The dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) plays crucial roles in vascular remodeling during hypertension. Researches suggested that ECs are regulated by the circulating platelets in vivo, which may ...participate in abnormal EC apoptosis in hypertension. However the molecular mechanism in this process is still unclear. Here we focused on the microRNAs (miRs) in platelets, and detected the potential role and delivery mechanism of platelet-derived miRs in ECs. Using microarray, the differentially expressed profile of miRs between platelets and ECs was detected. The results revealed that compared with ECs, 67 miRs highly expressed in platelets including the most significant one- miR-142-3p. Since platelets are activated by thrombin in hypertension, we detected the miR-142-3p transferring mechanism of activated platelet, and proved that platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), but not platelets directly, delivered miR-142-3p into ECs via cellular adherent. Furthermore, BCL2L1, an important molecule in cell apoptosis, was predicted to be a putative target of miR-142-3p by multiple algorithms. Dual luciferase reporter assays, as well as miR-142-3p mimics treatment were used to confirm the interplay between miR-142-3p and BCL2L1. Meanwhile, using in vivo hypertensive rat model, our results showed that the expression of platelet-derived miR-142-3p and the apoptosis were both significantly increased in ECs during hypertension. The present results suggested that platelet-derived miR-142-3p is delivered into ECs via PMPs, and may modulate the expression of target molecule- BCL2L1, which may subsequently display a negative function by modulating EC apoptosis in hypertension.
In this study, the insertion of both Al and Cr atoms into SiC matrix has been experimentally evidenced by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, elements analysis and magnetic measurements. Structure ...analysis showed that (Al, Cr)-codoped SiC has a single-phase 4H-crystal structure and no trace of any other impurity phases were detected. Raman scattering showed that several new features appeared in (Al, Cr)-codoped 4H-SiC: (1) the vanishing of the folded longitudinal-optical phonons modes-plasmon coupling (FLOPC) modes with
x=(
q/
q
B)=0; (2) an obvious absorbing peak was found in Si
1−
x−
y
Al
x
Cr
y
C with
y=0.0203
at%; (3) folded transverse-optical (FTO) mode shifts to high frequency and linewidths full widths at half maximum (FWHM) decrease with increase in Cr content. Magnetic properties characterizations showed that weak ferromagnetism order is established. With increase in Cr content, the magnetization decreased. No clear influence of Al doping on the magnetic properties of codoped 4H-SiC is evidenced while the magnetic origin should be ascribed to be induced by Cr. It is speculated that doping Cr elements at Si sites destroy the effective coupling of the spins induced by Al doping. The major role of Al is to stabilize the codoped crystal structure as 4H-single-phase.
► We found that codoping Al and Cr elements can also be realized in SiC lattice. ► No traces of any other impurities phase were detected by various characterizations means. ► In other words, codoping strategy of using (Al, TM) elements is useful to approach natural magnetic properties of TM-doped SiC.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
We report experimental signatures of plasmonic effects due to electron tunneling between adjacent graphene layers. At subnanometer separation, such layers can form either a strongly coupled bilayer ...graphene with a Bernal stacking or a weakly coupled double-layer graphene with a random stacking order. Effects due to interlayer tunneling dominate in the former case but are negligible in the latter. We found through infrared nanoimaging that bilayer graphene supports plasmons with a higher degree of confinement compared to single- and double-layer graphene, a direct consequence of interlayer tunneling. Moreover, we were able to shut off plasmons in bilayer graphene through gating within a wide voltage range. Theoretical modeling indicates that such a plasmon-off region is directly linked to a gapped insulating state of bilayer graphene, yet another implication of interlayer tunneling. Our work uncovers essential plasmonic properties in bilayer graphene and suggests a possibility to achieve novel plasmonic functionalities in graphene few-layers.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Background
Myokine Irisin has been proposed to regulate metabolic homeostasis, which is related to chronic diseases or physical activity. However, whether irisin levels in paired cerebrospinal fruid ...(CSF), plasma and their ratio of inpatients, could use as biomarkers, and be independently related to the varying physical dysfunction, muscle wasting severity and chronic diseases with varying severe degrees, remain largely elusive.
Methods
We conducted an observational study to assess the independent associations between irisin levels in paired cerebrospinal fruid (CSF), plasma and their ratio, and the independence in activities of daily life (ADLs), muscle wasting severity and chronic diseases with varying severe degrees among elderly Chinese in-patient subjects.
Results
Among 217 inpatients in surgery wards with a mean age of 68.07 years (±15.94years), 31.3% of women and 68.7% of men were included in the study. Bivariate correlation analysis showed that Log transformed CSF and plasma irisin levels and their ratio were potential associated with age, fat%, muscle wasting time, ADLs, number of multimorbidity, the severity of bone mass loss and anemia. Regression models analysis indicated that CSF and plasma irisin levels and their ratio in inpatient individuals were independently associated with the independence in ADLs. Plasma irisin levels were independently related to the change of muscle wasting use.
Conclusions
Collectively, the evaluation of paired plasma and CSF irisin levels, and their ratio in in-patient individuals is intriguing candidates for the susceptibility of the independence in ADLs. Plasma irisin levels were positively associated with indepedence in ADLs, negatively related to muscle wasting severity, and could use as biomarkers for muscle wasting severity.
The correlation between pyrolysis conditions and fuel production has been extensively studied. Terahertz parameters, instead of thermal kinetic parameters, were investigated to reveal such interior ...correlation in this work. Different ventilating rate (V), heating rate (β) and final temperature (T) were controlled in several pyrolysis experiments of oil shale to prepare semicoke with varied amount of oil content, respectively. It was observed that V = 0.6 L/min, β = 15 °C/min and T = 550 °C were the expected conditions to produce fuel. The critical points in terahertz parameter corresponded well with that in oil yield. Intervals where increasing V, β and T contributed to oil yield best can be determined by comparing the trend of absorption index at 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 THz. Therefore terahertz parameter of semicoke may characterize the organic matter in semicoke that may convert to additional fuel and terahertz method can be applied to optimize pyrolysis efficiency.
•Using optical method (THz-TDS) to study semicoke of oil shale is feasible.•Oil yield of pyrolysis can be determined by absorption index in terahertz range.•Optical parameters are sensitive to change of organic matter in semicoke.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Phenotypic modification of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons represents an important mechanism underlying neuropathic pain. However, the nerve injury-induced molecular changes are not fully ...identified. To determine the molecular alterations in a broader way, we have carried out cDNA array on the genes mainly made from the cDNA libraries of lumbar DRGs of normal rats and of rats 14 days after peripheral axotomy. Of the 7,523 examined genes and expressed sequence tags (ESTs), the expression of 122 genes and 51 expressed sequence tags is strongly changed. These genes encompass a large number of members of distinct families, including neuropeptides, receptors, ion channels, signal transduction molecules, synaptic vesicle proteins, and others. Of particular interest is the up-regulation of γ-aminobutyric acidAreceptor α5 subunit, peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit, P2Y1 purinoceptor, Na+channel β2 subunit, and L-type Ca2+channel α2δ-1 subunit. Our findings therefore reveal dynamic and complex changes in molecular diversity among DRG neurons after axotomy.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Summary
Associations of adiposity indices with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers were evaluated in Chinese participants. Body mass index, fat mass, and lean mass are positively ...related to BMD in both genders. Subcutaneous fat area was proved to be negatively associated with BMD and positively correlated with osteocalcin in postmenopausal females.
Introduction
Obesity is highly associated with osteoporosis, but the effect of adipose tissue on bone is contradictory. Our study aimed to assess the associations of adiposity indices with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in the Chinese population.
Methods
Our study recruited 5215 participants from the Shanghai area, evaluated related anthropometric and biochemical traits in all participants, tested serum BTMs, calculated fat distribution using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and image analysis software, and tested BMD with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results
When controlled for age, all adiposity indices were positively correlated with BMD of all sites for both genders. As for the stepwise regression analysis, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and lean mass were protective for BMD in both genders. However, subcutaneous fat area (SFA) was detrimental for BMD of the L1–4 and femoral neck (
β
± SE −0.0742 ± 0.0174;
p
= 2.11E−05;
β
± SE −0.0612 ± 0.0147;
p
= 3.07E−05). Adiposity indices showed a negative correlation with BTMs adjusting for age, especially with osteocalcin. In the stepwise regression analysis, fat mass was negatively correlated with osteocalcin (
β
± SE −8.8712 ± 1.4902;
p
= 4.17E−09) and lean mass showed a negative correlation with N-terminal procollagen of type I collagen (PINP) for males (
β
± SE −0.3169 ± 0.0917;
p
= 0.0006). In females, BMI and visceral fat area (VFA) were all negatively associated with osteocalcin (
β
± SE −0.4423 ± 0.0663;
p
= 2.85E−11;
β
± SE −7.1982 ± 1.1094;
p
= 9.95E−11), while SFA showed a positive correlation with osteocalcin (
β
± SE: 5.5993 ± 1.1753;
p
= 1.98E−06).
Conclusion
BMI, fat mass, and lean mass are proved to be beneficial for BMD in both males and postmenopausal females. SFA is negatively associated with BMD and positively correlated with osteocalcin in postmenopausal females.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The corrosion behavior of a single phase Pt-modified aluminide coating in the marine environment was investigated through a novel cyclically alternate corrosion test. The results showed that the ...multilayer oxide scale with loose structure was formed on the coating. NaCl and water vapor were verified to play important roles in enhancing the aggressivity during the corrosion test, in which the presence of NaCl increased cracking and spallation tendency of the oxide scale, and the addition of water vapor accelerated the oxidation rate and promoted internal oxidation to the coating.
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•Cyclically alternate corrosion test is developed to simulate actual service in marine environment.•Oxide scale presents loosely multi-layer microstructure during alternate corrosion test.•NaCl decreases interfacial adhesion by inducing metallic chlorides formation.•Water vapor promotes formation of thick oxide scale and internal oxides.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
We present a CRISPR-based multi-gene knockout screening system and toolkits for extensible assembly of barcoded high-order combinatorial guide RNA libraries en masse. We apply this system for ...systematically identifying not only pairwise but also three-way synergistic therapeutic target combinations and successfully validate double- and triple-combination regimens for suppression of cancer cell growth and protection against Parkinson’s disease-associated toxicity. This system overcomes the practical challenges of experimenting on a large number of high-order genetic and drug combinations and can be applied to uncover the rare synergistic interactions between druggable targets.
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•Toolkits are engineered for extensible assembly of barcoded high-order gRNA arrays•Simultaneous knockout of up to three genes for combinatorial CRISPR screening•CRISPR screens identify infrequent synergistic interactions among druggable targets•Gene interactions are translated to matching drugs for disease phenotype modulation
Studying high-order druggable gene interactions that mimic the actions of targeted drug combinations is practically challenging. Zhou et al. describe an extensible CombiGEM-CRISPR system for screening high-order combinations, leading to identification of double- and triple-combination regimens that suppress ovarian cancer growth and Parkinson’s disease-associated toxicity.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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