bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SP6616 as a new Kv2.1 channel inhibitor efficiently promotes β-cell survival involving both PKC/Erk1/2 and CaM/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Zhou T T , Quan L L , Chen L P , Du T , Sun K X , Zhang J C , Yu L , Li Y , Wan P , Chen L L , Jiang B H , Hu L H , Chen J , Shen X
Published: May 2016

Kv2.1 as a voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel subunit has a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, and is believed to be a promising target for anti-diabetic drug discovery, although the mechanism underlying the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell apoptosis is obscure. Here, the small molecular compound, ethyl 5-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-7-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-5H-[1,3]thiazolo[3,2–a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylate (SP6616) was discovered to be a new Kv2.1 inhibitor. It was effective in both promoting GSIS and protecting β cells from apoptosis. Evaluation of SP6616 on either high-fat diet combined with streptozocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice or db/db mice further verified its efficacy in the amelioration of β-cell dysfunction and glucose homeostasis. SP6616 treatment efficiently increased serum insulin level, restored β-cell mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, and improved oral glucose tolerance. Mechanism study indicated that the promotion of SP6616 on β-cell survival was tightly linked to its regulation against both protein kinases C (PKC)/extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2) and calmodulin(CaM)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/serine/threonine-specific protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathways. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the underlying pathway responsible for the Kv2.1-mediated β-cell protection. In addition, our study has also highlighted the potential of SP6616 in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Dchs1–Fat4 regulation of polarized cell behaviours during skeletal morphogenesis
Authors: Mao Yaopan , Kuta Anna , Crespo-Enriquez Ivan , Whiting Danielle , Martin Tina , Mulvaney Joanna , Irvine Kenneth D. , Francis-West Philippa
Published: May 2016

Skeletal shape varies widely across species as adaptation to specialized modes of feeding and locomotion, but how skeletal shape is established is unknown. An example of extreme diversity in the shape of a skeletal structure can be seen in the sternum, which varies considerably across species. Here we show that the Dchs1–Fat4 planar cell polarity pathway controls cell orientation in the early skeletal condensation to define the shape and relative dimensions of the mouse sternum. These changes fit a model of cell intercalation along differential Dchs1–Fat4 activity that drives a simultaneous narrowing, thickening and elongation of the sternum. Our results identify the regulation of cellular polarity within the early pre-chondrogenic mesenchyme, when skeletal shape is established, and provide the first demonstration that Fat4 and Dchs1 establish polarized cell behaviour intrinsically within the mesenchyme. Our data also reveal the first indication that cell intercalation processes occur during ventral body wall elongation and closure.
Bifunctional CYP81AA proteins catalyse identical hydroxylations but alternative regioselective phenol couplings in plant xanthone biosynthesis
Authors: El-Awaad Islam , Bocola Marco , Beuerle Till , Liu Benye , Beerhues Ludger
Published: May 2016

Xanthones are natural products present in plants and microorganisms. In plants, their biosynthesis starts with regioselective cyclization of 2,3′,4,6-tetrahydroxybenzophenone to either 1,3,5- or 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthones, catalysed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Here we isolate and express CYP81AA-coding sequences fromHypericum calycinumandH. perforatumin yeast. Microsomes catalyse two consecutive reactions, that is, 3′-hydroxylation of 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzophenone and C–O phenol coupling of the resulting 2,3′,4,6-tetrahydroxybenzophenone. Relative to the inserted 3′-hydroxyl, the orthologues Hc/HpCYP81AA1 cyclize via theparaposition to form 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone, whereas the paralogue HpCYP81AA2 directs cyclization to theorthoposition, yielding the isomeric 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone. Homology modelling and reciprocal mutagenesis reveal the impact of S375, L378 and A483 on controlling the regioselectivity of HpCYP81AA2, which is converted into HpCYP81AA1 by sextuple mutation. However, the reciprocal mutations in HpCYP81AA1 barely affect its regiospecificity. Product docking rationalizes the alternative C–O phenol coupling reactions. Our results help understand the machinery of bifunctional CYPs.
Geometrical tuning art for entirely subwavelength grating waveguide based integrated photonics circuits
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xu Xiaochuan , Fan Donglei , Wang Yaguo , Subbaraman Harish , Chen Ray T.
Published: May 2016

Subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to conventional optical waveguides due to the extra degree of freedom it offers in tuning a few important waveguide properties, such as dispersion and refractive index. Devices based on SWG waveguides have demonstrated impressive performances compared to conventional waveguides. However, the high loss of SWG waveguide bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonic circuits. In this work, we propose a geometrical tuning art, which realizes a pre-distorted refractive index profile in SWG waveguide bends. The pre-distorted refractive index profile can effectively reduce the mode mismatch and radiation loss simultaneously, thus significantly reduce the bend loss. This geometry tuning art has been numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated in present study. Through such tuning, the average insertion loss of a 5 μm SWG waveguide bend is reduced drastically from 5.43 dB to 1.10 dB per 90° bend for quasi-TE polarization. In the future, the proposed scheme will be utilized to enhance performance of a wide range of SWG waveguide based photonics devices.
Normal formation of a vertebrate body plan and loss of tissue maintenance in the absence of ezh2
Authors: San Bilge , Chrispijn Naomi D. , Wittkopp Nadine , van Heeringen Simon J. , Lagendijk Anne K. , Aben Marco , Bakkers Jeroen , Ketting René F. , Kamminga Leonie M.
Published: May 2016

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors of numerous genes, many of which regulate cell cycle progression or developmental processes. We used zebrafish to study Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), the PcG protein responsible for placing the transcriptional repressive H3K27me3 mark. We identified a nonsense mutant of ezh2 and generated maternal zygotic (MZ) ezh2 mutant embryos. In contrast to knockout mice for PcG proteins, MZezh2 mutant embryos gastrulate seemingly normal, but die around 2 days post fertilization displaying pleiotropic phenotypes. Expression analyses indicated that genes important for early development are not turned off properly, revealing a regulatory role for Ezh2 during zygotic gene expression. In addition, we suggest that Ezh2 regulates maternal mRNA loading of zygotes. Analyses of tissues arising later in development, such as heart, liver and pancreas, indicated that Ezh2 is required for maintenance of differentiated cell fates. Our data imply that the primary role of Ezh2 is to maintain tissues after tissue specification. Furthermore, our work indicates that Ezh2 is essential to sustain tissue integrity and to set up proper maternal mRNA contribution and presents a novel and powerful tool to study how PcG proteins contribute to early vertebrate development.
Absence of cytoglobin promotes multiple organ abnormalities in aged mice
Authors: Thuy Le Thi Thanh , Van Thuy Tuong Thi , Matsumoto Yoshinari , Hai Hoang , Ikura Yoshihiro , Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Kawada Norifumi
Published: May 2016

Cytoglobin (Cygb) was identified in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and pericytes of all organs; however, the effects of Cygb on cellular functions remain unclear. Here, we report spontaneous and age-dependent malformations in multiple organs of Cygb−/− mice. Twenty-six percent of young Cygb−/− mice (<1 year old) showed heart hypertrophy, cystic disease in the kidney or ovary, loss of balance, liver fibrosis and lymphoma. Furthermore, 71.3% (82/115) of aged Cygb−/− mice (1–2 years old) exhibited abnormalities, such as heart hypertrophy and cancer development in multiple organs; by contrast, 5.8% (4/68) of aged wild-type (WT) mice had abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, serum and urine analysis demonstrated that the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites increased significantly in Cygb−/− mice, resulting in an imbalance in the oxidative stress and antioxidant defence system that was reversed by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine treatment. A senescent phenotype and evidence of DNA damage were found in primary HSCs and the liver of aged Cygb−/− mice. Moreover, compared with HSC+/+, HSC−/− showed high expression of Il-6 and chemokine mRNA when cocultured with mouse Hepa 1–6 cells. Thus, the absence of Cygb in pericytes provokes organ abnormalities, possibly via derangement of the nitric oxide and antioxidant defence system and through accelerated cellular senescence.
Activation of endothelial β-catenin signaling induces heart failure
Authors: Nakagawa Akito , Naito Atsuhiko T. , Sumida Tomokazu , Nomura Seitaro , Shibamoto Masato , Higo Tomoaki , Okada Katsuki , Sakai Taku , Hashimoto Akihito , Kuramoto Yuki , Oka Toru , Lee Jong-Kook , Harada Mutsuo , Ueda Kazutaka , Shiojima Ichiro , Limbourg Florian P. , Adams Ralf H. , Noda Tetsuo , Sakata Yasushi , Akazawa Hiroshi , Komuro Issei
Published: May 2016

Activation of β-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling in endothelial cells plays a key role in angiogenesis during development and ischemic diseases, however, other roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endothelial cells remain poorly understood. Here, we report that sustained activation of β-catenin signaling in endothelial cells causes cardiac dysfunction through suppressing neuregulin-ErbB pathway in the heart. Conditional gain-of-function mutation of β-catenin, which activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Bmx-positive arterial endothelial cells (Bmx/CA mice) led to progressive cardiac dysfunction and 100% mortality at 40 weeks after tamoxifen treatment. Electron microscopic analysis revealed dilatation of T-tubules and degeneration of mitochondria in cardiomyocytes of Bmx/CA mice, which are similar to the changes observed in mice with decreased neuregulin-ErbB signaling. Endothelial expression of Nrg1 and cardiac ErbB signaling were suppressed in Bmx/CA mice. The cardiac dysfunction of Bmx/CA mice was ameliorated by administration of recombinant neuregulin protein. These results collectively suggest that sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endothelial cells might be a cause of heart failure through suppressing neuregulin-ErbB signaling and that the Wnt/β-catenin/NRG axis in cardiac endothelial cells might become a therapeutic target for heart failure.
Selective alteration of human value decisions with medial frontal tDCS is predicted by changes in attractor dynamics
Authors: Hämmerer D. , Bonaiuto J. , Klein-Flügge M. , Bikson M. , Bestmann S.
Published: May 2016

During value-based decision making, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is thought to support choices by tracking the expected gain from different outcomes via a competition-based process. Using a computational neurostimulation approach we asked how perturbing this region might alter this competition and resulting value decisions. We simulated a perturbation of neural dynamics in a biophysically informed model of decision-making through in silico depolarization at the level of neuronal ensembles. Simulated depolarization increased baseline firing rates of pyramidal neurons, which altered their susceptibility to background noise, and thereby increased choice stochasticity. These behavioural predictions were compared to choice behaviour in healthy participants performing similar value decisions during transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. We placed the soma depolarizing electrode over medial frontal PFC. In line with model predictions, this intervention resulted in more random choices. By contrast, no such effect was observed when placing the depolarizing electrode over lateral PFC. Using a causal manipulation of ventromedial and lateral prefrontal function, these results provide support for competition-based choice dynamics in human vmPFC, and introduce computational neurostimulation as a mechanistic assay for neurostimulation studies of cognition.
Hypertonic dextrose injections (prolotherapy) in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sit Regina WS , Chung Vincent CH , Reeves Kenneth D. , Rabago David , Chan Keith KW , Chan Dicken CC , Wu Xinyin , Ho Robin ST , Wong Samuel YS
Published: May 2016

Hypertonic dextrose injections (prolotherapy) is an emerging treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to synthesize clinical evidence on the effect of prolotherapy for knee OA. Fifteen electronic databases were searched from their inception to September 2015. The primary outcome of interest was score change on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moderate risk of bias and one quasi–randomized trial were included, with data from a total of 258 patients. In the meta-analysis of two eligible studies, prolotherapy is superior to exercise alone by a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.18 to 1.45, p = 0.012), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.25 to 1.30, p = 0.001) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.04 to 1.20, p = 0.035) on the WOMAC composite scale; and WOMAC function and pain subscale scores respectively. Moderate heterogeneity exists in all cases. Overall, prolotherapy conferred a positive and significant beneficial effect in the treatment of knee OA. Adequately powered, longer-term trials with uniform end points are needed to better elucidate the efficacy of prolotherapy.
Electropriming of wheatgrass seeds using pulsed electric fields enhances antioxidant metabolism and the bioprotective capacity of wheatgrass shoots
Authors: Leong Sze Ying , Burritt David John , Oey Indrawati
Published: May 2016

The influence of pulsed electric field (PEF) (0.5–2 kV/cm) treatment of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) seeds, with different water contents, on antioxidant metabolism in the resultant seedlings was investigated. Imbibing seeds to a water content of 45% or greater prior to PEF treatment increased the glutathione level and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase in the resultant seedlings, compared to untreated controls. Pre-culture of human intestinal Caco-2 cells with simulated gastrointestinal digests of electrostimulated seedlings enhanced the ability of Caco-2 cells to cope with H2O2-induced oxidative damage, determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. The Caco-2 cell MTT and LDH assays correlated better with the increases in seedling glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) total antioxidant capacity assay, an assay commonly used to determine the ability of plant extracts to protect cells from oxidative damage. These results demonstrate for the first time that PEF treatment of imbibed seeds can stimulate changes in metabolism in the resultant seedlings, increasing the bioprotective potential of their shoots/sprouts and hence value as functional foods.
Rapid authentication of the precious herb saffron by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Shi Yuhua , Wu Lan , Guo Licheng , Liu Wei , Xiong Chao , Yan Song , Sun Wei , Chen Shilin
Published: May 2016

Saffron is one of the most expensive species of Chinese herbs and has been subjected to various types of adulteration because of its high price and limited production. The present study introduces a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for the differentiation of saffron from its adulterants. This novel technique is sensitive, efficient and simple. Six specific LAMP primers were designed on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA of Crocus sativus. All LAMP amplifications were performed successfully and visual detection occurred within 60 min at isothermal conditions of 65 °C. The results indicated that the LAMP primers are accurate and highly specific for the discrimination of saffron from its adulterants. In particular, 10 fg of genomic DNA was determined to be the limit for template accuracy of LAMP in saffron. Thus, the proposed novel, simple and sensitive LAMP assay is well suited for immediate on-site discrimination of herbal materials. Based on the study, a practical standard operating procedure (SOP) for utilizing the LAMP protocol for herbal authentication is provided.
Salidroside improves glucose homeostasis in obese mice by repressing inflammation in white adipose tissues and improving leptin sensitivity in hypothalamus
Authors: Wang Meihong , Luo Lan , Yao Lili , Wang Caiping , Jiang Ketao , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Muchen , Shen Ningmei , Guo Shaodong , Sun Cheng , Yang Yumin
Published: May 2016

Salidroside is a functionally versatile natural compound from the perennial flowering plant Rhodiola rosea L. Here, we examined obese mice treated with salidroside at the dosage of 50 mg/kg/day for 48 days. Mice treated with salidroside showed slightly decreased food intake, body weight and hepatic triglyceride content. Importantly, salidroside treatment significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance. It also increased insulin singling in both liver and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). In addition, salidroside markedly ameliorated hyperglycemia in treated mice, which is likely due to the suppression of gluconeogenesis by salidroside as the protein levels of a gluconeogenic enzyme G6Pase and a co-activator PGC-1α were all markedly decreased. Further analysis revealed that adipogenesis in eWAT was significantly decreased in salidroside treated mice. The infiltration of macrophages in eWAT and the productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also markedly suppressed by salidroside. Furthermore, the leptin signal transduction in hypothalamus was improved by salidroside. Taken together, these euglycemic effects of salidroside may due to repression of adipogenesis and inflammation in eWAT and stimulation of leptin signal transduction in hypothalamus. Thus, salidroside might be used as an effective anti-diabetic agent.
Identification of Distribution Characteristics and Epidemic Trends of Hepatitis E in Zhejiang Province, China from 2007 to 2012
Authors: Liu Kui , Cai Jian , Wang Shan , Wu Zhaofan , Li Li , Jiang Tao , Chen Bin , Cai Gaofeng , Jiang Zhenggang , Chen Yongdi , Wang Zhengting , Zhu Xuhui , Hu Liuru , Gu Hua , Jiang Jianmin
Published: May 2016

Hepatitis E virus is a common hepatotropic virus that causes serious gastrointestinal symptoms. Data of reported HEV cases in Zhejiang Province was collected between 2007 and 2012. Descriptive epidemiological methods and spatial-temporal epidemiological methods were used to investigate the epidemiological trends and identify high-risk regions of hepatitis E infection. In this study, the average morbidity of hepatitis E infection was 4.03 per 100,000 in Zhejiang Province, peaking in winter and spring. The ratio between the male and the female was 2.39:1 and the high-risk population was found to be aged between 40 and 60. Trend surface analysis and IDW maps revealed higher incidences in the northwestern counties. The spatial-temporal analysis showed comparable incidences in the counties at the basins of three rivers, mostly under administration of Hangzhou Municipality. Besides, the seasonal exponential smoothing method was determined as the better model for the retrieved data. The epidemiological characteristics of HEV suggested the need of strengthened supervision and surveillance of sanitary water, sewage treatment and food in high-risk areas especially around the Spring Festival. Additionally, time series model could be useful for forecasting the epidemics of HEV in future. All these findings may contribute to the prevention and control of HEV epidemics.
Functional amyloids as inhibitors of plasmid DNA replication
Authors: Molina-García Laura , Gasset-Rosa Fátima , Moreno-del Álamo María , Fernández-Tresguerres M. Elena , Moreno-Díaz de la Espina Susana , Lurz Rudi , Giraldo Rafael
Published: May 2016

DNA replication is tightly regulated to constrain the genetic material within strict spatiotemporal boundaries and copy numbers. Bacterial plasmids are autonomously replicating DNA molecules of much clinical, environmental and biotechnological interest. A mechanism used by plasmids to prevent over-replication is ‘handcuffing’, i.e. inactivating the replication origins in two DNA molecules by holding them together through a bridge built by a plasmid-encoded initiator protein (Rep). Besides being involved in handcuffing, the WH1 domain in the RepA protein assembles as amyloid fibres upon binding to DNA in vitro. The amyloid state in proteins is linked to specific human diseases, but determines selectable and epigenetically transmissible phenotypes in microorganisms. Here we have explored the connection between handcuffing and amyloidogenesis of full-length RepA. Using a monoclonal antibody specific for an amyloidogenic conformation of RepA-WH1, we have found that the handcuffed RepA assemblies, either reconstructed in vitro or in plasmids clustering at the bacterial nucleoid, are amyloidogenic. The replication-inhibitory RepA handcuff assembly is, to our knowledge, the first protein amyloid directly dealing with DNA. Built on an amyloid scaffold, bacterial plasmid handcuffs can bring a novel molecular solution to the universal problem of keeping control on DNA replication initiation.
Nanog, Oct4 and Tet1 interplay in establishing pluripotency
Authors: Olariu Victor , Lövkvist Cecilia , Sneppen Kim
Published: May 2016

A few central transcription factors inside mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are believed to control the cells’ pluripotency. Characterizations of pluripotent state were put forward on both transcription factor and epigenetic levels. Whereas core players have been identified, it is desirable to map out gene regulatory networks which govern the reprogramming of somatic cells as well as the early developmental decisions. Here we propose a multiple level model where the regulatory network of Oct4, Nanog and Tet1 includes positive feedback loops involving DNA-demethylation around the promoters of Oct4 and Tet1. We put forward a mechanistic understanding of the regulatory dynamics which account for i) Oct4 overexpression is sufficient to induce pluripotency in somatic cell types expressing the other Yamanaka reprogramming factors endogenously; ii) Tet1 can replace Oct4 in reprogramming cocktail; iii) Nanog is not necessary for reprogramming however its over-expression leads to enhanced self-renewal; iv) DNA methylation is the key to the regulation of pluripotency genes; v) Lif withdrawal leads to loss of pluripotency. Overall, our paper proposes a novel framework combining transcription regulation with DNA methylation modifications which, takes into account the multi-layer nature of regulatory mechanisms governing pluripotency acquisition through reprogramming.
Spatial And Temporal Trends Of Organic Pollutants In Vegetation From Remote And Rural Areas
Authors: Bartrons Mireia , Catalan Jordi , Penuelas Josep
Published: May 2016

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) used in agricultural, industrial and domestic applications are widely distributed and bioaccumulate in food webs, causing adverse effects to the biosphere. A review of published data for 1977–2015 for a wide range of vegetation around the globe indicates an extensive load of pollutants in vegetation. On a global perspective, the accumulation of POPs and PAHs in vegetation depends on the industrialization history across continents and distance to emission sources, beyond organism type and climatic variables. International regulations initially reduced the concentrations of POPs in vegetation in rural areas, but concentrations of HCB, HCHs and DDTs at remote sites did not decrease or even increased over time, pointing to a remobilization of POPs from source areas to remote sites. The concentrations of compounds currently in use, PBDEs and PAHs, are still increasing in vegetation. Differential congener specific accumulation is mostly determined by continent—in accordance to the different regulations of HCHs, PCBs and PBDEs in different countries—and by plant type (PAHs). These results support a concerning general accumulation of toxic pollutants in most ecosystems of the globe that for some compounds is still far from being mitigated in the near future.
Carrier trapping and confinement in Ge nanocrystals surrounded by Ge3N4
Authors: Park Youngsin , Chan Christopher C. S. , Reid Benjamin P. L. , Nuttall Luke , Taylor Robert A. , Lee Nam-Suk , Lee Young Mi
Published: May 2016

We investigated the optical properties of Ge nanocrystals surrounded by Ge3N4. The broad emission ranging from infrared to blue is due to the dependence on the crystal size and preparation methods. Here, we report high resolution Photoluminescence (PL) attributed to emission from individual Ge nanocrystals (nc-Ge) spatially resolved using micro-photoluminescence and detailed using temperature and power-dependent photoluminescence studies. The measured peaks are shown to behave with excitonic characteristics and we argue that the spread of the nc-Ge peaks in the PL spectrum is due to different confinement energies arising from the variation in size of the nanocrystals.
Centimeter Scale Patterned Growth of Vertically Stacked Few Layer Only 2D MoS2/WS2 van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Choudhary Nitin , Park Juhong , Hwang Jun Yeon , Chung Hee-Suk , Dumas Kenneth H. , Khondaker Saiful I. , Choi Wonbong , Jung Yeonwoong
Published: May 2016

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waal (vdW) heterostructures composed of vertically-stacked multiple transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten disulfide (WS2) are envisioned to present unprecedented materials properties unobtainable from any other material systems. Conventional fabrications of these hybrid materials have relied on the low-yield manual exfoliation and stacking of individual 2D TMD layers, which remain impractical for scaled-up applications. Attempts to chemically synthesize these materials have been recently pursued, which are presently limited to randomly and scarcely grown 2D layers with uncontrolled layer numbers on very small areas. Here, we report the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of large-area (>2 cm2) patterned 2D vdW heterostructures composed of few layer, vertically-stacked MoS2 and WS2. Detailed structural characterizations by Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution/scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM/STEM) directly evidence the structural integrity of two distinct 2D TMD layers with atomically sharp vdW heterointerfaces. Electrical transport measurements of these materials reveal diode-like behavior with clear current rectification, further confirming the formation of high-quality heterointerfaces. The intrinsic scalability and controllability of the CVD method presented in this study opens up a wide range of opportunities for emerging applications based on the unconventional functionalities of these uniquely structured materials.
System biology analysis of long-term effect and mechanism of Bufei Yishen on COPD revealed by system pharmacology and 3-omics profiling
Authors: Li Jiansheng , Zhao Peng , Yang Liping , Li Ya , Tian Yange , Li Suyun
Published: May 2016

System pharmacology identified 195 potential targets of Bufei Yishen formula (BYF) and BYF was proven to have a short-term therapeutic effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats previously. However, the long-term effect and mechanism of BYF on COPD is still unclear. Herein, we explored its long-term effect and underlying mechanism at system level. We administered BYF to COPD rats from week 9 to 20 and found that BYF could prevent COPD by inhibiting the inflammatory cytokines expression, protease-antiprotease imbalance and collagen deposition on week 32. Then, using transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics analysis, we identified significant regulated genes, proteins and metabolites in lung tissues of COPD and BYF-treated rats, which could be mainly attributed to oxidoreductase-antioxidant activity, focal adhesion, tight junction or lipid metabolism. Finally, based on the comprehensive analysis of system pharmacology target, transcript, protein and metabolite data sets, we found a number of genes, proteins, metabolites regulated in BYF-treated rats and the target proteins of BYF were involved in lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, oxidative stress and focal adhension. In conclusion, BYF exerts long-term therapeutic action on COPD probably through modulating the lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, cell junction and inflammatory response pathways at system level.
Self-healing capacity of nuclear glass observed by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Charpentier Thibault , Martel Laura , Mir Anamul H. , Somers Joseph , Jégou Christophe , Peuget Sylvain
Published: May 2016

Safe management of high level nuclear waste is a worldwide significant issue for which vitrification has been selected by many countries. There exists a crucial need for improving our understanding of the ageing of the glass under irradiation. While external irradiation by ions provides a rapid simulation of damage induced by alpha decays, short lived actinide doping is more representative of the reality. Here, we report radiological NMR experiments to compare the damage in International Simplified Glass (ISG) when irradiated by these two methods. In the 0.1 mole percent 244Cm doped glass, accumulation of high alpha decay only shows small modifications of the local structure, in sharp contrast to heavy ion irradiation. These results reveal the ability of the alpha particle to partially repair the damage generated by the heavy recoil nuclei highlighting the radiation resistance of nuclear glass and the difficulty to accurately simulate its behaviour by single ion beam irradiations.
Encapsulation of redox polysulphides via chemical interaction with nitrogen atoms in the organic linkers of metal-organic framework nanocrystals
Authors: Park Jung Hyo , Choi Kyung Min , Lee Dong Ki , Moon Byeong Cheul , Shin Sang Rim , Song Min-Kyu , Kang Jeung Ku
Published: May 2016

Lithium polysulphides generated during discharge in the cathode of a lithium-sulphur redox cell are important, but their dissolution into the electrolyte from the cathode during each redox cycle leads to a shortened cycle life. Herein, we use in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements to demonstrate that sp2 nitrogen atoms in the organic linkers of nanocrystalline metal-organic framework-867 (nMOF-867) are able to encapsulate lithium polysulphides inside the microcages of nMOF-867, thus helping to prevent their dissolution into the electrolyte during discharge/charge cycles. This encapsulation mechanism of lithiated/delithiated polysulphides was further confirmed by observations of shifted FTIR spectra for the C = N and C-N bonds, the XPS spectra for the Li-N bonds from nMOF-867, and a visualization method, demonstrating that nMOF-867 prevents lithium polysulphides from being dissolved in the electrolyte. Indeed, a cathode fabricated using nMOF-867 exhibited excellent capacity retention over a long cycle life of 500 discharge/charge cycles, with a capacity loss of approximately 0.027% per cycle from a discharge capacity of 788 mAh/g at a high current rate of 835 mA/g.
Origin of arbitrary patterns by direct laser writing in a telluride thin film
Authors: Wei Tao , Wei Jingsong , Zhang Kui , Zhou Qijun , Bai Zhen , Liang Xin , Li Qisong , Ding Chenliang , Wang Yang , Zhang Long
Published: May 2016

A crystalline telluride (Te) thin film was prepared by a radio frequency magnetron controlling sputtering method.
A permanently porous single molecule H-bonded organic framework for selective CO2capture
Authors: Nandi Shyamapada , Chakraborty Debanjan , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan
Published: May 2016

CO2adsorption in a single molecule hydrogen-bonded framework, with the CO2's oriented as T-shaped dimers, resembling those in solid-state CO2.
High critical field NbC superconductor on carbon spheres
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kaustav , Pati Satya Prakash , Maity Arjun
Published: May 2016

A high critical field NbC superconductor has been synthesized on the surface of carbon spheres by a unique carbothermal method.
The structural and dynamical aspects of boron nitride nanotubes under high velocity impacts
Authors: Machado Leonardo D. , Ozden Sehmus , Tiwary ChandraSekhar , Autreto Pedro A. S. , Vajtai Robert , Barrera Enrique V. , Galvao Douglas S. , Ajayan Pulickel M.
Published: May 2016

This communication report is a study on the structural and dynamical aspects of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) shot at high velocities (∼5 km s−1) against solid targets.
In command of non-equilibrium
Authors: Roduner Emil , Radhakrishnan Shankara Gayathri
Published: May 2016

Living organisms and materials produced in the laboratory form ordered non-equilibrium states when part of the required energy is dissipated as heat.
Li–O2 cells with LiBr as an electrolyte and a redox mediator
Authors: Kwak Won-Jin , Hirshberg Daniel , Sharon Daniel , Afri Michal , Frimer Aryeh A. , Jung Hun-Gi , Aurbach Doron , Sun Yang-Kook
Published: May 2016

Improved efficiency and cyclability of cells containing LiBr demonstrate that the appropriate choice of electrolyte solution is the key to a successful Li–O2 battery.
Next generation tools to accelerate the synthetic biology process
Authors: Shih Steve C. C. , Moraes Christopher
Published: May 2016

We highlight recently developed microfluidic tools that can be used to automate the synthetic biology workflow with the goal of advancing the likelihood of producing desired functionalities.
Microfluidic paper-based biomolecule preconcentrator based on ion concentration polarization
Authors: Han Sung Il , Hwang Kyo Seon , Kwak Rhokyun , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: May 2016

We present a novel ICP preconcentrator that can preconcentrate targets up to 1000-fold with great fabrication flexibility.
Smart biosensors for multiplexed and fully integrated point-of-care diagnostics
Authors: Romeo A. , Leung T. S. , Sánchez S.
Published: May 2016

Multiplexed point-of-care diagnostics (PoC) combined with smartphone technology are emerging sensor platforms that will be highly valuable for the improvement of world health in personalized medicine.
Correction: Optofluidic lens with low spherical and low field curvature aberrations
Authors: Zhao H. T. , Yang Y. , Chin L. K. , Chen H. F. , Zhu W. M. , Zhang J. B. , Yap P. H. , Liedberg B. , Wang K. , Wang G. , Ser W. , Liu A. Q.
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Optofluidic lens with low spherical and low field curvature aberrations’ by H. T. Zhao et al., Lab Chip, 2016, 16, 1617–1624.
Modeling and simulation of compositional engineering in SiGe films using patterned stress fields
Authors: Kaiser Daniel , Ghosh Swapnadip , Han Sang M. , Sinno Talid
Published: May 2016

Semiconductor alloys such as silicon–germanium (SiGe) offer attractive environments for stress-driven compositional engineering of quantum-confined structures that are the basis for a host of current and future optoelectronic devices.
Improved performance of rare earth doped LiMn2O4cathodes for lithium-ion battery applications
Authors: Ram Pura , Gören Attila , Ferdov Stanislav , Silva Maria M. , Singhal Rahul , Costa Carlos M. , Sharma Rakesh K. , Lanceros-Méndez Senentxu
Published: May 2016

LiMn2O4has been doped with different rare earth elements in order to improve battery cycling performance and reduce capacity fading.
5-Hydroxy-7-azaindolin-2-one, a novel hybrid of pyridinol and sunitinib: design, synthesis and cytotoxicity against cancer cells
Authors: Shah Sajita , Lee Chaemin , Choi Hyukjae , Gautam Jaya , Jang Hyeonjin , Kim Geum Jin , Lee Yu-Jeong , Chaudhary Chhabi Lal , Park Sang Won , Nam Tae-gyu , Kim Jung-Ae , Jeong Byeong-Seon
Published: May 2016

Synthesis of a series of hybrid compounds of pyridinol and sunitinib and their cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines and improved safety windows are described.
Regioselective carboannulation of electron-deficient allenes with dialkyl (2-formylphenyl)malonates leading to multisubstituted naphthalenes
Authors: Koppanathi Nagaraju , Swamy K. C. Kumara
Published: May 2016

A regioselective carboannulation of allenoates (or allenylphosphonates) with dialkyl 2-(2-formylphenyl)malonates leads to multi-substituted naphthalenesviaMichael addition, cyclisation, dealkoxycarboxylation and tautomerisation.
Influence of ligand second coordination sphere effects on the olefin (co)polymerization properties of α-diimine Pd(ii) catalysts
Authors: Wang Ruikun , Zhao Minhui , Chen Changle
Published: May 2016

A series of α-diimine ligands and their corresponding palladium complexes were synthesized and characterized.
Oxygen evolution catalytic behaviour of Ni doped Mn3O4 in alkaline medium
Authors: Maruthapandian V. , Pandiarajan T. , Saraswathy V. , Muralidharan S.
Published: May 2016

In this study, the electrocatalytic behavior of Mn3O4 was enhanced by non-precious metal doping.
Preparation of functionalized cotton based on laccase-catalyzed synthesis of polyaniline in perfluorooctanesulfonate acid potassium salt (PFOS) template
Authors: Zhang Ya , Fan Xuerong , Wang Qiang , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: May 2016

Functionalized cotton, obtained from laccase-catalyzed synthesis of polyaniline in perfluorooctanesulfonate acid potassium salt (PFOS) templates, possessed special electro-optical properties and variable wettability.
Single shot pyrolysis and on-line conversion of lignocellulosic biomass with HZSM-5 catalyst using tandem micro-reactor-GC-MS
Authors: Karagöz Selhan , Kawakami Takefumi , Kako Atsushi , Iiguni Yoshinori , Ohtani Hajime
Published: May 2016

The tandem micro reactor GC-MS system is a powerful method to study single-shot pyrolysis and on-line catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass.
Quantum chemical calculations with the AIM approach applied to the π-interactions between hydrogen chalcogenides and naphthalene
Authors: Hayashi Satoko , Sugibayashi Yuji , Nakanishi Waro
Published: May 2016

The nature of π-interactions in (EH2)n–*–π(C10H8) (n = 1 and 2: E = O, S, Se and Te) is elucidated with QTAIM-DFA. They have the character of the vdW-nature of the pure-CS interactions, except for HHTe–*–π(C10H8), which seems stronger than others.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of double-shell LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 hollow microspheres as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Deng SiXu , Mao DuoLu , Wang Hao , Wang Bo , Liu JingBing , Ma YuanLiang , Yan Hui
Published: May 2016

Double shell LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 have been synthesized via a molten salt and annealing method with excellent cycling stability as cathode materials.
Au nano dumbbells catalyzed the cutting of graphene oxide sheets upon plasmon-enhanced reduction
Authors: Wang Xiaotian , Zhu Mingyun , Fu Wanlin , Huang Chengqian , Gu Qing , Zeng Tingying Helen , Dai Yunqian , Sun Yueming
Published: May 2016

The excellent photothermal and photoelectrical property of Au nanodumbbells make themselves serve as pore generators on the surface of GO sheets, which both accelerate the reduction and cut the large pieces of GO sheets into small pieces.
Hydroxylated di- and tri-styrylbenzenes, a new class of antiplasmodial agents: discovery and mechanism of action
Authors: Sharma Naina , Mohanakrishnan Dinesh , Shard Amit , Sharma Abhishek , Sinha Arun K. , Sahal Dinkar
Published: May 2016

The first systematic evaluation of the antiplasmodial activity of the hydroxystilbene family of natural products and di/tristyrylbenzenes is described.
Earth-abundant stable elemental semiconductor red phosphorus-based hybrids for environmental remediation and energy storage applications
Authors: Ansari Sajid Ali , Khan Ziyauddin , Ansari Mohammad Omaish , Cho Moo Hwan
Published: May 2016

The photocatalytic generation of hydrogen and the photodegradation of organic dyes in wastewater using solar light, preferably visible light, have attracted considerable interest because they are clean, low-cost, and environmentally friendly processes.
Variation of electrical properties in thickening Al-doped ZnO films: role of defect chemistry
Authors: Singh Chetan , Panda Emila
Published: May 2016

This study addresses the variation in electrical properties in a thickening Al-doped ZnO (AZO) film up to 348 nm and correlates this with its defect chemistry.
Controlled synthesis of 3D hierarchical NiSe microspheres for high-performance supercapacitor design
Authors: Guo Kailu , Yang Feifei , Cui Shizhong , Chen Weihua , Mi Liwei
Published: May 2016

In this work, hierarchical nanosheet-based NiSe microspheres were successfully fabricated using a facile one-step solvothermal method, in which ethylenediamine andN,N-dimethylformamide were used as the mixed solvent.
High dielectric constant and capacitance in ultrasmall (2.5 nm) SrHfO3 perovskite nanoparticles produced in a low temperature non-aqueous sol–gel route
Authors: Karmaoui Mohamed , Ramana E. Venkata , Tobaldi David M. , Lajaunie Luc , Graça Manuel P. , Arenal Raul , Seabra Maria P. , Labrincha João A. , Pullar Robert C.
Published: May 2016

Strontium hafnium oxide (SrHfO3) has great potential as a high-k gate dielectric material, for use in memories, capacitors, CMOS and MOSFETs.
Recent advances and perspectives in the synthesis of bioactive coumarins
Authors: Calcio Gaudino E. , Tagliapietra S. , Martina K. , Palmisano G. , Cravotto G.
Published: May 2016

The impressive pharmacological properties shown by a number of coumarins have led to extraordinarily large emphasis being placed on the design of more efficient and greener synthetic procedures to produce them.
Nanosilver rainbow: a rapid and facile method to tune different colours of nanosilver through the controlled synthesis of stable spherical silver nanoparticles
Authors: Mendis Pramujitha , de Silva Rohini M. , de Silva K. M. Nalin , Wijenayaka Lahiru A. , Jayawardana Kalana , Yan Mingdi
Published: May 2016

A rapid and simple one-pot reaction to synthesize stable, spherically shaped silver nanoparticles of different sizes producing distinct optical properties in aqueous solution at ambient temperature has been developed.
Investigation of various fluorescent protein–DNA binding peptides for effectively visualizing large DNA molecules
Authors: Lee Seonghyun , Wang Cong , Song Junghyun , Kim Do-geun , Oh Yeeun , Ko Wooseok , Lee Jinyong , Park Jungyul , Lee Hyun Soo , Jo Kyubong
Published: May 2016

Single-molecule DNA visualization with fluorescent protein DNA binding peptides.
Three-dimensional PtNi hollow nanochains as an enhanced electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Fu Shaofang , Zhu Chengzhou , Song Junhua , Engelhard Mark H. , He Yang , Du Dan , Wang Chongmin , Lin Yuehe
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional PtNi nanochains with hollow structures were synthesized using Ni nanosponges as templates in an aqueous solution, which exhibited an improved electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Cobalt phosphate nanoparticles decorated with nitrogen-doped carbon layers as highly active and stable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yuan Cheng-Zong , Jiang Yi-Fan , Wang Zhou , Xie Xiao , Yang Zheng-Kun , Yousaf Ammar Bin , Xu An-Wu
Published: May 2016

We develop a facile method to prepare cobalt phosphate nanoparticles coated by N-doped carbon layers for highly active and stable OER electrocatalyst.
Correction: In vitro toxicity evaluation of silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in human SHSY5Y neuronal cells
Authors: Kiliç Gözde , Costa Carla , Fernández-Bertólez Natalia , Pásaro Eduardo , Teixeira João Paulo , Laffon Blanca , Valdiglesias Vanessa
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘In vitro toxicity evaluation of silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in human SHSY5Y neuronal cells’ by Gözde Kiliç et al., Toxicol. Res., 2016, 5, 235–247.
The Future of Hemophilia Treatment: Longer-Acting Factor Concentrates versus Gene Therapy
Authors: Giangrande Paul
Published: May 2016

Gene therapy is the only novel technology that currently offers the prospect of a lasting cure for hemophilia and freedom from the burden of repeated injections. Recent data from a handful of patients who have undergone gene therapy for hemophilia B are very encouraging with a sustained factor IX (FIX) level of 0.05 IU/mL maintained for over 4 years. While this level is above the current usual target trough levels, it falls well short of the level that patients on prophylaxis with longer-acting products can expect. Prophylaxis is also associated with high peak levels, which permits patients to maintain an active lifestyle. A major barrier to widespread adoption of gene therapy is a high seroprevalence of antibodies to adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in the general population. Young children would be the best candidates for gene therapy in view of much lower seroprevalence to AAV in infants. A stable level of FIX early in life would prevent the onset of joint bleeds and the development of arthropathy. The recent experience with apolipoprotein tiparvovec (Glybera; uniQure, Amsterdam, the Netherlands) indicates that gene therapy is unlikely to prove to be a cheap therapeutic option. It is also quite possible that other new technologies that do not require viral vectors (such as stem cell therapy) may overtake gene therapy during development and make it redundant.
Long-Term Results and Prognostic Factors of Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Patients with Metastatic Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Luzzi Luca , Marulli Giuseppe , Solli Piero , Cardillo Giuseppe , Mammana Marco , Carleo Francesco , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Rea Federico , Ghisalberti Marco
Published: May 2016

Objective We wanted to assess the prognostic factors and the efficacy of the treatment in patients who underwent lung resections for transitional cell carcinoma metastases.

Materials and Methods This is a retrospective, multicenter study. Between January 1995 and May 2014, 69 patients underwent lung metastasectomy with curative intent. We evaluated primary site of the tumor, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy after urological operation, disease-free interval (DFI; lower or higher than 24 months), type of lung resection, number of lung metastases, presence of metastatic lymph nodes, and diameter of the metastasis (less or more than 3 cm).

Results Among 69 patients, 55 (79%) had bladder as primary site of disease and 12 of them received a transurethral bladder resection. Fourteen (21%) patients developed primary tumor in the renal pelvis or ureter; 53 (76%) patients presented with a single metastasis, 16 (24%) with multiple metastasis. The median DFI was 37 months and the median follow-up was 50 months. Sampling lymphadenectomy was done in 42 patients and nodal metastases were found in 7 patients. The overall 5-year survival was 52%, median 62 months. At univariate analysis, the DFI had a significant impact on survival (5-year survival of 58% for patients with DFI ≥ 24 months vs. 46%; p = 0.048) and diameter of metastasis (5-year survival of 59% for diameter less than 3 cm group vs. 33%; p = 0.001). The multivariate analysis confirmed metastasis' diameter as an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.001).

Conclusion Our study found that, in addition to DFI that remains a common prognostic factor in patients with metastatic lung disease, in lung metastases by transitional cell carcinoma, the diameter of the lesion is another significant prognostic factor.