bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pigmentation plasticity enhances crypsis in larval newts: associated metabolic cost and background choice behaviour
Authors: Polo-Cavia Nuria , Gomez-Mestre Ivan
Published: January 2017

In heterogeneous environments, the capacity for colour change can be a valuable adaptation enhancing crypsis against predators. Alternatively, organisms might achieve concealment by evolving preferences for backgrounds that match their visual traits, thus avoiding the costs of plasticity. Here we examined the degree of plasticity in pigmentation of newt larvae (Lissotriton boscai) in relation to predation risk. Furthermore, we tested for associated metabolic costs and pigmentation-dependent background choice behaviour. Newt larvae expressed substantial changes in pigmentation so that light, high-reflecting environment induced depigmentation whereas dark, low-reflecting environment induced pigmentation in just three days of exposure. Induced pigmentation was completely reversible upon switching microhabitats. Predator cues, however, did not enhance cryptic phenotypes, suggesting that environmental albedo induces changes in pigmentation improving concealment regardless of the perceived predation risk. Metabolic rate was higher in heavily pigmented individuals from dark environments, indicating a high energetic requirement of pigmentation that could impose a constraint to larval camouflage in dim habitats. Finally, we found partial evidence for larvae selecting backgrounds matching their induced phenotypes. However, in the presence of predator cues, larvae increased the time spent in light environments, which may reflect a escape response towards shallow waters rather than an attempt at increasing crypsis.
Biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles by human mesenchymal stem cells following transfection with the magnetotactic bacterial gene mms6
Authors: Elfick Alistair , Rischitor Grigore , Mouras Rabah , Azfer Asim , Lungaro Lisa , Uhlarz Marc , Herrmannsdörfer Thomas , Lucocq John , Gamal Wesam , Bagnaninchi Pierre , Semple Scott , Salter Donald M
Published: January 2017

The use of stem cells to support tissue repair is facilitated by loading of the therapeutic cells with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) enabling magnetic tracking and targeting. Current methods for magnetizing cells use artificial MNPs and have disadvantages of variable uptake, cellular cytotoxicity and loss of nanoparticles on cell division. Here we demonstrate a transgenic approach to magnetize human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are genetically modified by transfection with the mms6 gene derived from Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1, a magnetotactic bacterium that synthesises single-magnetic domain crystals which are incorporated into magnetosomes. Following transfection of MSCs with the mms6 gene there is bio-assimilated synthesis of intracytoplasmic magnetic nanoparticles which can be imaged by MR and which have no deleterious effects on cell proliferation, migration or differentiation. The assimilation of magnetic nanoparticle synthesis into mammalian cells creates a real and compelling, cytocompatible, alternative to exogenous administration of MNPs.
Cytochrome P450-2E1 promotes fast food-mediated hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Abdelmegeed Mohamed A. , Choi Youngshim , Godlewski Grzegorz , Ha Seung-Kwon , Banerjee Atrayee , Jang Sehwan , Song Byoung-Joon
Published: January 2017

Cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1) increases oxidative stress. High hepatic cholesterol causes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Thus, we aimed to study the role of CYP2E1 in promoting liver fibrosis by high cholesterol-containing fast-food (FF). Male wild-type (WT) and Cyp2e1-null mice were fed standard chow or FF for 2, 12, and 24 weeks. Various parameters of liver fibrosis and potential mechanisms such as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance (IR) were studied. Indirect calorimetry was also used to determine metabolic parameters. Liver histology showed that only WT fed FF (WT-FF) developed NASH and fibrosis. Hepatic levels of fibrosis protein markers were significantly increased in WT-FF. The nitroxidative stress marker iNOS, but not CYP2E1, was significantly elevated only in FF-fed WT. Serum endotoxin, TLR-4 levels, and inflammatory markers were highest in WT-FF. FAS, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and CB1-R were markedly altered in WT-FF. Electron microscopy and immunoblot analyses showed significantly higher levels of ER stress in FF-fed WT. Indirect calorimetry showed that Cyp2e1-null-mice fed FF exhibited consistently higher total energy expenditure (TEE) than their corresponding WT. These results demonstrate that CYP2E1 is important in fast food-mediated liver fibrosis by promoting nitroxidative and ER stress, endotoxemia, inflammation, IR, and low TEE.
Orthotropic Laminated Open-cell Frameworks Retaining Strong Auxeticity under Large Uniaxial Loading
Authors: Tanaka Hiro , Suga Kaito , Iwata Naoki , Shibutani Yoji
Published: January 2017

Anisotropic materials form inside living tissue and are widely applied in engineered structures, where sophisticated structural and functional design principles are essential to employing these materials. This paper presents a candidate laminated open-cell framework, which is an anisotropic material that shows remarkable mechanical performance. Using additive manufacturing, artificial frameworks are fabricated by lamination of in-plane orthotropic microstructures made of elbowed beam and column members; this fabricated structure features orthogonal anisotropy in three-dimensional space. Uniaxial loading tests reveal strong auxeticity (high negative Poisson’s ratios) in the out-of-plane direction, which is retained reproducibly up to the nonlinear elastic region, and is equal under tensile and compressive loading. Finite element simulations support the observed auxetic behaviors for a unit cell in the periodic framework, which preserve the theoretical elastic properties of an orthogonal solid. These findings open the possibility of conceptual materials design based on geometry.
Arabidopsis CBF3 and DELLAs positively regulate each other in response to low temperature
Authors: Zhou Mingqi , Chen Hu , Wei Donghui , Ma Hong , Lin Juan
Published: January 2017

The C-repeat binding factor (CBF) is crucial for regulation of cold response in higher plants. InArabidopsis, the mechanism of CBF3-caused growth retardation is still unclear. Our present work shows thatCBF3shares the similar repression of bioactive gibberellin (GA) as well as upregulation of DELLA proteins withCBF1and-2. Genetic analysis reveals that DELLAs play an essential role in growth reduction mediated byCBF1, -2, -3genes. Thein vivoandin vitroevidences demonstrate thatGA2-oxidase 7gene is a novel CBF3 regulon. Meanwhile, DELLAs contribute to cold induction ofCBF1, -2, -3genes through interaction with jasmonate (JA) signaling. We conclude thatCBF3promotes DELLAs accumulation through repressing GA biosynthesis and DELLAs positively regulateCBF3involving JA signaling. CBFs and DELLAs collaborate to retard plant growth in response to low temperature.
Muscle-specific deletion of BDK amplifies loss of myofibrillar protein during protein undernutrition
Authors: Ishikawa Takuya , Kitaura Yasuyuki , Kadota Yoshihiro , Morishita Yukako , Ota Miki , Yamanaka Fumiya , Xu Minjun , Ikawa Masahito , Inoue Naokazu , Kawano Fuminori , Nakai Naoya , Murakami Taro , Miura Shinji , Hatazawa Yukino , Kamei Yasutomi , Shimomura Yoshiharu
Published: January 2017

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids for mammals and play key roles in the regulation of protein metabolism. However, the effect of BCAA deficiency on protein metabolism in skeletal muscle in vivo remains unclear. Here we generated mice with lower BCAA concentrations by specifically accelerating BCAA catabolism in skeletal muscle and heart (BDK-mKO mice). The mice appeared to be healthy without any obvious defects when fed a protein-rich diet; however, bolus ingestion of BCAAs showed that mTORC1 sensitivity in skeletal muscle was enhanced in BDK-mKO mice compared to the corresponding control mice. When these mice were fed a low protein diet, the concentration of myofibrillar protein was significantly decreased (but not soluble protein) and mTORC1 activity was reduced without significant change in autophagy. BCAA supplementation in drinking water attenuated the decreases in myofibrillar protein levels and mTORC1 activity. These results suggest that BCAAs are essential for maintaining myofibrillar proteins during protein undernutrition by keeping mTORC1 activity rather than by inhibiting autophagy and translation. This is the first report to reveal the importance of BCAAs for protein metabolism of skeletal muscle in vivo.
The hypoparathyroidism-associated mutation in Drosophila Gcm compromises protein stability and glial cell formation
Authors: Xi Xiao , Lu Lu , Zhuge Chun-Chun , Chen Xuebing , Zhai Yuanfen , Cheng Jingjing , Mao Haian , Yang Chang-Ching , Tan Bertrand Chin-Ming , Lee Yi-Nan , Chien Cheng-Ting , Ho Margaret S.
Published: January 2017

Differentiated neurons and glia are acquired from immature precursors via transcriptional controls exerted by factors such as proteins in the family of Glial Cells Missing (Gcm). Mammalian Gcm proteins mediate neural stem cell induction, placenta and parathyroid development, whereas Drosophila Gcm proteins act as a key switch to determine neuronal and glial cell fates and regulate hemocyte development. The present study reports a hypoparathyroidism-associated mutation R59L that alters Drosophila Gcm (Gcm) protein stability, rendering it unstable, and hyperubiquitinated via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). GcmR59L interacts with the Slimb-based SCF complex and Protein Kinase C (PKC), which possibly plays a role in its phosphorylation, hence altering ubiquitination. Additionally, R59L causes reduced Gcm protein levels in a manner independent of the PEST domain signaling protein turnover. GcmR59L proteins bind DNA, functionally activate transcription, and induce glial cells, yet at a less efficient level. Finally, overexpression of either wild-type human Gcmb (hGcmb) or hGcmb carrying the conserved hypoparathyroidism mutation only slightly affects gliogenesis, indicating differential regulatory mechanisms in human and flies. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the significance of this disease-associated mutation in controlling Gcm protein stability via UPS, hence advance our understanding on how glial formation is regulated.
Metabolic profiling of root exudates from two ecotypes of Sedum alfredii treated with Pb based on GC-MS
Authors: Luo Qing , Wang Shiyu , Sun Li-na , Wang Hui
Published: January 2017

Phytoremediation is an effective method to remediate Pb-contaminated soils and root exudates play an important role in this process. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and metabolomics method, this study focuses on the comparative metabolic profiling analysis of root exudates from the Pb-accumulating and non-accumulating ecotypes of Sedum alfredii treated with 0 and 50 μmol/L Pb. The results obtained show that plant type and Pb stress can significantly change the concentrations and species of root exudates, and fifteen compounds were identified and assumed to be potential biomarkers. Leaching experiments showed that l-alanine, l-proline and oxalic acid have a good effect to activate Pb in soil, glyceric acid and 2-hydroxyacetic acid have a general effect to activate Pb in soil. 4-Methylphenol and 2-methoxyphenol might be able to activate Pb in soil, glycerol and diethyleneglycol might be able to stabilize Pb in soil, but these activation effect and stabilization effect were all not obvious.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: ß2-adrenoreceptor Inverse Agonist Down-regulates Muscarine Cholinergic Subtype-3 Receptor and Its Downstream Signal Pathways in Airway Smooth Muscle Cells in vitro
Authors: Luo Jian , Liu Yuan-hua , Luo Wei , Luo Zhu , Liu Chun-tao
Published: January 2017

Mechanisms underlying ß2-adrenoreceptor (ß2AR) inverse agonist mediated bronchoprotectiveness remain unknown. We incubated ICI118,551, formoterol, budesonide, and formoterol plus budesonide, as well as ICI118,551 or pindolol plus formoterol, ICI118,551 plus forskolin, SQ22,536 or H89 plus formoterol in ASMCs to detect expressions of M3R, PLCß1 and IP3. The level of M3R in the presence of 10-5?mmol/L ICI118,551 were significantly decreased at 12?h, 24?h and 48?h (P?<?0.05), and at 24?h were significantly reduced in ICI118,551 with concentration of 10-5mmol/L, 10-6mmol/L, 10-7mmol/L, and 10-8mmol/L (P?<?0.05). The level of IP3 in 10-5mmol/L ICI118,551 was significantly diminished at 24?h (P?<?0.01), except for that at 1?h, neither was in the level of PLCß1. A concentration of 10-5mmol/L ICI118,551 at 24?h showed a significant reduction of M3R level compared to formoterol (P?<?0.01), budesonide (P?<?0.01), and formoterol?+?budesonide (P?<?0.05), but significant reduction of PLCß1 and IP3 was only found between 10-5mmol/L ICI118,551 and formoterol at 24?h, but not in the comparison of budesonide or formoterol?+?budesonide. Pindolol and H89 could not inhibit the formoterol-induced expression of M3R (P?>?0.05), but SQ22,536 significantly antagonized the formoterol-induced M3R expression (P?<?0.05). In conclusions, ß2AR inverse agonist, ICI118,551, exerts similar bronchoprotective effects to corticosteroids via decreasing the expression of M3R and inhibiting the production of IP3.
Microbial taxa and functional genes shift in degraded soil with bacterial wilt
Authors: Zhang Hongchun , Wang Rui , Chen Shu , Qi Gaofu , He Zhili , Zhao Xiuyun
Published: January 2017

Soil degradation is a serious global problem, but little is known about how soil microbial communities respond to soil degradation as well as their feedback to ecosystem functioning. In this study, we found the microbial community composition, structure and functional potential significantly altered in the degraded soils with bacterial wilt (termed as degraded soils). Compared with healthy soils, OTU richness of beneficial microorganisms were significantly decreased, but OTU richness of pathogenic microorganisms were significantly increased in the degraded soils. Functional gene array (GeoChip 5.0) analysis showed the functional metabolic potential of genes involved in stress, virulence, sulfur cycle, metal resistance, degradation of plant cell wall was significantly increased in the degraded soils. Increased functional metabolic potential of these genes may be related to the acidification and severe plant disease of degraded soils. Biological activity of degraded soils was obviously decreased with weakened soil enzyme activities when compared to the healthy soils. Soil pH and enzyme activities were negatively correlated with the abundance of genes involved in sulfur cycle, virulence, and stress responses. This study provides new insights into our understanding of soil microbial community responses to soil degradation.
Metal transport protein 8 in Camellia sinensis confers superior manganese tolerance when expressed in yeast and Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Qinghui , Li Yue , Wu Xiayuan , Zhou Lin , Zhu Xujun , Fang Wanping
Published: January 2017

Manganese (Mn) is an important micronutrient element required for plant growth and development, playing catalytic roles in enzymes, membranes and DNA replication. The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is able to accumulate high concentration of Mn without showing signs of toxicity, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this remain largely unknown. In this study, the C. sinensis cultivar ‘LJCY’ had higher Mn tolerance than cultivar ‘YS’, because chlorophyll content reduction was lower under the high Mn treatment. Proteomic analysis of the leaves revealed that C. sinensis Metal Tolerance Protein 8 (CsMTP8) accumulated in response to Mn toxicity in cultivar ‘LJCY’. The gene encoding CsMTP8, designated as CsMTP8 was also isolated, and its expression enhanced Mn tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Similarly, the overexpression of CsMTP8 in Arabidopsis thaliana increased plant tolerance and reduced Mn accumulation in plant tissues under excess Mn conditions. Subcellular localization analysis of green florescence fused protein indicated that CsMTP8 was localized to the plasma membranes. Taken together, the results suggest that CsMTP8 is a Mn-specific transporter, which is localized in the plasma membrane, and transports excess Mn out of plant cells. The results also suggest that it is needed for Mn tolerance in shoots.
Piscidin-1-analogs with double L- and D-lysine residues exhibited different conformations in lipopolysaccharide but comparable anti-endotoxin activities
Authors: Kumar Amit , Mahajan Mukesh , Awasthi Bhanupriya , Tandon Anshika , Harioudh Munesh Kumar , Shree Sonal , Singh Pratiksha , Shukla Praveen Kumar , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Mitra Kalyan , Bhattacharjya Surajit , Ghosh Jimut Kanti
Published: January 2017

To become clinically effective, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) should be non-cytotoxic to host cells. Piscidins are a group of fish-derived AMPs with potent antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities but limited by extreme cytotoxicity. We conjectured that introduction of cationic residue(s) at the interface of polar and non-polar faces of piscidins may control their insertion into hydrophobic mammalian cell membrane and thereby reducing cytotoxicity. We have designed several novel analogs of piscidin-1 by substituting threonine residue(s) with L and D-lysine residue(s). L/D-lysine-substituted analogs showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity but exhibited either higher or comparable antibacterial activity akin to piscidin-1. Piscidin-1-analogs demonstrated higher efficacy than piscidin-1 in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory responses in THP-1 cells. T15,21K-piscidin-1 (0.5 mg/Kg) and T15,21dK-piscidin-1 (1.0 mg/Kg) demonstrated 100% survival of LPS (12.0 mg/Kg)-administered mice. High resolution NMR studies revealed that both piscidin-1 and T15,21K-piscidin-1 adopted helical structures, with latter showing a shorter helix, higher amphipathicity and cationic residues placed at optimal distances to form ionic/hydrogen bond with lipid A of LPS. Remarkably, T15,21dK-piscidin-1 showed a helix-loop-helix structure in LPS and its interactions with LPS could be sustained by the distance of separation of side chains of R7 and D-Lys-15 which is close to the inter-phosphate distance of lipid A.
Tissue Microarray Analysis Applied to Bone Diagenesis
Authors: Mello Rafael Barrios , Silva Maria Regina Regis , Alves Maria Teresa Seixas , Evison Martin Paul , Guimarães Marco Aurelio , Francisco Rafaella Arrabaca , Astolphi Rafael Dias , Iwamura Edna Sadayo Miazato
Published: January 2017

Taphonomic processes affecting bone post mortem are important in forensic, archaeological and palaeontological investigations. In this study, the application of tissue microarray (TMA) analysis to a sample of femoral bone specimens from 20 exhumed individuals of known period of burial and age at death is described. TMA allows multiplexing of subsamples, permitting standardized comparative analysis of adjacent sections in 3-D and of representative cross-sections of a large number of specimens. Standard hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and silver methenamine, and picrosirius red staining, and CD31 and CD34 immunohistochemistry were applied to TMA sections. Osteocyte and osteocyte lacuna counts, percent bone matrix loss, and fungal spheroid element counts could be measured and collagen fibre bundles observed in all specimens. Decalcification with 7% nitric acid proceeded more rapidly than with 0.5 M EDTA and may offer better preservation of histological and cellular structure. No endothelial cells could be detected using CD31 and CD34 immunohistochemistry. Correlation between osteocytes per lacuna and age at death may reflect reported age-related responses to microdamage. Methodological limitations and caveats, and results of the TMA analysis of post mortem diagenesis in bone are discussed, and implications for DNA survival and recovery considered.
Nesting of colon and ovarian cancer cells in the endothelial niche is associated with alterations in glycan and lipid metabolism
Authors: Halama Anna , Guerrouahen Bella S. , Pasquier Jennifer , Satheesh Noothan J. , Suhre Karsten , Rafii Arash
Published: January 2017

The metabolic phenotype of a cancer cell is determined by its genetic makeup and microenvironment, which dynamically modulates the tumor landscape. The endothelial cells provide both a promoting and protective microenvironment – a niche for cancer cells. Although metabolic alterations associated with cancer and its progression have been fairly defined, there is a significant gap in our understanding of cancer metabolism in context of its microenvironment. We deployed an in vitro co-culture system based on direct contact of cancer cells with endothelial cells (E4+EC), mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Metabolism of colon (HTC15 and HTC116) and ovarian (OVCAR3 and SKOV3) cancer cell lines was profiled with non-targeted metabolic approaches at different time points in the first 48 hours after co-culture was established. We found significant, coherent and non-cell line specific changes in fatty acids, glycerophospholipids and carbohydrates over time, induced by endothelial cell contact. The metabolic patterns pinpoint alterations in hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, glycosylation and lipid metabolism as crucial for cancer – endothelial cells interaction. We demonstrated that “Warburg effect” is not modulated in the initial stage of nesting of cancer cell in the endothelial niche. Our study provides novel insight into cancer cell metabolism in the context of the endothelial microenvironment.
Loss of miR-542-3p enhances IGFBP-1 expression in decidualizing human endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Tochigi Hideno , Kajihara Takeshi , Mizuno Yosuke , Mizuno Yumi , Tamaru Shunsuke , Kamei Yoshimasa , Okazaki Yasushi , Brosens Jan J , Ishihara Osamu
Published: January 2017

Endometrial decidualization represents an essential step for the successful implantation of the embryo; however, the molecular mechanism behind this differentiation process remains unclear. This study aimed to identify novel microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the regulation of decidual gene expression in human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). An in vitro analysis of primary undifferentiated and decidualizing HESCs was conducted. HESCs were isolated from hysterectomy specimens from normally cycling premenopausal women with uterine fibroids, who were not on hormonal treatment at the time of surgery. Primary HESCs were expanded in culture and decidualized with 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine monophosphate and medroxyprogesterone acetate. Microarray analysis identified six miRNAs differentially expressed in response to decidualization of HESCs. All but one miRNA were downregulated upon decidualization, including miR-542-3p. We demonstrated that miR-542-3p overexpression inhibits the induction of major decidual marker genes, including IGFBP1, WNT4 and PRL. In addition, miR-542-3p overexpression inhibited the morphological transformation of HESCs in response to deciduogenic cues. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the 3′-untranslated region of IGFBP1 mRNA is targeted by miR-542-3p. The results suggest that miR-542-3p plays an important role in endometrial decidualization by regulating the expression of major decidual marker genes.
Spin-polarized current injection induced magnetic reconstruction at oxide interface
Authors: Fang F. , Yin Y. W. , Li Qi , Lüpke G.
Published: January 2017

Electrical manipulation of magnetism presents a promising way towards using the spin degree of freedom in very fast, low-power electronic devices. Though there has been tremendous progress in electrical control of magnetic properties using ferromagnetic (FM) nanostructures, an opportunity of manipulating antiferromagnetic (AFM) states should offer another route for creating a broad range of new enabling technologies. Here we selectively probe the interface magnetization of SrTiO3/La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterojunctions and discover a new spin-polarized current injection induced interface magnetoelectric (ME) effect. The accumulation of majority spins at the interface causes a sudden, reversible transition of the spin alignment of interfacial Mn ions from AFM to FM exchange-coupled, while the injection of minority electron spins alters the interface magnetization from C-type to A-type AFM state. In contrast, the bulk magnetization remains unchanged. We attribute the current-induced interface ME effect to modulations of the strong double-exchange interaction between conducting electron spins and local magnetic moments. The effect is robust and may serve as a viable route for electronic and spintronic applications.
Major cause of unprecedented Arctic warming in January 2016: Critical role of an Atlantic windstorm
Authors: Kim Baek-Min , Hong Ja-Young , Jun Sang-Yoon , Zhang Xiangdong , Kwon Hataek , Kim Seong-Joong , Kim Joo-Hong , Kim Sang-Woo , Kim Hyun-Kyung
Published: January 2017

In January 2016, the Arctic experienced an extremely anomalous warming event after an extraordinary increase in air temperature at the end of 2015. During this event, a strong intrusion of warm and moist air and an increase in downward longwave radiation, as well as a loss of sea ice in the Barents and Kara seas, were observed. Observational analyses revealed that the abrupt warming was triggered by the entry of a strong Atlantic windstorm into the Arctic in late December 2015, which brought enormous moist and warm air masses to the Arctic. Although the storm terminated at the eastern coast of Greenland in late December, it was followed by a prolonged blocking period in early 2016 that sustained the extreme Arctic warming. Numerical experiments indicate that the warming effect of sea ice loss and associated upward turbulent heat fluxes are relatively minor in this event. This result suggests the importance of the synoptically driven warm and moist air intrusion into the Arctic as a primary contributing factor of this extreme Arctic warming event.
Probe Into the Influence of Crosslinking on CO2 Permeation of Membranes
Authors: Li Jinghui , Chen Zhuo , Umar Ahmad , Liu Yang , Shang Ying , Zhang Xiaokai , Wang Yao
Published: January 2017

Crosslinking is an effective way to fabricate high-selective CO2 separation membranes because of its unique crosslinking framework. Thus, it is essentially significant to study the influence of crosslinking degree on the permeation selectivities of CO2. Herein, we report a successful and facile synthesis of a series of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based diblock copolymers (BCP) incorporated with an unique UV-crosslinkable chalcone unit using Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT) process. The membranes of as-prepared BCPs show superior carbon dioxide (CO2) separation properties as compared to nitrogen (N2) after UV-crosslinking. Importantly, the influence of different proportions of crosslinked chalcone on CO2 selectivities was systematically investigated, which revealed that CO2 selectivities increased obviously with the enhancement of chalcone fractions within a certain limit. Further, the CO2 selectivities of block copolymer with the best block proportion was studied by varying the crosslinking time which confirmed that the high crosslinking degree exhibited a better CO2/N2 (αCO2/N2) selectivities. A possible mechanism model revealing that the crosslinking degree played a key role in the gas separation process was also proposed.
pH is the primary determinant of the bacterial community structure in agricultural soils impacted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution
Authors: Wu Yucheng , Zeng Jun , Zhu Qinghe , Zhang Zhenfa , Lin Xiangui
Published: January 2017

Acidification and pollution are two major threats to agricultural ecosystems; however, microbial community responses to co-existed soil acidification and pollution remain less explored. In this study, arable soils of broad pH (4.26–8.43) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) gradients (0.18–20.68 mg kg−1) were collected from vegetable farmlands. Bacterial community characteristics including abundance, diversity and composition were revealed by quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene copies significantly correlated with soil carbon and nitrogen contents, suggesting the control of nutrients accessibility on bacterial abundance. The bacterial diversity was strongly related to soil pH, with higher diversity in neutral samples and lower in acidic samples. Soil pH was also identified by an ordination analysis as important factor shaping bacterial community composition. The relative abundances of some dominant phyla varied along the pH gradient, and the enrichment of a few phylotypes suggested their adaptation to low pH condition. In contrast, at the current pollution level, PAH showed marginal effects on soil bacterial community. Overall, these findings suggest pH was the primary determinant of bacterial community in these arable soils, indicative of a more substantial influence of acidification than PAH pollution on bacteria driven ecological processes.
Establishment of a two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system for detection of four tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines
Authors: Shao Xi , Chen Min , Wu Da , Liu Baizhan , Zhang Xiangmin , Chen Chaoying
Published: January 2017

In this work, we developed a system for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of four tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNAs).
Chemometric evaluation of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography stationary phases: resolving complex mixtures of metabolites
Authors: Ortiz-Villanueva Elena , Navarro-Reig Meritxell , Jaumot Joaquim , Tauler Romà
Published: January 2017

Different hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) stationary phases have been evaluated using different chemometric methods with the aim of their application in metabolomics studies.
Use of the peroxidase mimetic activity of erythrocyte-like Cu1.8S nanoparticles in the colorimetric determination of glutathione
Authors: Zou Hongyan , Yang Tong , Lan Jing , Huang Chengzhi
Published: January 2017

Erythrocyte-like Cu1.8S nanoparticles exhibited excellent peroxidase mimetic properties and were able to catalyse tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) to its blue oxidized product in the presence of H2O2 following the Fenton reaction. The catalytic process was inhibited by glutathione (GSH) and this phenomenon was used to construct an efficient sensing platform for the colorimetric determination of glutathione.
NMR-based metabolomics strategies: plants, animals and humans
Authors: Pontes João Guilherme M. , Brasil Antonio Jadson M. , Cruz Guilherme C. F. , de Souza Rafael N. , Tasic Ljubica
Published: January 2017

This Tutorial Review addresses the principal steps from the sample preparation, acquisition and processing of spectra, data analysis and biomarker discovery and methodologies used in NMR-based metabolomics applied for pointing to key metabolites of diseases.
Cathodic electrochemical determination of furfural in sugarcane bagasse using an electrode modified with nickel nanoparticles
Authors: da Silva José Luiz , Beluomini Maísa Azevedo , Ramos Stradiotto Nelson
Published: January 2017

New and sensitive voltammetric methods were developed for the cathodic determination of furfural in sugarcane bagasse using a NiNPs/GCE.
Synthesis and biophysical analysis of modified thymine-containing DNA oligonucleotides
Authors: Kawasaki F. , Murat P. , Li Z. , Santner T. , Balasubramanian S.
Published: January 2017

We report the synthesis of a 5-formyl-2′-deoxyuridine (5fU) phosphoramidite, and the preparation and biophysical characterization of oligonucleotides comprising all known, naturally observed eukaryotic thymidine modifications.
Photocatalytic ATRA reaction promoted by iodo-Bodipy and sodium ascorbate
Authors: Magagnano G. , Gualandi A. , Marchini M. , Mengozzi L. , Ceroni P. , Cozzi P. G.
Published: January 2017

Using ascorbate as a sacrificial reductant, iodo-Bodipy dye is able to promote the ATRA reaction between bromoderivatives and alkenes.
Understanding the connection between conformational changes of peptides and equilibrium thermal fluctuations
Authors: Soler Miguel A. , Zúñiga José , Requena Alberto , Bastida Adolfo
Published: January 2017

A novel computational method to analyze jointly the vibrational fluctuations and the conformational dynamics of peptides and proteins in water at equilibrium.
The water association band as a marker of hydrogen bonds in trehalose amorphous matrices
Authors: Giuffrida Sergio , Cottone Grazia , Cordone Lorenzo
Published: January 2017

The water association band is a suitable marker of residual water behavior in bioprotective trehalose matrices.
Transition metal (Co, Ni) nanoparticles wrapped with carbon and their superior catalytic activities for the reversible hydrogen storage of magnesium hydride
Authors: Huang Xu , Xiao Xuezhang , Zhang Wei , Fan Xiulin , Zhang Liuting , Cheng Changjun , Li Shouquan , Ge Hongwei , Wang Qidong , Chen Lixin
Published: January 2017

MgH2 doped with TM/C nanoparticles exhibits a fast kinetics with 6.5 wt% H2 from 100 to 200 °C. Carbon exists on surface of TM/C hinders the agglomeration of catalysts.
Ultrafast dynamics of the photo-excited hemes b and cnin the cytochrome b6f complex
Authors: Agarwal Rachna , Chauvet Adrien A. P.
Published: January 2017

The dynamics of hemesbandcnwithin the cytochromeb6fcomplex are investigated by means of ultrafast broad-band transient absorption spectroscopy.
Repurposing designed mutants: a valuable strategy for computer-aided laccase engineering – the case of POXA1b
Authors: Giacobelli Valerio Guido , Monza Emanuele , Fatima Lucas M. , Pezzella Cinzia , Piscitelli Alessandra , Guallar Victor , Sannia Giovanni
Published: January 2017

The broad specificity of laccases, a direct consequence of their shallow binding site, makes this class of enzymes a suitable template to build specificity toward putative substrates.
Borane-catalyzed indole synthesis through intramolecular hydroamination
Authors: Tussing Sebastian , Ohland Miriam , Wicker Garrit , Flörke Ulrich , Paradies Jan
Published: January 2017

Catalytic metal-free intramolecular hydroamination for the synthesis of indoles and tetrahydroisoquinolines was achieved.
Microbial rRNA sequencing analysis of evaporative cooler indoor environments located in the Great Basin Desert region of the United States
Authors: Lemons Angela R. , Hogan Mary Beth , Gault Ruth A. , Holland Kathleen , Sobek Edward , Olsen-Wilson Kimberly A. , Park Yeonmi , Park Ju-Hyeong , Gu Ja Kook , Kashon Michael L. , Green Brett J.
Published: January 2017

Variations in fungal populations in indoor air were observed between homes cooled by air conditionersversusevaporative cooler systems.
Single-particle multi-element fingerprinting (spMEF) using inductively-coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOFMS) to identify engineered nanoparticles against the elevated natural background in soils
Authors: Praetorius Antonia , Gundlach-Graham Alexander , Goldberg Eli , Fabienke Willi , Navratilova Jana , Gondikas Andreas , Kaegi Ralf , Günther Detlef , Hofmann Thilo , von der Kammer Frank
Published: January 2017

This novel single-particle multi-element fingerprinting (spMEF) method makes it possible to discriminate engineered and natural nanoparticles in complex matrices.
SrTiO3 nanocubes decorated with Ag/AgCl nanoparticles as photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of dyes, phenol and bisphenol A
Authors: Yang Shi-Feng , Niu Cheng-Gang , Huang Da-Wei , Zhang Huan , Liang Chao , Zeng Guang-Ming
Published: January 2017

Ag/AgCl/SrTiO3 composites were successfully fabricated and exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance for the degradation of organic pollutants.
Reduced graphene oxide: a metal-free catalyst for aerobic oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Gu Qingqing , Wen Guodong , Ding Yuxiao , Wu Kuang-Hsu , Chen Chengmeng , Su Dangsheng
Published: January 2017

Nanocarbons have been extensively used as metal-free alternatives to metal catalysts in many oxidative processes owing to their functional groups or defects, which have the activation ability toward oxygen molecules.
Rapid high-resolution U–Pb LA-Q-ICPMS age mapping of zircon
Authors: Chew David M. , Petrus Joseph A. , Kenny Gavin G. , McEvoy Niall
Published: January 2017

206Pb–238U LA-ICPMS image map of a complex, polyphase zircon produced using 7 micron rasters.
Systematic investigation of DFT-GIAO 15N NMR chemical shift prediction using B3LYP/cc-pVDZ: application to studies of regioisomers, tautomers, protonation states and N-oxides
Authors: Xin Dongyue , Sader Charles Avery , Fischer Udo , Wagner Klaus , Jones Paul-James , Xing Minli , Fandrick Keith R. , Gonnella Nina C.
Published: January 2017

A powerful and accurate 15N chemical shift prediction method applied to the structure elucidation of a wide range of nitrogen-containing organic molecules.
Total synthesis and biological activity of dolastatin 16
Authors: Casalme Loida O. , Yamauchi Arisa , Sato Akinori , Petitbois Julie G. , Nogata Yasuyuki , Yoshimura Erina , Okino Tatsufumi , Umezawa Taiki , Matsuda Fuyuhiko
Published: January 2017

The total synthesis of dolastatin 16, a macrocyclic depsipeptide first isolated from the sea hareDolabella auriculariaas a potential antineoplastic metabolite by Pettitet al., was achieved in a convergent manner.
Access to N-cyanosulfoximines by transition metal-free iminations of sulfoxides
Authors: Dannenberg C. A. , Fritze L. , Krauskopf F. , Bolm C.
Published: January 2017

Sulfoxides are stereospecifically converted to N-cyanosulfoximines using N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as oxidising agent and cyanamide as nucleophilic amine source.
Hyperbranched PEG-based multi-NHS polymer and bioconjugation with BSA
Authors: A Sigen , Xu Qian , Zhou Dezhong , Gao Yongsheng , Vasquez Jeddah Marie , Greiser Udo , Wang Wei , Liu Wenguang , Wang Wenxin
Published: January 2017

A hyperbranched PEG-based polymer with multiple NHS functional groups (>12) was successfully synthesized, which can react easily with a BSA to form a PEG/protein hydrogel that displays great potential for biomedical applications.
Complementation and joint contribution of appropriate intramolecular coupling and local ion symmetry to improve magnetic relaxation in a series of dinuclear Dy2 single-molecule magnets
Authors: Tu Hao-Ran , Sun Wen-Bin , Li Hong-Feng , Chen Peng , Tian Yong-Mei , Zhang Wan-Ying , Zhang Yi-Quan , Yan Peng-Fei
Published: January 2017

The joint contribution of appropriate intramolecular coupling and local ion symmetry to improve magnetic relaxation in a series of dinuclear Dy2 SMMs.
Phosphine-mediated domino reactions of phthalimidomalonates with allenoates or but-2-ynoate: facile entry into highly functionalized pyrroloisoindolinone derivatives
Authors: Huang Zhusheng , Chen Qingqing , Yang Xiuqin , Liu Yang , Zhang Li , Lu Tao , Zhou Qingfa
Published: January 2017

A phosphine-mediated γ-umpolung/Wittig/γ-umpolung reaction between phthalimidomalonates and allenoates/but-2-ynoate furnishes highly functionalized pyrroloisoindolinone derivatives in synthetically useful yields.
A new strategy for the fabrication of high performance reactive microspheres via energetic polyelectrolyte assembly
Authors: Zhang Tianfu , Ma Zhuang , Li Guoping , Luo Yunjun
Published: January 2017

Al and Fe2O3 NPs functionalized by GAP-based energetic polyelectrolytes assemble into reactive microspheres by electrostatic interaction.
Isotope exchange reaction in tritium-contaminated vacuum pump oil: mechanism and HTO effect
Authors: Dong Liang , Yang Na , Yang Yong , Li Weiyi , Quan Yi , Deng Bing , Meng Dan , Du Yang , Li Shuo , Tan Zhaoyi
Published: January 2017

HTO is not only a reactant, but also acts as the proton shuttle in the transition state.
Three-dimensional network of coaxial carbon nanotube/manganese oxides electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Cho S. J. , Chen R. , Lee M. , Kang Y. S. , Lee S. , Lee H.
Published: January 2017

This three-dimensional network of carbon nanotube structure is served as a stable and conductive framework for controlled electrochemical deposition of MnOx and provides sufficient voids for fast ionic transport during charging/discharging.
N-Halamine modified thermoplastic polyurethane with rechargeable antimicrobial function for food contact surface
Authors: Qiao Mingyu , Ren Tian , Huang Tung-Shi , Weese Jean , Liu Ying , Ren Xuehong , Farag Ramsis
Published: January 2017

A TPU elastomer was modified with N-halamine polymers as a novel food contact surface material with rechargeable antimicrobial activity.
Materials with high proton conductivity above 200 °C based on a nanoporous metal–organic framework and non-aqueous ionic media
Authors: Ponomareva Valentina G. , Aliev Sokhrab B. , Shutova Elena S. , Pishchur Denis P. , Dybtsev Danil N. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: January 2017

MOF-based composite material features superior proton conductivity at temperatures above 200 °C in dry atmosphere.
Catalytic transfer hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over a bifunctional tin catalyst
Authors: Xu Shaodan , Yu Deqing , Ye Tao , Tian Panpan
Published: January 2017

Efficient conversion of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone over a bifunctional Sn catalyst under catalytic transfer hydrogenation.
Capacitive performance of porous carbon nanosheets derived from biomass cornstalk
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhang Wenliang , Li Ting , Zhi Lei , Dang Liqin , Liu Zonghuai , Lei Zhibin
Published: January 2017

Porous carbon nanosheets derived from naturally abundant cornstalk are reported as a high rate supercapacitor electrode in aqueous and solid-state PVA–KOH electrolyte.
Direct vinylogous oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of 4-nitroisoxazoles with N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines in water under air conditions
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wei Biao-Wen , Wang Wen-Xin , Deng Lei-Ling , Nie Long-Jun , Luo Hai-Qing , Fan Xiao-Lin
Published: January 2017

Using water as the solvent and air as the oxidant, a direct catalytic vinylogous cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction was developed.
Fluorinated benzothiadiazole and indacenodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene based regioregular-conjugated copolymers for ambipolar organic field-effect transistors and inverters
Authors: Tabi Grace Dansoa , Nketia-Yawson Benjamin , Lee Ji Young , Cho Keun , Lim Bogyu , Noh Yong-Young
Published: January 2017

A series of three benzothiadiazole-indacenodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene (BT–IDTT) based ladder-type polymers containing the acceptor (P1) or donor moieties (P2 and P3) are reported for ambipolar OFETs and complementary inverters.
Emulsion centrifugal spinning for production of 3D drug releasing nanofibres with core/shell structure
Authors: Buzgo Matej , Rampichova Michala , Vocetkova Karolina , Sovkova Vera , Lukasova Vera , Doupnik Miroslav , Mickova Andrea , Rustichelli Franco , Amler Evzen
Published: January 2017

Herein we describe the core/shell centrifugal spinning process to deliver susceptible bioactive molecules.
Temperature-induced deactivation mechanism of ZnFe2O4 for oxidative dehydrogenation of 1-butene
Authors: Li Xiaoyi , Cheng Dang-guo , Zhao Zhi-Jian , Chen Fengqiu , Gong Jinlong
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the observation of an irregular decrease in 1-butene conversion during oxidative dehydrogenation over ZnFe2O4 in the production of 1,3-butadiene upon increasing the reaction temperature above 400 °C.
CO/CO and NO/NO coupling at a hidden frustrated Lewis pair template
Authors: Wang Tongdao , Wang Long , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Samigullin Kamil , Wagner Matthias , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: January 2017

The reversible enamine/HB(C6F5)2 Lewis adduct reacts with CO by selective head to tail coupling whereas it reacts with NO via a vicinal N/B Lewis pair to give a head to head NO/NO coupling product.
Unexpected right-handed helical nanostructures co-assembled froml-phenylalanine derivatives and achiral bipyridines
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Liu Jinying , Feng Chuanliang , Zhao Yanli
Published: January 2017

Achiral bipyridines can co-assemble withl-phenylalanine derivatives into unexpected right-handed helical nanostructures rather than left-handed helix by utilizing intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed between pyridyl and carboxylic groups.
Passivated perovskite crystallization and stability in organic–inorganic halide solar cells by doping a donor polymer
Authors: Zhang Cong-Cong , Li Meng , Wang Zhao-Kui , Jiang Yu-Rong , Liu Hai-Rui , Yang Ying-Guo , Gao Xing-Yu , Ma Heng
Published: January 2017

Photovoltaic performance of planar perovskite solar cells has been improved by mixing CH3NH3PbIxCl3−x and a donor polymer [N-9′′-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadiaz-ole)].
Highly flexible, erosion resistant and nitrogen doped hollow SiC fibrous mats for high temperature thermal insulators
Authors: Liu Yanan , Liu Yang , Choi Woo Cheal , Chae Suhyeong , Lee Jinpyo , Kim Byoung-Suhk , Park Mira , Kim Hak Yong
Published: January 2017

Novel free-standing, flexible, acid/alkali-resistant and nitrogen doped hollow SiC fibrous mats bearing ultralow thermal conductivity are reported.
Three-dimensional graphene/polyimide composite-derived flexible high-performance organic cathode for rechargeable lithium and sodium batteries
Authors: Huang Yanshan , Li Ke , Liu Jingjing , Zhong Xing , Duan Xiangfeng , Shakir Imran , Xu Yuxi
Published: January 2017

A 3D graphene/polyimide composite is fabricated by a one-step solvothermal strategy as a high-performance cathode for both rechargeable lithium and sodium batteries.
A mesoporous conjugated polymer based on a high free radical density polytriphenylamine derivative: its preparation and electrochemical performance as a cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Su Chang , He Huihui , Xu Lihuan , Zhao Kai , Zheng Chuncui , Zhang Cheng
Published: January 2017

A novel polytriphenylamine derivative has been prepared, which, as a cathode, exhibits a well-defined multistage discharge voltage plateau, an improved capacity and an enhanced rate performance.
Fe3O4/PANI/MnO2 core–shell hybrids as advanced adsorbents for heavy metal ions
Authors: Zhang Jian , Han Jie , Wang Minggui , Guo Rong
Published: January 2017

Multifunctional magnetic adsorbents of Fe3O4/PANI/MnO2 core–shell hybrids have been developed through a facile and economic solution route, which show high adsorption capacity toward heavy metal ions.
Facile fabrication of varisized calcium carbonate microspheres as vaccine adjuvants
Authors: Jia Jilei , Liu Qi , Yang Tingyuan , Wang Lianyan , Ma Guanghui
Published: January 2017

HBsAg loaded CaCO3 microspheres with various diameters were fabricated via different mixing strategies and 1 μm particles has the strongest immune responses as vaccine adjuvant.
Low‐power implantable CMOS bipolar Gaussian monocycle pulse generator
Authors: Wang Kun , Li Bin , Zhao Ming Jian , Wu Zhao Hui
Published: January 2017

A novel CMOS bipolar Gaussian monocycle pulse generator consisting of single to differential circuit, narrow pulse generator and Gaussian pulse‐shaping circuit is presented. Without traditional LC filtering or multi‐channel pulses combination, the proposed generator can be low power and low complexity. Fabricated in a 180 nm standard CMOS process, the test results show that the bipolar Gaussian monocycle pulse can be generated correctly, the power consumption is 1 mW at 200 MHz pulse repeating frequency and the chip core area is only 0.08 mm2under the power supply of 1.8 V, demonstrating the proposed generator with the advantages of low power and low complexity is suitable for implantable IR‐UWB transmitter.