bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Binding Free Energies of PDE2 Inhibitors. The Difficulties of Protein Conformation
Authors: Pérez-Benito Laura , Keränen Henrik , van Vlijmen Herman , Tresadern Gary
Published: March 2018

A congeneric series of 21 phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2) inhibitors are reported. Crystal structures show how the molecules can occupy a ‘top-pocket’ of the active site. Molecules with small substituents do not enter the pocket, a critical leucine (Leu770) is closed and water molecules are present. Large substituents enter the pocket, opening the Leu770 conformation and displacing the waters. We also report an X-ray structure revealing a new conformation of the PDE2 active site domain. The relative binding affinities of these compounds were studied with free energy perturbation (FEP) methods and it represents an attractive real-world test case. In general, the calculations could predict the energy of small-to-small, or large-to-large molecule perturbations. However, accurately capturing the transition from small-to-large proved challenging. Only when using alternative protein conformations did results improve. The new X-ray structure, along with a modelled dimer, conferred stability to the catalytic domain during the FEP molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, increasing the convergence and thereby improving the prediction of ΔΔG of binding for some small-to-large transitions. In summary, we found the most significant improvement in results when using different protein structures, and this data set is useful for future free energy validation studies.
Contact geometry and mechanics predict friction forces during tactile surface exploration
Authors: Janko Marco , Wiertlewski Michael , Visell Yon
Published: March 2018

When we touch an object, complex frictional forces are produced, aiding us in perceiving surface features that help to identify the object at hand, and also facilitating grasping and manipulation. However, even during controlled tactile exploration, sliding friction forces fluctuate greatly, and it is unclear how they relate to the surface topography or mechanics of contact with the finger. We investigated the sliding contact between the finger and different relief surfaces, using high-speed video and force measurements. Informed by these experiments, we developed a friction force model that accounts for surface shape and contact mechanical effects, and is able to predict sliding friction forces for different surfaces and exploration speeds. We also observed that local regions of disconnection between the finger and surface develop near high relief features, due to the stiffness of the finger tissues. Every tested surface had regions that were never contacted by the finger; we refer to these as “tactile blind spots”. The results elucidate friction force production during tactile exploration, may aid efforts to connect sensory and motor function of the hand to properties of touched objects, and provide crucial knowledge to inform the rendering of realistic experiences of touch contact in virtual reality.
Pacemaker Implantation Associated Myocardial Micro-Damage: A Randomised Comparison between Active and Passive Fixation Leads
Authors: Blažek Patrick , Ferri-Certić Jerko , Vražić Hrvoje , Lennerz Carsten , Grebmer Christian , Kaitani Kazuaki , Karch Martin , Starčević Boris , Semmler Verena , Kolb Christof
Published: March 2018

Fixation of the pacemaker leads during pacemaker implantation leads to an increase of cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) that can be interpreted as a sign of minimal myocardial damage. This trial evaluates whether the mechanism type of lead fixation influences the magnitude of cTnT release. Patients having a de-novo cardiac pacemaker implantation or a lead revision were centrally randomized to receive either a ventricular lead with an active (screw) or passive (tine) fixation mechanism. High-sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT) was determined on the day of the procedure beforehand and on the following day. 326 Patients (median age (IQR) 75.0 (69.0–80.0) years, 64% male) from six international centers were randomized to receive ventricular leads with an active (n = 166) or passive (n = 160) fixation mechanism. Median (IQR) hsTnT levels increased by 0.009 (0.004–0.021) ng/ml in the group receiving screw-in ventricular leads and by 0.008 (0.003–0.030) ng/ml in the group receiving tined ventricular leads (n.s.). In conclusion pacemaker implantations are followed by a release of hsTnT. The choice between active or passive fixation ventricular leads does not have a significant influence on the extent of myocardial injury and the magnitude of hsTnT release.
βArrestin2 Mediates Renal Cell Carcinoma Tumor Growth
Authors: Masannat Jude , Purayil Hamsa Thayele , Zhang Yushan , Russin Michelle , Mahmud Iqbal , Kim Wanju , Liao Daiqing , Daaka Yehia
Published: March 2018

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most lethal urological cancers worldwide. The disease does not present early clinical symptoms and is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage. Limited molecular drivers have been identified for RCC, resulting in the lack of effective treatment for patients with progressive disease. Ubiquitous βArrestin2 (βArr2) is well established for its function in the desensitization and trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors. More recently, βArr2 has been implicated in the regulation of fundamental cellular functions, including proliferation and invasion. We used bioinformatic and genetic approaches to determine role of βArr2 in RCC tumor growth. Analysis of published human datasets shows that ARRB2 (gene encoding βArr2) expression is increased in RCC tumor compared to normal tissue and that high levels of ARRB2 correlate with worse patient survival. Experimentally, we show that knockout of ARRB2 decreases rate of RCC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in animals. Mechanistically, βArr2 regulates c-Src activity, Cyclin A expression and cell cycle progression that are involved in tumor growth. These results show that βArr2 is a critical regulator of RCC tumor growth and suggest its utility as a potential marker and drug target to treat advanced disease.
Investigation of Dietary Factors and Esophageal Cancer Knowledge: Comparison of Rural Residents in High- and Low-incidence Areas
Authors: Tian Dong , Mo Shuai-Jia , Han Lian-Kui , Cheng Liang , Huang Heng , Hao Shuai , Guan Ye-Lan , Jiang Kai-Yuan , Deng Jing-Ya , Feng Hu-Hao , Wen Hong-Ying , Fu Mao-Yong
Published: March 2018

To compare the differences in dietary status and knowledge of esophageal cancer (EC) between residents of high- and low-incidence areas. We investigated dietary conditions and EC knowledge among residents in high- and low-EC incidence areas (Yanting and Qingzhen counties). Residents in Yanting consumed more pickled vegetables, salted meat and barbecued food (P < 0.05). Analysis of the past ten-year trend in Yanting consumed fresh vegetables/fruits, beans, sauerkraut, hot food, and barbecued food had gradually increased, and the trend was less than that in Qingzhen County. However, the gradual increasing trend in consumption of pickled vegetables, pickled meat, and spicy food over the past 10 years was greater (P < 0.05). Drinking water in Yanting County was healthier than that in Qingzhen County (P < 0.05). In terms of EC knowledge, the proportions of residents in Yanting who had a clear understanding, knowledge or had heard of EC or knew the common causes, primary symptoms, therapeutic measures, preventive measures, and government interventions for EC were all higher than in Qingzhen (P < 0.05). Residents in Yanting had greater EC knowledge but more harmful dietary habits than those in Qingzhen.
Obesity-induced Endothelial Dysfunction is Prevented by Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Inhibition
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Qian , Venugopal Jessica , Wang Jintao , Kleiman Kyle , Guo Chiao , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: March 2018

Endothelial dysfunction precedes atherosclerosis and may constitute a critical link between obesity-related inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been shown to promote vascular damage in murine models of autoimmune disease and atherosclerosis. The impact of NETs towards endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity is unknown. Using a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model, this study investigated whether the inhibition or degradation of NETs could reduce the endothelial dysfunction observed in DIO mice. Following induction of DIO, there were elevated plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and impairment of mesenteric arteriolar vasorelaxation in response to acetylcholine as measured by pressure myography. A marker of NET formation, cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), was markedly increased in mesenteric arterial walls of DIO mice compared to mice on standard chow. Prevention of NET formation with Cl-amidine or dissolution of NETs with DNase restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation to the mesenteric arteries of DIO mice. These findings suggest an instrumental role for NETs in obesity-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Pupil dilation reflects the time course of emotion recognition in human vocalizations
Authors: Oliva Manuel , Anikin Andrey
Published: March 2018

The processing of emotional signals usually causes an increase in pupil size, and this effect has been largely attributed to autonomic arousal prompted by the stimuli. Additionally, changes in pupil size were associated with decision making during non-emotional perceptual tasks. Therefore, in this study we investigated the relationship between pupil size fluctuations and the process of emotion recognition. Participants heard human nonverbal vocalizations (e.g., laughing, crying) and indicated the emotional state of the speakers as soon as they had identified it. The results showed that during emotion recognition, the time course of pupil response was driven by the decision-making process. In particular, peak pupil dilation betrayed the time of emotional selection. In addition, pupil response revealed properties of the decisions, such as the perceived emotional valence and the confidence in the assessment. Because pupil dilation (under isoluminance conditions) is almost exclusively promoted by norepinephrine (NE) release from the locus coeruleus (LC), the results suggest an important role of the LC-NE system during emotion processing.
Laparoscopic Organopexy with Non-mesh Genital (LONG) Suspension: A Novel Uterine Preservation Procedure for the Treatment of Apical Prolapse
Authors: Long Cheng-Yu , Wang Chiu-Lin , Ker Chin-Ru , Juan Yung-Shun , Tsai Eing-Mei , Lin Kun-Ling
Published: March 2018

To assess whether our novel uterus-sparing procedure- laparoscopic organopexy with non-mesh genital(LONG) suspension is an effective, safe, and timesaving surgery for the treatment of apical prolapse. Forty consecutive women with main uterine prolapse stage II or greater defined by the POP quantification(POP-Q) staging system were referred for LONG procedures at our hospitals. Clinical evaluations before and 6 months after surgery included pelvic examination, urodynamic study, and a personal interview to evaluate urinary and sexual symptoms with overactive bladder symptom score(OABSS), the short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory(UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire(IIQ-7), and the Female Sexual Function Index(FSFI). After follow-up time of 12 to 30 months, anatomical cure rate was 85%(34/40), and the success rates for apical, anterior, and posterior vaginal prolapse were 95%(38/40), 85%(34/40), and 97.5%(39/40), respectively. Six recurrences of anterior vaginal wall all suffered from significant cystocele (stage3; Ba>+1) preoperatively. The average operative time was 73.1 ± 30.8 minutes. One bladder injury occurred and was recognized during surgery. The dyspareunia domain and total FSFI scores of the twelve sexually-active premenopausal women improved postoperatively in a significant manner (P < 0.05). The results of our study suggest that LONG suspension is an effective and safe uterus-sparing surgery for the treatment of apical prolapse.
Uptake and accumulation of Microcystin-LR based on exposure through drinking water: An animal model assessing the human health risk
Authors: Greer Brett , Meneely Julie P. , Elliott Christopher T.
Published: March 2018

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in freshwater systems and intensified aquaculture have increased the risk to human health through exposure to cyanotoxins such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR). To understand the uptake and processing of MC-LR in humans, the pig was chosen as an animal model. This was assessed by repeated exposure for 13 weeks of eight animals dosed daily with MC-LR at 0.04 µg/kg bw, repeated with six animals over five weeks at a dose 50 times higher at 2 µg/kg bw. An analytical method was developed for MC-LR in porcine serum and also to analyse levels of free MC-LR in harvested porcine tissues, with Lemieux Oxidation employed to determine bound MC-LR in these tissues. MC-LR was not detected in the serum of treated animals from either experiment but free MC-LR was observed in the large intestine and kidney from two animals from the higher dosed group at levels of 1.4 and 1.9 µg/kg dry weight (dw) respectively. The results indicated 50% of higher dosed animals accumulated bound MC-LR in liver tissue, averaging 26.4 µg, approximately 1.1% of the dose administered. These results point to the potential uptake and accumulation of MC-LR in human liver tissue exposed chronically to sub-acute doses.
Dense Ge nanocrystals embedded in TiO2 with exponentially increased photoconduction by field effect
Authors: Lepadatu A.-M. , Slav A. , Palade C. , Dascalescu I. , Enculescu M. , Iftimie S. , Lazanu S. , Teodorescu V. S. , Ciurea M. L. , Stoica T.
Published: March 2018

Si and Ge nanocrystals in oxides are of a large interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in nanocrystals. In this work, dense Ge nanocrystals suitable for enhanced photoconduction were fabricated from 60% Ge in TiO2 amorphous layers by low temperature rapid thermal annealing at 550 °C. An exponential increase of the photocurrent with the applied voltage was observed in coplanar structure of Ge nanocrystals composite films deposited on oxidized Si wafers. The behaviour was explained by field effect control of the Fermi level at the Ge nanocrystals-TiO2 layer/substrate interfaces. The blue-shift of the absorption gap from bulk Ge value to 1.14 eV was evidenced in both photocurrent spectra and optical reflection-transmission experiments, in good agreement with quantum confinement induced bandgap broadening in Ge nanocrystal with sizes of about 5 nm as found from HRTEM and XRD investigations. A nonmonotonic spectral dependence of the refractive index is associated to the Ge nanocrystals formation. The nanocrystal morphology is also in good agreement with the Coulomb gap hopping mechanism of T–1/2 -type explaining the temperature dependence of the dark conduction.
Comparative whole-genome sequence analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from tuberculous meningitis and pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Faksri Kiatichai , Xia Eryu , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Tan Jun Hao , Nonghanphithak Ditthawat , Makhao Nampueng , Thamnongdee Nongnard , Thanormchat Arirat , Phurattanakornkul Arisa , Rattanarangsee Somcharn , Ratanajaraya Chate , Suriyaphol Prapat , Prammananan Therdsak , Teo Yik-Ying , Chaiprasert Angkana
Published: March 2018

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of tuberculosis with a high mortality rate. The factors associated with TBM pathogenesis are still unclear. Using comparative whole-genome sequence analysis we compared Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolates from cerebrospinal fluid of TBM cases (n = 73) with those from sputum of pulmonary tuberculosis (PulTB) patients (n = 220) from Thailand. The aim of this study was to seek genetic variants of Mtb associated with TBM. Regardless of Mtb lineage, we found 242 variants that were common to all TBM isolates. Among these variants, 28 were missense SNPs occurring mainly in the pks genes (involving polyketide synthesis) and the PE/PPE gene. Six lineage-independent SNPs were commonly found in TBM isolates, two of which were missense SNPs in Rv0532 (PE_PGRS6). Structural variant analysis revealed that PulTB isolates had 14 genomic regions containing 2–3-fold greater read depth, indicating higher copy number variants and half of these genes belonged to the PE/PPE gene family. Phylogenetic analysis revealed only two small clusters of TBM clonal isolates without support from epidemiological data. This study reported genetic variants of Mtb commonly found in TBM patients compared to PulTB patients. Variants associated with TBM disease warrant further investigation.
Twisting phase and intensity of light with plasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Yang Xiaodong , Gao Jie
Published: March 2018

Twisting light in both phase and intensity has recently drawn great interests in various fields related to light-matter interactions such as optical manipulation of particles and quantum entanglement of photons. Conventionally, bulky optical components are required to produce such twisted optical beams, which significantly limits their applications in integrated photonics and optical chips. Here, we design and demonstrate aluminum plasmonic metasurfaces consisting of nanoslit antennas as ultracompact beam converters to generate the focused twisted beams in both phase and intensity across the visible wavelength range. The metasurface is encoded with the combined phase profile containing the helico-conical phase function together with a Fourier transform lens based on the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) geometric phase. It is demonstrated that the created twisted beams simultaneously possess three-dimensional (3D) spiral intensity distribution around the propagation axis and complex phase structure containing both the central vortex and the peripheral vortex string. Moreover, the twisted beam exhibits an arithmetic intensity spiral at the focal plane with the maximum photon concentration located at the leading point of the spiral. Our results show the promising potential for advancing metasurface-based integrated devices in many applications of light-matter interactions.
Electrophoretic cytopathology resolves ERBB2 forms with single-cell resolution
Authors: Kang Chi-Chih , Ward Toby M. , Bockhorn Jessica , Schiffman Courtney , Huang Haiyan , Pegram Mark D. , Herr Amy E.
Published: March 2018

In addition to canonical oncoproteins, truncated isoforms and proteolysis products are implicated in both drug resistance and disease progression. In HER2-positive breast tumors, expression of truncated HER2 isoforms resulting from alternative translation and/or carboxy-terminal fragments (CTFs) resulting from proteolysis (collectively, t-erbB2) have been associated with shortened progression-free survival of patients. Thus, to advance clinical pathology and inform treatment decisions, we developed a high-selectivity cytopathology assay capable of distinguishing t-erbB2 from full-length HER2 expression without the need for isoform-specific antibodies. Our microfluidic, single-cell western blot, employs electrophoretic separations to resolve full-length HER2 from the smaller t-erbB2 in each ~28 pL single-cell lysate. Subsequently, a pan-HER2 antibody detects all resolved HER2 protein forms via immunoprobing. In analysis of eight breast tumor biopsies, we identified two tumors comprised of 15% and 40% t-erbB2-expressing cells. By single-cell western blotting of the t-erbB2-expressing cells, we observed statistically different ratios of t-erbB2 proteins to full-length HER2 expression. Further, target multiplexing and clustering analyses scrutinized signaling, including ribosomal S6, within the t-erbB2-expressing cell subpopulation. Taken together, cytometric assays that report both protein isoform profiles and signaling state offer cancer classification taxonomies with unique relevance to precisely describing drug resistance mechanisms in which oncoprotein isoforms/fragments are implicated.
A carbon nanofibers–Sm2O3 nanocomposite: a novel electrochemical platform for simultaneously detecting two isomers of dihydroxybenzene
Authors: He Jiahong , Qiu Fen , Xu Qiang , An Jibin , Qiu Ri
Published: March 2018

In this report, a CNFs-Sm2O3 nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (CNFs-Sm2O3/GCE), comprising CNFs with a large specific surface area and Sm2O3 with excellent catalytic activity, is prepared as a novel sensor for simultaneously detecting hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC) in an aqueous environment.
The exceptionally large height of the potential barrier at the grain boundary of a LaGaO3-based solid solution deduced from a linear diffusion model
Authors: Chang Chih-Yuan S. , Lubomirsky Igor , Kim Sangtae
Published: March 2018

Experimental verification of consistency in the grain boundary potential heights deduced from the linear diffusion and the resistivity ratio methods.
Soy product consumption and the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Namazi Nazli , Saneei Parvane , Larijani Bagher , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: March 2018

Currently, the association of soy intake with total- and cause-specific mortality is inconsistent.
Highly specific targeting of human acute myeloid leukaemia cells using pharmacologically active nanoconjugates
Authors: Yasinska Inna M. , Ceccone Giacomo , Ojea-Jimenez Isaac , Ponti Jessica , Hussain Rohanah , Siligardi Giuliano , Berger Steffen M. , Fasler-Kan Elizaveta , Bardelli Marco , Varani Luca , Fiedler Walter , Wellbrock Jasmin , Raap Ulrike , Gibbs Bernhard F. , Calzolai Luigi , Sumbayev Vadim V.
Published: March 2018

In this study we used 5 nm gold nanoparticles as delivery platforms to target cancer cells expressing the immune receptor Tim-3 using single chain antibodies.
The dynamics of rising oil-coated bubbles: experiments and simulations
Authors: Wang Songcheng , Zhang Yi , Meredith J. Carson , Behrens Sven H. , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Sahu Kirti Chandra
Published: March 2018

Air bubbles rising through water are routinely used for the separation of particulates via froth flotation, a key step in many industrial processes. Oil-coated bubbles, studied for advanced separations, display rather different dynamics.
Construction of microfluidic-oriented polyaniline nanorod arrays/graphene composite fibers for application in wearable micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Xingjiang , Wu Guan , Tan Pengfeng , Cheng Hengyang , Hong Ri , Wang Fengxiang , Chen Su
Published: March 2018

We demonstrated a new strategy to construct high-performance micro-SCs based on microfluidic-oriented core–sheath structured polyaniline nanorod arrays/graphene fibers.
A salt-rejecting floating solar still for low-cost desalination
Authors: Ni George , Zandavi Seyed Hadi , Javid Seyyed Morteza , Boriskina Svetlana V. , Cooper Thomas A. , Chen Gang
Published: March 2018

A floating, low-cost solar desalination system was constructed, capable of simultaneous salt rejection and heat localization for continuous operation.
Classic fungal natural products in the genomic age: the molecular legacy of Harold Raistrick
Authors: Schor Raissa , Cox Russell
Published: March 2018

From structure, to labelling, biomimetic synthesis and mechanism, to gene clusters and engineering, the metabolites discovered by Harold Raistrick remain at the forefront of progress in fungal biosynthesis.
Quantum-size effects in visible defect photoluminescence of colloidal ZnO quantum dots: a theoretical analysis
Authors: Monreal R. Carmina , Apell S. Peter , Antosiewicz Tomasz J.
Published: March 2018

A theoretical model elucidating green photoluminescence of ZnO quantum dots via quantum size effects of electronic states and their overlap with a deeply trapped hole.
High-temperature superconductivity at the lanthanum cuprate/lanthanum–strontium nickelate interface
Authors: Baiutti F. , Gregori G. , Suyolcu Y. E. , Wang Y. , Cristiani G. , Sigle W. , van Aken P. A. , Logvenov G. , Maier J.
Published: March 2018

Local ionic and electronic redistribution occurs at the lanthanum cuprate/lanthanum nickelate epitaxial contact and gives rise to a high-temperature superconducting layer.
Acrylate-macromonomers and telechelics of PBA by merging biphasic SET-LRP of BA, chain extension with MA and biphasic esterification
Authors: Moreno Adrian , Liu Tong , Galià Marina , Lligadas Gerard , Percec Virgil
Published: March 2018

Chain extension of PBA with MA allows the preparation of acrylate-functional PBA.
Degradable high Tg sugar-derived polycarbonates from isosorbide and dihydroxyacetone
Authors: Hult Daniel , García-Gallego Sandra , Ingverud Tobias , Andrén Oliver C. J. , Malkoch Michael
Published: March 2018

Step-growth polymerization and degradation behavior of fully sugar-derived high Tg alternating and random polycarbonates from isosorbide and dihydroxyacetone.
Particle size effects of PtAg nanoparticles on the catalytic electrooxidation of liquid fuels
Authors: Song Pingping , Xu Hui , Yan Bo , Wang Jin , Gao Fei , Zhang Yangping , Shiraishi Yukihide , Du Yukou
Published: March 2018

The electrocatalytic oxidation of ethylene glycol and glycerol in the presence of PtAg NPs catalyst showed a linear decrease with the increasing particle sizes, providing new clues and hypotheses on how quantum confinement phenomena affect the electrocatalytic performances.
Defect dipole-induced domain reorientation of NdFeO3–PbTiO3 thin films
Authors: Wang Yilin , Zhao Hanqing , Lin Kun , Deng Jinxia , Chen Jun , Xing Xianran
Published: March 2018

The increasing temperature induces the realignment of the defect dipoles in NdFeO3–PbTiO3 thin films, which further reorients the domains.
Pressure-induced Mott-insulator–metal crossover at ambient temperature in an overexpanded fulleride
Authors: Zadik Ruth H. , Takabayashi Yasuhiro , Colman Ross H. , Garbarino Gaston , Prassides Kosmas
Published: March 2018

The Mott-insulator–metal transition in A3C60 fullerides is traversed at ambient temperature through the application of external pressure.
Preparation of PSF/FEP mixed matrix membrane with super hydrophobic surface for efficient water-in-oil emulsion separation
Authors: Ji Dawei , Xiao Changfa , An Shulin , Liu Hailiang , Chen Kaikai , Hao Junqiang , Zhang Tai
Published: March 2018

The PSF/FEP membrane with super hydrophobic and super oleophilic surface had an outstanding separation performance for water-in-oil emulsion.
Magnetic chitosan/graphene oxide composite loaded with novel photosensitizer for enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Qin Xiang , Zhang Hongyue , Wang Zhiqiang , Jin Yingxue
Published: March 2018

Prepared magnetic chitosan/graphene oxide composite loaded with a novel photosensitizer (MCGO–HNPa) showed excellent PDT activity against HepG-2 cells.
Effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on CH4 hydrate in the presence of tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide
Authors: Li Dong-Liang , Sheng Shu-Mei , Zhang Ye , Liang De-Qing , Wu Xiao-Ping
Published: March 2018

Hydrate formation is an important technology for gas storage and transportation.
Expression of concern: Crystalline quality assessment, photocurrent response and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles based on the graphene oxide concentration
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: March 2018

Expression of concern for ‘Crystalline quality assessment, photocurrent response and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles based on the graphene oxide concentration’ by Majid Azarang et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 53117–53128.
Prediction of striped cylindrical micelles (SCMs) formed by dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM) surfactants
Authors: Mandal Taraknath , Larson Ronald G.
Published: March 2018

Using atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, formation of a striped cylindrical micelle is reported for dodecyl-β-d-maltoside surfactants.
On the structural stability of guanosine-based supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Carducci Federica , Yoneda Juliana S. , Itri Rosangela , Mariani Paolo
Published: March 2018

Supramolecular hydrogels formed from the self-assembly of low molecular weight derivatives are very attractive systems, because of their potential applications in nano- and bio-technology.
Application of Li2S to compensate for loss of active lithium in a Si–C anode
Authors: Zhan Yuanjie , Yu Hailong , Ben Liubin , Liu Bonan , Chen Yuyang , Wu Yida , Li Hong , Zhao Wenwu , Huang Xuejie
Published: March 2018

A battery consisting of a Li2S pre-lithiated material/cathode and Si–C anode shows both high energy density and excellent capacity retention.
15% efficient carbon based planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells using a TiO2/SnO2bilayer as the electron transport layer
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Sun Bo , Liu Xingyue , Han Jinghui , Ye Haibo , Tu Yuxue , Chen Chen , Shi Tielin , Tang Zirong , Liao Guanglan
Published: March 2018

Low-temperature printable carbon based planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 15% were demonstrated by using a TiO2/SnO2bilayer as ETL together with CuPc as HTL.
Synergic antimony–niobium pentoxide nanomeshes for high-rate sodium storage
Authors: Wang Liu , Bi Xiaofang , Yang Shubin
Published: March 2018

Synergic antimony–niobium pentoxide nanomeshes are fabricated on a large scaleviathe controllable decomposition of SbNbO4nanosheets, which are obtained from ultrathin hydrated niobium oxide (Nb2O5·nH2O) layers. Synergizing the merits of highly active Sb and structurally stable Nb2O5, the nanomeshes exhibit enhanced charge-transfer kinetics, thus leading to a high capacity and good high-rate performance for sodium storage.
Low-temperature SnO2-modified TiO2 yields record efficiency for normal planar perovskite solar modules
Authors: Ding Bin , Huang Shi-Yu , Chu Qian-Qian , Li Yan , Li Cheng-Xin , Li Chang-Jiu , Yang Guan-Jun
Published: March 2018

SnO2-modified TiO2 films fabricated at low temperatures toward stable, high-efficiency and less-hysteresis planar perovskite solar modules.
Defects lead to a massive enhancement in the UV-Vis-IR driven thermocatalytic activity of Co3O4 mesoporous nanorods
Authors: Lan Lan , Shi Zhengkang , Zhang Qian , Li Yuanzhi , Yang Yi , Wu Shaowen , Zhao Xiujian
Published: March 2018

Co3O4 mesoporous nanorods with Co2+ vacancy defects exhibit highly effective catalytic activity for the oxidation of recalcitrant benzene under UV-Vis-IR illumination. The presence of defects considerably promotes the surface lattice oxygen activity of Co3O4, thus massively enhancing the catalytic activity.
Ordered three-fold symmetric graphene oxide/buckled graphene/graphene heterostructures on MgO(111) by carbon molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ladewig Chad , Cheng Tao , Randle Michael D. , Bird Jonathan , Olanipekun Opeyemi , Dowben Peter A. , Kelber Jeffry , Goddard William A.
Published: March 2018

Theory and experiment demonstrate the direct growth of a graphene oxide/buckled graphene/graphene heterostructure on an incommensurate MgO(111) substrate.
Regorafenib inhibits tumor progression through suppression of ERK/NF-κB activation in hepatocellular carcinoma bearing mice
Authors: Weng Mao-Chi , Wang Mei-Hui , Tsai Jai-Jen , Kuo Yu-Cheng , Liu Yu-Chang , Hsu Fei-Ting , Wang Hsin-Ell
Published: March 2018

Regorafenib has been demonstrated in our previous study to trigger apoptosis through suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) SK-Hep1 cells in vitro. However, the effect of regorafenib on NF-κB-modulated tumor progression in HCC in vivo is ambiguous. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of regorafenib on NF-κB-modulated tumor progression in HCC bearing mouse model. pGL4.50 luciferase reporter vector transfected SK-Hep1 (SK-Hep1/luc2) and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice were established and used for the present study. Mice were treated with vehicle or regorafenib (20 mg/kg/day by gavage) for 14 days. Effects of regorafenib on tumor growth and protein expression together with toxicity of regorafenib were evaluated with digital caliper and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), ex vivo Western blotting immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and measurement of body weight and pathological examination of liver tissue, respectively, in SK-Hep1/luc2 and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice. The results indicated regorafenib significantly reduced tumor growth and expression of phosphorylated ERK, NF-κB p65 (Ser536), phosphorylated AKT, and tumor progression-associated proteins. In addition, we found regorafenib induced both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Body weight and liver morphology were not affected by regorafenib treatment. Our findings present the mechanism of tumor progression inhibition by regorafenib is linked to suppression of ERK/NF-κB signaling in SK-Hep1/luc2 and Hep3B 2.1-7 tumor bearing mice.
Logic-gated approaches to extend the utility of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell technology
Authors: Ebert Lisa M. , Yu Wenbo , Gargett Tessa , Brown Michael P.
Published: March 2018

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has been clinically validated as a curative treatment for the difficult to treat malignancies of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and lymphoma. Here, the CAR-T cells are re-directed towards a single antigen, CD19, which is recognised as a virtually ideal CAR target antigen because it has strong, uniform expression on cancer cells, and is otherwise expressed only on healthy B cells, which are ‘dispensable’. Notwithstanding the clinical success of CD19-CAR-T cell therapy, its single specificity has driven therapeutic resistance in 30% or more of cases with CD19-negative leukaemic relapses. Immune checkpoint blockade is also a highly successful cancer immunotherapeutic approach, but it will be less useful for many patients whose malignancies either lack a substantial somatic mutation load or whose tumours are intrinsically resistant. Although CAR-T cell therapy could serve this unmet medical need, it is beset by several major limitations. There is a lack of candidate antigens that would satisfy the requirements for ideal CAR targets. Biological properties such as clonal heterogeneity and micro-environmental conditions hostile to T cells are inherent to many solid tumours. Past clinical studies indicate that on-target, off-tumour toxicities of CAR-T cell therapy may severely hamper its application. Therefore, re-designing CARs to increase the number of antigen specificities recognised by CAR-T cells will broaden tumour antigen coverage, potentially overcoming tumour heterogeneity and limiting tumour antigen escape. Tuning the balance of signalling within bi-specific CAR-T cells may enable tumour targeting while sparing normal tissues, and thus minimise on-target, off-tumour toxicities.
Prader–Willi region non-protein coding RNA 1 suppressed gastric cancer growth as a competing endogenous RNA of miR-425-5p
Authors: Chen Zihao , Ju Hongping , Yu Shan , Zhao Ting , Jing Xiaojie , Li Ping , Jia Jing , Li Nan , Tan Bibo , Li Yong
Published: March 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major global health problems, especially in Asia. Nowadays, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has gained significant attention in the current research climate such as carcinogenesis. This research desires to explore the mechanism of Prader–Willi region non-protein coding RNA 1 (PWRN1) on regulating GC process. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in GC tissues were screened out through microarray analysis. The RNA and protein expression level were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis rate, metastasis abilities were respectively determined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assay. The luciferase reporter system was used to verify the targetting relationships between PWRN1, miR-425-5p, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was performed to prove whether PWRN1 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-425-5p. Tumor xenograft model and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were developed to study the influence of PWRN1 on tumor growth in vivo. Microarray analysis determined that PWRN1 was differently expressed between GC tissues and adjacent tissues. qRT-PCR revealed PWRN1 low expression in GC tissues and cells. Up-regulated PWRN1 could reduce proliferation and metastasis and increase apoptosis in GC cells, while miR-425-5p had reverse effects. The RIP assay indicated that PWRN1 may target an oncogene, miR-425-5p. The tumor xenograft assay found that up-regulated PWRN1 suppressed the tumor growth. The bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and Western blot indicated that PWRN1 affected PTEN/Akt/MDM2/p53 axis via suppressing miR-425-5p. Our findings suggested that PWRN1 functioned as a ceRNA targetting miR-425-5p and suppressed GC development via p53 signaling pathway.
A77 1726 (leflunomide) blocks and reverses cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice
Authors: Ma Zhen-Guo , Zhang Xin , Yuan Yu-Pei , Jin Ya-Ge , Li Ning , Kong Chun-Yan , Song Peng , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: March 2018

T-cell infiltration and the subsequent increased intracardial chronic inflammation play crucial roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). A77 1726, the active metabolite of leflunomide, has been reported to have powerful anti-inflammatory and T cell-inhibiting properties. However, the effect of A77 1726 on cardiac hypertrophy remains completely unknown. Herein, we found that A77 1726 treatment attenuated pressure overload or angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo, as well as agonist-induced hypertrophic response of cardiomyocytes in vitro. In addition, we showed that A77 1726 administration prevented induction of cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting cardiac fibroblast (CF) transformation into myofibroblast. Surprisingly, we found that the protective effect of A77 1726 was not dependent on its T lymphocyte-inhibiting property. A77 1726 suppressed the activation of protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, and overexpression of constitutively active AKT completely abolished A77 1726-mediated cardioprotective effects in vivo and in vitro. Pretreatment with siRNA targetting Fyn (si Fyn) blunted the protective effect elicited by A77 1726 in vitro. More importantly, A77 1726 was capable of blocking pre-established cardiac hypertrophy in mice. In conclusion, A77 1726 attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis via inhibiting FYN/AKT signaling pathway.
Bioconversion Studies of Methyl Laurate to Dodecanedioic Acid using a Wild-type of Candida tropicalis
Authors: Akmalina Rifkah , Purwadi Ronny , Sitompul Johnner
Published: March 2018

Production of dodecanedioic acid (DDDA), a platform chemical used as raw material for various commodities and polymers, has been studied through a biological process. This process was conducted by using a wild-type of Candida tropicalis which can be obtained easily from natural resources. The aim of this research was to study the characteristics of DDDA production from methyl laurate through batch fermentation process. Growth phase was carried out for 20 h, as the beginning of fermentation, then continued to conversion phase for 5 until 6 days. Utilization of methyl laurate and production of DDDA were analysed using gas chromatography, which proved the ability of C. tropicalis in assimilating methyl laurate to convert it become DDDA. The highest value of cells yield (Yx/s) and DDDA yield (Yp/s) successfully obtained were 0.86 g cells/g methyl laurate and 0.20 g DDDA/g methyl laurate, respectively. This study also showed the possibility of fermentation products accumulation as intermediate, or accumulation of DDDA inside the cells. Thus, this study can be applied as an alternative in addition to the use of mutant microorganism in producing DDDA.
Pretreatment of Starch-Free Sugar Palm Trunk (Arenga pinnata) to Enhance Saccharification in Bioethanol Production
Authors: Kusmiyati  , Maryanto Duwi , Sonifa Ringga , Aji Kurniawan Sabda , Hadiyanto H.
Published: March 2018

Starch-Free Sugar Palm Trunk (Arenga pinnata) can be utilized to produce bioethanol because of their high lignocellulosic contents. Production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic materials consist of pre-treatment, saccharification and fermentation processes. In this work, conversion of starch-free sugar palm trunk (Arenga pinnata) to fermentable sugar and bioethanol was carried out through g pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation processes. The pretreatment was carried out by addition of 1% (v/v) HNO3 and NH4OH for 30 min and 60 min, respectively. The saccharification was carried out at enzyme celullase loadings of 10 and 20 FPU/g and substrate loadings of 10 and 20 g for NH4OH pretreated samples. Fermentation was carried out using two methods i.e. separated hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) techniques. The results showed that pretreatment using NH4OH was more effective than HNO3for 60 minutes. IFurthermore, the results also presented the reduction of the lignin content of 9.44% and the increase of cellulose content to 18.56% for 1% (v/v) NH4OH 60 min of pretreatment. The increase of enzyme cellulase (20 FPU/g substrate) and substrate loading (20 g) could produce more reducing sugar (17.423 g/L and 19.233 g/L) than that at 10 FPU/g substrate and 10 g substrate (11.423 g/L and 17.423 g/L), respectively. The comparison of SHF and SSF showed that SHF process yielded higher ethanol (8.11 g/L) as compared to SSF (3.95 g/L) and nontreatment process (0.507 g/L) for 72 h..
Performance Comparison of Commercial Enzymes for The Synthesis of Glucosamine by Chitosan Hydrolysis in The Presence of Surfactant
Authors: Rokhati Nur , Susanto Heru , Istirokhatun Titik , Purwono  , Pramudono Bambang
Published: March 2018

Glucosamine has attracted much attention due to its potential biological, pharmaceutical and nutritional effects. In this research, glucosamine was prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of low molecule weight chitosan with nonionic surfactant (Tween 80) addition. The change in reducing sugar content was used as an indicator for the hydrolysis reaction rate. The results showed that addition of Tween 80 (1%, w/w) increases the formation of reducing sugars approximately two times higher than without Tween 80 addition. Hydrolysis using a combination of cellulase and β-glucosidase showed higher reaction rate than using a combination of cellobiohydrolase and β-glucosidase or using β-glucosidase only. The combination of cellulase and β-glucosidase showed optimum hydrolysis at reaction time of 24 hours. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the glucosamine product showed typical peak distributions the same as those of commercial standard glucosamine hydrochloride.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Partially Hydrolyzed Addition in Synthesis of Natural Hydrogel Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Based from Water Hyacinth
Authors: Handaya Saputra Asep , Huda Apriliana Nadia
Published: March 2018

There are many benefits from Indonesia’s biodiversity. One of them is cellulose of Water hyacinth. Water hyacinth contains 60 % cellulose. Cellulose of water hyacinth can be used as material for polymer product such as hydrogel. Hydrogel is a hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer that can absorb water until 200 times from its weight without dissolved in water. In synthesis of hydrogel, the cellulose should be modified to Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) by alkalization and carboxymethylation process in reaction media ethanol and isopropanol (2:8). The aim of the study is to obtain the hydrogel with high swelling ratio characteristic by adding Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Partially Hydrolyzed with variation of PVA/CMC composition (20:80, 80:20, 50:50, 25:75 and 75:25). The optimum PVA/CMC composition are 20:80 and 25:75 which give results 29% and 25% in their swelling ratio. This low swelling ratio is caused by morphology structure of hydrogel that has a compact structure and small pores. This structures lead to difficulity in water diffusion. In compare with hydrogel from PVA Fully Hydrolyzed addition, hydrogel with PVA Partially Hydrolyzed addition contain vinyl acetate that cause hydrogel less hydrophilic and has a low value on liofil-hidrophilic balance.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of bitter cassava and Gadung starches with different compositions at low temperature
Authors: Hargono Hargono , Cahyo Kumoro Andri , Jos Bakti
Published: March 2018

The effect of compositions of bitter cassava (Manihot glaziovii) and gadung (Dioscorea hispida Dennst) starches on reducing sugar during hydrolysis using granular starch hydrolyzing enzyme (GSHE) was studied. All hydrolyses were conducted at concentration of substrate was 200 g.L-1, while concentration of enzyme was 1.5 % (w/w), during of hydrolysis time 24 h, at 30°C. Mass compositition of bitter cassava and gadung starches were 9:1 to 1:9 The increase gadung starch compositions will decrease the reducing sugar. The optimum condition of the process using concentration of substrate 200 g.L-1 with compositions of bitter cassava and gadung starches was 9:1 at 18 h. It was found that reducing sugar was 50.20 g.L-1. The concentration of reducing sugar mainly depend on starch content on bitter cassava, it is much bigger than the gadung starch.
Formulation and characterization of nanoemulgel mangosteen extract in virgin coconut oil for topical formulation
Authors: Mulia Kamarza , Ramadhan Rosalia M.A. , Krisanti Elsa A.
Published: March 2018

A hydrogel of nanoemulsion system containing mangosteen extract of mangosteen rind was developed and characterized for the purpose of topical formulation. Mangostins, the bioactive in the extract, has been known to have biological activities such as antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antitumoral. Due to the hydrophobic nature of mangostins, they can not to be directly formulated into a gel. Oil-in-water nanoemulsions were formulated of virgin coconut oil (VCO) as the oil phase and mixed surfactant consisting of Tween 80 and Span 80, using the high-speed homogenization method. Nanoemulgel formed by mixing the nanoemulsion with aqueous solution of xanthan gum, and added phenoxyethanol as a preservative, was a homogeneous milky white gel. The stability test through accelerated centrifugation and freeze-thaw cycle showed that the nanoemulgel would be stable for at least one year. The nanoemulgel penetrated the skin layer up to 12 μg/cm2 or more than 95% of its total mangostin content, better than the skin penetration result of the nanoemulsion formulation. The present study revealed that VCO-mangostins nanoemulgel formulation is a prospective topical formulation.
Chemical Modifications for Intensity Variation and Spectrum Extension of Brazilein Extract from Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.)
Authors: Rahayuningsih Edia , Budhijanto Wiratni , Prasasti Hana Fitria , Wahyuningrum Meyta Tias
Published: March 2018

Aqueous extract of sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) was treated using acid-base and mordant additions in order to expand the intensity and spectra of the colors. The colorant molecule of sappanwood was brazilein, which gained its color characteristics through its double bonds. The results of this study confirmed three basic mechanisms which formed the fundamental for systematic optimization of natural dye applications. Acid addition induced protonation of the hydroxyl groups in the brazilein structure so that the electrons were distributed in the molecule more evenly. Therefore, the color intensity was reduced. Basic treatment created deprotonation of the hydroxyl groups and hence localized the electron on several spots. This made the color of the extract shifted to deeper tones. The addition of mordant created more significant change in color spectrum through the mechanism of chelation to form coordinated complexes. Transitional metals from group 1 and 2 did not chelate strongly so that the spectrum shift was not very obvious. However, transitional metals from group 3 had strong chelating character and consequently they could strongly bind the dye molecules to increase its intensity and shift the spectrum towards deeper colors.