bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallisation of the amorphous ices in the intermediate pressure regime
Authors: Stern J. , Loerting T.
Published: June 2017

The crystallisation behaviour of very high-density amorphous ice (VHDA) and unannealed high-density amorphous ice (uHDA) has been studied in situ by volumetry and ex situ by powder x-ray diffraction in the intermediate pressure range 0.7–1.8 GPa employing different heating rates (0.5, 5 and 30 K min−1). This study shows that at pressures >1 GPa the crystallisation behaviour of VHDA and uHDA is basically the same for all heating rates. That is, parallel crystallisation is almost entirely suppressed with mainly ice XII forming. This contrasts former results reporting parallel crystallisation to approximately levelled phase mixtures of ice IV and ice XII even at higher pressures for uHDA. We speculate this to be due to formation of microcracks upon decompression in earlier works, but not in the present one. Crystallisation temperatures T
x
are up to 16 K higher than previously reported, raising the low-temperature border to no man’s land and opening a considerably larger window for future studies on non-crystalline water. The results indicate uHDA to contain heterogeneities on the nanoscale, but VHDA to be rather homogeneous with nano-crystallites being largely absent. Upon transforming uHDA to VHDA, the nano-scale heterogeneities disappear for >1 GPa whereas microcracks do not.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Nanoparticles on Skin Allergy
Authors: Jatana Samreen , Palmer Brian C. , Phelan Sarah J. , DeLouise Lisa A.
Published: June 2017

In recent years there has been considerable effort to understand the interaction of nanomaterials with the skin. In this study we use an in vivo mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis to investigate how nanoparticles (NPs) may alter allergic responses in skin. We investigate a variety of NPs that vary in size, charge and composition. Results show that small (<200 nm) negative and neutral charged NPs exhibit an immunosuppressive effect but that positively charged NPs do not. Confocal imaging suggests positively charged NPs may penetrate skin to a lesser extent and thereby are less able interact with and alter the local immune responses. Interestingly, negatively charged silica (20 nm) NPs suppress allergic response to two chemically distinct sensitizers; 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene and 2-deoxyurushiol. Skin wiping and NP application time studies suggest that the immunomodulatory mechanism is not due solely to the blocking of sensitizer adduct formation in skin. Results suggest that NPs modulate early immune events that impact mast cell degranulation. Our study shows for the first time the potential to modulate the elicitation phase of the allergic response which depends on the NP charge and composition. These finding can be used to inform the design topical therapeutics to mitigate allergic responses in skin.
Tandem malonate-based glucosides (TMGs) for membrane protein structural studies
Authors: Hussain Hazrat , Mortensen Jonas S. , Du Yang , Santillan Claudia , Ribeiro Orquidea , Go Juyeon , Hariharan Parameswaran , Loland Claus J. , Guan Lan , Kobilka Brian K. , Byrne Bernadette , Chae Pil Seok
Published: June 2017

High-resolution membrane protein structures are essential for understanding the molecular basis of diverse biological events and important in drug development. Detergents are usually used to extract these bio-macromolecules from the membranes and maintain them in a soluble and stable state in aqueous solutions for downstream characterization. However, many eukaryotic membrane proteins solubilized in conventional detergents tend to undergo structural degradation, necessitating the development of new amphiphilic agents with enhanced properties. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel class of glucoside amphiphiles, designated tandem malonate-based glucosides (TMGs). A few TMG agents proved effective at both stabilizing a range of membrane proteins and extracting proteins from the membrane environment. These favourable characteristics, along with synthetic convenience, indicate that these agents have potential in membrane protein research.
Distinct Levels of Reactive Oxygen Species Coordinate Metabolic Activity with Beta-cell Mass Plasticity
Authors: Ahmed Alfar Ezzaldin , Kirova Dilyana , Konantz Judith , Birke Sarah , Mansfeld Jörg , Ninov Nikolay
Published: June 2017

The pancreatic beta-cells control glucose homeostasis by secreting insulin in response to nutrient intake. The number of beta-cells is under tight metabolic control, as this number increases with higher nutrient intake. However, the signaling pathways matching nutrition with beta-cell mass plasticity remain poorly defined. By applying pharmacological and genetic manipulations, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate dose-dependently beta-cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. In particular, reducing ROS levels in beta-cells blocks their proliferation in response to nutrients. Using a non-invasive genetic sensor of intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), we reveal that glucose can directly increase the levels of H2O2. Furthermore, a moderate increase in H2O2 levels can stimulate beta-cell proliferation. Interestingly, while high H2O2 levels are inhibitory to beta-cell proliferation, they expand beta-cell mass in vivo by inducing rapid beta-cell neogenesis. Our study thus reveals a ROS-level-dependent mechanism linking nutrients with beta-cell mass plasticity. Hence, given the requirement of ROS for beta-cell mass expansion, antioxidant therapies should be applied with caution in diabetes.
Semi-rational engineering of a thermostable aldo–keto reductase from Thermotoga maritima for synthesis of enantiopure ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate (EHPB)
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Zhou Shuo , Zhang Shuangling , Zhang Sa , Zhu Fangmeng , Jin Xiaolu , Chen Zhenming , Xu Xiaoling
Published: June 2017

A novel aldo-keto reductase Tm1743 characterized from Thermotoga maritima was explored as an effective biocatalyst in chiral alcohol production. Natural Tm1743 catalyzes asymmetric reduction of ethyl 2-oxo-4-phenylbutyrate (EOPB) at high efficiency, but the production of, ethyl (S)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate ((S)-EHPB), which is less desirable, is preferred with an enantiomeric excess (ee) value of 76.5%. Thus, altering the enantioselectivity of Tm1743 to obtain the more valuable product (R)-EHPB for angiotensin drug synthesis is highly desired. In this work, we determined the crystal structure of Tm1743 in complex with its cofactor NADP+ at 2.0 Å resolution, and investigated the enantioselectivity of Tm1743 through semi-rational enzyme design. Molecular simulations based on the crystal structure obtained two binding models representing the pro-S and pro-R conformations of EOPB. Saturation mutagenesis studies revealed that Trp21 and Trp86 play important roles in determining the enantioselectivity of Tm1743. The best (R)- and (S)-EHPB preferring Tm1743 mutants, denoted as W21S/W86E and W21L/W118H, were identified; their ee values are 99.4% and 99.6% and the catalytic efficiencies are 0.81 and 0.12 mM−1s−1, respectively. Our work presents an efficient strategy to improve the enantioselectivity of a natural biocatalyst, which will serve as a guide for further exploration of new green catalysts for asymmetric reactions.
The application of ultrasound in detecting lymph nodal recurrence in the treated neck of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Lin Chi-Maw , Wang Cheng-Ping , Chen Chun-Nan , Lin Che-Yi , Li Ting-Yi , Chou Chen-Han , Hsu Ya-Ching , Kuo Po-Yen , Yang Tsung-Lin , Lou Pei-Jen , Ko Jenq-Yuh , Chen Tseng-Cheng
Published: June 2017

Early detection of neck lymph node (LN) recurrence is paramount in improving the prognosis of treated head and neck cancer patients. Ultrasound (US) with US-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) have been shown to have great accuracy for LN diagnoses in the untreated neck. However, in the treated neck with fibrosis, their roles are not clarified. Here, we retrospectively review 153 treated head and neck cancer patients who had received US and US-guided FNA/CNB. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, size (short-axis diameter >0.8 cm) (odds ratio (OR) 4.19, P = 0.007), round shape (short/long axis ratio >0.5) (OR 3.44, P = 0.03), heterogeneous internal echo (OR 3.92, P = 0.009) and irregular margin (OR 7.32, P < 0.001) are effective US features in predicting recurrent LNs in the treated neck. However, hypoechogenicity (OR 2.38, P = 0.289) and chaotic/absent vascular pattern (OR 3.04, P = 0.33) are ineffective. US-guided FNA (sensitivity/specificity: 95.24%/97.92%) is effective in the treated neck, though with high non-diagnostic rate (29.69%). US-guided CNB (sensitivity/specificity: 84.62%/100%) is also effective, though with low negative predictive value (62.5%). Overall, US with US-guided FNA/CNB are still effective diagnostic tools for neck nodal recurrence surveillance.
The crystal structure of human Rogdi provides insight into the causes of Kohlschutter-Tönz Syndrome
Authors: Lee Hakbong , Jeong Hanbin , Choe Joonho , Jun Youngsoo , Lim Chunghun , Lee Changwook
Published: June 2017

Kohlschutter-Tönz syndrome (KTS) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder of childhood onset characterized by global developmental delay, spasticity, epilepsy, and amelogenesis imperfecta. Rogdi, an essential protein, is highly conserved across metazoans, and mutations in Rogdi are linked to KTS. However, how certain mutations in Rogdi abolish its physiological functions and cause KTS is not known. In this study, we determined the crystal structure of human Rogdi protein at atomic resolution. Rogdi forms a novel elongated curved structure comprising the α domain, a leucine-zipper-like four-helix bundle, and a characteristic β-sheet domain. Within the α domain, the N-terminal H1 helix (residues 19–45) pairs with the C-terminal H6 helix (residues 252–287) in an antiparallel manner, indicating that the integrity of the four-helix bundle requires both N- and C-terminal residues. The crystal structure, in conjunction with biochemical data, indicates that the α domain might undergo a conformational change and provide a structural platform for protein–protein interactions. Disruption of the four-helix bundle by mutation results in significant destabilization of the structure. This study provides structural insights into how certain mutations in Rogdi affect its structure and cause KTS, which has important implications for the development of pharmaceutical agents against this debilitating neurological disease.
Brilliant X-rays using a Two-Stage Plasma Insertion Device
Authors: Holloway J. A. , Norreys P. A. , Thomas A. G. R. , Bartolini R. , Bingham R. , Nydell J. , Trines R. M. G. M. , Walker R. , Wing M.
Published: June 2017

Particle accelerators have made an enormous impact in all fields of natural sciences, from elementary particle physics, to the imaging of proteins and the development of new pharmaceuticals. Modern light sources have advanced many fields by providing extraordinarily bright, short X-ray pulses. Here we present a novel numerical study, demonstrating that existing third generation light sources can significantly enhance the brightness and photon energy of their X-ray pulses by undulating their beams within plasma wakefields. This study shows that a three order of magnitude increase in X-ray brightness and over an order of magnitude increase in X-ray photon energy is achieved by passing a 3 GeV electron beam through a two-stage plasma insertion device. The production mechanism micro-bunches the electron beam and ensures the pulses are radially polarised on creation. We also demonstrate that the micro-bunched electron beam is itself an effective wakefield driver that can potentially accelerate a witness electron beam up to 6 GeV.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals Novel Targets of miR-21 in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Wu Ying , Lou Qi-Yong , Ge Feng , Xiong Qian
Published: June 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs which control gene expression by the suppression of translation or the degradation of mRNAs. Dre-miR-21 (miR-21) has been reported to impact cardiac valvulogenesis in zebrafish embryos. However, the target genes of miR-21 are still largely unknown. Here a tandem isobaric mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomic strategy was employed to identify the global profile of miR-21-regulated proteins. A total of 251 proteins were dysregulated after miR-21 knockdown, suggesting that they may be regulated by miR-21. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that these differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) participate in various biological processes, suggesting that miR-21 may be involved in diverse cellular pathways. Sixteen DEPs were also predicted to be miR-21 targets by at least two algorithms, and several candidate target genes were selected for further luciferase reporter analysis. The results showed that genes encoding tropomyosin 1 (tpm1) and poly(rC) binding protein 2 (pcbp2) are direct miR-21 targets. Taken together, our results not only reveal a large number of novel miR-21 regulated proteins that possess pleiotropic functions, but also provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of miR-21 regulation of zebrafish cardiac valvulogenesis and embryonic development.
Emergent stochastic oscillations and signal detection in tree networks of excitable elements
Authors: Kromer Justus , Khaledi-Nasab Ali , Schimansky-Geier Lutz , Neiman Alexander B.
Published: June 2017

We study the stochastic dynamics of strongly-coupled excitable elements on a tree network. The peripheral nodes receive independent random inputs which may induce large spiking events propagating through the branches of the tree and leading to global coherent oscillations in the network. This scenario may be relevant to action potential generation in certain sensory neurons, which possess myelinated distal dendritic tree-like arbors with excitable nodes of Ranvier at peripheral and branching nodes and exhibit noisy periodic sequences of action potentials. We focus on the spiking statistics of the central node, which fires in response to a noisy input at peripheral nodes. We show that, in the strong coupling regime, relevant to myelinated dendritic trees, the spike train statistics can be predicted from an isolated excitable element with rescaled parameters according to the network topology. Furthermore, we show that by varying the network topology the spike train statistics of the central node can be tuned to have a certain firing rate and variability, or to allow for an optimal discrimination of inputs applied at the peripheral nodes.
Tracking protein function with sodium multi quantum spectroscopy in a 3D-tissue culture based on microcavity arrays
Authors: Neubauer Andreas , Nies Cordula , Schepkin Victor D. , Hu Ruomin , Malzacher Matthias , Chacón-Caldera Jorge , Thiele David , Gottwald Eric , Schad Lothar R.
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of strophanthin induced inhibition of the Na-/K-ATPase in liver cells using a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible bioreactor. A microcavity array with a high density three-dimensional cell culture served as a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phantom for sodium multi quantum (MQ) spectroscopy. Direct contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI revealed the homogenous distribution of biochemical substances inside the bioreactor. NMR experiments using advanced bioreactors have advantages with respect to having full control over a variety of physiological parameters such as temperature, gas composition and fluid flow. Simultaneous detection of single quantum (SQ) and triple quantum (TQ) MR signals improves accuracy and was achieved by application of a pulse sequence with a time proportional phase increment (TQTPPI). The time course of the Na-/K-ATPase inhibition in the cell culture was demonstrated by the corresponding alterations of sodium TQ/SQ MR signals.
Pupil response hazard rates predict perceived gaze durations
Authors: Binetti Nicola , Harrison Charlotte , Mareschal Isabelle , Johnston Alan
Published: June 2017

We investigated the mechanisms for evaluating perceived gaze-shift duration. Timing relies on the accumulation of endogenous physiological signals. Here we focused on arousal, measured through pupil dilation, as a candidate timing signal. Participants timed gaze-shifts performed by face stimuli in a Standard/Probe comparison task. Pupil responses were binned according to “Longer/Shorter” judgements in trials where Standard and Probe were identical. This ensured that pupil responses reflected endogenous arousal fluctuations opposed to differences in stimulus content. We found that pupil hazard rates predicted the classification of sub-second intervals (steeper dilation = “Longer” classifications). This shows that the accumulation of endogenous arousal signals informs gaze-shift timing judgements. We also found that participants relied exclusively on the 2nd stimulus to perform the classification, providing insights into timing strategies under conditions of maximum uncertainty. We observed no dissociation in pupil responses when timing equivalent neutral spatial displacements, indicating that a stimulus-dependent timer exploits arousal to time gaze-shifts.
Determination of Crucial Immunogenic Epitopes in Major Peanut Allergy Protein, Ara h2, via Novel Nanoallergen Platform
Authors: Deak Peter E. , Vrabel Maura R. , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Bilgicer Basar
Published: June 2017

Current methods for detection and diagnosis of allergies do not provide epitope specific immunogenic information and hence lack critical information that could aid in the prediction of clinical responses. To address this issue, we developed a nanoparticle based platform, called nanoallergens that enable multivalent display of potential allergy epitopes for determining the immunogenicity of each IgE binding epitope. By synthesizing nanoallergens that present various epitopes from the major peanut allergen, Ara h2, we directly determined the immunogenicity of each epitope, alone and in combination with other epitopes, using patient sera. This information provided insights on which epitopes are most critical for physiological responses to Ara h2 and revealed the importance of both high and low affinity epitopes for allergic responses. We anticipate the nanoallergen platform to be used to provide information regarding allergic reactions and therefore potentially aid in more accurate diagnosis and design of personalized treatment options.
Hard X-rays as pump and probe of atomic motion in oxide glasses
Authors: Ruta B. , Zontone F. , Chushkin Y. , Baldi G. , Pintori G. , Monaco G. , Rufflé B. , Kob W.
Published: June 2017

Nowadays powerful X-ray sources like synchrotrons and free-electron lasers are considered as ultimate tools for probing microscopic properties in materials. However, the correct interpretation of such experiments requires a good understanding on how the beam affects the properties of the sample, knowledge that is currently lacking for intense X-rays. Here we use X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy to probe static and dynamic properties of oxide and metallic glasses. We find that although the structure does not depend on the flux, strong fluxes do induce a non-trivial microscopic motion in oxide glasses, whereas no such dependence is found for metallic glasses. These results show that high fluxes can alter dynamical properties in hard materials, an effect that needs to be considered in the analysis of X-ray data but which also gives novel possibilities to study materials properties since the beam can not only be used to probe the dynamics but also to pump it.
Clinical Significance and Next-Generation Sequencing of Chinese Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Dan , Zhao Qingchun , Ren Dian , Ren Fan , Chen Gang , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun
Published: June 2017

Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma (PSC) constitutes a heterogeneous group of non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) with a poor prognosis. In this study, a group of 7 patients with PSC was studied. Microscope analysis of all 7 cases revealed a pleomorphic carcinoma subtype. Moreover, 5 cases (71.4%) were composed entirely of malignant sarcomatoid-like elements, and 2 cases (28.6%) were composed of malignant sarcomatoid-like elements and at least 10% adenocarcinoma-like elements. Immunohistochemically, the PSC components of all 7 cases were positive for vimentin and cytokeratins, including cytokeratin (CK) and cytokeratin 7 (CK7). Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed, and a total of 136 putative somatic variants and one gene fusion were identified, of which 16 variants were considered hot spot mutations, including the genes EGFR, EML4-ALK, MET, BRAF, PIK3CA, and TP53. Of these hot spot mutations, one sample expressing an EML4-ALK fusion was further confirmed by Ventana IHC, and one sample containing an EGFR exon 19 deletion was also confirmed. The NGS results imply that TP53 mutations occur often in PSCs and that EML4-ALK fusion events and EGFR exon deletions also occur in these rare tumors. Molecular targeted therapy may be a useful treatment strategy for these rare lung tumors.
Ternary Resistance Switching Memory Behavior Based on Graphene Oxide Embedded in a Polystyrene Polymer Layer
Authors: Sun Yanmei , Wen Dianzhong , Bai Xuduo , Lu Junguo , Ai Chunpeng
Published: June 2017

Nonvolatile ternary memory devices were fabricated using the composite of polystyrene (PS) and graphene oxide(GO) as active layers, which have an reliable intermediate state. The current-voltage (I-V) curves of the indium tin oxide (ITO)/PS+GO/Al device under the external applied voltages exhibited current tri-stability with three conductivity states, which clearly revealed ternary memory performance. Under the stimulus of the external voltage, a stable intermediate conductivity state was observed. In the write-read-erase-read test, the ITO/PS+GO/Al device exhibited rewritable, nonvolatile, ternary memory properties. The resistance as functions of the time indicated that three conductivity states held for 2 × 105 s, suggesting that the good stability of the ITO/PS+GO/Al devices. HRTEM and XPS observation indicated that the Al top electrode reacted with oxygen within in GO.
Synergistic effects of various Her inhibitors in combination with IGF-1R, C-MET and Src targeting agents in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Stanley Aryan , Ashrafi G. Hossein , Seddon Alan M. , Modjtahedi Helmout
Published: June 2017

Overexpression of HER2 has been reported in around 25% of human breast cancers. Despite recent advances in HER2 targeted therapy, many patients still experience primary and secondary resistance to such treatments, the mechanisms for which are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the sensitivity of a panel of breast cancer cell lines to treatment with various types of HER-family inhibitors alone or in combination with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors or chemotherapeutic agents. We found that treatment with the second-generation irreversible HER-family inhibitors, particularly afatinib and neratinib, were more effective than treatment with the first-generation reversible inhibitors in inhibiting growth, migration and downstream cell signalling in breast cancer cells. Of the three HER2 overexpressing cell lines in this panel, SKBr3 and BT474 were highly sensitive to treatment with HER-family inhibitors, while MDA-MB-453 was comparatively resistant. Combinations of HER-family inhibitors with NVP-AEW541, dasatinib or crizotinib (inhibitors of IGF-1R, Src and c-Met/ALK, respectively) led to synergistic effects in some of the cell lines examined. In particular, treatment with a combination of Src and HER-family member inhibitors resulted in synergistic growth inhibition of MDA-MB453 cells, implicating Src as a mediator of resistance to HER2-targeting agents. Our results suggest that combining HER-family inhibitors with other TKIs such as dasatinib may have therapeutic advantages in certain breast cancer subtypes and warrants further investigation.
A novel and effective method to generate human porcine-specific regulatory T cells with high expression of IL-10, TGF-β1 and IL-35
Authors: Li Mingqian , Eckl Judith , Geiger Christiane , Schendel Dolores J. , Pohla Heike
Published: June 2017

Organ transplantation remains the most effective treatment for patients with late stage organ failure. Transgenic pigs provide an alternative organ donor source to the limited availability of human organs. However, cellular rejection still remains to be the obstacle for xenotransplantation. Superior to other methods, antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) alleviate cellular rejection with fewer side effects. Here we demonstrate the use of a fast method to provide tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) that can be used to generate effective porcine-specific Treg cells (PSTreg). TolDC were produced within three days from human monocytes in medium supplemented with anti-inflammatory cytokines. Treg were generated from naïve CD4+ T cells and induced to become PSTreg by cocultivation with porcine-antigen-loaded tolDC. Results showed that PSTreg exhibited the expected phenotype, CD4+CD25+CD127low/− Foxp3+, and a more activated phenotype. The specificity of PSTreg was demonstrated by suppression of effector T cell (Teff) activation markers of different stages and inhibition of Teff cell proliferation. TolDC and PSTreg exhibited high expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 at both protein and RNA levels, and PSTreg also highly expressed IL-35 at RNA levels. Upon restimulation, PSTreg retained the activated phenotype and specificity. Taken together, the newly developed procedure allows efficient generation of highly suppressive PSTreg.
A sacrificial layer strategy for photolithography on highly hydrophobic surface and its application for electrowetting devices
Authors: Zhang Han , Yan Qiuping , Xu Qingyu , Xiao Changshi , Liang Xuelei
Published: June 2017

Patterning micro-structures on highly hydrophobic surface by photolithography is usually inevitable for fabricating devices based on electrowetting effects. The key challenges for such photolithography processes are how to coat photoresist uniformly and maintain the hydrophobicity of the highly hydrophobic surface, which are usually two contradict aspects. Moreover, the patterned microstructure must adhere to the highly hydrophobic surface excellently, which is critical for device application. However, a simple and robust fabrication process that fulfills all the above requirements was seldom reported. In this paper, we developed a sacrificial layer photolithography strategy on highly hydrophobic surface. Photoresist is easily coated uniformly all over the substrate by introducing a sacrificial layer between the photoresist and the highly hydrophobic surface. The hydrophobicity of the exposed hydrophobic surface was maintained and the adhesion of the microstructures to the substrate is excellent. An electrowetting display sample was demonstrated by this fabrication strategy, which showed dynamic image displaying with response time less than 40 ms. The strategy is applicable to both rigid and flexible substrate and manufacturing compatible. We believe our developed photolithography process is important for research and development of devices based on electrowetting effect.
Mummified Oligocene fruits of Schima (Theaceae) and their systematic and biogeographic implications
Authors: Shi Xiang-Gang , Fu Qiong-Yao , Jin Jian-Hua , Quan Cheng
Published: June 2017

The genus Schima includes about 20 species and is distributed only in southern China and adjacent areas of Asia. The previous molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested Schima is in the tribe Gordoniae, along with Gordonia and Franklinia. However, because few fossils have been reported, the biogeographic origin of Schima is still poorly known. In this paper mummified fossil fruits of Schima are described from the upper Oligocene Yongning Formation of the Nanning Basin, Guangxi, South China. In gross morphology, the new fossil species, Schima kwangsiensis, is similar to the extant S. superba by its pentacarpellate, loculicidally dehiscent capsules, 5 imbricate sepals, pedicels with bracteoles and marginally winged seeds. Due to its excellent preservation, the new species may provide sufficient details for understanding the early evolutionary and phytogeographic history of the genus. Morphological clustering analysis shows that the new fossil species is closely related to two extant species (S. wallichii and S. superba) in the genus, implying that they may belong to an ancient taxon that occurs earlier than the others. More importantly, this discovery represents the earliest record of this genus in Asia and it explicitly moves the fossil record back to the late Oligocene in this region.
Colorimetric detection of magnesium (II) ions using tryptophan functionalized gold nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Dae-Young , Shinde Surendra , Ghodake Gajanan
Published: June 2017

The functional nanoparticles with specific molecular probe appear to be a promising approach for developing colorimetric nanosensor. In this work, we have synthesized tryptophan capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and used to establish colorimetric detection of magnesium (Mg2+). The colorimetric response of the AuNPs toward Mg2+ was noticed with naked eyes, and spectral changes were monitored by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The detection response was rapid (less than 1 min), with a detection limit (LOD) about 0.2 µmol L−1. The proposed nanoprobe shows characteristic red-shift of the AuNPs at 620 nm and high selectivity for Mg2+ due to the binding affinity of the tryptophan with Mg2+. The real-time response of the UV-Vis spectrum was monitored at three different concentrations of Mg2+ (0.45, 0.50, and 0.55 µmol L−1). The AuNPs probe was suitable to provide a molecular platform for selective coordination with Mg2+ over Ca2+ ions, thus it could be facile to establish a practically viable sensing system. Furthermore, experimental results were confirmed to exhibit excellent linear curve for urine and serum samples spiked with Mg2+. Thus, this nanosensor is practically useful for the detection of Mg2+, without using expensive instruments, enzymes and/or DNA molecules.
Key driving forces of desertification in the Mu Us Desert, China
Authors: Wang Xunming , Cheng Hong , Li Hui , Lou Junpeng , Hua Ting , Liu Wenbin , Jiao Linlin , Ma Wenyong , Li Danfeng , Zhu Bingqi
Published: June 2017

The temporal trends and key driving forces of desertification in the Mu Us Desert are representatives of most arid regions of Asia with a high risk of desertification. We analyzed the significance of Aeolian transport on desertification in the Mu Us Desert by field investigations, sampling, wind tunnel experiments, particle size and nutrient measurements, and statistics on aeolian transport potentials. The results showed that high intensities of aeolian processes may result in low differences in aeolian transport despite differences in the underlying sediments. When high desertification occurred in the 1970s, the annual losses of the ammonium N, nitrate N, available K, and available P were approximately 116, 312, 46,436, and 1,251 kg km−2, respectively. After 2010, the losses were only 8, 20, 3,208, and 84 kg km−2, which were generally only 6.7% of those in the 1970s. The results showed that although human activity may trigger desertification, the dramatic decline of aeolian transport and low nutrient loss may be the key driving forces for the occurrence of rehabilitation in this region.
Wnt2b attenuates HSCs activation and liver fibrosis through negative regulating TLR4 signaling
Authors: Yuan Yi , Han Qiuju , Li Siyu , Tian Zhigang , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2017

The Wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 2b (Wnt2b) has been found to be a principal mediator of liver development and regeneration. However, the significance of Wnt2b in the pathogenesis of fibrosis-related liver diseases remains undefined. Here, we report that Wnt2b was highly expressed in the fibrotic liver tissues, exhibiting protective effects against activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and fibrosis progression. We identified a negative regulation of Wnt2b on the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation-mediated pro-fibrogenic effects. Wnt2b was shown not only to directly suppress LPS-induced HSCs activation, but also to inhibit TLR4-enhanced the sensitivity of HSCs to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Mechanistic study showed that Wnt2b suppresses TLR4 signaling through inhibiting the expression of TLR4 as well as the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs. These findings provided new insights into the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis by characterizing Wnt2b as a novel endogenous suppressor of TLR4 signaling, maintaining tissue homeostasis during the early stage of hepatic fibrosis-associated liver diseases.
Epidural Dexmedetomidine Reduces the Requirement of Propofol during Total Intravenous Anaesthesia and Improves Analgesia after Surgery in Patients undergoing Open Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Zeng Xianzhang , Jiang Jingjing , Yang Lingling , Ding Wengang
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the systemic and analgesic effects of epidural dexmedetomidine in thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) combined with total intravenous anaesthesia during thoracic surgery. Seventy-one patients undergoing open thoracotomy were included in this study and randomly divided into three groups: Control group (Group C): patients received TEA with levobupivacaine alone and were intravenously infused with saline; Epidural group (Group E): patients received TEA with levobupivacaine and dexmedetomidine, and were intravenously infused with saline; Intravenous group (group V): patients received TEA with levobupivacaine alone and were intravenously infused with dexmedetomidine. The doses of propofol used in the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia, cardiovascular response, dose and first time of postoperative analgesia and verbal rating scale were recorded. The induction and maintenance were significantly lower in the Groups E and V. Verbal rating scale and postoperative analgesic requirements were significantly lower in Group E than in Groups C and V. Patients in Group C had more severe cardiovascular responses, as compared with Groups E and V. Epidural administration of dexmedetomidine reduced the induction and maintenance of propofol, and inhibited the cardiovascular response after intubation and extubation. Moreover, epidural dexmedetomidine provided better analgesia after open thoracotomy.
Microsaccades are sensitive to word structure: A novel approach to study language processing
Authors: Yablonski Maya , Polat Uri , Bonneh Yoram S. , Ben-Shachar Michal
Published: June 2017

Microsaccades are miniature eye movements that occur involuntarily during fixation. They are typically inhibited following stimulus onset and are released from inhibition about 300 ms post-stimulus. Microsaccade-inhibition is modulated by low level features of visual stimuli, but it is currently unknown whether they are sensitive to higher level, abstract linguistic properties. To address this question, we measured the timing of microsaccades while subjects were presented with written Hebrew words and pronounceable nonwords (pseudowords). We manipulated the underlying structure of pseudowords such that half of them contained real roots while the other half contained invented roots. Importantly, orthographic similarity to real words was equated between the two conditions. Microsaccade onset was significantly slower following real-root compared to invented-root stimuli. Similar results were obtained when considering post-stimulus delay of eye blinks. Moreover, microsaccade-delay was positively and significantly correlated with measures of real-word similarity. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, sensitivity of microsaccades to linguistic structure. Because microsaccades are involuntary and can be measured in the absence of overt response, our results provide initial evidence that they can be used as a novel physiological measure in the study of language processes in healthy and clinical populations.
Single-molecule analysis reveals that DNA replication dynamics vary across the course of schizogony in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Stanojcic Slavica , Kuk Nada , Ullah Imran , Sterkers Yvon , Merrick Catherine J.
Published: June 2017

The mechanics of DNA replication and cell cycling are well-characterized in model organisms, but less is known about these basic aspects of cell biology in early-diverging Apicomplexan parasites, which do not divide by canonical binary fission but undergo unconventional cycles. Schizogony in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, generates ~16–24 new nuclei via independent, asynchronous rounds of genome replication prior to cytokinesis and little is known about the control of DNA replication that facilitates this. We have characterised replication dynamics in P. falciparum throughout schizogony, using DNA fibre labelling and combing to visualise replication forks at a single-molecule level. We show that origins are very closely spaced in Plasmodium compared to most model systems, and that replication dynamics vary across the course of schizogony, from faster synthesis rates and more widely-spaced origins through to slower synthesis rates and closer-spaced origins. This is the opposite of the pattern usually seen across S-phase in human cells, when a single genome is replicated. Replication forks also appear to stall at an unusually high rate throughout schizogony. Our work explores Plasmodium DNA replication in unprecedented detail and opens up tremendous scope for analysing cell cycle dynamics and developing interventions targetting this unique aspect of malaria biology.
Correction: Corrigendum: Cassava foliage affects the microbial diversity of Chinese indigenous geese caecum using 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Li Mao , Zhou Hanlin , Pan Xiangyu , Xu Tieshan , Zhang Zhenwen , Zi Xuejuan , Jiang Yu
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 45697; published online: 06 April 2017; updated: 15 June 2017. The Acknowledgements section in this Article is incomplete. “This study was funded by the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund for Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (No.
Epitaxial growth of aligned atomically precise chevron graphene nanoribbons on Cu(111)
Authors: Teeter Jacob D. , Costa Paulo S. , Mehdi Pour Mohammad , Miller Daniel P. , Zurek Eva , Enders Axel , Sinitskii Alexander
Published: June 2017

Atomically precise chevron graphene nanoribbons can be epitaxially grown on Cu(111) substrates along the 〈112〉 crystallographic directions.
Demonstration of transgressive overyielding of algal mixed cultures in microdroplets
Authors: Carruthers David N. , Byun Chang Kyu , Cardinale Bradley J. , Lin Xiaoxia Nina
Published: June 2017

A microfluidic platform for rapid, high-throughput screening of algal mixed cultures demonstrating successful elucidation of beneficial transgressive overyielding relationships.
Electrochemical deposition of nickel graphene composite coatings: effect of deposition temperature on its surface morphology and corrosion resistance
Authors: Jabbar Abdul , Yasin Ghulam , Khan Waheed Qamar , Anwar M. Yousaf , Korai Rashid Mustafa , Nizam Muhammad Naeem , Muhyodin Ghulam
Published: June 2017

The present work describes the fabrication of Ni–graphene composite coatings on carbon steel at different deposition temperatures (15 °C, 30 °C, 45 °C and 60 °C, respectively) by an electrochemical codeposition method.
Thiol–ene micropillar array electrospray ionization platform for zeptomole level bioanalysis
Authors: Lipponen K. , Tähkä S. , Sikanen T. , Jokinen V. , Tatikonda A. , Franssila S. , Kostiainen R. , Kotiaho T.
Published: June 2017

The PEG coated thiol–ene micropillar array electrospray ionization (μPESI) platform for very high sensitivity bioanalysis.
Methods of protein corona isolation for magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Bonvin Debora , Chiappe Diego , Moniatte Marc , Hofmann Heinrich , Mionić Ebersold Marijana
Published: June 2017

Isolation of a protein corona (PC) around iron oxide NPs, which are ferrimagnetic or superparamagnetic.
Applicability of MIL-101(Fe) as a cathode of lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yamada T. , Shiraishi K. , Kitagawa H. , Kimizuka N.
Published: June 2017

MIL-101(Fe) was investigated as a cathode material of lithium ion batteries. A battery test reveals that MIL-101(Fe) shows a charge and discharge capacitance of 110 mA h g−1.
Double duplex invasion of DNA induced by ultrafast photo-cross-linking using 3-cyanovinylcarbazole for antigene methods
Authors: Nakamura Shigetaka , Kawabata Hayato , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: June 2017

New photoresponsive antigene probes containingCNVK andCNU have a high double-duplex invasion capability upon photoirradiation because of the inhibition of photo-cross-linking between the probes.
Ferrocene–BODIPYmerocyanine dyads: new NIR absorbing platforms with optical properties susceptible to protonation
Authors: Zatsikha Yuriy V. , Didukh Natalia O. , Nemez Dion , Schlachter Adrien C. , Karsenti Paul-Ludovic , Kovtun Yuriy P. , Harvey Pierre D. , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: June 2017

Ferrocene–BODIPYmerocyanine dyads 5 and 6 were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and DFT calculations.
Solventless mechanochemical preparation of novel magnetic bioconjugates
Authors: Rodriguez-Padrón Daily , Puente-Santiago Alain R. , Balu Alina M. , Romero Antonio A. , Luque Rafael
Published: June 2017

A solventless mechanochemical approach was employed to obtain a bioconjugate (BSA–DA–Fe2O3) based on bovine serum albumin (BSA) and dopamine (DA) coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. BSA molecules retained their native-like structure after the mechanochemical synthesis.
Interconversion of molecular face-rotating polyhedra through turning inside out
Authors: Wang Yu , Fang Hongxun , Zhang Wei , Zhuang Yongbin , Tian Zhongqun , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: June 2017

We report the post-synthesis interconversion of two enantiomeric organic cages through turning inside out.
Experimental evidence of a 3-centre, 2-electron covalent bond character of the central O–H–O fragment on the Zundel cation in crystals of Zundel nitranilate tetrahydrate
Authors: Molčanov Krešimir , Jelsch Christian , Wenger Emmanuel , Stare Jernej , Madsen Anders Ø. , Kojić-Prodić Biserka
Published: June 2017

Charge density of the Zundel cation in the solid state reveals a covalent nature of its central O–H–O fragment.
Coordination and supramolecular assemblies of mono-hydroxylated octamethylcucurbit[6]uril with alkali and alkaline earth metal ions in the presence of polychloride cadmium anions
Authors: Shen Fang-Fang , Zhao Jiang-Lin , Chen Kai , Xu Jing , Wang Yuan , Hua Zi-Yi , Wu Lu , Chen Min-Dong , Zhang Yun-Qian , Tao Zhu
Published: June 2017

The interactions of alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations with (OH)OMeQ[6] have been investigated with polychloride cadmium anions as structure-directing agents.
Exploring cucurbit[6]uril–peptide interactions in the solid state: crystal structure of cucurbit[6]uril complexes with glycyl-containing dipeptides
Authors: Danylyuk Oksana
Published: June 2017

Macrocyclic host cucurbit[6]uril forms supramolecular complexes with dipeptides sequenced as Gly-X, where X is either an aromatic amino acid residue Phe, Tyr, and Trp or Gly in the solid state.
Endo-/exo- and halogen-bonded complexes of conformationally rigid C-ethyl-2-bromoresorcinarene and aromatic N-oxides
Authors: Puttreddy Rakesh , Beyeh Ngong Kodiah , Ras Robin H. A. , Trant John F. , Rissanen Kari
Published: June 2017

Unlike that of the conformationally flexibleC-ethyl-2-methylresorcinarene the structurally more rigidC4vcavity inC-ethyl-2-bromoresorcinarene prefers only small aromaticN-oxides stabilized through C–H⋯π interactions.
Observing the real time formation of phosphine-ligated gold clusters by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ligare Marshall R. , Johnson Grant E. , Laskin Julia
Published: June 2017

Real-time monitoring of the gold cluster synthesis by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry reveals distinct formation pathways for Au8, Au9 and Au10 clusters.
Experimental evidence of charge transfer in a functionalized hexavanadate: a high resolution X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Xu Xiao , Spasojević-de Biré Anne , Ghermani Nour Eddine , Wei Yongge , Novaković Sladjana , Bošnjaković-Pavlović Nada , Wu Pingfan
Published: June 2017

A high resolution X-ray diffraction study has been carried out on [(C4H9)4N]2[V6O13{(OCH2)3CCH2OCCH2CH3}2] (V6–C3) at 100 K. The V6 core possesses a negative charge, leading to a strong polarization of the anion.
CO adsorption, oxidation and carbonate formation mechanisms on Fe3O4 surfaces
Authors: Yu Xiaohu , Zhang Xuemei , Jin Lingxia , Feng Gang
Published: June 2017

More than one CO molecule binding on one surface iron atom.
Effect of Ni doping in NixMn1−xTi10 (x = 0.1–0.5) on activity and SO2 resistance for NH3-SCR of NO studied with in situ DRIFTS
Authors: Chen Liqiang , Li Rui , Li Zhibin , Yuan Fulong , Niu Xiaoyu , Zhu Yujun
Published: June 2017

The Ni0.4Mn0.6Ti10 catalyst exhibits excellent SO2 resistance, high NO conversion and N2 selectivity in the range of 190–360 °C even in the presence of 100 ppm SO2 and 15% H2O under a GHSV of 40 000 h−1 due to the interaction among Mn, Ni and Ti oxides.
A new method for the preparation of a [Sn2(H2PO2)3]Br SHG-active polar crystal via surfactant-induced strategy
Authors: Xie Jie-Ling , Zhou Yu-Hua , Li Long-Hua , Zhang Jian-Han , Song Jun-Ling
Published: June 2017

A new SHG-active polar crystal, [Sn2(H2PO2)3]Br, was prepared by surfactant-induced strategy.
Soft, stretchable, high power density electronic skin-based biofuel cells for scavenging energy from human sweat
Authors: Bandodkar Amay J. , You Jung-Min , Kim Nam-Heon , Gu Yue , Kumar Rajan , Mohan A. M. Vinu , Kurniawan Jonas , Imani Somayeh , Nakagawa Tatsuo , Parish Brianna , Parthasarathy Mukunth , Mercier Patrick P. , Xu Sheng , Wang Joseph
Published: June 2017

A soft, stretchable wearable biofuel cell producing ∼1 mW power from sweat is presented.
Biotransformation of graphene oxide nanosheets in blood plasma affects their interactions with cells
Authors: Hu Xiangang , Li Dandan , Mu Li
Published: June 2017

Biotransformation of graphene oxide in blood plasma and its nanotoxicity compared with pristine nanomaterials.
Characterization and cardioprotective activity of anthocyanins from Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. by-products
Authors: Zhang Ming , Ma Jianbin , Bi Hongtao , Song Jiayin , Yang Hongxia , Xia Zhenghua , Du Yuzhi , Gao Tingting , Wei Lixin
Published: June 2017

Anthocyanins from the industrial by-products ofN. tangutorumjuice were composed of 16 anthocyanins derived from six anthocyanidins, and exerted an excellent protective effect on DOX-injury of H9c2 myoblast cells through multi-pathway.
Enhanced polarization-sensitive terahertz emission from vertically grown graphene by a dynamical photon drag effect
Authors: Zhu L. , Huang Y. , Yao Z. , Quan B. , Zhang L. , Li J. , Gu C. , Xu X. , Ren Z.
Published: June 2017

A ten times enhancement of THz emission from VGG compared with single layer graphene under the same conditions.
Tuning the coercivity and exchange bias by controlling the interface coupling in bimagnetic core/shell nanoparticles
Authors: Lavorato Gabriel C. , Lima Enio , Troiani Horacio E. , Zysler Roberto D. , Winkler Elin L.
Published: June 2017

The compositional modulation of the interfacial exchange-coupling energy enables control of the coercivity and the exchange bias in antiferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic core/shell nanoparticles.
The formation of sesquiterpenoid presilphiperfolane and cameroonane metabolites in the Bcbot4 null mutant of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Franco dos Santos Gabriel , Moraga Javier , Takahashi Jacqueline A. , Viaud Muriel , Hanson James R. , Hernández Galán Rosario , Collado Isidro G.
Published: June 2017

The metabolic fate of presilphiperfolan-8-ol yielded new derivatives and cameroonanes. These results have shed light on the involved rearrangement.