bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exciton Recombination in Formamidinium Lead Triiodide: Nanocrystals versus Thin Films
Authors: Fang Hong‐Hua , Protesescu Loredana , Balazs Daniel M. , Adjokatse Sampson , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2017

The optical properties of the newly developed near‐infrared emitting formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) nanocrystals (NCs) and their polycrystalline thin film counterpart are comparatively investigated by means of steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence. The excitonic emission is dominant in NC ensemble because of the localization of electron–hole pairs. A promisingly high quantum yield above 70%, and a large absorption cross‐section (5.2 × 10−13 cm−2) are measured. At high pump fluence, biexcitonic recombination is observed, featuring a slow recombination lifetime of 0.4 ns. In polycrystalline thin films, the quantum efficiency is limited by nonradiative trap‐assisted recombination that turns to bimolecular at high pump fluences. From the temperature‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra, a phase transition is clearly observed in both NC ensemble and polycrystalline thin film. It is interesting to note that NC ensemble shows PL temperature antiquenching, in contrast to the strong PL quenching displayed by polycrystalline thin films. This difference is explained in terms of thermal activation of trapped carriers at the nanocrystal's surface, as opposed to the exciton thermal dissociation and trap‐mediated recombination, which occur in thin films at higher temperatures.
Integration of Biomolecules with Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhuang Jia , Young Allison P. , Tsung Chia‐Kuang
Published: June 2017

Owing to the progressive development of metal–organic‐frameworks (MOFs) synthetic processes and considerable potential applications in last decade, integrating biomolecules into MOFs has recently gain considerable attention. Biomolecules, including lipids, oligopeptides, nucleic acids, and proteins have been readily incorporated into MOF systems via versatile formulation methods. The formed biomolecule‐MOF hybrid structures have shown promising prospects in various fields, such as antitumor treatment, gene delivery, biomolecular sensing, and nanomotor device. By optimizing biomolecule integration methods while overcoming existing challenges, biomolecule‐integrated MOF platforms are very promising to generate more practical applications.
Gate‐Tunable Resonant Raman Spectroscopy of Bilayer MoS2
Authors: Lu Xin , Utama M. I. B. , Wang Xingzhi , Xu Weigao , Zhao Weijie , Owen Man Hon Samuel , Xiong Qihua
Published: June 2017

The gate‐tunable phonon properties in bilayer MoS2 are shown to be dependent on excitation energy. Raman intensity, Raman shift, and linewidth are affected by resonant excitation, while a nonresonant laser does not influence the intensity significantly. The gate‐dependent Raman shift of A1g mode (either blue‐, red‐, or no‐shift) is a result of the combined effect of antibonding electron and resonant‐related decoupling effect. Although the decoupling effect cannot be directly measured due to the resonant background, it can be indirectly and qualitatively probed by observing A1g mode. This study on gate‐tunable resonant Raman spectroscopy has clarified the influence of carrier doping on phonon properties and demonstrates a new degree of freedom in manipulating phonons in 2D material systems.
Concise Review: Challenges in Regenerating the Diabetic Heart: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Satthenapalli Venkata R. , Lamberts Regis R. , Katare Rajesh G.
Published: June 2017

Stem cell therapy is one of the promising regenerative strategies developed to improve cardiac function in patients with ischemic heart diseases (IHD). However, this approach is limited in IHD patients with diabetes due to a progressive decline in the regenerative capacity of stem cells. This decline is mainly attributed to the metabolic memory incurred by diabetes on stem cell niche and their systemic cues. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in the diabetes-induced deterioration of stem cell function will be critical for developing new cardiac regeneration therapies. In this review, we first discuss the most common molecular alterations occurring in the diabetic stem cells/progenitor cells. Next, we highlight the key signaling pathways that can be dysregulated in a diabetic environment and impair the mobilization of stem/progenitor cells, which is essential for the transplanted/endogenous stem cells to reach the site of injury. We further discuss the possible methods of preconditioning the diabetic cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) with an aim to enrich the availability of efficient stem cells to regenerate the diseased diabetic heart. Finally, we propose new modalities for enriching the diabetic CPC through genetic or tissue engineering that would aid in developing autologous therapeutic strategies, improving the proliferative, angiogenic, and cardiogenic properties of diabetic stem/progenitor cells.
Ceramic Bearings with Titanium Adapter Sleeves Implanted During Revision Hip Arthroplasty Show Minimal Fretting or Corrosion: A Retrieval Analysis
Authors: Koch Chelsea N. , Figgie Mark , Figgie Mark P. , Elpers Marcella E. , Wright Timothy M. , Padgett Douglas E.
Published: June 2017

Background

The BIOLOX® option system, consisting of a BIOLOX® delta ceramic femoral head with a titanium alloy adapter sleeve, is being increasingly utilized in revision hip arthroplasty. The sleeve protects the ceramic head from fracture and improper motion about the stem trunnion when a damaged trunnion is encountered at revision surgery. Corrosion and fretting due to metal-metal contact at the taper region of hip prosthesis create the potential of causing periprosthetic osteolysis and adverse local tissue reactions.

Questions/Purposes

The objective of this study was to identify the type and extent of damage to retrieved sleeves and ceramic heads to determine their in vivo performance.

Methods

Twenty-four ceramic heads with titanium alloy sleeves were examined. The articular and taper surfaces for each ceramic head were assessed for metal transfer using a subjective grading system. All surfaces of the 24 titanium sleeves and stem trunnions (only available for 7 of 24 cases) were assessed for corrosion and fretting using an established grading system. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis were conducted on representative sample of sleeves.

Results

Fretting and corrosion were higher at the inner surface of the taper sleeve than the outer sleeve. Mean fretting scores at the inner taper and outer taper sleeve surfaces were 1.8 and 1.2, respectively. The mean corrosion score at the inner taper surface was 1.8; no corrosion was observed on the outer surface of any taper sleeve. SEM and EDS analyses provided further indications of low levels of damage.

Conclusion

Fretting and corrosion were less severe than previously reported for conventional THA metal-metal taper connections, indicating that a ceramic head and titanium sleeve is a safe alternative in revision THA.
A Highly Stable Soybean Oil‐Rich Miscella Obtained by Ethanolic Extraction as a Promising Biodiesel Feedstock
Authors: Bueno‐Borges Larissa Braga , de Camargo Adriano Costa , Sangaletti‐Gerhard Naiane , dos Santos Grasiela Cristina Pereira , de Alencar Severino Matias , Shahidi Fereidoon , Regitano‐d’Arce Marisa Aparecida Bismara
Published: June 2017

Soybean oil is industrially obtained upon hexane extraction. In biodiesel production, soybean oil is submitted to phospholipid removal in order to improve its quality before transesterification. An extraction process was employed to produce ethanolic oil‐rich miscella, which can be directly transesterified to produce biodiesel without prior refining. We assessed the oxidative stability of the miscella and three other soybean oils, namely degummed, alkali‐refined, and refined–bleached–deodorized (RBD) oil. In vitro antioxidant assays as well as the identification and quantification of tocopherols and isoflavones were also performed. Although hexane‐extracted oils showed higher tocopherol contents than miscella, this latter sample and its direct biodiesel demonstrated superior stability in accelerated tests. Miscella also outperformed hexane‐extracted oils in all in vitro assays. This behavior can be explained by the presence of phenolic compounds with higher affinity to ethanol than hexane, which was confirmed by the identification of isoflavones glycitein, genistein, and acetyldaidzin, found only in miscella. This study showed that the ethanolic extraction of soybean oil generated a highly stable lipid feedstock for biodiesel manufacture.
The Great Need of a Biomechanical-Based Approach for Surgical Methods of Giant Cell Tumor: A Critical Review
Authors: Ghouchani Azadeh , Rouhi Gholamreza
Published: June 2017

There are many unanswered questions about giant cell tumor (GCT) treatment and not enough attention is paid to the biomechanics of the current treatment methods. Treatment methods have not changed much, and the best method remains controversial to some degree, due to the lack of adequate clinical and biomechanical investigations. Biomechanical tests, including in vitro mechanical experiments combined with finite element analysis, are very helpful in assessing the efficiency of the surgical methods employed and in determining the optimal method of surgery. Tests can be tailored to meet a patient’s needs, while limiting postoperative complications. One of the complications, following tumor surgery, is the frequency of postoperative fractures. In order to prevent postoperative fractures, defect reconstruction is recommended. The reconstruction usually consists of defect infilling with bone cement, and in the case of large defects cement augmentation is employed. Whether cement augmentation is essential and offers enough mechanical strength and what is the best fixation device for cement augmentation are areas of debate. In this article, the biomechanical studies comparing different methods of tumor surgery and cement augmentation, highlighting the areas needing more attention to advance GCT treatment, are critically reviewed. Based on our review, we recommend a biomechanical criterion for the essence of defect reconstruction, which must include patient specific factors, in addition to the tumor geometrical properties.
Law and Economics in Japan: 25 Years after the Hatching Stage
Authors: MORI Daisuke
Published: June 2017

In this article, I evaluate the status of law and economics in Japan from 1990 to 2016. Through the literature review, we can see distinctive features that did not exist in 1990: the establishment of the Japan Law and Economics Association, change in methodologies, increase in empirical research, expansion of research fields, and influencing policies and statutes in the real world. I then conduct case studies about how law and economics research in Japan offers policy recommendations. I present two examples: repeal of protection of short-term leases and establishment of fixed-term building leases. Finally, I explore the outlook of the next stage of law and economics in Japan. More emphasis on empirical research and more English publications on law and economics in Japan are important to move to the next stage.
Thomas Bateman,Crania Britannica, and Archaeological Chronology
Authors: Harlan Deborah
Published: June 2017

This article explores the importance of the Derbyshire antiquarian Thomas Bateman in the context of mid-nineteenth-century debates about ethnology, craniology, and archaeological chronology. New information on the relationship between Bateman and the authors ofCrania Britannica, Joseph Barnard Davis and John Thurnam, is brought to light thanks to unpublished archival material from the Sheffield Museums and the Royal Anthropological Institute.Crania Britannicawas the first publication of British national skull types from prehistory to the Anglo-Saxon period. The publication employed the techniques of craniology—the systematic study of head types—as a chronological tool. Indeed, craniology is often seen as the mechanism by which the Three Age System was initially received in Britain and Ireland. Here, Bateman's involvement in the publication and his own theories on the development of the past with regard to cranial sequencing and archaeological chronology are explored in greater detail.
Relative equilibrium states and class degree
Authors: ALLAHBAKHSHI MAHSA , ANTONIOLI JOHN , YOO JISANG
Published: June 2017

Given a factor code $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}$ from a shift of finite type $X$ onto a sofic shift $Y$, an ergodic measure $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ on $Y$, and a function $V$ on $X$ with sufficient regularity, we prove an invariant upper bound on the number of ergodic measures on $X$ which project to $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ and maximize the measure pressure $h(\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})+\int V\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}$ among all measures in the fiber $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}^{-1}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D708})$. If $\unicode[STIX]{x1D708}$ is fully supported, this bound is the class degree of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}$. This generalizes a previous result for the special case of $V=0$ and thus settles a conjecture raised by Allahbakhshi and Quas.
Path to survival for the critical branching processes in a random environment
Authors: Vatutin Vladimir , Dyakonova Elena
Published: June 2017

A critical branching process {Zk, k = 0, 1, 2, ...} in a random environment is considered. A conditional functional limit theorem for the properly scaled process {log Zpu, 0 ≤ u < ∞} is established under the assumptions that Zn > 0 and p ≪ n. It is shown that the limiting process is a Lévy process conditioned to stay nonnegative. The proof of this result is based on a limit theorem describing the distribution of the initial part of the trajectories of a driftless random walk conditioned to stay nonnegative.
On some mixing times for nonreversible finite Markov chains
Authors: Huang Lu-Jing , Mao Yong-Hua
Published: June 2017

By adding a vorticity matrix to the reversible transition probability matrix, we show that the commute time and average hitting time are smaller than that of the original reversible one. In particular, we give an affirmative answer to a conjecture of Aldous and Fill (2002). Further quantitive properties are also studied for the nonreversible finite Markov chains.
Age of some Pleistocene interglacial beds and associated fossils in eastern Beringia defined by fission tracks in glass shards of Chester Bluff tephra
Authors: Westgate John A. , Pearce Nicholas J.G.
Published: June 2017

Application of the glass fission-track dating method to Chester Bluff tephra (CBt), exposed in loess deposits at Chester Bluff along the Yukon River in east-central Alaska, has clarified the age of the immediately underlying fossiliferous interglacial bed. Surprise Creek tephra (SZt), at site CRH47 in the northern Old Crow basin of the Yukon Territory, is a correlative of CBt so that the new age information on CBt can also be applied to the interglacial sediments below SZt. Two independent age determinations were obtained on CBt, 243±28 ka and 249±26 ka, giving a weighted mean age and error of 246±19 ka. Therefore, the closely associated interglacial bed belongs to the early part of Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 7. The stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental setting of SZt show that deposition of the tephra occurred soon after interglacial conditions, when the climate became colder, probably between MIS 7.5 and 7.4, that is, slightly younger than the mean fission-track age, but within the 1σ uncertainty. This result tightly constrains the age of the rich mammalian faunal assemblage found at and just below SZt at the CRH47 site.
Hiding in the swamp: new capillariid nematode parasitizing New Zealand brown mudfish
Authors: Jorge F. , White R.S.A. , Paterson R.A.
Published: June 2017

The extent of New Zealand's freshwater fish-parasite diversity has yet to be fully revealed, with host–parasite relationships still to be described from nearly half the known fish community. While advances in the number of fish species examined and parasite taxa described are being made, some parasite groups, such as nematodes, remain poorly understood. In the present study we combined morphological and molecular analyses to characterize a capillariid nematode found infecting the swim bladder of the brown mudfish Neochanna apoda, an endemic New Zealand fish from peat-swamp-forests. Morphologically, the studied nematodes are distinct from other Capillariinae taxa by the features of the male posterior end, namely the shape of the bursa lobes, and shape of spicule distal end. Male specimens were classified into three different types according to differences in the shape of the bursa lobes at the posterior end, but only one was successfully characterized molecularly. Molecular analysis indicated that the studied capillariid is distinct from other genera. However, inferences about the phylogenetic position of the capillariid reported here will remain uncertain, due to the limited number of Capillariinae taxa characterized molecularly. The discovery of this new capillariid, which atypically infects the swim bladder of its host, which itself inhabits a very unique ecosystem, underlines the very interesting evolutionary history of this parasite, which for now will remain unresolved.
Parenthood and depression: is childlessness similar to sonlessness among Chinese seniors?
Authors: DJUNDEVA MAJA , EMERY TOM , DYKSTRA PEARL A.
Published: June 2017

We investigate how the mental health of older adults (60–85) is associated with childlessness and sonlessness in China, where gender-biased filial expectations and strong son preference exist. The China Family Panel Study (2012, N = 6,021) and ordinary least squares regression models are used to investigate the relationship between depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression scale) and parental status, distinguishing between childless, parents of both sons and daughters, parents of only sons and parents of only daughters. Arguing that modernisation shapes gender preferences for children as well as formal care and pension provisions for older adults, we find a sharp rural–urban divide in the relationship between parental status and depression. Just having a son is not what matters as the best faring groups are parents who have both sons and daughters, regardless of the number of children. Rural childless and sonless are similar, whereas in urban areas parental status is not so salient, supporting modernisation theory.
Improving DGPS Accuracy by Considering the Correlation of Pseudorange Correction and Satellite Elevation Angle
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyeon , Park Kwan-Dong
Published: June 2017

One of the limitations of Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) is that accuracy decreases as the distance between the user and a base station increases. We have developed a new DGPS positioning strategy that is less affected by baseline length and enables better accuracy. We found correlations between satellite elevation angle and Pseudo-Range Correction (PRC) through extensive tests. As a result, better PRC values were obtained by considering differences in satellite elevation angles at a reference site and the user location. We tested the model for a variety of baseline lengths greater than 250 km, and the positioning accuracy improved by 29–66% compared with traditional DGPS based on a single reference station. Positioning accuracies comparable to those of multi-reference DGPS were achieved in some cases.
Non-Digital Game Playing by Older Adults
Authors: Mortenson W. Ben , Sixsmith Andrew , Kaufman David
Published: June 2017

Les jeux sont une activité de loisirs importante qui peut contribuer à la qualité de vie et à l’interaction sociale. Bien qu’il y ait eu de nombreuses recherches sur les effets des jeux vidéo sur la cognition et le comportement, peu de recherches ont exploré des formes non-numériques de jeu qui ne nécessitent pas l’utilisation d’ordinateurs ou de systèmes de jeu, en particulier parmi les personnes âgées. Dans le cadre d’un plus grand sondage sur le jeu, 886 répondants masculins et féminins (≥ 55 ans) ont rempli des questionnaires sur jouant de jeux non-numériques. Les objectifs de l’étude étaient de déterminer les avantages perçus de jouer à jeux non-numériques, ainsi que de déterminer les facteurs socio-démographiques prédictifs des bénéfices perçus. Les résultats de l’enquête indiquent que jouant des jeux non-numériques est courant chez les personnes âgées (73% des répondants). Pour la plupart, les jeux sont de nature sociale: les adultes plus âgés jouent pour s’amuser, mais aussi pour aider à maintenir leur connaissance. Les analyses de régression ont indiqué que divers facteurs socio-démographiques, y compris l’âge, l’éducation, le genre et la race, étaient indépendamment associés aux avantages perçus des jeux. Les résultats soulignent donc l’importance de jouer à jeux non-numériques dans cette population, et suggèrent que les efforts visant à faciliter ces jeux peuvent améliorer les interactions sociales et la qualité de vie.
Ureaplasma urealyticumandU. parvumin sexually active women attending public health clinics in Brazil
Authors: LOBÃO T. N. , CAMPOS G. B. , SELIS N. N. , AMORIM A. T. , SOUZA S. G. , MAFRA S. S. , PEREIRA L. S. , DOS SANTOS D. B. , FIGUEIREDO T. B. , MARQUES L. M. , TIMENETSKY J.
Published: June 2017

Ureaplasma urealyticumandU. parvumhave been associated with genital infections. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of ureaplasmas and other sexually transmitted infections in sexually active women from Brazil and relate these data to demographic and sexual health, and cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β. Samples of cervical swab of 302 women were examined at the Family Health Units in Vitória da Conquista. The frequency of detection by conventional PCR was 76·2% forMollicutes. In qPCR, the frequency found was 16·6% forU. urealyticumand 60·6%U. parvumand the bacterial load of these microorganisms was not significantly associated with signs and symptoms of genital infection. The frequency found forTrichomonas vaginalis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Gardnerella vaginalisandChlamydia trachomatiswas 3·0%, 21·5%, 42·4% and 1·7%, respectively. Higher levels of IL-1βwere associated with control women colonized byU. urealyticumandU. parvum. Increased levels of IL-6 were associated with women who exhibitedU. parvum. Sexually active women, with more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months, living in a rural area were associated with increased odds of certainU. parvumserovar infection.
Life Trajectories of Migrant Care Workers in the Long-Term Care Sectors in Norway and the UK
Authors: Christensen Karen
Published: June 2017

An ageing population in Europe is currently putting pressure on long-term care services, creating demand for foreign workers. Using a life-course perspective, this article aims to contribute to the understanding of how life trajectories shape decisions about migration and employment in social care. Based on fifty-one life story interviews with migrant care workers in Norway and UK, two typologies are found: a Norwegian migrant life trajectory of downwards social mobility combined with settlement and a British trajectory combining stronger downwards social mobility with further migration. The article contributes to the discussion of contextualised migratory lives involving care work.
What Makes the Biggest Cycle in Tropical Weather Tick?
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: June 2017

The Madden-Julian Oscillation drives storms across the Indian and Pacific oceans every 30 to 60 days. New research suggests that clouds absorbing and reemitting radiative energy play a key role.
MYBL2 (B-Myb): a central regulator of cell proliferation, cell survival and differentiation involved in tumorigenesis
Authors: Musa Julian , Aynaud Marie-Ming , Mirabeau Olivier , Delattre Olivier , Grünewald Thomas GP
Published: June 2017

Limitless cell proliferation, evasion from apoptosis, dedifferentiation, metastatic spread and therapy resistance: all these properties of a cancer cell contribute to its malignant phenotype and affect patient outcome. MYBL2 (alias B-Myb) is a transcription factor of the MYB transcription factor family and a physiological regulator of cell cycle progression, cell survival and cell differentiation. When deregulated in cancer cells, MYBL2 mediates the deregulation of these properties. In fact, MYBL2 is overexpressed and associated with poor patient outcome in numerous cancer entities. MYBL2 and players of its downstream transcriptional network can be used as prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers as well as potential therapeutic targets to offer less toxic and more specific anti-cancer therapies in future. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the physiological roles of MYBL2 and highlight the impact of its deregulation on cancer initiation and progression.
Voluntary distance running prevents TNF-mediated liver injury in mice through alterations of the intrahepatic immune milieu
Authors: Huber Yvonne , Gehrke Nadine , Biedenbach Jana , Helmig Susanne , Simon Perikles , Straub Beate K , Bergheim Ina , Huber Tobias , Schuppan Detlef , Galle Peter R , Wörns Marcus A , Schuchmann Marcus , Schattenberg Jörn M
Published: June 2017

Physical activity confers a broad spectrum of health benefits. Beyond the obvious role in metabolically driven diseases, the role of physical activity in acute liver injury is poorly explored. To study the role of physical activity in acute liver injury, a novel model of voluntary distance running in mice was developed and mice were subjected to acute liver injury induced byN-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analyses included histological stains, immunoblotting, qRT-PCR and FACS analysis. Voluntary distance running increased to an average of 10.3 km/day after a learning curve. Running lead to a decrease in the absolute numbers of intrahepatic CD4+ T and B lymphocytes and macrophages after 7 weeks. In parallel, hepatic mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and IL-1beta, TGF-beta and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) were suppressed, while TNF-α was not affected by exercise. Likewise, expression of the macrophage-specific antigen F4/80 was downregulated 1.6-fold from exercise. Notably, acute liver injury from GaIN/LPS was significantly blunted following 7 weeks of voluntary exercise as determined by liver histology, a 84.6% reduction of alanine aminotransferase (P<0.01) and a 54.6% reduction of aspartate aminotransferase (P<0.05) compared with sedentary mice. Additionally, proinflammatory cytokines, activation of caspase 3 and JNK were significantly lower, while antiapoptotic protein A20 increased. Voluntary distance running alters the intrahepatic immune phenotype producing an environment that is less susceptible to acute liver injury.
Inhibition of cancer growth in vitro and in vivo by a novel ROS-modulating agent with ability to eliminate stem-like cancer cells
Authors: Wang Jiankang , Luo Bingling , Li Xiaobing , Lu Wenhua , Yang Jing , Hu Yumin , Huang Peng , Wen Shijun
Published: June 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have a crucial role in cell signaling and cellular functions. Mounting evidences suggest that abnormal increase of ROS is often observed in cancer cells and that this biochemical feature can be exploited for selective killing of the malignant cells. A naturally occurring compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has been shown to have promising anticancer activity by modulating intracellular ROS. Here we report a novel synthetic analog of PEITC with superior in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects. Mechanistic study showed that LBL21 induced a rapid depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH), leading to abnormal ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, evident by a decrease in mitochondrial respiration and transmembrane potential. Importantly, LBL21 exhibited the ability to abrogate stem cell-like cancer side population (SP) cells in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells associated with a downregulation of stem cell markers including OCT4, ABCG2, SOX2 and CD133. Functionally, LBL21 inhibited the ability of cancer cells to form colonies in vitro and develop tumor in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of LBL21 was further demonstrated in mice bearing A549 lung cancer xenografts. Our study suggests that the novel ROS-modulating agent LBL21 has promising anticancer activity with an advantage of elimination of stem-like cancer cells. This compound merits further study to evaluate its potential for use in cancer treatment.
Tumor-suppressive miR-26a and miR-26b inhibit cell aggressiveness by regulating FUT4 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Zheng , Liu Bing , Shan Yujia , Zhao Lifen , Jia Li
Published: June 2017

Metastasis is a multistep molecular network process, which is the major cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Increased expression of fucosyltransferase4 (FUT4) has been reported to be associated with the invasive and metastatic properties of CRC. Here to identify potential key miRNAs and their target genes for colorectal cancer (CRC), we compared miRNA expression profiles between metastatic CRC cell SW620 and primary CRC cell SW480. Microarray analysis revealed that there were 85 differentially expressed miRNAs in SW620 cells with highly metastatic potential compared to SW480 cells with lowly metastatic potential. The expression of miR-26a and miR-26b were lower in SW620 cells than in SW480 cells, as well as downregulated in tumor tissues than in adjacent normal tissues of CRC patients. By applying bioinformatic approaches for the prediction of miRNA targeting 3′-UTR of FUT4, we identified FUT4 as one of the miR-26a/26b-targeted genes, while the expression of the target gene exhibited patterns opposite to that of miR-26a/26b in CRC cell lines, tumor tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues. Forced miR-26a/26b expression affected migratory behavior of CRC cells and FUT4 expression, while altered expression of FUT4 in CRC cell lines modulated progression upon transfection with miR-26a/26b mimic or inhibiter. FUT4 also regulated directly aggressiveness of SW620 and SW480 cells. Moreover, statistical analyses revealed that low miR-26a/26b levels and high expression of FUT4 were positively correlated with poor overall survival. The identified CRC-restricted miR-26a and miR-26b might be implicated in cancer progression via their target gene FUT4, suggesting their potential usage in CRC treatment.
Mechanical properties of atomically thin boron nitride and the role of interlayer interactions
Authors: Falin Aleksey , Cai Qiran , Santos Elton J.G. , Scullion Declan , Qian Dong , Zhang Rui , Yang Zhi , Huang Shaoming , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Barnett Matthew R. , Chen Ying , Ruoff Rodney S. , Li Lu Hua
Published: June 2017

Atomically thin boron nitride (BN) nanosheets are important two-dimensional nanomaterials with many unique properties distinct from those of graphene, but investigation into their mechanical properties remains incomplete. Here we report that high-quality single-crystalline mono- and few-layer BN nanosheets are one of the strongest electrically insulating materials. More intriguingly, few-layer BN shows mechanical behaviours quite different from those of few-layer graphene under indentation. In striking contrast to graphene, whose strength decreases by more than 30% when the number of layers increases from 1 to 8, the mechanical strength of BN nanosheets is not sensitive to increasing thickness. We attribute this difference to the distinct interlayer interactions and hence sliding tendencies in these two materials under indentation. The significantly better interlayer integrity of BN nanosheets makes them a more attractive candidate than graphene for several applications, for example, as mechanical reinforcements.
Current rates and mechanisms of subsea permafrost degradation in the East Siberian Arctic Shelf
Authors: Shakhova Natalia , Semiletov Igor , Gustafsson Orjan , Sergienko Valentin , Lobkovsky Leopold , Dudarev Oleg , Tumskoy Vladimir , Grigoriev Michael , Mazurov Alexey , Salyuk Anatoly , Ananiev Roman , Koshurnikov Andrey , Kosmach Denis , Charkin Alexander , Dmitrevsky Nicolay , Karnaukh Victor , Gunar Alexey , Meluzov Alexander , Chernykh Denis
Published: June 2017

The rates of subsea permafrost degradation and occurrence of gas-migration pathways are key factors controlling the East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS) methane (CH4) emissions, yet these factors still require assessment. It is thought that after inundation, permafrost-degradation rates would decrease over time and submerged thaw-lake taliks would freeze; therefore, no CH4 release would occur for millennia. Here we present results of the first comprehensive scientific re-drilling to show that subsea permafrost in the near-shore zone of the ESAS has a downward movement of the ice-bonded permafrost table of ∼14 cm year−1 over the past 31–32 years. Our data reveal polygonal thermokarst patterns on the seafloor and gas-migration associated with submerged taliks, ice scouring and pockmarks. Knowing the rate and mechanisms of subsea permafrost degradation is a prerequisite to meaningful predictions of near-future CH4 release in the Arctic.
Long noncoding RNA LncHIFCAR/MIR31HG is a HIF-1α co-activator driving oral cancer progression
Authors: Shih Jing-Wen , Chiang Wei-Fan , Wu Alexander T. H. , Wu Ming-Heng , Wang Ling-Yu , Yu Yen-Ling , Hung Yu-Wen , Wang Wen-Chang , Chu Cheng-Ying , Hung Chiu-Lien , Changou Chun A. , Yen Yun , Kung Hsing-Jien
Published: June 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in hypoxia/HIF-1-associated cancer progression through largely unknown mechanisms. Here we identify MIR31HG as a hypoxia-inducible lncRNA and therefore we name it LncHIFCAR (long noncoding HIF-1α co-activating RNA); we describe its oncogenic role as a HIF-1α co-activator that regulates the HIF-1 transcriptional network, crucial for cancer development. Extensive analyses of clinical data indicate LncHIFCAR level is substantially upregulated in oral carcinoma, significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and representing an independent prognostic predictor. Overexpression of LncHIFCAR induces pseudo-hypoxic gene signature, whereas knockdown of LncHIFCAR impairs the hypoxia-induced HIF-1α transactivation, sphere-forming ability, metabolic shift and metastatic potential in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LncHIFCAR forms a complex with HIF-1α via direct binding and facilitates the recruitment of HIF-1α and p300 cofactor to the target promoters. Our results uncover an lncRNA-mediated mechanism for HIF-1 activation and establish the clinical values of LncHIFCAR in prognosis and potential therapeutic strategy for oral carcinoma.
Erratum: Hollywood raising awareness of smoking-related diseases: can it proactively counteract the impact of smoking in movies?—the final mission of Star Trek’s Mr Spock
Authors: van Boven Job FM , Kaplan Alan G
Published: June 2017

Correction to: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2016) 26, 16052; doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.52; published online 20 October 2016 This Editorial contained typographical errors in the main text. ‘On 27 March 2015, generations of fans of Star Trek lost one of its iconic characters’
Self-assembly of ordered graphene nanodot arrays
Authors: Camilli Luca , Jørgensen Jakob H. , Tersoff Jerry , Stoot Adam C. , Balog Richard , Cassidy Andrew , Sadowski Jerzy T. , Bøggild Peter , Hornekær Liv
Published: June 2017

The ability to fabricate nanoscale domains of uniform size in two-dimensional materials could potentially enable new applications in nanoelectronics and the development of innovative metamaterials. However, achieving even minimal control over the growth of two-dimensional lateral heterostructures at such extreme dimensions has proven exceptionally challenging. Here we show the spontaneous formation of ordered arrays of graphene nano-domains (dots), epitaxially embedded in a two-dimensional boron–carbon–nitrogen alloy. These dots exhibit a strikingly uniform size of 1.6 ± 0.2 nm and strong ordering, and the array periodicity can be tuned by adjusting the growth conditions. We explain this behaviour with a model incorporating dot-boundary energy, a moiré-modulated substrate interaction and a long-range repulsion between dots. This new two-dimensional material, which theory predicts to be an ordered composite of uniform-size semiconducting graphene quantum dots laterally integrated within a larger-bandgap matrix, holds promise for novel electronic and optoelectronic properties, with a variety of potential device applications.
Single ion fluorescence excited with a single mode of an UV frequency comb
Authors: Ozawa Akira , Davila-Rodriguez Josue , Bounds James R. , Schuessler Hans A. , Hänsch Theodor W. , Udem Thomas
Published: June 2017

Optical frequency combs have revolutionized the measurement of optical frequencies and improved the precision of spectroscopic experiments. Besides their importance as a frequency-measuring ruler, the frequency combs themselves can excite target transitions (direct frequency comb spectroscopy). The direct frequency comb spectroscopy may extend the optical frequency metrology into spectral regions unreachable by continuous wave lasers. In high precision spectroscopy, atoms/ions/molecules trapped in place have been often used as a target to minimize systematic effects. Here, we demonstrate direct frequency comb spectroscopy of single 25Mg ions confined in a Paul trap, at deep-UV wavelengths. Only one mode out of about 20,000 can be resonant at a time. Even then we can detect the induced fluorescence with a spatially resolving single photon camera, allowing us to determine the absolute transition frequency. The demonstration shows that the direct frequency comb spectroscopy is an important tool for frequency metrology for shorter wavelengths where continuous wave lasers are unavailable.
One-dimensional electron gas in strained lateral heterostructures of single layer materials
Authors: Rubel O.
Published: June 2017

Confinement of the electron gas along one of the spatial directions opens an avenue for studying fundamentals of quantum transport along the side of numerous practical electronic applications, with high-electron-mobility transistors being a prominent example. A heterojunction of two materials with dissimilar electronic polarisation can be used for engineering of the conducting channel. Extension of this concept to single-layer materials leads to one-dimensional electron gas (1DEG). MoS2/WS2 lateral heterostructure is used as a prototype for the realisation of 1DEG. The electronic polarisation discontinuity is achieved by straining the heterojunction taking advantage of dissimilarities in the piezoelectric coupling between MoS2 and WS2. A complete theory that describes an induced electric field profile in lateral heterojunctions of two-dimensional materials is proposed and verified by first principle calculations.
Dopamine-dependent changes of cortical excitability induced by transcranial static magnetic field stimulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Dileone M. , Carrasco-López M. C. , Segundo-Rodriguez J. C. , Mordillo-Mateos L. , López-Ariztegui N. , Alonso-Frech F. , Catalan-Alonso M. J. , Obeso J. A. , Oliviero A. , Foffani G.
Published: June 2017

Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is a recent low-cost non-invasive brain stimulation technique that decreases cortical excitability in healthy subjects. The objective of the present study was to test the ability of tSMS to modulate cortical excitability in patients with Parkinson’s disease. We performed a randomized double-blind sham-controlled cross-over study to assess cortical excitability before and immediately after tSMS (or sham) applied for 10 min to the more affected motor cortex of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Cortical excitability was quantified by the amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). tSMS significantly decreased MEP amplitudes in patients OFF medication (after overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic drugs), but not ON medication (after an acute dose of levodopa). The between-patients variability of tSMS-induced changes was significantly greater ON medication. The variability ON medication could be partly explained by disease progression, i.e. the more advanced the patient, the more likely it was to observe a switch from inhibitory tSMS plasticity OFF medication to paradoxical facilitatory plasticity ON medication. These results suggest that tSMS induces dopamine-dependent changes of cortical excitability in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Method for preparing DNA from feces in guanidine thiocyanate solution affects 16S rRNA-based profiling of human microbiota diversity
Authors: Hosomi Koji , Ohno Harumi , Murakami Haruka , Natsume-Kitatani Yayoi , Tanisawa Kumpei , Hirata Soichiro , Suzuki Hidehiko , Nagatake Takahiro , Nishino Tomomi , Mizuguchi Kenji , Miyachi Motohiko , Kunisawa Jun
Published: June 2017

Metagenomic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene is generally performed to examine the diversity and abundance of commensal bacteria in feces, which is now recognized to be associated with human health and diseases. Guanidine thiocyanate (GuSCN) solution is used as a less onerous way compared with a frozen method to transport and stock fecal samples at room temperature for DNA analysis; however, optimal methods to measure fecal bacterial composition in GuSCN solution remain to be investigated. Here, we examined the influence of various factors such as pretreatment (e.g., removing GuSCN solution and washing feces with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) before mechanical lysis), fecal concentration in the GuSCN solution, storage time, and position of fecal subsampling on the 16S rRNA-based analysis of fecal bacteria in GuSCN solution. We found that pretreatment and fecal concentration affected the bacterial composition, and a little change was noted with subsampling position. Based on these results, we propose a basic protocol, including fecal sampling, sample storage, and DNA extraction, for the 16S rRNA-based analysis of bacterial composition in feces suspended in GuSCN solution.
PGC-1α attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptotic cell death by upregulating Nrf-2 via GSK3β inactivation mediated by activated p38 in HK-2 Cells
Authors: Choi Hoon-In , Kim Hye-Jin , Park Jung-Sun , Kim In-Jin , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan
Published: June 2017

Ischemia/reperfusion injury triggers acute kidney injury (AKI) by aggravating oxidative stress mediated mitochondria dysfunction. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is a master player that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and the antioxidant response. We postulated that PGC-1α functions as cytoprotective effector in renal cells and that its regulation mechanism is coordinated by nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2). In this study, to understand the effect and molecular mechanisms of PGC-1α, we developed an empty vector or PGC-1α-overexpressing stable cell lines in HK-2 cells (Mock or PGC-1α stable cells). PGC-1α overexpression increased the viability of cells affected by H2O2 mediated injury, protected against H2O2-mediated apoptotic events and inhibited reactive oxygen species accumulation in the cytosol and mitochondria as compared to that in Mock cells. The cytoprotective effect of PGC-1α was related to Nrf-2 upregulation, which was counteracted by Nrf-2-specific knockdown. Using inhibitor of p38, we found that regulation of the p38/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)/Nrf-2 axis was involved in the protective effects of PGC-1α. Taken together, we suggest that PGC-1α protects human renal tubule cells from H2O2-mediated apoptotic injury by upregulating Nrf-2 via GSK3β inactivation mediated by activated p38.
Anti-parasite therapy drives changes in human visceral leishmaniasis-associated inflammatory balance
Authors: Araújo-Santos Théo , Andrade Bruno B. , Gil-Santana Leonardo , Luz Nívea F. , dos Santos Priscila L. , de Oliveira Fabrícia A. , Almeida Meirielly Lima , de Santana Campos Roseane Nunes , Bozza Patrícia T. , Almeida Roque P. , Borges Valeria M.
Published: June 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains a major public health problem worldwide. Cytokine balance is thought to play a critical role in the development of this disease. Here, we perform a prospective exploratory study addressing whether simultaneous assessment of circulating levels of different lipid mediators and cytokines could highlight specific pathways involved with VL pathogenesis. VL patients displayed substantial increases in serum levels of Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), Leukotriene B4(LTB4), Resolvin D1 (RvD1), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α compared with uninfected endemic control group, while exhibiting decreased levels of TGF-β1. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the prospective changes in the expression level of theses parameters upon anti-Leishmaniatreatment initiation revealed that the inflammatory profile observed in active disease gradually changed over time and was generally reversed at day 30 of therapy. Furthermore, not only the individual concentrations of most of the inflammatory biomarkers changed upon treatment, but the correlations between those and several biochemical parameters used to characterize VL disease activity were also modified over time. These results demonstrate that an inflammatory imbalance hallmarks active VL disease and open perspective for manipulation of these pathways in future studies examining a potential host-directed therapy against VL.
Cellular uptake of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complexes by the endocytic receptor megalin/LRP-2
Authors: Johanns Manuel , Lemoine Pascale , Janssens Virginie , Grieco Giuseppina , Moestrup Soren K. , Nielsen Rikke , Christensen Erik I. , Courtoy Pierre J. , Emonard Hervé , Marbaix Etienne , Henriet Patrick
Published: June 2017

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are regulated at multiple transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, among which receptor-mediated endocytic clearance. We previously showed that low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) mediates the clearance of a complex between the zymogen form of MMP-2 (proMMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, TIMP-2, in HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. Here we show that, in BN16 rat yolk sac cells, proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complex is endocytosed through a distinct LRP member, megalin/LRP-2. Addition of receptor-associated protein (RAP), a natural LRP antagonist, caused accumulation of endogenous proMMP-2 and TIMP-2 in conditioned media. Incubation with RAP also inhibited membrane binding and cellular uptake of exogenous iodinated proMMP-2:TIMP-2. Moreover, antibodies against megalin/LRP-2, but not against LRP-1, inhibited binding of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 to BN16 cell surface. BIAcore analysis confirmed direct interaction between the complex and megalin/LRP-2. Conditional renal invalidation of megalin/LRP-2 in mice resulted in accumulation of proMMP-2 and TIMP-2 in their urine, highlighting the physiological relevance of the binding. We conclude that megalin/LRP-2 can efficiently mediate cell-surface binding and endocytosis of proMMP-2:TIMP-2 complex. Therefore megalin/LRP-2 can be considered as a new actor in regulation of MMP-2 activity, an enzyme crucially involved in many pathological processes.
Phosphorus adsorption by a modified polyampholyte-diatomaceous earth material containing imidazole and carboxylic acid moieties: batch and dynamic studies
Authors: Villanueva María Emilia , Diez Ana María del Rosario , González Joaquín Antonio , Lázaro-Martínez Juan Manuel , Dall'Orto Viviana Campo , Copello Guillermo Javier
Published: June 2017

Phosphorus removal in water was achieved by using a polyampholyte supported on diatomaceous earth.