bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of iron-bearing carbonates in the deep Earth’s interior
Authors: Cerantola Valerio , Bykova Elena , Kupenko Ilya , Merlini Marco , Ismailova Leyla , McCammon Catherine , Bykov Maxim , Chumakov Alexandr I. , Petitgirard Sylvain , Kantor Innokenty , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Jacobs Jeroen , Hanfland Michael , Mezouar Mohamed , Prescher Clemens , Rüffer Rudolf , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Dubrovinsky Leonid
Published: July 2017

The presence of carbonates in inclusions in diamonds coming from depths exceeding 670 km are obvious evidence that carbonates exist in the Earth’s lower mantle. However, their range of stability, crystal structures and the thermodynamic conditions of the decarbonation processes remain poorly constrained. Here we investigate the behaviour of pure iron carbonate at pressures over 100 GPa and temperatures over 2,500 K using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy in laser-heated diamond anvil cells. On heating to temperatures of the Earth’s geotherm at pressures to ∼50 GPa FeCO3 partially dissociates to form various iron oxides. At higher pressures FeCO3 forms two new structures—tetrairon(III) orthocarbonate Fe43+C3O12, and diiron(II) diiron(III) tetracarbonate Fe22+Fe23+C4O13, both phases containing CO4 tetrahedra. Fe4C4O13 is stable at conditions along the entire geotherm to depths of at least 2,500 km, thus demonstrating that self-oxidation-reduction reactions can preserve carbonates in the Earth’s lower mantle.
Chronic activation of JNK JAK/STAT and oxidative stress signalling causes the loser cell status
Authors: Kucinski Iwo , Dinan Michael , Kolahgar Golnar , Piddini Eugenia
Published: July 2017

Cell competition is a form of cell interaction that causes the elimination of less fit cells, or losers, by wild-type (WT) cells, influencing overall tissue health. Several mutations can cause cells to become losers; however, it is not known how. Here we show that Drosophila wing disc cells carrying functionally unrelated loser mutations (Minute and mahjong) display the common activation of multiple stress signalling pathways before cell competition and find that these pathways collectively account for the loser status. We find that JNK signalling inhibits the growth of losers, while JAK/STAT signalling promotes competition-induced winner cell proliferation. Furthermore, we show that losers display oxidative stress response activation and, strikingly, that activation of this pathway alone, by Nrf2 overexpression, is sufficient to prime cells for their elimination by WT neighbours. Since oxidative stress and Nrf2 are linked to several diseases, cell competition may occur in a number of pathological conditions.
Efficient probabilistic inference in generic neural networks trained with non-probabilistic feedback
Authors: Orhan A. Emin , Ma Wei Ji
Published: July 2017

Animals perform near-optimal probabilistic inference in a wide range of psychophysical tasks. Probabilistic inference requires trial-to-trial representation of the uncertainties associated with task variables and subsequent use of this representation. Previous work has implemented such computations using neural networks with hand-crafted and task-dependent operations. We show that generic neural networks trained with a simple error-based learning rule perform near-optimal probabilistic inference in nine common psychophysical tasks. In a probabilistic categorization task, error-based learning in a generic network simultaneously explains a monkey’s learning curve and the evolution of qualitative aspects of its choice behavior. In all tasks, the number of neurons required for a given level of performance grows sublinearly with the input population size, a substantial improvement on previous implementations of probabilistic inference. The trained networks develop a novel sparsity-based probabilistic population code. Our results suggest that probabilistic inference emerges naturally in generic neural networks trained with error-based learning rules.
The liver-enriched lnc-LFAR1 promotes liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ and Notch pathways
Authors: Zhang Kun , Han Xiaohui , Zhang Zhen , Zheng Lina , Hu Zhimei , Yao Qingbin , Cui Hongmei , Shu Guiming , Si Maojie , Li Chan , Shi Zhemin , Chen Ting , Han Yawei , Chang Yanan , Yao Zhi , Han Tao , Hong Wei
Published: July 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in various biological processes such as proliferation, cell death and differentiation. Here, we show that a liver-enriched lncRNA, named liver fibrosis-associated lncRNA1 (lnc-LFAR1), promotes liver fibrosis. We demonstrate that lnc-LFAR1 silencing impairs hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, reduces TGFβ-induced hepatocytes apoptosis in vitro and attenuates both CCl4- and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Lnc-LFAR1 promotes the binding of Smad2/3 to TGFβR1 and its phosphorylation in the cytoplasm. Lnc-LFAR1 binds directly to Smad2/3 and promotes transcription of TGFβ, Smad2, Smad3, Notch2 and Notch3 which, in turn, results in TGFβ and Notch pathway activation. We show that the TGFβ1/Smad2/3/lnc-LFAR1 pathway provides a positive feedback loop to increase Smad2/3 response and a novel link connecting TGFβ with Notch pathway. Our work identifies a liver-enriched lncRNA that regulates liver fibrogenesis and suggests it as a potential target for fibrosis treatment.
Erratum: Influence of different geographical factors on carbon sink functions in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Xu Qian , Dong Yuxiang , Yang Ren
Published: July 2017

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML version of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
The power of a control qubit in weak measurements
Authors: Coto Raul , Montenegro Víctor , Eremeev Vitalie , Mundarain Douglas , Orszag Miguel
Published: July 2017

In the late 80 s, a curious effect suggested by Aharanov et al. was found to lead to an anomalous amplification based on quantum measurements of weakly coupled systems. In this paper, we investigate the quantum control of the weak value amplification of a qubit system coupled to a meter. For the qubit system, the coupling occurs via a second non-interacting qubit, initially quantum correlated with the first one. We show that for weak measurements, the control can be remotely realized via the post-selected state of the second qubit or the degree of squeezing of the meter. In our study of the quantum control of the amplification, we can easily manipulate the degree of quantum correlations between the initially correlated qubits. We find that the degree of entanglement has no effect on the quantum control of the amplification. However, we also found a clear connection between the amplification and quantum discord like measurements as well as classical correlations between the qubits. Finally, we suggest an application of the amplification control on the enhancement of the quantum measurement accuracy, e.g. measuring the relative phase of the post-selected control qubit in a more precise way, as opposed to the non-amplified case.
(t, n) Threshold d-Level Quantum Secret Sharing
Authors: Song Xiu-Li , Liu Yan-Bing , Deng Hong-Yao , Xiao Yong-Gang
Published: July 2017

Most of Quantum Secret Sharing(QSS) are (n, n) threshold 2-level schemes, in which the 2-level secret cannot be reconstructed until all n shares are collected. In this paper, we propose a (t, n) threshold d-level QSS scheme, in which the d-level secret can be reconstructed only if at least t shares are collected. Compared with (n, n) threshold 2-level QSS, the proposed QSS provides better universality, flexibility, and practicability. Moreover, in this scheme, any one of the participants does not know the other participants’ shares, even the trusted reconstructor Bob1 is no exception. The transformation of the particles includes some simple operations such as d-level CNOT, Quantum Fourier Transform(QFT), Inverse Quantum Fourier Transform(IQFT), and generalized Pauli operator. The transformed particles need not to be transmitted from one participant to another in the quantum channel. Security analysis shows that the proposed scheme can resist intercept-resend attack, entangle-measure attack, collusion attack, and forgery attack. Performance comparison shows that it has lower computation and communication costs than other similar schemes when 2 < t < n − 1.
Estrogen Regulates Bone Turnover by Targeting RANKL Expression in Bone Lining Cells
Authors: Streicher Carmen , Heyny Alexandra , Andrukhova Olena , Haigl Barbara , Slavic Svetlana , Schüler Christiane , Kollmann Karoline , Kantner Ingrid , Sexl Veronika , Kleiter Miriam , Hofbauer Lorenz C. , Kostenuik Paul J. , Erben Reinhold G.
Published: July 2017

Estrogen is critical for skeletal homeostasis and regulates bone remodeling, in part, by modulating the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), an essential cytokine for bone resorption by osteoclasts. RANKL can be produced by a variety of hematopoietic (e.g. T and B-cell) and mesenchymal (osteoblast lineage, chondrocyte) cell types. The cellular mechanisms by which estrogen acts on bone are still a matter of controversy. By using murine reconstitution models that allow for selective deletion of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) or selective inhibition of RANKL in hematopoietic vs. mesenchymal cells, in conjunction with in situ expression profiling in bone cells, we identified bone lining cells as important gatekeepers of estrogen-controlled bone resorption. Our data indicate that the increase in bone resorption observed in states of estrogen deficiency in mice is mainly caused by lack of ERα-mediated suppression of RANKL expression in bone lining cells.
Primitive erythrocytes are generated from hemogenic endothelial cells
Authors: Stefanska Monika , Batta Kiran , Patel Rahima , Florkowska Magdalena , Kouskoff Valerie , Lacaud Georges
Published: July 2017

Primitive erythroblasts are the first blood cells generated during embryonic hematopoiesis. Tracking their emergence both in vivo and in vitro has remained challenging due to the lack of specific cell surface markers. To selectively investigate primitive erythropoiesis, we have engineered a new transgenic embryonic stem (ES) cell line, where eGFP expression is driven by the regulatory sequences of the embryonic βH1 hemoglobin gene expressed specifically in primitive erythroid cells. Using this ES cell line, we observed that the first primitive erythroblasts are detected in vitro around day 1.5 of blast colony differentiation, within the cell population positive for the early hematopoietic progenitor marker CD41. Moreover, we establish that these eGFP+ cells emerge from a hemogenic endothelial cell population similarly to their definitive hematopoietic counterparts. We further generated a corresponding βH1-eGFP transgenic mouse model and demonstrated the presence of a primitive erythroid primed hemogenic endothelial cell population in the developing embryo. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that both in vivo and in vitro primitive erythrocytes are generated from hemogenic endothelial cells.
Using RNA sequencing to identify putative competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) potentially regulating fat metabolism in bovine liver
Authors: Liang Ruobing , Han Bo , Li Qian , Yuan Yuwei , Li Jianguo , Sun Dongxiao
Published: July 2017

RNA sequencing has been extensively used to study specific gene expression patterns to discover potential key genes related to complex traits of interest in animals. Of note, a new regulatory mechanism builds a large-scale regulatory network among transcriptome, where lncRNAs act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to sponge miRNAs to regulate the expression of miRNA target genes post-transcriptionally. In this study, we sequenced the cDNA and sRNA libraries of nine liver samples from three Holstein cows during dry period, early lactation, and peak of lactation with HiSeq platform. As a result, we identified 665 genes, 57 miRNAs and 33 lncRNAs that displayed differential expression patterns across periods. Subsequently, a total of 41ceRNA pairs (lncRNA-mRNA) sharing 11 miRNAs were constructed including 30 differentially expressed genes. Importantly, 12 among them were presented in our large metabolic networks, and predicted to influence the lipid metabolism through insulin, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AMPK, mTOR, and PPAR signaling pathways, thus, these genes were considered as the most promising candidates for milk fat formation. To our knowledge, this is first investigation to profile the ceRNA regulatory networks of liver transcriptome that could affect milk fat synthesis in bovine, providing a new view of the regulatory mechanism of RNAs.
Genetic Susceptibility to Rotavirus Gastroenteritis and Vaccine Effectiveness in Taiwanese Children
Authors: Yang Ting-An , Hou Ju-Yin , Huang Yhu-Chering , Chen Chih-Jung
Published: July 2017

The genetic susceptibility to and vaccine effectiveness against rotavirus gastroenteritis were different in distinct ethnic groups. The case-control study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines and associations between the histo-blood group antigens and susceptibility to rotavirus infections in a Taiwanese population. Cases were children <18 years old who were hospitalized because of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection. Controls were healthy children matched to cases by age and gender. The secretor status and Lewis antigen and ABO types were determined by molecular methods. A total of 68 cases and 133 controls were included. Rotavirus immunization was recorded in 8 (12%) cases and 77 (58%) controls, indicating a vaccine effectiveness of 90.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.1% − 95.7%). The secretor and Lewis-positive genotypes were independently associated with increased risk of rotavirus infections (matched odds ratio [mOR] 28.5, 95% CI 2.94–277, P = 0.003 and mOR 16.8, 95% CI 1.08–2601, P = 0.04, respectively). The distribution of ABO blood types did not differ significantly between cases and controls (P = 0.47). In conclusion, Taiwanese children with the secretor genotype and Lewis-positive genotype were at increased risk of moderate-to-severe rotavirus infections. The illness can be effectively prevented by immunization in this population.
Highly Flexible and Efficient Fabric-Based Organic Light-Emitting Devices for Clothing-Shaped Wearable Displays
Authors: Choi Seungyeop , Kwon Seonil , Kim Hyuncheol , Kim Woohyun , Kwon Jung Hyun , Lim Myung Sub , Lee Ho Seung , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: July 2017

Recently, the role of clothing has evolved from merely body protection, maintaining the body temperature, and fashion, to advanced functions such as various types of information delivery, communication, and even augmented reality. With a wireless internet connection, the integration of circuits and sensors, and a portable power supply, clothes become a novel electronic device. Currently, the information display is the most intuitive interface using visualized communication methods and the simultaneous concurrent processing of inputs and outputs between a wearer and functional clothes. The important aspect in this case is to maintain the characteristic softness of the fabrics even when electronic devices are added to the flexible clothes. Silicone-based light-emitting diode (LED) jackets, shirts, and stage costumes have started to appear, but the intrinsic stiffness of inorganic semiconductors causes wearers to feel discomfort; thus, it is difficult to use such devices for everyday purposes. To address this problem, a method of fabricating a thin and flexible emitting fabric utilizing organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) was developed in this work. Its flexibility was evaluated, and an analysis of its mechanical bending characteristics and tests of its long-term reliability were carried out.
Experimental demonstration of a reconfigurable electro-optic directed logic circuit using cascaded carrier-injection micro-ring resonators
Authors: Tian Yonghui , Liu Zilong , Xiao Huifu , Zhao Guolin , Liu Guipeng , Yang Jianhong , Ding Jianfeng , Zhang Lei , Yang Lin
Published: July 2017

We experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable electro-optic directed logic circuit which can perform any combinatorial logic operation using cascaded carrier-injection micro-ring resonators (MRRs), and the logic circuit is fabricated on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate with the standard commercial Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication process. PIN diodes embedded around MRRs are employed to achieve the carrier injection modulation. The operands are represented by electrical signals, which are applied to the corresponding MRRs to control their switching states. The operation result is directed to the output port in the form of light. For proof of principle, several logic operations of three-operand with the operation speed of 100 Mbps are demonstrated successfully.
A rapid, low-cost, and microfluidic chip-based system for parallel identification of multiple pathogens related to clinical pneumonia
Authors: Huang Guoliang , Huang Qin , Xie Lan , Xiang Guangxin , Wang Lei , Xu Hui , Ma Li , Luo Xianbo , Xin Juan , Zhou Xinying , Jin Xiangyu , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2017

An air-insulated microfluidic chip was designed for the automatic centrifugal distribution of samples to 24-test cells, enabling the parallel identification of multiple clinical pneumonia-related pathogens in 1.45-μL reactions without cross-contamination in 45 min. A portable nucleic acid analyzer that integrates mechanical, confocal optical, electronic, and software functions was also developed to collect fluorescence data in a Ø3 mm imaging field near the optical diffraction limit for highly sensitive fluorescence detection of nucleic acid amplification in real time. This microfluidic chip-based portable nucleic acid analyzer could detect low abundance nucleic acids present at as few as 10 copies. In a blinded experiment, specific identification of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus was achieved with 229 clinical patient sputum samples. The total coincidence rate of our system and traditional RT-PCR with an ABI 7500 was 99.56%. Four samples accounting for the 0.44% inconformity were retested by gene sequencing, revealing that our system reported the correct results. This novel microfluidic chip-based detection system is cost-effective, rapid, sensitive, specific, and has a relatively high throughput for parallel identification, which is especially suitable for resource-limited facilities/areas and point-of-care testing.
Temperature tunability of surface plasmon enhanced Smith-Purcell terahertz radiation for semiconductor-based grating
Authors: Cheng Bo Han , Ye Yu-Siou , Lan Yung-Chiang , Tsai Din Ping
Published: July 2017

In this work, the terahertz (THz) Smith-Purcell radiations (SPRs) for the relativistic electron bunch passing over an indium antimonide (InSb)-based substrate with a subwavelength grating under various temperatures of substrate are investigated by FDTD simulations and theoretical analyses. The explored SPR is locked and enhanced at a certain emission wavelength with the emission angle still following the wavelength-angle relation of the traditional SPR. This wavelength agrees with the (vacuum) wavelength of surface plasmons (SPs) at the air-InSb interface excited by the electron bunch. The enhancement of SPR at this wavelength is attributed to the energy from electron concentrated in the excited SPs and then transformed into radiation via the SPR mechanism. When the temperature of InSb increases, the emission wavelength of the enhanced SPR decreases along with the emission angles increasing gradually. This work demonstrates that the emission wavelength and angle of the enhanced SPR from the InSb grating can be manipulated by the temperature of InSb. The temperature tunability of SP-enhanced SPR has potential applications in the fields of optical beam steering and metamaterial light source.
Hyperoside pre-treatment prevents glomerular basement membrane damage in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting podocyte heparanase expression
Authors: An Xiaofei , Zhang Lin , Yuan Yanggang , Wang Bin , Yao Qiuming , Li Ling , Zhang Jisheng , He Ming , Zhang Jinan
Published: July 2017

Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) damage plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Heparan sulfate (HS) degradation induced by podocyte heparanase is the major cause of GBM thickening and abnormal perm-selectivity. In the present study, we aimed to examine the prophylactic effect of hyperoside on proteinuria development and GBM damage in DN mouse model and the cultured mouse podocytes. Pre-treatment with hyperoside (30 mg/kg/d) for four weeks could significantly decrease albuminuria, prevent GBM damage and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus (DM) mice. Immunofluorescence staining, Real time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that decreased HS contents and increased heparanase expression in DN mice were also significantly improved by hyperoside pre-treatment. Meanwhile, transmission electron microscope imaging showed that hyperoside significantly alleviated GBM thickening in DN mice. In addition, hyperoside pre-treatment inhibited the increased heparanase gene (HPR1) promoter activity and heparanase expression induced by high glucose or reactive oxidative species (ROS) in cultured podocytes. Our data suggested that hyperoside has a prophylactic effect on proteinuria development and GBM damage in DM mice by decreasing podocyte heparanase expression.
Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of the S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase inhibitor 3-Deazaneplanocin A, in human articular chondrocytes
Authors: Aury-Landas Juliette , Bazille Céline , Allas Lyess , Bouhout Sara , Chesneau Christophe , Leclercq Sylvain , Boumédiene Karim , Baugé Catherine
Published: July 2017

3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) is an inhibitor of S-Adenosyl-L-Homocysteine Hydrolase (SAHH) known to inhibit EZH2, a histone methylase upregulated during osteoarthritis. In this study, we assessed its effects in human articular chondrocytes. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by Nitric Oxide (NO), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and Metalloprotease (MMP) release in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. MAPK and NFκB activation was analyzed by western blotting. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) regulated by DZNep were identified by whole-transcriptome microarray. DZNep inhibited SAHH activity and was not toxic. It counteracted NO, PGE2 and MMP release, and reduced MAPK activation induced by IL-1β. By whole-transcriptome analysis, we identified that DNZep counteracts the effect of IL-1β on the expression of 81 protein-coding genes, including CITED2, an MMP inhibitor. These genes are organized in a protein-protein network centred on EGR1, which is known to functionally interact with EZH2. Gene ontologies enrichment analysis confirmed that DZNep counteracts IL-1β-induced expression of genes involved in cartilage matrix breakdown (MMPs and ADAMTS). In addition, DZNep up-regulated cartilage specific genes, such as COL2A1 and SOX9, suggesting a chondroprotective effect of DZNep. DZNep exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, and regulates genes implicated in chondroprotective response in human articular chondrocytes, suggesting that inhibitors of S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases could be effective treatments for OA.
Thy-1+ Cancer-associated Fibroblasts Adversely Impact Lung Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Schliekelman Mark J. , Creighton Chad J. , Baird Brandi N. , Chen Yulong , Banerjee Priyam , Bota-Rabassedas Neus , Ahn Young-Ho , Roybal Jonathon D. , Chen Fengju , Zhang Yiqun , Mishra Dhruva K. , Kim Min P. , Liu Xin , Mino Barbara , Villalobos Pamela , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Behrens Carmen , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Hanash Samir M. , Kurie Jonathan M.
Published: July 2017

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) regulate diverse intratumoral biological programs and can promote or inhibit tumorigenesis, but those CAF populations that negatively impact the clinical outcome of lung cancer patients have not been fully elucidated. Because Thy-1 (CD90) marks CAFs that promote tumor cell invasion in a murine model of KrasG12D–driven lung adenocarcinoma (KrasLA1), here we postulated that human lung adenocarcinomas containing Thy-1+ CAFs have a worse prognosis. We first examined the location of Thy-1+ CAFs within human lung adenocarcinomas. Cells that co-express Thy-1 and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a CAF marker, were located on the tumor periphery surrounding collectively invading tumor cells and in perivascular regions. To interrogate a human lung cancer database for the presence of Thy-1+ CAFs, we isolated Thy-1+ CAFs and normal lung fibroblasts (LFs) from the lungs of KrasLA1 mice and wild-type littermates, respectively, and performed global proteomic analysis on the murine CAFs and LFs, which identified 425 proteins that were differentially expressed. Used as a probe to identify Thy-1+ CAF-enriched tumors in a compendium of 1,586 lung adenocarcinomas, the presence of the 425-gene signature predicted a significantly shorter survival. Thus, Thy-1 marks a CAF population that adversely impacts clinical outcome in human lung cancer.
Multiplex Immunoassays Utilizing Differential Affinity Using Aptamers Generated by MARAS
Authors: Lai Ji-Ching , Horng Horng-Er , Hong Chin-Yih
Published: July 2017

Disease diagnosis typically requires to determine concentration of multiple biomarkers in patient serums. Here, a novel method for multiplex immunoassays is proposed and the feasibility is demonstrated. The method utilizes the differential affinity between aptamers and multiple analytes for multiplex immunoassays. During the selection, aptamers capable of binding to multiple analytes with different affinities are screened from a random oligonucleotide library using the MARAS procedure with different magnetic field conditions for different target analytes. During the detection, the same magnetic field conditions are applied to differentiate different target analytes in blind serums. The results show that the recovery rates of the spiked targets in BD buffer and blind serums are similar. Moreover, there is a minimal interference resulting from non-specific binding of molecules in serums other than the target molecules. Therefore, the use of differential affinities between aptamers and different analytes for multiplex immunoassays is proved to be feasible.
Selenocysteine induces apoptosis in human glioma cells: evidence for TrxR1-targeted inhibition and signaling crosstalk
Authors: Fan Cun-dong , Fu Xiao-yan , Zhang Zong-yong , Cao Ming-zhi , Sun Jing-yi , Yang Ming-feng , Fu Xiao-ting , Zhao Shi-jun , Shao Lu-rong , Zhang Hui-fang , Yang Xiao-yi , Sun Bao-liang
Published: July 2017

Thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) as a selenium (Se)-containing antioxidase plays key role in regulating intracellular redox status. Selenocystine (SeC) a natural available Se-containing amino acid showed novel anticancer potential through triggering oxidative damage-mediated apoptosis. However, whether TrxR-mediated oxidative damage was involved in SeC-induced apoptosis in human glioma cells has not been elucidated yet. Herein, SeC-induced human glioma cell apoptosis was detected in vitro, accompanied by PARP cleavage, caspases activation and DNA fragmentation. Mechanically, SeC caused mitochondrial dysfunction and imbalance of Bcl-2 family expression. SeC treatment also triggered ROS-mediated DNA damage and disturbed the MAPKs and AKT pathways. However, inhibition of ROS overproduction effectively attenuated SeC-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, and normalized the expression of MAPKs and AKT pathways, indicating the significance of ROS in SeC-induced apoptosis. Importantly, U251 human glioma xenograft growth in nude mice was significantly inhibited in vivo. Further investigation revealed that SeC-induced oxidative damage was achieved by TrxR1-targeted inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Our findings validated the potential of SeC to inhibit human glioma growth by oxidative damage-mediated apoptosis through triggering TrxR1-targeted inhibition.
Photo-irradiated caffeic acid exhibits antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans biofilms via hydroxyl radical formation
Authors: Nakamura Keisuke , Shirato Midori , Kanno Taro , Lingström Peter , Örtengren Ulf , Niwano Yoshimi
Published: July 2017

An antimicrobial technique based on photo-oxidation of caffeic acid (CA) has recently been developed, but its effect on biofilm-forming bacteria is unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of photo-irradiated CA against Streptococcus mutans (cariogenic bacteria) biofilm as it relates to hydroxyl radical formation. S. mutans biofilms grown on hydroxyapatite disks were immersed in CA solution (0–2 mg/mL) and irradiated with LED light at wavelengths of 365, 385, and 400 nm and at irradiances of 500, 1000, and 2000 mW/cm2 for 4 min. Biofilm viable bacterial counts were determined by colony counting. The yield of hydroxyl radicals generated by the LED irradiation of CA solution was quantified by electron spin resonance analysis. Of the conditions tested, the highest bactericidal effect, with a > 5-log reduction in viable bacterial counts, was obtained by irradiation of a 1 mg/mL CA solution with 385 nm LED and at an irradiance of 2000 mW/cm2. Hydroxyl radical formation was related to this bactericidal effect. The present study suggests that the antimicrobial technique based on the 385 nm LED irradiation of CA is effective against cariogenic biofilms and can be applied as an adjunctive chemotherapy for dental caries.
Rational design of polymeric core shell ratiometric oxygen-sensing nanostructures
Authors: Byrne Aisling , Jacobs Jaco , Burke Christopher S. , Martin Aaron , Heise Andreas , Keyes Tia E.
Published: July 2017

A new approach for the fabrication of luminescent ratiometric sensing nanosensors is described using core–shell nanoparticles in which the probe and reference are spatially separated into the shell and core of the nanostructure respectively.
Charged poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogels for use as differential protein receptors in a turbidimetric sensor array
Authors: Culver Heidi R. , Sharma Ishna , Wechsler Marissa E. , Anslyn Eric V. , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: July 2017

Due to the high cost and environmental instability of antibodies, there is precedent for developing synthetic molecular recognition agents for use in diagnostic sensors.
Hyphenated MS-based targeted approaches in metabolomics
Authors: Begou O. , Gika H. G. , Wilson I. D. , Theodoridis G.
Published: July 2017

Review of targeted metabolomics, with a focus on the description of analytical methods.
An ultra-sensitive colorimetric assay for reliable visual detection of telomerase activity
Authors: Wang Yaocai , Yang Luzhu , Wang Yanjun , Liu Wei , Li Baoxin , Jin Yan
Published: July 2017

We proposed a sensitive colorimetric assay for detecting telomerase activity. The telomerase activity of 5 and 20 HeLa cell lysates can be detected via UV-vis spectroscopy and the naked eye, respectively.
Electrochemiluminescence assay of Cu2+ by using one-step electrodeposition synthesized CdS/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Zhao Guanhui , Li Xiaojian , Zhao Yongbei , Li Yueyuan , Cao Wei , Wei Qin
Published: July 2017

A sensitive and selective method was proposed to detect Cu2+ based on the electrochemiluminescence quenching of CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs).
Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of myoglobin immobilized in calcium alginate–graphene microsphere films
Authors: Yu Chong , Sun Hong , Hou Shifeng
Published: July 2017

In the present work, calcium alginate–graphene (CA–graphene) microspheres have been prepared and used to immobilize myoglobin (Mb) for fabricating electroactive Mb–CA–graphene microsphere thin films on the electrode surface.
Development of a certified reference material of human serum albumin: certification and value assignment via amino acid analyses
Authors: Kinumi Tomoya , Sakaguchi Yohei , Takatsu Akiko
Published: July 2017

This article describes the development of a certified reference material of human serum albumin with the traceability to SI.
UPLC-MS/MS method for determination of schisandrin in rat plasma and brain microdialysates: application to a comparative pharmacokinetic and brain distribution study in normal and Alzheimer’s disease rats
Authors: Wei BinBin , Liu Mingyan , Chen Zaixing , Wei Minjie
Published: July 2017

An efficient UPLC-MS/MS method for determining schisandrin in rat plasma and brain microdialysates has been developed and validated.
Catalytic enantioselective aza-Diels–Alder reactions of unactivated acyclic 1,3-dienes with aryl-, alkenyl-, and alkyl-substituted imines
Authors: Hatanaka Yasuo , Nantaku Shuuto , Nishimura Yuhki , Otsuka Tomoyuki , Sekikaw Tohru
Published: July 2017

A chiral ion pair between an amide anion and an iminium ion stabilized by a H-bond is proposed as the intermediate of the reaction.
Nickel-catalyzed C–H activation of purine bases with alkyl halides
Authors: Ruan Zhixiong , Ghorai Debasish , Zanoni Giuseppe , Ackermann Lutz
Published: July 2017

C–H alkylations of purine nucleosides were achieved by means of user-friendly nickel catalysis with ample substrate scope and high levels of chemo, site and regio control, which among others enabled the direct fluorescent labeling of purines in terms of late stage diversification.
Activation of the P–H bond by a frustrated Lewis pair and its application in catalytic Z-selective hydrophosphonylation of terminal ynones
Authors: Liu Yizhen , Fan Xiaoting , Li Zhen Hua , Wang Huadong
Published: July 2017

Z-Selective hydrophosphonylation of terminal ynones was achieved by employing a frustrated Lewis pair catalyst.
Br-Doped Bi2O2CO3 exposed (001) crystal facets with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Xu Jian , Wang Ke Ke , Liu Ting , Peng Yin , Xu Bin Gang
Published: July 2017

Br-Doped Bi2O2CO3 exposed (001) facets were synthesized using CTAB as a surfactant and dopant. The highly enhanced photocatalytic performance of Br-doped Bi2O2CO3 is attributed to the synergistic effects of the doping of Br− and the active exposed (001) crystal facet.
Importance of non-intrinsic platinum dissolution in Pt/C composite fuel cell catalysts
Authors: Jovanovič Primož , Petek Urša , Hodnik Nejc , Ruiz-Zepeda Francisco , Gatalo Matija , Šala Martin , Šelih Vid Simon , Fellinger Tim Patrick , Gaberšček Miran
Published: July 2017

On-line analytics provide new insights into the complex interplay of various mechanisms occurring during dissolution of Pt catalyst layers.
The influence of surface area, porous structure, and surface state on the supercapacitor performance of titanium oxynitride: implications for a nanostructuring strategy
Authors: Lee Eun Joo , Lee Lanlee , Abbas Muhammad Awais , Bang Jin Ho
Published: July 2017

Underlying factors governing the capacitance and stability of titanium oxynitride are revealed.
Promises, facts and challenges for graphene in biomedical applications
Authors: Reina Giacomo , González-Domínguez José Miguel , Criado Alejandro , Vázquez Ester , Bianco Alberto , Prato Maurizio
Published: July 2017

Graphene-based materials can contribute favorably to the biomedical field. Particularly promising areas of development include sensors, controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Nanofluidics in two-dimensional layered materials: inspirations from nature
Authors: Gao Jun , Feng Yaping , Guo Wei , Jiang Lei
Published: July 2017

This review highlights the recent progress, current challenges, and future perspectives in the design and application of 2D layered materials for nanofluidic research, with emphasis on the thought of bio-inspiration.
Effects of preparation on nutrient and environmental contaminant levels in Arctic beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) traditional foods
Authors: Binnington Matthew J. , Lei Ying D. , Pokiak Lucky , Pokiak James , Ostertag Sonja K. , Loseto Lisa L. , Chan Hing M. , Yeung Leo W. Y. , Huang Haiyong , Wania Frank
Published: July 2017

Can we maximize nutrient intake and minimize contaminant intake by how we prepare marine mammal blubber for human consumption?
Immobilization engineering – How to design advanced sol–gel systems for biocatalysis?
Authors: Weiser Diána , Nagy Flóra , Bánóczi Gergely , Oláh Márk , Farkas Attila , Szilágyi András , László Krisztina , Gellért Ákos , Marosi György , Kemény Sándor , Poppe László
Published: July 2017

An immobilization engineering approach using bioinformatics and experimental design tools was applied to improve the sol–gel enzyme entrapment methodology.
One-pot integrated processing of biopolymers to furfurals in molten salt hydrate: understanding synergy in acidity
Authors: Sadula Sunitha , Oesterling Owen , Nardone Andrew , Dinkelacker Brian , Saha Basudeb
Published: July 2017

Developed as energy-efficient and integrated method for soluble sugars and furfurals with high yields and high carbon efficiency from polysaccharides and lignocellulosic biomass.
Bioisosteric replacement of central 1,2,4-oxadiazole ring of high affinity CB2 ligands by regioisomeric 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring
Authors: Heimann Dominik , Lueg Corinna , de Vries Henk , Frehland Bastian , Schepmann Dirk , Heitman Laura H. , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: July 2017

Three pairs of regioisomeric 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized as selective CB2 ligands. Although the 1,3,4-oxadiazoles should have better physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, their CB2 affinity was reduced.
Heparin and rosuvastatin calcium-loaded poly(l-lactide-co-caprolactone) nanofiber-covered stent-grafts for aneurysm treatment
Authors: Feng Wenhao , Liu Peixi , Yin Haiyue , Gu Ziqi , Wu Yu , Zhu Wei , Liu Yingjun , Zheng Hao , MO Xiumei
Published: July 2017

Heparin and rosuvastatin calcium cause P(LLA-CL) nanofibers to exhibit good cell viability and anticoagulation ability.
Effects of oil-soluble etherified melamine-formaldehyde prepolymers on in situ microencapsulation and macroencapsulation of n-dodecanol
Authors: Huang Rui , Li Wei , Wang Jianping , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: July 2017

In situ macroencapsulation containing microcapsules.
Microwave-assisted, ligand-free, direct C–H arylation of thiophenes in biomass-derived γ-valerolactone
Authors: Tabasso Silvia , Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Rinaldi Laura , Ledoux Audrey , Larini Paolo , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: July 2017

We report a ligand-free green synthesis of arylthiophenes and poly(3-hexyl)thiophene in GVL under microwave irradiation.
Towards in situ determination of 3D strain and reorientation in the interpenetrating nanofibre networks of cuticle
Authors: Zhang Y. , De Falco P. , Wang Y. , Barbieri E. , Paris O. , Terrill N. J. , Falkenberg G. , Pugno N. M. , Gupta H. S.
Published: July 2017

3D reciprocal space modelling for in situ strain and reorientation determination of interpenetrating nanofibre networks within cuticle.
Fluorine substitution enhances the self-assembling ability of hydrogelators
Authors: Wu Chengfan , Zheng Zhen , Guo Yuenan , Tian Chongli , Xue Qiang , Liang Gaolin
Published: July 2017

Fluorine substitution enhances the self-assembling ability and cytotoxicity of hydrogelators.
The effect of surface ligands on the optical activity of mercury sulfide nanoparticles
Authors: Kuno Jumpei , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Nakashima Takuya
Published: July 2017

The optical activity of HgS nanoparticles with a chiral cinnabar phase is dependent on the chemical structure of chiral ligands.
An organometallic route to chiroptically active ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Chwojnowska Elżbieta , Wolska-Pietkiewicz Małgorzata , Grzonka Justyna , Lewiński Janusz
Published: July 2017

Developing a novel organometallic self-supporting approach to chiroptically active aminoalcoholate coated ZnO nanocrystals which possess size dependent luminescence.
Development of a high quantum yield dye for tumour imaging
Authors: Yang Dan , Wang Huasen , Sun Chengjie , Zhao Hui , Hu Kuan , Qin Weirong , Ma Rui , Yin Feng , Qin Xuan , Zhang Qianling , Liang Yongye , Li Zigang
Published: July 2017

An easily accessible fluorescent dye, FEB, which has a high fluorescence quantum yield and is suitable forin vivotumour imaging is reported.
Growth of NiMn LDH nanosheet arrays on KCu7S4 microwires for hybrid supercapacitors with enhanced electrochemical performance
Authors: Guo Xiao Long , Zhang Jun Ming , Xu Wei Na , Hu Chen Guo , Sun Lidong , Zhang Yu Xin
Published: July 2017

The quasi-paralleled and interlaced nanosheet arrays of NiMn layered double hydroxides are successfully grown on KCu7S4 microwires with quasi-one-dimensional channel by tuning the concentration of the metal ions.
Elucidating the CO2 adsorption mechanisms in the triangular channels of the bis(pyrazolate) MOF Fe2(BPEB)3 by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Giacobbe C. , Lavigna E. , Maspero A. , Galli S.
Published: July 2017

The structural origin of the remarkable performance of the metal–organic framework Fe2(BPEB)3 as a CO2 adsorbent (40.5% of the host weight at 298 K and 10 bar) was investigated by combining advanced experimental and computational tools.
Epoxy/polysiloxane intimate intermixing networks driven by intrinsic motive force to achieve ultralow-temperature damping properties
Authors: Li Yan , Lian Qingsong , Lin Zhengrong , Cheng Jue , Zhang Junying
Published: July 2017

We propose a facial strategy to design a ‘forced’ intermixing epoxy/polysiloxane network by utilizing a novel epoxy/polysiloxane monomer (SH-EP) in a one-pot synthesis.
A processing route for bulk, high coercivity, rare-earth free, nanocomposite magnets based on metastable iron oxide
Authors: Chan K. T. , Morales J. R. , Kodera Y. , Garay J. E.
Published: July 2017

Large iron-oxide based magnets with high magnetic coercivity.
Transparent conducting n-type ZnO:Sc – synthesis, optoelectronic properties and theoretical insight
Authors: Dixon Sebastian C. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Williamson Benjamin A. D. , Scanlon David O. , Carmalt Claire J. , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: July 2017

Transparent, electrically conducting Sc-doped ZnO thin films have been modelled by DFT and synthesised by chemical vapour deposition methods.
Epitaxial Bi9Ti3Fe5O27 thin films: a new type of layer-structure room-temperature multiferroic
Authors: Cao Xun , Liu Zhiqi , Dedon Liv R. , Bell Andrew J. , Esat Faye , Wang Yujia , Yu Pu , Wang Chuanshou , Jin Ping
Published: July 2017

In this communication, we report the successful growth of high-quality Aurivillius oxide thin films with m = 8 (where m denotes the number of pseudo-perovskite blocks) using pulsed laser deposition.
Current decomposition method for loss allocation in distribution systems
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi K.R. , Swarnkar Anil
Published: July 2017

Distribution system customers are consistently encouraged to maintain better power factor. The power factor is crucial in deciding the feeder power losses so the loss allocation method must incorporate this fact thereby rewarding or penalising the concerned customers. Therefore, it is imperative to have a judicious reflection of load power factor while designing a loss allocation method. This study proposes a new branch current decomposition method for distribution loss allocation that inherently considers load power factor. The proposed BCDM is investigated on 30‐bus and 33‐bus test distribution systems. The simulation results reveal the significance of the proposed method.
Fast pore matching method based on deterministic annealing algorithm
Authors: Lu Guangming , Xu Yuanrong
Published: July 2017

High‐resolution fingerprint identification system (HRFIS) has become a hot topic in the field of academic research. Compared to traditional automatic fingerprint identification system, HRFIS reduces the risk of being faked by using level 3 features, such as pores, which cannot be detected in lower resolution images. However, there is a serious problem in HRFIS: there are hundreds of sweat pores in one fingerprint image, which will spend a considerable amount of time for direct fingerprint matching. The authors propose a method to match pores in two fingerprint images based on deterministic annealing algorithm. In this method, fingerprints are aligned using singular points. Then minutiae are matched based on the alignment result. To reduce the impact of deformation, they build a convex hull for each of these fingerprints. Pores in these convex hulls are used for matching. In the experiments, their method is compared with random sample consensus method, minutia and ICP‐based method, and direct pore matching method. The results show that the proposed method is more efficient.
Transformer‐less five‐level high‐voltage full‐scale converter with a self‐balance auxiliary circuit for 10 MW wind turbines
Authors: Zeng Xiang‐jun , Wang Hang , Zhang Xiao , Gong De‐ling , Yang Xu
Published: July 2017

A novel transformer‐less five‐level (5L) high‐voltage full‐scale converter is proposed for 10 MW wind turbines. In this scheme, a unidirectional sinusoidal 5L‐Vienna rectifier is used as a variable‐speed controller at the generator side, and a conventional 5L neutral‐point‐clamped (NPC) inverter is used as the grid‐integrated converter. The intrinsic dc‐link NP imbalance issue is solved only by a proposed dc‐link self‐balance auxiliary circuit. This study focuses on the modulation technology of the rectifier and the operational principle of the auxiliary circuit. Furthermore, it presents a control strategy for the proposed converter. Finally, the small‐scale experiments are carried out to verify the analysis.
Recent Advances in Cyclic Diacyl Peroxides: Reactivity and Selectivity Enhancement Brought by the Cyclic Structure
Authors: Zhao Rong , Chang Denghu , Shi Lei
Published: July 2017

Preliminarily studies on cyclic diacyl peroxides have shown novel and superior reactivities compared with their acyclic diacyl peroxide counterparts in many reaction types. After summarizing the methods available for the preparation of cyclic diacyl peroxides and describing their structural features, this review brings together an overview of their reactivities with respect to oxidations and decarboxylations, and demonstrates the advantages of reactions with cyclic diacyl peroxides, which include metal-free, additive-free, milder conditions, higher yields and better selectivities.

1 Introduction

2 Methods of Preparation of Cyclic Diacyl Peroxides

3 Structures and Stabilities of Cyclic Diacyl Peroxides

4 Oxidation Reactions

4.1 Oxidative Additions to Alkenes

4.2 Oxidation Reactions of Heteroatoms

4.3 Oxidation Reactions of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds

4.4 Hydroxylations of Arenes

5 Decarboxylations

6 Conclusion
Convenient Synthesis of Oxazolo[5,4-h]pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quino­lones via Hypervalent Iodine Mediated Intramolecular Oxidative Cyclization
Authors: Sun Li-Ping , Wang Chun-Meng , Yang Sheng-Wei , Tang Kai-Xiang , Gao Tian-Hong , Pang Bo , Chen Yu-Ting , Wu Jing , Liu Jia , Shi Yu-Fan
Published: July 2017

A convenient and practical method has been developed for the synthesis of substituted oxazolo[5,4-h]pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolones via the intramolecular oxidative cyclization by using PIFA as oxidant and TMSOTf as additive in DCE under an air atmosphere. The reaction proceeds in good yields and has good functional groups tolerance.