bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular targets of Chinese herbs: a clinical study of hepatoma based on network pharmacology
Authors: Gao Li , Wang Xiao-dong , Niu Yang-yang , Duan Dan-dan , Yang Xue , Hao Jian , Zhu Cui-hong , Chen Dan , Wang Ke-xin , Qin Xue-mei , Wu Xiong-zhi
Published: May 2016

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat tumors for years and has been demonstrated to be effective. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of herbs remain unclear. This study aims to ascertain molecular targets of herbs prolonging survival time of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on network pharmacology, and to establish a research method for accurate treatment of TCM. The survival benefit of TCM treatment with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was proved by Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis among 288 patients. The correlation between herbs and survival time was performed by bivariate correlation analysis. Network pharmacology method was utilized to construct the active ingredient-target networks of herbs that were responsible for the beneficial effects against HCC. Cox regression analysis showed CHM was an independent favorable prognostic factor. The median survival time was 13 months and the 5-year overall survival rates were 2.61% in the TCM group, while there were 6 months, 0 in the non-TCM group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that 8 herbs closely associated with prognosis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the 8 herbs regulated multiple HCC relative genes, among which the genes affected proliferation (KRAS, AKT2, MAPK), metastasis (SRC, MMP), angiogenesis (PTGS2) and apoptosis (CASP3) etc.
Spatiotemporal profile of Map2 and microglial changes in the hippocampal CA1 region following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus
Authors: Schartz Nicole D. , Herr Seth A. , Madsen Lauren , Butts Sarah J. , Torres Ceidy , Mendez Loyda B. , Brewster Amy L.
Published: May 2016

Status epilepticus (SE) triggers pathological changes to hippocampal dendrites that may promote epileptogenesis. The microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2) helps stabilize microtubules of the dendritic cytoskeleton. Recently, we reported a substantial decline in Map2 that coincided with robust microglia accumulation in the CA1 hippocampal region after an episode of SE. A spatial correlation between Map2 loss and reactive microglia was also reported in human cortex from refractory epilepsy. New evidence supports that microglia modulate dendritic structures. Thus, to identify a potential association between SE-induced Map2 and microglial changes, a spatiotemporal profile of these events is necessary. We used immunohistochemistry to determine the distribution of Map2 and the microglia marker IBA1 in the hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced SE from 4 hrs to 35 days. We found a decline in Map2 immunoreactivity in the CA1 area that reached minimal levels at 14 days post-SE and partially increased thereafter. In contrast, maximal microglia accumulation occurred in the CA1 area at 14 days post-SE. Our data indicate that SE-induced Map2 and microglial changes parallel each other’s spatiotemporal profiles. These findings may lay the foundation for future mechanistic studies to help identify potential roles for microglia in the dendritic pathology associated with SE and epilepsy.
Development of Persister-FACSeq: a method to massively parallelize quantification of persister physiology and its heterogeneity
Authors: Henry Theresa C. , Brynildsen Mark P.
Published: May 2016

Bacterial persisters are thought to underlie the relapse of chronic infections. Knowledge of persister physiology would illuminate avenues for therapeutic intervention; however, such knowledge has remained elusive because persisters have yet to be segregated from other cell types to sufficient purity. This technical hurdle has stymied progress toward understanding persistence. Here we developed Persister-FACSeq, which is a method that uses fluorescence-activated cell sorting, antibiotic tolerance assays and next generation sequencing to interrogate persister physiology and its heterogeneity. As a proof-of-concept, we used Persister-FACSeq on a library of reporters to study gene expression distributions in non-growing Escherichia coli, and found that persistence to ofloxacin is inversely correlated with the capacity of non-growing cells to synthesize protein. Since Persister-FACSeq can be applied to study persistence to any antibiotic in any environment for any bacteria that can harbor a fluorescent reporter, we anticipate that it will yield unprecedented knowledge of this detrimental phenotype.
Microgravity Induction of TRAIL Expression in Preosteoclast Cells Enhances Osteoclast Differentiation
Authors: Sambandam Yuvaraj , Baird Kelsey L. , Stroebel Maxwell , Kowal Emily , Balasubramanian Sundaravadivel , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: May 2016

Evidence indicates that astronauts experience significant bone loss in space. We previously showed that simulated microgravity (μXg) using the NASA developed rotary cell culture system (RCCS) enhanced bone resorbing osteoclast (OCL) differentiation. However, the mechanism by which μXg increases OCL formation is unclear. RANK/RANKL signaling pathway is critical for OCL differentiation. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to increase osteoclastogenesis. We hypothesize that TRAIL may play an important role in μXg enhanced OCL differentiation. In this study, we identified by RT profiler PCR array screening that μXg induces high levels of TRAIL expression in murine preosteoclast cells in the absence of RANKL stimulation compared to ground based (Xg) cultures. We further identified that μXg elevated the adaptor protein TRAF-6 and fusion genes OC-STAMP and DC-STAMP expression in preosteoclast cells. Interestingly, neutralizing antibody against TRAIL significantly reduced μXg induced OCL formation. We further identified that over-expression of pTRAIL in RAW 264.7 cells enhanced OCL differentiation. These results indicate that TRAIL signaling plays an important role in the μXg increased OCL differentiation. Therefore, inhibition of TRAIL expression could be an effective countermeasure for μXg induced bone loss.
Tissue factor is induced by interleukin-33 in human endothelial cells: a new link between coagulation and inflammation
Authors: Stojkovic Stefan , Kaun Christoph , Basilio Jose , Rauscher Sabine , Hell Lena , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Bonstingl Cornelia , de Martin Rainer , Gröger Marion , Ay Cihan , Holnthoner Wolfgang , Eppel Wolfgang , Neumayer Christoph , Huk Ihor , Huber Kurt , Demyanets Svitlana , Wojta Johann
Published: May 2016

Tissue factor (TF) is the primary trigger of coagulation. Elevated levels of TF are found in atherosclerotic plaques and TF leads to thrombus formation when released upon plaque rupture. Interleukin (IL)-33 was previously shown to induce angiogenesis and inflammatory activation of endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we investigated the impact of IL-33 on TF in human ECs, as a possible new link between inflammation and coagulation. IL-33 induced TF mRNA and protein in human umbilical vein ECs and coronary artery ECs. IL-33-induced TF expression was ST2- and NF-κB-dependent, but IL-1-independent. IL-33 also increased cell surface TF activity in ECs and TF activity in ECs-derived microparticles. IL-33-treated ECs reduced coagulation time of whole blood and plasma but not of factor VII-deficient plasma. In human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n = 57), TF mRNA positively correlated with IL-33 mRNA expression (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). In this tissue, IL-33 and TF protein was detected in ECs and smooth muscle cells by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, IL-33 and TF protein co-localized at the site of clot formation within microvessels in plaques of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Through induction of TF in ECs, IL-33 could enhance their thrombotic capacity and thereby might impact on thrombus formation in the setting of atherosclerosis.
Exposure to Melan-A/MART-126-35 tumor epitope specific CD8+T cells reveals immune escape by affecting the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)
Authors: Ebstein Frédéric , Keller Martin , Paschen Annette , Walden Peter , Seeger Michael , Bürger Elke , Krüger Elke , Schadendorf Dirk , Kloetzel Peter-M. , Seifert Ulrike
Published: May 2016

Efficient processing of target antigens by the ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS) is essential for treatment of cancers by T cell therapies. However, immune escape due to altered expression of IFN-γ-inducible components of the antigen presentation machinery and consequent inefficient processing of HLA-dependent tumor epitopes can be one important reason for failure of such therapies. Here, we show that short-term co-culture of Melan-A/MART-1 tumor antigen-expressing melanoma cells with Melan-A/MART-126-35-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) led to resistance against CTL-induced lysis because of impaired Melan-A/MART-126-35 epitope processing. Interestingly, deregulation of p97/VCP expression, which is an IFN-γ-independent component of the UPS and part of the ER-dependent protein degradation pathway (ERAD), was found to be essentially involved in the observed immune escape. In support, our data demonstrate that re-expression of p97/VCP in Melan-A/MART-126-35 CTL-resistant melanoma cells completely restored immune recognition by Melan-A/MART-126-35 CTL. In conclusion, our experiments show that impaired expression of IFN-γ-independent components of the UPS can exert rapid immune evasion of tumor cells and suggest that tumor antigens processed by distinct UPS degradation pathways should be simultaneously targeted in T cell therapies to restrict the likelihood of immune evasion due to impaired antigen processing.
Whole Genome Re-Sequencing Identifies a Quantitative Trait Locus Repressing Carbon Reserve Accumulation during Optimal Growth in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Goold Hugh Douglas , Nguyen Hoa Mai , Kong Fantao , Beyly-Adriano Audrey , Légeret Bertrand , Billon Emmanuelle , Cuiné Stéphan , Beisson Fred , Peltier Gilles , Li-Beisson Yonghua
Published: May 2016

Microalgae have emerged as a promising source for biofuel production. Massive oil and starch accumulation in microalgae is possible, but occurs mostly when biomass growth is impaired. The molecular networks underlying the negative correlation between growth and reserve formation are not known. Thus isolation of strains capable of accumulating carbon reserves during optimal growth would be highly desirable. To this end, we screened an insertional mutant library of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for alterations in oil content. A mutant accumulating five times more oil and twice more starch than wild-type during optimal growth was isolated and named constitutive oil accumulator 1 (coa1). Growth in photobioreactors under highly controlled conditions revealed that the increase in oil and starch content in coa1 was dependent on light intensity. Genetic analysis and DNA hybridization pointed to a single insertional event responsible for the phenotype. Whole genome re-sequencing identified in coa1 a >200 kb deletion on chromosome 14 containing 41 genes. This study demonstrates that, 1), the generation of algal strains accumulating higher reserve amount without compromising biomass accumulation is feasible; 2), light is an important parameter in phenotypic analysis; and 3), a chromosomal region (Quantitative Trait Locus) acts as suppressor of carbon reserve accumulation during optimal growth.
Correction: Corrigendum: Effects of Systemically Administered Hydrocortisone on the Human Immunome
Authors: Olnes Matthew J. , Kotliarov Yuri , Biancotto Angélique , Cheung Foo , Chen Jinguo , Shi Rongye , Zhou Huizhi , Wang Ena , Tsang John S. , Nussenblatt Robert ,   The CHI Consortium, Dickler Howard B. , Hourigan Christopher S. , Marincola Francesco M. , McCoy J. Phillip , Perl Shira , Schum Paula , Schwartzberg Pamela L. , Trinchieri Giorgio , Valdez Janet , Young Neal S.
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 23002; published online: 14 March 2016; updated: 04 May 2016 This Article contains errors in the Author Contributions Statement, “J.S.T. headed and interpreted the data analysis, revised the manuscript.” should read: “J.S.T helped design data analysis strategiesand analysis result interpretation, and contributed to manuscript revision.
Correction: Corrigendum: Mechanical Fracturing of Core-Shell Undercooled Metal Particles for Heat-Free Soldering
Authors: Çınar Simge , Tevis Ian D. , Chen Jiahao , Thuo Martin
Published: May 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21864; published online: 23 February 2016; updated: 04 May 2016 In this Article, Figure 4 is incorrect. The Figure legend is correct. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Fig. 1.
CPEB1 restrains proliferation of Glioblastoma cells through the regulation of p27Kip1 mRNA translation
Authors: Galardi Silvia , Petretich Massimo , Pinna Guillaume , D’Amico Silvia , Loreni Fabrizio , Michienzi Alessandro , Groisman Irina , Ciafrè Silvia Anna
Published: May 2016

The cytoplasmic element binding protein 1 (CPEB1) regulates many important biological processes ranging from cell cycle control to learning and memory formation, by controlling mRNA translation efficiency via 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR). In the present study, we show that CPEB1 is significantly downregulated in human Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) tissues and that the restoration of its expression impairs glioma cell lines growth. We demonstrate that CPEB1 promotes the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p27Kip1 by specifically targeting its 3′UTR, and competes with miR-221/222 binding at an overlapping site in the 3′UTR, thus impairing miR-221/222 inhibitory activity. Upon binding to p27Kip1 3′UTR, CPEB1 promotes elongation of poly-A tail and the subsequent translation of p27Kip1 mRNA. This leads to higher levels of p27Kip1 in the cell, in turn significantly inhibiting cell proliferation, and confers to CPEB1 a potential value as a tumor suppressor in Glioblastoma.
Gold@silver bimetal nanoparticles/pyramidal silicon 3D substrate with high reproducibility for high-performance SERS
Authors: Zhang Chao , Jiang Shou Zhen , Yang Cheng , Li Chong Hui , Huo Yan Yan , Liu Xiao Yun , Liu Ai Hua , Wei Qin , Gao Sai Sai , Gao Xing Guo , Man Bao Yuan
Published: May 2016

A novel and efficient surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate has been presented based on Gold@silver/pyramidal silicon 3D substrate (Au@Ag/3D-Si). By combining the SERS activity of Ag, the chemical stability of Au and the large field enhancement of 3D-Si, the Au@Ag/3D-Si substrate possesses perfect sensitivity, homogeneity, reproducibility and chemical stability. Using R6G as probe molecule, the SERS results imply that the Au@Ag/3D-Si substrate is superior to the 3D-Si, Ag/3D-Si and Au/3D-Si substrate. We also confirmed these excellent behaviors in theory via a commercial COMSOL software. The corresponding experimental and theoretical results indicate that our proposed Au@Ag/3D-Si substrate is expected to develop new opportunities for label-free SERS detections in biological sensors, biomedical diagnostics and food safety.
Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs and healing of rat tibial fractures through regulation of GR-dependent BMP-2/SMAD signaling
Authors: Gu Yanqing , Zhou Jinchun , Wang Qin , Fan Weimin , Yin Guoyong
Published: May 2016

Fracture healing is closely related to the number and activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) near the fracture site. The present study was to investigate the effect of Rg1 on osteogenic differentiation of cultured BMSCs and related mechanisms and on the fracture healing in a fracture model.In vitroexperiments showed that Rg1 promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Western blot analyses demonstrated that Rg1 promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway.In vivo, X-ray examination showed that callus growth in rats treated with Rg1 was substantially faster than that in control rats after fracture. The results of H&E and Safranin-O/Fast Green staining revealed that, compared with controls, rats in the Rg1 treatment group had a significantly higher proportion of trabecular bone but a much lower proportion of fibers and cartilage components inside the callus. Micro-CT suggested that bone mineral density (BMD), percent bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were significantly increased in the treatment group, whereas trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) was significantly reduced. Thus, Rg1 promotes osteogenic differentiation by activating the GR/BMP-2 signaling pathway, enhances bone calcification and ultimately accelerates the fracture healing in rats.
Employing Synergetic Effect of Doping and Thin Film Coating to Boost the Performance of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Particles
Authors: Patel Rajankumar L. , Jiang Ying-Bing , Choudhury Amitava , Liang Xinhua
Published: May 2016

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has evolved as an important technique to coat conformal protective thin films on cathode and anode particles of lithium ion batteries to enhance their electrochemical performance. Coating a conformal, conductive and optimal ultrathin film on cathode particles has significantly increased the capacity retention and cycle life as demonstrated in our previous work. In this work, we have unearthed the synergetic effect of electrochemically active iron oxide films coating and partial doping of iron on LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 (LMNO) particles. The ionic Fe penetrates into the lattice structure of LMNO during the ALD process. After the structural defects were saturated, the iron started participating in formation of ultrathin oxide films on LMNO particle surface. Owing to the conductive nature of iron oxide films, with an optimal film thickness of ~0.6 nm, the initial capacity improved by ~25% at room temperature and by ~26% at an elevated temperature of 55 °C at a 1C cycling rate. The synergy of doping of LMNO with iron combined with the conductive and protective nature of the optimal iron oxide film led to a high capacity retention (~93% at room temperature and ~91% at 55 °C) even after 1,000 cycles at a 1C cycling rate.
Cascading failures in coupled networks with both inner-dependency and inter-dependency links
Authors: Liu Run-Ran , Li Ming , Jia Chun-Xiao , Wang Bing-Hong
Published: May 2016

We study the percolation in coupled networks with both inner-dependency and inter-dependency links, where the inner- and inter-dependency links represent the dependencies between nodes in the same or different networks, respectively. We find that when most of dependency links are inner- or inter-ones, the coupled networks system is fragile and makes a discontinuous percolation transition. However, when the numbers of two types of dependency links are close to each other, the system is robust and makes a continuous percolation transition. This indicates that the high density of dependency links could not always lead to a discontinuous percolation transition as the previous studies. More interestingly, although the robustness of the system can be optimized by adjusting the ratio of the two types of dependency links, there exists a critical average degree of the networks for coupled random networks, below which the crossover of the two types of percolation transitions disappears, and the system will always demonstrate a discontinuous percolation transition. We also develop an approach to analyze this model, which is agreement with the simulation results well.
A pseudouridylation switch in rRNA is implicated in ribosome function during the life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Chikne Vaibhav , Doniger Tirza , Rajan K. Shanmugha , Bartok Osnat , Eliaz Dror , Cohen-Chalamish Smadar , Tschudi Christian , Unger Ron , Hashem Yaser , Kadener Sebastian , Michaeli Shulamit
Published: May 2016

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes devastating diseases in humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa, undergoes a complex life cycle between the mammalian host and the blood-feeding tsetse fly vector. However, little is known about how the parasite performs most molecular functions in such different environments. Here, we provide evidence for the intriguing possibility that pseudouridylation of rRNA plays an important role in the capacity of the parasite to transit between the insect midgut and the mammalian bloodstream. Briefly, we mapped pseudouridines (Ψ) on rRNA by Ψ-seq in procyclic form (PCF) and bloodstream form (BSF) trypanosomes. We detected 68 Ψs on rRNA, which are guided by H/ACA small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA). The small RNome of both life cycle stages was determined by HiSeq and 83 H/ACAs were identified. We observed an elevation of 21 Ψs modifications in BSF as a result of increased levels of the guiding snoRNAs. Overexpression of snoRNAs guiding modification on H69 provided a slight growth advantage to PCF parasites at 30 °C. Interestingly, these modifications are predicted to significantly alter the secondary structure of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA suggesting that hypermodified positions may contribute to the adaption of ribosome function during cycling between the two hosts.
Co-spread of metal and antibiotic resistance within ST3-IncHI2 plasmids from E. coli isolates of food-producing animals
Authors: Fang Liangxing , Li Xingping , Li Liang , Li Shumin , Liao Xiaoping , Sun Jian , Liu Yahong
Published: May 2016

Concerns have been raised in recent years regarding co-selection for antibiotic resistance among bacteria exposed to heavy metals, particularly copper and zinc, used as growth promoters for some livestock species. In this study, 25 IncHI2 plasmids harboring oqxAB (20/25)/blaCTX-M (18/25) were found with sizes ranging from ∼260 to ∼350 kb and 22 belonged to the ST3-IncHI2 group. In addition to blaCTX-M and oqxAB, pcoA-E (5/25) and silE-P (5/25), as well as aac(6′)-Ib-cr (18/25), floR (16/25), rmtB (6/25), qnrS1(3/25) and fosA3 (2/25), were also identified on these IncHI2 plasmids. The plasmids carried pco and sil contributed to increasing in the MICs of CuSO4 and AgNO3. The genetic context surrounding the two operons was well conserved except some variations within the pco operon. The ~32 kb region containing the two operons identified in the IncHI2 plasmids was also found in chromosomes of different Enterobacteriaceae species. Further, phylogenetic analysis of this structure showed that Tn7-like transposon might play an important role in cross-genus transfer of the sil and pco operons among Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, co-existence of the pco and sil operons, and oqxAB/blaCTX-M as well as other antibiotic resistance genes on IncHI2 plasmids may promote the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Determining the Origin of Half-bandgap-voltage Electroluminescence in Bifunctional Rubrene/C60 Devices
Authors: Chen Qiusong , Jia Weiyao , Chen Lixiang , Yuan De , Zou Yue , Xiong Zuhong
Published: May 2016

Lowering the driving voltage of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is an important approach to reduce their energy consumption. We have fabricated a series of bifunctional devices (OLEDs and photovoltaics) using rubrene and fullerene (C60) as the active layer, in which the electroluminescence threshold voltage(~1.1 V) was half the value of the bandgap of rubrene. Magneto-electroluminescence (MEL) response of planner heterojunction diodes exhibited a small increase in response to a low magnetic field strength (<20 mT); however, a very large decay was observed at a high magnetic field strength (>20 mT). When a hole-transport layer with a low mobility was included in these devices, the MEL response reversed in shape and simultaneously, the EL threshold voltage became larger than the bandgap voltage. When bulk heterojunction device was examined, the amplitude of MEL curves presented an anomalous voltage-dependence. Following an analysis of the MEL responses of these devices, we proposed that the EL of half-bandgap-voltage device originated from bimolecular triplet-triplet annihilation in the rubrene film, rather than from singlet excitons that formed via an interface auger recombination. This work provides critical insight into the mechanisms of OLED emission and will help advance the applications of bifunctional devices.
Modeling Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived-Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Maillet Agnes , Tan Kim , Chai Xiaoran , Sadananda Singh N. , Mehta Ashish , Ooi Jolene , Hayden Michael R. , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Ghosh Sujoy , Shim Winston , Brunham Liam R.
Published: May 2016

Doxorubicin is a highly efficacious anti-cancer drug but causes cardiotoxicity in many patients. The mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remain incompletely understood. We investigated the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of DIC in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs). We found that doxorubicin causes dose-dependent increases in apoptotic and necrotic cell death, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased intracellular calcium concentration. We characterized genome-wide changes in gene expression caused by doxorubicin using RNA-seq, as well as electrophysiological abnormalities caused by doxorubicin with multi-electrode array technology. Finally, we show that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption of TOP2B, a gene implicated in DIC in mouse studies, significantly reduces the sensitivity of hPSC-CMs to doxorubicin-induced double stranded DNA breaks and cell death. These data establish a human cellular model of DIC that recapitulates many of the cardinal features of this adverse drug reaction and could enable screening for protective agents against DIC as well as assessment of genetic variants involved in doxorubicin response.
Sorting quantum systems efficiently
Authors: Ionicioiu Radu
Published: May 2016

Measuring the state of a quantum system is a fundamental process in quantum mechanics and plays an essential role in quantum information and quantum technologies. One method to measure a quantum observable is to sort the system in different spatial modes according to the measured value, followed by single-particle detectors on each mode. Examples of quantum sorters are polarizing beam-splitters (PBS) – which direct photons according to their polarization – and Stern-Gerlach devices. Here we propose a general scheme to sort a quantum system according to the value of any d-dimensional degree of freedom, such as spin, orbital angular momentum (OAM), wavelength etc. Our scheme is universal, works at the single-particle level and has a theoretical efficiency of 100%. As an application we design an efficient OAM sorter consisting of a single multi-path interferometer which is suitable for a photonic chip implementation.
Improved Drain Current Saturation and Voltage Gain in Graphene–on–Silicon Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Song Seung Min , Bong Jae Hoon , Hwang Wan Sik , Cho Byung Jin
Published: May 2016

Graphene devices for radio frequency (RF) applications are of great interest due to their excellent carrier mobility and saturation velocity. However, the insufficient current saturation in graphene field effect transistors (FETs) is a barrier preventing enhancements of the maximum oscillation frequency and voltage gain, both of which should be improved for RF transistors. Achieving a high output resistance is therefore a crucial step for graphene to be utilized in RF applications. In the present study, we report high output resistances and voltage gains in graphene-on-silicon (GoS) FETs. This is achieved by utilizing bare silicon as a supporting substrate without an insulating layer under the graphene. The GoSFETs exhibit a maximum output resistance of 2.5 MΩ∙μm, maximum intrinsic voltage gain of 28 dB, and maximum voltage gain of 9 dB. This method opens a new route to overcome the limitations of conventional graphene-on-insulator (GoI) FETs and subsequently brings graphene electronics closer to practical usage.
Matrix stiffness promotes cartilage endplate chondrocyte calcification in disc degeneration via miR-20a targeting ANKH expression
Authors: Liu Ming-Han , Sun Chao , Yao Yuan , Fan Xin , Liu Huan , Cui You-Hong , Bian Xiu-Wu , Huang Bo , Zhou Yue
Published: May 2016

The mechanical environment is crucial for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cartilage endplate (CEP) calcification by altered matrix stiffness remain unclear. In this study, we found that matrix stiffness of CEP was positively correlated with the degree of IDD and stiff matrix, which mimicked the severe degeneration of CEP, promoted inorganic phosphate-induced calcification in CEP chondrocytes. Co-expression analysis of the miRNA and mRNA profiles showed that increasing stiffness resulted in up-regulation of miR-20a and down-regulation of decreased ankylosis protein homolog (ANKH) during inorganic phosphate-induced calcification in CEP chondrocytes. Through a dual luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that miR-20a directly targets 3′-untranslated regions of ANKH. The inhibition of miR-20a attenuated the calcium deposition and calcification-related gene expression, whereas the overexpression of miR-20a enhanced calcification in CEP chondrocytes on stiff matrix. The rescue of ANKH expression restored the decreased pyrophosphate efflux and inhibited calcification. In clinical samples, the levels of ANKH expression were inversely associated with the degeneration degree of CEP. Thus, our findings demonstrate that the miR-20a/ANKH axis mediates the stiff matrix- promoted CEP calcification, suggesting that miR-20a and ANKH are potential targets in restraining the progression of IDD.
In situ functionalization of self-assembled dendrimer nanofibers with cadmium sulfide quantum dots through simple ionic-substitution
Authors: Astachov V. , Garzoni M. , Danani A. , Choy K.-L. , Pavan G. M. , Fahmi A.
Published: May 2016

Cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS-QDs) can be generated along poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimer-based self-assembled nanofibers through a simple approach based on ionic substitution.
Enzymatically catalytic signal tracing by a glucose oxidase and ferrocene dually functionalized nanoporous gold nanoprobe for ultrasensitive electrochemical measurement of a tumor biomarker
Authors: Cheng Hui , Xu Lingling , Zhang Haili , Yu Aimin , Lai Guosong
Published: May 2016

A glucose oxidase–ferrocene dually functionalized nanoporous gold nanoprobe was prepared for the electrochemical signal tracing of a protein aptasensor.
DNA tetrahedron and star trigon nanostructures for target recycling detection of nucleic acid
Authors: Li Yueran , Chen Xifeng , Wang Bidou , Liu Guangxing , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: May 2016

We develop an electrochemical method for the target recycling detection of nuclei acid by constructing DNA tetrahedron and star trigon nanostructures.
Advances in aptasensors for the detection of food contaminants
Authors: Duan Nuo , Wu Shijia , Dai Shaoliang , Gu Huajie , Hao Liling , Ye Hua , Wang Zhouping
Published: May 2016

Food safety is a global health objective, and foodborne diseases represent a major crisis in health. Aptasensors have substantially been exploited for the detection of food contaminants.
Determination of eleven volatile N-nitrosamines in skin care cosmetics using multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a dispersive clean-up sorbent and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Fujian , Xian Yanping , Chen Jiwen , Dong Hao , Liu Huidi , Guo Xindong , Chen Manying , Li He
Published: May 2016

A sensitive UPLC-APCI/MS/MS method based on multi-walled carbon nanotube purification was developed.
Rapid 1H NMR determination of hydrogen peroxide in cosmetic products and chemical reagents
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Diehl Bernd W. K.
Published: May 2016

A methodology utilizing 1H NMR spectroscopy has been developed to measure the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in hair sprays, nail treatments, hydrogen peroxide solutions for disinfection and chemical reagents.
Monolithic capillary microextraction on-line combined with ICP-MS for determining Ni, Cu and Cd in biological samples
Authors: Suo Feiya , Chen Beibei , He Man , Hu Bin
Published: May 2016

A novel method of amino group modified monolithic capillary microextraction on-line combined with ICP-MS was developed for the determination of Ni, Cu, Cd in biological samples.
Room-temperature and gram-scale synthesis of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystals with 50–85% photoluminescence quantum yields
Authors: Wei Song , Yang Yanchun , Kang Xiaojiao , Wang Lan , Huang Lijian , Pan Daocheng
Published: May 2016

CsPbX3 perovskite quantum dots with 50–85% photoluminescence quantum yields have been successfully synthesized at room temperature in open air.
Controllable Eu valence for photoluminescence tuning in apatite-typed phosphors by the cation cosubstitution effect
Authors: Li Guogang , Lin Chun Che , Wei Yi , Quan Zewei , Tian Ying , Zhao Yun , Chan Ting-Shan , Lin Jun
Published: May 2016

A schematic presentation for the valence transition from 3+ to 2+ of Eu in Ca2(1+x)La8(1−x)(SiO4)6−x(PO4)xO2:Eu (0 ≤ x ≤ 6) based on the XANES spectroscopy analysis.
Thickness dependence of surface energy and contact angle of water droplets on ultrathin MoS2 films
Authors: Guo Yanhua , Wang Zhengfei , Zhang Lizhi , Shen Xiaodong , Liu Feng
Published: May 2016

We have performed a systematic density functional study of surface energy of MoS2 films as a function of thickness from one to twelve layers with the consideration of van der Waals (vdW) interactions using the vdW-DF and DFT-D2 methods.
Tailoring the germanene–substrate interactions by means of hydrogenation
Authors: Marjaoui Adil , Stephan Régis , Hanf Marie-Christine , Diani Mustapha , Sonnet Philippe
Published: May 2016

The interactions between the Ge atoms of a germanene layer and an Al(111) substrate are weakened by hydrogenation.
The roles of conjugations of graphene and Ag in Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts for degradation of sulfamethoxazole
Authors: Zhou Li , Alvarez Oscar González , Mazon Carmen Sans , Chen Ling , Deng Huiping , Sui Minghao
Published: May 2016

Three different photocatalysts, namely silver phosphate (Ag3PO4; AGP), Ag3PO4-graphene (AGP–G) and Ag/Ag3PO4–graphene (AAGP–G), were fabricated by a chemical precipitation approach. The mechanism of AAGP–G to degrade SMX was explained in detail.
Supported rhenium nanoparticle catalysts for acceptorless dehydrogenation of alcohols: structure–activity relationship and mechanistic studies
Authors: Kon Kenichi , Onodera Wataru , Toyao Takashi , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: May 2016

Mechanistic and structure–activity relationship studies show cooperative catalysis of Re0 sites on the supported Re metal nanoparticles and acid–base sites of alumina for the title reaction.
An oxygen-sensitive luminescent Dy(iii) complex
Authors: Nakai Hidetaka , Seo Juncheol , Kitagawa Kazuhiro , Goto Takahiro , Matsumoto Takahiro , Ogo Seiji
Published: May 2016

A 1,4,7-triazacyclononane based tris-aryloxide ligand provides an unprecedented oxygen-sensitive luminescent dysprosium(iii) complex.
Contrasting photophysical properties of rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes having carbazole groups attached to the polypyridine ligand
Authors: Ramos L. D. , Sampaio R. N. , de Assis F. F. , de Oliveira K. T. , Homem-de-Mello P. , Patrocinio A. O. T. , Frin K. P. M.
Published: May 2016

The fac-[Re(CO)3(cbz2phen)(L)]0/+1 complexes showed a remarkable presence of the ILCTcbz2phen fluorescence in addition to the usually observed 3MLCTRe→cbz2phen. In PMMA films the emission is completely turned into a triplet excited state manifold.
Silver(i) complexes with a P–N hybrid ligand and oxyanions: synthesis, structures, photocatalysis and photocurrent responses
Authors: Wang Jian-Feng , Liu Shi-Yuan , Liu Chun-Yu , Ren Zhi-Gang , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2016

Silver(i) complexes with a P–N ligand and oxyanion show excellent catalytic photodegradation performances, which correlate with their photocurrent responses.
Polymer grafted layered double hydroxides (LDHs-g-POEGMA): a highly efficient reusable solid catalyst for the synthesis of chromene incorporated dihydroquinoline derivatives under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Reddy Mudumala Veeranarayana , Lien Nguyen Thi Kim , Reddy Gangireddy Chandra Sekhar , Lim Kwon Taek , Jeong Yeon Tae
Published: May 2016

Chromene incorporated dihydroquinolines are synthesized using highly active air stable and recyclable LDHs-g-POEGMA as catalyst in green procedure.
Microfluidics 3D gel-island chip for single cell isolation and lineage-dependent drug responses study
Authors: Zhang Zhixiong , Chen Yu-Chih , Cheng Yu-Heng , Luan Yi , Yoon Euisik
Published: May 2016

This paper reports a novel gel-island microfluidic platform enabling single-cell tracking in biomimetic 3D microenvironment for investigating heterogeneous drug response of single cells.
Network analysis and cross species comparison of protein–protein interaction networks of human, mouse and rat cytochrome P450 proteins that degrade xenobiotics
Authors: Karthikeyan Bagavathy Shanmugam , Akbarsha Mohammad Abdulkader , Parthasarathy Subbiah
Published: May 2016

Analysis of protein–protein interaction networks of CYP proteins of human, mouse and rat gives insights about functionality and species differences.
Highly sensitive and uniform surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy from grating-integrated plasmonic nanograss
Authors: Shen Yang , Cheng Xizhe , Li Guozhen , Zhu Qiangzhong , Chi Zhenguo , Wang Jianfang , Jin Chongjun
Published: May 2016

We developed a SERS sensing strategy based on grating-integrated substrates with 10-fold signal enhancement compared to the planar substrates.
Boron templated synthesis of a BODIPY analogue from a phthalocyanine precursor
Authors: Crandall Laura A. , Rhoda Hannah M. , Nemykin Victor N. , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of aza(dibenzopyrro)methenes (ADBMs) using aryl boron compounds as templates is described. Compounds (1–3) are structurally related to the BODIPYs and were isolated with terminal imine, oxo, or mixed imine-oxo groups. Compounds 1–3 were investigated for their absorption/emission properties, and were probed by DFT and TDDFT methods.
Highly conformal fabrication of nanopatterns on non-planar surfaces
Authors: Massiot Inès , Trompoukis Christos , Lodewijks Kristof , Depauw Valérie , Dmitriev Alexandre
Published: May 2016

Bottom-up large-scale nanopatterns are fabricated conformally onto highly non-planar substrates using colloidal lithography.
Synthesis of a simplified triazole analogue of pateamine A
Authors: Hemi Cumming A. , Brown Sarah L. , Tao Xu , Cuyamendous Claire , Field Jessica J. , Miller John H. , Harvey Joanne E. , Teesdale-Spittle Paul H.
Published: May 2016

A simplified analogue of the marine sponge metabolite pateamine A containing a triazole ring has been prepared.
Different stabilities of liposomes containing saturated and unsaturated lipids toward the addition of cyclodextrins
Authors: Ikeda Atsushi , Funada Rikushi , Sugikawa Kouta
Published: May 2016

The liposomal collapse resulting from the addition of heptakis(2,6-di-O-methyl)cyclodextrin was more difficult to observe in the presence of unsaturated lipids compared to saturated lipids.
Synthesis of substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines by lithiation then electrophilic quench
Authors: Talk Ruaa A. , Duperray Alexia , Li Xiabing , Coldham Iain
Published: May 2016

Lithiation then electrophilic quench of tetrahydroisoquinolines provides access to 1-substituted products. Removal of the N-Boc group allows rapid access to natural products such as (±)-crispine A.
Thermodynamically driven, syn-selective vinylogous aldol reaction of tetronamides
Authors: Karak Milandip , Barbosa Luiz C. A. , Acosta Jaime A. M. , Sarotti Ariel M. , Boukouvalas John
Published: May 2016

A stereoselective vinylogous aldol reaction of N-monosubstituted tetronamides with aldehydes is described.
A “turn on” fluorescent and chromogenic chemosensor for fluoride anion: experimental and DFT studies
Authors: Thale Pranila B. , Borase Pravin N. , Shankarling Ganapati S.
Published: May 2016

A simple, convenient “turn on” fluorescent and chromogenic chemosensor for fluoride anion detection in acetonitrile as well as in water has been developed.
Room temperature ferromagnetic properties of dysprosium-doped tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum: experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Jiang Feng , Pang Zhiyong , Yuan Huimin , Wei Zhixian , Xie Wanfeng , Wu Zongyong , Han Shenghao
Published: May 2016

Room-temperature ferromagnetism was observed in a Dy-doped Alq3 film.
Reducing properties of 1,2-dipyridyl-1,2-disodioethanes: chemical validation of theoretical and electrochemical predictions
Authors: Azzena U. , Carraro M. , Pisano L. , Mocci F. , Antonello S. , Maran F.
Published: May 2016

Theoretical calculations and electrochemical analysis were used to set up a relative scale for the reducing strength of the dianions of 1,2-dipyridylethenes, validated by studying their reactivity towards halogenated benzoic and arylacetic acids.
Broadband spectra with fluorescence and phosphorescence dual emission from bichromophoric platinum metallomesogens containing a 6,12-dihydro-indeno[1,2-b]fluorene linkage
Authors: Wang Yafei , Fan Jiang , Li Tianyi , Wang Qiong , Shi Junwei , Qu Zuoming , Tan Hua , Liu Yu , Zhu Weiguo
Published: May 2016

Two bichromophoric platinum metallomesogens, FJ-1 and FJ-2, exhibited fluorescence (1π,π*) and phosphorescence (3π,π*) dual emissions in solution. Their photophysical properties were detailedly investigated by experiment and theory calculation.
Novel thiotolerant catalysts for the on-board partial dehydrogenation of jet fuels
Authors: Albonetti S. , Boanini E. , Jiménez-Morales I. , Lucarelli C. , Mella M. , Molinari C. , Vaccari A.
Published: May 2016

The possibility of producing on-board H2 by dehydrogenation of petrol derivates is interesting for transport applications.
RuO2@Co3O4 heterogeneous nanofibers: a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors
Authors: Gong Decai , Zhu Jian , Lu Bingan
Published: May 2016

Novel RuO2@Co3O4 heterogeneous nanofibers (HNFs) were synthesized by a simple electrospinning method, followed by calcination.
Fabrication of C3N4 ultrathin flakes by mechanical grind method with enhanced photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Bu Yuyu , Chen Zhiwei , Xie Tian , Li Weibing , Ao Jin-Ping
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we prepared a large-sized multilayer C3N4 ultrathin flake photocatalyst with an approximately 90% yield rate by a facile wet mechanical grinding method.
Improved H2S gas sensing properties of ZnO nanorods via decoration of nano-porous SiO2 thin layers
Authors: Qi Gaocan , Lu Xiaodan , Yuan Zhihao
Published: May 2016

The decoration of nano-porous SiO2 thin film prevents the poisoning phenomenon of ZnO nanorod in H2S detection.
Epoxy/graphene oxide/liquid polysulfide ternary nano-composites: rheological, thermal and mechanical, characterization
Authors: Nasab Matin Golshani , Kalaee Mohammadreza
Published: May 2016

Despite its functionality, one major drawback associated with cured epoxy resin is its brittle nature.
Freezing-mediated polymerization of Ag nanoparticle-embedded polyaniline belts with polyoxometalate as doping acid exhibiting UV-photosensitivity
Authors: Ma Huiyan , Yan Siqi , Pu Xipeng , Shao Xin , Li Yunwu , Gong Jian , Deng Yulin
Published: May 2016

Ag nanoparticles-embedded polyaniline belts have been synthesized by freezing polymerization method assisted by POMs and AgNO3 and exhibit significant UV photoresponse.
Impact of different alginate lyases on combined cellulase–lyase saccharification of brown seaweed
Authors: Manns D. , Nyffenegger C. , Saake B. , Meyer A. S.
Published: May 2016

Alginate attack characteristics and impact on cellulase–lyase catalyzed saccharification of brown seaweed were compared for three microbial PL7 alginate lyases (EC 4.2.2.-) two of them heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli as part of the work.
Controlled synthesis of multi-armed P3HT star polymers with gold nanoparticle core
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ji , Cho Kie Yong , Hwang Seung Sang , Choi Dong Hoon , Ko Min Jae , Baek Kyung-Youl
Published: May 2016

Well-defined multi-armed P3HT star polymers with a gold nanoparticle (NP) core were synthesized by an arm-first method based on a ligand exchange reaction between linear end-functionalized P3HT (P3HT-SH) and gold NPs.
Synthesis and molecular modeling studies of indole-based antitumor agents
Authors: George Riham F. , Panda Siva S. , Shalaby El-Sayed M. , Srour Aladdin M. , Farag I. S. Ahmed , Girgis Adel S.
Published: May 2016

Potent antitumor active (HeLa, cervical carcinoma cell line) indole-based compounds were synthesizedviaazomethine ylide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with 3,5-arylidene-4-piperidones.
Crosslinking catalysis-active center of hemin on the protein scaffold toward peroxidase mimic with powerful catalysis
Authors: Dong Minmin , Zhang Liyan , Li Rui , Li Shuying , Jiang Yao , Qiao Yuchun , Duan Zhiqiang , Li Ru , Wang Quanfu , Wang Hua
Published: May 2016

Catalytic hemin (Hem) was cross-linked onto the protein scaffold of bovine serum albumin (BSA) forming a Hem–BSA composite with powerful catalysis.
Activation of peroxymonosulfate by iron-based catalysts for orange G degradation: role of hydroxylamine
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Mengyan , Zhu Liang
Published: May 2016

NH2OH enhances the performance of iron-based oxides/hydroxides by accelerating Fe(iii)/Fe(ii) cycling and radicals production.
High performance asymmetric supercapacitor based on CoAl-LDH/GF and activated carbon from expanded graphite
Authors: Masikhwa Tshifhiwa M. , Madito Moshawe J. , Momodu Damilola Y. , Dangbegnon Julien K. , Guellati Ouanassa , Harat Aicha , Guerioune Mohamed , Barzegar Farshad , Manyala Ncholu
Published: May 2016

An asymmetric supercapacitor based on CoAl-LDH/GF composite and activated carbon from expanded graphite (AEG) in aqueous 6 M KOH electrolyte is reported with excellent electrochemical properties.
Preparation and in vitro osteogenic, angiogenic and antibacterial properties of cuprorivaite (CaCuSi4O10, Cup) bioceramics
Authors: Tian Tian , Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang
Published: May 2016

Cuprorivaite firstly synthesized by sol–gel method with angiogenic and antibacterial activities for wound healing application.
A novel cyano functionalized silica-titania oxide sol–gel based ionic liquid for the extraction of hazardous chlorophenols from aqueous environments
Authors: Bakhshaei Shabnam , Kamboh Muhammad Afzal , Mohamad Sharifah , Md Zain Sharifuddin , Ma'amor Azman
Published: May 2016

The extraction of chlorophenols on Si-Ti@CN/IL is highly pH dependent and significant percent extraction was achieved at pH = 2.
Isochronal superposition and density scaling of the intermolecular dynamics in glass-forming liquids with varying hydrogen bonding propensity
Authors: Adrjanowicz K. , Pionteck J. , Paluch M.
Published: May 2016

We have tested the idea of thermodynamic scaling T−1ργ and isochronal superposition in glass-forming liquids with varying propensity to form hydrogen bonds.
Structural analysis of cellulose acetate and zirconium alkoxide hybrid fibres
Authors: Asai Hanako , Nitani Hiroaki , Nishimura Fumihiro , Yonezawa Susumu , Nakane Koji
Published: May 2016

We investigated the detailed structures of organic–inorganic hybrid fibres composed of cellulose acetate (CA) and zirconium alkoxides (Zr(OR)4) using various measurements.
Synthesis of highly branched poly(δ-valerolactone)s: a comparative study between comb and linear analogues
Authors: Ren Yingying , Wei Zhiyong , Wu Tong , Bian Yufei , Leng Xuefei , Zhou Cheng , Li Yang
Published: May 2016

A structure–property relationship was constructed based on the facile synthesis of linear-comb and star-comb poly(δ-valerolactone)s.
Preparation of polyvinylidene fluoride/expanded graphite composites with enhanced thermal conductivity via ball milling treatment
Authors: Deng Sha , Zhu Yanlin , Qi Xiaodong , Yu Wenjing , Chen Feng , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2016

Herein, we illustrate a facile strategy to improve the thermal conductivity of polyvinylidene fluoride/expanded graphite (PVDF/EG) composites by pre-treatment of EG via ball milling.