bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First insight into the proteome landscape of the porcine short posterior ciliary arteries: Key signalling pathways maintaining physiologic functions
Authors: Manicam Caroline , Perumal Natarajan , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H. , Gericke Adrian
Published: December 2016

Short posterior ciliary arteries (sPCA) provide the major blood supply to the optic nerve head. Emerging evidence has linked structural and functional anomalies of sPCA to the pathogenesis of several ocular disorders that cause varying degrees of visual loss, particularly anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy and glaucoma. Although the functional relevance of this vascular bed is well-recognized, the proteome of sPCA remains uncharacterized. Since the porcine ocular system closely resembles that of the human’s and is increasingly employed in translational ophthalmic research, this study characterized the proteome of porcine sPCA employing the mass spectrometry-based proteomics strategy. A total of 1742 proteins and 10527 peptides were identified in the porcine sPCA. The major biological processes involved in the maintenance of physiological functions of the sPCA included redox and metabolic processes, and cytoskeleton organization. These proteins were further clustered into diverse signalling pathways that regulate vasoactivity of sPCA, namely the tight junction, α- and β-adrenoceptor, 14-3-3, nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1 -mediated signalling pathways. This study provides the first insight into the complex mechanisms dictating the vast protein repertoire in normal vascular physiology of the porcine sPCA. It is envisioned that our findings will serve as important benchmarks for future studies of sPCA.
Catalysis and Structure of Zebrafish Urate Oxidase Provide Insights into the Origin of Hyperuricemia in Hominoids
Authors: Marchetti Marialaura , Liuzzi Anastasia , Fermi Beatrice , Corsini Romina , Folli Claudia , Speranzini Valentina , Gandolfi Francesco , Bettati Stefano , Ronda Luca , Cendron Laura , Berni Rodolfo , Zanotti Giuseppe , Percudani Riccardo
Published: December 2016

Urate oxidase (Uox) catalyses the first reaction of oxidative uricolysis, a three-step enzymatic pathway that allows some animals to eliminate purine nitrogen through a water-soluble compound. Inactivation of the pathway in hominoids leads to elevated levels of sparingly soluble urate and puts humans at risk of hyperuricemia and gout. The uricolytic activities lost during evolution can be replaced by enzyme therapy. Here we report on the functional and structural characterization of Uox from zebrafish and the effects on the enzyme of the missense mutation (F216S) that preceded Uox pseudogenization in hominoids. Using a kinetic assay based on the enzymatic suppression of the spectroscopic interference of the Uox reaction product, we found that the F216S mutant has the same turnover number of the wild-type enzyme but a much-reduced affinity for the urate substrate and xanthine inhibitor. Our results indicate that the last functioning Uox in hominoid evolution had an increased Michaelis constant, possibly near to upper end of the normal range of urate in the human serum (~300 μM). Changes in the renal handling of urate during primate evolution can explain the genetic modification of uricolytic activities in the hominoid lineage without the need of assuming fixation of deleterious mutations.
Limited HIV-1 Reactivation in Resting CD4+ T cells from Aviremic Patients under Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Kumar Amit , Abbas Wasim , Bouchat Sophie , Gatot Jean-Stéphane , Pasquereau Sébastien , Kabeya Kabamba , Clumeck Nathan , De Wit Stéphane , Van Lint Carine , Herbein Georges
Published: December 2016

A latent viral reservoir that resides in resting CD4+ T cells represents a major barrier for eradication of HIV infection. We test here the impact of HIV protease inhibitor (PI) based combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) over nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based cART on HIV-1 reactivation and integration in resting CD4+ T cells. This is a prospective cohort study of patients with chronic HIV-1 infection treated with conventional cART with an undetectable viremia. We performed a seven-year study of 47 patients with chronic HIV-infection treated with cART regimens and with undetectable plasma HIV-1 RNA levels for at least 1 year. Of these 47 patients treated with cART, 24 were treated with a PI-based regimen and 23 with a NNRTI-based regimen as their most recent treatment for more than one year. We evaluated the HIV-1 reservoir using reactivation assay and integrated HIV-1 DNA, respectively, in resting CD4+ T cells. Resting CD4+ T cells isolated from PI-treated patients compared to NNRTI-treated patients showed a limited HIV-1 reactivation upon T-cell stimulation (p = 0·024) and a lower level of HIV-1 integration (p = 0·024). Our study indicates that PI-based cART could be more efficient than NNRTI-based cART for limiting HIV-1 reactivation in aviremic chronically infected patients.
Changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness after Multiple Injections of Novel VEGF Decoy Receptor Conbercept for Various Retinal Diseases
Authors: Zhang Zhihua , Yang Xiaolu , Jin Huiyi , Qu Yuan , Zhang Yuan , Liu Kun , Xu Xun
Published: December 2016

Conbercept is a recombinant fusion protein with high affinity for all vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms and placental growth factor. The repeated intravitreal injection of conbercept may cause intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and long-term suppression of neurotrophic cytokines, which could lead to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage. This retrospective fellow-eye controlled study included 98 eyes of 49 patients. The changes in IOP and RNFL thickness as well as the correlation between RNFL changes and associated factors were evaluated. The IOP value between the baseline and the last follow-up visit in the injection group and the IOP value of the last follow-up visit between the injection and non-injection groups were not significantly different (p = 0.452 and 0.476, respectively). The global average thickness of the RNFL (μm) in the injection group decreased from 108.9 to 106.1; however, the change was not statistically significant (p = 0.118). No significant difference in the average RNFL thickness was observed at the last follow-up visit between the injection and non-injection groups (p = 0.821). The type of disease was the only factor associated with RNFL thickness changes. In conclusion, repeated intravitreal injections with 0.05 mL conbercept revealed an excellent safety profile for RNFL thickness, although short-term IOP changes were observed.
DETC-based bacterial cellulose bio-curatives for topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Celes Fabiana S. , Trovatti Eliane , Khouri Ricardo , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Ribeiro Sidney J. L. , Borges Valeria M. , Barud Hernane S. , de Oliveira Camila I.
Published: December 2016

The treatment of leishmaniasis still relies on drugs with potentially serious adverse effects. Herein, we tested a topical formulation of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes containing Diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), a superoxide dismutase 1 inhibitor. Leishmania-infected macrophages exposed to BC-DETC resulted in parasite killing, without pronounced toxic effects to host cells. This outcome was associated with lower SOD1 activity and higher production of superoxide and cytokine mediators. Topical application of BC-DETC significantly decreased lesion size, parasite load and the inflammatory response at the infection site, as well as the production of both IFN-γ and TNF. Combination of topical BC-DETC plus intraperitoneal Sbv also significantly reduced disease development and parasite load. The leishmanicidal effect of BC-DETC was extended to human macrophages infected with L. braziliensis, highlighting the feasibility of BC-DETC as a topical formulation for chemotherapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis.
Thermo-sensitive hydrogels combined with decellularised matrix deliver bFGF for the functional recovery of rats after a spinal cord injury
Authors: Xu He-Lin , Tian Fu-Rong , Lu Cui-Tao , Xu Jie , Fan Zi-Liang , Yang Jing-Jing , Chen Pian-Pian , Huang Ya-Dong , Xiao Jian , Zhao Ying-Zheng
Published: December 2016

Because of the short half-life, either systemic or local administration of bFGF shows significant drawbacks to spinal injury. In this study, an acellular spinal cord scaffold (ASC) was encapsulated in a thermo-sensitive hydrogel to overcome these limitations. The ASC was firstly prepared from the spinal cord of healthy rats and characterized by scanning electronic microscopy and immunohistochemical staining. bFGF could specifically complex with the ASC scaffold via electrostatic or receptor-mediated interactions. The bFGF-ASC complex was further encapsulated into a heparin modified poloxamer (HP) solution to prepare atemperature-sensitive hydrogel (bFGF-ASC-HP). bFGF release from the ASC-HP hydrogel was more slower than that from the bFGF-ASC complex alone. An in vitro cell survival study showed that the bFGF-ASC-HP hydrogel could more effectively promote the proliferation of PC12 cells than a bFGF solution, with an approximate 50% increase in the cell survival rate within 24 h (P < 0.05). Compared with the bFGF solution, bFGF-ASC-HP hydrogel displayed enhanced inhibition of glial scars and obviously improved the functional recovery of the SCI model rat through regeneration of nerve axons and the differentiation of the neural stem cells. In summary, an ASC-HP hydrogel might be a promising carrier to deliver bFGF to an injured spinal cord.
Magnetic Properties Improvement of Die-upset Nd-Fe-B Magnets by Dy-Cu Press Injection and Subsequent Heat Treatment
Authors: Wang Zexuan , Ju Jinyun , Wang Jinzhi , Yin Wenzong , Chen Renjie , Li Ming , Jin Chaoxiang , Tang Xu , Lee Don , Yan Aru
Published: December 2016

Ultrafine-grained die-upset Nd-Fe-B magnets are of importance because they provide a wide researching space to redesign the textured structures. Here is presented a route to obtain a new die-upset magnet with substantially improved magnetic properties. After experiencing the optimized heat treatment, both the coercivity and remanent magnetization of the Dy-Cu press injected magnets increased substantially in comparison with those of the annealed reference magnets, which is distinct from the reported experimental results on heavy rare-earth diffusion. To study the mechanism, we analyzed the texture evolution in high-temperature annealed die-upset magnets, which had significant impact on the improvement of remanent magnetization. On basis of the results, we find that the new structures are strongly interlinked with the initial structures. With injecting Dy-Cu eutectic alloy, an optimized initial microstructure was achieved in the near-surface diffused regions, which made preparations for the subsequent texture improvement. Besides, the Dy gradient distribution of near-surface regions of the Dy-Cu press injected magnets was also investigated. By controlling the initial microstructure and subsequent diffusion process, a higher performance magnet is expected to be obtained.
Enhanced Self-Organized Dewetting of Ultrathin Polymer Blend Film for Large-Area Fabrication of SERS Substrate
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Xu Lin , Xu Yabo , Huang Gang , Zhao Xueyu , Lai Yuqing , Shi Tongfei
Published: December 2016

We study the enhanced dewetting of ultrathin Polystyrene (PS)/Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films in a mixed solution, and reveal the dewetting can act as a simple and effective method to fabricate large-area surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. A bilayer structure consisting of under PMMA layer and upper PS layer forms due to vertical phase separation of immiscible PS/PMMA during the spin-coating process. The thicker layer of the bilayer structure dominates the dewetting structures of PS/PMMA blend films. The diameter and diameter distribution of droplets, and the average separation spacing between the droplets can be precisely controlled via the change of blend ratio and film thickness. The dewetting structure of 8 nm PS/PMMA (1:1 wt%) blend film is proved to successfully fabricate large-area (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) universal SERS substrate via deposited a silver layer on the dewetting structure. The SERS substrate shows good SERS-signal reproducibility (RSD < 7.2%) and high enhancement factor (2.5 × 107). The enhanced dewetting of polymer blend films broadens the application of dewetting of polymer films, especially in the nanotechnology, and may open a new approach for the fabrication of large-area SERS substrate to promote the application of SERS substrate in the rapid sensitive detection of trace molecules.
Resistance gene identification from Larimichthys crocea with machine learning techniques
Authors: Cai Yinyin , Liao Zhijun , Ju Ying , Liu Juan , Mao Yong , Liu Xiangrong
Published: December 2016

The research on resistance genes (R-gene) plays a vital role in bioinformatics as it has the capability of coping with adverse changes in the external environment, which can form the corresponding resistance protein by transcription and translation. It is meaningful to identify and predict R-gene of Larimichthys crocea (L.Crocea). It is friendly for breeding and the marine environment as well. Large amounts of L.Crocea’s immune mechanisms have been explored by biological methods. However, much about them is still unclear. In order to break the limited understanding of the L.Crocea’s immune mechanisms and to detect new R-gene and R-gene-like genes, this paper came up with a more useful combination prediction method, which is to extract and classify the feature of available genomic data by machine learning. The effectiveness of feature extraction and classification methods to identify potential novel R-gene was evaluated, and different statistical analyzes were utilized to explore the reliability of prediction method, which can help us further understand the immune mechanisms of L.Crocea against pathogens. In this paper, a webserver called LCRG-Pred is available athttp://server.malab.cn/rg_lc/.
Diversity of major urinary proteins (MUPs) in wild house mice
Authors: Thoß Michaela , Enk Viktoria , Yu Hans , Miller Ingrid , Luzynski Kenneth C. , Balint Boglarka , Smith Steve , Razzazi-Fazeli Ebrahim , Penn Dustin J.
Published: December 2016

Major urinary proteins (MUPs) are often suggested to be highly polymorphic, and thereby provide unique chemical signatures used for individual and genetic kin recognition; however, studies on MUP variability have been lacking. We surveyed populations of wild house mice (Mus musculus musculus), and examined variation of MUP genes and proteins. We sequenced several Mup genes (9 to 11 loci) and unexpectedly found no inter-individual variation. We also found that microsatellite markers inside the MUP cluster show remarkably low levels of allelic diversity, and significantly lower than the diversity of markers flanking the cluster or other markers in the genome. We found low individual variation in the number and types of MUP proteins using a shotgun proteomic approach, even among mice with variable MUP electrophoretic profiles. We identified gel bands and spots using high-resolution mass spectrometry and discovered that gel-based methods do not separate MUP proteins, and therefore do not provide measures of MUP diversity, as generally assumed. The low diversity and high homology of Mup genes are likely maintained by purifying selection and gene conversion, and our results indicate that the type of selection on MUPs and their adaptive functions need to be re-evaluated.
Proteomic profiling reveals that collismycin A is an iron chelator
Authors: Kawatani Makoto , Muroi Makoto , Wada Akira , Inoue Gyo , Futamura Yushi , Aono Harumi , Shimizu Kenshirou , Shimizu Takeshi , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Takahashi-Ando Naoko , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2016

Collismycin A (CMA), a microbial product, has anti-proliferative activity against cancer cells, but the mechanism of its action remains unknown. Here, we report the identification of the molecular target of CMA by ChemProteoBase, a proteome-based approach for drug target identification. ChemProteoBase profiling showed that CMA is closely clustered with di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, an iron chelator. CMA bound to both Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions and formed a 2:1 chelator-iron complex with a redox-inactive center. CMA-induced cell growth inhibition was completely canceled by Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions, but not by other metal ions such as Zn(II) or Cu(II). Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that CMA affects the glycolytic pathway due to the accumulation of HIF-1α. These results suggest that CMA acts as a specific iron chelator, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Quantum Hall effect in epitaxial graphene with permanent magnets
Authors: Parmentier F. D. , Cazimajou T. , Sekine Y. , Hibino H. , Irie H. , Glattli D. C. , Kumada N. , Roulleau P.
Published: December 2016

We have observed the well-kown quantum Hall effect (QHE) in epitaxial graphene grown on silicon carbide (SiC) by using, for the first time, only commercial NdFeB permanent magnets at low temperature. The relatively large and homogeneous magnetic field generated by the magnets, together with the high quality of the epitaxial graphene films, enables the formation of well-developed quantum Hall states at Landau level filling factors v = ±2, commonly observed with superconducting electro-magnets. Furthermore, the chirality of the QHE edge channels can be changed by a top gate. These results demonstrate that basic QHE physics are experimentally accessible in graphene for a fraction of the price of conventional setups using superconducting magnets, which greatly increases the potential of the QHE in graphene for research and applications.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts treated with cisplatin facilitates chemoresistance of lung adenocarcinoma through IL-11/IL-11R/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Tao Leilei , Huang Guichun , Wang Rui , Pan Yan , He Zhenyue , Chu Xiaoyuan , Song Haizhu , Chen Longbang
Published: December 2016

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are recognized as one of the key determinants in the malignant progression of lung adenocarcinoma. And its contributions to chemoresistance acquisition of lung cancer has raised more and more attention. In our study, cancer associated fibroblasts treated with cisplatin conferred chemoresistance to lung cancer cells. Meanwhile, Interleukin-11(IL-11) was significantly up-regulated in the CAF stimulated by cisplatin. As confirmed in lung adenocarcinoma cells in vivo and in vitro, IL-11 could protect cancer cells from cisplatin-induced apoptosis and thus promote their chemoresistance. Furthermore, it was also observed that IL-11 induced STAT3 phosphorylation and increased anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Survivin expression in cancer cells. The effect could be abrogated by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation or silencing IL-11Rα expression in cancer cells. In conclusion, chemotherapy-induced IL-11 upregulation in CAF promotes lung adenocarcinoma cell chemoresistance by activating IL-11R/STAT3 anti-apoptotic signaling pathway.
Regulation of human cardiac potassium channels by full-length KCNE3 and KCNE4
Authors: Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: December 2016

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels comprise pore-forming α subunits and a multiplicity of regulatory proteins, including the cardiac-expressed and cardiac arrhythmia-linked transmembrane KCNE subunits. After recently uncovering novel, N-terminally extended (L) KCNE3 and KCNE4 isoforms and detecting their transcripts in human atrium, reported here are their functional effects on human cardiac Kv channel α subunits expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. As previously reported for short isoforms KCNE3S and KCNE4S, KCNE3L inhibited hERG; KCNE4L inhibited Kv1.1; neither form regulated the HCN1 pacemaker channel. Unlike KCNE4S, KCNE4L was a potent inhibitor of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3; co-expression of cytosolic β subunit KChIP2, which regulates Kv4 channels in cardiac myocytes, partially relieved Kv4.3 but not Kv4.2 inhibition. Inhibition of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 by KCNE3L was weaker, and its inhibition of Kv4.2 abolished by KChIP2. KCNE3L and KCNE4L also exhibited subunit-specific effects on Kv4 channel complex inactivation kinetics, voltage dependence and recovery. Further supporting the potential physiological significance of the robust functional effects of KCNE4L on Kv4 channels, KCNE4L protein was detected in human atrium, where it co-localized with Kv4.3. The findings establish functional effects of novel human cardiac-expressed KCNE isoforms and further contribute to our understanding of the potential mechanisms influencing cardiomyocyte repolarization.
MALAT1 and HOTAIR Long Non-Coding RNAs Play Opposite Role in Estrogen-Mediated Transcriptional Regulation in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Aiello Aurora , Bacci Lorenza , Re Agnese , Ripoli Cristian , Pierconti Francesco , Pinto Francesco , Masetti Riccardo , Grassi Claudio , Gaetano Carlo , Bassi Pier Francesco , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Nanni Simona , Farsetti Antonella
Published: December 2016

In the complex network of nuclear hormone receptors, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical determinants of hormone action. Here we investigated the involvement of selected cancer-associated lncRNAs in Estrogen Receptor (ER) signaling. Prior studies by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Sequencing showed that in prostate cancer cells ERs form a complex with the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and that in turn these complexes associate with chromatin in an estrogen-dependent fashion. Among these associations (peaks) we focused our attention on those proximal to the regulatory region of HOTAIR and MALAT1. These transcripts appeared regulated by estrogens and able to control ERs function by interacting with ERα/ERβ as indicated by RNA-ChIP. Further studies performed by ChIRP revealed that in unstimulated condition, HOTAIR and MALAT1 were present on pS2, hTERT and HOTAIR promoters at the ERE/eNOS peaks. Interestingly, upon treatment with17β-estradiol HOTAIR recruitment to chromatin increased significantly while that of MALAT1 was reduced, suggesting an opposite regulation and function for these lncRNAs. Similar results were obtained in cells and in an ex vivo prostate organotypic slice cultures. Overall, our data provide evidence of a crosstalk between lncRNAs, estrogens and estrogen receptors in prostate cancer with important consequences on gene expression regulation.
Analysis of four toxic metals in a single rice seed by matrix solid phase dispersion -inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: He Xiufen , Chen Lixia , Chen Xin , Yu Huamei , Peng Lixu , Han Bingjun
Published: December 2016

Toxic metals in rice pose great risks to human health. Metal bioaccumulation in rice grains is a criterion of breeding. Rice breeding requires a sensitive method to determine metal content in single rice grains to assist the variety selection. In the present study, four toxic metals of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) in a single rice grain were determined by a simple and rapid method. The developed method is based on matrix solid phase dispersion using multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as dispersing agent and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The experimental parameters were systematically investigated. The limits of detection (LOD) were 5.0, 0.6, 10 and 2.1 ng g−1 for As, Cd, Cr, and Pb, respectively, with relative standard deviations (n = 6) of <7.7%, demonstrating the good sensitivity and precision of the method. The results of 30 real world rice samples analyzed by this method agreed well with those obtained by the standard microwave digestion. The amount of sample required was reduced approximately 100 fold in comparison with the microwave digestion. The method has a high application potential for other sample matrices and elements with high sensitivity and sample throughput.
Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 by ZnO Micro/nanomaterials with Different Morphologies and Ratios of {0001} Facets
Authors: Liu Xiaodi , Ye Liqun , Liu Shanshan , Li Yinping , Ji Xiaoxu
Published: December 2016

ZnO microspheres, ZnO microflowers and ZnO nanorods are successfully synthesized via a convenient solvothermal method in distilled water-ethanol mixed medium. The as-prepared ZnO micro/nanomaterials are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, HRTEM, XPS, BET, and UV-Vis. The morphologies and exposed facets of the ZnO micro/nanomaterials can be controlled by simply changing the volume ratio of distilled water to ethanol, and their formation mechanisms are also proposed. In addition, the photocatalytic activities of the ZnO samples are investigated towards the photoreduction of CO2 to CO. It is found that ZnO nanorods with high ratio of {0001} facets and large surface areas possess higher CO formation rate (3.814 μmol g−1 h−1) in comparison with ZnO microspheres and ZnO microflowers (3.357 and 1.627 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively). The results can not only provide an important indication about the influence of the {0001} facets on the activity of CO2 photoreduction over ZnO, but also demonstrate a strategy for tuning the CO2 photoreduction performance by tailoring the surface structures of ZnO micro/nanomaterials.
An ultra-low crosstalk and broadband two-mode (de)multiplexer based on adiabatic couplers
Authors: Sun Chunlei , Yu Yu , Ye Mengyuan , Chen Guanyu , Zhang Xinliang
Published: December 2016

A novel adiabatic couplers (ACs) based broadband and fabrication-tolerant two-mode multiplexer (MUX) is designed using silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. Being different from the previously reported ACs-based scheme, the converted and multiplexed signals are on conventional modes, rather than supermodes. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulations. Over a wavelength range of 75 nm measured, the crosstalk is lower than −20 dB, and the insertion loss is ~1 dB. The eye diagram and bit error rate measurements validate the good performance of the proposed mode MUX. The investigation on fabrication tolerance indicates reasonable performance degradation for a large gap deviation from −30 to 30 nm and etching depth deviation from −50 to 50 nm.
Ultra-sustainable Fe78Si9B13 metallic glass as a catalyst for activation of persulfate on methylene blue degradation under UV-Vis light
Authors: Jia Zhe , Duan Xiaoguang , Zhang Wenchang , Wang Weimin , Sun Hongqi , Wang Shaobin , Zhang Lai-Chang
Published: December 2016

Stability and reusability are important characteristics of advanced catalysts for wastewater treatment. In this work, for the first time, sulfate radicals (SO4∙−) with a high oxidative potential (Eo = 2.5–3.1 V) were successfully activated from persulfate by a Fe78Si9B13 metallic glass. This alloy exhibited a superior surface stability and reusability while activating persulfate as indicated by it being used for 30 times while maintaining an acceptable methylene blue (MB) degradation rate. The produced SiO2 layer on the ribbon surface expanded strongly from the fresh use to the 20th use, providing stable protection of the buried Fe. MB degradation and kinetic study revealed 100% of the dye degradation with a kinetic rate k = 0.640 within 20 min under rational parameter control. The dominant reactive species for dye molecule decomposition in the first 10 min of the reaction was hydroxyl radicals (∙OH, Eo = 2.7 V) and in the last 10 min was sulfate radicals (SO4∙−), respectively. Empirical operating variables for dye degradation in this work were under catalyst dosage 0.5 g/L, light irradiation 7.7 μW/cm2, and persulfate concentration 1.0 mmol/L. The amorphous Fe78Si9B13 alloy in this work will open a new gate for wastewater remediation.
Hypothalamic activation is essential for endotoxemia-induced acute muscle wasting
Authors: Duan Kaipeng , Chen Qiyi , Cheng Minhua , Zhao Chenyan , Lin Zhiliang , Tan Shanjun , Xi Fengchan , Gao Tao , Shi Jialiang , Shen Juanhong , Li Weiqin , Yu Wenkui , Li Jieshou , Li Ning
Published: December 2016

Growing evidence suggests acute skeletal muscle wasting is a key factor affecting nutritional support and prognosis in critical patients. Previously, plenty of studies of muscle wasting focused on the peripheral pathway, little was known about the central role. We tested the hypothesis whether central inflammatory pathway and neuropeptides were involved in the process. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treated rats, hypothalamic NF-κB pathway and inflammation were highly activated, which was accompanied with severe muscle wasting. Central inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway activation by infusion of an inhibitor (PS1145) can efficiently reduce muscle wasting as well as attenuate hypothalamic neuropeptides alteration. Furthermore, knockdown the expression of anorexigenic neuropeptide proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression with a lentiviral vector containing shRNA can significantly alleviate LPS-induced muscle wasting, whereas hypothalamic inflammation or NF-κB pathway was barely affected. Taken together, these results suggest activation of hypothalamic POMC is pivotal for acute muscle wasting caused by endotoxemia. Neuropeptide POMC expression may have mediated the contribution of hypothalamic inflammation to peripheral muscle wasting. Pharmaceuticals with the ability of inhibiting hypothalamic NF-κB pathway or POMC activation may have a therapeutic potential for acute muscle wasting and nutritional therapy in septic patients.
Regulation of hepcidin expression by inflammation-induced activin B
Authors: Kanamori Yohei , Sugiyama Makoto , Hashimoto Osamu , Murakami Masaru , Matsui Tohru , Funaba Masayuki
Published: December 2016

Activin B is induced in response to inflammation in the liver and enhances hepcidin expression, but the source of activin B and the molecular mechanism underlying hepcidin induction are not clear yet. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation induced inhibin βB but not inhibin α or inhibin βA expression in the liver, implicating activin B induction. Immunoreactive inhibin βB was detected in endothelial cells and Kupffer cells in LPS-treated liver. Activin B, but not activin A or activin AB, directly increased hepcidin expression. Activin B induced phosphorylation and activation of Smad1/5/8, the BMP-regulated (BR)-Smads. The stimulation of hepcidin transcription by activin B was mediated by ALK2 and ActRIIA, receptors for the TGF-β family. Unexpectedly, activin B-induced hepcidin expression and BR-Smad phosphorylation were resistant to the effects of LDN-193189, an ALK2/3/6 inhibitor. ALK2 and ActRIIA complex formation in response to activin B may prevent the approach of LDN-193189 to ALK2 to inhibit its activity. Activin B also induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3, the TGF-β/activin-regulated (AR)-Smad, and increased expression of connective tissue growth factor, a gene related to liver fibrogenesis, through ALK4 and ActRIIA/B. Activin B-induced activation of the BR-Smad pathway was also detected in non-liver-derived cells. The present study reveals the broad signaling of activin B, which is induced in non-parenchymal cells in response to hepatic inflammation, in hepatocytes.
Analysis of raw biofluids by mass spectrometry using microfluidic diffusion-based separation
Authors: Heinemann Joshua , Noon Brigit , Willems Daniel , Budeski Katherine , Bothner Brian
Published: December 2016

Elucidation and monitoring of biomarkers continues to expand because of their medical value and potential to reduce healthcare costs.
Lithium and boron as interstitial palladium dopants for catalytic partial hydrogenation of acetylene
Authors: Ellis Ieuan T. , Wolf Elisabeth H. , Jones Glenn , Lo Ben , Meng-Jung Li Molly , York Andrew P. E. , Edman Tsang Shik Chi
Published: December 2016

It is demonstrated that light elements, including lithium and boron atoms, can take residence in the octahedral (interstitial) site of a Pd lattice by modifying the electronic properties of the metal nanoparticles, and hence the adsorptive strength of a reactant.
A novel aggregation-induced emission enhancement triggered by the assembly of a chiral gelator: from non-emissive nanofibers to emissive micro-loops
Authors: Chen Wenrui , Qing Guangyan , Sun Taolei
Published: December 2016

A novel aggregation-induced emission enhancement triggered by chiral self-assembled superstructures has been developed in this work.
αvβ3-Isoform specific erbium complexes highly specific for bladder cancer imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhou Yan , Chan Chi-Fai , Kwong Daniel W. J. , Law Ga-Lai , Cobb Steven , Wong Wai-Kwok , Wong Ka-Leung
Published: December 2016

We have synthesized a bifunctional erbium–porphyrin tumor imaging and PDT agent (Er–R3) that is capable of killing bladder cancer cellsviaits selective binding to the integrin αvβ3isoform overexpressed on the cell membrane.
Screening out unfeasible hypothetical zeolite structures via the closest non-adjacent O⋯O pairs
Authors: Lu Junran , Li Lin , Cao Hongxiao , Li Yi , Yu Jihong
Published: December 2016

The closest non-adjacent O⋯O pairs can be used as a new structure evaluation method to screen out unfeasible hypothetical zeolite frameworks with distorted rings.
Highly active MoS2/carbon electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction – insight into the effect of the internal resistance and roughness factor on the Tafel slope
Authors: Murthy Arun Prasad , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Madhavan Jagannathan , Murugan Kadarkarai
Published: December 2016

EIS has been employed in an extensive Tafel analysis to reveal the true HER kinetics of MoS2and MoS2/C electrocatalysts.
Partial oxidation of the absorber layer reduces charge carrier recombination in antimony sulfide solar cells
Authors: Gödel Karl C. , Roose Bart , Sadhanala Aditya , Vaynzof Yana , Pathak Sandeep K. , Steiner Ullrich
Published: December 2016

A controlled heat treatment of the absorber layer in air leads to improved Sb2S3 sensitized solar cells. A reduction in charge carrier recombination is the reason for the enhancement.
Synthesis of sinter-resistant Au@silica catalysts derived from Au25 clusters
Authors: Sudheeshkumar V. , Shivhare Atal , Scott Robert W. J.
Published: December 2016

Au25L18 clusters have been encapsulated in silica spheres to create sinter-resistant Au@SiO2 materials which are active and recyclable epoxidation catalysts.
2-Pyridyl substituents enhance the activity of palladium–phospha-adamantane catalysts for the methoxycarbonylation of phenylacetylene
Authors: Shuttleworth Timothy A. , Miles-Hobbs Alexandra M. , Pringle Paul G. , Sparkes Hazel A.
Published: December 2016

The pyridyl-N in Pt and Pd complexes of CgP(2-py) can be protonated or can coordinate to form a P,N-chelate; these features are linked with the carbonylation catalysis results.
Spatial distribution of active sites on a ferroelectric PbTiO3 photocatalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Li Rengui , Zhao Yue , Li Can
Published: December 2016

The separation of photogenerated charge carries is a challenging issue in artificial photocatalyst systems for solar energy conversion. It has been reported that spatial charge separation can take place between different facets of semiconductor-based crystals with regular morphology and facets, which could be used to rationally deposit cocatalysts on the right facets. However, the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes is still a big challenge for a particulate photocatalyst without regular morphology and specific facets. In this work, we demonstrated that photogenerated electrons and holes can be regularly separated on ferroelectric PbTiO3 photocatalyst even without regular morphology and facets. The reduction cocatalyst and oxidation cocatalyst could be selectively formed on different sites via an in situ photochemical deposition method. It is found that the photoactivity and hydrogen production for PbTiO3 with spatially separated dual-cocatalysts is remarkably enhanced to more than 100 times greater compared to native PbTiO3, which is much higher than that the case of dual-cocatalysts with a random distribution. The intrinsic electric fields and spontaneous electric polarization in the bulk of PbTiO3 are proposed to play important roles in the spatial distribution of active sites on irregular PbTiO3 particles. Our work emphasizes the essential roles of two important factors, efficient charge separation strategy and the location of dual-cocatalysts on the right sites, to construct integrated artificial photocatalyst systems for solar energy conversion.
The protective effect of betulinic acid (BA) diabetic nephropathy on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Xie Rui , Zhang Hong , Wang Xing-zhou , Yang Xiao-zhong , Wu Shang-nong , Wang Hong-gang , Shen Peng , Ma Tian-heng
Published: December 2016

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of betulinic acid (BA) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
A photoactive catalyst Ru–g-C3N4for hydrogen transfer reaction of aldehydes and ketones
Authors: Sharma Priti , Sasson Yoel
Published: December 2016

Photocatalyst Ru–g-C3N4advantages: no base use, room temperature, visible light, solvent free, nontoxic, stable, recyclable reaction process.
Toxicity of tryptophan manganese(i) carbonyl (Trypto-CORM), against Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Ward Jonathan S. , Morgan Rebecca , Lynam Jason M. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. , Moir James W. B.
Published: December 2016

The cytotoxic effect of low concentrations of CO against bacteria can be explored using the high-affinity globin, Leg-haemoglobin.
Synthesis and physical chemical properties of 2-amino-4-(trifluoromethoxy)butanoic acid – a CF3O-containing analogue of natural lipophilic amino acids
Authors: Kondratov Ivan S. , Logvinenko Ivan G. , Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Morev Roman N. , Kliachyna Maria A. , Clausen Florian , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Haufe Günter
Published: December 2016

The new enantiopure CF3O-homoserines might be promising surrogates of natural α-amino acids.
Synthesis and characterisation of gradient polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Jasinski Florent , Teo Victoria L. , Kuchel Rhiannon P. , Mballa Mballa Monique , Thickett Stuart C. , Brinkhuis Richard H. G. , Weaver William , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: December 2016

In this communication, we report the successful synthesis of gradient morphology nanoparticles composed of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) and their characterisation using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon dots–zinc oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their application in electrochemical sensors for the simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol
Authors: Yan Yaru , Huang Qitong , Wei Chan , Hu Shirong , Zhang Hanqiang , Zhang Wuxiang , Yang Weize , Dong Peihui , Zhu Menglin , Wang Zhaoming
Published: December 2016

Cyclic voltammetry of HQ and CC recorded on Nafion/CDs–ZnO/MWCNTs/GCE.
Bilobalide safeguards 3T3-L1 adipocytes from hypoxia through protecting mitochondrial bioenergetics, biogenesis and dynamics
Authors: A. Priyanka , Nair Anupama , S. S. Anusree , V. M. Nisha , K. G. Raghu
Published: December 2016

Hypoxia leads to mitochondrial dysfunction by altering dynamics, biogenesis, and OXPHOS while bilobalide protects mitochondria from hypoxia in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
Total protein concentration quantification using nanobeads with a new highly luminescent terbium(iii) complex
Authors: Cywiński Piotr J. , Pietraszkiewicz Marek , Maciejczyk Michał , Górski Krzysztof , Hammann Tommy , Liermann Konstanze , Paulke Bernd-Reiner , Löhmannsröben Hans-Gerd
Published: December 2016

Using 40 nm large polyglycidyl methacrylate (PGMA) nanobeads loaded with a new Tb(iii) complex, it is possible to determine total protein concentration (TPC) down to 50 ng mL−1in just 10 minutes.
Norbornene derived nanocarrier reduces isoniazid mediated liver toxicity: assessment in HepG2 cell line and zebrafish model
Authors: Anju Thangam , Preetha Radhakrishnan , Shunmugam Raja , Mane Shivshankar R. , Arockiaraj Jesu , Kumaresan Venkatesh
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of the stimuli-responsive norbornene-based nanocarrier complex of isoniazid, compared to pure isoniazid, on liver cells, byin vivoandin vitromethods.
Particle activation/deactivation effect in RAFT emulsion polymerization of styrene
Authors: Yan Kun , Luo Yingwu
Published: December 2016

A particle activation/deactivation process would play a decisive role in PSD and MWD at very low initiator concentrations.
Epigallocatechin gallate based magnetic gold nanoshells nanoplatform for cancer theranostic applications
Authors: Yin Yanyan , Cui Lingling , Yan Fulin , Zhang Zhenzhong , Li Wenjie , Wang Lei
Published: December 2016

A new type of epigallocatechin gallate based magnetic core–shell nanoplatform for cancer theranostic applications.
Studies of recombinant TWA1 reveal constitutive dimerization
Authors: Francis Ore , Baker Genevieve E. , Race Paul R. , Adams Josephine C.
Published: December 2016

The mammalian muskelin/RanBP9/C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae glucose-induced degradation (GID) complex are large, multi-protein complexes that each contain a RING E3 ubiquitin ligase. The yeast GID complex acts to degrade a key enzyme of gluconeogenesis, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, under conditions of abundant fermentable carbon sources. However, the assembly and functions of the mammalian complex remain poorly understood. A striking feature of these complexes is the presence of multiple proteins that contain contiguous lissencephaly-1 homology (LisH), CTLH and C-terminal CT11-RanBP9 (CRA) domains. TWA1/Gid8, the smallest constituent protein of these complexes, consists only of LisH, CTLH and CRA domains and is highly conserved in eukaryotes. Towards better knowledge of the role of TWA1 in these multi-protein complexes, we established a method for bacterial expression and purification of mouse TWA1 that yields tag-free, recombinant TWA1 in quantities suitable for biophysical and biochemical studies. CD spectroscopy of recombinant TWA1 indicated a predominantly α-helical protein. Gel filtration chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) and native PAGE demonstrated a propensity of untagged TWA1 to form stable dimers and, to a lesser extent, higher order oligomers. TWA1 has a single cysteine residue, Cys139, yet the dimeric form was preserved when TWA1 was purified in the presence of the reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). These findings have implications for understanding the molecular role of TWA1 in the yeast GID complex and related multi-protein E3 ubiquitin ligases identified in other eukaryotes.
The diffuse reduction in spleen density: an indicator of severe acute pancreatitis?
Authors: Shao Guangdong , Zhou Yanmei , Song Zengfu , Jiang Maitao , Wang Xiaoqian , Jin Xiangren , Sun Bei , Bai Xuewei
Published: December 2016

We observed that acute pancreatitis (AP) was associated with diffuse reduction in spleen density (DROSD) in some patients. Furthermore, the condition of these patients was more serious, and the potential relationship between DROSD and structural and functional injury of the spleen remained unclear. Therefore, we performed a preliminary exploration of these factors. We analysed pertinent clinical data for AP patients with normal spleen density (control group) and for those with DROSD (reduction group) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (June 2013–June 2015). We measured the immunoglobulin M (IgM) B-cells of the AP patients and examined pancreatic and splenic tissues from AP rats with optical microscopy and TEM. The reduction group had a higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, a longer length of stay (LOS) and lower serum calcium than the control group. The levels of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The percentage of IgM memory B-cells was significantly lower in the DROSD group than in the control group. TEM revealed that the spleen T-lymphocytes were normal in AP rats, but pyroptotic and necrotic spleen B-cells were observed in the severe AP rats. In AP, DROSD was an independent indicator of more severe conditions. Furthermore, spleen B-lymphocytes showed obvious damage at the cellular level, and the immunological function of the spleen was down-regulated when AP was associated with DROSD.
Robust Kalman filtering for discrete‐time systems with stochastic uncertain time‐varying parameters
Authors: Abolhasani M. , Rahmani M.
Published: December 2016

A robust Kalman filter is proposed for time‐varying discrete‐time linear systems with uncertainties in state, input noise, and measurement matrices. The filter is obtained by solving an optimisation problem such that the upper bound on the variance of estimation error to be minimised for all admissible uncertainties. A numerical example is presented to show the performance of the proposed robust filter.
Set/reset reference and parasitic matching scheme to speed up PCM read operation
Authors: Lei Yu , Chen Houpeng , Li Xi , Wang Qian , Zhang Qi , Hu Jiajun , Li Xiaoyun , Song Zhitang
Published: December 2016

Three kinds of parameters are considered to speed up the read operation of phase change memory: bit line parasitic parameters, read transmission gate parasitic parameters and current mirror parasitic parameters. A set reference cell and a reset reference cell are used in the reference circuit. Simulated in 130 nm process, the read access time of 1‐Mb phase change memory (PCM) is 6.7 ns. In Monte Carlo simulations, the worst read access time is 13.8 ns compared to conventional 85 ns.
Distributed cooperative caching in backhaul‐limited small cell networks
Authors: Yang Zhao , Tian Hui , Fan Shaoshuai , Chen Guilin
Published: December 2016

A novel distributed cooperative caching algorithm in backhaul‐limited small cell networks is proposed. Neighbouring small cell base stations (SBSs) cooperate to optimise caching decisions so as to minimise users’ downloading delay. Besides wireless channel statistics, the limited backhaul capacities of SBSs are incorporated. The problem is NP‐complete. A simple yet effective algorithm to reach a local optimal by virtue of potential game theory is developed. Simulations and analysis reveal improved delay performance and reduced complexity for the proposed algorithm compared with available schemes.
Interference‐aware QoS routing for neighbourhood area network in smart grid
Authors: Deng Xiaoheng , Peng Qionglin , He Lifang , He Tingting
Published: December 2016

Communication networks in smart grid collect and transfer various information between smart meters and control centre to support different quality of service (QoS) requirements of smart grid applications. However, there are many factors which could affect high reliability and QoS communication such as electromagnetic interference, equipment noise and multi‐path effects. To address these challenges, a new routing metric is proposed in this study. The proposed metric takes into account the impacts caused by inter‐ and intra‐flow interference, yielding reliable and high capacity links for neighbourhood area network communications in smart grid. In addition, it differentiates traffic flows into four different classes and makes packets compete for accessing a channel according to their priorities. Based on the metric, an interference aware QoS routing protocol, named interference‐aware expected transmission time routing (IAEETR), is further proposed to provide reliable and real‐time data transmission. Extensive simulation results demonstrate that high‐priority traffic in the network is with small delay, and low‐priority traffic can also have chance to compete for a wireless channel to transmit information. Furthermore, IAEETR protocol can improve end‐to‐end delay and packet delivery ratio with multiple simultaneous connections, even with a higher flow rate of mesh nodes.