bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein composition analysis of polyhedra matrix of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) showed powerful capacity of polyhedra to encapsulate foreign proteins
Authors: Guo Zhong-Jian , Yu Meng-Han , Dong Xian-Yun , Wang Wei-Li , Tian Ting , Yu Xian-Yin , Tang Xu-Dong
Published: August 2017

Polyhedra can encapsulate other proteins and have potential applications as protein stabilizers. The extremely stable polyhedra matrix may provide a platform for future engineered micro-crystal devices. However, the protein composition of the polyhedra matrix remains largely unknown. In this study, the occlusion-derived virus (ODV)-removed BmNPV polyhedra matrix fraction was subjected to SDS-PAGE and then an LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis using a Thermo Scientific Q Exactive mass spectrometer. In total, 28 host and 91 viral proteins were identified. The host components were grouped into one of six categories, i.e., chaperones, ubiquitin and related proteins, host helicases, cytoskeleton-related proteins, RNA-binding proteins and others, according to their predicted Pfam domain(s). Most viral proteins may not be essential for polyhedra assembly, as evidenced by studies in the literature showing that polyhedra formation occurs in the nucleus upon the disruption of individual genes. The structural role of these proteins in baculovirus replication will be of significant interest in future studies. The immobilization of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) into the polyhedra by fusing with the C-terminus of BM134 that is encoded by open reading frame (ORF) 134 suggested that the polyhedra had a powerful capacity to trap foreign proteins, and BM134 was a potential carrier for incorporating proteins of interest into the polyhedra.
Transmission zone plates as analyzers for efficient parallel 2D RIXS-mapping
Authors: Marschall Felix , Yin Zhong , Rehanek Jens , Beye Martin , Döring Florian , Kubiček Katharina , Raiser Dirk , Veedu Sreevidya Thekku , Buck Jens , Rothkirch André , Rösner Benedikt , Guzenko Vitaliy A. , Viefhaus Jens , David Christian , Techert Simone
Published: August 2017

We have implemented and successfully tested an off-axis transmission Fresnel zone plate as spectral analyzer for resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS). The imaging capabilities of zone plates allow for advanced two-dimensional (2D) mapping applications. By varying the photon energy along a line focus on the sample, we were able to simultaneously record the emission spectra over a range of excitation energies. Moreover, by scanning a line focus across the sample in one dimension, we efficiently recorded RIXS spectra spatially resolved in 2D, increasing the throughput by two orders of magnitude. The presented scheme opens up a variety of novel measurements and efficient, ultra-fast time resolved investigations at X-ray Free-Electron Laser sources.
A Twice Electrochemical-Etching Method to Fabricate Superhydrophobic-Superhydrophilic Patterns for Biomimetic Fog Harvest
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Song Jinlong , Liu Junkai , Liu Xin , Jin Zhuji
Published: August 2017

Superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic patterned surfaces have attracted more and more attention due to their great potential applications in the fog harvest process. In this work, we developed a simple and universal electrochemical-etching method to fabricate the superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic patterned surface on metal superhydrophobic substrates. The anti-electrochemical corrosion property of superhydrophobic substrates and the dependence of electrochemical etching potential on the wettability of the fabricated dimples were investigated on Al samples. Results showed that high etching potential was beneficial for efficiently producing a uniform superhydrophilic dimple. Fabrication of long-term superhydrophilic dimples on the Al superhydrophobic substrate was achieved by combining the masked electrochemical etching and boiling-water immersion methods. A long-term wedge-shaped superhydrophilic dimple array was fabricated on a superhydrophobic surface. The fog harvest test showed that the surface with a wedge-shaped pattern array had high water collection efficiency. Condensing water on the pattern was easy to converge and depart due to the internal Laplace pressure gradient of the liquid and the contact angle hysteresis contrast on the surface. The Furmidge equation was applied to explain the droplet departing mechanism and to control the departing volume. The fabrication technique and research of the fog harvest process may guide the design of new water collection devices.
Plk1 bound to Bub1 contributes to spindle assembly checkpoint activity during mitosis
Authors: Ikeda Masanori , Tanaka Kozo
Published: August 2017

For faithful chromosome segregation, the formation of stable kinetochore–microtubule attachment and its monitoring by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) are coordinately regulated by mechanisms that are currently ill-defined. Here, we show that polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), which is instrumental in forming stable kinetochore–microtubule attachments, is also involved in the maintenance of SAC activity by binding to Bub1, but not by binding to CLASP2 or CLIP-170. The effect of Plk1 on the SAC was found to be mediated through phosphorylation of Mps1, an essential kinase for the SAC, as well as through phosphorylation of the MELT repeats in Knl1. Bub1 acts as a platform for assembling other SAC components on the phosphorylated MELT repeats. We propose that Bub1-bound Plk1 is important for the maintenance of SAC activity by supporting Bub1 localization to kinetochores in prometaphase, a time when the kinetochore Mps1 level is reduced, until the formation of stable kinetochore-microtubule attachment is completed. Our study reveals an intricate mechanism for coordinating the formation of stable kinetochore–microtubule attachment and SAC activity.
Isolation, characterization and toxicological potential of Alternaria-mycotoxins (TeA, AOH and AME) in different Alternaria species from various regions of India
Authors: Meena Mukesh , Swapnil Prashant , Upadhyay R. S.
Published: August 2017

Alternaria species produce various sorts of toxic metabolites during their active growth and causes severe diseases in many plants by limiting their productivity. These toxic metabolites incorporate various mycotoxins comprising of dibenzo-α-pyrone and some tetramic acid derivatives. In this study, we have screened out total 48 isolates of Alternaria from different plants belonging to different locations in India, on the basis of their pathogenic nature. Pathogenicity testing of these 48 strains on susceptible tomato variety (CO-3) showed 27.08% of the strains were highly pathogenic, 35.41% moderately pathogenic and 37.5% were less pathogenic. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of at least eight evolutionary cluster of the pathogen. Toxins (TeA, AOH and AME) were isolated, purified on the basis of column chromatography and TLC, and further confirmed by the HPLC-UV chromatograms using standards. The final detection of toxins was done by the LC-MS/MS analysis by their mass/charge ratio. The present study develops an approach to classify the toxicogenic effect of each of the individual mycotoxins on tomato plant and focuses their differential susceptibility to develop disease symptoms. This study represents the report of the natural occurrence and distribution of Alternaria toxins in various plants from India.
N-glycosylation Triggers a Dual Selection Pressure in Eukaryotic Secretory Proteins
Authors: Medus Máximo Lopez , Gomez Gabriela E. , Zacchi Lucía F. , Couto Paula M. , Labriola Carlos A. , Labanda María S. , Bielsa Rodrigo Corti , Clérico Eugenia M. , Schulz Benjamin L. , Caramelo Julio J.
Published: August 2017

Nearly one third of the eukaryotic proteome traverses the secretory pathway and most of these proteins are N-glycosylated in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. N-glycans fulfill multiple structural and biological functions, and are crucial for productive folding of many glycoproteins. N-glycosylation involves the attachment of an oligosaccharide to selected asparagine residues in the sequence N-X-S/T (X ≠ P), a motif known as an N-glycosylation’sequon’. Mutations that create novel sequons can cause disease due to the destabilizing effect of a bulky N-glycan. Thus, an analogous process must have occurred during evolution, whenever ancestrally cytosolic proteins were recruited to the secretory pathway. Here, we show that during evolution N-glycosylation triggered a dual selection pressure on secretory pathway proteins: while sequons were positively selected in solvent exposed regions, they were almost completely eliminated from buried sites. This process is one of the sharpest evolutionary signatures of secretory pathway proteins, and was therefore critical for the evolution of an efficient secretory pathway.
Expressional divergence of the fatty acid-amino acid conjugate-hydrolyzing aminoacylase 1 (L-ACY-1) in Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa assulta
Authors: Cheng Qian , Gu Shaohua , Liu Zewen , Wang Chen-Zhu , Li Xianchun
Published: August 2017

How FACs-producing generalist and specialist herbivores regulate their FACs-hydrolyzing enzyme L-ACY-1 to balance FACs’ beneficial vs. detrimental effects remains unknown. To address this question, we comparedL-ACY-1expression inHelicoverpa armigeraandHelicoverpa assulta, a pair of closely related sibling species differing mainly in their host range, by the same sets of hostplants, protein to digestible carbohydrate (P:C) ratios, or allelochemical.L-ACY-1expression remained low/unchanged inH. armigera, but was induced by hot pepper fruits and repressed by cotton bolls inH. assulta. The representative allelochemicals of the tested hostplants significantly (capsaicin) or insignificantly (gossypol and nicotine) inducedL-ACY-1expression inH. armigera, but insignificantly inhibited (capsaicin and gossypol) or induced (nicotine) it inH. assulta. L-ACY-1expression remained low/unaltered on balanced (P50:C50 and P53:C47) or protein-biased diets and induced on carbohydrate-biased diets inH. armigera, but was at the highest level on balanced diets and reduced on either protein- or carbohydrate-biased diets inH. assulta. Furthermore,L-ACY-1expression was significantly higher inH. assultathan inH. armigerafor most of feeding treatments. Such expressional divergences suggest that FACs are utilized mainly for removal of excessive nitrogen in generalists but for nitrogen assimilation in specialists.
The expression profiles of miRNA–mRNA of early response in genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) liver by acute heat stress
Authors: Qiang Jun , Bao Wen J. , Tao Fan Y. , He Jie , Li Xia H. , Xu Pao , Sun Lan Y.
Published: August 2017

Genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) are commercially important fish that are cultured in China. GIFT are highly susceptible to diseases when exposed to high temperatures in summer. Better understanding the GIFT regulatory response to heat stress will not only help in determining the relationship between heat stress signalling pathways and adaption mechanisms, but will also contribute to breeding new high-temperature tolerant strains of GIFT. In this study, we built control (28 °C) and heat-treated (37.5 °C) groups, and extracted RNA from the liver tissues for high-throughput next-generation sequencing to study the miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. We identified 28 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and 744 DE mRNAs between the control and heat-treated groups and annotated them using the KEGG database. A total of 38 target genes were predicted for 21 of the DE miRNAs, including 64 negative miRNA–mRNA interactions. We verified 15 DE miRNA–mRNA pairs and 16 other DE mRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR. Important regulatory pathways involved in the early response of GIFT to heat stress included organism system, metabolism, and diseases. Our findings will facilitate the understanding of regulatory pathways affected by acute heat stress, which will help to better prevent heat damage to GIFT.
Different elevational patterns of rodent species richness between the southern and northern slopes of a mountain
Authors: Shuai Ling-Ying , Ren Chun-Lei , Yan Wen-Bo , Song Yan-Ling , Zeng Zhi-Gao
Published: August 2017

Studies on elevational gradients in biodiversity have accumulated in recent decades. However, few studies have compared the elevational patterns of diversity between the different slopes of a single mountain. We investigated the elevational distribution of rodent diversity (alpha and beta diversity) and its underlying mechanisms along the southern and northern slopes of Mt. Taibai, the highest mountain in the Qinling Mountains, China. The species richness of rodents on the two slopes showed distinct distribution patterns, with a monotonically decreasing pattern found along the southern slope and a hump-shaped elevational pattern evident along the northern slope. Multi-model inference suggested that temperature was an important explanatory factor for the richness pattern along the southern slope, and the mid-domain effect (MDE) was important in explaining the richness pattern along the northern slope. The two slopes also greatly differed in the elevational patterns of species turnover, with the southern slope demonstrating a U-shaped curve and the northern slope possessing a roughly hump-shaped pattern. Our results suggest that even within the same mountain, organisms inhabiting different slopes may possess distinct diversity patterns, and the underlying mechanisms may also differ. The potential role of the factors associated with slope aspect in shaping diversity, therefore, cannot be ignored.
High mRNA expression level of IL-6R was associated with better prognosis for patients with ovarian cancer: a pooled meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Qu , Xu Bin , Lan Lei , Yang Da , Yang Min , Jiang Jingting , Lu Binfeng , Shen Yueping
Published: August 2017

Interleukin-6 acts as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory myokine. IL-6/IL-6R signaling pathway, in particular, has been proposed to be a pivotal cytokine promoting ovarian cancer progression. This study aimed to elucidate potential clinical and biological function of IL-6R mRNA expression in ovarian cancer. We used the keywords “ovarian cancer” and searched through GEO database and finally a total of 7 studies together with TCGA database were incorporated in this analysis. We used Cutoff Finder to determine a cutoff point and stratified patients into two groups and found that high-expression of IL-6R mRNA in tumor tissues was a positive prognostic factor for overall survival. Simultaneously, high expression level of IL-6R mRNA correlates with better survival of patients who had additional chemotherapy treatment. These analyses suggested a possible role of tumoral expression of IL-6R in ovarian cancer. In conclusion, our results showed that mRNA levels of IL-6R in ovarian cancer was positively associated with better prognosis and sensitivity to chemotherapy and can potentially be used as a prognostic marker for this cancer.
Reduction of the off-pathway iron-sulphur cluster N1a of Escherichia coli respiratory complex I restrains NAD+ dissociation
Authors: Gnandt Emmanuel , Schimpf Johannes , Harter Caroline , Hoeser Jo , Friedrich Thorsten
Published: August 2017

Respiratory complex I couples the electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone with the translocation of protons across the membrane. The reaction starts with NADH oxidation by a flavin cofactor followed by transferring the electrons through a chain of seven iron-sulphur clusters to quinone. An eighth cluster called N1a is located proximally to flavin, but on the opposite side of the chain of clusters. N1a is strictly conserved although not involved in the direct electron transfer to quinone. Here, we show that the NADH:ferricyanide oxidoreductase activity of E. coli complex I is strongly diminished when the reaction is initiated by an addition of ferricyanide instead of NADH. This effect is significantly less pronounced in a variant containing N1a with a 100 mV more negative redox potential. Detailed kinetic analysis revealed that the reduced activity is due to a lower dissociation constant of bound NAD+. Thus, reduction of N1a induces local structural rearrangements of the protein that stabilise binding of NAD+. The variant features a considerably enhanced production of reactive oxygen species indicating that bound NAD+ represses this process.
An expandable embryonic stem cell-derived Purkinje neuron progenitor population that exhibits in vivo maturation in the adult mouse cerebellum
Authors: Higuera Gustavo A. , Iaffaldano Grazia , Bedar Meiwand , Shpak Guy , Broersen Robin , Munshi Shashini T. , Dupont Catherine , Gribnau Joost , de Vrij Femke M. S. , Kushner Steven A. , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: August 2017

The directed differentiation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into cell-type specific neurons has inspired the development of therapeutic discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Many forms of ataxia result from degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells, but thus far it has not been possible to efficiently generate Purkinje neuron (PN) progenitors from human or mouse pluripotent stem cells, let alone to develop a methodology for in vivo transplantation in the adult cerebellum. Here, we present a protocol to obtain an expandable population of cerebellar neuron progenitors from mouse embryonic stem cells. Our protocol is characterized by applying factors that promote proliferation of cerebellar progenitors. Cerebellar progenitors isolated in culture from cell aggregates contained a stable subpopulation of PN progenitors that could be expanded for up to 6 passages. When transplanted into the adult cerebellum of either wild-type mice or a strain lacking Purkinje cells (L7cre-ERCC1 knockout), GFP-labeled progenitors differentiated in vivo to establish a population of calbindin-positive cells in the molecular layer with dendritic trees typical of mature PNs. We conclude that this protocol may be useful for the generation and maturation of PNs, highlighting the potential for development of a regenerative medicine approach to the treatment of cerebellar neurodegenerative diseases.
MicroRNA-449c-5p inhibits osteogenic differentiation of human VICs through Smad4-mediated pathway
Authors: Xu Rongjian , Zhao Min , Yang Yun , Huang Zhuo , Shi Chunying , Hou Xianglin , Zhao Yannan , Chen Bing , Xiao Zhifeng , Liu Jianzhou , Miao Qi , Dai Jianwu
Published: August 2017

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common heart valve disorder, yet its mechanism remains poorly understood. Valve interstitial cells (VICs) are the prevalent cells in aortic valve and their osteogenic differentiation may be responsible for calcific nodule formation in CAVD pathogenesis. Emerging evidence shows microRNA (miRNA, or miR) can function as important regulators of many pathological processes, including osteogenic differentiation. Here, we aimed to explore the function of miR-449c-5p in CAVD pathogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated the role of miR-449c-5p in VICs osteogenesis. MiRNA microarray assay and qRT-PCR results revealed miR-449c-5p was significantly down-regulated in calcified aortic valves compared with non-calcified valves. MiR-449c-5p overexpression inhibited VICs osteogenic differentiation in vitro, whereas down-regulation of miR-449c-5p enhanced the process. Target prediction analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed Smad4 was a direct target of miR-449c-5p. Furthermore, knockdown of Smad4 inhibited VICs osteogenic differentiation, similar to the effect observed in up-regulation miR-449c-5p. In addition, animal experiments proved indirectly miR-449c-5p could alleviate aortic valve calcification. Our data suggested miR-449c-5p could function as a new inhibitory regulator of VICs osteogenic differentiation, which may act by targeting Smad4. MiR-449c-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for CAVD.
Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum LI09 and Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10 attenuate D-galactosamine-induced liver injury by modifying the gut microbiota
Authors: Fang Daiqiong , Shi Ding , Lv Longxian , Gu Silan , Wu Wenrui , Chen Yanfei , Guo Jing , Li Ang , Hu Xinjun , Guo Feifei , Ye Jianzhong , Li Yating , Li Lanjian
Published: August 2017

The gut microbiota is altered in liver diseases, and several probiotics have been shown to reduce the degree of liver damage. We hypothesized that oral administration of specific Bifidobacterium strains isolated from healthy guts could attenuate liver injury. Five strains were tested in this study. Acute liver injury was induced by D-galactosamine after pretreating Sprague-Dawley rats with the Bifidobacterium strains, and liver function, liver and ileum histology, plasma cytokines, bacterial translocation and the gut microbiome were assessed. Two strains, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum LI09 and Bifidobacterium catenulatum LI10, conferred liver protection, as well as alleviated the increase in plasma M-CSF, MIP-1α and MCP-1 and bacterial translocation. They also ameliorated ileal mucosal injury and gut flora dysbiosis, especially the enrichment of the opportunistic pathogen Parasutterella and the depletion of the SCFA-producing bacteria Anaerostipes, Coprococcus and Clostridium XI. Negative correlations were found between MIP-1α / MCP-1 and Odoribacter (LI09 group) and MIP-1α / M-CSF and Flavonifractor (LI10 group). Our results indicate that the liver protection effects might be mediated through gut microbiota modification, which thus affect the host immune profile. The desirable characteristics of these two strains may enable them to serve as potential probiotics for the prevention or adjuvant treatment of liver injury.
Vocal expression of emotional valence in Przewalski’s horses (Equus przewalskii)
Authors: Maigrot Anne-Laure , Hillmann Edna , Anne Callista , Briefer Elodie F.
Published: August 2017

Vocal expression of emotions has been suggested to be conserved throughout evolution. However, since vocal indicators of emotions have never been compared between closely related species using similar methods, it remains unclear whether this is the case. Here, we investigated vocal indicators of emotional valence (negative versus positive) in Przewalski’s horses, in order to find out if expression of valence is similar between species and notably among Equidae through a comparison with previous results obtained in domestic horse whinnies. We observed Przewalski’s horses in naturally occurring contexts characterised by positive or negative valence. As emotional arousal (bodily activation) can act as a confounding factor in the search for indicators of valence, we controlled for its effect on vocal parameters using a behavioural indicator (movement). We found that positive and negative situations were associated with specific types of calls. Additionally, the acoustic structure of calls differed according to the valence. There were some similarities but also striking differences in expression of valence between Przewalski’s and domestic horses, suggesting that vocal expression of emotional valence, unlike emotional arousal, could be species specific rather than conserved throughout evolution.
Visceral adiposity index is strongly associated with hyperuricemia independently of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes
Authors: Dong Huimin , Xu Yang , Zhang Xiuzhi , Tian Simiao
Published: August 2017

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a novel sex-specific index for visceral adipose function; however the association between VAI and hyperuricemia in China is unknown. We aimed to investigate this association, also whether it was independent of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes. 7632 adult subjects from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009 were retained. Subjects were categorized into four obesity phenotypes based on a cross-classification of BMI and metabolic health status by two representative criteria. VAI was the best predictors for hyperuricemia irrespective of obesity phenotypes, with area under curve (AUC) ranging 0.665–0.719. The odd ratio (OR) for hyperuricemia in the highest quartile of the VAI were 6.93 (95% CI 5.79–8.29) after adjusting for age and gender. Following further adjustments for metabolic obesity phenotypes and lifestyle confounders, the ORs were 4.88 (3.92–6.09) and 5.65 (4.68–6.82) according to these two criteria, respectively. A similar significant pattern was still found even after adjustment for blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. Within each metabolic obesity phenotype, the significant association between VAI and hyperuricemia was consistently evident. In conclusion, the association of the VAI with hyperuricemia was significant, especially this association was independent of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes in the Chinese population.
Bacterial Foraging Optimization –Genetic Algorithm for Multiple Sequence Alignment with Multi-Objectives
Authors: Manikandan P. , Ramyachitra D.
Published: August 2017

This research work focus on the multiple sequence alignment, as developing an exact multiple sequence alignment for different protein sequences is a difficult computational task. In this research, a hybrid algorithm named Bacterial Foraging Optimization-Genetic Algorithm (BFO-GA) algorithm is aimed to improve the multi-objectives and carrying out measures of multiple sequence alignment. The proposed algorithm employs multi-objectives such as variable gap penalty minimization, maximization of similarity and non-gap percentage. The proposed BFO-GA algorithm is measured with various MSA methods such as T-Coffee, Clustal Omega, Muscle, K-Align, MAFFT, GA, ACO, ABC and PSO. The experiments were taken on four benchmark datasets such as BAliBASE 3.0, Prefab 4.0, SABmark 1.65 and Oxbench 1.3 databases and the outcomes prove that the proposed BFO-GA algorithm obtains better statistical significance results as compared with the other well-known methods. This research study also evaluates the practicability of the alignments of BFO-GA by applying the optimal sequence to predict the phylogenetic tree by using ClustalW2 Phylogeny tool and compare with the existing algorithms by using the Robinson-Foulds (RF) distance performance metric. Lastly, the statistical implication of the proposed algorithm is computed by using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pair Signed- Rank test and also it infers better results.
Overcoming the plasticity of plant specialized metabolism for selective diterpene production in yeast
Authors: Ignea Codruta , Athanasakoglou Anastasia , Andreadelli Aggeliki , Apostolaki Maria , Iakovides Minas , Stephanou Euripides G. , Makris Antonios M. , Kampranis Sotirios C.
Published: August 2017

Plants synthesize numerous specialized metabolites (also termed natural products) to mediate dynamic interactions with their surroundings. The complexity of plant specialized metabolism is the result of an inherent biosynthetic plasticity rooted in the substrate and product promiscuity of the enzymes involved. The pathway of carnosic acid-related diterpenes in rosemary and sage involves promiscuous cytochrome P450s whose combined activity results in a multitude of structurally related compounds. Some of these minor products, such as pisiferic acid and salviol, have established bioactivity, but their limited availability prevents further evaluation. Reconstructing carnosic acid biosynthesis in yeast achieved significant titers of the main compound but could not specifically yield the minor products. Specific production of pisiferic acid and salviol was achieved by restricting the promiscuity of a key enzyme, CYP76AH24, through a single-residue substitution (F112L). Coupled with additional metabolic engineering interventions, overall improvements of 24 and 14-fold for pisiferic acid and salviol, respectively, were obtained. These results provide an example of how synthetic biology can help navigating the complex landscape of plant natural product biosynthesis to achieve heterologous production of useful minor metabolites. In the context of plant adaptation, these findings also suggest a molecular basis for the rapid evolution of terpene biosynthetic pathways.
Functionalized lignin biomaterials for enhancing optical properties and cellular interactions of dyes
Authors: Cauley Anthony N. , Wilson James N.
Published: August 2017

Functionalized lignins are demonstrated as hosts for hydrophobic imaging agents and dynamically sequester fluorescent neuroactive dyes in live cells.
Ti2Au2C and Ti3Au2C2 formed by solid state reaction of gold with Ti2AlC and Ti3AlC2
Authors: Fashandi H. , Lai C.-C. , Dahlqvist M. , Lu J. , Rosen J. , Hultman L. , Greczynski G. , Andersson M. , Lloyd Spetz A. , Eklund P.
Published: August 2017

Ti2Au2C and Ti3Au2C2 formation by Au/Ti2AlC and Au/Ti3AlC2 exchange-reactions imply thermodynamic guidelines for identifying materials where these reactions may occur.
Iron-catalyzed synthesis of benzoxazoles by oxidative coupling/cyclization of phenol derivatives with benzoyl aldehyde oximes
Authors: Gao Sen , Gao Liming , Meng Hong , Luo Meiming , Zeng Xiaoming
Published: August 2017

An iron-catalyzed oxidative coupling/cyclization reaction for the synthesis of benzoxazoles at room temperature is reported.
A kinetic study of mechanochemical halogen bond formation by in situ31P solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Yijue , Champion Lysiane , Gabidullin Bulat , Bryce David L.
Published: August 2017

In situ
31P solid-state NMR studies of mechanochemical halogen bond formation provide insights into the cocrystallisation process and an estimate of the activation energy.
Spectroscopic insight into molecular fluctuations and phase stability of nematic composites containing gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bourg Mathias , Urbanski Martin
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate the fundamental difference between molecular dopants and nanoparticles in their impact on the molecular relaxation dynamic of nematic liquid crystals.
Analysing the microenvironment of 2-p-toluidinylnaphthalene-6-sulfonate (TNS) in solvents and in different conformational states of proteins in relation to its fluorescence properties: a computational study
Authors: Haque Neshatul , Baratam Krishnakanth , Prabhu N. Prakash
Published: August 2017

TNS in aggregated form might show less fluorescence whereas monomeric or lower order aggregates positioned in hydrophobic crevices of a protein might enhance its fluorescence.
A molecular dynamics study of conformations of beta-cyclodextrin and its eight derivatives in four different solvents
Authors: Khuntawee Wasinee , Karttunen Mikko , Wong-ekkabut Jirasak
Published: August 2017

Understanding the atomic level interactions and the resulting structural characteristics is required for developing beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) derivatives for pharmaceutical and other applications.
Ultrafast excited-state relaxation of a binuclear Ag(i) phosphine complex in gas phase and solution
Authors: Kruppa S. V. , Bäppler F. , Klopper W. , Walg S. P. , Thiel W. R. , Diller R. , Riehn C.
Published: August 2017

The [Ag2(dcpm)2]2+ phosphine complex displays multiexponential excited-state relaxation dynamics both in the gas phase and in solution.
Coherent and incoherent phonon transport in a graphene and nitrogenated holey graphene superlattice
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Man , Hong Yang , Wang Zongrong , Zhang Jingchao
Published: August 2017

Coherent and incoherent phonon transport in a graphene and nitrogenated holey graphene superlattice are investigated comprehensively for the first time.
Vibrational nonlinear optical properties of spatially confined weakly bound complexes
Authors: Zaleśny Robert , Chołuj Marta , Kozłowska Justyna , Bartkowiak Wojciech , Luis Josep M.
Published: August 2017

Vibrational nonlinear optical properties of weakly bound complexes are less susceptible to spatial confinement than their electronic counterparts – a novel inference from high-levelab initiocomputations.
In situ assembly of ultrafine Mn3O4 nanoparticles into MIL-101 for selective aerobic oxidation
Authors: Fu Yu , Guo Yanglong , Guo Yun , Wang Yunsong , Wang Li , Zhan Wangcheng , Lu Guanzhong
Published: August 2017

Nanosize metal oxides generally possess high catalytic activity, but they tend to agglomerate into larger particles during a reaction.
The effect of surface chemistry on the performances of Pd-based catalysts supported on activated carbons
Authors: Lazzarini A. , Pellegrini R. , Piovano A. , Rudić S. , Castan-Guerrero C. , Torelli P. , Chierotti M. R. , Gobetto R. , Lamberti C. , Groppo E.
Published: August 2017

In this work we investigated in detail the effects of nitric acid on the surface chemistry of two carbons, activated by steam and by phosphoric acid, meant to identify the nature and the concentration of the oxidized surface species.
Noncovalent immobilization of pyrene-terminated hyperbranched triazole-based polymeric ionic liquid onto graphene for highly active and recyclable catalysis of CO2/epoxide cycloaddition
Authors: Wang Yong , Guan Xin , Chen Fangyan , Zhu Shuaishuai , Ye Yunsheng , Peng Haiyan , Zhou Xingping , Xie Xiaolin , Mai Yiuwing
Published: August 2017

Combination of bifunctional HBP and rGO for highly active, selective and recyclable catalysis for CO2/epoxide cycloaddition.
Assembly of donor–acceptor hybrid heterostructures based on iodoplumbates and viologen coordination polymers
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Shan Yue-Bin , Dai Wen-Xin , Huang Chang-Cang , Lin Mei-Jin
Published: August 2017

Two D–A hybrid heterostructures have been formed by the insertion of electron-rich iodoplumbates into viologen coordination polymers, which exhibit highly effcient photocatalytic degradation RhB under visible light irradiation.
Superior lithium-ion insertion/extraction properties of a novel LiFePO4/C/graphene material used as a cathode in aqueous solution
Authors: Duan Wenyuan , Zhao Mingshu , Shen Junfang , Zhao Suixin , Song Xiaoping
Published: August 2017

Herein, olivine LiFePO4covered with graphene and carbon layers is preparedviaa sol–gel method, followed by calcination, and the resultant composite is used as a cathode material in aqueous rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (ARLBs).
Synthesis of plasmonic Ti3+ doped Au/Cl-TiO2 mesocrystals with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Yu Xin , Fan Xiaoli , Li Zhonghua , Liu Jiawen
Published: August 2017

We successfully synthesized willow leaf-like plasmonic Ti3+ doped Au/Cl-TiO2 mesocrystals by facile modified two-phase vapor hydrolysis and photoreduction methods.
Catalyst-free multi-component cascade C–H-functionalization in water using molecular oxygen: an approach to 1,3-oxazines
Authors: Deb Mohit L. , Pegu Choitanya D. , Borpatra Paran J. , Saikia Prakash J. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: August 2017

Synthesis of 1,3-oxazinesviacatalyst free C–H functionalization using molecular oxygen in water.
New insights into the catalytic reduction of aliphatic nitro compounds with hypophosphites under ultrasonic irradiation
Authors: Letort S. , Lejeune M. , Kardos N. , Métay E. , Popowycz F. , Lemaire M. , Draye M.
Published: August 2017

This work proposes an efficient process allowing the reduction of nitro compounds to the corresponding amines in water, at 70 °C with a quantitative conversion and a maximal yield in only 15 min thanks to the ultrasonic activation.
Vacuum filling of complex microchannels with liquid metal
Authors: Lin Yiliang , Gordon Olivia , Khan M. Rashed , Vasquez Neyanel , Genzer Jan , Dickey Michael D.
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the utilization of vacuum to fill complex microchannels with liquid metal.
Trapping and patterning of large particles and cells in a 1D ultrasonic standing wave
Authors: Habibi Ruhollah , Devendran Citsabehsan , Neild Adrian
Published: August 2017

Acoustic forces can be used to pattern single particles; here, the required relationship between wavelength and particle radius is explored.
Experimental and theoretical studies on the nucleofugality ratio in the aminolysis reactions of O-(4-cyanophenyl) O-(3-nitrophenyl) thionocarbonate with amines in aqueous ethanol
Authors: Montecinos Rodrigo , Aliaga Margarita E. , Pavez Paulina , Santos José G.
Published: August 2017

The title thionocarbonate reacts with amines to form 4-cyanophenol and 3-nitrophenol in a 1.5 : 1 ratio. Theoretical results show that the products ratio depends on the microsolvation of the water molecules.
Insoluble dendrimer-grafted poly(vinylimidazole) microbeads stabilized with mono/bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts for effective degradation of malachite green
Authors: Murugan Eagambaram , Nimita Jebaranjitham J. , Janaki Raman K. , Mandal Abhishek , Geethalakshmi D. , Dharmendira Kumar M. , Saravanakumar A.
Published: August 2017

Six types of heterogeneous nanoparticle catalysts viz., insoluble Poly-VIm beads grafted with D(G2) & D(G3) PPI dendrimers stabilized/immobilized with AuNPs/AuPdNPs were prepared by varying the cross-linking load as 2% (LC) and 10% (HC) and demonstrated the same as superior catalysts for effective reduction of Malachite Green.
A ruthenium(iii) complex derived from N,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine as a chemosensor for the selective recognition of acetate and its interaction with cells for bio-imaging: experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Guadalupe Hernández José , Huerta-Aguilar Carlos Alberto , Thangarasu Pandiyan , Höpfl Herbert
Published: August 2017

A ruthenium(iii) complex ofN,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (L1) was used as chemosensor for the recognition of acetate in cells for bio-imaging.
Total syntheses and configuration assignments of JBIR-04 and unantimycin A
Authors: Usuki Yoshinosuke , Hamada Chie , Satoh Tetsuya
Published: August 2017

(2S,4S,6S,7R,9S,28S) configuration was assigned via total syntheses of JBIR-04 and unantimycin A.
Direct carboxamidation of cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones by Rh2(OAc)4-catalyzed isocyanide insertion–hydrolysis
Authors: He Xinwei , Yu Zhiyu , Zuo Youpeng , Yang Cheng , Shang Yongjia
Published: August 2017

A novel and efficient strategy for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-1-enecarboxamides through a Rh2(OAc)4-catalyzed direct carboxamidation of cyclic 2-diazo-1,3-diketones has been developed.
Enantioselective bioreduction of benzo-fused cyclic ketones with engineered Candida glabrata ketoreductase 1 – a promising synthetic route to ladostigil (TV3326)
Authors: Ou-yang Jingping , Zhang Wenhe , Qin Fengyu , Zuo Weiguo , Xu Shaoyu , Wang Yan , Qin Bin , You Song , Jia Xian
Published: August 2017

EngineeredCandida glabrataketoreductase 1 variants are applied to the bioreduction of benzo-fused cyclic ketones. Particularly, these biocatalysts showed excellent enantioselectivity towards a key intermediate of Ladostigil.
One-pot facile synthesis of 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide derived Tröger's bases via a nucleophilic displacement approach
Authors: Shanmugaraju Sankarasekaran , McAdams Deirdre , Pancotti Francesca , Hawes Chris S. , Veale Emma B. , Kitchen Jonathan A. , Gunnlaugsson Thorfinnur
Published: August 2017

We report here a novel one-pot synthetic strategy for the synthesis of a family of N-alkyl-1,8-naphthalimide derived Tröger's bases (in overall yield of 65–96%) via a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
Solid liquid liquid extraction of porcine gastric mucins from homogenized animal material
Authors: Schoemig Veronika , Isik Eda , Martin Lea , Berensmeier Sonja
Published: August 2017

With solid liquid liquid extraction as a new capture step for the purification of porcine gastric mucins from crude homogenate, yield and productivity was optimized.
Design and pharmaceutical applications of porous particles
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Shen Lan , Lin Xiao , Hong Yanlong , Feng Yi
Published: August 2017

Porous particles have been developed as a novel carrier to improve drug delivery, dissolution, tableting, and so on, which can be prepared by many methods.
Adsorptive removal of aqueous bezafibrate by magnetic ferrite modified carbon nanotubes
Authors: Wu Donghai , Yao Jingjing , Lu Guanghua , Liu Fuli , Zhou Chao , Zhang Pei , Nkoom Matthew
Published: August 2017

MFe2O4/CNTs were synthesized and successfully applied for the removal of aqueous bezafibrate. The adsorption behavior and mechanism were elucidated in detail.
Promoting charge transfer in hyperbranched, trisoctahedral-shaped core–shell Au@PdPt nanoparticles by facet-dependent construction of transition layers as high performance electrocatalysts
Authors: Song Yahui , Bi Cuixia , Wu Chenshuo , He Hongpeng , Huang Lihui , Wang Dayang , Xia Haibing
Published: August 2017

This is the first case of promoting charge transfer by facet-dependent construction of a transition layer between the core and the shell.
Template-engineered epitaxial BiVO4 photoanodes for efficient solar water splitting
Authors: Song Jaesun , Cha Jaeseong , Lee Mi Gyoung , Jeong Hye Won , Seo Sehun , Yoo Ji Ae , Kim Taemin Ludvic , Lee Jongmin , No Heesung , Kim Do Hyun , Jeong Sang Yun , An Hyunji , Lee Byoung Hun , Bark Chung Wung , Park Hyunwoong , Jang Ho Won , Lee Sanghan
Published: August 2017

The photoelectrochemical properties of template-engineered epitaxial BiVO4 photoanodes have been enhanced approximately 10 times that of bare BiVO4.
Carbon-incorporated Janus-type Ni2P/Ni hollow spheres for high performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Shujin , Xu Xingtao , Wang Miao , Xu Yingqiao , Lu Ting , Yao Yefeng , Pan Likun
Published: August 2017

Carbon-incorporated Janus-type Ni2P/Ni hollow spheres were synthesized and applied as electrode materials for hybrid supercapacitors for the first time.
A functional micro-solid oxide fuel cell with a 10 nm-thick freestanding electrolyte
Authors: Baek Jong Dae , Liu Kang-Yu , Su Pei-Chen
Published: August 2017

State-of-the-art micro-solid oxide fuel cells (micro-SOFCs) use ion-conducting ceramic electrolytes with thicknesses in the tens to hundreds of nanometers scale, which enabled a drastic decrease in operating temperature without a decrease in cell performance.
Ultrathin Fe2O3 nanoflakes using smart chemical stripping for high performance lithium storage
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Han Jisheng , Gu Xingxing , Dimitrijev Sima , Hou Yanglong , Zhang Shanqing
Published: August 2017

A top-down strategy is developed to prepare ultrathin Fe2O3 nanoflakes (approximately 4 nm thick). The ultrathin nanoflakes showed a large specific capability, high rate performance and long lifetime as anode material for lithium ion batteries.
Constructing semiconductive crystalline microporous materials by Coulomb interactions
Authors: Wang Guan-E , Yao Ming-Shui , Cai Min-Lan , Xiu Jing-Wei , Li Yan-Zhou , Xu Gang , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: August 2017

A new strategy has been demonstrated to construct conducting microporous crystalline materials, where inorganic components and organic molecules pack with each other through long distance Coulomb interactions. The two compounds show typical semiconductive properties, relatively high thermal stability, interesting selective adsorption and electrical response to methanol and ethanol.
Modification of lubricant infused porous surface for low-voltage reversible electrowetting
Authors: He Xiaodong , Qiang Wenbin , Du Chao , Shao Qunfeng , Zhang Xiaoping , Deng Youquan
Published: August 2017

Low voltage electrowetting can be achieved by modifying silicone oil impregnated PTFE membrane with PFOTS.
Lychee-like FeS2@FeSe2 core–shell microspheres anode in sodium ion batteries for large capacity and ultralong cycle life
Authors: Zhao Wenxi , Guo Chunxian , Li Chang Ming
Published: August 2017

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are one promising power source with low cost, abundant resource supply and good environmental benignity, but the development of a large capacity and long cycle life anode remains a great challenge.
Compact carbon nitride based copolymer films with controllable thickness for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Gu Quan , Gong Xuezhong , Jia Qiaohui , Liu Jianni , Gao Ziwei , Wang Xuxu , Long Jinlin , Xue Can
Published: August 2017

Carbon nitride based copolymer films consisting of tri-s-triazines and s-triazines are in situ grown on various substrates and exhibit excellent photoelectrochemical performance, which is attributed to strong visible light harvesting transport.
High surface area sulfur-doped microporous carbons from inverse vulcanised polymers
Authors: Lee Jet-Sing M. , Parker Douglas J. , Cooper Andrew I. , Hasell Tom
Published: August 2017

Industrial by-products sulfur and dicyclopentadiene form a high surface-area microporous carbon with excellent potential to filter gold or mercury.
Self-assembled DNA nanowires as quantitative dual-drug nanocarriers for antitumor chemophotodynamic combination therapy
Authors: Chen Qiaoshu , Li Chunying , Yang Xiaohai , Huang Jin , Liu Songyang , Liu Wei , Liu Jianbo , Wang Kemin
Published: August 2017

Self-assembled DNA nanowires were fabricated through a supersandwich hybridization reaction and co-loaded with a photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and a chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) for antitumor chemophotodynamic combination therapy.
On the mechanical and electrical properties of self-assembly-based organosilicate porous films
Authors: Redzheb M. , Armini S. , Berger T. , Jacobs M. , Krishtab M. , Vanstreels K. , Bernstorff S. , Van Der Voort P.
Published: August 2017

The effect of the replacement of Si–O–Si by Si–CH2–Si groups on the mechanical and electrical properties of silica-based hybrid sol–gel thin films is reported.
Photoswitchable polyfluorophores based on perylenemonoimide–dithienylethene conjugates as super-resolution MitoTrackers
Authors: Liu Jun-Xia , Xin Bo , Li Chong , Gong Wen-Liang , Huang Zhen-Li , Tang Ben-Zhong , Zhu Ming-Qiang
Published: August 2017

Photoswitchable polyfluorophores as super-resolution MitoTrackers are designed and synthesized for mitochondria-targeting super-resolution imaging with sub-30 nm spatial resolution.
Examination of Coaching Behaviors Used by Providers When Delivering Early Intervention via Telehealth to Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Authors: Stredler-Brown Arlene
Published: August 2017

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) states that infants and toddlers with disabilities, and their family members, are to receive family-centered early intervention (FCEI). This study investigated providers' use of FCEI strategies when intervention was delivered to young children who were deaf or hard of hearing via telehealth. Telehealth is the use of telecommunication technologies to provide health services to people who are located at some distance from a provider. Telehealth also offers access to specialists and eliminates barriers of geography and weather. This study examined the frequency of occurrence of desired FCEI provider behaviors during telehealth sessions and contrasted them with the same behaviors used during in-person therapy. The use of FCEI provider behaviors was measured by observing and coding digitally recorded intervention sessions. Results demonstrated that selected FCEI provider behaviors occur in the telehealth condition more frequently than in the in-person condition reported in the literature. Three of the provider behaviors studied (i.e., observation, parent practice with feedback, and child behavior with provider feedback) were used more frequently in the telehealth condition. Direct instruction was used in similar amounts in both treatment conditions. This study affirms that the use of FCEI strategies may be enhanced through telehealth.
Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound: Advanced Techniques and Image Interpretation
Authors: Riedesel Erica
Published: August 2017

Neonatal cranial ultrasound has become an essential part of the routine care of neonates. Ultrasound is noninvasive, relatively inexpensive, and can be performed at the bedside. Addition of advanced ultrasound techniques such as use of high-frequency linear transducers, additional acoustic windows, and color and pulsed wave Doppler can significantly improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy of cranial ultrasound. This review will focus on these techniques and their application in the detection of central nervous system pathology in the high-risk preterm and term neonates.