5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Riboside Induces Apoptosis Through AMP-activated Protein Kinase-independent and NADPH Oxidase-dependent Pathways.

It is debatable whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation is involved in anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic signaling. AICAR treatment increases AMPK-α1 phosphorylation, decreases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and significantly increases Annexin V-positive cells, DNA laddering, and caspase activity in human myeloid cell. AMPK activation is therefore implicated in apoptosis.

Hydrothermal growth of highly oriented single crystalline Ta2O5 nanorod arrays and their conversion to Ta3N5 for efficient solar driven water splitting.

We grow vertically aligned single crystalline Ta2O5 nanorod arrays that can be converted to Ta3N5 nanorod arrays by nitridation. Combined with cobalt phosphate (Co-Pi) as a co-catalyst, such Ta3N5 nanorod photoanodes can yield photocurrent densities of ∼3.6 mA cm(-2) at 1.

Ubiquitination of ECSIT is crucial for the activation of p65/p50 NF-κBs in Toll-like receptor 4 signaling.

Recent evidence shows that evolutionarily conserved signaling intermediate in Toll pathways (ECSIT) interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), is ubiquitinated, and contributes to bactericidal activity during Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Here we report a new regulatory role for ECSIT in TLR4 signaling. On TLR4 stimulation, endogenous ECSIT formed a molecular complex with p65/p50 NF-κB proteins.

Identification of the rare compound heterozygous variants in the NEB gene in a Korean family with intellectual disability, epilepsy and early-childhood-onset generalized muscle weakness.

We examined a Korean family with complex phenotypes characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy and early-childhood-onset generalized muscle weakness. Since we did not find any abnormality using several conventional genetic tests for detection of chromosomal aberrations, gene copy number variations and mitochondrial gene mutations, we aimed to identify disease-causing genetic alteration(s) in this family. We conducted whole-exome sequencing (WES) in this family.

Anomalies in network bridges involved in bile Acid metabolism predict outcomes of colorectal cancer patients.

Biomarkers prognostic for colorectal cancer (CRC) would be highly desirable in clinical practice. Proteins that regulate bile acid (BA) homeostasis, by linking metabolic sensors and metabolic enzymes, also called bridge proteins, may be reliable prognostic biomarkers for CRC. Based on a devised metric, "bridgeness," we identified bridge proteins involved in the regulation of BA homeostasis and identified their prognostic potentials.

Tuning the selectivity of photocatalytic synthetic reactions using modified TiO2 nanotubes.

Differently modified TiO2 nanotubes were used to achieve a drastic change in the selectivity of a photocatalytic reaction. For the photocatalytic oxidation of toluene, depending on the electronic properties of TiO2 (anatase, rutile, Ru-doped), a strong change in the main reaction product (namely benzoic acid versus benzaldehyde) can be achieved, and certain undesired reaction pathways can be completely shut down.

Outdoor tobacco smoke exposure at the perimeter of a tobacco-free university.

There are few studies measuring exposure to outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS). Tobacco users often gather at the boundaries of tobacco-free campuses, resulting in unintended consequences. The objective of this study was to measure exposure levels from OTS on sidewalks bordering a tobacco-free university campus.

Thrombin enhances NGF-mediated neurite extension via increased and sustained activation of p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK.

Rapid neurite remodeling is fundamental to nervous system development and plasticity. It involves neurite extension that is regulated by NGF through PI3K/AKT, p44/42 MAPK and p38 MAPK. It also involves neurite retraction that is regulated by the serine protease, thrombin.

Application of damage control resuscitation strategies to patients with severe traumatic hemorrhage: review of plasma to packed red blood cell ratios at a single institution.

When treating trauma patients with severe hemorrhage, massive transfusions are often needed. Damage control resuscitation strategies can be used for such patients, but an adequate fresh frozen plasma: packed red blood cell (FFP:PRBC) administration ratio must be established. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 100 trauma patients treated with massive transfusions from March 2010 to October 2012.

Genetic Analysis of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Leads to Misdiagnosis of an Extremely Rare Presentation of Intrasellar Cavernous Hemangioma as MEN1.

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of endocrine tumors in target tissues (mainly the pituitary, endocrine pancreas, and parathyroid glands). MEN1 is caused by mutations in the MEN1 gene, which functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of one untranslated exon and nine exons encoding the menin protein. This condition is usually suspected when we encounter patients diagnosed with tumors in multiple endocrine organs, as mentioned above.

Proteome-wide remodeling of protein location and function by stress.

Protein location and function can change dynamically depending on many factors, including environmental stress, disease state, age, developmental stage, and cell type. Here, we describe an integrative computational framework, called the conditional function predictor (CoFP; http://nbm.ajou.

Usefulness of serum C-reactive protein level for predicting flap complication after performing free microvascular head and neck reconstruction.

Background: Free microvascular head and neck reconstruction requires minimal complication and safety. However, clinical observation of the wound in head and neck area is very difficult because of its narrow and inaccessible anatomy. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level is commonly used as a marker of acute inflammatory response and quantitative test that shows predictable kinetics.

Self-organized cobalt fluoride nanochannel layers used as a pseudocapacitor material.

Aligned CoF2 nanochannel layers have been formed by self-ordering electrochemical anodization. In voltammograms these layers provide multiple oxidation states, an almost ideal rectangular pseudocapacitive behavior, a high specific capacitance and good capacitance retention. These layers may thus be promising for supercapacitor applications.

Self-decoration of Pt metal particles on TiO(2) nanotubes used for highly efficient photocatalytic H(2) production.

Pt decorated TiO2 has, over the past decades, been a key material for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The present work shows that growing anodic self-organized TiO2 nanotubes from Ti-Pt alloy with a low Pt content of 0.2 at% leads to oxide nanotube layers that are self-decorated with Pt nanoparticles of 4-5 nm in diameter.

Signal Amplification Strategy Based on TiO2-Nanotube Layers and Nanobeads Carrying Quantum Dots for Electrochemiluminescent Immunosensors.

Self-organized TiO2-nanotube layers can be used for immunoassay-type sensing in combination with amplifying CdTe labels in a direct and very sensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) configuration. Key properties for this method are the conductivity of the TiO2 nanotubes, and their transparency for light emitted from the CdTe labels at approximately 2.4 eV.

Molecular and cellular changes in the lumbar spinal cord following thoracic injury: regulation by treadmill locomotor training.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to debilitating loss of locomotor function. Neuroplasticity of spinal circuitry underlies some functional recovery and therefore represents a therapeutic target to improve locomotor function following SCI. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating neuroplasticity below the lesion level are not fully understood.

Vertical nanowire probes for intracellular signaling of living cells.

The single living cell action potential was measured in an intracellular mode by using a vertical nanoelectrode. For intracellular interfacing, Si nanowires were vertically grown in a controlled manner, and optimum conditions, such as diameter, length, and nanowire density, were determined by culturing cells on the nanowires. Vertical nanowire probes were then fabricated with a complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process including sequential deposition of the passivation and electrode layers on the nanowires, and a subsequent partial etching process.

Anodic TiO2 nanotubes: double walled vs. single walled.

Electrochemical formation of self-organized TiO2 nanotube layers has been a highly active research field for more than 10 years. In the present manuscript we investigate the formation of two distinctly different anodic TiO2 nanotube morphologies, 'single walled' and 'double walled' tubes, which are formed mainly depending on the nature of the anodization electrolyte. While the widest used electrolytes are ethylene glycol (EG) based, forming double walled structures, tubes formed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) based electrolytes show a single tube walled morphology.

Enhancing the water splitting efficiency of Sn-doped hematite nanoflakes by flame annealing.

The effect of flame annealing on the water-splitting properties of Sn decorated hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoflakes has been investigated. It is shown that flame annealing can yield a considerable enhancement in the maximum photocurrent under AM 1.5 (100 mW cm(-2)) conditions compared to classic furnace annealing treatments.

S6K1 negatively regulates TAK1 activity in the toll-like receptor signaling pathway.

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key regulator in the signals transduced by proinflammatory cytokines and Toll-like receptors (TLRs). The regulatory mechanism of TAK1 in response to various tissue types and stimuli remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) negatively regulates TLR-mediated signals by inhibiting TAK1 activity.

Determination of outdoor tobacco smoke exposure by distance from a smoking source.

Introduction: An increasing number of cities and countries have implemented outdoor smoking restrictions at building entrances. The purpose of this study was to determine outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) exposure as a function of distance from a smoking source.

Methods: Outdoor concentrations of ambient particulate matter smaller than 2.

Emission characteristics of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds in cow dung combustion.

Biomass fuel is used for cooking and heating, especially in developing countries. Combustion of biomass fuel can generate high levels of indoor air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study characterized PM and VOC emissions from cow dung combustion in a controlled experiment.

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis associated with air pollution exposure.

Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are associated with high mortality and are of unknown cause. The effect of air pollution on exacerbations of interstitial lung disease is unknown. This study aims to define the association of air pollution exposure with acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.