bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Phosphoproteomics Reveals an Important Role of MKK2 in Banana (Musa spp.) Cold Signal Network
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Sheng , He Wei-Di , Shao Xiu-Hong , Li Chun-Yu , Wei Yue-Rong , Deng Gui-Ming , Kuang Rui-Bin , Hu Chun-Hua , Yi Gan-Jun , Yang Qiao-Song
Published: January 2017

Low temperature is one of the key environmental stresses, which greatly affects global banana production. However, little is known about the global phosphoproteomes inMusa spp. and their regulatory roles in response to cold stress. In this study, we conducted a comparative phosphoproteomic profiling of cold-sensitive Cavendish Banana and relatively cold tolerant Dajiao under cold stress. Phosphopeptide abundances of five phosphoproteins involved in MKK2 interaction network, including MKK2, HY5, CaSR, STN7 and kinesin-like protein, show a remarkable difference between Cavendish Banana and Dajiao in response to cold stress. Western blotting of MKK2 protein and its T31 phosphorylated peptide verified the phosphoproteomic results of increased T31 phosphopeptide abundance with decreased MKK2 abundance in Daojiao for a time course of cold stress. Meanwhile increased expression of MKK2 with no detectable T31 phosphorylation was found in Cavendish Banana. These results suggest that the MKK2 pathway in Dajiao, along with other cold-specific phosphoproteins, appears to be associated with the molecular mechanisms of high tolerance to cold stress in Dajiao. The results also provide new evidence that the signaling pathway of cellular MKK2 phosphorylation plays an important role in abiotic stress tolerance that likely serves as a universal plant cold tolerance mechanism.
Release activity-dependent control of vesicle endocytosis by the synaptic adhesion molecule N-cadherin
Authors: van Stegen Bernd , Dagar Sushma , Gottmann Kurt
Published: January 2017

At synapses in the mammalian brain, continuous information transfer requires the long-term maintenance of homeostatic coupling between exo- and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. Because classical endocytosis is orders of magnitude slower than the millisecond-range exocytosis of vesicles, high frequency vesicle fusion could potentially compromise structural stability of synapses. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the tight coupling of exo- and endocytosis are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of the transsynaptic adhesion molecules N-cadherin and Neuroligin1 in regulating vesicle exo- and endocytosis by using activity-induced FM4–64 staining and by using synaptophysin-pHluorin fluorescence imaging. The synaptic adhesion molecules N-cadherin and Neuroligin1 had distinct impacts on exo- and endocytosis at mature cortical synapses. Expression of Neuroligin1 enhanced vesicle release in a N-cadherin-dependent way. Most intriguingly, expression of N-cadherin enhanced both vesicle exo- and endocytosis. Further detailed analysis of N-cadherin knockout neurons revealed that the boosting of endocytosis by N-cadherin was largely dependent on preceding high levels of vesicle release activity. In summary, regulation of vesicle endocytosis was mediated at the molecular level by N-cadherin in a release activity-dependent manner. Because of its endocytosis enhancing function, N-cadherin might play an important role in the coupling of vesicle exo- and endocytosis.
Efficient method for comprehensive computation of agent-level epidemic dissemination in networks
Authors: Nakamura Gilberto M. , Monteiro Ana Carolina P. , Cardoso George C. , Martinez Alexandre S.
Published: January 2017

Susceptible-infected (SI) and susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) are simple agent-based models often employed in epidemic studies. Both models describe the time evolution of infectious diseases in networks whose vertices are either susceptible (S) or infected (I) agents. Precise estimation for disease spreading is one of the major goals in epidemic studies but often restricted to heavy numerical simulations. Analytic methods using operatorial content are subject to the asymmetric eigenvalue problem, limiting the use of perturbative methods. Numerical methods are limited to small populations, since the vector space increases exponentially with population size N. Here, we propose the use of the squared norm of the probability vector to obtain an algebraic equation, which permits the evaluation of stationary states in Markov processes. The equation requires the eigenvalues of symmetrized time generators and takes full advantage of symmetries, reducing the time evolution to an O(N) sparse problem. The calculation of eigenvalues employs quantum many-body techniques, while the standard perturbation theory accounts for small modifications to the network topology.
Morphological, physiological and anatomical traits of plant functional types in temperate grasslands along a large-scale aridity gradient in northeastern China
Authors: Guo Chengyuan , Ma Linna , Yuan Shan , Wang Renzhong
Published: January 2017

At the species level, plants can respond to climate changes by changing their leaf traits; however, there is scant information regarding the responses of morphological, physiological and anatomical traits of plant functional types (PFTs) to aridity. Herein, the leaf traits of five PFTs representing 17 plant species in temperate grasslands were examined along a large-scale aridity gradient in northeastern China. The results show that leaf thickness in shrubs, perennial grasses and forbs increased with heightened aridity. Trees increased soluble sugar content, but shrubs, perennials and annual grasses enhanced proline accumulation due to increasing aridity. Moreover, vessel diameter and stomatal index in shrubs and perennial grasses decreased with increasing aridity, but stomatal density and vascular diameter of five PFTs were not correlated with water availability. In conclusion, divergences in adaptive strategies to aridity among these PFTs in temperate grasslands were likely caused by differences in their utilization of water resources, which have different temporal and spatial distribution patterns. Leaf traits of shrubs and perennial grasses had the largest responses to variability of aridity through regulation of morphological, physiological and anatomical traits, which was followed by perennial forbs. Trees and annual grasses endured aridity only by adjusting leaf physiological processes.
{225}γ habit planes in martensitic steels: from the PTMC to a continuous model
Authors: Baur Annick P. , Cayron Cyril , Logé Roland E.
Published: January 2017

Fine twinned microstructures with {225}γhabit planes are commonly observed in martensitic steels. The present study shows that an equibalanced combination of twin-related variants associated to the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship is equivalent to the Bowles and Mackenzie’s version of the PTMC for this specific {225}γcase. The distortion associated to the Kurdjumov-Sachs orientation relationship results from a continuous modeling of the FCC-BCC transformation. Thus, for the first time, an atomic path can be associated to the PTMC.
CD1− and CD1+ porcine blood dendritic cells are enriched for the orthologues of the two major mammalian conventional subsets
Authors: Edwards Jane C. , Everett Helen E. , Pedrera Miriam , Mokhtar Helen , Marchi Emanuele , Soldevila Ferran , Kaveh Daryan A. , Hogarth Philip J. , Johns Helen L. , Nunez-Garcia Javier , Steinbach Falko , Crooke Helen R. , Graham Simon P.
Published: January 2017

Conventional dendritic cells (cDC) are professional antigen-presenting cells that induce immune activation or tolerance. Two functionally specialised populations, termed cDC1 and cDC2, have been described in humans, mice, ruminants and recently in pigs. Pigs are an important biomedical model species and a key source of animal protein; therefore further understanding of their immune system will help underpin the development of disease prevention strategies. To characterise cDC populations in porcine blood, DC were enriched from PBMC by CD14 depletion and CD172a enrichment then stained with lineage mAbs (Lin; CD3, CD8α, CD14 and CD21) and mAbs specific for CD172a, CD1 and CD4. Two distinct porcine cDC subpopulations were FACSorted CD1− cDC (Lin−CD172+ CD1−CD4−) and CD1+ cDC (Lin−CD172a+ CD1+ CD4−), and characterised by phenotypic and functional analyses. CD1+ cDC were distinct from CD1− cDC, expressing higher levels of CD172a, MHC class II and CD11b. Following TLR stimulation, CD1+ cDC produced IL-8 and IL-10 while CD1− cDC secreted IFN-α, IL-12 and TNF-α. CD1− cDC were superior in stimulating allogeneic T cell responses and in cross-presenting viral antigens to CD8 T cells. Comparison of transcriptional profiles further suggested that the CD1− and CD1+ populations were enriched for the orthologues of cDC1 and cDC2 subsets respectively.
Altered motion repulsion in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Shougang , Wang Yongxiang , Chen Huan
Published: January 2017

Recent research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) indicates that perceptual impairments may occur before the onset of cognitive declines, and can thus serve as an early noninvasive indicator for AD. In this study, we focused on visual motion processing and explored whether AD induces changes in the properties of direction repulsion between two competing motions. We used random dot kinematograms (RDKs) and measured the magnitudes of direction repulsion between two overlapping RDKs moving different directions in three groups of participants: an AD group, an age-matched old control group, and a young control group. We showed that motion direction repulsion was significantly weaker in AD patients as comparing to both healthy controls. More importantly, we found that the magnitude of motion repulsion was predictive of the assessment of clinical severity in the AD group. Our results implicate that AD pathology is associated with altered neural functions in visual cortical areas and that motion repulsion deficit is a behavioral biomarker for the tracking of AD development.
Development of a nested-PCR assay for the rapid detection of Pilidiella granati in pomegranate fruit
Authors: Yang Xue , Hameed Uzma , Zhang Ai-Fang , Zang Hao-Yu , Gu Chun-Yan , Chen Yu , Xu Yi-Liu
Published: January 2017

Pilidiella granati, a causal agent of twig blight and crown rot of pomegranate, is an emerging threat that may cause severe risk to the pomegranate industry in the future. Development of a rapid assay for the timely and accurate detection of P. granati will be helpful in the active surveillance and management of the disease caused by this pathogen. In this study, a nested PCR method was established for the detection of P. granati. Comparative analysis of genetic diversity within 5.8S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of P. granati and 21 other selected fungal species was performed to design species-specific primers (S1 and S2). This primer pair successfully amplified a 450 bp product exclusively from the genomic DNA of P. granati. The developed method can detect 10 pg genomic DNA of the pathogen in about 6 h. This technique was successfully applied to detect the natural infection of P. granati in the pomegranate fruit. The designed protocol is rapid and precise with a high degree of sensitivity.
Visceral hyperalgesia caused by peptide YY deletion and Y2 receptor antagonism
Authors: Hassan Ahmed M. , Jain Piyush , Mayerhofer Raphaela , Fröhlich Esther E. , Farzi Aitak , Reichmann Florian , Herzog Herbert , Holzer Peter
Published: January 2017

Altered levels of colonic peptide YY (PYY) have been reported in patients suffering from functional and inflammatory bowel disorders. While the involvement of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Y receptors in the regulation of nociception is well established, the physiological role of PYY in somatic and visceral pain is poorly understood. In this work, the role of PYY in pain sensitivity was evaluated using PYY knockout (PYY(−/−)) mice and Y2 receptor ligands. PYY(−/−) mice were more sensitive to somatic thermal pain compared to wild type (WT) mice. Visceral pain was assessed by evaluating pain-related behaviors, mouse grimace scale (MGS) and referred hyperalgesia after intrarectal administration of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, 1 or 2%) or its vehicle, peanut oil. The pain-related behaviors induced by AITC were significantly exaggerated by PYY deletion, whereas the MGS readout and the referred hyperalgesia were not significantly affected. The Y2 receptor antagonist, BII0246, increased pain-related behaviors in response to intrarectal AITC compared to vehicle treatment while the Y2 receptor agonist, PYY(3–36), did not have a significant effect. These results indicate that endogenous PYY has a hypoalgesic effect on somatic thermal and visceral chemical pain. The effect on visceral pain seems to be mediated by peripheral Y2 receptors.
Transaminase abnormalities and adaptations of the liver lobule manifest at specific cut-offs of steatosis
Authors: Hall Andrew , Covelli Claudia , Manuguerra Roberta , Luong Tu Vinh , Buzzetti Elena , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , Pinzani Massimo , Dhillon Amar Paul
Published: January 2017

There is little documented evidence suggesting that liver fat is responsible for liver injury in the absence of other disease processes. We investigated the relationships between liver fat, aminotransferases and hepatic architecture in liver biopsies with simple steatosis. We identified 136 biopsies with simple steatosis from the Royal Free Hospital Archives with both clinical data and sufficient material. Digital image analysis was employed to measure fat proportionate area (mFPA). Hepatocyte area (HA) and lobule radius (LR) were also measured. There were significant increases in ALT (p < 0.001) and AST (p = 0.013) with increased fat content and evidence to suggest both 5% and 20% mFPA as a cut-off for raised ALT. In liver with increased fat content there were significant increases in HA (p < 0.001). LR also increased as mFPA increased to 10% (p < 0.001), at which point the lobule ceased to expand further and was counterbalanced with a decrease in the number of hepatocytes per lobule (p = 0.029). Consequently there are mechanisms of adaption in the liver architecture to accommodate the accumulation of fat and these are accompanied by significant increases in transaminases. These results support the generally accepted cut-off of 5% fat for steatosis and indicate 20% as a threshold of more severe liver injury.
Early Secreted Antigenic Target of 6-kDa of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Stimulates IL-6 Production by Macrophages through Activation of STAT3
Authors: Jung Bock-Gie , Wang Xisheng , Yi Na , Ma Justin , Turner Joanne , Samten Buka
Published: January 2017

As early secreted antigenic target of 6 kDa (ESAT-6) ofMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an essential virulence factor and macrophages are critical for tuberculosis infection and immunity, we studied ESAT-6 stimulated IL-6 production by macrophages. ESAT-6 stimulated significantly higher IL-6 secretion by murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) compared to culture filtrate protein 10 kDa (CFP10) and antigen 85A. Polymyxin B, an LPS blocker, did not affect ESAT-6 stimulated macrophage IL-6 production. ESAT-6 but not Pam3CSK4 induced IL-6 by TLR2 knockout BMDM. ESAT-6 induced phosphorylation and DNA binding of STAT3 and this was blocked by STAT3 inhibitors but not by rapamycin. STAT3 inhibitors suppressed ESAT-6-induced IL-6 transcription and secretion without affecting cell viability. This was confirmed by silencing STAT3 in macrophages. Blocking neither IL-6Rα/IL-6 nor IL-10 affected ESAT-6-induced STAT3 activation and IL-6 production. Infection of BMDM and human macrophages withMtbwithesat-6deletion induced diminished STAT3 activation and reduced IL-6 production compared to wild type andesat-6complementedMtbstrains. Administration of ESAT-6 but not CFP10 induced STAT3 phosphorylation and IL-6 expression in the mouse lungs, consistent with expression of ESAT-6, IL-6 and phosphorylated-STAT3 inMtb-infected mouse lungs. We conclude that ESAT-6 stimulates macrophage IL-6 production through STAT3 activation.
Effect of myocyte-fibroblast coupling on the onset of pathological dynamics in a model of ventricular tissue
Authors: Sridhar S. , Vandersickel Nele , Panfilov Alexander V.
Published: January 2017

Managing lethal cardiac arrhythmias is one of the biggest challenges in modern cardiology, and hence it is very important to understand the factors underlying such arrhythmias. While early afterdepolarizations (EAD) of cardiac cells is known to be one such arrhythmogenic factor, the mechanisms underlying the emergence of tissue level arrhythmias from cellular level EADs is not fully understood. Another known arrhythmogenic condition is fibrosis of cardiac tissue that occurs both due to aging and in many types of heart diseases. In this paper we describe the results of a systematic in-silico study, using the TNNP model of human cardiac cells and MacCannell model for (myo)fibroblasts, on the possible effects of diffuse fibrosis on arrhythmias occurring via EADs. We find that depending on the resting potential of fibroblasts (VFR), M-F coupling can either increase or decrease the region of parameters showing EADs. Fibrosis increases the probability of occurrence of arrhythmias after a single focal stimulation and this effect increases with the strength of the M-F coupling. While in our simulations, arrhythmias occur due to fibrosis induced ectopic activity, we do not observe any specific fibrotic pattern that promotes the occurrence of these ectopic sources.
Small-window parametric imaging based on information entropy for ultrasound tissue characterization
Authors: Tsui Po-Hsiang , Chen Chin-Kuo , Kuo Wen-Hung , Chang King-Jen , Fang Jui , Ma Hsiang-Yang , Chou Dean
Published: January 2017

Constructing ultrasound statistical parametric images by using a sliding window is a widely adopted strategy for characterizing tissues. Deficiency in spatial resolution, the appearance of boundary artifacts, and the prerequisite data distribution limit the practicability of statistical parametric imaging. In this study, small-window entropy parametric imaging was proposed to overcome the above problems. Simulations and measurements of phantoms were executed to acquire backscattered radiofrequency (RF) signals, which were processed to explore the feasibility of small-window entropy imaging in detecting scatterer properties. To validate the ability of entropy imaging in tissue characterization, measurements of benign and malignant breast tumors were conducted (n = 63) to compare performances of conventional statistical parametric (based on Nakagami distribution) and entropy imaging by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The simulation and phantom results revealed that entropy images constructed using a small sliding window (side length = 1 pulse length) adequately describe changes in scatterer properties. The area under the ROC for using small-window entropy imaging to classify tumors was 0.89, which was higher than 0.79 obtained using statistical parametric imaging. In particular, boundary artifacts were largely suppressed in the proposed imaging technique. Entropy enables using a small window for implementing ultrasound parametric imaging.
Formation of diverse polycyclic spirooxindoles via three-component reaction of isoquinolinium salts, isatins and malononitrile
Authors: Sun Jing , Shen Guo-liang , Huang Ying , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: January 2017

The triethylamine promoted three-component reaction of N-(4-nitrobenzyl), N-ethoxycarbonylmethylisoquinolinium bromide, isatins and malononitrile in ethanol afforded spiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines] in good yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The similar reaction of N-cyanomethylisoquinolinium chloride mainly gave complex indolo[2″,3″:2′,3′]pyrrolo[3′,4′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline derivatives. However, the three-component reaction of N-cyanomethylisoquinolinium chloride, isatins and ethyl cyanoacetate mainly resulted in functionalized spiro[indoline-3,8′-pyrido[2′,3′:4,5]pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines].
In vivo detection of cucurbit[6]uril, a hyperpolarized xenon contrast agent for a xenon magnetic resonance imaging biosensor
Authors: Hane Francis T. , Li Tao , Smylie Peter , Pellizzari Raiili M. , Plata Jennifer A. , DeBoef Brenton , Albert Mitchell S.
Published: January 2017

The Hyperpolarized gas Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (HyperCEST) Magnetic Resonance (MR) technique has the potential to increase the sensitivity of a hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI contrast agent. Signal enhancement is accomplished by selectively depolarizing the xenon within a cage molecule which, upon exchange, reduces the signal in the dissolved phase pool. Herein we demonstrate the in vivo detection of the cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) contrast agent within the vasculature of a living rat. Our work may be used as a stepping stone towards using the HyperCEST technique as a molecular imaging modality.
Isl2b regulates anterior second heart field development in zebrafish
Authors: Witzel Hagen R. , Cheedipudi Sirisha , Gao Rui , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Dobreva Gergana D.
Published: January 2017

After initial formation, the heart tube grows by addition of second heart field progenitor cells to its poles. The transcription factor Isl1 is expressed in the entire second heart field in mouse, and Isl1-deficient mouse embryos show defects in arterial and venous pole development. The expression of Isl1 is conserved in zebrafish cardiac progenitors; however, Isl1 is required for cardiomyocyte differentiation only at the venous pole. Here we show that Isl1 homologues are expressed in specific patterns in the developing zebrafish heart and play distinct roles during cardiac morphogenesis. In zebrafish, isl2a mutants show defects in cardiac looping, whereas isl2b is required for arterial pole development. Moreover, Isl2b controls the expression of key cardiac transcription factors including mef2ca, mef2cb, hand2 and tbx20. The specific roles of individual Islet family members in the development of distinct regions of the zebrafish heart renders this system particularly well-suited for dissecting Islet-dependent gene regulatory networks controlling the behavior and function of second heart field progenitors in distinct steps of cardiac development.
Retooling Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis Algorithm to Enhance Non-Invasive High Resolution Laser Speckle Functional Imaging of Cutaneous Microcirculation
Authors: Gnyawali Surya C. , Blum Kevin , Pal Durba , Ghatak Subhadip , Khanna Savita , Roy Sashwati , Sen Chandan K.
Published: January 2017

Cutaneous microvasculopathy complicates wound healing. Functional assessment of gated individual dermal microvessels is therefore of outstanding interest. Functional performance of laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) systems is compromised by motion artefacts. To address such weakness, post-processing of stacked images is reported. We report the first post-processing of binary raw data from a high-resolution LSCI camera. Sharp images of low-flowing microvessels were enabled by introducing inverse variance in conjunction with speckle contrast in Matlab-based program code. Extended moving window averaging enhanced signal-to-noise ratio. Functional quantitative study of blood flow kinetics was performed on single gated microvessels using a free hand tool. Based on detection of flow in low-flow microvessels, a new sharp contrast image was derived. Thus, this work presents the first distinct image with quantitative microperfusion data from gated human foot microvasculature. This versatile platform is applicable to study a wide range of tissue systems including fine vascular network in murine brain without craniotomy as well as that in the murine dorsal skin. Importantly, the algorithm reported herein is hardware agnostic and is capable of post-processing binary raw data from any camera source to improve the sensitivity of functional flow data above and beyond standard limits of the optical system.
Complete-genome sequencing elucidates outbreak dynamics of CA-MRSA USA300 (ST8-spa t008) in an academic hospital of Paramaribo, Republic of Suriname
Authors: Sabat Artur J. , Hermelijn Sandra M. , Akkerboom Viktoria , Juliana Amadu , Degener John E. , Grundmann Hajo , Friedrich Alexander W.
Published: January 2017

We report the investigation of an outbreak situation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that occurred at the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) in the Republic of Suriname from April to May 2013. We performed whole genome sequencing with complete gap closure for chromosomes and plasmids on all isolates. The outbreak involved 12 patients and 1 healthcare worker/nurse at the AZP. In total 24 isolates were investigated. spa typing, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, ad hoc whole genome multilocus sequence typing (wgMLST), stable core genome MLST (cgMLST) and in silico PFGE were used to determine phylogenetic relatedness and to identify transmission. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) showed that all isolates were members of genomic variants of the North American USA300 clone. However, WGS revealed a heterogeneous population structure of USA300 circulating at the AZP. We observed up to 8 SNPs or up to 5 alleles of difference by wgMLST when the isolates were recovered from different body sites of the same patient or if direct transmission between patients was most likely. This work describes the usefulness of complete genome sequencing of bacterial chromosomes and plasmids providing an unprecedented level of detail during outbreak investigations not being visible by using conventional typing methods.
Secreted miR-27a Induced by Cyclic Stretch Modulates the Proliferation of Endothelial Cells in Hypertension via GRK6
Authors: Wang Lu , Bao Han , Wang Kai-Xuan , Zhang Ping , Yao Qing-Ping , Chen Xiao-Hu , Huang Kai , Qi Ying-Xin , Jiang Zong-Lai
Published: January 2017

Abnormal proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) is important in vascular remodeling during hypertension, but the mechanisms are still unclear. In hypertensive rats caused by abdominal aortic coarctation, the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) in ECs at common carotid artery was repressedin vivo, and EC proliferation was increased. 15% cyclic stretchin vitro, which mimics the pathologically increased stretch in hypertension, repressed EC GRK6 expression via paracrine control by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Furthermore, VSMC-derived microparticles (VSMC-MPs) were detected in the conditioned medium from VSMCs and in artery. VSMC-MPs from cells exposed to 15% cyclic stretch decreased GRK6 expression and increased EC proliferation. miR-27a was detected in VSMC-MPs and was upregulated by 15% cyclic stretch. miR-27a was transferred from VSMCs to ECs via VSMC-MPs and directly targeted on GRK6. Finally, a multi-point injection of antagomiR-27a around carotid artery decreased miR-27a expressionin vivo, induced GRK6 expression, and reversed the abnormal EC proliferation. Pathologically elevated cyclic stretch increased the secretion of miR-27a, which was transferred from VSMCs to ECs via the VSMC-MPs, subsequently targeted GRK6, and induced EC proliferation. Locally decreasing miR-27a could be a novel therapeutic approach to attenuate the abnormal EC proliferation in hypertension.
Assembly of flexible CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O and Fe2O3 electrodes for solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Leipeng , Liu Xusong , Zhang Xiang , Tian Yanlong , Liu Xiaoxu , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: January 2017

In this work, CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O core-shell heterostructure electrode is directly grown on carbon fabric (CF) via a feasible hydrothermal procedure with CoMoO4 nanowires (NWs) as the core and NiMoO4 nanosheets (NSs) as the shell. This core-shell heterostructure could provide fast ion and electron transfer, a large number of active sites, and good strain accommodation. As a result, the CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O electrode yields high-capacitance performance with a high specific capacitance of 1582 F g−1, good cycling stability with the capacitance retention of 97.1% after 3000 cycles and good rate capability. The electrode also shows excellent mechanical flexibility. Also, a flexible Fe2O3 nanorods/CF electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance was prepared. A solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor device is successfully fabricated by using flexible CoMoO4@NiMoO4·xH2O as the positive electrode and Fe2O3 as the negative electrode. The asymmetric supercapacitor with a maximum voltage of 1.6 V demonstrates high specific energy (41.8 Wh kg−1 at 700 W kg−1), high power density (12000 W kg−1 at 26.7 Wh kg−1), and excellent cycle ability with the capacitance retention of 89.3% after 5000 cycles (at the current density of 3A g−1).
Long-term exposure to 835 MHz RF-EMF induces hyperactivity, autophagy and demyelination in the cortical neurons of mice
Authors: Kim Ju Hwan , Yu Da-Hyeon , Huh Yang Hoon , Lee Eun Ho , Kim Hyung-Gun , Kim Hak Rim
Published: January 2017

Radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) is used globally in conjunction with mobile communications. There are public concerns of the perceived deleterious biological consequences of RF-EMF exposure. This study assessed neuronal effects of RF-EMF on the cerebral cortex of the mouse brain as a proxy for cranial exposure during mobile phone use. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 835 MHz RF-EMF at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4.0 W/kg for 5 hours/day during 12 weeks. The aim was to examine activation of autophagy pathway in the cerebral cortex, a brain region that is located relatively externally. Induction of autophagy genes and production of proteins including LC3B-II and Beclin1 were increased and accumulation of autolysosome was observed in neuronal cell bodies. However, proapoptotic factor Bax was down-regulted in the cerebral cortex. Importantly, we found that RF-EMF exposure led to myelin sheath damage and mice displayed hyperactivity-like behaviour. The data suggest that autophagy may act as a protective pathway for the neuronal cell bodies in the cerebral cortex during radiofrequency exposure. The observations that neuronal cell bodies remained structurally stable but demyelination was induced in cortical neurons following prolonged RF-EMF suggests a potential cause of neurological or neurobehavioural disorders.
M-OTDR sensing system based on 3D encoded microstructures
Authors: Sun Qizhen , Ai Fan , Liu Deming , Cheng Jianwei , Luo Hongbo , Peng Kuan , Luo Yiyang , Yan Zhijun , Shum Perry Ping
Published: January 2017

In this work, a quasi-distributed sensing scheme named as microstructured OTDR (M-OTDR) by introducing ultra-weak microstructures along the fiber is proposed. Owing to its relative higher reflectivity compared with the backscattered coefficient in fiber and three dimensional (3D) i.e. wavelength/frequency/time encoded property, the M-OTDR system exhibits the superiorities of high signal to noise ratio (SNR), high spatial resolution of millimeter level and high multiplexing capacity up to several ten thousands theoretically. A proof-of-concept system consisting of 64 sensing units is constructed to demonstrate the feasibility and sensing performance. With the help of the demodulation method based on 3D analysis and spectrum reconstruction of the signal light, quasi-distributed temperature sensing with a spatial resolution of 20 cm as well as a measurement resolution of 0.1 °C is realized.
Ameliorative effects of Compound K and ginsenoside Rh1 on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Chen Xu-Jia , Liu Wen-Jing , Wen Meng-Liang , Liang Hong , Wu Shao-Mei , Zhu Yun-Zhen , Zhao Jiang-Yuan , Dong Xiang-Qian , Li Ming-Gang , Bian Li , Zou Cheng-Gang , Ma Lan-Qing
Published: January 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease, which has no standard treatment available. Panax notoginseng saponines (PNS) have recently been reported to protect liver against hepatocyte injury induced by ethanol or high fat diet (HFD) in rats. Compound K and ginsenoside Rh1 are the main metabolites of PNS. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CK and Rh1 on NAFLD. Rats fed HFD showed significant elevations in liver function markers, lipids, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance. Treatment with CK or Rh1 either alone or in combination dramatically ameliorated the liver function impairment induced by HFD. Histologically, CK and Rh1 significantly reversed HFD-induced hepatocyte injury and liver fibrosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment with CK or Rh1 alone or in combination markedly induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation and activation in HSC-T6 cells. Additionally, CK and Rh1, either alone or in combination, also repressed the expression of fibrotic factors TIMP-1, PC-I, and PC-III. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CK and Rh1 have positive effects on NAFLD via the anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective activity.
Application of 3D and 2D quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) to differentiate between benign and malignant breast masses
Authors: Tian Jie , Liu Qianqi , Wang Xi , Xing Ping , Yang Zhuowen , Wu Changjun
Published: January 2017

As breast cancer tissues are stiffer than normal tissues, shear wave elastography (SWE) can locally quantify tissue stiffness and provide histological information. Moreover, tissue stiffness can be observed on three-dimensional (3D) colour-coded elasticity maps. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of quantitative features in differentiating breast masses by two-dimensional (2D) and 3D SWE. Two hundred ten consecutive women with 210 breast masses were examined with B-mode ultrasound (US) and SWE. Quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE were assessed, including elastic modulus standard deviation (ESDE) measured on SWE mode images and ESDU measured on B-mode images, as well as maximum elasticity (Emax). Adding quantitative features to B-mode US improved the diagnostic performance (p < 0.05) and reduced false-positive biopsies (p < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 3D SWE was similar to that of 2D SWE for ESDE (p = 0.026) and ESDU (p = 0.159) but inferior to that of 2D SWE for Emax (p = 0.002). Compared with ESDU, ESDE showed a higher AUC on 2D (p = 0.0038) and 3D SWE (p = 0.0057). Our study indicates that quantitative features of 3D and 2D SWE can significantly improve the diagnostic performance of B-mode US, especially 3D SWE ESDE, which shows considerable clinical value.
Analysis of sulfur compounds using a water stationary phase in gas chromatography with flame photometric detection
Authors: McKelvie Kaylan H. , Thurbide Kevin B.
Published: January 2017

The properties of using a water stationary phase for analyzing organic sulfur compounds in capillary gas chromatography (GC) with a flame photometric detector (FPD) are presented.
Carrageenan activates monocytes via type-specific binding with interleukin-8: an implication for design of immuno-active biomaterials
Authors: Chan Weng-I , Zhang Guangpan , Li Xin , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: January 2017

λ-Type carrageenan activates monocytes via binding interleukin-8 in serum.
Effective pair potential between charged nanoparticles at high volume fractions
Authors: Bareigts Guillaume , Labbez Christophe
Published: January 2017

We proposed a simple and versatile method to calculate the effective pair potential between charged colloids which can easily be used in popular molecular simulation program packages and extended to non-spherical particles.
Detection of electron tunneling across plasmonic nanoparticle–film junctions using nitrile vibrations
Authors: Wang Hao , Yao Kun , Parkhill John A. , Schultz Zachary D.
Published: January 2017

Vibrational Stark shifts from nitriles provide a quantitative indicator of electric fields arising from plasmon-induced quantum tunneling effects.
A new architecture for high spin organics based on Baird's rule of 4n electron triplet aromatics
Authors: Mauksch Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: January 2017

This work reports triplet aromatic high spin ground states of cyclopentadienyl cation polyads as alternative to high spin polyradicals or polycarbenes.
Strain and size combined effects on the GaN band structure: VEELS and DFT study
Authors: Benaissa M. , Sigle W. , Zaari H. , Tadout M. , van Aken P. A.
Published: January 2017

Probing the strain effect on the energy band structure of a 2 nm GaN quantum well.
Fluoride complexation by bidentate silicon Lewis acids
Authors: Horstmann Jan , Niemann Mark , Berthold Katarína , Mix Andreas , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: January 2017

The fluoride ion complexation behavior of the bidentate open-chain Lewis acids Ph2Si(CHCHSiFnMe3−n)2and Ph2Si(CH2–CH2SiFnMe3−n)2(n= 1, 2, 3) was explored in detail by multinuclear low-temperature NMR spectroscopy in solution and by X-ray diffraction experiments.
Metal-free selenosulfonylation of alkynes: rapid access to β-(seleno)vinyl sulfones via a cationic-species-induced pathway
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Xin , Fu Fangfang , Zhang Chong , Chen Yao , Liu Lin
Published: January 2017

A general 1,2-selenosulfonylation of alkynes with high levels of regio- and stereoselectivity was realized under mild conditions.
Polymerization-induced self-assembly of PVAc-b-PVDF block copolymers via RAFT dispersion polymerization of vinylidene fluoride in dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Guerre Marc , Semsarilar Mona , Godiard Franck , Améduri Bruno , Ladmiral Vincent
Published: January 2017

This article reports the results of the study of the RAFT dispersion polymerization of VDF in dimethyl carbonate using PVAc macroCTAs. The morphology of the resulting crystalline polymer aggregates is likely governed by crystallization of the PVDF.
Synthesis of chiral R/S-pseudopeptide-based Cu(ii) & Zn(ii) complexes for use in targeted delivery for antitumor therapy: enantiomeric discrimination with CT-DNA and pBR322 DNA hydrolytic cleavage mechanism
Authors: Parveen Sabiha , Tabassum Sartaj , Arjmand Farukh
Published: January 2017

The detailed mechanism of the hydrolytic cleavage pathway of1Swith pBR322 d DNA and the molecular docked model with DNA are shown below.
Iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with nisin for rapid inhibition and separation of Alicyclobacillus spp.
Authors: Song Zihan , Yuan Yahong , Niu Chen , Dai Lu , Wei Jianping , Yue Tianli
Published: January 2017

One-step synthesis of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with nisin based on electrostatic adsorption for inhibition and separation ofAlicyclobacillusspp.
A flexible conductive film prepared by the oriented stacking of Ag and Au/Ag alloy nanoplates and its chemically roughened surface for explosive SERS detection and cell adhesion
Authors: Sun Mingming , Qian Hongmei , Liu Jia , Li Yuchuan , Pang Siping , Xu Meng , Zhang Jiatao
Published: January 2017

A Au–Ag alloy with oriented stacking has applications in SERS detection and cell adhesion.
Modification of a SLA titanium surface with calcium-containing nanosheets and its effects on osteoblast behavior
Authors: Shao Shui-yi , Ming Pan-pan , Qiu Jing , Yu Ying-juan , Yang Jie , Chen Jia-xi , Tang Chun-bo
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to present a procedure to prepare a calcium-containing nanosheets-modified sandblasted and acid etched (SLA) titanium surface and explore its effects on osteoblast behavior.
Infrared dichroism studies and anisotropic photoluminescence properties of poly(para-phenylene vinylene) functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Baibarac M. , Ilie M. , Baltog I. , Lefrant S. , Humbert B.
Published: January 2017

Polarized PL spectra of the composite based on 0.5 wt% RGO and PPV in un-doped state.
Three dimensional M × N type aptamer-functionalized solid-phase micro extraction fibers array for selectively sorptive extraction of multiple antibiotic residues in milk
Authors: Liu Haibo , Gan Ning , Chen Yinji , Li Tianhua , Cao Yuting
Published: January 2017

In this study, a novel three dimensional (3D) M × N type aptamer-functionalized solid-phase micro extraction fibers array was developed for selective enrichment of multiplex antibiotic residues from milk samples, with three chloramphenicols as models.
Application of dyes as doping agents in MALDI-MS matrices for the signal enhancement of proteins
Authors: Ali Arslan , Shahid Najia , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: January 2017

Dyes can significantly influence the ionization of proteins, when used as dopants in conventional matrices used for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
Spinel MgAl2O4 modification on LiCoO2 cathode materials with the combined advantages of MgO and Al2O3 modifications for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liang D. D. , Xiang H. F. , Liang X. , Cheng S. , Chen C. H.
Published: January 2017

In order to improve the electrochemical performance of LiCoO2 cathode in a high-voltage range of 3.0–4.5 V, spinel MgAl2O4 has been modified on the surface of LiCoO2 particle by a facile high-temperature solid state reaction.
In situ synthesis of homogeneous Ce2S3/MoS2 composites and their electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Hou Baoting , Wang Xinlu , Wang Jinxian , Yao Jing , Zhang Hongbo , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia , Dong Xiangting , Wang Limin
Published: January 2017

Homogeneous Ce2S3/MoS2 composites which exhibit excellent electrochemical performances were fabricated by controlling the cationic ratio of Ce to Mo.
Management of perovskite intermediates for highly efficient inverted planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xia Yingdong , Ran Chenxin , Chen Yonghua , Li Qi , Jiang Naisheng , Li Changzhi , Pan Yufeng , Li Taotao , Wang JianPu , Huang Wei
Published: January 2017

The management of perovskite intermediates to construct perovskite films with uniform perovskite crystals and controlled surface morphology was introduced.
Flexible large-area organic tandem solar cells with high defect tolerance and device yield
Authors: Mao Lin , Tong Jinhui , Xiong Sixing , Jiang Fangyuan , Qin Fei , Meng Wei , Luo Bangwu , Liu Yun , Li Zaifang , Jiang Youyu , Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Kippelen Bernard , Zhou Yinhua
Published: January 2017

Tandem structures have higher defect tolerance than single-junction. 10.5 cm2flexible tandem solar cells yielding a PCE of 6.5%.
Supports matter: unraveling the role of charge transfer in the plasmonic catalytic activity of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Papa Letizia , de Freitas Isabel C. , Geonmonond Rafael S. , de Aquino Caroline B. , Pieretti Joana C. , Domingues Sergio H. , Ando Romulo A. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: January 2017

This paper unravels the role played by charge transfer to and from Ag nanoparticles in their plasmonic catalytic activities.
Porous flower-like NiO@graphene composites with superior microwave absorption properties
Authors: Wang Lei , Xing Honglong , Gao Shengtao , Ji Xiaoli , Shen Ziyao
Published: January 2017

Novel porous flower-like NiO@graphene composites with superior microwave absorption properties dues to good impedance matching, the special porous flower-like structure, polarization effects and conductivity loss.
Molecular engineering of organic sensitizers with o,p-dialkoxyphenyl-based bulky donors for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li Xing , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hua Jianli , Tian He
Published: January 2017

The sensitizers witho,p-dialkoxyphenyl-based bulky donors can reduce the charge recombination and improve the performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
Correction: Hyperbranched poly(glycerol) as a T1 contrast agent for tumor-targeted magnetic resonance imaging in vivo
Authors: Cao Yi , Liu Min , Zu Guangyue , Kuang Ye , Tong Xiaoyan , Xiong Dangsheng , Pei Renjun
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Hyperbranched poly(glycerol) as a T1 contrast agent for tumor-targeted magnetic resonance imaging in vivo’ by Yi Cao, et al., Polym. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c6py01819j.
Correction: Regulating C4-dicarboxylate transporters for improving fumaric acid production
Authors: Zhang Ting , Song Ruirui , Wang Meng , Deng Li , Fan Lihai , Wang Fang
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Regulating C4-dicarboxylate transporters for improving fumaric acid production’ by Ting Zhang et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 2897–2904.
N-glycosylation of human sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A (SMPDL3A) is essential for stability, secretion and activity
Authors: Traini Mathew , Kumaran Raani , Thaysen-Andersen Morten , Kockx Maaike , Jessup Wendy , Kritharides Leonard
Published: January 2017

Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A (SMPDL3A) is a recently identified phosphodiesterase, which is a secreted N-linked glycoprotein. SMPDL3A is highly homologous to acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase), but unlike aSMase cannot cleave sphingomyelin. Rather, SMPDL3A hydrolyzes nucleotide tri- and diphosphates and their derivatives. While recent structural studies have shed light on these unexpected substrate preferences, many other aspects of SMPDL3A biology, which may give insight into its function in vivo, remain obscure. Here, we investigate the roles of N-glycosylation in the expression, secretion and activity of human SMPDL3A, using inhibitors of N-glycosylation and site-directed mutagenesis, with either THP-1 macrophages or CHO cells expressing human SMPDL3A. Tunicamycin (TM) treatment resulted in expression of non-glycosylated SMPDL3A that was not secreted, and was largely degraded by the proteasome. Proteasomal inhibition restored levels of SMPDL3A in TM-treated cells, although this non-glycosylated protein lacked phosphodiesterase activity. Enzymatic deglycosylation of purified recombinant SMPDL3A also resulted in significant loss of phosphodiesterase activity. Site-directed mutagenesis of individual N-glycosylation sites in SMPDL3A identified glycosylation of Asn69 and Asn222 as affecting maturation of its N-glycans and secretion. Glycosylation of Asn356 in SMPDL3A, an N-linked site conserved throughout the aSMase-like family, was critical for protection against proteasomal degradation and preservation of enzymatic activity. We provide the first experimental evidence for a predicted 22 residue N-terminal signal peptide in SMPDL3A, which is essential for facilitating glycosylation and is removed from the mature protein secreted from CHO cells. In conclusion, site-specific N-glycosylation is essential for the intracellular stability, secretion and activity of human SMPDL3A.
Analysis and identification of the Grem2 heparin/heparan sulfate-binding motif
Authors: Kattamuri Chandramohan , Nolan Kristof , Thompson Thomas B.
Published: January 2017

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are regulated by extracellular antagonists of the DAN (differential screening-selected gene aberrative in neuroblastoma) family. Similar to the BMP ligands, certain DAN family members have been shown to interact with heparin and heparan sulfate (HS). Structural studies of DAN family members Gremlin-1 and Gremlin-2 (Grem2) have revealed a dimeric growth factor-like fold where a series of lysine residues cluster along one face of the protein. In the present study, we used mutagenesis, heparin-binding measurements, and cell surface-binding analysis to identify lysine residues that are important for heparin/HS binding in Grem2. We determined that residues involved in heparin/HS binding, while not necessary for BMP antagonism, merge with the heparin/HS-binding epitope of BMP2. Furthermore, the Grem2–BMP2 complex has higher affinity for heparin than the individual proteins and this affinity is not abrogated when the heparin/HS-binding epitope of Grem2 is attenuated. Overall, the present study shows that the Grem2 heparin/HS and BMP-binding epitopes are unique and independent, where, interestingly, the Grem2–BMP2 complex exhibits a significant increase in binding affinity toward heparin moieties that appear to be partially independent of the Grem2 heparin/HS-binding epitope.