as a probe for demonstrating mesoscopic centre-of-mass superpositions and for testing quantum gravity. Here, we study the behaviour of optically levitated nanodiamonds containing NV− centres at sub-atmospheric pressures and show that while they burn in air, this can be prevented by replacing the air with nitrogen. However, in nitrogen the nanodiamonds graphitize below ≈10 mB. Exploiting the Brownian motion of a levitated nanodiamond, we extract its internal temperature (Ti) and find that it would be detrimental to the NV− centre’s spin coherence time. These values of Ti make it clear that the diamond is not melting, contradicting a recent suggestion. Additionally, using the measured damping rate of a levitated nanoparticle at a given pressure, we propose a new way of determining its size.
A pilot-scale forward osmosis membrane system for concentrating low-strength municipal wastewater: performance and implications
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Zheng Junjian , Tang Jixu , Wang Xinhua , Wu Zhichao
Published: February 2016

Recovery of nutrients and energy from municipal wastewater has attracted much attention in recent years; however, its efficiency is significantly limited by the low-strength properties of municipal wastewater. Herein, we report a pilot-scale forward osmosis (FO) system using a spiral-wound membrane module to concentrate real municipal wastewater. Under active layer facing feed solution mode, the critical concentration factor (CCF) of this FO system was determined to be 8 with 0.5 M NaCl as draw solution. During long-term operation at a concentration factor of 5, (99.8 ± 0.6)% of chemical oxygen demand and (99.7 ± 0.5)% of total phosphorus rejection rates could be achieved at a flux of 6 L/(m2 h) on average. In comparison, only (48.1 ± 10.5)% and (67.8 ± 7.3)% rejection of ammonium and total nitrogen were observed. Cake enhanced concentration polarization is a major contributor to the decrease of water fluxes. The fouling also led to the occurrence of a cake reduced concentration polarization effect, improving ammonium rejection rate with the increase of operation time in each cycle. This work demonstrates the applicability of using FO process for wastewater concentrating and also limitations in ammonium recovery that need further improvement in future.
Non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves traversing the head can be used to detect cerebrovascular autoregulation responses
Authors: Oziel M. , Hjouj M. , Gonzalez C. A. , Lavee J. , Rubinsky B.
Published: February 2016

Monitoring changes in non-ionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic waves as they traverse the brain can detect the effects of stimuli employed in cerebrovascular autoregulation (CVA) tests on the brain, without contact and in real time. CVA is a physiological phenomenon of importance to health, used for diagnosis of a number of diseases of the brain with a vascular component. The technology described here is being developed for use in diagnosis of injuries and diseases of the brain in rural and economically underdeveloped parts of the world. A group of nine subjects participated in this pilot clinical evaluation of the technology. Substantial research remains to be done on correlating the measurements with physiology and anatomy.
An ecological method to understand agricultural standardization in peach orchard ecosystems
Authors: Wan Nian-Feng , Zhang Ming-Yi , Jiang Jie-Xian , Ji Xiang-Yun , Hao-Zhang
Published: February 2016

While the worldwide standardization of agricultural production has been advocated and recommended, relatively little research has focused on the ecological significance of such a shift. The ecological concerns stemming from the standardization of agricultural production may require new methodology. In this study, we concentrated on how ecological two-sidedness and ecological processes affect the standardization of agricultural production which was divided into three phrases (pre-, mid- and post-production), considering both the positive and negative effects of agricultural processes. We constructed evaluation indicator systems for the pre-, mid- and post-production phases and here we presented a Standardization of Green Production Index (SGPI) based on the Full Permutation Polygon Synthetic Indicator (FPPSI) method which we used to assess the superiority of three methods of standardized production for peaches. The values of SGPI for pre-, mid- and post-production were 0.121 (Level IV, “Excellent” standard), 0.379 (Level III, “Good” standard), and 0.769 × 10−2 (Level IV, “Excellent” standard), respectively. Here we aimed to explore the integrated application of ecological two-sidedness and ecological process in agricultural production. Our results are of use to decision-makers and ecologists focusing on eco-agriculture and those farmers who hope to implement standardized agricultural production practices.
Xeno-sensing activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in human pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells
Authors: Kim Hye-Min , Kim Ji-Woo , Choi Youngjun , Chun Hang-Suk , Im Ilkyun , Han Yong-Mahn , Song Chang-Woo , Yoon Seokjoo , Park Han-Jin
Published: February 2016

Although hepatocyte-like cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-HLCs) are considered a promising model for predicting hepatotoxicity, their application has been restricted because of the low activity of drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs). Here we found that the low expression of xenobiotic receptors (constitutive androstane receptor, CAR; and pregnane X receptor, PXR) contributes to the low activity of DMEs in hPSC-HLCs. Most CAR- and PXR-regulated DMEs and transporters were transcriptionally down-regulated in hPSC-HLC. Transcriptional expression of CAR and PXR was highly repressed in hPSC-HLCs, whereas mRNA levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) were comparable to those of adult liver. Furthermore, ligand-induced transcriptional activation was observed only at AHR in hPSC-HLCs. Bisulfite sequencing analysis demonstrated that promoter hypermethylation of CAR and PXR was associated with diminished transcriptional activity in hPSC-HLCs. Treatment with AHR-selective ligands increased the transcription of AHR-dependent target genes by direct AHR-DNA binding at the xenobiotic response element. In addition, an antagonist of AHR significantly inhibited AHR-dependent target gene expression. Thus, AHR may function intrinsically as a xenosensor as well as a ligand-dependent transcription factor in hPSC-HLCs. Our results indicate that hPSC-HLCs can be used to screen toxic substances related to AHR signaling and to identify potential AHR-targeted therapeutics.
Bifurcation-based adiabatic quantum computation with a nonlinear oscillator network
Authors: Goto Hayato
Published: February 2016

The dynamics of nonlinear systems qualitatively change depending on their parameters, which is called bifurcation. A quantum-mechanical nonlinear oscillator can yield a quantum superposition of two oscillation states, known as a Schrödinger cat state, via quantum adiabatic evolution through its bifurcation point. Here we propose a quantum computer comprising such quantum nonlinear oscillators, instead of quantum bits, to solve hard combinatorial optimization problems. The nonlinear oscillator network finds optimal solutions via quantum adiabatic evolution, where nonlinear terms are increased slowly, in contrast to conventional adiabatic quantum computation or quantum annealing, where quantum fluctuation terms are decreased slowly. As a result of numerical simulations, it is concluded that quantum superposition and quantum fluctuation work effectively to find optimal solutions. It is also notable that the present computer is analogous to neural computers, which are also networks of nonlinear components. Thus, the present scheme will open new possibilities for quantum computation, nonlinear science and artificial intelligence.
Placental Transfer of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Associations with Thyroid Hormones: Beijing Prenatal Exposure Study
Authors: Yang Lin , Li Jingguang , Lai Jianqiang , Luan Hemi , Cai Zongwei , Wang Yibaina , Zhao Yunfeng , Wu Yongning
Published: February 2016

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in wildlife and human samples worldwide. Toxicology research showed that PFASs could interfere with thyroid hormone homeostasis. In this study, eight PFASs, fifteen PFAS precursors and five thyroid hormones were analyzed in 157 paired maternal and cord serum samples collected in Beijing around delivery. Seven PFASs and two precursors were detected in both maternal and cord sera with significant maternal-fetal correlations (r = 0.336 to 0.806, all P < 0.001). The median ratios of major PFASs concentrations in fetal versus maternal serum were from 0.25:1 (perfluorodecanoic acid, PFDA) to 0.65:1 (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA). Spearman partial correlation test showed that maternal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was negatively correlated with most maternal PFASs (r = −0.261 to −0.170, all P < 0.05). Maternal triiodothyronin (T3) and free T3 (FT3) showed negative correlations with most fetal PFASs (r = −0.229 to −0.165 for T3; r = −0.293 to −0.169 for FT3, all P < 0.05). Our results suggest prenatal exposure of fetus to PFASs and potential associations between PFASs and thyroid hormone homeostasis in humans.
Modulation of E-cadherin expression promotes migration ability of esophageal cancer cells
Authors: Li Shujun , Qin Xuebo , Chai Song , Qu Changbao , Wang Xiaolu , Zhang Helin
Published: February 2016

Losing the E-cadherin plays an important role in the metastasis of cancer. The regulation of the expression of E-cadherin is unclear. Circadian rhythm alteration is associated with the pathogenesis of a number of cancers. This study aims to investigate the role of one of the circadian proteins, period-2 (Per2) in repressing the expression of E-cadherin in esophageal cancer (esophageal cancer). We observed that the levels of circadian protein Per2 were significantly increased and E-cadherin was significantly decreased in the tissue of human esophageal cancer with metastasis as compared with non-metastatic esophageal cancer. Overexpression of Per2 in the esophageal cancer cells markedly repressed the expression of E-cadherin. The pHDAC1 was detected in human esophageal cancer with metastasis, which was much less in the esophageal cancer tissue without metastasis. Overexpression of Per2 increased the levels of pHDAC1 as well as the E-cadherin repressors at the E-cadherin promoter locus. Overexpression of Per2 markedly increased the migratory capacity of esophageal cancer cells, which was abolished by the inhibition of HDAC1. We conclude that Per-2 plays an important role in the esophageal cancer cell metastasis, which may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Memantine Improves Attentional Processes in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome: Electrophysiological Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Jin-Chen , Rodriguez Annette , Royston Ashley , Niu Yu-Qiong , Avar Merve , Brill Ryan , Simon Christa , Grigsby Jim , Hagerman Randi J. , Olichney John M.
Published: February 2016

Progressive cognitive deficits are common in patients with fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), with no targeted treatment yet established. In this substudy of the first randomized controlled trial for FXTAS, we examined the effects of NMDA antagonist memantine on attention and working memory. Data were analyzed for patients (24 in each arm) who completed both the primary memantine trial and two EEG recordings (at baseline and follow-up) using an auditory “oddball” task. Results demonstrated significantly improved attention/working memory performance after one year only for the memantine group. The event-related potential P2 amplitude elicited by non-targets was significantly enhanced in the treated group, indicating memantine-associated improvement in attentional processes at the stimulus identification/discrimination level. P2 amplitude increase was positively correlated with improvement on the behavioral measure of attention/working memory during target detection. Analysis also revealed that memantine treatment normalized the P2 habituation effect at the follow-up visit. These findings indicate that memantine may benefit attentional processes that represent fundamental components of executive function/dysfunction, thought to comprise the core cognitive deficit in FXTAS. The results provide evidence of target engagement of memantine, as well as therapeutically relevant information that could further the development of specific cognitive or disease-modifying therapies for FXTAS.
The shear band controlled deformation in metallic glass: a perspective from fracture
Authors: Yang G. N. , Shao Y. , Yao K. F.
Published: February 2016

Different from the homogenous deformation in conventional crystalline alloys, metallic glasses and other work-softening materials deform discontinuously by localized plastic strain in shear bands. Here by three-point bending test on a typical ductile Pd-Cu-Si metallic glass, we found that the plastic deformed region during fracture didn’t follow the yielding stress distribution as the conventional material mechanics expected. We speculated that such special behavior was because the shear bands in metallic glasses could propagate easily along local shear stress direction once nucleated. Based on a 3D notch tip stress field simulation, we considered a new fracture process in a framework of multiple shear band deformation mechanism instead of conventional materials mechanics, and successfully reproduced the as-observed complicate shear band morphologies. This work clarifies many common misunderstandings on metallic glasses fracture, and might also provide a new insight to the shear band controlled deformation. It suggests that the deformation of metallic glasses is sensitive to local stress condition, and therefore their mechanical properties would depend on not only the material, but also other external factors on stress condition. We hope that start from this work, new methods, criteria, or definitions could be proposed to further study these work-softening materials, especially for metallic glasses.
Long 5′ untranslated regions regulate the RNA stability of the deep-sea filamentous phage SW1
Authors: Jian Huahua , Xiong Lei , Xu Guanpeng , Xiao Xiang , Wang Fengping
Published: February 2016

Virus production in the deep-sea environment has been found to be high, and viruses have been suggested to play significant roles in the overall functioning of this ecosystem. Nevertheless, little is known about these viruses, including the mechanisms that control their production, which makes them one of the least understood biological entities on Earth. Previously, we isolated the filamentous phage SW1, whose virus production and gene transcription were found to be active at low temperatures, from a deep-sea bacterium, Shewanella piezotolerans WP3. In this study, the operon structure of phage SW1 is presented, which shows two operons with exceptionally long 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). In addition, the 5′UTR was confirmed to significantly influence the RNA stability of the SW1 transcripts. Our study revealed novel regulation of the operon and led us to propose a unique regulatory mechanism for Inoviruses. This type of RNA-based regulation may represent a mechanism for significant viral production in the cold deep biosphere.
Effect of diabetic duration on hemorheological properties and platelet aggregation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Yeom Eunseop , Byeon Hyeokjun , Lee Sang Joon
Published: February 2016

Diabetes mellitus with abnormal glucose concentration is associated with changes in hemorheological properties, endothelial function and platelets hyperactivity. Disturbances may significantly be responsible for diabetes-related vascular complications. In this study, hemorheological and hemodynamic properties were measured according to diabetic duration after streptozotocin treatment in rats. For ex vivo measurements, an extracorporeal model was adopted. Flow rate and blood viscosity were measured using a microfluidic device. Erythrocyte aggregation and morphological parameters of erythrocytes were measured by modified erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the phase-contrast holography under in vitro conditions. The platelet aggregation and mean pressure in the femoral artery were estimated under ex vivo conditions. Hemorheological properties including blood viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation and shape parameters for the control group are significantly different with those for diabetic groups. The changes with respect to diabetic duration were relatively unnoticeable. However, the platelet aggregation is strongly dependent on the diabetic duration. Based on these results, hyperglycemia exposure may induce hemorheological variations in early stages of diabetes mellitus. High platelet aggregation may become more pronounced according to the diabetic duration caused by variations in hemorheological properties resulting in endothelial dysfunction. This study would be helpful in understanding the effects of diabetic duration on biophysical properties.
High rate lithium-sulfur battery enabled by sandwiched single ion conducting polymer electrolyte
Authors: Sun Yubao , Li Gai , Lai Yuanchu , Zeng Danli , Cheng Hansong
Published: February 2016

Lithium-sulfur batteries are highly promising for electric energy storage with high energy density, abundant resources and low cost. However, the battery technologies have often suffered from a short cycle life and poor rate stability arising from the well-known “polysulfide shuttle” effect. Here, we report a novel cell design by sandwiching a sp3 boron based single ion conducting polymer electrolyte film between two carbon films to fabricate a composite separator for lithium-sulfur batteries. The dense negative charges uniformly distributed in the electrolyte membrane inherently prohibit transport of polysulfide anions formed in the cathode inside the polymer matrix and effectively blocks polysulfide shuttling. A battery assembled with the composite separator exhibits a remarkably long cycle life at high charge/discharge rates.
EGCG in Green Tea Induces Aggregation of HMGB1 Protein through Large Conformational Changes with Polarized Charge Redistribution
Authors: Meng Xuan-Yu , Li Baoyu , Liu Shengtang , Kang Hongsuk , Zhao Lin , Zhou Ruhong
Published: February 2016

As a major effective component in green tea, (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)’s potential benefits to human health have been widely investigated. Recent experimental evidences indicate that EGCG can induce the aggregation of HMGB1 protein, a late mediator of inflammation, which subsequently stimulates the autophagic degradation and thus provides protection from lethal endotoxemia and sepsis. In this study, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of this aggregation of HMGB1 facilitated by EGCG. Our simulation results reveal that EGCG firmly binds to HMGB1 near Cys106, which supports previous preliminary experimental evidence. A large HMGB1 conformational change is observed, where Box A and Box B, two homogenous domains of HMGB1, are repositioned and packed together by EGCG. This new HMGB1 conformation has large molecular polarity and distinctive electrostatic potential surface. We suggest that the highly polarized charge distribution leads to the aggregation of HMGB1, which differs from the previous hypothesis that two HMGB1 monomers are linked by the dimer of EGCG. Possible aggregating modes have also been investigated with potential of mean force (PMF) calculations. Finally, we conclude that the conformation induced by EGCG is more aggregation-prone with higher binding free energies as compared to those without EGCG.
3-Naphthyl-1-phenyl-5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-pyrazoline – a pyrazoline based heterocyclic dye as a fluorescent label for biomolecules containing an amino group and its evaluation using HPLC
Authors: Varghese Beena , Al-Busafi Saleh N. , Suliman FakhrEldin O. , Al-Kindy Salma M. Z.
Published: February 2016

The use of 3-naphthyl-1-phenyl-5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-pyrazoline as a pre-column derivatization agent for the HPLC analysis of biomolecules containing an –NH2 group is proposed in this article.
Fabrication of an electrochemical sensor based on magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the determination of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Bagheri H. , Khoshsafar H. , Amidi S. , Hosseinzadeh Ardakani Y.
Published: February 2016

Fabrication of an electrochemical sensor based on a composite of magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes – molecularly imprinted polymer for the determination of ciprofloxacin.
Halogenated tennimides and trezimides: impact of halogen bonding and solvent role on porous network formation and inclusion
Authors: Mocilac P. , Gallagher J. F.
Published: February 2016

The role of halogenated and aprotic solvents in macrocyclic structures is assessed in terms of halogen and hydrogen bonding interactions.
Observation of the nearly constant loss in super rigid saccharides: in search of a hidden crossover in dynamics deep in the glassy state
Authors: Kaminska Ewa , Tarnacka Magdalena , Madejczyk Olga , Chrobok Anna , Kaminski Kamil , Paluch Marian
Published: February 2016

The analysis of the temperature evolution of the permittivity (ε′′) located within the range of the NCL demonstrated that there is a crossover in dynamics at Tc = 0.76Tg and Tc = 0.78Tg.
Preparation and characterization of a possible topological insulator BiYO3: experiment versus theory
Authors: Zhang Y. , Deng S. , Pan M. , Lei M. , Kan X. , Ding Y. , Zhao Y. , Köhler J.
Published: February 2016

A possible topological insulator: a new dimension opened for large gap ABO3 oxides.
Highly-efficient conversion of methanol to p-xylene over shape-selective Mg–Zn–Si-HZSM-5 catalyst with fine modification of pore-opening and acidic properties
Authors: Li Junhui , Tong Kai , Xi Zhiwen , Yuan Ying , Hu Zhonghua , Zhu Zhirong
Published: February 2016

Methanol was high-efficiently converted top-xylene over a shape-selective Mg–Zn–Si-HZSM-5 catalyst, with fine modification of the pore-opening and acidic properties.
Charge transfer complexes of fullerenes containing C60˙− and C70˙− radical anions with paramagnetic CoII(dppe)2Cl+ cations (dppe: 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane)
Authors: Konarev Dmitri V. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Saito Gunzi , Lyubovskaya Rimma N.
Published: February 2016

Novel complexes {Co(dppe)2Cl}(C60) (1) and {Co(dppe)2Cl}(C70)·0.5C6H4Cl2 (2) were obtained. Charge transfer provides the formation of CoII(dppe)2Cl+ and closely packed C60˙− or C70˙− radical anions.
Novel developments in mobile sensing based on the integration of microfluidic devices and smartphones
Authors: Yang Ke , Peretz-Soroka Hagit , Liu Yong , Lin Francis
Published: February 2016

We review novel mobile sensing applications based on the integration of microfluidic devices and smartphones (MS2).
A sensitive phosphorescence method based on MPA-capped Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots for the detection of diprophyllin
Authors: Zheng Ji , Fang Xiao-xing , Qin Jin , Zhang Zhi-feng , Miao Yan-ming , Yan Gui-qin
Published: February 2016

The mechanism of the phosphorescence quenching process of Mn-doped ZnS QDs by DPP.
Synthesis and antimalarial activity of novel bicyclic and tricyclic aza-peroxides
Authors: Yadav Lalit , Tiwari Mohit K. , Kumar Shyamlal Bharti Rajesh , Mathur Manas , Swami Ajit K. , Puri Sunil K. , Naikade Niraj K. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: February 2016

Bicyclic and tricyclic aza-peroxides were synthesized and assessed for theirin vitroandin vivoantimalarial activities againstPlasmodium falciparum(3D7 strain) andPlasmodium yoelii nigeriensisin Swiss mice by an oral route, respectively.
Effects of the i-motif DNA loop on the fluorescence of silver nanoclusters
Authors: Li Taotao , He Nongyue , Wang Jiuhai , Li Song , Deng Yan , Wang Zunliang
Published: February 2016

The loop sequences in i-motif DNA templates are well correlated with the fluorescence of the prepared Ag clusters.
Synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazoles via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/SO2 extrusion of benzoisothiazole-2,2-dioxide-3-ylidenes with nitrile oxides
Authors: Cao Guorui , Wang Yu , Cui Tao , Huang Longjiang , Teng Dawei
Published: February 2016

An straightforward synthesis of 3,4,5-trisubstituted isoxazole derivatives via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddtion/SO2 extrusion of benzoisothiazole-2,2-dioxide-3-ylidenes with nitrile oxides is reported using 4 Å molecular sieves as dehydrochlorinating agent.
An electrochemical sensor highly selective for lindane determination: a comparative study using three different α-MnO2 nanostructures
Authors: Prathap M. U. Anu , Sun Shengnan , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: February 2016

Here we describe the electrochemical detection of lindane on α-MnO2 nanostructures.
A phenazine-based near-infrared (NIR) chemodosimeter for cysteine obtained via a carbonyl-assisted cycloaddition process
Authors: Qu Yi , Zhang Xiao , Wang Linlin , Yang Huiran , Yang Lin , Cao Jian , Hua Jianli
Published: February 2016

A NIR phenazine-based chemodosimeter (PHS) is developed for sensing cysteine with high sensitivity, good selectivity and rapid response. The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl NHS-ester was employed as an recognition unit through a cycloaddition mechanism.
Enhancement of the dielectric response through Al-substitution in La1.6Sr0.4NiO4nickelates
Authors: Chouket A. , Bidault O. , Optasanu V. , Cheikhrouhou A. , Cheikhrouhou-Koubaa W. , Khitouni M.
Published: February 2016

The structures and dielectric properties of La1.6Sr0.4Ni1−xAlxO4(x= 0, 0.2 and 0.4) ceramics elaborated using the Pechini method were studied for the first time.
European Viscum album: a potent phytotherapeutic agent with multifarious phytochemicals, pharmacological properties and clinical evidence
Authors: Singh Brahma N. , Saha Chaitrali , Galun Danijel , Upreti Dalip K. , Bayry Jagadeesh , Kaveri Srini V.
Published: February 2016

Viscum albumL. or European mistletoe (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic shrub, has been used as a traditional medicine in Europe for centuries to treat various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorder, epilepsy, infertility, hypertension and arthritis.
On the outside looking in: redefining the role of analytical chemistry in the biosciences
Authors: Hare Dominic J. , New Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2016

Analytical chemistry has much to offer to an improved understanding of biological systems.
Dye molecule bonded titanium alkoxide: a possible new type of dye for sensitized solar cells
Authors: Su Hu-Chao , Wu Yin-Yin , Hou Jin-Le , Zhang Guang-Ling , Zhu Qin-Yu , Dai Jie
Published: February 2016

An organic dye coordinated titanium iso-propoxide compound is designed and synthesized. Taking advantage of the hydrolysis of the titanium alkoxide moiety on the surface of the TiO2 electrode, the dye–semiconductor surface properties, including anchoring and dispersivity, are improved, which opens a new perspective to explore dyes for DSSCs.
K4[Fe(CN)6] immobilized anion sensitive protonated amine functionalized polysilsesquioxane films for ultra-low electrochemical detection of dsDNA
Authors: Silambarasan Krishnamoorthy , Narendra Kumar Alam Venugopal , Joseph James
Published: February 2016

We describe the ultra-low detection of dsDNA molecule using redox couple, ferro/ferricyanide immobilized in PSQ films possessing protonated amine functional groups by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
The growth mechanism and ferroelectric domains of diisopropylammonium bromide films synthesized via 12-crown-4 addition at room temperature
Authors: Gao Kaige , Xu Cong , Cui Zepeng , Liu Chuang , Gao Linsong , Li Chen , Wu Di , Cai Hong-Ling , Wu X. S.
Published: February 2016

Diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB) has attracted great attention as a molecular ferroelectric with large spontaneous polarization and high Curie temperature.
Structural prediction of ultrahard semi-titanium boride (Ti2B) using the frozen-phonon method
Authors: Zhou Dan , Liu Yanhui , Shen Bingjun , Zhao Xinle , Xu Ying , Tian Jian
Published: February 2016

Using the frozen-phonon method, a tetragonal I4/m structure with outstanding mechanical properties is uncovered to be energetically more stable than the previously assumed Al2Cu-type structure.
Synthesis of niobium-doped titanate nanotubes as solid acid catalysts
Authors: Wada Emiko , Kitano Masaaki , Yamamoto Kazuto , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Hayashi Shigenobu , Hara Michikazu
Published: February 2016

Niobium-doped titanate nanotubes function as an efficient solid acid catalyst for Friedel–Crafts alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride or benzyl alcohol. Brønsted acid strength and accessibility of reactant molecules are enhanced by Nb-doping.
Spatial distribution of organic pollutants in industrial construction and demolition waste and their mutual interaction on an abandoned pesticide manufacturing plant
Authors: Huang Sheng , Zhao Xin , Sun Yanqiu , Ma Jianli , Gao Xiaofeng , Xie Tian , Xu Dongsheng , Yu Yi , Zhao Youcai
Published: February 2016

The interaction forms, spatial distribution patterns, and influence of natural/non-natural factors on the stability of organophosphorus pesticides in ICDW.