bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal properties of whisker-evoked tactile responses in the mouse secondary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Hubatz Sophie , Hucher Guillaume , Shulz Daniel E. , Férézou Isabelle
Published: January 2020

The representation of rodents’ mystacial vibrissae within the primary somatosensory (S1) cortex has become a major model for studying the cortical processing of tactile sensory information. However, upon vibrissal stimulation, tactile information first reaches S1 but also, almost simultaneously, the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2). To further understand the role of S2 in the processing of whisker inputs, it is essential to characterize the spatio-temporal properties of whisker-evoked response dynamics in this area. Here we describe the topography of the whiskers representation in the mouse S2 with voltage sensitive dye imaging. Analysis of the spatial properties of the early S2 responses induced by stimulating individually 22 to 24 whiskers revealed that they are spatially ordered in a mirror symmetric map with respect to S1 responses. Evoked signals in S2 and S1 are of similar amplitude and closely correlated at the single trial level. They confirm a short delay (~3 ms) between S1 and S2 early activation. In both S1 and S2 caudo-dorsal whiskers induce stronger responses than rostro-ventral ones. Finally, analysis of early C2-evoked responses indicates a faster activation of neighboring whisker representations in S2 relative to S1, probably due to the reduced size of the whisker map in S2.
Integrated whole liver histologic analysis of the allogeneic islet distribution and characteristics in a nonhuman primate model
Authors: Kim Geun Soo , Lee Jong Hyun , Shin Du Yeon , Lee Han Sin , Park Hyojun , Lee Kyo Won , Yang Heung-Mo , Kim Sung Joo , Park Jae Berm
Published: January 2020

The most obvious method to observe transplanted islets in the liver is direct biopsy, but the distribution and location of the best biopsy site in the recipient’s liver are poorly understood. Islets transplanted into the whole liver of five diabetic cynomolgus monkeys that underwent insulin-independent survival for an extended period of time after allo-islet transplantation were analyzed for characteristics and distribution tendency. The liver was divided into segments (S1–S8), and immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to estimate the diameter, beta cell area, and islet location. Islets were more distributed in S2 depending on tissue size; however, the number of islets per tissue size was high in S1 and S8. Statistical analysis revealed that the characteristics of islets in S1 and S8 were relatively similar to other segments despite various transplanted islet dosages and survival times. In conclusion, S1, which exhibited high islet density and reflected the overall characteristics of transplanted islets, can be considered to be a reasonable candidate for a liver biopsy site in this monkey model. The findings obtained from the five monkey livers with similar anatomical features to human liver can be used as a reference for monitoring transplanted islets after clinical islet transplantation.
Analysis of Fractional-Order Models Of Polyaniline Doped Polyacrylonitrile Fibres Impedances’ (PAN/PANI)
Authors: Rybicki Tomasz , Karbownik Iwona
Published: January 2020

The paper describes the use of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for characterizing the impedance of polyaniline doped polyacrylonitrile fibres. The electrical impedance of fibres samples was measured by means of high impedance analyser and modeled by four types of models: Debye, Cole-Cole, Davidson-Cole and Havriliak-Negami. The fitting errors are presented for all model types. The model parameters are correlated with chemical substances additives and processing which were used during the fibres production. The presented results show that the fractional-order models reflect properly the impedance spectra of fibres samples.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 participates in cell cycle progression and chromosome stability
Authors: Larrieu D. , Brunet M. , Vargas C. , Hanoun N. , Ligat L. , Dagnon L. , Lulka H. , Pommier R. M. , Selves J. , Jády B. E. , Bartholin L. , Cordelier P. , Dufresne M. , Torrisani J.
Published: January 2020

Several studies have linked the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 (Thyroid hormone Receptor Interacting Protein 12) to the cell cycle. However, the regulation and the implication of this protein during the cell cycle are largely unknown. In this study, we show that TRIP12 expression is regulated during the cell cycle, which correlates with its nuclear localization. We identify an euchromatin-binding function of TRIP12 mediated by a N-terminal intrinsically disordered region. We demonstrate the functional implication of TRIP12 in the mitotic entry by controlling the duration of DNA replication that is independent from its catalytic activity. We also show the requirement of TRIP12 in the mitotic progression and chromosome stability. Altogether, our findings show that TRIP12 is as a new chromatin-associated protein with several implications in the cell cycle progression and in the maintenance of genome integrity.
Reduction in Urinary Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) After Surgery-Induced Weight Loss
Authors: Said Surita Binti , Loo Guo Hou , Kosai Nik Ritza , Rajan Reynu , Mohd Rozita , Wahab Asrul Abdul , Shah Shamsul Azhar
Published: January 2020

Kidney dysfunction, a deleterious effect of obesity, is now recognized as a relevant health risk. Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 2 (CCL2) is one of the critical chemokines that play a vital role in the development of obesity-related metabolic disease. We aim to measure the changes in urinary CCL2 in our patients before and after their bariatric procedure and examine the correlation between CCL2 and renal function. A prospective cohort study was conducted at our teaching university hospital. Ethics approval was obtained from our institutional review board. Patients with a BMI of ≥37.5 kg/m2 with no history of renal disease were included. They underwent single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), all performed via laparoscopic approach. Venous blood and urine samples were obtained preoperatively and six months after surgery. A total of 58 patients were recruited, with SG being performed in 74.1% of patients. At six-months follow-up, median (IQR) body weight reduced from 101.35 kgs (20.25) to 76.95 kg (24.62) p < 0.001. The mean (SD) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) improved from 96.26 ± 14.97 to 108.06 ± 15.00 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001. The median (IQR) urinary CCL2 levels reduced from 15.2 pg/ml (10.77) to 4.30 pg/ml (4.27) p < 0·001. There is a significant correlation between the reduction of BMI and the reduction of urinary CCL2 (r = −0.220, p = 0.048). We also found a significant correlation between the reduction of urinary CCL2 with the reduction of urine ACR (r = −0.240, p = 0.035). Urinary CCL2 is a promising biomarker that can be used to assess improvement in renal function in obese patients after bariatric surgery.
Gαi2+ vomeronasal neurons govern the initial outcome of an acute social competition
Authors: Pallé Anna , Montero Marta , Fernández Silvia , Tezanos Patricia , de las Heras Juan A. , Luskey Valerie , Birnbaumer Lutz , Zufall Frank , Chamero Pablo , Trejo José Luis
Published: January 2020

Pheromone detection by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) mediates important social behaviors across different species, including aggression and sexual behavior. However, the relationship between vomeronasal function and social hierarchy has not been analyzed reliably. We evaluated the role of pheromone detection by receptors expressed in the apical layer of the VNO such as vomeronasal type 1 receptors (V1R) in dominance behavior by using a conditional knockout mouse for G protein subunit Gαi2, which is essential for V1R signaling. We used the tube test as a model to analyze the within-a-cage hierarchy in male mice, but also as a paradigm of novel territorial competition in animals from different cages. In absence of prior social experience, Gαi2 deletion promotes winning a novel social competition with an unfamiliar control mouse but had no effect on an established hierarchy in cages with mixed genotypes, both Gαi2−/− and controls. To further dissect social behavior of Gαi2−/− mice, we performed a 3-chamber sociability assay and found that mutants had a slightly altered social investigation. Finally, gene expression analysis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) for a subset of genes previously linked to social status revealed no differences between group-housed Gαi2−/− and controls. Our results reveal a direct influence of pheromone detection on territorial dominance, indicating that olfactory communication involving apical VNO receptors like V1R is important for the outcome of an initial social competition between two unfamiliar male mice, whereas final social status acquired within a cage remains unaffected. These results support the idea that previous social context is relevant for the development of social hierarchy of a group. Overall, our data identify two context-dependent forms of dominance, acute and chronic, and that pheromone signaling through V1R receptors is involved in the first stages of a social competition but in the long term is not predictive for high social ranks on a hierarchy.
The Role of Peripheral Opioid Receptors in Triggering Heroin-induced Brain Hypoxia
Authors: Perekopskiy David , Afzal Anum , Jackson Shelley N. , Muller Ludovic , Woods Amina S. , Kiyatkin Eugene A.
Published: January 2020

While it is known that opioid receptors (ORs) are densely expressed in both the brain and periphery, it is widely accepted that hypoxic effects of opioids result solely from their direct action in the CNS. To examine the role of peripheral ORs in triggering brain hypoxia, we used oxygen sensors in freely moving rats to examine how naloxone-HCl and naloxone-methiodide, the latter which is commonly believed to be peripherally restricted, affect brain oxygen responses induced by intravenous heroin at low, human-relevant doses. Similar to naloxone-HCl, naloxone-methiodide at a relatively low dose (2 mg/kg) fully blocked heroin-induced decreases in brain oxygen levels. As measured by mass spectrometry, naloxone-methiodide was found to be ~40-fold less permeable than naloxone-HCl across the blood-brain barrier, thus acting as a selective blocker of peripheral ORs. Despite this selectivity, a low but detectable amount of naloxone was found in brain tissue after naloxone-methiodide administration, potentially influencing our results. Therefore, we examined the effects of naloxone-methiodide at a very low dose (0.2 mg/kg; at which naloxone was undetectable in brain tissue) and found that this drug still powerfully attenuates heroin-induced brain oxygen responses. These data demonstrate the role of peripheral ORs in triggering heroin-induced respiratory depression and subsequent brain hypoxia.
Positive and negative cooperativity of TNF and Interferon-γ in regulating synovial fibroblast function and B cell survival in fibroblast/B cell co-cultures
Authors: Lowin Torsten , Anssar Tareq M. , Bäuml Marina , Classen Tim , Schneider Matthias , Pongratz Georg
Published: January 2020

Synovial fibroblasts (SF) were reported to produce B cell activating factor (BAFF) in response to stimulation with interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or tumor necrosis factor (TNF). However, the influence of these pro-inflammatory cytokines on other receptors/ligands of the TNF superfamily or associated cytokine receptors in SF has not been investigated yet. Here we show the differential regulation of BAFF (CD257), Fn14 (CD266), TACI (CD267), BAFF-R (CD268), BCMA (CD269), CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154), IFN-γR (CD119), Leptin receptor (ObR, CD295), VCAM-1 (CD106) and membrane TGF-β in isolated SF and the impact of IFN-γ/TNF co-incubation on proliferation, IL-6 and IL-8 production. In addition, the impact of differentially stimulated SF on B cell survival in co-cultures was assessed. Surface cytokines and cytokine receptors were detected by flow cytometry. Soluble cytokine receptors and cytokines were quantified by ELISA. Proliferation was assessed by cell titer blue. Murine B cell survival in fibroblast/ B cell co-cultures was determined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. IFN-γ together with TNF synergistically and significantly increased the cell surface levels of BAFF, Fn14, TACI, BAFF-R, BCMA, CD40L, ObR and IFN-γR in rheumatoid arthritis SF after 72 h incubation. Soluble BAFF was only induced by IFN-γ and inhibited by TNF. Addition of TWEAK had no influence on proliferation or IL-8 production but decreased TNF-induced IL-6 production, whereas APRIL, BAFF and leptin did not modulate TNF or TNF/IFN-γ-induced proliferation or cytokine production. Proliferation was increased by TNF and further enhanced by the addition of IFN-γ. In co-culture experiments, SF stimulated with TNF/IFN but not TNF or IFN-γ alone increased shedding of VCAM-1 and expression of membrane TGFβ, which was associated with reduced survival of murine B cells. IFN-γ and TNF regulate the expression of TNF family member cytokines and associated receptors. Ligation of IFN-γR and Fn14 under pro-inflammatory conditions modulated IL-6/IL-8 production and proliferation. In B cell/SF co-cultures, the combination of TNF/IFN reduced B cell survival possibly via enhanced VCAM-1 shedding and/or increased TGF-β production. IFN-γ is necessary for the observed effects on B cell survival and SF cytokine production and emphasizes its anti-inflammatory role in rheumatoid arthritis.
The flexible linker of the secreted FliK ruler is required for export switching of the flagellar protein export apparatus
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Tanaka Seina , Inoue Yumi , Namba Keiichi , Aizawa Shin-Ichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: January 2020

The hook length of the flagellum is controlled to about 55 nm in Salmonella. The flagellar type III protein export apparatus secretes FliK to determine hook length during hook assembly and changes its substrate specificity from the hook protein to the filament protein when the hook length has reached about 55 nm. Salmonella FliK consists of an N-terminal domain (FliKN, residues 1–207), a C-terminal domain (FliKC, residues 268–405) and a flexible linker (FliKL, residues 208–267) connecting these two domains. FliKN is a ruler to measure hook length. FliKC binds to a transmembrane export gate protein FlhB to undergo the export switching. FliKL not only acts as part of the ruler but also contributes to this switching event, but it remains unknown how. Here we report that FliKL is required for efficient interaction of FliKC with FlhB. Deletions in FliKL not only shortened hook length according to the size of deletions but also caused a loose length control. Deletion of residues 206–265 significantly reduced the binding affinity of FliKC for FlhB, thereby producing much longer hooks. We propose that an appropriate length of FliKL is required for efficient interaction of FliKC with FlhB.
Xanthine oxidase inhibition attenuates insulin resistance and diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Nishikawa Tomoki , Nagata Naoto , Shimakami Tetsuro , Shirakura Takashi , Matsui Chieko , Ni Yinhua , Zhuge Fen , Xu Liang , Chen Guanliang , Nagashimada Mayumi , Yamashita Taro , Sakai Yoshio , Yamashita Tatsuya , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Ota Tsuguhito
Published: January 2020

Hyperuricemia drives the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Pharmacological inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO), a rate-limiting enzyme for uric acid (UA) production, has been demonstrated to improve hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice. However, it remains unclear whether inhibition of XO improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more advanced form of NAFLD, in terms of both liver inflammation and fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of febuxostat and allopurinol, two XO inhibitors clinically used for gout, on a mouse model of NASH. Furthermore, we conducted a single-arm, open-label intervention study with febuxostat for NAFLD patients with hyperuricemia. Despite a similar hypouricemic effect of the XO inhibitors on blood UA level, febuxostat, but not allopurinol, significantly decreased hepatic XO activity and UA levels in the NASH model mice. These reductions in hepatic XO activity and UA levels were accompanied by attenuation of insulin resistance, lipid peroxidation, and classically activated M1-like macrophage accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, in NAFLD patients with hyperuricemia, treatment with febuxostat for 24 weeks decreased the serum UA level, accompanied by reductions in the serum levels of liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. XO may represent a promising therapeutic target in NAFLD/NASH, especially in patients with hyperuricemia.
Response of the Salmon Heart Transcriptome to Pancreas Disease: Differences Between High- and Low-Ranking Families for Resistance
Authors: Robinson N. A. , Krasnov A. , Burgerhout E. , Johnsen H. , Moghadam H. K. , Hillestad B. , Aslam M. L. , Baranski M. , Boison S. A.
Published: January 2020

Pancreas disease caused by salmonid alphaviruses leads to severe losses in Atlantic salmon aquaculture. The aim of our study was to gain a better understanding of the biological differences between salmon with high and low genomic breeding values (H-gEBV and L-gEBV respectively) for pancreas disease resistance. Fish from H- and L-gEBV families were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of salmonid alphavirus or co-habitation with infected fish. Mortality was higher with co-habitation than injection, and for L- than H-gEBV. Heart for RNA-seq and histopathology was collected before challenge and at four- and ten-weeks post-challenge. Heart damage was less severe in injection-challenged H- than L-gEBV fish at week 4. Viral load was lower in H- than L-gEBV salmon after co-habitant challenge. Gene expression differences between H- and L-gEBV manifested before challenge, peaked at week 4, and moderated by week 10. At week 4, H-gEBV salmon showed lower expression of innate antiviral defence genes, stimulation of B- and T-cell immune function, and weaker stress responses. Retarded resolution of the disease explains the higher expression of immune genes in L-gEBV at week 10. Results suggest earlier mobilization of acquired immunity better protects H-gEBV salmon by accelerating clearance of the virus and resolution of the disease.
Publisher Correction: A reference collection of patient-derived cell line and xenograft models of proneural, classical and mesenchymal glioblastoma
Authors: Stringer Brett W. , Day Bryan W. , D’Souza Rochelle C. J. , Jamieson Paul R. , Ensbey Kathleen S. , Bruce Zara C. , Lim Yi Chieh , Goasdoué Kate , Offenhäuser Carolin , Akgül Seçkin , Allan Suzanne , Robertson Thomas , Lucas Peter , Tollesson Gert , Campbell Scott , Winter Craig , Do Hongdo , Dobrovic Alexander , Inglis Po-Ling , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Johns Terrance G. , Boyd Andrew W.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enhancement of Colonic Absorptive Function after the Massive Resection of the Small Intestine Based on the Creation of an Artificial Colonic Valve
Authors: Deng Gaoyan , Deng Zhijian
Published: January 2020

The colon can have an absorptive function similar to that of the small intestine after the massive resection of the small bowel. To improve colonic absorptive function, we created a valve in the colon (artificial colonic valve, ACV). ACVs were created in 20 rats that had 80 percent of their small intestine resected, with an observation time of 30 weeks. The ACV rats were compared with those in the non-operated control group, the short bowel syndrome (SBS) group and the colon interposition (CI) group. The ACV rats were much heavier than those in the control group, SBS group and CI group. In terms of histology and the levels of α-amylase and the Na+-dependent bile salt transporter, the absorptive function of the colons before the valves resembled that of the small intestine. The colonic absorptive function was more obvious in ACV rats than in CI rats. An ACV can enhance colonic absorptive function after the massive resection of the small intestine. The colonic absorptive function of ACV rats was better than that of the rats in the CI group.
Diagnostic value of non-contrast brain computed tomography in the evaluation of acute cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Tayyebi Shamim , Akhavan Reza , Shams Majid , Salehi Maryam , Farrokh Donya , Yousefi Farhad , Abbasi Bita
Published: January 2020

Acute cerebral vein thrombosis is usually seen as increased attenuation in brain non-contrast computed tomography. It is so helpful to define measurable parameters for subjective evaluation of sinus thrombosis in non-enhanced brain computed tomography, especially where advanced neuroimaging techniques are not available. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of venobasilar attenuation ratio and venobasilar attenuation difference in the evaluation of acute cerebral venous sinuous thrombosis in non-enhanced brain CT scan. Fifty confirmed cases of acute cerebral vein thrombosis were sex- and age-matched with 73 subjects who did not have the condition. Average venous sinus attenuation, Hounsfield to hematocrit ratio, basilar artery density, venobasilar attenuation ratio and venobasilar attenuation difference were measured. Mean attenuation was 65.8 in thrombosed and 44.9 in non-thrombosed sinuses (P < 0.0001). A cutoff absolute sinus attentuaion of 61 HU led to a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 92%. A cutoff ratio of 1.4 for venobasilar ratio led to a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 78% and accuracy of 87%. A cut-off value of 24 for venobasilar difference resulted in the sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 100% and accuracy of 92%. The additional measurement of venous sinus and basilar artery attenuations and calculation of venobasilar ratio and difference can increase the sensitivity and specificity of NCCT in the diagnosis of acute CVST.
Integrated miRNA-/mRNA-Seq of the Habenulo-Interpeduncular Circuit During Acute Nicotine Withdrawal
Authors: Casserly Alison P. , Tsuji Junko , Zhao-Shea Rubing , Smith Ciearra B. , Molas Susanna , Tapper Andrew R. , Weng Zhiping , Gardner Paul D.
Published: January 2020

Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of mortality in the world. The limited number of smoking cessation aids currently available are minimally effective, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic interventions. We describe a genome-wide approach to identify potential candidates for such interventions. Next-generation sequencing was performed using RNA isolated from the habenulo-interpeduncular circuit of male mice withdrawn from chronic nicotine treatment. This circuit plays a central role in the nicotine withdrawal response. Differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR. Many of the differentially expressed mRNAs are predicted targets of reciprocally expressed miRNAs. We illustrate the utility of the dataset by demonstrating that knockdown in the interpeduncular nucleus of a differentially expressed mRNA, that encoding profilin 2, is sufficient to induce anxiety-related behavior. Importantly, profilin 2 knockdown in the ventral tegmental area did not affect anxiety behavior. Our data reveal wide-spread changes in gene expression within the habenulo-interpeduncular circuit during nicotine withdrawal. This dataset should prove to be a valuable resource leading to the identification of substrates for the design of innovative smoking cessation aids.
Author Correction: Biosurfactant Production by Lactic Acid Bacterium Pediococcus dextrinicus SHU1593 Grown on Different Carbon Sources: Strain Screening Followed by Product Characterization
Authors: Ghasemi Abouzar , Moosavi-Nasab Marzieh , Setoodeh Payam , Mesbahi Gholamreza , Yousefi Gholamhossein
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Human gut microbiome changes during a 10 week Randomised Control Trial for micronutrient supplementation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Stevens Aaron J. , Purcell Rachel V. , Darling Kathryn A. , Eggleston Matthew J. F. , Kennedy Martin A. , Rucklidge Julia J.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Supersonic turbulent flow simulation using a scalable parallel modal discontinuous Galerkin numerical method
Authors: Houba Tomas , Dasgupta Arnob , Gopalakrishnan Shivasubramanian , Gosse Ryan , Roy Subrata
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Diversity of nectar amino acids in the Fritillaria (Liliaceae) genus: ecological and evolutionary implications
Authors: Roguz Katarzyna , Bajguz Andrzej , Chmur Magdalena , Gołębiewska Agnieszka , Roguz Agata , Zych Marcin
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: The inflammasome NLRP3 plays a dual role on mouse corpora cavernosa relaxation
Authors: Fais Rafael S. , Rodrigues Fernanda L. , Pereira Camila A. , Mendes Allan C. , Mestriner Fabíola , Tostes Rita C. , Carneiro Fernando S.
Published: January 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Application of dendrimer-functionalized ion-exchange stationary phases for the retention and separation of low-molecular-weight heparins
Authors: Sadowski Radosław , Gadzała-Kopciuch Renata , Buszewski Buszewski
Published: January 2020

The disaccharides of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) obtained by enzymatic depolymerization most frequently require a determination method that uses separation techniques.
Real time monitoring of biofilm formation on coated medical devices for the reduction and interception of bacterial infections
Authors: Kurmoo Yasin , Hook Andrew L. , Harvey Daniel , Dubern Jean-Frédéric , Williams Paul , Morgan Stephen P. , Korposh Serhiy , Alexander Morgan R.
Published: January 2020

Optical fibre sensors successfully detect and quantify bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on uncoated and coated endotracheal tube surfaces.
Virus-mimicking mesoporous organosilica nanocapsules with soft framework and rough surface for enhanced cellular uptake and tumor penetration
Authors: Tao Jun , Chen Kun , Su Xiaodan , Ren Lili , Zhang Junjie , Bao Lei , Dong Heng , Lu Guangming , Teng Zhaogang , Wang Lianhui
Published: January 2020

Virus-mimicking mesoporous organosilica nanocapsules possess enhanced cellular uptake and tumor penetration.
Flexible and printable dielectric polymer composite with tunable permittivity and thermal stability
Authors: Hu Feng , An Lu , Chivate Aditya Tushar , Guo Zipeng , Khuje Saurabh Vishwas , Huang Yulong , Hu Yong , Armstrong Jason , Zhou Chi , Ren Shenqiang
Published: January 2020

A printable dielectric polymer composite with enhanced dielectric constant and thermal stability.
Access to the most sterically crowded anilines via non-catalysed C–C coupling reactions
Authors: Vrána Jan , Samsonov Maksim A. , Němec Vlastimil , Růžička Aleš
Published: January 2020

The most sterically crowded anilines were prepared by non-catalyzed C–C coupling.
A superior G-quadruplex DNAzyme through functionalized modification of the hemin cofactor
Authors: Liu Yan , Lai Peidong , Wang Jingru , Xing Xiwen , Xu Liang
Published: January 2020

Chemical modifications of the hemin structure through introducing new functionalities are proposed to enhance the catalytic efficiency of the hemin/G-quadruplex DNAzyme.
A multiscale investigation elucidating the structural complexities and electrochemical properties of layered–layered composite cathode materials synthesized at low temperatures
Authors: Kaewmala Songyoot , Wiriya Narinthorn , Chantrasuwan Patcharapohn , Yordsri Visittapong , Limphirat Wanwisa , Muhammad Shoaib , Yoon Won-Sub , Nash Jeffrey , Srilomsak Sutham , Limthongkul Pimpa , Meethong Nonglak
Published: January 2020

0.5Li2MnO3·0.5LiCoO2composite cathodes prepared using various heating and cooling rates under 600 °C reveal different microstructural characteristics that significantly impact their structural stability and electrochemical properties.
Defect engineering, microstructural examination and improvement of ultrafast third harmonic generation in GaZnO nanostructures: a study of e-beam irradiation
Authors: Antony Albin , P. Poornesh , Kityk I. V. , Ozga K. , Jedryka J. , Myronchuk G. , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Sanjeev Ganesh , Petwal Vikash Chandra , Verma Vijay Pal , Dwivedi Jishnu
Published: January 2020

Electron beam induced effects on defect engineering and structural, morphological and optical properties of Ga doped ZnO (GaZnO) nanostructures for improved ultrafast nonlinear optical properties are presented.
Stability of the chaperonin system GroEL–GroES under extreme environmental conditions
Authors: Jaworek Michel W. , Möbitz Simone , Gao Mimi , Winter Roland
Published: January 2020

The chaperonin system GroEL–GroES rescues proteins from improper folding at external stress conditions up to 70 °C and pressures of 1 kbar.
Temperature-dependent mechanical properties of Tin+1CnO2 (n = 1, 2) MXene monolayers: a first-principles study
Authors: Khaledialidusti Rasoul , Anasori Babak , Barnoush Afrooz
Published: January 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (named as MXenes) have become of the fastest growing family of 2D materials in terms of compositions and their applications in different areas.
Amphiphilic nanostructure in choline carboxylate and amino acid ionic liquids and solutions
Authors: Miao Shurui , Atkin Rob , Warr Gregory G.
Published: January 2020

The liquid structures of six choline carboxylate/amino acid ionic liquids (bio-ILs) and their mixtures with water and various n-alkanols have been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS).
Materials chemistry and engineering in metal halide perovskite lasers
Authors: Dong Haiyun , Zhang Chunhuan , Liu Xiaolong , Yao Jiannian , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: January 2020

This review article provides a comprehensive overview of metal halide perovskite lasers from the viewpoint of materials chemistry and engineering.
Aerobic dehydrogenation of amines to nitriles catalyzed by triazolylidene ruthenium complexes with O2 as terminal oxidant
Authors: Olivares Marta , Knörr Pascal , Albrecht Martin
Published: January 2020

Pyridyl-substituted mesoionic triazolylidene ruthenium cymene complexes catalyze the oxidation of both aromatic and aliphatic amines to nitriles with high activity and selectivity under benign conditions using dioxygen as the terminal oxidant.
Selective hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and its acetal with 1,3-propanediol to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan using supported rhenium-promoted nickel catalysts in water
Authors: Wiesfeld Jan J. , Kim Minjune , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Hensen Emiel J. M.
Published: January 2020

High BHMF yield is achieved by protecting the formyl group of 5-HMF and subsequently balancing its rate of deprotection during the hydrogenation reaction.
Indium and thallium extraction into betainium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid from aqueous hydrochloric acid media
Authors: Volia M. F. , Tereshatov E. E. , Boltoeva M. , Folden C. M.
Published: January 2020

Carrier-free In and Tl radionuclides were extracted into a protic ionic liquid [Hbet][Tf2N] from HCl media with and without the presence of zwitterionic betaine in the aqueous phase.
l-Methionine–Pd complex supported on hercynite as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for C–C cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Mohammadi Masoud , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash
Published: January 2020

Anl-methionine–Pd complex was covalently immobilized on the surface of hercynite (FeAl2O4) MNPs, and its catalytic properties were studied in C–C coupling reactions.
A [bmim]Cl-promoted domino protocol using an isocyanide-based [4+1]-cycloaddition reaction for the synthesis of diversely functionalized 3-alkylamino-2-alkyl/aryl/hetero-aryl indolizine-1-carbonitriles under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Atar Amol Balu , Kang Jongmin , Jadhav Arvind H.
Published: January 2020

A room temperature-based ionic liquid [bmim]Cl-catalyzed multicomponent coupling strategy for the synthesis of 3-alkylamino-2-alkyl/aryl/hetero-aryl indolizine-1-carbonitrile derivatives under mild conditions is shown.
Mapping the heterogeneity of protein corona by ex vivo magnetic levitation
Authors: Ashkarran Ali Akbar , Dararatana Naruphorn , Crespy Daniel , Caracciolo Giulio , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: January 2020

Magnetic levitation has a unique capacity to monitor the quality of protein corona coated nanoparticles.
Cucurbit[7]uril as a catalytic nanoreactor for one-pot synthesis of isoxazolidines in water
Authors: Gentile Davide , Floresta Giuseppe , Patamia Vincenzo , Nicosia Angelo , Mineo Placido G. , Rescifina Antonio
Published: January 2020

The main objective of supramolecular chemistry is to mimic the macrosystems present in nature, a goal that fits perfectly with the green chemistry guidelines.
Zinc-tetracarboxylate framework material with nano-cages and one-dimensional channels for excellent selective and effective adsorption of methyl blue dye
Authors: Li Qipeng , Qian Jinjie , Du Lin , Zhao Qihua
Published: January 2020

The 3D cage-stacking framework of FJI-11 with excellently selective and effective adsorption of methyl blue has been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized.
Tryptophan promoted β-defensin-2 expressionviathe mTOR pathway and its metabolites: kynurenine banding to aryl hydrocarbon receptor in rat intestine
Authors: Tang Zhiru , Shi Baoshi , Sun Weizhong , Yin Yulong , Chen Qingju , Mohamed Taha , Lu Changwen , Sun Zhihong
Published: January 2020

In this study, we investigated the signalling pathways mediating tryptophan (Trp)-promoted β-defensin-2 (BD-2) expression in rat intestinal mucosa.
Identification and structural insight of an effective PPARγ modulator with improved therapeutic index for anti-diabetic drug discovery
Authors: Jiang Haowen , Zhou X. Edward , Shi Jingjing , Zhou Zhi , Zhao Guanguan , Zhang Xinwen , Sun Yili , Suino-Powell Kelly , Ma Lei , Gao Hui , Yu Xiyong , Li Jia , Li Jingya , Melcher Karsten , Xu H. Eric , Yi Wei
Published: January 2020

A novel and potent “hit” VSP-77, especially (S)-VSP-77, has been identified as the effective PPARγ modulator for anti-diabetic drug discovery.
Carbon-coated β-MnO2 for cathode of lithium-ion battery
Authors: Tai Zige , Shi Ming , Zhu Wei , Dai Xin , Xin Yanfei , Chen Yuanzhen , Sun Junjie , Liu Yongning
Published: January 2020

We prepared carbon-coated β-MnO2 for the cathode of a lithium-ion battery with high discharge capacity.
Self-healing stable polymer hydrogel for pH regulated selective adsorption of dye and slow release of graphene quantum dots
Authors: Sahoo Subhangi Devadarshini , Prasad Edamana
Published: January 2020

Investigation of selective cationic dye adsorption by a mechanically stable and self-healable GOxAAM polymer hydrogel.
Phosphorus-doped porous hollow carbon nanorods for high-performance sodium-based dual-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Shaofeng , Shen Kaixiang , He Shenggong , Hou Xianhua , Chen Fuming
Published: January 2020

Phosphorus-doped hollow carbon nanorods with high electronic conductivity can maintain excellent structural stability and endow outstanding electrochemical performance in sodium-based dual-ion batteries.
An oxygen-deficient vanadium oxide@N-doped carbon heterostructure for sodium-ion batteries: insights into the charge storage mechanism and enhanced reaction kinetics
Authors: Ren Qingyuan , Qin Ning , Liu Bin , Yao Yuan , Zhao Xu , Deng Zhao , Li Yu , Dong Yucheng , Qian Dong , Su Bao-Lian , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Hong-En
Published: January 2020

The charge storage mechanism and reaction kinetics enhancement of an oxygen-deficient vanadium oxide@N-doped carbon heterostructure were elucidated by experimental and theoretical studies.
A color-tunable fluorescent pillararene coordination polymer for efficient pollutant detection
Authors: Li Xiang-Shuai , Li Yong-Fu , Wu Jia-Rui , Lou Xin-Yue , Han Junyou , Qin Jianchun , Yang Ying-Wei
Published: January 2020

A color-tunable pillarene coordination polymer (DCP5-Eu1Tb3) with attractive white-light emission properties and capable of nitroaromatic pollutant detection in biological platforms was constructed.
Thermoelectric properties of Cu4Ge3Se5with an intrinsic disordered zinc blende structure
Authors: Shan Bing , Lin Siqi , Bu Zhonglin , Tang Jing , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Xinyue , Li Wen , Pei Yanzhong
Published: January 2020

Ternary Cu4Ge3Se5with a disordered zinc blende structure shows a low intrinsic lattice thermal conductivity and potential thermoelectric performance.
A selenophene substituted double-cable conjugated polymer enables efficient single-component organic solar cells
Authors: Yu Peiting , Feng Guitao , Li Junyu , Li Cheng , Xu Yunhua , Xiao Chengyi , Li Weiwei
Published: January 2020

Double-cable conjugated polymers with selenophene substituted conjugated backbones were developed for single-component organic solar cells with an efficiency of 6.25%.
Au-modified three-dimensionally ordered macroporous ZnO:In for high-performance ethanol sensors
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Tian Ziwei , Han Dongmei , Gu Fubo
Published: January 2020

Au-modified three-dimensionally ordered macroporous ZnO:In with very low Au content exhibited high sensitivity to ethanol.
Hydrogel-derived VPO4/porous carbon framework for enhanced lithium and sodium storage
Authors: Guo Donglei , Yang Mengke , Li Yicong , Xue Yuwen , Liu Guilong , Wu Naiteng , Kim Jang-Kyo , Liu Xianming
Published: January 2020

3DHP-VPO4@C was synthesized by a novel and facile strategy in which VPO4 chemically interacted with the carbon framework via a P–C bond.
Effect of UVA1 on hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model
Authors: Zhang Tong , Shen Zhiming , Zheng Jie , Jiang Rui
Published: January 2020

Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are common and cause functional and psychological morbidity. UVA1 (340–400 nm) phototherapy has been previously shown to be effective in the treatment of localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, and POEMS syndrome with minimal side effects, all of which are presented as collagen fibrils hyperplasia that is common with scarring in skin histology. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of UVA1 on the protein expression of TGF-β signal pathway and myofibroblasts in a rabbit model of cutaneous scarring. Full-thickness skin wounds (2 cm × 5 cm in diameter) were made in New Zealand white rabbits to establish the hypertrophic scarring model. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two treatment groups (n=30 wounds per group with an equal number of controls): medium-dose of UVA1 phototherapy group: 60 J/cm2; high-dose of UVA1 phototherapy group: 110 J/cm2. Left ears were used for treatment and the right ones were used for control. Treatment was administered five times weekly for 6 weeks. Treated and untreated control wounds were harvested at various time points and examined by histologic examination, immunohistochemical assessment, and ultrastructural evaluation. The results showed that UVA1 phototherapy caused a significant reduction in dermal thickness by histological features, whereas the scar index was descended significantly in both medium- and high-dose UVA1 groups compared with the control group. Examination of immunohistochemistry also revealed a marked suppression of tissue growth factor-β (TGF-β) (both medium- and high-dose), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (only high-dose), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) (only high-dose), and apparent increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1) (both medium- and high-dose) compared with the control. The ultrastructural evaluation showed the collagen fibers’ diameter had shrunk, and that fibroblastic cytoplasm was not affluent and in a quiescent stage. These findings of the present study suggested that administration of UVA1 irradiation is effective to improve the experimental HTS model and raises a possibility of the therapeutic approach of UVA1 in the scar. Although not directly examined in the present study, MMP inhibition is hypothesized to be responsible for this effect. However, early UVA1 treatment could not prevent the formation of scar model.
Astragalus polysaccharide attenuates metabolic memory-triggered ER stress and apoptosis via regulation of miR-204/SIRT1 axis in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Peng Qing-Hua , Tong Ping , Gu Li-Min , Li Wen-Jie
Published: January 2020

Background: ‘Metabolic memory’ of early hyperglycaemic environment has been frequently suggested in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are crucial targets for DR initiation following hyperglycaemia. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) has been long used as a traditional Chinese medicine in treating diabetes. In the present study, the preventive effects and mechanisms of APS on metabolic memory-induced RPE cell death were investigated.

Methods: The expressions of miR-204 and SIRT1 were determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Dual luciferase assay was applied to detect the potential targeting effects of miR-204 on SIRT1. SIRT1, ER stress and apoptosis related proteins were monitored using Western blotting. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay and Annexin V/PI staining followed by flow cytometry analysis. MiR-204 mimics and shSIRT1 were applied for miR-204 overexpression and SIRT1 knockdown, respectively.

Results: High glucose exposure induced metabolic memory, which was accompanied with sustained dysregulation of miR-204/SIRT1 axis, high level of ER stress and activation of apoptotic pathway even after replacement with normal glucose. Pre-treatment with APS concentration-dependently reversed miR-204 expression, leading to disinhibition of SIRT1 and alleviation of ER stress-induced apoptosis indicated by decreased levels of p-PERK, p-IRE-1, cleaved-ATF6, Bax, cleaved caspase-12, -9, -3, and increased levels of Bcl-2 and unleaved PARP. The effects of APS on RPE cells were reversed by either miR-204 overexpression or SIRT1 knockdown.

Conclusions: We concluded that APS inhibited ER stress and subsequent apoptosis via regulating miR-204/SIRT1 axis in metabolic memory model of RPE cells.
De‐noising of time‐domain spectroscopy data for reliable assessment of power transformer insulation
Authors: Mishra Deepak , Baral Arijit , Chakravorti Sivaji
Published: January 2020

Polarisation–depolarisation current (PDC) measurement and its analysis is a popular technique for assessing the condition of transformer insulation. Owing to the low magnitude of PDC, recording noise‐free PDC data from in‐situ power transformers is a challenge. Once the relaxation current data get affected by noise, it becomes difficult to formulate insulation model (as recorded data loses its characteristic shape). This further makes the data difficult to analyse and predict insulation condition. In this study, two de‐noising techniques are discussed (one is based on Wavelet Transform while the other is based on Stockwell Transform) for eliminating low‐frequency non‐stationary noise from recorded PDC data. Comparison between these two techniques suggests de‐noising using Stockwell Transform is advantageous over wavelet analysis. The proposed methodology is first tested on data recorded from the sample prepared in the laboratory and then on data measured from real‐life in‐service power transformer.
End‐to‐end learning interpolation for object tracking in low frame‐rate video
Authors: Liu Liqiang , Cao Jianzhong
Published: January 2020

In many scenarios, where videos are transmitted through bandwidth‐limited channels for subsequent semantic analytics, the choice of frame rates has to balance between bandwidth constraints and analytics performance. Faced with this practical challenge, this study focuses on enhancing object tracking at low frame rates and proposes a learning Interpolation for tracking framework. This framework embeds an implicit video frame interpolation sub‐network, which is concatenated and jointly trained with another object tracking sub‐network. Once a low frame‐rate video is an input, it is first mapped into a high frame‐rate latent video, based on which the tracker is learned. Novel strategies and loss functions are derived to ensure the effective end‐to‐end optimisation of the authors’ network. On several challenging benchmarks and settings, their method achieves a highly competitive tradeoff between frame rate and tracking accuracy. As is known, the implications of interpolation on semantic video analytics and tracking remain unexplored, and the authors expect their method to find many applications in mobile embedded vision, Internet of Things and edge computing.
Joint rain and atmospheric veil removal from single image
Authors: Mi Zetian , Wang Yafei , Zhao Congcong , Du Fengming , Fu Xianping
Published: January 2020

In natural rainy scenes, visibility is significantly degraded by two types of phenomena: specular highlights of nearby individual rain streaks and atmospheric veiling effect caused by distant accumulated rain. However, most existing deraining methods only take the first kind of degradation into consideration, which limits their potential application in heavy rain. In this study, a joint rain and atmospheric veil removal framework is proposed to address this problem. Since rain streaks and rain accumulation are entangled with each other, which is intractable to simulate, causing clean/rainy image pairs of real‐world are hard to generate. Hence, after introducing a generalised rain model, which can represent both rain streaks and atmospheric veil physically, the authors do not learn the mapping function between image pairs using deep‐learning architecture, but estimate the rain streaks, transmission, and atmospheric light via Gaussian mixture model patch prior and dark channel prior to solve the rain model instead. According to the comprehensive experimental evaluations, the proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of both high visibility and vivid colour, especially in natural heavy rain scenario.
Dual‐band dielectric resonator antenna with multi‐frequency circular polarisation
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Varshney Gaurav , Yaduvanshi Rajveer Singh , Kumar Dwivedi Dhirendra , Pandey Vinay Shankar
Published: January 2020

A dual‐band rectangular dielectric resonator (DR) antenna is implemented with a multi‐frequency circularly polarised (CP) response. The wide dual‐band response is achieved by inserting the slots in the DR. The insertion of slots in the DR in a specific manner generates the orthogonal degenerate modes. Consequently, the multi‐frequency CP response is obtained. The antenna provides the total overlapping CP bandwidth of 4.96% (13.36–14.04 GHz) in the lower band and 3.28% (14.95–15.45 GHz), 9.624% (17.11–18.84 GHz) and 0.517% (19.28–19.38 GHz) in the upper band. The antenna provides the 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 6.44% (13.36–14.25GHz) and 28.89% (14.95–20GHz) in the lower and upper bands, respectively. The peak gain of antenna remains >3 dBic in the passbands.