bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Code-switching in young bilingual toddlers: A longitudinal, cross-language investigation
Authors: Smolak Erin , de Anda Stephanie , Enriquez Bianka , Poulin-Dubois Diane , Friend Margaret
Published: May 2019

Although there is a body of work investigating code-switching (alternation between two languages in production) in the preschool period, it largely relies on case studies or very small samples. The current work seeks to extend extant research by exploring the development of code-switching longitudinally from 31 to 39 months of age in two distinct groups of bilingual children: Spanish–English children in San Diego and French–English children in Montréal. In two studies, consistent with previous research, children code-switched more often between than within utterances and code-switched more content than function words. Additionally, children code-switched more from Spanish or French to English than the reverse. Importantly, the factors driving the rate of code-switching differed across samples such that exposure was the most important predictor of code-switching in Spanish–English children whereas proficiency was the more important predictor in French–English children.
ORIGINATING STAND YOUR GROUND
Authors: Lee Marcus
Published: May 2019

Since the killing of Trayvon Martin, the Stand Your Ground law has come to emblematize contemporary racial injustice. Yet, the legitimacy of the statute endures, as more than thirty-three states maintain and enforce some version of Stand Your Ground. This article probes the legitimacy basis for Stand Your Ground by excavating and reconstructing its formative logic. Drawing on archival records of the Florida state legislature’s 2005 pioneering of the statute, I examine how lawmakers justified its introduction, design, and enactment. I find that proponents of Stand Your Ground framed it as a response to the cost impositions of criminal prosecution and civil action. In introducing Stand Your Ground, they sought to protect self-defensive actors against the burdens of administrative and judicial proceedings by granting them civil immunity. During the mark-up process, legislators held an extensive debate over the intended beneficiaries and victims of Stand Your Ground. Racial codes animated this debate: “drug dealers,” “gangs,” and “cop killers” represented the types of criminal subjects whom the legal protections of Stand Your Ground should exclude, while “violent criminals” in the “bad part of town” represented the intended objects of the statute’s authorization of deadly force. Ultimately, legislators translated the concerns raised during this debate into statutory design choices that baked race into Stand Your Ground.
From local landscapes to international policy: contributions of the biocultural paradigm to global sustainability
Authors: Merçon Juliana , Vetter Susanne , Tengö Maria , Cocks Michelle , Balvanera Patricia , Rosell Julieta A. , Ayala-Orozco Bárbara
Published: May 2019

Non-technical summary

Nature and culture are intricately linked and the rapid loss of both biological and cultural diversity around the globe has led to increasing concerns about its effects on sustainability. Important efforts to understand biocultural relations and bolster sustainable practices have been made by scientists, local communities, civil society organizations and policy makers. In spite of their efforts, a stronger articulation between sectors and biocultural discourses is needed for a broader transformative impact. Here, we analyse the connections between prominent biocultural discourses and discuss how the biocultural paradigm can contribute to both local and global sustainability.
Tornado Warnings Don’t Adequately Prepare Mobile Home Residents
Authors: Crockett Christopher
Published: May 2019

A survey of the southeastern United States shows that nearly half of mobile home residents don’t know where to shelter during a tornado, and many aren’t getting the resources they need to survive one.
Smad7:β-catenin complex regulates myogenic gene transcription
Authors: Tripathi Soma , Miyake Tetsuaki , McDermott John C.
Published: May 2019

Recent reports indicate that Smad7 promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and growth. We previously documented a non-canonical role of nuclear Smad7 during myogenesis, independent of its role in TGF-β signaling. Here further characterization of the myogenic function of Smad7 revealed β-catenin as a Smad7 interacting protein. Biochemical analysis identified a Smad7 interaction domain (SID) between aa575 and aa683 of β-catenin. Reporter gene analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Smad7 and β-catenin are cooperatively recruited to the extensively characterizedckmpromoter proximal region to facilitate its muscle restricted transcriptional activation in myogenic cells. Depletion of endogenous Smad7 and β-catenin in muscle cells reducedckmpromoter activity indicating their role during myogenesis. Deletion of the β-catenin SID substantially reduced the effect of Smad7 on theckmpromoter and exogenous expression of SID abolished β-catenin function, indicating that SID functions as atransdominant-negative regulator of β-catenin activity. β-catenin interaction with the Mediator kinase complex through its Med12 subunit led us to identify MED13 as an additional Smad7-binding partner. Collectively, these studies document a novel function of a Smad7-MED12/13-β-catenin complex at theckmlocus, indicating a key role of this complex in the program of myogenic gene expression underlying skeletal muscle development and regeneration.
M2 macrophages promote NSCLC metastasis by upregulating CRYAB
Authors: Guo Zhe , Song Jing , Hao Junxia , Zhao Hui , Du Xiaohui , Li Encheng , Kuang Yanbin , Yang Fuquan , Wang Wei , Deng Jiong , Wang Qi
Published: May 2019

The mechanism by which tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) affect cancer progression is not fully understood. This study developed a microfluidic-based co-culture device to mimic the tumor microenvironment to assess TAM effects on invasion and metastasis in NSCLC. The results showed lung carcinoma cells could cause macrophages to show the M2 (a TAM-like) phenotype, and these M2 macrophages promoted lung cancer cell EMT and invasion. Proteomic analysis by the iTRAQ quantitation strategy and GO ontology of the cancer cells indicated that αB-Crystallin (CRYAB) might be involved in this process. Further, we confirmed the role of CRYAB in cancer invasion and metastasis through cell and animal experiments, as well as human cancer tissue assessment. Overall, we demonstrated that M2 macrophages promote malignancy in lung cancer through the EMT by upregulating CRYAB expression and activating the ERK1/2/Fra-1/slug signaling pathway.
Lysosomotropic challenge of mast cells causes intra-granular reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Paivandy Aida , Eriksson Jens , Melo Fabio Rabelo , Sellin Mikael E. , Pejler Gunnar
Published: May 2019

Mast cells contribute to the pathology of allergic and other disorders. Strategies to interfere with harmful mast cell-related activities are therefore warranted. Previously we established a principle for inducing selective apoptosis of mast cells, by the use of lysosomotropic agents that cause secretory granule permeabilization, leading to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanism of ROS production has not been known. Here we addressed this issue. Live microscopy analysis showed that the secretory granules comprise major subcellular compartments for ROS production in response to mefloquine. As further signs for the primary involvement of secretory granules, both ROS production and cell death was blunted in mast cells lacking serglycin, a secretory granule-restricted proteoglycan. Inhibition of granule acidification caused an essentially complete blockade of granule permeabilization, ROS production and cell death in response to mefloquine. ROS production was also attenuated in the presence of an iron chelator, and after inhibition of either granzyme B or the ERK1/2 MAP kinase signaling pathway. Together, our findings reveal that the mast cell secretory granules constitute major sites for ROS production in mast cells subjected to lysosomotropic challenge. Moreover, this study reveals a central role for granule acidification in ROS generation and the pro-apoptotic response triggered downstream of secretory granule permeabilization.
SALL3 expression balance underlies lineage biases in human induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation
Authors: Kuroda Takuya , Yasuda Satoshi , Tachi Shiori , Matsuyama Satoko , Kusakawa Shinji , Tano Keiko , Miura Takumi , Matsuyama Akifumi , Sato Yoji
Published: May 2019

Clinical applications of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are expected, but hiPSC lines vary in their differentiation propensity. For efficient selection of hiPSC lines suitable for differentiation into desired cell lineages, here we identify SALL3 as a marker to predict differentiation propensity. SALL3 expression in hiPSCs correlates positively with ectoderm differentiation capacity and negatively with mesoderm/endoderm differentiation capacity. Without affecting self-renewal of hiPSCs, SALL3 knockdown inhibits ectoderm differentiation and conversely enhances mesodermal/endodermal differentiation. Similarly, loss- and gain-of-function studies reveal that SALL3 inversely regulates the differentiation of hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and neural cells. Mechanistically, SALL3 modulates DNMT3B function and DNA methyltransferase activity, and influences gene body methylation of Wnt signaling-related genes in hiPSCs. These findings suggest that SALL3 switches the differentiation propensity of hiPSCs toward distinct cell lineages by changing the epigenetic profile and serves as a marker for evaluating the hiPSC differentiation propensity.
Yin Yang 1 sustains biosynthetic demands during brain development in a stage-specific manner
Authors: Zurkirchen Luis , Varum Sandra , Giger Sonja , Klug Annika , Häusel Jessica , Bossart Raphaël , Zemke Martina , Cantù Claudio , Atak Zeynep Kalender , Zamboni Nicola , Basler Konrad , Sommer Lukas
Published: May 2019

The transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) plays an important role in human disease. It is often overexpressed in cancers and mutations can lead to a congenital haploinsufficiency syndrome characterized by craniofacial dysmorphisms and neurological dysfunctions, consistent with a role in brain development. Here, we show that Yy1 controls murine cerebral cortex development in a stage-dependent manner. By regulating a wide range of metabolic pathways and protein translation, Yy1 maintains proliferation and survival of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) at early stages of brain development. Despite its constitutive expression, however, the dependence on Yy1 declines over the course of corticogenesis. This is associated with decreasing importance of processes controlled by Yy1 during development, as reflected by diminished protein synthesis rates at later developmental stages. Thus, our study unravels a novel role for Yy1 as a stage-dependent regulator of brain development and shows that biosynthetic demands of NPCs dynamically change throughout development.
MEK inhibitors activate Wnt signalling and induce stem cell plasticity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhan Tianzuo , Ambrosi Giulia , Wandmacher Anna Maxi , Rauscher Benedikt , Betge Johannes , Rindtorff Niklas , Häussler Ragna S. , Hinsenkamp Isabel , Bamberg Leonhard , Hessling Bernd , Müller-Decker Karin , Erdmann Gerrit , Burgermeister Elke , Ebert Matthias P. , Boutros Michael
Published: May 2019

In colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrant Wnt signalling is essential for tumorigenesis and maintenance of cancer stem cells. However, how other oncogenic pathways converge on Wnt signalling to modulate stem cell homeostasis in CRC currently remains poorly understood. Using large-scale compound screens in CRC, we identify MEK1/2 inhibitors as potent activators of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Targeting MEK increases Wnt activity in different CRC cell lines and murine intestine in vivo. Truncating mutations of APC generated by CRISPR/Cas9 strongly synergize with MEK inhibitors in enhancing Wnt responses in isogenic CRC models. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that MEK inhibition induces a rapid downregulation of AXIN1. Using patient-derived CRC organoids, we show that MEK inhibition leads to increased Wnt activity, elevated LGR5 levels and enrichment of gene signatures associated with stemness and cancer relapse. Our study demonstrates that clinically used MEK inhibitors inadvertently induce stem cell plasticity, revealing an unknown side effect of RAS pathway inhibition.
Dynamic assembly of ribbon synapses and circuit maintenance in a vertebrate sensory system
Authors: Okawa Haruhisa , Yu Wan-Qing , Matti Ulf , Schwarz Karin , Odermatt Benjamin , Zhong Haining , Tsukamoto Yoshihiko , Lagnado Leon , Rieke Fred , Schmitz Frank , Wong Rachel O. L.
Published: May 2019

Ribbon synapses transmit information in sensory systems, but their development is not well understood. To test the hypothesis that ribbon assembly stabilizes nascent synapses, we performed simultaneous time-lapse imaging of fluorescently-tagged ribbons in retinal cone bipolar cells (BCs) and postsynaptic densities (PSD95-FP) of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Ribbons and PSD95-FP clusters were more stable when these components colocalized at synapses. However, synapse density on ON-alpha RGCs was unchanged in mice lacking ribbons (ribeye knockout). Wildtype BCs make both ribbon-containing and ribbon-free synapses with these GCs even at maturity. Ribbon assembly and cone BC-RGC synapse maintenance are thus regulated independently. Despite the absence of synaptic ribbons, RGCs continued to respond robustly to light stimuli, although quantitative examination of the responses revealed reduced frequency and contrast sensitivity.
The Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB binds to the exopolysaccharide Psl and stabilizes the biofilm matrix
Authors: Passos da Silva Daniel , Matwichuk Michael L. , Townsend Delaney O. , Reichhardt Courtney , Lamba Doriano , Wozniak Daniel J. , Parsek Matthew R.
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosabiofilms are composed of exopolysaccharides (EPS), exogenous DNA, and proteins that hold these communities together.P. aeruginosaproduces lectins LecA and LecB, which possess affinities towards sugars found in matrix EPS and mediate adherence ofP. aeruginosato target host cells. Here, we demonstrate that LecB binds to Psl, a key matrix EPS, and this leads to increased retention of both cells and EPS in a growing biofilm. This interaction is predicted to occur between the lectin and the branched side chains present on Psl. Finally, we show that LecB coordinates Psl localization in the biofilm. This constitutes a unique function for LecB and identifies it as a matrix protein that contributes to biofilm structure through EPS interactions.
Optimal control nodes in disease-perturbed networks as targets for combination therapy
Authors: Hu Yuxuan , Chen Chia-hui , Ding Yang-yang , Wen Xiao , Wang Bingbo , Gao Lin , Tan Kai
Published: May 2019

Most combination therapies are developed based on targets of existing drugs, which only represent a small portion of the human proteome. We introduce a network controllability-based method, OptiCon, for de novo identification of synergistic regulators as candidates for combination therapy. These regulators jointly exert maximal control over deregulated genes but minimal control over unperturbed genes in a disease. Using data from three cancer types, we show that 68% of predicted regulators are either known drug targets or have a critical role in cancer development. Predicted regulators are depleted for known proteins associated with side effects. Predicted synergy is supported by disease-specific and clinically relevant synthetic lethal interactions and experimental validation. A significant portion of genes regulated by synergistic regulators participate in dense interactions between co-regulated subnetworks and contribute to therapy resistance. OptiCon represents a general framework for systemic and de novo identification of synergistic regulators underlying a cellular state transition.
WASH phosphorylation balances endosomal versus cortical actin network integrities during epithelial morphogenesis
Authors: Tsarouhas Vasilios , Liu Dan , Tsikala Georgia , Fedoseienko Alina , Zinn Kai , Matsuda Ryo , Billadeau Daniel D. , Samakovlis Christos
Published: May 2019

Filamentous actin (F-actin) networks facilitate key processes like cell shape control, division, polarization and motility. The dynamic coordination of F-actin networks and its impact on cellular activities are poorly understood. We report an antagonistic relationship between endosomal F-actin assembly and cortical actin bundle integrity duringDrosophilaairway maturation. Double mutants lacking receptor tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) Ptp10D and Ptp4E, clear luminal proteins and disassemble apical actin bundles prematurely. These defects are counterbalanced by reduction of endosomal trafficking and by mutations affecting the tyrosine kinase Btk29A, and the actin nucleation factor WASH. Btk29A forms protein complexes with Ptp10D and WASH, and Btk29A phosphorylates WASH. This phosphorylation activates endosomal WASH function in flies and mice. In contrast, a phospho-mimetic WASH variant induces endosomal actin accumulation, premature luminal endocytosis and cortical F-actin disassembly. We conclude that PTPs and Btk29A regulate WASH activity to balance the endosomal and cortical F-actin networks during epithelial tube maturation.
Plant-derived virus-like particle vaccines drive cross-presentation of influenza A hemagglutinin peptides by human monocyte-derived macrophages
Authors: Makarkov Alexander I. , Golizeh Makan , Ruiz-Lancheros Elizabeth , Gopal Angelica A. , Costas-Cancelas Ian N. , Chierzi Sabrina , Pillet Stephane , Charland Nathalie , Landry Nathalie , Rouiller Isabelle , Wiseman Paul W. , Ndao Momar , Ward Brian J.
Published: May 2019

A growing body of evidence supports the importance of T cell responses to protect against severe influenza, promote viral clearance, and ensure long-term immunity. Plant-derived virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines bearing influenza hemagglutinin (HA) have been shown to elicit strong humoral and CD4+T cell responses in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. To better understand the immunogenicity of these vaccines, we tracked the intracellular fate of a model HA (A/California/07/2009 H1N1) in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) following delivery either as VLPs (H1-VLP) or in soluble form. Compared to exposure to soluble HA, pulsing with VLPs resulted in ~3-fold greater intracellular accumulation of HA at 15 min that was driven by clathrin-mediated and clathrin-independent endocytosis as well as macropinocytosis/phagocytosis. At 45 min, soluble HA had largely disappeared suggesting its handling primarily by high-degradative endosomal pathways. Although the overall fluorescence intensity/cell had declined 25% at 45 min after H1-VLP exposure, the endosomal distribution pattern and degree of aggregation suggested that HA delivered by VLP had entered both high-degradative late and low-degradative static early and/or recycling endosomal pathways. At 45 min in the cells pulsed with VLPs, HA was strongly co-localized with Rab5, Rab7, Rab11, MHC II, and MHC I. High-resolution tandem mass spectrometry identified 115 HA-derived peptides associated with MHC I in the H1-VLP-treated MDMs. These data suggest that HA delivery to antigen-presenting cells on plant-derived VLPs facilitates antigen uptake, endosomal processing, and cross-presentation. These observations may help to explain the broad and cross-reactive immune responses generated by these vaccines.
Expression of Ice-Binding Proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans Improves the Survival Rate upon Cold Shock and during Freezing
Authors: Kuramochi Masahiro , Takanashi Chiaki , Yamauchi Akari , Doi Motomichi , Mio Kazuhiro , Tsuda Sakae , Sasaki Yuji C.
Published: May 2019

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) are capable of binding ice crystals and inhibiting their growth at freezing temperatures. IBPs are also thought to stabilize the cell membrane at non-freezing temperatures near 0 °C. These two effects have been assumed to reduce cold- and freezing-induced damage to cells and tissues. However, knowledge regarding the effects of IBP on the living animals is limited. Here, we characterized the relationship between the IBP effects and the physiological role by using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The expression of fish (NfeIBPs)- and fungus-derived IBPs (AnpIBPs and TisIBP8) in C. elegans improved its survival rate during exposure to 0 and −2 °C (cold shock) and −5 °C (freezing). The observed cold tolerance of C. elegans after cold shock is attributable to the stabilization of cell-membrane lipids with IBPs, and the freezing tolerance at −5 °C can be attributed to the inhibition of ice-crystal growth by the IBPs. Significantly, the survival rate of C. elegans at −5 °C was improved by expression of wild-type AnpIBP and maximized by that of TisIBP8, whereas it was lowered when a defective AnpIBP mutant was expressed. These results suggest that the ice-binding ability of IBP has a good correlation with the survival rate of C. elegans during freezing.
Possible activation of NRF2 by Vitamin E/Curcumin against altered thyroid hormone induced oxidative stress via NFĸB/AKT/mTOR/KEAP1 signalling in rat heart
Authors: Mishra Pallavi , Paital Biswaranjan , Jena Srikanta , Swain Shasank S. , Kumar Sunil , Yadav Manoj K. , Chainy Gagan B. N. , Samanta Luna
Published: May 2019

Oxidative stress is implicated in both hypo- and hyper-thyroid conditions. In the present study an attempt has been made to elucidate possible interaction between vitamin E or/and curcumin (two established antioxidants) with active portion (redox signaling intervening region) of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) as a mechanism to alleviate oxidative stress in rat heart under altered thyroid states. Fifty Wistar strain rats were divided into two clusters (Cluster A: hypothyroidism; Cluster B: hyperthyroidism). The hypo- (0.05% (w/v) propylthiouracil in drinking water) and hyper- (0.0012% (w/v) T4 in drinking water) thyroid rats in both clusters were supplemented orally with antioxidants (vitamin E or/and curcumin) for 30 days. Interactive least count difference and principal component analyses indicated increase in lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione level, alteration in the activities and protein expression of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase under altered thyroid states. However, the expression of stress survival molecules; nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and the serine-threonine kinase B (Akt), in hyper-thyroidism only points towards different mechanisms responsible for either condition. Co-administration of vitamin E and curcumin showed better result in attenuating expression of mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR), restoration of total protein content and biological activity of Ca2+ ATPase in hyperthyroid rats, whereas, their individual treatment showed partial restoration. Since NRF2 is responsible for activation of antioxidant response element and subsequent expression of antioxidant enzymes, possible interactions of both vitamin E or/and curcumin with the antioxidant enzymes, NRF2 and its regulator Kelch ECH associating protein (KEAP1) were studied in silico. For the first time, a modeled active portion of the zipped protein NRF2 indicated its interaction with both vitamin E and curcumin. Further, curcumin and vitamin E complex showed in silico interaction with KEAP1. Reduction of oxidative stress by curcumin and/or vitamin E may be due to modulation of NRF2 and KEAP1 function in rat heart under altered thyroid states.
Profiling the TRB and IGH repertoire of patients with H5N6 Avian Influenza Virus Infection by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Peng Wujian , Liu Song , Meng Jingye , Huang Jiali , Huang Jianrong , Tang Donge , Dai Yong
Published: May 2019

Avian Influenza A (H5N6) Virus causes severe influenza disease in humans and is manifested by acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and high mortality rates. T cells recognize antigens specifically through a membrane protein T cell receptor (TCR). To ward off a wide variety of pathogens, the human adaptive immune system harbors a vast array of TCRs, which are collectively referred to as the TCR repertoire. The B cell receptor (BCR) is involved in inducing the humoral immune response. The generation of a diverse T cell and B cell repertoire is essential for protection against infection. In this study, multiplex PCR based on genomic DNA amplicons and Illumina high-throughput sequencing (HTS) were applied to study the characteristics and polymorphisms of the TRB and IGH repertoire in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from two H5N6 AIV patients and six healthy donors (NC). The CDR3 average length in the AIV group was different from the NC group. The TRBV12-3, TRBV12-4, and TRBV15 gene segments and TRBV30/TRBJ1-2, TRBV12-3/TRBJ1-1 and IGHV3-11/IGHJ6 gene segment pairings also exhibited a higher usage in the PBMCs of AIV donors and may provide more information for generating more effective T/B cell targeted diagnosis/protection strategies.
Publisher Correction: Non-Toxic Gold Nanoclusters for Solution-Processed White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chao Yu-Chiang , Cheng Kai-Ping , Lin Ching-Yi , Chang Yu-Li , Ko Yi-Yun , Hou Tzu-Yin , Huang Cheng-Yi , Chang Walter H. , Lin Cheng-An J.
Published: May 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Degradation of D-2-hydroxyglutarate in the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations
Authors: Berger Raffaela S. , Ellmann Lisa , Reinders Joerg , Kreutz Marina , Stempfl Thomas , Oefner Peter J. , Dettmer Katja
Published: May 2019

D-2-Hydroxyglutarate (D-2-HG) is regarded as an oncometabolite. It is found at elevated levels in certain malignancies such as acute myeloid leukaemia and glioma. It is produced by a mutated isocitrate dehydrogenase IDH1/2, a low-affinity/high-capacity enzyme. Its degradation, in contrast, is catalysed by the high-affinity/low-capacity enzyme D-2-hydroxyglutarate dehydrogenase (D2HDH). So far, it has not been proven experimentally that the accumulation of D-2-HG in IDH mutant cells is the result of its insufficient degradation by D2HDH. Therefore, we developed an LC-MS/MS-based enzyme activity assay that measures the temporal drop in substrate and compared this to the expression of D2HDH protein as measured by Western blot. Our data clearly indicate, that the maximum D-2-HG degradation rate by D2HDH is reached in vivo, as vmax is low in comparison to production of D-2-HG by mutant IDH1/2. The latter seems to be limited only by substrate availability. Further, incubation of IDH wild type cells for up to 48 hours with 5 mM D-2-HG did not result in a significant increase in either D2HDH protein abundance or enzyme activity.
Metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction based on trioxotriangulene
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Kotsuki Kenji , Murayama Hirotaka , Tsuji Ryotaro , Morita Yasushi
Published: May 2019

Development of a structurally well-defined small molecule with a high oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity is a key approach for the bottom-up design of a metal-free carbon-based catalysts for metal-air batteries and fuel cells. In this paper, we characterize the oxygen reduction reaction activities of trioxotriangulene derivatives, which are stable neutral radicals with high redox abilities, via rotating disk electrode measurements in alkaline aqueous solution. Among trioxotriangulene derivatives having various substituent groups, N-piperidinyl-substituted derivative mixed with acetylene black shows a high catalytic activity with the two-electron transferring process exceeding other derivatives and quinones. To reveal the correlation between molecular structure and catalytic activity, we discuss substituent effects on the redox ability of trioxotriangulene derivatives, and demonstrate that a molecule with electron-donating groups yields relatively higher catalytic activities.
Inkjet-printed micro-calibration standards for ultraquantitative Raman spectral cytometry
Authors: LaLone Vernon , Fawaz Maria V. , Morales-Mercado Jomar , Mourão Márcio A. , Snyder Catherine S. , Kim Sang Yeop , Lieberman Andrew P. , Tuteja Anish , Mehta Geeta , Standiford Theodore J. , Raghavendran Krishnan , Shedden Kerby , Schwendeman Anna , Stringer Kathleen A. , Rosania Gus R.
Published: May 2019

Picogram-scale biomolecule standards enable calibration.
Demonstration of a quantitative triplex LAMP assay with an improved probe-based readout for the detection of MRSA
Authors: Nanayakkara Imaly A. , White Ian M.
Published: May 2019

A LAMP assay that simultaneously detects three MRSA genes within a single sample using a quantitative and real-time readout is designed and demonstrated.
Introduction to electrochemistry for health applications
Authors: Banks Craig E. , Killard Tony , Venton B. Jill
Published: May 2019

Craig E. Banks, Tony Killard and B. Jill Venton introduce the Analytical Methods themed issue on electrochemistry for health applications.
Near-room-temperature tunable dielectric response induced by dual phase transitions in a lead-free hybrid: (C3H8N)2SbBr5
Authors: Li Maofan , Teng Bing , Han Shiguo , Yang Tao , Li Yaobin , Liu Yi , Zhang Xinyuan , Liu Xitao , Luo Junhua , Sun Zhihua
Published: May 2019

We report a new lead-free organic–inorganic hybrid that undergoes the dual phase transitions near room temperature.
Impact of atmospheric water vapor on the thermal decomposition of calcium hydroxide: a universal kinetic approach to a physico-geometrical consecutive reaction in solid–gas systems under different partial pressures of product gas
Authors: Koga Nobuyoshi , Favergeon Loic , Kodani Satoki
Published: May 2019

Impact of atmospheric water vapor pressure on the kinetics of the thermal decomposition of Ca(OH)2can be described universally.
Periodic trends and hidden dynamics of magnetic properties in three series of triazacyclononane lanthanide complexes
Authors: Suturina Elizaveta A. , Mason Kevin , Botta Mauro , Carniato Fabio , Kuprov Ilya , Chilton Nicholas F. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Vonci Michele , Parker David
Published: May 2019

In three structurally related series of nine-coordinate lanthanide(iii) complexes, solution NMR studies and DFT/CASSCF calculations have provided key information on the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy.
The chemistry of guanidinate complexes of the platinum group metals
Authors: Francos Javier , Cadierno Victorio
Published: May 2019

In the present Perspective article, synthetic and structural aspects, reactivity studies and applications of platinum group metal complexes containing guanidinate ligands are discussed.
A cationic [Ag12S12] cluster-based 2D coordination polymer and its dye composite with enhanced photocurrent and dielectric responses
Authors: Zhang Min , Tan Yu-Ling , Chen Xu-Ran , Yu Hong , Zhang Wen-Hua , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: May 2019

A cationic cluster-based 2D coordination polymer captures Congo Red to form a composite with improved photocurrent and dielectric responses.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate-derived hydrogen-bond donors for the synthesis of new deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Haraźna Katarzyna , Walas Karolina , Urbańska Patrycja , Witko Tomasz , Snoch Wojciech , Siemek Agnieszka , Jachimska Barbara , Krzan Marcel , Napruszewska Bogna D. , Witko Małgorzata , Bednarz Szczepan , Guzik Maciej
Published: May 2019

Polyhydroxyalkanoate monomers can serve as deep eutectic solvents components.
Catalytic synthesis of distillate-range ethers and olefins from ethanol through Guerbet coupling and etherification
Authors: Eagan Nathaniel M. , Moore Benjamin M. , McClelland Daniel J. , Wittrig Ashley M. , Canales Emmanuel , Lanci Michael P. , Huber George W.
Published: May 2019

Ethanol can be converted to heavy diesel ethers and jet fuel precursor olefins through sequential Guerbet coupling and dehydration.
A colorimetric sensor for protamine detection based on the self-assembly of gold nanorods on graphene oxide
Authors: Wiriyachaiporn Natpapas , Srisurat Petpimon , Cherngsuwanwong Jarumeth , Sangsing Natcha , Chonirat Jaruwan , Attavitaya Sahawat , Bamrungsap Suwussa
Published: May 2019

Here, we report a simple colorimetric detection method for the determination of protamine based on the self-assembly of gold nanorods (AuNRs) on graphene oxide (GO).
Surface protection of X80 steel using Epimedium extract and its iodide-modified composites in simulated acid wash solution: a greener approach towards corrosion inhibition
Authors: Singh Ambrish , Ituen Ekemini B. , Ansari K. R. , Chauhan D. S. , Quraishi M. A.
Published: May 2019

The pure extract of Epimedium (EPM) was investigated as an alternative anticorrosion additive for acid wash and descaling solution simulated using 5% HCl.
Novel MAB phases and insights into their exfoliation into 2D MBenes
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad , Wang Junjie , Estili Mehdi , Ranjbar Ahmad , Suehara Shigeru , Arai Masao , Esfarjani Keivan , Yunoki Seiji
Published: May 2019

Considering the recent breakthroughs in the synthesis of novel two-dimensional (2D) materials from layered bulk structures, ternary layered transition metal borides, known as MAB phases, have come under scrutiny as a means of obtaining novel 2D transition metal borides, the so-called MBenes.
Nanoscale J-aggregates of poly(3-hexylthiophene): key to electronic interface interactions with graphene oxide as revealed by KPFM
Authors: Palacios-Lidón Elisa , Istif Emin , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Colchero Jaime
Published: May 2019

KPFM reveals the critical role of the aggregate structure in P3HT for achieving efficient phototransport properties in P3HT-GO ensembles.
Discovery of precise pH-controlled biomimetic catalysts: defective zirconium metal–organic frameworks as alkaline phosphatase mimics
Authors: Xu Ming , Feng Liang , Yan Li-Na , Meng Sha-Sha , Yuan Shuai , He Meng-Jun , Liang Hong , Chen Xin-Yu , Wei Hai-Yan , Gu Zhi-Yuan , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: May 2019

Defective zirconium metal–organic frameworks as artificial alkaline phosphatase mimics in precise pH-controlled biomimetic catalysis.
Synthesis of vicinal dideoxy-difluorinated galactoses
Authors: Malassis Julien , Vendeville Jean-Baptiste , Nguyen Qui-Hien , Boujon Marie , Gaignard-Gaillard Quentin , Light Mark , Linclau Bruno
Published: May 2019

Three novel dideoxydifluorinated galactose derivatives are described.
Selective recognition of acetylcholine over choline by a fluorescent cage
Authors: Long Augustin , Fantozzi Nicolas , Pinet Sandra , Genin Emilie , Pétuya Rémi , Bégué Didier , Robert Vincent , Dutasta Jean-Pierre , Gosse Isabelle , Martinez Alexandre
Published: May 2019

A fluorescent hemicryptophane has been synthesized and can be used as a turn on receptor of acetylcholine.
Functionalised bicyclic tetramates derived from cysteine as antibacterial agents
Authors: Panduwawala Tharindi D. , Iqbal Sarosh , Thompson Amber L. , Genov Miroslav , Pretsch Alexander , Pretsch Dagmar , Liu Shuang , Ebright Richard H. , Howells Alison , Maxwell Anthony , Moloney Mark G.
Published: May 2019

Carboxamido tetramates derived from a bicyclic skeleton provide access to compounds with antibacterial activity.
Mechanically robust photodegradable gelatin hydrogels for 3D cell culture and in situ mechanical modification
Authors: Norris Sam C. P. , Delgado Stephanie M. , Kasko Andrea M.
Published: May 2019

Highly conjugated, hydrophobically modified gelatin hydrogels were synthesized, polymerized and degraded with orthogonal wavelengths of light.
Impact of building block structure on ion transport in cyclopropenium-based polymerized ionic liquids
Authors: Paren Benjamin A. , Raghunathan Ramya , Knudson Isaac J. , Freyer Jessica L. , Campos Luis M. , Winey Karen I.
Published: May 2019

Cation geometry, size, and polarity all contribute to conductivity in PS-TAC PILs, with highest conductivity from the isopropyl cation geometry.
Construction of two-dimensional supramolecular nanostructure with aggregation-induced emission effect via host–guest interactions
Authors: Liu Hui , Pan Qingyan , Wu Chenyu , Sun Jing , Zhuang Tao , Liang Tongling , Mu Xueluer , Zhou Xianfeng , Li Zhibo , Zhao Yingjie
Published: May 2019

Formation of fluorescent two-dimensional supramolecular structure based on tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivative and CB[8].
Design and synthesis of acetaminophen probe APAP-P1 for identification of the toxicity targets thioredoxin reductase-1 in HepaRG cells
Authors: Wang Shan , Tian Yu , Lu Shan , Wang Ruiying , Shang Hai , Zhang Xuelian , Zhang Chenyang , Sun Guibo , Xu Xudong , Sun Xiaobo
Published: May 2019

Drug-induced liver injury is one of the main causes of drug non-approval and drug withdrawal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Formation of highly ordered micro fillers in polymeric matrix by electro-field-assisted aligning
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Zheng Xiangwen , Jiang Weitao , Han Jie , Pu Jiangtao , Wang Lanlan , Lei Biao , Chen Bangdao , Shi Yongsheng , Yin Lei , Liu Hongzhong , Luo Feng , Liu Xiaokang , Chen Jinju
Published: May 2019

Nanocomposites composed by polymeric matrix with micro/nano fillers have drawn lots of attention since their dramatic properties beyond pristine polymers.
Label-free cell phenotypic study of FFA4 and FFA1 and discovery of novel agonists of FFA4 from natural products
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Zhou Han , Liu Xiumei , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Zhiwei , Hou Tao , Wang Jixia , Qu Lala , Zhang Pengyu , Piao Hailong , Liang Xinmiao
Published: May 2019

Pharmacological studies of the FFA4 and FFA1 and discovery of three novel agonists was conducted using a label-free DMR assay.
Vinylphosphonites for Staudinger-induced chemoselective peptide cyclization and functionalization
Authors: Kasper Marc-André , Glanz Maria , Oder Andreas , Schmieder Peter , von Kries Jens P. , Hackenberger Christian P. R.
Published: May 2019

Vinylphosphonites react in chemoselective Staudinger-phosphonite reactions (SPhR) with azides to form vinylphosphonamidates for the subsequent modification of cysteine residues in peptides and proteins.
A regioselectivity switch in Pd-catalyzed hydroallylation of alkynes
Authors: Ji Ding-Wei , Hu Yan-Cheng , Zheng Hao , Zhao Chao-Yang , Chen Qing-An , Dong Vy M.
Published: May 2019

Through rational evaluation of ligands and promoters, the reactivity of a key Pd(ii) species towards transmetalation or β-H elimination is manipulated.
Crack formation and self-closing in shrinkable, granular packings
Authors: Cho H. Jeremy , Lu Nancy B. , Howard Michael P. , Adams Rebekah A. , Datta Sujit S.
Published: May 2019

We show that differential shrinkage can dramatically alter cracking—even enabling cracks to self-close—during drying in shrinkable, granular packings.
Correction: MXenes and ultrasonication
Authors: Malaki Massoud , Maleki Aziz , Varma Rajender S.
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘MXenes and ultrasonication’ by Massoud Malaki et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7, 10843–10857.
Using genetically incorporated unnatural amino acids to control protein functions in mammalian cells
Authors: Nödling Alexander R. , Spear Luke A. , Williams Thomas L. , Luk Louis Y.P. , Tsai Yu-Hsuan
Published: May 2019

Genetic code expansion allows unnatural (non-canonical) amino acid incorporation into proteins of interest by repurposing the cellular translation machinery. The development of this technique has enabled site-specific incorporation of many structurally and chemically diverse amino acids, facilitating a plethora of applications, including protein imaging, engineering, mechanistic and structural investigations, and functional regulation. Particularly, genetic code expansion provides great tools to study mammalian proteins, of which dysregulations often have important implications in health. In recent years, a series of methods has been developed to modulate protein function through genetically incorporated unnatural amino acids. In this review, we will first discuss the basic concept of genetic code expansion and give an up-to-date list of amino acids that can be incorporated into proteins in mammalian cells. We then focus on the use of unnatural amino acids to activate, inhibit, or reversibly modulate protein function by translational, optical or chemical control. The features of each approach will also be highlighted.
Structural biology of laminins
Authors: Hohenester Erhard
Published: May 2019

Laminins are large cell-adhesive glycoproteins that are required for the formation and function of basement membranes in all animals. Structural studies by electron microscopy in the early 1980s revealed a cross-shaped molecule, which subsequently was shown to consist of three distinct polypeptide chains. Crystallographic studies since the mid-1990s have added atomic detail to all parts of the laminin heterotrimer. The three short arms of the cross are made up of continuous arrays of disulphide-rich domains. The globular domains at the tips of the short arms mediate laminin polymerization; the surface regions involved in this process have been identified by structure-based mutagenesis. The long arm of the cross is an α-helical coiled coil of all three chains, terminating in a cell-adhesive globular region. The molecular basis of cell adhesion to laminins has been revealed by recent structures of heterotrimeric integrin-binding fragments and of a laminin fragment bound to the carbohydrate modification of dystroglycan. The structural characterization of the laminin molecule is essentially complete, but we still have to find ways of imaging native laminin polymers at molecular resolution.
Using Telegraphic Input With Children With Language Delays: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' Practices and Perspectives
Authors: Venker Courtney E. , Yasick Megan , McDaniel Jena
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) often simplify their language input when talking to young children with language delays, but there is some controversy regarding whether simplified input should be telegraphic (e.g.,
Ball under, Doggie go, More toy
) or grammatical (e.g.,
The ball went under; Go, Doggie! More toys
). The purpose of this study was to evaluate SLPs' practices and perspectives on using telegraphic input when working with children with language delays at the prelinguistic, one-word, or two-word stages of spoken language development.

Method

Practicing SLPs were recruited from a university-sponsored professional development conference focused on current best practices in speech-language pathology. Respondents completed an online survey that included questions about their own practices, as well as their overall perspectives on the usefulness of simplifying language input in different ways.

Results

The vast majority of SLPs (82%) reported using telegraphic input. SLPs reported using telegraphic input more frequently when prompting for verbal imitations than when describing play or providing a directive/request. Surprisingly, only 30% of SLPs who reported using telegraphic input felt that it was useful. SLPs reported that receptive language is the most important child characteristic to consider when deciding what kind of language input to provide.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the need for more purposeful clinical decision making in the context of providing simplified language input. In addition, in-depth, qualitative studies are needed to characterize the complex interactions among beliefs, experiences, practices, and perspectives pertaining to simplified language input.
From Cantonese Lexical Tone Awareness to Second Language English Vocabulary: Cross-Language Mediation by Segmental Phonological Awareness
Authors: Choi William , Tong Xiuli , Deacon Helene
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Cantonese lexical tone awareness is closely associated with 1st language Cantonese vocabulary knowledge, but its role in 2nd language English vocabulary knowledge was unclear. We addressed this issue by investigating whether and, if so, how Cantonese lexical tone awareness contributes to English expressive vocabulary knowledge in Hong Kong Cantonese–English bilingual children.

Method

A sample of 112 Hong Kong Cantonese–English bilingual 2nd graders were tested on Cantonese lexical tone awareness, English lexical stress sensitivity, Cantonese– English segmental phonological awareness, and both Cantonese and English expressive vocabulary knowledge.

Results

Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that Cantonese lexical tone awareness contributed indirectly to English expressive vocabulary knowledge through English lexical stress sensitivity and Cantonese–English segmental phonological awareness.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the role of Cantonese lexical tone awareness in Cantonese–English bilingual children's English vocabulary knowledge. This also underscores the importance of 1st language suprasegmental phonological awareness in 2nd language expressive vocabulary knowledge.
Application of the inductive high current testing transformer for supplying of the measuring circuit with distorted current
Authors: Kaczmarek Michal Lukasz , Stano Ernest
Published: May 2019

The increasing number of non‐linear loads and renewable energy sources causes a decrease in the power quality in the power networks. Therefore, tests of current transformers should be performed in similar conditions. This requires generation by a high current testing transformer of distorted currents that rms values are from a few hundred to several thousands of amperes with a given harmonics levels. However, its frequency band of operation is limited by inductances of its windings and connected load that result from the length and parameters of the used current track and connected device under test. To ensure the constant rms value of higher harmonic of distorted secondary current with the increase of its frequency proportional increase of the rms value of this harmonic in distorted primary voltage of the high current testing transformer is required. However, the maximum permissible value of primary voltage is limited by the dielectric strength of insulation of the primary winding. The purpose of presented studies is to determine the factors that condition the frequency band of operation of a high current testing transformer and limits the range of higher harmonics while testing of the transformation accuracy of instrument current transformers for distorted currents.
Conformal platform‐embedded horn antenna with ultra‐wide bandwidth and low profile
Authors: Chen Zhuozhu , Shen Zhongxiang , Zhang Jun , Zhang Gary
Published: May 2019

This article presents an H‐plane horn antenna exhibiting very wide bandwidth, low profile, and nearly end‐fire radiation. A wideband coaxial‐to‐waveguide transition is proposed by employing ridged waveguide and metallic posts in order to enhance the bandwidth and to suppress the higher mode, respectively. An ellipse‐shaped copper taper is extended along the horn aperture in order to obtain smooth transition from the aperture to free space. The proposed antenna can be fully embedded in a conducting platform. Simulated results show that the proposed conformal antenna achieves a very wide bandwidth from 3.4 to 18 GHz for VSWR ≤ 2.5 while retaining the antenna height of only 5.508 mm (0.062λ0 at the lowest operating frequency). Nearly end‐fire radiation is obtained over the whole frequency band. The prototype of the conformal configuration with six antenna elements embedded into a large cylindrical platform is fabricated and tested, measured results are in good agreement with simulated ones.