bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-22 ameliorated renal injury and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Wang Shaofei , Li Yubin , Fan Jiajun , Zhang Xuyao , Luan Jingyun , Bian Qi , Ding Tao , Wang Yichen , Wang Ziyu , Song Ping , Cui Daxiang , Mei Xiaobin , Ju Dianwen
Published: July 2017

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most lethal complications of diabetes mellitus with metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation. Although the cytokine IL-22 was initially implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases, recent studies suggested that IL-22 could suppress inflammatory responses and alleviate tissue injury. Herein, we examined the role of IL-22 in DN. We found that serum levels of IL-22 were significantly downregulated in both patients and mice with DN. The expression of IL-22 was further decreased with the progression of DN, whereas IL-22 gene therapy significantly ameliorated renal injury and mesangial matrix expansion in mice with established nephropathy. IL-22 could also markedly reduce high glucose-induced and TGF-β1-induced overexpression of fibronectin and collagen IV in mouse renal glomerular mesangial cells in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting the potential role of IL-22 to inhibit the overproduction of ECM in vitro. Simultaneously, IL-22 gene therapy drastically alleviated renal fibrosis and proteinuria excretion in DN. In addition, IL-22 gene therapy markedly attenuated hyperglycemia and metabolic disorders in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic mice. Notably, IL-22 drastically reversed renal activation of NLRP3, cleavage of caspase-1, and the maturation of IL-1β in DN, suggesting unexpected anti-inflammatory function of IL-22 via suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo. Moreover, IL-22 markedly downregulated high glucose-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in renal mesangial cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the effects of IL-22 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation was independent of improved glycemic control. These results suggested that nephroprotection by IL-22 in DN was most likely associated with reduced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, our finding demonstrated that IL-22 could exert favorable effects on DN via simultaneously alleviating systemic metabolic syndrome and downregulating renal NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β pathway, suggesting that IL-22 might have therapeutic potential for the treatment of DN.
Calcium-binding protein S100A14 induces differentiation and suppresses metastasis in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhu Min , Wang Hongyi , Cui Jiantao , Li Wenmei , An Guo , Pan Yuanming , Zhang Qingying , Xing Rui , Lu Youyong
Published: July 2017

S100A14 is a calcium-binding protein involved in cell proliferation and differentiation as well as the metastasis of human tumors. In this study, we characterized the regulation of S100A14 expression between biological signatures and clinical pathological features in gastric cancer (GC). Our data demonstrated that S100A14 induced the differentiation of GC by upregulating the expression of E-cadherin and PGII. Moreover, S100A14 expression negatively correlated with cell migration and invasion in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Interestingly, S100A14 blocked the store-operated Ca2+ influx by suppressing Orai1 and STIM1 expression, leading to FAK expression activation, focal adhesion assembly and MMP downregulation. Taken together, our results indicate that S100A14 may have a role in the induction of differentiation and inhibition of cell metastasis in GC.
PKCζ phosphorylates TRAF2 to protect against intestinal ischemia–reperfusion–induced injury
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yao Jihong , Wang Guangzhi , Chen Zhao , Li Zhenlu , Feng Dongcheng , Li Yang , Qasim Wasim , Tan Wenzhi , Ning Shili , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: July 2017

Intestinal ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) is a common clinical problem that occurs during various clinical pathological processes. Excessive apoptosis has an indispensable role in intestinal I/R injury. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) and PKCζ have an essential role in apoptosis. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of PKCζ and TRAF2 and to explore the correlation between PKCζ and TRAF2 in intestinal I/R injury. Mice were subjected to intestinal I/R injury in vivo. In vitro experiments were conducted by treating Caco-2 cells with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) stimulation to simulate intestinal I/R. Intestinal tissue samples and Caco-2 cells were examined using various approaches. Intestinal I/R induced the membrane translocation and phosphorylation of PKCζ. Pretreatment with the PKCζ activator phosphatidylcholine remarkably attenuated gut injury by suppressing apoptosis. H/R induced PKCζ to combine with TRAF2, which was phosphorylated by PKCζ at Ser55, but not at Ser11, under intestinal I/R or H/R conditions. In addition, TRAF2 Ser55 phosphorylation increased cell survival by inhibiting cell apoptosis in the H/R model. Mechanistically, TRAF2 Ser55 phosphorylation promoted NF-κB activation but suppressed c-Jun activation in Caco-2 cells under H/R conditions. The results of this study demonstrate that the PKCζ/TRAF2 pathway represents a novel protective mechanism against intestinal I/R injury. Therefore, the PKCζ/TRAF2 pathway is a novel target for potential treatments of intestinal I/R injury-related diseases.
Autophagy inhibition reduces chemoresistance and tumorigenic potential of human ovarian cancer stem cells
Authors: Pagotto Anna , Pilotto Giorgia , Mazzoldi Elena Laura , Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Frezzini Simona , Pastò Anna , Amadori Alberto
Published: July 2017

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most malignant gynecological tumors with a high mortality rate owing to tumor relapse after anticancer therapies. It is widely accepted that a rare tumor cell population, known as cancer stem cells (CSC), is responsible for tumor progression and relapse; intriguingly, these cells are able to survive nutrient starvation (such as in vitro culture in the absence of glucose) and chemotherapy treatment. Recent data also indicated that chemotherapy resistance is associated with autophagy activation. We thus decided to investigate both in vitro and in vivo the autophagic activity and the effects of the perturbation of this pathway in CSC isolated from EOC ascitic effusions. Ovarian CSC, identified according to their CD44/CD117 co-expression, presented a higher basal autophagy compared with the non-stem counterpart. Inhibition of this pathway, by in vitro chloroquine treatment or CRISPR/Cas9 ATG5 knockout, impaired canonical CSC properties, such as viability, the ability to form spheroidal structures in vitro, and in vivo tumorigenic potential. In addition, autophagy inhibition showed a synergistic effect with carboplatin administration on both in vitro CSC properties and in vivo tumorigenic activity. On the whole, these results indicate that the autophagy process has a key role in CSC maintenance; inhibition of this pathway in combination with other chemotherapeutic approaches could represent a novel effective strategy to overcome drug resistance and tumor recurrence.
Neuroprotection by eIF2α-CHOP inhibition and XBP-1 activation in EAE/optic neuritiss
Authors: Huang Haoliang , Miao Linqing , Liang Feisi , Liu Xiaodong , Xu Lin , Teng Xiuyin , Wang Qizhao , Ridder William H , Shindler Kenneth S , Sun Yang , Hu Yang
Published: July 2017

No therapies exist to prevent neuronal deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), because the molecular mechanism responsible for the progressive neurodegeneration is unknown. We previously showed that axon injury-induced neuronal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and optic nerve degeneration in traumatic and glaucomatous optic neuropathies. Optic neuritis, one of the most common clinical manifestations of MS, is readily modeled by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mouse. Using this in vivo model, we now show that ER stress is induced early in EAE and that modulation of ER stress by inhibition of eIF2α-CHOP and activation of XBP-1 in RGC specifically, protects RGC somata and axons and preserves visual function. This finding adds to the evidence that ER stress is a general upstream mechanism for neurodegeneration and suggests that targeting ER stress molecules is a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection in MS.
Manganese transporter Slc39a14 deficiency revealed its key role in maintaining manganese homeostasis in mice
Authors: Xin Yongjuan , Gao Hong , Wang Jia , Qiang Yuzhen , Imam Mustapha Umar , Li Yang , Wang Jianyao , Zhang Ruochen , Zhang Huizhen , Yu Yingying , Wang Hao , Luo Haiyang , Shi Changhe , Xu Yuming , Hojyo Shintaro , Fukada Toshiyuki , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: July 2017

SLC39A14 (also known as ZIP14), a member of the SLC39A transmembrane metal transporter family, has been reported to mediate the cellular uptake of iron and zinc. Recently, however, mutations in the SLC39A14 gene have been linked to manganese (Mn) accumulation in the brain and childhood-onset parkinsonism dystonia. It has therefore been suggested that SLC39A14 deficiency impairs hepatic Mn uptake and biliary excretion, resulting in the accumulation of Mn in the circulation and brain. To test this hypothesis, we generated and characterized global Slc39a14-knockout (Slc39a14−/−) mice and hepatocyte-specific Slc39a14-knockout (Slc39a14fl/fl;Alb-Cre+) mice. Slc39a14−/− mice develop markedly increased Mn concentrations in the brain and several extrahepatic tissues, as well as motor deficits that can be rescued by treatment with the metal chelator Na2CaEDTA. In contrast, Slc39a14fl/fl;Alb-Cre+ mice do not accumulate Mn in the brain or other extrahepatic tissues and do not develop motor deficits, indicating that the loss of Slc39a14 expression selectively in hepatocytes is not sufficient to cause Mn accumulation. Interestingly, Slc39a14fl/fl;Alb-Cre+ mice fed a high Mn diet have increased Mn levels in the serum, brain and pancreas, but not in the liver. Taken together, our results indicate that Slc39a14−/− mice develop brain Mn accumulation and motor deficits that cannot be explained by a loss of Slc39a14 expression in hepatocytes. These findings provide insight into the physiological role that SLC39A14 has in maintaining Mn homeostasis. Our tissue-specific Slc39a14-knockout mouse model can serve as a valuable tool for further dissecting the organ-specific role of SLC39A14 in regulating the body’s susceptibility to Mn toxicity.
PUMA gene delivery to synoviocytes reduces inflammation and degeneration of arthritic joints
Authors: Hong Saw-See , Marotte Hubert , Courbon Guillaume , Firestein Gary S. , Boulanger Pierre , Miossec Pierre
Published: July 2017

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) is the cause of chronic inflammation in joints and of joint damage. Delivery of the pro-apoptotic gene PUMA to FLS via human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV5) vectors has been tested as a therapeutic approach, but efficiency is hampered by low transduction, as FLS do not express HAdV5 receptors on the cell surface. Here we show that efficient transduction of PUMA in FLS can be achieved by conjugating HAdV5 to a baculovirus, which binds to the cell surface via the envelope glycoprotein Gp64. Intra-articular injection in an adjuvant-induced rat model of RA induces apoptosis of FLS, leading to significant decrease in joint inflammation, joint damage, and bone loss with improvement in joint function and mobility. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of PUMA gene therapy as a local treatment in various forms of arthritis in which abnormal FLS proliferation is implicated.
The cost of corrosion in China
Authors: Hou Baorong , Li Xiaogang , Ma Xiumin , Du Cuiwei , Zhang Dawei , Zheng Meng , Xu Weichen , Lu Dongzhu , Ma Fubin
Published: July 2017

Corrosion is a ubiquitous and costly problem for a variety of industries. Understanding and reducing the cost of corrosion remain primary interests for corrosion professionals and relevant asset owners. The present study summarises the findings that arose from the landmark “Study of Corrosion Status and Control Strategies in China”, a key consulting project of the Chinese Academy of Engineering in 2015, which sought to determine the national cost of corrosion and costs associated with representative industries in China. The study estimated that the cost of corrosion in China was approximately 2127.8 billion RMB (~ 310 billion USD), representing about 3.34% of the gross domestic product. The transportation and electronics industries were the two that generated the highest costs among all those surveyed. Based on the survey results, corrosion is a major and significant issue, with several key general strategies to reduce the cost of corrosion also outlined.
Adjustable multicolor up-energy conversion in light-luminesce in Tb3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluorifFde glass-ceramics containing Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals
Authors: Li Zhencai , Zhou Dacheng , Yang Yong , Ren Peng , Qiu Jianbei
Published: July 2017

Transparent oxyfluoride glasses with highly efficient up-energy conversion (UEC) luminescence were developed in the 45SiO2-15Al2O3-12Na2CO3-21BaF2-7LaF3-xTbF3-yTmF3-zYbF3 composition (in mol%), and structural investigation by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of face-centered cubic Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals. The colors of UEC luminescences could be tuned easily by adjusting the concentration of doped rare earth ions and the excitation power of laser simultaneously. The relationship between the emission intensity of Tb3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramics and the excitation pump power revealed that three-photon and two-photon absorptions predominated in the conversion process from the infrared into blue and red luminescences, respectively. A novel UEC mechanism of red emission from Tm3+ was proposed, energy transfers from Yb3+ to Tm3+ and Tb3+ and from Tm3+ to Tb3+ were evidenced. The possible mechanism responsible for the color variation of UEC in Tb3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ co-doped was discussed.
Template-free synthesis of polystyrene monoliths for the removal of oil-in-water emulsion
Authors: Wang Guowei , Yu Bin , Chen Shiguo , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

Oil-in-water emulsions are harmful to both humankind and environment. Frequent oil spill disasters make it urgent to develop low cost and high-efficiency materials for the treatment of oil-in-water emulsions. In this study, we report the facile template-free synthesis of macroporous polystyrene (PS) monolith from PS solution using a thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) technique. The fabricated monolith showed high hydrophobicity, superoleophilicity, and macroporous structure. Moreover, the monolith exhibited high removal efficiency toward different oil-in-water emulsions. The monolith can be fabricated from cheap and commonly-used plastic. Thus, we anticipate that this research will contribute to both the recycling of PS and the treatment of oil spill accidents.
Clownfish in hypoxic anemones replenish host O2 at only localised scales
Authors: Herbert N. A. , Bröhl S. , Springer K. , Kunzmann A.
Published: July 2017

The clownfish-anemone association exemplifies a symbiosis where both members benefit from nutrient exchange and protection from predators. Clownfish also perform aeration-like behaviour in their host anemones at night, but it is not yet known whether this is stimulated by the onset of hypoxia, and whether both members benefit from O2 replenishment. Oxygen at 3 distances above the sea anemone Entacmaea quadricolor (0.2, 1.2 and 2.2 cm) therefore was measured under 3 light levels (photon flux density = 0, 55 and 110 µmol m−2 s−1), with and without the anemonefish Amphiprion frenatus. Hypoxia (O2 < 50% air saturation) was recorded in the anemone, but only at 0.2 cm away from the anemone surface under dark conditions when A. frenatus was absent. This localised layer of hypoxia was eliminated by the presence of A. frenatus exhibiting aeration-like behaviour. Respirometry revealed that A. frenatus is extremely hypoxia tolerant (Scrit = 14.3% at 25 °C), suggesting that aeration behaviour does not provide a major metabolic advantage to clownfish because they do not breathe water at 0.2 cm and are not metabolically constrained by O2 at distances ≥ 1.2 cm. That the aeration behaviour of A. frenatus facilitates only the metabolism of its O2-conforming host reveals a unique aspect of this symbiotic relationship.
Label-free Electrochemical Detection of ATP Based on Amino-functionalized Metal-organic Framework
Authors: Shi Pengfei , Zhang Yuanchao , Yu Zhaopeng , Zhang Shusheng
Published: July 2017

A sensitive, selective and recyclable electrochemical sensor is designed for ATP detection based on amino-functionalized metal-organic framework. The functional MOF as the sensor is constructed by one-step synthesis Ce-MOF and sequentially modified on the Au electrode and conjugated with the aptamer of ATP. The presence of target ATP leads to the conformational change of aptamer strands and strong electrochemical impedance. The electrochemical sensor can detect ATP down to 5.6 nM with the linear range of 10 nm to 1000 μM. The present study is the first report on the use of MOF as an electrochemical sensor for ATP at nM level. This strategy has been successfully applied in detection of ATP in serum of cancer patients, which reveals its potential application in clinical diagnosis.
Contextual connectivity: A framework for understanding the intrinsic dynamic architecture of large-scale functional brain networks
Authors: Ciric Rastko , Nomi Jason S. , Uddin Lucina Q. , Satpute Ajay B.
Published: July 2017

Investigations of the human brain’s connectomic architecture have produced two alternative models: one describes the brain’s spatial structure in terms of static localized networks, and the other describes the brain’s temporal structure in terms of dynamic whole-brain states. Here, we used tools from connectivity dynamics to develop a synthesis that bridges these models. Using resting fMRI data, we investigated the assumptions undergirding current models of the human connectome. Consistent with state-based models, our results suggest that static localized networks are superordinate approximations of underlying dynamic states. Furthermore, each of these localized, dynamic connectivity states is associated with global changes in the whole-brain functional connectome. By nesting localized dynamic connectivity states within their whole-brain contexts, we demonstrate the relative temporal independence of brain networks. Our assay for functional autonomy of coordinated neural systems is broadly applicable, and our findings provide evidence of structure in temporal state dynamics that complements the well-described static spatial organization of the brain.
BMP2-modified injectable hydrogel for osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Park Seung Hun , Kwon Jin Seon , Lee Byeong Sung , Park Ji Hoon , Lee Bo Keun , Yun Jeong-Ho , Lee Bun Yeoul , Kim Jae Ho , Min Byoung Hyun , Yoo Tae Hyeon , Kim Moon Suk
Published: July 2017

This is the first report on the development of a covalently bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2)-immobilized hydrogel that is suitable for osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPLSCs). O-propargyl-tyrosine (OpgY) was site-specifically incorporated into BMP2 to prepare BMP2-OpgY with an alkyne group. The engineered BMP2-OpgY exhibited osteogenic characteristics after in vitro osteogenic differentiation of hPLSCs, indicating the osteogenic ability of BMP2-OpgY. A methoxy polyethylene glycol-(polycaprolactone-(N3)) block copolymer (MC-N3) was prepared as an injectable in situ-forming hydrogel. BMP2 covalently immobilized on an MC hydrogel (MC-BMP2) was prepared quantitatively by a simple biorthogonal reaction between alkyne groups on BMP2-OpgY and azide groups on MC-N3 via a Cu(I)-catalyzed click reaction. The hPLSCs-loaded MC-BMP2 formed a hydrogel almost immediately upon injection into animals. In vivo osteogenic differentiation of hPLSCs in the MC-BMP2 formulation was confirmed by histological staining and gene expression analyses. Histological staining of hPLSC-loaded MC-BMP2 implants showed evidence of mineralized calcium deposits, whereas hPLSC-loaded MC-Cl or BMP2-OpgY mixed with MC-Cl, implants showed no mineral deposits. Additionally, MC-BMP2 induced higher levels of osteogenic gene expression in hPLSCs than in other groups. In conclusion, BMP2-OpgY covalently immobilized on MC-BMP2 induced osteogenic differentiation of hPLSCs as a noninvasive method for bone tissue engineering.
Molecular profiling of single organelles for quantitative analysis of cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Kuzmin Andrey N. , Levchenko Svitlana M. , Pliss Artem , Qu Junle , Prasad Paras N.
Published: July 2017

Recent developments in Raman spectroscopy instrumentation and data processing algorithms have led to the emergence of Ramanomics - an independent discipline with unprecedented capabilities to map the distribution of distinct molecular groups in live cells. Here, we introduce a method for probing the absolute concentrations of proteins, RNA and lipids in single organelles of live cultured cells by biomolecular component analysis using microRaman data. We found significant cell-to-cell variations in the molecular profiles of organelles, thus providing a physiologically relevant set of markers of cellular heterogeneity. At the same cell the molecular profiles of different organelles can strongly correlate, reflecting tight coordination of their functions. This correlation was significant in WI-38 diploid fibroblasts and weak in HeLa cells, indicating profound differences in the regulation of biochemical processes in these cell lines.
Quality assessment of Chinese liquor with different ages and prediction analysis based on gas chromatography and electronic nose
Authors: Xu M. L. , Zhu S. M. , Yu Y.
Published: July 2017

The economic value of Chinese liquor is closely related with its age. Results from gas chromatograph (GC) analysis indicated that 8 dominant compounds were decreased with the increase of liquor age (0 to 5 years) while ethyl lactate was found to be the most stable dominant compound as no significant change was observed in it during the aging process. Liquor groups with different ages were well-discriminated by principal component analysis (PCA) based on electronic nose signals. High-accurate identification of liquor ages was realized using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with the accuracy of 98.3% of the total 120 samples from six age groups. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) exhibited satisfying ability for liquor age prediction (R2: 0.9732 in calibration set and 0.9101 in validation set). The feasibility of volatile compounds prediction using PLSR combined with electronic nose was also verified by this research. However, the accuracies of PLSR models can be further promoted in future researches, perhaps by using more suitable sensors or modeling approaches.
Troponin I and T in relation to cardiac injury detected with electrocardiography in a population-based cohort - The Maastricht Study
Authors: Kimenai Dorien M. , Martens Remy J. H. , Kooman Jeroen P. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Tan Frans E. S. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Dagnelie Pieter C. , Schram Miranda T. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Sep Simone J. S. , van Suijlen Jeroen D. E. , Kroon Abraham A. , Bekers Otto , van Dieijen-Visser Marja P. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Meex Steven J. R.
Published: July 2017

Interest in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I(hs-cTnI) and T(hs-cTnT) has expanded from acute cardiac care to cardiovascular disease(CVD) risk stratification. Whether hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT are interchangeable in the ambulant setting is largely unexplored. Cardiac injury is a mechanism that may underlie the associations between troponin levels and mortality in the general population. In the population-based Maastricht Study, we assessed the correlation and concordance between hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the association of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT with electrocardiographic (ECG) changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities. In 3016 eligible individuals(mean age,60 ± 8years;50.6%,men) we found a modest correlation between hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT(r = 0.585). After multiple adjustment, the association with ECG changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities was similar for both hs-cTn assays(OR,hs-cTnI:1.72,95%CI:1.40-2.10;OR,hs-cTnT:1.60,95%CI:1.22–2.11). The concordance of dichotomized hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT was κ = 0.397(≥sex-specific 75th percentile). Isolated high levels of hs-cTnI were associated with ECG changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities(OR:1.93,95%CI:1.01–3.68), whereas isolated high levels of hs-cTnT were not(OR:1.07,95%CI:0.49–2.31). In conclusion, there is a moderate correlation and limited concordance between hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT under non-acute conditions. These data suggest that associations of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT with cardiac injury detected by ECG are driven by different mechanisms. This information may benefit future development of CVD risk stratification algorithms.
Combinatorial Extracellular Matrix Microenvironments for Probing Endothelial Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Hou Luqia , Kim Joseph J. , Wanjare Maureen , Patlolla Bhagat , Coller John , Natu Vanita , Hastie Trevor J. , Huang Ngan F.
Published: July 2017

Endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells are a promising cell type for enhancing angiogenesis in ischemic cardiovascular tissues. However, our understanding of microenvironmental factors that modulate the process of endothelial differentiation is limited. We examined the role of combinatorial extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on endothelial differentiation systematically using an arrayed microscale platform. Human pluripotent stem cells were differentiated on the arrayed ECM microenvironments for 5 days. Combinatorial ECMs composed of collagen IV + heparan sulfate + laminin (CHL) or collagen IV + gelatin + heparan sulfate (CGH) demonstrated significantly higher expression of CD31, compared to single-factor ECMs. These results were corroborated by fluorescence activated cell sorting showing a 48% yield of CD31+/VE-cadherin+ cells on CHL, compared to 27% on matrigel. To elucidate the signaling mechanism, a gene expression time course revealed that VE-cadherin and FLK1 were upregulated in a dynamically similar manner as integrin subunit β3 (>50 fold). To demonstrate the functional importance of integrin β3 in promoting endothelial differentiation, the addition of neutralization antibody inhibited endothelial differentiation on CHL-modified dishes by >50%. These data suggest that optimal combinatorial ECMs enhance endothelial differentiation, compared to many single-factor ECMs, in part through an integrin β3-mediated pathway.
Biochemical profiling of diabetes disease progression by multivariate vibrational microspectroscopy of the pancreas
Authors: Nord Christoffer , Eriksson Maria , Dicker Andrea , Eriksson Anna , Grong Eivind , Ilegems Erwin , Mårvik Ronald , Kulseng Bård , Berggren Per-Olof , Gorzsás András , Ahlgren Ulf
Published: July 2017

Despite the dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes, techniques for in situ studies of the underlying pancreatic biochemistry are lacking. Such methods would facilitate obtaining mechanistic understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and aid in prognostic and/or diagnostic assessments. In this report we demonstrate how a multivariate imaging approach (orthogonal projections to latent structures - discriminant analysis) can be applied to generate full vibrational microspectroscopic profiles of pancreatic tissues. These profiles enable extraction of known and previously unrecorded biochemical alterations in models of diabetes, and allow for classification of the investigated tissue with regards to tissue type, strain and stage of disease progression. Most significantly, the approach provided evidence for dramatic alterations of the pancreatic biochemistry at the initial onset of immune-infiltration in the Non Obese Diabetic model for type 1 diabetes. Further, it enabled detection of a previously undocumented accumulation of collagen fibrils in the leptin deficient ob/ob mouse islets. By generating high quality spectral profiles through the tissue capsule of hydrated human pancreata and by in vivo Raman imaging of pancreatic islets transplanted to the anterior chamber of the eye, we provide critical feasibility studies for the translation of this technique to diagnostic assessments of pancreatic biochemistry in vivo.
Titanium Dioxide Engineered for Near-dispersionless High Terahertz Permittivity and Ultra-low-loss
Authors: Yu Chuying , Zeng Yang , Yang Bin , Donnan Robert , Huang Jinbao , Xiong Zhaoxian , Mahajan Amit , Shi Baogui , Ye Haitao , Binions Russell , Tarakina Nadezda V. , Reece Mike J , Yan Haixue
Published: July 2017

Realising engineering ceramics to serve as substrate materials in high-performance terahertz(THz) that are low-cost, have low dielectric loss and near-dispersionless broadband, high permittivity, is exceedingly demanding. Such substrates are deployed in, for example, integrated circuits for synthesizing and converting nonplanar and 3D structures into planar forms. The Rutile form of titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely accepted as commercially economical candidate substrate that meets demands for both low-loss and high permittivities at sub-THz bands. However, the relationship between its mechanisms of dielectric response to the microstructure have never been systematically investigated in order to engineer ultra-low dielectric-loss and high value, dispersionless permittivities. Here we show TiO2 THz dielectrics with high permittivity (ca. 102.30) and ultra-low loss (ca. 0.0042). These were prepared by insight gleaned from a broad use of materials characterisation methods to successfully engineer porosities, second phase, crystallography shear-planes and oxygen vacancies during sintering. The dielectric loss achieved here is not only with negligible dispersion over 0.2–0.8 THz, but also has the lowest value measured for known high-permittivity dielectrics. We expect the insight afforded by this study will underpin the development of subwavelength-scale, planar integrated circuits, compact high Q-resonators and broadband, slow-light devices in the THz band.
Response of cotton phenology to climate change on the North China Plain from 1981 to 2012
Authors: Wang Zhanbiao , Chen Jing , Xing Fangfang , Han Yingchun , Chen Fu , Zhang Lifeng , Li Yabing , Li Cundong
Published: July 2017

To identify countermeasures for the impacts of climate change on crop production, exploring the changes in crop phenology and their relationship to climate change is required. This study was based on cotton phenology and climate data collected from 13 agro-meteorological experimental stations and 13 meteorological stations on the North China Plain from 1981 to 2012. Spatiotemporal trends in the cotton phenology data, lengths of the different growing phases, mean temperatures, and rainfall were analyzed. These results indicated that warming accelerated cotton growth, advanced cotton phenology, and shortened the growing period of cotton. However, harvest dates were significantly delayed at 8 (61.5%) stations, the length of both the flowering-boll opening and boll opening-harvest periods increased at 10 (77.0%) stations, and a positive correlation was found between the mean temperature and the length of the whole growing period at 10 (77.0%) stations. Therefore, cotton practices and cultivars on the North China Plain should be adjusted accordingly. The response of cotton phenology to climate change, as shown here, can further guide the development of options for the adaptation of cotton production in the near future.
Two-photon absorption in a series of 2,6-disubstituted BODIPY dyes
Authors: Barros Leonardo W. T. , Cardoso Thiago A. S. , Bihlmeier Angela , Wagner Danny , Kölmel Dominik K. , Hörner Anna , Bräse Stefan , Brito Cruz Carlos H. , Padilha Lazaro A.
Published: July 2017

We report on the two-photon absorption spectra of a series of 2,6-disubstituted BODIPY dyes.
Ambient mass spectrometry in metabolomics
Authors: Clendinen Chaevien S. , Monge María Eugenia , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: July 2017

Ambient mass spectrometry continues to grow as a high-throughput alternative to more traditional hyphenated methods, playing an increasingly-relevant role in the growing field of metabolomics.
Pentafluorophenyl bonded phase separation: the assay of Australian antioxidant formulation of ascorbic acid, rutin and hesperidin
Authors: Michael Adel M. , Shalliker R. Andrew
Published: July 2017

This work describes two novel validated HPLC methods for the separation and determination of potent antioxidant formulation.
Phosphorescent 2-, 3- and 4-coordinate cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) Cu(i) complexes
Authors: Hamze Rasha , Jazzar Rodolphe , Soleilhavoup Michele , Djurovich Peter I. , Bertrand Guy , Thompson Mark E.
Published: July 2017

2-, 3- and 4-coordinate CAAC–Cu(i) complexes were prepared and all were found to display phosphorescent emission with microsecond lifetimes.
A highly active Pt–Fe/γ-Al2O3 catalyst for preferential oxidation of CO in excess of H2 with a wide operation temperature window
Authors: Lou Yang , Liu Jingyue
Published: July 2017

Pt cluster supported single-atom Fe species are highly active and selective for CO-PROX from 25 °C to 200 °C.
Self-assembly of colloidal molecules that respond to light and a magnetic field
Authors: Sagebiel Sven , Stricker Lucas , Engel Sabrina , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: July 2017

Janus particles with polymer caps self-assemble into dual responsive particle chains that can be manipulated with light and a magnetic field.
Evidence for differentiated ionic and surface contact effects driving bacterial inactivation by way of genetically modified bacteria
Authors: Rtimi Sami , Nadtochenko Victor , Khmel Inessa , Kiwi John
Published: July 2017

New evidence is presented for the bacterial inactivation ofE. colipresenting normal porins on sputtered Ag–Cu surfaces compared with similarE. coliporinless bacteria.
Experimental and theoretical investigations of the gas adsorption sites in rht-metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Pham Tony , Forrest Katherine A. , Franz Douglas M. , Space Brian
Published: July 2017

This highlight article reviews the experimental and theoretical studies that have been implemented to investigate the sorption sites for gases in rht-metal–organic frameworks.
Interpretation of the Ã ← X̃ transition of hydrated protons in aqueous solutions observed in the far-UV region with quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Goto Takeyoshi , Beć Krzysztof B. , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: July 2017

A substantial blue-shift of the first electronic transition band of liquid water with a H2SO4 concentration (0–14.4 M) observed in the far-UV region.
Structural changes and picosecond to second dynamics of cytochrome c in interaction with nitric oxide in ferrous and ferric redox states
Authors: Kruglik Sergei G. , Yoo Byung-Kuk , Lambry Jean-Christophe , Martin Jean-Louis , Negrerie Michel
Published: July 2017

After dissociation NO rebinds to Cytcin 10 ps whereas Met80 rebinds in 5 μs after NO release from Cytc. A complete view of heme – NO dynamics within 12 orders of magnitude of time in Cytcis presented.
Regulation of transport properties by polytypism: a computational study on bilayer MoS2
Authors: Banerjee Swastika , Park Jaehong , Hwang Cheol Seong , Choi Jung-Hae , Lee Seung-Cheol , Pati Swapan K.
Published: July 2017

Being a member of the van der Waals class of solids, bilayer MoS2exhibits polytypism due to different possible stacking arrangements, namely, 2Hc, 2Haand 3R-polytypes which in turn differentiates the transport preoperty of the polytypes.
Indirect NMR detection of transient guanosyl radical protonation in neutral aqueous solution
Authors: Morozova O. B. , Fishman N. N. , Yurkovskaya A. V.
Published: July 2017

Protonation of a neutral guanosyl radical at the N7 position in neutral aqueous solution has been proved by the TR CIDNP technique.
Impact of an ionic liquid on protein thermodynamics in the presence of cold atmospheric plasma and gamma rays
Authors: Attri Pankaj , Kim Minsup , Choi Eun Ha , Cho Art E. , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu
Published: July 2017

TEMS IL can protect proteins against the reactive species generated by gamma rays and plasma.
Using one halogen bond to change the nature of a second bond in ternary complexes with P⋯Cl and F⋯Cl halogen bonds
Authors: Del Bene Janet E. , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: July 2017

Ab initio MP2/aug’-cc-pVTZ calculations have been carried out to determine the effect of the presence of one halogen bond on the nature of the other in ternary complexes H2XP:ClF:ClH and H2XP:ClF:ClF, for X = F, Cl, H, NC, and CN. The P⋯Cl bonds remain chlorine-shared halogen bonds in the ternary complexes H2XP:ClF:ClH, although the degree of chlorine sharing increases relative to the corresponding binary complexes. The F⋯Cl bonds in the ternary complexes remain traditional halogen bonds. The binding energies of the complexes H2XP:ClF:ClH increase relative to the corresponding binary complexes, and nonadditivities of binding energies are synergistic. In contrast, the presence of two halogen bonds in the ternary complexes H2XP:ClF:ClF has a dramatic effect on the nature of these bonds in the four most strongly bound complexes. In these, chlorine transfer occurs across the P⋯Cl halogen bond to produce complexes represented as (H2XP–Cl)+:−(F:ClF). In the ion-pair, the cation is also halogen bonded to the anion by a Cl⋯F− halogen bond, while the anion is stabilized by an −F⋯Cl halogen bond. The central ClF molecule no longer exists as a molecule. The binding energies of the ternary H2XP:ClF:ClF complexes are significantly greater than the binding energies of the H2XP:ClF:ClH complexes, and nonadditivities exhibit large synergistic effects. The Wiberg bond indexes for the complexes H2XP:ClF, H2XP:ClF:ClH, and H2XP:ClF:ClF, and the cations (H2XP–Cl)+ reflect the changes in the P–Cl and Cl–F bonds. Similarly, EOM-CCSD spin–spin coupling constants are also consistent with the changes in these same bonds. In particular, 1xJ(P–Cl) in H2XP:ClF complexes becomes 1J(P–Cl) in the ternary complexes with chlorine-transferred halogen bonds. A plot of these coupling constants shows a change in the curvature of the trendline as chlorine-shared halogen bonds in H2XP:ClF:ClH become chlorine-transferred halogen bonds in H2XP:ClF:ClF. 1xJ(F–Cl) coupling constants also reflect changes in the nature of F⋯Cl halogen bonds.
Exploring the construction of multicompartmental micelles by halogen bonding of complementary macromolecules
Authors: Vanderkooy Alan , Taylor Mark S.
Published: July 2017

An approach to the construction of multicompartmental micelles, using halogen bonding between complementary macromolecules, is described. The design involves a sequential assembly protocol, in which the initial compartments are formed by interpolymer halogen bonding, followed by the collapse of a second, hydrophobic compartment upon transfer to aqueous solvent. Triblock terpolymers incorporating a halogen bond accepting segment have been synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize multicompartmental assemblies generated from these terpolymers in the presence of a halogen bond donor-functionalized polystyrene derivative.
The carbon nanotube formation parameter space: data mining and mechanistic understanding for efficient resource use
Authors: Shi Wenbo , Xue Ke , Meshot Eric R. , Plata Desiree L.
Published: July 2017

Data-mining of the carbon nanotube growth parameters informed strategies to reduce energy and resource consumption for chemical vapor deposition processes.
Facile and sustainable synthesis of sodium lignosulfonate derived hierarchical porous carbons for supercapacitors with high volumetric energy densities
Authors: Pang Jie , Zhang Wenfeng , Zhang Jinliang , Cao Gaoping , Han Minfang , Yang Yusheng
Published: July 2017

Hierarchical porous carbon for high volumetric energy density supercapacitors is prepared using biomass derivatives through a facile and green process.
Lignin transformations for high value applications: towards targeted modifications using green chemistry
Authors: Gillet S. , Aguedo M. , Petitjean L. , Morais A. R. C. , da Costa Lopes A. M. , Łukasik R. M. , Anastas P. T.
Published: July 2017

We provide a critical review ofgreenprocesses enabling the fractionation and/or depolymerization of lignin towards value-added products.
On the structure of softwood kraft lignin
Authors: Crestini Claudia , Lange Heiko , Sette Marco , Argyropoulos Dimitris S.
Published: July 2017

Two constitutional structural schemes are proposed attempting to unify and rationalize a series of focused NMR and chromatographic determinations aimed at providing an integrated picture for the structure of softwood kraft lignin.
Endothelium-induced three-dimensional invasion of heterogeneous glioma initiating cells in a microfluidic coculture platform
Authors: Chonan Yuta , Taki Sotaro , Sampetrean Oltea , Saya Hideyuki , Sudo Ryo
Published: July 2017

Nestin-positive GICs predominantly preceded 3D invasion induced by endothelial cells in a microfluidic device.
3D material cytometry (3DMaC): a very high-replicate, high-throughput analytical method using microfabricated, shape-specific, cell-material niches
Authors: Parratt Kirsten , Jeong Jenny , Qiu Peng , Roy Krishnendu
Published: July 2017

Studying cell behavior within 3D material niches is key to understanding cell biology in health and diseases, and developing biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications.
Nanofluidic crystals: nanofluidics in a close-packed nanoparticle array
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Han Jongyoon , Wang Wei
Published: July 2017

Nanofluidic crystals bridge nanofluidic concepts with real-world applications in various fields.
Robust manufacturing of lipid-polymer nanoparticles through feedback control of parallelized swirling microvortices
Authors: Toth Michael J. , Kim Taeyoung , Kim YongTae
Published: July 2017

A variety of therapeutic and/or diagnostic nanoparticles (NPs), or nanomedicines, have been formulated for improved drug delivery and imaging applications.
Synthesis of ferrocenylmethylidene and arylidene substituted camphane based compounds as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Kamenova-Nacheva Mariana , Schröder Maria , Pasheva Evdokia , Slavchev Ivaylo , Dimitrov Vladimir , Momekov George , Nikolova Rosica , Shivachev Boris , Ugrinova Iva , Dobrikov Georgi M.
Published: July 2017

A series of new compounds with a camphane moiety was synthesized, and some of the ferrocene-containing compounds showed promising anticancer activity and selectivity.
Ag/polyaniline heterostructured nanosheets loaded with g-C3N4 nanoparticles for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light
Authors: Wang Xiufang , Feng Shaojie , Zhao Wei , Zhao Donglin , Chen Shaohua
Published: July 2017

Uniform heterostructured 2D g-C3N4–Ag/polyaniline nanosheets were fabricated, which exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 production under visible light irradiation.
Exploring the gem-dimethyl effect in the formation of imine-based macrocycles and cages
Authors: Madhu Suresh , Rashmi E. V. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J.
Published: July 2017

A series of imine-based macrocycles and cages has been synthesized using the gem-dimethyl effect as a platform. Following this strategy, imine-based macrocyclization could be performed even at higher concentration.
3D-Printed OFETs of the 1,4-bis(3-phenylquinoxalin-2-yl)benzene-based polymer semiconductors
Authors: Huang Yuli , Chen Hua , Yang Junwei , Tian Wanli , Wang Weizhi
Published: July 2017

In this study, we polymerized a 1,4-bis(3-phenylquinoxalin-2-yl)benzene unit with DPP and isoindigo units to produce four new polymers and deeply investigated the influence of DPP and isoindigo units on the semiconductor characteristics, band gap, and orientation properties of these polymers.
Micellar catalysis-enabled sustainable ppm Au-catalyzed reactions in water at room temperature
Authors: Klumphu Piyatida , Desfeux Camille , Zhang Yitao , Handa Sachin , Gallou Fabrice , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: July 2017

Several ppm level gold-catalyzed reactions enabled by the ligand HandaPhos can be performed at room temperature in aqueous nanoreactors composed of the surfactant Nok.
Effects of microRNA-136 on melanoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition by targetting PMEL through the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Jiu-Jiang , Li Zhi-Feng , Li Xiao-Jing , Han Zhao , Zhang Ling , Liu Zhi-Jun
Published: July 2017

The study aims to evaluate the effects of miR-136 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma cells by targetting premelanosome protein (PMEL) through the Wnt signaling pathway. After establishment of melanoma mouse models, melanoma (model group) and normal tissues (normal group) were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine PMEL protein concentration. Mouse melanoma cells were assigned into control, blank, negative control (NC), miR-136 mimics, miR-136 inhibitors, siRNA-PMEL, and miR-136 inhibitors + siRNA-PMEL, LiC1 (Wnt signaling pathway activator), and siRNA-PMEL+ LiCl groups. MTT, Scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to measure cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to evaluate miR-136, PMEL, β-catenin, Wnt3a, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin expressions. PMEL is highly expressed in melanoma tissues. MiR-136, Bax, Caspase, and E-cadherin expressions decreased in the model group, whereas PMEL, β-catenin, Bcl-2, Wnt3a, and N-cadherin expressions increased. Bax, Caspase, and E-cadherin expressions increased in the miR-136 mimics and siRNA-PMEL groups, whereas the expressions decreased in the miR-136 inhibitors group and LiC1 group. PMEL, β-catenin, Bcl-2, Wnt3a, and N-cadherin expressions, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion decreased, and the apoptosis rate inceased in the miR-136 mimics and siRNA-PMEL groups; whereas the tendencies were opposite to those in the miR-136 inhibitors group and LiC1 group. In the siRNA-PMEL+ LiCl group, PMEL expression decreased. These findings indicated that overexpression of miR-136 inhibits melanoma cell EMT, proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotes apoptosis by targetting PMEL through down-regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
The clinical and prognostic value of polo-like kinase 1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients: immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Li Hefei , Wang Haibo , Sun Zhenqing , Guo Qiang , Shi Hongyun , Jia Youchao
Published: July 2017

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been suggested to serve as an oncogene in most human cancers. The aim of our study is to present more evidence about the clinical and prognostic value of PLK1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. The status of PLK1 was observed in lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and normal lung tissues through analyzing microarray dataset (GEO accession numbers: GSE1213 and GSE 3627). PLK1 mRNA and protein expressions were detected in lung squamous cell carcinoma and normal lung tissues by using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. In our results, the levels of PLK1 in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues were higher than that in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Compared with paired adjacent normal lung tissues, the PLK1 expression was increased in lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, high expression of PLK1 protein was correlated with differentiated degree, clinical stage, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed PLK1 protein high expression was an unfavorable prognostic biomarker for lung squamous cell carcinoma patients. In conclusion, high expression of PLK1 is associated with the aggressive progression and poor prognosis in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients.