bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charge-density-wave order takes over antiferromagnetism in Bi2Sr2−x
La
x
CuO6 superconductors
Authors: Kawasaki S. , Li Z. , Kitahashi M. , Lin C. T. , Kuhns P. L. , Reyes A. P. , Zheng Guo-qing
Published: October 2017

Superconductivity appears in the cuprates when a spin order is destroyed, while the role of charge is less known. Recently, charge density wave (CDW) was found below the superconducting dome in YBa2Cu3O
y
when a high magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the CuO2 plane, which was suggested to arise from incipient CDW in the vortex cores that becomes overlapped. Here by 63Cu-nuclear magnetic resonance, we report the discovery of CDW induced by an in-plane field, setting in above the dome in single-layered Bi2Sr2−x
La
x
CuO6. The onset temperature TCDW takes over the antiferromagnetic order temperature TN beyond a critical doping level at which superconductivity starts to emerge, and scales with the pseudogap temperature T*. These results provide important insights into the relationship between spin order, CDW and the pseudogap, and their connections to high-temperature superconductivity.
Direct interaction of food derived colloidal micro/nano-particles with oral macrophages
Authors: Ke Lijing , Wang Huiqin , Gao Guanzhen , Rao Pingfan , He Lei , Zhou Jianwu
Published: October 2017

Like any typical food system, bone soup (or broth), a traditional nourishing food in many cultures, contains a colloid dispersion of self-assembled micro/nano-particles. Food ingestion results in the direct contact of food colloidal MNPs with immune cells. Will they ever interact with each other? To answer the question, MNPs and NPs were separated from porcine bone soup and labeled with Nile Red, and their uptake by murine oral macrophages and its consequent effects were investigated. Colloidal particle samples of UF-MNPs and SEC-NP were prepared from porcine bone soup by ultrafiltration (UF) and size-exclusion chromatography, respectively. Their mean hydrodynamic diameters were 248 ± 10 nm and 170 ± 1 nm with dominant composition of protein and lipid. Particles in both samples were found to be internalized by oral macrophages upon co-incubation at particle/cell ratios of 14,000/1. In normal oral macrophages, the particle uptake exerted influence neither on the cellular cytosolic membrane potential (Vmem) nor mitochondrial superoxide level, as were indicated with fluorescent dyes of DiBAC4(3) and MitoSOX Red, respectively. However, when oral macrophages were challenged by peroxyl radical inducer AAPH, the engulfment of UF-MNPs and SEC-NPs mitigated the peroxyl radical induced membrane hyperpolarization effect by up to 70%, and the suppression on the oxygen respiration in mitochondria by up to 100%. Those results provide evidence of the direct interaction between food colloidal particles with immune cells, implying a possible new mode of food-body interaction.
Temporal consistency between gross primary production and solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in the ten most populous megacity areas over years
Authors: Cui Yaoping , Xiao Xiangming , Zhang Yao , Dong Jinwei , Qin Yuanwei , Doughty Russell B. , Zhang Geli , Wang Jie , Wu Xiaocui , Qin Yaochen , Zhou Shenghui , Joiner Joanna , Moore Berrien
Published: October 2017

The gross primary production (GPP) of vegetation in urban areas plays an important role in the study of urban ecology. It is difficult however, to accurately estimate GPP in urban areas, mostly due to the complexity of impervious land surfaces, buildings, vegetation, and management. Recently, we used the Vegetation Photosynthesis Model (VPM), climate data, and satellite images to estimate the GPP of terrestrial ecosystems including urban areas. Here, we report VPM-based GPP (GPPvpm) estimates for the world’s ten most populous megacities during 2000–2014. The seasonal dynamics of GPPvpm during 2007–2014 in the ten megacities track well that of the solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) data from GOME-2 at 0.5° × 0.5° resolution. Annual GPPvpm during 2000–2014 also shows substantial variation among the ten megacities, and year-to-year trends show increases, no change, and decreases. Urban expansion and vegetation collectively impact GPP variations in these megacities. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of a satellite-based vegetation photosynthesis model for diagnostic studies of GPP and the terrestrial carbon cycle in urban areas.
Distinguishing crystallization stages and their influence on quantum efficiency during perovskite solar cell formation in real-time
Authors: Wagner Lukas , Mundt Laura E. , Mathiazhagan Gayathri , Mundus Markus , Schubert Martin C. , Mastroianni Simone , Würfel Uli , Hinsch Andreas , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: October 2017

Relating crystallization of the absorber layer in a perovskite solar cell (PSC) to the device performance is a key challenge for the process development and in-depth understanding of these types of high efficient solar cells. A novel approach that enables real-time photo-physical and electrical characterization using a graphite-based PSC is introduced in this work. In our graphite-based PSC, the device architecture of porous monolithic contact layers creates the possibility to perform photovoltaic measurements while the perovskite crystallizes within this scaffold. The kinetics of crystallization in a solution based 2-step formation process has been analyzed by real-time measurement of the external photon to electron quantum efficiency as well as the photoluminescence emission spectra of the solar cell. With this method it was in particular possible to identify a previously overlooked crystallization stage during the formation of the perovskite absorber layer. This stage has significant influence on the development of the photocurrent, which is attributed to the formation of electrical pathways between the electron and hole contact, enabling efficient charge carrier extraction. We observe that in contrast to previously suggested models, the perovskite layer formation is indeed not complete with the end of crystal growth.
An impending inhibitor useful for the oil and gas production industry: Weight loss, electrochemical, surface and quantum chemical calculation
Authors: Singh Ambrish , Ansari K. R. , Xu Xihua , Sun Zhipeng , Kumar Ashok , Lin Yuanhua
Published: October 2017

The influence of a Schiff base namely N,N′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(1-(4-methoxyphenyl) methanimine) (PM) on the corrosion of J55 and N80 steel in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution saturated with CO2was evaluated using weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Potentiodynamic polarization results suggested that the inhibitor acted as a mixed type inhibitor by reducing both anodic and cathodic reactions. The adsorption of PM on the J55 and N80 steel surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. XRD, contact angle, SEM, AFM and SECM studies revealed that the surface of the metal was quite unaffected after the addition of inhibitor. Quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamic simulation support the experimental results well.
A model integrating tonic and antigen-triggered BCR signals to predict the survival of primary B cells
Authors: Yasuda Shoya , Zhou Yang , Wang Yanqing , Yamamura Masayuki , Wang Ji-Yang
Published: October 2017

The BCR constitutively transmits a “tonic” survival signal in the absence of exogenous antigen-binding. However, the strength of tonic BCR signal and its relationship with antigen-triggered survival signal are poorly understood. We found that primary B cells expressing high levels of BCR had elevated BCR tonic signal and increased survival compared with those expressing low levels of BCR. In addition, we found that crosslinking BCR with low doses of F(ab′)2 α-IgM antibodies did not enhance, but rather decreased, B cell survival and that only when most of the BCR were occupied by F(ab′)2 α-IgM antibodies was B cell survival enhanced. Based on these experimental results, we present a mathematical model integrating tonic and antigen-triggered BCR signals. Our model indicates that the signal generated from crosslinked BCR is 4.3 times as strong as the tonic signal generated from free BCR and that the threshold of B cell activation corresponds to the signal generated by crosslinking 61% of the surface BCR. This model also allows the prediction of the survival probability of a B cell based on its initial BCR level and the strength and duration of antigen stimulation, and fits with the mechanism of B cell tolerance.
Structural basis of katanin p60:p80 complex formation
Authors: Rezabkova Lenka , Jiang Kai , Capitani Guido , Prota Andrea E. , Akhmanova Anna , Steinmetz Michel O. , Kammerer Richard A.
Published: October 2017

Interactions between microtubule (MT) interacting and trafficking (MIT) domains and their binding proteins are important for the accurate progression of many cellular processes that require the AAA+ ATPase machinery. Therefore, knowledge on the structural basis of MIT domain interactions is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying AAA+ ATPase function. Katanin is a MT-severing AAA+ ATPase that consists of p60 and p80 subunits. Although, the hexameric p60 subunit is active alone, its association with the p80 subunit greatly enhances both the MT-binding and -severing activities of katanin. However, the molecular mechanism of how the p80 subunit contributes to katanin function is currently unknown. Here, we structurally and functionally characterized the interaction between the two katanin subunits that is mediated by the p60-MIT domain and the p80 C-terminal domain (p80-CTD). We show that p60-MIT and p80-CTD form a tight heterodimeric complex, whose high-resolution structure we determined by X-ray crystallography. Based on the crystal structure, we identified two conserved charged residues that are important for p60-MIT:p80-CTD complex formation and katanin function. Moreover, p60-MIT was compared with other MIT domain structures and similarities are discussed.
Differentially expressed genes in the caecal and colonic mucosa of Landrace finishing pigs with high and low food conversion ratios
Authors: Tan Zhen , Wang Yuan , Yang Ting , Xing Kai , Ao Hong , Chen Shaokang , Zhang Fengxia , Zhao Xitong , Liu Jianfeng , Wang Chuduan
Published: October 2017

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) is an essential economic trait for pig production, and is directly related to feed efficiency. Studies identifying the differential expression of functional genes involved in biological and molecular mechanisms in the intestine in relation to growth performance are rare. In this study, RNA-Seq was used to identify transcriptomes in caecal and colonic mucosal tissues in order to determine the differential expression of genes from two full-sibling pairs and two half-sibling pairs of Landrace finishing pigs with opposing FCR phenotypes. In total, 138 (comparison of high and low FCR in caecal mucosa), 64 (comparison of high and low FCR in colonic mucosa), and 165 (contrast between the caecal and colonic mucosa) differentially expressed genes were identified. Some of these genes were functionally related to energy and lipid metabolism, particularly short chain fatty acids metabolism, as well as gastrointestinal peristalsis and ion transport. Functional annotation were performed to identify differentially expressed genes, such as GUCA2A, GUCA2B, HSP70.2, NOS2, PCK1, SLCs, and CYPs, which may positively influence feed efficiency in Landrace pigs. These differentially expressed genes need to be further tested for candidate genes that are related to feed efficiency.
Microfluidic preparation of anchored cell membrane sheets for in vitro analyses and manipulation of the cytoplasmic face
Authors: Izuta Shin , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Misawa Ryuji , Yamahira Shinya , Tan Modong , Kawahara Masahiro , Suzuki Tomoko , Takagi Tomoko , Sato Kae , Nakamura Motonao , Nagamune Teruyuki , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: October 2017

Molecular networks on the cytoplasmic faces of cellular plasma membranes are critical research topics in biological sciences and medicinal chemistry. However, the selective permeability of the cell membrane restricts the researchers from accessing to the intact intracellular factors on the membrane from the outside. Here, a microfluidic method to prepare cell membrane sheets was developed as a promising tool for direct examination of the cytoplasmic faces of cell membranes. Mammalian cells immobilized on a poly(ethylene glycol)-lipid coated substrate were rapidly and efficiently fractured, with the sheer stress of laminar flow in microchannels, resulting in isolation of the bottom cell membrane sheets with exposed intact cytoplasmic faces. On these faces of the cell membrane sheets, both ligand-induced phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases and selective enzymatic modification of a G-protein coupling receptor were directly observed. Thus, the present cell membrane sheet should serve as a unique platform for studies providing new insights into juxta-membrane molecular networks and drug discovery.
Noble metal-coated MoS2 nanofilms with vertically-aligned 2D layers for visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of emerging water contaminants
Authors: Islam Md Ashraful , Church Jared , Han Changseok , Chung Hee-Suk , Ji Eunji , Kim Jong Hun , Choudhary Nitin , Lee Gwan-Hyoung , Lee Woo Hyoung , Jung Yeonwoong
Published: October 2017

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D MoS2) presents extraordinary optical, electrical, and chemical properties which are highly tunable by engineering the orientation of constituent 2D layers. 2D MoS2 films with vertically-aligned layers exhibit numerous 2D edge sites which are predicted to offer superior chemical reactivity owing to their enriched dangling bonds. This enhanced chemical reactivity coupled with their tunable band gap energy can render the vertical 2D MoS2 unique opportunities for environmental applications that go beyond the conventional applications of horizontal 2D MoS2 in electronics/opto-electronics. Herein, we report that MoS2 films with vertically-aligned 2D layers exhibit excellent visible light responsive photocatalytic activities for efficiently degrading organic compounds in contaminated water such as harmful algal blooms. We demonstrate the visible light-driven rapid degradation of microcystin-LR, one of the most toxic compounds produced by the algal blooms, and reveal that the degradation efficiency can be significantly improved by incorporating noble metals. This study suggests a high promise of these emerging 2D materials for water treatment, significantly broadening their versatility for a wide range of energy and environmental applications.
Lasting deficit in inhibitory control with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Xu Benjamin , Sandrini Marco , Levy Sarah , Volochayev Rita , Awosika Oluwole , Butman John A. , Pham Dzung L. , Cohen Leonardo G.
Published: October 2017

Being able to focus on a complex task and inhibit unwanted actions or interfering information (i.e., inhibitory control) are essential human cognitive abilities. However, it remains unknown the extent to which mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may impact these critical functions. In this study, seventeen patients and age-matched healthy controls (HC) performed a variant of the Stroop task and attention-demanding 4-choice response tasks (4CRT) with identical stimuli but two contexts: one required only routine responses and the other with occasional response conflicts. The results showed that mTBI patients performed equally well as the HC when the 4CRT required only routine responses. However, when the task conditions included occasional response conflicts, mTBI patients with even a single concussion showed a significant slow-down in all responses and higher error rates relative to the HC. Results from event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (efMRI) revealed altered neural activity in the mTBI patients in the cerebellum-thalamo-cortical and the fronto-basal-ganglia networks regulating inhibitory control. These results suggest that even without apparent difficulties in performing complex attention-demanding but routine tasks, patients with mTBI may experience long-lasting deficits in regulating inhibitory control when situations call for rapid conflict resolutions.
Specific and intrinsic sequence patterns extracted by deep learning from intra-protein binding and non-binding peptide fragments
Authors: Wang Yuhong , Huang Junzhou , Li Wei , Wang Sheng , Ding Chuanfan
Published: October 2017

The key finding in the DNA double helix model is the specific pairing or binding between nucleotides A-T and C-G, and the pairing rules are the molecule basis of genetic code. Unfortunately, no such rules have been discovered for proteins. Here we show that intrinsic sequence patterns between intra-protein binding peptide fragments exist, they can be extracted using a deep learning algorithm, and they bear an interesting semblance to the DNA double helix model. The intra-protein binding peptide fragments have specific and intrinsic sequence patterns, distinct from non-binding peptide fragments, and multi-millions of binding and non-binding peptide fragments from currently available protein X-ray structures are classified with an accuracy of up to 93%. The specific binding between short peptide fragments may provide an important driving force for protein folding and protein-protein interaction, two open and fundamental problems in molecular biology, and it may have significant potential in design, discovery, and development of peptide, protein, and antibody drugs.
Efficacy of an Adenoviral Vectored Multivalent Centralized Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Lingel Amy , Bullard Brianna L. , Weaver Eric A.
Published: October 2017

Mice were immunized with Adenovirus expressing the H1-con, H2-con, H3-con and H5-con HA consensus genes in combination (multivalent) and compared to mice immunized with the traditional 2010–2011 FluZone and FluMist seasonal vaccines. Immunized mice were challenged with 10–100 MLD50 of H1N1, H3N1, H3N2 and H5N1 influenza viruses. The traditional vaccines induced robust levels of HA inhibition (HI) titers, but failed to protect against five different heterologous lethal influenza challenges. Conversely, the multivalent consensus vaccine (1 × 1010 virus particles (vp)/mouse) induced protective HI titers of ≥40 against 8 of 10 influenza viruses that represent a wide degree of divergence within the HA subtypes and protected 100% of mice from 8 of 9 lethal heterologous influenza virus challenges. The vaccine protection was dose dependent, in general, and a dose as low as 5 × 107 vp/mouse still provided 100% survival against 7 of 9 lethal heterologous influenza challenges. These data indicate that very low doses of Adenovirus-vectored consensus vaccines induce superior levels of immunity against a wide divergence of influenza subtypes as compared to traditional vaccines. These doses are scalable and translatable to humans and may provide the foundation for complete and long-lasting anti-influenza immunity.
Chromium carbide/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Structure Assisted Copper Composites with Low Temperature Coefficient of Resistance
Authors: Cho Seungchan , Kikuchi Keiko , Lee Eunkyung , Choi Moonhee , Jo Ilguk , Lee Sang-Bok , Lee Sang-Kwan , Kawasaki Akira
Published: October 2017

In order to explore the possibility of using carbon nanotube (CNT) to introduce and control the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of metal matrix composite, relatively thick and short multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were introduced in the metal matrix with in-situ formation of chromium carbide (Cr7C3) at the CNT/copper (Cu) interface. We demonstrate that incompatible properties such as electrical conductivity and TCR can be achieved simultaneously by introducing MWCNTs in the Cu matrix, with control of the interfacial resistivity using the MWCNT/Cr7C3–Cu system. High electrical conductivity of 94.66 IACS and low TCR of 1,451 10–6 °C−1 are achieved in the 5 vol.% MWCNT–CuCr composite. In-situ formation of Cr7C3 nanostructures at the MWCNT/Cu interface by reaction of diffused Cr atoms and amorphous carbon of MWCNTs would assist in improving the electrical properties of the MWCNT–CuCr composites.
Increased synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins leads to endoplasmic reticulum stress in the trabecular meshwork
Authors: Kasetti Ramesh B. , Maddineni Prabhavathi , Millar J. Cameron , Clark Abbot F. , Zode Gulab S.
Published: October 2017

Increased synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in the trabecular meshwork (TM) is associated with TM dysfunction and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma. However, it is not understood how ECM accumulation leads to TM dysfunction and IOP elevation. Using a mouse model of glucocorticoid (GC)-induced glaucoma, primary human TM cells and human post-mortem TM tissues, we show that increased ECM accumulation leads to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the TM. The potent GC, dexamethasone (Dex) increased the secretory protein load of ECM proteins in the ER of TM cells, inducing ER stress. Reduction of fibronectin, a major regulator of ECM structure, prevented ER stress in Dex-treated TM cells. Overexpression of fibronectin via treatment with cellular fibronectin also induced chronic ER stress in primary human TM cells. Primary human TM cells grown on ECM derived from Dex-treated TM cells induced ER stress markers. TM cells were more prone to ER stress from ECM accumulation compared to other ocular cell types. Moreover, increased co-localization of ECM proteins with ER stress markers was observed in human post-mortem glaucomatous TM tissues. These data indicate that ER stress is associated with increased ECM accumulation in mouse and human glaucomatous TM tissues.
Subclinical pulmonary dysfunction contributes to high altitude pulmonary edema susceptibility in healthy non-mountaineers
Authors: Gupta Rajinder K. , Soree Poonam , Desiraju Koundinya , Agrawal Anurag , Singh Shashi Bala
Published: October 2017

HAPE susceptible (HAPE-S, had HAPE episode in past) subjects may have subclinical cardio-pulmonary dysfunction. We compared the results of pulmonary function tests in 25 healthy HAPE-S non-mountaineers and 19 matched HAPE resistant (HAPE-R, no HAPE episode in past). Acute normobaric hypoxia (FIo2 0.12) was administered at sea level to confirm hypoxia intolerance in HAPE-S. Unlike HAPE-R, HAPE-S subjects had elevated baseline and post-hypoxia systolic pulmonary arterial pressures (20.9 ± 3 vs 27.3 ± 5 mm Hg during normoxia and 26.2 ± 6 vs 45.44 ± 10 mm Hg during hypoxia, HAPE-R vs HAPE-S). Forced vital capacity (FVC) and single breath alveolar volume (SBVA) were significantly lower in HAPE-S compared to HAPE-R (FVC: 4.33 ± 0.5 vs 4.6 ± 0.4; SBVA: 5.17 ± 1 vs 5.6 ± 1 Lt; HAPE-S vs HAPE-R). Two subgroups with abnormal pulmonary function could be identified within HAPE-S; HAPE-S1 (n = 4) showed DLCO>140% of predicted, suggestive of asthma and HAPE-S2 (n = 12) showed restrictive pattern. Each of these patterns have previously been linked to early small airway disease and may additionally represent a lower cross-sectional area of the pulmonary vascular bed, related to lower lung volumes. HAPE susceptibility in healthy non-mountaineers may be related to sub-clinical pulmonary pathology that limits compensatory rise in ventilation and pulmonary circulation during hypoxic stress.
3D MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging of a Single Cell: Spatial Mapping of Lipids in the Embryonic Development of Zebrafish
Authors: Dueñas Maria Emilia , Essner Jeffrey J. , Lee Young Jin
Published: October 2017

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been widely used as a model vertebrate system to study lipid metabolism, the roles of lipids in diseases, and lipid dynamics in embryonic development. Here, we applied high-spatial resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to map and visualize the three-dimensional spatial distribution of phospholipid classes, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamines (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI), in newly fertilized individual zebrafish embryos. This is the first time MALDI-MSI has been applied for three dimensional chemical imaging of a single cell. PC molecular species are present inside the yolk in addition to the blastodisc, while PE and PI species are mostly absent in the yolk. Two-dimensional MSI was also studied for embryos at different cell stages (1-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-cell stage) to investigate the localization changes of some lipids at various cell developmental stages. Four different normalization approaches were compared to find reliable relative quantification in 2D- and 3D- MALDI MSI data sets.
Ruling out dark matter interpretation of the galactic GeV excess by gamma-ray data of galaxy clusters
Authors: Chan Man Ho , Leung Chung Hei
Published: October 2017

Recently, some very tight constraints of annihilating dark matter have been obtained from gamma-ray data of the Milky Way and Milky Way dwarf spheroidal satellite galaxies. In this article, we report that there are two excellent galaxy clusters (A2877 and Fornax) which can provide interesting constraints for annihilating dark matter. The lower limits of the dark matter mass for the thermal relic annihilation cross section are 25 GeV, 6 GeV, 130 GeV and 100 GeV respectively for the e+e−, μ+μ−, τ+τ− and $$b\bar{b}$$
b

b

¯

channels. For some configuration of our working assumptions, our results improve the Fermi-LAT upper limits of annihilation cross sections by a factor of 1.3 − 1.8 for wide ranges of dark matter mass for e+e−, μ+μ− and $$b\bar{b}$$
b

b

¯

channels, and a factor of 1.2–1.8 for τ+τ− channel with dark matter mass ≤100 GeV. These limits basically rule out most of the existing popular dark matter interpretation of the GeV excess in the Milky Way.
Distribution of entangled photon pairs over few-mode fibers
Authors: Cui Liang , Su Jie , Li Xiaoying , Ou Z. Y.
Published: October 2017

Few-mode fibers (FMFs) have been recently employed in classical optical communication to increase the data transmission capacity. Here we explore the capability of employing FMF for long distance quantum communication. We experimentally distribute photon pairs in the forms of time-bin and polarization entanglement over a 1-km-long FMF. We find the time-bin entangled photon pairs maintain their high degree of entanglement, no matter what type of spatial modes they are distributed in. For the polarization entangled photon pairs, however, the degree of entanglement is maintained when photon pairs are distributed in LP01 mode but significantly declines when photon pairs are distributed in LP11 mode due to a mode coupling effect in LP11 mode group. We propose and test a remedy to recover the high degree of entanglement. Our study shows, when FMFs are employed as quantum channels, selection of spatial channels and degrees of freedom of entanglement should be carefully considered.
In Vivo Monitoring for Regional Changes of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 1 (mGluR1) in Pilocarpine-Induced Epileptic Rat Brain by Small-Animal PET
Authors: Yamasaki Tomoteru , Fujinaga Masayuki , Mori Wakana , Zhang Yiding , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Nengaki Nobuki , Xie Lin , Hatori Akiko , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: October 2017

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 1 (mGluR1) is a crucial pharmacological target for several central nervous system disorders. In this study, we aimed to monitor in vivo regional changes of mGluR1 related to neuroinflammation in the brains of rats after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (PISE) using longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET). PISE was induced in rats by administering lithium chloride, followed by repeated pilocarpine hydrochloride treatments. PET assessments were conducted using N-[4-[6-(isopropylamino)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-N-methyl-4-[11C]methylbenzamide ([11C]ITDM), a selective radioligand for mGluR1, and N-benzyl-N-[11C]methyl-2-(7-methyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-7,8-dihydro-9H-purin-9-yl)acetamide ([11C]DAC), a selective translocator protein PET ligand for neuroinflammation monitoring. PET scans were conducted on PISE rats at 1 day (acute), 1 week (subacute) and 3 weeks (chronic) after repeated seizures. PET with [11C]ITDM showed significant decreases of mGluR1 availability (BPND) in the thalamus and hippocampus after PISE over the chronic period. Conversely, PET with [11C]DAC exhibited a significant increase of radioactive uptake in the forebrain after the acute period, especially in the thalamus. These conflicting changes in the thalamus indicated negative correlation. In conclusion, PET with [11C]ITDM could successfully visualize hippocampal and thalamic declines of mGluR1 related to neuroinflammation, which would help further understanding for mGluR1 functions in neuroexcitotoxicity.
Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia should be a new requirement in intracavernosal pressure detection—the gold standard of erectile function assessment
Authors: Li Jinhong , Wu Changjing , Fu Fudong , You Xuanhe , Gao Liang , Wazir Romel , Qin Feng , Han Ping , Yuan Jiuhong
Published: October 2017

Intracavernosal pressure (ICP) is gold standard for the detection of erectile function in animals, but no consensus has yet been achieved on what kind of anesthetic protocol should be applied. A total of 16 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. In group A, chloral hydrate was injected intraperitoneally. Rats in group B were induced in 5% isoflurane for 3 min and then maintained in 1.0–1.5% isoflurane. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate were monitored during all experiments. After ICP detection, tail vein and carotid artery blood were collected. The maximum ICP value, MAP and ICP/MAP ratio in group B was significantly higher than in that of group A. The RR in group A was lower than in that of group B, but the heart rate in group A was higher than in group B. There were no significant differences in both pO2 and pCO2 between groups. While the data showed that animals in group A were relatively hypoxemic. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia in detection of erectile function could offer a relatively more stable physical state than in that under the effect of chloral hydrate intraperitoneal anesthesia. Isoflurane inhalation anesthesia is more suitable for ICP test.
Altered B-lymphopoiesis in mice with deregulated thrombopoietin signaling
Authors: Au Amanda E. , Lebois Marion , Sim Starling A. , Cannon Ping , Corbin Jason , Gangatirkar Pradnya , Hyland Craig D. , Moujalled Diane , Rutgersson Angelika , Yassinson Fatme , Kile Benjamin T. , Mason Kylie D. , Ng Ashley P. , Alexander Warren S. , Josefsson Emma C.
Published: October 2017

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the master cytokine regulator of megakaryopoiesis. In addition to regulation of megakaryocyte and platelet number, TPO is important for maintaining proper hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. It was previously shown that a number of lymphoid genes were upregulated in HSCs from Tpo−/− mice. We investigated if absent or enhanced TPO signaling would influence normal B-lymphopoiesis. Absent TPO signaling in Mpl−/− mice led to enrichment of a common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) signature in multipotential lineage-negative Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) cells and an increase in CLP formation. Moreover, Mpl−/− mice exhibited increased numbers of PreB2 and immature B-cells in bone marrow and spleen, with an increased proportion of B-lymphoid cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conversely, elevated TPO signaling in Tpo
Tg
mice was associated with reduced B-lymphopoiesis. Although at steady state, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts were normal in both models, Mpl−/− Eµ-myc mice showed an enhanced preneoplastic phase with increased numbers of splenic PreB2 and immature B-cells, a reduced quiescent fraction, and augmented blood lymphocyte counts. Thus, although Mpl is not expressed on lymphoid cells, TPO signaling may indirectly influence B-lymphopoiesis and the preneoplastic state in Myc-driven B-cell lymphomagenesis by lineage priming in multipotential progenitor cells.
Interactions of Notch1 and TLR4 signaling pathways in DRG neurons of in vivo and in vitro models of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Chen Tianhua , Li Hao , Yin Yiting , Zhang Yuanpin , Liu Zhen , Liu Huaxiang
Published: October 2017

Understanding the interactions between Notch1 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathways in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy may lead to interpretation of the mechanisms and novel approaches for preventing diabetic neuropathic pain. In the present study, the interactions between Notch1 and TLR4 signaling pathways were investigated by using dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from diabetic neuropathic pain rats and cultured DRG neurons under high glucose challenge. The results showed that high glucose induced not only Notch1 mRNA, HES1 mRNA, and TLR4 mRNA expression, but also Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) and TLR4 protein expression in DRG neurons. The proportion of NICD1-immunoreactive (IR) and TLR4-IR neurons in DRG cultures was also increased after high glucose challenge. The above alterations could be partially reversed by inhibition of either Notch1 or TLR4 signaling pathway. Inhibition of either Notch1 or TLR4 signaling pathway could improve mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia thresholds. Inhibition of Notch1 or TLR4 signaling also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in DRG from diabetic neuropathic rats. These data imply that the interaction between Notch1 and TLR4 signaling pathways is one of the important mechanisms in the development or progression of diabetic neuropathy.
Stable Nuclei of Nucleoprotein Filament and High ssDNA Binding Affinity Contribute to Enhanced RecA E38K Recombinase Activity
Authors: Lu Chih-Hao , Chang Ting-Tzu , Cho Chia-Chuan , Lin Hui-Cin , Li Hung-Wen
Published: October 2017

RecA plays central roles in the homologous recombination to repair double-stranded DNA break damage inE.coli. A previously identifiedrecAstrain surviving high doses of UV radiation includes a dominant RecA E38K mutation. Using single-molecule experiments, we showed that the RecA E38K variant protein assembles nucleoprotein filaments more rapidly than the wild-type RecA. We also used a single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiment to compare the nucleation cluster dynamics of wild-type RecA and RecA E38K mutants on various short ssDNA substrates. At shorter ssDNA, nucleation clusters of RecA E38K form dynamically, while only few were seen in wild-type RecA. RecA E38K also forms stable nuclei by specifically lowering the dissociation rate constant,kd. These observations provide evidence that greater nuclei stability and higher ssDNA binding affinity contribute to the observed enhanced recombination activity of the RecA E38K mutant. Given that assembly of RecA nucleoprotein filaments is the first committed step in recombinational repair processes, enhancement at this step gives rise to a more efficient recombinase.
Regional gray matter volume is associated with trait modesty: Evidence from voxel-based morphometry
Authors: Zheng Chuhua , Wu Qiong , Jin Yan , Wu Yanhong
Published: October 2017

Modesty when defined as a personality trait, is highly beneficial to interpersonal relationship, group performance, and mental health. However, the potential neural underpinnings of trait modesty remain poorly understood. In the current study, we used voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate the structural neural basis of trait modesty in Chinese college students. VBM results showed that higher trait modesty score was associated with lager regional gray matter volume in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, left superior temporal gyrus/left temporal pole, and right posterior insular cortex. These results suggest that individual differences in trait modesty are linked to brain regions associated with self-evaluation, self-regulation, and social cognition. The results remained robust after controlling the confounding factor of global self-esteem, suggesting unique structural correlates of trait modesty. These findings provide evidence for the structural neural basis of individual differences in trait modesty.
Oxygenated group and structural defect enriched carbon nanotubes for immobilizing gold nanoparticles
Authors: Luo Jingjie , Wei Hua , Liu Yuefeng , Zhang Di , Zhang Bingsen , Chu Wei , Pham-Huu Cuong , Su Dang Sheng
Published: October 2017

Surface functionalized and defect enriched carbon nanotubes (oCNTs) by green ozone/H2O treatment can efficiently anchor gold nanoparticles.
cis-Specific cyanofluorination of vinyl azides enabled by electron-donor–acceptor complexes: synthesis of α-azido-β-fluoronitriles
Authors: Wu Shu-Wei , Liu Jia-Li , Liu Feng
Published: October 2017

The reaction protocol is operationally simple and conducted under an aerobic atmosphere, allowing highly functionalized α-azido-β-fluoronitriles bearing a quaternary carbon to be furnished, that are difficult to access by existing methods.
Polymorphs of daidzein and intermolecular interaction effect on solution crystallization
Authors: Jia Lina , Xu Shijie , Liu Shiyuan , Du Shichao , Wu Songgu , Gong Junbo
Published: October 2017

Polymorphs of DAID with enhanced dissolution rates were discovered and the intermolecular interaction effect on crystallization behavior was investigated.
Weak ferromagnetic ordering in brownmillerite Ca2Fe2O5 and its effect on electric field gradients
Authors: Kagomiya Isao , Hirota Yuki , Kakimoto Ken-ichi , Fujii Kotaro , Shiraiwa Masahiro , Yashima Masatomo , Fuwa Akio , Nakamura Shin
Published: October 2017

Electric field gradients in weakly ferromagnetic CaFe2O5 remarkably change below TN, because of local electric polarizations induced by Dzyalosinskii-Moriya interactions.
Computational study of the DPAP molecular rotor in various environments: from force field development to molecular dynamics simulations and spectroscopic calculations
Authors: Macchiagodena Marina , Del Frate Gianluca , Brancato Giuseppe , Chandramouli Balasubramanian , Mancini Giordano , Barone Vincenzo
Published: October 2017

A computational investigation of DPAP fluorescent molecular rotor in various chemical environments is presented.
Joint experimental and theoretical studies of the surprising stability of the aryl pentazole upon noncovalent binding to β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Yang Yu-Zhang , Liu Xiao-Feng , Zhang Ru-bo , Pang Si-Ping
Published: October 2017

Large enhancement in the thermal stability of aryl pentazole is confirmed experimentally and theoretically through the formation of a host–guest complex with β-cyclodextrin
Real-time observation of the photoionization-induced water rearrangement dynamics in the 5-hydroxyindole–water cluster by time-resolved IR spectroscopy
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuhiko , Naito Ayumi , Ikeda Takamasa , Klyne Johanna , Sakota Kenji , Sekiya Hiroshi , Dopfer Otto , Fujii Masaaki
Published: October 2017

Climbing the ladder by energy accumulation through IVR takes more than a nanosecond.
Synthesis and reactivity of thiolate-bridged multi-iron complexes supported by cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene
Authors: Zhang Yanpeng , Mei Tao , Yang Dawei , Zhang Yixin , Wang Baomin , Qu Jingping
Published: October 2017

The combined utilization of Me2-cAAC (Me2-cAAC = :C(CH2)(CMe2)2N-2,6-iPr2C6H3) and thiolates as supporting ligands enables the access of unprecedented carbene coordinated thiolate-bridged diiron(ii) complexes [(Me2-cAAC)Fe(μ-SR)(Br)]2(R = Me,3; R = Et,4).
Location and orientation of lone pairs in apatite-type materials: a computational study
Authors: Peet J. R. , Piovano A. , Johnson M. R. , Evans I. Radosavljevic
Published: October 2017

Locations and orientations of the lone pairs in apatite-type oxide-ion conductor Bi2La8Ge6O27.
Lactobacillus plantarum HNU082-derived improvements in the intestinal microbiome prevent the development of hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Shao Yuyu , Huo Dongxue , Peng Qiannan , Pan Yuyang , Jiang Shuaiming , Liu Bin , Zhang Jiachao
Published: October 2017

We described Lactobacillus plantarum HNU082 consumption-derived changes in the intestinal microbiome and their correlation with the occurrence and development of hyperlipidaemia.
A new method for the determination of cadmium at ultratrace levels using slotted quartz tube-flame atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration with stearic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Akkaya Erhan , Aylin Kasa Nursu , Çetin Gülten , Bakirdere Sezgin
Published: October 2017

A combination of slotted quartz tube attached flame atomic absorption spectrometry (SQT-FAAS) and stearic acid coated magnetite nanoparticle based solid phase microextraction (SPME-MNP) was used for the determination of ultratrace amounts of cadmium.
Janus DNA orthogonal adsorption of graphene oxide and metal oxide nanoparticles enabling stable sensing in serum
Authors: Liu Biwu , Ma Lingzi , Huang Zhicheng , Hu Hao , Wu Peng , Liu Juewen
Published: October 2017

Sensing DNA in a complex sample matrix using the adsorption difference between DNA and proteins on nanomaterials.
Is the largest aqueous gold cluster a superatom complex? Electronic structure & optical response of the structurally determined Au146(p-MBA)57
Authors: López-Lozano Xóchitl , Plascencia-Villa G. , Calero G. , Whetten R. L. , Weissker Hans-Christian
Published: October 2017

The novel structure-determined Au146(SCH3)57 cluster has no super-atom character, unlike the icosahedral Au144(SCH3)60, and does not derive its stability from an electronic shell closure.
A strong and flexible electronic vessel for real-time monitoring of temperature, motions and flow
Authors: Zhang Wei , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: October 2017

In this work, a strong and flexible tubular sensor was designed to realize continuous monitoring of temperature, behaviors and pulsed frequency of fluid and pressure by combining braiding, microfluidics technology and electrospinning.
Correction: Wafer-scale reliable switching memory based on 2-dimensional layered organic–inorganic halide perovskite
Authors: Seo Ja-Young , Choi Jaeho , Kim Hui-Seon , Kim Jaegyeom , Yang June-Mo , Cuhadar Can , Han Ji Su , Kim Seung-Joo , Lee Donghwa , Jang Ho Won , Park Nam-Gyu
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Wafer-scale reliable switching memory based on 2-dimensional layered organic–inorganic halide perovskite’ by Ja-Young Seo, et al., Nanoscale, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05582j.
Stereochemistry and mechanistic insights in the [2t + 2i + 2i] annulations of thioketenes and imines
Authors: He Wei , Zhuang Junpeng , Du Hongguang , Yang Zhanhui , Xu Jiaxi
Published: October 2017

The mechanism and stereochemistry of [2t + 2i + 2i] annulations between one thioketene molecule and two imine molecules have been studied experimentally and theoretically.
Visible-light-promoted selective C–H amination of heteroarenes with heteroaromatic amines under metal-free conditions
Authors: Samanta Supravat , Ravi Chitrakar , Rao Sadu Nageswara , Joshi Abhisek , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: October 2017

The regioselective C–H amination of quinoline amides (C5) and imidazopyridines (C3) under transition-metal-free conditions at room temperature with a high degree of functional group tolerance is reported.
Correction: Increased hydrophobic block length of PTDMs promotes protein internalization
Authors: Backlund Coralie M. , Sgolastra Federica , Otter Ronja , Minter Lisa M. , Takeuchi Toshihide , Futaki Shiroh , Tew Gregory N.
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Increased hydrophobic block length of PTDMs promotes protein internalization’ by Coralie M. Backlund, et al., Polym. Chem., 2016, 7, 7514–7521.
The catalytic performances and reaction mechanism of nanoparticle Cd/Ce–Ti oxide catalysts for NH3-SCR reaction
Authors: Duan Zhichen , Chi Kebin , Liu Jian , Shi Juan , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang , Song Weiyu
Published: October 2017

Ce0.3–TiOxnanoparticle carrier was prepared by the sol–gel method, and a series of Cd–Ce–Ti nanoparticle catalysts with variable Cd contents were prepared by the means of an improved incipient-wetness impregnation.
The diversities of magnetic behaviors appearing simultaneously in three isomorphs based on 1H-tetrazolyl-acetic acid ligand
Authors: Yan Tong , Du Lin , Sun Lin , Zhang Xiao-Feng , Wang Tao , Feng Jing , Zhou Jie , Zhao Qi-Hua
Published: October 2017

There isomorphous complexes with 1H-tetrazolyl-acetic acid (TAA) have been synthesized, showing diverse magnetic properties: typical antiferromagnetic for 1, ferromagnetic for 2 and the spin glass behaviour for 3.
Collagen modified with epoxidized safrole for improving antibacterial activity
Authors: Xu Zhou , Chang Jinming , Zhang Peikun , Guan Xiaoyu , Chen Yi , Fan Haojun
Published: October 2017

An epoxidized safrole, 5-(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-benzo[d][1,3]dioxole (OYBD), was synthesized and employed to modify collagen for improving its antibacterial activity.
Gas sensing performance at room temperature of nanogap interdigitated electrodes for detection of acetone at low concentration
Authors: Minh Q. Nguyen , Tong H. D. , Kuijk A. , van de Bent F. , Beekman P. , van Rijn C. J. M.
Published: October 2017

A facile approach for the fabrication of large-scale interdigitated nanogap electrodes (nanogap IDEs) with a controllable gap was demonstrated with conventional micro-fabrication technology to develop chemocapacitors for gas sensing applications.
Non-toxic luminescent Au Nanoclusters@Montmorillonite nanocomposites powders for latent fingerprint development
Authors: Yu Yanlin , Yan Lei , Xia Zhining
Published: October 2017

Latent fingerprints visualized by using as-prepared AuNCs@MMT nanocomposites powders as a fluorescent developing reagent on a ceramic mug.
One-pot enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of dual-functional polyester macromers towards surface-active hydrophobic films
Authors: Nameer Samer , Semlitsch Stefan , Martinelle Mats , Johansson Mats
Published: October 2017

Selective enzyme catalysis is a valuable tool for the processing of monomers into value-added materials.
A highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemosensor for Zn2+based on a diarylethene derivative
Authors: Feng Erting , Tu Yayi , Fan Congbin , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: October 2017

A promising photochromic fluorescent chemosensor1olinked with Schiff base unit was synthesized and the sensitivity test of1otoward Zn2+has been performed with detection limit up to 8.10 × 10−8M without any interference from Cd2+.
Piperidinium-based ionic liquid electrolyte with linear solvent and LiODFB for LiFePO4/Li cells at room and high temperature
Authors: Gao Ximei , Qu Qunting , Zhu Guobin , Gao Tian , Qian Feng , Shi Qiang , Zheng Honghe
Published: October 2017

Lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiODFB) combines the advantages of the salts LiBOB and LiBF4 when used in electrolytes for lithium ion cells.
Toxicity of graphene oxide to white moss Leucobryum glaucum
Authors: Lin Xiaowei , Chen Lingyun , Hu Xin , Feng Shicheng , Huang Liu , Quan Guoping , Wei Xue , Yang Sheng-Tao
Published: October 2017

Graphene oxide was toxic to white moss Leucobryum glaucum.
One-pot preparation of poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene)/silver nanoparticles composite microspheres with tunable porosity and their catalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution
Authors: Ji Xiaohuan , Griesing Franziska , Yan Ruijia , Sun Bin , Pauer Werner , Zhu Meifang , Sun Yushan , Moritz Hans-Ulrich
Published: October 2017

Porous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene)/silver nanoparticle composite spheres with tunable porosity were synthesized by seed swelling polymerization method and show a great catalytic degradation of methylene blue within NaBH4.
Flexible tri-layer piezoelectric nanogenerator based on PVDF-HFP/Ni-doped ZnO nanocomposites
Authors: Parangusan Hemalatha , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Al Ali AlMaadeed Mariam
Published: October 2017

In this work, we report Ni doped ZnO/poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) [PVDF-HFP] nanocomposites prepared by sandwiching and highlight their application in piezoelectric nano-generators.