bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of auxin biosynthesis and WOX5 repression mediate changes in root development in Arabidopsis exposed to chitosan
Authors: Lopez-Moya Federico , Escudero Nuria , Zavala-Gonzalez Ernesto A. , Esteve-Bruna David , Blázquez Miguel A. , Alabadí David , Lopez-Llorca Luis V.
Published: November 2017

Chitosan is a natural polymer with applications in agriculture, which causes plasma membrane permeabilisation and induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. Chitosan has been mostly applied in the phylloplane to control plant diseases and to enhance plant defences, but has also been considered for controlling root pests. However, the effect of chitosan on roots is virtually unknown. In this work, we show that chitosan interfered with auxin homeostasis in Arabidopsis roots, promoting a 2–3 fold accumulation of indole acetic acid (IAA). We observed chitosan dose-dependent alterations of auxin synthesis, transport and signalling in Arabidopsis roots. As a consequence, high doses of chitosan reduce WOX5 expression in the root apical meristem and arrest root growth. Chitosan also propitiates accumulation of salicylic (SA) and jasmonic (JA) acids in Arabidopsis roots by induction of genes involved in their biosynthesis and signalling. In addition, high-dose chitosan irrigation of tomato and barley plants also arrests root development. Tomato root apices treated with chitosan showed isodiametric cells respect to rectangular cells in the controls. We found that chitosan causes strong alterations in root cell morphology. Our results highlight the importance of considering chitosan dose during agronomical applications to the rhizosphere.
Novel halos in light kaonic nuclei as an indicator of nuclear equation of state at supra-normal densities
Authors: Yang Rong-Yao , Jiang Wei-Zhou , Wei Si-Na , Zhang Dong-Rui
Published: November 2017

The sensitive correlations between the low-density halo structure and the high-density properties of the nuclear equation of state (EOS) are constructed in light kaonic nuclei with the relativistic mean-field theory. More specifically, the 1p1/2 halo spreads out linearly with increasing the pressure and sound velocity square at supra-normal densities and decreasing the incompressibility at saturation density. These results suggest that the novel halo in light kaonic nuclei can serve as a sensitive indicator of the nuclear EOS of symmetric matter at supra-normal densities. The experimental production and detection of the light kaonic nuclei, yet to be available, is discussed in some details at last.
Meta analysis: HPV and p16 pattern determines survival in patients with HNSCC and identifies potential new biologic subtype
Authors: Albers Andreas E. , Qian Xu , Kaufmann Andreas M. , Coordes Annekatrin
Published: November 2017

Consistent discrepancies in the p16/HPV-positivity have been observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It is therefore questionable, if all HPV+ and/or p16+ tested cancers are HPV-driven. Patients down-staged according to the HPV-dependant TNM are at risk for undertreatment and data in clinical trials may be skewed due to false patient inclusion. We performed a meta-analysis to classify clinical outcomes of the distinct subgroups with combined p16 and HPV detection. 25 out of 1677 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The proportion of the subgroups was 35.6% for HPV+/p16+, 50.4% for HPV−/p16−, 6.7% for HPV−/p16+ and 7.3% for HPV+/P16−. The HPV+/p16+ subgroup had a significantly improved 5-year overall-survival (OS) and disease-free-survival in comparison to others both for HNSCC and oropharyngeal cancers. The 5-year OS of the HPV−/p16+ HNSCC was intermediate while HPV+/p16− and HPV−/p16− had the shortest survival outcomes. The clearly distinct survival of HPV−/p16+ cancers may characterize a new relevant HPV-independent subtype yet to be biologically characterized. The possibility also exists that in some HPV+/p16+ cancers HPV is an innocent bystander and p16 is independently positive. Therefore, in perspective, HPV-testing should distinguish between bystander HPV and truly HPV-driven cancers to avoid potential undertreatment in HPV+ but non-HPV-driven HNSCC.
MALE STERILE6021 (MS6021) is required for the development of anther cuticle and pollen exine in maize
Authors: Tian Youhui , Xiao Senlin , Liu Juan , Somaratne Yamuna , Zhang Hua , Wang Mingming , Zhang Huairen , Zhao Li , Chen Huabang
Published: November 2017

The anther cuticle and pollen wall function as physical barriers that protect genetic material from various environmental stresses. The anther cuticle is composed of wax and cutin, the pollen wall includes exine and intine, and the components of the outer exine are collectively called sporopollenin. Other than cuticle wax, cutin and sporopollenin are biopolymers compounds. The precise constituents and developmental mechanism of these biopolymeric are poorly understood. Here, we reported a complete male sterile mutant, male sterile6021, in maize. The mutant displayed a smooth anther surface and irregular pollen wall formation before anthesis, and its tapetum was degraded immaturely. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed a severe reduction of lipid derivatives in the mutant anther. We cloned the gene by map based cloning. It encoded a fatty acyl carrier protein reductase that was localized in plastids. Expression analysis indicated that MS6021 was mainly expressed in the tapetum and microspore after the microspore was released from the tetrad. Functional complementation of the orthologous Arabidopsis mutant demonstrated that MS6021 is conserved between monocots and dicots and potentially even in flowering plants. MS6021 plays a conserved, essential role in the successful development of anther cuticle and pollen exine in maize.
A small cassette enables conditional gene inactivation by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Guzzardo Paloma M. , Rashkova Christina , dos Santos Rodrigo L. , Tehrani Raha , Collin Philippe , Bürckstümmer Tilmann
Published: November 2017

The availability of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has enabled the rapid establishment of gene knockouts in many cell types and even whole organisms. However, conditional inactivation of essential genes remains a challenge. We devised an approach named DECAI (DEgradation based on Cre-regulated- Artificial Intron). It utilizes a small cassette of just 201 nucleotides that is inserted into the coding exon of a target gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and homology-directed repair. As its sequence is derived from an artificial intron, the cassette is removed by the splicing machinery and thus leaves no trace in the “off-state”. Upon activation with Cre recombinase (“on-state”), the intron is crippled and the target gene is disrupted by a series of stop codons. We exemplify the utility of this approach on several non-essential and essential human genes. Clones bearing the conditional knockout cassette are recovered at frequencies above 5% and cassette function can be traced at the genomic DNA and the mRNA level. Importantly, cassette activation leads to loss of gene expression as judged by flow cytometry, Western blot or immunofluorescence. Altogether, this highlights the broad utility of the approach for conditional gene inactivation and suggests that this tool could be used to study the loss-of-function phenotypes of essential genes.
2.8 μm emission and OH quenching analysis in Ho3+ doped fluorotellurite-germanate glasses sensitized by Yb3+ and Er3+
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Lu Yu , Cai Muzhi , Tian Ying , Huang Feifei , Guo Yanyan , Xu Shiqing
Published: November 2017

The use of Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doping with Ho3+ to enhance and broaden the Ho3+: 5I6 → 5I7 ~2.8 μm emissions are investigated in the fluorotellurite-germanate glasses. An intense ~3 μm emission with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 245 nm is achieved in the Er3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply-doped fluorotellurite-germanate glass upon excitation at 980 nm. The glass not only possesses considerably low OH− absorption coefficient (0.189 cm−1), but also exhibits low phonon energy (704 cm−1). Moreover, the measured lifetime of Ho3+: 5I6 level is as high as 0.218 ms. In addition, the energy transfer rate to hydroxyl groups and quantum efficiency (η) of 5I6 level were calculated in detail by fitting the variations of lifetimes vs. the OH− concentrations. The formation ability and thermal stability of glasses have been improved by introducing GeO2 into fluorotellurite glasses. Results reveal that Er3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply-doped fluorotellurite-germanate glass is a potential kind of laser glass for efficient 3 μm laser.
Concurrent structural and biophysical traits link with immunoglobulin light chains amyloid propensity
Authors: Oberti Luca , Rognoni Paola , Barbiroli Alberto , Lavatelli Francesca , Russo Rosaria , Maritan Martina , Palladini Giovanni , Bolognesi Martino , Merlini Giampaolo , Ricagno Stefano
Published: November 2017

Light chain amyloidosis (AL), the most common systemic amyloidosis, is caused by the overproduction and the aggregation of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (LC) in target organs. Due to genetic rearrangement and somatic hypermutation, virtually, each AL patient presents a different amyloidogenic LC. Because of such complexity, the fine molecular determinants of LC aggregation propensity and proteotoxicity are, to date, unclear; significantly, their decoding requires investigating large sets of cases. Aiming to achieve generalizable observations, we systematically characterised a pool of thirteen sequence-diverse full length LCs. Eight amyloidogenic LCs were selected as responsible for severe cardiac symptoms in patients; five non-amyloidogenic LCs were isolated from patients affected by multiple myeloma. Our comprehensive approach (consisting of spectroscopic techniques, limited proteolysis, and X-ray crystallography) shows that low fold stability and high protein dynamics correlate with amyloidogenic LCs, while hydrophobicity, structural rearrangements and nature of the LC dimeric association interface (as observed in seven crystal structures here presented) do not appear to play a significant role in defining amyloid propensity. Based on the structural and biophysical data, our results highlight shared properties driving LC amyloid propensity, and these data will be instrumental for the design of synthetic inhibitors of LC aggregation.
Blood Serum Calorimetry Indicates the Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kędra-Królik Karolina , Chmielewska Izabela , Michnik Anna , Zarzycki Piotr
Published: November 2017

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for the metastatic lung cancer patients. To select the most effective combination of drugs, we need an efficient way of assessing tumor response. Here, we showed that differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of blood serum proteins could reveal the patient response to the treatment. If chemotherapy is effective, serum proteins DSC curve of non-small cellular lung cancer (NSCLC) case is similar to the those of the healthy individuals. If treatment fails, notable changes occur in the DSC profile of NSCLC patient’s blood serum. Our preliminary work illustrates how thermal analysis of changes in the heat capacity of blood serum proteins can provide an insight into patient response to chemotherapy – the essential information for any successive lung cancer treatment.
Adaptive laboratory evolution of Corynebacterium glutamicum towards higher growth rates on glucose minimal medium
Authors: Pfeifer Eugen , Gätgens Cornelia , Polen Tino , Frunzke Julia
Published: November 2017

In this work, we performed a comparative adaptive laboratory evolution experiment of the important biotechnological platform strain Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 and its prophage-free variant MB001 towards improved growth rates on glucose minimal medium. Both strains displayed a comparable adaptation behavior and no significant differences in genomic rearrangements and mutation frequencies. Remarkably, a significant fitness leap by about 20% was observed for both strains already after 100 generations. Isolated top clones (UBw and UBm) showed an about 26% increased growth rate on glucose minimal medium. Genome sequencing of evolved clones and populations resulted in the identification of key mutations in pyk (pyruvate kinase), fruK (1-phosphofructokinase) and corA encoding a Mg2+ importer. The reintegration of selected pyk and fruK mutations resulted in an increased glucose consumption rate and ptsG expression causative for the accelerated growth on glucose minimal medium, whereas corA mutations improved growth under Mg2+ limiting conditions. Overall, this study resulted in the identification of causative key mutations improving the growth of C. glutamicum on glucose. These identified mutational hot spots as well as the two evolved top strains, UBw and UBm, represent promising targets for future metabolic engineering approaches.
Spatiotemporal modeling and prediction of soil heavy metals based on spatiotemporal cokriging
Authors: Zhang Bei , Yang Yong
Published: November 2017

Soil heavy metals exhibit significant spatiotemporal variability and are strongly correlated with other soil heavy metals. Thus, other heavy metals can be used to improve the accuracy of predictions when performing spatiotemporal predictions of soil heavy metals within a given area. In this study, we propose the spatiotemporal cokriging (STCK) method to enable the use of historical sampling points and co-variables in the spatial prediction of soil heavy metals. Moreover, experimental spatiotemporal (ST) semivariogram and ST cross-semivariogram computational methods, a fitting strategy to the ST semivariogram and ST cross-semivariogram models based on the Bilonick model, and the STCK interpolation algorithm are introduced; these methods are based on spatiotemporal kriging (STK) and cokriging (CK). The data used in this study consist of measurements of soil heavy metals from 2010 to 2014 in Wuhan City, China. The results show that the behavior of predictions of the concentrations of heavy metals in soils is physically more realistic, and the prediction uncertainties are slightly smaller, when STCK is used with greater numbers of co-variables and neighboring points.
Lck is a relevant target in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells whose expression variance is unrelated to disease outcome
Authors: Till Kathleen J. , Allen John C. , Talab Fatima , Lin Ke , Allsup David , Cawkwell Lynn , Bentley Alison , Ringshausen Ingo , Duckworth Andrew D. , Pettitt Andrew R. , Kalakonda Nagesh , Slupsky Joseph R.
Published: November 2017

Pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is contingent upon antigen receptor (BCR) expressed by malignant cells of this disease. Studies on somatic hypermutation of the antigen binding region, receptor expression levels and signal capacity have all linked BCR on CLL cells to disease prognosis. Our previous work showed that the src-family kinase Lck is a targetable mediator of BCR signalling in CLL cells, and that variance in Lck expression associated with ability of BCR to induce signal upon engagement. This latter finding makes Lck similar to ZAP70, another T-cell kinase whose aberrant expression in CLL cells also associates with BCR signalling capacity, but also different because ZAP70 is not easily pharmacologically targetable. Here we describe a robust method of measuring Lck expression in CLL cells using flow cytometry. However, unlike ZAP70 whose expression in CLL cells predicts prognosis, we find Lck expression and disease outcome in CLL are unrelated despite observations that its inhibition produces effects that biologically resemble the egress phenotype taken on by CLL cells treated with idelalisib. Taken together, our findings provide insight into the pathobiology of CLL to suggest a more complex relationship between expression of molecules within the BCR signalling pathway and disease outcome.
Simultaneous realization of high sensing sensitivity and tunability in plasmonic nanostructures arrays
Authors: Chau Yuan-Fong Chou , Wang Chan-Kuang , Shen Linfang , Lim Chee Ming , Chiang Hai-Pang , Chao Chung-Ting Chou , Huang Hung Ji , Lin Chun-Ting , Kumara N. T. R. N. , Voo Nyuk Yoong
Published: November 2017

A plasmonic nanostructure (PNS) which integrates metallic and dielectric media within a single structure has been shown to exhibit specific plasmonic properties which are considered useful in refractive index (RI) sensor applications. In this paper, the simultaneous realization of sensitivity and tunability of the optical properties of PNSs consisting of alternative Ag and dielectric of nanosphere/nanorod array have been proposed and compared by using three-dimensional finite element method. The proposed system can support plasmonic hybrid modes and the localized surface plasmonic resonances and cavity plasmonic resonances within the individual PNS can be excited by the incident light. The proposed PNSs can be operated as RI sensor with a sensitivity of 500 nm/RIU (RIU = refractive index unit) ranging from UV to the near-infrared. In addition, a narrow bandwidth and nearly zero transmittance along with a high absorptance can be achieved by a denser PNSs configuration in the unit cell of PNS arrays. We have demonstrated the number of modes sustained in the PNS system, as well as, the near-field distribution can be tailored by the dielectric media in PNSs.
A chalcohalide glass/alloy based Ag+ ion - selective electrode with nanomolar detection limit
Authors: Li Lei , Yin Haiwei , Wang Yang , Zheng Jianhua , Zeng Huidan , Chen Guorong
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a silver ion-selective electrode material with lower detection limit is presented. The electrode is based on 22.5As2S3-22.5Ag2S-55AgCl chalcohalide glass membranes. The low detection limit decreases from the micromolar range of the original Ag2S-As2S3 electrode to the nanomolar level (1.89 nM) by introducing AgCl. The addition of AgCl increases the conductivity of the glasses and improves the analytical properties of electrodes because of the joint effects of Ag+ and Cl- on network structure of the glass. The super-Nernstian response behavior was observed for the partially crystallized electrode. The electrode containing AgCl also possesses a high selectivity (except for Hg2+), fast response and good stability.
Emergence of BA9 genotype of human respiratory syncytial virus subgroup B in China from 2006 to 2014
Authors: Song Jinhua , Wang Huiling , Shi Jing , Cui Aili , Huang Yanzhi , Sun Liwei , Xiang Xingyu , Ma Chaofeng , Yu Pengbo , Yang Zifeng , Li Qi , Ng Teresa I. , Zhang Yan , Zhang Rongbo , Xu Wenbo
Published: November 2017

A study was conducted to investigate the circulation of HRSV subgroup B (HRSVB) in China in recent years. HRSVB sequences from 365 samples collected in 1991, 2004 and 2008–2014 in China, together with 332 Chinese HRSVB sequences obtained from GenBank were analyzed to determine the geographic and yearly distribution of HRSVB. Phylogenetic analysis revealed these HRSVB sequences clustered into 4 genotypes with different frequencies: BA (83%), CB1 (11%), SAB (3.0%) and GB3 (0.7%). Between 2005 and 2013, there was a co-circulation of BA and non-BA genotypes in China. Genotypes BA9 and BA10 were two of the main BA genotypes detected in this study. Genotype BA9 was first detected in China in 2006 and became the predominant HRSVB genotype circulating in China from 2008 to 2014. Three different lineages were detected for both genotypes BA9 and BA10. Time to the most recent common ancestor for genotypes BA9 and BA10 was estimated for years 1997 and 1996, respectively. Results of this study not only contribute to the understanding of the circulation pattern, but also the phylogenetic pattern and evolution of HRSVB in China from 1991 to 2014.
Peripheral T follicular helper Cells Make a Difference in HIV Reservoir Size between Elite Controllers and Patients on Successful cART
Authors: García Marcial , Górgolas Miguel , Cabello Alfonso , Estrada Vicente , Ligos José Manuel , Fernández-Guerrero Manuel , Barros Carlos , López-Bernaldo Juan Carlos , De La Hera Francisco Javier , Montoya María , Benito José Miguel , Rallón Norma
Published: November 2017

HIV latency is the main barrier to HIV eradication. Peripheral T follicular helper (pTfh) cells have a prominent role in HIV persistence. Herein, we analyzed the HIV reservoir size within memory CD4+ T-cell subsets in patients with HIV replication control. Twenty HIV-infected patients with suppressed HIV replication were included, with 10 elite controllers (EC) and 10 treated (TX) individuals. The HIV reservoir size was analyzed in resting memory CD4+ T-cells (Trm), pTfh, and non-pTfh cells using an ultrasensitive digital-droplet-PCR assay. Inter-group and intra-group differences were tested using non-parametric tests. Compared with the TX patients, the EC patients had smaller HIV reservoir not only in Trm but also in pTfh and non-pTfh subsets of memory CD4+ T-cells. The largest differences were observed in pTfh cells (p = 0.025). The pTfh and non-pTfh cells harbored similar levels of HIV-DNA in the EC (p = 0.60) and TX patients (p = 0.17); however, the contribution to HIV-DNA levels in memory CD4+ T-cells varied among the pTfh and non-pTfh subsets in both groups of patients. The EC patients showed smaller HIV reservoir in memory CD4+ cells, especially in the pTfh subset, a population of cells with a pivotal role in the antiviral immune response, suggesting a potential link between low levels of infection in pTfh cells and the ability of the EC patients to spontaneously control HIV replication.
Molecular mechanisms of dysfunction of muscle fibres associated with Glu139 deletion in TPM2 gene
Authors: Borovikov Yurii S. , Rysev Nikita A. , Karpicheva Olga E. , Sirenko Vladimir V. , Avrova Stanislava V. , Piers Adam , Redwood Charles S.
Published: November 2017

Deletion of Glu139 in β-tropomyosin caused by a point mutation in TPM2 gene is associated with cap myopathy characterized by high myofilament Ca2+-sensitivity and muscle weakness. To reveal the mechanism of these disorders at molecular level, mobility and spatial rearrangements of actin, tropomyosin and the myosin heads at different stages of actomyosin cycle in reconstituted single ghost fibres were investigated by polarized fluorescence microscopy. The mutation did not alter tropomyosin’s affinity for actin but increased strongly the flexibility of tropomyosin and kept its strands near the inner domain of actin. The ability of troponin to switch actin monomers “on” and “off” at high and low Ca2+, respectively, was increased, and the movement of tropomyosin towards the blocked position at low Ca2+ was inhibited, presumably causing higher Ca2+-sensitivity. The mutation decreased also the amount of the myosin heads which bound strongly to actin at high Ca2+ and increased the number of these heads at relaxation; this may contribute to contractures and muscle weakness.
A Synthetic Population for Modelling the Dynamics of Infectious Disease Transmission in American Samoa
Authors: Xu Zhijing , Glass Kathryn , Lau Colleen L. , Geard Nicholas , Graves Patricia , Clements Archie
Published: November 2017

Agent-based modelling is a useful approach for capturing heterogeneity in disease transmission. In this study, a synthetic population was developed for American Samoa using an iterative approach based on population census, questionnaire survey and land use data. The population will be used as the basis for a new agent-based model, intended specifically to fill the knowledge gaps about lymphatic filariasis transmission and elimination, but also to be readily adaptable to model other infectious diseases. The synthetic population was characterized by the statistically realistic population and household structure, and high-resolution geographic locations of households. The population was simulated over 40 years from 2010 to 2050. The simulated population was compared to estimates and projections of the U.S. Census Bureau. The results showed the total population would continuously decrease due to the observed large number of emigrants. Population ageing was observed, which was consistent with the latest two population censuses and the Bureau’s projections. The sex ratios by age groups were analysed and indicated an increase in the proportion of males in age groups 0–14 and 15–64. The household size followed a Gaussian distribution with an average size of around 5.0 throughout the simulation, slightly less than the initial average size 5.6.
Structural responses of metallic glasses under neutron irradiation
Authors: Yang L. , Li H. Y. , Wang P. W. , Wu S. Y. , Guo G. Q. , Liao B. , Guo Q. L. , Fan X. Q. , Huang P. , Lou H. B. , Guo F. M. , Zeng Q. S. , Sun T. , Ren Y. , Chen L. Y.
Published: November 2017

Seeking nuclear materials that possess a high resistance to particle irradiation damage is a long-standing issue. Permanent defects, induced by irradiation, are primary structural changes, the accumulation of which will lead to structural damage and performance degradation in crystalline materials served in nuclear plants. In this work, structural responses of neutron irradiation in metallic glasses (MGs) have been investigated by making a series of experimental measurements, coupled with simulations in ZrCu amorphous alloys. It is found that, compared with crystalline alloys, MGs have some specific structural responses to neutron irradiation. Although neutron irradiation can induce transient vacancy-like defects in MGs, they are fully annihilated after structural relaxation by rearrangement of free volumes. In addition, the rearrangement of free volumes depends strongly on constituent elements. In particular, the change in free volumes occurs around the Zr atoms, rather than the Cu centers. This implies that there is a feasible strategy for identifying glassy materials with high structural stability against neutron irradiation by tailoring the microstructures, the systems, or the compositions in alloys. This work will shed light on the development of materials with high irradiation resistance.
Sequestosome1/p62 protects mouse embryonic fibroblasts against low-dose methylercury-induced cytotoxicity and is involved in clearance of ubiquitinated proteins
Authors: Takanezawa Yasukazu , Nakamura Ryosuke , Harada Ryohei , Sone Yuka , Uraguchi Shimpei , Kiyono Masako
Published: November 2017

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widely distributed environmental pollutant that causes a series of cytotoxic effects. However, molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg toxicity are not fully understood. Here, we report that sequestosome1/p62 protects mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) against low-dose MeHg cytotoxicity via clearance of MeHg-induced ubiquitinated proteins. p62 mRNA and protein expression in MEFs were temporally induced by MeHg exposure p62-deficient MEFs exhibited higher sensitivity to MeHg exposure compared to their wild-type (WT) counterparts. An earlier and higher level of accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins was detected in p62-deficient cells compared with WT MEFs. Confocal microscopy revealed that p62 and ubiquitinated proteins co-localized in the perinuclear region of MEFs following MeHg treatment. Further analysis of MEFs revealed that ubiquitinated proteins co-localized with LC3-positive puncta upon co-treatment with MeHg and chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. In contrast, there was minimal co-localization in p62-deficient MEFs. The present study, for the first time, examined the expression and distribution of p62 and ubiquitinated proteins in cells exposed to low-dose MeHg. Our findings suggest that p62 is crucial for cytoprotection against MeHg-induced toxicity and is required for MeHg-induced ubiquitinated protein clearance.
Systematic identification of novel regulatory interactions controlling biofilm formation in the bacterium Escherichia coli
Authors: Amores Gerardo Ruiz , de las Heras Aitor , Sanches-Medeiros Ananda , Elfick Alistair , Silva-Rocha Rafael
Published: November 2017

Here, we investigated novel interactions of three global regulators of the network that controls biofilm formation in the model bacterium Escherichia coli using computational network analysis, an in vivo reporter assay and physiological validation experiments. We were able to map critical nodes that govern planktonic to biofilm transition and identify 8 new regulatory interactions for CRP, IHF or Fis responsible for the control of the promoters of rpoS, rpoE, flhD, fliA, csgD and yeaJ. Additionally, an in vivo promoter reporter assay and motility analysis revealed a key role for IHF as a repressor of cell motility through the control of FliA sigma factor expression. This investigation of first stage and mature biofilm formation indicates that biofilm structure is strongly affected by IHF and Fis, while CRP seems to provide a fine-tuning mechanism. Taken together, the analysis presented here shows the utility of combining computational and experimental approaches to generate a deeper understanding of the biofilm formation process in bacteria.
Considerations for spectroscopy of liquid-exfoliated 2D materials: emerging photoluminescence of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
Authors: Ogilvie Sean P. , Large Matthew J. , Fratta Giuseppe , Meloni Manuela , Canton-Vitoria Ruben , Tagmatarchis Nikos , Massuyeau Florian , Ewels Christopher P. , King Alice A. K. , Dalton Alan B.
Published: November 2017

N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) has been shown to be the most effective solvent for liquid phase exfoliation and dispersion of a range of 2D materials including graphene, molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) and black phosphorus. However, NMP is also known to be susceptible to sonochemical degradation during exfoliation. We report that this degradation gives rise to strong visible photoluminescence of NMP. Sonochemical modification is shown to influence exfoliation of layered materials in NMP and the optical absorbance of the solvent in the dispersion. The emerging optical properties of the degraded solvent present challenges for spectroscopy of nanomaterial dispersions; most notably the possibility of observing solvent photoluminescence in the spectra of 2D materials such as MoS2, highlighting the need for stable solvents and exfoliation processes to minimise the influence of solvent degradation on the properties of liquid-exfoliated 2D materials.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Culturomics and Amplicon-based Metagenomic Approaches for the Study of Fungal Population in Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Hamad Ibrahim , Ranque Stéphane , Azhar Esam I. , Yasir Muhammad , Jiman-Fatani Asif A. , Tissot-Dupont Hervé , Raoult Didier , Bittar Fadi
Published: November 2017

Herein, the mycobiota was characterized in fecal samples from sick patients and healthy subjects, collected from different geographical locations and using both culturomics and amplicon-based metagenomics approaches. Using the culturomics approach, a total of 17,800 fungal colonies were isolated from 14 fecal samples, and resulted in the isolation of 41 fungal species, of which 10 species had not been previously reported in the human gut. Deep sequencing of fungal-directed ITS1 and ITS2 amplicons led to the detection of a total of 142 OTUs and 173 OTUs from the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, respectively. Ascomycota composed the largest fraction of the total OTUs analyzed (78.9% and 68.2% of the OTUs from the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, respectively), followed by Basidiomycota (16.9% and 30.1% of the OTUs from the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, respectively). Interestingly, the results demonstrate that the ITS1/ITS2 amplicon sequencing provides different information about gut fungal communities compared to culturomics, though both approaches complete each other in assessing fungal diversity in fecal samples. We also report higher fungal diversity and abundance in patients compared to healthy subjects. In conclusion, combining both culturomic and amplicon-based metagenomic approaches may be a novel strategy towards analyzing fungal compositions in the human gut.
Bayesian inference of epidemiological parameters from transmission experiments
Authors: Hu Ben , Gonzales Jose L. , Gubbins Simon
Published: November 2017

Epidemiological parameters for livestock diseases are often inferred from transmission experiments. However, there are several limitations inherent to the design of such experiments that limits the precision of parameter estimates. In particular, infection times and latent periods cannot be directly observed and infectious periods may also be censored. We present a Bayesian framework accounting for these features directly and employ Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques to provide robust inferences and quantify the uncertainty in our estimates. We describe the transmission dynamics using a susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed compartmental model, with gamma-distributed transition times. We then fit the model to published data from transmission experiments for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and African swine fever virus (ASFV). Where the previous analyses of these data made various assumptions on the unobserved processes in order to draw inferences, our Bayesian approach includes the unobserved infection times and latent periods and quantifies them along with all other model parameters. Drawing inferences about infection times helps identify who infected whom and can also provide insights into transmission mechanisms. Furthermore, we are able to use our models to measure the difference between the latent periods of inoculated and contact-challenged animals and to quantify the effect vaccination has on transmission.
MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of erlotinib administered in combination with bevacizumab in xenograft mice bearing B901L, EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells
Authors: Nishidate Masanobu , Yamamoto Kaname , Masuda Chinami , Aikawa Hiroaki , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Kawanishi Takehiko , Hamada Akinobu
Published: November 2017

Combination therapy of erlotinib plus bevacizumab improves progression-free survival of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–mutated (EGFR-mutated) advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with erlotinib alone. Although improved delivery and distribution of erlotinib to tumours as a result of the normalization of microvessels by bevacizumab is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms, there is insufficient supporting evidence. B901L cells derived from EGFR-mutated NSCLC were subcutaneously implanted into mice, and mice were treated with bevacizumab or human IgG followed by treatment with erlotinib. The distribution of erlotinib in their tumours at different times after erlotinib administration was analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI). We also analysed the distribution of erlotinib metabolites and the distribution of erlotinib in tumours refractory to erlotinib, which were established by long-term treatment with erlotinib. We found that erlotinib was broadly diffused in the tumours from B901L-implanted xenograft mice, independently of bevacizumab treatment. We also found that erlotinib metabolites were co-localized with erlotinib and that erlotinib in erlotinib-refractory tumours was broadly distributed throughout the tumour tissue. Multivariate imaging approaches using MALDI MSI as applied in this study are of great value for pharmacokinetic studies in drug development.
A Cu(ii)-MOF capable of fixing CO2 from air and showing high capacity H2 and CO2 adsorption
Authors: Sharma Vivekanand , De Dinesh , Saha Ranajit , Das Ranjita , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar , Bharadwaj Parimal K.
Published: November 2017

The MOF 1 exhibits very high CO2 and H2 adsorption capacities, and can fix CO2 from air at room temperature.
Stereoselective synthesis of sulfonated 1-indenones via radical-triggered multi-component cyclization of β-alkynyl propenones
Authors: Shen Zheng-Jia , Wu Ya-Nan , He Chun-Lan , He Long , Hao Wen-Juan , Wang Ai-Fang , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2017

New radical-triggered multi-component cyclizations of β-alkynyl propenones have been developed, leading to 50 examples of sulfonated 1-indenones with generally good yields and high levels of stereoselectivity.
Practical synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant molecules enriched in sp3 character
Authors: Campbell Peter S. , Jamieson Craig , Simpson Iain , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: November 2017

A highly efficient and general procedure for the preparation of medicinally relevant compounds with enhanced 3D character is reported.
Vibrational energy relaxation dynamics of diatomic molecules inside superfluid helium nanodroplets. The case of the I2molecule
Authors: Vilà Arnau , Paniagua Miguel , González Miguel
Published: November 2017

The vibrational relaxation (VER) of a X2molecule in a4He superfluid nanodroplet (HeND; 0.37 K) was studied adapting a quantum approach recently proposed by us. In the first theoretical study on the VER of molecules inside HeND the I2molecule was examined [cascade mechanism (ν→ν− 1;ν− 1 →ν− 2; …) and time scale of ns].
Bacteriorhodopsin based non-magnetic spin filters for biomolecular spintronics
Authors: Varade Vaibhav , Markus Tal , Vankayala Kiran , Friedman Noga , Sheves Mordechai , Waldeck David H. , Naaman Ron
Published: November 2017

We discuss spin injection and spin valves, which are based on organic and biomolecules, that offer the possibility to overcome some of the limitations of solid-state devices, which are based on ferromagnetic metal electrodes.
The effect of hydronium ions on the structure of phospholipid membranes
Authors: Deplazes Evelyne , Poger David , Cornell Bruce , Cranfield Charles G.
Published: November 2017

This work studies the mechanisms by which hydronium ions modulate the structure of phospholipid bilayers.
Effect of phase coarsening under melt annealing on the electrical performance of polymer composites with a double percolation structure
Authors: Sun Xiao-Rong , Gong Tao , Pu Jun-Hong , Bao Rui-Ying , Xie Bang-Hu , Yang Ming-Bo , Yang Wei
Published: November 2017

Effect of phase coarsening on CB NP network formation and the electrical performance of double percolated PP/PS/CB composites under quiescent melt annealing.
The development of ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes and conjugates forin vitrocellular andin vivoapplications
Authors: Poynton Fergus E. , Bright Sandra A. , Blasco Salvador , Williams D. Clive , Kelly John M. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: November 2017

A detailed overview of the development of Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes as diagnostic and therapeutic agentsin vitroandin vivo.
Batteries for electric road vehicles
Authors: Goodenough John B. , Braga M. Helena
Published: November 2017

The dependence of modern society on the energy stored in a fossil fuel is not sustainable.
Control of the optical properties of cadmium selenide nanoparticles using magadiite
Authors: Poosimma Poonsuk , Ontam Areeporn , Intachai Sonchai , Khaorapapong Nithima , Ogawa Makoto
Published: November 2017

CdSe nanoparticles were successfully prepared in magadiite. Luminescence intensity of the hybrids varied depending on the amount of the intercalated CdSe. Nanoenvironment of magadiite was a stabilizing material for CdSe nanoparticles to control the size and size distribution.
Facile synthesis of Mn–Fe/CeO2 nanotubes by gradient electrospinning and their excellent catalytic performance for propane and methane oxidation
Authors: Xiao Yihong , Zhao Weitao , Zhang Kai , Zhang Yangyu , Wang Xiuyun , Zhang Tianhua , Wu Xiangwei , Chen Chongqi , Jiang Lilong
Published: November 2017

Nanotubes have been the focus of vital efforts in the catalysis community because of their unique properties.
All-gas-phase synthesis of amino-functionalized UiO-66 thin films
Authors: Lausund Kristian Blindheim , Petrovic Veljko , Nilsen Ola
Published: November 2017

Thin films of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) prepared using all-gas-phase techniques such as atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) are emerging due to their potential for enabling suitable applications.
Controlling the emission in flexibly-linked (N^C^N)platinum dyads
Authors: Garoni Eleonora , Boixel Julien , Dorcet Vincent , Roisnel Thierry , Roberto Dominique , Jacquemin Denis , Guerchais Véronique
Published: November 2017

Comparative luminescence studies of the mononuclear complex Pt-1 and the differently linked dinuclear complexes Pt-2 and Pt-3 reveal distinctive luminescent properties. The emission of Pt-2 can be readily modulated over a wide range of the visible part of the spectrum.
Diversified polyoxovanadate derivatives obtained by copper(i)-catalysed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction: their synthesis and structural characterization
Authors: Jia Hongli , Li Qi , Bayaguud Aruuhan , Huang Yichao , She Shan , Chen Kun , Wei Yongge
Published: November 2017

Four novel 1,2,3-triazole functionalized polyoxovanadate (POV) organic–inorganic hybrids were successfully prepared through the copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) procedure for the first time.
A hydrogen-atom transfer mechanism in the oxidation of alcohols by [FeO4]2− in aqueous solution
Authors: Xie Jianhui , Lo Po-Kam , Lam Chow-Shing , Lau Kai-Chung , Lau Tai-Chu
Published: November 2017

The oxidation of alcohols by [FeO4]2− in aqueous solution is found to proceed via a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) mechanism based on deuterium isotope effects, correlation between rate constants and bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and DFT calculations.
Heteronuclear cobalt(iii)/sodium complexes with salen type compartmental Schiff base ligands: methylene spacer regulated variation in nuclearity
Authors: Ghosh Kousik , Harms Klaus , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: November 2017

Three unique heteronuclear cobalt(iii)/sodium Schiff base complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Nuclearity of these complexes changes as a result of alteration of the steric hindrance in the ligand moiety.
O2 activation at a trispyrazolylborato nickel(ii) malonato complex
Authors: Hoof S. , Sallmann M. , Herwig C. , Braun-Cula B. , Limberg C.
Published: November 2017

On moving from an iron(ii) to an analogous nickel(ii) malonate complex the reaction with O2 changes from C–C bond cleavage to hydroxylation.
Combining the platinum(ii) drug candidate kiteplatin with 1,10-phenanthroline analogues
Authors: Pages Benjamin J. , Sakoff Jennette , Gilbert Jayne , Zhang Yingjie , Kelly Sharon M. , Hoeschele James D. , Aldrich-Wright Janice R.
Published: November 2017

Drug candidate kiteplatin has been combined with analogues of 1,10-phenanthroline, and the DNA affinity and cytotoxicity have been assessed.
Tuning the dual emissions of a monoruthenium complex with a dangling coordination site by solvents, O2, and metal ions
Authors: Wu Si-Hai , Shao Jiang-Yang , Gong Zhong-Liang , Chen Na , Zhong Yu-Wu
Published: November 2017

A monoruthenium complex with a dangling coordination site shows solvent-, O2-, and metal ion-modulated dual fluorescence and phosphorescence emissions.
Performance assessment of a portable nephelometer for outdoor particle mass measurement
Authors: Wang Zhanyong , Wang Dongsheng , Peng Zhong-Ren , Cai Ming , Fu Qingyan , Wang Dongfang
Published: November 2017

The availability of a portable nephelometer for outdoor PM1.0(≤1.0 μm), PM2.5(≤2.5 μm) and PM10(≤10 μm) mass measurements is assessed in Shanghai, China.
Prophylactic role of vitamin K supplementation on vascular inflammation in type 2 diabetes by regulating the NF-κB/Nrf2 pathwayviaactivating Gla proteins
Authors: Dihingia Anjum , Ozah Dibyajyoti , Baruah Pranab Kumar , Kalita Jatin , Manna Prasenjit
Published: November 2017

There is no previous study that has examined the relationship between circulating vitamin K1 (VK1) and vascular inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Catalyst- and solvent-free bisphosphinylation of isothiocyanates: a practical method for the synthesis of bisphosphinoylaminomethanes
Authors: Wen Li-Rong , Sun Yong-Xu , Zhang Jin-Wei , Guo Wei-Si , Li Ming
Published: November 2017

A new protocol for the construction of bisphosphinoylaminomethanes was developed through double addition of phosphine oxides to isothiocyanates.
Multi-size spheroid formation using microfluidic funnels
Authors: Marimuthu M. , Rousset N. , St-Georges-Robillard A. , Lateef M. A. , Ferland M. , Mes-Masson A.-M. , Gervais T.
Published: November 2017

We present a microfluidic platform for automatic multi-size spheroid formation within constant volume hanging droplets (HDs) from a single inlet loading of a constant cell concentration.
Isolation and characterization of novel degradation products in cilnidipine by LC-QTOF-MS/MS, LCMSn, 2D-NMR and FTIR
Authors: Ch Krishnam Raju , J. V. Shanmukha Kumar , Goud Palusa Sanath Kumar
Published: November 2017

Comprehensive stress studies performed for cilnidipine established 3D structures for novel degradants CD1 and CD2, which may be useful for drug discovery activities.
Pressure-assisted synthesis of a polyaniline–graphite oxide (PANI–GO) hybrid and its friction reducing behavior in liquid paraffin (LP)
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Wei , Chen Yongwei , Jiao Songlong , Huang Peng
Published: November 2017

PANI–GO hybrids were preparedviaa pressure-assisted method, which can significantly enhance the anti-friction property of base oil at the optimum concentration of 0.012 wt%.
Synergistic effects of Zn and Pd species in TiO2towards efficient photo-reduction of CO2into CH4
Authors: Yu Yanlong , Lan Zijian , Guo Limei , Wang Enjun , Yao Jianghong , Cao Yaan
Published: November 2017

TiO2–PdX–ZnY exhibits significantly improved photo-reduction activity of CO2into CH4.
A phosphorescent fluoride probe based on Eu(ııı)-DO3A clicked with a 2,5-di(thien-2-yl)pyrrole scaffold
Authors: Bilmez Memduh , Degirmenci Aysun , Algi Melek Pamuk , Algi Fatih
Published: November 2017

A novel material that can be used as a turn-on phosphorescent fluoride probe is designed and synthesized.
Axial stereocontrol in tropos dibenz[c,e]azepines: the individual and cooperative effects of alkyl substituents
Authors: Balgobin Sinead M. C. , Brookes Dominic J. , Jiang Junxiang , Pritchard Robin G. , Wallace Timothy W.
Published: November 2017

The conformational (tropos) dynamics of 4,5-dimethyl- and 4,5,7-trimethyl-dibenzazepines 13 and 14 are dominated by strong (≥9 : 1) but opposite axial configurational preferences.
Design, synthesis, and conformational analysis of 3-cyclo-butylcarbamoyl hydantoins as novel hydrogen bond driven universal peptidomimetics
Authors: Bellucci M. C. , Frigerio M. , Castellano C. , Meneghetti F. , Sacchetti A. , Volonterio A.
Published: November 2017

3-cyclo-Butylcarbamoyl hydantoins are able to mimic α-helix and β-turn secondary structures as assessed by molecular modeling, NMR studies, and X-ray analysis.
Negishi cross-couplings in the synthesis of amino acids
Authors: Brittain William D. G. , Cobb Steven L.
Published: November 2017

The application of the Negishi cross-coupling reaction in the synthesis of amino acids is reviewed.
Narcissistic chiral self-sorting of molecular face-rotating polyhedra
Authors: Wang Xinchang , Peng Pixian , Xuan Wei , Wang Yu , Zhuang Yongbin , Tian Zhongqun , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: November 2017

Narcissistic chiral self-sorting prevailed in the assembly of molecular face-rotating polyhedra from a C3h building block 5,5,10,10,15,15-hexabutyl-truxene-2,7,12-tricarbaldehyde and racemic mixtures of 1,2-diamines.
Polyallene-based amphiphilic triblock copolymer via successive free radical polymerization and ATRP
Authors: Ding Aishun , Lu Guolin , Guo Hao , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: November 2017

This article reports the synthesis of amphiphilic double-bond-containing ABA triblock copolymer by a combination of free radical polymerization and ATRP.
Metal–organic framework immobilized RhNi alloy nanoparticles for complete H2 evolution from hydrazine borane and hydrous hydrazine
Authors: Zhang Zhujun , Zhang Shiliang , Yao Qilu , Feng Gang , Zhu Meihua , Lu Zhang-Hui
Published: November 2017

MOF immobilized RhNi alloy NPs with size of 2.8 nm have been fabricated via a reduction rate controlled method and applied as efficient catalyst for complete H2 evolution from hydrazine borane and hydrous hydrazine.