bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sarcodon imbricatus polysaccharides improve mouse hematopoietic function after cyclophosphamide-induced damage via G-CSF mediated JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Wang Xue , Chu Qiubo , Jiang Xue , Yu Yue , Wang Libian , Cui Yaqi , Lu Jiahui , Teng Lirong , Wang Di
Published: May 2018

Sarcodon imbricatus, a rare medicinal and edible fungus, has various pharmacological bioactivities. We investigated the effects of S. imbricatus polysaccharides (SIPS) on hematopoietic function and identified the underlying mechanisms using in vitro experiments with CHRF, K562, and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and in vivo experiments with a mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic dysfunction. We found that SIPS induced proliferation and differentiation of CHRF and K562 cells and upregulated the expression of hematopoietic-related proteins, including p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (RSK1p90), c-Myc, and ETS transcription factor, in the two cell lines. After 28 days of treatment, SIPS enhanced the bodyweight and thymus indices of the mice, alleviated enlargement of the spleen and liver, and contributed to the recovery of peripheral blood to normal levels. More importantly, the percentages of B lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells or hematopoietic progenitor cells were significantly elevated in bone marrow. Based on an antibody chip analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, SIPS were found to successfully regulate 12 cytokines to healthy levels in serum and spleen. The cytokines included the following: interleukins 1Ra, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon−γ, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), C-C motif chemokine1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein−1. Moreover, SIPS upregulated the phosphorylation levels of janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the spleen, and similar results were validated in CHRF cells, K562 cells, and BMMNCs. The data indicate that SIPS activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, possibly by interactions among multiple cytokines, particularly G-CSF. We found that SIPS was remarkably beneficial to the bone marrow hematopoietic system, and we anticipate that it could improve myelosuppression induced by long-term radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Significance of prohibitin domain family in tumorigenesis and its implication in cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Bin , He Qing-Yu
Published: May 2018

Prohibitin (PHB) was originally isolated and characterized as an anti-proliferative gene in rat liver. The evolutionarily conserved PHB gene encodes two human protein isoforms with molecular weights of ~33 kDa, PHB1 and PHB2. PHB1 and PHB2 belong to the prohibitin domain family, and both are widely distributed in different cellular compartments such as the mitochondria, nucleus, and cell membrane. Most studies have confirmed differential expression of PHB1 and PHB2 in cancers compared to corresponding normal tissues. Furthermore, studies verified that PHB1 and PHB2 are involved in the biological processes of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Two small molecule inhibitors, Rocaglamide (RocA) and fluorizoline, derived from medicinal plants, were demonstrated to interact directly with PHB1 and thus inhibit the interaction of PHB with Raf-1, impeding Raf-1/ERK signaling cascades and significantly suppressing cancer cell metastasis. In addition, a short peptide ERAP and a natural product xanthohumol were shown to target PHB2 directly and prohibit cancer progression in estrogen-dependent cancers. As more efficient biomarkers and targets are urgently needed for cancer diagnosis and treatment, here we summarize the functional role of prohibitin domain family proteins, focusing on PHB1 and PHB2 in tumorigenesis and cancer development, with the expectation that targeting the prohibitin domain family will offer more clues for cancer therapy.
Integrin beta3 regulates clonality and fate of smooth muscle-derived atherosclerotic plaque cells
Authors: Misra Ashish , Feng Zhonghui , Chandran Rachana R. , Kabir Inamul , Rotllan Noemi , Aryal Binod , Sheikh Abdul Q. , Ding Ling , Qin Lingfeng , Fernández-Hernando Carlos , Tellides George , Greif Daniel M.
Published: May 2018

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a key role in atherogenesis. However, mechanisms regulating expansion and fate of pre-existing SMCs in atherosclerotic plaques remain poorly defined. Here we show that multiple SMC progenitors mix to form the aorta during development. In contrast, during atherogenesis, a single SMC gives rise to the smooth muscle-derived cells that initially coat the cap of atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequently, highly proliferative cap cells invade the plaque core, comprising the majority of plaque cells. Reduction of integrin β3 (Itgb3) levels in SMCs induces toll-like receptor 4 expression and thereby enhances Cd36 levels and cholesterol-induced transdifferentiation to a macrophage-like phenotype. Global Itgb3 deletion or transplantation of Itgb3(−/−) bone marrow results in recruitment of multiple pre-existing SMCs into plaques. Conditioned medium from Itgb3-silenced macrophages enhances SMC proliferation and migration. Together, our results suggest SMC contribution to atherogenesis is regulated by integrin β3-mediated pathways in both SMCs and bone marrow-derived cells.
Absence of dynamic strain aging in an additively manufactured nickel-base superalloy
Authors: Beese Allison M. , Wang Zhuqing , Stoica Alexandru D. , Ma Dong
Published: May 2018

Dynamic strain aging (DSA), observed macroscopically as serrated plastic flow, has long been seen in nickel-base superalloys when plastically deformed at elevated temperatures. Here we report the absence of DSA in Inconel 625 made by additive manufacturing (AM) at temperatures and strain rates where DSA is present in its conventionally processed counterpart. This absence is attributed to the unique AM microstructure of finely dispersed secondary phases (carbides, N-rich phases, and Laves phase) and textured grains. Based on experimental observations, we propose a dislocation-arrest model to elucidate the criterion for DSA to occur or to be absent as a competition between dislocation pipe diffusion and carbide–carbon reactions. With in situ neutron diffraction studies of lattice strain evolution, our findings provide a new perspective for mesoscale understanding of dislocation–solute interactions and their impact on work-hardening behaviors in high-temperature alloys, and have important implications for tailoring thermomechanical properties by microstructure control via AM.
Robust nonfullerene solar cells approaching unity external quantum efficiency enabled by suppression of geminate recombination
Authors: Baran Derya , Gasparini Nicola , Wadsworth Andrew , Tan Ching Hong , Wehbe Nimer , Song Xin , Hamid Zeinab , Zhang Weimin , Neophytou Marios , Kirchartz Thomas , Brabec Christoph J. , Durrant James R. , McCulloch Iain
Published: May 2018

Nonfullerene solar cells have increased their efficiencies up to 13%, yet quantum efficiencies are still limited to 80%. Here we report efficient nonfullerene solar cells with quantum efficiencies approaching unity. This is achieved with overlapping absorption bands of donor and acceptor that increases the photon absorption strength in the range from about 570 to 700 nm, thus, almost all incident photons are absorbed in the active layer. The charges generated are found to dissociate with negligible geminate recombination losses resulting in a short-circuit current density of 20 mA cm−2 along with open-circuit voltages >1 V, which is remarkable for a 1.6 eV bandgap system. Most importantly, the unique nano-morphology of the donor:acceptor blend results in a substantially improved stability under illumination. Understanding the efficient charge separation in nonfullerene acceptors can pave the way to robust and recombination-free organic solar cells.
Author Correction: A RAB35-p85/PI3K axis controls oscillatory apical protrusions required for efficient chemotactic migration
Authors: Corallino Salvatore , Malinverno Chiara , Neumann Beate , Tischer Christian , Palamidessi Andrea , Frittoli Emanuela , Panagiotakopoulou Magdalini , Disanza Andrea , Malet-Engra Gema , Nastaly Paulina , Galli Camilla , Luise Chiara , Bertalot Giovanni , Pece Salvatore , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Gauthier Nils , Ferrari Aldo , Maiuri Paolo , Scita Giorgio
Published: May 2018

The originally published version of this Article contained an error in the name of the author Salvatore Corallino, which was incorrectly given as Corallino Salvatore. This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1α by the vaccine adjuvant AS03 contributes to its immunostimulatory properties
Authors: Givord Charlotte , Welsby Iain , Detienne Sophie , Thomas Séverine , Assabban Assiya , Lima Silva Viviana , Molle Céline , Gineste Romain , Vermeersch Marjorie , Perez-Morga David , Leo Oberdan , Collignon Catherine , Didierlaurent Arnaud M. , Goriely Stanislas
Published: May 2018

The oil-in-water emulsion Adjuvant System 03 (AS03) is one of the few adjuvants used in licensed vaccines. Previous work indicates that AS03 induces a local and transient inflammatory response that contributes to its adjuvant effect. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its immunostimulatory properties are ill-defined. Upon intramuscular injection in mice, AS03 elicited a rapid and transient downregulation of lipid metabolism-related genes in the draining lymph node. In vitro, these modifications were associated with profound changes in lipid composition, alteration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology and activation of the unfolded protein response pathway. In vivo, treatment with a chemical chaperone or deletion of the ER stress sensor kinase IRE1α in myeloid cells decreased AS03-induced cytokine production and its capacity to elicit high affinity antigen-specific antibodies. In summary, our results indicate that IRE1α is a sensor for the metabolic changes induced by AS03 in monocytic cells and may constitute a canonical pathway that could be exploited for the design of novel vaccine adjuvants.
Author Correction: Balance between Estrogens and Proinflammatory Cytokines Regulates Chemokine Production Involved in Thymic Germinal Center Formation
Authors: Dragin Nadine , Nancy Patrice , Villegas José , Roussin Régine , Le Panse Rozen , Berrih-Aknin Sonia
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Muscle and adipose tissue morphology, insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in diabetic and nondiabetic obese patients: effects of bariatric surgery
Authors: Camastra Stefania , Vitali Alessandra , Anselmino Marco , Gastaldelli Amalia , Bellini Rosario , Berta Rossana , Severi Ilenia , Baldi Simona , Astiarraga Brenno , Barbatelli Giorgio , Cinti Saverio , Ferrannini Ele
Published: May 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Dental calculus and isotopes provide direct evidence of fish and plant consumption in Mesolithic Mediterranean
Authors: Cristiani Emanuela , Radini Anita , Borić Dušan , Robson Harry K. , Caricola Isabella , Carra Marialetizia , Mutri Giuseppina , Oxilia Gregorio , Zupancich Andrea , Šlaus Mario , Vujević Dario
Published: May 2018

In this contribution we dismantle the perceived role of marine resources and plant foods in the subsistence economy of Holocene foragers of the Central Mediterranean using a combination of dental calculus and stable isotope analyses. The discovery of fish scales and flesh fragments, starch granules and other plant and animal micro-debris in the dental calculus of a Mesolithic forager dated to the end of the 8th millenium BC and buried in the Vlakno Cave on Dugi Otok Island in the Croatian Archipelago demonstrates that marine resources were regularly consumed by the individual together with a variety of plant foods. Since previous stable isotope data in the Eastern Adriatic and the Mediterranean region emphasises that terrestrial-based resources contributed mainly to Mesolithic diets in the Mediterranean Basin, our results provide an alternative view of the dietary habits of Mesolithic foragers in the Mediterranean region based on a combination of novel methodologies and data.
Obeticholic acid protects against hepatocyte death and liver fibrosis in a murine model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Goto Toshihiro , Itoh Michiko , Suganami Takayoshi , Kanai Sayaka , Shirakawa Ibuki , Sakai Takeru , Asakawa Masahiro , Yoneyama Toshihiro , Kai Toshihiro , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: May 2018

Accumulating evidence has suggested that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) are therapeutically useful for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, it is still unclear how FXR agonists protect against NASH and which cell type is the main target of FXR agonists. In this study, we examined the effects of OCA on the development of NASH using melanocortin 4 receptor-deficient (MC4R-KO) mice that progressively developed hepatic steatosis and NASH on Western diet (WD). Treatment with OCA effectively prevented chronic inflammation and liver fibrosis in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice with only marginal effect on body weight and hepatic steatosis. Hepatic crown-like structure (hCLS) is a unique histological structure characteristic of NASH, which triggers hepatocyte death-induced interstitial fibrosis. Intriguingly, treatment with OCA markedly reduced hCLS formation even after MC4R-KO mice developed NASH, thereby inhibiting the progression of liver fibrosis. As its mechanism of action, OCA suppressed metabolic stress-induced p53 activation and cell death in hepatocytes. Our findings in this study highlight the role of FXR in hepatocytes in the pathogenesis of NASH. Collectively, this study demonstrates the anti-fibrotic effect of OCA in a murine model of NASH with obesity and insulin resistance, which suggests the clinical implication for human NASH.
Identification on mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades by integrating protein interaction with transcriptional profiling analysis in cotton
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Mi Xinyue , Chen Chuan , Wang Haitang , Guo Wangzhen
Published: May 2018

Plant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play important roles in development and stress responses. In previous studies, we have systematically investigated the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) and MAPK gene families in cotton. However, the complete interactions between MAPK gene family members in MAPK signaling cascade is poorly characterized. Herein, we investigated the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK) family members and identified a total of 89 MAPKKK genes in the Gossypium raimondii genome. We cloned 51 MAPKKKs in G. hirsutum and investigated the interactions between MKK and MAPKKK proteins through yeast-two hybrid assays. A total of 18 interactive protein pairs involved in 14 MAPKKKs and six MKKs were found. Among these, 13 interactive pairs had not been reported previously. Gene expression patterns revealed that 12 MAPKKKs were involved in diverse signaling pathways triggered by hormone treatments or abiotic stresses. By combining the MKK-MAPK and MKK-MAPKKK protein interactions with gene expression patterns, 38 potential MAPK signaling modules involved in the complicated cross-talks were identified, which provide a basis on elucidating biological function of the MAPK cascade in response to hormonal and/or stress responses. The systematic investigation in MAPK signaling cascades will lay a foundation for understanding the functional roles of different MAPK cascades in signal transduction pathways, and for the improvement of various defense responses in cotton.
Formation of nano-sized M2C carbides in Si-free GH3535 alloy
Authors: Jiang Li , Yinling Wang , Hu Rui , Liu Renduo , Ye Xiang-Xi , Li Zhijun , Zhou Xingtai
Published: May 2018

GH3535 alloy is one of the most promising structural materials for molten salt reactors (MSRs). Its microstructure is characterized by equiaxed grains and coarser primary M6C carbide strings. In this study, stable nano-sized M2C carbides were obtained in GH3535 alloy by the removal of Si and thermal exposure at 650 °C. Nano-sized M2C carbide particles precipitate preferentially at grain boundaries during the initial stage of thermal exposure and then spread all over the grain interior in two forms, namely, arrays along the {1 1 1} planes and randomly distributed particles. The precipitate-free zones (PFZs) and the precipitate-enriched zones (PEZs) of the M2C carbides were found to coexist in the vicinity of the grain boundaries. All M2C carbides possess one certain orientation relationship (OR) with the matrix. Based on microstructural characterizations, the formation process of M2C carbides with different morphologies was discussed. The results suggested that the more-stable morphology and OR of M2C carbides in the Si-free alloy provide higher hardness and better post-irradiation properties, as reported previously. Our results indicate the preferential application of Si-free GH3535 alloy for the low-temperature components in MSRs.
Intraperitoneal hypertension, a novel risk factor for sepsis-associated encephalopathy in sepsis mice
Authors: He Yu-jing , Xu Hao , Fu Yao-jie , Lin Ji-yan , Zhang Min-wei
Published: May 2018

Sepsis associated encephalopathy (SAE), appears often indicates the deterioration of the sepsis disease and which have high risk of death. Although several mechanism and hypotheses have been proposed and studied, there is no breakthrough in the treatment of SAE. We performed a systematic research to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal pressure on SAE. A mice model of sepsis was established by intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin. A total of 48 female BALB/c mouse (30 days old) were randomly divided into a control group (n = 12) and an injection of endotoxin referred to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group (n = 12). Intraperitoneal hypertension (IAH) referred to IAH group (n = 12), and LPS + IAH group (n = 12). Following sepsis induction, diagnosis, the brains were analyzed for both function and ultrastructural morphology.We determined that IAH exacerbated sepsis induces sepsis-associated encephalopathy when examining low score of neurological function and more delta wave in EEG, increased neuronal edema in LPS + IAH group, as well as an escalation of Bax and Cleaved-caspase-3, Cleaved-parp, and reduction of Bcl-2 and Mfsd2a in LPS + IAH group. Therefore, IAH can exacerbate and increase incident rate of sepsis-related encephalopathy in sepsis mice by promoting neuronal apoptosis and destruction of the blood-brain barrier.
Laser Scribed Graphene Cathode for Next Generation of High Performance Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Jin Hyeon , Yoon Jung-Rag
Published: May 2018

Hybrid supercapacitors have been regarded as next-generation energy storage devices due to their outstanding performances. However, hybrid supercapacitors remain a great challenge to enhance the energy density of hybrid supercapacitors. Herein, a novel approach for high-energy density hybrid supercapacitors based on a laser scribed graphene cathode and AlPO4-carbon hybrid coated H2Ti12O25 (LSG/H-HTO) was designed. Benefiting from high-energy laser scribed graphene and high-power H-HTO, it was demonstrated that LSG/H-HTO delivers superior energy and power densities with excellent cyclability. Compared to previous reports on other hybrid supercapacitors, LSG/H-HTO electrode composition shows extraordinary energy densities of ~70.8 Wh/kg and power densities of ~5191.9 W/kg. Therefore, LSG/H-HTO can be regarded as a promising milestone in hybrid supercapacitors.
Identification of spoilage microorganisms in blueberry juice and their inactivation by a microchip pulsed electric field system
Authors: Zhu Ning , Yu Ning , Zhu Yue , Wei Yulong , Hou Yanan , Zhang Haiping , Sun Ai-dong
Published: May 2018

Blueberry juice is a healthy and nutritious food that has become increasingly popular worldwide. However, little is known about the microbial groups of this juice that can cause its spoilage. This study aimed to identify the main spoilage microorganisms in blueberry juice and explore whether a microchip pulsed electric field (MPEF) can effectively inactivate them. We performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, as well as 16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and 26S rDNA gene sequence analyses. Nine species belonging to eight genera, including Pantoea, Burkholderia, Pichia, Meyerozyma, Cryptococcus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, and Penicillium were identified as spoilage microorganisms. Cryptococcus sp., Meyerozyma sp., and Pichia sp. were specific spoilage organisms (SSO) owing to their rising numbers throughout spoilage progression. The effect of MPEF on the potential inactivation of these microorganisms was to induce significant inactivation of viable Cryptococcus sp., Meyerozyma sp., and Pichia sp. This research provides a theoretical basis for the application of MPEF in improving the quality of blueberry juice.
Microfluidic device for real-time formulation of reagents and their subsequent encapsulation into double emulsions
Authors: Chang Jui-Chia , Swank Zoe , Keiser Oliver , Maerkl Sebastian J. , Amstad Esther
Published: May 2018

Emulsion drops are often employed as picoliter-sized containers to perform screening assays. These assays usually entail the formation of drops encompassing discrete objects such as cells or microparticles and reagents to study interactions between the different encapsulants. Drops are also used to screen influences of reagent concentrations on the final product. However, these latter assays are less frequently performed because it is difficult to change the reagent concentration over a wide range and with high precision within a single experiment. In this paper, we present a microfluidic double emulsion drop maker containing pneumatic valves that enable real-time formulation of different reagents using pulse width modulation and consequent encapsulation of the mixed solutions. This device can produce drops from reagent volumes as low as 10 µL with minimal sample loss, thereby enabling experiments that would be prohibitively expensive using drop generators that do not contain valves. We employ this device to monitor the kinetics of the cell-free synthesis of green fluorescent proteins inside double emulsions. To demonstrate the potential of this device for real-time formulation, we perform DNA titration experiments to test the influence of DNA concentration on the amount of green fluorescence protein produced in double emulsions by a coupled cell-free transcription / translation system.
Engineered Healing of Avascular Meniscus Tears by Stem Cell Recruitment
Authors: Tarafder Solaiman , Gulko Joseph , Sim Kun Hee , Yang Jian , Cook James L. , Lee Chang H.
Published: May 2018

Meniscus injuries are extremely common with approximately one million patients undergoing surgical treatment annually in the U.S. alone. Upon injury, the outer zone of the meniscus can be repaired and expected to functionally heal but tears in the inner avascular region are unlikely to heal. To date, no regenerative therapy has been proven successful for consistently promoting healing in inner-zone meniscus tears. Here, we show that controlled applications of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) can induce seamless healing of avascular meniscus tears by inducing recruitment and step-wise differentiation of synovial mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (syMSCs). A short-term release of CTGF, a selected chemotactic and profibrogenic cue, successfully recruited syMSCs into the incision site and formed an integrated fibrous matrix. Sustain-released TGFβ3 then led to a remodeling of the intermediate fibrous matrix into fibrocartilaginous matrix, fully integrating incised meniscal tissues with improved functional properties. Our data may represent a novel clinically relevant strategy to improve healing of avascular meniscus tears by recruiting endogenous stem/progenitor cells.
Effects of thermal treatment on the adhesion strength and osteoinductive activity of single-layer graphene sheets on titanium substrates
Authors: Gu Ming , Lv Longwei , Du Feng , Niu Tianxiao , Chen Tong , Xia Dandan , Wang Siyi , Zhao Xiao , Liu Jianzhang , Liu Yunsong , Xiong Chunyang , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: May 2018

In recent years, dental implants have become the preferred approach for the restoration of missing teeth. At present, most dental implants are made of pure titanium, and are affected by peri-implantitis and bone resorption, which usually start from the implant neck, due to the complex environment in this region. To address these issues, in this study we modified the surface of titanium (Ti) implants to exploit the antibacterial and osteoinductive effects of single-layer graphene sheets. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown single-layer graphene sheets were transferred to titanium discs, and a method for improving the adhesion strength of graphene on Ti was developed due to compromised adhesion strength between graphene and titanium surface. A thermal treatment of 2 h at 160 °C was found to enhance the adhesion strength of graphene on Ti to facilitate clinical transformation. Graphene coatings of Ti enhanced cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation, and imparted antibacterial activity to Ti substrate; these favorable effects were not affected by the thermal treatment. In summary, the present study elucidated the effects of a thermal treatment on the adhesion strength and osteoinductive activity of single-layer graphene sheets on titanium substrates.
Identification of copy number variations among fetuses with ultrasound soft markers using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Lin , Zhou Cong , Wang Li , Xie Hanbing , Xiao Yuanyuan , Yin Daishu , Zeng Yang , Tang Feng , Yang Yunyuan , Zhu Hongmei , Chen Xinlian , Zhu Qian , Liu Zhiying , Liu Hongqian
Published: May 2018

A prospective analysis investigating the associations between pathogenic copy number variations (pCNVs) and ultrasound soft markers (USMs) in fetuses and evaluating the clinical value of copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) in such pregnancy studies was carried out. 3,398 unrelated Chinese women with singleton pregnancies and undergone amniocentesis at 18–36 weeks of gestation for fetal CNV-seq were included. According to the prenatal fetal ultrasound screening results, the samples were divided into 3 groups: normal ultrasound (n = 2616), solitary USM (n = 663), and two or more USMs (n = 119). CNV-seq was performed successfully using all samples. The prevalence of pCNVs in fetuses with normal ultrasound and USMs was 3.03% (79/2616) and 2.94% (23/782), respectively. The risk of segmental aneuploidies was significantly higher in the two or more USMs group (5/119, 4.20%) than in the normal ultrasound (27/2616, 1.04%) or solitary USM (9/663, 1.36%) groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0.031, respectively). Assuming that the resolution of karyotyping is ~5 Mb, a cytogenetic analysis would miss 33 of 102 (32.35%) pCNVs in these samples. Our results suggest an association between pCNVs and fetal USMs; multiple USMs indicate an increased risk of fetal segmental aneuploidies. In prenatal diagnostic testing, CNV-Seq identified additional, clinically significant cytogenetic information.
Mid-IR Hollow-core microstructured fiber drawn from a 3D printed PETG preform
Authors: Talataisong Wanvisa , Ismaeel Rand , Marques Thiago H. R. , Abokhamis Mousavi Seyedmohammad , Beresna Martynas , Gouveia M. A. , Sandoghchi Seyed Reza , Lee Timothy , Cordeiro Cristiano M. B. , Brambilla Gilberto
Published: May 2018

Mid-infrared (mid-IR) optical fibers have long attracted great interest due to their wide range of applications in security, biology and chemical sensing. Traditionally, research was directed towards materials with low absorption in the mid-IR region, such as chalcogenides, which are difficult to manipulate and often contain highly toxic elements. In this paper, we demonstrate a Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) hollow-core fiber (HCF) with guiding properties in the mid-IR. Guiding is provided by the fiber geometry, as PETG exhibits a material attenuation 2 orders of magnitude larger than the HCF propagation loss. The structured plastic fiber preforms were fabricated using commercial 3D printing technology and then drawn using a conventional fiber drawing tower. The final PETG fiber outer diameter was 466 µm with a hollow-core diameter of 225 µm. Thermal imaging at the fiber facet performed within the wavelength range 3.5–5 µm clearly indicates air guidance in the fiber hollow-core.
Insight into the fission mechanism by quantitative characterization of Drp1 protein distribution in the living cell
Authors: Michalska Bernadeta Maria , Kwapiszewska Karina , Szczepanowska Joanna , Kalwarczyk Tomasz , Patalas-Krawczyk Paulina , Szczepański Krzysztof , Hołyst Robert , Duszyński Jerzy , Szymański Jędrzej
Published: May 2018

One of the main players in the process of mitochondrial fragmentation is dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which assembles into a helical ring-like structure on the mitochondria and facilitates fission. The fission mechanism is still poorly understood and detailed information concerning oligomeric form of Drp1, its cellular distribution and the size of the fission complex is missing. To estimate oligomeric forms of Drp1 in the cytoplasm and on the mitochondria, we performed a quantitative analysis of Drp1 diffusion and distribution in gene-edited HeLa cell lines. This paper provides an insight into the fission mechanism based on the quantitative description of Drp1 cellular distribution. We found that approximately half of the endogenous GFP-Drp1 pool remained in the cytoplasm, predominantly in a tetrameric form, at a concentration of 28 ± 9 nM. The Drp1 mitochondrial pool included many different oligomeric states with equilibrium distributions that could be described by isodesmic supramolecular polymerization with a Kd of 31 ± 10 nM. We estimated the average number of Drp1 molecules forming the functional fission complex to be approximately 100, representing not more than 14% of all Drp1 oligomers. We showed that the upregulated fission induced by niclosamide is accompanied by an increase in the number of large Drp1 oligomers.
Highly Responsive Blue Light Sensor with Amorphous Indium-Zinc-Oxide Thin-Film Transistor based Architecture
Authors: Liu Po Tsun , Ruan Dun Bao , Yeh Xiu Yun , Chiu Yu Chuan , Zheng Guang Ting , Sze Simon M.
Published: May 2018

A single layer of amorphous InZnO is chosen as the channel material for a thin film transistor (TFT)-based driver and sensing layer for a blue-light sensor, respectively, with a completely compatible process integrated into in-cell embedded photo sensor architecture. The photo sensor exhibits a high optical responsivity (1280 A/W) and excellent signal to noise ratio (~105) under the blue light illumination. Afterwards, the detail studies and important issues about the sensing and material characteristics of a-IZO thin film in the TFT sensor are well discussed. The results suggest that the numbers of the deep, neutral oxygen vacancy are the key factors for carrier generation under illumination. In addition, a positive gate pulse is applied on the devices to eliminate persistent photoconductivity in order to ensure the recover ability for the photo sensor application. The practical concepts of a sensor circuit, which can be integrated on RGB pixel with interactive display, are also proposed on the basis of photo sensor TFT.
Flexible Organic Thin Film Transistors Incorporating a Biodegradable CO2-Based Polymer as the Substrate and Dielectric Material
Authors: Rullyani Cut , Sung Chao-Feng , Lin Hong-Cheu , Chu Chih-Wei
Published: May 2018

Employing CO2-based polymer in electronic applications should boost the consumption of CO2 feedstocks and provide the potential for non-permanent CO2 storage. In this study, polypropylene carbonate (PPC) is utilized as a dielectric and substrate material for organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) and organic inverter. The PPC dielectric film exhibits a surface energy of 47 mN m−1, a dielectric constant of 3, a leakage current density of less than 10−6 A cm−2, and excellent compatibility with pentacene and PTCDI-C8 organic semiconductors. Bottom-gate top-contact OTFTs are fabricated using PPC as a dielectric; they exhibits good electrical performance at an operating voltage of 60 V, with electron and hole mobilities of 0.14 and 0.026 cm2 V−1 s−1, and on-to-off ratios of 105 and 103, respectively. The fabricated p- and n-type transistors were connected to form a complementary inverter that operated at supply voltages of 20 V with high and low noise margins of 85 and 69%, respectively. The suitability of PPC as a substrate is demonstrated through the preparation of PPC sheets by casting method. The fabricated PPC sheets has a transparency of 92% and acceptable mechanical properties, yet they biodegraded rapidly through enzymatic degradation when using the lipase from Rhizhopus oryzae.
Anti-inflammatory effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 on cardiac and adipose tissue in rats with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Uchinaka Ayako , Azuma Naoki , Mizumoto Hisashi , Nakano Shiho , Minamiya Moeko , Yoneda Mamoru , Aoyama Kiyoshi , Komatsu Yuki , Yamada Yuichiro , Murohara Toyoaki , Nagata Kohzo
Published: May 2018

The effects of heat-killedLactobacillus plantarumL-137 (HK L-137) on chronic inflammation associated with metabolic disorders have remained unknown. We examined the effects of HK L-137 on cardiac and adipose tissue pathophysiology in DahlS.Z-Leprfa/Leprfa(DS/obese) rats as a model of metabolic syndrome. DS/obese rats were treated orally with HK L-137 (2 or 75 mg kg−1day−1) from 9 to 13 weeks of age. HK L-137 attenuated left ventricular (LV) inflammation and fibrosis as well as adipocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, and up-regulation of sterol regulatory element–binding protein–1c (SREBP-1c) gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, without affecting body weight gain or hypertension. The low dose of HK L-137 also ameliorated LV diastolic dysfunction, the increase in subcutaneous fat mass, and insulin resistance as well as attenuated the down-regulation of Akt phosphorylation in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue, and the elevation of the circulating interleukin-6 concentration. Furthermore, the proportion of regulatory T (Treg) cells among CD4+T cells in the spleen was increased by HK L-137. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of HK L-137 on the heart and adipose tissue are related, at least partly, to suppression of systemic inflammation associated with an increase in splenic Treg cell.
Precision imaging of 4.4 MeV gamma rays using a 3-D position sensitive Compton camera
Authors: Koide Ayako , Kataoka Jun , Masuda Takamitsu , Mochizuki Saku , Taya Takanori , Sueoka Koki , Tagawa Leo , Fujieda Kazuya , Maruhashi Takuya , Kurihara Takuya , Inaniwa Taku
Published: May 2018

Imaging of nuclear gamma-ray lines in the 1–10 MeV range is far from being established in both medical and physical applications. In proton therapy, 4.4 MeV gamma rays are emitted from the excited nucleus of either 12C* or 11B* and are considered good indicators of dose delivery and/or range verification. Further, in gamma-ray astronomy, 4.4 MeV gamma rays are produced by cosmic ray interactions in the interstellar medium, and can thus be used to probe nucleothynthesis in the universe. In this paper, we present a high-precision image of 4.4 MeV gamma rays taken by newly developed 3-D position sensitive Compton camera (3D-PSCC). To mimic the situation in proton therapy, we first irradiated water, PMMA and Ca(OH)2 with a 70 MeV proton beam, then we identified various nuclear lines with the HPGe detector. The 4.4 MeV gamma rays constitute a broad peak, including single and double escape peaks. Thus, by setting an energy window of 3D-PSCC from 3 to 5 MeV, we show that a gamma ray image sharply concentrates near the Bragg peak, as expected from the minimum energy threshold and sharp peak profile in the cross section of 12C(p,p)12C*.
Effect of straw mulch and seeding rate on the harvest index, yield and water use efficiency of winter wheat
Authors: Hu Changlu , Zheng Cheng , Sadras Victor O. , Ding Mao , Yang Xueyun , Zhang Shulan
Published: May 2018

Straw mulching has been used to improve water use efficiency (WUE, yield per unit evapotranspiration) in the Loess Plateau of China, but the seeding rate may need to be adjusted from conventional practice. We tested the three-way interaction between seeding rate, soil management (conventional tillage and straw mulching) and seasons. Wheat yield ranged from 2851 to 6981 kg ha−1 and WUE from 5.3 to 16.2 kg ha−1 mm−1. Generally, soil water storage was higher and soil temperature was lower under straw mulching than under conventional practice. Evapotranspiration was higher under straw mulching. Yield was significantly affected by the interaction between straw mulching and season. Conventional practice showed significantly higher mean harvest index (HI), yield, and WUE than straw mulching in favorable seasons. However, yield was significantly higher under mulching than under conventional tillage in very dry season. Seeding rate had no effect on yield, but low seeding rate increased HI compared to high seeding rate. It is concluded that low seeding rate would be suitable for straw mulching.
Most favorable cumulenic structures in iron-capped linear carbon chains are short singlet odd-carbon dications: a theoretical view
Authors: Pu Liang , Zhang Zhong , King R. Bruce , Allen Wesley D.
Published: May 2018

DFT computations suggest that the odd iron-capped linear-carbon dications exhibit large ΔES–T values and more cumulenic structures than short even-carbon chains.
A novel application of electrospun silk fibroin/poly(l-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for conjunctiva reconstruction
Authors: Yao Qinke , Hu Yang , Yu Fei , Zhang Weijie , Fu Yao
Published: May 2018

We present a promising scaffold with favorable mechanical and biological properties for conjunctival regeneration.
Towards microbioprocess control: an inexpensive 3D printed microbioreactor with integrated online real-time glucose monitoring
Authors: Panjan Peter , Virtanen Vesa , Sesay Adama Marie
Published: May 2018

A 3D printed micro-bioreactor and microfluidic chip with integrated screen printed glucose biosensor for online monitoring of glucose to aid micro-bioprocess control.
Boronic acid liposomes for cellular delivery and content release driven by carbohydrate binding
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Alves Daiane S. , Lou Jinchao , Hill Shelby D. , Barrera Francisco N. , Best Michael D.
Published: May 2018

Boronic acid lipids are shown to be effective for both cell delivery and content release driven by carbohydrate binding interactions.
Conformationally-flexible and moderately electron-donating units-installed D–A–D triad enabling multicolor-changing mechanochromic luminescence, TADF and room-temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Takeda Youhei , Kaihara Takahito , Okazaki Masato , Higginbotham Heather , Data Przemyslaw , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi
Published: May 2018

A novel multi-color-changing MCL compound has been developed that also shows TADF and RTP.
An electrolyte-gated polythiophene transistor for the detection of biogenic amines in water
Authors: Minamiki Tsukuru , Hashima Yuki , Sasaki Yui , Minami Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2018

An ultra-low voltage operatable thin-film transistor based on a polythiophene pendant with a carboxy sidechain can detect biogenic amines in water.
A [Cr2Ni] coordination polymer: slow relaxation of magnetization in quasi-one-dimensional ferromagnetic chains
Authors: Fotopoulou Eirini , Martínez-Lillo Jose , Siczek Milosz , Lis Tadeusz , Tangoulis Vassilis , Evangelisti Marco , Brechin Euan K. , Milios Constantinos J.
Published: May 2018

The first example of a NiII–CrIII chain to exhibit slow relaxation of magnetization is reported.
The first lead fluorooxoborate PbB5O8F: achieving the coexistence of large birefringence and deep-ultraviolet cut-off edge
Authors: Mutailipu Miriding , Zhang Min , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2018

The first lead fluorooxoborate was synthesised as a potential birefringent material, which achieved the coexistence of large birefringence and short cut-off edge.
A nitrogen-doped PtSn nanocatalyst supported on hollow silica spheres for acetic acid hydrogenation
Authors: Zhou Jiahua , Zhao Yujun , Zhang Jian , Wang Yue , Gutiérrez Oliver Y. , Wang Shengnian , Li Zhengxiang , Jin Peng , Wang Shengping , Ma Xinbin , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: May 2018

The interaction between N and Pt significantly enhanced Pt dispersion and the activity in the hydrogenation of acetic acid.
Water proton NMR detection of amide hydrolysis and diglycine dimerization
Authors: Briggs Katharine T. , Taraban Marc B. , Yu Y. Bruce
Published: May 2018

The transverse relaxation rate of water protonsR2(1H2O) is found to be sensitive to amide hydrolysis and diglycine dimerization.
Two-component molecular crystals: relationship between the entropy term and the molecular volume of co-crystal formation
Authors: Perlovich German L.
Published: May 2018

There are very few articles that investigate the thermodynamic formation of two-component molecular crystals.
Designing tri-branched multiple-site SO2 capture materials
Authors: Li Chenchen , Lu Dongmei , Wu Chao
Published: May 2018

Tri-branched species with multiple isolated reactive sites are proposed for high and uniform SO2 capture.
Surface premelting/recrystallization governing the collapse of open-cell nanoporous Cu via thermal annealing
Authors: Wang L. , Zhang X. M. , Deng L. , Tang J. F. , Xiao S. F. , Deng H. Q. , Hu W. Y.
Published: May 2018

We systematically investigate the collapse of a set of open-cell nanoporous Cu (np-Cu) materials with the same porosity and shape but different specific surface areas, during thermal annealing, by performing large-scale molecular dynamics simulations.
Titanium(iv) oxide having a copper co-catalyst: a new type of semihydrogenation photocatalyst working efficiently at an elevated temperature under hydrogen-free and poison-free conditions
Authors: Kominami Hiroshi , Shiba Misaki , Hashimoto Akimi , Imai Shota , Nakanishi Kousuke , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Hashimoto Keiji , Imamura Kazuya
Published: May 2018

A slight elevation in temperature greatly increased the reaction rate with formation of an H2 by-product being suppressed.
Interplay between magnetic anisotropies in CoAu and Co films and antidot arrays: effects on the spin configuration and hysteretic behavior
Authors: Spizzo F. , Del Bianco L. , Coïsson M. , Chinni F. , Mattarello V. , Maurizio C. , Mattei G.
Published: May 2018

The nanopatterning of CoAu films enables a local modification of the shape factor and tuning of the interplay of magnetic anisotropies.
A family of lanthanide compounds with reduced nitronyl nitroxide diradical: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Xiao Zhao-Xin , Miao Hao , Shao Dong , Wei Hai-Yan , Zhang Yi-Quan , Wang Xin-Yi
Published: May 2018

A new diradical based on the pyrazine ring and a series of Ln2 compounds with its reduced form have been synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically.
Towards the rational design of the Py5-ligand framework for ruthenium-based water oxidation catalysts
Authors: Schilling Mauro , Böhler Michael , Luber Sandra
Published: May 2018

An in–depth view on the water oxidation mechanism of Py5-derived Ru catalysts, paving the way for rational design of analogous water oxidation catalysts.
Cross-linking of cyanide magnetic coordination polymers by rational insertion of formate, cyanide or azide
Authors: Handzlik Gabriela , Sieklucka Barbara , Pinkowicz Dawid
Published: May 2018

Anionic bridging ligands formate, cyanide and azide have been used to form cross-links in a ferrimagnetic coordination framework, resulting in competing magnetic interactions that decrease the magnetic ordering temperature and result in peculiar magnetic properties.
Microfluidic preparation of flexible micro-grippers with precise delivery function
Authors: Geng Yu-Hao , Ge Xue-hui , Zhang Shao-Bin , Zhou Yi-Wei , Wang Zhi-Qi , Chen Jian , Xu Jian-Hong
Published: May 2018

We firstly proposed a one-step preparation method of micro-grippers and then characterized the behavior of oriented and precise delivery.
Tuning the molecular antenna effect using donor and acceptor substituents on the optical properties of the [(C5F5)2ThMCp2]2+and [(C5F5)2ThMCpL2]+complexes, where M = Fe, Ru and Os and L = CO and C5H5N
Authors: Cantero-López Plinio , Páez-Hernández Dayán , Arratia-Pérez Ramiro
Published: May 2018

In the present work, a theoretical methodology based on DFT is used to establish the effects of the electron rearrangements on the optical properties in a series of Th-Transtion metal complexes.
Design and development of novel antibiotics based on FtsZ inhibition – in silico studies
Authors: Veselinović Aleksandar M. , Toropov Andrey , Toropova Alla , Stanković-Đorđević Dobrila , Veselinović Jovana B.
Published: May 2018

QSAR models, computer-aided drug design and the application of molecular docking were used to evaluate benzamide analogues as FtsZ inhibitors.
Luminescent europium(iii) complexes containing an electron rich 1,2,3-triazolyl-pyridyl ligand
Authors: Scrivanti Alberto , Bortoluzzi Marco , Morandini Andrea , Dolmella Alessandro , Enrichi Francesco , Mazzaro Raffaello , Vomiero Alberto
Published: May 2018

Novel lanthanide complexes based on a strongly electron rich triazolyl-pyridine (N-N′) ligand were synthesized; among them [Eu(dbm)3(N-N′)] was found to be strongly luminescent also once embedded in a PMMA matrix.
Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen by nanodiamonds
Authors: Batsanov Stepan S. , Gavrilkin Sergei M. , Shatalova Tatyana B. , Mendis Budhika G. , Batsanov Andrei S.
Published: May 2018

Very dilute aqueous colloids of a detonation-produced nanodiamond or an ultrafine synthetic diamond react with N2 to yield solids containing fixed nitrogen.
A porous metal–organic aerogel based on dirhodium paddle-wheels as an efficient and stable heterogeneous catalyst towards the reduction reaction of aldehydes and ketones
Authors: Liu Gang , Wang Yanhu , Zhu Baofu , Zhang Li , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: May 2018

A new mesoporous metal–organic aerogel based on dirhodium paddle-wheels has been successfully synthesized and applied in the hydrosilylation reaction of aldehydes and ketones.
A ligand strategic approach with Cu-MOF for enhanced solar light photocatalysis
Authors: Surib Nur Atiqah , Kuila Aneek , Saravanan Pichiah , Sim Lan Ching , Leong Kah Hon
Published: May 2018

A bi-linker approach was employed on Cu-MOF for enhanced solar-light photocatalytic activity
Robust ferromagnetism in zigzag-edge rich MoS2 pyramids
Authors: Zhou Qingwei , Su Shaoqiang , Cheng Pengfei , Hu Xianbao , Zeng Min , Gao Xingsen , Zhang Zhang , Liu Jun-Ming
Published: May 2018

Robust ferromagnetism in zigzag-edge rich MoS2 pyramids with a clearly identified remnant and switchable magnetic moment.
Construction of a multifunctional nanoprobe for tumor-targeted time-gated luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Dai Zhichao , Ma Hua , Tian Lu , Song Bo , Tan Mingqian , Zheng Xiuwen , Yuan Jingli
Published: May 2018

A multifunctional nanoprobe for tumor-targeted time-gated luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging in vitro and in vivo.
Tuning the fluorescence of tetraphenylethylene in dilute solutions via modulating multiple-hydrogen-bonding interactions between a Hamilton receptor and cyanuric acid
Authors: Wang Dong-Hui , Zhu Deng-Jie , Ding Wen , Xue Min , Yang Yong
Published: May 2018

A hydrogen bonded luminescent supramolecular network from HTPE and CTPE can be further tuned.