bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prognostic Value of Alpha-Fetoprotein Response for Advanced-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Sorafenib Combined with Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Yan , Jia Jia , Chen Hui , Bai Wei , Yang Man , Yin Zhanxin , He Chuangye , Zhang Lei , Guo Wengang , Niu Jing , Yuan Jie , Cai Hongwei , Xia Jielai , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong
Published: February 2016

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response in advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with sorafenib combined with transarterial chemoembolization. From May 2008 to July 2012, 118 HCC patients with baseline AFP levels >20 ng/ml treated with combination therapy were enrolled. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to generate a cutoff point for AFP changes for predicting survival. The AFP response was defined as an AFP decrease rate [ΔAFP(%)] greater than the cutoff point. The ΔAFP(%) was defined as the percentage of changes between the baseline and the nadir values within 2 months after therapy. The median follow-up time was 8.8 months (range 1.2–66.9). A level of 46% was chosen as the threshold value for ΔAFP (sensitivity = 53.7%, specificity = 83.3%). The median overall survival was significantly longer in the AFP response group than in the AFP non-response group (12.8 vs. 6.4 months, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ECOG ≥ 1 (HR = 1.95; 95% CI 1.24–3.1, P = 0.004) and AFP nonresponse (HR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.15–2.55, P = 0.009) were associated with increased risk of death. In conclusion, AFP response could predict the survival of patients with advanced-stage HCC at an early time point after combination therapy.
Molecular mechanisms of ionic liquid cytotoxicity probed by an integrated experimental and computational approach
Authors: Yoo Brian , Jing Benxin , Jones Stuart E. , Lamberti Gary A. , Zhu Yingxi , Shah Jindal K. , Maginn Edward J.
Published: February 2016

Ionic liquids (ILs) are salts that remain liquid down to low temperatures and sometimes well below room temperature. ILs have been called “green solvents” because of their extraordinarily low vapor pressure and excellent solvation power, but ecotoxicology studies have shown that some ILs exhibit greater toxicity than traditional solvents. A fundamental understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for IL toxicity remains elusive. Here we show that one mode of IL toxicity on unicellular organisms is driven by swelling of the cell membrane. Cytotoxicity assays, confocal laser scanning microscopy and molecular simulations reveal that IL cations nucleate morphological defects in the microbial cell membrane at concentrations near the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of several microorganisms. Cytotoxicity increases with increasing alkyl chain length of the cation due to the ability of the longer alkyl chain to more easily embed in and ultimately disrupt, the cell membrane.
Effective pore size and radius of capture for K+ ions in K-channels
Authors: Moldenhauer Hans , Díaz-Franulic Ignacio , González-Nilo Fernando , Naranjo David
Published: February 2016

Reconciling protein functional data with crystal structure is arduous because rare conformations or crystallization artifacts occur. Here we present a tool to validate the dimensions of open pore structures of potassium-selective ion channels. We used freely available algorithms to calculate the molecular contour of the pore to determine the effective internal pore radius (rE) in several K-channel crystal structures. rE was operationally defined as the radius of the biggest sphere able to enter the pore from the cytosolic side. We obtained consistent rE estimates for MthK and Kv1.2/2.1 structures, with rE = 5.3–5.9 Å and rE = 4.5–5.2 Å, respectively. We compared these structural estimates with functional assessments of the internal mouth radii of capture (rC) for two electrophysiological counterparts, the large conductance calcium activated K-channel (rC = 2.2 Å) and the Shaker Kv-channel (rC = 0.8 Å), for MthK and Kv1.2/2.1 structures, respectively. Calculating the difference between rE and rC, produced consistent size radii of 3.1–3.7 Å and 3.6–4.4 Å for hydrated K+ ions. These hydrated K+ estimates harmonize with others obtained with diverse experimental and theoretical methods. Thus, these findings validate MthK and the Kv1.2/2.1 structures as templates for open BK and Kv-channels, respectively.
Real Time Imaging of Deuterium in a Duplex Stainless Steel Microstructure by Time-of-Flight SIMS
Authors: Sobol O. , Straub F. , Wirth Th. , Holzlechner G. , Boellinghaus Th. , Unger W. E. S.
Published: February 2016

For more than one century, hydrogen assisted degradation of metallic microstructures has been identified as origin for severe technical component failures but the mechanisms behind have not yet been completely understood so far. Any in-situ observation of hydrogen transport phenomena in microstructures will provide more details for further elucidation of these degradation mechanisms. A novel experiment is presented which is designed to elucidate the permeation behaviour of deuterium in a microstructure of duplex stainless steel (DSS). A hydrogen permeation cell within a TOF-SIMS instrument enables electrochemical charging with deuterium through the inner surface of the cell made from DSS. The outer surface of the DSS permeation cell exposed to the vacuum has been imaged by TOF-SIMS vs. increasing time of charging with subsequent chemometric treatment of image data. This in-situ experiment showed evidently that deuterium is permeating much faster through the ferrite phase than through the austenite phase. Moreover, a direct proof for deuterium enrichment at the austenite-ferrite interface has been found.
Selection preserves Ubiquitin Specific Protease 4 alternative exon skipping in therian mammals
Authors: Vlasschaert Caitlyn , Xia Xuhua , Gray Douglas A.
Published: February 2016

Ubiquitin specific protease 4 (USP4) is a highly networked deubiquitinating enzyme with reported roles in cancer, innate immunity and RNA splicing. In mammals it has two dominant isoforms arising from inclusion or skipping of exon 7 (E7). We evaluated two plausible mechanisms for the generation of these isoforms: (A) E7 skipping due to a long upstream intron and (B) E7 skipping due to inefficient 5′ splice sites (5′SS) and/or branchpoint sites (BPS). We then assessed whether E7 alternative splicing is maintained by selective pressure or arose from genetic drift. Both transcript variants were generated from a USP4-E7 minigene construct with short flanking introns, an observation consistent with the second mechanism whereby differential splice signal strengths are the basis of E7 skipping. Optimization of the downstream 5′SS eliminated E7 skipping. Experimental validation of the correlation between 5′SS identity and exon skipping in vertebrates pinpointed the +6 site as the key splicing determinant. Therian mammals invariably display a 5′SS configuration favouring alternative splicing and the resulting isoforms have distinct subcellular localizations. We conclude that alternative splicing of mammalian USP4 is under selective maintenance and that long and short USP4 isoforms may target substrates in various cellular compartments.
Multivariate multiscale complex network analysis of vertical upward oil-water two-phase flow in a small diameter pipe
Authors: Gao Zhong-Ke , Yang Yu-Xuan , Zhai Lu-Sheng , Dang Wei-Dong , Yu Jia-Liang , Jin Ning-De
Published: February 2016

High water cut and low velocity vertical upward oil-water two-phase flow is a typical complex system with the features of multiscale, unstable and non-homogenous. We first measure local flow information by using distributed conductance sensor and then develop a multivariate multiscale complex network (MMCN) to reveal the dispersed oil-in-water local flow behavior. Specifically, we infer complex networks at different scales from multi-channel measurements for three typical vertical oil-in-water flow patterns. Then we characterize the generated multiscale complex networks in terms of network clustering measure. The results suggest that the clustering coefficient entropy from the MMCN not only allows indicating the oil-in-water flow pattern transition but also enables to probe the dynamical flow behavior governing the transitions of vertical oil-water two-phase flow.
Digital detection of endonuclease mediated gene disruption in the HIV provirus
Authors: Sedlak Ruth Hall , Liang Shu , Niyonzima Nixon , De Silva Feelixge Harshana S. , Roychoudhury Pavitra , Greninger Alexander L. , Weber Nicholas D. , Boissel Sandrine , Scharenberg Andrew M. , Cheng Anqi , Magaret Amalia , Bumgarner Roger , Stone Daniel , Jerome Keith R.
Published: February 2016

Genome editing by designer nucleases is a rapidly evolving technology utilized in a highly diverse set of research fields. Among all fields, the T7 endonuclease mismatch cleavage assay, or Surveyor assay, is the most commonly used tool to assess genomic editing by designer nucleases. This assay, while relatively easy to perform, provides only a semi-quantitative measure of mutation efficiency that lacks sensitivity and accuracy. We demonstrate a simple droplet digital PCR assay that quickly quantitates a range of indel mutations with detection as low as 0.02% mutant in a wild type background and precision (≤6%CV) and accuracy superior to either mismatch cleavage assay or clonal sequencing when compared to next-generation sequencing. The precision and simplicity of this assay will facilitate comparison of gene editing approaches and their optimization, accelerating progress in this rapidly-moving field.
Comparative three-dimensional connectome map of motor cortical projections in the mouse brain
Authors: Jeong Minju , Kim Yongsoo , Kim Jeongjin , Ferrante Daniel D. , Mitra Partha P. , Osten Pavel , Kim Daesoo
Published: February 2016

The motor cortex orchestrates simple to complex motor behaviors through its output projections to target areas. The primary (MOp) and secondary (MOs) motor cortices are known to produce specific output projections that are targeted to both similar and different target areas. These projections are further divided into layer 5 and 6 neuronal outputs, thereby producing four cortical outputs that may target other areas in a combinatorial manner. However, the precise network structure that integrates these four projections remains poorly understood. Here, we constructed a whole-brain, three-dimensional (3D) map showing the tract pathways and targeting locations of these four motor cortical outputs in mice. Remarkably, these motor cortical projections showed unique and separate tract pathways despite targeting similar areas. Within target areas, various combinations of these four projections were defined based on specific 3D spatial patterns, reflecting anterior-posterior, dorsal-ventral and core-capsular relationships. This 3D topographic map ultimately provides evidence for the relevance of comparative connectomics: motor cortical projections known to be convergent are actually segregated in many target areas with unique targeting patterns, a finding that has anatomical value for revealing functional subdomains that have not been classified by conventional methods.
Additive enhancement of wound healing in diabetic mice by low level light and topical CoQ10
Authors: Mao Zhigang , Wu Jeffrey H. , Dong Tingting , Wu Mei X.
Published: February 2016

Diabetes, a highly prevalent disease that affects 9.3% of Americans, often leads to severe complications and slow wound healing. Preclinical studies have suggested that low level light therapy (LLLT) can accelerate wound healing in diabetic subjects, but significant improvements must be made to overcome the absence of persuasive evidence for its clinical use. We demonstrate here that LLLT can be combined with topical Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to heal wounds in diabetic mice significantly faster than LLLT alone, CoQ10 alone, or controls. LLLT followed by topical CoQ10 enhanced wound healing by 68~103% in diabetic mice in the first week and more than 24% in the second week compared with untreated controls. All wounds were fully healed in two weeks following the dual treatment, in contrast to only 50% wounds or a fewer being fully healed for single or sham treatment. The accelerated healing was corroborated by at least 50% higher hydroxyproline levels and tripling cell proliferation rates in LLLT and CoQ10 treated wounds over controls. The beneficial effects on wound healing were probably attributed to additive enhancement of ATP production by LLLT and CoQ10 treatment. The combination of LLLT and topical CoQ10 is safe and convenient and merits further clinical study.
The influence of genetic variants of sorafenib on clinical outcomes and toxic effects in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Qin Chao , Cao Qiang , Li Pu , Wang Shangqian , Wang Jian , Wang Meilin , Chu Haiyan , Zhou Liqun , Li Xuesong , Ye Dingwei , Zhang Hailiang , Huang Yiran , Dong Baijun , Sun Xiaofeng , Zou Qing , Cai Hongzhou , Sun Lijiang , Zhu Jian , Liu Fade , Ji Junbiao , Cui Li , Wang Xiaoxiang , Zhou Hai , Zhao Hu , Wu Bin , Chen Jianchun , Jiang Minjun , Zhang Zhengdong , Shao Pengfei , Ju Xiaobing , Yin Changjun
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether genetic variants that influence angiogenesis and sorafenib pharmacokinetics are associated with clinical outcomes and toxic effects in advanced renal cell carcinoma patients treated with this drug. One hundred patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma were enrolled. Forty-two polymorphisms in 15 genes were selected for genotyping and analyzed for associations with progression-free survival, overall survival and toxic effects. We found that rs1570360 in VEGF and rs2239702 in VEGFR2 were significantly associated with progression-free. Specifically, patients carrying the variant genotypes (AG + AA) of these two polymorphisms both had an unfavorable progression-free. In addition, compared with those with the rs2239702 GG genotype, patients with the AG + AA genotype suffered an unfavorable OS. We found that the VEGF rs2010963 CG + GG genotypes had a significantly increased risk of hand-foot syndrome and the ABCB1 rs1045642 CT + TT genotypes had an increased risk of high blood pressure. Our results suggest that polymorphisms in VEGF and VEGFR2 are associated with sorafenib clinical outcomes and polymorphisms in VEGF and ABCB1 are associated with sorafenib-related toxicities. Larger studies are warranted to validate our findings.
Preparation of Aluminum Nanomesh Thin Films from an Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template as Transparent Conductive Electrodes
Authors: Li Yiwen , Chen Yulong , Qiu Mingxia , Yu Hongyu , Zhang Xinhai , Sun Xiao Wei , Chen Rui
Published: February 2016

We have employed anodic aluminum oxide as a template to prepare ultrathin, transparent and conducting Al films with a unique nanomesh structure for transparent conductive electrodes. The anodic aluminum oxide template is obtained through direct anodization of a sputtered Al layer on a glass substrate and subsequent wet etching creates the nanomesh metallic film. The optical and conductive properties are greatly influenced by experimental conditions. By tuning the anodizing time, transparent electrodes with appropriate optical transmittance and sheet resistance have been obtained. The results demonstrate that our proposed strategy can serve as a potential method to fabricate low-cost TCEs to replace conventional indium tin oxide materials.
In Situ Study of Strain-Dependent Ion Conductivity of Stretchable Polyethylene Oxide Electrolyte
Authors: Kelly Taylor , Ghadi Bahar Moradi , Berg Sean , Ardebili Haleh
Published: February 2016

There is a strong need in developing stretchable batteries that can accommodate stretchable or irregularly shaped applications including medical implants, wearable devices and stretchable electronics. Stretchable solid polymer electrolytes are ideal candidates for creating fully stretchable lithium ion batteries mainly due to their mechanical and electrochemical stability, thin-film manufacturability and enhanced safety. However, the characteristics of ion conductivity of polymer electrolytes during tensile deformation are not well understood. Here, we investigate the effects of tensile strain on the ion conductivity of thin-film polyethylene oxide (PEO) through an in situ study. The results of this investigation demonstrate that both in-plane and through-plane ion conductivities of PEO undergo steady and linear growths with respect to the tensile strain. The coefficients of strain-dependent ion conductivity enhancement (CSDICE) for in-plane and through-plane conduction were found to be 28.5 and 27.2, respectively. Tensile stress-strain curves and polarization light microscopy (PLM) of the polymer electrolyte film reveal critical insights on the microstructural transformation of stretched PEO and the potential consequences on ionic conductivity.
Unexpected Giant-Gap Quantum Spin Hall Insulator in Chemically Decorated Plumbene Monolayer
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhang Chang-wen , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Run-wu , Li Sheng-shi , Yan Shi-shen , Zhang Bao-min , Li Ping , Wang Pei-ji
Published: February 2016

Quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect of two-dimensional (2D) materials features edge states that are topologically protected from backscattering by time-reversal symmetry. However, the major obstacles to the application for QSH effect are the lack of suitable QSH insulators with a large bulk gap. Here, we predict a novel class of 2D QSH insulators in X-decorated plumbene monolayers (PbX; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I) with extraordinarily giant bulk gaps from 1.03 eV to a record value of 1.34 eV. The topological characteristic of PbX mainly originates from s-px,y band inversion related to the lattice symmetry, while the effect of spin-orbital coupling (SOC) is only to open up a giant gap. Their QSH states are identified by nontrivial topological invariant Z2 = 1, as well as a single pair of topologically protected helical edge states locating inside the bulk gap. Noticeably, the QSH gaps of PbX are tunable and robust via external strain. We also propose high-dielectric-constant BN as an ideal substrate for the experimental realization of PbX, maintaining its nontrivial topology. These novel QSH insulators with giant gaps are a promising platform to enrich topological phenomena and expand potential applications at high temperature.
Oral glutathione supplementation drastically reduces Helicobacter-induced gastric pathologies
Authors: De Bruyne Ellen , Ducatelle Richard , Foss Dennis , Sanchez Margaret , Joosten Myrthe , Zhang Guangzhi , Smet Annemieke , Pasmans Frank , Haesebrouck Freddy , Flahou Bram
Published: February 2016

Helicobacter (H.) suis causes gastric pathologies in both pigs and humans. Very little is known on the metabolism of this bacterium and its impact on the host. In this study, we have revealed the importance of the glutamate-generating metabolism, as shown by a complete depletion of glutamine (Gln) in the medium during H. suis culture. Besides Gln, H. suis can also convert glutathione (GSH) to glutamate and both reactions are catalyzed by the H. suis γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT). Both for H. pylori and H. suis, it has been hypothesized that the degradation of Gln and GSH may lead to a deficiency for the host, possibly initiating or promoting several pathologies. Therefore the in vivo effect of oral supplementation with Gln and GSH was assessed. Oral supplementation with Gln was shown to temper H. suis induced gastritis and epithelial (hyper)proliferation in Mongolian gerbils. Astonishingly, supplementation of the feed with GSH, another GGT substrate, resulted in inflammation and epithelial proliferation levels returning to baseline levels of uninfected controls. This indicates that Gln and GSH supplementation may help reducing tissue damage caused by Helicobacter infection in both humans and pigs, highlighting their potential as a supportive therapy during and after Helicobacter eradication therapy.
Continuous Magnetoelectric Control in Multiferroic DyMnO3 Films with Twin-like Domains
Authors: Lu Chengliang , Deniz Hakan , Li Xiang , Liu Jun-Ming , Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: February 2016

The magnetic control of ferroelectric polarization is currently a central topic in the multiferroic researches, owing to the related gigantic magnetoelectric coupling and fascinating physics. Although a bunch of novel magnetoelectric effect have been discovered in multiferroics of magnetic origin, the manipulation of polarization was found to be fundamentally determined by the microscopic origin in a certain multiferroic phase, hindering the development of unusual magnetoelectric control. Here, we report emergent magnetoelectric control in DyMnO3/Nb:SrTiO3 (001) films showing twin-like domain structure. Our results demonstrate interesting magnetically induced partial switch of polarization due to the coexistence of polarizations along both the a-axis and c-axis enabled by the twin-like domain structure in DyMnO3 films, despite the polarization-switch was conventionally believed to be a one-step event in the bulk counterpart. Moreover, a continuous and periodic control of macroscopic polarization by an in-plane rotating magnetic field is evidenced in the thin films. This distinctive magnetic manipulation of polarization is the consequence of the cooperative action of the twin-like domains and the dual magnetic origin of polarization, which promises additional applications using the magnetic control of ferroelectricity.
RACK1 promotes maintenance of morphine-associated memory via activation of an ERK-CREB dependent pathway in hippocampus
Authors: Liu Litao , Zhu Jiejun , Zhou Liming , Wan Lihong
Published: February 2016

Existence of long-term drug-associated memories may be a crucial factor in drug cravings and relapse. RACK1 plays a critical role in morphine-induced reward. In the present study, we used conditioned place preference (CPP) to assess the acquisition and maintenance of morphine conditioned place preference memory. The hippocampal protein level of RACK1 and synaptic quantitation were evaluated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, respectively. Additionally, shRACK1 (shGnb2l1) was used to silence RACK1 in vivo to evaluate the role and the underlying mechanism of RACK1 in maintenance of morphine CPP memory. We found that morphine induced CPP was maintained for at least 7 days after the last morphine treatment, which indicated a positive correlation with hippocampal RACK1 level and was accompanied simultaneously by increases in the synapse density and hippocampal expression of synaptophysin (SYP), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (pERK1/2) and the phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding (pCREB). ShGnb2l1 icv injection significantly suppressed the expression of all above proteins, decreased the synapse density in the hippocampus and attenuated the acquisition and maintenance of morphine CPP. Our present study highlights that RACK1 plays an important role in the maintenance of morphine CPP, likely via activation of ERK-CREB pathway in hippocampus.
Global spatially explicit CO2 emission metrics for forest bioenergy
Authors: Cherubini Francesco , Huijbregts Mark , Kindermann Georg , Van Zelm Rosalie , Van Der Velde Marijn , Stadler Konstantin , Strømman Anders Hammer
Published: February 2016

Emission metrics aggregate climate impacts of greenhouse gases to common units such as CO2-equivalents (CO2-eq.). Examples include the global warming potential (GWP), the global temperature change potential (GTP) and the absolute sustained emission temperature (aSET). Despite the importance of biomass as a primary energy supplier in existing and future scenarios, emission metrics for CO2from forest bioenergy are only available on a case-specific basis. Here, we produce global spatially explicit emission metrics for CO2emissions from forest bioenergy and illustrate their applications to global emissions in 2015 and until 2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario. We obtain global average values of 0.49 ± 0.03 kgCO2-eq. kgCO2−1(mean ± standard deviation) for GWP, 0.05 ± 0.05 kgCO2-eq. kgCO2−1for GTP and 2.14·10−14 ± 0.11·10−14 °C (kg yr−1)−1for aSET. We explore metric dependencies on temperature, precipitation, biomass turnover times and extraction rates of forest residues. We find relatively high emission metrics with low precipitation, long rotation times and low residue extraction rates. Our results provide a basis for assessing CO2emissions from forest bioenergy under different indicators and across various spatial and temporal scales.
Photonic-assisted microwave signal multiplication and modulation using a silicon Mach–Zehnder modulator
Authors: Long Yun , Zhou Linjie , Wang Jian
Published: February 2016

Photonic generation of microwave signal is obviously attractive for many prominent advantages, such as large bandwidth, low loss and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Based on a single integrated silicon Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM), we propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and compact photonic scheme to enable frequency-multiplicated microwave signal. Using the fabricated integrated MZM, we also demonstrate the feasibility of microwave amplitude-shift keying (ASK) modulation based on integrated photonic approach. In proof-of-concept experiments, 2-GHz frequency-doubled microwave signal is generated using a 1-GHz driving signal. 750-MHz/1-GHz frequency-tripled/quadrupled microwave signals are obtained with a driving signal of 250 MHz. In addition, a 50-Mb/s binary amplitude coded 1-GHz microwave signal is also successfully generated.
Icaritin requires Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading
Authors: ZHANG Zong-Kang , LI Jie , LIU Jin , GUO Baosheng , LEUNG Albert , ZHANG Ge , ZHANG Bao-Ting
Published: February 2016

Counteracting muscle atrophy induced by mechanical unloading/inactivity is of great clinical need and challenge. A therapeutic agent that could counteract muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading in safety is desired. This study showed that natural product Icaritin (ICT) could increase the phosphorylation level of Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) at p110 catalytic subunit and promote PI3K/Akt signaling markers in C2C12 cells. This study further showed that the high dose ICT treatment could significantly attenuate the decreases in the phosphorylation level of PI3K at p110 catalytic subunit and its downstream markers related to protein synthesis and inhibit the increases in protein degradation markers at mRNA and protein levels in rat soleus muscle following 28-day hindlimb unloading. In addition, the decreases in soleus muscle mass, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, twitch force, specific force, contraction time and half relaxation time could be significantly attenuated by the high dose ICT treatment. The low dose ICT treatment could moderately attenuate the above changes induced by unloading. Wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of PI3K at p110 catalytic subunit, could abolish the above effects of ICT in vitro and in vivo, indicating that PI3K/Akt signaling could be required by ICT to counteract skeletal muscle atrophy following mechanical unloading.
Levels and potential health risk of heavy metals in marketed vegetables in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Pan Xiao-Dong , Wu Ping-Gu , Jiang Xian-Gen
Published: February 2016

The present study analyzed 5785 vegetables for concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Hg and estimated the health risk to local consumers by deterministic (point estimates) approaches. Levels of elements varied in different vegetables. Average levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg and Pb were 0.013, 0.017, 0.057, 0.002, 0.094 and 0.034 mg/kg (fresh weight), respectively. The samples with 0.25% for Cd and 1.56% for Pb were exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) set by the Chinese Health Ministry. No obvious regular geographical distribution for these metals in vegetables was found in areas of Zhejiang, China. The mean and 97.5 percentile levels of heavy metal and metalloid were used to present the mean and high exposure assessment. The health indices (HIs) were less than the threshold of 1 both in mean and high exposure assessment. It indicates that for the general people there is very low health risk to As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Hg by vegetable intake.
The Gatekeepers in the Mouse Ophthalmic Artery: Endothelium-Dependent Mechanisms of Cholinergic Vasodilation
Authors: Manicam Caroline , Staubitz Julia , Brochhausen Christoph , Grus Franz H. , Pfeiffer Norbert , Gericke Adrian
Published: February 2016

Cholinergic regulation of arterial luminal diameter involves intricate network of intercellular communication between the endothelial and smooth muscle cells that is highly dependent on the molecular mediators released by the endothelium. Albeit the well-recognized contribution of nitric oxide (NO) towards vasodilation, the identity of compensatory mechanisms that maintain vasomotor tone when NO synthesis is deranged remain largely unknown in the ophthalmic artery. This is the first study to identify the vasodilatory signalling mechanisms of the ophthalmic artery employing wild type mice. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasodilation was only partially attenuated when NO synthesis was inhibited. Intriguingly, the combined blocking of cytochrome P450 oxygenase (CYP450) and lipoxygenase (LOX), as well as CYP450 and gap junctions, abolished vasodilation; demonstrating that the key compensatory mechanisms comprise arachidonic acid metabolites which, work in concert with gap junctions for downstream signal transmission. Furthermore, the voltage-gated potassium ion channel, Kv1.6, was functionally relevant in mediating vasodilation. Its localization was found exclusively in the smooth muscle. In conclusion, ACh-induced vasodilation of mouse ophthalmic artery is mediated in part by NO and predominantly via arachidonic acid metabolites, with active involvement of gap junctions. Particularly, the Kv1.6 channel represents an attractive therapeutic target in ophthalmopathologies when NO synthesis is compromised.
Male hatchling production in sea turtles from one of the world’s largest marine protected areas, the Chagos Archipelago
Authors: Esteban Nicole , Laloë Jacques-Olivier , Mortimer Jeanne A. , Guzman Antenor N. , Hays Graeme C.
Published: February 2016

Sand temperatures at nest depths and implications for hatchling sex ratios of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean are reported and compared to similar measurements at rookeries in the Atlantic and Caribbean. During 2012–2014, temperature loggers were buried at depths and in beach zones representative of turtle nesting sites. Data collected for 12,546 days revealed seasonal and spatial patterns of sand temperature. Depth effects were minimal, perhaps modulated by shade from vegetation. Coolest and warmest temperatures were recorded in the sites heavily shaded in vegetation during the austral winter and in sites partially shaded in vegetation during summer respectively. Overall, sand temperatures were relatively cool during the nesting seasons of both species which would likely produce fairly balanced hatchling sex ratios of 53% and 63% male hatchlings, respectively, for hawksbill and green turtles. This result contrasts with the predominantly high female skew reported for offspring at most rookeries around the globe and highlights how local beach characteristics can drive incubation temperatures. Our evidence suggests that sites characterized by heavy shade associated with intact natural vegetation are likely to provide conditions suitable for male hatchling production in a warming world.
Potent in vitro antiviral activity of Cistus incanus extract against HIV and Filoviruses targets viral envelope proteins
Authors: Rebensburg Stephanie , Helfer Markus , Schneider Martha , Koppensteiner Herwig , Eberle Josef , Schindler Michael , Gürtler Lutz , Brack-Werner Ruth
Published: February 2016

Novel therapeutic options are urgently needed to improve global treatment of virus infections. Herbal products with confirmed clinical safety features are attractive starting material for the identification of new antiviral activities. Here we demonstrate that Cistus incanus (Ci) herbal products inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in vitro. Ci extract inhibited clinical HIV-1 and HIV-2 isolates, and, importantly, a virus isolate with multiple drug resistances, confirming broad anti-HIV activity. Antiviral activity was highly selective for virus particles, preventing primary attachment of the virus to the cell surface and viral envelope proteins from binding to heparin. Bioassay-guided fractionation indicated that Ci extract contains numerous antiviral compounds and therefore has favorably low propensity to induce virus resistance. Indeed, no resistant viruses emerged during 24 weeks of continuous propagation of the virus in the presence of Ci extracts. Finally, Ci extracts also inhibited infection by virus particles pseudotyped with Ebola and Marburg virus envelope proteins, indicating that antiviral activity of Ci extract extends to emerging viral pathogens. These results demonstrate that Ci extracts show potent and broad in vitro antiviral activity against viruses that cause life-threatening diseases in humans and are promising sources of agents that target virus particles.
Crosstalk between miRNAs and their regulated genes network in stroke
Authors: Yuan Ye , Kang Ruixia , Yu YaNan , Liu Jun , Zhang YingYing , Shen ChunFeng , Wang Jie , Wu Ping , Shen ChunTi , Wang Zhong
Published: February 2016

In recent years, more and more studies focus on the roles of genes or miRNAs in stroke. However, the molecular mechanism connecting miRNAs and their targetgenes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the differential regulation and correlations between miRNAs and their targetgenes in human stroke. Stroke-related miRNAs were obtained from the Human MicroRNA Disease Database (HMDD) and their targetgenes were generated from three independent sources. Kappa score was used to create the network and the functional modules. A total of 11 stroke-related miRNAs were identified from the HMDD and 441 overlapping targetgenes were extracted from the three databases. By network construction and GO analysis, 13 functional modules, 186 biological processes and 21 pathways were found in the network, of which functional module 8 was the largest module, cellular-related process and phosphate-related process were the most important biological processes and MAPK signaling pathway was the most significant pathway. In our study, all miRNAs regulate the stroke modular network by their targetgenes. After the validation of miRNAs, we found that miR-605 and miR-181d were highly expressed in the blood of stroke patients which never reported before may supply novel target for treatment.
Knockin of Cre Gene at Ins2 Locus Reveals No Cre Activity in Mouse Hypothalamic Neurons
Authors: Li Ling , Gao Lin , Wang Kejia , Ma Xianhua , Chang Xusheng , Shi Jian-Hui , Zhang Ye , Yin Kai , Liu Zhimin , Shi Yuguang , Xie Zhifang , Zhang Weiping J.
Published: February 2016

The recombination efficiency and cell specificity of Cre driver lines are critical for exploring pancreatic β cell biology with the Cre/LoxP approach. Some commonly used Cre lines are based on the short Ins2 promoter fragment and show recombination activity in hypothalamic neurons; however, whether this stems from endogenous Ins2 promoter activity remains controversial. In this study, we generated Ins2-Cre knockin mice with a targeted insertion of IRES-Cre at the Ins2 locus and demonstrated with a cell lineage tracing study that the Ins2 gene is not transcriptionally active in the hypothalamus. The Ins2-Cre driver line displayed robust Cre expression and activity in pancreatic β cells without significant alterations in insulin expression. In the brain, Cre activity was mainly restricted to the choroid plexus, without significant recombination detected in the hippocampus or hypothalamus by the LacZ or fluorescent tdTomato reporters. Furthermore, Ins2-Cre mice exhibited normal glucose tolerance and insulin secretion upon glucose stimulation in vivo. In conclusion, this Ins2-Cre driver line allowed high-fidelity detection of endogenous Ins2 promoter activity in vivo and the negative activity in the hypothalamus demonstrated that this system is a promising alternative tool for studying β cell biology.
Leukotriene E4 is a full functional agonist for human cysteinyl leukotriene type 1 receptor-dependent gene expression
Authors: Foster Holly R. , Fuerst Elisabeth , Branchett William , Lee Tak H. , Cousins David J. , Woszczek Grzegorz
Published: February 2016

Leukotriene E4 (LTE4) the most stable of the cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs) binds poorly to classical type 1 (CysLT1) and 2 (CysLT2) receptors although it induces potent responses in human airways in vivo, such as bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory cell influx suggesting the presence of a novel receptor that preferentially responds to LTE4. To identify such a receptor two human mast cell lines, LAD2 and LUVA, were selected that differentially responded to LTE4 when analysed by intracellular signalling and gene expression. Comparative transcriptome analysis and recombinant gene overexpression experiments revealed CysLT1 as a receptor responsible for potent LTE4-induced response in LAD2 but not in LUVA cells, an observation confirmed further by gene knockdown and selective inhibitors. Lentiviral overexpression of CysLT1 in LUVA cells augmented intracellular calcium signalling induced by LTE4 but did not restore full agonist responses at the gene expression level. Our data support a model where both an increased expression of Gαq-coupled CysLT1 and sustained intracellular calcium mobilisation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activation, are required for LTE4-mediated regulation of gene expression in human cells. Our study shows for the first time that CysLT1 expression is critically important for responsiveness to LTE4 within a human cell system.
Soluble, microporous, Tröger's Base copolyimides with tunable membrane performance for gas separation
Authors: Zhuang Yongbing , Seong Jong Geun , Do Yu Seong , Lee Won Hee , Lee Moon Joo , Cui Zhaoliang , Lozano Angel E. , Guiver Michael D. , Lee Young Moo
Published: February 2016

A facile two-step synthesis to prepare copolyimides by Tröger's Base (TB) formation provides membranes for the first time with tunable gas transport and good mechanical and thermal properties.
Biomimetic water-collecting materials inspired by nature
Authors: Zhu Hai , Guo Zhiguang , Liu Weimin
Published: February 2016

Here, the water-collecting materials inspired by the three typical and widely-researched creatures (cactus, spider, desert beetle) are first introduced. Then, another eight animals and plants (butterfly, shore birds, wheat awns, green bristlegrass bristle, Cotula fallax plant, Namib grass, green tree frogs and Australian desert lizards) that are rarely reported are followed to be complemented.
The enantioselective construction of chiral spirooxindole-based 4-thiazolidinone via asymmetric catalytic formal [3+2] annulation using a bifunctional catalyst
Authors: Cheng Ping , Guo Wengang , Chen Ping , Liu Yan , Du Xin , Li Can
Published: February 2016

A facile and efficient method based on the asymmetric [3+2] annulation of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol to ketimines for the construction of chiral spirooxindole-based 4-thiazolidinone was reported.
Low loadings of platinum on transition metal carbides for hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions in alkaline electrolytes
Authors: Wang Lu , Mahoney Elizabeth G. , Zhao Shen , Yang Bolun , Chen Jingguang G.
Published: February 2016

Comparison of the carbide support effects on HOR/HER activity and identification of minimum Pt loading to replace bulk Pt electrocatalysts.
Synthesis of 1,3-diaryl-3-trifluoromethylcyclopropenes by transition-metal-free reaction of 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone tosylhydrazones with alkynes: the effect of the trifluoromethyl group
Authors: Barroso Raquel , Jiménez Azucena , Carmen Pérez-Aguilar M. , Cabal María-Paz , Valdés Carlos
Published: February 2016

Free carbenes, generated from trifluoroacetophenone tosylhydrazones, lead to 1,3-diaryl-3-trifluoromethylcyclopropenes by transition metal-free reactions with alkynes.
Structural diversity of a series of coordination polymers built from 5-substituted isophthalic acid with or without a methyl-functionalized N-donor ligand
Authors: Ma De-Yun , Qin Liang , Lei Jia-Mei , Liang Yun-Qiu , Lin Wei-Jie , Yan Jing-Jing , Ding Wan-Qiu , Guo Hai-Fu , Ling Yun
Published: February 2016

Nine new zinc/cadmium-based CPs derived from X-H2BDC (X = H, Br, NO2 and CH3) and methyl-functionalized dmbpy ligands have been prepared. Their luminescent properties and the pH-dependent stabilities in aqueous solutions were investigated.
P3HT:DiPBI bulk heterojunction solar cells: morphology and electronic structure probed by multiscale simulation and UV/vis spectroscopy
Authors: Winands Thorsten , Böckmann Marcus , Schemme Thomas , Ly Phong-Minh Timmy , de Jong Djurre H. , Wang Zhaohui , Denz Cornelia , Heuer Andreas , Doltsinis Nikos L.
Published: February 2016

The effect of different annealing protocols on the morphology and light absorption of a P3HT:DiPBI mixture is studied by theory and experiment.
Thermodynamic and kinetic studies of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 as a positive electrode material for Li-ion batteries using first principles
Authors: Dixit Mudit , Kosa Monica , Lavi Onit Srur , Markovsky Boris , Aurbach Doron , Major Dan Thomas
Published: February 2016

The cation ordering, thermodynamics and diffusion kinetics of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM-523) are studied using multi-scale funnel approach with vdW corrections.
Ketone hydrogenation catalyzed by a new iron(ii)–PNN complex
Authors: Butschke B. , Feller M. , Diskin-Posner Y. , Milstein D.
Published: February 2016

A dearomatized Fe(ii)–hydride complex mediates the hydrogenation of enolizable ketones under very mild conditions. Deactivation occursviaintramolecular proton migration.
Reactivity and mechanism investigation of selective hydrogenation of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone on in situ generated metallic cobalt
Authors: Su Diefeng , Wei Zhongzhe , Mao Shanjun , Wang Jing , Li Yi , Li Haoran , Chen Zhirong , Wang Yong
Published: February 2016

We successfully developed Co-based catalysts for efficient and selective hydrogenation of TMBQ. Metallic Co was proved to be responsible for TMBQ hydrogenation. The hydrogenation process was also investigated by DFT calculation.
Role of alkali earth metals over Pd/Al2O3 for decarbonylation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Meng Qingwei , Qiu Chengwu , Ding Guoqiang , Cui Jinglei , Zhu Yulei , Li Yongwang
Published: February 2016

Improved decarbonylation performance of HMF was achieved by modifying Pd/Al2O3 with alkali earth metals.
Aluminum alkyl complexes: synthesis, structure, and application in ROP of cyclic esters
Authors: Wei Yun , Wang Shaowu , Zhou Shuangliu
Published: February 2016

Aluminum alkyl complexes bearing various supporting ligands can be efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters.
Mechanistic investigation of the Zn/Pd/C catalyzed cleavage and hydrodeoxygenation of lignin
Authors: Klein Ian , Marcum Christopher , Kenttämaa Hilkka , Abu-Omar Mahdi M.
Published: February 2016

While current biorefinery processes use lignin only for its heat value, the conversion of lignin to high value chemicals is an area of increasing interest.
The occurrence of tricin and its derivatives in plants
Authors: Li Mi , Pu Yunqiao , Yoo Chang Geun , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: February 2016

Review on the occurrence of tricin and its derivatives such as tricin-glycosides, tricin-lignans, and tricin-lignan-glycosides in plants. The recent discovery of tricin incorporated with lignin implies the possible association of lignification and tricin biosynthesis.
A micro-perfusion bioreactor for on line investigation of ECM remodeling under hydrodynamic and biochemical stimulation
Authors: Garziano A. , Urciuolo F. , Imparato G. , Martorina F. , Corrado B. , Netti P.
Published: February 2016

Micro-perfusion bioreactor on a chip for on-line detection and quantification of ECM remodeling under hydrodynamic and biochemical stimulations.
Angle isomerism, as exemplified in a five-coordinate, dimeric copper(ii) Schiff base complex. Observation of Ostwald ripening
Authors: Patra Shanti G. , Shee Nirmal K. , Drew Michael G. B. , Datta Dipankar
Published: February 2016

All bonding parameters in the X-ray structures of two forms of a Cu(ii) complex are found to be the same except for two angles. Correspondingly, two separate minima are located in DFT calculations.
Visible light response, electrical transport, and amorphization in compressed organolead iodine perovskites
Authors: Ou Tianji , Yan Jiejuan , Xiao Chuanhai , Shen Wenshu , Liu Cailong , Liu Xizhe , Han Yonghao , Ma Yanzhang , Gao Chunxiao
Published: February 2016

This study presents how pressure tunes the properties of CH3NH3PbI3nanorods by photocurrent, impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy measurements.
Fabrication and design of metal nano-accordion structures using atomic layer deposition and interference lithography
Authors: Min J.-H. , Bagal A. , Mundy J. Z. , Oldham C. J. , Wu B.-I. , Parsons G. N. , Chang C.-H.
Published: February 2016

Fabricated free-standing platinum nano-accordion structures with a wide variety of cross-sectional profiles using a combination of ALD and IL.
Fluorescence sensing of glucose using glucose oxidase incorporated into a fluorophore-containing PNIPAM hydrogel
Authors: Kim Yongkyun , Jang Geunseok , Kim Daigeun , Kim Jongho , Lee Taek Seung
Published: February 2016

We present a new composite material composed of pH sensitive fluorescent dyes in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel and incorporating glucose oxidase (GOx), which provides a platform for fluorescence sensing of glucose.
Organic–inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite materials as channels in thin-film field-effect transistors
Authors: Wu Yuxiang , Li Juan , Xu Jian , Du Yangyang , Huang Like , Ni Jian , Cai Hongkun , Zhang Jianjun
Published: February 2016

We proposed a new kind of TFT using organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 material as the semiconducting channel.
Guanidine, amitrole and imidazole as nitrogen dopants for the synthesis of N-graphenes
Authors: Grzyb B. , Gryglewicz S. , Śliwak A. , Díez N. , Machnikowski J. , Gryglewicz G.
Published: February 2016

Three N-containing organic compounds – guanidine, amitrole (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole) and imidazole were selected and evaluated as new nitrogen dopants for the preparation of N-graphene.
Probing the corrosion inhibiting role of a thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis biofilm on steel in a saline axenic culture
Authors: Eduok Ubong , Khaled Mazen , Khalil Amjad , Suleiman Rami , El Ali Bassam
Published: February 2016

The adhesion of denseBacillus licheniformis(thermophilic strain) biofilm on stainless steel has been found to inhibit corrosion in saline medium up to 90% inhibition efficiency for double the concentration of bacterial cells after 3 weeks.
Improved adsorption properties of granulated copper hexacyanoferrate with multi-scale porous networks
Authors: Lee Kyoung-Moo , Kawamoto Tohru , Minami Kimitaka , Takahashi Akira , Parajuli Durga , Kido Gentoku , Yoshino Kazunori , Tanaka Hisashi
Published: February 2016

Designed porous copper hexacyanoferrate micro-capsule beads (CuHCF-MCB) were prepared using freeze-drying (FD).
Structure and biological activities of metal complexes of flumequine
Authors: Tsitsa Ifigenia , Tarushi Alketa , Doukoume Panagiota , Perdih Franc , de Almeida Andreia , Papadopoulos Athanasios , Kalogiannis Stavros , Casini Angela , Turel Iztok , Psomas George
Published: February 2016

Co(ii)–flumequine complexes were characterized and their biological activity was evaluated in regard to DNA- and albumin-binding and antimicrobial and antiproliferative activity.