bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periostin as a novel biomarker for postoperative recurrence of chronic rhinosinitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Ninomiya Takahiro , Noguchi Emiko , Haruna Takenori , Hasegawa Masayo , Yoshida Takuto , Yamashita Yukiko , Okano Mitsuhiro , Yoshida Naohiro , Haruna Shinichi , Sakuma Yasunori , Ohta Shoichiro , Ono Junya , Izuhara Kenji , Okada Masafumi , Kidoguchi Masanori , Tokunaga Takahiro , Okamoto Masayuki , Kanno Masafumi , Sakashita Masafumi , Takabayashi Tetsuji , Narita Norihiko , Fujieda Shigeharu
Published: July 2018

We previously reported that chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) was subdivided into four chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) subtypes using the JESREC scoring system. We sought to identify the gene expression profile and biomarkers related with CRSwNP by RNA-sequence. RNA-sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes between nasal polyps (NPs) and inferior turbinate mucosa from 6 patients with CRSwNP, and subsequently, quantitative real-time PCR was performed to verify the results. ELISA was performed to identify possible biomarkers for postoperative recurrence. In the RNA-sequencing results, periostin (POSTN) expression was the highest in NP. We focused on POSTN and investigated the protein level of POSTN by immunohistochemistry and ELISA. POSTN was diffusely expressed in moderate and severe eosinophilic CRS using immunohistochemistry, and its staining pattern was associated with the severity of the phenotype of the CRSwNP (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the POSTN high/low groups for postoperative recurrence when the cutoff point was set at 115.5 ng/ml (P = 0.0072). Our data suggests that the protein expression level of POSTN was associated with the severity of CRSwNP, and serum POSTN can be a novel biomarker for postoperative recurrence of CRSwNP.
Altered secretion patterns and cell wall organization caused by loss of PodB function in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Boppidi Karthik R. , Ribeiro Liliane Fraga Costa , Iambamrung Sirasa , Nelson Sidney M. , Wang Yan , Momany Michelle , Richardson Elizabeth A. , Lincoln Stephen , Srivastava Ranjan , Harris Steven D. , Marten Mark R.
Published: July 2018

Filamentous fungi are widely used in the production of a variety of industrially relevant enzymes and proteins as they have the unique ability to secrete tremendous amounts of proteins. However, the secretory pathways in filamentous fungi are not completely understood. Here, we investigated the role of a mutation in the POlarity Defective (podB) gene on growth, protein secretion, and cell wall organization in Aspergillus nidulans using a temperature sensitive (Ts) mutant. At restrictive temperature, the mutation resulted in lack of biomass accumulation, but led to a significant increase in specific protein productivity. Proteomic analysis of the secretome showed that the relative abundance of 584 (out of 747 identified) proteins was altered due to the mutation. Of these, 517 were secreted at higher levels. Other phenotypic differences observed in the mutant include up-regulation of unfolded protein response (UPR), deformation of Golgi apparatus and uneven cell wall thickness. Furthermore, proteomic analysis of cell wall components in the mutant revealed the presence of intracellular proteins in higher abundance accompanied by lower levels of most cell wall proteins. Taken together, results from this study suggest the importance of PodB as a target when engineering fungal strains for enhanced secretion of valuable biomolecules.
Droplet digital PCR shows the D-Loop to be an error prone locus for mitochondrial DNA copy number determination
Authors: Li Brian , Kaushik Sonal , Kalinowski Pola , Kim BaRun , Gershome Cynthia , Ching Joyce , Poburko Damon
Published: July 2018

Absolute quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mCN) provides important insights in many fields of research including cancer, cardiovascular and reproductive health. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) natively reports absolute copy number, and we have developed a single-dye, multiplex assay to measure rat mCN that is accurate, precise and affordable. We demonstrate simple methods to optimize this assay and to determine nuclear reference pseudogene copy number to extend the range of mCN that can be measured with this assay. We evaluated two commonly used mitochondrial DNA reference loci to determine mCN, the ND1 gene and the D-Loop. Harnessing the absolute measures of ddPCR, we found that the D-Loop amplifies with a copy number of ~1.0–1.5 relative to other sites on the mitochondrial genome. This anomalous copy number varied significantly between rats and tissues (aorta, brain, heart, liver, soleus muscle). We advocate for avoiding the D-Loop as a mitochondrial reference in future studies of mCN. Further, we report a novel approach to quantifying immunolabelled mitochondrial DNA that provides single-cell estimates of mCN that closely agree with the population analyses by ddPCR. The combination of these assays represents a cost-effective and powerful suite of tools to study mCN.
High-throughput chemical screening to discover new modulators of microRNA expression in living cells by using graphene-based biosensor
Authors: Ryoo Soo-Ryoon , Yim Yeajee , Kim Young-Kwan , Park Il-Soo , Na Hee-Kyung , Lee Jieon , Jang Hongje , Won Cheolhee , Hong Sungwoo , Kim Sung-Yon , Jeon Noo Li , Song Joon Myong , Min Dal-Hee
Published: July 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulatory RNAs that control gene expression in various biological processes. Therefore, control over the disease-related miRNA expression is important both for basic research and for a new class of therapeutic modality to treat serious diseases such as cancer. Here, we present a high-throughput screening strategy to identify small molecules that modulate miRNA expression in living cells. The screen enables simultaneous monitoring of the phenotypic cellular changes associated with the miRNA expression by measuring quantitative fluorescent signals corresponding to target miRNA level in living cells based on a novel biosensor composed of peptide nucleic acid and nano-sized graphene oxide. In this study, the biosensor based cellular screening of 967 compounds (including FDA-approved drugs, enzyme inhibitors, agonists, and antagonists) in cells identified four different classes of small molecules consisting of (i) 70 compounds that suppress both miRNA-21 (miR-21) expression and cell proliferation, (ii) 65 compounds that enhance miR-21 expression and reduce cell proliferation, (iii) 2 compounds that suppress miR-21 expression and increase cell proliferation, and (iv) 21 compounds that enhance both miR-21 expression and cell proliferation. We further investigated the hit compounds to correlate cell morphology changes and cell migration ability with decreased expression of miR-21.
Identification of individual cells from z-stacks of bright-field microscopy images
Authors: Lugagne Jean-Baptiste , Jain Srajan , Ivanovitch Pierre , Ben Meriem Zacchary , Vulin Clément , Fracassi Chiara , Batt Gregory , Hersen Pascal
Published: July 2018

Obtaining single cell data from time-lapse microscopy images is critical for quantitative biology, but bottlenecks in cell identification and segmentation must be overcome. We propose a novel, versatile method that uses machine learning classifiers to identify cell morphologies fromz-stack bright-field microscopy images. We show that axial information is enough to successfully classify the pixels of an image, without the need to consider in focus morphological features. This fast, robust method can be used to identify different cell morphologies, including the features ofE. coli,S. cerevisiaeand epithelial cells, even in mixed cultures. Our method demonstrates the potential of acquiring and processing Z-stacks for single-layer, single-cell imaging and segmentation.
Arthropod transcriptional activator protein-1 (AP-1) aids tick-rickettsial pathogen survival in the cold
Authors: Khanal Supreet , Taank Vikas , Anderson John F. , Sultana Hameeda , Neelakanta Girish
Published: July 2018

Ixodes scapularis ticks transmit several pathogens to humans including rickettsial bacterium, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Here, we report that A. phagocytophilum uses tick transcriptional activator protein-1 (AP-1) as a molecular switch in the regulation of arthropod antifreeze gene, iafgp. RNAi-mediated silencing of ap-1 expression significantly affected iafgp gene expression and A. phagocytophilum burden in ticks upon acquisition from the murine host. Gel shift assays provide evidence that both the bacterium and AP-1 influences iafgp promoter and expression. The luciferase assays revealed that a region of approximately 700 bp upstream of the antifreeze gene is sufficient for AP-1 binding to promote iafgp gene expression. Furthermore, survival assays revealed that AP-1-deficient ticks were more susceptible to cold in comparison to the mock controls. In addition, this study also indicates arthropod AP-1 as a global regulator for some of the tick genes critical for A. phagocytophilum survival in the vector. In summary, our study defines a novel mode of arthropod signaling for the survival of both rickettsial pathogen and its medically important vector in the cold.
Measuring the magnetic axis alignment during solenoids working
Authors: Arpaia Pasquale , Celano Biase , De Vito Luca , Esposito Antonio , Parrella Alessandro , Vannozzi Alessandro
Published: July 2018

A method for monitoring the misalignment of the magnetic axis in solenoids is proposed. This method requires only a few measurements of the magnetic field at fixed positions inside the magnet aperture, and thus overcomes the main drawback of sturdy moving mechanics of other Hall sensor-based methods. Conversely to state-of-the-art axis determination, the proposed method can be applied also during magnet operations, when the axis region and almost the whole remaining magnet aperture are not accessible. Moreover, only a few measurements of the magnetic field at fixed positions inside the magnet aperture are required: thus a slow process such as the mapping of the whole aperture of a magnet by means of moving stages is not necessary. The mathematical formulation of the method is explained, and a case study on a model of a multi–layer solenoid is presented. For this case study, the uncertainty is assessed and the optimal placement of the Hall transducers is derived.
Ethylene –dependent and –independent superficial scald resistance mechanisms in ‘Granny Smith’ apple fruit
Authors: Karagiannis Evangelos , Michailidis Michail , Tanou Georgia , Samiotaki Martina , Karamanoli Katerina , Avramidou Evangelia , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Madesis Panagiotis , Molassiotis Athanassios
Published: July 2018

Superficial scald is a major physiological disorder of apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh.) characterized by skin browning following cold storage; however, knowledge regarding the downstream processes that modulate scald phenomenon is unclear. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying scald resistance, ‘Granny Smith’ apples after harvest were treated with diphenylamine (DPA) or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), then cold stored (0 °C for 3 months) and subsequently were ripened at room temperature (20 °C for 8 days). Phenotypic and physiological data indicated that both chemical treatments induced scald resistance while 1-MCP inhibited the ethylene-dependent ripening. A combination of multi-omic analysis in apple skin tissue enabled characterization of potential genes, proteins and metabolites that were regulated by DPA and 1-MCP at pro-symptomatic and scald-symptomatic period. Specifically, we characterized strata of scald resistance responses, among which we focus on selected pathways including dehydroabietic acid biosynthesis and UDP-D-glucose regulation. Through this approach, we revealed scald-associated transcriptional, proteomic and metabolic signatures and identified pathways modulated by the common or distinct functions of DPA and 1-MCP. Also, evidence is presented supporting that cytosine methylation-based epigenetic regulation is involved in scald resistance. Results allow a greater comprehension of the ethylene–dependent and –independent metabolic events controlling scald resistance.
Monitoring and detection of leprosy patients in Southwest China: A retrospective study, 2010–2014
Authors: Le Wang , Haiqin Jiang , Danfeng Hao , Ying Shi , Wenyue Zhang , Jun Yang , Li Xiong , Tiejun Shui , Limei Shen , Jie Liu , De Wang , Yong Ning , Yangying Liu , Hao Wang , Yanfei Kuang , Bin Li , Maeda Yumi , Duthie Malcolm , Meiwen Yu , Hongsheng Wang , Liangbin Yan , Guocheng Zhang , Baoxi Wang , Heng Gu
Published: July 2018

More than 100 counties, mainly in southwest China, report incidence rates of leprosy >1/100,000. The current study analysed the epidemiology of leprosy in southwest China to improve our understanding of the transmission pattern and improve control programs. 207 counties were selected in southwest China. Leprosy patients and their household contacts were recruited. The data from the medical interview and the serological antileprosy antibody of the leprosy patients were analysed. A total of 2,353 new cases of leprosy were interviewed. The distribution of leprosy patients was partly associated with local natural and economic conditions, especially several pocket areas. A total of 53 from 6643 household contacts developed leprosy, and the incidence rate of leprosy in the household contacts was 364/100,000 person-years. We found that NDO-BSA attained higher positive rates than MMP-II and LID-1 regardless of clinical types, disability and infection time in leprosy patients. By means of combination of antigens, 88.4% patients of multibacillary leprosy were detected, in contrast to 59.9% in paucibacillary leprosy. Household contacts should be given close attention for the early diagnosis, disruption of disease transmission and precise control. Applications of serology for multi-antigens were recommended for effective coverage and monitoring in leprosy control.
A network pharmacology-based approach to analyse potential targets of traditional herbal formulas: An example of Yu Ping Feng decoction
Authors: Zuo Huali , Zhang Qianru , Su Shibing , Chen Qilong , Yang Fengqing , Hu Yuanjia
Published: July 2018

Herbal formulas from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been extensively used in clinics as effective therapies, but it is still a great challenge to demonstrate the scientific basis for their therapeutic effects at the level of molecular biology. By taking a classic herbal formula (Yu Ping Feng decoction, YPF) as an example, this study developed a novel network pharmacology based method to identify its potential therapeutic targets. First, this study constructed a “targets–(pathways)–targets” (TPT) network in which targets of YPF were connected by relevant pathways; then, this network was decomposed into separate modules with strong internal connections; lastly, the propensity of each module toward different diseases was assessed by a contribution score. On the basis of a significant association between network modules and therapeutic diseases validated by chi-square test (p-value < 0.001), this study identified the network module with the strongest propensity toward therapeutic diseases of YPF. Further, the targets with the highest centrality in this module are recommended as YPF’s potential therapeutic targets. By integrating the complicated “multi-targets–multi-pathways–multi-diseases” relationship of herbal formulas, the method shows promise for identifying its potential therapeutic targets, which could contribute to the modern scientific illustration of TCMs’ traditional clinical applications.
Author Correction: Labile organic carbon pools and enzyme activities of Pinus massoniana plantation soil as affected by understory vegetation removal and thinning
Authors: Shen Yafei , Cheng Ruimei , Xiao Wenfa , Yang Shao , Guo Yan , Wang Na , Zeng Lixiong , Lei Lei , Wang Xiaorong
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Both gravistimulation onset and removal trigger an increase of cytoplasmic free calcium in statocytes of roots grown in microgravity
Authors: Bizet François , Pereda-Loth Veronica , Chauvet Hugo , Gérard Joëlle , Eche Brigitte , Girousse Christine , Courtade Monique , Perbal Gérald , Legué Valérie
Published: July 2018

Gravity is a permanent environmental signal guiding plant growth and development. Gravity sensing in plants starts with the displacement of starch-filled plastids called statoliths, ultimately leading to auxin redistribution and organ curvature. While the involvement in gravity sensing of several actors such as calcium is known, the effect of statolith displacement on calcium changes remains enigmatic. Microgravity is a unique environmental condition offering the opportunity to decipher this link. In this study, roots of Brassica napus were grown aboard the International Space Station (ISS) either in microgravity or in a centrifuge simulating Earth gravity. The impact of short simulated gravity onset and removal was measured on statolith positioning and intracellular free calcium was assessed using pyroantimonate precipitates as cytosolic calcium markers. Our findings show that a ten-minute onset or removal of gravity induces very low statolith displacement, but which is, nevertheless, associated with an increase of the number of pyroantimonate precipitates. These results highlight that a change in the cytosolic calcium distribution is triggered in absence of a significant statolith displacement.
Nasal microbiota clusters associate with inflammatory response, viral load, and symptom severity in experimental rhinovirus challenge
Authors: Lehtinen Markus J. , Hibberd Ashley A. , Männikkö Sofia , Yeung Nicolas , Kauko Tommi , Forssten Sofia , Lehtoranta Liisa , Lahtinen Sampo J. , Stahl Buffy , Lyra Anna , Turner Ronald B.
Published: July 2018

The role of nasal and fecal microbiota in viral respiratory infections has not been established. We collected nasal swabs and washes, and fecal samples in a clinical study assessing the effect of probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bl-04 on experimental rhinovirus infection. The nasal and fecal microbiota were characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The resulting data were compared with nasal inflammatory marker concentrations, viral load, and clinical symptoms. By using unsupervised clustering, the nasal microbiota divided into six clusters. The clusters predominant of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium/Alloiococcus, Moraxella, and Pseudomonadaceae/Mixed had characteristic inflammatory marker and viral load profiles in nasal washes. The nasal microbiota clusters of subjects before the infection associated with the severity of clinical cold symptoms during rhinovirus infection. Rhinovirus infection and probiotic intervention did not significantly alter the composition of nasal or fecal microbiota. Our results suggest that nasal microbiota may influence the virus load, host innate immune response, and clinical symptoms during rhinovirus infection, however, further studies are needed.
The actin capping protein in Aspergillus nidulans enhances dynein function without significantly affecting Arp1 filament assembly
Authors: Zhang Jun , Qiu Rongde , Xiang Xin
Published: July 2018

The minus-end-directed microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein requires the dynactin complex for in vivo functions. The backbone of the vertebrate dynactin complex is the Arp1 (actin-related protein 1) mini-filament whose barbed end binds to the heterodimeric actin capping protein. However, it is unclear whether the capping protein is a dynactin component in lower eukaryotic organisms, especially because it does not appear to be a component of the budding yeast dynactin complex. Here our biochemical data show that the capping protein is a component of the dynactin complex in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Moreover, deletion of the gene encoding capping protein alpha (capA) results in a defect in both nuclear distribution and early-endosome transport, two dynein-mediated processes. However, the defect in either process is less severe than that exhibited by a dynein heavy chain mutant or the ∆p25 mutant of dynactin. In addition, loss of capping protein does not significantly affect the assembly of the dynactin Arp1 filament or the formation of the dynein-dynactin-∆C-HookA (Hook in A. nidulans) complex. These results suggest that fungal capping protein is not important for Arp1 filament assembly but its presence is required for enhancing dynein function in vivo.
Ingestion of bioactive collagen hydrolysates enhanced pressure ulcer healing in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study
Authors: Sugihara Fumihito , Inoue Naoki , Venkateswarathirukumara Sriraam
Published: July 2018

We conducted a double blind, multi-centric, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to compare the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) and Pressure Sore Status Tool (PSST) scores and wound area measurements at 16 weeks of subjects with pressure ulcers who were given standard care plus one of two types of collagen hydrolysate (CH-a), which contained low levels of prolylhydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) and hydroxyprolylglycine (Hyp-Gly), and CH-b, which contained high levels of Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly) with the placebo group. A total of 120 subjects with stage II or III pressure ulcers were entered into the trial and 112 subjects completed the study. The subjects were randomized to receive CH-a (n = 39), CH-b (n = 39), or a placebo (n = 42) twice daily (10 g per day) for 16 weeks. The PUSH score, PSST score, and wound area of the CH-b group were significantly lower than the placebo group at week 16 (PUSH score, P < 0.001; PSST score, P < 0.01; wound area, P < 0.05). The PUSH score of the CH-a group was significantly lower than the placebo group at week 16 (P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that CH-b ingestion helps healing of pressure ulcers as an add-on to the standard therapy.
Structural dynamics of the transaminase active site revealed by the crystal structure of a co-factor free omega-transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis JS17
Authors: Shin Young-Cheul , Yun Hyungdon , Park Hyun Ho
Published: July 2018

Omega (ω)-transaminase catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from a non-α position amino acid, or an amine compound with no carboxylic group, to an amino acceptor, and has been studied intensively because of its high potential utility in industry and pharmatheutics. The ω-transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis JS17 (Vfat) is an amine:pyruvate transaminase capable of the stereo-selective transamination of arylic chiral amines. This enzyme exhibits extraordinary enantio-selectivity, and has a rapid reaction rate for chiral amine substrates. In this study, we report the crystal structure of the apo form of Vfat. The overall structure of Vfat was typical of other class III aminotransferase exhibiting an N-terminal helical domain, a small domain, and a large domain. Interestingly, the two subunits of apo Vfat in the asymmetric unit had different structures. A comparison of the overall structure to other transaminases, revealed that the structures of the N-terminal helical domain and the large domain can be affected by cofactor occupancy, but the structural rearrangement in these regions can occur independently.
Exploring Cuba’s population structure and demographic history using genome-wide data
Authors: Fortes-Lima Cesar , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Marin-Padrón Lilia Caridad , Gomez-Cabezas Enrique Javier , Bækvad-Hansen Marie , Hansen Christine Søholm , Le Phuong , Hougaard David Michael , Verdu Paul , Mors Ole , Parra Esteban J. , Marcheco-Teruel Beatriz
Published: July 2018

Cuba is the most populated country in the Caribbean and has a rich and heterogeneous genetic heritage. Here, we take advantage of dense genomic data from 860 Cuban individuals to reconstruct the genetic structure and ancestral origins of this population. We found distinct admixture patterns between and within the Cuban provinces. Eastern provinces have higher African and Native American ancestry contributions (average 26% and 10%, respectively) than the rest of the Cuban provinces (average 17% and 5%, respectively). Furthermore, in the Eastern Cuban region, we identified more intense sex-specific admixture patterns, strongly biased towards European male and African/Native American female ancestries. Our subcontinental ancestry analyses in Cuba highlight the Iberian population as the best proxy European source population, South American and Mesoamerican populations as the closest Native American ancestral component, and populations from West Central and Central Africa as the best proxy sources of the African ancestral component. Finally, we found complex admixture processes involving two migration pulses from both Native American and African sources. Most of the inferred Native American admixture events happened early during the Cuban colonial period, whereas the African admixture took place during the slave trade and more recently as a probable result of large-scale migrations from Haiti.
Aluminum salts as an adjuvant for pre-pandemic influenza vaccines: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Ju , Shih Yun-Jui , Chen Chang-Hsun , Fang Chi-Tai
Published: July 2018

Avian-origin H5/H7 influenza has the potential to cause the next influenza pandemic. Availability of effective vaccines is an essential part of pre-pandemic preparedness. However, avian influenza surface antigens are poorly immunogenic to humans, which necessitates the use of adjuvants to augment the immunogenicity of pre-pandemic influenza vaccines. Aluminum salts are approved, safe, and affordable adjuvants, but their adjuvanticity for influenza vaccines remains unverified. We conducted the first meta-analysis on this issue. A total of nine randomized controlled trials (2006–2013, 22 comparisons, 2,467 participants in total) compared aluminum-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccines versus non-adjuvanted counterparts. The weighted estimate for the ratio of the seroprotection rate after a single dose of H5N1 vaccine is 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.83) by hemagglutination-inhibition assay or 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42 to 0.74) by neutralizing titer assay. The weighted estimate for the risk ratio of pain/tenderness at injection sites is 1.85 (95% CI: 1.56 to 2.19). The quality of evidence is low to very low for seroprotection (due to indirectness and potential reporting bias) and moderate for pain/tenderness (due to potential reporting bias), respectively. The significantly lower seroprotection rate after aluminum-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccines and the significantly higher risk of pain at injection sites indicate that aluminum salts decrease immunogenicity but increase local reactogenicity of pre-pandemic H5N1 vaccines in humans.
Reconfigurable and tunable twisted light laser
Authors: Zhou Nan , Liu Jun , Wang Jian
Published: July 2018

Twisted light, having a helical spatial phase structure and carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), has given rise to many developments ranging from optical manipulation to optical communications. The laser excitation of twisted light in a reconfigurable and tunable way is of great interest. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an OAM reconfigurable and wavelength tunable twisted light laser with achievable high-order OAM modes on a hybrid free-space and fiber platform. The excited twisted light laser is enabled by a ring resonator incorporating spatial light modulators (SLMs) and bandpass filter (BPF). By appropriately switching the phase pattern loaded onto SLMs and adjusting the BPF, twisted light laser with reconfigurable OAM and tunable wavelength is implemented. In the experiment, the OAM value is varied from −10 to +10 and the wavelength is adjusted from 1530 to 1565 nm covering the whole C band. The obtained results indicate successful implementation of a reconfigurable and tunable twisted light laser with favorable operation performance. Reconfigurable and tunable twisted light laser may open up new perspectives to more extensive OAM-enabled applications with improved flexibility and robustness.
Combination of chemotherapy and Au-nanoparticle photothermy in the visible light to tackle doxorubicin resistance in cancer cells
Authors: Pedrosa Pedro , Mendes Rita , Cabral Rita , Martins Luísa M. D. R. S. , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: July 2018

Despite great advances in the fight against cancer, traditional chemotherapy has been hindered by the dose dependent adverse side effects that reduce the usable doses for effective therapy. This has been associated to drug resistance in tumor cells that often cause relapse and therapy failure. These drawbacks have been tackled by combining different therapeutic regiments that prevent drug resistance while decreasing the chemotherapy dose required for efficacious ablation of cancer. In fact, new metallic compounds have been in a continuous development to extend the existing chemotherapy arsenal for these combined regimens. Here, we demonstrate that combination of a metallic compound (TS265), previously characterized by our group, with photothermy circumvents cells resistant to Doxorubicin (DOX). We first engendered a colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT116) highly resistant to DOX, whose viability was diminished after administration of TS265. Cancer cell death was potentiated by challenging these cells with 14 nm spherical gold nanoparticles followed by laser irradiation at 532 nm. The combination of TS265 with photothermy lead to 65% cell death of the DOX resistant cells without impacting healthy cells. These results support the use of combined chemotherapy and photothermy in the visible spectrum as an efficient tool for drug resistant tumors.
Ambient Processed, Water-Stable, Aqueous-Gated sub 1 V n-type Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Joshi Saumya , Bhatt Vijay Deep , Jaworska Ewa , Michalska Agata , Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Becherer Markus , Gagliardi Alessio , Lugli Paolo
Published: July 2018

In this paper we report for the first time an n-type carbon nanotube field effect transistor which is air- and water-stable, a necessary requirement for electrolyte gated CMOS circuit operation. The device is obtained through a simple process, where the native p-type transistor is converted to an n-type. This conversion is achieved by applying a tailor composed lipophilic membrane containing ion exchanger on the active channel area of the transistor. To demonstrate the use of this transistor in sensing applications, a pH sensor is fabricated. An electrolyte gated CMOS inverter using the herein proposed novel n-type transistor and a classical p-type transistor is demonstrated.
Human erythrocytes release ATP by a novel pathway involving VDAC oligomerization independent of pannexin-1
Authors: Marginedas-Freixa Irene , Alvarez Cora Lilia , Moras Martina , Leal Denis María Florencia , Hattab Claude , Halle François , Bihel Frédéric , Mouro-Chanteloup Isabelle , Lefevre Sophie Denise , Le Van Kim Caroline , Schwarzbaum Pablo Julio , Ostuni Mariano Anibal
Published: July 2018

We previously demonstrated that the translocase protein TSPO2 together with the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide transporter (ANT) were involved in a membrane transport complex in human red blood cells (RBCs). Because VDAC was proposed as a channel mediating ATP release in RBCs, we used TSPO ligands together with VDAC and ANT inhibitors to test this hypothesis. ATP release was activated by TSPO ligands, and blocked by inhibitors of VDAC and ANT, while it was insensitive to pannexin-1 blockers. TSPO ligand increased extracellular ATP (ATPe) concentration by 24–59% over the basal values, displaying an acute increase in [ATPe] to a maximal value, which remained constant thereafter. ATPe kinetics were compatible with VDAC mediating a fast but transient ATP efflux. ATP release was strongly inhibited by PKC and PKA inhibitors as well as by depleting intracellular cAMP or extracellular Ca2+, suggesting a mechanism involving protein kinases. TSPO ligands favoured VDAC polymerization yielding significantly higher densities of oligomeric bands than in unstimulated cells. Polymerization was partially inhibited by decreasing Ca2+and cAMP contents. The present results show that TSPO ligands induce polymerization of VDAC, coupled to activation of ATP release by a supramolecular complex involving VDAC, TSPO2 and ANT.
First-principles and Molecular Dynamics simulation studies of functionalization of Au32 golden fullerene with amino acids
Authors: Darvish Ganji M. , Tavassoli Larijani H. , Alamol-hoda R. , Mehdizadeh M.
Published: July 2018

With the growing potential applications of nanoparticles in biomedicine especially the increasing concerns of nanotoxicity of gold nanoparticles, the interaction between protein and nanoparticles is proving to be of fundamental interest for bio-functionalization of materials. The interaction of glycine (Gly) amino acid with Au32fullerene was first investigated with B3LYP-D3/TZVP model. Several forms of glycine were selected to better understand the trends in binding nature of glycine interacting with the nanocage. We have evaluated various stable configurations of the Gly/Au32complexes and the calculated adsorption energies and AIM analysis indicate that non-Gly, z-Gly and also tripeptide glycine can form stable bindings with Au32at aqueous solution via their amino nitrogen (N) and/or carbonyl/carboxyl oxygen (O) active sites. Furthermore, cysteine, tyrosine, histidine and phenylalanine amino acids bound also strongly to the Au32nanocage. Electronic structures and quantum molecular descriptors calculations also demonstrate the significant changes in the electronic properties of the nanocage due to the attachment of selected amino acids. DFT based MD simulation for the most stable complex demonstrate that Gly/Au32complex is quite stable at ambient condition. Ourfirst-principlesfindings offer fundamental insights into the functionalization of Au32nanocage and envisage its applicability as novel carrier of the drugs.
A merged lung cancer transcriptome dataset for clinical predictive modeling
Authors: Lim Su Bin , Tan Swee Jin , Lim Wan-Teck , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: July 2018

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database is an excellent public source of whole transcriptomic profiles of multiple cancers. The main challenge is the limited accessibility of such large-scale genomic data to people without a background in bioinformatics or computer science. This presents difficulties in data analysis, sharing and visualization. Here, we present an integrated bioinformatics pipeline and a normalized dataset that has been preprocessed using a robust statistical methodology; allowing others to perform large-scale meta-analysis, without having to conduct time-consuming data mining and statistical correction. Comprising 1,118 patient-derived samples, the normalized dataset includes primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and paired normal lung tissues from ten independent GEO datasets, facilitating differential expression analysis. The data has been merged, normalized, batch effect-corrected and filtered for genes with low variance via multiple open source R packages integrated into our workflow. Overall this dataset (with associated clinical metadata) better represents the diseased population and serves as a powerful tool for early predictive biomarker discovery.
Electrical impedance tomography for real-time and label-free cellular viability assays of 3D tumour spheroids
Authors: Wu Hancong , Yang Yunjie , Bagnaninchi Pierre O. , Jia Jiabin
Published: July 2018

Real-time and label-free screening of the cell viability of 3D tumour spheroids by electrical impedance tomography.
Investigation of the particle size-dependent near-infrared spectral features of binary mixture samples in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation and the influence of particle size on the accuracy of quantitative analysis
Authors: Duy Pham K. , Chun Seulah , Lee Yoonjeong , Chung Hoeil
Published: July 2018

The origin of particle size-induced near-infrared (NIR) spectral variation, which is fundamental for robust quantitative analysis, was systematically studied in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation.
Electrochemical fabrication of two-dimensional copper oxide nanosheets on stainless steel as a fiber coating for highly sensitive solid-phase microextraction of ultraviolet filters
Authors: Yang Yaoxia , Lei Yu , Zhang Rong , Wang Xuemei , Du Xinzhen
Published: July 2018

A novel two-dimensional copper oxide (CuO) nanosheet coated fiber was directly fabricated on the surface of a piece of etched stainless steel wire using bulk electrolysis with coulometry (BE) for solid-phase microextraction (SPME).
Construction of perfluorohexane/IR780@liposome coating on Ti for rapid bacteria killing under permeable near infrared light
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Tan Lei , Liu Xiangmei , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Chu Paul K. , Wu Shuilin
Published: July 2018

Near infrared (NIR) light induced photodynamic antibacterial therapy (PDAT) is a promising antibacterial technique in rapidin situdisinfection of bacterially infected artificial implants due to its penetration ability into tissues.
A relay FRET event in a designed trichromophoric pentapeptide containing an o-,m-aromatic-amino acid scaffold
Authors: Bag Subhendu Sekhar , Yashmeen Afsana
Published: July 2018

The concept of a relay FRET event is established in a designed trichromophoric pentapeptide containing an o-,m-aromatic amino acid scaffold in the backbone as a novel β-turn mimetic β-sheet folding nucleator.
Alphabet soup within a porphyrinoid cavity: synthesis of heterocarbaporphyrins with CNNO, CNOO, CNSO and CNSeO Cores from an oxacarbatripyrrin
Authors: Smolczyk Tyler J. , Lash Timothy D.
Published: July 2018

The first examples of porphyrin analogues with four different core atoms have been synthesized from an oxacarbatripyrrin intermediate.
Dramatic enhancement of spin–spin coupling and quenching of magnetic dimensionality in compressed silver difluoride
Authors: Kurzydłowski Dominik , Derzsi Mariana , Barone Paolo , Grzelak Adam , Struzhkin Viktor , Lorenzana José , Grochala Wojciech
Published: July 2018

The high-pressure HP2 form of AgF2 features Ag2F73− units that are theoretically predicted to host extremely strong antiferromagnetic interactions, surpassing those seen in copper(ii) oxides.
Strong carbon cage influence on the single molecule magnetism in Dy–Sc nitride clusterfullerenes
Authors: Schlesier Christin , Spree Lukas , Kostanyan Aram , Westerström Rasmus , Brandenburg Ariane , Wolter Anja U. B. , Yang Shangfeng , Greber Thomas , Popov Alexey A.
Published: July 2018

Endohedral metallofullerenes with nitride clusters DySc2N and Dy2ScN encapsulated in different carbon cages behave as single molecule magnets (SMMs) with strongly cage-dependent SMM parameters.
Ruthenium nanoparticle catalyzed selective reductive amination of imine with aldehyde to access tertiary amines
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Shun , Lin Qiao , Shao Yan , Peng Shiyong , Li Yibiao
Published: July 2018

Novel ruthenium nanoparticle catalyzed selective reductive amination of imine with aldehyde to access tertiary amines.
Temperature-induced structural transition of ceria by bulk reduction under hydrogen atmosphere
Authors: Matsukawa Takeshi , Hoshikawa Akinori , Ishigaki Toru
Published: July 2018

Ceria (CeO2) was kinetically reduced in hydrogen depending on the isothermal holding time at high temperature.
Oxidation of organic diselenides and ditellurides by H2O2for bioinspired catalyst design
Authors: Bortoli Marco , Zaccaria Francesco , Dalla Tiezza Marco , Bruschi Matteo , Fonseca Guerra Célia , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Orian Laura
Published: July 2018

The reactivity of differently substituted diselenides and ditellurides toward H2O2, an ancient but still currently debated issue, was investigatedin silicoto assess the role the chalcogen and the groups directly bound to it have on the reaction energetics.
Computational exploration of borophane-supported single transition metal atoms as potential oxygen reduction and evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Singh Yashpal , Back Seoin , Jung Yousung
Published: July 2018

Surface activation of 2D borophane for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions is demonstrated with the help of substitutional transition metal doping.
Azine based smart probe for optical recognition and enrichment of Mo(vi)
Authors: Ghosh Milan , Ta Sabyasachi , Sanmartín Matalobos Jesús , Das Debasis
Published: July 2018

Single crystal X-ray structurally characterized azine derivative (L) was explored for selective detection of Molybdenum (Mo(vi)) cation through green emission. TheLwas very efficient for enrichment of Mo(vi) from aqueous solution.
A cationic organoiridium(iii) complex-based AIEgen for selective light-up detection of rRNA and nucleolar staining
Authors: Sheet Sanjoy Kumar , Sen Bhaskar , Aguan Kripamoy , Khatua Snehadrinarayan
Published: July 2018

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complex-based AIEgen has been developed to selectively detect and stain the cell rRNA which has been revealed by in vitro PL studies and cell imaging experiment.
Catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyl and nitro compounds using an [N,O]-chelate half-sandwich ruthenium catalyst
Authors: Yao Zi-Jian , Zhu Jing-Wei , Lin Nan , Qiao Xin-Chao , Deng Wei
Published: July 2018

A series of N,O-chelate half-sandwich ruthenium complexes have been synthesized, which exhibited high activity for the catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyl and nitro compounds in aqueous solution.
Ab initiophase diagrams of Hf–O, Zr–O and Y–O: a comparative study
Authors: Rushchanskii Konstantin Z. , Blügel Stefan , Ležaić Marjana
Published: July 2018

We present phase diagrams of binary oxides, Hf–O, Zr–O and Y–O, obtained byab initioevolutionary simulations, in order to explore possible metastable crystalline suboxide structures which could be quenched during the electroforming processes within the conductive filaments in stoichiometric HfO2, ZrO2and Y2O3host materials, in resistive switching devices.
Rheology of cellulose-[DBNH][CO2Et] solutions and shaping into aerogel beads
Authors: Druel Lucile , Niemeyer Philipp , Milow Barbara , Budtova Tatiana
Published: July 2018

Cellulose aerogel beads made with JetCutting technology and dried by supercritical CO2 extraction.
Unsupervised capture and profiling of rare immune cells using multi-directional magnetic ratcheting
Authors: Murray Coleman , Miwa Hiromi , Dhar Manjima , Park Da Eun , Pao Edward , Martinez Jessica , Kaanumale Sireesha , Loghin Evelina , Graf John , Rhaddassi Khadir , Kwok William W. , Hafler David , Puleo Chris , Di Carlo Dino
Published: July 2018

Our results demonstrate that multi-directional magnetic ratcheting offers a unique separation system for dealing with clinical samples that contain either rare cells or significantly small volumes.
Improved pharmaceutical research and development with AIE-based nanostructures
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wang Yufei , Wang Jinjin , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: July 2018

AIE-based nanostructures may “lighten” drug research and development in the “dark”.
HER2 and Src co-regulate proliferation, migration and transformation by downstream signaling pathways in arsenite-treated human uroepithelial cells
Authors: Zhou Qing , Jin Peiyu , Liu Jieyu , Wang Fei , Xi Shuhua
Published: July 2018

HER2 mediate proliferation, migration and transformation by multiple downstream signaling pathways in arsenite-treated human uroepithelial cells.
Methylselenol release as a cytotoxic tool: a study of the mechanism of the activity achieved by two series of methylselenocarbamate derivatives
Authors: Font María , Romano Beatriz , González-Peñas Elena , Sanmartín Carmen , Plano Daniel , Palop Juan A.
Published: July 2018

Cytotoxic activity is related to the progressive release of active fragments, methylselenol and phenols. The structural variations influence the relative reactivity of the target atoms to the nucleophilic agent, as well as the overall stability and the accessibility to the hydrolysis point.
Crystal structure of gluconate bound iron(iii) complex: synthesis, characterization and redox properties of the complex in aqueous solution
Authors: Stewart Christopher D. , Arman Hadi , Benavides Brenda , Musie Ghezai T.
Published: July 2018

The synthesis, characterization and redox properties of the first single crystal X-ray characterized, water soluble bis-gluconato-tetra-iron(iii) containing complex has been reported.
Brønsted acid catalysed eco friendly synthesis of quaternary centred C-3 functionalized oxindole derivatives
Authors: Poomathi Nataraj , Balaji Ravichandran , Maheswari Narayanan Uma , Mathivanan Narayanasamy , Perumal Paramasivan T. , Balasubramanian Kalpattu K. , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: July 2018

A facile atom economic and eco friendly protocol for the synthesis of biologically important quaternary centered C-3 functionalized oxindole derivatives, with a novel nucleus, in high yields has been demonstrated.
Oxa/thiazole-tetrahydropyran triazole-linked hybrids with selective antiproliferative activity against human tumour cells
Authors: Valdomir Guillermo , Fernández María de los Ángeles , Lagunes Irene , Padrón Juan I. , Martín Víctor S. , Padrón José M. , Davyt Danilo
Published: July 2018

Inspired by marine bioactive compounds, the principle of molecular hybridization was applied combining diverse heterocyclic systems by a triazole ring, to produce new and more active compounds.
Synthesis and trimethylamine sensing properties of spherical V2O5 hierarchical structures
Authors: Wang Dongxue , Gu Kuikun , Zhao Qi , Zhai Chengbo , Yang Tianye , Lu Qing , Zhang Jing , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: July 2018

Spherical V2O5 hierarchical structures assembled from nanosheets exhibit rapid response/recovery speeds to TMA gas.
Preparation of a magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective adsorption of chlordiazepoxide and its determination by central composite design optimized HPLC
Authors: Khodadoust Saeid , Nasiriani Tahereh , Zeraatpisheh Fatemeh
Published: July 2018

Core–shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MMIP-NPs) were prepared and applied in the extraction of chlordiazepoxide from various samples.
Solution-processed ZnO/Si based heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic performance
Authors: Tang Chien-Hsin , Chen Kai-Yu , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: July 2018

Well-incorporated ZnO/SiNW arrays with reliable photocatalytic activity were prepared by an all-solution processed method.
Synthesis of cauliflower-like ion imprinted polymers for selective adsorption and separation of lithium ion
Authors: Cui Jiuyun , Zhou Zhiping , Liu Shijuan , Zhang Yufeng , Yan Li , Zhang Qi , Zhou Shi , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: July 2018

Cauliflower-like Li-IIPs were prepared for selective adsorption and separation of Li+, showing distinctive adsorption capacity of 1.135 mmol g−1.
2-Formylpyrrole natural products: origin, structural diversity, bioactivity and synthesis
Authors: Wood James M. , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: July 2018

2-Formylpyrroles constitute a large and growing family of bioactive Maillard reaction products found in food, traditional medicine and throughout nature.
Interplay of non-uniform charge distribution on the electrochemical modification of graphene
Authors: Macedo Lucyano J. A. , Lima Filipe C. D. A. , Amorim Rodrigo G. , Freitas Raul O. , Yadav Anur , Iost Rodrigo M. , Balasubramanian Kannan , Crespilho Frank N.
Published: July 2018

Graphene electrodes exchange electrons with electrolyte inhomogeneously, preferentially at the edges, and covalent functionalization alters the electronic organization of graphene.
An ordered mesoporous carbon nanosphere-encapsulated graphene network with optimized nitrogen doping for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Zhao Mingyu , Cui Xuexue , Xu Yunshi , Chen Leilei , He Zhenjiang , Yang Shuguang , Wang Yi
Published: July 2018

A N-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosphere-encapsulated graphene network can serve as a synergetic electron reservoir and electron highway for a supercapacitor.