bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DPP8/9 inhibitors are universal activators of functional NLRP1 alleles
Authors: Gai Kuo , Okondo Marian C. , Rao Sahana D. , Chui Ashley J. , Ball Daniel P. , Johnson Darren C. , Bachovchin Daniel A.
Published: August 2019

Intracellular pathogenic structures or activities stimulate the formation of inflammasomes, which recruit and activate caspase-1 and trigger an inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. The well-characterized mammalian inflammasome sensor proteins all detect one specific type of signal, for example double-stranded DNA or bacterial flagellin. Remarkably, NLRP1 was the first protein discovered to form an inflammasome, but the pathogenic signal that NLRP1 detects has not yet been identified. NLRP1 is highly polymorphic, even among inbred rodent strains, and it has been suggested that these diverse NLRP1 alleles may have evolved to detect entirely different stimuli. Intriguingly, inhibitors of the serine proteases DPP8 and DPP9 (DPP8/9) were recently shown to activate human NLRP1, its homolog CARD8, and several mouse NLRP1 alleles. Here, we show now that DPP8/9 inhibitors activate all functional rodent NLRP1 alleles, indicating that DPP8/9 inhibition induces a signal detected by all NLRP1 proteins. Moreover, we discovered that the NLRP1 allele sensitivities to DPP8/9 inhibitor-induced and Toxoplasma gondii-induced pyroptosis are strikingly similar, suggesting that DPP8/9 inhibition phenocopies a key activity of T. gondii. Overall, this work indicates that the highly polymorphic NLRP1 inflammasome indeed senses a specific signal like the other mammalian inflammasomes.
The Rad51 paralogs facilitate a novel DNA strand specific damage tolerance pathway
Authors: Rosenbaum Joel C. , Bonilla Braulio , Hengel Sarah R. , Mertz Tony M. , Herken Benjamin W. , Kazemier Hinke G. , Pressimone Catherine A. , Ratterman Timothy C. , MacNary Ellen , De Magis Alessio , Kwon Youngho , Godin Stephen K. , Van Houten Bennett , Normolle Daniel P. , Sung Patrick , Das Subha R. , Paeschke Katrin , Roberts Steven A. , VanDemark Andrew P. , Bernstein Kara A.
Published: August 2019

Accurate DNA replication is essential for genomic stability and cancer prevention. Homologous recombination is important for high-fidelity DNA damage tolerance during replication. How the homologous recombination machinery is recruited to replication intermediates is unknown. Here, we provide evidence that a Rad51 paralog-containing complex, the budding yeast Shu complex, directly recognizes and enables tolerance of predominantly lagging strand abasic sites. We show that the Shu complex becomes chromatin associated when cells accumulate abasic sites during S phase. We also demonstrate that purified recombinant Shu complex recognizes an abasic analog on a double-flap substrate, which prevents AP endonuclease activity and endonuclease-induced double-strand break formation. Shu complex DNA binding mutants are sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate, are not chromatin enriched, and exhibit increased mutation rates. We propose a role for the Shu complex in recognizing abasic sites at replication intermediates, where it recruits the homologous recombination machinery to mediate strand specific damage tolerance.
Author Correction: A peak in the critical current for quantum critical superconductors
Authors: Jung Soon-Gil , Seo Soonbeom , Lee Sangyun , Bauer Eric D. , Lee Han-Oh , Park Tuson
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Stoichiogenomics reveal oxygen usage bias, key proteins and pathways associated with stomach cancer
Authors: Zuo Xiaoyan , Li Bo , Zhu Chengxu , Yan Zheng-Wen , Li Miao , Wang Xinyi , Zhang Yu-Juan
Published: August 2019

Stomach cancer involves hypoxia-specific microenvironments. Stoichiogenomics explores environmental resource limitation on biological macromolecules in terms of element usages. However, the patterns of oxygen usage by proteins and the ways that proteins adapt to a cancer hypoxia microenvironment are still unknown. Here we compared the oxygen and carbon contents ([C]) between proteomes of stomach cancer (hypoxia) and two stomach glandular cells (normal). Key proteins, genome locations, pathways, and functional dissection associated with stomach cancer were also studied. An association of oxygen content ([O]) and protein expression level was revealed in stomach cancer and stomach glandular cells. For differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), oxygen contents in the up regulated proteins were3.2%higherthan that in the down regulated proteins in stomach cancer. A total of 1,062 DEPs were identified; interestingly none of these proteins were coded on Y chromosome. The up regulated proteins were significantly enriched in pathways including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, cardiac muscle contraction, pathway of progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, etc. Functional dissection of the up regulated proteins with high oxygen contents showed that most of them were cytoskeleton, cytoskeleton associated proteins, cyclins and signaling proteins in cell cycle progression. Element signature of resource limitation could not be detected in stomach cancer for oxygen, just as what happened in plants and microbes. Unsaved use of oxygen by the highly expressed proteins was adapted to the rapid growth and fast division of the stomach cancer cells. In addition, oxygen usage bias, key proteins and pathways identified in this paper laid a foundation for application of stoichiogenomics in precision medicine.
Enrichment technique to allow early detection and monitor emergence of KRAS mutation in response to treatment
Authors: Kitagawa Yoshiyasu , Okumura Kazuhiro , Watanabe Takayoshi , Tsukamoto Kei , Kitano Shiro , Nankinzan Rino , Suzuki Takuto , Hara Taro , Soda Hiroaki , Denda Tadamichi , Yamaguchi Taketo , Nagase Hiroki
Published: August 2019

Sensitivity of cell-free circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) assays is often hampered by the limited quantity of intact mutant nucleotide fragments. To overcome the issue of substrate limitation in clinical applications, we developed an enrichment method utilizing pyrrole-imidazole (PI) polyamides and their ability to bind the minor groove of B-DNA. We present here a proof-of-concept experiment to enrich specific mutant KRAS alleles with biotinylated PI polyamides. We investigated the clinical feasibility of incorporating PI polyamides to detect KRAS mutations in ctDNA from 40 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, of whom 17 carried mutations in KRAS. After enriching ctDNA with those polyamides, we used digital PCR to detect several common KRAS codon 12 mutations. Enrichment by biotinylated PI polyamides improved the sensitivity of ctDNA analysis (88.9% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.01) in 9 non-metastatic mutation-positive patients. We observed no differences in performance for the 8 metastatic subjects (100% vs. 75%, P = 0.47). In the remaining 23/40 patients with wild type KRAS codon 12, no mutant alleles were detected with or without polyamide-facilitated enrichment. Enriching B-form of ctDNA with PI polyamides significantly improved the assay sensitivity in detecting KRAS mutations in non-metastatic CRC patient samples.
Breakdown of the strong multiplet description of the Sm2+ ion in the topological Kondo insulator SmB6: specific heat studies
Authors: Radwanski Ryszard J. , Nalecz Dawid M. , Ropka Zofia
Published: August 2019

We have theoretically confirmed the existence of in-gap real quantum-mechanical states in SmB6, which have been suggested by experiments. These in-gap states, below the hybridization gap of 20 meV, are related to the Sm2+ ion states and can be revealed by calculations within the spin-orbital |LSLzSz〉 space, with L = 3 and S = 3. Our approach overcomes difficulties related to the singlet J = 0 multiplet ground state. The in-gap states originate from the 49-fold degenerated term 7F (4f 6), which is split by cubic crystal-field (CEF) and spin-orbit (s − o) interactions. There is competition between these interactions: the six-order CEF interactions produce a 7-fold degenerated ground state, whereas the s − o interactions, even the weakest one, produce a singlet (J = 0) ground state. We have found preliminary CEF and s − o parameters that produce the lowest states at 0 K (singlet) and 91 K (triplet) and the next triplet at 221 K, i.e., within the hybridization gap. The derived states well explain the large extra specific heat of SmB6, confirming the consistency and adequateness of our theoretical approach with the breakdown of the strong multiplet description of the Sm2+ ion in SmB6.
Biliary stenting alone versus biliary stenting combined with 125I particles intracavitary irradiation for the treatment of advanced cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Pang Qing , Zhou Lei , Hu Xiao-Si , Wang Yong , Man Zhong-Ran , Yang Song , Wang Wei , Qian Zhen , Jin Hao , Liu Hui-Chun
Published: August 2019

We aimed to compare the efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) and PTBS combined with 125I particles implantation in the treatment of advanced extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHC). A total of 184 advanced EHC patients, who received PTBS (PTBS group) or PTBS combined with 125I particles implantation (PTBS + 125I group) from January 2012 to April 2017 in our department, were retrospectively reviewed. The improvement of jaundice and liver function was observed in both groups. The postoperative complications, risk of biliary re-obstruction, and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups. Amongst, 71 cases received PTBS and 113 had the additional implantation of 125I particles. The jaundice and liver function were significantly improved in all patients, especially in PTBS + 125I group. There was no significant difference in the risk of postoperative complications between the two groups. However, the risk of biliary re-obstruction significantly reduced in PTBS + 125I group (19.5% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.017). Kaplan Meier analysis showed that patients in PTBS + 125I group had a significantly better OS, both for hilar and distal cholangiocarcinoma. Univariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), total bilirubin, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and different therapeutic method were significant factors affecting OS. Multivariate analysis further identified the treatment of PTBS combined with 125I particles implantation as an independent protective prognostic factor (HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17–0.39, p < 0.001). In conclusion, for patients with advanced EHC, PTBS combined with 125I particles implantation is superior to PTBS alone in improving liver function, inhibiting biliary re-obstruction, and prolonging survival time.
Genomic regions on chromosome 5H containing a novel QTL conferring barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV (BYDV-PAV) tolerance in barley
Authors: Hu Hongliang , Choudhury Shormin , Shabala Sergey , Gupta Sanjiv , Zhou Meixue
Published: August 2019

Barley yellow dwarf virus is a widespread disease affecting plant growth and yield in cereal crops including barley. Complete resistance to BYDV encoded by a single gene is lacking in barley. To identify novel resistance genes that can be further utilised in breeding for plant disease resistance, a doubled haploid population originated from a cultivated barley with a known resistance gene and a wild barley was constructed and assessed for barley yellow dwarf tolerance in three trials with two in Tasmania (TAS) and one in Western Australia (WA). We identified two Quantitative trait loci (QTL) in both Tasmanian trials, and four QTL in Western Australian trial. Two QTL from TAS trials were also detected from WA. The QTL on chromosome 3H corresponds to the known major resistance gene Ryd2. The other QTL, Qbyd-5H, represents a potential new resistance locus and contributed 7.0~10.4% of total phenotypic variation in the three trials. It was mapped within the interval of 125.76~139.24 cM of chromosome 5H. Two additional minor effect QTL were identified on chromosome 7H from WA trial, contributing slightly less effect on BYD tolerance. The consistently detected new gene on chromosome 5H will potentially serve as a novel source of tolerance to achieve more sustainable resistance to BYDV in barley.
The lipid-dependent structure and function of LacY can be recapitulated and analyzed in phospholipid-containing detergent micelles
Authors: Vitrac Heidi , Mallampalli Venkata K P S , Bogdanov Mikhail , Dowhan William
Published: August 2019

Membrane proteins play key roles in cellular functions, their activity mainly depending on their topological arrangement in membranes. Structural studies of membrane proteins have long adopted a protein-centric view regarding the determinants of membrane protein topology and function. Several studies have shown that the orientation of transmembrane domains of polytopic membrane proteins with respect to the plane of the lipid bilayer can be largely determined by membrane lipid composition. However, the mechanism by which membrane proteins exhibit structural and functional duality in the same membrane or different membranes is still unknown. Here we show that lipid-dependent structural and functional assessment of a membrane protein can be conducted in detergent micelles, opening the possibility for the determination of lipid-dependent high-resolution crystal structures. We found that the lactose permease purified from Escherichia coli cells exhibiting varied phospholipid compositions exhibits the same topology and similar function as in its membrane of origin. Furthermore, we found several conditions, including protein mutations and micelle lipid composition, that lead to increased protein stability, correlating with a higher yield of two-dimensional crystal formation. Altogether, our results demonstrate how the membrane lipid environment influences membrane protein topology and arrangement, both in native membranes and in mixed detergent micelles.
Visualizing the trigeminovagal complex in the human medulla by combining ex-vivo ultra-high resolution structural MRI and polarized light imaging microscopy
Authors: Henssen D. J. H. A. , Derks B. , van Doorn M. , Verhoogt N. C. , Staats P. , Vissers K. , Van Cappellen van Walsum A. M.
Published: August 2019

A trigeminovagal complex, as described in some animals, could help to explain the effect of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for headache disorders. However, the existence of a trigeminovagal complex in humans remains unclear. This study, therefore investigated the existence of the trigeminovagal complex in humans. One post-mortem human brainstem was scanned at 11.7T to obtain structural (T1-weighted) and diffusion magnetic resonance images ((d)MR images). Post-processing of dMRI data provided track density imaging (TDI) maps to investigate white matter at a smaller resolution than the imaging resolution. To evaluate the reconstructed tracts, the MR-scanned brainstem and three additional brainstems were sectioned for polarized light imaging (PLI) microscopy. T1-weighted images showed hyperintense vagus medullar striae, coursing towards the dorsomedial aspect of the medulla. dMRI-, TDI- and PLI-images showed these striae to intersect the trigeminal spinal tract (sp5) in the lateral medulla. In addition, PLI images showed that a minority of vagus fibers separated from the vagus trajectory and joined the trigeminal spinal nucleus (Sp5) and the sp5. The course of the vagus tract in the rostral medulla was demonstrated in this study. This study shows that the trigeminal- and vagus systems interconnect anatomically at the level of the rostral medulla where the vagus fibers intersect with the Sp5 and sp5. Physiological and clinical utility of this newly identified interconnection is a topic for further research.
Lipid profile of cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis patients: a potential tool for diagnosis
Authors: Nogueras L. , Gonzalo H. , Jové M. , Sol J. , Gil-Sanchez A. , Hervás J. V. , Valcheva P. , Gonzalez-Mingot C. , Solana M. J. , Peralta S. , Pamplona R. , Brieva L.
Published: August 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex multifactorial neuropathology. Although its etiology remains unclear, it has been demonstrated that the immune system attacks myelin, leading to demyelination and axonal damage. The involvement of lipids as one of the main components of myelin sheaths in MS and other demyelinating diseases has been postulated. However, it is still a matter of debate whether specific alteration patterns exist over the disease course. Here, using a lipidomic approach, we demonstrated that, at the time of diagnosis, the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients presented differences in 155 lipid species, 47 of which were identified. An initial hierarchical clusterization was used to classify MS patients based on the presence of 25 lipids. When a supervised method was applied in order to refine this classification, a lipidomic signature was obtained. This signature was composed of 15 molecules belonging to five different lipid families including fatty acids (FAs). An FA-targeted approach revealed differences in two members of this family: 18:3n3 and 20:0 (arachidic acid). These results reveal a CSF lipidomic signature in MS patients at the time of diagnosis that might be considered as a potential diagnostic tool.
Voids healing and carbide refinement of cold rolled M50 bearing steel by electropulsing treatment
Authors: Wang Feng , Qian Dongsheng , Hua Lin , Mao Huajie , Xie Lechun
Published: August 2019

The voids caused by the cold rolling (CR) quite deteriorates the final performance of M50 bearing steel. In this work, the effect of electropulsing treatment (EPT) on the voids has been investigated, finding that the nano-size voids around carbides have been extensively healed. Moreover, it is interesting to find that the Cr-rich carbides are partially dissolved and consequently refined by EPT, which could be attributed to the decreased thermodynamic dissolution barriers and accelerated kinetic diffusion of carbon atoms towards dislocation. These results inspire people to develop a novel strategy (CR + EPT) to fully take advantage of CR and tailor the carbides size in bearing steels.
A novel NBD-based fluorescent turn-on probe for detection of phosgene in solution and the gas phase
Authors: Yang Lei , Sun Zhiwei , Li Zan , Kong Xiaojian , Wang Feng , Liu Xuefang , Tang Jingpu , Ping Meiling , You Jinmao
Published: August 2019

A selective and sensitive fluorescent probe for detecting phosgene was reported.
Self curing and voltage activated catechol adhesives
Authors: Gan Lu , Tan Nigel C. S. , Gupta Avi , Singh Manisha , Pokholenko Oleksandr , Ghosh Animesh , Zhang Zhonghan , Li Shuzhou , Steele Terry W. J.
Published: August 2019

Catechol adhesives are designed for curing with a low voltage signal—no oxidants or metal chelators are required.
Directional assembly of a stapled α-helical peptide
Authors: Hu Kuan , Yin Feng , Zhou Ziyuan , Lian Chenshan , Liu Yinghuan , Sun Chengjie , Li Wenjun , Zhang Jianing , Li Zigang
Published: August 2019

In this work, we described a method to control the helical peptide self-assembly by stapling the peptide via an intramolecular disulfide bridge.
A nickel–iridium alloy as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of olefins
Authors: Bai Jia-qi , Tamura Masazumi , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: August 2019

Nickel and iridium supported on SiO2 (Ni–Ir/SiO2) acted as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of olefins, and it showed higher activity and selectivity than the monometallic counterparts.
Tunable doping of N and S in carbon nanotubes by retarding pyrolysis-gas diffusion to promote electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Wu Hao , Chen Zhimin , Xiao Fei , Wang Ying , Cao Erping , Chen Shuo , Du Shichao , Wu Yiqun , Ren Zhiyu
Published: August 2019

We report a simple retarding pyrolysis-gas diffusion approach that could extensively tune the amount of N and P in carbon nanotubes with a significantly enhanced HER activity.
A mitochondria-targeted iridium(iii)-based photoacid generator induces dual-mode photodynamic damage within cancer cells
Authors: He Liang , Zhang Ming-Fang , Pan Zheng-Yin , Wang Kang-Nan , Zhao Zi-Jian , Li Yi , Mao Zong-Wan
Published: August 2019

An Ir(iii)-based photoacid generator was developed as a dual-mode photodynamic therapy agent to kill cancer cells under hypoxic conditions.
Rhodium(i)-catalyzed mono-selective C–H alkylation of benzenesulfonamides with terminal alkenes
Authors: Rej Supriya , Chatani Naoto
Published: August 2019

The first example of C–H alkylation of benzenesulfonamides with alkenes is reported. Deuterium labeling experiments indicate that an unusual 1,2-H shift mechanism to generate a carbene rhodium intermediate is involved.
UV photostability of three 2-aminoazoles with key roles in prebiotic chemistry on the early earth
Authors: Todd Zoe R. , Szabla Rafał , Szostak Jack W. , Sasselov Dimitar D.
Published: August 2019

Three 2-aminoazoles important for prebiotic chemistry undergo UV-driven photodegradation on timescales of 7–100 hours under solar irradiation.
Nickel/copper-cocatalyzed decarbonylative silylation of acyl fluorides
Authors: Wang Xiu , Wang Zhenhua , Nishihara Yasushi
Published: August 2019

A transformation of acyl fluorides with silylboronvianickel/copper-cocatalysed carbon–fluorine bond cleavage and a sequential decarbonylation, which provides an efficient protocol to functionalize arylsilanes, has been disclosed.
Hydroxyapatite nanowires rich in [Ca–O–P] sites for ethanol direct coupling showing high C6–12 alcohol yield
Authors: Wang Qing-Nan , Zhou Bai-Chuan , Weng Xue-Fei , Lv Shao-Pei , Schüth Ferdi , Lu An-Hui
Published: August 2019

Sustainable production of bio-fuels: hydroxyapatite nanowires rich in [Ca–O–P] sites catalyze the direct coupling of ethanol to higher aliphatic alcohols.
Euhedral crystals of Na2TiGeO5with switchable translucency and reorientable microstructure
Authors: Ferdov Stanislav
Published: August 2019

Crystal twinning in euhedral crystals reveals anomalous optical properties.
Micro-mechanical properties of single high aspect ratio crystals
Authors: Hallac François S. , Fragkopoulos Ioannis S. , Connell Simon D. , Muller Frans L.
Published: August 2019

This work describes a new method to measure breakage strength and elastic modulus of single crystal cantilevers using atomic force microscopy.
A simple COSMO-based method for calculation of hydration energies of neutral molecules
Authors: Voityuk Alexander A. , Vyboishchikov Sergei F.
Published: August 2019

A simple yet accurate method to estimate hydration free energy of neutral molecules is developed.
Molecular p-doping in organic liquid crystalline semiconductors: influence of the charge transfer complex on the properties of mesophase and bulk charge transport
Authors: Kondratenko K. , Boussoualem Y. , Singh D. P. , Visvanathan R. , Duncan A. E. , Clark N. A. , Legrand C. , Daoudi A.
Published: August 2019

Novel composites of mesogenic organic semiconductor and electron acceptor exhibit charge transport dynamics strongly correlated to the liquid crystal order.
Ultrafast nuclear dynamics of the acetylene cation C2H2+ and its impact on the infrared probe pulse induced C–H bond breaking efficiency
Authors: Hartmann Nadja , Bhattacharyya Swarnendu , Schlaepfer Fabian , Volkov Mikhail , Schumacher Zeno , Lucchini Matteo , Gallmann Lukas , Rothlisberger Ursula , Keller Ursula
Published: August 2019

We track the few-femtosecond excited-state dynamics of the acetylene cation through modulations of the C2H+ photofragment yield.
Electrically induced liquid–liquid phase transition in water at room temperature
Authors: Wexler Adam D. , Fuchs Elmar C. , Woisetschläger Jakob , Vitiello Giuseppe
Published: August 2019

An inhomogeneous electric field induces Raman active phonon conserved polarization currents in water potentiating coherent control of liquid–liquid phase transition.
The influence of gold nanoparticles on the two photon absorption of photochromic molecular systems
Authors: Hillers-Bendtsen Andreas Erbs , Mikkelsen Kurt V.
Published: August 2019

In this study, we investigate the influence of gold nanoparticles on the nonlinear optical properties of the dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene photo- and thermochromic system.
Multiple glassy dynamics in dipole functionalized triphenylene-based discotic liquid crystals revealed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy and advanced calorimetry – assessment of the molecular origin
Authors: Yildirim Arda , Bühlmeyer Andrea , Hayashi Shunsuke , Haenle Johannes Christian , Sentker Kathrin , Krause Christina , Huber Patrick , Laschat Sabine , Schönhals Andreas
Published: August 2019

A selected series of dipole functionalized triphenylene-based discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) was synthesized and investigated in a systematic way to reveal the phase behavior and molecular dynamics.
Aldehydes rather than alcohols in oxygenated products from light-driven Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over Ru/SiC catalysts
Authors: Liang Zai-Peng , Hou Dong-Fang , Jiao Zhi-Feng , Guo Xiao-Ning , Tong Xi-Li , Guo Xiang-Yun
Published: August 2019

The oxygenated products in light-driven Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over Ru/SiC catalysts are aldehydes rather than alcohols.
Enhanced performance of bimetallic PtCo/MCM-41 catalysts for glycerol oxidation in base-free medium
Authors: Yan Hao , Qin Hansong , Liang Wei , Jin Xin , Zhang Yashuang , Feng Xiang , Liu Yibin , Chen Xiaobo , Yang Chaohe
Published: August 2019

Optimizing the electronic coupling in heterogeneous catalysts by tuning metal–metal interactions remains a significant challenge.
Suppression of N2O formation by H2O and SO2 in the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 over a Mn/Ti–Si catalyst
Authors: Zhang Bolin , Liebau Michael , Suprun Wladimir , Liu Bo , Zhang Shengen , Gläser Roger
Published: August 2019

Proposed mechanism of NO reduction and N2O formation as well as H2O/SO2 suppression effects with participation of (a) Lewis acid sites and (b) Brønsted acid sites over a Mn/Ti–Si catalyst.
Understanding the stability of nanoplastics in aqueous environments: effect of ionic strength, temperature, dissolved organic matter, clay, and heavy metals
Authors: Singh Nisha , Tiwari Ekta , Khandelwal Nitin , Darbha Gopala Krishna
Published: August 2019

Impact of environmental factors such as temperature, dissolved organic matter, ionic strength and clay colloids on the stability of nanoplastics.
Variety, the spice of life and essential for robustness in excitation energy transfer in light-harvesting complexes
Authors: Oh Sue Ann , Coker David F. , Hutchinson David A. W.
Published: August 2019

We review our recent work showing how important the site-to-site variation in coupling between chloroplasts in FMO and their protein scaffold environment is for energy transport in FMO and investigate the role of vibronic modes in this transport.
Computational and biological investigation of the soybean lecithin–gallic acid complex for ameliorating alcoholic liver disease in mice with iron overload
Authors: Wu Xiangqun , Wang Yan , Jia Ran , Fang Fang , Liu Ya , Cui Weiwei
Published: August 2019

The soybean lecithin–gallic acid complex ameliorates hepatic damage and iron-overload induced by alcohol and exerts hepatoprotective effects.
Cytotoxic effects of gold(i) complexes against colon, cervical and osteo carcinoma cell lines: a mechanistic approach
Authors: Sulaiman Adam A. A. , Kalia Namarta , Bhatia Gaurav , Kaur Manpreet , Fettouhi Mohammed , Altaf Muhammad , Baig Nadeem , Kawde Abdel-Nasser , Isab Anvarhusein A.
Published: August 2019

Water-soluble gold(i) complexes, [Au(Ipr)(L)]PF6where L = thiourea (Tu)1andN,N′-dimethylthiourea (Me2Tu)2, were synthesized from the parent 1,3-bis(2,6-di-isopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidenechloridogold(i) [(Ipr)AuCl] (0).
Liquid phase hydrogenation of CO2 to formate using palladium and ruthenium nanoparticles supported on molybdenum carbide
Authors: Mitchell Claire E. , Terranova Umberto , Alshibane Ihfaf , Morgan David J. , Davies Thomas E. , He Qian , Hargreaves Justin S. J. , Sankar Meenakshisundaram , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: August 2019

We report the development of palladium nanoparticles supported on Mo2C as an active catalyst for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of CO2 to formate under mild reaction conditions (100 °C and 2.0 MPa of a 1 : 1 CO2 : H2 mixture).
Improving the photo-cathodic properties of TiO2 nano-structures with graphdiynes
Authors: Ramakrishnan Vivek , Kim Hyun , Yang Beelyong
Published: August 2019

GD∼GDO/TiO2 nanostructure with improved photocathodic activity.
Electronic, structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Amorin Luís Henrique , Suzuki Victor Yuudi , de Paula Natália Herédia , Duarte José Leonil , da Silva Marco Aurélio Toledo , Taft Carlton Anthony , de Almeida La Porta Felipe
Published: August 2019

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based materials exhibit an organized layered porous structure and a band position optimum for the development of various optoelectronic devices and photocatalysts.
3-Trinitromethyl-4-nitro-5-nitramine-1H-pyrazole: a high energy density oxidizer
Authors: Xiong Hualin , Yang Hongwei , Cheng Guangbin
Published: August 2019

A novel oxygen-rich compound was designed and synthesized. The combination of high density, positive heat of formation, high positive oxygen balance, high specific impulse and high detonation performance makes it a promising high energy density oxidizer.
Distinguishing external and internal coke depositions on micron-sized HZSM-5 via catalyst-assisted temperature-programmed oxidation
Authors: Wang Ting , Chen Mengyao , Liu Xiaohao , Zhang Zhan-Guo , Xu Yuebing
Published: August 2019

The general idea of CatA-TPO for distinguishing external coke from internal coke on HZSM-5.
Poly(ester amide) derived from municipal polyethylene terephthalate waste guided stem cells for osteogenesis
Authors: Ghosal Krishanu , Sarkar Kishor
Published: August 2019

A novel poly(ester amide) was synthesized by using recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste and soybean oil and other renewable resources for bone tissue engineering applications.
Outer–inner dual reinforced micro/nano hierarchical scaffolds for promoting osteogenesis
Authors: Tang Jincheng , Gu Yong , Zhang Hongbo , Wu Liang , Xu Yun , Mao Jiannan , Xin Tianwen , Ye Tingjun , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo , Santos Hélder A. , Chen Liang
Published: August 2019

A biomimetic outer–inner dual reinforced micro/nano hierarchical scaffold was built by combining interfacial ionic bond interaction for bone reconstruction.
Orientational phase behavior of polymer-grafted nanocubes
Authors: Lee Brian Hyun-jong , Arya Gaurav
Published: August 2019

Monte Carlo simulations and analytical scaling relations are used to identify the stable interparticle configurations (phases) exhibited by polymer-grafted nanocubes and to study their phase behavior as a function of material properties.
Sonochemical edge functionalisation of molybdenum disulfide
Authors: Amorim Graf Aline , Large Matthew J. , Ogilvie Sean P. , Rong Yuanyang , Lynch Peter J. , Fratta Giuseppe , Ray Santanu , Shmeliov Aleksey , Nicolosi Valeria , Arenal Raul , King Alice A. K. , Dalton Alan B.
Published: August 2019

We demonstrate the spontaneous edge functionalisation of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets exfoliated in acetone. Formation of molybdenum oxides explains the observed high-quality and stability of the dispersion in a low boiling point solvent.
Ultrafine CoO nanoparticles as an efficient cocatalyst for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Chu Jiayu , Sun Guoji , Han Xijiang , Chen Xin , Wang Jiajun , Hu Wen , Waluyo Iradwikanari , Hunt Adrian , Du Yunchen , Song Bo , Xu Ping
Published: August 2019

Highly dispersed ultrafine CoO nanoparticles, as a novel and efficient cocatalyst, can dramatically enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of CdS nanorods in the visible-light region.
Bonding state synergy of the NiF2/Ni2P hybrid with the co-existence of covalent and ionic bonds and the application of this hybrid as a robust catalyst for the energy-relevant electrooxidation of water and urea
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Zong , Feng Ligang
Published: August 2019

The NiF2/Ni2P hybrid catalyst with the co-existence of covalent and ionic bonds was found to be very active for water and urea electro-oxidation in the energy-relevant water electrolysis technique.
Scalable fabrication of high-performance micro-supercapacitors by embedding thick interdigital microelectrodes into microcavities
Authors: Nie Bangbang , Li Xiangming , Shao Jinyou , Li Congming , Sun Pengcheng , Wang Yingche , Tian Hongmiao , Wang Chunhui , Chen Xiaoliang
Published: August 2019

We developed a scalable fabrication of thick interdigital microelectrodes for high-performance micro-supercapacitors by embedding MWCNTs into pre-patterned microcavities.
Advances in the synthesis and design of nanostructured materials by aerosol spray processes for efficient energy storage
Authors: Park Jin-Sung , Kim Jin Koo , Hong Jeong Hoo , Cho Jung Sang , Park Seung-Keun , Kang Yun Chan
Published: August 2019

We present a thorough review on the advances of the aerosol spray processes for synthesis of nanostructured materials for next-generation rechargeable batteries, including the insights into formation mechanism, current status, and future outlook.
Nanoinformatics, and the big challenges for the science of small things
Authors: Barnard A. S. , Motevalli B. , Parker A. J. , Fischer J. M. , Feigl C. A. , Opletal G.
Published: August 2019

The combination of computational chemistry and computational materials science with machine learning and artificial intelligence provides a powerful way of relating structural features of nanomaterials with functional properties.
Polymerization of 1-chloro-2-phenylacetylene derivatives by using a Brookhart-type catalyst
Authors: Yang Fulin , Zhang Shuangjie , Shen Tanxiao , Ni Juechen , Zhang Jie , Cheng Xiao , Sun Jing Zhi , Fu Zhisheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: August 2019

A Brookhart-type catalyst (α-diimine)PdMeCl/AgOTf works well in the polymerization of 1-chloro-2-phenylacetylene monomers bearing nonpolar/polar and electron releasing/withdrawing substituents in nonpolar/polar solvents.
Tailoring the pore size and shape of the one-dimensional channels in iron-based MOFs for enhancing the methane storage capacity
Authors: Tu Thach N. , Nguyen Huong T. D. , Tran Nhung Thi
Published: August 2019

A Fe-based MOF with narrow rectangular channels exhibited a comparable volumetric CH4 uptake with benchmark materials (e.g. MOF-5, MOF-205, MOF-905-NO2, and MOF-210).
TfOH-promoted transformation of TMS-ethers of diarylsubstituted CF3-allyl alcohols with arenes into CF3-indanes
Authors: Zerov Aleksey V. , Bulova Anastasia A. , Khoroshilova Olesya V. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: August 2019

Novel synthesis of 1,3-diaryl-1-trifluoromethyl indanes, having predominantly a trans-configuration of aryl groups, was developed on the basis of the reaction of TMS-ethers of 2,4-diaryl-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-ols with arenes in superacid TfOH.
Controllable synthesis of multi-shelled NiCo2O4hollow spheres catalytically for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Zhang Wenchao , Jiang Bin , Ma Xiaohang , Wang Jiaxin , Liu Jiaqi , Wu Runhui , Zheng Zilong , Liu Jingping , Ma Kefeng
Published: August 2019

Double-shelled NiCo2O4hollow spheres synthesized by a facile hydro-thermal method showed excellent catalytic properties for the thermal decomposition of AP.
Green and sustainable zero-waste conversion of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) into superior magnetic carbon composite adsorbents and supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Saning Amonrada , Herou Servann , Dechtrirat Decha , Ieosakulrat Chanoknan , Pakawatpanurut Pasit , Kaowphong Sulawan , Thanachayanont Chanchana , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Chuenchom Laemthong
Published: August 2019

Our facile approach converts embarrassing weed to value-added products through environmentally friendly routes towards zero-waste scheme.
Dicarboxyl-terminated iron(ii) clathrochelates as ICD-reporters for globular proteins
Authors: Kovalska Vladyslava , Vakarov Serhii , Losytskyy Mykhaylo , Kuperman Marina , Chornenka Nina , Toporivska Yuliya , Gumienna-Kontecka Elzbieta , Voloshin Yan , Varzatskii Oleg , Mokhir Andriy
Published: August 2019

Method of asymmetric mono-ribbed functionalization of iron(ii) clathrochelates is developed, new compounds are studied as ICD reporters for globular proteins.
Organocatalytic enantioselective conjugate addition of 2-naphthols to ortho-hydroxyphenyl substituted para-quinone methides: access to unsymmetrical triarylmethanes
Authors: Cheng Yuyu , Fang Zhiqiang , Jia Yanwen , Lu Zhongyue , Li Wenjun , Li Pengfei
Published: August 2019

The enantioselective conjugate addition of 2-naphthols to ortho-hydroxyphenyl substituted para-quinone methides has been achieved with the aid of a chiral phosphoric acid.
Donor–acceptor covalent organic frameworks for visible light induced free radical polymerization
Authors: Pachfule Pradip , Acharjya Amitava , Roeser Jérôme , Sivasankaran Ramesh P. , Ye Meng-Yang , Brückner Angelika , Schmidt Johannes , Thomas Arne
Published: August 2019

Crystalline and porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with donor-acceptor moieties in their backbone are utilized as initiators for visible light induced radical polymerization. The COFs are efficient photoinitiators, maintaining their structural integrity for several cycles.
Understanding the structure and dynamics of hydrogenases by ultrafast and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Horch Marius , Schoknecht Janna , Wrathall Solomon L. D. , Greetham Gregory M. , Lenz Oliver , Hunt Neil T.
Published: August 2019

A proof-of-concept study on a catalytic [NiFe] intermediate reveals structural and dynamical details of hydrogenases by ultrafast and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopies.
Ni-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling between vinyl/aryl and alkyl sulfonates: synthesis of cycloalkenes and modification of peptides
Authors: Duan Jicheng , Du Yun-Fei , Pang Xiaobo , Shu Xing-Zhong
Published: August 2019

We report a reductive coupling between C–O electrophiles, providing an efficient approach to the synthesis of aliphatic cycloalkenes and late-stage modification of peptides.
Do acid–base interactions really improve the ion conduction in a proton exchange membrane? – a study on the effect of basic groups
Authors: Sui Yuqian , Du Yexin , Hu Huayuan , Qian Jieshu , Zhang Xuan
Published: August 2019

Generating acid–base interactions between sulfonic acid groups in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) and the incorporation of basic groups are effective approaches to improving the physicochemical properties of a membrane.
Correction: Advances on tungsten oxide based photochromic materials: strategies to improve their photochromic properties
Authors: Wang Shufen , Fan Weiren , Liu Zichuan , Yu Aibing , Jiang Xuchuan
Published: August 2019

Correction for ‘Advances on tungsten oxide based photochromic materials: strategies to improve their photochromic properties’ by Shufen Wang et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2018, 6, 191–212.
Evaluation of liver regeneration and post-hepatectomy liver failure after hemihepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gong Wen-Feng , Zhong Jian-Hong , Lu Zhan , Zhang Qiu-Ming , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Chen Chang-Zhi , Liu Xu , Ma Liang , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Xiang Bang-De , Li Le-Qun
Published: August 2019

Aim: To explore clinical factors associated with extent of liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Future liver remnant volume (as a percentage of functional liver volume, %FLRV) and remnant liver volume were measured preoperatively and at 1, 5, 9, and 13 weeks postoperatively.

Results: After hepatectomy, 1 of 125 patients (0.8%) died within 3 months, 13 (10.4%) experienced liver failure, and 99 (79.2%) experienced complications. %FLRV was able to predict liver failure with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.900, and a cut-off value of 42.7% showed sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 88.6%. Postoperative median growth ratio was 21.3% at 1 week, 30.9% at 5 weeks, 34.6% at 9 weeks, and 37.1% at 13 weeks. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors associated with liver regeneration: FLRV < 601 cm3, %FLRV, and liver cirrhosis. At postoperative weeks (POWs) 1 and 5, liver function indicators were significantly better among patients showing high extent of regeneration than among those showing low extent, but these differences disappeared by POW 9.

Conclusions: FLRV, %FLRV, and liver cirrhosis strongly influence extent of liver regeneration after hepatectomy. %FLRV values below 42.7% are associated with greater risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure.
Liraglutide inhibits the apoptosis of human nucleus pulposus cells induced by high glucose through PI3K/Akt/caspase-3 signaling pathway
Authors: Ming-yan Yao , Jing Zhang , Shu-qin Guo , Xiao-liang Bai , Zhi-hong Li , Xue Zhou
Published: August 2019

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a potential etiology of disc degeneration. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is currently regarded as a powerful treatment option for type 2 diabetes. Apart from the beneficial effects on glycaemic control, GLP-1 has been reported to exert functions in a variety of tissues on modulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, little is known regarding the effects of GLP-1 on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). In the present study, we investigated the effects of liraglutide (LIR), a long-lasting GLP-1 analogue, on apoptosis of human NPCs and the underlying mechanisms involved. We confirmed the presence of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in NPCs. Our data demonstrated that liraglutide inhibited the apoptosis of NPCs induced by high glucose (HG), as detected by Annexin V/Propidium Iodide (PI) and ELISA assays. Moreover, liraglutide down-regulated caspase-3 activity at intermediate concentration (100 nM) for maximum effect. Further analysis suggested that liraglutide suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and stimulated the phosphorylation of Akt under HG condition. Pretreatment of cells with the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 (LY) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) GLP-1R abrogated the liraglutide-induced activation of Akt and the protective effects on NPCs’ apoptosis. In conclusion, liraglutide could directly protect NPCs against HG-induced apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and activate the PI3K/Akt/caspase-3 signaling pathway via GLP-1R.
Dexmedetomidine exerts dual effects on human annulus fibrosus chondrocytes depending on the oxidative stress status
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhou Jinhua , Sheng Bin , Li Xin , Yuan Youchao
Published: August 2019

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is an anesthetic widely used in lumbar discectomy, but its effect on chondrocytes remains unclear. Dex is speculated to promote cartilage degeneration by activating α-2 adrenergic receptor. However, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of Dex implied the potential chondrocyte protective effect under stress conditions. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Dex on chondrocytes under non-stress and stress conditions. Chondrocytes were isolated from human annulus fibrosus (AF) tissues and oxidative stress was induced by treatment with 1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Chondrocytes were treated with Dex alone or in combination with H2O2. Treatment with Dex alone decreased mRNA expression of COL2A1 and increased that of MMP-3 and MMP-13, thus contributing to cartilage degeneration. However, Dex prevented H2O2-induced death and degeneration of chondrocytes partly by enhancing antioxidant capacity. Mechanistically, Dex attenuated H2O2-mediated activation of NF-κB and NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), both of which play key roles in inflammation and inflammatory damage. Dex inactivated NLRP3 through the suppression of NF-κB and JNK signals. Co-treatment with Dex and H2O2 increased protein level of XIAP (X-linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis, an anti-apoptosis protein), compared with H2O2 treatment alone. H2O2 treatment increased the expression of neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 4 (NEDD4) that is a ubiquitin ligase targeting XIAP. However, Dex decreased the amount of NEDD4 adhering to XIAP, thus protecting XIAP protein from NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. Given that surgery inevitably causes oxidative stress and inflammation, the protective effect of Dex on chondrocytes during oxidative stress is noteworthy and warrants further study.
Systematic large-scale meta-analysis identifies miRNA-429/200a/b and miRNA-141/200c clusters as biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Yi-Biao
Published: August 2019

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical neonatal disease with a high mortality. The possibility that miRNAs may play an important role in NEC has raised great attention. Hence, the present study identified biomarkers that affected NEC in newborn progression through miRNA and gene expression profile analysis. miRNA chip GSE68054 and gene chip GSE46619 of NEC in newborn were analyzed to screen out differentially expressed miRNA and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, target genes of differentially expressed miRNA were predicted, and differentially expressed miRNA-DEG regulatory network was constructed to select key miRNAs. After gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis on target genes of key miRNAs, the target genes enriched in pathways were extracted to establish differentially expressed miRNA-DEG-disease gene network for gene interaction analysis. Targetting relationship between miRNAs and target genes was verified. A total of 15 miRNAs were differentially expressed in NEC in newborn, amongst which miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters were poorly expressed and might play a significant role in NEC in newborn. Besides, target genes of miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters were enriched in 11 signaling pathways. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), E-selectin (SELE), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were highly expressed in NEC in newborn, which were negatively regulated by miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters and shared close association with disease genes. miR-429/200a/b and miR-141/200c clusters are poorly expressed while their target genes (VEGFA, SELE, KDR, FLT1, and HGF) are highly expressed in NEC in newborn, which might be identified as important biomarkers for this disease.
Is there a non-stationary γ-ray emission zone 42 pc from the 3C 279 core?
Authors: Patiño-Álvarez V. M. , Dzib S. A. , Lobanov A. , Chavushyan V.
Published: August 2019

We investigate the relationship between the variable gamma-ray emission and jet properties in the blazar 3C 279 by combining the Fermi-LAT data spanning a period of eight years and concurrent radio measurements made at multiple epochs with VLBA at 15 and 43 GHz within the MOJAVE and VLBA-BU monitoring programmes. The aim of this paper is to compare the flux variability of the different components found in the VLBA observations, to the variability in the gamma-rays. This analysis helps us to investigate whether any of the jet components can be associated with the gamma-ray variability. Through Spearman rank correlation we found that the gamma-ray variability is correlated with a particular region (feature B in the MOJAVE images) downstream from the observed base (core) of the jet. This jet component is therefore a likely location where an important fraction of the variable gamma-ray emission is produced. We also calculated the average proper motion of the component with respect to the VLBA core and found that it moves at an apparent superluminal velocity of (3.70 ± 0.35)c, implying that one of the gamma-ray emission zones is not stationary. This jet component is also found between 6.86 mas and 8.68 mas, which translates to a distance from the radio core of at least 42 pc.