bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fusidic Acid on the Kinetics of Molecular Motions During EF-G-Induced Translocation on the Ribosome
Authors: Belardinelli Riccardo , Rodnina Marina V.
Published: August 2017

The translocation step of protein synthesis entails binding and dissociation of elongation factor G (EF-G), movements of the two tRNA molecules, and motions of the ribosomal subunits. The translocation step is targeted by many antibiotics. Fusidic acid (FA), an antibiotic that blocks EF-G on the ribosome, may also interfere with some of the ribosome rearrangements, but the exact timing of inhibition remains unclear. To follow in real-time the dynamics of the ribosome–tRNA–EF-G complex, we have developed a fluorescence toolbox which allows us to monitor the key molecular motions during translocation. Here we employed six different fluorescence observables to investigate how FA affects translocation kinetics. We found that FA binds to an early translocation intermediate, but its kinetic effect on tRNA movement is small. FA does not affect the synchronous forward (counterclockwise) movements of the head and body domains of the small ribosomal subunit, but exerts a strong effect on the rates of late translocation events, i.e. backward (clockwise) swiveling of the head domain and the transit of deacylated tRNA through the E′ site, in addition to blocking EF-G dissociation. The use of ensemble kinetics and numerical integration unraveled how the antibiotic targets molecular motions within the ribosome-EF-G complex.
Current-direction/amplitude-dependent single channel gating kinetics of mouse pannexin 1 channel: a new concept for gating kinetics
Authors: Nomura Takeshi , Taruno Akiyuki , Shiraishi Makoto , Nakahari Takashi , Inui Toshio , Sokabe Masahiro , Eaton Douglas C. , Marunaka Yoshinori
Published: August 2017

The detailed single-channel gating kinetics of mouse pannexin 1 (mPanx1) remains unknown, although mPanx1 is reported to be a voltage-activated anion-selective channel. We investigated characteristics of single-channel conductances and opening and closing rates of mPanx1 using patch-clamp techniques. The unitary current of mPanx1 shows outward rectification with single-channel conductances of ~20 pS for inward currents and ~80 pS for outward currents. The channel open time for outward currents (Cl− influx) increases linearly as the amplitude of single channel currents increases, while the open time for inward currents (Cl− efflux) is constant irrespective of changes in the current amplitude, as if the direction and amplitude of the unitary current regulates the open time. This is supported by further observations that replacement of extracellular Cl− with gluconate− diminishes the inward tail current (Cl− efflux) at a membrane potential of −100 mV due to the lowered outward current (gluconate− influx) at membrane potential of 100 mV. These results suggest that the direction and rate of charge-carrier movement regulate the open time of mPanx1, and that the previously reported voltage-dependence of Panx1 channel gating is not directly mediated by the membrane potential but rather by the direction and amplitude of currents through the channel.
Electronic structure and topological properties of centrosymmetric MoAs2/WAs2 from first principles
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Yu-Ke , Dai Jianhui , Cao Chao
Published: August 2017

We investigate the electronic structure of group VI-B transition metal di-arsenides (TAs2, T = Mo, W). By comparing the formation energies, the centrosymmetric di-arsenides compounds are energetically more stable, in contrast to the di-phosphorides (MoP2/WP2). Both compounds can be well described by a two-band model with a pair of well-separated electron/hole bands. The electron/hole carrier density is nearly compensated in MoAs2 (|n
e
 − n
h
|/n
h
 < 1%). The $${{\mathscr{Z}}}_{2}$$

Z

2

classification for all partially occupied bands are topologically strong (1;001), and therefore robust surface states are expected in these materials. Using the adaptive K-mesh method, no energy degenerate state could be found except the spin degeneracy in the whole Brillouin zone, excluding the possibility of intrinsic Dirac or Weyl points near the Fermi level in the system.
FunctionAnnotator, a versatile and efficient web tool for non-model organism annotation
Authors: Chen Ting-Wen , Gan Ruei-Chi , Fang Yi-Kai , Chien Kun-Yi , Liao Wei-Chao , Chen Chia-Chun , Wu Timothy H. , Chang Ian Yi-Feng , Yang Chi , Huang Po-Jung , Yeh Yuan-Ming , Chiu Cheng-Hsun , Huang Tzu-Wen , Tang Petrus
Published: August 2017

Absatract

Along with the constant improvement in high-throughput sequencing technology, an increasing number of transcriptome sequencing projects are carried out in organisms without decoded genome information and even on environmental biological samples. To study the biological functions of novel transcripts, the very first task is to identify their potential functions. We present a web-based annotation tool, FunctionAnnotator, which offers comprehensive annotations, including GO term assignment, enzyme annotation, domain/motif identification and predictions for subcellular localization. To accelerate the annotation process, we have optimized the computation processes and used parallel computing for all annotation steps. Moreover, FunctionAnnotator is designed to be versatile, and it generates a variety of useful outputs for facilitating other analyses. Here, we demonstrate how FunctionAnnotator can be helpful in annotating non-model organisms. We further illustrate that FunctionAnnotator can estimate the taxonomic composition of environmental samples and assist in the identification of novel proteins by combining RNA-Seq data with proteomics technology. In summary, FunctionAnnotator can efficiently annotate transcriptomes and greatly benefits studies focusing on non-model organisms or metatranscriptomes. FunctionAnnotator, a comprehensive annotation web-service tool, is freely available online at: http://fa.cgu.edu.tw/. This new web-based annotator will shed light on field studies involving organisms without a reference genome.
Towards a new paleotemperature proxy from reef coral occurrences
Authors: Lauchstedt Andreas , Pandolfi John M. , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

Global mean temperature is thought to have exceeded that of today during the last interglacial episode (LIG, ~ 125,000 yrs b.p.) but robust paleoclimate data are still rare in low latitudes. Occurrence data of tropical reef corals may provide new proxies of low latitude sea-surface temperatures. Using modern reef coral distributions we developed a geographically explicit model of sea surface temperatures. Applying this model to coral occurrence data of the LIG provides a latitudinal U-shaped pattern of temperature anomalies with cooler than modern temperatures around the equator and warmer subtropical climes. Our results agree with previously published estimates of LIG temperatures and suggest a poleward broadening of the habitable zone for reef corals during the LIG.
T-bet, but not Gata3, overexpression is detrimental in a neurotropic viral infection
Authors: Sato Fumitaka , Kawai Eiichiro , Martinez Nicholas E. , Omura Seiichi , Park Ah-Mee , Takahashi Satoru , Yoh Keigyou , Tsunoda Ikuo
Published: August 2017

Intracerebral Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection in mice induces inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system. Although C57BL/6 mice normally resistant to TMEV infection with viral clearance, we have previously demonstrated that RORγt-transgenic (tg) C57BL/6 mice, which have Th17-biased responses due to RORγt overexpression in T cells, became susceptible to TMEV infection with viral persistence. Here, using T-bet-tg C57BL/6 mice and Gata3-tg C57BL/6 mice, we demonstrated that overexpression of T-bet, but not Gata3, in T cells was detrimental in TMEV infection. Unexpectedly, T-bet-tg mice died 2 to 3 weeks after infection due to failure of viral clearance. Here, TMEV infection induced splenic T cell depletion, which was associated with lower anti-viral antibody and T cell responses. In contrast, Gata3-tg mice remained resistant, while Gata3-tg mice had lower IFN-γ and higher IL-4 production with increased anti-viral IgG1 responses. Thus, our data identify how overexpression of T-bet and Gata3 in T cells alters anti-viral immunity and confers susceptibility to TMEV infection.
Self-powered Real-time Movement Monitoring Sensor Using Triboelectric Nanogenerator Technology
Authors: Jin Liangmin , Tao Juan , Bao Rongrong , Sun Li , Pan Caofeng
Published: August 2017

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has great potential in the field of self-powered sensor fabrication. Recently, smart electronic devices and movement monitoring sensors have attracted the attention of scientists because of their application in the field of artificial intelligence. In this article, a TENG finger movement monitoring, self-powered sensor has been designed and analysed. Under finger movements, the TENG realizes the contact and separation to convert the mechanical energy into electrical signal. A pulse output current of 7.8 μA is generated by the bending and straightening motions of the artificial finger. The optimal output power can be realized when the external resistance is approximately 30 MΩ. The random motions of the finger are detected by the system with multiple TENG sensors in series. This type of flexible and self-powered sensor has potential applications in artificial intelligence and robot manufacturing.
Computational approaches for investigating interfacial adhesion phenomena of polyimide on silica glass
Authors: Min Kyoungmin , Rammohan Aravind R. , Lee Hyo Sug , Shin Jaikwang , Lee Sung Hoon , Goyal Sushmit , Park Hyunhang , Mauro John C. , Stewart Ross , Botu Venkatesh , Kim Hyunbin , Cho Eunseog
Published: August 2017

This manuscript provides a comprehensive study of adhesion behavior and its governing mechanisms when polyimide undergoes various modes of detachment from silica glass. Within the framework of steered molecular dynamics, we develop three different adhesion measurement techniques: pulling, peeling, and sliding. Such computational methodologies can be applied to investigate heterogeneous materials with differing interfacial adhesion modes. Here, a novel hybrid potential involving a combination of the INTERFACE force field in conjunction with ReaxFF and including Coulombic and Lennard-Jones interactions is employed to study such interfaces. The studies indicate that the pulling test requires the largest force and the shortest distance to detachment as the interfacial area is separated instantaneously, while the peeling test is observed to exhibit the largest distance for detachment because it separates via line-by-line adhesion. Two kinds of polyimides, aromatic and aliphatic type, are considered to demonstrate the rigidity dependent adhesion properties. The aromatic polyimide, which is more rigid due to the stronger charge transfer complex between chains, requires a greater force but a smaller distance at detachment than the aliphatic polyimide for all of the three methodologies.
Acoustic allometry revisited: morphological determinants of fundamental frequency in primate vocal production
Authors: Garcia Maxime , Herbst Christian T. , Bowling Daniel L. , Dunn Jacob C. , Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: August 2017

A fundamental issue in the evolution of communication is the degree to which signals convey accurate (“honest”) information about the signaler. In bioacoustics, the assumption that fundamental frequency (fo) should correlate with the body size of the caller is widespread, but this belief has been challenged by various studies, possibly because larynx size and body size can vary independently. In the present comparative study, we conducted excised larynx experiments to investigate this hypothesis rigorously and explore the determinants offo. Using specimens from eleven primate species, we carried out an inter-specific investigation, examining correlations between the minimumfoproduced by the sound source, body size and vocal fold length (VFL). We found that, across species, VFL predicted minimumfomuch better than body size, clearly demonstrating the potential for decoupling between larynx size and body size in primates. These findings shed new light on the diversity of primate vocalizations and vocal morphology, highlighting the importance of vocal physiology in understanding the evolution of mammal vocal communication.
3-Mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase produces potential redox regulators cysteine- and glutathione-persulfide (Cys-SSH and GSSH) together with signaling molecules H2S2, H2S3 and H2S
Authors: Kimura Yuka , Koike Shin , Shibuya Norihiro , Lefer David , Ogasawara Yuki , Kimura Hideo
Published: August 2017

Cysteine-persulfide (Cys-SSH) is a cysteine whose sulfhydryl group is covalently bound to sulfur (sulfane sulfur). Cys-SSH and its glutathione (GSH) counterpart (GSSH) have been recognized as redox regulators, some of which were previously ascribed to cysteine and GSH. However, the production of Cys-SSH and GSSH is not well understood. Here, we show that 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST) produces Cys-SSH and GSSH together with the potential signaling molecules hydrogen per- and tri-sulfide (H2S2 and H2S3). Cys-SSH and GSSH are produced in the brain of wild-type mice but not in those of 3MST-KO mice. The levels of total persulfurated species in the brain of 3MST-KO mice are less than 50% of that in the brain of wild-type mice. Purified recombinant 3MST and lysates of COS cells expressing 3MST showed that Cys-SSH and GSSH were produced in the presence of physiological concentrations of cysteine and glutathione, while those with longer sulfur chains, Cys-SSnH and GSSnH, were produced in the presence of lower than physiological concentrations of cysteine and glutathione. The present study provides new insights into the production and physiological roles of these persulfurated species as well as the therapeutic targets for diseases in which these molecules are involved.
Sex-Specific Routes To Immune Senescence In Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kubiak Marco , Tinsley Matthew C.
Published: August 2017

Animal immune systems change dramatically during the ageing process, often accompanied by major increases in pathogen susceptibility. However, the extent to which senescent elevations in infection mortality are causally driven by deteriorations in canonical systemic immune processes is unclear. We studied Drosophila melanogaster and compared the relative contributions of impaired systemic immune defences and deteriorating barrier defences to increased pathogen susceptibility in aged flies. To assess senescent changes in systemic immune response efficacy we injected one and four-week old flies with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and studied subsequent mortality; whereas to include the role of barrier defences we infected flies by dusting the cuticle with fungal spores. We show that the processes underlying pathogen defence senescence differ between males and females. Both sexes became more susceptible to infection as they aged. However, we conclude that for males, this was principally due to deterioration in barrier defences, whereas for females systemic immune defence senescence was mainly responsible. We discuss the potential roles of sex-specific selection on the immune system and behavioural variation between males and females in driving these different senescent trends.
Mapping the Spatial Distribution and Characteristics of Lineaments Using Fractal and Multifractal Models: A Case Study from Northeastern Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Ni Chunzhong , Zhang Shitao , Chen Zhong , Yan Yongfeng , Li Yujian
Published: August 2017

This study describes the fractal dimensions of the spatial distributions of lineaments as an index of the complexity of faults, and the results could provide new insights into the migration of ore-bearing fluid. The Segment Tracing Algorithm method is employed to extract the lineaments in northeast Yunnan Province from a remote sensing image. Box-counting fractal and multifractal models are used to analyze the fractal and multifractal spatial distribution characteristics of the linear structures. The different directions of the linear structure fractal dimensions are similar in the study area. The fractal dimensions of all lineaments, northeast trending lineaments and northwest trending lineaments are 1.98, 1.94 and 1.95, respectively. The dimensions of four large ore deposit fields, Kuangshanchang, Qilinchang, Maozu, and Lemachang, are 1.93, 1.92, 1.95, and 1.93, respectively. The fractal dimensions of these four fields are greater than those of the South China lineaments. The super-large and large ore deposits are consistent with fractal dimensions with high values. The scale index and the singular index show nonlinear relationships with any real number, and the fractal dimension spectrum has a unimodal curve. This study provides a useful reference for deposit exploration in areas with topographies similar to that in northeastern Yunnan.
Integrated Analysis of Copy Number Variations and Gene Expression Profiling in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Chenhao , Zhang Wentao , Chen Wanyong , Yin Yirui , Atyah Manar , Liu Shuang , Guo Lei , Shi Yi , Ye Qinghai , Dong Qiongzhu , Ren Ning
Published: August 2017

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the top three cancer killers worldwide. To identify CNV-driven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HBV related HCC, this study integrated analysis of copy number variations (CNVs) and gene expression profiling. Significant genes in regions of CNVs were overlapped with those obtained from the expression profiling. 93 CNV-driven genes exhibiting increased expression in the duplicated regions and 45 showing decreased expression in the deleted regions were obtained, which duplications and deletions were mainly documented at chromosome 1 and 4. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID and KOBAS, respectively. They were mainly enriched in metabolic process and cell cycle. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by Cytoscape, then four hub genes were identified. Following, survival analyses indicated that only high NPM1 expression was significantly and independently associated with worse survival and increased recurrence in HCC patients. Moreover, this correlation remained significant in patients with early stage of HCC. In addition, we showed that NPM1 was overexpressed in HCC cells and in HCC versus adjacent non-tumor tissues. In conclusion, these results showed that integrated analysis of genomic and expression profiling might provide a powerful potential for identifying CNV-driven genes in HBV related HCC pathogenesis.
SRSF1 suppresses selection of intron-distal 5′ splice site of DOK7 intron 4 to generate functional full-length Dok-7 protein
Authors: Ahsan Khalid Bin , Masuda Akio , Rahman Mohammad Alinoor , Takeda Jun-ichi , Nazim Mohammad , Ohkawara Bisei , Ito Mikako , Ohno Kinji
Published: August 2017

Dok-7 is a non-catalytic adaptor protein that facilitates agrin-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at the neuromuscular junction. Alternative selection of 5′ splice sites (SSs) of DOK7 intron 4 generates canonical and frame-shifted transcripts. We found that the canonical full-length Dok-7 enhanced AChR clustering, whereas the truncated Dok-7 did not. We identified a splicing cis-element close to the 3′ end of exon 4 by block-scanning mutagenesis. RNA affinity purification and mass spectrometry revealed that SRSF1 binds to the cis-element. Knocking down of SRSF1 enhanced selection of the intron-distal 5′ SS of DOK7 intron 4, whereas MS2-mediated artificial tethering of SRSF1 to the identified cis-element suppressed it. Isolation of an early spliceosomal complex revealed that SRSF1 inhibited association of U1 snRNP to the intron-distal 5′ SS, and rather enhanced association of U1 snRNP to the intron-proximal 5′ SS, which led to upregulation of the canonical DOK7 transcript. Integrated global analysis of CLIP-seq and RNA-seq also indicated that binding of SRSF1 immediately upstream to two competing 5′ SSs suppresses selection of the intron-distal 5′ SS in hundreds of human genes. We demonstrate that SRSF1 critically regulates alternative selection of adjacently placed 5′ SSs by modulating binding of U1 snRNP.
eIF4B phosphorylation at Ser504 links synaptic activity with protein translation in physiology and pathology
Authors: Bettegazzi Barbara , Bellani Serena , Roncon Paolo , Guarnieri Fabrizia Claudia , Bertero Alice , Codazzi Franca , Valtorta Flavia , Simonato Michele , Grohovaz Fabio , Zacchetti Daniele
Published: August 2017

Neuronal physiology requires activity-driven protein translation, a process in which translation initiation factors are key players. We focus on eukaryotic initiation factor 4B (eIF4B), a regulator of protein translation, whose function in neurons is undetermined. We show that neuronal activity affects eIF4B phosphorylation and identify Ser504 as a phosphorylation site regulated by casein kinases and sensitive to the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Ser504 phosphorylation increases eIF4B recruitment to the pre-initiation complex and influences eIF4B localization at synapses. Moreover, Ser504 phosphorylation modulates the translation of protein kinase Mζ. Therefore, by sensing synaptic activity, eIF4B could adjust translation to neuronal needs, promoting adaptive changes in synaptic plasticity. We also show that Ser504 phosphorylation is increased in vivo in a rat model of epilepsy during epileptogenesis i.e. when translation drives maladaptive synaptic changes. We propose eIF4B as a mediator between neuronal activity and translation, with relevance in the control of synaptic plasticity.
RERT: A Novel Regression Tree Approach to Predict Extrauterine Disease in Endometrial Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Vezzoli Marika , Ravaggi Antonella , Zanotti Laura , Miscioscia Rebecca Angelica , Bignotti Eliana , Ragnoli Monica , Gambino Angela , Ruggeri Giuseppina , Calza Stefano , Sartori Enrico , Odicino Franco
Published: August 2017

Some aspects of endometrial cancer (EC) preoperative work-up are still controversial, and debatable are the roles played by lymphadenectomy and radical surgery. Proper preoperative EC staging can help design a tailored surgical treatment, and this study aims to propose a new algorithm able to predict extrauterine disease diffusion. 293 EC patients were consecutively enrolled, and age, BMI, children’s number, menopausal status, contraception, hormone replacement therapy, hypertension, histological grading, clinical stage, and serum HE4 and CA125 values were preoperatively evaluated. In order to identify before surgery the most important variables able to classify EC patients based on FIGO stage, we adopted a new statistical approach consisting of two-steps: 1) Random Forest with its relative variable importance; 2) a novel algorithm able to select the most representative Regression Tree (RERT) from an ensemble method. RERT, built on the above mentioned variables, provided a sensitivity, specificity, NPV and PPV of 90%, 76%, 94% and 65% respectively, in predicting FIGO stage > I. Notably, RERT outperformed the prediction ability of HE4, CA125, Logistic Regression and single cross-validated Regression Tree. Such algorithm has great potential, since it better identifies the true early-stage patients, thus providing concrete support in the decisional process about therapeutic options to be performed.
Prokaryotic and Highly-Repetitive WD40 Proteins: A Systematic Study
Authors: Hu Xue-Jia , Li Tuan , Wang Yang , Xiong Yao , Wu Xian-Hui , Zhang De-Lin , Ye Zhi-Qiang , Wu Yun-Dong
Published: August 2017

As an ancient protein family, the WD40 repeat proteins often play essential roles in fundamental cellular processes in eukaryotes. Although investigations of eukaryotic WD40 proteins have been frequently reported, prokaryotic ones remain largely uncharacterized. In this paper, we report a systematic analysis of prokaryotic WD40 proteins and detailed comparisons with eukaryotic ones. About 4,000 prokaryotic WD40 proteins have been identified, accounting for 6.5% of all WD40s. While their abundances are less than 0.1% in most prokaryotes, they are enriched in certain species from Cyanobacteria and Planctomycetes, and participate in various functions such as prokaryotic signal transduction and nutrient synthesis. Comparisons show that a higher proportion of prokaryotic WD40s tend to contain multiple WD40 domains and a large number of hydrogen bond networks. The observation that prokaryotic WD40 proteins tend to show high internal sequence identity suggests that a substantial proportion of them (~20%) should be formed by recent or young repeat duplication events. Further studies demonstrate that the very young WD40 proteins, i.e., Highly-Repetitive WD40s, should be of higher stability. Our results have presented a catalogue of prokaryotic WD40 proteins, and have shed light on their evolutionary origins.
Deep-level phylogeny of Cicadomorpha inferred from mitochondrial genomes sequenced by NGS
Authors: Song Nan , Cai Wanzhi , Li Hu
Published: August 2017

Recent development and advancement of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have enabled the determination of mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) at extremely efficiency. In this study, complete or partial mitogenomes for 19 cicadomorphan species and six fulgoroid species were reconstructed by using the method of high-throughput sequencing from pooled DNA samples. Annotation analyses showed that the mitogenomes obtained have the typical insect mitogenomic content and structure. Combined with the existing hemipteran mitogenomes, a series of datasets with all 37 mitochondrial genes (up to 14,381 nt total) under different coding schemes were compiled to test previous hypotheses of deep-level phylogeny of Cicadomorpha. Thirty-seven species representing Cicadomorpha constituted the ingroup. A taxon sampling with nine species from Fulgoroidea and six from Heteroptera comprised the outgroup. The phylogenetic reconstructions congruently recovered the monophyly of each superfamily within Cicadomorpha. Furthermore, the hypothesis (Membracoidea + (Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea)) was strongly supported under the heterogeneous CAT model.
Selection for energy efficiency drives strand-biased gene distribution in prokaryotes
Authors: Gao Na , Lu Guanting , Lercher Martin J. , Chen Wei-Hua
Published: August 2017

Lagging-strand genes accumulate more deleterious mutations. Genes are thus preferably located on the leading strand, an observation known as strand-biased gene distribution (SGD). Despite of this mechanistic understanding, a satisfactory quantitative model is still lacking. Replication-transcription-collisions induce stalling of the replication machinery, expose DNA to various attacks, and are followed by error-prone repairs. We found that mutational biases in non-transcribed regions can explain ~71% of the variations in SGDs in 1,552 genomes, supporting the mutagenesis origin of SGD. Mutational biases introduce energetically cheaper nucleotides on the lagging strand, and result in more expensive protein products; consistently, the cost difference between the two strands explains ~50% of the variance in SGDs. Protein costs decrease with increasing gene expression. At similar expression levels, protein products of leading-strand genes are generally cheaper than lagging-strand genes; however, highly-expressed lagging genes are still cheaper than lowly-expressed leading genes. Selection for energy efficiency thus drives some genes to the leading strand, especially those highly expressed and essential, but certainly not all genes. Stronger mutational biases are often associated with low-GC genomes; as low-GC genes encode expensive proteins, low-GC genomes thus tend to have stronger SGDs to alleviate the stronger pressure on efficient energy usage.
Violet Laser Diode Enables Lighting Communication
Authors: Chi Yu-Chieh , Huang Yu-Fang , Wu Tsai-Chen , Tsai Cheng-Ting , Chen Li-Yin , Kuo Hao-Chung , Lin Gong-Ru
Published: August 2017

Violet laser diode (VLD) based white-light source with high color rendering index (CRI) for lighting communication is implemented by covering with Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ (YAG:Ce) or Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+/CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ (LuAG:Ce/CASN:Eu) phosphorous diffuser plates. After passing the beam of VLD biased at 70 mA (~2I
th
) through the YAG:Ce phosphorous diffuser, a daylight with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5068 K and a CRI of 65 is acquired to provide a forward error correction (FEC) certified data rate of 4.4 Gbit/s. By using the VLD biased at 122 mA (~3.5I
th
) to excite the LuAG:Ce/CASN:Eu phosphorous diffuser with 0.85-mm thickness, a warm white-light source with a CCT of 2700 K and a CRI of 87.9 is obtained at a cost of decreasing transmission capacity to 2.4 Gbit/s. Thinning the phosphor thickness to 0.75 mm effectively reduces the required bias current by 32 mA to achieve the same CCT for the delivered white light, which offers an enlarged CRI of 89.1 and an increased data rate of 4.4 Gbit/s. Further enlarging the bias current to 105 mA remains the white-light transmission capacity at 4.4 Gbit/s but reveals an increased CCT of 3023 K and an upgraded CRI of 91.5.
Relation between characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaques and brain white matter hyperintensities in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Ammirati Enrico , Moroni Francesco , Magnoni Marco , Rocca Maria A. , Messina Roberta , Anzalone Nicoletta , De Filippis Costantino , Scotti Isabella , Besana Francesca , Spagnolo Pietro , Rimoldi Ornella E. , Chiesa Roberto , Falini Andrea , Filippi Massimo , Camici Paolo G.
Published: August 2017

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) can be incidentally found in patients with carotid atherosclerosis on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the relationship between WMH and characteristics of carotid plaques in asymptomatic patients without indication for carotid revascularization. We prospectively screened 235 consecutive patients with carotid stenosis <70%. After excluding patients with confounding causes of cerebral damage, 67 asymptomatic patients underwent carotid computed tomography angiography (CTA), contrast-enhanced ultrasound and brain MRI. Number and quantitative measurement of volume of WMH were associated with history of resistant hypertension, degree of stenosis (Doppler) and presence of an ulcerated plaque at CTA (p < 0.05). At multivariate regression analysis, resistant hypertension was independently associated with both number and volume of WMH, presence of an ulcer with number of WMH and degree of stenosis with WMH volume (p < 0.05), although WMH were equally distributed in both hemispheres irrespectively of plaque side. In conclusion, in asymptomatic patients with carotid plaques <70%, a higher burden of WMHs is associated with history of resistant hypertension that could be the expression of microvascular damage. Stenosis severity and presence of plaque ulceration are also associated with WMH burden although their causative relation is not supported by the bilateral distribution of WMH.
Glucosyltransferase Activity of Clostridium difficile Toxin B Triggers Autophagy-mediated Cell Growth Arrest
Authors: He Ruina , Peng Jingyu , Yuan Pengfei , Yang Junjiao , Wu Xiaoji , Wang Yinan , Wei Wensheng
Published: August 2017

Autophagy is a bulk cell-degradation process that occurs through the lysosomal machinery, and many reports have shown that it participates in microbial pathogenicity. However, the role of autophagy in Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), the leading cause of antibiotics-associated diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis and even death in severe cases, is not clear. Here we report that the major virulent factor toxin B (TcdB) of Clostridium difficile elicits a strong autophagy response in host cells through its glucosyltransferase activity. Using a variety of autophagy-deficient cell lines, i.e. HeLa/ATG7−/−, MEF/atg7−/−, MEF/tsc2−/−, we demonstrate that toxin-triggered autophagy inhibits host cell proliferation, which contributes to TcdB-caused cytopathic biological effects. We further show that both the PI3K complex and mTOR pathway play important roles in this autophagy induction process and consequent cytopathic event. Although the glucosyltransferase activity of TcdB is responsible for inducing both cell rounding and autophagy, there is no evidence suggesting the causal relationship between these two events. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time that the glucosyltransferase enzymatic activity of a pathogenic bacteria is responsible for host autophagy induction and the following cell growth arrest, providing a new paradigm for the role of autophagy in host defense mechanisms upon pathogenic infection.
The Exchange Bias of LaMnO3/LaNiO3 Superlattices Grown along Different Orientations
Authors: Zang Julu , Zhou Guowei , Bai Yuhao , Quan Zhiyong , Xu Xiaohong
Published: August 2017

With the goal of observing and explaining the unexpected exchange bias effect in paramagnetic LaNiO3-based superlattices, a wide range of theoretical and experimental research has been published. Within the scope of this work, we have grown high-quality epitaxial LaMnO3(n)-LaNiO3(n) (LMO/LNO) superlattices (SLs) along (001)-, (110)-, and (111)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates. The exchange bias effect is observed in all cases, regardless of growth orientation of the LMO/LNO SLs. As a result of a combination of a number of synchrotron based x-ray spectroscopy measurements, this effect is attributed to the interfacial charge transfer from Mn to Ni ions that induces localized magnetic moments to pin the ferromagnetic LMO layer. The interaction per area between interfacial Mn and Ni ions is nearly consistent and has no effect on charge transfer for different orientations. The discrepant charge transfer and orbital occupancy can be responsible for the different magnetic properties in LMO/LNO superlattices. Our experimental results present a promising advancement in understanding the origin of magnetic properties along different directions in these materials.
Sensitive and selective detection of nitrite ions with highly fluorescent glutathione-stabilized copper nanoclusters
Authors: Zhou Dan-Ling , Huang Hong , Wang Yan
Published: August 2017

Highly fluorescent glutathione stabilized Cu NCs were simply prepared in a one-pot manner. The Cu NCs can be applied as a robust probe for the determination of NO2−in real water samples with high sensitivity and good recoveries.
Retraction: Two-dimensional nanosheets associated with one-dimensional single-crystalline nanorods self-assembled into three-dimensional flower-like Mn3O4 hierarchical architectures
Authors: Simpson Anna
Published: August 2017

Retraction of ‘Two-dimensional nanosheets associated with one-dimensional single-crystalline nanorods self-assembled into three-dimensional flower-like Mn3O4 hierarchical architectures’ by Mei Wang et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2014, 16, 21742–21746.
Zeolite morphology and catalyst performance: conversion of methanol to hydrocarbons over offretite
Authors: Łukaszuk Katarzyna Anna , Rojo-Gama Daniel , Øien-Ødegaard Sigurd , Lazzarini Andrea , Berlier Gloria , Bordiga Silvia , Lillerud Karl Petter , Olsbye Unni , Beato Pablo , Lundegaard Lars Fahl , Svelle Stian
Published: August 2017

The synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance of offretite with four distinct crystal morphologies (oval, hexagonal, broccoli-like, and spherical) are presented.
One-pot Suzuki–Heck relay to prepare industrially valuable intermediates using the Pd–Cy*Phine catalyst system
Authors: Das Uttam K. , Clément Roxanne , Johannes Charles W. , Robins Edward G. , Jong Howard , Baker R. Tom
Published: August 2017

A rare example of a one-pot, palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Heck sequence has been developed with applicability to APIs and organoelectronic materials.
Selective hydrodeoxygenation of tartaric acid to succinic acid
Authors: Fu Jiayi , Vasiliadou Efterpi S. , Goulas Konstantinos A. , Saha Basudeb , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: August 2017

A novel one-step process for the selective production of succinic acid from tartaric acid is developed. High succinic yield is achieved in an efficient catalytic system comprised of MoOx/BC, HBr and acetic acid under hydrogen atmosphere.
Non-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane, n-butane, and isobutane over bulk ZrO2-based catalysts: effect of dopant on the active site and pathways of product formation
Authors: Otroshchenko Tatiana P. , Kondratenko Vita A. , Rodemerck Uwe , Linke David , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: August 2017

Non-oxidative dehydrogenation (DH) of propane, n-butane, and isobutane was investigated over bare ZrO2 and binary MZrOx (M = Li, Ca, Mg, Y, Sm or La) materials.
Ru–Os dyads based on a mixed bipyridine–terpyridine bridging ligand: modulation of the rate of energy transfer and pH-induced luminescence switching in the infrared domain
Authors: Bar Manoranjan , Maity Dinesh , Deb Sourav , Das Shyamal , Baitalik Sujoy
Published: August 2017

Ru–Os dyads exhibit intramolecular energy transfer from Ru to the Os-center and pH-induced luminescence switching in the infrared domain.
The first lead cobalt phosphite, PbCo2(HPO3)3
Authors: Kovrugin Vadim M. , Colmont Marie , Siidra Oleg I. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Colis Silviu , Mentré Olivier
Published: August 2017

The first lead cobalt phosphite PbCo2(HPO3)3 reveals weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Co ions inside the Co2O9 dimers combined through HPO3 pseudo-tetrahedra into alternating 2D blocks of the non-centrosymmetric crystal structure of the title compound.
Two-step crystallization of a phase-pure Ln2(OH)5NO3·nH2O layered compound for the smallest Ln ions of Tm, Yb and Lu, anion exchange, and exfoliation
Authors: Li Ji-Guang , Li Jing , Wang Xuejiao , Zhu Qi , Li Xiaodong , Kim Byung-Nam , Sun Xudong
Published: August 2017

TEM morphology of ∼1.7 nm thick nanosheets exfoliated from DS− exchanged LLnH in formamide.
Bioactivity-guided isolation of neuritogenic triterpenoids from the leaves of Ilex latifolia Thunb
Authors: Cao Xueli , Liu Yu , Li Jing , Xiang Lan , Osada Hiroyuki , Qi Jianhua
Published: August 2017

The new triterpenoid isolated from the leaves of Ilex latifolia Thunb showed neuritogenic and antioxidative activities in vitro.
Alterations to metabolically active bacteria in the mucosa of the small intestine predict anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities of grape seed extract in mice
Authors: Griffin Laura E. , Witrick Katherine A. , Klotz Courtney , Dorenkott Melanie R. , Goodrich Katheryn M. , Fundaro Gabrielle , McMillan Ryan P. , Hulver Matthew W. , Ponder Monica A. , Neilson Andrew P.
Published: August 2017

Grape seed extract changes small intestinal gut microbiota composition.
Model-guided identification of novel gene amplification targets for improving succinate production in Escherichia coli NZN111
Authors: Jian Xingxing , Li Ningchuan , Chen Qian , Hua Qiang
Published: August 2017

Reconstruction and application of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) have facilitated metabolic engineering by providing a platform on which systematic computational analysis of metabolic networks can be performed.
Synthesis of lipo-chitooligosaccharide analogues and their interaction with LYR3, a high affinity binding protein for Nod factors and Myc-LCOs
Authors: Berthelot Nathan , Brossay Antoine , Gasciolli Virginie , Bono Jean-Jacques , Baron Aurélie , Beau Jean-Marie , Urban Dominique , Boyer François-Didier , Vauzeilles Boris
Published: August 2017

Lipo-chitotetrasaccharide analogues have been synthesized from a derivative obtained by controlled chitin depolymerization and a functionalized N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel hetero[5]helicene-like molecules and coumarin derivatives
Authors: Lin Wei , Hu Xiuxiu , Song Shuai , Cai Qi , Wang Yun , Shi Daqing
Published: August 2017

A concise and efficient approach to design and synthesize hetero[5]helicene-like molecules and coumarin derivatives is reported.
Visible-light-induced tandem cyclization of 2-alkynylanilines with disulfides: a convenient method for accessing benzothiophenes under transition-metal-free and photocatalyst-free conditions
Authors: Xie Xiaoyu , Li Pinhua , Shi Qing , Wang Lei
Published: August 2017

An efficient route to benzothiophenes via visible-light induced cyclization of 2-alkynylanilines with disulfides under transition-metal-free and photocatalyst-free conditions was developed.
Selective synthesis of three product classes from imine and carboxylic acid precursors via direct imine acylation
Authors: Rossi-Ashton James A. , Taylor Richard J. K. , Unsworth William P.
Published: August 2017

Three divergent procedures allow the selective generation of δ-lactams, β-lactams and tetrahydropyrimidinones from common imine and carboxylic acid precursors.
Synthesis of functional polyolefins via ring-opening metathesis polymerization of ester-functionalized cyclopentene and its copolymerization with cyclic comonomers
Authors: Song Shaofei , Fu Zhisheng , Xu Junting , Fan Zhiqiang
Published: August 2017

Viaring-opening metathesis polymerization, functionalized polyolefins were synthesized by homopolymerization of alkoxycarbonyl cyclopentene and its copolymerizations with other cyclic olefins.
Nitrogen-rich green leaves of papaya and Coccinia grandis as precursors of activated carbon and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Dulyaseree Paweena , Fujishige Masatsugu , Yoshida Ichiro , Toya Yumiko , Banba Yasuo , Tanaka Yu-suke , Aoyama Takaaki , Phonyiem Mayuree , Wongwiriyapan Winadda , Takeuchi Kenji , Endo Morinobu
Published: August 2017

Activated nitrogen-rich green leaves of papaya and Coccinia grandis show high surface area without the detriment of the electric conductivity.
Advances in chitosan-based superabsorbent hydrogels
Authors: Cheng Baoxiao , Pei Boying , Wang Zhengke , Hu Qiaoling
Published: August 2017

Superabsorbent hydrogels (SHs) have been used in many fields in recent years.
Bis-tridentate Ru(ii) sensitizers with a spatially encumbered 2,6-dipyrazolylpyridine ancillary ligand for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Chang Ting-Kuang , Chi Yun
Published: August 2017

The sensitizer TF-tBu_C3F7 has shown the highest overall efficiencies of JSC = 18.47 mA cm−2, VOC = 767 mV, FF = 0.71 and PCE = 10.05% under simulated one sun irradiation, due to the fine balance between dye loading and reduced charge recombination.
Co–Fe hydrotalcites for efficient removal of dye pollutants via synergistic adsorption and degradation
Authors: Chen Feifei , Wu Xi , Bu Ran , Yang Feng
Published: August 2017

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with hydrotalcite-like structures containing Co(ii) and Fe(iii) were prepared and used for the removal of direct red 23 (DR23) from water solution.
Nanostructured carbon–metal hybrid aerogels from bacterial cellulose
Authors: Wicklein Bernd , Arranz Judith , Mayoral Alvaro , Aranda Pilar , Huttel Yves , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo
Published: August 2017

Nanostructured carbon–metal hybrid aerogels by carbothermal reduction of nickel or iron hydroxide inside bacterial cellulose at remarkably low temperatures.
Substrate-induced changes in dynamics and molecular motions of cuticle-degrading serine protease PL646: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yang Li-Quan , Sang Peng , Zhang Ruo-Peng , Liu Shu-Qun
Published: August 2017

Cuticle-degrading serine proteases secreted by nematophagous fungi can degrade the nematode cuticle during the infection processes.
Probing the thermal-enhanced catalytic activity of CO oxidation over Pd/OMS-2 catalysts
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Qiulin , Ning Ping , Liu Qixian , Song Zhongxian , Duan Yankang
Published: August 2017

An elevating calcination temperature within 500 °C lead to the spill-over of the palladium, the increase of surface palladium abundance and catalytic activity. Phase transformation of OMS-2 and deactivation of the catalyst happened above 500 °C.
Mutagenesis and immunological evaluation of group A streptococcal C5a peptidase as an antigen for vaccine development and as a carrier protein for glycoconjugate vaccine design
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Subo , Zhao Yisheng , Chen Zonggang , Gu Guofeng , Guo Zhongwu
Published: August 2017

A non-enzymatic recombinant ScpA mutant (H193A) was prepared and investigated to probe its application potential in the development of GAS vaccines and as a carrier protein of glycoconjugate vaccines.
A MOF-derived ZIF-8@Zn1−xNixO photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Jing Yanqiu , Wang Jianan , Yu Baohua , Lun Jin , Cheng Yuyuan , Xiong Bin , Lei Qiang , Yang Yongfeng , Chen Liangyuan , Zhao Mingqin
Published: August 2017

Today, metal doped ZnO exhibits good performances and attracts worldwide attention.
Protecting group-free use of alcohols as carbon electrophiles in atom efficient aluminium triflate-catalysed dehydrative nucleophilic displacement reactions
Authors: Cullen Adam , Muller Alfred J. , Williams D. Bradley G.
Published: August 2017

Catalysed dehydrative nucleophilic displacement of OH groups affords high yields and 100% atom efficiency, with water as by-product.
Programmed serial stereochemical relay and its application in the synthesis of morphinans
Authors: Ho (Kenny) Park Kun , Chen Rui , Chen David Y.-K.
Published: August 2017

A rationally designed, serial point-to-axial and axial-to-point stereoinduction and its integration into a multi-step and target-oriented organic synthesis was demonstrated in a novel chemical method to access morphinans and it is potentially applicable to other structurally related alkaloids.
Core–shell colloidal particles with dynamically tunable scattering properties
Authors: Meng Guangnan , Manoharan Vinothan N. , Perro Adeline
Published: August 2017

Polystyrene-hydrogel core–shell particles exhibiting a transition from Rayleigh to Mie scattering are created. Optical measurements show that the transition is controlled by varying temperature or ionic strength. Such core–shell particles may find use as optical switches or optical filters with tunable opacity.
Understanding Hearing and Hearing Loss in Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Nightengale Emily , Yoon Patricia , Wolter-Warmerdam Kristy , Daniels Dee , Hickey Fran
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study evaluated the prevalence of permanent and transient hearing loss, the use of hearing aids as a recommendation, and middle ear dysfunction in children with Down syndrome (DS) through a large multiage and ethnically diverse sample, using current audiologic testing practices.

Method

Retrospective analysis of data collected on 308 children with DS (168 boys, 140 girls; average age = 5.99 ± 4.88 years) who received an audiological evaluation during 2013 as part of their medical care at a large pediatric hospital.

Results

Permanent hearing loss was identified in 24.9% of the children, among whom bilateral (75.4%) and conductive (33.3%) hearing losses occurred most often. Of children with DS, 22%–30% experienced a transient hearing loss, with a high incidence of middle ear pathologies from infancy until early adulthood. There were no statistical differences between ethnicity and permanent/transient hearing loss diagnosis. Twenty-three percent were current hearing aid users or had them recommended in a treatment plan.

Conclusions

The prevalence of hearing loss and abnormal middle ear status is high in the pediatric population with DS. Audiologic evaluations should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics practice guidelines to monitor this high-risk population, and amplification should be considered as an appropriate intervention option if repeated audiologic examinations reveal hearing loss.
Iron-Catalyzed C(sp2)–C(sp3) Cross-Coupling Reactions of Di(hetero)arylmanganese Reagents and Primary and Secondary Alkyl Halides
Authors: Knochel Paul , Hofmayer Maximilian , Hammann Jeffrey , Cahiez Gérard
Published: August 2017

An iron-catalyzed cross-coupling between di(hetero)arylmanganese reagents and primary and secondary alkyl halides is reported. No rearrangement of secondary alkyl halides to unbranched products was observed in these C–C bond-forming reactions.