bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Dark Chromoprotein Reporters for Photoacoustic Microscopy and FRET Imaging
Authors: Li Yan , Forbrich Alex , Wu Jiahui , Shao Peng , Campbell Robert E. , Zemp Roger
Published: March 2016

A subset of the family of fluorescent proteins are the non-fluorescent chromoproteins which are promising probe molecules for use in photoacoustic imaging and as acceptor chromophores in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors. Typical approaches for fluorescent protein optimization by screening of large libraries of variants cannot be effectively applied to chromoproteins due to their characteristic lack of fluorescence. To address this challenge, we have developed a directed evolution method to iteratively screen large libraries of protein variants on the basis of their photoacoustic signal levels. By applying this procedure to the promising Ultramarine and cjBlue chromoprotein templates, we were able to identify improved variants with a 02–04 fold increase in photoacoustic signal-to-noise ratio after only a few evolutionary steps. These improved variants enable more accurate spectral de-mixing and localization of protein-producing bacteria in vivo and serve as effective FRET acceptors for both fluorescence- and photoacoustic-based detection of protease activity.
Plasmonic and silicon spherical nanoparticle antireflective coatings
Authors: Baryshnikova K. V. , Petrov M. I. , Babicheva V. E. , Belov P. A.
Published: March 2016

Over the last decade, plasmonic antireflecting nanostructures have been extensively studied to be utilized in various optical and optoelectronic systems such as lenses, solar cells, photodetectors, and others. The growing interest to all-dielectric photonics as an alternative optical technology along with plasmonics motivates us to compare antireflective properties of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticle coatings based on silver and crystalline silicon respectively. Our simulation results for spherical nanoparticles array on top of amorphous silicon show that both silicon and silver coatings demonstrate strong antireflective properties in the visible spectral range. For the first time, we show that zero reflectance from the structure with silicon coatings originates from the destructive interference of electric- and magnetic-dipole responses of nanoparticle array with the wave reflected from the substrate, and we refer to this reflection suppression as substrate-mediated Kerker effect. We theoretically compare the silicon and silver coating effectiveness for the thin-film photovoltaic applications. Silver nanoparticles can be more efficient, enabling up to 30% increase of the overall absorbance in semiconductor layer. Nevertheless, silicon coatings allow up to 64% absorbance increase in the narrow band spectral range because of the substrate-mediated Kerker effect, and band position can be effectively tuned by varying the nanoparticles sizes.
Establishment and characterisation of patient-derived xenografts as paraclinical models for gastric cancer
Authors: Choi Yoon Young , Lee Jae Eun , Kim Hyunki , Sim Moon Hee , Kim Ka-Kyung , Lee Gunho , Kim Hyoung-Il , An Ji Yeong , Hyung Woo Jin , Kim Choong-Bai , Noh Sung Hoon , Kim Sangwoo , Cheong Jae-Ho
Published: March 2016

The patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is emerging as a promising translational platform to duplicate the characteristics of tumours. However, few studies have reported detailed histological and genomic analyses for model fidelity and for factors affecting successful model establishment of gastric cancer. Here, we generated PDX tumours surgically-derived from 62 gastric cancer patients. Fifteen PDX models were successfully established (24.2%, 15/62) and passaged to maintain tumours in immune-compromised mice. Diffuse type and low tumour cell percentage were negatively correlated with success rates (p = 0.005 and p = 0.025, respectively), while reducing ex vivo and overall procedure times were positively correlated with success rates (p = 0.003 and p = 0.01, respectively). The histology and genetic characteristics of PDX tumour models were stable over subsequent passages. Lymphoma transformation occurred in five cases (33.3%, 5/15), and all were in the NOG mouse, with none in the nude mouse. Together, the present study identified Lauren classification, tumour cell percentages, and ex vivo times along with overall procedure times, as key determinants for successful PDX engraftment. Furthermore, genetic and histological characteristics were highly consistent between primary and PDX tumours, which provide realistic paraclinical models, enabling personalised development of treatment options for gastric cancer.
Erratum: Identification of two novel Chlorotoxin derivatives CA4 and CTX-23 with chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic potential
Authors: Xu Tengfei , Fan Zheng , Li Wenxin , Dietel Barbara , Wu Yingliang , Beckmann Matthias W. , Wrosch Jana K. , Buchfelder Michael , Eyupoglu Ilker Y. , Cao Zhijian , Savaskan Nicolai E.
Published: March 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 19799; published online: 02 February 2016; updated: 01 March 2016 The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “We thank Carmen Christoph for excellent technical assistance. This work was supported by the Förderverein des Tumorzentrums Erlangen, funding grants from National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars China (No.
Improved estimation of hydraulic conductivity by combining stochastically simulated hydrofacies with geophysical data
Authors: Zhu Lin , Gong Huili , Chen Yun , Li Xiaojuan , Chang Xiang , Cui Yijiao
Published: March 2016

Hydraulic conductivity is a major parameter affecting the output accuracy of groundwater flow and transport models. The most commonly used semi-empirical formula for estimating conductivity is Kozeny-Carman equation. However, this method alone does not work well with heterogeneous strata. Two important parameters, grain size and porosity, often show spatial variations at different scales. This study proposes a method for estimating conductivity distributions by combining a stochastic hydrofacies model with geophysical methods. The Markov chain model with transition probability matrix was adopted to re-construct structures of hydrofacies for deriving spatial deposit information. The geophysical and hydro-chemical data were used to estimate the porosity distribution through the Archie’s law. Results show that the stochastic simulated hydrofacies model reflects the sedimentary features with an average model accuracy of 78% in comparison with borehole log data in the Chaobai alluvial fan. The estimated conductivity is reasonable and of the same order of magnitude of the outcomes of the pumping tests. The conductivity distribution is consistent with the sedimentary distributions. This study provides more reliable spatial distributions of the hydraulic parameters for further numerical modeling.
General immunity and superadditivity of two-way Gaussian quantum cryptography
Authors: Ottaviani Carlo , Pirandola Stefano
Published: March 2016

We consider two-way continuous-variable quantum key distribution, studying its security against general eavesdropping strategies. Assuming the asymptotic limit of many signals exchanged, we prove that two-way Gaussian protocols are immune to coherent attacks. More precisely we show the general superadditivity of the two-way security thresholds, which are proven to be higher than the corresponding one-way counterparts in all cases. We perform the security analysis first reducing the general eavesdropping to a two-mode coherent Gaussian attack and then showing that the superadditivity is achieved by exploiting the random on/off switching of the two-way quantum communication. This allows the parties to choose the appropriate communication instances to prepare the key, accordingly to the tomography of the quantum channel. The random opening and closing of the circuit represents, in fact, an additional degree of freedom allowing the parties to convert, a posteriori, the two-mode correlations of the eavesdropping into noise. The eavesdropper is assumed to have no access to the on/off switching and, indeed, cannot adapt her attack. We explicitly prove that this mechanism enhances the security performance, no matter if the eavesdropper performs collective or coherent attacks.
Visualization of complex DNA double-strand breaks in a tumor treated with carbon ion radiotherapy
Authors: Oike Takahiro , Niimi Atsuko , Okonogi Noriyuki , Murata Kazutoshi , Matsumura Akihiko , Noda Shin-Ei , Kobayashi Daijiro , Iwanaga Mototaro , Tsuchida Keisuke , Kanai Tatsuaki , Ohno Tatsuya , Shibata Atsushi , Nakano Takashi
Published: March 2016

Carbon ion radiotherapy shows great potential as a cure for X-ray-resistant tumors. Basic research suggests that the strong cell-killing effect induced by carbon ions is based on their ability to cause complex DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, evidence supporting the formation of complex DSBs in actual patients is lacking. Here, we used advanced high-resolution microscopy with deconvolution to show that complex DSBs are formed in a human tumor clinically treated with carbon ion radiotherapy, but not in a tumor treated with X-ray radiotherapy. Furthermore, analysis using a physics model suggested that the complexity of radiotherapy-induced DSBs is related to linear energy transfer, which is much higher for carbon ion beams than for X-rays. Visualization of complex DSBs in clinical specimens will help us to understand the anti-tumor effects of carbon ion radiotherapy.
On a Possible Unified Scaling Law for Volcanic Eruption Durations
Authors: Cannavò Flavio , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: March 2016

Volcanoes constitute dissipative systems with many degrees of freedom. Their eruptions are the result of complex processes that involve interacting chemical-physical systems. At present, due to the complexity of involved phenomena and to the lack of precise measurements, both analytical and numerical models are unable to simultaneously include the main processes involved in eruptions thus making forecasts of volcanic dynamics rather unreliable. On the other hand, accurate forecasts of some eruption parameters, such as the duration, could be a key factor in natural hazard estimation and mitigation. Analyzing a large database with most of all the known volcanic eruptions, we have determined that the duration of eruptions seems to be described by a universal distribution which characterizes eruption duration dynamics. In particular, this paper presents a plausible global power-law distribution of durations of volcanic eruptions that holds worldwide for different volcanic environments. We also introduce a new, simple and realistic pipe model that can follow the same found empirical distribution. Since the proposed model belongs to the family of the self-organized systems it may support the hypothesis that simple mechanisms can lead naturally to the emergent complexity in volcanic behaviour.
Molecular characterization of HIV-1 Nef and ACOT8 interaction: insights from in silico structural predictions and in vitro functional assays
Authors: Serena Michela , Giorgetti Alejandro , Busato Mirko , Gasparini Francesca , Diani Erica , Romanelli Maria Grazia , Zipeto Donato
Published: March 2016

HIV-1 Nef interacts with several cellular proteins, among which the human peroxisomal thioesterase 8 (ACOT8). This interaction may be involved in the endocytosis regulation of membrane proteins and might modulate lipid composition in membrane rafts. Nef regions involved in the interaction have been experimentally characterized, whereas structural details of the ACOT8 protein are unknown. The lack of structural information hampers the comprehension of the functional consequences of the complex formation during HIV-1 infection. We modelled, through in silico predictions, the ACOT8 structure and we observed a high charge complementarity between Nef and ACOT8 surfaces, which allowed the identification of the ACOT8 putative contact points involved in the interaction. The predictions were validated by in vitro assays through the development of ACOT8 deletion mutants. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses showed that ACOT8 Arg45-Phe55 and Arg86-Pro93 regions are involved in Nef association. In addition, K91S mutation abrogated the interaction with Nef, indicating that Lys91 plays a key role in the interaction. Finally, when associated with ACOT8, Nef may be preserved from degradation. These findings improve the comprehension of the association between HIV-1 Nef and ACOT8, helping elucidating the biological effect of their interaction.
Structural insights into Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 2 mediated prediction of potentially active semiochemicals
Authors: Tian Zhen , Liu Jiyuan , Zhang Yalin
Published: March 2016

Given the advantages of behavioral disruption application in pest control and the damage of Cydia pomonella, due progresses have not been made in searching active semiochemicals for codling moth. In this research, 31 candidate semiochemicals were ranked for their binding potential to Cydia pomonella pheromone binding protein 2 (CpomPBP2) by simulated docking and this sorted result was confirmed by competitive binding assay. This high predicting accuracy of virtual screening led to the construction of a rapid and viable method for semiochemicals searching. By reference to binding mode analyses, hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction were suggested to be two key factors in determining ligand affinity, so is the length of molecule chain. So it is concluded that semiochemicals of appropriate chain length with hydroxyl group or carbonyl group at one head tended to be favored by CpomPBP2. Residues involved in binding with each ligand were pointed out as well, which were verified by computational alanine scanning mutagenesis. Progress made in the present study helps establish an efficient method for predicting potentially active compounds and prepares for the application of high-throughput virtual screening in searching semiochemicals by taking insights into binding mode analyses.
Revisiting the Local Structure in Ge-Sb-Te based Chalcogenide Superlattices
Authors: Casarin Barbara , Caretta Antonio , Momand Jamo , Kooi Bart J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Bragaglia Valeria , Calarco Raffaella , Chukalina Marina , Yu Xiaoming , Robertson John , Lange Felix R. L. , Wuttig Matthias , Redaelli Andrea , Varesi Enrico , Parmigiani Fulvio , Malvestuto Marco
Published: March 2016

The technological success of phase-change materials in the field of data storage and functional systems stems from their distinctive electronic and structural peculiarities on the nanoscale. Recently, superlattice structures have been demonstrated to dramatically improve the optical and electrical performances of these chalcogenide based phase-change materials. In this perspective, unravelling the atomistic structure that originates the improvements in switching time and switching energy is paramount in order to design nanoscale structures with even enhanced functional properties. This study reveals a high- resolution atomistic insight of the [GeTe/Sb2Te3] interfacial structure by means of Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Based on our results we propose a consistent novel structure for this kind of chalcogenide superlattices.
Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of Semi-Quantitative Knee Ultrasound and Knee Radiography with MRI: Oulu Knee Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Podlipská Jana , Guermazi Ali , Lehenkari Petri , Niinimäki Jaakko , Roemer Frank W. , Arokoski Jari P. , Kaukinen Päivi , Liukkonen Esa , Lammentausta Eveliina , Nieminen Miika T. , Tervonen Osmo , Koski Juhani M. , Saarakkala Simo
Published: March 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative musculoskeletal disease highly prevalent in aging societies worldwide. Traditionally, knee OA is diagnosed using conventional radiography. However, structural changes of articular cartilage or menisci cannot be directly evaluated using this method. On the other hand, ultrasound is a promising tool able to provide direct information on soft tissue degeneration. The aim of our study was to systematically determine the site-specific diagnostic performance of semi-quantitative ultrasound grading of knee femoral articular cartilage, osteophytes and meniscal extrusion, and of radiographic assessment of joint space narrowing and osteophytes, using MRI as a reference standard. Eighty asymptomatic and 79 symptomatic subjects with mean age of 57.7 years were included in the study. Ultrasound performed best in the assessment of femoral medial and lateral osteophytes, and medial meniscal extrusion. In comparison to radiography, ultrasound performed better or at least equally well in identification of tibio-femoral osteophytes, medial meniscal extrusion and medial femoral cartilage morphological degeneration. Ultrasound provides relevant additional diagnostic information on tissue-specific morphological changes not depicted by conventional radiography. Consequently, the use of ultrasound as a complementary imaging tool along with radiography may enable more accurate and cost-effective diagnostics of knee osteoarthritis at the primary healthcare level.
A non-invasive method to determine the pluripotent status of stem cells by culture medium microRNA expression detection
Authors: Zhang Ying , Feng Gui-Hai , Xu Kai , Wang Libin , Cui Peng , Li Yuhuan , Wang Chenxin , Teng Fei , Hao Jie , Wan Hai-Feng , Tan Yuanqing , Wang Xiu-Jie , Zhou Qi
Published: March 2016

To precisely determine the type and status of cells is an important prerequisite for basic researches and regenerative medicine involving stem cells or differentiated cells. However, the traditional destructive cell status examination methods have many limitations, mainly due to the heterogeneity of cells under the reprogramming or differentiation/trans-differentiation process. Here we present a new method to non-destructively determine the pluripotent level of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or the types of differentiated cells. The method is achieved by examining the expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in cell culture medium, which show consistent abundance trend as those of the cellular miRNAs. Therefore, the method enables status examination and afterward application being achieved on the same population of cells, which will greatly facilitate cell reprogramming or differentiation/trans-differentiation related based research and clinical therapy.
Insulating phase at low temperature in ultrathin La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 films
Authors: Feng Yaqing , Jin Kui-juan , Gu Lin , He Xu , Ge Chen , Zhang Qing-hua , He Min , Guo Qin-lin , Wan Qian , He Meng , Lu Hui-bin , Yang Guozhen
Published: March 2016

Metal-insulator transition is observed in the La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 thin films with thickness larger than 5 unit cells. Insulating phase at lower temperature appeared in the ultrathin films with thickness ranging from 6 unit cells to 10 unit cells and it is found that the Mott variable range hopping conduction dominates in this insulating phase at low temperature with a decrease of localization length in thinner films. A deficiency of oxygen content and a resulting decrease of the Mn valence have been observed in the ultrathin films with thickness smaller than or equal to 10 unit cells by studying the aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy of the films. These results suggest that the existence of the oxygen vacancies in thinner films suppresses the double-exchange mechanism and contributes to the enhancement of disorder, leading to a decrease of the Curie temperature and the low temperature insulating phase in the ultrathin films. In addition, the suppression of the magnetic properties in thinner films indicates stronger disorder of magnetic moments, which is considered to be the reason for this decrease of the localization length.
Using species distribution modeling to delineate the botanical richness patterns and phytogeographical regions of China
Authors: Zhang Ming-Gang , Slik J. W. Ferry , Ma Ke-Ping
Published: March 2016

The millions of plant specimens that have been collected and stored in Chinese herbaria over the past ~110 years have recently been digitized and geo-referenced. Here we use this unique collection data set for species distribution modeling exercise aiming at mapping & explaining the botanical richness; delineating China’s phytogeographical regions and investigating the environmental drivers of the dissimilarity patterns. We modeled distributions of 6,828 woody plants using MaxEnt and remove the collection bias using null model. The continental China was divided into different phytogeographical regions based on the dissimilarity patterns. An ordination and Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot spatial statistics were used to analysis the environmental drivers of the dissimilarity patterns. We found that the annual precipitation and temperature stability were responsible for observed species diversity. The mechanisms causing dissimilarity pattern seems differ among biogeographical regions. The identified environmental drivers of the dissimilarity patterns for southeast, southwest, northwest and northeast are annual precipitation, topographic & temperature stability, water deficit and temperature instability, respectively. For effective conservation of China’s plant diversity, identifying the historical refuge and protection of high diversity areas in each of the identified floristic regions and their subdivisions will be essential.
In situ Microscopic Observation of Sodium Deposition/Dissolution on Sodium Electrode
Authors: Yui Yuhki , Hayashi Masahiko , Nakamura Jiro
Published: March 2016

Electrochemical sodium deposition/dissolution behaviors in propylene carbonate-based electrolyte solution were observed by means of in situ light microscopy. First, granular sodium was deposited at pits in a sodium electrode in the cathodic process. Then, the sodium particles grew linearly from the electrode surface, becoming needle-like in shape. In the subsequent anodic process, the sodium dissolved near the base of the needles on the sodium electrode and the so-called “dead sodium” broke away from the electrode. The mechanisms of electrochemical sodium deposition and dissolution on a copper electrode were similar to those on the sodium electrode.
Amino acids-incorporated nanoflowers with an intrinsic peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Wu Zhuo-Fu , Wang Zhi , Zhang Ye , Ma Ya-Li , He Cheng-Yan , Li Heng , Chen Lei , Huo Qi-Sheng , Wang Lei , Li Zheng-Qiang
Published: March 2016

Functional molecules synthesized by self-assembly between inorganic salts and amino acids have attracted much attention in recent years. A simple method is reported here for fabricating hybrid organic–inorganic nanoflowers using copper (II) ions as the inorganic component and natural amino acids as the organic component. The results indicate that the interactions between amino acid and copper ions cause the growth of the nanoflowers composed by C, N, Cu, P and O elements. The Cu ions and Cu(AA)n complexes containing Cu-O bond are present in the nanoflowers. The nanoflowers have flower-like porous structure dominated by the R groups of amino acids with high surface-to-volume ratios, which is beneficial for exerting its peroxidase-like activity depending on Fenton-like reaction mechanism with ABTS and Rhodamine B as the substrates. It is expected that the nanoflowers hold great promise as enzyme mimics for application in the field of biosensor, bioanalysis and biocatalysis.
High inbreeding, limited recombination and divergent evolutionary patterns between two sympatric morel species in China
Authors: Du Xi-Hui , Zhao Qi , Xu Jianping , Yang Zhu L.
Published: March 2016

As highly prized, popular mushrooms, morels are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, with China as a modern centre of speciation and diversity. Overharvesting of morels has caused concern over how to effectively preserve their biological and genetic diversity. However, little is known about their population biology and life cycle. In this study, we selected two sympatric phylogenetic species,Mel-13 (124 collections from 11 geographical locations) andMorchella eohespera(156 collections from 14 geographical locations), using fragments of 4 DNA sequences, to analyse their genetic structure. Our results indicated significant differentiation among geographic locations in both species, whereas no obvious correlation between genetic and geographic distance was identified in either species.M. eohesperaexhibited a predominantly clonal population structure with limited recombination detected in only 1 of the 14 geographic locations. In contrast, relatively frequent recombination was identified in 6 of the 11 geographic locations ofMel-13. Our analysis indicated that the sympatric speciesMel-13 andM. eohesperamight have divergent evolutionary patterns, with the former showing signatures of recent population expansion and the latter being relatively stable. Interestingly, we found no heterozygosity but strong evidence for genealogical incongruence, indicating a high level of inbreeding and hybridisation among morel species.
CaCDPK15 positively regulates pepper responses to Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation and forms a positive-feedback loop with CaWRKY40 to amplify defense signaling
Authors: Shen Lei , Yang Sheng , Yang Tong , Liang Jiaqi , Cheng Wei , Wen Jiayu , Liu Yanyan , Li Jiazhi , Shi Lanping , Tang Qian , Shi Wei , Hu Jiong , Liu Cailing , Zhang Yangwen , Mou Shaoliang , Liu Zhiqin , Cai Hanyang , He Li , Guan Deyi , Wu Yang , He Shuilin
Published: March 2016

CaWRKY40 is a positive regulator of pepper (Capsicum annum) response to Ralstonia solanacearum inoculation (RSI), but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we functionally characterize CaCDPK15 in the defense signaling mediated by CaWRKY40. Pathogen-responsive TGA, W, and ERE boxes were identified in the CaCDPK15 promoter (pCaCDPK15), and pCaCDPK15-driven GUS expression was significantly enhanced in response to RSI and exogenously applied salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, abscisic acid, and ethephon. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of CaCDPK15 significantly increased the susceptibility of pepper to RSI and downregulated the immunity-associated markers CaNPR1, CaPR1, and CaDEF1. By contrast, transient CaCDPK15 overexpression significantly activated hypersensitive response associated cell death, upregulated the immunity-associated marker genes, upregulated CaWRKY40 expression, and enriched CaWRKY40 at the promoters of its targets genes. Although CaCDPK15 failed to interact with CaWRKY40, the direct binding of CaWRKY40 to pCaCDPK15 was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation, which was significantly potentiated by RSI in pepper plants. These combined results suggest that RSI in pepper induces CaCDPK15 and indirectly activates downstream CaWRKY40, which in turn potentiates CaCDPK15 expression. This positive-feedback loop would amplify defense signaling against RSI and efficiently activate strong plant immunity.
Micro solid oxide fuel cell fabricated on porous stainless steel: a new strategy for enhanced thermal cycling ability
Authors: Kim Kun Joong , Park Byung Hyun , Kim Sun Jae , Lee Younki , Bae Hongyeul , Choi Gyeong Man
Published: March 2016

Miniaturized solid oxide fuel cells (micro-SOFCs) are being extensively studied as a promising alternative to Li batteries for next generation portable power. A new micro-SOFC is designed and fabricated which shows enhanced thermal robustness by employing oxide-based thin-film electrode and porous stainless steel (STS) substrate. To deposit gas-tight thin-film electrolyte on STS, nano-porous composite oxide is proposed and applied as a new contact layer on STS. The micro-SOFC fabricated on composite oxide- STS dual layer substrate shows the peak power density of 560 mW cm−2 at 550 °C and maintains this power density during rapid thermal cycles. This cell may be suitable for portable electronic device that requires high power-density and fast thermal cycling.
Quercitrin-nanocoated titanium surfaces favour gingival cells against oral bacteria
Authors: Gomez-Florit Manuel , Pacha-Olivenza Miguel A. , Fernández-Calderón Maria C. , Córdoba Alba , González-Martín Maria L. , Monjo Marta , Ramis Joana M.
Published: March 2016

Many dental implants fail due to the infection and inflammation that walk hand in hand with poor healing and soft tissue integration. Titanium surfaces were nanocoated with quercitrin, a natural flavonoid, with the aim to improve soft tissue integration and increase dental implants success. Streptococcus mutans attachment and biofilm formation was analysed. Then, the anti-inflammatory properties and the potential of quercitrin-nanocoated surfaces to boost soft tissue regeneration were tested using human gingival fibroblasts. An inflammatory situation was mimicked using interleulin-1-beta. We found that quercitrin-nanocoated surfaces decreased initial bacterial adhesion while increasing human gingival fibroblasts attachment. Furthermore, quercitrin-nanocoated Ti increased collagen mRNA levels and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinanse-1 mRNA ratio, which is related to a reduced metalloproteinase-mediated collagen degradation, while also decreasing the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 release under basal and inflammatory conditions. These results suggest that quercitrin-nanocoated surfaces could enhance the soft tissue integration and increase dental implants success.
HCV induces transforming growth factor β1 through activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and the unfolded protein response
Authors: Chusri Pattranuch , Kumthip Kattareeya , Hong Jian , Zhu Chuanlong , Duan Xiaoqiong , Jilg Nikolaus , Fusco Dahlene N. , Brisac Cynthia , Schaefer Esperance A. , Cai Dachuan , Peng Lee F. , Maneekarn Niwat , Lin Wenyu , Chung Raymond T.
Published: March 2016

HCV replication disrupts normal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function and activates a signaling network called the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR is directed by three ER transmembrane proteins including ATF6, IRE1 and PERK. HCV increases TGF-β1 and oxidative stress, which play important roles in liver fibrogenesis. HCV has been shown to induce TGF-β1 through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p38 MAPK, JNK, ERK1/2 and NFκB-dependent pathways. However, the relationship between HCV-induced ER stress and UPR activation with TGF-β1 production has not been fully characterized. In this study, we found that ROS and JNK inhibitors block HCV up-regulation of ER stress and UPR activation. ROS, JNK and IRE1 inhibitors blocked HCV-activated NFκB and TGF-β1 expression. ROS, ER stress, NFκB and TGF-β1 signaling were blocked by JNK specific siRNA. Knockdown IRE1 inhibited JFH1-activated NFκB and TGF-β1 activity. Knockdown of JNK and IRE1 blunted JFH1 HCV up-regulation of NFκB and TGF-β1 activation. We conclude that HCV activates NFκB and TGF-β1 through ROS production and induction of JNK and the IRE1 pathway. HCV infection induces ER stress and the UPR in a JNK-dependent manner. ER stress and UPR activation partially contribute to HCV-induced NF-κB activation and enhancement of TGF-β1.
Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) maintains bone homeostasis by regulating AMPK-PGC-1β axis in mice
Authors: Huh Jeong-Eun , Shin Ji Hye , Jang Eun Sun , Park So Jeong , Park Doo Ri , Ko Ryeojin , Seo Dong-Hyun , Kim Han-Sung , Lee Seoung Hoon , Choi Yongwon , Kim Hyun Seok , Lee Soo Young
Published: March 2016

The mitochondrial sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is involved in suppressing the onset of multiple pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, age-related hearing loss, and breast cancer. But a physiological role of SIRT3 in bone metabolism is not known. Here we show that SIRT3 is a key regulatory molecule to maintain bone homeostasis. Mice deficient in SIRT3 exhibited severe osteopenia owing to increased numbers of osteoclasts. Osteoclast precursors from Sirt3−/− mice underwent increased osteoclastogenesis in response to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), an essential cytokine for osteoclast differentiation. SIRT3 expression from RANKL induction depended on the transcription coactivator PGC-1β (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1β) and the nuclear receptor ERRα (estrogen receptor-related receptor α), and that SIRT3 inhibited the differentiation by interfering with the RANKL-induced expression of PGC-1β. Thus an auto-regulatory feedback mechanism operates to induce its own inhibitor SIRT3 by PGC-1β. Moreover, Sirt3−/− osteoclast precursors reduced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation through down-regulating the expression of AMPK. Our results suggest that a mitochondrial SIRT3 is an intrinsic inhibitor for RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis.
Energy scavenging based on a single-crystal PMN-PT nanobelt
Authors: Wu Fan , Cai Wei , Yeh Yao-Wen , Xu Shiyou , Yao Nan
Published: March 2016

Self-powered nanodevices scavenging mechanical energy require piezoelectric nanostructures with high piezoelectric coefficients. Here we report the fabrication of a single-crystal (1 − x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 − xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT) nanobelt with a superior piezoelectric constant (d33 = ~550 pm/V), which is approximately ~150%, 430% and 2100% of the largest reported values for previous PMN-PT, PZT and ZnO nanostructures, respectively. The high d33 of the single-crystalline PMN-PT nanobelt results from the precise orientation control during its fabrication. As a demonstration of its application in energy scavenging, a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) is built on the single PMN-PT nanobelt, generating a maximum output voltage of ~1.2 V. This value is ~4 times higher than that of a single-CdTe PNG, ~13 times higher than that of a single-ZnSnO3 PNG and ~26 times higher than that of a single-ZnO PNG. The profoundly increased output voltage of a lateral PNG built on a single PMN-PT nanobelt demonstrates the potential application of PMN-PT nanostructures in energy harvesting, thus enriching the material choices for PNGs.
Family conflict and lower morning cortisol in adolescents and adults: modulation of puberty
Authors: Zhang Jihui , Lam Siu-Ping , Kong Alice PS , Ma Ronald CW , Li Shirley Xin , Chan Joey WY , Yu Mandy WM , Zhou Junying , Chan Michael HM , Ho Chung-Shun , Li Albert M , Tang Xiangdong , Wing Yun-Kwok
Published: March 2016

We aimed to explore the association between family conflict and HPA axis activity, especially with respect to the potential modulating effect of puberty. A total of 205 adolescents and 244 adult parents were recruited. Family conflict was assessed by the family conflict subscale of the Family Environmental Scale and serial salivary cortisol was measured in all participants. A marginally lower AUCg at 30 minutes after wake up in the morning and a significant lower AUCg at 60 minutes and 90 minutes in adult parents with high family conflict was found when compared to those with low family conflict. In adolescents, there were significant interaction effects between pubertal status and family conflict on AUCg (interaction p values <0.05). Among the adolescents with low family conflict, those at late/post pubertal status had higher AUCg than their pre/early pubertal counterparts but this difference was not observed in the adolescents with high family conflict. Adverse family environment is associated with HPA axis dysfunction in adults and late/post pubertal adolescents and pubertal maturation plays a critical role in modulating the association between family environment and HPA axis function.
The functional serotonin 1a receptor promoter polymorphism, rs6295, is associated with psychiatric illness and differences in transcription
Authors: Donaldson Z R , le Francois B , Santos T L , Almli L M , Boldrini M , Champagne F A , Arango V , Mann J J , Stockmeier C A , Galfalvy H , Albert P R , Ressler K J , Hen R
Published: March 2016

The G/C single-nucleotide polymorphism in the serotonin 1a receptor promoter, rs6295, has previously been linked with depression, suicide and antidepressant responsiveness. In vitro studies suggest that rs6295 may have functional effects on the expression of the serotonin 1a receptor gene (HTR1A) through altered binding of a number of transcription factors. To further explore the relationship between rs6295, mental illness and gene expression, we performed dual epidemiological and biological studies. First, we genotyped a cohort of 1412 individuals, randomly split into discovery and replication cohorts, to examine the relationship between rs6295 and five psychiatric outcomes: history of psychiatric hospitalization, history of suicide attempts, history of substance or alcohol abuse, current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), current depression. We found that the rs6295G allele is associated with increased risk for substance abuse, psychiatric hospitalization and suicide attempts. Overall, exposure to either childhood or non-childhood trauma resulted in increased risk for all psychiatric outcomes, but we did not observe a significant interaction between rs6295 and trauma in modulating psychiatric outcomes. In conjunction, we also investigated the potential impact of rs6295 on HTR1A expression in postmortem human brain tissue using relative allelic expression assays. We found more mRNA produced from the C versus the G-allele of rs6295 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), but not in the midbrain of nonpsychiatric control subjects. Further, in the fetal cortex, rs6295C allele exhibited increased relative expression as early as gestational week 18 in humans. Finally, we found that the C:G allelic expression ratio was significantly neutralized in the PFC of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) who committed suicide as compared with controls, indicating that normal patterns of transcription may be disrupted in MDD/suicide. These data provide a putative biological mechanism underlying the association between rs6295, trauma and mental illness. Moreover, our results suggest that rs6295 may affect transcription during both gestational development and adulthood in a region-specific manner, acting as a risk factor for psychiatric illness. These findings provide a critical framework for conceptualizing the effects of a common functional genetic variant, trauma exposure and their impact on mental health.
2-arachidonoylglycerol signaling impairs short-term fear extinction
Authors: Hartley N D , Gunduz-Cinar O , Halladay L , Bukalo O , Holmes A , Patel S
Published: March 2016

Impairments in fear extinction are thought to be central to the psychopathology of posttraumatic stress disorder, and endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been strongly implicated in extinction learning. Here we utilized the monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 to selectively augment brain 2-AG levels combined with an auditory cue fear-conditioning paradigm to test the hypothesis that 2-AG-mediated eCB signaling modulates short-term fear extinction learning in mice. We show that systemic JZL184 impairs short-term extinction learning in a CB1 receptor-dependent manner without affecting non-specific freezing behavior or the acquisition of conditioned fear. This effect was also observed in over-conditioned mice environmentally manipulated to re-acquire fear extinction. Cumulatively, the effects of JZL184 appear to be partly due to augmentation of 2-AG signaling in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), as direct microinfusion of JZL184 into the BLA produced similar results. Moreover, we elucidate a short ~3-day temporal window during which 2-AG augmentation impairs extinction behavior, suggesting a preferential role for 2-AG-mediated eCB signaling in the modulation of short-term behavioral sequelae to acute traumatic stress exposure.
Lateral resolution of desorption nanoelectrospray: a nanospray tip without nebulizing gas as a source of primary charged droplets
Authors: Hartmanová L. , Lorencová I. , Volný M. , Fryčák P. , Havlíček V. , Chmelíčková H. , Ingr T. , Lemr K.
Published: March 2016

Nanoelectrospray directed at the surface (desorption nanoelectrospray) coupled with a high resolution mass spectrometer represents a new tool for mass spectrometry imaging.
FRET-based nanoprobes for simultaneous monitoring of multiple mRNAs in living cells using single wavelength excitation
Authors: Pan Wei , Li Yanli , Wang Meimei , Yang Huijun , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: March 2016

A novel strategy using FRET-based nanoprobes was developed for simultaneous monitoring of multiple intracellular mRNAs under single wavelength excitation.
Photosensitized samarium(iii) and erbium(iii) complexes of planar N,N-donor heterocyclic bases: crystal structures and evaluation of biological activity
Authors: Dasari Srikanth , Abbas Zafar , Kumar Priyaranjan , Patra Ashis K.
Published: March 2016

A series of Sm(iii) and Er(iii) complexes of N,N-donor heterocyclic bases were studied for their crystal structures, luminescence properties, binding with biomolecules and photo-induced DNA damage activity.
Photochemical hydrogen production and cobaloximes: the influence of the cobalt axial N-ligand on the system stability
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Athanassios , Ladomenou Kalliopi , Sun Dongyue , Artero Vincent , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: March 2016

H2 evolution in cobaloxime-based photocatalytic systems can be tuned by electronic modifications of the axial cobalt ligand or through introduction of TiO2 nanoparticles.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D increases the gene expression of enzymes protecting from glucolipotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and human primary endothelial cells
Authors: Kuricova Katarina , Pleskacova Anna , Pacal Lukas , Kankova Katerina
Published: March 2016

Besides its classical function as an orchestrator of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, vitamin D also affects insulin secretion and tissue efficiency.
Monitoring of chromosome dynamics of single yeast cells in a microfluidic platform with aperture cell traps
Authors: Jin Si Hyung , Jang Sung-Chan , Lee Byungjin , Jeong Heon-Ho , Jeong Seong-Geun , Lee Sung Sik , Kim Keun Pil , Lee Chang-Soo
Published: March 2016

Chromosome movement plays important roles in DNA replication, repair, genetic recombination, and epigenetic phenomena during mitosis and meiosis.
Palladium-catalyzed arylation of β-methylene C(sp3)–H bonds at room temperature: desymmetrization of simple cycloalkyl carboxylic acids
Authors: Nack W. A. , Wang B. , Wu X. , Jiao R. , He G. , Chen G.
Published: March 2016

A new protocol for Pd-catalyzed β methylene C–H arylation of N-quinolyl cycloalkylcarboxamides with aryl iodides at room temperature is reported.
A multiscale study of bacterial proliferation modes within novel E. coli@Si(HIPE) hybrid macrocellular living foams
Authors: Depardieu Martin , Viaud Mélanie , Buguin Axel , Livage Jacques , Sanchez Clément , Backov Rénal
Published: March 2016

This multiscale study depicts the fundamentals of bacterial proliferation modes within hybrid E. coli@Si(HIPE) macrocellular living foams.
A rapid-response fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective detection of human albumin in plasma and cell culture supernatants
Authors: Wang Yi-Ru , Feng Lei , Xu Liang , Li Yan , Wang Dan-Dan , Hou Jie , Zhou Kun , Jin Qiang , Ge Guang-Bo , Cui Jing-Nan , Yang Ling
Published: March 2016

A rapid-response fluorescent probeACDMwas developed for selective and sensitive detection of human albumin (HA)viabinding on a non-drug binding site.
Mesoporous and carbon hybrid structures from layered molecular precursors for Li-ion battery application: the case of β-In2S3
Authors: Zhang Ming-Jian , Tian Lei-Lei , Li Shuankui , Lin Ling-Piao , Pan Feng
Published: March 2016

Mesoporous and carbon hybrid structures were constructed from layered molecular precursors as high performance anode materials for the Li-ion battery application.
Unraveling a two-step oxidation mechanism in electrochemical Cu-MOF synthesis
Authors: Schäfer Philipp , van der Veen Monique A. , Domke Katrin F.
Published: March 2016

To employ the full potential of electrochemical (ec) synthesis to grow metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in more complex organizations at the mesoscale, it is vital to understand the underlying crystallization reaction pathway.
Phosphinosilylenes as a novel ligand system for heterobimetallic complexes
Authors: Breit Nora C. , Eisenhut Carsten , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: March 2016

The first heterobimetallic complexes comprising interconnected silylene and phosphine donors are reported. In a stepwise fashion, first the silylene coordinates to iron and subsequently the phosphine coordinates to tungsten. Another heterobimetallic complex can be obtained by the insertion of platinum into the P–H bond.
A nanofiber assembly directed by the non-classical antiparallel β-structure from 4S-(OH) proline polypeptide
Authors: Bansode Nitin D. , Sonar Mahesh V. , Ganesh Krishna N.
Published: March 2016

The antiparallel arrangement of two strands of the non-classical β-structure, formed exclusivelyvia cis-4S-(OH) prolyl polypeptide as established by FRET, propagates into self-assembled nanofibers upon conjugation with C12/C14/C16 hydrocarbon chains.
[11C]Ascorbic and [11C]dehydroascorbic acid, an endogenous redox pair for sensing reactive oxygen species using positron emission tomography
Authors: Carroll V. N. , Truillet C. , Shen B. , Flavell R. R. , Shao X. , Evans M. J. , VanBrocklin H. F. , Scott P. J. H. , Chin F. T. , Wilson D. M.
Published: March 2016

We report the radiosynthesis of an endogenous redox pair, [11C]ascorbic acid and [11C]dehydroascorbic acid and their application to ROS sensing.
Porous inverse vulcanised polymers for mercury capture
Authors: Hasell T. , Parker D. J. , Jones H. A. , McAllister T. , Howdle S. M.
Published: March 2016

Supercritical carbon dioxide is used to generate macroporosity in an inverse vulcanised polymer, which shows excellent promise for enhanced mercury capture and filtration from water.
Dipyrrolonaphthyridinediones – structurally unique cross-conjugated dyes
Authors: Grzybowski Marek , Deperasińska Irena , Chotkowski Maciej , Banasiewicz Marzena , Makarewicz Artur , Kozankiewicz Bolesław , Gryko Daniel T.
Published: March 2016

Previously unknown dipyrrolo[1,2-b:1′,2′-g][2,6]naphthyridine-5,11-diones possess intense fluorescence in the range of 520–740 nm.
Photoisomerization mechanisms from trans, trans-1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiene: CASSCF on-the-fly trajectory surface hopping dynamic simulations
Authors: Zheng Xiaolei , Zhai Gaohong , Gao Wanqing , Lei Yibo , Yu Le , Zhu Chaoyuan
Published: March 2016

Photoisomerization mechanisms including two reactive pathways, one bond twist (OBT) and bicycle pedal (BP), and two non-reactive pathways, single bond torsion (SBT) and reverse torsion (RT).
Transcription of G-quartet supramolecular aggregates into hierarchical mesoporous silica nanotubes
Authors: Min Liang , Li Tao , Tan Qi , Tan Xiaoping , Pan Wu , He Li , Zhang Jie , Ou Encai , Xu Weijian
Published: March 2016

Hierarchical porous silica nanotubes or porous silica hollow spheres were prepared employing a low concentration of G-quartet supramolecular aggregates as a template.
Physicochemical aspects of epoxide driven nano-ZrO2 hydrogel formation: milder kinetics for better properties
Authors: Oestreicher V. , Perullini M. , Jobbágy M.
Published: March 2016

Robust and highly transparent quasi amorphous ZrO2-water-glycerol hydrogels were obtained in a mild one pot procedure, based on the 2,3-epoxy-1-propanol driven alkalinization.
Homoleptic and heteroleptic bis-NHC Cu(i) complexes as carbene transfer reagents
Authors: Santoro Orlando , Lazreg Faïma , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Cazin Catherine S. J.
Published: March 2016

Homo- and heteroleptic bis-NHC copper(i) complexes have been efficiently used as carbene transfer reagents to Au and Pd.
Marine plastic litter: the unanalyzed nano-fraction
Authors: Gigault Julien , Pedrono Boris , Maxit Benoît , Ter Halle Alexandra
Published: March 2016

In this work, we present for the first time undeniable evidence of nano-plastic occurrence due to solar light degradation of marine micro-plastics under controlled and environmentally representative conditions.