Sinc Research Articles

Effect of silencing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit gamma gene by small interfering RNA on proliferation and migration capability of gallbladder carcinoma cells

Objective To observe the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit gamma (PIK3R3) gene on the proliferation and migration of gallbladder cancer cells NOZ and GBC-SD. Methods Small interfering RNA (si-PIK3R3) against PIK3R3 was constructed and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect PIK3R3 mRNA and protein in transfected gallbladder cancer cells NOZ and GBC-SD. The expression of cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) proliferation assay was used to detect the proliferation of transfected 0-5 d cells. Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the migration of gallbladder cancer cells 48h after transfection. Results The si-PIK3R3 transfection group and the si-NC negative control group were successfully transfected into the NOZ and GBC-SD of gallbladder cancer cells. The expression of PIK3R3 mRNA (0.119±0.447) in the NOZ cell si-PIK3R3 group was significantly lower than that of NC group (1.000±0.398) (t=165.100, P<0.05), the PIK3R3 mRNA (0.085±0.593) in the si-PIK3R3 group of GBC-SD cells was significantly lower than that in the si-NC group (1.000±0.669) (t=500.200, P<0.05); the expression of PIK3R3 protein in the transfected group was significantly lower than that in the negative control group. The results of CCK-8 in NOZ cells showed that the absorbance values of 0-5 d si-PIK3R3 transfection group were 0.185±0.007, 0.163±0.013, 0.229±0.019, 0.240±0.017, 0.273±0.012, 0.350±0.069 (t=11.960, P<0.05); The results of 48 h Transwell showed that the number of cells migrated in the si-PIK3R3 transfection group [(69.0±4.5) cells] was significantly lower than that in the si-NC group (t=25.120, P<0.05). The results of CCK-8 in GBC-SD cells showed that the absorbance values of the 0-5 d si-PIK3R3 transfection group were 0.153±0.003, 0.158±0.002, 0.201±0.010, 0.240±0.012, 0.297±0.018, 0.483±0.024 (t=14.160, P<0.05); 48 h Transwell results showed that the number of cells migrated in the si-PIK3R3 transfection group [(91.0±3.5) cells] was significantly lower than that in the si-NC group (t=25.390, P<0.05). Conclusion si-PIK3R3 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of human gallbladder cancer cells, suggesting that PIK3R3 plays an important role in the development of gallbladder carcinoma. Key words: Gallbladder cancer; Small interfering RNA; Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunit gamma

A Novel Negative Capacitance Tunnel FET With Improved Subthreshold Swing and Nearly Non-Hysteresis Through Hybrid Modulation

In this letter, a novel negative capacitance tunnel FET (NC-TFET) design based on junction depleted-modulation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated with sub-60mV/dec subthreshold swing (SS). By a striped gate stack design with integrated ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2, the fabricated Si NC junction-modulated TFET (NC-JTFET) exhibits steeper SS, higher ON-current for almost two decades than Si TFET without OFF-current degradation, as well as nearly non-hysteresis behavior. The experimental results show the great potential of NC-JTFET for ultralow-standby-power IoT applications.

Nonthermal Plasma-Synthesized Phosphorus–Boron co-Doped Si Nanocrystals: A New Approach to Nontoxic NIR-Emitters

We report on the successful creation of nonthermal plasma-synthesized phorphorus and boron co-doped Si nanocrystals (PB:Si NCs) with diameters (DNC) ranging from 2.9 to 7.3 nm. Peak photoluminescence (PL) emission energies for all PB:Si NC diameters are ca. 400–500 meV lower than the excitonic emission values in intrinsic Si NCs, which can be attributed to prevalent donor–acceptor (D–A) transitions within the co-doped system. This D–A transition model is further evidenced by PL lifetimes within the range of 40–80 μs, faster than what is observed for intrinsic Si NCs. By reducing the level of confinement within PB:Si NCs (i.e., DNC > 4 nm), we are able to red-shift the near-infrared (NIR)-emitting D–A transitions to below the band gap of bulk Si (1.12 eV). We quantify the PL quantum yield (PLQY) for a range of DNC and show that the plasma method can achieve reasonably high PLQY values (12% for DNC = 2.9 nm), even without any optimization of the synthesis or surface chemistry. We posit that perfect charge c...

Expression of long non-coding RNA hypoxia-inducible factor-1α antisense RNA-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its effect on proliferation and invasion

Objective To detect the expression of long non-coding RNA hypoxia-inducible factor-1α antisense RNA-2 (lncRNA-HIF1A-AS2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cell lines and its effect on proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells. Methods Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to detect the expression of HIF1A-AS2 in 49 HCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, four HCC cell lines(Huh7, HepG2, SMMC-7721, Bel-7402) and one normal liver cell line L02, then analyze the correlation between HIF1A-AS2 expression and clinicopathological features; Two high-expression HIF1A-AS2 HCC cells were transfected into small interfering RNA (si-HIF1A-AS2) and negative control (si-NC); Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay and Colony-forming assay were conducted to evaluate the cell proliferation; Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate the cell invasion. Results The expression of HIF1A-AS2 in HCC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (-12.060±0.657 vs. -12.450±0.683, P<0.01); The expression of HIF1A-AS2 was correlated with age, tumor size and tumor differentiation (χ2=4.573, 4.871, 8.353, P<0.05); The expression of HIF1A-AS2 in HCC cell line was also significantly higher than that in normal liver cell line, and the expression was highest in Huh7 and HepG2 (Huh7: 5.349±0.992, HepG2: 5.660±0.726, P<0.01); CCK8 assay and colony-forming assay showed that the cell proliferation ability after transfection of si-HIF1A-AS2 was significantly lower than that of the control group in Huh7 and HepG2 (Huh7: 0.668±0.067 vs. 0.558±0.055, 0.931±0.881 vs. 0.670±0.072, 1.769±0.079 vs. 1.036±0.074; HepG2: 1.063±0.0604 vs. 0.803±0.097, 1.767±0.091 vs. 1.083±0.080, P<0.01) (Huh7: 542.70±25.50 vs. 378.00±19.31, HepG2: 530.00±14.53 vs. 217.30±18.15, P<0.01); Transwell assay showed that the number of cell invasion was significantly lower after transfection of si-HIF1A-AS2 [Huh7: (116.300±6.506) cells vs. (520.000±9.539) cells, HepG2: (88.330±5.686) cells vs. (55.000±5.245) cells, P<0.01]. Conclusion HIF1A-AS2 is highly expressed in HCC and cell lines, and down-regulation of HIF1A-AS2 expression can inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of HCC cells. Key words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Long non-coding RNA hypoxia-inducible factor-1α antisense RNA-2; Proliferation; Invasion

Expression of long-stranded noncoding RNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip in bladder cancer and its effect on proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells

Objective To investigate the expression of long-stranded non-coding RNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) (lncRNA HOPTTIP) in bladder cancer cells (BCC) and its effect on proliferation, migration and invasion of BCC and potential mechanisms. Methods Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression differences of HOTTIP between normal tissue and bladder cancer tissues, normal cell and bladder cancer cell. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to observe the proliferation levels of BCC. Cell cycle progression of BCC was detected by flow cytometry. Cell invasion and metastasis were observed by transwell and wound healing experiments. Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Results The expression level of HOTTIP in BCC (1.943±0.251) was significantly higher than that of paracancerous tissue (1.002±0.091), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); The expression of HOTTIP in human normal epithelial cells (SV-HUC-1) was significantly lower than that of 5637 and T24 (1.003±0.092 vs. 2.241±0.306 and 1.692±0.203), with significant difference (P<0.05). After si-HOTTIP and si-NC intervention 48h on 5637 and T24 cells, the proliferation of 5637 (0.881±0.182 vs. 1.824±0.193) and T24 (0.623±0.094 vs. 1.332±0.153) cells decreased significantly (P<0.05), the cell cycle were stuck into G0/G1 phase, rate of invasion and migration were reduced, MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression levels decreased, TIMP1 and TIMP2 protein expression levels increased. Conclusion Long-stranded non-coding RNA (LncRNA) HOTTIP is down-regulated in bladder cancer tissues and cells, and promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of BCC by decreasing MMPs and increasing TIMPs. Key words: Long non-coding RNAHOXA transcript at the distal tip; Bladder cancer; Proliferation; Migration; Invasion

Size‐Controlled Si Nanocrystals Fabricated by Electron Beam Evaporation

Multilayers consisting of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and SiO2 are successfully fabricated by electron beam evaporation, using pure Si and SiO2 targets in an oxygen‐rich atmosphere for alternately depositing silicon‐rich oxide (SRO) layers and SiO2 barriers, respectively. A post‐deposition annealing process is carried out at different temperatures in order to achieve the Si precipitation in the form of nanocrystals. The stoichiometry of the layers is determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which confirms the controlled silicon oxidation in order to attain SRO layers. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman‐scattering measurements confirm the presence of crystalline Si‐nanoprecipitates. Photoluminescence spectra from the Si NC samples can be deconvolved into two contributions, whose dynamics suggest that two different luminescent centers are responsible for the optical emission of the samples.

Effects of taurine upregulated gene 1 on migration and invasion of human neuroblastoma cells

Objective To explore the effects of taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) on migration and invasion of human neuroblastoma. Methods The cells were classified into threegroups: TUG1 small interfering RNA (si-TUG1) group, scramble control (si-NC) group, andblankcontrolgroup. Under the induction ofLipofectamine 2000, TUG1 small interfering RNA (TUG 1-siRNA) was transfected into neuroblastoma cells. The expression of TUG1 was detected by using real-time reversetranscriptionpolymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The cell wound healing and transwellassays were applied for the detection of migration and invasion of cancer cells. Results Comparedtonegativecontrolgroup, the expressionof TUG1 was decreased. The cellular invasiveability was suppressed and metastatic activity was downregulated by 50.4% (P=0.001). Conclusion TUG1 is over expressed in neuroblastoma cells, andpromotes the migrationand invasionability of cancer cells. Key words: Long non-coding RNA; Taurine upregulated gene 1; Neuroblastoma; Invasion; Metastasis

Sphericity and roundness computation for particles using the extreme vertices model

Shape is a property studied for many kinds of particles. Among shape parameters, sphericity and roundness indices had been largely studied to understand several processes. Some of these indices are based on length measurements of the particle obtained from its oriented bounding box (OBB). In this paper we follow a discrete approach based on Extreme Vertices Model and devise new methods to compute the OBB and the mentioned indices. We apply these methods to synthetic sedimentary rocks and to a real dataset of silicon nanocrystals (Si NC) to analyze the obtained results and compare them with those obtained with a classical voxel model.

Down-regulation of E26 transformation-specific homologous factor expression inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells

Objective To observe the effect of down-regulation of E26 transformation-specific homologous factor (EHF) expression on the growth of gastric cancer cells. Methods Western blotting and real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of EHF protein and mRNA in gastric cancer cell lines BGC823, SGC7901 and gastric mucosal epithelial cell line GES-1, respectively. Using the small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference technology, si-EHF-979 or control siRNA si-NC was transfected into gastric cancer cells BGC823 and SGC7901. The si-EHF-979 transfection group served as experimental group, and si-NC transfection group as control group. The methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay was utilized to detect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. The effect of EHF on the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells was measured by Transwell assay. The gastric cancer cell BGC823 transfected with si-EHF-979 or si-NC was inoculated into the right axilla of nude mice to establish a nude mouse exenograft model. Results Compared with GES-1 cells, the expression levels of EHF in BGC823 and SGC7901 cells were significantly up-regulated, with the difference being statistically significant (P=0.001). The ability of gastric cancer cells to proliferate, migrate and invade after EHF gene knockdown was significantly inhibited. The nude mouse xenograft model showed that knockdown of EHF expression significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). Conclusion EHF is highly expressed in gastric cancer cell lines. Knockdown of EHF expression can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Key words: Gastric cancer; E26 transformation-specific homologous factor; Cell proliferation; Cell migration

Effects of long intergenic non-coding RNA FEZF1-AS1 on proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells SGC-7901

Objective To investigate the effects of long intergenic non-coding RNA (Linc) FEZF1-AS1 on proliferation and invasion of SGC-7901 cells. Methods The SGC-7901 cells were classified into two groups: FEZF1-AS1 small interfering RNA (si-FEZF1-AS1) and the negative control siRNA (si-NC). Linc FEZF1-AS1 was knocked down in si-FEZF1-AS1 group by small interfering RNA (siRNA). The proliferative activity of SGC-7901 cells was determined by colony formation assay and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the invasion ability was studied by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results The results of colony formation assay showed that the colony-forming capacity was impaired in si-FEZF1-AS1 group compared to the si-NC group [(26.78±3.34)% vs. (43.22±4.35)%, t=5.194, P=0.007]; CCK-8 results revealed that the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells was dramatically inhibited in si-FEZF1-AS1 group after 3 days [(31.32±4.48)% vs. (13.86±0.64)%, t=11.590, P=0.000]; Scratch tests showed that, 48 h after scratches in SGC-7901 cells, the space between scratches was significantly increased as compared with that in si-NC group [(598.67±18.81) vs. (428.32±13.90) μm, t=12.620, P=0.000]; The results of Transwell assay also indicated that the number of metastatic cells in the si-FEZF1-AS1 group was significantly decreased compared to the si-NC group [(60.50±5.13) vs. (103.50±9.54), t=7.942, P=0.001]; The results of RT-PCR showed that the relative mRNA expression levels of E-cadherin were increased in si-FEZF1-AS1 group [(2.01±0.36), t=5.435, P=0.002], and those of Vimentin and β-catenin were decreased [(0.54±0.05), t=9.734, P=0.000; (0.50±0.10), t=8.019, P=0.000]. The results of Western blotting revealed that the expression levels of E-cadherin in si-FEZF1-AS1 group were significantly increased as compared with the si-NC group [(86 304±447) vs. (35 623±227), t=175.100, P=0.000], and those of Vimentin and β-catenin in the si-FEZF1-AS1 group were significantly decreased as compared with the si-NC group [(29 135±89) vs. (82 253±353), t=252.800, P=0.000; (15 283±147) vs. (42 506±245), t=165.200, P=0.000]. Conclusion Dysregulation of Linc FEZF1-AS1 can suppress proliferation and invasion of SGC-7901 cells, which may be related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Key words: Gastric cancer; Long intergenic non-coding RNA; Proliferation; Invasion

Expression and clinical significances of miR-215 and RUNX1 in retinoblastoma

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significances of miR-215 and runt-related protein1 (RUNX1) in retinoblastoma (RB), and to study the regulation effect of miR-215 on RUNX1 in the retinoblastoma cell line PMC-RB. Methods The expressions of miR-215 and RUNX1 in the tumor tissue, non tumor tissues adjacent to cancer, human RB cell line FMC-RB and human normal retinal vascular endothelial cell line ATCC of RB patients were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). miR-215 mimics (miR-215-mimic), miR-NC, si-RUNX1 and si-NC were transfected into FMC-RB cell line respectively. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion ability were measured respectively, thus detecting the regulation effect of miR-215 on RUNX1. Results The expression of miR-215 in RB tissues was significantly lower than that in non tumor tissues adjacent to cancer, while the mRNA expression of RUNX1 was higher than that in non tumor tissues adjacent to cancer (P<0.05). The expression of miR-215 in PMC-RB cells was lower than that in ATCC, while the mRNA expression of RUNX1 was higher than that in ATCC (P<0.05). The expression of miR-215 and RUNX1 in RB tumor tissues were closely related to the clinicopathological features of optic nerve infiltration, tumor tissue differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion in miR-215-mimic group were significantly lower than those in miR-NC group (P<0.05). In transfected 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR)-Wt cells, the luciferase activity in miR-215-mimic group was lower than that in miR-NC group (P<0.05); the expression level of RUNX1 protein in transfected miR-215-mimic cells was lower than that in transfected miR-NC cells (P<0.05). Cell proliferation, migration and invasion in si-RUNX1 group were all lower than those in si-NC group (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between mRNA expression level of miR-215 and RUNX1 in RB tumor tissues. Conclusions During the occurrence and development of RB, the down-regulation of miR-215 expression can promote malignant progression of tumor by targeting RUNX1. miR-215 can be used as a biological markers and therapeutic target for RB diagnosis. Key words: Retinoblastoma; MicroRNAs; Core binding factor alpha 2 subunit; Cell line, tumor

Forming-free resistive switching in solution-processed silicon nanocrystal thin film

We report a forming-free resistive switching using a solution-processed silicon nanocrystal (Si NC) thin film. A Si NC thin film is formed on an ITO/glass substrate by spin-coating a colloidal Si NC solution in air. The Si NC thin film shows bipolar resistive switching without a forming process. Electrical characteristics at low temperatures and in various gas environments suggest that a non-stoichiometric SiOx shell on Si NCs contributes to the resistive switching. We propose that the origin of the resistive switching is a conductive filament of oxygen vacancies on the SiOx shell by an electric field.

Solution Processing of Hydrogen-Terminated Silicon Nanocrystal for Flexible Electronic Device.

We demonstrate solution processing of hydrogen-terminated silicon nanocrystals (H-Si NCs) for flexible electronic devices. To obtain high and uniform conductivity of a solution-processed Si NC film, we adopt a perfectly dispersed colloidal H-Si NC solution. We show a high conductivity (2 × 10-5 S/cm) of a solution-processed H-Si NC film which is spin-coated in air. The NC film (area: 100 mm2) has uniform conductivity and responds to laser irradiation with 6.8 and 24.1 μs of rise and fall time. By using time-of-flight measurements, we propose a charge transport model in the H-Si NC film. For the proof-of-concept of this study, a flexible photodetector on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate is demonstrated by spin-coating colloidal H-Si NC solution in air. The photodetector can be bent in 5.9 mm bending radius at smallest, and the device properly works after being bent in 2500 cycles.

Tuning Confinement in Colloidal Silicon Nanocrystals with Saturated Surface Ligands.

The optical properties of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) are a subject of intense study and continued debate. In particular, Si NC photoluminescence (PL) properties are known to depend strongly on the surface chemistry, resulting in electron-hole recombination pathways derived from the Si NC band-edge, surface-state defects, or combined NC-conjugated ligand hybrid states. In this Letter, we perform a comparison of three different saturated surface functional groups-alkyls, amides, and alkoxides-on nonthermal plasma-synthesized Si NCs. We find a systematic and size-dependent high-energy (blue) shift in the PL spectrum of Si NCs with amide and alkoxy functionalization relative to alkyl. Time-resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopies reveal no change in the excited-state dynamics between Si NCs functionalized with alkyl, amide, or alkoxide ligands, showing for the first time that saturated ligands-not only surface-derived charge-transfer states or hybridization between NC and low-lying ligand orbitals-are responsible for tuning the Si NC optical properties. To explain these PL shifts we propose that the atom bound to the Si NC surface strongly interacts with the Si NC electronic wave function and modulates the Si NC quantum confinement. These results reveal a potentially broadly applicable correlation between the optoelectronic properties of Si NCs and related quantum-confined structures based on the interaction between NC surfaces and the ligand binding group.

Notch3 regulate invasion and metastasis of hepatic carcinoma by matrix metalloproteinase-2/matrix metalloproteinase-9 mediated by Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Objective To observe the effect of Notch3 on invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Methods The Notch3 gene and protein expression was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and Immunohistochemistry. Cultured hepatoma cell lines QGY7701, and then cells were divided into three groups: non transfection group (Control), Lipo transfection group (si-NC) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-Notch3 transfection group (si-N3). Wound healing and transwell assays were used to assess cancer cells the capacity of invasive and metastasis. Western blotting was carried out to analyze the expression of Notch3, β-catenin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 proteins. Results Notch3 gene expression levels were significantly increased in the tumor tissue compared with the normal liver tissue from the same patient. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that Notch3 protein expression was positive in the tumor tissue. Wound healing assay showed that the migrating cells of si-N3 group were less than Control group and si-NC group in 12 h and 24 h, which means the capacity of cell migration inhibited. Compared control group, the invasion capacity of QGY7701 cells was significantly decreased [ (75±8) cells vs. (125±11) cells vs. (118±10) cells, P=0.001, 0.002]. After Notch3 protein silenced, the expression level of β-catenin was upregulated and MMP-2/MMP-9 was downregulated. Conclusion Notch3 expression is activated in hepatocellular carcinoma tumor tissues, and Notch3 can mediate MMP-2/MMP-9 through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to promote the invasion and metastasis of hepatoma cells. Key words: Notch3; β-catenin; Hepatic cancer; Invasion; Migration; Matrix metalloproteinase-2; Matrix metalloproteinase-9

Luminescent Capillary‐Based Whispering Gallery Mode Sensors: Crossing the Lasing Threshold

Silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) present many advantages for sensor applications, including relatively bright and stable luminescence, low‐to‐negligible toxicity, and high physical and chemical robustness. In this work, the efforts in creating capillary‐based sensors from smooth films of oxide‐embedded SiNCs are summarized, and their responses to dye‐doped polymer films are compared. The main method is to form sub‐micrometer luminescent coatings on microcapillary channel walls. The coating must have a high index of refraction so that it can support the luminescence whispering gallery modes (WGMs) which propagate through the film and extend into the channel medium. Using Si NCs, a general refractometric sensing and the detection of layer‐by‐layer polyelectrolyte deposition on the capillary channel are demonstrated. The Si NC sensors are exceptionally robust and can be cleaned and re‐used multiple times. The main limitation of the method currently involves the relatively slow detection (requiring typically more than 20 s per collected luminescence spectrum) due to the low light levels associated with the Si NC luminescence. Finally, our most recent work is discussed, which aims to extend the luminescent capillary sensor into the lasing regime.

Light-Converting Polymer/Si Nanocrystal Composites with Stable 60-70% Quantum Efficiency and Their Glass Laminates.

Thiol-ene polymer/Si nanocrystal bulk hybrids were synthesized from alkyl-passivated Si nanocrystal (Si NC) toluene solutions. Radicals in the polymer provided a copassivation of "dark" Si NCs, making them optically active and leading to a substantial ensemble quantum yield increase. Optical stability over several months was confirmed. The presented materials exhibit the highest photoluminescence quantum yield (∼65%) of any solid-state Si NC hybrid reported to date. The broad tunability of thiol-ene polymer reactivity provides facile glass integration, as demonstrated by a laminated structure. This, together with extremely fast polymerization, makes the demonstrated hybrid material a promising candidate for light converting applications.

Effects of Na+ -H+ exchanger 1 knockdown on protein expression levels of ATP binding cassette transporter A1 and cholesterol efflux in hypoxic RAW264.7 cells

Objective To explore the effects of Na+ -H+ exchanger 1(NHE1) knockdown on ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) protein expression levels and cholesterol efflux in the hypoxic RAW264.7 cells. Methods The RAW264.7 cells were infected with lentiviral vectors expressing shRNA specific for NHE1(siNHE1) or scramble RNA (siNC). The expression of NHE1 at mRNA or protein level was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting respectively in the infected cells after 24 h in a hypoxia condition.In the meantime, the methods of SNARF-1, Fluo-4 NW andSuc-LLVY-aminoluciferin were employed to determine NHE1 activity, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i) and calpain activity, respectively.Furthermore, ABCA1 protein levels were detected by Western blotting in the 24 h hypoxic cells.In parallel, the intracellular cholesterol content and cholesterol efflux were analyzed by the methods of combined enzymatic HLPC and 3H-cholesterol. Results The hypoxia condition versus the normoxia condition up-regulated NHE1 mRNA and protein expression level and activity by 2.48 folds, 1.28 folds and 61.96% (all P<0.05), and increased[Ca2+ ]i and calpain activity by 4.51 folds and 2.41 folds(all P<0.05). Whereas the NHE1 mRNA and protein expression and activity at the presence of hypoxia were inhibited by siNHE1 with the inhibition ratio of 84.95%, 60.75% and 66.44%, respectively (all P<0.05) and[Ca2+ ]i and calpain activity were reduced by 59.23% and 54.66% (P<0.05). Furthermore, the ABCA1 protein level was 61.67% lower in the hypoxic cells than in the normoxic cells (P<0.05), and siNHE1 was increased by 56.52%after treatment of Hypoxia.Hypoxia elevated intracellular total cholesterol and cholesterol ester by 74.57% and 101.81% (all P<0.05). Treatment with siNHE1 in the hypoxia condition can reduce total cholesterol and cholesterol ester by 34.24%及49.66%(all P<0.05). Hypoxia reduced the cholesterol efflux by 34.79%(P<0.05), which were partially reversed by siNHE1. Conclusions NHE1 might play an important role in hypoxia-induced ABCA1 protein attenuation and reverse cholesterol transport dysfunction through[Ca2+ ]i/calpain pathway. Key words: ATP binding cassette transporter A1; Na+ -H+ exchanger 1; Anoxia; Cholesterol

Microstructure analysis of silicon nanocrystals formed from silicon rich oxide with high excess silicon: Annealing and doping effects

Thin films consisting of silicon nanocrystals fabricated by high silicon content in silicon rich oxide show unique properties of decreasing resistivity and increasing light absorption while maintaining quantum confinement effects. With that said, the effect of the annealing temperature and doping element on the microscopic structure of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) and the film are still under research. In this study, individual intrinsic, boron-, and phosphorus-doped films are annealed at various temperatures, and their structural properties are analyzed via atom probe tomography together with glancing incidence x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy filtered TEM. In addition, photoluminescence (PL) is performed and linked with their microstructural properties. The Si NC growth is confirmed at annealing temperatures of 1000 °C and 1100 °C. The microstructure of the Si NCs in the whole film is dramatically changed by increasing the annealing temperature from 1000 °C to 1100 °C. In addition, doping changes the arrangement of the Si NCs by assisting their penetration across the SiO2 barrier layers. This study helps to understand the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the Si NC film, showing that the size and distribution of the Si NCs are correlated with the obtained PL profiles.

MiR-150 alleviates EMT and cell invasion of colorectal cancer through targeting Gli1.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is related to colorectal cancer invasion and metastasis. Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) abnormal expression is associated with EMT, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers. MiR-150 is found downregulated in colorectal cancer pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis shows the complementary targeted relationship between miR-150 and the 3'-UTR of Gli1 mRNA. This study explores the role of miR-150 in regulating Gli1 expression, colorectal cancer cell EMT, and invasion. Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR-150 and Gli1 predicted by bioinformatics analysis. MiR-150 and Gli1 expressions were compared in NCM460, SW480, and SW620 cells. Cell colony formation and invasion were tested in SW480 and SW620 cells. Anip973 and AGYZ83-a cells were treated by 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 to detect miR-150 and Gli1 expressions. SW620 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups, including miR-NC, miR-150 mimic, si-NC, si-Gli1, and miR-150 mimic + si-Gli1 groups. MiR-150 specifically inhibited Gli1 expression. The level of miR-150 was significantly downregulated, while Gli1 was elevated in SW480 and SW620 cells compared with that in NCM460 cells. SW620 exhibited markedly stronger invasive and colony formation abilities than SW480. The level of miR-150 was apparently reduced, whereas Gli1 was increased in SW620 than that in SW480 cells after the treatment of TGFβ1. MiR-150 mimic and/or si-Gli1 transfection markedly reduced Gli1 and Snail levels, upregulated E-cadherin expression, and attenuated cell colony formation and invasion. Downregulation of miR-150 and elevation of Gli1 promote the development and invasion of colorectal cancer cell EMT. MiR-150 attenuated the progression of colorectal cancer cell EMT via inhibiting Gli1.