bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caveolin-1α regulates primary cilium length by controlling RhoA GTPase activity
Authors: Rangel Laura , Bernabé-Rubio Miguel , Fernández-Barrera Jaime , Casares-Arias Javier , Millán Jaime , Alonso Miguel A. , Correas Isabel
Published: February 2019

The primary cilium is a single non-motile protrusion of the plasma membrane of most types of mammalian cell. The structure, length and function of the primary cilium must be tightly controlled because their dysfunction is associated with disease. Caveolin 1 (Cav1), which is best known as a component of membrane invaginations called caveolae, is also present in non-caveolar membrane domains whose function is beginning to be understood. We show that silencing of α and β Cav1 isoforms in different cell lines increases ciliary length regardless of the route of primary ciliogenesis. The sole expression of Cav1α, which is distributed at the apical membrane, restores normal cilium size in Cav1 KO MDCK cells. Cells KO for only Cav1α, which also show long cilia, have a disrupted actin cytoskeleton and reduced RhoA GTPase activity at the apical membrane, and a greater accumulation of Rab11 vesicles at the centrosome. Subsequent experiments showed that DIA1 and ROCK help regulate ciliary length. Since MDCK cells lack apical caveolae, our results imply that non-caveolar apical Cav1α is an important regulator of ciliary length, exerting its effect via RhoA and its effectors, ROCK and DIA1.
Multiple roles for Vitamin B6 in plant acclimation to UV-B
Authors: Czégény Gyula , Kőrösi László , Strid Åke , Hideg Éva
Published: February 2019

Direct and indirect roles of vitamin B6 in leaf acclimation to supplementary UV-B radiation are shown in vitamin B6 deficient Arabidopsis thaliana mutant rsr4-1 and C24 wild type. Responses to 4 days of 3.9 kJ m−2 d−1 biologically effective UV-B dose were compared in terms of leaf photochemistry, vitamer content, and antioxidant enzyme activities; complemented with a comprehensive study of vitamer ROS scavenging capacities. Under UV-B, rsr4-1 leaves lost more (34%) photochemical yield than C24 plants (24%). In the absence of UV-B, rsr4-1 leaves contained markedly less pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) than C24 ones, but levels increased up to the C24 contents in response to UV-B. Activities of class-III ascorbate and glutathione peroxidases increased in C24 leaves upon the UV-B treatment but not in the rsr4-1 mutant. SOD activities remained the same in C24 but decreased by more than 50% in rsr4-1 under UV-B. Although PLP was shown to be an excellent antioxidant in vitro, our results suggest that the UV-B protective role of B6 vitamers is realized indirectly, via supporting peroxidase defence rather than by direct ROS scavenging. We hypothesize that the two defence pathways are linked through the PLP-dependent biosynthesis of cystein and heme, affecting peroxidases.
Secondary structures and cell-penetrating abilities of arginine-rich peptide foldamers
Authors: Oba Makoto , Nagano Yu , Kato Takuma , Tanaka Masakazu
Published: February 2019

Foldamers, which are folded oligomers with well-defined conformations, have been recently reported to have a good cell-penetrating ability. α,α-Disubstituted α-amino acids are one such promising tool for the design of peptide foldamers. Here, we prepared four types of L-arginine-rich nonapeptides containing L-leucine or α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids, and evaluated their secondary structures and cell-penetrating abilities in order to elucidate a correlation between them. Peptides containing α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids had similar resistance to protease digestion but showed different secondary structures. Intracellular uptake assays revealed that the helicity of peptides was important for their cell-penetrating abilities. These findings suggested that a peptide foldamer with a stable helical structure could be promising for the design of cell-penetrating peptides.
Global meridional eddy heat transport inferred from Argo and altimetry observations
Authors: Sun Bowen , Liu Chuanyu , Wang Fan
Published: February 2019

Proportion and pathways of the eddy-induced heat transport are critical in maintaining world’s ocean and climate states. However, an observation-based three-dimensional picture of how oceanic eddies contribute to the global heat transport is yet not quantitatively specified, particularly due to insufficiency of data. Here, using refined methods, we have achieved this goal by analyzing millions of high-quality Argo hydrographic profiles and high-resolution satellite altimetric data. We first presented the spatial differences of individual eddies by reconstructing 254 representative eddies all over the ocean, and then calculated heat fluxes associated with eddies in 5° × 5° boxes. It is revealed that all parameters of eddies vary significantly with both latitudes and longitudes, which is crucial in yielding spatially varying heat fluxes and transports. The eddies not only transport heat towards high latitudes (down-gradient), but also towards low latitudes (up-gradient), particularly at subsurface layers of mid-latitude northern Pacific Ocean and low-latitude Atlantic Ocean. The eddy heat transport is mainly confined in the upper 1000 m of the western part and mid-latitudes of the world’s ocean basins, coinciding with maximum meridional temperature gradients. It peaks at 0.8 PW and 0.3 PW (1 PW = 1015 W) at 45°S and 35°N, respectively, stronger than previous estimates based on model results, and accounts for about one half and one third of the estimated total oceanic heat transport at the same latitudes, respectively. In any location except for the areas associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the eddy stirring component is distinctly (1–10 times) larger than the eddy trapping component.
The role of frailty in predicting mortality and readmission in older adults in acute care wards: a prospective study
Authors: Hao Qiukui , Zhou Lixing , Dong Biao , Yang Ming , Dong Birong , Weil Yuquan
Published: February 2019

Few studies have focused on frailty as a predictor of mortality and readmission among inpatients in the acute care setting, especially over long follow-up periods. We conducted this study to determine the impact of the frailty on subsequent mortality and readmission in this setting. This study was a prospective observational study conducted in the acute geriatric wards, with a three-year follow-up duration. We assessed frailty via the 36-item Frailty Index (FI), and a cut-off value of 0.25 was used to identify the presence or absence of frailty. We collected survival and readmission information through telephone interviews at 12, 24, and 36 months. We used the Cox regression model to examine the association between frailty and outcomes interested (death and readmission). The present study included 271 patients (mean age: 81.1 years old; 20.3% females), of whom 21.4% died during the 3-year follow-up period. One hundred and thirty-three patients (49.1%) were identified as being frail. The prevalence of frailty was similar in men and women (46.8% vs.58.2%, P = 0.130). Compared with non-frail patients, death and hospital readmission rates of frail patients were increased. Frailty was an independent predictor of 3-year death (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20 to 3.63) and readmission (adjusted HR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.88) after adjusting for several potential confounders. Frailty is prevalent among older inpatients and is a valuable predictor of 3-year mortality and hospital readmission in an acute care setting.
2,3-Dihydroxybenzoate meta-Cleavage Pathway is Involved in o-Phthalate Utilization in Pseudomonas sp. strain PTH10
Authors: Kasai Daisuke , Iwasaki Takumi , Nagai Kazuki , Araki Naoto , Nishi Tatsunari , Fukuda Masao
Published: February 2019

Pseudomonas sp. strain PTH10 can utilize o-phthalate which is a key intermediate in the bacterial degradation of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this strain, o-phthalate is degraded to 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate and further metabolized via the 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate meta-cleavage pathway. Here, the opa genes which are involved in the o-phthalate catabolism were identified. Based on the enzymatic activity of the opa gene products, opaAaAbAcAd, opaB, opaC, and opaD were found to code for o-phthalate 2,3-dioxygenase, dihydrodiol dehydrogenase, 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate 3,4-dioxygenase, and 3-carboxy-2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase, respectively. Collectively, these enzymes are thought to catalyze the conversion of o-phthalate to 2-hydroxymuconate-6-semialdehyde. Deletion mutants of the above opa genes indicated that their products were required for the utilization of o-phthalate. Transcriptional analysis showed that the opa genes were organized in the same transcriptional unit. Quantitative analysis of opaAa, opaB, opaC, opaD, opaE, and opaN revealed that, except for opaB and opaC, all other genes were transcriptionally induced during growth on o-phthalate. The constitutive expression of opaB and opaC, and the transcriptional induction of opaD located downstream of opaB, suggest several possible internal promoters are existence in the opa cluster. Together, these results strongly suggest that the opa genes are involved in a novel o-phthalate catabolic pathway in strain PTH10.
Analysis of mRNA abundance for histone variants, histone- and DNA-modifiers in bovine in vivo and in vitro oocytes and embryos
Authors: Duan J. , Zhu L. , Dong H. , Zheng X. , Jiang Z. , Chen J. , Tian X. C.
Published: February 2019

Transcript abundance of histone variants, modifiers of histone and DNA in bovine in vivo oocytes and embryos were measured as mean transcripts per million (TPM). Six of 14 annotated histone variants, 8 of 52 histone methyl-transferases, 5 of 29 histone de-methylases, 5 of 20 acetyl-transferases, 5 of 19 de-acetylases, 1 of 4 DNA methyl-transferases and 0 of 3 DNA de-methylases were abundant (TPM >50) in at least one stage studied. Overall, oocytes and embryos contained more varieties of mRNAs for histone modification than for DNA. Three expression patterns were identified for histone modifiers: (1) transcription before embryonic genome activation (EGA) and down-regulated thereafter such as PRMT1; (2) low in oocytes but transiently increased for EGA such as EZH2; (3) high in oocytes but decreased by EGA such as SETD3. These expression patterns were altered by in vitro culture. Additionally, the presence of mRNAs for the TET enzymes throughout pre-implantation development suggests persistent de-methylation. Together, although DNA methylation changes are well-recognized, the first and second orders of significance in epigenetic changes by in vivo embryos may be histone variant replacements and modifications of histones.
A universal dimensionality function for the fractal dimensions of Laplacian growth
Authors: Nicolás-Carlock J. R. , Carrillo-Estrada J. L.
Published: February 2019

Laplacian growth, associated to the diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) model or the more general dielectric-breakdown model (DBM), is a fundamental out-of-equilibrium process that generates structures with characteristic fractal/non-fractal morphologies. However, despite diverse numerical and theoretical attempts, a data-consistent description of the fractal dimensions of the mass-distributions of these structures has been missing. Here, an analytical model of the fractal dimensions of the DBM and DLA is provided by means of a recently introduced dimensionality equation for the scaling of clusters undergoing a continuous morphological transition. Particularly, this equation relies on an effective information-function dependent on the Euclidean dimension of the embedding-space and the control parameter of the system. Numerical and theoretical approaches are used in order to determine this information-function for both DLA and DBM. In the latter, a connection to the Rényi entropies and generalized dimensions of the cluster is made, showing that DLA could be considered as the point of maximum information-entropy production along the DBM transition. The results are in good agreement with previous theoretical and numerical estimates for two- and three-dimensional DBM, and high-dimensional DLA. Notably, the DBM dimensions conform to a universal description independently of the initial cluster-configuration and the embedding-space.
One-pot selective synthesis of azoxy compounds and imines via the photoredox reaction of nitroaromatic compounds and amines in water
Authors: Tan Hao , Liu XingChen , Su JiHu , Wang YingXiong , Gu XianMo , Yang DongJiang , Waclawik Eric R. , Zhu HuaiYong , Zheng ZhanFeng
Published: February 2019

A facile one-pot two-stage photochemical synthesis of aromatic azoxy compounds and imines has been developed by coupling the selective reduction of nitroaromatic compounds with the selective oxidation of amines in an aqueous solution. In the first stage (light illumination, Ar atmosphere), the light excited nitroaromatic molecule abstract H from amine to form ArNO2H and amine radical, which then form nitrosoaromatic, hydroxylamine and imine compounds. Water acts as a green solvent for the dispersion of the reactants and facilitates the formation of nitrosoaromatic and hydroxylamine intermediate compounds. In the second stage (no light, air atmosphere), the condensation of nitrosoaromatic and hydroxylamine compounds yields aromatic azoxy product with the aid of molecular oxygen in air. This photochemical synthesis achieved both high conversion and high product selectivity (>99%) at room temperature.
Four-dimensional CT as a valid approach to detect and quantify kinematic changes after selective ankle ligament sectioning
Authors: Buzzatti Luca , Keelson Benyameen , Apperloo Jildert , Scheerlinck Thierry , Baeyens Jean-Pierre , Van Gompel Gert , Vandemeulebroucke Jef , de Maeseneer Michel , de Mey Johan , Buls Nico , Cattrysse Erik
Published: February 2019

The objective of the current study was to explore the potential of dynamic computed tomography to detect kinematic changes, induced by sequential sectioning of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle, during full motion sequence of the talocrural joint. A custom-made device was used to induce cyclic controlled ankle inversion movement in one fresh frozen cadaver leg. A 256-slice CT scanner was used to investigate four different scenarios. Scenario 1 with all ligaments intact was first investigated followed by sequential section of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (Scenario 2), the calcaneo-fibular ligament (Scenario 3) and posterior talo-fibular ligament (Scenario 4). Off-line image processing based on semi-automatic segmentation and bone rigid registration was performed. Motion parameters such as translation, rotational angles and orientation and position of the axis of rotation were calculated. Differences between scenarios were calculated. Progressive increase of cranio-caudal displacement up to 3.9 mm and flexion up to 10° compared to Scenario 1 were reported. Progressive changes in orientation (up to 20.6°) and position (up to 4.1 mm) of the axis of rotation were also shown. Estimated effective dose of 0.005 mSv (1.9 mGy CTDIvol) was reported. This study demonstrated that kinematic changes due to the absence of ligament integrity can be detected with 4DCT with minimal radiation exposure. Identifying abnormal kinematic patterns could have future application in helping clinicians to choose patients’ optimal treatment. Therefore, further studies with bigger in vitro sample sizes and consequent investigations in vivo are recommended to confirm the current findings.
A High Performance Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using Porous Polyimide Aerogel Film
Authors: Saadatnia Zia , Mosanenzadeh Shahriar Ghaffari , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim , Naguib Hani E.
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a novel aerogel-based Triboelectric Nanogenerator (TENG) which shows a superior performance for energy harvesting and sensing applications. Polyimide-based aerogel film with varying open-cell content level is developed to be used as the main contact material for the TENG. The fabricated aerogel film is fully characterized to reveal the chemical and mechanical properties of the developed material. It is shown the use of Polyimide aerogel film remarkably enhances the performance of the TENG compared to a TENG with fully dense Polyimide layer with no porosity. This enhancement is due to the increase on the effective surface area, charge generation inside the open-cells of the aerogel, and increase on the relative capacitance of the TENG device. The effect of varying porosity from zero to 70% of open-cell content reveals that the aerogel film with 50% shows the highest performance where the peak open-circuit voltage of 40V and peak short-circuit current of 5 μA are obtained. These values are higher than those of the TENG with simple Polyimide layer with an order of magnitude. Finally, the performance of proposed TENG under resistive loads and capacitors are tested. Thus, this work presents an effective method for high performance TENG.
Cognitive ability and risk of death from lower respiratory tract infection: findings from UK Biobank
Authors: Gale Catharine R. , Deary Ian J. , Batty G. David
Published: February 2019

Dementia increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection, but it is unclear whether risk varies across the normal range of cognitive ability. People with higher cognitive ability tend to behave in a healthier fashion as regards risk factors for lower respiratory tract infection and there is evidence that they have a lower risk of dying from respiratory disease as a whole. We therefore investigated the relationship between cognitive ability and mortality from lower respiratory tract infection. Participants were 434,413 people from UK Biobank (54% female). Cognitive ability was measured using tests of reaction time and reasoning. Data on deaths from lower respiratory infection were obtained from death certificates. Over a mean follow-up period of 6.99 years, 1,282 people died of lower respiratory infection. Mortality from lower respiratory tract infection fell as cognitive ability increased. For a standard deviation faster reaction time, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.80 (0.76, 0.83) and the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio was 0.87 (0.83, 0.91). There were similar though weaker associations when cognitive ability was assessed using a reasoning test. These findings suggest that variation across the normal range of cognitive ability increase risk of dying from lower respiratory tract infection.
Unsupervised feature extraction of anterior chamber OCT images for ordering and classification
Authors: Amil Pablo , González Laura , Arrondo Elena , Salinas Cecilia , Guell J. L. , Masoller Cristina , Parlitz Ulrich
Published: February 2019

We propose an image processing method for ordering anterior chamber optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in a fully unsupervised manner. The method consists of three steps: Firstly we preprocess the images (filtering the noise, aligning and normalizing the resolution); secondly, a distance measure between images is computed for every pair of images; thirdly we apply a machine learning algorithm that exploits the distance measure to order the images in a two-dimensional plane. The method is applied to a large (~1000) database of anterior chamber OCT images of healthy subjects and patients with angle-closure and the resulting unsupervised ordering and classification is validated by two ophthalmologists.
Water Resources Utilization and Protection in the Coal Mining Area of Northern China
Authors: Dong Shuning , Xu Bin , Yin Shangxian , Han Yong , Zhang Xiaodong , Dai Zhenxue
Published: February 2019

This study investigates multiple types of water resources in the western mining area in China, their supply-demand balance by using the same dimension gray recurrence dynamic model GM (1, 1), and water content coefficients of mines to ease water supply-demand contradiction. A multi-objective programming model is proposed for optimal water resources allocation management. Optimal technical schemes for water resources allocation among different users are obtained. The optimization model improves upon the previous studies by using water demand and water supply forecast. Coordinated development for mining safety, mine water utilization, and remediation and control of water environment is achieved.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is mediated by both TGF-β canonical and non-canonical signaling during axolotl limb regeneration
Authors: Sader Fadi , Denis Jean-François , Laref Hamza , Roy Stéphane
Published: February 2019

Axolotls have the amazing ability to regenerate. When compared to humans, axolotls display a very fast wound closure, no scarring and are capable to replace lost appendages perfectly. Understanding the signaling mechanism leading to this perfect healing is a key step to help develop regenerative treatments for humans. In this paper, we studied cellular pathways leading to axolotl limb regeneration. We focus on the wound closure phase where keratinocytes migrate to close the lesion site and how epithelial to mesenchymal transitions are involved in this process. We observe a correlation between wound closure and EMT marker expression. Functional analyses using pharmacological inhibitors showed that the TGF-β/SMAD (canonical) and the TGF-β/p38/JNK (non-canonical) pathways play a role in the rate to which the keratinocytes can migrate. When we treat the animals with a combination of inhibitors blocking both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β pathways, it greatly reduced the rate of wound closure and had significant effects on certain known EMT genes.
Ghrelin protects against contact dermatitis and psoriasiform skin inflammation by antagonizing TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Qu Ruize , Chen Xiaomin , Hu Jing , Fu Yufeng , Peng Jiangfan , Li Yuhua , Chen Jingxi , Li Peng , Liu Long , Cao Jiankang , Wang Wenhan , Qiu Cheng , Guo Linlin , Vasilev Krasimir , Chen Jianying , Zhou Gengyin , Li Weiwei , Zhao Yunpeng
Published: February 2019

Contact dermatitis and psoriasis are skin disorders caused by immune dysregulation, yet much remains unknown about their underlying mechanisms. Ghrelin, a recently discovered novel peptide and potential endogenous anti-inflammatory factor expressed in the epidermis, is involved in skin repair and disease. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and therapeutic effect of ghrelin in both contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models induced by oxazolone (OXA) and imiquimod (IMQ), respectively, and in TNF-α-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, NHEKs and skin fibroblasts. Ghrelin expression was reduced in both the OXA-induced contact dermatitis and IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse models. Furthermore, treatment with ghrelin attenuated skin inflammation in both the contact dermatitis and psoriasis mouse models. Mice administered PBS after OXA- or IMQ-induced model generation exhibited typical skin inflammation, whereas ghrelin treatment in these mouse models substantially decreased the dermatitis phenotype. In addition, exogenous ghrelin attenuated the inflammatory reaction induced by TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, ghrelin administration limited activation of NF-κB signaling. In summary, ghrelin may represent a potential molecular target for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, including contact dermatitis and psoriasis.
ElectroMap: High-throughput open-source software for analysis and mapping of cardiac electrophysiology
Authors: O’Shea Christopher , Holmes Andrew P. , Yu Ting Y. , Winter James , Wells Simon P. , Correia Joao , Boukens Bastiaan J. , De Groot Joris R. , Chu Gavin S. , Li Xin , Ng G. Andre , Kirchhof Paulus , Fabritz Larissa , Rajpoot Kashif , Pavlovic Davor
Published: February 2019

The ability to record and analyse electrical behaviour across the heart using optical and electrode mapping has revolutionised cardiac research. However, wider uptake of these technologies is constrained by the lack of multi-functional and robustly characterised analysis and mapping software. We present ElectroMap, an adaptable, high-throughput, open-source software for processing, analysis and mapping of complex electrophysiology datasets from diverse experimental models and acquisition modalities. Key innovation is development of standalone module for quantification of conduction velocity, employing multiple methodologies, currently not widely available to researchers. ElectroMap has also been designed to support multiple methodologies for accurate calculation of activation, repolarisation, arrhythmia detection, calcium handling and beat-to-beat heterogeneity. ElectroMap implements automated signal segmentation, ensemble averaging and integrates optogenetic approaches. Here we employ ElectroMap for analysis, mapping and detection of pro-arrhythmic phenomena in silico, in cellulo, animal model and in vivo patient datasets. We anticipate that ElectroMap will accelerate innovative cardiac research and enhance the uptake, application and interpretation of mapping technologies leading to novel approaches for arrhythmia prevention.
U-Th dated speleothem recorded geomagnetic excursions in the Lower Brunhes
Authors: Pozzi Jean-Pierre , Rousseau Louis , Falguères Christophe , Mahieux Geoffroy , Deschamps Pierre , Shao Qingfeng , Kachi Djemâa , Bahain Jean-Jacques , Tozzi Carlo
Published: February 2019

The study of geomagnetic excursions is key for understanding the behavior of the magnetic field of the Earth. In this paper, we present the geomagnetic record in a 2.29-m-long continuous core sampled in a flowstone in Liguria (Italy) and dated to the Lower Brunhes. The cored flowstone developed from Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 13 to MIS 7, according to 21 U-series dates. The mean growth rate is closely related to glacial and interglacial isotopic stages. Magnetic remanence was measured using u-channel and deconvolved. Four geomagnetic excursions were recorded at the same location, in a single flowstone, during interglacial MIS 11 and 13; Basura 1, 2, 3 and 4, at depths of 213 cm, 181, 160 and 92 cm, respectively. Due to the uncertainties of U-Th dating, the timing of the three events, namely Basura 1, 2 and 3 overlaps. The Basura 4 is well-dated to 417 + −7/8 ka and is clearly distinguishable from the others. It should therefore be considered as a possible excursion.
Enzyme Induced Biocementated Sand with High Strength at Low Carbonate Content
Authors: Almajed Abdullah , Tirkolaei Hamed Khodadadi , Kavazanjian Edward , Hamdan Nasser
Published: February 2019

Specimens of silica sand treated via enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) showed surprisingly high strength at a relatively low carbonate content when non-fat powdered milk was included in the treatment solution. EICP is a biologically-based soil improvement technique that uses free urease enzyme to catalyze the hydrolysis of urea in an aqueous solution, producing carbonate ions and alkalinity that in the presence of calcium cations leads to precipitation of calcium carbonate. The strength achieved at less than 1.4% carbonate content via a single cycle of treatment was unprecedented compared to results reported in the literature from both EICP and microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). Scanning electron microscope images show that in the specimens treated with the solution containing powdered milk the carbonate precipitate was concentrated at interparticle contacts. The impact of these results include reductions in the concentration of substrate and enzyme required to achieve a target compressive strength, reduction in the undesirable ammonium chloride by-product, and, depending on the desired strength, reduction in the number of cycles of EICP treatment. These advantages enhance the potential for development of a sustainable method of soil improvement via hydrolysis of urea.
Short-term response of the soil bacterial community to differing wildfire severity in Pinus tabulaeformis stands
Authors: Li Weike , Niu Shukui , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Jianming
Published: February 2019

In recent years, the investigation of fire disturbance of microbial communities has gained growing attention. However, how the bacterial community varies in response to different severities of fire at different soil depths is largely unknown. We utilized Illumina MiSeq sequencing to illustrate the changing patterns of the soil bacterial community following low-, moderate- and high-severity wildfire in the topsoil (0–10 cm) and subsoil (10–20 cm), 6 months after the fire. Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla among all samples. Bacterial alpha diversity (i.e. Shannon and Simpson indices) in the topsoil was significantly higher than that in the subsoil after a high-severity wildfire. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) revealed significant differences in the bacterial community structure between the two soil layers. Soil pH, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen were the main factors in shaping the bacterial community structure, of which soil pH was the most robust in both soil layers. Our study reveals that wildfire results in short-term changes in soil bacterial community. However, a long-term monitoring of microbial variation after burning is also essential.
Emerging patterns of genome organization in Notopteridae species (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) as revealed by Zoo-FISH and Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH)
Authors: Barby Felipe Faix , Bertollo Luiz Antônio Carlos , de Oliveira Ezequiel Aguiar , Yano Cassia Fernanda , Hatanaka Terumi , Ráb Petr , Sember Alexandr , Ezaz Tariq , Artoni Roberto Ferreira , Liehr Thomas , Al-Rikabi Ahmed B. H. , Trifonov Vladimir , de Oliveira Edivaldo H. C. , Molina Wagner Franco , Jegede Oladele Ilesanmi , Tanomtong Alongklod , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo
Published: February 2019

Notopteridae (Teleostei, Osteoglossiformes) represents an old fish lineage with ten currently recognized species distributed in African and Southeastern Asian rivers. Their karyotype structures and diploid numbers remained conserved over long evolutionary periods, since African and Asian lineages diverged approximately 120 Mya. However, a significant genetic diversity was already identified for these species using molecular data. Thus, why the evolutionary relationships within Notopteridae are so diverse at the genomic level but so conserved in terms of their karyotypes? In an attempt to develop a more comprehensive picture of the karyotype and genome evolution in Notopteridae, we performed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and cross-species (Zoo-FISH) whole chromosome painting experiments to explore chromosome-scale intergenomic divergence among seven notopterid species, collected in different African and Southeast Asian river basins. CGH demonstrated an advanced stage of sequence divergence among the species and Zoo-FISH experiments showed diffuse and limited homology on inter-generic level, showing a temporal reduction of evolutionarily conserved syntenic regions. The sharing of a conserved chromosomal region revealed by Zoo-FISH in these species provides perspectives that several other homologous syntenic regions have remained conserved among their genomes despite long temporal isolation. In summary, Notopteridae is an interesting model for tracking the chromosome evolution as it is (i) ancestral vertebrate group with Gondwanan distribution and (ii) an example of animal group exhibiting karyotype stasis. The present study brings new insights into degree of genome divergence vs. conservation at chromosomal and sub-chromosomal level in representative sampling of this group.
Diffusion Control of Organic Cathode Materials in Lithium Metal Battery
Authors: Belanger Rachel L. , Commarieu Basile , Paolella Andrea , Daigle Jean-Christophe , Bessette Stéphanie , Vijh Ashok , Claverie Jerome P. , Zaghib Karim
Published: February 2019

Organic cathode materials for lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular because they have high theoretical redox voltage, high gravimetric capacity, low cost, easy processing and sustainability. However, their development is limited by their solubility in the electrolyte, which leads to rapid deterioration of the battery upon cycling. We developed a Janus membrane, which consists of two layers – a commercial polypropylene separator (Celgard) and a 300–600 nm layer of exfoliated graphite that was applied by a simple and environmentally friendly process. The submicron graphite layer is only permeable to Li+ and it drastically improves the battery performance, as measured by capacity retention and high coulombic efficiency, even at 2C rates. Post-mortem analysis of the battery indicates that the new membrane protects the anode against corrosion, and cathode dissolution is reduced. This graphite-based membrane is expected to greatly expedite the deployment of batteries with organic cathodes.
SERS based detection of multiple analytes from dye/explosive mixtures using picosecond laser fabricated gold nanoparticles and nanostructures
Authors: Byram Chandu , Moram Sree Satya Bharati , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: February 2019

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a cutting edge analytical tool for trace analyte detection due to its highly sensitive, non-destructive and fingerprinting capability.
Application of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles for degradation of the bacterial autoinducerN-hexanoyl homoserine lactone
Authors: Garcia Lopez J. , Piletska E. V. , Whitcombe M. J. , Czulak J. , Piletsky S. A.
Published: February 2019

A novel bacterial quorum quenching system is presented.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation in neutral electrolyte using non-vacuum processed CIGS photocathodes with an earth-abundant cobalt sulfide catalyst
Authors: Wang Mingqing , Chang Yung-Shan , Tsao Chun-Wen , Fang Mei-Jing , Hsu Yung-Jung , Choy Kwang-Leong
Published: January 2019

A CIGS-based photocathode combined with an earth abundant Co–S catalyst has demonstrated remarkable photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation in neutral electrolyte.
Photoinduced peeling of molecular crystals
Authors: Tong Fei , Al-Haidar Maram , Zhu Lingyan , Al-Kaysi Rabih O. , Bardeen Christopher J.
Published: February 2019

Photoisomerization of cis-dimethyl-2(3-(anthracen-9-yl)allylidene)malonate in a block-shaped microcrystal initiates a phase separation and delamination of the reacted layer from parent crystal.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of water oxidation in an alkaline medium via Fe doping in CoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Kong Weisu , Luan Xiaoqian , Du Huitong , Xia Lian , Qu Fengli
Published: January 2019

Fe–CoS2/CC exhibits enhanced catalytic OER performance, needing an overpotential of 302 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Thermoelectric properties of dispersant-free semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes sorted by a flavin extraction method
Authors: Huang W. , Toshimitsu F. , Ozono K. , Matsumoto M. , Borah A. , Motoishi Y. , Park K.-H. , Jang J.-W. , Fujigaya T.
Published: February 2019

Flavin extraction method realized an improved power factor by easy removal of the dispersant from semiconducting SWNT sheet.
Three new metastable polymorphs of 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(1-naphthyl)ethylene and the polymorph-dependent phase transition and fluorescence change properties
Authors: Li Ye-Xin , Yu Zhen-Feng , Zhu Cun-Zhao , Yang Xiao-Feng , Nie Yong , Cui Yu , Sun Guo-Xin
Published: January 2019

Three new metastable polymorphs of 1-(9-anthryl)-2-(1-naphthyl)ethylene (ANE) were successfully obtained, displaying different phase transition processes and fluorescence change properties.
Intermolecular head-to-head interaction of carbonyl groups in bicyclic hydrogen-bonded synthon based on β-hydroxy ketones
Authors: Fayzullin Robert R. , Shteingolts Sergey A. , Lodochnikova Olga A. , Mamedova Vera L. , Korshin Dmitry E. , Mamedov Vakhid A.
Published: January 2019

In this study, we report a counterintuitive carbonyl–carbonyl interaction explored for crystalline (2RS,3RS)-1-aryl-2-bromo-3-hydroxy-3-(2-nitrophenyl)-propan-1-ones.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of urea-containing zirconium metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis of Henry reactions
Authors: Zhang He , Gao Xue-Wang , Wang Li , Zhao Xinsheng , Li Qiu-Yan , Wang Xiao-Jun
Published: February 2019

A urea-containing UiO-68 isoreticular zirconium metal–organic framework with mixed dicarboxylate struts can work as an efficient hydrogen-bond-donating heterogeneous catalyst for Henry reactions of benzaldehydes and nitroalkanes.
Efficient localization of a native metal ion within a protein by Cu2+-based EPR distance measurements
Authors: Gamble Jarvi Austin , Cunningham Timothy F. , Saxena Sunil
Published: February 2019

A native paramagnetic metal binding site in a protein is located with less than 2 Å resolution by a combination of double histidine (dHis) based Cu2+ labeling and long range distance measurements by EPR.
Luminescence spectroscopy of oxazine dye cations isolated in vacuo
Authors: Kjær Christina , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: February 2019

Gas-phase luminescence spectroscopy reveals transition energies of oxazine dye cations with no disturbance from counter ions or solvent molecules.
The role of solvation models on the computed absorption and emission spectra: the case of fireflies oxyluciferin
Authors: García-Iriepa Cristina , Zemmouche Madjid , Ponce-Vargas Miguel , Navizet Isabelle
Published: February 2019

Absorption and emission energies calculation covering both implicit and explicit solvation models using oxyluciferin as the case of study.
Toward theoretical terahertz spectroscopy of glassy aqueous solutions: partially frozen solute–solvent couplings of glycine in water
Authors: Gupta Prashant Kumar , Esser Alexander , Forbert Harald , Marx Dominik
Published: February 2019

THz spectra of glycine in water are shown to change systematically due to conformational freezing and frozen solvation cages.
Electronic structure and reactivity of Fe(iv)oxo species in metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Saiz Fernan , Bernasconi Leonardo
Published: February 2019

We investigate the potential use of Fe(iv)oxo species supported on a metal–organic framework in the catalytic hydroxylation of methane to produce methanol.
Modelling potential energy surfaces for small clusters using Shepard interpolation with Gaussian-form nodal functions
Authors: Wang Haina , Bettens Ryan P. A.
Published: February 2019

A new interpolation method based on Gaussian functions to reliably generate potential energy surfaces.
Molecular methods for assessment of non-covalent metallodrug–DNA interactions
Authors: Kellett Andrew , Molphy Zara , Slator Creina , McKee Vickie , Farrell Nicholas P.
Published: February 2019

Herein we provide an accessible account of molecular methods to probe inorganic–nucleic acid interactions. Techniques are described using copper(ii) and platinum(ii) complexes prepared in our laboratories.
The syntheses and photophysical properties of PNP-based Au(i) complexes with strong intramolecular Au⋯Au interactions
Authors: Kathewad Neha , Kumar Nandha , Dasgupta Rajarshi , Ghosh Moushakhi , Pal Shiv , Khan Shabana
Published: February 2019

We have prepared three fully supported PNP-based dimeric Au(i) complexes with intramolecular Au⋯Au interactions and studied their photophysical properties. They exhibit various colors of emission with good quantum yields.
Myricetin alleviated hepatic steatosis by acting on microRNA-146b/thyroid hormone receptor b pathway in high-fat diet fed C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Xia Shu-Fang , Qiu Yu-Yu , Chen Li-Mei , Jiang Yu-Yu , Huang Wei , Xie Zhen-Xing , Tang Xue , Sun Jin
Published: February 2019

Myricetin attenuated hepatic steatosis by regulating miR-146b to target TRb and subsequent T3 responsive genes involved in lipid metabolism.
Protection of hepatocyte mitochondrial function by blueberry juice and probiotics via SIRT1 regulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Ren Tingting , Zhu Lili , Shen Yanyan , Mou Qiuju , Lin Tao , Feng Hongchao
Published: February 2019

Blueberry juice and probiotics improves mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), by modulating the SIRT1 pathway.
Isolation of phenolic monomers from kraft lignin using a magnetically recyclable TEMPO nanocatalyst
Authors: Patankar Saurabh C. , Liu Li-Yang , Ji Lun , Ayakar Sonal , Yadav Vikramaditya , Renneckar Scott
Published: February 2019

Three kraft lignins were subjected to oxidative depolymerization using a magnetically separable and reusable nitroxyl radical catalyst under greener conditions without the use of additional alkali.
Four-component thiazole formation from simple chemicals under metal-free conditions
Authors: Jiang Jingjing , Huang Huawen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: February 2019

Three diversely trisubstituted thiazoles were selectively constructed from simple raw materials under metal-free conditions.
Two-way communication betweenex vivotissues on a microfluidic chip: application to tumor–lymph node interaction
Authors: Shim Sangjo , Belanger Maura C. , Harris Alexandra R. , Munson Jennifer M. , Pompano Rebecca R.
Published: February 2019

The first microfluidic device for co-culture of two tissue slices under continuous recirculating flow was used to model tumor-induced immunosuppression.
High-throughput mechanotransduction in Drosophila embryos with mesofluidics
Authors: Shorr Ardon Z. , Sönmez Utku M. , Minden Jonathan S. , LeDuc Philip R.
Published: February 2019

A mesofluidic device allows alignment, immobilization, compression, imaging, and recovery of hundreds of live Drosophila embryos to investigate mechanotransduction.
Modular soft robotic microdevices for dexterous biomanipulation
Authors: Özkale Berna , Parreira Raquel , Bekdemir Ahmet , Pancaldi Lucio , Özelçi Ece , Amadio Claire , Kaynak Murat , Stellacci Francesco , Mooney David J. , Sakar Mahmut Selman
Published: February 2019

We present a methodology for building biologically inspired, soft microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
An ultrasensitive test for profiling circulating tumor DNA using integrated comprehensive droplet digital detection
Authors: Ou Chen-Yin , Vu Tam , Grunwald Jonathan T. , Toledano Michael , Zimak Jan , Toosky Melody , Shen Byron , Zell Jason A. , Gratton Enrico , Abram Timothy J. , Zhao Weian
Published: February 2019

We present an ultra-sensitive, novel liquid biopsy approach which can uniquely enable detection of CTCs using genetic markers without pre-enrichment.
Liquid phase exfoliation of MoO2 nanosheets for lithium ion battery applications
Authors: Boland John B. , Harvey Andrew , Tian Ruiyuan , Hanlon Damien , Vega-Mayoral Victor , Szydlowska Beata , Griffin Aideen , Stimpel-Lindner Tanja , Jaskaniec Sonia , Nicolosi Valeria , Duesberg Georg , Coleman Jonathan N.
Published: February 2019

Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) is a layered material which shows promise for a number of applications in the electrochemical energy storage arena. This work describes the production of molybdenum dioxide nanosheets by liquid phase exfoliation.
Dynamic radiative tailoring based on mid-refractive dielectric nanoantennas
Authors: Yan Jiahao , Ma Churong , Huang Yingcong , Yang Guowei
Published: February 2019

Active tuning of scattering and photoluminescence based on the phase change of mid-refractive index VO2 nanostripes.
A multi stimuli responsive material with rhodamine B and carbazole groups
Authors: Wang Xiaoju , Guo Lixia , Feng Liheng
Published: February 2019

A facile material with multi stimuli responsive behaviors was developed. The chromic properties of the material can be observed by stimulating it with light, electricity and ions.
Stereoselective C-terminal peptide elongation from Chan–Lam–Evans reaction generated isopropenyl esters
Authors: Steemers Luuk , van Maarseveen Jan H.
Published: February 2019

Peptide isoprenyl esters were made via the Cu-mediated Chan–Lam–Evans reaction and elongated via pyrazole/DMEP-catalysed aminolysis.
Photochromic peptidic NPY Y4 receptor ligands
Authors: Lachmann D. , Konieczny A. , Keller M. , König B.
Published: February 2019

Photoresponsive NPY Y4R ligands, containing an azobenzene, azopyrazole, diethienylethene or a fulgimide chromophore were prepared to explore structural requirements of Y4R agonists on Y4R binding.
Formation of a conductive overcoating layer based on hybrid composites to improve the stability of flexible transparent conductive films
Authors: Lee Jin-geun , Cho Wonseok , Kim Youngno , Cho Hangyeol , Lee Hongjoo , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: February 2019

A protective layer that can be applied on a flat flexible transparent conductive film was prepared by combining silica sol and organic polymer.
Effect of salt on the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from ketohexoses under aqueous conditions
Authors: Körner Paul , Beil Stephan , Kruse Andrea
Published: February 2019

The dehydration of ketohexoses to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a valuable platform chemical, is catalysed by anions via intermediate substitution reactions.
Tandem Peterson olefination and chemoselective asymmetric hydrogenation of β-hydroxy silanes
Authors: Krajangsri Suppachai , Wu Haibo , Liu Jianguo , Rabten Wangchuk , Singh Thishana , Andersson Pher G.
Published: February 2019

Tandem Peterson olefination and asymmetric hydrogenation of β-hydroxy silanes provides an efficient route to access the chiral benzylic hydrocarbon. The chemoselectivity can be tuned by the addition of base.
Nanolayered cobalt–molybdenum sulphides (Co–Mo–S) catalyse borrowing hydrogen C–S bond formation reactions of thiols or H2S with alcohols
Authors: Sorribes Iván , Corma Avelino
Published: February 2019

Nanolayered cobalt–molybdenum sulphide (Co–Mo–S) materials have been established as excellent catalysts for C–S bond construction.
Dopant-free novel hole-transporting materials based on quinacridone dye for high-performance and humidity-stable mesoporous perovskite solar cells
Authors: Pham Hong Duc , Jain Sagar M. , Li Meng , Manzhos Sergei , Feron Krishna , Pitchaimuthu Sudhagar , Liu Zhiyong , Motta Nunzio , Wang Hongxia , Durrant James R. , Sonar Prashant
Published: February 2019

A series of novel pristine hole-transporting materials based on a quinacridone (QA) dye have been developed and used to fabricate mesoporous perovskite solar cells for the first time achieving an efficiency of 18.2%.
Hexagonal prism arrays constructed using ultrathin porous nanoflakes of carbon doped mixed-valence Co–Mn–Fe phosphides for ultrahigh areal capacitance and remarkable cycling stability
Authors: Niu Richao , Wang Gengjie , Ding Yuying , Tang Shaochun , Hu Xuemin , Zhu Junwu
Published: January 2019

With novel hierarchical hexagonal prism arrays, a carbon-doped mixed-valence Co–Mn–Fe phosphide electrode shows high capacitance, rate capability and cycling stability.
Silica single-layer inverse opal films: large-area crack-free fabrication and the regulation of transmittance in the visible region
Authors: Li Hua , Wang Jianfeng , Li Shali , Robichaud Jacques , Wang Dan , Wu Zhe , Djaoued Yahia
Published: February 2019

Crack-free large-area single-layer SiO2inverse opal (IO) films similar to an inverse “moth's eye” structure, are fabricated. The effects of their porous structure on transmittance in the visible region are investigated.
Nanostructured metallo-supramolecular polymer-based gel-type electrochromic devices with ultrafast switching time and high colouration efficiency
Authors: Roy Susmita , Chakraborty Chanchal
Published: January 2019

Herein, we fabricated the ordered polymer nanostructures by compositing the electrochromic polymer polyFe to significantly improve the colouration efficiency and switching times.
Hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals with broad-range blue phases
Authors: Saccone Marco , Pfletscher Michael , Dautzenberg Ellen , Dong Ronald Y. , Michal Carl A. , Giese Michael
Published: January 2019

A series of hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals with broad blue phases formed by self-assembly of low molecular weight building blocks is described.
Lead-free hybrid ferroelectric material based on formamidine: [NH2CHNH2]3Bi2I9
Authors: Szklarz Przemysław , Gągor Anna , Jakubas Ryszard , Zieliński Piotr , Piecha-Bisiorek Anna , Cichos Jakub , Karbowiak Mirosław , Bator Grażyna , Ciżman Agnieszka
Published: February 2019

Novel room-temperature ferroelectric crystals with complex sequences of phase transitions.