bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparsened neuronal activity in an optogenetically activated olfactory glomerulus
Authors: Braubach Oliver , Tombaz Tuce , Geiller Tristan , Homma Ryota , Bozza Thomas , Cohen Lawrence B. , Choi Yunsook
Published: October 2018

Glomeruli are the functional units of olfactory information processing but little remains known about their individual unit function. This is due to their widespread activation by odor stimuli. We expressed channelrhodopsin-2 in a single olfactory sensory neuron type, and used laser stimulation and simultaneous in vivo calcium imaging to study the responses of a single glomerulus to optogenetic stimulation. Calcium signals in the neuropil of this glomerulus were representative of the sensory input and nearly identical if evoked by intensity-matched odor and laser stimuli. However, significantly fewer glomerular layer interneurons and olfactory bulb output neurons (mitral cells) responded to optogenetic versus odor stimuli, resulting in a small and spatially compact optogenetic glomerular unit response. Temporal features of laser stimuli were represented with high fidelity in the neuropil of the glomerulus and the mitral cells, but not in interneurons. Increases in laser stimulus intensity were encoded by larger signal amplitudes in all compartments of the glomerulus, and by the recruitment of additional interneurons and mitral cells. No spatial expansion of the glomerular unit response was observed in response to stronger input stimuli. Our data are among the first descriptions of input-output transformations in a selectively activated olfactory glomerulus.
Hydrophobic alkyl chains substituted to the 8-position of cyclic nucleotides enhance activation of CNG and HCN channels by an intricate enthalpy - entropy compensation
Authors: Otte Maik , Schweinitz Andrea , Bonus Michele , Enke Uta , Schumann Christina , Gohlke Holger , Benndorf Klaus
Published: October 2018

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are tetrameric non-specific cation channels in the plasma membrane that are activated by either cAMP or cGMP binding to specific binding domains incorporated in each subunit. Typical apparent affinities of these channels for these cyclic nucleotides range from several hundred nanomolar to tens of micromolar. Here we synthesized and characterized novel cAMP and cGMP derivatives by substituting either hydrophobic alkyl chains or similar-sized more hydrophilic heteroalkyl chains to the 8-position of the purine ring with the aim to obtain full agonists of higher potency. The compounds were tested in homotetrameric CNGA2, heterotetrameric CNGA2:CNGA4:CNGB1b and homotetrameric HCN2 channels. We show that nearly all compounds are full agonists and that longer alkyl chains systematically increase the apparent affinity, at the best more than 30 times. The effects are stronger in CNG than HCN2 channels which, however, are constitutively more sensitive to cAMP. Kinetic analyses reveal that the off-rate is significantly slowed by the hydrophobic alkyl chains. Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations suggest that an intricate enthalpy - entropy compensation underlies the higher apparent affinity of the derivatives with the longer alkyl chains, which is shown to result from a reduced loss of configurational entropy upon binding.
Quinoa whole grain diet compromises the changes of gut microbiota and colonic colitis induced by dextran Sulfate sodium in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Yu , Qiu Bin , Fan Shoujin , Ding Hanfeng , Liu Zhenhua
Published: October 2018

A plethora of evidence highlights that the dysbiosis of gut microbiota is a critical factor for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that quinoa possesses potential prebiotic effects. The present study aims to examine the potential in using quinoa to ameliorate the dysbiosis and colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). A total of 40 C57BL/6 mice were fed either an AIN-93M diet or a quinoa-based diet, separately. Colitis was induced for 10 animals/dietary group with a 5-days exposure to 2.5% DSS. The clinical symptoms were monitored every other day, and the gut microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that consumption of quinoa lessened clinical symptoms as indicated by the reduced disease activity index and the degree of histological damage (P < 0.05). As expected, the DSS treatment induced significant dysbiosis of gut microbiota in mice on an AIN-93M diet. However, compared to mice fed the AIN-93M diet, the consumption of quinoa alleviated the DSS-induced dysbiosis remarkably, as indicated by increased species richness and diversity, decreased abnormal expansion of phylum Proteobacteria, and decreased overgrowth of genera Escherichia/Shigella and Peptoclostridium (P < 0.05). The relative abundances of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were less altered in mice fed with quinoa comparing to those mice fed the AIN-93M diet. In summary, the consumption of quinoa suppressed the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and alleviated clinical symptoms induced by DSS, indicating the potential to utilize quinoa as a dietary approach to improve intestinal health.
Age-Related Measurements of the Myelin Water Fraction derived from 3D multi-echo GRASE reflect Myelin Content of the Cerebral White Matter
Authors: Faizy Tobias D. , Kumar Dushyant , Broocks Gabriel , Thaler Christian , Flottmann Fabian , Leischner Hannes , Kutzner Daniel , Hewera Simon , Dotzauer Dominik , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Reddy Ravinder , Fiehler Jens , Sedlacik Jan , Gellißen Susanne
Published: October 2018

Myelin Water Fraction (MWF) measurements derived from quantitative Myelin Water Imaging (MWI) may detect demyelinating changes of the cerebral white matter (WM) microstructure. Here, we investigated age-related alterations of the MWF in normal aging brains of healthy volunteers utilizing two fast and clinically feasible 3D gradient and spin echo (GRASE) MWI sequences with 3 mm and 5 mm isotropic voxel size. In 45 healthy subjects (age range: 18–79 years), distinct regions of interest (ROI) were defined in the cerebral WM including corticospinal tracts. For the 3 mm sequence, significant correlations of the mean MWF with age were found for most ROIs (r < −0.8 for WM ROIs; r = −0.55 for splenium of corpus callosum; r = −0.75 for genu of corpus callosum; p < 0.001 for all ROIs). Similar correlations with age were found for the ROIs of the 5 mm sequence. No significant correlations were found for the corticospinal tract and the occipital WM (p > 0.05). Mean MWF values obtained from the 3 mm and 5 mm sequences were strongly comparable. The applied 3D GRASE MWI sequences were found to be sensitive for age-dependent myelin changes of the cerebral WM microstructure. The reported MWF values might be of substantial use as reference for further investigations in patient studies.
Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome and its determinants among Nepalese adults: Findings from a nationally representative cross-sectional study
Authors: Mehata Suresh , Shrestha Nipun , Mehta Ranju Kumari , Bista Bihungum , Pandey Achyut Raj , Mishra Shiva Raj
Published: October 2018

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. This study is designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of MetS among Nepalese adults from a nationally representative study. This study is based on Stepwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) Survey from Nepal. This survey was done among 4200 adults aged 15–69 years from 210 clusters selected proportionately across Nepal’s three ecological zones (Mountain, Hill and Terai). Subsequently, using systematic sampling, twenty households per cluster and one participant per household were selected. The overall prevalence of MetS is 15% and 16% according to Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria respectively. A triad of low HDL-C, abdominal obesity and high BP was the most prevalent (8.18%), followed by abdominal obesity, low HDL-C cholesterol and high triglycerides (8%). Less than two percent of participants had all the five components of the syndrome and 19% of participants had none. The prevalence steadily rose across the age group with adults aged 45–69 years having the highest prevalence (28–30%) and comparable prevalence across two definitions of MetS. A notably high burden for females, urban, hill or Terai resident were seen among other factors.
Sexual Arousal Patterns of Identical Twins with Discordant Sexual Orientations
Authors: Watts Tuesday M. , Holmes Luke , Raines Jamie , Orbell Sheina , Rieger Gerulf
Published: October 2018

Genetically identical twins can differ in their self-reported sexual orientations. However, whether the twins’ subjective reports reflect valid differences in their sexual orientations is unknown. Measures of sexual orientation, which are free of the limitations of self-report, include genital arousal and pupil dilation while viewing sexual stimuli depicting men or women. We examined these responses in 6 male twin pairs and 9 female twin pairs who reported discordant sexual orientations. Across measures, heterosexual male twins responded more strongly to women than to men. Their homosexual co-twins showed an opposite pattern. Heterosexual female twins responded equally to both sexes, whereas their homosexual co-twins responded somewhat more to women than men. These differences within pairs were similar to differences between unrelated heterosexual and homosexual males and females. Our study provides physiological evidence confirming twins’ discordant sexual orientations, thereby supporting the importance of the non-shared environment for the development of sexual orientation and sexual arousal.
The mycoparasitic yeast Saccharomycopsis schoenii predates and kills multi-drug resistant Candida auris
Authors: Junker Klara , Bravo Ruiz Gustavo , Lorenz Alexander , Walker Louise , Gow Neil A. R. , Wendland Jürgen
Published: October 2018

Candida auris has recently emerged as a multi-drug resistant fungal pathogen that poses a serious global health threat, especially for patients in hospital intensive care units (ICUs). C. auris can colonize human skin and can spread by physical contact or contaminated surfaces and equipment. Here, we show that the mycoparasitic yeast Saccharomycopsis schoenii efficiently kills both sensitive and multi-drug resistant isolates of C. auris belonging to the same clade, as well as clinical isolates of other pathogenic species of the Candida genus suggesting novel approaches for biocontrol.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals a controlling mechanism for NLRP3 and IL-17A in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis
Authors: Lin Tien-Jen , Yin Shu-Yi , Hsiao Pei-Wen , Yang Ning-Sun , Wang I-Jen
Published: October 2018

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has markedly increased. Our research findings during the past showed that medicinal plant extracts and the derived phytochemical components from Wedelia chinensis (WC) can have strong anti-colitis activities. Here, we further identified the key component phytochemicals from active fractions of different WC preparations (WCHA) that are responsible for the protective effect of WCHA in colitis mice. Of the 3 major compounds (wedelolactone, luteolin and apigenin) in this fraction, luteolin had the highest anti-inflammatory effect in vivo. Using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) (e.g., RNA-seq) system to analyze the transcriptome of colorectal cells/tissues in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis with/without phytochemicals treatment, luteolin was found to strongly suppress the DSS-activated IL-17 pathway in colon tissue. In addition, co-treatment with wedelolactone and luteolin had a synergistic effect on the expression level of some IL-17 pathway-related genes. Interestingly, our NGS analyses also indicated that luteolin and wedelolactone can specifically suppress the expression of NLRP3 and NLRP1. Using a 3-dimensional cell co-culture system, we further demonstrated that luteolin could efficiently suppress NLRP3 expression via disruption of IL-17A signaling in inflamed colon tissue, which also indicates the pharmacological potential of luteolin and wedelolactone in treating IBD.
Extraction and liposome reconstitution of membrane proteins with their native lipids without the use of detergents
Authors: Smirnova Irina A. , Ädelroth Pia , Brzezinski Peter
Published: October 2018

Functional studies of membrane-bound channels, transporters or signal transducers require that the protein of interest resides in a membrane that separates two compartments. One approach that is commonly used to prepare these systems is to reconstitute the protein in liposomes. An intermediate step of this method is purification of the protein, which typically involves solubilization of the native membrane using detergent. The use of detergents often results in removal of lipids surrounding the protein, which may alter its structure and function. Here, we have employed a method for isolation of membrane proteins with a disc of their native lipids to develop an approach that allows transfer of the purified membrane protein to liposomes without the use of any detergents.
CHI3L1 promotes tumor progression by activating TGF-β signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Qing-Chong , Wang Lin , Jin Shan-Shan , Liu Guan-Feng , Liu Jie , Ma Liang , Mao Rui-Fang , Ma Ying-Ying , Zhao Na , Chen Ming , Lin Biao-Yang
Published: October 2018

CHI3L1 (YKL40) is a secreted glycoprotein and elevated serum CHI3L1 level has been proved to be associated with poor prognosis in many human cancers. However, the mechanism of how CHI3L1 causes poor prognosis in cancers is still unknown. Here, considering that CHI3L1 is a liver specific/enriched protein, we use hepatocellular carcinoma as a model to study the function of CHI3L1. We showed that, both in vivo and in vitro, overexpression of CHI3L1 could promote liver cancer cells growth, migration and invasion. We then used RNA-seq to analyze the expression profiles of CHI3L1 overexpressed in two HCC cell lines and found that CHI3L1 overexpression affected genes that were involved in cell-cell adhesion, extracellular exosome and adherens junction. Western blot analysis further revealed that CHI3L1 could activate TGF-β signal pathways. Our data added new understanding of the mechanism of CHI3L1’s action. 1) CHI3L1 promoted cancer cell proliferation by regulating cell cycles; 2) CHI3L1 promoted cancer cell invasion and metastasis; 3) CHI3L1 regulate liver cancer potentially by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathways; 4) CHI3L1 has direct kinase activities or activate kinase to phosphorylate SMAD2, SMAD3.
Regenerative potential of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients undergoing haemodialysis in kidney regeneration
Authors: Tajiri Susumu , Yamanaka Shuichiro , Fujimoto Toshinari , Matsumoto Kei , Taguchi Atsuhiro , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Okano Hirotaka James , Yokoo Takashi
Published: October 2018

Kidney regeneration from pluripotent stem cells is receiving a lot of attention because limited treatments are currently available for chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been shown that uremic state in CKD is toxic to somatic stem/progenitor cells, such as endothelial progenitor and mesenchymal stem cells, affecting their differentiation and angiogenic potential. Recent studies reported that specific abnormalities caused by the non-inherited disease are often retained in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived products obtained from patients. Thus, it is indispensable to first assess whether iPSCs derived from patients with CKD due to non-inherited disease (CKD-iPSCs) have the ability to generate kidneys. In this study, we generated iPSCs from patients undergoing haemodialysis due to diabetes nephropathy and glomerulonephritis (HD-iPSCs) as representatives of CKD-iPSCs or from healthy controls (HC-iPSCs). HD-iPSCs differentiated into nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) with similar efficiency to HC-iPSCs. Additionally, HD-iPSC-derived NPCs expressed comparable levels of NPC markers and differentiated into vascularised glomeruli upon transplantation into mice, as HC-iPSC-derived NPCs. Our results indicate the potential of HD-iPSCs as a feasible cell source for kidney regeneration. This is the first study paving the way for CKD patient-stem cell-derived kidney regeneration, emphasising the potential of CKD-iPSCs.
Toxoplasma gondii Manipulates Expression of Host Long Noncoding RNA during Intracellular Infection
Authors: Menard Kayla L. , Haskins Breanne E. , Colombo Anthony P. , Denkers Eric Y.
Published: October 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are non-protein-coding transcripts greater than 200 nucleotides that regulate gene expression. The field of transcriptomics is only beginning to understand the role of lncRNA in host defense. Little is known about the role of lncRNA in the response to infection by intracellular pathogens such asToxoplasma gondii. Using a microarray, we examined the differential expression of 35,923 lncRNAs and 24,881 mRNAs in mouse bone-marrow-derived macrophages during infection with high- and low-virulenceT.gondiistrains. We found that 1,522 lncRNA molecules were differentially regulated during infection with the high-virulence Type I strain, versus 528 with the less-virulent Type II strain. Of these lncRNAs, 282 were co-regulated with a nearby or overlapping mRNA–including approximately 60 mRNAs with immune-related functions. We validated the microarray for 4 lncRNAs and 4 mRNAs using qRT-PCR. Using deletion strains ofT.gondii, we found that the secretory kinase ROP16 controls upregulation of lncRNAs Csf1-lnc and Socs2-lnc, demonstrating that the parasite directly manipulates host lncRNA expression. Given the number of regulated lncRNAs and the magnitude of the expression changes, we hypothesize that these molecules constitute both an additional regulatory layer in the host response to infection and a target for manipulation byT.gondii.
An optogenetic toolbox of LOV-based photosensitizers for light-driven killing of bacteria
Authors: Endres Stephan , Wingen Marcus , Torra Joaquim , Ruiz-González Rubén , Polen Tino , Bosio Gabriela , Bitzenhofer Nora Lisa , Hilgers Fabienne , Gensch Thomas , Nonell Santi , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Drepper Thomas
Published: October 2018

Flavin-binding fluorescent proteins (FPs) are genetically encoded in vivo reporters, which are derived from microbial and plant LOV photoreceptors. In this study, we comparatively analyzed ROS formation and light-driven antimicrobial efficacy of eleven LOV-based FPs. In particular, we determined singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yields and superoxide photosensitization activities via spectroscopic assays and performed cell toxicity experiments in E. coli. Besides miniSOG and SOPP, which have been engineered to generate 1O2, all of the other tested flavoproteins were able to produce singlet oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide but exhibited remarkable differences in ROS selectivity and yield. Accordingly, most LOV-FPs are potent photosensitizers, which can be used for light-controlled killing of bacteria. Furthermore, the two variants Pp2FbFP and DsFbFP M49I, exhibiting preferential photosensitization of singlet oxygen or singlet oxygen and superoxide, respectively, were shown to be new tools for studying specific ROS-induced cell signaling processes. The tested LOV-FPs thus further expand the toolbox of optogenetic sensitizers usable for a broad spectrum of microbiological and biomedical applications.
Changing patterns of adult asthma incidence: results from the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) database in Korea
Authors: Shin Ji-Yeon , Sohn Kyoung-Hee , Shin Ji Eun , Park Mira , Lim Jiseun , Lee Jin Yong , Yang Min-Suk
Published: October 2018

This study was conducted to assess the changes in the annual incidence of adult asthma in Korea where the prevalence of asthma had increased steadily in recent decades. A population-based cohort study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC), which consisted of 746,816 adults aged >20 years between 2004 and 2012. Asthma was defined by two or more physician claims on the basis of a primary diagnostic code for asthma and administration of asthma medications within 1 year. The incidence rates and annual percent change were calculated, and the influence of age and sex on the incidence rates was studied. The annual asthma incidence increased from 3.63 in 2004 to 6.07 per 1,000 person-years in 2008. Since 2008, the asthma incidence did not change significantly. The asthma incidence was higher in women than in men throughout the study periods (p < 0.001) and higher in older than younger age groups (p < 0.001). The asthma incidence did not change in all ages since 2008, except for the 20 s who showed a steady increase. The incidence of asthma in adults reached plateau in Korea, which is consistent with the results from studies in other countries.
Information transfer in QT-RR dynamics: Application to QT-correction
Authors: Potapov Ilya , Latukka Joonas , Kim Jiyeong , Luukko Perttu , Aalto-Setälä Katriina , Räsänen Esa
Published: October 2018

The relation between the electrical properties of the heart and the beating rate is essential for the heart functioning. This relation is central when calculating the “corrected QT interval” — an important measure of the risk of potentially lethal arrhythmias. We use the transfer entropy method from information theory to quantitatively study the mutual dynamics of the ventricular action potential duration (the QT interval) and the length of the beat-to-beat (RR) interval. We show that for healthy individuals there is a strong asymmetry in the information transfer: the information flow from RR to QT dominates over the opposite flow (from QT to RR), i.e. QT depends on RR to a larger extent than RR on QT. Moreover, the history of the intervals has a strong effect on the information transfer: at sufficiently long QT history length the information flow asymmetry inverts and the RR influence on QT dynamics weakens. Finally, we demonstrate that the widely used QT correction methods cannot properly capture the changes in the information flows between QT and RR. We conclude that our results obtained through a model-free informational perspective can be utilised to improve and test the QT correction schemes in clinics.
Development of a Molecular Adjuvant to Enhance Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses
Authors: Halbroth Benedict R. , Sebastian Sarah , Poyntz Hazel C. , Bregu Migena , Cottingham Matthew G. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Spencer Alexandra J.
Published: October 2018

Despite promising progress in malaria vaccine development, an efficacious subunit vaccine againstP.falciparumremains to be licensed and deployed. This study aimed to improve on the immunogenicity of the leading liver-stage vaccine candidate (ChAd63-MVA ME-TRAP), known to confer protection by eliciting high levels of antigen-specific CD8+T cells. We previously showed fusion of ME-TRAP to the human MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) could enhance CD8+T cell responses in non-human primates, but did not progress to clinical testing due to potential risk of auto-immunity by vaccination of humans with a self-antigen. Initial immunogenicity analyses of ME-TRAP fused to subdomains of the Ii showed that the Ii transmembrane domain alone can enhance CD8+T cell responses. Subsequently, truncated Ii sequences with low homology to human Ii were developed and shown to enhance CD8+T cell responses. By systematically mutating the TM domain sequence, multimerization of the Ii chain was shown to be important for immune enhancement. We subsequently identified several proteins from a variety of microbial pathogens with similar characteristics, that also enhance the CD8+T cell response and could therefore be used in viral vector vaccines when potent cell mediated immunity is required.
Murine transcription factor Math6 is a regulator of placenta development
Authors: Böing Marion , Brand-Saberi Beate , Napirei Markus
Published: October 2018

The murine basic helix-loop-helix transcription (bHLH) factor mouse atonal homolog 6 (Math6) is expressed in numerous organs and supposed to be involved in several developmental processes. However, so far neither all aspects nor the molecular mechanisms of Math6 function have been explored exhaustively. To analyze the in vivo function of Math6 in detail, we generated a constitutive knockout (KO) mouse (Math6−/−) and performed an initial histological and molecular biological investigation of its main phenotype. Pregnant Math6−/− females suffer from a disturbed early placental development leading to the death of the majority of embryos independent of the embryonic Math6 genotype. A few placentas and fetuses survive the severe uterine hemorrhagic events at late mid-gestation (E13.5) and subsequently develop regularly. However, these fetuses could not be born due to obstructions within the gravid uterus, which hinder the birth process. Characterization of the endogenous spatiotemporal Math6 expression during placenta development reveals that Math6 is essential for an ordered decidualization and an important regulator of the maternal-fetal endocrine crosstalk regulating endometrial trophoblast invasion and differentiation. The strongly disturbed vascularization observed in the maternal placenta appears as an additional consequence of the altered endocrine status and as the main cause for the general hemorrhagic crisis.
Morphological changes, nitric oxide production, and phagocytosis are triggered in vitro in microglia by bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Figarella Katherine , Uzcategui Nestor L. , Mogk Stefan , Wild Katleen , Fallier-Becker Petra , Neher Jonas J. , Duszenko Michael
Published: October 2018

The flagellated parasite Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). By a mechanism not well understood yet, trypanosomes enter the central nervous system (CNS), invade the brain parenchyma, and cause a fatal encephalopathy if is not treated. Trypanosomes are fast dividing organisms that, without any immune response, would kill the host in a short time. However, infected individuals survive either 6–12 months or more than 3 years for the acute and chronic forms, respectively. Thus, only when the brain defense collapses a lethal encephalopathy will occur. Here, we evaluated interactions between trypanosomes and microglial cells, which are the primary immune effector cells within the CNS. Using co-cultures of primary microglia and parasites, we found clear evidences of trypanosome phagocytosis by microglial cells. Microglia activation was also evident; analysis of its ultrastructure showed changes that have been reported in activated microglia undergoing oxidative stress caused by infections or degenerative diseases. Accordingly, an increase of the nitric oxide production was detected in supernatants of microglia/parasite co-cultures. Altogether, our results demonstrate that microglial cells respond to the presence of the parasite, leading to parasite’s engulfment and elimination.
Effect of the Ratio of Magnetite Particle Size to Microwave Penetration Depth on Reduction Reaction Behaviour by H2
Authors: Amini Ahmadreza , Ohno Ko-ichiro , Maeda Takayuki , Kunitomo Kazuya
Published: October 2018

In this study, we investigated reduction of magnetite by H2 during microwave irradiation. This process combines the advantages of microwave irradiation and using H2 as a reducing agent to mitigate CO2 emissions during the ironmaking process. Weight change measurements showed that a reduction of 75% was achieved after treatment under H2 for 60 min. For better understanding of the effective parameters in microwave chemistry, scanning electron microscopy, combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), was performed, which demonstrated a greater reduction of large particles (>40 μm) than small particles. This behaviour could be attributed to the higher microwave absorption capability of large particles with a higher ratio of particle size to penetration depth (d/δ). Small particles behave as transparent material and are heated via conduction and/or convection; thus, there is no contribution from the catalytic effect of microwaves to the reduction reaction. Moreover, the reduction of Fe3O4 to Fe0.94O, followed by transformation to Fe, seems to proceed from the surface toward the centre of the particle despite the volumetric microwave heating. This could be due to the higher gas accessibility of iron oxide on the particle surface than in the particle centre.
The combination of spectroscopy, microscopy, and profilometry methods for the physical and chemical characterization of environmentally relevant microplastics
Authors: Murrell Kyra A. , Ghetu Christine C. , Dorman Frank L.
Published: October 2018

Environmental pollution related to microplastics (MPs) is a growing concern across the globe.
Dimensional tailoring of hydrothermally grown zinc oxide nanostructures in a continuous flow micro reactor
Authors: Parashar Virendra Kumar , Gijs Martin
Published: October 2018

Dynamic deposition of ZnO nanostructures with varying morphologies (nanorods, nanocones, nanopencils, nanosheets, etc.), diameters, lengths and aerial densities on ITO-PET substrates has been achieved using a continuous flow microreactor in which we maintained a homeostatic zinc concentration and varied the other reactants’ concentrations.
Catalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic acids using low-valent and high-valent metal complexes
Authors: Yoshioka Shota , Saito Susumu
Published: October 2018

Carboxylic acids are ubiquitous in bio-renewable and petrochemical sources of carbon.
Divergent synthesis of N-heterocycles by Pd-catalyzed controllable cyclization of vinylethylene carbonates
Authors: Yang Yuwen , Yang Weibo
Published: October 2018

Here, we report a palladium-catalyzed controllable cyclization of vinyl ethylene carbonates that proceeds through formal migration [2+3] and [5+2] cycloadditions, respectively, under mild conditions.
Towards the SMART workflow system for computational spectroscopy
Authors: Licari Daniele , Fusè Marco , Salvadori Andrea , Tasinato Nicola , Mendolicchio Marco , Mancini Giordano , Barone Vincenzo
Published: October 2018

Is it possible to convert highly specialized research in the field of computational spectroscopy into robust and user-friendly aids to experiments and industrial applications?
Assessing the capability ofin silicomutation protocols for predicting the finite temperature conformation of amino acids
Authors: Ochoa Rodrigo , Soler Miguel A. , Laio Alessandro , Cossio Pilar
Published: October 2018

Single-point mutation protocols based on backbone-dependent rotamer libraries show the best performance in predicting equilibrium configurations from molecular dynamics simulations.
Exploring non-adiabatic approximations to the exchange–correlation functional of TDDFT
Authors: Fuks Johanna I. , Lacombe Lionel , Nielsen Søren E. B. , Maitra Neepa T.
Published: October 2018

Decomposition of the exact time-dependent exchange–correlation potential offers a new starting point to build approximations with memory.
Piezoelectric and polarized enhancement by hydrofluorination of penta-graphene
Authors: Jia Hao-Jun , Mu Hui-Min , Li Jin-Peng , Zhao Yan-Zhen , Wu Yu-Xuan , Wang Xiao-Chun
Published: October 2018

Hydrofluorination can efficiently enhance the piezoelectric response of 2D penta-graphene.
Correlation between the magnetic-microstructure and microwave mitigation ability of MxCo(1−x)Fe2O4 based ferrite–carbon black/PVA composites
Authors: Datt Gopal , Kotabage Chetan , Datar Suwarna , Abhyankar Ashutosh C.
Published: October 2018

This work reports on the correlation between the magnetic-domain structure and microwave mitigation properties of ferrite–Carbon black/PVA Composites. Distorted co-ordination of Fe3+ along with unique single axis oriented magnetic domains plays a crucial role in magnetic losses and hence, in mitigation of microwaves.
Thermally induced carbonation of Ca(OH)2 in a CO2 atmosphere: kinetic simulation of overlapping mass-loss and mass-gain processes in a solid–gas system
Authors: Koga Nobuyoshi , Kodani Satoki
Published: October 2018

Thermally induced carbonation of Ca(OH)2 in a CO2 atmosphere is a reaction exhibiting particular features, including stoichiometric completeness to form CaCO3 and a kinetic advantage over the carbonation of CaO particles.
The role played by ethanol in achieving the successive versus simultaneous mechanism of excited-state double proton transfer in dipyrido[2,3-a:3′,2′-i]carbazole
Authors: Han Jianhui , Liu Xiaochun , Li Hui , Yin Hang , Zhao Huifang , Ma Lina , Song Yaodong , Shi Ying
Published: October 2018

The excited-state double proton transfer (ESDPT) process of dipyrido[2,3-a:3′,2′-i]carbazole (DPC) in ethanol (EtOH) solvent is investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT).
Engineering enzymes for noncanonical amino acid synthesis
Authors: Almhjell Patrick J. , Boville Christina E. , Arnold Frances H.
Published: October 2018

This tutorial review covers contemporary case studies of successful protein engineering to provide new noncanonical amino acid synthases, with emphasis on methods, outcomes, and mechanistic insights.
Efficient nickel-catalysedN-alkylation of amines with alcohols
Authors: Afanasenko Anastasiia , Elangovan Saravanakumar , Stuart Marc C. A. , Bonura Giuseppe , Frusteri Francesco , Barta Katalin
Published: October 2018

A highly active and easy-to-prepare Ni based catalyst system is presented for the selectiveN-alkylation of amines with alcohols that isin situgenerated from Ni(COD)2and KOH under ligand-free conditions.
Synthesis, structure, and condensed-phase reactivity of [Ag3(μ3-H)(μ3-BH4)LPh3](BF4) (LPh = bis(diphenylphosphino)amine) with CS2
Authors: Ma Howard Z. , White Jonathan M. , Mulder Roger J. , Reid Gavin E. , Canty Allan J. , O'Hair Richard A. J.
Published: October 2018

Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was used to monitor the reaction of AgBF4, bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (dppa = (Ph2P)2NH = LPh) and NaBH4 in acetonitrile.
Long-lived triplet excited state in a platinum(ii) perylene monoimide complex
Authors: Yarnell James E. , Chakraborty Arnab , Myahkostupov Mykhaylo , Wright Katherine M. , Castellano Felix N.
Published: October 2018

We report the synthesis and solution based photophysical properties of a new Pt(ii)-terpyridine complex coupled to a perylene monoimide (PMI) chromophoric unit through an acetylene linkage.
Boron carbonyl complexes analogous to hydrocarbons
Authors: Jin Jiaye , Zhou Mingfei
Published: October 2018

The isolobal relationships of BCO/CH and CO/H− are applied to bridge boron carbonyls and the well-known hydrocarbon molecules.
Structural insights into T2-cluster-containing chalcogenides with vertex-, edge- and face-sharing connection modes of NaQ6ligands: Na3ZnMIIIQ4(MIII= In, Ga; Q = S, Se)
Authors: Chen Ruijiao , Wu Xiaowen , Su Zhi
Published: October 2018

New series of T2-cluster-containing chalcogenides exhibiting the novel connection mode of NaS6ligands and torsional adjacent T2-clusters were reported.
Water stable oxalate-based coordination polymers with in situ generated cyclic dipeptides showing high proton conductivity
Authors: Shi Jingyu , Li Jing , Zeng Hongmei , Zou Guohong , Zhang Qinghua , Lin Zhien
Published: October 2018

Presented here are two water stable oxalate-based coordination polymers with in situ generated cyclic dipeptides, which show high proton conductivities on the order of 10−3 S cm−1 at 85 °C under 98% relative humidity.
A belt-like one-dimensional Dy chain exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation behavior
Authors: Chen Zhi , Lan Yanhua , Su Chenliang , Zhang Yi-Quan , Wernsdorfer Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

A belt-like Dy chain compound was synthesized, which exhibited slow magnetic relaxation behavior and clear hysteresis loops below 0.6 K.
Total and sn-2 fatty acid profile of breast milk from women delivering preterm infants under the influence of maternal characteristics
Authors: Xu Yahua , Qi Ce , Yu Renqiang , Wang Xiangyu , Zhou Qin , Sun Jin , Jin Qingzhe , Wang Xingguo
Published: October 2018

The composition of fatty acids in premature infants in Wuxi, China varies from lactation to gestation, with high LA and ALA and low DHA and AA.
Acid-free synthesis of oxygen-enriched electroactive carbon with unique square pores from salted seaweed for robust supercapacitor with attractive energy density
Authors: Xue Chunfeng , Feng Lin , Hao Yanan , Yang Fujuan , Zhang Qian , Ma Xuli , Hao Xiaogang
Published: October 2018

Oxygen-enriched electroactive carbon with unique square pores is prepared by carbonizing salted seaweed and shows high energy density in electric double-layer capacitors.
Au@h-Al2O3analogic yolk–shell nanocatalyst for highly selective synthesis of biomass-derivedd-xylonic acidviaregulation of structure effects
Authors: Ma Jiliang , Liu Zewei , Song Junlong , Zhong Linxin , Xiao Dequan , Xi Hongxia , Li Xuehui , Sun Runcang , Peng Xinwen
Published: October 2018

Au@h-Al2O3analogic yolk–shell nanocatalyst for highly selective synthesis of biomass-derivedd-xylonic acidviaregulation of structure effects.
A highly efficient Ir-catalyst for the solventless dehydrogenation of formic acid: the key role of an N-heterocyclic olefin
Authors: Iturmendi Amaia , Iglesias Manuel , Munarriz Julen , Polo Victor , Passarelli Vincenzo , Pérez-Torrente Jesús J. , Oro Luis A.
Published: October 2018

An Ir-catalyst featuring a PCP ligand based on an N-heterocyclic olefin triggers excellent activities in the solventless dehydrogenation of formic acid.
Selective intracellular delivery and intracellular recordings combined in MEA biosensors
Authors: Cerea Andrea , Caprettini Valeria , Bruno Giulia , Lovato Laura , Melle Giovanni , Tantussi Francesco , Capozza Rosario , Moia Fabio , Dipalo Michele , De Angelis Francesco
Published: October 2018

A platform that enables simultaneous targeted drug delivery to single/few cells and intracellular recording at a network level from large cell populations.
Shared gene-network signatures between the human heavy metal proteome and neurological disorders and cancer types
Authors: Chasapis Christos T.
Published: October 2018

In this work, for the first time, the human heavy metal proteome was predicted.
Antiproliferative activity of new 2-glyco-3-nitro-1,2-dihydroquinolines and quinolines synthesized under solventless conditions promoted by neutral alumina
Authors: Luque-Agudo V. , Padrón José M. , Román E. , Serrano J. A. , Gil M. V.
Published: October 2018

This paper describes the syntheses of new 2-glyco-3-nitro-1,2-dihydroquinolines and 2-glyco-3-nitroquinolines by one-pot aza-Michael–Henry-dehydration reactions using green procedures, as well as the evaluation of their antiproliferative activity.
Rapid room-temperature preparation of MoO3−x quantum dots by ultraviolet irradiation for photothermal treatment and glucose detection
Authors: Zu Hongru , Guo Yanxian , Yang Haiyao , Huang Di , Liu Zhiming , Liu Yingliang , Hu Chaofan
Published: October 2018

Oxygen deficient molybdenum oxide (MoO3−x) spurred intense scientific interest in biomedical research owing to the strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect in NIR region.
Poly(β-cyclodextrin) enhanced fluorescence coupled with specific reaction for amplified detection of GSH and trypsin activity
Authors: Yan Huijuan , Gao Qinghe , Liu Yufei , Ren Wu , Shangguan Jingfang , Yang Xue , Li Keke
Published: October 2018

Schematic illustration of the construction process of a specific-reaction assay coupled with βCDP-induced signal amplification platform.
Protein–protein interactions in trans-AT polyketide synthases
Authors: Kosol Simone , Jenner Matthew , Lewandowski Józef R. , Challis Gregory L.
Published: October 2018

An extensive and highly programmed set of inter- and intra-subunit protein–protein interactions controls chain assembly by trans-AT polyketide synthases.
Nanoplatelet modulation in 2D/3D perovskite targeting efficient light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wu Tian , Yang Yingguo , Zou Yatao , Wang Yusheng , Wu Chen , Han Yujie , Song Tao , Zhang Qiao , Gao Xingyu , Sun Baoquan
Published: October 2018

A perovskite film achieves PLQY of ∼61% by suppressing NMA2PbBr4 growth with incorporation of organic molecules. Consequently, a perovskite LED device yields current efficiency of 46.8 cd A−1 with external quantum efficiency of 14.9%.
Fabrication of tubular braid reinforced PMIA nanofiber membrane with mussel-inspired Ag nanoparticles and its superior performance for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Chen Mingxing , Xiao Changfa , Wang Chun , Liu Hailiang , Huang Heng , Yan Dinghe
Published: October 2018

A novel tubular braid reinforced (TBR) PMIA/CA-PEI/Ag nanofiber membrane that showed superior mechanical property and catalytic activity was fabricated.
Tetraphenylethylene conjugated p-hydroxyphenacyl: fluorescent organic nanoparticles for the release of hydrogen sulfide under visible light with real-time cellular imaging
Authors: Parthiban C. , M. Pavithra , Reddy L. Vinod Kumar , Sen Dwaipayan , Samuel S. Melvin , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: October 2018

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) behaves like a two-edged sword, at low concentrations it has beneficial and cytoprotective effects, while at higher concentrations it exhibits toxicity.
Synthesis of 2-aminobenzophenones through acylation of anilines with α-oxocarboxylic acids assisted by tert-butyl nitrite
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Zhang Xinying , Fan Xuesen
Published: October 2018

A highly facile all-in-one-pot synthesis of 2-aminobenzophenones directly from anilines, tert-butyl nitrite and α-oxocarboxylic acids under the catalysis of Pd(OAc)2 is presented.
Immune responses against Lewis Y tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen displayed densely on self-assembling nanocarriers
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Nambu Yukiko , Ohmae Masashi , Sugai Manabu , Kimura Shunsaku
Published: October 2018

Immune responses against Lewis Y (LY) displayed at varying densities on the nanocarriers were studied.
Total synthesis, structural revision and biological evaluation of γ-elemene-type sesquiterpenes
Authors: Yuan Changchun , Zhong Shangyong , Li Xingyi , Wang Yanhong , Xun Miao-Miao , Bai Yunli , Zhu Kongkai
Published: October 2018

Total synthesis, structural revision and biological evaluation on cancer cell proliferation of γ-elemene-type sesquiterpenes was described. Our synthesis features a convergent synthetic strategy using an aldol reaction and a base-promoted cyclization as key steps.
New Friedel–Crafts strategy for preparing 3-acylindoles
Authors: Li Lian-Hua , Niu Zhi-Jie , Liang Yong-Min
Published: October 2018

A new Friedel–Crafts acylation generates diverse high-biological value 3-acylindoles, and forms a new C–C bond under transition-metal-free conditions.
One-pot facile and mild construction of densely functionalized pyrimidines in water via consecutive C–C and C–S bonds formation
Authors: Sahu Pramod K. , Sahu Praveen K. , Kaurav Manvendra S. , Messali Mouslim , Almutairi Saud M. , Sahu Puran L. , Agarwal Dau D.
Published: October 2018

Fused pyrimidines composed of alternating heteroatoms and a pyrimidine moiety were synthesized efficiently using readily available starting material 4-hydroxycoumarin, aromatic aldehydes, and urea/thiourea at room temperature.
Nanowires of polyaniline festooned silver coated paper electrodes for efficient solid-state symmetrical supercapacitors
Authors: Aashish A. , Molji C. , Priya Ganesan Krishna , Sankaran Muthusamy , Saraswathy Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair , Devaki Sudha J.
Published: October 2018

This paper demonstrates a facile strategy for the development of nanosilver decorated polyaniline coated (PAg) paper-based electrodes for the fabrication of solid-state symmetrical supercapacitors.
Direct characterization of ion implanted nanopore pyrolytic graphite coatings for molten salt nuclear reactors
Authors: Zhang Heyao , Lei Qiantao , Song Jinliang , Liu Min , Zhang Can , Gao Yantao , Zhang Wenting , Xia Huihao , Liu Xiangdong
Published: October 2018

Nanopore pyrolytic graphite coatings (PyC, average pore size ∼64 nm) were prepared on graphite to inhibit liquid fluoride salt and Xe135 penetration.
Mesoporous superacid catalysts for valorisation of refinery naphtha stream
Authors: Mehla Sunil , Krishsna Vamsi , Sriganesh Gandham , Ravishankar Raman
Published: October 2018

TPA silanol interactions in mesoporous TPA silica composites govern the strength of acid sites, activity and selectivity.
Lu3+ doping induced photoluminescence enhancement in novel high-efficiency Ba3Eu(BO3)3 red phosphors for near-UV-excited warm-white LEDs
Authors: Li Bin , Annadurai G. , Liang Jia , Sun Liangling , Wang Shaoying , Sun Qi , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: October 2018

Novel high-efficiency Ba3Eu(BO3)3:Lu3+ red phosphors with internal quantum efficiency as great as 87% were developed for near-UV-excited warm-white LEDs.
Transition metal/Brønsted acid cooperative catalysis enabled facile synthesis of 8-hydroxyquinolines through one-pot reactions of ortho-aminophenol, aldehydes and alkynes
Authors: Yu Shuyan , Wu Jingxin , Lan Hongbing , Xu Hanwen , Shi Xiaofei , Zhu Xuewen , Yin Zhigang
Published: October 2018

An efficient and cooperative catalytic one-pot synthetic methodology for 8-hydroxyquinoline compounds has been developed.
Increasing the activity of copper exchanged mordenite in the direct isothermal conversion of methane to methanol by Pt and Pd doping
Authors: Tomkins P. , Mansouri A. , L. Sushkevich V. , van der Wal L. I. , Bozbag S. E. , Krumeich F. , Ranocchiari M. , van Bokhoven J. A.
Published: October 2018

PtCu– and PdCu–mordenite allow for isothermal reaction at 200 °C for the stepwise methane to methanol conversion with higher yields under isothermal conditions than after high temperature activation.
Manganese(ii) phosphate nanosheet assembly with native out-of-plane Mn centres for electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Liu Hongfei , Gao Xueqing , Yao Xiaolong , Chen Mingxing , Zhou Guojun , Qi Jing , Zhao Xueli , Wang Weichao , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: October 2018

Nature selects Mn-clusters as catalysts for water oxidation, which is a significant reaction in photosynthesis.
Universal scaling behavior of polymer chains at the percolation threshold
Authors: Polanowski Piotr , Sikorski Andrzej
Published: October 2018

A universal scaling behavior of chain size at the percolation threshold is presented.
Effects of fluorination and thermal annealing on charge recombination processes in polymer bulk-heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Más-Montoya Miriam , Li Junyu , Wienk Martijn M. , Meskers Stefan C. J. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: October 2018

Fluorine substitution and thermal annealing affect the distribution of charge-transfer states and the charge recombination mechanisms of polymer bulk-heterojunction solar cells.
Porous Mn2O3 cathode for highly durable Li–CO2 batteries
Authors: Ma Wenqing , Lu Shanshan , Lei Xiaofeng , Liu Xizheng , Ding Yi
Published: October 2018

Porous Mn2O3 cathode shows high catalytic activity and durability for CO2 electrochemical reduction and evolution reactions in Li–CO2 batteries.
Electrochemical performance of a garnet solid electrolyte based lithium metal battery with interface modification
Authors: Alexander George V. , Rosero-Navarro Nataly Carolina , Miura Akira , Tadanaga Kiyoharu , Murugan Ramaswamy
Published: October 2018

An effective strategy to lower interfacial resistance between NMC and a garnet-structured solid electrolyte with a Li2SiO3 interlayer.
Hollow cobalt phosphide octahedral pre-catalysts with exceptionally high intrinsic catalytic activity for electro-oxidation of water and methanol
Authors: Xu Junyuan , Liu Yuefeng , Li Junjie , Amorim Isilda , Zhang Bingsen , Xiong Dehua , Zhang Nan , Thalluri Sitaramanjaneya Mouli , Sousa Juliana P. S. , Liu Lifeng
Published: October 2018

Hollow CoP octahedral nanoparticles have been prepared, and they show exceptionally high intrinsic activity for both the oxygen evolution and methanol oxidation reactions.