bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Masses and Ocean Currents Over the Continental Slope off Northern Baja California
Authors: Kurczyn J. A. , Pérez‐Brunius P. , López M. , Candela J. , Delgadillo‐Hinojosa F. , García‐Mendoza E.
Published: February 2019

Ocean currents and thermohaline properties over the continental slope off northern Baja California are analyzed with data collected between 2008 and 2012. The data set is composed of 3‐year‐long time series of two moorings with current meter profilers and one chain of conductivity‐temperature‐depths, as well as data collected during 13 synoptic hydrographic surveys. The upper layer (<100 m) was characterized by low salinity Subarctic Waters. Geostrophic velocities suggest that waters of the lighter layer are advected equatorward by near‐surface flows. Below 50 m, poleward flow dominates, so the denser Subarctic Waters recirculates back north along the slope. The combination of geostrophic velocities derived from the hydrographic surveys and the current meter data confirm the presence of the California Undercurrent (CUC), a narrow subsurface poleward flow with a high‐velocity core confined to the continental slope. Mean core speeds were 12–15 cm/s at an average depth of ~150 m. Below the CUC, the core of spicy North Pacific Equatorial Water (NPEW) was found at a mean depth of ~200 m. The analysis of the continuous time series provides strong evidence of the seasonal signal in speed, spiciness, and depth of the CUC and NPEW cores, with a time resolution unprecedented to date. Most of the variance of water mass and flow properties is explained by the annual cycle. The phase shift between the depth of the NPEW core and the strength of the CUC suggests that remotely generated Kelvin waves are responsible for the seasonal variability observed off northern Baja California.
Intensified Precipitation Seasonality Reduces Soil Inorganic N Content in a Subtropical Forest: Greater Contribution of Leaching Loss Than N2O Emissions
Authors: Chen Jie , Kuzyakov Yakov , Jenerette G. Darrel , Xiao Guoliang , Liu Wei , Wang Zhengfeng , Shen Weijun
Published: February 2019

Soil nitrogen (N) loss has been predicted to intensify with increased global precipitation changes. However, the relative contributions of leaching and gaseous N emissions to intensified N losses are largely unknown. Thus, we simulated intensified precipitation seasonality in a subtropical forest by extending the dry season via rainfall exclusion and increasing the wet‐season storms via irrigation without changing the total annual precipitation. Extending the dry season length increased the monthly mean soil NO3− content by 25%–64%, net N mineralization rate by 32%–40%, and net nitrification rate by 25%–28%. After adding water in the wet season, the monthly NO3− leaching was enhanced by 43% in the relatively dry year (2013, 2,094‐mm annual rainfall), but reduced by 51% in the relatively wet year (2014, 1,551 mm). In contrast, the monthly mean N2O emissions were reduced by 24% in 2013 but increased by 78% in 2014. Overall, the annual inorganic N content was decreased significantly by the precipitation changes. Decrease of soil inorganic N might be linked to the enhanced NO3− leaching in 2013, and be linked to the increased N2O emissions in 2014. However, in both years the annual total amount of N lost through leaching was significantly greater than that through N2O emissions. The enhanced N2O emissions driven by wet‐season storms were correlated with an increase in nirS abundance. Our results suggest that increased frequency of droughts and storms will decrease soil inorganic N content in warm and humid subtropical forests mainly through enhanced leaching losses.
Convergent evolution of semiochemicals across Kingdoms: bark beetles and their fungal symbionts
Authors: Zhao Tao , Ganji Suresh , Schiebe Christian , Bohman Björn , Weinstein Philip , Krokene Paal , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin , Unelius C Rikard
Published: February 2019

Convergent evolution of semiochemical use in organisms from different Kingdoms is a rarely described phenomenon. Tree-killing bark beetles vector numerous symbiotic blue-stain fungi that help the beetles colonize healthy trees. Here we show for the first time that some of these fungi are able to biosynthesize bicyclic ketals that are pheromones and other semiochemicals of bark beetles. Volatile emissions of five common bark beetle symbionts were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. When grown on fresh Norway spruce bark the fungi emitted three well-known bark beetle aggregation pheromones and semiochemicals (exo-brevicomin, endo-brevicomin and trans-conophthorin) and two structurally related semiochemical candidates (exo-1,3-dimethyl-2,9-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane and endo-1,3-dimethyl-2,9-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) that elicited electroantennogram responses in the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus. When grown on malt agar with 13C d-Glucose, the fungus Grosmannia europhioides incorporated 13C into exo-brevicomin and trans-conophthorin. The enantiomeric compositions of the fungus-produced ketals closely matched those previously reported from bark beetles. The production of structurally complex bark beetle pheromones by symbiotic fungi indicates cross-kingdom convergent evolution of signal use in this system. This signaling is susceptible to disruption, providing potential new targets for pest control in conifer forests and plantations.
LXRα promotes cell metastasis by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang KeShan , Xu TianBo , Ruan HaiLong , Xiao HaiBing , Liu Jingchong , Song ZhengShuai , Cao Qi , Bao Lin , Liu Di , Wang Cheng , Cheng Gong , Liang HuaGeng , Chen ZhaoHui , Yang HongMei , Chen Ke , Zhang XiaoPing
Published: February 2019

Notwithstanding the researches on biomarkers and targeted therapies in renal cell carcinomas (RCC) have made progress in the last decades, the application of the biomarkers and targeted therapy agents for RCC in clinic are restricted because of their limitation or side effects. Liver X receptors (LXRs) and the NLRP3 inflammasome have been the research hotspots in recent years. In our study, we integrated bioinformatics analysis, molecular biology experiments and biological function experiments to study the roles of LXRα and the NLRP3 inflammasome in RCC. The study demonstrated that the elevated LXRα expression is correlated with a poor prognosis in RCC. Furthermore, our study revealed the expression levels and roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in RCC for the first time. This research demonstrated that LXRα could promote the metastasis of RCC cells by suppressing the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In Brief, LXRα had the possibility to be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in renal cell cancer and LXRα could regulate the metastasis of renal cell cancer via NLRP3 inflammamsome.
MKK3 modulates JNK-dependent cell migration and invasion
Authors: Sun Yihao , zhang Di , Guo Xiaowei , Li Wenzhe , Li Chenglin , Luo Jingjing , Zhou Mingcheng , Xue Lei
Published: February 2019

The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway plays essential roles in regulating a variety of physiological processes including cell migration and invasion. To identify critical factors that regulate JNK-dependent cell migration, we carried out a genetic screen inDrosophilabased on the loss-of-cell polarity-triggered cell migration in the wing epithelia, and identifiedMKK3 licorne(lic) as an essential regulator of JNK-mediated cell migration and invasion. We found that loss oflicsuppressedptc > scrib-IRorptc > Egr triggered cell migration in the wing epithelia, andRasv12/lgl−/−induced tumor invasion in the eye discs. In addition, ectopic expression of Lic is sufficient to induce JNK-mediated but p38-independent cell migration, and cooperate with oncogenic Ras to promote tumor invasion. Consistently, Lic is able to activate JNK signaling by phosphorylating JNK, which up-regulates the matrix metalloproteinase MMP1 and integrin, characteristics of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover,licis required for physiological JNK-mediate cell migration in thorax development. Finally, expression of human MKK3 inDrosophilais able to initiate JNK-mediated cell migration, cooperates with oncogenic Ras to trigger tumor invasion, and rescue loss-of-licinduced thorax closure defect. As previous studies suggest that MKK3 specifically phosphorylates and activates p38MAPK, our data provide the first in vivo evidence that MKK3 regulates JNK-dependent cell migration and invasion, a process evolutionarily conserved from flies to human.
PLOD3 suppression exerts an anti-tumor effect on human lung cancer cells by modulating the PKC-delta signaling pathway
Authors: Baek Jeong-Hwa , Yun Hong Shik , Kwon Gyoo Taik , Lee Janet , Kim Ju-Young , Jo Yunhui , Cho Jae-Min , Lee Chang-Woo , Song Jie-Young , Ahn Jiyeon , Kim Jae-Sung , Kim Eun Ho , Hwang Sang-Gu
Published: February 2019

Current lung cancer treatments are far from satisfactory; thus, finding novel treatment targets is crucial. We recently identified procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 3 (PLOD3), which is involved in fibrosis and tissue remodeling as a radioresistance-related protein in lung cancer cells; however, its mechanism is unclear. In this study, we designed human PLOD3-specific short interfering (si)RNAs and tested their effects on tumor growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo. PLOD3 knockdown overcame chemoresistance and decreased radioresistance by inducing caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, PLOD3 interacted with PKCδ to activate caspase-2,4-dependent apoptosis through ER-stress-induced IRE1α activation and the downstream unfolded-protein response pathway. In a mouse xenograft model, PLOD3 knockdown promoted radiation-induced tumor growth inhibition, without side effects. Moreover, lung cancer patients with high PLOD3 expression showed poorer prognosis than those with low PLOD3 expression upon radiotherapy, suggesting that PLOD3 promotes tumor growth. Therefore, PLOD3 siRNA suppresses radioresistance and chemoresistance by inducing apoptosis and renders PLOD3 as a candidate lung cancer biomarker. PLOD3 gene therapy might enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy or chemotherapy in lung cancer patients.
Quantification of frequency-dependent genetic architectures in 25 UK Biobank traits reveals action of negative selection
Authors: Schoech Armin P. , Jordan Daniel M. , Loh Po-Ru , Gazal Steven , O’Connor Luke J. , Balick Daniel J. , Palamara Pier F. , Finucane Hilary K. , Sunyaev Shamil R. , Price Alkes L.
Published: February 2019

Understanding the role of rare variants is important in elucidating the genetic basis of human disease. Negative selection can cause rare variants to have larger per-allele effect sizes than common variants. Here, we develop a method to estimate the minor allele frequency (MAF) dependence of SNP effect sizes. We use a model in which per-allele effect sizes have variance proportional to [p(1 − p)]α, wherepis the MAF and negative values ofαimply larger effect sizes for rare variants. We estimateαfor 25 UK Biobank diseases and complex traits. All traits produce negativeαestimates, with best-fit mean of –0.38 (s.e. 0.02) across traits. Despite larger rare variant effect sizes, rare variants (MAF < 1%) explain less than 10% of total SNP-heritability for most traits analyzed. Using evolutionary modeling and forward simulations, we validate theαmodel of MAF-dependent trait effects and assess plausible values of relevant evolutionary parameters.
Stable radical anions generated from a porous perylenediimide metal-organic framework for boosting near-infrared photothermal conversion
Authors: Lü Baozhong , Chen Yifa , Li Pengyu , Wang Bo , Müllen Klaus , Yin Meizhen
Published: February 2019

Radical anions of electron-deficient systems are widely used, but are easily reoxidized upon exposure to air. Therefore, the stabilization of radical anions under ambient conditions is of great significance, but still remains a scientific challenge. Herein, perylenediimide is employed to prepare a crystalline metal-organic framework for stabilizing radical anions without extensive chemical modification. The porous, three-dimensional framework of perylenediimide can trap electron donors such as amine vapors and produce radical anions in-situ through photo-induced electron transfer. The radical anions are protected against quenching by shielding effect in air and remain unobstructed in air for at least a month. Because of the high yield and stability of the radical anions, which are the basis for near-infrared photothermal conversion, the framework shows high near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency (η = 52.3%). The work provides an efficient and simple method towards ambient stable radical anions and affords a promising material for photothermal therapy.
Barcoding reveals complex clonal behavior in patient-derived xenografts of metastatic triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Merino D. , Weber T. S. , Serrano A. , Vaillant F. , Liu K. , Pal B. , Di Stefano L. , Schreuder J. , Lin D. , Chen Y. , Asselin-Labat M. L. , Schumacher T. N. , Cameron D. , Smyth G. K. , Papenfuss A. T. , Lindeman G. J. , Visvader J. E. , Naik S. H.
Published: February 2019

Primary triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are prone to dissemination but sub-clonal relationships between tumors and resulting metastases are poorly understood. Here we use cellular barcoding of two treatment-naïve TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) to track the spatio-temporal fate of thousands of barcoded clones in primary tumors, and their metastases. Tumor resection had a major impact on reducing clonal diversity in secondary sites, indicating that most disseminated tumor cells lacked the capacity to ‘seed’, hence originated from ‘shedders’ that did not persist. The few clones that continued to grow after resection i.e. ‘seeders’, did not correlate in frequency with their parental clones in primary tumors. Cisplatin treatment of one BRCA1-mutated PDX model to non-palpable levels had a surprisingly minor impact on clonal diversity in the relapsed tumor yet purged 50% of distal clones. Therefore, clonal features of shedding, seeding and drug resistance are important factors to consider for the design of therapeutic strategies.
Amine-responsive cellulose-based ratiometric fluorescent materials for real-time and visual detection of shrimp and crab freshness
Authors: Jia Ruonan , Tian Weiguo , Bai Haotian , Zhang Jinming , Wang Shu , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2019

Herein, we design and prepare cellulose-based ratiometric fluorescent materials with superior amine-response, which offers the real-time and visual detection of seafood freshness. Through utilizing the reactive hydroxyl groups along cellulose chains, we covalently immobilize the fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) as indicator and protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) as internal reference onto cellulose acetate (CA), respectively. Subsequently, a series of dual-emission solid fluorescent materials are achieved by simply blending green emitting CA-FITC with red-emitting CA-PpIX with varying ratios. They exhibit a sensitive, color-responsive, rapid and linear response to ammonia in a wide range of 5.0 ppm to 2.5 × 104 ppm. Benefiting from the excellent solubility and processibility of cellulose derivatives, the as-prepared materials are readily processed into different material forms, including printing ink, coating, flexible film, and nanofibrous membrane. The electrospun nanofibrous membrane is successfully employed as a low-cost, high-contrasting, quick-responsive fluorescent trademark for visual monitoring the freshness of shrimp and crab.
Resolution limit of image analysis algorithms
Authors: Cohen Edward A. K. , Abraham Anish V. , Ramakrishnan Sreevidhya , Ober Raimund J.
Published: February 2019

The resolution of an imaging system is a key property that, despite many advances in optical imaging methods, remains difficult to define and apply. Rayleigh’s and Abbe’s resolution criteria were developed for observations with the human eye. However, modern imaging data is typically acquired on highly sensitive cameras and often requires complex image processing algorithms to analyze. Currently, no approaches are available for evaluating the resolving capability of such image processing algorithms that are now central to the analysis of imaging data, particularly location-based imaging data. Using methods of spatial statistics, we develop a novel algorithmic resolution limit to evaluate the resolving capabilities of location-based image processing algorithms. We show how insufficient algorithmic resolution can impact the outcome of location-based image analysis and present an approach to account for algorithmic resolution in the analysis of spatial location patterns.
Oxygen vacancy associated single-electron transfer for photofixation of CO2 to long-chain chemicals
Authors: Chen Shichuan , Wang Hui , Kang Zhixiong , Jin Sen , Zhang Xiaodong , Zheng Xusheng , Qi Zeming , Zhu Junfa , Pan Bicai , Xie Yi
Published: February 2019

The photofixation and utilization of CO2 via single-electron mechanism is considered to be a clean and green way to produce high-value-added commodity chemicals with long carbon chains. However, this topic has not been fully explored for the highly negative reduction potential in the formation of reactive carbonate radical. Herein, by taking Bi2O3 nanosheets as a model system, we illustrate that oxygen vacancies confined in atomic layers can lower the adsorption energy of CO2 on the reactive sites, and thus activate CO2 by single-electron transfer in mild conditions. As demonstrated, Bi2O3 nanosheets with rich oxygen vacancies show enhanced generation of •CO2– species during the reaction process and achieve a high conversion yield of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with nearly 100% selectivity in the presence of methanol. This study establishes a practical way for the photofixation of CO2 to long-chain chemicals via defect engineering.
Mutation of a single residue promotes gating of vertebrate and invertebrate two-pore domain potassium channels
Authors: Ben Soussia Ismail , El Mouridi Sonia , Kang Dawon , Leclercq-Blondel Alice , Khoubza Lamyaa , Tardy Philippe , Zariohi Nora , Gendrel Marie , Lesage Florian , Kim Eun-Jin , Bichet Delphine , Andrini Olga , Boulin Thomas
Published: February 2019

Mutations that modulate the activity of ion channels are essential tools to understand the biophysical determinants that control their gating. Here, we reveal the conserved role played by a single amino acid position (TM2.6) located in the second transmembrane domain of two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels. Mutations of TM2.6 to aspartate or asparagine increase channel activity for all vertebrate K2P channels. Using two-electrode voltage-clamp and single-channel recording techniques, we find that mutation of TM2.6 promotes channel gating via the selectivity filter gate and increases single channel open probability. Furthermore, channel gating can be progressively tuned by using different amino acid substitutions. Finally, we show that the role of TM2.6 was conserved during evolution by rationally designing gain-of-function mutations in four Caenorhabditis elegans K2P channels using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This study thus describes a simple and powerful strategy to systematically manipulate the activity of an entire family of potassium channels.
A mathematical-descriptor of tumor-mesoscopic-structure from computed-tomography images annotates prognostic- and molecular-phenotypes of epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Lu Haonan , Arshad Mubarik , Thornton Andrew , Avesani Giacomo , Cunnea Paula , Curry Ed , Kanavati Fahdi , Liang Jack , Nixon Katherine , Williams Sophie T. , Hassan Mona Ali , Bowtell David D. L. , Gabra Hani , Fotopoulou Christina , Rockall Andrea , Aboagye Eric O.
Published: February 2019

The five-year survival rate of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is approximately 35–40% despite maximal treatment efforts, highlighting a need for stratification biomarkers for personalized treatment. Here we extract 657 quantitative mathematical descriptors from the preoperative CT images of 364 EOC patients at their initial presentation. Using machine learning, we derive a non-invasive summary-statistic of the primary ovarian tumor based on 4 descriptors, which we name “Radiomic Prognostic Vector” (RPV). RPV reliably identifies the 5% of patients with median overall survival less than 2 years, significantly improves established prognostic methods, and is validated in two independent, multi-center cohorts. Furthermore, genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic analysis from two independent datasets elucidate that stromal phenotype and DNA damage response pathways are activated in RPV-stratified tumors. RPV and its associated analysis platform could be exploited to guide personalized therapy of EOC and is potentially transferrable to other cancer types.
Highly efficient photothermal nanoagent achieved by harvesting energy via excited-state intramolecular motion within nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Chen Chao , Wu Wenting , Wang Fenfen , Du Lili , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xiong Yu , He Xuewen , Cai Yuanjing , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Gao Xike , Sun Pingchuan , Phillips David Lee , Ding Dan , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2019

The exciting applications of molecular motion are still limited and are in urgent pursuit, although some fascinating concepts such as molecular motors and molecular machines have been proposed for years. Utilizing molecular motion in a nanoplatform for practical application has been scarcely explored due to some unconquered challenges such as how to achieve effective molecular motion in the aggregate state within nanoparticles. Here, we introduce a class of near infrared-absorbing organic molecules with intramolecular motion-induced photothermy inside nanoparticles, which enables most absorbed light energy to dissipate as heat. Such a property makes the nanoparticles a superior photoacoustic imaging agent compared to widely used methylene blue and semiconducting polymer nanoparticles and allow them for high-contrast photoacoustic imaging of tumours in live mice. This study not only provides a strategy for developing advanced photothermal/photoacoustic imaging nanoagents, but also enables molecular motion in a nanoplatform to find a way for practical application.
Copper-catalyzed remote C(sp3)–H azidation and oxidative trifluoromethylation of benzohydrazides
Authors: Bao Xu , Wang Qian , Zhu Jieping
Published: February 2019

The Hofmann-Löffler-Freytag (HLF) reaction is a prototypical example of radical-based remote functionalization of unactivated C(sp3)–H bond. While 1,5-hydrogen atom transfer (1,5-HAT) of the amidyl radical is thermodynamically favorable and is well-established, the method for the subsequent functionalization of the translocated carbon radical is still limited. We report herein two catalytic remote C(sp3)–H functionalization protocols. Cu(MeCN)4PF6-catalyzed reaction of 2-alkyl benzohydrazides 3 with TMSN3 in the presence of MeCO2OtBu affords the γ-azido amides 4, while CuCl-catalyzed reaction of 3 with Togni’s reagent provides 2-(β-trifluoromethylvinyl)benzamides 5 via an oxidative δ-trifluoromethylation of the alkyl group. Mechanistic studies suggest that the γ-azidation of benzohydrazides 3 goes through 1,5-HAT followed by a Cu-mediated azido transfer cascade, while the oxidative δ-trifluoromethylation of 3 proceeds via, after 1,5-HAT process, a radical-polar crossover mechanism.
Carbon sequestration during core formation implied by complex carbon polymerization
Authors: Solomatova Natalia V. , Caracas Razvan , Manning Craig E.
Published: February 2019

Current estimates of the carbon flux between the surface and mantle are highly variable, and the total amount of carbon stored in closed hidden reservoirs is unknown. Understanding the forms in which carbon existed in the molten early Earth is a critical step towards quantifying the carbon budget of Earth's deep interior. Here we employ first-principles molecular dynamics to study the evolution of carbon species as a function of pressure in a pyrolite melt. We find that with increasing pressure, the abundance of CO2 and CO3 species decreases at the expense of CO4 and complex oxo-carbon polymers (CxOy) displaying multiple C-C bonds. We anticipate that polymerized oxo-carbon species were a significant reservoir for carbon in the terrestrial magma ocean. The presence of Fe-C clusters suggests that upon segregation, Fe-rich metal may partition a significant fraction of carbon from the silicate liquid, leading to carbon transport into the Earth's core.
Structural insights into chaperone addiction of toxin-antitoxin systems
Authors: Guillet Valérie , Bordes Patricia , Bon Cécile , Marcoux Julien , Gervais Virginie , Sala Ambre Julie , Dos Reis Suzana , Slama Nawel , Mares-Mejía Israel , Cirinesi Anne-Marie , Maveyraud Laurent , Genevaux Pierre , Mourey Lionel
Published: February 2019

SecB chaperones assist protein export by binding both unfolded proteins and the SecA motor. Certain SecB homologs can also control toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems known to modulate bacterial growth in response to stress. In such TA-chaperone (TAC) systems, SecB assists the folding and prevents degradation of the antitoxin, thus facilitating toxin inhibition. Chaperone dependency is conferred by a C-terminal extension in the antitoxin known as chaperone addiction (ChAD) sequence, which makes the antitoxin aggregation-prone and prevents toxin inhibition. Using TAC of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, we present the structure of a SecB-like chaperone bound to its ChAD peptide. We find differences in the binding interfaces when compared to SecB–SecA or SecB-preprotein complexes, and show that the antitoxin can reach a functional form while bound to the chaperone. This work reveals how chaperones can use discrete surface binding regions to accommodate different clients or partners and thereby expand their substrate repertoire and functions.
Disulfide-mediated conversion of 8-mer bowl-like protein architecture into three different nanocages
Authors: Zang Jiachen , Chen Hai , Zhang Xiaorong , Zhang Chenxi , Guo Jing , Du Ming , Zhao Guanghua
Published: February 2019

Constructing different protein nanostructures with high-order discrete architectures by using one single building block remains a challenge. Here, we present a simple, effective disulfide-mediated approach to prepare a set of protein nanocages with different geometries from single building block. By genetically deleting an inherent intra-subunit disulfide bond, we can render the conversion of an 8-mer bowl-like protein architecture (NF-8) into a 24-mer ferritin-like nanocage in solution, while selective insertion of an inter-subunit disulfide bond into NF-8 triggers its conversion into a 16-mer lenticular nanocage. Deletion of the same intra-subunit disulfide bond and insertion of the inter-subunit disulfide bond results in the conversion of NF-8 into a 48-mer protein nanocage in solution. Thus, in the laboratory, simple mutation of one protein building block can generate three different protein nanocages in a manner that is highly reminiscent of natural pentamer building block originating from viral capsids that self-assemble into protein assemblies with different symmetries.
Designing interfaces in energy materials applications with first-principles calculations
Authors: Butler Keith T. , Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan , Canepa Pieremanuele
Published: February 2019

Materials for energy-related applications, which are crucial for a sustainable energy economy, rely on combining materials that form complex heterogenous interfaces. Simultaneously, progress in computational materials science in describing complex interfaces is critical for improving the understanding and performance of energy materials. Hence, we present an in-depth review of the physical quantities regulating interfaces in batteries, photovoltaics, and photocatalysts, that are accessible from modern electronic structure methods, with a focus on density functional theory calculations. For each energy application, we highlight unique approaches that have been developed to calculate interfacial properties and explore the possibility of applying some of these approaches across disciplines, leading to a unified overview of interface design. Finally, we identify a set of challenges for further improving the theoretical description of interfaces in energy devices.
Deterministic bidirectional communication and remote entanglement generation between superconducting qubits
Authors: Leung N. , Lu Y. , Chakram S. , Naik R. K. , Earnest N. , Ma R. , Jacobs K. , Cleland A. N. , Schuster D. I.
Published: February 2019

We propose and experimentally demonstrate an efficient scheme for bidirectional and deterministic photonic communication between two remote superconducting modules. The two chips, each consists of a transmon, are connected through a one-meter long coaxial cable that is coupled to a dedicated “communication” resonator on each chip. The two communication resonators hybridize with a mode of the cable to form a dark “communication mode” that is highly immune to decay in the coaxial cable. We overcome the various restrictions of quantum communication channels established by other recent approaches in deterministic communication for superconducting qubits. Our approach enables bidirectional communication, and eliminates the high insertion loss and large volume footprint of circulators. We modulate the transmon frequency via a parametric drive to generate sideband interactions between the transmon and the communication mode. We demonstrate bidirectional single-photon transfer with a success probability exceeding 60%, and generate an entangled Bell pair with a fidelity of 79.3 ± 0.3%.
Dynamics of soil microbial communities following vegetation succession in a karst mountain ecosystem, Southwest China
Authors: Zhao Chang , Long Jian , Liao Hongkai , Zheng Chunli , Li Juan , Liu Lingfei , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: February 2019

The interaction between soil property and soil microbial community in karst area still remains an open question. The characteristics of soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure and their relationship under five vegetation succession stages (grassland, shrub land, secondary forest, plantation forest, and natural forest) at two soil depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm) were explored in a karst mountain ecosystem. We found that soil moisture content (SMC) and pH increased with soil depth across vegetation succession. The highest content of soil nutrients was found in the natural forest stage at both soil depths. The total PLFAs, the abundance of Gram-positive (GP) bacteria, actinomycetes (ACT), fungi, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were significantly (P < 0.05) related to variations with soil total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN). Furthermore, the distribution of soil microbial community distinctly differed in vegetation succession both at two soil layers which was demonstrated by Principal-coordinates analysis. Redundancy analyses patterns indicated that soil TC and TN were positively related to cy19:0 and 10Me 16:0, but an opposite relationship with a15:0. Changes of soil microbial communities were significantly determined by vegetation succession, and soil microbial community structure can be a sensitive indicator to reflect the stabilization of karst mountain ecosystem, southwest of China.
Genome-wide identification, characterization, interaction network and expression profile of GRAS gene family in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Zhang Hua , Mi Limin , Xu Long , Yu Changxiu , Li Chen , Chen Chunli
Published: February 2019

GRAS genes are suggested to be grouped into plant-specific transcriptional regulatory families that have been reported to participate in multiple processes, including plant development, phytohormone signaling, the formation of symbiotic relationships, and response to environmental signals. GRAS genes have been characterized in a number of plant species, but little is known about this gene family in Citrus sinensis. In this study, we identified a total of 50 GRAS genes and characterized the gene structures, conserved motifs, genome localizations and cis-elements within their promoter regions. According to their structural and phylogenetic features, the identified sweet orange GRAS members were divided into 11 subgroups, of which subfamily CsGRAS34 was sweet orange-specific. Based on publicly available RNA-seq data generated from callus, flower, leaf and fruit in sweet orange, we found that some sweet orange GRAS genes exhibited tissue-specific expression patterning. Three of the six members of subfamily AtSHR, particularly CsGRAS9, and two of the six members of subfamily AtPAT1 were preferentially expressed in leaf. Moreover, protein-protein interactions with CsGRAS were predicted. Gene expression analysis was performed under conditions of phosphate deficiency, and GA3 and NaCl treatment to identify the potential functions of GRAS members in regulating stress and hormone responses. This study provides the first comprehensive understanding of the GRAS gene family in the sweet orange genome. As such, the study generates valuable information for further gene function analysis and identifying candidate genes to improve abiotic stress tolerance in citrus plants.
Honey bees long-lasting locomotor deficits after exposure to the diamide chlorantraniliprole are accompanied by brain and muscular calcium channels alterations
Authors: Kadala Aklesso , Charreton Mercédès , Charnet Pierre , Collet Claude
Published: February 2019

Diamides belong to one of the newest insecticides class. We characterized cellular effects of the first commercialized diamide, chlorantraniliprole (ChlorAnt). ChlorAnt not only induces a dose-dependent calcium release from internal stores of honey bee muscle cells, but also a dose-dependent blockade of the voltage-gated calcium current involved in muscles and brain excitability. We measured a long lasting impairment in locomotion after exposure to a sublethal dose and despite an apparent remission, bees suffer a critical relapse seven days later. A dose that was sublethal when applied onto the thorax turned out to induce severe mortality when applied on other body parts. Our results may help in filling the gap in the toxicological evaluation of insecticides that has recently been pointed out by international instances due to the lack of suitable tests to measure sublethal toxicity. Intoxication symptoms in bees with ChlorAnt are consistent with a mode of action on intracellular calcium release channels (ryanodine receptors, RyR) and plasma membrane voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV). A better coupling of in vitro and behavioral tests may help in more efficiently anticipating the intoxication symptoms.
A computational study of Anthracyclines interacting with lipid bilayers: Correlation of membrane insertion rates, orientation effects and localisation with cytotoxicity
Authors: Toroz D. , Gould I. R.
Published: February 2019

Anthracyclines interact with DNA and topoisomerase II as well as with cell membranes, and it is these latter interactions that can cause an increase in their cytotoxic activity. In the present study a detailed computational analysis of the initial insertion, orientation and nature of the interaction occurring between Anthracyclines and two different lipid bilayers (unsaturated POPC and saturated DMPC) is explored through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations; four Anthracyclines: Doxorubicin (DOX), Epirubicin (EPI), Idarubicin (IDA) and Daunorubicin (DAU) were examined. The results indicate that the increased cytotoxicity of DOX, in comparison to the other three analogues, is correlated with its ability to diffuse at a faster rate into the bilayers. Additionally, DOX exhibited considerably different orientational behaviour once incorporated into the bilayer and exhibited a higher propensity to interact with the hydrocarbon tails in both lipids indicating a higher probability of transport to the other leaflet of the bilayer.
Atomic palladium on graphitic carbon nitride as a hydrogen evolution catalyst under visible light irradiation
Authors: Liu Liping , Wu Xi , Wang Li , Xu Xuejun , Gan Lin , Si Zhichun , Li Jia , Zhang Qun , Liu Yuxiang , Zhao Yanyan , Ran Rui , Wu Xiaodong , Weng Duan , Kang Feiyu
Published: February 2019

Developing single-atom catalysts is extremely attractive for maximizing atomic efficiency and activity. However, the properties a nd roles of atomic catalysts in catalyzing water splitting reactions remain unclear. Here we report atomic palladium on graphitic carbon nitride with low palladium loading (0.1 wt%). The hydrogen evolution of this graphitic carbon nitride increases from 1.4 to 728 µmol g−1 h−1under visible light irradiation, which is also 10 times higher than that of palladium nanoparticles (3 wt%) counterpart. The electronic structure of graphitic carbon nitride is modified after isolated palladium is introduced, which results in efficient charge separation, appropriate sites for adsorption for hydrogen, as well as accumulation of photoinduced electrons. Our results suggest that the pyridine nitrogen in the adjacent cavity to the palladium rather than the isolated palladium site is the active site which differs to that of the palladium nanoparticle counterpart.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the sensitive determination of essential oil components in lavender
Authors: Chen Ping , Liu Bing , Liu Xin , Fu Jihong
Published: February 2019

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with GC-MS for the sensitive determination of essential oil components in lavender.
Increasing the electrochemical system performance using a magnetic nanostructured sensor for simultaneous determination ofl-tyrosine and epinephrine
Authors: Arani Nasrin Heydarzadeh , Ghoreishi Sayed Mehdi , Khoobi Asma
Published: February 2019

Designing a sensitive magnetic nanostructured sensor for simultaneous determination ofl-tyrosine and epinephrine.
Accurate detection of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity in clinical gastric cancer tissues using a fluorescent probe
Authors: Luan Fujuan , Yu Zuhong , Yin Ling , Leng Xia , Shi Yuxue , Wang Jie , Shi Haibin , Chen Weichang
Published: February 2019

A new approach for specific and accurate detection of the activated MMP-2 both in gastric cancer cells and clinical tissues using a fluorescent probe is described here.
Enhanced photothermal behavior derived from controllable self-assembly of Cu1.94S microstructures
Authors: Shao Xiao , Zhang Tianyong , Li Bin , Zhou Minghao , Ma Xiaoyuan , Wang Jingchao , Jiang Shuang
Published: February 2019

New ordered architectures or morphologies could be obtained through the self-assembly process and usually generate new physical and chemical properties.
Effect of protein composition of a model dairy matrix containing various levels of beta-casein on the structure and anti-inflammatory activity ofin vitrodigestates
Authors: Rafiee Tari N. , Arranz E. , Corredig M.
Published: February 2019

An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that differences in protein composition in the food matrix can significantly affect its biological functionality.
Visible light-catalytic dehydrogenation of benzylic alcohols to carbonyl compounds by using an eosin Y and nickel–thiolate complex dual catalyst system
Authors: Yang Xiu-Jie , Zheng Yi-Wen , Zheng Li-Qiang , Wu Li-Zhu , Tung Chen-Ho , Chen Bin
Published: February 2019

A simple and environmentally benign visible-light-driven dehydrogenation of benzylic alcohols with H2 as the only byproduct is achieved by using an eosin Y and nickel–thiolate complex dual catalyst system.
Soil granular dynamics on-a-chip: fluidization inception under scrutiny
Authors: Houssais Morgane , Maldarelli Charles , Morris Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2019

To model soil dynamics, the particle scale deformation of sediment bed is measured as a controlled porous flow passes through it.
Lab-on-a-Film disposable for genotyping multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum extracts
Authors: Kukhtin Alexander C. , Sebastian Thomas , Golova Julia , Perov Alex , Knickerbocker Christopher , Linger Yvonne , Bueno Arial , Qu Peter , Villanueva Michael , Holmberg Rebecca C. , Chandler Darrell P. , Cooney Christopher G.
Published: February 2019

Multiplex PCR and hybridization occur within a closed-amplicon laminate, which includes gel arrays printed on unmodified and untreated plastic film.
Intertwined gababutin-based supramolecular double helix
Authors: Konda Maruthi , Ghosh Tapas , Mobin Shaikh M. , Das Apurba K.
Published: February 2019

A dimer-assembly driven supramolecular double helix is observed for the gababutin-based short peptide sequence and this architecture exhibits electrochemical features.
One-step wet-chemical synthesis of ternary ZnO/CuO/Co3O4nanoparticles for sensitive and selective melamine sensor development
Authors: Alam M. M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Uddin M. T. , Inamuddin Inamuddin , Islam M. A. , Awual Md. Rabiul , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: February 2019

Using one-step wet-chemically synthesized ternary ZnO/CuO/Co3O4nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated GCE sensor probe, a selective and sensitive melamine chemical sensor was developed by electrochemical approach, which exhibited the highest sensitivity, better repeatability, broad linear dynamic range, good linearity, fast response time, and lowest detection limit.
Structure elucidation and biosynthetic gene cluster analysis of caniferolides A–D, new bioactive 36-membered macrolides from the marine-derived Streptomyces caniferus CA-271066
Authors: Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Oves-Costales Daniel , Lacret Rodney , Martín Jesús , Sánchez-Hidalgo Marina , Díaz Caridad , Cautain Bastien , Vicente Francisca , Genilloud Olga , Reyes Fernando
Published: February 2019

The structures of caniferolides A–D have been determined combining NMR and bioinformatics prediction of the absolute configuration.
Nanoporous block copolymer membranes immobilized with gold nanoparticles for continuous flow catalysis
Authors: Zhou Jiemei , Zhang Chenxu , Wang Yong
Published: February 2019

Nanoporous polymers with functionalizable surfaces are desired in the preparation of reactors for continuous flow catalysis.
Tumour targeted contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging dual-modal microbubbles for diagnosis and treatment of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Bai Min , Dong Yang , Huang Hui , Fu Hao , Duan Yourong , Wang Qi , Du Lianfang
Published: February 2019

Tumour targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging dual-modal microbubbles (PTX@RGD-MBs) combined with UTMD for diagnosing and treating triple negative breast cancer.
Influence of Bénard–Marangoni instability on the morphology of drying colloidal films
Authors: Sobac Benjamin , Colinet Pierre , Pauchard Ludovic
Published: February 2019

Bénard–Marangoni instability developing during the drying of colloidal layers can affect the homogeneity of the consolidated film and then the crack pattern and the delamination process.
Influence of TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles deposition on a stainless steel furnace used for trace element determination by TS-FF-AAS
Authors: Carrone G. , Onna D. , Morzan E. , Candal R. , Minaberry Y. S. , Schneider J. , Tudino M.
Published: February 2019

Improvement of the analytical performance of TS-FF-AAS, for determination of trace elements (Ag, Cd, Pb and Se) in different matrices, by using nanoparticle coatings over the inner furnace wall.
Multi-screening of β-lactam antibiotics for β-lactamase resistance by means of a paper-based analytical device with a 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR)–Hg2+complex
Authors: Lee Suji , Eom Min Sik , Han Min Su
Published: February 2019

We report a multi-screening method for β-lactamase resistance of β-lactam antibiotics using a paper-based analytical device with a 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR)–Hg2+complex.
A simple approach to achieve a metastable metal oxide derived from carbonized metal–organic gels
Authors: Huang Jing-Cheng , Shih Yung-Han , Lirio Stephen , Wu Shiuan-Yau , Chen Hsin-Tsung , Liu Wan-Ling , Lin Chia-Her , Huang Hsi-Ya
Published: February 2019

A simple strategy for fabricating metastable ZrO2 nanoporous carbons derived from metal-organic gels.
Low-toxicity amphiphilic molecules linked by an aromatic nucleus show broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and low drug resistance
Authors: Chu Wenchao , Yang Yi , Qin Shangshang , Cai Jianfeng , Bai Mengmeng , Kong Hongtao , Zhang En
Published: February 2019

Amphiphilic molecules linked by an aromatic nucleus, possessing strong bactericidal activity, high selectivity, less drug resistance, and high in vivo efficacy against MRSA, were developed.
Synthesis of chiral carbazole-based BODIPYs showing circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Maeda Chihiro , Nagahata Keiji , Takaishi Kazuto , Ema Tadashi
Published: February 2019

Chiral carbazole-based BODIPYs with a binaphthyl unit were synthesized via an Al-mediated reaction.
Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl osmium complexes that contain diazoalkane, dioxygen and allenylidene ligands: preparation and reactivity
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Castro Jesús , Sibilla Francesca
Published: February 2019

The preparation and reactivity of a series of half-sandwich pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of osmium containing diazoalkane, alkene, dioxygen, vinylidene and allenylidene ligands are described.
Critical design factors for kinetically favorable P-based compounds toward alloying with Na ions for high-power sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Duho , Zhang Kai , Cho Maenghyo , Kang Yong-Mook
Published: February 2019

Some crucial factors including electron transport, elastic softness, and thermodynamic phase stabilities enable design of the most kinetically favorable P-based compounds.
Sensitive colorimetric detection for lysozyme based on the capture of a fixed thiol-aptamer on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Yuanyang , Huang Yu , Tang Dongyun , Cui Hongliang , Yang Lizhu , Cao Haiyan , Yun Wen
Published: February 2019

A thiol-aptamer immobilized on gold nanoparticles enhances the stability of probes for detecting lysozyme with a LOD of 0.054 nM.
Rhodium-catalyzed direct C–H bond alkynylation of aryl sulfonamides with bromoalkynes
Authors: Hou Hongcen , Zhao Yongli , Pu Shouzhi , Chen Junmin
Published: February 2019

This protocol selectively provides a straightforward route to prepare ortho-(1-alkynyl) benzenesulfonamides or six-membered benzosultams by using different silyl protected bromoalkynes.
Modular genetic design of multi-domain functional amyloids: insights into self-assembly and functional properties
Authors: Cui Mengkui , Qi Qi , Gurry Thomas , Zhao Tianxin , An Bolin , Pu Jiahua , Gui Xinrui , Cheng Allen A. , Zhang Siyu , Xun Dongmin , Becce Michele , Briatico-Vangosa Francesco , Liu Cong , Lu Timothy K. , Zhong Chao
Published: February 2019

Modular genetic design of functional amyloids represents new opportunities for creating multifunctional molecular materials with tailored structures and performance.
Self-assembled multi-layer simple cubic photonic crystals of oppositely charged colloids in confinement
Authors: Sankaewtong Krongtum , Lei Qun-li , Ni Ran
Published: February 2019

Computer simulation shows that multi-layer simple cubic open crystals can exist in systems of oppositely charged colloids in confinement.
Static structure and dynamical behavior of colloidal liquid crystals consisting of hydroxyapatite-based nanorod hybrids
Authors: Hoshino Taiki , Nakayama Masanari , Fujinami So , Nakatani Tomotaka , Kohmura Yoshiki , Kato Takashi
Published: February 2019

The static structure and dynamics of liquid-crystalline colloidal dispersions of hydroxyapatite nanorods are studied using X-ray scattering techniques.