miRNome Profiling and Functional Analysis Reveal Involvement of hsa-miR-1246 in Colon Adenoma-Carcinoma Transition by Targeting AXIN2 and CFTR

Regulatory changes occurring early in colorectal cancer development remain poorly investigated. Since the majority of cases develop from polyps in the adenoma-carcinoma transition, a search of early molecular features, such as aberrations in miRNA expression occurring prior to cancer development, would enable identification of potentially causal, rather than consequential, candidates in the progression of polyp to cancer. In the current study, by employing small RNA-seq profiling of colon biopsy samples, we described differentially expressed miRNAs and their isoforms in the adenoma-carcinoma transition. Analysis of healthy-adenoma-carcinoma sequence in an independent validation group enabled us to identify early deregulated miRNAs including hsa-miR-1246 and hsa-miR-215-5p, the expressions of which are, respectively, gradually increasing and decreasing. Loss-of-function experiments revealed that inhibition of hsa-miR-1246 lead to reduced cell viability, colony formation, and migration rate, thereby indicating an oncogenic effect of this miRNA in vitro. Subsequent western blot and luciferase reporter assay provided evidence of hsa-miR-1246 being involved in the regulation of target AXIN2 and CFTR genes’ expression. To conclude, the present study revealed possible involvement of hsa-miR-1246 in early colorectal cancer development and regulation of tumor suppressors AXIN2 and CFTR.     

Nearest and reverse nearest neighbor queries for moving objects

With the continued proliferation of wireless communications and advances in positioning technologies, algorithms for efficiently answering queries about large populations of moving objects are gaining interest. This paper proposes algorithms for k nearest and reverse k nearest neighbor queries on the current and anticipated future positions of points moving continuously in the plane. The former type of query returns k objects nearest to a query object for each time point during a time interval, while the latter returns the objects that have a specified query object as one of their k closest neighbors, again for each time point during a time interval. In addition, algorithms for so-called persistent and continuous variants of these queries are provided. The algorithms are based on the indexing of object positions represented as linear functions of time. The results of empirical performance experiments are reported.     

Interfacing perovskite strontium molybdate to molybdenum disulfide nanoplatelts for boosting HER from water

Due to low hydrogen adsorption free energy at the edges of 2D-MoS₂ layered sheets, nanostructured MoS₂ materials recently are assigned to prospective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) from water. However, the efficiency and stability of HER onto the MoS₂ designed on the conductive substrates are poor. To significantly increase the number of active sites and achieve a long-time working stability, the design of hybrid-type electrodes is crucial. Here, we report the synthesis of a new hybrid material composed of molybdenum disulfide and molybdenum oxides heterostructured with strontium molybdate. For this, a facile one-pot hydrothermal process was developed directly onto the TiO₂ nanotube carpet substrate. The interfacing of strontium molybdate at the electrode substrate verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Time of flight secondary ions mass spectrometry (ToF SIMS) techniques. Considerable higher catalytic activity at the surface of this hybrid film, with the onset potential of 190 mV vs RHE and a Tafel slope of 66 mV dec^?1 attaining ~80 mA cm^?2 at 0.35 V overvoltage was ascertained. Exciting HER stability in comparison with the pure synthetic MoS₂ was verified by a prolonged potential cycling from 0.05 to ?0.35 V versus RHE potential and 45 h continuous HER processing at a constant current density.     

Chemische Veränderungen von Robinienholz nach hydrothermischer Behandlung

Samples of black locust were hydrothermally treated at temperatures of 80 and 120°C for a period of 4, 8 and 16 hours. Hydrolysates were analysed and extractives were obtained from wood using various solvents. According to the results it is possible to assume that the tannins of black locust participate in the condensation reaction caused by hydrothermal treatment.     

Indexing of now-relative spatio-bitemporal data

Real-world entities are inherently spatially and temporally referenced, and database applications increasingly exploit databases that record the past, present, and anticipated future locations of entities, e.g., the residences of customers obtained by the geo-coding of addresses. Indices that efficiently support queries on the spatio-temporal extents of such entities are needed. However, past indexing research has progressed in largely separate spatial and temporal streams. Adding time dimensions to spatial indices, as if time were a spatial dimension, neither supports nor exploits the special properties of time. On the other hand, temporal indices are generally not amenable to extension with spatial dimensions. This paper proposes the first efficient and versatile index for a general class of spatio-temporal data: the discretely changing spatial aspect of an object may be a point or may have an extent; both transaction time and valid time are supported, and a generalized notion of the current time, now, is accommodated for both temporal dimensions. The index is based on the R-tree and provides means of prioritizing space versus time, which enables it to adapt to spatially and temporally restrictive queries. Performance experiments are reported that evaluate pertinent aspects of the index. Edited by T. Sellis. Received: 7 December 2000 / Accepted: 1 September 2001 Published online: 18 December 2001     

Quantum orbits: a space-time picture of intense-laser-induced processes in atoms

The S matrix for processes induced by intense lasers in atoms can be expanded in terms of the contributions of quantum orbits which are the trajectories of electrons that enter the continuum through ionization and subsequently propagate in the laser field, in order finally to recombine with the atom or to rescatter. The quantum orbits are complex as a consequence of their origin by tunnelling. Their superposition in the S -matrix element results in various eiects such as constructive and destructive interference and may simulate resonant behaviour. Processes considered include above-threshold ionization, high-order harmonic generation and non-sequential double ionization.     

Characterization of zirconia- and niobia-silica mixture coatings produced by ion-beam sputtering

ZrO2-SiO2 and Nb2O5-SiO2 mixture coatings as well as those of pure zirconia (ZrO2), niobia (Nb2O5), and silica (SiO2) deposited by ion-beam sputtering were investigated. Refractive-index dispersions, bandgaps, and volumetric fractions of materials in mixed coatings were analyzed from spectrophotometric data. Optical scattering, surface roughness, nanostructure, and optical resistance were also studied. Zirconia-silica mixtures experience the transition from crystalline to amorphous phase by increasing the content of SiO2. This also results in reduced surface roughness. All niobia and silica coatings and their mixtures were amorphous. The obtained laser-induced damage thresholds in the subpicosecond range also correlates with respect to the silica content in both zirconia- and niobia-silica mixtures.     

Progress and Insights in the Application of MXenes as New 2D Nano-Materials Suitable for Biosensors and Biofuel Cell Design

Recent progress in the application of new 2D-materials—MXenes—in the design of biosensors, biofuel cells and bioelectronics is overviewed and some advances in this area are foreseen. Recent developments in the formation of a relatively new class of 2D metallically conducting MXenes opens a new avenue for the design of conducting composites with metallic conductivity and advanced sensing properties. Advantageous properties of MXenes suitable for biosensing applications are discussed. Frontiers and new insights in the area of application of MXenes in sensorics, biosensorics and in the design of some wearable electronic devices are outlined. Some disadvantages and challenges in the application of MXene based structures are critically discussed.     

Inhibition of mild steel by polyphosphates

The influence of sodium polyphosphate on the corrosion of mild steel in solution of sodium chloride having the same concentration as sea water has been studied by polarization and potential measurements. It has been shown that the corrosion of mild steel can be effectively reduced by the addition of small amounts of polyphosphates in the presence of divalent cations such as Ca, Mg, Zn and dissolved oxygen. A thin transparent film of amorphous structure was found to be deposited on the surface of metal treated with the solution containing polyphosphate and calcium ions. The mechanism of inhibition by polyphosphates in the presence of calcium and magnesium can be explained by formation of a glass-like film deposited on cathodic areas which increases cathodic polarization. In the presence of oxygen, polyphosphates favour the process of passivation.