bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRC1 collaborates with SMCHD1 to fold the X-chromosome and spread Xist RNA between chromosome compartments
Authors: Wang Chen-Yu , Colognori David , Sunwoo Hongjae , Wang Danni , Lee Jeannie T.
Published: July 2019

X-chromosome inactivation triggers fusion of A/B compartments to inactive X (Xi)-specific structures known as S1 and S2 compartments. SMCHD1 then merges S1/S2s to form the Xi super-structure. Here, we ask how S1/S2 compartments form and reveal that Xist RNA drives their formation via recruitment of Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1). Ablating Smchd1 in post-XCI cells unveils S1/S2 structures. Loss of SMCHD1 leads to trapping Xist in the S1 compartment, impairing RNA spreading into S2. On the other hand, depleting Xist, PRC1, or HNRNPK precludes re-emergence of S1/S2 structures, and loss of S1/S2 compartments paradoxically strengthens the partition between Xi megadomains. Finally, Xi-reactivation in post-XCI cells can be enhanced by depleting both SMCHD1 and DNA methylation. We conclude that Xist, PRC1, and SMCHD1 collaborate in an obligatory, sequential manner to partition, fuse, and direct self-association of Xi compartments required for proper spreading of Xist RNA.
Locus coeruleus-CA1 projections are involved in chronic depressive stress-induced hippocampal vulnerability to transient global ischaemia
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Dian Xing , He Feng , Li Chun Yang , Qi Guang Jian , Cai Hong Wei , Li Tong Xia , Ming Jie , Zhang Pei , Chen Xiao Qian , Tian Bo
Published: July 2019

Depression and transient ischaemic attack represent the common psychological and neurological diseases, respectively, and are tightly associated. However, studies of depression-affected ischaemic attack have been limited to epidemiological evidences, and the neural circuits underlying depression-modulated ischaemic injury remain unknown. Here, we find that chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and chronic footshock stress (CFS) exacerbate CA1 neuron loss and spatial learning/memory impairment after a short transient global ischaemia (TGI) attack in mice. Whole-brain mapping of direct outputs of locus coeruleus (LC)-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, Th:) positive neurons reveals that LC-CA1 projections are decreased in CSDS or CFS mice. Furthermore, using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs)-based chemogenetic tools, we determine that Th:LC-CA1 circuit is necessary and sufficient for depression-induced aggravated outcomes of TGI. Collectively, we suggest that Th:LC-CA1 pathway plays a crucial role in depression-induced TGI vulnerability and offers a potential intervention for preventing depression-related transient ischaemic attack.
A genetically encoded probe for imaging nascent and mature HA-tagged proteins in vivo
Authors: Zhao Ning , Kamijo Kouta , Fox Philip D. , Oda Haruka , Morisaki Tatsuya , Sato Yuko , Kimura Hiroshi , Stasevich Timothy J.
Published: July 2019

To expand the toolbox of imaging in living cells, we have engineered a single-chain variable fragment binding the linear HA epitope with high affinity and specificity in vivo. The resulting probe, called the HA frankenbody, can light up in multiple colors HA-tagged nuclear, cytoplasmic, membrane, and mitochondrial proteins in diverse cell types. The HA frankenbody also enables state-of-the-art single-molecule experiments in living cells, which we demonstrate by tracking single HA-tagged histones in U2OS cells and single mRNA translation dynamics in both U2OS cells and neurons. Together with the SunTag, we also track two mRNA species simultaneously to demonstrate comparative single-molecule studies of translation can now be done with genetically encoded tools alone. Finally, we use the HA frankenbody to precisely quantify the expression of HA-tagged proteins in developing zebrafish embryos. The versatility of the HA frankenbody makes it a powerful tool for imaging protein dynamics in vivo.
Gate-reflectometry dispersive readout and coherent control of a spin qubit in silicon
Authors: Crippa A. , Ezzouch R. , Aprá A. , Amisse A. , Laviéville R. , Hutin L. , Bertrand B. , Vinet M. , Urdampilleta M. , Meunier T. , Sanquer M. , Jehl X. , Maurand R. , De Franceschi S.
Published: July 2019

Silicon spin qubits have emerged as a promising path to large-scale quantum processors. In this prospect, the development of scalable qubit readout schemes involving a minimal device overhead is a compelling step. Here we report the implementation of gate-coupled rf reflectometry for the dispersive readout of a fully functional spin qubit device. We use a p-type double-gate transistor made using industry-standard silicon technology. The first gate confines a hole quantum dot encoding the spin qubit, the second one a helper dot enabling readout. The qubit state is measured through the phase response of a lumped-element resonator to spin-selective interdot tunneling. The demonstrated qubit readout scheme requires no coupling to a Fermi reservoir, thereby offering a compact and potentially scalable solution whose operation may be extended above 1 K.
Adult stem cell deficits drive Slc29a3 disorders in mice
Authors: Nair Sreenath , Strohecker Anne M. , Persaud Avinash K. , Bissa Bhawana , Muruganandan Shanmugam , McElroy Craig , Pathak Rakesh , Williams Michelle , Raj Radhika , Kaddoumi Amal , Sparreboom Alex , Beedle Aaron M. , Govindarajan Rajgopal
Published: July 2019

Mutations exclusively in equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT3), the only intracellular nucleoside transporter within the solute carrier 29 (SLC29) gene family, cause an expanding spectrum of human genetic disorders (e.g., H syndrome, PHID syndrome, and SHML/RDD syndrome). Here, we identify adult stem cell deficits that drive ENT3-related abnormalities in mice. ENT3 deficiency alters hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell fates; the former leads to stem cell exhaustion, and the latter leads to breaches of mesodermal tissue integrity. The molecular pathogenesis stems from the loss of lysosomal adenosine transport, which impedes autophagy-regulated stem cell differentiation programs via misregulation of the AMPK-mTOR-ULK axis. Furthermore, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and bioenergetics studies identify defects in fatty acid utilization, and alterations in mitochondrial bioenergetics can additionally propel stem cell deficits. Genetic, pharmacologic and stem cell interventions ameliorate ENT3-disease pathologies and extend the lifespan of ENT3-deficient mice. These findings delineate a primary pathogenic basis for the development of ENT3 spectrum disorders and offer critical mechanistic insights into treating human ENT3-related disorders.
Adipocyte β-arrestin-2 is essential for maintaining whole body glucose and energy homeostasis
Authors: Pydi Sai P. , Jain Shanu , Tung Wesley , Cui Yinghong , Zhu Lu , Sakamoto Wataru , Jain Shalini , Abel Brent S. , Skarulis Monica C. , Liu Jie , Huynh Thanh , Pacak Karel , Caron Marc G. , Gavrilova Oksana , Finkel Toren , Wess Jürgen
Published: July 2019

β-Arrestins are major regulators of G protein-coupled receptor-mediated signaling processes. Their potential roles in regulating adipocyte function in vivo remain unexplored. Here we report the novel finding that mice lacking β-arrestin-2 (barr2) selectively in adipocytes show significantly reduced adiposity and striking metabolic improvements when consuming excess calories. We demonstrate that these beneficial metabolic effects are due to enhanced signaling through adipocyte β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs), indicating that barr2 represents a potent negative regulator of adipocyte β3-AR activity in vivo. Interestingly, essentially all beneficial metabolic effects caused by adipocyte barr2 deficiency are absent in adipocyte barr2-PRDM16 double KO mice, indicating that the metabolic improvements caused by the lack of barr2 in adipocytes are mediated by the browning/beiging of white adipose tissue. Our data support the novel concept that ‘G protein-biased’ β3-AR agonists that do not promote β3-AR/barr2 interactions may prove useful for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
A dataset of egg size and shape from more than 6,700 insect species
Authors: Church Samuel H. , Donoughe Seth , de Medeiros Bruno A. S. , Extavour Cassandra G.
Published: July 2019

Offspring size is a fundamental trait in disparate biological fields of study. This trait can be measured as the size of plant seeds, animal eggs, or live young, and it influences ecological interactions, organism fitness, maternal investment, and embryonic development. Although multiple evolutionary processes have been predicted to drive the evolution of offspring size, the phylogenetic distribution of this trait remains poorly understood, due to the difficulty of reliably collecting and comparing offspring size data from many species. Here we present a dataset of 10,449 morphological descriptions of insect eggs, with records for 6,706 unique insect species and representatives from every extant hexapod order. The dataset includes eggs whose volumes span more than eight orders of magnitude. We created this dataset by partially automating the extraction of egg traits from the primary literature. In the process, we overcame challenges associated with large-scale phenotyping by designing and employing custom bioinformatic solutions to common problems. We matched the taxa in this dataset to the currently accepted scientific names in taxonomic and genetic databases, which will facilitate the use of these data for testing pressing evolutionary hypotheses in offspring size evolution.
A multimodal dataset of human gait at different walking speeds established on injury-free adult participants
Authors: Schreiber Céline , Moissenet Florent
Published: July 2019

Human motion capture is used in various fields to analyse, understand and reproduce the diversity of movements that are required during daily-life activities. The proposed dataset of human gait has been established on 50 adults healthy and injury-free for lower and upper extremities in the most recent six months, with no lower and upper extremity surgery in the last two years. Participants were asked to walk on a straight level walkway at 5 speeds during one unique session: 0–0.4 m.s−1, 0.4–0.8 m.s−1, 0.8–1.2 m.s−1, self-selected spontaneous and fast speeds. Three dimensional trajectories of 52 reflective markers spread over the whole body, 3D ground reaction forces and moment, and electromyographic signals were simultaneously recorded. For each participants, a minimum of 3 trials per condition have been made available in the dataset for a total of 1143 trials. This dataset could increase the sample size of similar datasets, lead to analyse the effect of walking speed on gait or conduct unusual analysis of gait thanks to the full body markerset used.
Exotic Halophila stipulacea is an introduced carbon sink for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Apostolaki Eugenia T. , Vizzini Salvatrice , Santinelli Veronica , Kaberi Helen , Andolina Cristina , Papathanassiou Evangelos
Published: July 2019

Carbon and nitrogen storage in exotic Halophila stipulacea were compared to that in native Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa meadows and adjacent unvegetated sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and to that in native H. stipulacea of the Red Sea at sites with different biogeochemical conditions and level of human pressure. Exotic H. stipulacea possessed considerable storing capacity, with 2-fold higher Corg stock (0.71 ± 0.05 kg m−2 in the top 20 cm of sediment) and burial (14.78 gCorg m−2 y−1) than unvegetated areas and C. nodosa meadows and, surprisingly, comparable to P. oceanica. N (0.07 ± 0.01 kg m−2) and Cinorg (14.06 ± 8.02 kg m−2) stocks were similar between H. stipulacea and C. nodosa or unvegetated sediments, but different to P. oceanica. Corg and N stocks were higher in exotic than native H. stipulacea populations. Based on isotopic mixing model, organic material trapped in H. stipulacea sediments was mostly allochthonous (seagrass detritus 17% vs seston 67%). Corg stock was similar between monospecific and invaded C. nodosa meadows by H. stipulacea. Higher stocks were measured in the higher human pressure site. H. stipulacea introduction may contribute in the increase of carbon sequestration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
An optimised tissue disaggregation and data processing pipeline for characterising fibroblast phenotypes using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Waise Sara , Parker Rachel , Rose-Zerilli Matthew J. J. , Layfield David M. , Wood Oliver , West Jonathan , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Thomas Gareth J. , Hanley Christopher J.
Published: July 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) provides a valuable platform for characterising multicellular ecosystems. Fibroblasts are a heterogeneous cell type involved in many physiological and pathological processes, but remain poorly-characterised. Analysis of fibroblasts is challenging: these cells are difficult to isolate from tissues, and are therefore commonly under-represented in scRNA-seq datasets. Here, we describe an optimised approach for fibroblast isolation from human lung tissues. We demonstrate the potential for this procedure in characterising stromal cell phenotypes using scRNA-Seq, analyse the effect of tissue disaggregation on gene expression, and optimise data processing to improve clustering quality. We also assess the impact of in vitro culture conditions on stromal cell gene expression and proliferation, showing that altering these conditions can skew phenotypes.
Membrane mediated motor kinetics in microtubule gliding assays
Authors: Lopes Joseph , Quint David A. , Chapman Dail E. , Xu Melissa , Gopinathan Ajay , Hirst Linda S.
Published: July 2019

Motor-based transport mechanisms are critical for a wide range of eukaryotic cell functions, including the transport of vesicle cargos over long distances. Our understanding of the factors that control and regulate motors when bound to a lipid substrate is however incomplete. We used microtubule gliding assays on a lipid bilayer substrate to investigate the role of membrane diffusion in kinesin-1 on/off binding kinetics and thereby transport velocity. Fluorescence imaging experiments demonstrate motor clustering on single microtubules due to membrane diffusion in the absence of ATP, followed by rapid ATP-induced dissociation during gliding. Our experimental data combined with analytical modeling show that the on/off binding kinetics of the motors are impacted by diffusion and, as a consequence, both the effective binding and unbinding rates for motors are much lower than the expected bare rates. Our results suggest that motor diffusion in the membrane can play a significant role in transport by impacting motor kinetics and can therefore function as a regulator of intracellular transport dynamics.
The Route to ‘Chemobrain’ - Computational probing of neuronal LTP pathway
Authors: Fahim Ammad , Rehman Zaira , Bhatti Muhammad Faraz , Virk Nasar , Ali Amjad , Rashid Amir , Paracha Rehan Zafar
Published: July 2019

Chemotherapy causes deleterious side effects during the course of cancer management. The toxic effects may be extended to CNS chronically resulting in altered cognitive function like learning and memory. The present study follows a computational assessment of 64 chemotherapeutic drugs for their off-target interactions against the major proteins involved in neuronal long term potentiation pathway. The cancer chemo-drugs were subjected to induced fit docking followed by scoring alignment and drug-targets interaction analysis. The results were further probed by electrostatic potential computation and ligand binding affinity prediction of the top complexes. The study identified novel off-target interactions by Dactinomycin, Temsirolimus, and Everolimus against NMDA, AMPA, PKA and ERK2, while Irinotecan, Bromocriptine and Dasatinib were top interacting drugs for CaMKII. This study presents with basic foundational knowledge regarding potential chemotherapeutic interference in LTP pathway which may modulate neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity in patient receiving these chemotherapies.
Visuospatial task-related prefrontal activity is correlated with negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Curtin Adrian , Sun Junfeng , Zhao Qiangfeng , Onaral Banu , Wang Jijun , Tong Shanbao , Ayaz Hasan
Published: July 2019

Control of attention is thought to be specifically impaired in schizophrenia due to abnormal function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC plays a critical role in the identification of relevant stimuli and the development of appropriate biases for the identified signals, including selection of an appropriate attentional ‘zoom’. We examined how demands associated with changes in attentional requirements in a Sustained Attention Task (SAT) may contribute to differences in functional involvement of the PFC and relation to clinical status. A group of 24 individuals with schizophrenia and 16 healthy controls (N = 40) performed the SAT and a visuospatial condition (vSAT) while activity in the bilateral anterior PFC was monitored using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The results confirm that the right frontopolar region plays a role in control of attention for both patients and healthy controls. However, patients with schizophrenia exhibited a general attentional deficit and inefficient right-medial PFC activation. Additionally, we observed a strong regional association between left Middle Frontal Gyrus (MFG) activity during the vSAT task and the PANSS score driven by the negative symptom subscale. The presence of aberrant activation differences within the left-MFG region may describe a dysregulation of attentional networks linked to the clinical expression of negative and general symptoms.
Precipitation Biases in CMIP5 Models over the South Asian Region
Authors: Pathak Raju , Sahany Sandeep , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Dash S. K.
Published: July 2019

Using data from 33 models from the CMIP5 historical and AMIP5 simulations, we have carried out a systematic analysis of biases in total precipitation and its convective and large-scale components over the south Asian region. We have used 23 years (1983–2005) of data, and have computed model biases with respect to the PERSIANN-CDR precipitation (with convective/large-scale ratio derived from TRMM 3A12). A clustering algorithm was applied on the total, convective, and large-scale precipitation biases seen in CMIP5 models to group them based on the degree of similarity in the global bias patterns. Subsequently, AMIP5 models were analyzed to conclude if the biases were primarily due to the atmospheric component or due to the oceanic component of individual models. Our analysis shows that the set of individual models falling in a given group is somewhat sensitive to the variable (total/convective/large-scale precipitation) used for clustering. Over the south Asian region, some of the convective and large-scale precipitation biases are common across groups, emphasizing that although on a global scale the bias patterns may be sufficiently different to cluster the models into different groups, regionally, it may not be true. In general, models tend to overestimate the convective component and underestimate the large-scale component over the south Asian region, although with spatially varying magnitudes depending on the model group. We find that the convective precipitation biases are largely governed by the closure and trigger assumptions used in the convection parameterization schemes used in these models, and to a lesser extent on details of the individual cloud models. Using two different methods: (i) clustering, (ii) comparing the bias patterns of models from CMIP5 with their AMIP5 counterparts, we find that, in general, the atmospheric component (and not the oceanic component through biases in SSTs and atmosphere-ocean feedbacks) plays a major role in deciding the convective and large-scale precipitation biases. However, the oceanic component has been found important for one of the convective groups in deciding the convective precipitation biases (over the maritime continent).
Biomimetic light dilution using side-emitting optical fiber for enhancing the productivity of microalgae reactors
Authors: Wondraczek Lothar , Gründler Alexander , Reupert Aaron , Wondraczek Katrin , Schmidt Markus A. , Pohnert Georg , Nolte Stefan
Published: July 2019

Photoautotrophic microbes present vast opportunities for sustainable lipid production, CO2 storage and green chemistry, for example, using microalgae beds to generate biofuels. A major challenge of microalgae cultivation and other photochemical reactors is the efficiency of light delivery. In order to break even on large scale, dedicated photon management will be required across all levels of reactor hierarchy – from the harvesting of light and its efficient injection and distribution inside of the reactor to the design of optical antenna and pathways of energy transfer on molecular scale. Here, we discuss a biomimetic approach for light dilution which enables homogeneous illumination of large reactor volumes with high optical density. We show that the immersion of side-emitting optical fiber within the reactor can enhance the fraction of illuminated volume by more than two orders of magnitude already at cell densities as low as ~5 104 ml−1. Using the green algae Haematococcus pluvialis as a model system, we demonstrate an increase in the rate of reproduction by up to 93%. Beyond micoralgae, the versatile properties of side-emitting fiber enable the injection and dilution of light with tailored spectral and temporal characteristics into virtually any reactor containment.
Chronic disturbance in the thalamus following cranial irradiation to the developing mouse brain
Authors: Boström Martina , Eriksson Yohanna , Danial Jolie , Björk-Eriksson Thomas , Kalm Marie
Published: July 2019

Better survival rates among pediatric brain tumor patients have resulted in an increased awareness of late side effects that commonly appear following cancer treatment. Radiation-induced changes in hippocampus and white matter are well described, but do not explain the full range of neurological late effects in childhood cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to investigate thalamus following cranial irradiation (CIR) to the developing brain. At postnatal day 14, male mice pups received a single dose of 8 Gy CIR. Cellular effects in thalamus were assessed using immunohistochemistry 4 months after CIR. Interestingly, the density of neurons decreased with 35% (p = 0.0431) and the density of astrocytes increased with 44% (p = 0.011). To investigate thalamic astrocytes, S100β+ cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and genetically profiled using next-generation sequencing. The phenotypical characterization indicated a disrupted function, such as downregulated microtubules’ function, higher metabolic activity, immature phenotype and degraded ECM. The current study provides novel insight into that thalamus, just like hippocampus and white matter, is severely affected by CIR. This knowledge is of importance to understand the late effects seen in pediatric brain tumor survivors and can be used to give them the best suitable care.
An efficient micropropagation protocol for an endangered ornamental tree species (Magnolia sirindhorniae Noot. & Chalermglin) and assessment of genetic uniformity through DNA markers
Authors: Cui Yuanyuan , Deng Yanwen , Zheng Keyuan , Hu Xiaomin , Zhu Mulan , Deng Xiaomei , Xi Ruchun
Published: July 2019

Magnolia sirindhorniae Noot. & Chalermglin is an endangered species with high ornamental and commercial value that needs to be urgently protected and judiciously commercialized. In this study, a protocol for efficient regeneration of this species is standardized. The lateral buds of the M. sirindhorniae plant were used as an explant. Half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine (BA), 0.1 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2.0 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3) was found to be the optimal medium for shoot induction. The maximum shoot multiplication rate (310%) was obtained on Douglas-fir cotyledon revised medium (DCR) fortified with 0.2 mg/L BA, 0.01 mg/L NAA, and additives. The half-strength DCR medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) supported the maximum rate (85.0%) of in vitro root induction. After a simple acclimatization process, the survival rate of plantlets in a substrate mixture of sterile perlite and peat soil (1:3; v/v) was 90.2%. DNA markers were used for assessment of genetic uniformity, confirming the genetic uniformity and stability of regenerated plants of M. sirindhorniae. Thus, the described protocol can safely be applied for large scale propagation of this imperative plant.
Differential metabolic responses of shrubs and grasses to water additions in arid karst region, southwestern China
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Sun Ningxiao , Du Hongmei , Yuan Jun , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Wen Jiahao , Yu Wenjuan , Zhou Jinxing , Liu Chunjiang
Published: July 2019

Increasing precipitation has been predicted to occur in the karst areas in southwestern regions of China. However, it is little known how various plants respond to increasing precipitation in this region. Here we determined the impacts of water addition on leaf metabolites of grasses (Cymbopogon distans and Arundinella sitosa) and shrubs (Carissa spinarum and Bauhinia brachycarpa) in this area. Four levels of water additions (CK, T1, T2 and T3 indicating 0%, +20%, +40% and +60% relative to the current monthly precipitation, respectively) were designed. Sphingolipids substantially increased in the leaves of all four species with increasing water supply which suggests that these plants adopted biochemical strategy to tolerate the wet stress. However, both shrubs showed decreases in valine and threonine (amino acids), threonate, succinate and ascorbic acid (organic acids), galactose and rhamnose (sugars) and epicatchin and oleamides (secondary metabolites) with increasing water supply. Both grasses increased in the total metabolites at T1, but the total metabolites in A. sitosa significantly decreased at T2 and T3 while remains unchanged in C. distans. Tri-carboxylic acid cycle and amino acid metabolism in shrubs and shikimate pathway in grasses were strongly affected with water supply. Overall, shrubs and grasses respond differentially to variation in water addition in terms of metabolomics, which is helpful in understanding how plants respond to climate change.
Pro-inflammatory role of NLRP3 inflammasome in experimental sterile corneal inflammation
Authors: Shimizu Hiroaki , Sakimoto Tohru , Yamagami Satoru
Published: July 2019

We evaluated the role of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in sterile corneal inflammation caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or alkali burns in C57BL6 mice or NLRP3 KO (Nlrp3−/−) mice. Various molecules related to the NLRP3 inflammasome were upregulated in C57BL6 mice after both alkali burn injury and LPS treatment. After alkali burn injury, the corneal opacity grade was significantly reduced inNlrp3−/−mice compared with C57BL6 mice. InNlrp3−/−mice, Gr-1 immunoreactivity and MMP-9 mRNA expression in the corneal stroma were significantly reduced by both LPS treatment and alkali burn injury. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that IL-1β and MMP-9 expression in the corneal stroma were down-regulated inNlrp3−/−mice with both alkali burn injury and LPS treatment. These findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome has a pro-inflammatory effect in the cornea by recruiting neutrophils to sites of inflammation.
Myocardial Injury After Ischemia/Reperfusion Is Attenuated By Pharmacological Galectin-3 Inhibition
Authors: Ibarrola Jaime , Matilla Lara , Martínez-Martínez Ernesto , Gueret Alexandre , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Henry Jean-Paul , Nicol Lionel , Jaisser Frederic , Mulder Paul , Ouvrard-Pascaud Antoine , López-Andrés Natalia
Published: July 2019

Although optimal therapy for myocardial infarction includes reperfusion to restore blood flow to the ischemic region, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) also initiates an inflammatory response likely contributing to adverse left ventricular (LV) extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding-lectin, promotes cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Our aim is to investigate whether Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition using modified citrus pectin (MCP) improves cardiac remodeling and functional changes associated with IR. Wistar rats were treated with MCP from 1 day before until 8 days after IR (coronary artery ligation) injury. Invasive hemodynamics revealed that both LV contractility and LV compliance were impaired in IR rats. LV compliance was improved by MCP treatment 8 days after IR. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed decreased LV perfusion in IR rats, which was improved with MCP. There was no difference in LV hypertrophy in MCP-treated compared to untreated IR rats. However, MCP treatment decreased the ischemic area as well as Gal-3 expression. Gal-3 blockade paralleled lower myocardial inflammation and reduced fibrosis. These novel data showing the benefits of MCP in compliance and ECM remodeling in IR reinforces previously published data showing the therapeutic potential of Gal-3 inhibition.
Acquisition of temporal order requires an intact CA3 commissural/associational (C/A) feedback system in mice
Authors: Cox Brittney M. , Cox Conor D. , Gunn Benjamin G. , Le Aliza A. , Inshishian Victoria C. , Gall Christine M. , Lynch Gary
Published: July 2019

Episodic memory, an essential element of orderly thinking, requires the organization of serial events into narratives about the identity of cues along with their locations and temporal order (what, where, and when). The hippocampus plays a central role in the acquisition and retrieval of episodes with two of its subsystems being separately linked to what and where information. The substrates for the third element are poorly understood. Here we report that in hippocampal slices field CA3 maintains self-sustained activity for remarkable periods following a brief input and that this effect is extremely sensitive to minor network perturbations. Using behavioral tests, that do not involve training or explicit rewards, we show that partial silencing of the CA3 commissural/associational network in mice blocks acquisition of temporal order, but not the identity or location, of odors. These results suggest a solution to the question of how hippocampus adds time to episodic memories.
Crystal structure of the mitochondrial protein mitoNEET bound to a benze-sulfonide ligand
Authors: Geldenhuys Werner J. , Long Timothy E. , Saralkar Pushkar , Iwasaki Toshio , Nuñez Raisa A. A. , Nair Rajesh R. , Konkle Mary E. , Menze Michael A. , Pinti Mark V. , Hollander John M. , Hazlehurst Lori A. , Robart Aaron R.
Published: July 2019

MitoNEET (gene cisd1) is a mitochondrial outer membrane [2Fe-2S] protein and is a potential drug target in several metabolic diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that mitoNEET functions as a redox-active and pH-sensing protein that regulates mitochondrial metabolism, although the structural basis of the potential drug binding site(s) remains elusive. Here we report the crystal structure of the  soluble  domain of  human mitoNEET with a sulfonamide ligand, furosemide. Exploration of the high-resolution crystal structure is used to design mitoNEET binding molecules in a pilot study of molecular probes for use in future development of mitochondrial targeted therapies for a wide variety of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Visible light-mediated chemistry of indoles and related heterocycles
Authors: Festa Alexey A. , Voskressensky Leonid G. , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: July 2019

The impact of visible light-promoted chemistry on the functionalization of indoles and related heterocycles is reviewed.
Multiplexed ELISA screening assay for nine paralytic shellfish toxins in human plasma
Authors: Eangoor Padmanabhan , Indapurkar Amruta Sanjay , Vakkalanka Mani Deepika , Knaack Jennifer Sporty
Published: July 2019

Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a lethal syndrome that can develop in humans who consume shellfish contaminated with paralytic shellfish toxins. This rapid screening assay can be used to quickly diagnose exposure to paralytic shellfish toxins.
In situ silanization for continuous stationary phase gradients on particle packed LC columns
Authors: Forzano Anna V. , Cain Caitlin N. , Rutan Sarah C. , Collinson Maryanne M.
Published: July 2019

This work describes, for the first time, an in situ silanization process for creating phenyl–butyl gradients on particle LC columns.
The “nano to micro” transition of hydrophobic curcumin crystals leading to in situ adjuvant depots for Au-liposome nanoparticle mediated enhanced photothermal therapy
Authors: Alvi Syed Baseeruddin , Appidi Tejaswini , Deepak B. Pemmaraju , Rajalakshmi P. S. , Minhas Gillipsie , Singh Surya Prakash , Begum Afreen , Bantal Veeresh , Srivastava Rohit , Khan Nooruddin , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: July 2019

The transition of curcumin from nano to micro depots adhering to the cancer cell membrane aids in their localized availability. Thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcome.
Copper-catalyzed desymmetrization of prochiral 4,4-disubstituted cyclopentenes via a site-selective allylic oxidation: a concise total synthesis of untenone A
Authors: Gui Qingwen , Wang JuanJuan , Ng Sean , Dancevic Anja , Wright Timothy B. , Evans P. Andrew
Published: July 2019

The desymmetrization of prochiral 4,4-disubstituted cyclopentenes via a site-selective copper-catalyzed allylic oxidation is described.
P(v) dications: carbon-based Lewis acid initiators for hydrodefluorination
Authors: Waked Alexander E. , Chitnis Saurabh S. , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: July 2019

The oxidized P(v) dications [(terpy)(C6Cl4O2)PPh]2+ and [(terpy)(C14H8O2)PPh] are Lewis acidic at the para-carbon of the central ring of the terpy ligand.
A potent free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist with a glucose-dependent antihyperglycemic effect
Authors: Wang Xuekun , Xu Yurui , Feng Shujun , Huang Xinyu , Meng Xia , Chen Jiao , Guo Leilei , Ge Junliang , Zhang Jikang , Chen Jianmei , Cheng Li , Gu Kai , Zhang Yu , Jiang Qing , Ning Xinghai
Published: July 2019

PAFA is a promising free fatty acid receptor 1 agonist with a glucose-dependent antihyperglycemic effect, allowing for treating type-2 diabetes.
Simultaneous single-molecule discrimination of cysteine and homocysteine with a protein nanopore
Authors: Lu Yao , Wu Xue-Yuan , Ying Yi-Lun , Long Yi-Tao
Published: July 2019

Discrimination between cysteine and homocysteine at the single-molecule level is achieved within a K238Q mutant aerolysin nanopore, which provides a confined space for high spatial resolution to identify the amino acid difference.
Brønsted acid-catalysed hydroarylation of unactivated alkynes in a fluoroalcohol–hydrocarbon biphasic system: construction of phenanthrene frameworks
Authors: Takahashi Ikko , Fujita Takeshi , Shoji Noriaki , Ichikawa Junji
Published: July 2019

Transition metal-free, Brønsted acid-catalysed hydroarylation of unactivated alkynes was achieved in a two-phase solvent system consisting of 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFIP) and cyclohexane.
A comprehensive insight on H-type aggregation in Congo red-surfactant systems revealed through spectroscopic and electrochemical study unified with a simulation framework
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Patel Dhruvi , Pal Haridas , Kuperkar Ketan
Published: July 2019

Schematic illustration depicting the aggregation phenomenon and shifts in the cationic surfactants-Congo red (CR) dye system investigated through spectral, scattering, voltammetry techniques along with the computational simulation approach.
Physical conditions for UO formation in laser-produced uranium plumes
Authors: Harilal S. S. , Kautz E. J. , Bernacki B. E. , Phillips M. C. , Skrodzki P. J. , Burger M. , Jovanovic I.
Published: July 2019

The complex interplay between plume hydrodynamics and chemistry impacts physical conditions leading to UO molecular formation in laser-plasmas.
It's not just the defects – a curved crystal study of H2O desorption from Ag
Authors: Auras Sabine V. , van Bree Robert A. B. , Bashlakov Dima L. , van Lent Richard , Juurlink Ludo B. F.
Published: July 2019

Spatially-resolved temperature-programmed desorption of H2O from curved Ag surfaces resolves the causes of structure sensitivity in binding energy.
Reactive nanomessengers for artificial chemical communication
Authors: Fichera Luca , Li-Destri Giovanni , Ruffino Roberta , Messina Grazia Maria Lucia , Tuccitto Nunzio
Published: July 2019

A non-synchronized artificial chemical communication system, based on a new modulation technique, namely reaction shift keying, is presented.
New insights into the effect of pH on the mechanism of ofloxacin electrochemical detection in aqueous solution
Authors: Liu Ting , Xue Qiang , Jia Jianbo , Liu Fei , Zou Shengzhang , Tang Renshi , Chen Tao , Li Jiawei , Qian Yumin
Published: July 2019

We first found that identifying the protonation status and polarity of the target pollutant helped to rapidly find an optimal pH condition for its electrochemical detection, which promoted practical application.
A double basic Sr-amino containing MOF as a highly stable heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Leo Pedro , Orcajo Gisela , Briones David , Rodríguez-Diéguez Antonio , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Calleja Guillermo , Martínez Fernando
Published: July 2019

Sr(NH2-bdc) is a new strontium-based MOF material that exhibits high activity in the Knoevenagel condensation which can be facilely separated and be reused without significant degradation.
Multicomponent synthesis of sulfonamides from triarylbismuthines, nitro compounds and sodium metabisulfite in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Marset Xavier , Torregrosa-Crespo Javier , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa M. , Guillena Gabriela , Ramón Diego J.
Published: July 2019

A sustainable synthesis of sulfonamides using a copper-catalysed process starting from triarylbismuthines, Na2S2O5 and nitro compounds in a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) as a reaction medium is described.
Direct anodic (thio)acetalization of aldehydes with alcohols (thiols) under neutral conditions, and computational insight into the electrochemical formation of the acetals
Authors: Liu Caiyan , Shen Yongli , Xiao Zihui , Yang Hui , Han Xue , Yuan Kedong , Ding Yi
Published: July 2019

The direct anodic (thio)acetalization of aldehydes and alcohols(thiols) has been developed under neutral conditions.
Flow control for lateral flow strips with centrifugal microfluidics
Authors: Kainz Daniel M. , Früh Susanna M. , Hutzenlaub Tobias , Zengerle Roland , Paust Nils
Published: July 2019

Lateral flow strips (LFSs) are widely used for clinical diagnostics. The restricted flow control is one challenge to the development of quantitative and highly sensitive LFSs. Here, we present a flow control for LFSs using centrifugal microfluidics.
Carbon nanoonion-ferrocene conjugates as acceptors in organic photovoltaic devices
Authors: Bobrowska Diana M. , Zubyk Halyna , Regulska Elzbieta , Romero Elkin , Echegoyen Luis , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: July 2019

This study is the first to use carbon nanoonion-based derivatives as acceptors in organic photovoltaic devices (PCE = 1.89%).
Mesoporous silica-based hybrid materials for bone-specific drug delivery
Authors: Pasqua Luigi , De Napoli Ilaria Ester , De Santo Marzia , Greco Marianna , Catizzone Enrico , Lombardo Domenico , Montera Gabriella , Comandè Alessandra , Nigro Alessandra , Morelli Catia , Leggio Antonella
Published: July 2019

A mesoporous silica-based drug delivery device potentially useful for bone-specific drug delivery has been designed, developed and characterized starting from MSU-type mesoporous silica.
Nanoscale optical lattices of arbitrary orders manipulated by plasmonic metasurfaces combining geometrical and dynamic phases
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Zhang Yuqin , Ma Li , Zeng Xiangyu , Li Xing , Zhan Zijun , Ren Xiaorong , He Changwei , Liu Chunxiang , Cheng Chuanfu
Published: July 2019

Nanoscale lattices of arbitrary orders are generated by truncated spiral metasurfaces combining geometric and dynamic phases.
Two-dimensional MoS2/Fe-phthalocyanine hybrid nanostructures as excellent electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Kwon Ik Seon , Kwak In Hye , Kim Ju Yeon , Abbas Hafiz Ghulam , Debela Tekalign Terfa , Seo Jaemin , Cho Min Kyung , Ahn Jae-Pyoung , Park Jeunghee , Kang Hong Seok
Published: July 2019

2D hybrid nanostructures consisting of 1T′ phase MoS2 and Fe-phthalocyanine molecules exhibit excellent catalytic activity toward both the hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction.
1,2-Addition versus homoconjugate addition reactions of indoles and electron-rich arenes to α-cyclopropyl N-acyliminium ions: synthetic and computational studies
Authors: Ryder Greg M. , Wille Uta , Willis Anthony C. , Pyne Stephen G.
Published: July 2019

α-Cyclopropyl-N-acyliminium ions towards reaction with indoles to give 5-(3-indoyl)-5-cyclopropylpyrrolidin-2-ones and, in the case of highly electron deficient indoles and electron rich arenes, spiroheterocycles.
B-site modified photoferroic Cr3+-doped barium titanate nanoparticles: microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, photocatalytic and electrochemical properties
Authors: Amaechi I. C. , Kolhatkar G. , Youssef A. Hadj , Rawach D. , Sun S. , Ruediger A.
Published: July 2019

We report on the synthesis of photoferroic Cr3+-doped BaTiO3 nanoparticles with nominal Cr content ranging from 2–8 mol% by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method.
Fabrication of NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+-modified Ag nanocubes with upconversion luminescence and photothermal conversion properties
Authors: Chen Ziyu , Liu Guixia , Cui Zhenhai , Liu Qixin , Hong Feng , Yu Wensheng , Dong Xiangting , Song Chao
Published: July 2019

Ag nanocubes@NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ multifunctional nanocomposites with florescence and photothermal ability are fabricated by a facile strategy, which enhance the mutual assistance of energy and biological application.
Critical consumption of chemistry visuals: eye tracking structured variation and visual feedback of redox and precipitation reactions
Authors: Hansen S. J. R. , Hu B. , Riedlova D. , Kelly R. M. , Akaygun S. , Villalta-Cerdas A.
Published: July 2019

This mixed method study investigation uses eye tracking and qualitative analysis to investigate the impact of animation variation and visual feedback on the critique of submicroscopic representations of experimental phenomena. Undergraduate general chemistry students first viewed an experimental video of a precipitation or oxidation reduction (redox) reaction. Next, they viewed the corresponding animations and were shown a visualization of where they had looked. Critique of the chemically relevant features in the animations and viewing pattern were monitored using participant generated drawings, verbal responses, graphic organizers, and eye tracking. Viewing and critique of chemically relevant features were found to increase after engaging with structured animations and visual feedback. Findings from this study support the use of structured variations and visual feedback in developing critical consumers of visual information, empowering students to describe and develop their understanding of chemical phenomena and become more purposeful visual consumers.
A K+-promoted Diels–Alder reaction by using a self-assembled macrocyclic boronic ester containing two crown ether moieties
Authors: Ono Kosuke , Niibe Morikazu , Iwasawa Nobuharu
Published: July 2019

A K+-promoted Diels–Alder reaction of 1,4,9,10-anthradiquinone with various dienes is achieved in the presence of a self-assembled macrocyclic boronic ester.
Structure and effective charge characterization of proteins by a mobility capillary electrophoresis based method
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Wu Haimei , Zhang Rongkai , Fang Xiang , Xu Wei
Published: July 2019

The integration of Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) into mobility capillary electrophoresis allows protein separation, effective charge and hydrodynamic radius measurements.
Designed self-assembly of metamaterial split-ring colloidal particles in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Aplinc Jure , Pusovnik Anja , Ravnik Miha
Published: July 2019

We demonstrate stable 2D and 3D nematic colloidal crystals of split ring resonator particles relevant for soft optical metamaterial applications.
Functional materials with self-healing properties: a review
Authors: Song Meng-Meng , Wang Ya-Min , Liang Xiang-Yong , Zhang Xiao-Qin , Zhang Sheng , Li Bang-Jing
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we have outlined recent progress made in functional materials with self-healing properties and put forward insights from the perspectives of material healing mechanisms.
Polymer additive controlled morphology for high performance organic thin film transistors
Authors: He Zhengran , Chen Jihua , Li Dawen
Published: July 2019

In this article, we review various polymer additive based approaches to control the crystal morphology and the resultant charge transport of some bench-mark, high performance, solution crystallizable, small-molecule organic semiconductors.
Direct observation of reversible conversion and alloying reactions in a Bi2(MoO4)3-based lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Ruud Amund , Sottmann Jonas , Vajeeston Ponniah , Fjellvåg Helmer
Published: July 2019

Bi2(MoO4)3has been evaluated as an interesting anode material for application in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
A ruthenium-based plasmonic hybrid photocatalyst for aqueous carbon dioxide conversion with a high reaction rate and selectivity
Authors: Jun Hwiseok , Choi Shinyoung , Yang Moon Young , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: July 2019

A cis-ruthenium complex fixed on a plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanostructure efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid even in low pH water.
Computational studies of shape control of charged deformable nanocontainers
Authors: Brunk Nicholas E. , Jadhao Vikram
Published: July 2019

Simulations show electrostatic interactions drive novel shape transitions in deformable nanocontainers under different environmental solution conditions.
Towards boosting the exciton lifetime and efficiency of near-infrared aggregation induced emitters with hybridized local and charge transfer excited states: a multiscale study
Authors: Fan Jianzhong , Zhang Yuchen , Zhang Kai , Liu Jie , Jiang Guanyu , Li Feiyan , Lin Lili , Wang Chuan-Kui
Published: July 2019

Fluorescent emitters with long exciton lifetime and high luminescence efficiency show promising application in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), especially those with an aggregation induced emission (AIE) feature.
A two-dimensional cross-linked polythiophene network
Authors: Yi Kongyang , Chen Xiaosong , Jin Zhepeng , Zhang Cong , Wei Dacheng , Liu Yunqi
Published: July 2019

A 2D cross-linked polythiophene network was prepared via surface-confined chemical vapor deposition. Better in-plane conjugation results in improved carrier transport, making it a new type of polythiophene material for electronic applications.