bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AhGLK1 affects chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis in peanut leaves during recovery from drought
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Limei , Li Meijuan , Su Liangchen , Lian Siman , Zhang Baihong , Li Xiaoyun , Ge Kui , Li Ling
Published: January 2018

Peanut is an important edible oil crop plant whose quality and yield are greatly affected by drought. The process and molecular mechanisms of recovery from drought are also critical to its productivity, but are currently poorly characterized. Here, we investigate the involvement of peanut AhGLK1 in recovery from drought, and in particular its relationship with AhPORA, which encodes a key enzyme in chlorophyll biosynthesis. We found that chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, AhPORA protein level and genes related to chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis declined markedly under drought conditions, but all increased during recovery. Consistent with this, AhGLK1 expression decreased during water stress and increased when the stress was removed. When AhGLK1 was transformed into Arabidopsis glk1glk2 mutant, it increased the survival rate of the mutant during recovery from drought and fully rescued the mutant’s pale-green phenotype. In addition, chlorophyll content and fluorescence, and the expression of genes related to chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis, were all increased. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental evidence suggested that AhGLK1 augments the expression of AhPORA by binding to its promoter. Our findings confirm that AhGLK1 plays a role as a transcription factor that upregulates expression of AhPORA during post-drought recovery, thereby stimulating chlorophyll biosynthesis and photosynthesis.
Universal route to optimal few- to single-cycle pulse generation in hollow-core fiber compressors
Authors: Conejero Jarque E. , San Roman J. , Silva F. , Romero R. , Holgado W. , Gonzalez-Galicia M. A. , Alonso B. , Sola I. J. , Crespo H.
Published: January 2018

Gas-filled hollow-core fiber (HCF) pulse post-compressors generating few- to single-cycle pulses are a key enabling tool for attosecond science and ultrafast spectroscopy. Achieving optimum performance in this regime can be extremely challenging due to the ultra-broad bandwidth of the pulses and the need of an adequate temporal diagnostic. These difficulties have hindered the full exploitation of HCF post-compressors, namely the generation of stable and high-quality near-Fourier-transform-limited pulses. Here we show that, independently of conditions such as the type of gas or the laser system used, there is a universal route to obtain the shortest stable output pulse down to the single-cycle regime. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements performed with the dispersion-scan technique reveal that, in quite general conditions, post-compressed pulses exhibit a residual third-order dispersion intrinsic to optimum nonlinear propagation within the fiber, in agreement with measurements independently performed in several laboratories around the world. The understanding of this effect and its adequate correction, e.g. using simple transparent optical media, enables achieving high-quality post-compressed pulses with only minor changes in existing setups. These optimized sources have impact in many fields of science and technology and should enable new and exciting applications in the few- to single-cycle pulse regime.
Temperature, Crystalline Phase and Influence of Substrate Properties in Intense Pulsed Light Sintering of Copper Sulfide Nanoparticle Thin Films
Authors: Dexter Michael , Gao Zhongwei , Bansal Shalu , Chang Chih-Hung , Malhotra Rajiv
Published: January 2018

Intense Pulsed Light sintering (IPL) uses pulsed, visible light to sinter nanoparticles (NPs) into films used in functional devices. While IPL of chalcogenide NPs is demonstrated, there is limited work on prediction of crystalline phase of the film and the impact of optical properties of the substrate. Here we characterize and model the evolution of film temperature and crystalline phase during IPL of chalcogenide copper sulfide NP films on glass. Recrystallization of the film to crystalline covellite and digenite phases occurs at 126 °C and 155 °C respectively within 2–7 seconds. Post-IPL films exhibit p-type behavior, lower resistivity (~10−3–10−4 Ω-cm), similar visible transmission and lower near-infrared transmission as compared to the as-deposited film. A thermal model is experimentally validated, and extended by combining it with a thermodynamic approach for crystal phase prediction and via incorporating the influence of film transmittivity and optical properties of the substrate on heating during IPL. The model is used to show the need to a-priori control IPL parameters to concurrently account for both the thermal and optical properties of the film and substrate in order to obtain a desired crystalline phase during IPL of such thin films on paper and polycarbonate substrates.
Alterations of Pregnant Gait during Pregnancy and Post-Partum
Authors: Mei Qichang , Gu Yaodong , Fernandez Justin
Published: January 2018

Physique changes during pregnancy lead to gait characteristic variations. This study aimed to analyse gait of pregnant individuals throughout pregnancy and post-partum. Sixteen healthy pregnant women volunteered as participants and had their lower limb kinematics analysed through a VICON three-dimensional motion system and plantar pressure measured with a Novel EMED force plate. Significant changes were observed in pelvic anterior motion, hip and ankle joint kinematics. Mean pressure distribution and COP trajectory deviation altered accordingly with increased pregnancy time, compared with post-partum. This longitudinal study of pregnant gait biomechanics in T2, T3 and PP reveals lower extremity kinematic and foot pressure alterations to adapt to pregnancy related changes, and the COP trajectory highlights a falling risk during pregnancy, particularly in T3.
In vivo microbiome and associated immune markers: New insights into the pathogenesis of vaginal dysbiosis
Authors: Campisciano Giuseppina , Zanotta Nunzia , Licastro Danilo , De Seta Francesco , Comar Manola
Published: January 2018

The microbiota fulfils a key role in the training and function of the immune system, which contributes to the symbiosis between the host and complex microbial communities. In this study, we characterized the interplay between vaginal bacteria and local immune mediators during dysbiosis in selected women of reproductive age who were grouped according to Nugent’s criteria. The abundance of Gardnerella vaginalis and Bifidobacterium breve was increased in the intermediate dysbiotic status, while the presence of a plethora of non-resident bacteria characterized the group with overt vaginosis. In response to these increases, the anti-inflammatory IL1ra and pro-inflammatory IL2 increased, while the embryo trophic factors FGFβ and GMCSF decreased compared to the healthy milieu. A specific pattern, including IL1α, IL1β, IL8, MIG, MIP1α and RANTES, distinguished the intermediate group from the vaginosis group, while IL5 and IL13, which are secreted by Th2 cells, were significantly associated with the perturbation of the commensals Lactobacilli, Gardnerella and Ureaplasma. Summarizing, we postulate that although the dysbiotic condition triggers a pro-inflammatory process, the presence of a steady state level of Th2 may influence clinical manifestations. These results raise clinically relevant questions regarding the use of vaginal immunological markers as efficacious tools to monitor microbial alterations.
Genome-scale analysis of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 reveals a tradeoff between pathogenesis and drug resistance
Authors: Choe Donghui , Szubin Richard , Dahesh Samira , Cho Suhyung , Nizet Victor , Palsson Bernhard , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: January 2018

Staphylococcus aureus infection is a rising public health care threat. S. aureus is believed to have elaborate regulatory networks that orchestrate its virulence. Despite its importance, the systematic understanding of the transcriptional landscape of S. aureus is limited. Here, we describe the primary transcriptome landscape of an epidemic USA300 isolate of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus. We experimentally determined 1,861 transcription start sites with their principal promoter elements, including well-conserved -35 and -10 elements and weakly conserved -16 element and 5′ untranslated regions containing AG-rich Shine-Dalgarno sequence. In addition, we identified 225 genes whose transcription was initiated from multiple transcription start sites, suggesting potential regulatory functions at transcription level. Along with the transcription unit architecture derived by integrating the primary transcriptome analysis with operon prediction, the measurement of differential gene expression revealed the regulatory framework of the virulence regulator Agr, the SarA-family transcriptional regulators, and β-lactam resistance regulators. Interestingly, we observed a complex interplay between virulence regulation, β-lactam resistance, and metabolism, suggesting a possible tradeoff between pathogenesis and drug resistance in the USA300 strain. Our results provide platform resource for the location of transcription initiation and an in-depth understanding of transcriptional regulation of pathogenesis, virulence, and antibiotic resistance in S. aureus.
Ouabagenin is a naturally occurring LXR ligand without causing hepatic steatosis as a side effect
Authors: Tamura Satoru , Okada Maiko , Kato Shigeaki , Shinoda Yasuharu , Shioda Norifumi , Fukunaga Kohji , Ui-Tei Kumiko , Ueda Minoru
Published: January 2018

Ouabagenin (OBG) is an aglycone of the cardiotonic steroid ouabain and until now was considered a biologically inactive biosynthetic precursor. Herein, we revealed that OBG functions as a novel class of ligand for the liver X receptor (LXR). Luciferase reporter assays and in silico docking studies suggested that OBG has LXR-selective agonistic activity. In addition, OBG repressed the expression of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), a LXR target gene, without causing hepatic steatosis, a typical side effect of conventional LXR ligands. This remarkable biological activity can be attributed to a unique mode of action; the LXR agonist activity mainly proceeds through the LXRβ subtype without affecting LXRα, unlike conventional LXR ligands. Thus, OBG is a novel class of LXR ligand that does not cause severe side effects, with potential for use as an antihypertensive diuretic or a tool compound for exploring LXR subtype-specific biological functions.
Propagation-based phase-contrast synchrotron imaging of aortic dissection in mice: from individual elastic lamella to 3D analysis
Authors: Logghe Gerlinde , Trachet Bram , Aslanidou Lydia , Villaneuva-Perez Pablo , De Backer Julie , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Stampanoni Marco , Aoki Hiroki , Segers Patrick
Published: January 2018

In order to show the advantage and potential of propagation-based phase-contrast synchrotron imaging in vascular pathology research, we analyzed aortic medial ruptures in BAPN/AngII-infused mice, a mouse model for aortic dissection. Ascending and thoraco-abdominal samples from n = 3 control animals and n = 10 BAPN/AngII-infused mice (after 3, 7 and 14 days of infusion, total of 24 samples) were scanned. A steep increase in the number of ruptures was already noted after 3 days of BAPN/AngII-infusion. The largest ruptures were found at the latest time points. 133 ruptures affected only the first lamella while 135 ruptures affected multiple layers. Medial ruptures through all lamellar layers, leading to false channel formation and intramural hematoma, occurred only in the thoraco-abdominal aorta and interlamellar hematoma formation in the ascending aorta could be directly related to ruptures of the innermost lamellae. The advantages of this technique are (i) ultra-high resolution that allows to visualize the individual elastic lamellae in the aorta; (ii) quantitative and qualitative analysis of medial ruptures; (iii) 3D analysis of the complete aorta; (iv) high contrast for qualitative information extraction, reducing the need for histology coupes; (v) earlier detection of (micro-) ruptures.
Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome caused by a deep intronic mutation creating an alternative splice acceptor site of the AR gene
Authors: Ono Hiroyuki , Saitsu Hirotomo , Horikawa Reiko , Nakashima Shinichi , Ohkubo Yumiko , Yanagi Kumiko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Fukami Maki , Fujisawa Yasuko , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: January 2018

Although partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) is caused by attenuated responsiveness to androgens, androgen receptor gene (AR) mutations on the coding regions and their splice sites have been identified only in <25% of patients with a diagnosis of PAIS. We performed extensive molecular studies including whole exome sequencing in a Japanese family with PAIS, identifying a deep intronic variant beyond the branch site at intron 6 of AR (NM_000044.4:c.2450−42 G > A). This variant created the splice acceptor motif that was accompanied by pyrimidine-rich sequence and two candidate branch sites. Consistent with this, reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR experiments for cycloheximide-treated lymphoblastoid cell lines revealed a relatively large amount of aberrant mRNA produced by the newly created splice acceptor site and a relatively small amount of wildtype mRNA produced by the normal splice acceptor site. Furthermore, most of the aberrant mRNA was shown to undergo nonsense mediated decay (NMD) and, if a small amount of aberrant mRNA may have escaped NMD, such mRNA was predicted to generate a truncated AR protein missing some functional domains. These findings imply that the deep intronic mutation creating an alternative splice acceptor site resulted in the production of a relatively small amount of wildtype AR mRNA, leading to PAIS.
A sequence polymorphism on 8q24 is associated with survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who received radiation therapy
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Mei , Xiang Zuo-Lin , Chen Yi-Xing , Yang Ping , Hu Yong , Zeng Zhao-Chong
Published: January 2018

There is a growing consensus that genetic variation in candidate genes can influence cancer progression and treatment effects. In this study, we genotyped the rs9642880 G > T polymorphism using DNA isolated from blood samples of 271 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received radiotherapy treatment. We found that patients who carried the GT or TT genotypes had significantly shorter median survival times (MSTs) compared to patients with the GG genotype (14.6 vs.21.4 months). The multivariate P value was 0.027, the hazard ratio (HR) was 1.38, and the 95% confidence interval was 1.04–1.84. Further analysis revealed that patients with the variant genotypes had an increased risk of poor tumour response to radiotherapy (P = 0.036 and 0.002 for stable disease and progressive disease, respectively) and higher incidence of multiple intrahepatic lesions (P = 0.026) and BCLC C stage (P = 0.027). Moreover, further stratified survival analyses revealed that at least radioresponse and BCLC stage contributed to the association between the rs9642880 G > T polymorphism and survival of HCC patients in this study (P value, 0.017 vs 0.053 for BCLC C stage vs B stage; 0.011 vs 0.531 for radioresponse SD + PD vs CR + PR). These results illustrate the potential association between rs9642880 G > T and survival in HCC patients who received radiotherapy treatment.
Temporal reprogramming of calcium signalling via crosstalk of gonadotrophin receptors that associate as functionally asymmetric heteromers
Authors: Jonas K. C. , Chen S. , Virta M. , Mora J. , Franks S. , Huhtaniemi I. , Hanyaloglu A. C.
Published: January 2018

Signal crosstalk between distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is one mechanism that underlies pleiotropic signalling. Such crosstalk is also pertinent for GPCRs activated by gonadotrophic hormones; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), with specific relevance to female reproduction. Here, we demonstrate that gonadotrophin receptor crosstalk alters LH-induced Gαq/11-calcium profiles. LH-induced calcium signals in both heterologous and primary human granulosa cells were prolonged by FSHR coexpression via influx of extracellular calcium in a receptor specific manner. LHR/FSHR crosstalk involves Gαq/11 activation as a Gαq/11 inhibitor abolished calcium responses. Interestingly, the enhanced LH-mediated calcium signalling induced by FSHR co-expression was dependent on intracellular calcium store release and involved Gβγ. Biophysical analysis of receptor and Gαq interactions indicated that ligand-dependent association between LHR and Gαq was rearranged in the presence of FSHR, enabling FSHR to closely associate with Gαq following LHR activation. This suggests that crosstalk may occur via close associations as heteromers. Super-resolution imaging revealed that LHR and FSHR formed constitutive heteromers at the plasma membrane. Intriguingly, the ratio of LHR:FSHR in heterotetramers was specifically altered following LH treatment. We propose that functionally significant FSHR/LHR crosstalk reprograms LH-mediated calcium signalling at the interface of receptor-G protein via formation of asymmetric complexes.
Contractile Skeletal Muscle Cells Cultured with a Conducting Soft Wire for Effective, Selective Stimulation
Authors: Nagamine Kuniaki , Sato Hirotaka , Kai Hiroyuki , Kaji Hirokazu , Kanzaki Makoto , Nishizawa Matsuhiko
Published: January 2018

Contractile skeletal muscle cells were cultured so as to wrap around an electrode wire to enable their selective stimulation even when they were co-cultured with other electrically-excitable cells. Since the electrode wire was composed of the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and polyurethane (PU), which is soft and highly capacitive (~10 mF cm−2), non-faradaic electrical stimulation with charge/discharge currents could be applied to the surrounding cells without causing significant damage even for longer periods (more than a week). The advantage of this new culture system was demonstrated in the study of chemotactic interaction of monocytes and skeletal muscle cells via myokines.
Determining the Rate of Carbonic Anhydrase Reaction in the Human Brain
Authors: Li Shizhe , An Li , Duan Qi , Ferraris Araneta Maria , Johnson Christopher S. , Shen Jun
Published: January 2018

Carbonic anhydrase plays important role in life. This study sought to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting carbonic anhydrase activity in the human brain in vivo. After oral administration of [U-13C6]glucose, 13C saturation transfer experiments were performed with interleaved control spectra and carbon dioxide saturation spectra. Proton nuclear Overhauser effect pulses were used to increase signal to noise ratio; no proton decoupling was applied. Results showed that the 13C signal of bicarbonate was reduced by 72% ± 0.03 upon saturating carbon dioxide. The unidirectional dehydration rate constant of the carbonic anhydrase reaction was found to be 0.28 ± 0.02 sec−1 in the human brain. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of measuring carbonic anhydrase activity in vivo in the human brain, which makes it possible to characterize this important enzyme in patients with brain disorders.
Magnetization reversal in trilayer structures consisting of GaMnAs layers with opposite signs of anisotropic magnetoresistance
Authors: Lee Kyung Jae , Lee Sangyeop , Bac Seul-Ki , Choi Seonghoon , Lee Hakjoon , Chang Jihoon , Choi Suho , Chongthanaphisut Phunvira , Lee Sanghoon , Liu X. , Dobrowolska M. , Furdyna J. K.
Published: January 2018

Magnetization reversal in a GaMnAs trilayer system consisting of two GaMnAs layers separated by a Be-doped GaAs spacer was investigated by magnetotransport measurements. The rotation of magnetization in the two GaMnAs layers is observed as two abrupt independent transitions in planar Hall resistance (PHR). Interestingly, one GaMnAs layer manifests a positive change in PHR, while the other layer shows a negative change for the same rotation of magnetization. Such opposite behavior of the two layers indicates that anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) has opposite signs in the two GaMnAs layers. Owing to this opposite behavior of AMR, we are able to identify the sequence of magnetic alignments in the two GaMnAs layers during magnetization reversal. The PHR signal can then be decomposed into two independent contributions, which reveal that the magnetic anisotropy of the GaMnAs layer with negative AMR is predominantly cubic, while it is predominantly uniaxial in the layer with positive AMR. This investigation suggests the ability of engineering the sign of AMR in GaMnAs multilayers, thus making it possible to obtain structures with multi-valued PHR, that can be used as multinary magnetic memory devices.
The MRPS18-2 protein levels correlate with prostate tumor progression and it induces CXCR4-dependent migration of cancer cells
Authors: Mushtaq Muhammad , Jensen Lasse , Davidsson Sabina , Grygoruk Oleksandr V. , Andrén Ove , Kashuba Vladimir , Kashuba Elena
Published: January 2018

We have earlier found abnormal expression of the mitochondrial ribosomal protein S18-2 (MRPS18-2, S18-2) in endometrial cancer, compared to the expression in hyperplasia and in normal endometrium. Here we report that expression of S18-2 was increased with disease progression in clinical specimens of prostate cancer (PCa). The level of induction of epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) correlated with the expression level of S18-2 in PCa cell lines. Moreover, cells acquired increased ability of migration upon S18-2 overexpression, as was evaluated in zebrafish embryo model and in trans-well assay. We found that this is due to increased CXCR4 cell surface expression. Neutralizing CXCR4 protein or abrogating S18-2 expression in cells significantly reduced their migratory ability directed toward CXCL12. The mRNA expression of TWIST2, encoding one of transcription factors that induce EMT upon CXCR4 increase, positively correlated with the S18-2 protein level. Together, these data suggest that the S18-2 protein induces EMT through the TWIST2/E-cadherin signalling and, consequently, CXCR4-mediated migration of PCa cells.
Nonthermal plasma treated solution inhibits adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes via ER stress signal suppression
Authors: Kang Sung Un , Kim Haeng Jun , Kim Dae Ho , Han Chang Hak , Lee Yun Sang , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: January 2018

The accumulation and differentiation of adipocytes contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic diseases. It is well-known that interactions of transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are required for adipogenesis. Recently, use of nonthermal atmospheric plasma (NTP) is expanding from the biomedical field into various other fields. In this study, we investigated whether nonthermal plasma-treated solution (NTS) has an inhibitory effect on adipogenesis and elucidated its mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that NTS significantly inhibited pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes based on Oil Red O staining and triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, NTS treatment suppressed the mRNA and protein expression levels of key adipogenic transcription factors, and adipocyte-specific genes. NTS also down-regulated endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins. Consistent with in vitro studies, an animal study using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity showed that NTS treatment reduced body weight and fat, ER stress/UPR, triglyceride, and adipogenic marker level without altering food intake. These findings indicate that NTS inhibits adipogenic differentiation, and provide a mechanistic explanation of the inhibitory effect of NTS on adipogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that NTS might be useful to treat obesity and obesity-related diseases.
Identification of influenza polymerase inhibitors targeting C-terminal domain of PA through surface plasmon resonance screening
Authors: Lo Chun-Yeung , Li Olive Tin-Wai , Tang Wen-Ping , Hu Chun , Wang Guo Xin , Ngo Jacky Chi-Ki , Wan David Chi-Cheong , Poon Leo Lit-Man , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: January 2018

Currently, many strains of influenza A virus have developed resistance against anti-influenza drugs, and it is essential to find new chemicals to combat this virus. The influenza polymerase with three proteins, PA, PB1 and PB2, is a crucial component of the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Here, we report the identification of a hit compound 221 by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) direct binding screening on the C-terminal of PA (PAC). Compound 221 can subdue influenza RNP activities and attenuate influenza virus replication. Its analogs were subsequently investigated and twelve of them could attenuate RNP activities. One of the analogs, compound 312, impeded influenza A virus replication in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells with IC50 of 27.0 ± 16.8 μM. In vitro interaction assays showed that compound 312 bound directly to PAC with Kd of about 40 μM. Overall, the identification of novel PAC-targeting compounds provides new ground for drug design against influenza virus in the future.
The first identification of genomic loci in plants associated with resistance to galling insects: a case study in Eucalyptus L'Hér. (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Zhang Miaomiao , Zhou Changpin , Song Zhijiao , Weng Qijie , Li Mei , Ji Hongxia , Mo Xiaoyong , Huang Huanhua , Lu Wanhong , Luo Jianzhong , Li Fagen , Gan Siming
Published: January 2018

Genomic loci related with resistance to gall-inducing insects have not been identified in any plants. Here, association mapping was used to identify molecular markers for resistance to the gall wasp Leptocybe invasa in two Eucalyptus species. A total of 86 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers were screened out from 839 SSRs and used for association mapping in E. grandis. By applying the mixed linear model, seven markers were identified to be associated significantly (P ≤ 0.05) with the gall wasp resistance in E. grandis, including two validated with a correction of permutation test (P ≤ 0.008). The proportion of the variance in resistance explained by a significant marker ranged from 3.3% to 37.8%. Four out of the seven significant associations in E. grandis were verified and also validated (P ≤ 0.073 in a permutation test) in E. tereticornis, with the variation explained ranging from 24.3% to 48.5%. Favourable alleles with positive effect were also mined from the significant markers in both species. These results provide insight into the genetic control of gall wasp resistance in plants and have great potential for marker-assisted selection for resistance to L. invasa in the important tree genus Eucalyptus.
Correction: Corrigendum: Application of a novel phosphinothricin N-acetyltransferase (RePAT) gene in developing glufosinate-resistant rice
Authors: Cui Ying , Liu Ziduo , Li Yue , Zhou Fei , Chen Hao , Lin Yongjun
Published: January 2018

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 21259; published online: 16 February 2016; updated: 29 January 2018. This Article contains typographical errors. In Table 1, the ‘Yield per plant (g)’ for PAT11 (NE) “23.09 ± 0.92” should read “23.09 ± 8.11”. In the Methods section under subheading ‘PCR analysisof transgenic rice’,
Supramolecular protein cages constructed from a crystalline protein matrix
Authors: Negishi Hashiru , Abe Satoshi , Yamashita Keitaro , Hirata Kunio , Niwase Kento , Boudes Marion , Coulibaly Fasséli , Mori Hajime , Ueno Takafumi
Published: January 2018

Protein cages were constructed by cross-linking monomers in polyhedra crystals, followed by dissolution of the crystals.
Fluorescence enhancement mediated by high-index-faceted Pt nanocrystals: roles of crystal structures
Authors: Liu Shuo , Cao Shuo-Hui , Tian Na , Xiao Chi , Zhou Zhi-You , Chen Zhong , Li Yao-Qun , Sun Shi-Gang
Published: January 2018

High-index structures, especially step atoms, contribute in enhancing fluorescence signals.
High CO2 absorption by diamino protic ionic liquids using azolide anions
Authors: Oncsik Tamas , Vijayaraghavan R. , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: January 2018

Highly efficient low-viscosity protic ionic liquids with enhanced CO2 absorption capacities exhibiting more than 20% w/w uptake.
Compression of multidimensional NMR spectra allows a faster and more accurate analysis of complex samples
Authors: Puig-Castellví Francesc , Pérez Yolanda , Piña Benjamín , Tauler Romà , Alfonso Ignacio
Published: January 2018

A variable-filtering approach of multidimensional NMR spectral data is proposed. Filtered data keeps resonance information and original spectral resolution. The denoised data can be easily peak-picked and integrated, allowing a fast and accurate NMR analysis.
Fabrication of silicon-vacancy color centers in diamond films: tetramethylsilane as a new dopant source
Authors: Yang Bing , Li Junhao , Guo Liang , Huang Nan , Liu Lusheng , Zhai Zhaofeng , Long Wenjing , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2018

A diamond film featuring a structure of nano-crystals separated with (100) micro-grains displays a maximum in the PL intensity of SiV centers.
Emergent property of high hardness for C-rich ruthenium carbides: partial covalent Ru–Ru bonds
Authors: Xu Chunhong , Yu Hongyu , Kuo Bao , Ma Shuailing , Xiao Xuehui , Li Da , Duan Defang , Jin Xilian , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: January 2018

Three synthesis routes were proposed and three stable stoichiometric C-rich ruthenium carbides including a phase transition were obtained for the first time.
On the mechanism of rapid metal exchange between thiolate-protected gold and gold/silver clusters: a time-resolved in situ XAFS study
Authors: Zhang Bei , Safonova Olga V. , Pollitt Stephan , Salassa Giovanni , Sels Annelies , Kazan Rania , Wang Yuming , Rupprechter Günther , Barrabés Noelia , Bürgi Thomas
Published: January 2018

The fast metal exchange reaction between Au38 and AgxAu38−x nanoclusters has been studied by time resolved in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
Adsorption of amphiphilic graft copolymers in solvents selective for the grafts on a lyophobic surface: a coarse-grained simulation study
Authors: Posel Zbyšek , Svoboda Martin , Limpouchová Zuzana , Lísal Martin , Procházka Karel
Published: January 2018

The sorption of graft copolymers on surfaces attractive only for the backbone and its effect on the conformational behavior of adsorbed/desorbed chains in solvents good for the grafts and poor for the backbone was studied by coarse-grained computer simulations.
Theoretical kinetic study of the formic acid catalyzed Criegee intermediate isomerization: multistructural anharmonicity and atmospheric implications
Authors: Monge-Palacios M. , Rissanen Matti P. , Wang Zhandong , Sarathy S. Mani
Published: January 2018

We performed a theoretical study on the double hydrogen shift isomerization reaction of a six carbon atom Criegee intermediate (C6-CI), catalyzed by formic acid (HCOOH), to produce vinylhydroperoxide (VHP), C6-CI + HCOOH → VHP + HCOOH.
Silver cyanamide nanoparticles decorated ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysis
Authors: Jia Bingquan , Zhao Wei , Fan Linggang , Yin Guoheng , Cheng Yuan , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2018

Silver cyanamide nanoparticle decorated carbon nitride nanosheets are synthesized to build up a type-II semiconductor heterojunction for visible-light-driven photocatalysis.
Nickel(iii)-mediated oxidative cascades from a thiol-bearing nickel(ii) precursor to the nickel(iv) product
Authors: Chang Hao-Ching , Lin Sheng-Hsiang , Hsu Yu-Chen , Jen Shao-Wei , Lee Way-Zen
Published: January 2018

Triggered by deprotonation, a nickel(ii) complex, Ni(HPS2)2 (1) that contains two pendant thiols, is rapidly aerobically oxidized to a diamagnetic nickel(iv) complex, Ni(PS2)2 (2), through EPR-active nickel(iii) intermediates.
Spectroscopy as a tool to detect multinuclear Cu(ii)–triethanolamine complexes in aqueous solution
Authors: Lommens Petra , Tack Pieter , Vander Elst Luce , Van Driessche Isabel , Vincze Laszlo , Sinnaeve Davy
Published: January 2018

The Evans method, Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) and NMR relaxation dispersion (NMRD) spectroscopy were used to prove the existence of multimeric Cu(ii)–triethanolamine species in aqueous solutions.
Cascade covalent and coordination bond formation for Ti-based cage assembly: catalysis and coordination bifunctionality of TiCl4
Authors: Tong Jing , Xu Tingting , Liu Shengjun , Zhang Junxiang , Hou Xudong , Liu Bo
Published: January 2018

Ti-based cage of [Ti4O2L4Cl8] (L = 4-acetamidobenzoic acid) is synthesized by a one-pot solvothermal reaction of the 4-aminobenzoic acid, acetic acid and TiCl4. Ti(iv) ion functions as a Lewis acid catalyst and coordination sites to afford Ti-based cage formation in a cascade fashion.
A mechanistic model of fast pyrolysis of hemicellulose
Authors: Zhou Xiaowei , Li Wenjun , Mabon Ross , Broadbelt Linda J.
Published: January 2018

This work reports the first mechanistic model of fast pyrolysis of hemicellulose that describes detailed pathways of the decomposition of hemicellulose polymeric chains, the reactions of intermediates, and the formation of various experimentally observed products.
Preparation and characteristics of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-derived energetic ionic salts with nitrogen linkages
Authors: Pang Fuqing , Wang Guilong , Lu Tian , Fan Guijuan , Chen Fu-Xue
Published: January 2018

A new family of nitrogen-bridged energetic ionic salts were synthesized exhibiting good stabilities and low sensitivities.
Fabrication and enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance of a Cu3BiS3nanorods/TiO2heterojunction film
Authors: Li Jiajia , Han Xiuxun , Wang Min , Zhao Yun , Dong Chen
Published: January 2018

The dip-coating method was used to prepare a Cu3BiS3/TiO2heterojunction film, which exhibits a higher photoelectrochemical and electrocatalytic performance.
Efficient selection methods for black phosphorene nanoribbons
Authors: Wei Ning , Chen Yang , Zhang Yingyan , Zhou Chui , Hao Xiaoli , Xu Ke , Cai Kun , Chen Jige
Published: January 2018

Anisotropic bending stiffness of black phosphorene enables it easily to be folded, wrapped or scrolled along the armchair direction for efficient selection.
Plasma metabolic profiling analysis of Cortex Periplocae-induced cardiotoxicity based on UPLC/Q-TOF-MS
Authors: Li Yubo , Liu Chuanxin , Du Jun , Sheng Xue , Zhang Yanjun
Published: January 2018

The experimental design flow for screening the cardiotoxicity biomarkers induced by Cortex Periplocae.
Influence of reduced graphene oxide on the growth, structure and decomposition activity of white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Yang Hua , Feng Shicheng , Ma Qiang , Ming Zhu , Bai Yitong , Chen Lingyun , Yang Sheng-Tao
Published: January 2018

RGO stimulated the growth of white-rot fungus and did not influence its degradation activity.
Synthesis of water-degradable silica nanoparticles from carbamate-containing bridged silsesquioxane precursor
Authors: Gao Zhe , Hadipour Moghaddam Seyyed Pouya , Ghandehari Hamidreza , Zharov Ilya
Published: January 2018

We prepared novel water hydrolysable organosilica nanoparticles by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane with a bridged sorbitol-based silsesquioxane precursor containing carbamate linkages.
Stability, seepage and displacement characteristics of heterogeneous branched-preformed particle gels for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Li Jiangbo , Jiang Zuming , Wang Yi , Zheng Jing , Huang Guangsu
Published: January 2018

Inspired by the viscoelastic displacement theory and the advantages of preformed particle gels, we develop an innovative product called branched-preformed particle gel (B-PPG) for enhanced oil recovery.
Broadband visible luminescence in tin fluorophosphate glasses with ultra-low glass transition temperature
Authors: Wang Yajie , Yu Yue , Zou Ya , Zhang Liyan , Hu Lili , Chen Danping
Published: January 2018

White light is generated by appropriately altering the SnO/SnF2 molar ratios in the SnF2–SnO–P2O5 glass without active ions.
Water assisted atomic layer deposition of yttrium oxide using tris(N,N′-diisopropyl-2-dimethylamido-guanidinato) yttrium(iii): process development, film characterization and functional properties
Authors: Mai Lukas , Boysen Nils , Subaşı Ersoy , Arcos Teresa de los , Rogalla Detlef , Grundmeier Guido , Bock Claudia , Lu Hong-Liang , Devi Anjana
Published: January 2018

A new water assisted atomic layer deposition (ALD) process was developed using the yttrium tris-guanidinate precursor which resulted in device quality thin films.
Differentiating surface titanium chemical states of anatase TiO2 functionalized with various groups
Authors: Peng Yung-Kang , Chou Hung-Lung , Edman Tsang Shik Chi
Published: January 2018

The local electronic effects on surface Ti, caused by adsorbates on TiO2 facets, are probed experimentally (using probe-assisted NMR spectroscopy) and theoretically (using DFT).
Multicomponent mechanochemical synthesis
Authors: Leonardi Marco , Villacampa Mercedes , Menéndez J. Carlos
Published: January 2018

Multicomponent reactions promoted by mechanical energy are critically reviewed.
Effects of polymer–nanoparticle interactions on the viscosity of unentangled polymers under extreme nanoconfinement during capillary rise infiltration
Authors: Hor Jyo Lyn , Wang Haonan , Fakhraai Zahra , Lee Daeyeon
Published: January 2018

Extreme nanoconfinement increases polymer viscosity and glass transition temperature significantly, whereas polymer–nanoparticle interactions have little influence.
Metal–semiconductor yolk–shell heteronanostructures for plasmon-enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Lee Su-Un , Jung Hayoon , Wi Dae Han , Hong Jong Wook , Sung Jiha , Choi Sang-Il , Han Sang Woo
Published: January 2018

The controlled synthesis of metal–semiconductor yolk–shell heteronanostructures with high photocatalytic performance was achieved through a facile aqueous method.
Phosphorus induced crystallinity in carbon dots for solar light assisted seawater desalination
Authors: Pal Ayan , Natu Gayatri , Ahmad Kafeel , Chattopadhyay Arun
Published: January 2018

A highly ordered crystalline structure in carbon dots (Cdots) can substantially enhance the gamut of their applications in conversion, transfer and transport of energy; however, achievement of such crystallinity in a controlled manner has been elusive.
Turn-on fluorescence detection of protein by molecularly imprinted hydrogels based on supramolecular assembly of peptide multi-functional blocks
Authors: Battista Edmondo , Scognamiglio Pasqualina L. , Di Luise Nunzia , Raucci Umberto , Donati Greta , Rega Nadia , Netti Paolo A. , Causa Filippo
Published: January 2018

Supramolecular in-cavity target–peptide complex for self-reporting imprinted polymers.
Alkylated indacenodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene-based all donor ladder-type conjugated polymers for organic thin film transistors
Authors: Lu Rimei , Han Yang , Zhang Weimin , Zhu Xiuxiu , Fei Zhuping , Hodsden Thomas , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Heeney Martin
Published: January 2018

Three copolymers based alkylated indacenodithieno[3,2-b]thiophene (IDTT) are reported.
Determination of hexabromocyclododecane in soil by supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Xinlei , Zhang Xu , Wang Zhifeng , Chen Yuedong , Li Xinxin , Cui Zhaojie
Published: January 2018

Effective detection of hexabromocyclododecane using an innovative method combined with supercritical fluid extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry was established.
Flexibility of components alters the self-assembly pathway of Pd2L4 coordination cages
Authors: Kai Shumpei , Maddala Sai Prakash , Kojima Tatsuo , Akagi Shota , Harano Koji , Nakamura Eiichi , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: January 2018

The self-assembly of a Pd2L4 cage from flexible ditopic ligands and Pd(ii) ions takes place through the transient formation of submicrometre-sized sheet structures.
Unusual solvent polarity dependent excitation relaxation dynamics of a bis[p-ethynyldithiobenzoato]Pd-linked bis[(porphinato)zinc] complex
Authors: Park Jaehong , Park Tae-Hong , Sinks Louise E. , Deria Pravas , Park Jiyong , Baik Mu-Hyun , Therien Michael J.
Published: January 2018

A porphyrin dimer linked by a Pd(ii)-based linker displays unusual excited-state dynamics where solvent polarity steers singlet and triplet decay-channel population.
Intercalation pseudocapacitance of expanded graphite in sodium‐ion capacitors
Authors: Zhang Zhendong , Zhao Jiachang , Guo Chaofei , Xu Jingli
Published: January 2018

The intercalation pseudocapacitance of expanded graphite (EG) which was prepared by a process of oxidation and partial reduction on pristine graphite was investigated in this work. The structure of EG was characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), and the electrochemical performance of EG was measured by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The interlayer distance of EG is enlarged from 0.34 to 0.40 nm, which is demonstrated by XRD and HRTEM. EG electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 228 F/g at current density of 0.5 A/g. Moreover, the material shows excellent cycle stability after 2000 charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 1 A/g. EG could be a very promising material for the supercapacitors industry.
Well-defined EUV wave associated with a CME-driven shock
Authors: Cunha-Silva R. D. , Selhorst C. L. , Fernandes F. C. R. , Oliveira e Silva A. J.
Published: January 2018

Aims. We report on a well-defined EUV wave observed by the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) on board the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The event was accompanied by a shock wave driven by a halo CME observed by the Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO-C2/C3) on board the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), as evidenced by the occurrence of type II bursts in the metric and dekameter-hectometric wavelength ranges. We investigated the kinematics of the EUV wave front and the radio source with the purpose of verifying the association between the EUV wave and the shock wave.

Methods. The EUV wave fronts were determined from the SDO/AIA images by means of two appropriate directions (slices). The heights (radial propagation) of the EUV wave observed by STEREO/EUVI and of the radio source associated with the shock wave were compared considering the whole bandwidth of the harmonic lane of the radio emission, whereas the speed of the shock was estimated using the lowest frequencies of the harmonic lane associated with the undisturbed corona, using an appropriate multiple of the Newkirk (1961, ApJ, 133, 983) density model and taking into account the H/F frequency ratio fH∕fF = 2. The speed of the radio source associated with the interplanetary shock was determined using the Mann et al. (1999, A&A, 348, 614) density model.

Results. The EUV wave fronts determined from the SDO/AIA images revealed the coexistence of two types of EUV waves, a fast one with a speed of ~560 km s−1, and a slower one with a speed of ~250 km s−1, which corresponds approximately to one-third of the average speed of the radio source (~680 km s−1). The radio signature of the interplanetary shock revealed an almost constant speed of ~930 km s−1, consistent with the linear speed of the halo CME (950 km s−1) and with the values found for the accelerating coronal shock (~535–823 km s−1), taking into account the gap between the radio emissions.
A matched filter approach for blind joint detection of galaxy clusters in X-ray and SZ surveys
Authors: Tarrío P. , Melin J.-B. , Arnaud M.
Published: January 2018

The combination of X-ray and Sunyaev–Zeldovich (SZ) observations can potentially improve the cluster detection efficiency, when compared to using only one of these probes, since both probe the same medium, the hot ionized gas of the intra-cluster medium. We present a method based on matched multifrequency filters (MMF) for detecting galaxy clusters from SZ and X-ray surveys. This method builds on a previously proposed joint X-ray–SZ extraction method and allows the blind detection of clusters, that is finding new clusters without knowing their position, size, or redshift, by searching on SZ and X-ray maps simultaneously. The proposed method is tested using data from the ROSAT all-sky survey and from the Planck survey. The evaluation is done by comparison with existing cluster catalogues in the area of the sky covered by the deep SPT survey. Thanks to the addition of the X-ray information, the joint detection method is able to achieve simultaneously better purity, better detection efficiency, and better position accuracy than its predecessor Planck MMF, which is based on SZ maps alone. For a purity of 85%, the X-ray–SZ method detects 141 confirmed clusters in the SPT region; to detect the same number of confirmed clusters with Planck MMF, we would need to decrease its purity to 70%. We provide a catalogue of 225 sources selected by the proposed method in the SPT footprint, with masses ranging between 0.7 and 14.5 ×1014 M⊙ and redshifts between 0.01 and 1.2.
Effective temperatures of red giants in the APOKASC catalogue and the mixing length calibration in stellar models
Authors: Salaris M. , Cassisi S. , Schiavon R. P. , Pietrinferni A.
Published: January 2018

Red giants in the updated APOGEE-Kepler catalogue, with estimates of mass, chemical composition, surface gravity and effective temperature, have recently challenged stellar models computed under the standard assumption of solar calibrated mixing length. In this work, we critically reanalyse this sample of red giants, adopting our own stellar model calculations. Contrary to previous results, we find that the disagreement between the Teff scale of red giants and models with solar calibrated mixing length disappears when considering our models and the APOGEE-Kepler stars with scaled solar metal distribution. However, a discrepancy shows up when α-enhanced stars are included in the sample. We have found that assuming mass, chemical composition and effective temperature scale of the APOGEE-Kepler catalogue, stellar models generally underpredict the change of temperature of red giants caused by α-element enhancements at fixed [Fe/H]. A second important conclusion is that the choice of the outer boundary conditions employed in model calculations is critical. Effective temperature differences (metallicity dependent) between models with solar calibrated mixing length and observations appear for some choices of the boundary conditions, but this is not a general result.
Towards a reflective care in Education The ambivalence of professional caring masculinities in a Swedish Edu-care context
Authors: Hellman Anette
Published: January 2018

In the past decade, dominant global discourses about individuality and competence have become evident in pedagogy policy and practice [1]. Although traditional ways in Sweden of understanding ‘Educare’ (A holistic model of education and care) may still exist, Sweden, as several other western countries, have seen a shift towards a more performative culture where the concept of education tends to be related to traditional school subjects – such as the learning of language or mathematics [2,3]. Research has problematized the way care has become blurred and marginalized in relation to learning in educational settings and policy documents. It has also been argued that we need to analyze care as a reflective practice and learn more about how theories of care could be implemented [4]. The purpose of this paper is to explore notions about care and gender in contemporary Sweden and the concept I in this paper suggest for this discussion is reflective educational care [4].