Tunable unidirectional sound propagation through a sonic-crystal-based acoustic diode.

Nonreciprocal wave propagation typically requires strong nonlinear materials to break time reversal symmetry. Here, we utilized a sonic-crystal-based acoustic diode that had broken spatial inversion symmetry and experimentally realized sound unidirectional transmission in this acoustic diode. These novel phenomena are attributed to different mode transitions as well as their associated different energy conversion efficiencies among different diffraction orders at two sides of the diode.

Metal-organic cyclohelicates as optical receptors for glutathione: syntheses, structures, and host-guest behaviors.

Two trinuclear zinc-based cyclohelicates, Zn-PDB (PDB = [5-(dibenzylamino)-N1',N3'-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)isophthalohydrazide]) and Zn-PMB (PMB = [5-(bodipy-oxy)-N1',N3'-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)isophthalohydrazide]) containing dibenzylamino and BODIPY groups, respectively, were generated by incorporating two amide-containing tridentate chelators into meta-positions of a substituted phenyl ring. Single-crystal structure analysis and related spectroscopic characterizations demonstrated the formation of macrocyclic helicals both in the solid state and in solution. The host-guest behavior of the cyclohelical hosts towards γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine (GSH) and its component amino acids was investigated by spectroscopic titrations.

A hybrid mesoporous material functionalized by 1,8-naphthalimide-base receptor and the application as chemosensor and absorbent for Hg2+ in water.

A novel hybrid material (SBA-P1) is prepared through the functionalization of mesoporous silica (SBA-15) with a 1,8-naphthalimide-based dye by sol-gel reaction. The characterization results of elemental analysis (EA), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and spectroscopic methods demonstrate the fluorescence dye P1 is successfully grafted onto the inner surface of SBA-15 and the organized structure is preserved. SBA-P1 can detect Hg(2+) with high selectivity to Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Mn(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Ag(+), Cr(3+), and Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Li(+), Na(+), K(+) in water and sensitivity to environmentally relevant mercury in complex natural samples.

Reactive astrocytes inhibit the survival and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells by secreted TNF-α.

Axonal demyelination is a consistent pathological characteristic of spinal cord injury (SCI). Although an increased number of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) is observed in the injured spinal cord, they fail to convert into mature oligodendrocytes. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism.

Slit-2 repels the migration of olfactory ensheathing cells by triggering Ca2+-dependent cofilin activation and RhoA inhibition.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) migrate from the olfactory epithelium towards the olfactory bulb during development. However, the guidance mechanism for OEC migration remains a mystery. Here we show that migrating OECs expressed the receptor of the repulsive guidance factor Slit-2.

The glass transition behaviors of low-density amorphous ice films with different thicknesses.

The glass transition behaviors of amorphous ice with different thicknesses are studied by determining the heat capacity of low-density amorphous ice without crystallization using first principle molecular dynamics (FP-MD) and classical MD methods. The behaviors are also studied by analyzing hydrogen-bond network, the radial distribution functions, and relationship between hydrogen bond and electronic structures. It is found that the glass transition temperature (T(g)) in the range of 90 K < T < 100 K for 4 nm amorphous ice film by FP-MD method, and 120 K < T(g) < 130 K for 8 nm amorphous ice film by MD method.

RNF13: an emerging RING finger ubiquitin ligase important in cell proliferation.

Protein ubiquitination mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays a very important role in a wide spectrum of biological processes including development and disease pathogenesis. RING finger protein 13 (RNF13) is a recently identified ubiquitin ligase which contains an N-terminal protease-associated domain and a C-terminal RING finger domain separated by a transmembrane region. RNF13 is an evolutionarily conserved protein.

[Effect mechanism of Hcy on damage of BBB and the intervention of the compounded vitamin in rat].

Objective: To study the effect of homocysteine (Hcy) on the damage of blood-brain barrier, and the intervention of the compounded vitamin in rat.

Methods: 54 normal male SD rats were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) Control group; (2) Model group; and (3) Intervention group. The level of plasma Hcy was detected with high performance liquid chromatography.

Co-administration of the polysaccharide of Lycium barbarum with DNA vaccine of Chlamydophila abortus augments protection.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) can stimulate moderate immune responses therefore could potentially be used as a substitute for oil adjuvants in veterinary vaccines. In the present study, it was shown that the isolated active component of LBP3a, combined with a DNA vaccine encoding the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydophila abortus, induced protection in mice against challenge. Sixty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 5 groups.

Cerium-based triple-stranded helicates as luminescent chemosensors for the selective sensing of magnesium ions.

Cerium-based triple-strand helicates Ce-CL(1) and Ce-CL(2) were achieved via self-assembly from malonohydrazone derived bis-tridentate ligands H(2)CL(1) and H(2)CL(2), respectively. Structure analysis of Ce-CL(1) shows that six oxygen atoms of the β-diketone groups on the ligands form a lantern-like cavity inside the helicate. Thus the helicates exhibit crown ether recognition behaviors and could work as luminescent magnesium chemosensors.

A symmetry-controlled and face-driven approach for the assembly of cerium-based molecular polyhedra.

A well-defined Ce-based molecular tetrahedron and a cube-like architecture were achieved via self-assembly by incorporating NOO tridentate chelators into the rationally designed ligands with C(3) or C(2v) symmetries, respectively.

Homochiral metal-organic frameworks for heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis.

Homochiral crystallizations of two enantiomeric metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) Ce-MDIP1 and Ce-MDIP2 were achieved by using L- or D-BCIP as chiral inductions, respectively, where the chiralities were characterized by solid state CD spectra. Ce-MDIPs exhibit excellent catalytic activity and high enantioselectivity for the asymmetric cyanosilylation of aromatic aldehydes; the homochiral Cd-TBT MOF having L-PYI as a chiral adduct exhibits stereochemical catalysis toward the Aldol reactions.

Rap1GAP interacts with RET and suppresses GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was originally recognized for its ability to promote survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, but it has since been demonstrated to be crucial for the survival and differentiation of many neuronal subpopulations, including motor neurons, sympathetic neurons, sensory neurons and enteric neurons. To identify possible effectors or regulators of GDNF signaling, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen using the intracellular domain of RET, the common signaling receptor of the GDNF family, as bait. Using this approach, we identified Rap1GAP, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Rap1, as a novel RET-binding protein.

Olfactory ensheathing cells: biology in neural development and regeneration.

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) constitute a unique population of glia that accompany and ensheath the primary olfactory axons. They are thought to be critical for spontaneous growth of olfactory axons within the developing and adult olfactory nervous system, and have recently emerged as potential candidates for cell-mediated repair of neural injuries. Here, based on the current research, we give an overview of the biology of OECs in neural development and regeneration.

Diffusible, membrane-bound, and extracellular matrix factors from olfactory ensheathing cells have different effects on the self-renewing and differentiating properties of neural stem cells.

Transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) has been a promising strategy in enhancing central nervous system (CNS) regeneration. However, little is known about the effects of transplanted OECs on the self-renewal, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis of neural stem cells (NSCs), which are known to play a very important role in the repair of damaged CNS tissue. In this study, we investigated the influence of diffusible, membrane-bound, and extracellular matrix factors from OECs on the self-renewal and differentiation properties of NSCs.

Metal-organic polyhedra for selective sensing of ribonucleosides through the cooperation of hydrogen-bonding interactions.

The fluorescence recognition of octahedral nanocages M-QT1 (M = Co, Zn) and metallotricycle Pd-QD, that are comprised of luminescence active quinoline groups and several kinds of amide groups, on ribonucleosides was investigated. The amide groups located on the opening windows or inner surface of the polyhedra and polygon, respectively, providing special environments for the size or shape-selective dynamic molecular recognition and amplified the guest-bonding events to produce a measurable output. While the participation of the active CH moiety in hydrogen bonding interactions corresponding to these amide groups caused the M-QT1 polyhedra to exhibit selectivity towards cytidine over other ribonucleosides, the possible two-fold hydrogen bonding interactions between the nucleosides and the amide groups in Pd-QD made the tricycle show a uridine-specific response.

A validated stability-indicating HPLC method for the determination of PEGylated puerarin in aqueous solutions.

The aim of this study was to develop a validated specific stability-indicating HPLC method for the quantitative determination of PEGylated puerarin (PEG-PUE) in aqueous solutions. The method was validated by subjecting PEG-PUE to forced degradation under stress conditions of acid, alkali, water hydrolysis, and oxidation. Both PEG-PUE and puerarin (PUE) were simultaneously determined and separated on CAPCELL PAK C18 column by gradient elution with 0.

A new chiral N-heterocyclic carbene silver(I) cylinder: synthesis, crystal structure and catalytic properties.

A new chiral cyclic triimidazoline salt and its chiral N-heterocyclic carbene trisilver(I) cylinder-like cage was prepared via self-assembly, with size-selective catalytic performance for the cyanosilylation of several Schiff-base compounds.

Bilateral downregulation of Nav1.8 in dorsal root ganglia of rats with bone cancer pain induced by inoculation with Walker 256 breast tumor cells.

Background: Rapid and effective treatment of cancer-induced bone pain remains a clinical challenge and patients with bone metastasis are more likely to experience severe pain. The voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a critical role in many aspects of nociceptor function.

Direct probe of heterojunction effects upon photoconductive properties of TiO2 nanotubes fabricated by atomic layer deposition.

This study investigated Schottky- and ohmic-contact effects upon the photoresponses of ITO/TiO(2)/Si and Ti/TiO(2)/Si nanotube-based photodiodes. The TiO(2) tube arrays were fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and shaped by an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template on a p-type Si substrate. The contact area between the electrode (Ti or ITO) and the TiO(2)'s tip was varied by tuning the tube's inner wall thickness with ALD, providing a direct and systematic probe of the heterojunction effects upon the photodiodes' responses.

Aminonaphthalimide-based imidazolium podands for turn-on fluorescence sensing of nucleoside polyphosphates.

New aminonaphthalimide imidazolium podands, which worked as luminescence chemosensors for selectively sensing nucleoside polyphosphates through a "turn-on" manner, were prepared for fluorescent imaging of ADP and ATP in living cells.

Origin of cononsolvency, based on the structure of tetrahydrofuran-water mixture.

The origin of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) cononsolvency in tetrahydrofuran-water (THF-water) mixture was studied from the point of view of mixed solvent structure. The dynamic equilibrium of THF-water composition fluctuation in the mixed solvent system was found to be the main variable for this cononsolvency effect. Temperature and THF content dependences of composition fluctuation were studied by a combination of small angle neutron scattering (SANS), dynamic laser light scattering, and viscometry.

Blocking P2X receptors can inhibit the injury-induced proliferation of olfactory epithelium progenitor cells in adult mouse.

Objective: The olfactory epithelium (OE) is unusual for its remarkable regenerative capacity and sustained neurogenesis of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) throughout adult life. Regeneration of ORNs is accomplished by basal cells in the OE, including stem cells and progenitor cells. Although there is considerable knowledge about the roles of OE basal cells in ORN turnover, the molecular mechanism that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of adult OE basal cells is not fully understood.

Nitrated alpha-synuclein induces the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of rats.

Background: The pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, as well as the formation of intraneuronal inclusions known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the substantia nigra. Accumulations of nitrated alpha-synuclein are demonstrated in the signature inclusions of Parkinson's disease. However, whether the nitration of alpha-synuclein is relevant to the pathogenesis of PD is unknown.

Long-term outcomes of Oxane Hd as intraocular tamponade in the treatment of complicated retinal detachment.

Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of heavy silicone oil Oxane Hd as intraocular tamponade in the treatment of complicated retinal detachment (RD).

Methods: Forty eyes of 40 patients with complicated RD were recruited for this prospective study. Inclusion criteria were proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade > or = CP2, mainly inferior and posterior retinal breaks, or superior retinal breaks with patient's inability to posture.