bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA HOXA-AS2 represses P21 and KLF2 expression transcription by binding with EZH2, LSD1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ding J , Xie M , Lian Y , Zhu Y , Peng P , Wang J , Wang L , Wang K
Published: January 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received increased attention as a new class of functional regulators involved in human carcinogenesis. HOXA cluster antisense RNA 2 (HOXA-AS2) is a 1048-bp lncRNA located between the HOXA3 and HOXA4 genes in the HOXA cluster that regulates gene expression at a transcription level. HOXA-AS2 is previously found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC) and promotes GC cells proliferation. However, its potential role and molecular mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) are not known. Here, we identified that HOXA-AS2 is significantly upregulated in CRC tissue. In addition, increased HOXA-AS2 expression is associated with a larger tumor size and an advanced pathological stage in CRC patients. HOXA-AS2 knockdown significantly suppressed proliferation by blocking the G1/S transition and caused apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo. The mechanistic investigations showed that HOXA-AS2 could interact with EZH2 (enhancer of zeste homolog 2), LSD1 (lysine specific demethylase 1) and recruit them to p21 (CDKN1A), KLF2 promoter regions to repress their transcription. Furthermore, the rescue experiments demonstrated that HOXA-AS2 oncogenic function is partly through regulating p21. In conclusion, our data suggest that HOXA-AS2 may function as an oncogene by modulating the multiple genes expression involved in CRC proliferation, and also provides a potential target for CRC therapy.
The role of the cancer stem cell marker CD271 in DNA damage response and drug resistance of melanoma cells
Authors: Redmer T , Walz I , Klinger B , Khouja S , Welte Y , Schäfer R , Regenbrecht C
Published: January 2017

Several lines of evidence have suggested that stemness and acquired resistance to targeted inhibitors or chemotherapeutics are mechanistically linked. Here we observed high cell surface and total levels of nerve growth factor receptor/CD271, a marker of melanoma-initiating cells, in sub-populations of chemoresistant cell lines. CD271 expression was increased in drug-sensitive cells but not resistant cells in response to DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics etoposide, fotemustine and cisplatin. Comparative analysis of melanoma cells engineered to stably express CD271 or a targeting short hairpin RNA by expression profiling provided numerous genes regulated in a CD271-dependent manner. In-depth analysis of CD271-responsive genes uncovered the association of CD271 with regulation of DNA repair components. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis revealed enrichment of CD271-responsive genes in drug-resistant cells, among them DNA repair components. Moreover, our comparative screen identified the fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) as a target of CD271, highly expressed in chemoresistant cells. Further we show that levels of CD271 determine drug response. Knock-down of CD271 in fotemustine-resistant cells decreased expression of FGF13 and at least partly restored sensitivity to fotemustine. Together, we demonstrate that expression of CD271 is responsible for genes associated with DNA repair and drug response. Further, we identified 110 CD271-responsive genes predominantly expressed in melanoma metastases, among them were NEK2, TOP2A and RAD51AP1 as potential drivers of melanoma metastasis. In addition, we provide mechanistic insight in the regulation of CD271 in response to drugs. We found that CD271 is potentially regulated by p53 and in turn is needed for a proper p53-dependent response to DNA-damaging drugs. In summary, we provide for the first time insight in a CD271-associated signaling network connecting CD271 with DNA repair, drug response and metastasis.
Evolutionary adaptations of biofilms infecting cystic fibrosis lungs promote mechanical toughness by adjusting polysaccharide production
Authors: Kovach Kristin , Davis-Fields Megan , Irie Yasuhiko , Jain Kanishk , Doorwar Shashvat , Vuong Katherine , Dhamani Numa , Mohanty Kishore , Touhami Ahmed , Gordon Vernita D
Published: January 2017

Biofilms are communities of microbes embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, largely polysaccharides. Multiple types of extracellular polymeric substances can be produced by a single bacterial strain. The distinct polymer components of biofilms are known to provide chemical protection, but little is known about how distinct extracellular polysaccharides may also protect biofilms against mechanical stresses such as shear or phagocytic engulfment. Decades-long infections of Pseudomonas. aeruginosa biofilms in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients are natural models for studies of biofilm fitness under pressure from antibiotics and the immune system. In cystic fibrosis infections, production of the extracellular polysaccharide alginate has long been known to increase with time and to chemically protect biofilms. More recently, it is being recognized that chronic cystic fibrosis infections also evolve to increase production of another extracellular polysaccharide, Psl; much less is known about Psl’s protective benefits to biofilms. We use oscillatory bulk rheology, on biofilms grown from longitudinal clinical isolates and from genetically-manipulated lab strains, to show that increased Psl stiffens biofilms and increases biofilm toughness, which is the energy cost to cause the biofilm to yield mechanically. Further, atomic force microscopy measurements reveal greater intercellular cohesion for higher Psl expression. Of the three types of extracellular polysaccharides produced by P. aeruginosa, only Psl increases the stiffness. Stiffening by Psl requires CdrA, a protein that binds to mannose groups on Psl and is a likely cross-linker for the Psl components of the biofilm matrix. We compare the elastic moduli of biofilms to the estimated stresses exerted by neutrophils during phagocytosis, and infer that increased Psl could confer a mechanical protection against phagocytic clearance.
DNA methylation in schizophrenia in different patient-derived cell types
Authors: Vitale Alejandra M. , Matigian Nicholas A. , Cristino Alexandre S. , Nones Katia , Ravishankar Sugandha , Bellette Bernadette , Fan Yongjun , Wood Stephen A. , Wolvetang Ernst , Mackay-Sim Alan
Published: January 2017

DNA methylation of gene promoter regions represses transcription and is a mechanism via which environmental risk factors could affect cells during development in individuals at risk for schizophrenia. We investigated DNA methylation in patient-derived cells that might shed light on early development in schizophrenia. Induced pluripotent stem cells may reflect a “ground state” upon which developmental and environmental influences would be minimal. Olfactory neurosphere-derived cells are an adult-derived neuro-ectodermal stem cell modified by developmental and environmental influences. Fibroblasts provide a non-neural control for life-long developmental and environmental influences. Genome-wide profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression was done in these three cell types from the same individuals. All cell types had distinct, statistically significant schizophrenia-associated differences in DNA methylation and linked gene expression, with Gene Ontology analysis showing that the differentially affected genes clustered in networks associated with cell growth, proliferation, and movement, functions known to be affected in schizophrenia patient-derived cells. Only five gene loci were differentially methylated in all three cell types. Understanding the role of epigenetics in cell function in the brain in schizophrenia is likely to be complicated by similar cell type differences in intrinsic and environmentally induced epigenetic regulation.
Resource footprints and their ecosystem consequences
Authors: Verones Francesca , Moran Daniel , Stadler Konstantin , Kanemoto Keiichiro , Wood Richard
Published: January 2017

A meaningful environmental impact analysis should go beyond the accounting of pressures from resource use and actually assess how resource demand affects ecosystems. The various currently available footprints of nations report the environmental pressures e.g. water use or pollutant emissions, driven by consumption. However, there have been limited attempts to assess the environmental consequences of these pressures. Ultimately, consequences, not pressures, should guide environmental policymaking. The newly released LC-Impact method demonstrates progress on the path to providing this missing link. Here we present “ecosystem impact footprints” in terms of the consequences for biodiversity and assess the differences in impact footprint results from MRIO-based pressure footprints. The new perspective reveals major changes in the relative contribution of nations to global footprints. Wealthy countries have high pressure footprints in lower-income countries but their impact footprints often have their origin in higher-income countries. This shift in perspective provides a different insight on where to focus policy responses to preserve biodiversity.
Zika virus disrupts molecular fingerprinting of human neurospheres
Authors: Garcez Patricia P. , Nascimento Juliana Minardi , de Vasconcelos Janaina Mota , Madeiro da Costa Rodrigo , Delvecchio Rodrigo , Trindade Pablo , Loiola Erick Correia , Higa Luiza M. , Cassoli Juliana S. , Vitória Gabriela , Sequeira Patricia C. , Sochacki Jaroslaw , Aguiar Renato S. , Fuzii Hellen Thais , de Filippis Ana M. Bispo , da Silva Gonçalves Vianez Júnior João Lídio , Tanuri Amilcar , Martins-de-Souza Daniel , Rehen Stevens K.
Published: January 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) has been associated with microcephaly and other brain abnormalities; however, the molecular consequences of ZIKV to human brain development are still not fully understood. Here we describe alterations in human neurospheres derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells infected with the strain of Zika virus that is circulating in Brazil. Combining proteomics and mRNA transcriptional profiling, over 500 proteins and genes associated with the Brazilian ZIKV infection were found to be differentially expressed. These genes and proteins provide an interactome map, which indicates that ZIKV controls the expression of RNA processing bodies, miRNA biogenesis and splicing factors required for self-replication. It also suggests that impairments in the molecular pathways underpinning cell cycle and neuronal differentiation are caused by ZIKV. These results point to biological mechanisms implicated in brain malformations, which are important to further the understanding of ZIKV infection and can be exploited as therapeutic potential targets to mitigate it.
Genome and transcriptome analysis of surfactin biosynthesis in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MT45
Authors: Zhi Yan , Wu Qun , Xu Yan
Published: January 2017

NaturalBacillusisolates generate limited amounts of surfactin (<10% of their biomass), which functions as an antibiotic or signalling molecule in inter-/intra-specific interactions. However, overproduction of surfactin inBacillus amyloliquefaciensMT45 was observed at a titre of 2.93 g/l, which is equivalent to half of the maximum biomass. To systemically unravel this efficient biosynthetic process, the genome and transcriptome of this bacterium were compared with those ofB. amyloliquefacienstype strain DSM7T. MT45 possesses a smaller genome while containing more unique transporters and resistance-associated genes. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed notable enrichment of the surfactin synthesis pathway in MT45, including central carbon metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis to provide sufficient quantities of building precursors. Most importantly, the modular surfactin synthase overexpressed (9 to 49-fold) in MT45 compared to DSM7Tsuggested efficient surfactin assembly and resulted in the overproduction of surfactin. Furthermore, based on the expression trends observed in the transcriptome, there are multiple potential regulatory genes mediating the expression of surfactin synthase. Thus, the results of the present study provide new insights regarding the synthesis and regulation of surfactin in high-producing strain and enrich the genomic and transcriptomic resources available forB. amyloliquefaciens.
Predictive value of serum cystatin C for acute kidney injury in adults: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort trials
Authors: Yong Zhenzhu , Pei Xiaohua , Zhu Bei , Yuan Haichuan , Zhao Weihong
Published: January 2017

The role of serum cystatin C (Scys) for the detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been fully discussed. This meta-analysis was aimed to investigate the overall diagnostic accuracy of Scys for AKI in adults, and further identify factors affecting its performance. Studies before Sept. 2016 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. A total of 30 prospective cohort studies (involving 4247 adults from 15 countries, 982 patients occurring AKI) were included. The revised Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy (QUADAS-2) tools demonstrated no significant bias had influenced the methodological quality of the included studies. Scys showed a high predictive power for all-cause AKI, that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89. The detailed assessment parameters, such as sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio for Scys were 0.82, 0.82, 4.6, 0.22 and 21, respectively. Although Scys could be slightly influenced by the following factors: settings, AKI diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, determination method, age and gender, these factors above did not reach statistically significance. In conclusion, Scys could be a vital promising marker to screen out AKI.
Impact of Social Reward on the Evolution of the Cooperation Behavior in Complex Networks
Authors: Wu Yu’e , Chang Shuhua , Zhang Zhipeng , Deng Zhenghong
Published: January 2017

Social reward, as a significant mechanism explaining the evolution of cooperation, has attracted great attention both theoretically and experimentally. In this paper, we study the evolution of cooperation by proposing a reward model in network population, where a third strategy, reward, as an independent yet particular type of cooperation is introduced in 2-person evolutionary games. Specifically, a new kind of role corresponding to reward strategy, reward agents, is defined, which is aimed at increasing the income of cooperators by applying to them a social reward. Results from numerical simulations show that consideration of social reward greatly promotes the evolution of cooperation, which is confirmed for different network topologies and two evolutionary games. Moreover, we explore the microscopic mechanisms for the promotion of cooperation in the three-strategy model. As expected, the reward agents play a vital role in the formation of cooperative clusters, thus resisting the aggression of defectors. Our research might provide valuable insights into further exploring the nature of cooperation in the real world.
Hormetic effect of panaxatriol saponins confers neuroprotection in PC12 cells and zebrafish through PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO3 pathways
Authors: Zhang Chao , Li Chuwen , Chen Shenghui , Li Zhiping , Ma Lijuan , Jia Xuejing , Wang Kai , Bao Jiaolin , Liang Yeer , Chen Meiwan , Li Peng , Su Huanxing , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Liu Kechun , Wan Jian-Bo , He Chengwei
Published: January 2017

Hormesis is an adaptive response of living organisms to a moderate stress. However, its biomedical implication and molecular mechanisms remain to be intensively investigated. Panaxatriol saponins (PTS) is the major bioactive components extracted fromPanax notoginseng, a widely used herbal medicine for cerebrovascular diseases. This study aims to examine the hormetic and neuroprotective effects of PTS in PC12 cells and zebrafish Parkinson’s disease (PD) models. Our results demonstrated that PTS stimulated PC12 cell growth by about 30% at low doses, while PTS at high doses inhibited cell growth, which is a typical hormetic effect. Moreover, we found that low dose PTS pretreatment significantly attenuated 6-OHDA-induced cytotoxicity and up-regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR cell proliferation pathway and AMPK/SIRT1/FOXO3 cell survival pathway in PC12 cells. These results strongly suggested that neuroprotective effects of PTS may be attributable to the hormetic effect induced by PTS through activating adaptive response-related signaling pathways. Notably, low dose PTS could significantly prevent the 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neuron loss and improve the behavior movement deficiency in zebrafish, whereas relative high dose PTS exhibited neural toxicity, further supporting the hormetic and neuroprotective effects of PTS. This study indicates that PTS may have the potential in the development of future therapeutic medicines for PD.
Mincle activation enhances neutrophil migration and resistance to polymicrobial septic peritonitis
Authors: Lee Wook-Bin , Yan Ji-Jing , Kang Ji-Seon , Zhang Quanri , Choi Won Young , Kim Lark Kyun , Kim Young-Joon
Published: January 2017

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to bacterial infection. The therapeutic options for treating sepsis are limited. Impaired neutrophil recruitment into the infection site is directly associated with severe sepsis, but the precise mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that Mincle plays a key role in neutrophil migration and resistance during polymicrobial sepsis. Mincle-deficient mice exhibited lower survival rates in experimental sepsis from cecal ligation and puncture and Escherichia coli–induced peritonitis. Mincle deficiency led to higher serum inflammatory cytokine levels and reduced bacterial clearance and neutrophil recruitment. Transcriptome analyses revealed that trehalose dimycolate, a Mincle ligand, reduced the expression of G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in neutrophils. Indeed, GRK2 expression was upregulated, but surface expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 was downregulated in blood neutrophils from Mincle-deficient mice with septic injury. Moreover, CXCL2-mediated adhesion, chemotactic responses, and F-actin polymerization were reduced in Mincle-deficient neutrophils. Finally, we found that fewer Mincle-deficient neutrophils infiltrated from the blood circulation into the peritoneal fluid in bacterial septic peritonitis compared with wild-type cells. Thus, our results indicate that Mincle plays an important role in neutrophil infiltration and suggest that Mincle signaling may provide a therapeutic target for treating sepsis.
Color-coded visualization of magnetic resonance imaging multiparametric maps
Authors: Kather Jakob Nikolas , Weidner Anja , Attenberger Ulrike , Bukschat Yannick , Weis Cleo-Aron , Weis Meike , Schad Lothar R. , Zöllner Frank Gerrit
Published: January 2017

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) data are emergingly used in the clinic e.g. for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In contrast to conventional MR imaging data, multiparametric data typically include functional measurements such as diffusion and perfusion imaging sequences. Conventionally, these measurements are visualized with a one-dimensional color scale, allowing only for one-dimensional information to be encoded. Yet, human perception places visual information in a three-dimensional color space. In theory, each dimension of this space can be utilized to encode visual information. We addressed this issue and developed a new method for tri-variate color-coded visualization of mpMRI data sets. We showed the usefulness of our method in a preclinical and in a clinical setting: In imaging data of a rat model of acute kidney injury, the method yielded characteristic visual patterns. In a clinical data set of N = 13 prostate cancer mpMRI data, we assessed diagnostic performance in a blinded study with N = 5 observers. Compared to conventional radiological evaluation, color-coded visualization was comparable in terms of positive and negative predictive values. Thus, we showed that human observers can successfully make use of the novel method. This method can be broadly applied to visualize different types of multivariate MRI data.
A chemical genetic screen uncovers a small molecule enhancer of the N-acylethanolamine degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase, in Arabidopsis
Authors: Khan Bibi Rafeiza , Faure Lionel , Chapman Kent D. , Blancaflor Elison B.
Published: January 2017

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are a group of fatty acid amides that play signaling roles in diverse physiological processes in eukaryotes. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) degrades NAE into ethanolamine and free fatty acid to terminate its signaling function. In animals, chemical inhibitors of FAAH have been used for therapeutic treatment of pain and as tools to probe deeper into biochemical properties of FAAH. In a chemical genetic screen for small molecules that dampened the inhibitory effect of N-lauroylethanolamine (NAE 12:0) on Arabidopsis thaliana seedling growth, we identified 6-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-2,4(3 H,6 H)-dione (or MDPD). MDPD alleviated the growth inhibitory effects of NAE 12:0, in part by enhancing the enzymatic activity of Arabidopsis FAAH (AtFAAH). In vitro, biochemical assays showed that MDPD enhanced the apparent Vmax of AtFAAH but did not alter the affinity of AtFAAH for its NAE substrates. Structural analogs of MDPD did not affect AtFAAH activity or dampen the inhibitory effect of NAE 12:0 on seedling growth indicating that MDPD is a specific synthetic chemical activator of AtFAAH. Collectively, our study demonstrates the feasibility of using an unbiased chemical genetic approach to identify new pharmacological tools for manipulating FAAH- and NAE-mediated physiological processes in plants.
Decreased expression of pseudogene PTENP1 promotes malignant behaviours and is associated with the poor survival of patients with HNSCC
Authors: Liu Jiannan , Xing Yue , Xu Liqun , Chen Wantao , Cao Wei , Zhang Chenping
Published: January 2017

PTENP1, a pseudogene of PTEN, was previously reported to be a tumour suppressor in some cancer types. However, there was no evidence for the biological function and expression of PTENP1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we evaluated the function and clinical implications of PTENP1 in HNSCC. Using RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), we found that the level of PTENP1 was reduced in HNSCC specimens compared with adjacent tissues. A decrease in the PTENP1 copy number, but not in the PTEN copy number, was frequently observed in tumour cell lines (4 of 5 cell lines) by genomic real-time PCR. Decreased PTENP1 expression was significantly associated with a history of alcohol use (P = 0.034). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that low expression of PTENP1 correlated with worse overall survival (OS, P = 0.005; HR:0.170; Cl:0.049 to 0.590) and disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.009; HR:0.195; Cl:0.057 to 0.664) rates of HNSCC patients. Furthermore, ectopic PTENP1 expression inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and migration of HNSCC cells and the growth of xenograft HNSCC tumours. These results demonstrate that PTENP1 might play an important role in the initiation and progression of HNSCC.
The expression of SIRT1 regulates the metastaticplasticity of chondrosarcoma cells by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Feng Helin , Wang Jin , Xu Jianfa , Xie Congcong , Gao Fulu , Li Zhiyong
Published: January 2017

SIRT1 belongs to the mammalian sirtuin family and plays an important role in deacetylating histone and nonhistone proteins. It is reported that SIRT1 is associated with tumor metastasis in several kinds of tumors. However, the effect of SIRT1 on the metastasis of chondrosarcoma cells is still unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that up and down-regulation of SIRT1 expression could significantly change the invasive and metastatic potential in chondrosarcoma cell line. Besides that, the result from the nude mice confirmed the effect of SIRT1 on metastasis of chondrosarcoma cells. Furthermore, we also found that SIRT1 effectively enhanced the metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in chondrosarcoma cells. Inhibition the expression of SIRT1 could block the incidence of metastasis and EMT in chondrosarcoma cells. In addition, we also observed that SIRT1 could enhance the expression of Twist which is a key transcriptional factor of EMT. A clinicopathological analysis showed that SIRT1 expression was significantly correlated with the poor prognosis of pelvis chondrosarcoma. Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that positive SIRT1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with pelvis chondrosarcoma. Taken together, these results indicate that SIRT1 may promote the metastasis of chondrosarcoma by inducing EMT and can be a potential molecular target for chondrosarcoma therapy.
ABO typing in experimental cynomolgus monkeys using non-invasive methods
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Song , Chen Gang
Published: January 2017

ABH antigens are not expressed on the red blood cells of monkeys, making it difficult to accurately determine their blood type. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility, convenience, and stability of two non-invasive methods for ABO typing (a reverse gel system assay and a buccal mucosal cell immunofluorescent assay) in cynomolgus monkeys (n = 72). The renal tissue immunofluorescent assay was used to obtain an accurate blood type in the monkeys. Using the reverse gel system assay and preabsorbed serum, we achieved accurate detection of ABO blood groups in 65 of the 72 monkeys but obtained confusing results in the remaining 7. The original immunofluorescent staining of the buccal mucosal smears clearly and correctly identified the ABO blood groups in 50 of the 72 monkeys. After repeated smearing and staining, the ABO group type could be correctly identified in samples from the rest of the monkeys, which were either lacking sufficient buccal mucosal cells or contained impurities. Based on our findings, we recommend the reverse gel system assay as the first choice for primate blood type analysis, and the buccal mucosal cell immunofluorescent assay as a Supplementary Method whenever the reverse gel system assay fails to give a clear result.
Laser induced white lighting of graphene foam
Authors: Strek Wieslaw , Tomala Robert , Lukaszewicz Mikolaj , Cichy Bartlomiej , Gerasymchuk Yuriy , Gluchowski Pawel , Marciniak Lukasz , Bednarkiewicz Artur , Hreniak Dariusz
Published: January 2017

Laser induced white light emission was observed from porous graphene foam irradiated with a focused continuous wave beam of the infrared laser diode. It was found that the intensity of the emission increases exponentially with increasing laser power density, having a saturation level at ca. 1.5 W and being characterized by stable emission conditions. It was also observed that the white light emission is spatially confined to the focal point dimensions of the illuminating laser light. Several other features of the laser induced white light emission were also discussed. It was observed that the white light emission is highly dependent on the electric field intensity, allowing one to modulate the emission intensity. The electric field intensity ca. 0.5 V/μm was able to decrease the white light intensity by half. Origins of the laser-induced white light emission along with its characteristic features were discussed in terms of avalanche multiphoton ionization, inter-valence charge transfer and possible plasma build-up processes. It is shown that the laser-induced white light emission may be well utilized in new types of white light sources.
Conserved miR-10 family represses proliferation and induces apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Jiajie Tu , Yanzhou Yang , Hoi-Hung Albert Cheung , Zi-Jiang Chen , Wai-Yee Chan
Published: January 2017

Granulosa cells (GCs) are essential somatic cells in the ovary and play an important role in folliculogenesis. Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and the TGF-β pathway have been identified as a critical hormone and signalling pathway, respectively, in GCs. In this study, we found that a conserved microRNA family that includes miR-10a and miR-10b repressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in human, mouse, and rat GCs (hGCs, mGCs and rGCs, respectively). Moreover, essential hormones and growth factors in the follicle, such as FSH, FGF9 and some ligands in the TGF-β pathway (TGFβ1, Activin A, BMP4 and BMP15), inhibited miR-10a and miR-10b expression in GCs. In contrast, the miR-10 family suppressed many key genes in the TGF-β pathway, suggesting a negative feedback loop between the miR-10 family and the TGF-β pathway in GCs. By using bioinformatics approaches, RNA-seq, qPCR, FISH, immunofluorescence, Western blot and luciferase reporter assays, BDNF was identified as a direct target of the miR-10 family in GCs. Additionally, reintroduction of BDNF rescued the effects of miR-10a and miR-10b in GCs. Collectively, miR-10a and miR-10b repressed GC development during folliculogenesis by repressing BDNF and the TGF-β pathway. These effects by the miR-10 family on GCs are conserved among different species.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of developing cognitive disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Wu Lei , Sun Dali
Published: January 2017

Recent articles have presented inconsistent findings on the impact of Mediterranean diet in the occurrence of cognitive disorders; therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the potential association and dose-response pattern with accumulating evidence. We searched the PubMed and the Embase for the records relevant to this topic. A generic inverse-variance method was used to pool the outcome data for continuous variable, and categories of high vs. low, median vs. low of Mediterranean diet score with a random-effects model. Generalized least-squares trend estimation model was used to estimate the potential dose-response patterns of Mediterranean diet score on incident cognitive disorders. We identified 9 cohort studies involving 34,168 participants. Compared with the lowest category, the pooled analysis showed that the highest Mediterranean diet score was inversely associated with the developing of cognitive disorders, and the pooled RR (95% CI) was 0.79 (0.70, 0.90). Mediterranean diet score of the median category was not significantly associated with cognitive disorders. Dose-response analysis indicated a trend of an approximately linear relationship of the Mediterranean diet score with the incident risk of cognitive disorders. Further studies of randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the observed association in different populations.
Transition metal-free stereospecific access to (E)-(1-fluoro-2-arylvinyl)phosphine borane complexes
Authors: Rousée Kevin , Pannecoucke Xavier , Gaumont Annie-Claude , Lohier Jean-François , Morlet-Savary Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques , Bouillon Jean-Philippe , Couve-Bonnaire Samuel , Lakhdar Sami
Published: January 2017

Synthesis of (E)-(1-fluoro-2-arylvinyl)phosphine boranes has been achieved under metal-free conditions.
Synthesis of vanillin via a catalytically active Cu(ii)-metal organic polyhedron
Authors: Sánchez-González Elí , López-Olvera Alfredo , Monroy Olivia , Aguilar-Pliego Julia , Gabriel Flores J. , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , Rincón-Guevara Mónica A. , González-Zamora Eduardo , Rodríguez-Molina Braulio , Ibarra Ilich A.
Published: January 2017

Crystalline Cu (ii)-MOP1was employed for the first time in the catalytic conversion oftrans-ferulic acid to vanillin.
Triplet exciton dissociation and electron extraction in graphene-templated pentacene observed with ultrafast spectroscopy
Authors: McDonough Thomas J. , Zhang Lushuai , Roy Susmit Singha , Kearns Nicholas M. , Arnold Michael S. , Zanni Martin T. , Andrew Trisha L.
Published: January 2017

Transient absorption measurements of pentacene, controlling molecular orientation (via graphene templating), fluence, and polarization, provide new evidence for charge generation.
Effect of Ag and Pd promotion on CH4selectivity in Fe(100) Fischer–Tröpsch catalysis
Authors: Psarras Peter C. , Wilcox Jennifer , Ball David W.
Published: January 2017

The current CO2utilization market is dominated by enhanced oil recovery and urea manufacturing; yet, the scale of demand falls well short of that deemed necessary to make a significant impact on climate change.
Measuring the surface diffusivity of argon in nanoporous carbon
Authors: Mi Xi , Shi Yunfeng
Published: January 2017

Gas diffusion in porous media consists of surface hopping and non-surface ballistic/bulk diffusion. Unfortunately, only the overall diffusivity is usually measured, without being separated into various diffusion modes. Here we used the “gravitation method” for measuring transport diffusivity, and utilized a detailed trajectory analysis to calculate the surface diffusivity and non-surface diffusivity.
Integer, fractional, and anomalous quantum Hall effects explained with Eyring's rate process theory and free volume concept
Authors: Hao Tian
Published: January 2017

The Hall effects, especially the integer, fractional and anomalous quantum Hall effects, have been addressed using Eyring's rate process theory and free volume concept.
Photoinduced bimolecular electron transfer from aromatic amines to pentafluorophenyl porphyrin combined with ultrafast charge recombination persistence with Marcus inverted region
Authors: Venkatesh Yeduru , Munisamy Venkatesan , Ramakrishna Bheerappagari , Kumar Pippara Hemant , Mandal Haraprasad , Bangal Prakriti Ranjan
Published: January 2017

We demonstrated intrinsic, non-stationary and diffusion controlled photo-induced bimolecular electron transfer follow Marcus inverted region.
Effects of electrostatic interaction on the properties of ionic liquids correlated with the change of free volume
Authors: Chen Zhengjian , Huo Yanan , Long Panfeng , Shen Hujun , Lee Jong-Min
Published: January 2017

Nearly half of the free volume was found to be compressed by the strong inter-ion electrostatic interaction in ionic liquids, which shows an inner connection with other properties.
Three new energetic complexes with N,N-bis(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-amine as high energy density materials: syntheses, structures, characterization and effects on the thermal decomposition of RDX
Authors: Yang Qi , Song Xiaxia , Zhang Wendou , hou Lei , Gong Qibing , Xie Gang , Wei Qing , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: January 2017

Three new complexes can be used as HEDMs. Insensitive 2 is a safer form for storage and transportation than sensitive 3.
Influence of wing-tip substituents and reaction conditions on the structure, properties and cytotoxicity of Ag(i)– and Au(i)–bis(NHC) complexes
Authors: Rieb Julia , Dominelli Bruno , Mayer David , Jandl Christian , Drechsel Jonas , Heydenreuter Wolfgang , Sieber Stephan A. , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: January 2017

Sterically demanding N-substituents favour the syn conformation leading to increase in cytotoxicity.
Water treatment process evaluation of wildfire-affected sediment leachates
Authors: Hohner Amanda K. , Terry Leigh G. , Townsend Eli B. , Summers R. Scott , Rosario-Ortiz Fernando L.
Published: January 2017

Re-suspension of post-fire sediment deposits challenge conventional water treatment processes during runoff events, impacting DBP formation. Treatment thresholds for a range of unit processes are established.
RAFT mediated one-pot synthesis of glycopolymer particles with tunable core–shell morphology
Authors: Raju Kutcherlapati S. N. , Yeole Niranjan , Gadi Madhusudhan Reddy , Perali Ramu Sridhar , Jana Tushar
Published: January 2017

A novel and one-pot RAFT mediated method for the synthesis of colloidal copolymers in which the particle shell is coated with protein binding glycopolymers.
Donor–acceptor type A2B2porphyrins: synthesis, energy transfer, computational and electrochemical studies
Authors: Das Sudipta , Bhat Haamid R. , Balsukuri Naresh , Jha Prakash C. , Hisamune Yutaka , Ishida Masatosi , Furuta Hiroyuki , Mori Shigeki , Gupta Iti
Published: January 2017

Synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical and DFT studies of donor–acceptor type A2B2porphyrins and their Zn(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes have been described.
Graphene oxide co-doped with dielectric and magnetic phases as an electromagnetic wave suppressor
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Bhattacharjee Yudhajit , Panja Sujit Sankar , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: January 2017

The fabrication of thin multilayer polymer nanocomposite films and their judicious arrangement in a sandwich structure to attenuate incoming electromagnetic (EM) radiation, mostly by absorption, is discussed herein.
A bifunctional covalent organic framework as an efficient platform for cascade catalysis
Authors: Sun Qi , Aguila Briana , Ma Shengqian
Published: January 2017

A covalent organic framework bearing pyridine moieties, which serves as a promising platform for cascade catalysis, exhibits extraordinary catalytic properties as exemplified by aerobic oxidation–Knoevenagel condensation reactions.
Regioselective acylation and carboxylation of [60]fulleroindoline via electrochemical synthesis
Authors: Lin Hao-Sheng , Matsuo Yutaka , Wang Jun-Jie , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: January 2017

A regioselective and highly efficient electrochemical method for direct acylation and carboxylation of a [60]fulleroindoline, affording 1,2,3,16-functionalized [60]fullerene derivatives, regioselectively, has been developed.
Mechanism and origins of selectivity in rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloadditions of vinylaziridines with allenes
Authors: Wang Li , Zou Hongyan , Zhang Xinwen , Huang Genping
Published: January 2017

DFT calculations were performed to investigate the rhodium-catalyzed intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloadditions of vinylaziridines with allenes.
Enantioselective conjugate addition of hydroxylamines to α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles catalyzed by a chiral-at-metal Rh(iii) complex
Authors: Deng Tao , Thota Ganesh Kumar , Li Yi , Kang Qiang
Published: January 2017

A highly efficient chiral-at-metal Rh(iii) complex catalyzed asymmetric aza-Michael addition was developed, affordingN-protected β-amino acid derivatives with excellent enantioselectivity.
Positron annihilation studies and complementary experimental characterization of xAg2O–(1 − x)(0.3CdO–0.7MoO3) metal oxide glass nanocomposites
Authors: Kundu Ranadip , Bhattacharya Sanjib , Roy Debasish , Nambissan P. M. G.
Published: January 2017

The results of XRD, TEM, UV-Vis absorption and positron annihilation studies of xAg2O–(1 − x)(0.3CdO–0.7MoO3) nanocomposites, x = 0.0–0.9, are reported.
Facile preparation of Mn3O4 hollow microspheres via reduction of pentachloropyridine and their performance in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Zhan , Huang Kaihua , Yang Dian , Wang Shuai , Zhong Hong , Jiang Chongwen
Published: January 2017

H2 gas bubble-templating method synthesize Mn3O4 hollow microspheres via a green synthesis of 2,3,5,6-tetrachloropyridine reduced from pentachloropyridine by manganese.
Hydrothermal fabrication of natural sun light active Dy2WO6 doped ZnO and its enhanced photo-electrocatalytic activity and self-cleaning properties
Authors: Thirumalai Kuppulingam , Shanthi Manohar , Swaminathan Meenakshisundaram
Published: January 2017

Dy2WO6 doped ZnO, fabricated by template free hydrothermal process, reveals enhanced efficiency in solar photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes, electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol and hydrophobicity.
Novel three-dimensional island-chain structured V2O5/graphene/MWCNT hybrid aerogels for supercapacitors with ultralong cycle life
Authors: Bi Wenchao , Gao Guohua , Wu Yingjie , Yang Huiyu , Wang Jichao , Zhang Yuerou , Liang Xing , Liu Yindan , Wu Guangming
Published: January 2017

Novel 3D island-chain structured V2O5/graphene/MWCNT hybrid aerogels are synthesized by a sol–gel method which exhibit enhanced specific capacitance (504 F g−1), large energy density (70 W h kg−1) and outstanding cyclic property (82.9% retention after 32 500 cycles).
Photoelectrochemical sensing of bisphenol a based on graphitic carbon nitride/bismuth oxyiodine composites
Authors: Xu Li , Yan Pengcheng , Li Henan , Ling Siyan , Xia Jiexiang , Xu Qian , Qiu Jingxia , Li Huaming
Published: January 2017

Graphitic carbon nitride/bismuth oxyiodine composites with excellent photoelectrochemical performance had been designed for sensitive PEC monitoring platform of bisphenol A.
Synergistical enhancement of the electrochemical properties of lignin-based activated carbon using NH3·H2O dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: Chen Weimin , Zhou Xiaoyan , Shi Shukai , Thiphuong Nguyen , Chen Minzhi
Published: January 2017

DBD plasma treatment results in the enhancement on specific capacitance by 74.61% within 120 s.
VUV/UV light inducing accelerated phenol degradation with a low electric input
Authors: Li Mengkai , Wen Dong , Qiang Zhimin , Kiwi John
Published: January 2017

This study presents the kinetics and mechanism for the accelerated degradation of phenol in a mini-fluidic VUV/UV photoreaction system.
Efficient non-halogenated solvent for the template-free solution synthesis of ultralong copper octaethylporphyrin nanowire networks with strong photoswitching properties
Authors: Li Jia-Jia , Peng Hong-Dan , Shi Li-Yi , Wu Hao-Di , Pan Ge-Bo
Published: January 2017

A non-halogenated solvent was used for the one-step and scalable synthesis of extremely high aspect ratio organic semiconducting nanowires of CuOEP which exhibit excellent photoswitching effects with reliable reproducibility and superior stability.
Morphology evolution of Ag/Au nanocomposites via temperature-controlled galvanic exchange to enhance catalytic activity
Authors: Park Tae-Hyeon , Lee Hyeri , Lee Jaewon , Jang Du-Jeon
Published: January 2017

Morphology-controlled Ag/Au nanocomposites have been fabricated facilely via a modified galvanic replacement reaction using Ag nanocubes as sacrificial templates.
Formation mechanism of hafnium oxide nanoparticles by a hydrothermal route
Authors: Wan Yingying , Zhou Xingping
Published: January 2017

Monoclinic hafnium oxide (m-HfO2) is not formed at beginning, but transformed from tetragonal hafnium oxide (t-HfO2).
Benefits of tubular morphologies on electron transfer properties in CNT/TiNT nanohybrid photocatalyst for enhanced H2 production
Authors: Kumari M. Mamatha , Priyanka A. , Marenna B. , Haridoss Prathap , Kumar D. Praveen , Shankar M. V.
Published: January 2017

Beneficial effects of tubular morphologies on electron transfer properties in CNT/TiNT nanohybrid photocatalysts for enhanced H2 production as both co-catalyst and sensitizer are shown schematically here.
The formation of haloacetamides, as an emerging class of N-DBPs, from chlor(am)ination of algal organic matter extracted from Microcystis aeruginosa, Scenedesmus quadricauda and Nitzschia palea
Authors: Zhang Ni , Liu Cao , Qi Fei , Xu Bingbing
Published: January 2017

The formation of haloacetamides, as an emerging class of N-DBPs, from AOM disinfection extracted from Microcystis aeruginosa, Scenedesmus quadricauda and Nitzschia palea.
Hydroxyapatite synthesis from a starfish and β-tricalcium phosphate using a hydrothermal method
Authors: Rodríguez-Lugo V. , Salinas-Rodríguez E. , Vázquez R. A. , Alemán K. , Rivera A. L.
Published: January 2017

Hydroxyapatite HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method using β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and CaO from the starfish Mellita eduardobarrosoi sp. nov.
Preparation of quantum dots-montmorillonite nanocomposites with strong photoluminescence for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Liang Sen , Liu Min , Zhou Ding , Zou Haoyang , Liu Yi , Zhang Xun , Yang Bai , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2017

CdTe QDs/MMT-Na+ nanocomposites with promising optical properties are used as color convertors in commercial LEDs for the first time.
Few-layer TiO2–B nanosheets with N-doped graphene nanosheets as a highly robust anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Han Zhisong , Peng Jun , Liu Li , Wang Gang , Yu Feng , Guo Xuhong
Published: January 2017

A N-doped TiO2–bronze/N-doped graphene nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal method and exhibited outstanding cycling performance.
Combined thermal and FTIR analysis of porous silicon based nano-energetic films
Authors: Plummer A. , Kuznetsov V. A. , Gascooke J. R. , Shapter J. , Voelcker N. H.
Published: January 2017

Combinations of analytical techniques lead to new insights for the early stages of explosive reactions.
Optimizing electroosmotic flow in an annulus from Debye Hückel approximation to Poisson–Boltzmann equation
Authors: Cen Gan-Jun , Chang Chien-Cheng , Wang Chang-Yi
Published: January 2017

Optimal EO pumping rates on the plane of zeta potentials with distribution of the inner radius of annular tube.
Selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over Mo–Fe/beta catalysts: the effect of Mo loading amounts
Authors: Deng Jianlin , Liu Jixing , Song Weiyu , Zhao Zhen , Zhao Liang , Zheng Huiling , Lee Alex Chinghuan , Chen Yongsheng , Liu Jian
Published: January 2017

The addition of Mo showed a promoting effect on the activity of Fe/beta for NH3-SCR in a wide temperature range.
Ultra-thin ultraviolet cathodoluminescent device based on exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Lee Dongju , Song Sung Ho
Published: January 2017

The need for highly efficient devices with longer operating lives in the blue wavelength region is increasing.
Effective optimization of surface passivation on porous silicon carbide using atomic layer deposited Al2O3
Authors: Lu Weifang , Iwasa Yoshimi , Ou Yiyu , Jinno Daiki , Kamiyama Satoshi , Petersen Paul Michael , Ou Haiyan
Published: January 2017

Significant enhancement of photoluminescence in ALD Al2O3 passivated porous 6H-SiC.
Design and synthesis of dual probes for detection of metal ions by LALDI MS and fluorescence: application in Zn(ii) imaging in cells
Authors: Arundhoti Mandal Arundhoti Mandal , Maity Asim , Bag Swarnendu , Bhattacharya Prabuddha , Das Amit K. , Basak Amit
Published: January 2017

A Label-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (LALDI) technique has recently been applied to the detection of metal ions through a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometric measurement.
Fabrication of curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica incorporated polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanofibers for rapid hemostasis and antibacterial treatment
Authors: Li Dejian , Nie Wei , Chen Liang , Miao Yingke , Zhang Xu , Chen Fancheng , Yu Bin , Ao Rongguang , Yu Baoqing , He Chuanglong
Published: January 2017

A new hemostasis material composed of curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica and polyvinyl pyrrolidone nanofibers with rapid hemostasis and antibacterial ability.
Facile synthesis of biocompatible MoSe2 nanoparticles for efficient targeted photothermal therapy of human lung cancer
Authors: Zhong Chunlei , Zhao Xin , Wang Lijiang , Li Yunxia , Zhao Yingying
Published: January 2017

A schematic illustration of FA–PL–MoSe2 nanoparticles preparation and tumor targeted photothermal therapy.
Design of gold nanoparticles-decorated SiO2@TiO2 core/shell nanostructures for visible light-activated photocatalysis
Authors: Lee Ryeri , Kumaresan Yogeenth , Yoon Sei Young , Um Soong Ho , Kwon Il Keun , Jung Gun Young
Published: January 2017

In this study, we designed core/shell nanostructures (CSNs) of silicon dioxide (SiO2)/titanium dioxide (TiO2), which were decorated with gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs), to activate the visible light-driven photocatalytic reaction.
Polymerized high internal phase emulsion monolithic material: a novel stationary phase of thin layer chromatography
Authors: Yin Dezhong , Guan Yudong , Gu Huimin , Jia Yu , zhang Qiuyu
Published: January 2017

PolyHIPE monolith plate with macroporous structure was prepared and employed for thin layer chromatograph to identify ingredients successfully.
Luminescent properties of europium titanium phosphate thin films deposited by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Getz Michael N. , Hansen Per-Anders , Fjellvåg Helmer , Nilsen Ola
Published: January 2017

Optical and structural characterization of luminescent thin films of the novel material europium titanium phosphate, deposited by atomic layer deposition.