bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure-guided mutagenesis reveals a hierarchical mechanism of Parkin activation
Authors: Tang Matthew Y. , Vranas Marta , Krahn Andrea I. , Pundlik Shayal , Trempe Jean- François , Fon Edward A.
Published: March 2017

Parkin and PINK1 function in a common pathway to clear damaged mitochondria. Parkin exists in an auto-inhibited conformation stabilized by multiple interdomain interactions. The binding of PINK1-generated phospho-ubiquitin and the phosphorylation of the ubiquitin-like (Ubl) domain of Parkin at Ser65 release its auto-inhibition, but how and when these events take place in cells remain to be defined. Here we show that mutations that we designed to activate Parkin by releasing the Repressor Element of Parkin (REP) domain, or by disrupting the interface between the RING0:RING2 domains, can completely rescue mutations in the Parkin Ubl that are defective in mitochondrial autophagy. Using a FRET reporter assay we show that Parkin undergoes a conformational change upon phosphorylation that can be mimicked by mutating Trp403 in the REP. We propose a hierarchical model whereby pUb binding on mitochondria enables Parkin phosphorylation, which, in turn, leads to REP removal, E3 ligase activation and mitophagy.
The purinergic receptor P2X5 regulates inflammasome activity and hyper-multinucleation of murine osteoclasts
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Walsh Matthew C. , Takegahara Noriko , Middleton Sarah A. , Shin Hong-In , Kim Junhyong , Choi Yongwon
Published: March 2017

Excessive bone resorption by osteoclasts (OCs) can result in serious clinical outcomes, including bone loss that may weaken skeletal or periodontal strength. Proper bone homeostasis and skeletal strength are maintained by balancing OC function with the bone-forming function of osteoblasts. Unfortunately, current treatments that broadly inhibit OC differentiation or function may also interfere with coupled bone formation. We therefore identified a factor, the purinergic receptor P2X5 that is highly expressed during the OC maturation phase, and which we show here plays no apparent role in early bone development and homeostasis, but which is required for osteoclast-mediated inflammatory bone loss and hyper-multinucleation of OCs. We further demonstrate that P2X5 is required for ATP-mediated inflammasome activation and IL-1β production by OCs, and that P2X5-deficient OC maturation is rescued in vitro by addition of exogenous IL-1β. These findings identify a mechanism by which OCs react to inflammatory stimuli, and may identify purinergic signaling as a therapeutic target for bone loss-related inflammatory conditions.
Weaning age influences the severity of gastrointestinal microbiome shifts in dairy calves
Authors: Meale S. J. , Li S. C. , Azevedo P. , Derakhshani H. , DeVries T. J. , Plaizier J. C. , Steele M. A. , Khafipour E.
Published: March 2017

Ruminants microbial consortium is responsible for ruminal fermentation, a process which converts fibrous feeds unsuitable for human consumption into desirable dairy and meat products, begins to establish soon after birth. However, it undergoes a significant transition when digestion shifts from the lower intestine to ruminal fermentation. We hypothesised that delaying the transition from a high milk diet to an exclusively solid food diet (weaning) would lessen the severity of changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome during this transition. β-diversity of ruminal and faecal microbiota shifted rapidly in early-weaned calves (6 weeks), whereas, a more gradual shift was observed in late-weaned calves (8 weeks) up to weaning. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most abundant ruminal phyla in pre- and post-weaned calves, respectively. Yet, the relative abundance of these phyla remained stable in faeces (P ≥ 0.391). Inferred gene families assigned to KEGG pathways revealed an increase in ruminal carbohydrate metabolism (P ≤ 0.009) at 9, compared to 5 weeks. Conversely, carbohydrate metabolism in faeces declined (P ≤ 0.002) following a change in weaning status (i.e., the shift from pre- to post-weaning). Our results indicate weaning later facilitates a more gradual shift in microbiota and could potentially explain the negative effects of early-weaning associated with feeding a high-plane of pre-weaning nutrition.
Benzyl butyl phthalate decreases myogenic differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells through miR-137-mediated regulation of PITX2
Authors: Chen Hung-Sheng , Hsu Chia-Yi , Chang Yu-Chia , Chuang Hui-Yu , Long Cheng-Yu , Hsieh Tsung-Hua , Tsai Eing-Mei
Published: March 2017

Phthalate, an environmental toxin, has been considered as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Growing evidence has demonstrated links between endocrine-disrupting chemicals, tissue development, and reproductive physiology, but the mechanisms of gene expression regulation by environmental factors that affect cell differentiation are unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on human endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (EN-MSC) differentiation and identified a novel signaling pathway. Differentiation of endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells decreased after administration of BBP. We analyzed BBP regulation of gene expression in EN-MSC using cDNA microarrays and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software to identify affected target genes and their biological functions. PITX2 emerged as a common gene hit from separate screens targeting skeletal and muscular disorders, cell morphology, and tissue development. BBP decreased transcription of PITX2 and elevated expression of the microRNA miR-137, the predicted upstream negative regulator of PITX2. These data indicated that BBP affects PITX2 expression through miR-137 targeting of the 3′ untranslated region of PITX2 mRNA. PITX2 down-regulation also decreased MyoD transcript levels in EN-MSC. Our results demonstrate that BBP decreases EN-MSC myogenic differentiation through up-regulation of miR-137, contribute to our understanding of EN-MSC differentiation, and underline the hazardous potential of environmental hormones.
Identification and analysis of genes associated with the synthesis of bioactive constituents in Dendrobium officinale using RNA-Seq
Authors: Shen Chenjia , Guo Hong , Chen Hailing , Shi Yujun , Meng Yijun , Lu Jiangjie , Feng Shangguo , Wang Huizhong
Published: March 2017

Dendrobium officinale L. is an important traditional herb with high commercial value in China. Several bioactive constituents, including polysaccharides and alkaloids, reportedly make major contributions toward the excellent medicinal effect of D. officinale. In this study, the contents of polysaccharides and alkaloids in various organs of D. officinale were measured and compared. We took advantage of transcriptomes from four organs to explore biological mechanisms in the organ-specific distribution of active ingredients in D. officinale. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, unigenes related to the enzymes involved in fructose and mannose metabolism and unigenes associated with putative upstream elements of the alkaloid biosynthetic pathway were identified. A large number of candidates, including 35 full-length glycosyltransferase genes and 49 full-length P450 genes, were also identified based on the transcriptome data, and the organ-specific expression pattern of these genes was determined. Furthermore, differential expression of all candidate genes was analyzed in two Dendrobium species, D. nobile L. and D. officinale. The data will supply important clues to exploit useful genes involved in polysaccharide and alkaloid synthesis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: pNaKtide Attenuates Steatohepatitis and Atherosclerosis by Blocking Na/K-ATPase/ROS Amplification in C57Bl6 and ApoE Knockout Mice Fed a Western Diet
Authors: Sodhi Komal , Srikanthan Krithika , Goguet-Rubio Perrine , Nichols Alexandra , Mallick Amrita , Nawab Athar , Martin Rebecca , Shah Preeya T. , Chaudhry Muhammad , Sigdel Saroj , El-Hamdani Mehiar , Liu Jiang , Xie Zijian , Abraham Nader G. , Shapiro Joseph I.
Published: March 2017

We have previously reported that the α1 subunit of sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na/K-ATPase), acts as a receptor and an amplifier for reactive oxygen species, in addition to its distinct pumping function. On this background, we speculated that blockade of Na/K-ATPase-induced ROS amplification with a specific peptide, pNaKtide, might attenuate the development of steatohepatitis. To test this hypothesis, pNaKtide was administered to a murine model of NASH: the C57Bl6 mouse fed a “western” diet containing high amounts of fat and fructose. The administration of pNaKtide reduced obesity as well as hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Of interest, we also noted marked improvement in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia and aortic streaking in this mouse model. To further elucidate the effects of pNaKtide on atherosclerosis, similar studies were performed in ApoE knockout mice also exposed to the western diet. In these mice, pNaKtide not only improved steatohepatitis, dyslipidemia, and insulin sensitivity, but also ameliorated significant aortic atherosclerosis. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the Na/K-ATPase/ROS amplification loop contributes significantly to the development and progression of steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis. And furthermore, this study presents a potential treatment, the pNaKtide, for the metabolic syndrome phenotype.
Erratum: An optimised direct lysis method for gene expression studies on low cell numbers
Authors: Le Anh Viet-Phuong , Huang Dexing , Blick Tony , Thompson Erik W. , Dobrovic Alexander
Published: March 2017

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 12859; published online: 05 August 2015; updated: 09 March 2017 This Article contains an error in the order of the Figures 3 and 4. Figures 3 and 4 were published as Figures 4 and 3 respectively. The correct Figures appear below as Figures 3 and 4. The Figure legends are correct.
Diet-induced obesity impairs spermatogenesis: a potential role for autophagy
Authors: Mu Yang , Yan Wen-jie , Yin Tai-lang , Zhang Yan , Li Jie , Yang Jing
Published: March 2017

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a crucial role in maintaining a series of cellular functions. It has been found that autophagy is closely involved in the physiological process of spermatogenesis and the regulation of sperm survival and motility. However, the role of autophagy in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced impaired spermatogenesis remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of autophagy in HFD-induced spermatogenesis deficiency and employed chloroquine (CQ) to inhibit autophagy and rapamycin (RAP) to induce autophagy. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and CQ were administered via intratesticular injection in vivo. The effects of CQ and 3-MA on the parameters of spermatozoa co-cultured with palmitic acid (PA) in vitro were also investigated. Human semen samples from obese, subfertile male patients were also collected to examine the level of autophagy. The results suggested that HFD mice subjected to CQ showed improved spermatogenesis. Inhibiting autophagy with CQ improved the decreased fertility of HFD male mice. Moreover, the in vivo and in vitro results indicated that both CQ and 3-MA could suppress the pathological changes in spermatozoa caused by HFD or PA treatment. Additionally, the excessive activation of autophagy was also observed in sperm samples from obese, subfertile male patients.
Regression of devil facial tumour disease following immunotherapy in immunised Tasmanian devils
Authors: Tovar Cesar , Pye Ruth J. , Kreiss Alexandre , Cheng Yuanyuan , Brown Gabriella K. , Darby Jocelyn , Malley Roslyn C. , Siddle Hannah V. T. , Skjødt Karsten , Kaufman Jim , Silva Anabel , Baz Morelli Adriana , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Corcoran Lynn M. , Murphy James M. , Pearse Martin J. , Belov Katherine , Lyons A. Bruce , Woods Gregory M.
Published: March 2017

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer devastating the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) population. The cancer cell is the ‘infectious’ agent transmitted as an allograft by biting. Animals usually die within a few months with no evidence of antibody or immune cell responses against the DFTD allograft. This lack of anti-tumour immunity is attributed to an absence of cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I molecule expression. While the endangerment of the devil population precludes experimentation on large experimental groups, those examined in our study indicated that immunisation and immunotherapy with DFTD cells expressing surface MHC-I corresponded with effective anti-tumour responses. Tumour engraftment did not occur in one of the five immunised Tasmanian devils, and regression followed therapy of experimentally induced DFTD tumours in three Tasmanian devils. Regression correlated with immune cell infiltration and antibody responses against DFTD cells. These data support the concept that immunisation of devils with DFTD cancer cells can successfully induce humoral responses against DFTD and trigger immune-mediated regression of established tumours. Our findings support the feasibility of a protective DFTD vaccine and ultimately the preservation of the species.
Conditional Survival Analysis of Patients With Locally Advanced Laryngeal Cancer: Construction of a Dynamic Risk Model and Clinical Nomogram
Authors:   Multidisciplinary Larynx Cancer Working Group, Sheu Tommy , Vock David M. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Gross Neil , Mulcahy Collin , Zafereo Mark , Gunn G. Brandon , Garden Adam S. , Sevak Parag , Phan Jack , Lewin Jan S. , Frank Steven J. , Beadle Beth M. , Morrison William H. , Lai Stephen Y. , Hutcheson Katherine , Marai G. Elisabeta , Canahuate Guadalupe M. , Kies Merrill , El-Naggar Adel , Weber Randal S. , Rosenthal David I. , Fuller Clifton D.
Published: March 2017

Conditional survival (CS), the survival beyond a pre-defined time interval, can identify periods of higher mortality risk for patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer who face treatment-related toxicity and comorbidities related to alcohol and smoking in the survivorship setting. Using Weibull regression modeling, we analyzed retrospectively abstracted data from 638 records of patients who received radiation to identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) for the first 3 years of survival and for OS conditional upon 3 years of survival. The CS was iteratively calculated, stratifying on variables that were statistically significant on multivariate regression. Predictive nomograms were generated. The median total follow up time was 175 months. The 3- and 6- year actuarial overall survival (OS) was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65–72%) and 49% (CI 45–53%). The 3-year conditional overall survival (COS) at 3 years was 72% (CI 65–74%). Black patients had worse COS over time. Nodal disease was significantly associated with recurrence, but after 3 years, the 3-year conditional RFS converged for all nodal groups. In conclusion, the CS analysis in this patient cohort identified subgroups and time intervals that may represent opportunities for intervention.
Portable Infrared Laser Spectroscopy for On-site Mycotoxin Analysis
Authors: Sieger Markus , Kos Gregor , Sulyok Michael , Godejohann Matthias , Krska Rudolf , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: March 2017

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that spoil food, and severely impact human health (e.g., causing cancer). Therefore, the rapid determination of mycotoxin contamination including deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B1 in food and feed samples is of prime interest for commodity importers and processors. While chromatography-based techniques are well established in laboratory environments, only very few (i.e., mostly immunochemical) techniques exist enabling direct on-site analysis for traders and manufacturers. In this study, we present MYCOSPEC - an innovative approach for spectroscopic mycotoxin contamination analysis at EU regulatory limits for the first time utilizing mid-infrared tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy. This analysis technique facilitates on-site mycotoxin analysis by combining QCL technology with GaAs/AlGaAs thin-film waveguides. Multivariate data mining strategies (i.e., principal component analysis) enabled the classification of deoxynivalenol-contaminated maize and wheat samples, and of aflatoxin B1 affected peanuts at EU regulatory limits of 1250 μg kg−1 and 8 μg kg−1, respectively.
Bioinspired lignocellulosic films to understand the mechanical properties of lignified plant cell walls at nanoscale
Authors: Muraille L. , Aguié-Béghin V. , Chabbert B. , Molinari M.
Published: March 2017

The physicochemical properties of plant fibres are determined by the fibre morphology and structural features of the cell wall, which is composed of three main layers that differ in chemical composition and architecture. This composition and hierarchical structure are responsible for many of the mechanical properties that are desirable for industrial applications. As interactions between the lignocellulosic polymers at the molecular level are the main factor governing the final cohesion and mechanical properties of plant fibres, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is well suited for the observation and measurement of their physical properties at nanoscale levels. Given the complexity of plant cell walls, we have developed a strategy based on lignocellulosic assemblies with increasing complexity to understand the influence of the different polymers on the nanomechanical properties. Measurements of the indentation moduli performed on one type of lignified cell wall compared with those performed on the corresponding lignocellulosic films clearly show the importance of the lignin in the mechanical properties of cell walls. Through this strategy, we envision a wide application of bioinspired systems in future studies of the physical properties of fibres.
Selective targeting of HDAC1/2 elicits anticancer effects through Gli1 acetylation in preclinical models of SHH Medulloblastoma
Authors: Coni Sonia , Mancuso Anna Barbara , Di Magno Laura , Sdruscia Giulia , Manni Simona , Serrao Silvia Maria , Rotili Dante , Spiombi Eleonora , Bufalieri Francesca , Petroni Marialaura , Kusio-Kobialka Monika , De Smaele Enrico , Ferretti Elisabetta , Capalbo Carlo , Mai Antonello , Niewiadomski Pawel , Screpanti Isabella , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Canettieri Gianluca
Published: March 2017

SHH Medulloblastoma (SHH-MB) is a pediatric brain tumor characterized by an inappropriate activation of the developmental Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. SHH-MB patients treated with the FDA-approved vismodegib, an Hh inhibitor that targets the transmembrane activator Smoothened (Smo), have shown the rapid development of drug resistance and tumor relapse due to novel Smo mutations. Moreover, a subset of patients did not respond to vismodegib because mutations were localized downstream of Smo. Thus, targeting downstream Hh components is now considered a preferable approach. We show here that selective inhibition of the downstream Hh effectors HDAC1 and HDAC2 robustly counteracts SHH-MB growth in mouse models. These two deacetylases are upregulated in tumor and their knockdown inhibits Hh signaling and decreases tumor growth. We demonstrate that mocetinostat (MGCD0103), a selective HDAC1/HDAC2 inhibitor, is a potent Hh inhibitor and that its effect is linked to Gli1 acetylation at K518. Of note, we demonstrate that administration of mocetinostat to mouse models of SHH-MB drastically reduces tumor growth, by reducing proliferation and increasing apoptosis of tumor cells and prolongs mouse survival rate. Collectively, these data demonstrate the preclinical efficacy of targeting the downstream HDAC1/2-Gli1 acetylation in the treatment of SHH-MB.
A decade of global volcanic SO2 emissions measured from space
Authors: Carn S. A. , Fioletov V. E. , McLinden C. A. , Li C. , Krotkov N. A.
Published: March 2017

The global flux of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted by passive volcanic degassing is a key parameter that constrains the fluxes of other volcanic gases (including carbon dioxide, CO2) and toxic trace metals (e.g., mercury). It is also a required input for atmospheric chemistry and climate models, since it impacts the tropospheric burden of sulfate aerosol, a major climate-forcing species. Despite its significance, an inventory of passive volcanic degassing is very difficult to produce, due largely to the patchy spatial and temporal coverage of ground-based SO2 measurements. We report here the first volcanic SO2 emissions inventory derived from global, coincident satellite measurements, made by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on NASA’s Aura satellite in 2005–2015. The OMI measurements permit estimation of SO2 emissions from over 90 volcanoes, including new constraints on fluxes from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Aleutian Islands, the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka. On average over the past decade, the volcanic SO2 sources consistently detected from space have discharged a total of ~63 kt/day SO2 during passive degassing, or ~23 ± 2 Tg/yr. We find that ~30% of the sources show significant decadal trends in SO2 emissions, with positive trends observed at multiple volcanoes in some regions including Vanuatu, southern Japan, Peru and Chile.
A potential regulatory network underlying distinct fate commitment of myogenic and adipogenic cells in skeletal muscle
Authors: Sun Wenjuan , He Ting , Qin Chunfu , Qiu Kai , Zhang Xin , Luo Yanhong , Li Defa , Yin Jingdong
Published: March 2017

Mechanism controlling myo-adipogenic balance in skeletal muscle is of great significance for human skeletal muscle dysfunction and myopathies as well as livestock meat quality. In the present study, two cell subpopulations with particular potency of adipogenic or myogenic differentiation were isolated from neonatal porcine longissimus dorsi using the preplate method to detect mechanisms underlying distinct fate commitment of myogenic and adipogenic cells in skeletal muscle. Both cells share a common surface expression profile of CD29+CD31−CD34−CD90+CD105+, verifying their mesenchymal origin. A total of 448 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (FDR < 0.05 and |log2 FC| ≥ 1) between two distinct cells were identified via RNA-seq, including 358 up-regulated and 90 down-regulated genes in myogenic cells compared with adipogenic cells. The results of functional annotation and enrichment showed that 42 DEGs were implicated in cell differentiation, among them PDGFRα, ITGA3, ITGB6, MLCK and MLC acted as hubs between environment information processing and cellular process, indicating that the interaction of the two categories exerts an important role in distinct fate commitment of myogenic and adipogenic cells. Particularly, we are first to show that up-regulation of intracellular Ca2+-MLCK and Rho-DMPK, and subsequently elevated MLC, may contribute to the distinct commitment of myogenic and adipogenic lineages via mediating cytoskeleton dynamics.
Computational On-Chip Imaging of Nanoparticles and Biomolecules using Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Daloglu Mustafa Ugur , Ray Aniruddha , Gorocs Zoltan , Xiong Matthew , Malik Ravinder , Bitan Gal , McLeod Euan , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: March 2017

Significant progress in characterization of nanoparticles and biomolecules was enabled by the development of advanced imaging equipment with extreme spatial-resolution and sensitivity. To perform some of these analyses outside of well-resourced laboratories, it is necessary to create robust and cost-effective alternatives to existing high-end laboratory-bound imaging and sensing equipment. Towards this aim, we have designed a holographic on-chip microscope operating at an ultraviolet illumination wavelength (UV) of 266 nm. The increased forward scattering from nanoscale objects at this short wavelength has enabled us to detect individual sub-30 nm nanoparticles over a large field-of-view of >16 mm2 using an on-chip imaging platform, where the sample is placed at ≤0.5 mm away from the active area of an opto-electronic sensor-array, without any lenses in between. The strong absorption of this UV wavelength by biomolecules including nucleic acids and proteins has further enabled high-contrast imaging of nanoscopic aggregates of biomolecules, e.g., of enzyme Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase, abnormal aggregation of which is linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - a fatal neurodegenerative disease. This UV-based wide-field computational imaging platform could be valuable for numerous applications in biomedical sciences and environmental monitoring, including disease diagnostics, viral load measurements as well as air- and water-quality assessment.
Epitaxially grown BaM hexaferrite films having uniaxial axis in the film plane for self-biased devices
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhi , Meng Siqin , Song Dongsheng , Zhang Yao , Yue Zhenxing , Harris Vincent G.
Published: March 2017

Barium hexaferrite (BaM) films with in-plane c-axis orientation are promising and technically important materials for self-biased magnetic microwave devices. In this work, highly oriented BaM films with different thickness and an in-plane easy axis (c-axis) of magnetization were grown on a-plane "Equation missing" single-crystal sapphire substrates by direct current magnetron sputtering. A procedure involving seed layers, layer-by-layer annealing was adopted to reduce the substrate-induced strains and allow for the growth of thick (~3.44 μm) films. The epitaxial growth of the BaM film on sapphire was revealed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with dislocations being observed at the film-substrate interface. The orientation was also verified by X-ray diffraction and more notably, polarized Raman scattering. The magnetic properties and ferromagnetic resonant frequencies were experimentally characterized by a vibrating sample magnetometry and a frequency-swept ferromagnetic resonant flip-chip technique, respectively. The micron-thick BaM films exhibited a large remanence ratio of 0.92 along in-plane easy axis and a small one of 0.09 for the in-plane hard axis loop measurement. The FMR frequency was 50.3 GHz at zero field and reached 57.9 GHz under a magnetic field of 3 kOe, indicating that the epitaxial BaM films with strong self-biased behaviors have good electromagnetic properties in millimeter-wave range.
Variability in statin-induced changes in gene expression profiles of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Gbelcová Helena , Rimpelová Silvie , Ruml Tomáš , Fenclová Marie , Kosek Vítek , Hajšlová Jana , Strnad Hynek , Kolář Michal , Vítek Libor
Published: March 2017

Statins, besides being powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs, also exert potent anti-proliferative activities. However, their anti-cancer efficacy differs among the individual statins. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the biological pathways affected by individual statins in an in vitro model of human pancreatic cancer. The study was performed on a human pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2, exposed to all commercially available statins (12 μM, 24 h exposure). DNA microarray analysis was used to determine changes in the gene expression of treated cells. Intracellular concentrations of individual statins were measured by UPLC (ultra performance liquid chromatography)-HRMS (high resolution mass spectrometer). Large differences in the gene transcription profiles of pancreatic cancer cells exposed to various statins were observed; cerivastatin, pitavastatin, and simvastatin being the most efficient modulators of expression of genes involved namely in the mevalonate pathway, cell cycle regulation, DNA replication, apoptosis and cytoskeleton signaling. Marked differences in the intracellular concentrations of individual statins in pancreatic cancer cells were found (>11 times lower concentration of rosuvastatin compared to lovastatin), which may contribute to inter-individual variability in their anti-cancer effects. In conclusion, individual statins exert different gene expression modulating effects in treated pancreatic cancer cells. These effects may be partially caused by large differences in their bioavailability. We report large differences in gene transcription profiles of pancreatic cancer cells exposed to various statins. These data correlate to some extent with the intracellular concentrations of statins, and may explain the inter-individual variability in the anti-cancer effects of statins.
The acute airway inflammation induced by PM2.5 exposure and the treatment of essential oils in Balb/c mice
Authors: Wang Hetong , Song Laiyu , Ju Wenhui , Wang Xuguang , Dong Lu , Zhang Yining , Ya Ping , Yang Chun , Li Fasheng
Published: March 2017

PM2.5 is the main particulate air pollutant whose aerodynamic diameter is less than 2.5 micron. The inflammation of various respiratory diseases are associated with PM2.5 inhalation. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β generated from effected cells usually plays a crucial role in many kinds of lung inflammatory reactions. The exacerbation of Th immune responses are identified in some PM2.5 related diseases. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of PM2.5-induced acute lung inflammation, we exposed Balb/c mice to PM2.5 intratracheally and established a mice model. Acute lung inflammation and increased IL-1β expression was observed after PM2.5 instillation. Regulatory factors of IL-1β (TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome) participated in this lung inflammatory response as well. Treatment with compound essential oils (CEOs) substantially attenuated PM2.5-induced acute lung inflammation. The decreased IL-1β and Th immune responses after CEOs treatment were significant. PM2.5 may increase the secretion of IL-1β through TLR4/MyD88 and NLRP3 pathway resulting in murine airway inflammation. CEOs could attenuate the lung inflammation by reducing IL-1β and Th immune responses in this model. This study describes a potentially important mechanism of PM2.5-induced acute lung inflammation and that may bring about novel therapies for the inflammatory diseases associated with PM2.5 inhalation.
Dynamic solid-phase RNA extraction from a biological sample in a polyester-toner based microchip
Authors: Gimenez Thiago Dadalto , Bailão Alexandre Melo , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria , Fiaccadori Fabíola Souza , Borges de Lima Dias e Souza Menira , Duarte Gabriela R. M.
Published: March 2017

High-quality pure RNA from dengue virus was obtained from serum using a dynamic solid phase extraction procedure on a polyester-toner microchip.
Influence of laser nanostructured diamond tools on the cutting behavior of silicon by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Dai Houfu , Chen Genyu , Li Shaobo , Fang Qihong , Hu Bang
Published: March 2017

In this study, a series of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the nanometric cutting of single crystal silicon with a laser-fabricated nanostructured diamond tool.
Efficient rejection of organic compounds using functionalized ZSM-5 incorporated PPSU mixed matrix membrane
Authors: Saranya R. , Arthanareeswaran G. , Ismail A. F. , Reddy N. Lakshmana , Shankar M. V. , Kweon Jihyang
Published: March 2017

Zeolite (ZSM-5) and functionalised zeolite blended polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were fabricated for comparing their performance with virgin PPSU.
Computational prediction and experimental confirmation of rhombohedral structures in Bi1.5CdM1.5O7 (M = Nb, Ta) pyrochlores
Authors: Perenlei G. , Talbot P. C. , Martens W. N. , Riches J. , Alarco J. A.
Published: March 2017

We present theoretical predictions for the electronic band and crystal structure of Bi1.5CdM1.5O7 (M = Nb, Ta) using DFT. The DFT calculated band gaps are in very good agreement with optical band gaps estimated from UV-Vis spectra.
Preparation and application of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers for the selective extraction of coumarins from food and plant samples
Authors: Machyňáková Andrea , Hroboňová Katarína
Published: March 2017

In this study, magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) were synthesized and characterized.
Antibiotic gold: tethering of antimicrobial peptides to gold nanoparticles maintains conformational flexibility of peptides and improves trypsin susceptibility
Authors: Wadhwani Parvesh , Heidenreich Nico , Podeyn Benjamin , Bürck Jochen , Ulrich Anne S.
Published: March 2017

Peptide-coated nanoparticles are valuable tools for diverse biological applications, such as drug delivery, molecular recognition, and antimicrobial action.
A phosphorus–carbon framework over activated carbon supported palladium nanoparticles for the chemoselective hydrogenation of para-chloronitrobenzene
Authors: Lu Chunshan , Wang Mengjun , Feng Zhenlong , Qi Yani , Feng Feng , Ma Lei , Zhang Qunfeng , Li Xiaonian
Published: March 2017

A novel Pd–P–C framework structure was fabricated. Pd with electron-rich properties exhibits superior selectivity up to 99.9% for the hydrogenation of p-CNB to p-CAN.
Tailoring adsorption induced phase transitions in the pillared-layer type metal–organic framework DUT-8(Ni)
Authors: Kavoosi Negar , Bon Volodymyr , Senkovska Irena , Krause Simon , Atzori Cesare , Bonino Francesca , Pallmann Julia , Paasch Silvia , Brunner Eike , Kaskel Stefan
Published: March 2017

Tailoring the characteristics of gating transitions in the porous network, Ni2(ndc)2dabco, was achieved by systematically adjusting the critical synthesis parameters.
Comparison of halide receptors based on H, halogen, chalcogen, pnicogen, and tetrel bonds
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: March 2017

A series of halide receptors are constructed and the geometries and energetics of their binding to F−, Cl−, and Br−assessed by quantum calculations. The dicationic receptors are based on a pair of imidazolium units, connectedviaa benzene spacer. The imidazoliums each donate a proton to a halide in a pair of H-bonds. Replacement of the two bonding protons by Br leads to bindingviaa pair of halogen bonds. Likewise, chalcogen, pnicogen, and tetrel bonds occur when the protons are replaced, respectively, by Se, As, and Ge. Regardless of the binding group considered, F−is bound much more strongly than are Cl−and Br−. With respect to the latter two halides, the binding energy is not very sensitive to the nature of the binding atom, whether H or some other atom. But there is a great deal of differentiation with respect to F−, where the order varies as tetrel > H ∼ pnicogen > halogen > chalcogen. The replacement of the various binding atoms by their analogues in the next row of the periodic table enhances the fluoride binding energy by 22–56%. The strongest fluoride binding agents utilize the tetrel bonds of the Sn atom, whereas it is I-halogen bonds that are preferred for Cl−and Br−. After incorporation of thermal and entropic effects, the halogen, chalcogen, and pnicogen bonding receptors do not represent much of an improvement over H-bonds with regard to this selectivity for F−, even I which binds quite strongly. In stark contrast, the tetrel-bonding derivatives, both Ge and Sn, show by far the greatest selectivity for F−over the other halides, as much as 1013, an enhancement of six orders of magnitude when compared to the H-bonding receptor.
Side-chain engineering for fine-tuning of molecular packing and nanoscale blend morphology in polymer photodetectors
Authors: Hu Liuyong , Qiao Wenqiang , Zhou Xiaokang , Han Jinfeng , Zhang Xiaoqin , Ma Dongge , Li Yuning , Wang Zhi Yuan
Published: March 2017

Enhancing the performance of polymer photodetectors by finely tuning the side chains of low-bandgap polymers.
Supramolecular fluorescent nanoparticles functionalized with controllable physical properties and temperature-responsive release behavior
Authors: Cheng Chih-Chia , Huang Jyun-Jie , Muhable Adem Ali , Liao Zhi-Sheng , Huang Shan-You , Lee Shun-Chieh , Chiu Chih-Wei , Lee Duu-Jong
Published: March 2017

Supramolecular polymers can encapsulate chromophoric pyrene to form multifunctional pyrene-loaded micelles for efficient controlled pyrene release.
Size effect of the active sites in UiO-66-supported nickel catalysts synthesized via atomic layer deposition for ethylene hydrogenation
Authors: Li Zhanyong , Peters Aaron W. , Liu Jian , Zhang Xuan , Schweitzer Neil M. , Hupp Joseph T. , Farha Omar K.
Published: March 2017

Ni(ii) ions have been deposited on the Zr6 nodes of a metal–organic framework (MOF), UiO-66, via an ALD-like process (ALD = atomic layer deposition).
Numerical investigation on the elastic–plastic transition of a cylindrical coating/substrate composite under normal compression
Authors: Mu Yongtao , Liu Ming , Zhao Yongqiang
Published: March 2017

Numerical investigation on the plastic initiation of a coated cylinder in contact with a rigid plane.
Synchrotron X-ray tomographic quantification of microstructural evolution in ice cream – a multi-phase soft solid
Authors: Guo Enyu , Zeng Guang , Kazantsev Daniil , Rockett Peter , Bent Julian , Kirkland Mark , Van Dalen Gerard , Eastwood David S. , StJohn David , Lee Peter D.
Published: March 2017

Synchrotron X-ray tomography reveals the evolving internal morphology of a multi-phase soft solid, ice cream, enabling time dependent quantitation.
Combined experiment and first-principles study of the formation of the Al2O3 layer in alumina-forming austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Dong Nan , Qiao Yongfeng , Zhang Caili , Wang Jian , Fan Guangwei , Fang Xudong , Han Peide
Published: March 2017

Combined experiment and DFT research on the formation of the Al2O3 layer in AFA stainless steel is presented. The oxide layer has the multilayer structure with outer Cr2O3 and inner Al2O3 due to the diffusion of Al from the matrix to the Cr2O3 slab.
The tracer diffusion coefficient of soft nanoparticles in a linear polymer matrix
Authors: Imel Adam E. , Rostom Sahar , Holley Wade , Baskaran Durairaj , Mays J. W. , Dadmun Mark D.
Published: March 2017

The diffusion properties of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites are largely unknown and are often difficult to determine experimentally.
Fabrication and characterization of novel shape-stabilized stearic acid composite phase change materials with tannic-acid-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for thermal energy storage
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhang Xiongjie , Wang Beifu , Lv Mengjiao , Zhu Yingying , Gao Junkai
Published: March 2017

A novel shape-stabilized phase change material, prepared by immobilizing stearic acid onto tannic-acid-templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles.
Enantioselective Barbier-type allylation of ketones using allyl halide and indium in water
Authors: Nakamura Shuichi , Hara Yoshichika , Furukawa Takashi , Hirashita Tsunehisa
Published: March 2017

We disclose herein an efficient enantioselective Barbier-type allylation of ketones using allyl halide and indium metal in water.
Advanced anodes composed of graphene encapsulated nano-silicon in a carbon nanotube network
Authors: Ding Xuli , Wang Haifeng , Liu Xiaoxiao , Gao Zhonghui , Huang Yangyang , Lv Danhui , He Pengfei , Huang Yunhui
Published: March 2017

In situ growth of hierarchical Gra/CNT was achieved for a Si@Gra@CNT composite, and the composite exhibit improved electrochemical performance as a LIB anode.
pH-Controlled recognition of amino acids by urea derivatives of β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Stepniak Pawel , Lainer Bruno , Chmurski Kazimierz , Jurczak Janusz
Published: March 2017

Water soluble amphiphilic urea-substituted β-cyclodextrins were synthesized and applied as amino acid receptors.
Facile synthesis of mesoporous detonation nanodiamond-modified layers of graphitic carbon nitride as photocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Haleem Yasir A. , He Qun , Liu Daobin , Wang Changda , Xu Weiyu , Gan Wei , Zhou Yu , Wu Chuangqiang , Ding Yanwei , Song Li
Published: March 2017

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) may contribute substantially to energy resources in the future through solar energy conversion.
Palladium catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling of benzyltrimethylammonium salts via C–N bond cleavage
Authors: Wang Tao , Yang Shuwu , Xu Silin , Han Chunyu , Guo Ge , Zhao Junfeng
Published: March 2017

A Pd catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling of a benzyltrimethylammonium salt is described. This reaction offers a highly efficient approach to diarylmethanes and also paves the way for the application of benzyltrimethylammonium salts in Pd catalyzed cross-coupling reactions.
Photoelectrochemical H2 evolution using TiO2-coated CaFe2O4 without an external applied bias under visible light irradiation at 470 nm based on device modeling
Authors: Ida Shintaro , Kearney Kara , Futagami Takamitsu , Hagiwara Hidehisa , Sakai Takaaki , Watanabe Motonori , Rockett Angus , Ishihara Tatsumi
Published: March 2017

Coating CaFe2O4 with TiO2 gives an increase or decrease in the onset potential under visible and ultraviolet irradiation, respectively.
BODIPY-based conjugated porous polymers for highly efficient volatile iodine capture
Authors: Zhu Yunlong , Ji Ya-Jian , Wang De-Gao , Zhang Yi , Tang Hui , Jia Xin-Ru , Song Min , Yu Guipeng , Kuang Gui-Chao
Published: March 2017

Two novel BODIPY-based conjugated porous polymers were prepared for the adsorption of volatile iodine.
Harnessing molecular photon upconversion at sub-solar irradiance using dual sensitized self-assembled trilayers
Authors: Dilbeck Tristan , Hill Sean P. , Hanson Kenneth
Published: March 2017

Self-assembled trilayers on metal oxide surfaces are used to increase absorption cross section and photocurrent generation efficiency via triplet–triplet annihilation.
Graphene-like δ-MnO2decorated with ultrafine CeO2as a highly efficient catalyst for long-life lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Cao Can , Xie Jian , Zhang Shichao , Pan Bin , Cao Gaoshao , Zhao Xinbing
Published: March 2017

Li–O2cells co-catalyzed by ultrafine CeO2nanoparticles and few-layered δ-MnO2nanosheets exhibit high capacity and long cycle life.
Side chain engineering of organic sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: a strategy to improve performances and stability
Authors: Joly Damien , Godfroy Maxime , Pellejà Laia , Kervella Yann , Maldivi Pascale , Narbey Stéphanie , Oswald Frédéric , Palomares Emilio , Demadrille Renaud
Published: March 2017

We unraveled the role of alkyl substituents, usually employed as solubilizing groups for organic sensitizers, in the performances and the stability of photovoltaic devices.
Hybrid n-type Sn1−xTaxO2nanowalls bonded with graphene-like layers as high performance electrocatalysts for flexible energy conversion devices
Authors: Duan Yandong , Fu Nianqing , Li Sibai , Yang Xiaoyang , Zheng Jiaxin , Lin Yuan , Pan Feng
Published: March 2017

The optimalηbased on Sn0.925Ta0.075O2/C is 8.38%, which is one of the highestηvalues for fully flexible DSSCs.
Random D–A1–D–A2terpolymers based on benzodithiophene, thiadiazole[3,4-e]isoindole-5,7-dione and thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione for efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Beaupré Serge , Shaker-Sepasgozar Sepideh , Najari Ahmed , Leclerc Mario
Published: March 2017

New efficient D–A1–D–A2random terpolymers for photovoltaic applications.
A Schiff's base receptor for red fluorescence live cell imaging of Zn2+ions in zebrafish embryos and naked eye detection of Ni2+ions for bio-analytical applications
Authors: Senthil Murugan A. , Vidhyalakshmi N. , Ramesh U. , Annaraj J.
Published: March 2017

A quinoline based chemosensor for dual detection of Ni2+/Zn2+ions and its bio-analytical applications.
Mesoporous silica materials for controlled delivery based on enzymes
Authors: Llopis-Lorente Antoni , Lozano-Torres Beatriz , Bernardos Andrea , Martínez-Máñez Ramón , Sancenón Félix
Published: March 2017

This review describes examples of capped mesoporous silica materials that use enzymes as external triggers or functional components of the gating ensemble.
Binding and inhibition of the ternary complex factor Elk-4/Sap1 by the adapter protein Dok-4
Authors: Hooker Erika , Baldwin Cindy , Roodman Victoria , Batra Anupam , Isa Naajia Nur , Takano Tomoko , Lemay Serge
Published: March 2017

The adapter protein Dok-4 (downstream of kinase-4) has been reported as both an activator and inhibitor of Erk and Elk-1, but lack of knowledge about the identity of its partner molecules has precluded any mechanistic insight into these seemingly conflicting properties. We report that Dok-4 interacts with the transactivation domain of Elk-4 through an atypical phosphotyrosine-binding domain-mediated interaction. Dok-4 possesses a nuclear export signal and can relocalize Elk-4 from nucleus to cytosol, whereas Elk-4 possesses two nuclear localization signals that restrict interaction with Dok-4. The Elk-4 protein, unlike Elk-1, is highly unstable in the presence of Dok-4, through both an interaction-dependent mechanism and a pleckstrin homology domain-dependent but interaction-independent mechanism. This is reversed by proteasome inhibition, depletion of endogenous Dok-4 or lysine-to-arginine mutation of putative Elk-4 ubiquitination sites. Finally, Elk-4 transactivation is potently inhibited by Dok-4 overexpression but enhanced by Dok-4 knockdown in MDCK renal tubular cells, which correlates with increased basal and EGF-induced expression of Egr-1, Fos and cylcinD1 mRNA, and cell proliferation despite reduced Erk activation. Thus, Dok-4 can target Elk-4 activity through multiple mechanisms, including binding of the transactivation domain, nuclear exclusion and protein destabilization, without a requirement for inhibition of Erk.
Delay model of multicast protocols co‐existing with legacy unicast in IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network
Authors: Kim Igor , Park Seungkeun
Published: March 2017

Reliable and QoS‐aware multimedia delivery is one of the most important requirements to satisfy end user needs. IEEE 802.11 networks have become one of the most popular Internet access methods owing to their low‐cost and fast connection speed. Multicasting is a transmission technique that can significantly increase network efficiency through the simultaneous delivery of the same multimedia content to multiple multicast group members. IEEE 802.11 describes several multicast protocols targeted to increase the robustness of audio and video delivery. Some researchers have investigated the performance of such multicast protocols in terms of their achievable throughput. However, for a better understanding of the suitability of the protocols for a QoS‐aware multimedia transmission, an in‐depth analysis of the achievable delay is needed. This study provides a detailed delay analysis and describes analytical models for estimating the average achievable delay of IEEE 802.11 multicast protocols co‐existing with legacy stations. The proposed analytical models are compared against simulation results under various conditions and parameter configurations. The simulation results validate the accuracy of the proposed models.
Capacity analysis for multi‐antenna dual‐hop AF system with random co‐channel interference
Authors: Zhang Yunhan , Xue Jiang , Ratnarajah Thomalingam
Published: March 2017

In this work, the performance of a dual‐hop amplify‐and‐forward (AF) multi‐antenna relaying system over Rayleigh fading channels with random co‐channel interference (CCI) is investigated. Three receiving strategies such as the maximal‐ratio combining (MRC), zero‐forcing (ZF) and minimum mean square error (MMSE) are employed in the relay to mitigate the impact of CCI which follows a Poisson point process. In second hop, the relay forwards the signal to the destination by using maximum ratio transmission (MRT). Specifically, we derive the asymptotic expressions of the capacities for this system. The simulation and analytical results show that the MMSE/MRT scheme always provides significant improvement on capacity compared with MRC/MRT and ZF/MRT schemes. Furthermore, the MRC/MRT scheme gives almost the same performance as the MMSE/MRT scheme when the density of CCI sources is high.