bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural aspects of dormancy in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): importance and possible action mechanisms of the seed coat
Authors: Ceccato Diana , Bertero Daniel , Batlla Diego , Galati Beatriz
Published: May 2015

Two possible sources of resistance to pre-harvest sprouting were evaluated in quinoa. They showed dormancy at harvest and significant variations in dormancy level in response to environmental conditions experienced during seed development. The aims of this work were to evaluate the importance of seed coats in the regulation of dormancy in this species, to investigate possible mechanisms of action and to assess association of seed coat properties with changes in dormancy level caused by the environment. Accessions Chadmo and 2-Want were grown under field conditions on different sowing dates during 2 years. Seed coats were manipulated and seed germination was evaluated at different temperatures. Seed coat perforation before incubation led to faster dormancy loss in both accessions. This effect decreased with delayed sowing date, and seeds expressed a level of dormancy not imposed by coats. This suggests the presence of embryo dormancy in the genus Chenopodium. Seeds of the accession 2-Want had a significantly thinner seed coat at later sowing dates, associated with a decreasing coat-imposed dormancy, but this pattern was not detected in Chadmo. The seed coat acts as a barrier to the release of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in quinoa, suggested by the increase in germination and a higher amount of ABA leached from perforated seeds. ABA is able to leach from seeds with an intact seed coat, suggesting that differences in seed coat thickness may allow the leakage of different amounts of ABA. This mechanism may contribute to the observed differences in dormancy level, either between sowing dates or between accessions.
Acetylation of HDAC1 and degradation of SIRT1 form a positive feedback loop to regulate p53 acetylation during heat-shock stress
Authors: Yang H , Yan B , Liao D , Huang S , Qiu Y
Published: May 2015

The tumor suppressor p53 is an essential transcription factor that sensitively regulates cellular responses to various stresses. Acetylation, a critically important posttranslational modification of p53, is induced in response to cellular stresses. P53 acetylation level strongly correlates with protein stability and activity. The steady-state level of p53 acetylation is balanced by dynamic acetylation and deacetylation. Despite the function of p53 acetylation being well studied, how the steady state of p53 acetylation level is regulated in response to cellular stresses remains unclear. In particular, the dynamic regulation of the deacetylase activities responsible for p53 deacetylation during cellular stress is unknown. In the current study, we investigated the dynamic regulation of HDAC1 (histone deacetylase 1) and SIRT1 (sirtuin 1), two major enzymes for p53 deacetylation, during cell stress. We found that various cell stress events induce HDAC1 acetylation. The increased level of HDAC1 acetylation correlates with the level of p53 acetylation. Acetylated HDAC1 loses the ability to deacetylate p53. Cellular stresses also promote the decline of the SIRT1 protein in a proteasome-dependent pathway, which also results in the increase of p53 acetylation. Importantly, the decreased level of SIRT1 also contributes to the accumulation of HDAC1 acetylation as SIRT1 deacetylates HDAC1. Therefore, the increase of HDAC1 acetylation and reduced level of SIRT1 protein during cellular stress directly link to the induction of p53 acetylation. These results unveil the mechanism underlying the dynamic regulation of p53 acetylation during cell stress.
ErbB2-intronic MicroRNA-4728: a novel tumor suppressor and antagonist of oncogenic MAPK signaling
Authors: Schmitt D C , Madeira da Silva L , Zhang W , Liu Z , Arora R , Lim S , Schuler A M , McClellan S , Andrews J F , Kahn A G , Zhou M , Ahn E-YE , Tan M
Published: May 2015

Although the role of the ErbB2/HER2 oncogene in cancers has been extensively studied, how ErbB2 is regulated remains poorly understood. A novel microRNA, mir-4728, was recently found within an intron of the ErbB2 gene. However, the function and clinical relevance of this intronic miRNA are completely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mir-4728 is a negative regulator of MAPK signaling through directly targeting the ERK upstream kinase MST4 and exerts numerous tumor-suppressive properties in vitro and in animal models. Importantly, our patient sample study shows that mir-4728 was under-expressed in breast tumors compared with normal tissue, and loss of mir-4728 correlated with worse overall patient survival. These results strongly suggest that mir-4728 is a tumor-suppressive miRNA that controls MAPK signaling through targeting MST4, revealing mir-4728’s significance as a potential prognostic factor and target for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Moreover, this study represents a conceptual advance by providing strong evidence that a tumor-suppressive miRNA can antagonize the canonical signaling of its host oncogene.
The synergistic interaction between the calcineurin B subunit and IFN-γ enhances macrophage antitumor activity
Authors: Su Z , Yang R , Zhang W , Xu L , Zhong Y , Yin Y , Cen J , DeWitt J P , Wei Q
Published: May 2015

Macrophages are involved in tumor growth and progression. They infiltrate into tumors and cause inflammation, which creates a microenvironment favoring tumor growth and metastasis. However, certain stimuli may induce macrophages to act as tumor terminators. Here we report that the calcineurin B subunit (CnB) synergizes with IFN-γ to make macrophages highly cytotoxic to cancer cells. Furthermore, CnB and IFN-γ act synergistically to polarize mouse tumor-associated macrophages, as well as human monocyte-derived macrophages to an M1-like phenotype. This synergy is mediated by the crosstalk between CnB-engaged integrin αM-p38 MAPK signaling and IFN-γ-initiated p38/PKC-δ/Jak2 signaling. Interestingly, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a key factor that orchestrates the synergy of CnB and IFN-γ, and the phosphorylation status at Ser727 and Tyr701 of STAT1 is directly regulated by CnB and IFN-γ.
Prdx4 is a compartment-specific H2O2 sensor that regulates neurogenesis by controlling surface expression of GDE2
Authors: Yan Ye , Wladyka Cynthia , Fujii Junichi , Sockanathan Shanthini
Published: May 2015

Neural progenitors and terminally differentiated neurons show distinct redox profiles, suggesting that coupled-redox cascades regulate the initiation and progression of neuronal differentiation. Discrete cellular compartments have different redox environments and how they contribute to differentiation is unclear. Here we show that Prdx4, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) enzyme that metabolizes H2O2, acts as a tunable regulator of neurogenesis via its compartmentalized thiol-oxidative function. Prdx4 ablation causes premature motor neuron differentiation and progenitor depletion, leading to imbalances in subtype-specific motor neurons. GDE2, a six-transmembrane protein that induces differentiation by downregulating Notch signalling through surface cleavage of GPI-anchored proteins, is targeted by Prdx4 oxidative activity. Prdx4 dimers generated by H2O2 metabolism oxidize two cysteine residues within the GDE2 enzymatic domain, which blocks GDE2 trafficking to the plasma membrane and prevents GDE2 neurogeneic function. Thus, Prdx4 oxidative activity acts as a sensor to directly couple neuronal differentiation with redox environments in the ER.
Extreme 13C depletion of carbonates formed during oxidation of biogenic methane in fractured granite
Authors: Drake Henrik , Åström Mats E. , Heim Christine , Broman Curt , Åström Jan , Whitehouse Martin , Ivarsson Magnus , Siljeström Sandra , Sjövall Peter
Published: May 2015

Precipitation of exceptionally 13C-depleted authigenic carbonate is a result of, and thus a tracer for, sulphate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation, particularly in marine sediments. Although these carbonates typically are less depleted in 13C than in the source methane, because of incorporation of C also from other sources, they are far more depleted in 13C (δ13C as light as −69‰ V-PDB) than in carbonates formed where no methane is involved. Here we show that oxidation of biogenic methane in carbon-poor deep groundwater in fractured granitoid rocks has resulted in fracture-wall precipitation of the most extremely 13C-depleted carbonates ever reported, δ13C down to −125‰ V-PDB. A microbial consortium of sulphate reducers and methane oxidizers has been involved, as revealed by biomarker signatures in the carbonates and S-isotope compositions of co-genetic sulphide. Methane formed at shallow depths has been oxidized at several hundred metres depth at the transition to a deep-seated sulphate-rich saline water. This process is so far an unrecognized terrestrial sink of methane.
Expression of heterologous sigma factors enables functional screening of metagenomic and heterologous genomic libraries
Authors: Gaida Stefan M. , Sandoval Nicholas R. , Nicolaou Sergios A. , Chen Yili , Venkataramanan Keerthi P. , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: May 2015

A key limitation in using heterologous genomic or metagenomic libraries in functional genomics and genome engineering is the low expression of heterologous genes in screening hosts, such as Escherichia coli. To overcome this limitation, here we generate E. coli strains capable of recognizing heterologous promoters by expressing heterologous sigma factors. Among seven sigma factors tested, RpoD from Lactobacillus plantarum (Lpl) appears to be able of initiating transcription from all sources of DNA. Using the promoter GFP-trap concept, we successfully screen several heterologous and metagenomic DNA libraries, thus enlarging the genomic space that can be functionally sampled in E. coli. For an application, we show that screening fosmid-based Lpl genomic libraries in an E. coli strain with a chromosomally integrated Lpl rpoD enables the identification of Lpl genetic determinants imparting strong ethanol tolerance in E. coli. Transcriptome analysis confirms increased expression of heterologous genes in the engineered strain.
Four patients with a history of acute exacerbations of COPD: implementing the CHEST/Canadian Thoracic Society guidelines for preventing exacerbations
Authors: Tsiligianni Ioanna , Goodridge Donna , Marciniuk Darcy , Hull Sally , Bourbeau Jean
Published: May 2015

The American College of Chest Physicians and Canadian Thoracic Society have jointly produced evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This educational article gives four perspectives on how these guidelines apply to the practical management of people with COPD. A current smoker with frequent exacerbations will benefit from support to quit, and from optimisation of his inhaled treatment. For a man with very severe COPD and multiple co-morbidities living in a remote community, tele-health care may enable provision of multidisciplinary care. A woman who is admitted for the third time in a year needs a structured assessment of her care with a view to stepping up pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment as required. The overlap between asthma and COPD challenges both diagnostic and management strategies for a lady smoker with a history of asthma since childhood. Common threads in all these cases are the importance of advising on smoking cessation, offering (and encouraging people to attend) pulmonary rehabilitation, and the importance of self-management, including an action plan supported by multidisciplinary teams.
Reduced erythrocyte susceptibility and increased host clearance of young parasites slows Plasmodium growth in a murine model of severe malaria
Authors: Khoury David S. , Cromer Deborah , Best Shannon E. , James Kylie R. , Sebina Ismail , Haque Ashraful , Davenport Miles P.
Published: May 2015

The best correlate of malaria severity in human Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection is the total parasite load. Pf-infected humans could control parasite loads by two mechanisms, either decreasing parasite multiplication, or increasing parasite clearance. However, few studies have directly measured these two mechanisms in vivo. Here, we have directly quantified host clearance of parasites during Plasmodium infection in mice. We transferred labelled red blood cells (RBCs) from Plasmodium infected donors into uninfected and infected recipients and tracked the fate of donor parasites by frequent blood sampling. We then applied age-based mathematical models to characterise parasite clearance in the recipient mice. Our analyses revealed an increased clearance of parasites in infected animals, particularly parasites of a younger developmental stage. However, the major decrease in parasite multiplication in infected mice was not mediated by increased clearance alone, but was accompanied by a significant reduction in the susceptibility of RBCs to parasitisation.
Core-like groups result in invalidation of identifying super-spreader by k-shell decomposition
Authors: Liu Ying , Tang Ming , Zhou Tao , Younghae Do
Published: May 2015

Identifying the most influential spreaders is an important issue in understanding and controlling spreading processes on complex networks. Recent studies showed that nodes located in the core of a network as identified by thek-shell decomposition are the most influential spreaders. However, through a great deal of numerical simulations, we observe that not in all real networks do nodes in high shells are very influential: in some networks the core nodes are the most influential which we call true core, while in others nodes in high shells, even the innermost core, are not good spreaders which we call core-like group. By analyzing thek-core structure of the networks, we find that the true core of a network links diversely to the shells of the network, while the core-like group links very locally within the group. For nodes in the core-like group, thek-shell index cannot reflect their location importance in the network. We further introduce a measure based on the link diversity of shells to effectively distinguish the true core and core-like group and identify core-like groups throughout the networks. Our findings help to better understand the structural features of real networks and influential nodes.
A versatile clearing agent for multi-modal brain imaging
Authors: Costantini Irene , Ghobril Jean-Pierre , Di Giovanna Antonino Paolo , Mascaro Anna Letizia Allegra , Silvestri Ludovico , Müllenbroich Marie Caroline , Onofri Leonardo , Conti Valerio , Vanzi Francesco , Sacconi Leonardo , Guerrini Renzo , Markram Henry , Iannello Giulio , Pavone Francesco Saverio
Published: May 2015

Extensive mapping of neuronal connections in the central nervous system requires high-throughput µm-scale imaging of large volumes. In recent years, different approaches have been developed to overcome the limitations due to tissue light scattering. These methods are generally developed to improve the performance of a specific imaging modality, thus limiting comprehensive neuroanatomical exploration by multi-modal optical techniques. Here, we introduce a versatile brain clearing agent (2,2′-thiodiethanol; TDE) suitable for various applications and imaging techniques. TDE is cost-efficient, water-soluble and low-viscous and, more importantly, it preserves fluorescence, is compatible with immunostaining and does not cause deformations at sub-cellular level. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in different applications: in fixed samples by imaging a whole mouse hippocampus with serial two-photon tomography; in combination with CLARITY by reconstructing an entire mouse brain with light sheet microscopy and in translational research by imaging immunostained human dysplastic brain tissue.
Generalized quantum interference of correlated photon pairs
Authors: Kim Heonoh , Lee Sang Min , Moon Han Seb
Published: May 2015

Superposition and indistinguishablility between probability amplitudes have played an essential role in observing quantum interference effects of correlated photons. The Hong-Ou-Mandel interference and interferences of the path-entangled photon number state are of special interest in the field of quantum information technologies. However, a fully generalized two-photon quantum interferometric scheme accounting for the Hong-Ou-Mandel scheme and path-entangled photon number states has not yet been proposed. Here we report the experimental demonstrations of the generalized two-photon interferometry with both the interferometric properties of the Hong-Ou-Mandel effect and the fully unfolded version of the path-entangled photon number state using photon-pair sources, which are independently generated by spontaneous parametric down-conversion. Our experimental scheme explains two-photon interference fringes revealing single- and two-photon coherence properties in a single interferometer setup. Using the proposed interferometric measurement, it is possible to directly estimate the joint spectral intensity of a photon pair source.
New Ti-decorated B40 fullerene as a promising hydrogen storage material
Authors: Dong Huilong , Hou Tingjun , Lee Shuit-Tong , Li Youyong
Published: May 2015

The newly found B40 is the first experimentally observed all-boron fullerene and has potential applications in hydrogen storage. Here we investigate the binding ability and hydrogen storage capacity of Ti-decorated B40 fullerene based on DFT calculations. Our results indicate that Ti shows excellent binding capability to B40 compared with other transition metals. The B40 fullerene coated by 6 Ti atoms (Ti6B40) can store up to 34 H2 molecules, corresponding to a maximum gravimetric density of 8.7 wt%. It takes 0.2-0.4 eV/H2 to add one H2 molecule, which assures reversible storage of H2 molecules under ambient conditions. The evaluated reversible storage capacity is 6.1 wt%. Our results demonstrate that the new Ti-decorated B40 fullerene is a promising hydrogen storage material with high capacity.
Homozygosity mapping reveals novel and known mutations in Pakistani families with inherited retinal dystrophies
Authors: Saqib Muhammad Arif Nadeem , Nikopoulos Konstantinos , Ullah Ehsan , Sher Khan Falak , Iqbal Jamila , Bibi Rabia , Jarral Afeefa , Sajid Sundus , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Venturini Giulia , Ansar Muhammad , Rivolta Carlo
Published: May 2015

Inherited retinal dystrophies are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous. This extensive heterogeneity poses a challenge when performing molecular diagnosis of patients, especially in developing countries. In this study, we applied homozygosity mapping as a tool to reduce the complexity given by genetic heterogeneity and identify disease-causing variants in consanguineous Pakistani pedigrees. DNA samples from eight families with autosomal recessive retinal dystrophies were subjected to genome wide homozygosity mapping (seven by SNP arrays and one by STR markers) and genes comprised within the detected homozygous regions were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. All families displayed consistent autozygous genomic regions. Sequence analysis of candidate genes identified four previously-reported mutations in CNGB3, CNGA3, RHO and PDE6A, as well as three novel mutations: c.2656C > T (p.L886F) in RPGRIP1, c.991G > C (p.G331R) in CNGA3, and c.413-1G > A (IVS6-1G > A) in CNGB1. This latter mutation impacted pre-mRNA splicing of CNGB1 by creating a -1 frameshift leading to a premature termination codon. In addition to better delineating the genetic landscape of inherited retinal dystrophies in Pakistan, our data confirm that combining homozygosity mapping and candidate gene sequencing is a powerful approach for mutation identification in populations where consanguineous unions are common.
The Rebirth of Waste Cooking Oil to Novel Bio-based Surfactants
Authors: Zhang Qi-Qi , Cai Bang-Xin , Xu Wen-Jie , Gang Hong-Ze , Liu Jin-Feng , Yang Shi-Zhong , Mu Bo-Zhong
Published: May 2015

Waste cooking oil (WCO) is a kind of non-edible oil with enormous quantities and its unreasonable dispose may generate negative impact on human life and environment. However, WCO is certainly a renewable feedstock of bio-based materials. To get the rebirth of WCO, we have established a facile and high-yield method to convert WCO to bio-based zwitterionic surfactants with excellent surface and interfacial properties. The interfacial tension between crude oil and water could reach ultra-low value as 0.0016 mN m−1 at a low dosage as 0.100 g L−1 of this bio-based surfactant without the aid of extra alkali, which shows a strong interfacial activity and the great potential application in many industrial fields, in particular, the application in enhanced oil recovery in oilfields in place of petroleum-based surfactants.
Clathrin inhibitor Pitstop-2 disrupts the nuclear pore complex permeability barrier
Authors: Liashkovich Ivan , Pasrednik Dzmitry , Prystopiuk Valeria , Rosso Gonzalo , Oberleithner Hans , Shahin Victor
Published: May 2015

Existence of a selective nucleocytoplasmic permeability barrier is attributed to Phenylalanine-Glycine rich proteins (FG-nups) within the central channel of the nuclear pore complex (NPC). Limited understanding of the FG-nup structural arrangement hinders development of strategies directed at disrupting the NPC permeability barrier. In this report we explore an alternative approach to enhancing the NPC permeability for exogenous macromolecules. We demonstrate that the recently discovered inhibitor of clathrin coat assembly Pitstop-2 compromises the NPC permeability barrier in a rapid and effective manner. Treatment with Pitstop-2 causes a collapse of the NPC permeability barrier and a reduction of Importin β binding accompanied by alteration of the NPC ultrastructure. Interestingly, the effects are induced by the same chemical agent that is capable of inhibiting clathrin-mediated endocytosis. To our knowledge, this is the first functional indication of the previously postulated evolutionary relation between clathrin and NPC scaffold proteins.
Analyses of soil microbial community compositions and functional genes reveal potential consequences of natural forest succession
Authors: Cong Jing , Yang Yunfeng , Liu Xueduan , Lu Hui , Liu Xiao , Zhou Jizhong , Li Diqiang , Yin Huaqun , Ding Junjun , Zhang Yuguang
Published: May 2015

The succession of microbial community structure and function is a central ecological topic, as microbes drive the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles. To elucidate the response and mechanistic underpinnings of soil microbial community structure and metabolic potential relevant to natural forest succession, we compared soil microbial communities from three adjacent natural forests: a coniferous forest (CF), a mixed broadleaf forest (MBF) and a deciduous broadleaf forest (DBF) on Shennongjia Mountain in central China. In contrary to plant communities, the microbial taxonomic diversity of the DBF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of CF and MBF, rendering their microbial community compositions markedly different. Consistently, microbial functional diversity was also highest in the DBF. Furthermore, a network analysis of microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling genes showed the network for the DBF samples was relatively large and tight, revealing strong couplings between microbes. Soil temperature, reflective of climate regimes, was important in shaping microbial communities at both taxonomic and functional gene levels. As a first glimpse of both the taxonomic and functional compositions of soil microbial communities, our results suggest that microbial community structure and function potentials will be altered by future environmental changes, which have implications for forest succession.
Natural carbon-based dots from humic substances
Authors: Dong Yongqiang , Wan Lisi , Cai Jianhua , Fang Qingqing , Chi Yuwu , Chen Guonan
Published: May 2015

For the first time, abundant natural carbon-based dots were found and studied in humic substances (HS). Four soluble HS including three humic acids (HA) from different sources and one fulvic acids (FA) were synthetically studied. Investigation results indicate that all the four HS contain large quantities of Carbon-based dots. Carbon-based dots are mainly small-sized graphene oxide nano-sheets or oxygen-containing functional group-modified graphene nano-sheets with heights less than 1 nm and lateral sizes less than 100 nm. Carbon-based nanomaterials not only contain abundant sp2-clusters but also a large quantity of surface states, exhibiting unique optical and electric properties, such as excitation-dependent fluorescence, surface states-originated electrochemiluminescence and strong electron paramagnetic resonance. Optical and electric properties of these natural carbon-based dots have no obvious relationship to their morphologies, but affected greatly by their surface states. Carbon-based dots in the three HS have relative high densities of surface states whereas the FA has the lowest density of surface states, resulting in their different fluorescence properties. The finding of carbon-based dots in HS provides us new insight into HS and the unique optical properties of these natural carbon-based dots may give HS potential applications in areas such as bio-imaging, bio-medicine, sensing and optoelectronics.
Niche divergence accelerates evolution in Asian endemic Procapra gazelles
Authors: Hu Junhua , Jiang Zhigang , Chen Jing , Qiao Huijie
Published: May 2015

Ecological niche divergence and adaptation to new environments are thought to play important roles in driving speciation. Whether recently evolved species show evidence for niche divergence or conservation is vital towards understanding the role of ecology in the process of speciation. The genus Procapra is an ancient, monophyletic lineage endemic to Asia that contains three extant species (P. gutturosa, P. przewalskii and P. picticaudata). These species mainly inhabit the Qinghai-Tibetan and Mongolian Plateaus and today have primarily allopatric distributions. We applied a series of geographic information system–based analyses to test for environmental variation and niche divergence among these three species. We found substantial evidence for niche divergence in species’ bioclimatic preferences, which supports the hypothesis that niche divergence accelerates diversification in Procapra. Our results provide important insight into the evolutionary history of ungulates in Asia and help to elucidate how environmental changes accelerate lineage diversification.
Effects of zinc transporters on Cryptococcus gattii virulence
Authors: Schneider Rafael de Oliveira , Diehl Camila , dos Santos Francine Melise , Piffer Alícia Corbellini , Garcia Ane Wichine Acosta , Kulmann Marcos Iuri Roos , Schrank Augusto , Kmetzsch Lívia , Vainstein Marilene Henning , Staats Charley C.
Published: May 2015

Zinc is an essential nutrient for all living organisms because it is a co-factor of several important proteins. Furthermore, zinc may play an essential role in the infectiousness of microorganisms. Previously, we determined that functional zinc metabolism is associated with Cryptococcus gattii virulence. Here, we characterized the ZIP zinc transporters in this human pathogen. Transcriptional profiling revealed that zinc levels regulated the expression of the ZIP1, ZIP2 and ZIP3 genes, although only the C. gattii zinc transporter Zip1 was required for yeast growth under zinc-limiting conditions. To associate zinc uptake defects with virulence, the most studied cryptococcal virulence factors (i.e., capsule, melanin and growth at 37 °C) were assessed in ZIP mutant strains; however, no differences were detected in these classical virulence-associated traits among the mutant and WT strains. Interestingly, higher levels of reactive oxygen species were detected in the zip1Δ and in the zip1Δ zip2Δ double mutants. In line with these phenotypic alterations, the zip1Δ zip2Δ double mutant displayed attenuated virulence in a murine model of cryptococcosis. Together, these results indicate that adequate zinc uptake is necessary for cryptococcal fitness and virulence.
BET inhibitors induce apoptosis through a MYC independent mechanism and synergise with CDK inhibitors to kill osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Baker Emma K , Taylor Scott , Gupte Ankita , Sharp Phillip P , Walia Mannu , Walsh Nicole C , Zannettino Andrew CW , Chalk Alistair M , Burns Christopher J , Walkley Carl R
Published: May 2015

Osteosarcoma (OS) survival rates have plateaued in part due to a lack of new therapeutic options. Here we demonstrate that bromodomain inhibitors (BETi), JQ1, I-BET151, I-BET762, exert potent anti-tumour activity against primary and established OS cell lines, mediated by inhibition of BRD4. Strikingly, unlike previous observations in long-term established human OS cell lines, the antiproliferative activity of JQ1 in primary OS cells was driven by the induction of apoptosis, not cell cycle arrest. In further contrast, JQ1 activity in OS was mediated independently of MYC downregulation. We identified that JQ1 suppresses the transcription factor FOSL1 by displacement of BRD4 from its locus. Loss of FOSL1 phenocopied the antiproliferative effects of JQ1, identifying FOSL1 suppression as a potential novel therapeutic approach for OS. As a monotherapy JQ1 demonstrated significant anti-tumour activity in vivo in an OS graft model. Further, combinatorial treatment approaches showed that JQ1 increased the sensitivity of OS cells to doxorubicin and induced potent synergistic activity when rationally combined with CDK inhibitors. The greater level of activity achieved with the combination of BETi with CDK inhibitors demonstrates the efficacy of this combination therapy. Taken together, our studies show that BET inhibitors are a promising new therapeutic for OS.
Gate Modulation of Graphene-ZnO Nanowire Schottky Diode
Authors: Liu Ren , You Xu-Chen , Fu Xue-Wen , Lin Fang , Meng Jie , Yu Da-Peng , Liao Zhi-Min
Published: May 2015

Graphene-semiconductor interface is important for the applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here we report the modulation of the electric transport properties of graphene/ZnO nanowire Schottky diode by gate voltage (Vg). The ideality factor of the graphene/ZnO nanowire Schottky diode is ~1.7 and the Schottky barrier height is ~0.28 eV without external Vg. The Schottky barrier height is sensitive to Vg due to the variation of Fermi level of graphene. The barrier height increases quickly with sweeping Vg towards the negative value, while decreases slowly towards the positive Vg. Our results are helpful to understand the fundamental mechanism of the electric transport in graphene-semiconductor Schottky diode.
An automated microfluidic platform for C. elegans embryo arraying, phenotyping, and long-term live imaging
Authors: Cornaglia Matteo , Mouchiroud Laurent , Marette Alexis , Narasimhan Shreya , Lehnert Thomas , Jovaisaite Virginija , Auwerx Johan , Gijs Martin A. M.
Published: May 2015

Studies of the real-time dynamics of embryonic development require a gentle embryo handling method, the possibility of long-term live imaging during the complete embryogenesis, as well as of parallelization providing a population’s statistics, while keeping single embryo resolution. We describe an automated approach that fully accomplishes these requirements for embryos of Caenorhabditis elegans, one of the most employed model organisms in biomedical research. We developed a microfluidic platform which makes use of pure passive hydrodynamics to run on-chip worm cultures, from which we obtain synchronized embryo populations, and to immobilize these embryos in incubator microarrays for long-term high-resolution optical imaging. We successfully employ our platform to investigate morphogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis during the full embryonic development and elucidate the role of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) within C. elegans embryogenesis. Our method can be generally used for protein expression and developmental studies at the embryonic level, but can also provide clues to understand the aging process and age-related diseases in particular.
Label-free monitoring of plasmonic catalysis on the nanoscale
Authors: Zhang Zhenglong , Deckert-Gaudig Tanja , Deckert Volker
Published: May 2015

This review describes the current advances on plasmonic catalysis monitored by SERS and TERS on the nanoscale.
Fluorescent microRNA biosensors: a comparison of signal generation to quenching
Authors: Almlie C. Kyle , Larkey Nicholas E. , Burrows Sean M.
Published: May 2015

Many microRNA biosensor platforms regard fluorescence signal generation as superior to quenching; however, the two methods are comparable rather than competitive.
An ultrasensitive and selective turn-off fluorescent nanoprobe for the detection of copper ions
Authors: Hormozi-Nezhad M. Reza , Taghipour M.
Published: May 2015

In this study, a novel approach for sensitive and extremely selective detection of copper ions has been developed based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between AuNPs as an acceptor and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) as a donor.
Platinum decorated functionalized defective acetylene black; a promising cathode material for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Badam Rajashekar , Vedarajan Raman , Matsumi Noriyoshi
Published: May 2015

Enormously enhanced oxygen reduction reaction of Pt-np/functionalized acetylene black.
An organic anion template: a 24-nucleus silver cluster encapsulating a squarate dimer
Authors: Liu Kuan-Guan , Chen Su-Kun , Lin Yu-Mei , Wang Quan-Ming
Published: May 2015

An unprecedented organic anion templated silver cluster has been isolated, leading to unusual π–π interaction within the encapsulated squarate dimer.
A cyclization-induced emission enhancement (CIEE)-based ratiometric fluorogenic and chromogenic probe for the facile detection of a nerve agent simulant DCP
Authors: Mahapatra Ajit Kumar , Maiti Kalipada , Manna Saikat Kumar , Maji Rajkishor , Mondal Sanchita , Das Mukhopadhyay Chitrangada , Sahoo Prithidipa , Mandal Debasish
Published: May 2015

The first ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of a nerve agent simulant was developed based on tandem phosphorylation and intramolecular cyclization.
Highly open rhombic dodecahedral PtCu nanoframes
Authors: Ding Jiabao , Zhu Xing , Bu Lingzheng , Yao Jianlin , Guo Jun , Guo Shaojun , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2015

An efficient approach that enables the direct creation of highly open PtCu nanoframes was developed for the first time.
Correction: Transcription of 4′-thioDNA templates to natural RNA in vitro and in mammalian cells
Authors: Maruyama Hideto , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Minakawa Noriaki , Matsuda Akira
Published: May 2015

Correction for 'Transcription of 4′-thioDNA templates to natural RNA in vitro and in mammalian cells' by Hideto Maruyama et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4cc08862j.
Ion intercalation dynamics of electrosynthesized mesoporous WO3 thin films studied by multi-scale coupled electrogravimetric methods
Authors: Razzaghi Fatemeh , Debiemme-Chouvy Catherine , Pillier Françoise , Perrot Hubert , Sel Ozlem
Published: May 2015

Mesoporous WO3 thin films were prepared electrochemically by using an ionic surfactant during the synthesis, and the electrochemical properties are investigated in comparison with their dense analogues.
Flexible two-dimensional Tin+1Cn(n = 1, 2 and 3) and their functionalized MXenes predicted by density functional theories
Authors: Guo Zhonglu , Zhou Jian , Si Chen , Sun Zhimei
Published: May 2015

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides/nitrides Mn+1Xnlabeled as MXenes are attracting increasing interest due to promising applications as Li-ion battery anodes and hybrid electro-chemical capacitors.
A macrocyclic tetraamine bearing four phenol groups: a new class of heptadentate ligands to provide an oxygen-sensitive luminescent Tb(iii) complex with an extendable phenol pendant arm
Authors: Nakai Hidetaka , Nonaka Kyoshiro , Goto Takahiro , Seo Juncheol , Matsumoto Takahiro , Ogo Seiji
Published: May 2015

The potentially N4O4-octadentate ligand unprecedentedly coordinates to the Tb3+ion in a N4O3-heptadentate fashion and provides a highly luminescent and highly oxygen-sensitive terbium(iii) complex.
Grape seed proanthocyanidins prevent DOCA-salt hypertension-induced renal injury and its mechanisms in rats
Authors: Lan Chao-zong , Ding Ling , Su Yi-lin , Guo Kun , Wang Li , Kan Hong-wei , Ou Yu-rong , Gao Shan
Published: May 2015

Renal dysfunction is one of the major effects of DOCA (deoxycorticosterone acetate)-salt hypertension and there is an increasing amount of evidence that oxidative stress damages the function of the kidney.
Carotenoid bioaccessibility in pulp and fresh juice from carotenoid-rich sweet oranges and mandarins
Authors: Rodrigo María Jesús , Cilla Antonio , Barberá Reyes , Zacarías Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

In this work the concentration and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in sweet oranges and mandarins rich in bioactive carotenoids were evaluated in pulp and fresh juice.
Flow and mixing by small intestine villi
Authors: Lim Y. F. , de Loubens C. , Love R. J. , Lentle R. G. , Janssen P. W. M.
Published: May 2015

Villous movements augmented radial mass transfers and mixing.
Discovery of oxybisbenzoylamides as a new class of antimalarial agents
Authors: Pancotti A. , Parapini S. , Dell'Agli M. , Gambini L. , Galli C. , Sangiovanni E. , Basilico N. , Bosisio E. , Taramelli D. , Romeo S.
Published: May 2015

A new antimalarial pharmacophore has been obtained starting from previously described dual inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum.
Spray-processable red-to-transmissive electrochromic polymers towards fast switching time for display applications
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Xu Zhangping , Mi Sai , Zheng Jianming , Xu Chunye
Published: May 2015

The introduction of a thiophene unit in red-to-transmissive electrochromic polymers successfully improves the switching speed (t95 = 1.6 s).
One-pot preparation of a MnO2–graphene–carbon nanotube hybrid material for the removal of methyl orange from aqueous solutions
Authors: Liu Yan , Tian Yaxi , Luo Chao , Cui Guijia , Yan Shiqiang
Published: May 2015

The branched hybrid MnO2–graphene–CNT (MnO2–G–CNT) is synthesized and shows excellent adsorption capability for the removal of methyl orange from aqueous solutions.
Site-specific conjugation of 8-ethynyl-BODIPY to a protein by [2 + 3] cycloaddition
Authors: Albrecht Marcel , Lippach Andreas , Exner Matthias P. , Jerbi Jihene , Springborg Michael , Budisa Nediljko , Wenz Gerhard
Published: May 2015

We report a straightforward synthesis of 8-ethynyl-BODIPY derivatives and their potential as fluorescent labeling compounds using an alkyne–azide click chemistry approach.
The origin of the anomeric effect: probing the impacts of stereoelectronic interactions
Authors: Hasanzadeh Neda , Nori-Shargh Davood , Farzipour Mahdieh , Ahmadi Bahareh
Published: May 2015

To gain further insight on the origin of the anomeric effect, the correlations between SE, EM, PETR, bond-orders, donor and acceptor orbital energies and occupancies, structural parameters and configurational behavior of dihalo-1,4-oxathianes were investigated.
Correction: Transition metal-catalyzed direct remote C–H functionalization of alkyl groups via C(sp3)–H bond activation
Authors: Qiu Guanyinsheng , Wu Jie
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘Transition metal-catalyzed direct remote C–H functionalization of alkyl groups via C(sp3)–H bond activation’ by Guanyinsheng Qiu, et al., Org. Chem. Front., 2015, 2, 169–178.
Identification and analysis of the currently available high-confidence three-dimensional activity cliffs
Authors: Furtmann Norbert , Hu Ye , Gütschow Michael , Bajorath Jürgen
Published: May 2015

Shown is an exemplary 3D-cliff formed by two crystallographic ligands with highly similar binding modes and a significant difference in potency. The site of a major interaction difference between these compounds is encircled.
Formulation and process optimizations of nano-cosmeceuticals containing purified swiftlet nest
Authors: Mohd Taib Siti Husnaa , Abd Gani Siti Salwa , Ab Rahman Mohamad Zaki , Basri Mahiran , Ismail Amin , Shamsudin Rosnah
Published: May 2015

The usage of purified swiftlet nest in nano-cosmeceuticals and response surface methodology in order to obtain the optimized formulation will be very beneficial and helpful to the swiftlet nest and nano-cosmeceuticals industries worldwide.
Ab initio strain engineering of graphene: opening bandgaps up to 1 eV
Authors: Kerszberg Nicolas , Suryanarayana Phanish
Published: May 2015

We employ electronic structure calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) to strain engineer graphene's bandgap.
Adsorption of safranin-O dye on CO2neutralized activated red mud waste: process modelling, analysis and optimization using statistical design
Authors: Sahu Manoj Kumar , Sahu Uttam Kumar , Patel Raj Kishore
Published: May 2015

Neutralization of red mud using CO2and activated by calcined at 500 °C.
Tailoring of PEEK bioactivity for improved cell interaction: plasma treatment in action
Authors: Novotna Zdenka , Reznickova Alena , Rimpelova Silvie , Vesely Martin , Kolska Zdenka , Svorcik Vaclav
Published: May 2015

Despite the extensive use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in biomedical applications, information about cell adhesion on this biomaterial is limited.
Synthesis of a Gum rosin alcohol-poly(acrylamide) based adsorbent and its application in removal of malachite green dye from waste water
Authors: Kaith B. S. , Jindal Rajeev , Sharma Rachna
Published: May 2015

The present paper is focused on the synthesis of a green GrA-cl-poly(AAm) adsorbent using N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide and potassium persulphate as a crosslinker–initiator system.
Axially phenoxylated aluminum phthalocyanines and their application in organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Raboui Hasan , AL-Amar Mohammad , Abdelrahman Ahmed I. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: May 2015

Phenoxylation of chloro aluminum phthalocyanine (Cl-AlPc) can be easily achieved only when using “acidic phenols”. Once incorporated into unoptimized organic photovoltaics (OPVs) the result is an increase in the VOC.
Study of the alkylation of benzene with methanol for the selective formation of toluene and xylene over Co3O4–La2O3/ZSM-5
Authors: Gao Ke , Li Shuzhen , Wang Lei , Wang Wenya
Published: May 2015

HZSM-5 zeolite was prepared by alkali treatment and NH4+-exchange, followed by modification with cobalt nitrate and lanthanum nitrate via impregnation.
Covalent functionalization of graphene with polythiophene through a Suzuki coupling reaction
Authors: Yao Yanjin , Gao Jie , Bao Feng , Jiang Sanfeng , Zhang Xu , Ma Rui
Published: May 2015

A promising graphene-based material covalently modified with polythiophene by a C–C bond was synthesized by a Suzuki coupling reaction and characterized by various techniques.
Nanocasting a mesoporous palladium replica from a body-centered cubic mesoporous silica and palladium and silver metallic nanoarchitectures within mesoporous channels
Authors: Li Jheng-Guang , Tsai Cheng-Ying , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: May 2015

Pd/BCC silica complexes could be successfully fabricated; after removal of the silica, formed weakly connected Pd linkages that resulted in shrinkage of the ordered BCC mesostructure replicas.
A hierarchical porous carbon material from a loofah sponge network for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Luan Yuting , Wang Lei , Guo Shien , Jiang Baojiang , Zhao Dongdong , Yan Haijing , Tian Chungui , Fu Honggang
Published: May 2015

High surface area, hierarchical porous carbon materials were obtained by carbonization and activation process of the loofah sponge. The porous carbon materials with good conductivity exhibit high energy density and power density.
Controllable synthesis, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic properties of CeO2 nanocrystals
Authors: Li Li , Wang Haoran , Zou Lei , Wang Xiong
Published: May 2015

Uniform CeO2 nanoparticles and nanorods were selectively synthesized. The obtained CeO2 nanoparticles manifest enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity and excellent electrocatalytic performance.
Hydrogen evolution on nanostructured Ni–Cu foams
Authors: Cardoso D. S. P. , Eugénio S. , Silva T. M. , Santos D. M. F. , Sequeira C. A. C. , Montemor M. F.
Published: May 2015

Tafel plots for the two foams and their morphology observed by SEM.
Acid spike effect in spurs/tracks of the low/high linear energy transfer radiolysis of water: potential implications for radiobiology
Authors: Kanike Vanaja , Meesungnoen Jintana , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: May 2015

Monte Carlo track chemistry simulations have been used to calculate the yields of hydronium ions that are formed within spurs/tracks of the low/high linear energy transfer radiolysis of pure, deaerated water during and shortly after irradiation.
Supercritical extraction as an effective first-step in a maize stover biorefinery
Authors: Attard Thomas M. , Theeuwes Elke , Gomez Leonardo D. , Johansson Emma , Dimitriou Ioanna , Wright Phillip C. , Clark James H. , McQueen-Mason Simon J. , Hunt Andrew J.
Published: May 2015

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction has been investigated for the generation of valuable waxy compounds and as an added-value technology in a holistic maize stover biorefinery.
Unified total synthesis of the natural products endiandric acid A, kingianic acid E, and kingianins A, D, and F
Authors: Drew S. L. , Lawrence A. L. , Sherburn M. S.
Published: May 2015

A measure of the strength of a synthetic strategy is its versatility: specifically, whether it allows structurally distinct targets to be prepared. This work describes the total synthesis of natural products of three distinct structural types from a common intermediate.
Interconnected TiOx/carbon hybrid framework incorporated silicon for stable lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Wang Ming-Shan , Song Wei-Li , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: May 2015

Unique three-dimensional porous silicon/TiOx/C (Si/TiOx/C) binder free composite electrodes were scalably fabricated. By taking advantage of the conductive TiOx/C frameworks, the Si/TiOx/C electrodes exhibited superior cycling and rate performance.
Vertically oriented few-layer graphene-nanocup hybrid structured electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Qi Jun Lei , Wang Xu , Lin Jing Huang , Zhang Fu , Feng Ji Cai , Fei Wei-Dong
Published: May 2015

A 3D VFG-nanocup hybrid structured electrode shows great promise for future utilization in high-performance supercapacitors.
Ultrathin two-dimensional β-In2S3nanocrystals: oriented-attachment growth controlled by metal ions and photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Tian Yang , Wang Ligang , Tang Hanqin , Zhou Weiwei
Published: May 2015

Ultrathin two-dimensional In2S3nanocrystals with photoelectrochemical activity were achieved by cation-induced oriented-attachment growth.
Facile preparation of cancer-specific polyelectrolyte nanogels from natural and synthetic sugar polymers
Authors: Yuan Fang , Wang Shasha , Lu Wei , Chen Gaojian , Tu Kehua , Jiang Hongliang , Wang Li-Qun
Published: May 2015

Glycosylated polyelectrolyte nanogels prepared from natural and synthetic sugar polymers with excellent colloidal stability, specific bioactivities and imaging ability.
CNT aggregation mechanisms probed by electrical and dielectric measurements
Authors: Mathieu Badard , Anthony Combessis , Arnaud Allais , Lionel Flandin
Published: May 2015

The aggregation mechanisms of carbon nanotubes in silicone oil have been explored in depth by means of dielectric measurements.
Femtosecond spin-state photo-switching dynamics in an FeIII spin crossover solid accompanied by coherent structural vibrations
Authors: Bertoni R. , Lorenc M. , Laisney J. , Tissot A. , Moréac A. , Matar S. F. , Boillot M.-L. , Collet E.
Published: May 2015

Femtosecond optical spectroscopy reveals coherent structural trapping accompanying spin-state photoswitching in a FeIII spin-crossover material.