bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver X receptor α is essential for the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver injury
Authors: Xing Yan , Zhao Tingting , Gao Xiaoyan , Wu Yuzhang
Published: February 2016

Liver X receptors (LXRs) play essential roles in lipogenesis, anti-inflammatory action and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation in the liver. However, the effects of LXRs on the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in liver fibrosis remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrated that LXRα plays an important role in LSECs capillarization in a manner that involved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. We found that LXRα expression in LSECs was increased in the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis model. LXRα deletion markedly exacerbated CCl4-induced lesions assessed by histopathology, as well as inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, capillarization of the sinusoids was aggravated in CCl4 -treated LXRα-deficient mice, as evidenced by increased CD34 expression, the formation of continuous basement membranes and aggravation of the loss of fenestrae. In vitro, LXR agonist could maintain freshly isolated LSECs differentiation on day 3. Furthermore, LXRα deletion led to increased expression of Hedgehog (Hh)-regulated gene in LSECs in the injured liver. Conversely, the LXR agonist could inhibit the Hh pathway in cultured LSECs. These responses indicated that LXRα suppressed the process of LSECs capillarization by repressing Hh signaling. Overall, our findings suggest that LXRα, by restoring the differentiation of LSECs, may be critical for the regression of liver fibrosis.
Alcoholic hepatitis accelerates early hepatobiliary cancer by increasing stemness and miR-122-mediated HIF-1α activation
Authors: Ambade Aditya , Satishchandran Abhishek , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: February 2016

Alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops with advanced alcoholic liver disease and liver fibrosis. Using adult mice, we evaluate the effect of alcoholic steatohepatitis on early hepatobiliary carcinoma after initiation by diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN). Here we show that alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice have higher ALT and liver-to-body weight ratio compared to pair-fed DEN-injected mice. Alcohol feeding results in steatohepatitis indicated by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic genes. MRI and liver histology of alcohol+DEN mice shows hepatobiliary cysts, early hepatic neoplasia and increase in serum alpha-fetoprotein. Proliferation makers (BrdU, cyclin D1, p53) and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and nanog) are significantly up-regulated in livers of alcohol-fed DEN-injected mice compared to controls. In livers with tumors, loss of miR-122 expression with a significant up-regulation of miR-122 target HIF-1α is seen. We conclude that alcoholic steatohepatitis accelerates hepatobiliary tumors with characteristic molecular features of HCC by up-regulating inflammation, cell proliferation, stemness and miR-122 loss.
Divergence time estimates and the evolution of major lineages in the florideophyte red algae
Authors: Yang Eun Chan , Boo Sung Min , Bhattacharya Debashish , Saunders Gary W. , Knoll Andrew H. , Fredericq Suzanne , Graf Louis , Yoon Hwan Su
Published: February 2016

The Florideophyceae is the most abundant and taxonomically diverse class of red algae (Rhodophyta). However, many aspects of the systematics and divergence times of the group remain unresolved. Using a seven-gene concatenated dataset (nuclear EF2, LSU and SSU rRNAs, mitochondrial cox1, and plastid rbcL, psaA and psbA genes), we generated a robust phylogeny of red algae to provide an evolutionary timeline for florideophyte diversification. Our relaxed molecular clock analysis suggests that the Florideophyceae diverged approximately 943 (817–1,049) million years ago (Ma). The major divergences in this class involved the emergence of Hildenbrandiophycidae [ca. 781 (681–879) Ma], Nemaliophycidae [ca. 661 (597–736) Ma], Corallinophycidae [ca. 579 (543–617) Ma], and the split of Ahnfeltiophycidae and Rhodymeniophycidae [ca. 508 (442–580) Ma]. Within these clades, extant diversity reflects largely Phanerozoic diversification. Divergences within Florideophyceae were accompanied by evolutionary changes in the carposporophyte stage, leading to a successful strategy for maximizing spore production from each fertilization event. Our research provides robust estimates for the divergence times of major lineages within the Florideophyceae. This timeline was used to interpret the emergence of key morphological innovations that characterize these multicellular red algae.
Group precipitation and age hardening of nanostructured Fe-based alloys with ultra-high strengths
Authors: Jiao Z. B. , Luan J. H. , Miller M. K. , Yu C. Y. , Liu C. T.
Published: February 2016

The precipitation of nanoparticles plays a key role in determining the properties of many structural materials and the understanding of their formation and stabilization mechanisms has been a long standing interest in the material field. However, the critical issues involving the group precipitation of various nanoparticles and their cooperative hardening mechanism remain elusive in the newly discovered Fe-based alloys with nanostructures. Here we quantitatively elucidate the nucleation mechanism, evolution kinetics and hardening effects of the group-precipitated nanoparticles in the Fe-Cu-Ni-Al-based alloys by atom probe tomography together with both first-principles and thermodynamic calculations. Our results provide the compelling evidence for two interesting but complex group precipitation pathways of nanoparticles, i.e., the Cu-rich and NiAl-based precipitations. The co-existence of the two precipitation pathways plays a key role in age hardening kinetics and ultimately enhances the hardening response, as compared to the single particle type of strengthening, therefore providing an effective new approach for strengthening materials for structural applications.
Basal ganglia correlates of fatigue in young adults
Authors: Nakagawa Seishu , Takeuchi Hikaru , Taki Yasuyuki , Nouchi Rui , Kotozaki Yuka , Shinada Takamitsu , Maruyama Tsukasa , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Iizuka Kunio , Yokoyama Ryoichi , Yamamoto Yuki , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Magistro Daniele , Sakaki Kohei , Jeong Hyeonjeong , Sasaki Yukako , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: February 2016

Although the prevalence of chronic fatigue is approximately 20% in healthy individuals, there are no studies of brain structure that elucidate the neural correlates of fatigue outside of clinical subjects. We hypothesized that fatigue without evidence of disease might be related to changes in the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex and be implicated in fatigue with disease. We aimed to identify the white matter structures of fatigue in young subjects without disease using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Healthy young adults (n = 883; 489 males and 394 females) were recruited. As expected, the degrees of fatigue and motivation were associated with larger mean diffusivity (MD) in the right putamen, pallidus and caudate. Furthermore, the degree of physical activity was associated with a larger MD only in the right putamen. Accordingly, motivation was the best candidate for widespread basal ganglia, whereas physical activity might be the best candidate for the putamen. A plausible mechanism of fatigue may involve abnormal function of the motor system, as well as areas of the dopaminergic system in the basal ganglia that are associated with motivation and reward.
Genome analysis of the kiwifruit canker pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 5
Authors: Fujikawa Takashi , Sawada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2016

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is a destructive pathogen of kiwifruit bacterial canker disease, causing severe economic losses to kiwifruit industry worldwide. Biovar 5 is the most recently reported biovar of Psa and is found in only a local area of Japan at present. There is not much information of genetic characteristics of biovar 5. Thus, the genome of biovar 5 was sequenced and analyzed to clarify its detailed genetic characteristics. Here, the genomes of strain MAFF 212056 and MAFF 212061 of biovar 5 were estimated to be about 6.3 Mbp and 6.5 Mbp, respectively and their phylogenetic positions were proved to be near that of biovar 2 in the phylogenetic tree. However, it was confirmed that biovar 5 had neither the coronatine biosynthetic genes conserved in biovar 2, its phylogenetic neighbor, nor the phaseolotoxin biosynthetic genes conserved in biovar 1, Japanese native pathogen. In addition, 45 genes of type III secreted effectors were identified in biovar 5 genomes, showing that their composition is different from that in the other biovars. Moreover, some biovar 5-specific regions were identified. Then, biovar 5-specific PCR primers for targeting these regions were designed and proved to be applicable for detecting biovar 5 specifically.
High-internal-phase emulsions stabilized by metal-organic frameworks and derivation of ultralight metal-organic aerogels
Authors: Zhang Bingxing , Zhang Jianling , Liu Chengcheng , Peng Li , Sang Xinxin , Han Buxing , Ma Xue , Luo Tian , Tan Xiuniang , Yang Guanying
Published: February 2016

To design high-internal-phase emulsion (HIPE) systems is of great interest from the viewpoints of both fundamental researches and practical applications. Here we demonstrate for the first time the utilization of metal-organic framework (MOF) for HIPE formation. By stirring the mixture of water, oil and MOF at room temperature, the HIPE stabilized by the assembly of MOF nanocrystals at oil-water interface could be formed. The MOF-stabilized HIPE provides a novel route to produce highly porous metal-organic aerogel (MOA) monolith. After removing the liquids from the MOF-stabilized HIPE, the ultralight MOA with density as low as 0.01 g·cm−3 was obtained. The HIPE approach for MOA formation has unique advantages and is versatile in producing different kinds of ultralight MOAs with tunable porosities and structures.
Electron-phonon interaction and pairing mechanism in superconducting Ca-intercalated bilayer graphene
Authors: Margine E. R. , Lambert Henry , Giustino Feliciano
Published: February 2016

Using the ab initio anisotropic Eliashberg theory including Coulomb interactions, we investigate the electron-phonon interaction and the pairing mechanism in the recently-reported superconducting Ca-intercalated bilayer graphene. We find that C6CaC6 can support phonon-mediated superconductivity with a critical temperature Tc = 6.8–8.1 K, in good agreement with experimental data. Our calculations indicate that the low-energy Caxy vibrations are critical to the pairing and that it should be possible to resolve two distinct superconducting gaps on the electron and hole Fermi surface pockets.
New England harbor seal H3N8 influenza virus retains avian-like receptor specificity
Authors: Hussein Islam T. M. , Krammer Florian , Ma Eric , Estrin Michael , Viswanathan Karthik , Stebbins Nathan W. , Quinlan Devin S. , Sasisekharan Ram , Runstadler Jonathan
Published: February 2016

An influenza H3N8 virus, carrying mammalian adaptation mutations, was isolated from New England harbor seals in 2011. We sought to assess the risk of its human transmissibility using two complementary approaches. First, we tested the binding of recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) proteins of seal H3N8 and human-adapted H3N2 viruses to respiratory tissues of humans and ferrets. For human tissues, we observed strong tendency of the seal H3 to bind to lung alveoli, which was in direct contrast to the human-adapted H3 that bound mainly to the trachea. This staining pattern was also consistent in ferrets, the primary animal model for human influenza pathogenesis. Second, we compared the binding of the recombinant HAs to a library of 610 glycans. In contrast to the human H3, which bound almost exclusively to α-2,6 sialylated glycans, the seal H3 bound preferentially to α-2,3 sialylated glycans. Additionally, the seal H3N8 virus replicated in human lung carcinoma cells. Our data suggest that the seal H3N8 virus has retained its avian-like receptor binding specificity, but could potentially establish infection in human lungs.
Broadening the absorption bandwidth of metamaterial absorbers by transverse magnetic harmonics of 210 mode
Authors: Long Chang , Yin Sheng , Wang Wei , Li Wei , Zhu Jianfei , Guan Jianguo
Published: February 2016

By investigating a square-shaped metamaterial structure we discover that wave diffraction at diagonal corners of such a structure excites transverse magnetic harmonics of 210 mode (TM210 harmonics). Multi-layer overlapping and deliberately regulating period length between adjacent unit cells can significantly enhance TM210 harmonics, leading to a strong absorption waveband. On such a basis, a design strategy is proposed to achieve broadband, thin-thickness multi-layered metamaterial absorbers (MMAs). In this strategy big pyramidal arrays placed in the “white blanks” of a chessboard exhibit two isolated absorption bands due to their fundamental and TM210 harmonics, which are further connected by another absorption band from small pyramidal arrays in the “black blanks” of the chessboard. The as-designed MMA at a total thickness (h) of 4.36 mm shows an absorption of above 0.9 in the whole frequency range of 7–18 GHz, which is 38% broader with respect to previous design methods at the same h. This strategy provides an effective route to extend the absorption bandwidth of MMAs without increasing h.
Determination of thiol metabolites in human urine by stable isotope labeling in combination with pseudo-targeted mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Liu Ping , Qi Chu-Bo , Zhu Quan-Fei , Yuan Bi-Feng , Feng Yu-Qi
Published: February 2016

Precursor ion scan and multiple reaction monitoring scan (MRM) are two typical scan modes in mass spectrometry analysis. Here, we developed a strategy by combining stable isotope labeling (IL) with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) under double precursor ion scan (DPI) and MRM for analysis of thiols in 5 types of human cancer urine. Firstly, the IL-LC-DPI-MS method was applied for non-targeted profiling of thiols from cancer samples. Compared to traditional full scan mode, the DPI method significantly improved identification selectivity and accuracy. 103 thiol candidates were discovered in all cancers and 6 thiols were identified by their standards. It is worth noting that pantetheine, for the first time, was identified in human urine. Secondly, the IL-LC-MRM-MS method was developed for relative quantification of thiols in cancers compared to healthy controls. All the MRM transitions of light and heavy labeled thiols were acquired from urines by using DPI method. Compared to DPI method, the sensitivity of MRM improved by 2.1–11.3 folds. In addition, the concentration of homocysteine, γ-glutamylcysteine and pantetheine enhanced more than two folds in cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Taken together, the method demonstrated to be a promising strategy for identification and comprehensive quantification of thiols in human urines.
Selection of highly efficient sgRNAs for CRISPR/Cas9-based plant genome editing
Authors: Liang Gang , Zhang Huimin , Lou Dengji , Yu Diqiu
Published: February 2016

The CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA system has been developed to mediate genome editing and become a powerful tool for biological research. Employing the CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA system for genome editing and manipulation has accelerated research and expanded researchers’ ability to generate genetic models. However, the method evaluating the efficiency of sgRNAs is lacking in plants. Based on the nucleotide compositions and secondary structures of sgRNAs which have been experimentally validated in plants, we instituted criteria to design efficient sgRNAs. To facilitate the assembly of multiple sgRNA cassettes, we also developed a new strategy to rapidly construct CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNA system for multiplex editing in plants. In theory, up to ten single guide RNA (sgRNA) cassettes can be simultaneously assembled into the final binary vectors. As a proof of concept, 21 sgRNAs complying with the criteria were designed and the corresponding Cas9/sgRNAs expression vectors were constructed. Sequencing analysis of transgenic rice plants suggested that 82% of the desired target sites were edited with deletion, insertion, substitution, and inversion, displaying high editing efficiency. This work provides a convenient approach to select efficient sgRNAs for target editing.
FLP-4 neuropeptide and its receptor in a neuronal circuit regulate preference choice through functions of ASH-2 trithorax complex in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Yu Yonglin , Zhi Lingtong , Guan Xiangmin , Wang Daoyong , Wang Dayong
Published: February 2016

Preference choice on food is an important response strategy for animals living in the environment. Using assay system of preference choice on bacterial foods, OP50 and PA14, we identified the involvement of ADL sensory neurons in the control of preference choice in Caenorhabditis elegans. Both genetically silencing and ChR2-mediated activation of ADL sensory neurons significantly affected preference choice. ADL regulated preference choice by inhibiting function of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)/SRH-220. ADL sensory neurons might regulate preference choice through peptidergic signals of FLP-4 and NLP-10 and function of FLP-4 or NLP-10 in regulating preference choice was regulated by SRH-220. FLP-4 released from ADL sensory neurons further regulated preference choice through its receptor of NPR-4 in AIB interneurons. In AIB interneurons, NPR-4 was involved in the control of preference choice by activating the functions of ASH-2 trithorax complex consisting of SET-2, ASH-2 and WDR-5, implying the crucial role of molecular machinery of trimethylation of histone H3K4 in the preference choice control. The identified novel neuronal circuit and the underlying molecular mechanisms will strengthen our understanding neuronal basis of preference choice in animals.
The N-terminal sequence of the extrinsic PsbP protein modulates the redox potential of Cyt b559 in photosystem II
Authors: Nishimura Taishi , Nagao Ryo , Noguchi Takumi , Nield Jon , Sato Fumihiko , Ifuku Kentaro
Published: February 2016

The PsbP protein, an extrinsic subunit of photosystem II (PSII) in green plants, is known to induce a conformational change around the catalytic Mn4CaO5 cluster securing the binding of Ca2+ and Cl– in PSII. PsbP has multiple interactions with the membrane subunits of PSII, but how these affect the structure and function of PSII requires clarification. Here, we focus on the interactions between the N-terminal residues of PsbP and the α subunit of Cytochrome (Cyt) b559 (PsbE). A key observation was that a peptide fragment formed of the first N-terminal 15 residues of PsbP, ‘pN15’, was able to convert Cyt b559 into its HP form. Interestingly, addition of pN15 to NaCl-washed PSII membranes decreased PSII’s oxygen-evolving activity, even in the presence of saturating Ca2+ and Cl– ions. In fact, pN15 reversibly inhibited the S1 to S2 transition of the OEC in PSII. These data suggest that pN15 can modulate the redox property of Cyt b559 involved in the side-electron pathway in PSII. This potential change of Cyt b559, in the absence of the C-terminal domain of PsbP, however, would interfere with any electron donation from the Mn4CaO5 cluster, leading to the possibility that multiple interactions of PsbP, binding to PSII, have distinct roles in regulating electron transfer within PSII.
Prognostic role of microscopically positive margins for primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhi Xiaofei , Jiang Baofei , Yu Junbo , Røe Oluf Dimitri , Qin Jun , Ni Qingfeng , Sun Luning , Xu Meirong , Zhu Jianwei , Ma Lilin
Published: February 2016

The impact and management of microscopically positive margins in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) remain unclear. The aim of this study is to estimate the prognostic value of surgical margins for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with primary GISTs. Twelve studies with 1985 GIST patients were included. The overall recurrence rate in R1 resection and R0 resection group was 0.364 (95% CI 0.299–0.429) and 0.296 (95% CI 0.161–0.430), respectively. Meta-analysis confirmed that a microscopically positive margin could significantly impact the disease-free survival (HR 1.596, 95% CI 1.128–2.258; I2 = 37.5%, P value = 0.091), but had no influence on overall survival (HR 1.430, 95% CI 0.608–3.363; I2 = 60.8%, P value = 0.013). Importantly, subgroup analysis revealed that adjuvant imatinib treatment could attenuate the risk of recurrence for primary GIST patients who received R1 resection. (HR 1.308, 95% CI 0.583–2.935; I2 = 53.2%, P value = 0.074). The level of evidence achieved in this study was “moderate” for DFS and “low” for OS. In conclusion, this study revealed that a microscopically positive margin is an unfavorable prognostic factor for GIST patients with R1 resection and adjuvant imatinib treatment is proved to be effective.
μ Opioid receptor: novel antagonists and structural modeling
Authors: Kaserer Teresa , Lantero Aquilino , Schmidhammer Helmut , Spetea Mariana , Schuster Daniela
Published: February 2016

The μ opioid receptor (MOR) is a prominent member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and the molecular target of morphine and other opioid drugs. Despite the long tradition of MOR-targeting drugs, still little is known about the ligand-receptor interactions and structure-function relationships underlying the distinct biological effects upon receptor activation or inhibition. With the resolved crystal structure of the β-funaltrexamine-MOR complex, we aimed at the discovery of novel agonists and antagonists using virtual screening tools, i.e. docking, pharmacophore- and shape-based modeling. We suggest important molecular interactions, which active molecules share and distinguish agonists and antagonists. These results allowed for the generation of theoretically validated in silico workflows that were employed for prospective virtual screening. Out of 18 virtual hits evaluated in in vitro pharmacological assays, three displayed antagonist activity and the most active compound significantly inhibited morphine-induced antinociception. The new identified chemotypes hold promise for further development into neurochemical tools for studying the MOR or as potential therapeutic lead candidates.
Chronic consumption of a western diet induces robust glial activation in aging mice and in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Graham Leah C. , Harder Jeffrey M. , Soto Ileana , de Vries Wilhelmine N. , John Simon W. M. , Howell Gareth R.
Published: February 2016

Studies have assessed individual components of a western diet, but no study has assessed the long-term, cumulative effects of a western diet on aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, we have formulated the first western-style diet that mimics the fat, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin and mineral levels of western diets. This diet was fed to aging C57BL/6J (B6) mice to identify phenotypes that may increase susceptibility to AD, and to APP/PS1 mice, a mouse model of AD, to determine the effects of the diet in AD. Astrocytosis and microglia/monocyte activation were dramatically increased in response to diet and was further increased in APP/PS1 mice fed the western diet. This increase in glial responses was associated with increased plaque burden in the hippocampus. Interestingly, given recent studies highlighting the importance of TREM2 in microglia/monocytes in AD susceptibility and progression, B6 and APP/PS1 mice fed the western diet showed significant increases TREM2+ microglia/monocytes. Therefore, an increase in TREM2+ microglia/monocytes may underlie the increased risk from a western diet to age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. This study lays the foundation to fully investigate the impact of a western diet on glial responses in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
Human Vascular Microphysiological System for in vitro Drug Screening
Authors: Fernandez C. E. , Yen R. W. , Perez S. M. , Bedell H. W. , Povsic T. J. , Reichert W. M. , Truskey G. A.
Published: February 2016

In vitro human tissue engineered human blood vessels (TEBV) that exhibit vasoactivity can be used to test human toxicity of pharmaceutical drug candidates prior to pre-clinical animal studies. TEBVs with 400–800 μM diameters were made by embedding human neonatal dermal fibroblasts or human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in dense collagen gel. TEBVs were mechanically strong enough to allow endothelialization and perfusion at physiological shear stresses within 3 hours after fabrication. After 1 week of perfusion, TEBVs exhibited endothelial release of nitric oxide, phenylephrine-induced vasoconstriction and acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, all of which were maintained up to 5 weeks in culture. Vasodilation was blocked with the addition of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). TEBVs elicited reversible activation to acute inflammatory stimulation by TNF-α which had a transient effect upon acetylcholine-induced relaxation and exhibited dose-dependent vasodilation in response to caffeine and theophylline. Treatment of TEBVs with 1 μM lovastatin for three days prior to addition of Tumor necrosis factor – α (TNF-α) blocked the injury response and maintained vasodilation. These results indicate the potential to develop a rapidly-producible, endothelialized TEBV for microphysiological systems capable of producing physiological responses to both pharmaceutical and immunological stimuli.
Long Noncoding RNA LOC100129973 Suppresses Apoptosis by Targeting miR-4707-5p and miR-4767 in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Lu Wei , Huang Shu Ya , Su Le , Zhao Bao Xiang , Miao Jun Ying
Published: February 2016

Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of multiple biological processes by altering gene expression at various levels. Apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is closely linked to numerous cardiovascular diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, thrombus formation and plaque erosion. However, studies on lncRNAs in the cardiovascular system are just beginning. And thus far, no anti-apoptosis lncRNAs have been identified in VECs. Here, we focused on the anti-apoptosis roles of lncRNAs in the serum and FGF-2 starvation-induced apoptosis of VECs. Using microarray analysis, we found a novel lncRNA LOC100129973 which acted as an apoptosis inhibitor in VECs. Through sponging miR-4707-5p and miR-4767, lncRNA LOC100129973 upregulated the expression of two apoptosis repressors gene, Apoptosis Inhibitor 5 (API5) and BCL2 like 12 (BCL2L12) and thus alleviated the serum and FGF-2 starvation-induced apoptosis in VECs. This evidence suggests that lncRNA LOC100129973 is an attractive target to improve endothelial function and for therapy of apoptosis related cardiovascular diseases.
BIRC3 is a novel driver of therapeutic resistance in Glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Berglund Anders , Kenchappa Rajappa S. , Forsyth Peter A. , Mulé James J. , Etame Arnold B.
Published: February 2016

Genome-wide analysis of glioblastoma (GBM) reveals pervasive aberrations in apoptotic signaling pathways that collectively contribute to therapeutic resistance. Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) exert critical control on the terminal segment of apoptosis leading to apoptosis evasion. In this study, we uncover a unique role for BIRC3, as an IAP that is critical in GBM in response to therapy. Using the TCGA dataset of 524 unique samples, we identify BIRC3 is the only IAP whose differential expression is associated with long-term survival in GBM patients. Using patient tissue samples we further show that BIRC3 expression increases with recurrence. When extrapolated to a preclinical model of a human GBM cell line, we find an increase in BIRC3 expression in response to irradiation (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. More importantly, we mechanistically implicate STAT3 and PI3K signaling pathways as drivers of RT-induced up-regulation of BIRC3 expression. Lastly, we demonstrate that both in-vivo and in-vitro BIRC3 up-regulation results in apoptosis evasion and therapeutic resistance in GBM. Collectively, our study identifies a novel translational and targetable role for BIRC3 expression as a predictor of aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance to TMZ and RT mediated by STAT3 and PI3K signaling in GBM.
Cardioprotective effects of Notoginsenoside R1 against ischemia/reperfusion injuries by regulating oxidative stress- and endoplasmic reticulum stress- related signaling pathways
Authors: Yu Yingli , Sun Guibo , Luo Yun , Wang Min , Chen Rongchang , Zhang Jingyi , Ai Qidi , Xing Na , Sun Xiaobo
Published: February 2016

Background: Recent reports suggested the involvement of oxidative stress- and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated pathways in the progression of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a novel saponin isolated from P. notoginseng, which has a history of prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: We aimed to examine the cardioprotective effects of NGR1 on I/R-induced heart dysfunction ex vivo and in vitro. Methods: H9c2 cadiomyocytes were incubated with NGR1 for 24 h and exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Isolated rat hearts were perfused by NGR1 for 15 min and then subjected to global ischemia/reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored as left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), heart rate, and maximal rate of increase and decrease of left ventricular pressure (±dP/dt max/min). Results: NGR1 pretreatment prevents cell apoptosis and delays the onset of ERS by decreasing the protein expression levels of ERS-responsive proteins GRP78, P-PERK, ATF6, IRE, and inhibiting the expression of pro-apoptosis proteins CHOP, Caspase-12, and P-JNK. Besides, NGR1 scavenges free radical, and increases the activity of antioxidase. NGR1 inhibits Tunicamycin-induced cell death and cardic dysfunction. Conclusion: We elucidated the significant cardioprotective effects of NGR1 against I/R injuries, and demonstrated the involvement of oxidative stress and ERS in the protective effects of NGR1.
Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Facilitate Vesicle Endocytosis by Increasing Presynaptic Calcium Channel Expression at a Central Synapse
Authors: Sun Zhi-cheng , Ge Jian-long , Guo Bin , Guo Jun , Hao Mei , Wu Yi-chen , Lin Yi-an , La Ting , Yao Pan-tong , Mei Yan-ai , Feng Yi , Xue Lei
Published: February 2016

Accumulating evidence suggests significant biological effects caused by extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). Although exo-endocytosis plays crucial physical and biological roles in neuronal communication, studies on how ELF-EMF regulates this process are scarce. By directly measuring calcium currents and membrane capacitance at a large mammalian central nervous synapse, the calyx of Held, we report for the first time that ELF-EMF critically affects synaptic transmission and plasticity. Exposure to ELF-EMF for 8 to 10 days dramatically increases the calcium influx upon stimulation and facilitates all forms of vesicle endocytosis, including slow and rapid endocytosis, endocytosis overshoot and bulk endocytosis, but does not affect the RRP size and exocytosis. Exposure to ELF-EMF also potentiates PTP, a form of short-term plasticity, increasing its peak amplitude without impacting its time course. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms and found that calcium channel expression, including the P/Q, N, and R subtypes, at the presynaptic nerve terminal was enhanced, accounting for the increased calcium influx upon stimulation. Thus, we conclude that exposure to ELF-EMF facilitates vesicle endocytosis and synaptic plasticity in a calcium-dependent manner by increasing calcium channel expression at the nerve terminal.
Long-term High Fat Ketogenic Diet Promotes Renal Tumor Growth in a Rat Model of Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Liśkiewicz Arkadiusz D. , Kasprowska Daniela , Wojakowska Anna , Polański Krzysztof , Lewin–Kowalik Joanna , Kotulska Katarzyna , Jędrzejowska–Szypułka Halina
Published: February 2016

Nutritional imbalance underlies many disease processes but can be very beneficial in certain cases; for instance, the antiepileptic action of a high fat and low carbohydrate ketogenic diet. Besides this therapeutic feature it is not clear how this abundant fat supply may affect homeostasis, leading to side effects. A ketogenic diet is used as anti-seizure therapy i.a. in tuberous sclerosis patients, but its impact on concomitant tumor growth is not known. To examine this we have evaluated the growth of renal lesions in Eker rats (Tsc2+/−) subjected to a ketogenic diet for 4, 6 and 8 months. In spite of existing opinions about the anticancer actions of a ketogenic diet, we have shown that this anti-seizure therapy, especially in its long term usage, leads to excessive tumor growth. Prolonged feeding of a ketogenic diet promotes the growth of renal tumors by recruiting ERK1/2 and mTOR which are associated with the accumulation of oleic acid and the overproduction of growth hormone. Simultaneously, we observed that Nrf2, p53 and 8-oxoguanine glycosylase α dependent antitumor mechanisms were launched by the ketogenic diet. However, the pro-cancerous mechanisms finally took the ascendency by boosting tumor growth.
Synthesis, self-assembly, and photocrosslinking of fullerene-polyglycerol amphiphiles as nanocarriers with controlled transport properties
Authors: Donskyi Ievgen , Achazi Katharina , Wycisk Virginia , Böttcher Christoph , Adeli Mohsen
Published: February 2016

In this work, we report a new, simple, gram-scale method for synthesizing water-soluble fullerene-polyglycerol amphiphiles (FPAs) that self-assemble into partially and fully crosslinked nanoclusters with the ability to controllably transport hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents.
Screening for high-spin metal organic frameworks (MOFs): density functional theory study on DUT-8(M1,M2) (with Mi = V,…,Cu)
Authors: Schwalbe Sebastian , Trepte Kai , Seifert Gotthard , Kortus Jens
Published: February 2016

We present a first principles study of low-spin (LS)/high-spin (HS) screening for 3d metal centers in the metal organic framework (MOF) DUT-8(Ni).
Bifluoride ([HF2]−) formation at the fluoridated aluminium hydroxide/water interface
Authors: Shimizu Kenichi , Driver Gordon W. , Lucas Marie , Sparrman Tobias , Shchukarev Andrey , Boily Jean-François
Published: February 2016

Bifluoride-type species are formed at fluoride-exchanged aluminium hydroxide surfaces contacted with aqueous solutions. First layer surface species are anchors for growth of multi-layered species towards the solution.
Composition-driven phase boundary and electrical properties in (Ba0.94Ca0.06)(Ti1–xMx)O3(M = Sn, Hf, Zr) lead-free ceramics
Authors: Zhao Chunlin , Wang Hui , Xiong Jie , Wu Jiagang
Published: February 2016

In this study, we systematically investigated the composition dependence of the phase structure, microstructure, and electrical properties of (Ba0.94Ca0.06)(Ti1−xMx)O3(M = Sn, Hf, Zr) ceramics synthesised by the conventional solid-state reaction method.
Opportunities to improve the net energy performance of photoelectrochemical water-splitting technology
Authors: Sathre Roger , Greenblatt Jeffery B. , Walczak Karl , Sharp Ian D. , Stevens John C. , Ager Joel W. , Houle Frances A.
Published: February 2016

The hydrogen energy provided by solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting must be greater than the energy used to produce and operate the technology, to enable energetic benefits to society.
Antioxidant activity of a Lachnum YM226 melanin–iron complex and its influence on cytokine production in mice with iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Song Sheng , Yang Liu , Ye Ming , Chen Xue , Shi Fang , Shaikh Farnaz
Published: February 2016

LM–Fe was efficient at alleviating IDA, improving the activities of antioxidant enzymes and adjusting the immune dysfunction of anaemic mice.
Solvent-dependent on/off valving using selectively permeable barriers in paper microfluidics
Authors: Salentijn G. IJ. , Hamidon N. N. , Verpoorte E.
Published: February 2016

Non-mechanical on/off valving for paper microfluidics has been developed, based on solvent-dependent wettability and permeability of alkyl ketene dimer-patterned regions.
DNA separation and enrichment using electro-hydrodynamic bidirectional flows in viscoelastic liquids
Authors: Ranchon Hubert , Malbec Rémi , Picot Vincent , Boutonnet Audrey , Terrapanich Pattamon , Joseph Pierre , Leïchlé Thierry , Bancaud Aurélien
Published: February 2016

DNA size separation followed by purification and enrichment constitute essential operations for genetic engineering.
Chenopodium album metabolites act as dual topoisomerase inhibitors and induce apoptosis in the MCF7 cell line
Authors: Chakraborty Debanjana , Jain Chetan Kumar , Maity Arindam , Ghosh Shekhar , Choudhury Susanta Roy , Jha Tarun , Majumder Hemanta K. , Mondal Nirup B.
Published: February 2016

Desgalactotigonin and oleanolic acid 3-O-β-d-glucuronide were isolated fromChenopodium albumand were evaluated for cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines.
Surface reactivity of non-hydrolytic silicophosphate xerogels: a simple method to create Brønsted or Lewis acid sites on porous supports
Authors: Styskalik Ales , Skoda David , Moravec Zdenek , Barnes Craig E. , Pinkas Jiri
Published: February 2016

The reactivity of residual acetoxy and trimethylsilyloxy groups is studied in order to introduce new moieties into the surface of silicophosphates.
Synthesis of an IWW-type germanosilicate zeolite using 5-azonia-spiro[4,4]nonane as a structure directing agent
Authors: Yuan Ruting , Claes Nathalie , Verheyen Elke , Tuel Alain , Bals Sara , Breynaert Eric , Martens Johan A. , Kirschhock Christine E. A.
Published: February 2016

An IWW-type zeolite was formed using azonia-spiro[4,4]nonane as a template. This material shows low Ge-content and can be further degermanated.
Polyurethane foams doped with stable silver nanoparticles as bactericidal and catalytic materials for the effective treatment of water
Authors: Domènech Berta , Ziegler Kharla , Vigués Núria , Olszewski Wojciech , Marini Carlo , Mas Jordi , Muñoz Maria , Muraviev Dmitri N. , Macanás Jorge
Published: February 2016

Reusable dual-purpose nanocomposite foams with AgNPs showed high stability even after 2 years of storage.
Metal–organic aerogels based on dinuclear rhodium paddle-wheel units: design, synthesis and catalysis
Authors: Zhu Baofu , Liu Gang , Chen Lianfen , Qiu Liqin , Chen Liuping , Zhang Jianyong , Zhang Li , Barboiu Mihail , Si Rui , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: February 2016

A metal–organic aerogel (MOA-Rh-1d) with Rh2+–Rh2+ bonds has been obtained, which can efficiently promote CO2 conversion and C–H amination reactions.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of novel p-type MoBiCuSe4 thin films deposited by a simple surfactant-mediated solution route
Authors: Kharade Suvarta D. , Pawar Nita B. , Khot Kishorkumar V. , Patil Pallavi B. , Mali Sawanta S. , Hong Chang K. , Patil Pramod S. , Bhosale Popatrao N.
Published: February 2016

Nanostructured MoBiCuSe4 thin films with different morphologies deposited using different surfactants, such as PEG, SDS and TOPO, through a surfactant-mediated modified chemical route for PEC application.
Synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide filled ethylene methyl acrylate hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Bhawal Poushali , Ganguly Sayan , Chaki T. K. , Das N. C.
Published: February 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) filled ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) hybrid nanocomposites containing both organic–inorganic features were fabricated via facile solution intercalation technique.
Microwave treatment: a facile method for the solid state modification of potassium-promoted iron on silica Fischer–Tropsch catalysts
Authors: Dlamini Mbongiseni W. , Coville Neil J. , Scurrell Michael S.
Published: February 2016

Potassium-promoted (0–1.5 wt%) iron–silica catalysts for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) have been modified using microwave radiation.
Green synthesis of nanoscale zero-valent iron using a grape seed extract as a stabilizing agent and the application for quick decolorization of azo and anthraquinone dyes
Authors: Gao Jing-Feng , Li Hong-Yu , Pan Kai-Ling , Si Chun-Ying
Published: February 2016

Grape seed-coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (GS-NZVI) was synthesized using grape seed extract as the stabilizing agent. It was used to degrade azo dye and anthraquinone dye.
Magnetic catalysts as nanoactuators to achieve simultaneous momentum-transfer and continuous-flow hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Zhang Juan , Zhang Xiujun , Li Baojun , Wang Xiangyu , Cao Huaqiang , Wei Di , Zhou Zhongfu , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: February 2016

A catalytically active and super paramagnetic Co–carbon–rGO composite was synthesized and used as a nanoactuator to achieve simultaneous momentum-transfer and hydrolysis of NaBH4 or H3NBH3 for hydrogen production.
A metal–organic framework-templated synthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated in porous carbon for efficient and chemoselective hydrogenation of nitro compounds
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Yu-Xiao , Ma Xiao , Jiang Hai-Long
Published: February 2016

The pyrolysis of metal–organic framework affords γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles well dispersed inside porous carbon, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity, chemoselectivity and recyclability in the hydrogenation of diverse nitro compounds under mild conditions.
Homeotropically-aligned main-chain and side-on liquid crystalline elastomer films with high anisotropic thermal conductivities
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Jun , Yang Hong , Lin Bao-Ping , Chen Er-Qiang , Keller Patrick , Zhang Xue-Qin , Sun Ying
Published: February 2016

Homeotropically-aligned main-chain and side-on liquid3crystalline elastomer films are reported. Their thermal conductivities in the normal direction are both dramatically higher than those along the horizontal direction.
Lycopodium clavatum exine microcapsules enable safe oral delivery of 3,4-diaminopyridine for treatment of botulinum neurotoxin A intoxication
Authors: Harris T. L. , Wenthur C. J. , Diego-Taboada A. , Mackenzie G. , Corbitt T. S. , Janda K. D.
Published: February 2016

Biopolymeric spores and shellac can be rapidly employed to generate a scalable, pH-dependent, controlled-release microcapsule delivery system.
Modulating intramolecular P⋯N pnictogen interactions
Authors: Sánchez-Sanz Goar , Trujillo Cristina , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José
Published: February 2016

The strength of P⋯N intramolecular pnictogen interactions can be modulated, enhanced or diminished upon substitution of different electron withdrawing or donor groups.
Phenomenological thermodynamics and the structure formation mechanism of the CuTi2S4rhombohedral phase
Authors: Talanov Michail V. , Shirokov Vladimir B. , Talanov Valery M.
Published: February 2016

The theory of structural phase transition in CuTi2S4is proposed.
Bacterial chemotaxis-enabled autonomous sorting of nanoparticles of comparable sizes
Authors: Suh SeungBeum , Traore Mahama A. , Behkam Bahareh
Published: February 2016

We report a sorting technique for separation of similarly-sized particles of dissimilar surface properties within a diffusion-based microfluidic platform using chemotaxis inEscherichia colibacteria.
Facile synthesis of bowl-shaped nitrogen-doped carbon hollow particles templated by block copolymer “kippah vesicles” for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lin Zhixing , Tian Hao , Xu Fugui , Yang Xiangwen , Mai Yiyong , Feng Xinliang
Published: February 2016

This paper reports a simple self-assembly strategy towards bowl-shaped carbon-containing hollow particles for high volumetric capacitance supercapacitors, as well as an unprecedented potential application for block copolymer vesicles in energy storage.
Dual pH-responsive micelles with both charge-conversional property and hydrophobic–hydrophilic transition for effective cellular uptake and intracellular drug release
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhao Zhouxiang , Wu Wei , Ding Chunmei , Li Jianshu
Published: February 2016

Two types of diblock copolymers are synthesized to construct dual pH-responsive micelles with a charge-conversional property for effective drug delivery.
Rational design of benzodithiophene based conjugated polymers for better solar cell performance
Authors: Pai Ranjith Krishna , T. N. Ahipa , B. Hemavathi
Published: February 2016

We present a concise review of conjugated polymers based on benzodithiophenes (BDTs) for high-performance polymer solar cells (PSCs).
Au1−xCux colloidal nanoparticles synthesized via a one-pot approach: understanding the temperature effect on the Au : Cu ratio
Authors: Destro Priscila , Colombo Massimo , Prato Mirko , Brescia Rosaria , Manna Liberato , Zanchet Daniela
Published: February 2016

Au1−xCux alloy nanoparticles synthesized by one-pot colloidal method with an accurate control of composition by the temperature and insights about the mechanism.
Wavelength dependent nonlinear optical switching in electron beam irradiated CuTTBPc thin film
Authors: Kumar K. V. Anil , Venugopal Rao S. , Hamad S. , Dharmaprakash S. M.
Published: February 2016

The main aim of the present work is to investigate the role of 8 MeV electron beam interaction in modifying the linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of thermally evaporated copper tetra tert-butyl phthalocyanine (CuTTBPc) thin films.
A polytriphenylamine derivative exhibiting a four-electron redox center as a high free radical density organic cathode
Authors: Su Chang , Ji Lvlv , Xu Lihuan , Zhou Ningning , Wang Guosheng , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2016

A high free radical density polytriphenylamine derivative, PFTP, has been synthesized and investigated as the cathode material of organic free radical batteries for the first time.
Robust algorithm against large look direction error for interference‐plus‐noise covariance matrix reconstruction
Authors: Yuan Xiaolei , Gan Lu
Published: February 2016

A novel robust algorithm for the interference‐plus‐noise covariance matrix (IPNCM) reconstruction according to its definition is addressed. Unlike the previous works, each interference steering vector (SV) is estimated as the prime eigenvector of the interference covariance matrix obtained by integrating over each interference angular sector and its power through the Capon spectral estimator is also estimated. Then, a more precise IPNCM based on these accurate estimates is reconstructed. In addition, the same idea is used to estimate the SV of the signal of interest over the signal angular sector. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed beamforming has much more robustness against the large look direction errors of the interferences, and can attain the optimal beamformer in both high and low signal‐to‐noise ratio cases with low computational complexity.
Combining interpolation and 3D level set method (I+3DLSM) for medical image segmentation
Authors: Doshi T. , Di Caterina G. , Soraghan J. , Petropoulakis L. , Grose D. , MacKenzie K. , Wilson C.
Published: February 2016

A combined interpolation – three‐dimensional level set method (3D LSM)‐based segmentation process is presented. The performance in terms of accuracy of the 3D LSM in the segmentation of throat regions from highly anisotropic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumes, with and without an interpolation step is evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative results from real MRI data suggest that performing interpolation, to reconstruct isotropic MRI volumes, prior to 3D LSM improves the accuracy of the segmentation results, compared to interpolation post 3D LSM and no interpolation at all.