bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macropinocytosis drives T cell growth by sustaining the activation of mTORC1
Authors: Charpentier John C. , Chen Di , Lapinski Philip E. , Turner Jackson , Grigorova Irina , Swanson Joel A. , King Philip D.
Published: January 2020

Macropinocytosis is an evolutionarily-conserved, large-scale, fluid-phase form of endocytosis that has been ascribed different functions including antigen presentation in macrophages and dendritic cells, regulation of receptor density in neurons, and regulation of tumor growth under nutrient-limiting conditions. However, whether macropinocytosis regulates the expansion of non-transformed mammalian cells is unknown. Here we show that primary mouse and human T cells engage in macropinocytosis that increases in magnitude upon T cell activation to support T cell growth even under amino acid (AA) replete conditions. Mechanistically, macropinocytosis in T cells provides access of extracellular AA to an endolysosomal compartment to sustain activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) that promotes T cell growth. Our results thus implicate a function of macropinocytosis in mammalian cell growth beyond Ras-transformed tumor cells via sustained mTORC1 activation.
Reversible manipulation of the magnetic state in SrRuO3 through electric-field controlled proton evolution
Authors: Li Zhuolu , Shen Shengchun , Tian Zijun , Hwangbo Kyle , Wang Meng , Wang Yujia , Bartram F. Michael , He Liqun , Lyu Yingjie , Dong Yongqi , Wan Gang , Li Haobo , Lu Nianpeng , Zang Jiadong , Zhou Hua , Arenholz Elke , He Qing , Yang Luyi , Luo Weidong , Yu Pu
Published: January 2020

Ionic substitution forms an essential pathway to manipulate the structural phase, carrier density and crystalline symmetry of materials via ion-electron-lattice coupling, leading to a rich spectrum of electronic states in strongly correlated systems. Using the ferromagnetic metal SrRuO3 as a model system, we demonstrate an efficient and reversible control of both structural and electronic phase transformations through the electric-field controlled proton evolution with ionic liquid gating. The insertion of protons results in a large structural expansion and increased carrier density, leading to an exotic ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition. Importantly, we reveal a novel protonated compound of HSrRuO3 with paramagnetic metallic as ground state. We observe a topological Hall effect at the boundary of the phase transition due to the proton concentration gradient across the film-depth. We envision that electric-field controlled protonation opens up a pathway to explore novel electronic states and material functionalities in protonated material systems.
Phase-coherent lightwave communications with frequency combs
Authors: Lundberg Lars , Mazur Mikael , Mirani Ali , Foo Benjamin , Schröder Jochen , Torres-Company Victor , Karlsson Magnus , Andrekson Peter A.
Published: January 2020

Fiber-optical networks are a crucial telecommunication infrastructure in society. Wavelength division multiplexing allows for transmitting parallel data streams over the fiber bandwidth, and coherent detection enables the use of sophisticated modulation formats and electronic compensation of signal impairments. Optical frequency combs can replace the multiple lasers used for the different wavelength channels. Beyond multiplexing, it has been suggested that the broadband phase coherence of frequency combs could simplify the receiver scheme by performing joint reception and processing of several wavelength channels, but an experimental validation in a fiber transmission experiment remains elusive. Here we demonstrate and quantify joint reception and processing of several wavelength channels in a full transmission system. We demonstrate two joint processing schemes; one that reduces the phase-tracking complexity and one that increases the transmission performance.
An electrochemical biosensor for the detection of epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Du Xin , Zhang Zhenhua , Zheng Xiaodi , Zhang Hongyan , Dong Dan , Zhang Zhenguo , Liu Min , Zhou Jun
Published: January 2020

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critically involved in a variety of biological processes. Electrochemical sensing offers potential to develop more effective technology for EMT detection. In this study, by using the unique performance of quantum dot (QD)-nanocomposite materials, we establish an electrochemical biosensor that can specifically detect the change of E-cadherin and analyze different stages of EMT. The signal for EMT is largely magnified due to the transmission of molecular information to the electronic device. In addition, differential pulse voltammetry reveals that the response of the electrochemical signals is rapid and sensitive, due to the synergistic effect of QDs and carbon nanotube-gold nanoparticles. Our study thus suggests that electrochemical sensing is an effective technology for detecting EMT and may have broad applications in analyzing various cell type transitions.
Structural basis for adhesion G protein-coupled receptor Gpr126 function
Authors: Leon Katherine , Cunningham Rebecca L. , Riback Joshua A. , Feldman Ezra , Li Jingxian , Sosnick Tobin R. , Zhao Minglei , Monk Kelly R. , Araç Demet
Published: January 2020

Many drugs target the extracellular regions (ECRs) of cell-surface receptors. The large and alternatively-spliced ECRs of adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (aGPCRs) have key functions in diverse biological processes including neurodevelopment, embryogenesis, and tumorigenesis. However, their structures and mechanisms of action remain unclear, hampering drug development. The aGPCR Gpr126/Adgrg6 regulates Schwann cell myelination, ear canal formation, and heart development; and GPR126 mutations cause myelination defects in human. Here, we determine the structure of the complete zebrafish Gpr126 ECR and reveal five domains including a previously unknown domain. Strikingly, the Gpr126 ECR adopts a closed conformation that is stabilized by an alternatively spliced linker and a conserved calcium-binding site. Alternative splicing regulates ECR conformation and receptor signaling, while mutagenesis of the calcium-binding site abolishes Gpr126 function in vivo. These results demonstrate that Gpr126 ECR utilizes a multi-faceted dynamic approach to regulate receptor function and provide relevant insights for ECR-targeted drug design.
Neutrophil microvesicles drive atherosclerosis by delivering miR-155 to atheroprone endothelium
Authors: Gomez Ingrid , Ward Ben , Souilhol Celine , Recarti Chiara , Ariaans Mark , Johnston Jessica , Burnett Amanda , Mahmoud Marwa , Luong Le Anh , West Laura , Long Merete , Parry Sion , Woods Rachel , Hulston Carl , Benedikter Birke , Niespolo Chiara , Bazaz Rohit , Francis Sheila , Kiss-Toth Endre , van Zandvoort Marc , Schober Andreas , Hellewell Paul , Evans Paul C. , Ridger Victoria
Published: January 2020

Neutrophils are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis but are seldom detected in atherosclerotic plaques. We investigated whether neutrophil-derived microvesicles may influence arterial pathophysiology. Here we report that levels of circulating neutrophil microvesicles are enhanced by exposure to a high fat diet, a known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Neutrophil microvesicles accumulate at disease-prone regions of arteries exposed to disturbed flow patterns, and promote vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis in a murine model. Using cultured endothelial cells exposed to disturbed flow, we demonstrate that neutrophil microvesicles promote inflammatory gene expression by delivering miR-155, enhancing NF-κB activation. Similarly, neutrophil microvesicles increase miR-155 and enhance NF-κB at disease-prone sites of disturbed flow in vivo. Enhancement of atherosclerotic plaque formation and increase in macrophage content by neutrophil microvesicles is dependent on miR-155. We conclude that neutrophils contribute to vascular inflammation and atherogenesis through delivery of microvesicles carrying miR-155 to disease-prone regions.
Midwinter Arctic leads form and dissipate low clouds
Authors: Li Xia , Krueger Steven K. , Strong Courtenay , Mace Gerald G. , Benson Sally
Published: January 2020

Leads are a key feature of the Arctic ice pack during the winter owing to their substantial contribution to the surface energy balance. According to the present understanding, enhanced heat and moisture fluxes from high lead concentrations tend to produce more boundary layer clouds. However, described here in our composite analyses of diverse surface- and satellite-based observations, we find that abundant boundary layer clouds are associated with low lead flux periods, while fewer boundary layer clouds are observed for high lead flux periods. Motivated by these counterintuitive results, we conducted three-dimensional cloud-resolving simulations to investigate the underlying physics. We find that newly frozen leads with large sensible heat flux but low latent heat flux tend to dissipate low clouds. This finding indicates that the observed high lead fractions likely consist of mostly newly frozen leads that reduce any pre-existing low-level cloudiness, which in turn decreases downwelling infrared flux and accelerates the freezing of sea ice.
ADAR1 mediated regulation of neural crest derived melanocytes and Schwann cell development
Authors: Gacem Nadjet , Kavo Anthula , Zerad Lisa , Richard Laurence , Mathis Stephane , Kapur Raj P. , Parisot Melanie , Amiel Jeanne , Dufour Sylvie , de la Grange Pierre , Pingault Veronique , Vallat Jean Michel , Bondurand Nadege
Published: January 2020

The neural crest gives rise to numerous cell types, dysfunction of which contributes to many disorders. Here, we report that adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1), responsible for adenosine-to-inosine editing of RNA, is required for regulating the development of two neural crest derivatives: melanocytes and Schwann cells. Neural crest specific conditional deletion ofAdar1in mice leads to global depigmentation and absence of myelin from peripheral nerves, resulting from alterations in melanocyte survival and differentiation of Schwann cells, respectively. Upregulation of interferon stimulated genes precedes these defects, which are associated with the triggering of a signature resembling response to injury in peripheral nerves. Simultaneous extinction of MDA5, a key sensor of unedited RNA, rescues both melanocytes and myelin defects in vitro, suggesting that ADAR1 safeguards neural crest derivatives from aberrant MDA5-mediated interferon production. We thus extend the landscape of ADAR1 function to the fields of neural crest development and disease.
Gate controlled anomalous phase shift in Al/InAs Josephson junctions
Authors: Mayer William , Dartiailh Matthieu C. , Yuan Joseph , Wickramasinghe Kaushini S. , Rossi Enrico , Shabani Javad
Published: January 2020

In a standard Josephson junction the current is zero when the phase difference between superconducting leads is zero. This condition is protected by parity and time-reversal symmetries. However, the combined presence of spin–orbit coupling and magnetic field breaks these symmetries and can lead to a finite supercurrent even when the phase difference is zero. This is the so called anomalous Josephson effect—the hallmark effect of superconducting spintronics—which can be characterized by the corresponding anomalous phase shift. Here we report the observation of a tunable anomalous Josephson effect in InAs/Al Josephson junctions measured via a superconducting quantum interference device. By gate controlling the density of InAs, we are able to tune the spin–orbit coupling in the Josephson junction. This gives us the ability to tune the anomalous phase, and opens new opportunities for superconducting spintronics, and new possibilities for realizing and characterizing topological superconductivity.
Parallel evolutionary paths to produce more than one Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm phenotype
Authors: Thöming Janne G. , Tomasch Jürgen , Preusse Matthias , Koska Michal , Grahl Nora , Pohl Sarah , Willger Sven D. , Kaever Volkhard , Müsken Mathias , Häussler Susanne
Published: January 2020

Studying parallel evolution of similar traits in independent within-species lineages provides an opportunity to address evolutionary predictability of molecular changes underlying adaptation. In this study, we monitored biofilm forming capabilities, motility, and virulence phenotypes of a plethora of phylogenetically diverse clinical isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We also recorded biofilm-specific and planktonic transcriptional responses. We found that P. aeruginosa isolates could be stratified based on the production of distinct organismal traits. Three major biofilm phenotypes, which shared motility and virulence phenotypes, were produced repeatedly in several isolates, indicating that the phenotypes evolved via parallel or convergent evolution. Of note, while we found a restricted general response to the biofilm environment, the individual groups of biofilm phenotypes reproduced biofilm transcriptional profiles that included the expression of well-known biofilm features, such as surface adhesive structures and extracellular matrix components. Our results provide insights into distinct ways to make a biofilm and indicate that genetic adaptations can modulate multiple pathways for biofilm development that are followed by several independent clinical isolates. Uncovering core regulatory pathways that drive biofilm-associated growth and tolerance towards environmental stressors promises to give clues to host and environmental interactions and could provide useful targets for new clinical interventions.
Author Correction: Enhancing nutrient recycling from excreta to meet crop nutrient needs in Sweden – a spatial analysis
Authors: Akram Usman , Quttineh Nils-Hassan , Wennergren Uno , Tonderski Karin , Metson Geneviève S.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
DNA extraction approaches substantially influence the assessment of the human breast milk microbiome
Authors: Douglas Chloe A. , Ivey Kerry L. , Papanicolas Lito E. , Best Karen P. , Muhlhausler Beverly S. , Rogers Geraint B.
Published: January 2020

In addition to providing nutritional and bioactive factors necessary for infant development, human breast milk contains bacteria that contribute to the establishment of commensal microbiota in the infant. However, the composition of this bacterial community differs considerably between studies. We hypothesised that bacterial DNA extraction methodology from breast milk samples are a substantial contributor to these inter-study differences. We tested this hypothesis by applying five widely employed methodologies to a mock breast milk sample and four individual human breast milk samples. Significant differences in DNA yield and purity were observed between methods (P < 0.05). Microbiota composition, assessed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, also differed significantly with extraction methodology (P < 0.05), including in the contribution of contaminant signal. Concerningly, many of the bacterial taxa identified here as contaminants have been reported as components of the breast milk microbiome in other studies. These findings highlight the importance of using stringent, well-validated, DNA extraction methodologies for analysis of the breast milk microbiome, and exercising caution interpreting microbiota data from low-biomass contexts.
Optimizing High-Efficiency Quantum Memory with Quantum Machine Learning for Near-Term Quantum Devices
Authors: Gyongyosi Laszlo , Imre Sandor
Published: January 2020

Quantum memories are a fundamental of any global-scale quantum Internet, high-performance quantum networking and near-term quantum computers. A main problem of quantum memories is the low retrieval efficiency of the quantum systems from the quantum registers of the quantum memory. Here, we define a novel quantum memory called high-retrieval-efficiency (HRE) quantum memory for near-term quantum devices. An HRE quantum memory unit integrates local unitary operations on its hardware level for the optimization of the readout procedure and utilizes the advanced techniques of quantum machine learning. We define the integrated unitary operations of an HRE quantum memory, prove the learning procedure, and evaluate the achievable output signal-to-noise ratio values. We prove that the local unitaries of an HRE quantum memory achieve the optimization of the readout procedure in an unsupervised manner without the use of any labeled data or training sequences. We show that the readout procedure of an HRE quantum memory is realized in a completely blind manner without any information about the input quantum system or about the unknown quantum operation of the quantum register. We evaluate the retrieval efficiency of an HRE quantum memory and the output SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). The results are particularly convenient for gate-model quantum computers and the near-term quantum devices of the quantum Internet.
Unraveling Asian Soybean Rust metabolomics using mass spectrometry and Molecular Networking approach
Authors: Silva Evandro , da Graça José Perez , Porto Carla , Martin do Prado Rodolpho , Hoffmann-Campo Clara Beatriz , Meyer Mauricio Conrado , de Oliveira Nunes Estela , Pilau Eduardo Jorge
Published: January 2020

Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), caused by the biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a devastating disease with an estimated crop yield loss of up to 90%. Yet, there is a nerf of information on the metabolic response of soybean plants to the pathogen Untargeted metabolomics and Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking platform approach was used to explore soybean metabolome modulation to P. pachyrhizi infection. Soybean plants susceptible to ASR was inoculated with P. pachyrhizi spore suspension and non-inoculated plants were used as controls. Leaves from both groups were collected 14 days post-inoculation and extracted using different extractor solvent mixtures. The extracts were analyzed on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system coupled to high-definition electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. There was a significant production of defense secondary metabolites (phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and flavonoids) when P. pachyrhizi infected soybean plants, such as putatively identified liquiritigenin, coumestrol, formononetin, pisatin, medicarpin, biochanin A, glyoceollidin I, glyoceollidin II, glyoceollin I, glyoceolidin II, glyoceolidin III, glyoceolidin IV, glyoceolidin VI. Primary metabolites (amino acids, peptides and lipids) also were putatively identified. This is the first report using untargeted metabolomics and GNPS-Molecular Networking approach to explore ASR in soybean plants. Our data provide insights into the potential role of some metabolites in the plant resistance to ASR, which could result in the development of resistant genotypes of soybean to P. pachyrhizi, and effective and specific products against the pathogen.
Diagnosis of Bovine Respiratory Disease in feedlot cattle using blood 1H NMR metabolomics
Authors: Blakebrough-Hall C. , Dona A. , D’occhio M. J. , McMeniman J. , González L. A
Published: January 2020

Current diagnosis methods for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in feedlots have a low diagnostic accuracy. The current study aimed to search for blood biomarkers of BRD using 1H NMR metabolomics and determine their accuracy in diagnosing BRD. Animals with visual signs of BRD (n = 149) and visually healthy (non-BRD; n = 148) were sampled for blood metabolomics analysis. Lung lesions indicative of BRD were scored at slaughter. Non-targeted 1H NMR metabolomics was used to develop predictive algorithms for disease classification using classification and regression trees. In the absence of a gold standard for BRD diagnosis, six reference diagnosis methods were used to define an animal as BRD or non-BRD. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were used to estimate diagnostic accuracy (Acc). Blood metabolomics demonstrated a high accuracy at diagnosing BRD when using visual signs of BRD (Acc = 0.85), however was less accurate at diagnosing BRD using rectal temperature (Acc = 0.65), lung auscultation score (Acc = 0.61) and lung lesions at slaughter as reference diagnosis methods (Acc = 0.71). Phenylalanine, lactate, hydroxybutyrate, tyrosine, citrate and leucine were identified as metabolites of importance in classifying animals as BRD or non-BRD. The blood metabolome classified BRD and non-BRD animals with high accuracy and shows potential for use as a BRD diagnosis tool.
In silico analysis of alternative splicing on drug-target gene interactions
Authors: Ji Yanrong , Mishra Rama K. , Davuluri Ramana V.
Published: January 2020

Identifying and evaluating the right target are the most important factors in early drug discovery phase. Most studies focus on one protein ignoring the multiple splice-variant or protein-isoforms, which might contribute to unexpected therapeutic activity or adverse side effects. Here, we present computational analysis of cancer drug-target interactions affected by alternative splicing. By integrating information from publicly available databases, we curated 883 FDA approved or investigational stage small molecule cancer drugs that target 1,434 different genes, with an average of 5.22 protein isoforms per gene. Of these, 618 genes have ≥5 annotated protein-isoforms. By analyzing the interactions with binding pocket information, we found that 76% of drugs either miss a potential target isoform or target other isoforms with varied expression in multiple normal tissues. We present sequence and structure level alignments at isoform-level and make this information publicly available for all the curated drugs. Structure-level analysis showed ligand binding pocket architectures differences in size, shape and electrostatic parameters between isoforms. Our results emphasize how potentially important isoform-level interactions could be missed by solely focusing on the canonical isoform, and suggest that on- and off-target effects at isoform-level should be investigated to enhance the productivity of drug-discovery research.
Natural convection of Nanoliquid from a Cylinder in Square Porous Enclosure using Buongiorno’s Two-phase Model
Authors: Alhashash Abeer
Published: January 2020

Natural convection of nanoliquid in a square porous enclosure has been studied using non homogeneous two-phase Buongiorno’s model. The outer of enclosure has cold temperature and a circular cylinder is put at the center. A finite heated segment is located on the top cylinder surface which is otherwise insulated. The momentum in the porous layer is modeled applying the Brinkman-Forchheimer equations. The analysis are conducted in the following interval of the associated groups: the portion of heated surface (5% ≤ H ≤ 100%), the concentration (0.0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.04), the Darcy number, 10−5 ≤ Da ≤ 10−2 and the cylinder size, (0.15 ≤ R ≤ 0.25). The minimum heat transfer rate of the active surface were obtained at location ξ = 90°. In general, the ratio of the heat transfer per unit area of the heat source decreases as the length of the heated surface increases. The heat transfer rate is intensified for the half thermally active surface and high value of Darcy number at higher nanoparticles concentration.
Molecular Simulation Elaborating the Mechanism of 1β-Hydroxy Alantolactone Inhibiting Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme UbcH5s
Authors: Xu Youdong , Meng Xianli
Published: January 2020

1β-hydroxy alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Recently, it has been found to target UbcH5s by covalently bonding with Cys85 specifically, but the exact molecular basis remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the structural specificity of the catalytic site of UbcH5s by comparing them with other E2 proteins. Molecular dynamics was performed to detect the structural stability of the catalytic site. Docking method was then used to predict conformations of ligand docked at the catalytic site of UbcH5s. The electrostatic surface and charge distribution of ligand and proteins were analyzed by quantitative calculation. Molecular dynamics was used to detect the stability of docking complexes of 1β-hydroxy alantolactone and UbcH5s, the covalently bonded intermediates and the products. The QM/MM methodology was used to calculate the free energy barrier of hydrogen transfer and formation of covalent bond between 15-position carbon of ligand and Cys85. Results revealed that the structure of the catalytic site is stable, and 1β-hydroxy alantolactone can dock at the catalytic site with correct conformation. Molecular dynamics further demonstrates that 1β-hydroxy alantolactone can steadily combine with UbcH5s. Intermediate and product of catalytic reaction are also certified to be stable. Besides, Asp112 and Asn114 function as anchors to fix ligand, ensuring it steadily docked at catalytic site to complete covalent reaction. More importantly, we have found that Cys85 of UbcH5c is more efficient to form a covalent bond with the ligand in comparison with UbcH5a and UbcH5b. Our results successfully explained the mechanism of 1β-hydroxy alantolactone covalently bonding with UbcH5s. Such molecular mechanism may provide a better insight into the molecular development or modification for ubiquitin-related drugs.
Spectroelectrochemical and computational studies of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH)
Authors: Bindesri Shruti D. , Jebailey Ricardo , Albarghouthi Najwan , Pye Cory C. , Brosseau Christa L.
Published: January 2020

Electrochemical SERS allows for the rapid detection of both THC and THC-COOH in bodily fluid matrices without interferences from matrix species, paving the way to a point-of-need tool for cannabinoid detection.
Measurement of serum phosphate levels using a mobile sensor
Authors: Ray Aniruddha , Esparza Sarah , Wu Dimei , Hanudel Mark R. , Joung Hyou-Arm , Gales Barbara , Tseng Derek , Salusky Isidro B. , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: January 2020

We report a portable and cost-effective point-of-care device capable of measuring serum phosphate levels using a single drop of blood.
Classification and identification of brands of iron ores using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis and artificial neural networks
Authors: Yang Yawen , Li Chen , Liu Shu , Min Hong , Yan Chenglin , Yang Minli , Yu Jin
Published: January 2020

In this work, PCA-ANN models of LIBS spectra were developed to classify and identify iron ores according to the production countries and brands.
Implantation of a functional TEMPO-hydrogel induces recovery from rat spinal cord transection through promoting nerve regeneration and protecting bladder tissue
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Liming , Mu Jiafu , Chen Jiachen , Feng Shiqing , Gao Jianqing
Published: January 2020

A novel TEMPO-immobilized hyaluronic hydrogel is fabricated to promote nerve repair through mitigating the oxidant microenvironment of spinal cord injury.
A hydrophobic semiconducting metal–organic framework assembled from silver chalcogenide wires
Authors: Wang Jia-Yin , Li Wen-Hua , Wei Zhong , Zhang Chong , Li Ya-Hui , Dong Xi-Yan , Xu Gang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: January 2020

Silver chalcogenide wires are for the first time assembled into a rigid framework structure using a fluorinated carboxylate ligand, where electron transfer along Ag–S chains enables semi-conduction.
Homogeneous photoelectrochemical biosensing via synergy of G-quadruplex/hemin catalysed reactions and the inner filter effect
Authors: Song Xin , Hou Ting , Lu Fangfang , Wang Yuze , Liu Junjie , Li Feng
Published: January 2020

We develop a label-free homogeneous photoelectrochemical biosensing strategy for microRNA quantification based on the synergy of G-quadruplex/hemin catalyzed electron donor consumption and the inner filter effect.
A highly robust heterometallic TbIII/NiII–organic framework for C2 hydrocarbon separation and capture
Authors: Chen Hongtai , Zhuang Gui-Lin , Fan Liming , Zhang Xiutang , Gao Lin-Na , Sun Di
Published: January 2020

The exquisite combination of hetreometallic [TbIIINiII(COO)3(H2O)] clusters with a designed hexatopic ligand generates one highly robust three-dimensional heterometallic TbIII/NiII–organic framework material.
Complex cobalt silicates and germanates crystallizing in a porous three-dimensional framework structure
Authors: Usman Mohammad , Smith Mark D. , Kocevski Vancho , Besmann Theodore , zur Loye Hans-Conrad
Published: January 2020

Single crystals of new cesium cobalt silicates and germanates exhibiting three-dimensional, ion-exchangeable crystal structures were grown from a mixed CsCl–CsF flux, and their electronic and magnetic properties were studied using DFT calculations.
Effects of SO2 on Cu-SSZ-39 catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Du Jinpeng , Shi Xiaoyan , Shan Yulong , Xu Guangyan , Sun Yu , Wang Yingjie , Yu Yunbo , Shan Wenpo , He Hong
Published: January 2020

The impact of SO2 on Cu-SSZ-39 was firstly investigated, and sulfation mechanism at different temperature was proposed.
Synthetic inhibitor leads of human tropomyosin receptor kinase A (hTrkA)
Authors: Subramanian Govindan , Vairagoundar Rajendran , Bowen Scott J. , Roush Nicole , Zachary Theresa , Javens Christopher , Williams Tracey , Janssen Ann , Gonzales Andrea
Published: January 2020

New hTrkA kinase domain type 2 inhibitors and mixed type 1/type 2 inhibitor leads disclosed here offers a differential starting point to investigate the disease pathophysiology.
Optimization of hydrophobic nanoparticles to better target lipid rafts with molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lin Xiaoqian , Lin Xubo , Gu Ning
Published: January 2020

Due to different interactions between lipids and proteins, a plasma membrane can segregate into different membrane domains.
Control of thermal deformation with photonic sintering of ultrathin nanowire transparent electrodes
Authors: Zhong Zhaoyang , Lee Seung-Hyun , Ko Pyeongsam , Kwon Sin , Youn Hongseok , Seok Jae Young , Woo Kyoohee
Published: January 2020

Temperature of Ag NWs on ultrathin plastic substrate under various energy conditions are numerically analyzed, and guidelines for designing effective IPL irradiation processes to induce NW welding without thermal damage to the substrate are derived.
One-step synthesis of MnOx/PPy nanocomposite as a high-performance cathode for a rechargeable zinc-ion battery and insight into its energy storage mechanism
Authors: Li Zixuan , Huang Yuan , Zhang Jiyan , Jin Shunyu , Zhang Shengdong , Zhou Hang
Published: January 2020

The MnOx/PPy composite containing Mn(iii) and Mn(iv) was applied as Zn-intercalation host cathode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Amphiphobic triboelectric nanogenerators based on silica enhanced thermoplastic polymeric nanofiber membranes
Authors: Yan Shan , Dong Keyi , Lu Jianwei , Song Wei , Xiao Ru
Published: January 2020

The high electrical output performance and excellent droplet-repellency of amphiphobic TENG based on silica enhanced thermoplastic polymeric nanofiber membranes will make it more favorable to be utilized in a harsh environment.
Preparation of fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles mediated by a multi-functional amphiphilic iridium complex under visible light irradiation in aqueous solution
Authors: Lu Zhen , Yi Sili , Shangguan Mingqin , Jiang Xingzong , Li Pan , Xiao Longqiang , Hou Linxi
Published: January 2020

Amphiphilc iridium(iii) complex has been synthesized and served as both a photoinitiator and a surfactant for the preparation of nanoparticles with high fluorescence intensity and uniform morphology by visible light irradiation of styrene in aqueous.
Enhanced nitrite accumulation under mainstream conditions by a combination of free ammonia-based sludge treatment and low dissolved oxygen: reactor performance and microbiome analysis
Authors: Yu Heng , Tian Zhiyong , Zuo Jiane , Song Yonghui
Published: January 2020

An introduction of the combination of side-stream sludge treatment using FA and low DO could more effectively enhance nitrite accumulation than single low DO.
Ecofriendly densitometric RP-HPTLC method for determination of rivaroxaban in nanoparticle formulations using green solvents
Authors: Alam Prawez , Ezzeldin Essam , Iqbal Muzaffar , Anwer Md. Khalid , Mostafa Gamal A. E. , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Shakeel Faiyaz
Published: January 2020

A literature survey revealed no suitable “reversed phase-high performance thin layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC)” method for the analysis of rivaroxaban in nanoparticle (NP) formulations.
Enhanced ethanol production from sugarcane molasses by industrially engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae via replacement of the PHO4 gene
Authors: Wu Renzhi , Chen Dong , Cao Shuwei , Lu Zhilong , Huang Jun , Lu Qi , Chen Ying , Chen Xiaoling , Guan Ni , Wei Yutuo , Huang Ribo
Published: January 2020

Replacement of a novel candidate ethanol fermentation-associated regulatory gene, PHO4, from a fast-growing strain through a novel strategy (SHPERM-bCGHR), is hypothesised to shorten fermentation time and enhance ethanol yield from sugarcane molasses.
Synthesis and biological activity study of the retro-isomer of RhTx against TRPV1
Authors: Yu Rilei , Liu Huijie , Wang Baishi , Harvey Peta J. , Wei Ningning , Chu Yanyan
Published: January 2020

TRPV1 is a ligand-gated ion channel and plays an important role in detecting noxious heat and pain. A new TRPV1 antagonist RL-RhTx was discovered.
Ni nanocatalysts supported on mesoporous Al2O3–CeO2 for CO2 methanation at low temperature
Authors: Wu Yushan , Lin Jianghui , Ma Guangyuan , Xu Yanfei , Zhang Jianli , Samart Chanatip , Ding Mingyue
Published: January 2020

The addition of CeO2 to form Ni composite catalysts increased the oxygen vacancies and active metallic nickel sites thus improving the low temperature CO2 methanation performance.
Rapid and selective adsorption of a typical aromatic organophosphorus flame retardant on MIL-101-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Su Hui , Lv Jiaxin , Yang Liansheng , Feng Li , Liu Yongze , Du Ziwen , Zhang Liqiu
Published: January 2020

Rapid and selective adsorption of TPhP on Cr-MIL-101.
Comparison of porous carbons derived from sodium alginate and calcium alginate and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Ming , Han Kuihua , Teng Zhaocai , Li Jinxiao , Wang Meimei , Li Xian
Published: January 2020

Comparisons of the microstructures and electrochemical properties of porous carbons derived from the carbon-forming component alginic acid under the action of Na/Ca.
Characterization of biofuel production from hydrothermal treatment of hyperaccumulator waste (Pteris vittata L.) in sub- and supercritical water
Authors: Chen Jinbo , Li Songmao
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the utilization of HTL to handle hyperaccumulator waste, i.e., Pteris vittata L. in both sub and supercritical water for the production of biofuels as a partial substitute for fossil fuels and valuable chemicals.
Co-crystallization of antibacterials with inorganic salts: paving the way to activity enhancement
Authors: Shemchuk Oleksii , Braga Dario , Grepioni Fabrizia , Turner Raymond J.
Published: January 2020

Co-crystallization of the antibacterial agents proflavine and methyl viologen with the inorganic salts CuCl, CuCl2and AgNO3results in enhanced antimicrobial activity with respect to the separate components.
Tryptophan scanning mutagenesis as a way to mimic the compound-bound state and probe the selectivity of allosteric inhibitors in cells
Authors: Taylor Isabelle R. , Assimon Victoria A. , Kuo Szu Yu , Rinaldi Silvia , Li Xiaokai , Young Zapporah T. , Morra Giulia , Green Keith , Nguyen Daniel , Shao Hao , Garneau-Tsodikova Sylvie , Colombo Giorgio , Gestwicki Jason E.
Published: January 2020

Dominant negative mutants are useful tools in chemical biology, but they do not mimic the action of allosteric inhibitors. We show that properly-placed tryptophan residues can sometimes be superior for this purpose.
Rational design of a high-efficiency, multivariate metal–organic framework phosphor for white LED bulbs
Authors: Lustig William P. , Shen Zeqing , Teat Simon J. , Javed Nasir , Velasco Ever , O'Carroll Deirdre M. , Li Jing
Published: January 2020

Excitation of LMOF-305 with light polarized parallel to the c axis. Photon absorbance induces electron transfer from tcbpe to tcbpe-F, followed by emission resulting from radiative relaxation of the electron from tcbpe-F back to tcbpe.
A well-directional three-dimensional DNA walking nanomachine that runs in an orderly manner
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zhang Pu , Nie Ya-min , Peng Kan-fu , Zhuo Yin , Chai Ya-qin , Yuan Ruo
Published: January 2020

A three-dimensional DNA walking nanomachine innovatively constructed from a functionalized 3D DNA track which runs in an orderly manner with favorable directionality.
An intelligent ZIF-8-gated polydopamine nanoplatform for in vivo cooperatively enhanced combination phototherapy
Authors: Feng Jie , Yu Wenqian , Xu Zhen , Wang Fuan
Published: January 2020

The extreme complexity and heterogeneity of fatal tumors requires the development of combination phototherapy considering the limited therapeutic efficiency of conventional monomodal photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photothermal therapy (PTT).
Correction: Cu-catalyzed C–C bond formation of vinylidene cyclopropanes with carbon nucleophiles
Authors: Chen Jichao , Gao Shang , Chen Ming
Published: January 2020

Correction for ‘Cu-catalyzed C–C bond formation of vinylidene cyclopropanes with carbon nucleophiles’ by Jichao Chen et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 10601–10606.
Greener aromatic antioxidants for aviation and beyond
Authors: Woortman Dirk Volker , Jürgens Sophie , Untergehrer Martin , Rechenberger Julia , Fuchs Monika , Mehlmer Norbert , Qoura Farah , Eckel Georg , Stöhr Michael , Oßwald Patrick , Le Clercq Patrick , Hintermann Lukas , Weuster-Botz Dirk , Bracher Franz , Brück Thomas
Published: January 2020

Aromatic carotenoid cleavage products as alternative to conventional alkyl-phenolic antioxidants for jet fuel and beyond.
Giant electrostrictive strain in (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–NaNbO3 lead-free relaxor antiferroelectrics featuring temperature and frequency stability
Authors: Qi He , Zuo Ruzhong
Published: January 2020

A new lead-free 0.76BNT-0.24NN relaxor AFE ceramic exhibits linear P–E, S–P2 and S–E2 responses and giant purely-electrostrictive strains of ∼0.20% within ˂10% in a wide temperature range owing to the existence of anti-polar nanoregions (APNRs).
Research presented at Symposium P of the 10th International Conference of Materials and Advanced Technology (ICMAT 2019)
Authors: Dalapati Goutam Kumar , Wong Lydia Helena , Osterloh Frank Erich
Published: January 2020

Goutam Dalapati, Lydia Wong and Frank Osterloh introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry A themed collection on Research presented at the ICMAT 2019 symposium.
Probing two PESIN-indocyanine-dye-conjugates: significance of the used fluorophore
Authors: Hübner Ralph , Benkert Vanessa , Cheng Xia , Wängler Björn , Krämer Roland , Wängler Carmen
Published: January 2020

Two monomeric PESIN-dye-conjugates were probed to display the influences of the used indocyanine green dyes on the ready bioactive molecules.
One-pot synthesis of water-soluble and biocompatible superparamagnetic gadolinium-doped iron oxide nanoclusters
Authors: Xiang Huijing , Dong Pingli , Pi Lei , Wang Zhijie , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Siyang , Lu Chichong , Pan Yao , Yuan Huanxiang , Liang Haiyan
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of superparamagnetic nanoclusters is critical for ultra-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Boosting the photocatalytic activity of BiOX under solar light via selective crystal facet growth
Authors: Yang Jun , Xie Taiping , Zhu Quanxi , Wang Jiankang , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun
Published: January 2020

The selective crystal facet growth of BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) is very significant since each facet possesses different physicochemical properties.
Solution-processed organic single-crystalline semiconductors with a fence-like shape via ultrasound concussion
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Wang Qijing , Guo Jianhang , Pei Mengjiao , Wang Hengyuan , Jiang Sai , Shin Eul-Yong , Noh Yong-Young , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Shi Yi , Li Yun
Published: January 2020

Organic semiconducting crystals with a fence-like shape were achieved via ultrasound concussion for high-performance organic transistors.
The use of biophysical approaches to understand ciliary beating
Authors: Cicuta Pietro
Published: January 2020

Motile cilia are a striking example of the functional cellular organelle, conserved across all the eukaryotic species. Motile cilia allow the swimming of cells and small organisms and transport of liquids across epithelial tissues. Whilst the molecular structure is now very well understood, the dynamics of cilia is not well established either at the single cilium level nor at the level of collective beating. Indeed, a full understanding of this requires connecting together behaviour across various lengthscales, from the molecular to the organelle, then at the cellular level and up to the tissue scale. Aside from the fundamental interest in this system, understanding beating is important to elucidate aspects of embryonic development and a variety of health conditions from fertility to genetic and infectious diseases of the airways.
Down-regulation of placental Cdc42 and Rac1 links mTORC2 inhibition to decreased trophoblast amino acid transport in human intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Jansson Thomas , Castillo-Castrejon Marisol , Gupta Madhulika B. , Powell Theresa L. , Rosario Fredrick J.
Published: January 2020

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk for perinatal complications and metabolic and cardiovascular disease later in life. The syncytiotrophoblast (ST) is the transporting epithelium of the human placenta, and decreased expression of amino acid transporter isoforms in the ST plasma membranes is believed to contribute to IUGR. Placental mechanistic target of rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling is inhibited in IUGR and regulates the trafficking of key amino acid transporter (AAT) isoforms to the ST plasma membrane; however, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. Cdc42 and Rac1 are Rho-GTPases that regulate actin-binding proteins, thereby modulating the structure and dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. We hypothesized that inhibition of mTORC2 decreases AAT expression in the plasma membrane and amino acid uptake in primary human trophoblast (PHT) cells mediated by down-regulation of Cdc42 and Rac1. mTORC2, but not mTORC1, inhibition decreased the Cdc42 and Rac1 expression. Silencing of Cdc42 and Rac1 inhibited the activity of the System L and A transporters and markedly decreased the trafficking of LAT1 (System L isoform) and SNAT2 (System A isoform) to the plasma membrane. mTORC2 inhibition by silencing of rictor failed to decrease AAT following activation of Cdc42/Rac1. Placental Cdc42 and Rac1 protein expression was down-regulated in human IUGR and was positively correlated with placental mTORC2 signaling. In conclusion, mTORC2 regulates AAT trafficking in PHT cells by modulating Cdc42 and Rac1. Placental mTORC2 inhibition in human IUGR may contribute to decreased placental amino acid transfer and reduced fetal growth mediated by down-regulation of Cdc42 and Rac1.
WOATCA: A secure and energy aware scheme based on whale optimisation in clustered wireless sensor networks
Authors: Sharma Richa , Vashisht Vasudha , Singh Umang
Published: January 2020

Clustering is an important method for extending the network life of each node in wireless sensor networks. Owing to the untrustworthy environment, these nodes unintentionally sacrifice their energy and lost their life which is a major challenge and requires appropriate attention for smooth communication. Thus energy efficiency and network life period both are major concerns in critical and sensitive real‐life applications such as military applications, landslide monitoring etc. This study reviews and analyses existing trust‐based clustering routing protocols for a complete understanding of research contribution to date made by researchers of this domain. In addition, a novel trust‐based energy efficient protocol based on a Whale Optimisation Algorithm named WOATCA has been presented. This algorithm focuses on the selection of trust worthy nodes as cluster heads (CHs) by considering five parameters namely (i) node's residual energy, (ii) number of packets forwarded by a node, (iii) average cluster distance, (iv) transmission delay, and (v) node density. Simulation results and analysis demonstrate that WOATCA outperformed existing protocols by showing a percentage decrease of 87.85, 64.58 and 61.36% in the selection of compromised nodes as CH in comparison with existing trust‐based schemes such as Adoptive LEACH Mobile (ALM), Topology Control Algorithm for node mobility (TCM), Q12 and secure CH selection protocols, respectively.
Review on cross‐layer design for cognitive ad‐hoc and sensor network
Authors: Singhal Chetna , Rajesh A.
Published: January 2020

Most of the ad‐hoc networks including wireless sensor network operates in unlicensed spectrum bands (e.g. 2.4 GHz ISM band), which is shared by other wireless technologies. This leads to coexistent interference and degrades the performance of ad‐hoc sensor network (AHSN). Introducing cognitive radio (CR) concept in AHSN, the unutilised licensed spectrum (white spaces) can be used opportunistically without disturbing licensed holders. Conventional TCP/IP layered architecture for CR network lacks in mobility, data transfer performance, energy efficiency, quality of service and so on. Coupling of some of the layers allows coordination, interaction and joint optimisation of protocols to achieve significant performance improvements for CR‐AHSN. Of late, many researches are going on different approaches of using CR for reusing unused spectrum and enhancing total system capacity. This study presents a comprehensive review of various cross‐layer design approaches in CR sensor network.
Distributed algorithm for AP association with random arrivals and departures of users
Authors: Chen Zhenwei , Zhang Wenjie , Zheng Yifeng , Yang Liwei , Yeo Chai Kiat
Published: January 2020

Here, the authors study the novel problem of optimising access point (AP) association by maximising the network throughput, subject to the degree bound of AP. The formulated problem is a combinatorial optimisation. They resort to the Markov Chain approximation technique to design a distributed algorithm. They first approximate their optimal objective via Log‐Sum‐Exp function. Thereafter, they construct a special class of Markov Chain with steady‐state distribution specify to their problem to yield a distributed solution. Furthermore, they extend the static problem setting to a dynamic environment where the users can randomly leave or join the system. Their proposed algorithm has provable performance, achieving an approximation gap of . It is simple and can be implemented in a distributed manner. Their extensive simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can converge very fast, and achieve a close‐to‐optimal performance with a guaranteed loss bound.