bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ibudilast sensitizes glioblastoma to temozolomide by targeting Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF)
Authors: Ha Wendy , Sevim-Nalkiran Hatice , Zaman Ashraf M. , Matsuda Kazuko , Khasraw Mustafa , Nowak Anna K. , Chung Liping , Baxter Robert C. , McDonald Kerrie L.
Published: February 2019

Recurrence in patients with glioblastoma (GBM) is inevitable resulting in short survival times, even in patients with O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation. Other pathways must be activated to escape from temozolomide (TMZ) treatment, however acquired resistance mechanisms to TMZ are not well understood. Herein, frozen tumors from 36 MGMT methylated patients grouped according to overall survival were extracted and proteins were profiled using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) with time-of flight (TOF) proteomics to identify low molecular weight proteins that associated with poor survival outcomes. Overexpression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was identified in human GBM specimens that were MGMT methylated but showed poor survival. This correlation was confirmed in an independent cohort of human GBM. MIF overexpression has been reported in several cancer types, including GBM. We repurposed ibudilast, a specific MIF inhibitor, and treated patient derived cell lines. Ibudilast showed modest anti-proliferative activity however, when combined with TMZ, significant synergism was observed, resulting in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In vivo, combined ibudilast and TMZ treatment of a patient derived xenograft (PDX) model resulted in significantly longer overall survival. Our findings have significant clinical implications for people with GBM. Since clinical trials involving ibudilast have shown no adverse side effects and the drug readily penetrates the blood brain barrier, treatment of GBM with this combination is clinically achievable.
Electronic Properties of Möbius Cyclacenes Studied by Thermally-Assisted-Occupation Density Functional Theory
Authors: Chung Jui-Hui , Chai Jeng-Da
Published: February 2019

It has been extremely difficult for traditional theoretical methods to adequately predict the properties of systems possessing radical character (i.e., multi-reference systems), especially for multi-reference systems at the nanoscale. To circumvent this, we employ thermally-assisted-occupation density functional theory (TAO-DFT) to predict the electronic properties of Möbius cyclacenes, with the number of fused benzene rings (n) ranging from 8 to 100. In addition, to investigate the significance of Möbius topology, we also compare these properties with the respective properties of cyclacenes and acenes, containing the same number of fused benzene rings. From our TAO-DFT results, Möbius cyclacenes, cyclacenes, and acenes have singlet ground states for all the cases examined. However, unlike acenes, the electronic properties of Möbius cyclacenes and cyclacenes display clear oscillation patterns when n is small (e.g., n ≤ 10 for Möbius cyclacenes and n ≤ 23 for cyclacenes), and converge to the respective properties of acenes when n greatly exceeds 30. The polyradical character of the ground states of Möbius cyclacenes should increase with the molecular size, intimately correlated with the localization of active orbitals at the edges of molecules.
Prognostic impact of ATM mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Randon Giovanni , Fucà Giovanni , Rossini Daniele , Raimondi Alessandra , Pagani Filippo , Perrone Federica , Tamborini Elena , Busico Adele , Peverelli Giorgia , Morano Federica , Niger Monica , Antista Maria , Corallo Salvatore , Saggio Serena , Borelli Beatrice , Zucchelli Gemma , Milione Massimo , Pruneri Giancarlo , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Falcone Alfredo , de Braud Filippo , Cremolini Chiara , Pietrantonio Filippo
Published: February 2019

Tumors bearing homologous recombination deficiency are extremely sensitive to DNA double strand breaks induced by several chemotherapeutic agents. ATM gene, encoding a protein involved in DNA damage response, is frequently mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC), but its potential role as predictive and prognostic biomarker has not been fully investigated. We carried out a multicenter effort aimed at defining the prognostic impact of ATM mutational status in metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients. Mutational profiles were obtained by means of next-generation sequencing. Overall, 35 out of 227 samples (15%) carried an ATM mutation. At a median follow-up of 56.6 months, patients with ATM mutated tumors showed a significantly longer median overall survival (OS) versus ATM wild-type ones (64.9 vs 34.8 months; HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.85; P = 0.01). In the multivariable model, ATM mutations confirmed the association with longer OS (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33–0.98; P = 0.04). The prognostic impact of ATM mutations was independent from TP53 mutational status and primary tumor location. High heterogeneity score for ATM mutations, possibly reflecting the loss of wild-type allele, was associated with excellent prognosis. In conclusion, we showed that ATM mutations are independently associated with longer OS in patients with mCRC.
Forskolin and IBMX Induce Neural Transdifferentiation of MSCs Through Downregulation of the NRSF
Authors: Thompson Ryan , Casali Christina , Chan Christina
Published: February 2019

Neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells is a controversial phenomenon, as it would require transdifferentiation across the mesoderm-ectoderm barrier. However, several laboratories have observed that MSCs are able to be induced to express neural characteristics. Previously, we demonstrated that the cAMP-elevating agents, forskolin and IBMX, induced neural-like differentiation of MSCs, including expression of neural markers and increased sensitivity to neurotransmitters. However, due to the broad range of effects that forskolin and IBMX can elicit through the intracellular second messenger, cAMP, a better mechanistic understanding is required. Here, we show that neural induction by forskolin and IBMX is dependent on downregulation of expression of the master transcriptional regulator, neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), and its downstream target genes. Since silencing of NRSF is known to initiate neural differentiation, it suggests that forskolin and IBMX result in transdifferentiation of MSCs into a neural lineage.
Regulation of the translation activity of antigen-specific mRNA is responsible for antigen loss and tumor immune escape in a HER2-expressing tumor model
Authors: Han Baek-Sang , Ji Sunhee , Woo Sungwon , Lee Ji Heui , Sin Jeong-Im
Published: February 2019

Tumor cells tend to behave differently in response to immune selective conditions. Contrary to those in therapeutic antitumor conditions, tumor cells in prophylactic antitumor conditions lose antigen expression for antitumor immune escape. Here, using a CT26/HER2 tumor model, we investigate the underlying mechanism(s). We selected tumor cell variants (CT26/HER2-A1 and -A2) displaying resistance to antitumor protective immunity and loss of HER2 antigen expression. These immune-resistant cells failed to induce Ag-specific IgG and IFN-γ responses while forming tumors at the same rate as CT26/HER2 cells. RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, PCR, Western blot and DNA sequencing analyses demonstrated that HER2 expression was inhibited at the post-transcriptional level in these immune-resistant cells, suggesting that tumor cells may escape antitumor immunity through the post-transcriptional regulation of antigen gene expression. The proteasome and lysosomal protein degradation pathways were not responsible for antigen loss, as determined by an inhibitor assay. Finally, HER2 mRNA was found to be not present in the monosomes and polysomes of CT26/HER2-A2 cells, as opposed to CT26/HER2 cells, suggesting that the translation activity of HER2 mRNAs may be suppressed in these immune-resistant cells. Taken together, our results report a new mechanism by which tumor cells respond to antitumor protective immunity for antitumor immune evasion.
Inactivation of Ppp1r15a minimises weight gain and insulin resistance during caloric excess in female mice
Authors: Patel Vruti , Bidault Guillaume , Chambers Joseph E. , Carobbio Stefania , Everden Angharad J. T. , Garcés Concepción , Dalton Lucy E. , Gribble Fiona M. , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Marciniak Stefan J.
Published: February 2019

Phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α within the mediobasal hypothalamus is known to suppress food intake, but the role of the eIF2α phosphatases in regulating body weight is poorly understood. Mice deficient in active PPP1R15A, a stress-inducible eIF2α phosphatase, are healthy and more resistant to endoplasmic reticulum stress than wild type controls. We report that when female Ppp1r15a mutant mice are fed a high fat diet they gain less weight than wild type littermates owing to reduced food intake. This results in healthy leaner Ppp1r15a mutant animals with reduced hepatic steatosis and improved insulin sensitivity, albeit with a possible modest defect in insulin secretion. By contrast, no weight differences are observed between wild type and Ppp1r15a deficient mice fed a standard diet. We conclude that female mice lacking the C-terminal PP1-binding domain of PPP1R15A show reduced dietary intake and preserved glucose tolerance. Our data indicate that this results in reduced weight gain and protection from diet-induced obesity.
Decline in Stroke Mortality Between 1997 and 2012 by Sex: Ecological Study in Brazilians Aged 15 to 49 Years
Authors: da Silva Paiva Laércio , Oliveira Fernando Rocha , de Alcantara Sousa Luiz Vinicius , dos Santos Figueiredo Francisco Winter , de Sá Thiago Hérick , Adami Fernando
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to analyse the time trends of stroke mortality between 1997 and 2012 according to sex in Brazilians aged 15 to 49 years. This ecological study used data obtained from the Mortality Information System, which is available from the National Health System Department of Informatics - DATASUS and maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Stroke definition included International Classification of Disease version 10 (ICD-10) codes I60, I61, I63, and I64. Crude and age-standardized mortality rates and respective 95% confidence intervals were estimated per 100,000 inhabitants and stratified by age, region, year, and sex. Linear regression models were used to analyse the time trends with a confidence level of 95%. The statistical program used was Stata 11.0. Between 1997 and 2012, there were 124,866 deaths due to stroke in Brazilians aged 15 to 49 years. There was a decreasing linear trend in stroke mortality among men (β = −0.46, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.95) and women (β = −0.40, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.98) during this period. Overall there was no significant difference in stroke mortality trends by sex, except with respect to the age group of 40 to 49 years where there was a difference in the decrease of stroke mortality between men and women (interaction sex * year: β = 0.238, p = 0.012, R² = 0.96). Mortality rates decrease significantly over time in men and women in the age group 15 to 49 years old, but there is only significant difference in the decrease of rates by sex only in the age group from 40 to 49 years old.
The IKK-binding domain of NEMO is an irregular coiled coil with a dynamic binding interface
Authors: Barczewski Adam H. , Ragusa Michael J. , Mierke Dale F. , Pellegrini Maria
Published: February 2019

NEMO is an essential component in the activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway and exerts its function by recruiting the IκB kinases (IKK) to the IKK complex. Inhibition of the NEMO/IKKs interaction is an attractive therapeutic paradigm for diseases related to NF-κB mis-regulation, but a difficult endeavor because of the extensive protein-protein interface. Here we report the high-resolution structure of the unbound IKKβ-binding domain of NEMO that will greatly facilitate the design of NEMO/IKK inhibitors. The structures of unbound NEMO show a closed conformation that partially occludes the three binding hot-spots and suggest a facile transition to an open state that can accommodate ligand binding. By fusing coiled-coil adaptors to the IKKβ-binding domain of NEMO, we succeeded in creating a protein with improved solution behavior, IKKβ-binding affinity and crystallization compatibility, which will enable the structural characterization of new NEMO/inhibitor complexes.
Vangl2 interaction plays a role in the proteasomal degradation of Prickle2
Authors: Nagaoka Tadahiro , Furuse Mikio , Ohtsuka Toshihisa , Tsuchida Kunihiro , Kishi Masashi
Published: February 2019

The PET and LIM domain-containing protein, Prickle, plays a key role in planar cell polarity (PCP) in Drosophila. It has been reported that mutations in the PRICKLE2 gene, which encodes one of the human orthologues of Prickle, are associated with human diseases such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder. To develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for these intractable diseases, we studied the regulation of Prickle2 protein levels in transfected HEK293T cells. Prickle2 levels were negatively regulated by a physical interaction with another PCP protein, Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2). The Vangl2-mediated reduction in Prickle2 levels was, at least in part, relieved by proteasome inhibitors or by functional inhibition of the Cullin-1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Furthermore, the expression of Vangl2 enhanced the polyubiquitination of Prickle2. This ubiquitination was partially blocked by co-expression of a ubiquitin mutant, which cannot be polymerised through their Lys48 residue to induce target proteins toward proteasomal degradation. Together, these results suggest that Prickle2 is polyubiquitinated by the Vangl2 interaction in a Cullin-1-dependent manner to limit its expression levels. This regulation may play a role in the local and temporal fine-tuning of Prickle protein levels during PCP signal-dependent cellular behaviours.
A novel, nature-based alternative for photobioreactor decontaminations
Authors: Krug Lisa , Erlacher Armin , Berg Gabriele , Cernava Tomislav
Published: February 2019

Large-scale microalgae cultivations are increasingly used for the production of animal feed, nutritional supplements and various high-value bioproducts. Due to the process size and other limitations, contaminations of microalgae fermentations with other photoautotrophic microorganism are frequently observed. In the present study, we explored the applicability of 5-isobutyl-2,3-dimethylpyrazine for the removal of contaminating microalgae from industrial photobioreactors. In order to select a representative microbial population for susceptibility experiments, reactor samples were obtained from a multi-stage cultivation process. Assignments of 18S rRNA gene fragment amplicons indicated that Haematococcus, Chlorella, and Scenedesmus were the three most frequently occurring microalgae genera in the selected reactors. Following the isolation of representative algae cultures, susceptibility tests were conducted with the antimicrobial pyrazine. It was demonstrated that all isolated contaminants are highly susceptible to the bioactive compound. The highest tolerance towards the alkylpyrazine was observed with Scenedesmus vacuolatus; solutions with 1.66% (v/v) of the active compound were required for its deactivation. Further tests with the vaporized pyrazine showed consistent reductions in the viability of treated microalgae. This pilot study provides evidence for the applicability of a novel, nature-based alternative for bioreactor decontaminations.
An achiral ferromagnetic/chiral antiferromagnetic bilayer system leading to controllable size and density of skyrmions
Authors: Morvan F. J. , Luo H. B. , Yang H. X. , Zhang X. , Zhou Y. , Zhao G. P. , Xia W. X. , Liu J. P.
Published: February 2019

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected domain structures related to the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). To understand how magnetic skyrmions occur under different circumstances, we propose a model for skyrmion formation in a bilayer system of ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AFM) films, in which the bulk DMI is only present in the AFM film. Micromagnetic simulations reveal that skyrmions are formed in this system due to the competition between the DMI and demagnetization energies. A critical interfacial exchange energy (Ai = 6.5 mJ/m2) is determined, above which the competition occurs at its full extent. More skyrmions are formed with increasing external magnetic field till a critical value above which the external field is too large and thus leading to the annihilation of skyrmions. The spacing between two skyrmions can be as small as 45 nm. Our results may give technological implications for future skyrmion applications.
3D Muography for the Search of Hidden Cavities
Authors: Cimmino Luigi , Baccani Guglielmo , Noli Pasquale , Amato Lucio , Ambrosino Fabio , Bonechi Lorenzo , Bongi Massimo , Ciulli Vitaliano , D’Alessandro Raffaello , D’Errico Mariaelena , Gonzi Sandro , Melon Barbara , Minin Gianluca , Saracino Giulio , Scognamiglio Luca , Strolin Paolo , Viliani Lorenzo
Published: February 2019

Muography (or muon radiography) is a technique that exploits the penetration capability of muons, elementary particles similar to electrons but with a mass about 200 times larger. High energy muons are naturally produced in the interactions of cosmic rays with the Earth atmosphere. The measurement of their absorption in matter allows the imaging of the inner structure of large bodies. The technological developments in the detection of elementary particles have opened the way to its application in various fields, such as archaeology, studies of geological structures, civil engineering and security issues. We have developed a new approach to the three-dimensional muography of underground structures, capable of directly localising hidden cavities and of reconstructing their shape in space. Our measurements at Mt. Echia, the site of the earliest settlement of the city of Naples in the 8th century BC, have led us to the discovery of a hidden underground cavity, whose existence was not evident with the usual two-dimensional muography graphs. We demonstrate here that our original approach definitely enhances muography discovery potential, especially in case of complex underground systems.
Factors involved in initiation and regulation of complement lectin pathway influence postoperative outcome after pediatric cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Michalski Mateusz , Pągowska-Klimek Izabela , Thiel Steffen , Świerzko Anna S. , Hansen Annette G. , Jensenius Jens C. , Cedzyński Maciej
Published: February 2019

Congenital heart disease (CHD) often requires surgical intervention, and is sometimes associated with life-threatening post-operative complications. We have investigated some factors of the innate immune system involved in the initiation or regulation of complement lectin pathway activation (MASP-1, MASP-2 MASP-3, MAp19, MAp44, ficolin-3) and related them to complications and prognosis in 190 pediatric patients undergoing CHD repair with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients with MAp44 levels ≤1.81 µg/ml more frequently experienced low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), renal insufficiency, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiorgan dysfunction (MODS). Low MASP-3 (≤5.18 µg/ml) and high MASP-1 (≥11.7 µg/ml) levels were often associated with fatal outcome. Low ficolin-3 concentrations (≤10.1 µg/ml) were more common among patients experiencing SIRS and MODS than in those without complications. However, patients suffering from SIRS and MODS with low ficolin-3 had a much better prognosis (91% survivalvs. 37% among other patients; p = 0.007). A discriminating value of 12.7 µg/ml ficolin-3 yielded 8%vs. 60% mortality (p = 0.001). Our data extend the knowledge concerning involvement of proteins of the lectin pathway in development of post-CPB complications. The potential prognostic value of low preoperative MAp44 and high preoperative ficolin-3 seems promising and warrants independent confirmation.
Symmetry-breaking induced magnetic Fano resonances in densely packed arrays of symmetric nanotrimers
Authors: Wang Ning , Zeisberger Matthias , Huebner Uwe , Giannini Vincenzo , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: February 2019

Due to unique properties and great design flexibilities, Fano resonances represent one of the most promising optical features mediated by metallic nanostructures, while the excitation of some Fano modes is impossible due to symmetry reasons. The aim of this work is to show that dense lattice arrangements can have a profound impact on the optical properties of nanostructures and, in particular, can enable the excitation of otherwise dark modes. Here, we demonstrate this concept using the example of rectangular arrays of symmetric trimers packed so densely that the coupling between neighbouring unit cells imposes a symmetry break, enabling the excitation of magnetic Fano resonances. We found that in experiments as well as in simulations, electric and magnetic Fano resonances can be simultaneously formed in cases where the inter-trimer distances are sufficiently small. By analysing the transition from an isolated trimer mode into a regime of strong near-field coupling, we show that by modifying the rectangular unit cell lengths due to the symmetry mismatch between lattice and trimer, two types of Fano resonances can be found, especially magnetic Fano resonances with loop-type magnetic field distributions within the centre of each trimer, which can be either enhanced or suppressed. In addition, the influence of the refractive index environment was measured, showing sensitivity values of approximately 300 nm/RIU. Our work provides fundamental insights into the interaction of the lattice and nanostructure response and paves the way towards the observation of novel optical excitations.
A novel mutation tolerant padlock probe design for multiplexed detection of hypervariable RNA viruses
Authors: Ciftci Sibel , Neumann Felix , Hernández-Neuta Iván , Hakhverdyan Mikhayil , Bálint Ádám , Herthnek David , Madaboosi Narayanan , Nilsson Mats
Published: February 2019

The establishment of a robust detection platform for RNA viruses still remains a challenge in molecular diagnostics due to their high mutation rates. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one such RNA avian virus with a hypervariable genome and multiple genotypes. Classical approaches like virus isolation, serology, immunoassays and RT-PCR are cumbersome, and limited in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Padlock probes (PLPs) are known for allowing the detection of multiple nucleic acid targets with high specificity, and in combination with Rolling circle amplification (RCA) have permitted the development of versatile pathogen detection assays. In this work, we aimed to detect hypervariable viruses by developing a novel PLP design strategy capable of tolerating mutations while preserving high specificity by targeting several moderately conserved regions and using degenerate bases. For this, we designed nine padlock probes based on the alignment of 335 sequences covering both Class I and II NDV. Our PLP design showed high coverage and specificity for the detection of eight out of ten reported genotypes of Class II NDV field isolated strains, yielding a detection limit of less than ten copies of viral RNA. Further taking advantage of the multiplex capability of PLPs, we successfully extended the assay for the simultaneous detection of three poultry RNA viruses (NDV, IBV and AIV) and combined it with a paper based microfluidic enrichment read-out for digital quantification. In summary, our novel PLP design addresses the current issue of tolerating mutations of highly emerging virus strains with high sensitivity and specificity.
MicroRNAs from saliva of anopheline mosquitoes mimic human endogenous miRNAs and may contribute to vector-host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Arcà Bruno , Colantoni Alessio , Fiorillo Carmine , Severini Francesco , Benes Vladimir , Di Luca Marco , Calogero Raffaele A. , Lombardo Fabrizio
Published: February 2019

During blood feeding haematophagous arthropods inject into their hosts a cocktail of salivary proteins whose main role is to counteract host haemostasis, inflammation and immunity. However, animal body fluids are known to also carry miRNAs. To get insights into saliva and salivary gland miRNA repertoires of the African malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii we used small RNA-Seq and identified 214 miRNAs, including tissue-enriched, sex-biased and putative novel anopheline miRNAs. Noteworthy, miRNAs were asymmetrically distributed between saliva and salivary glands, suggesting that selected miRNAs may be preferentially directed toward mosquito saliva. The evolutionary conservation of a subset of saliva miRNAs in Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes, and in the tick Ixodes ricinus, supports the idea of a non-random occurrence pointing to their possible physiological role in blood feeding by arthropods. Strikingly, eleven of the most abundant An. coluzzi saliva miRNAs mimicked human miRNAs. Prediction analysis and search for experimentally validated targets indicated that miRNAs from An. coluzzii saliva may act on host mRNAs involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Overall, this study raises the intriguing hypothesis that miRNAs injected into vertebrates with vector saliva may contribute to host manipulation with possible implication for vector-host interaction and pathogen transmission.
Detection of sub-microscopic blood levels of Plasmodium falciparum using Tandem Oligonucleotide Repeat Cascade Amplification (TORCA) assay with an attomolar detection limit
Authors: Ghindilis Andrey L. , Chesnokov Olga , Ngasala Billy , Smith Maria W. , Smith Kenneth , Mårtensson Andreas , Oleinikov Andrew V.
Published: February 2019

Tandem Oligonucleotide Repeat Cascade Amplification (TORCA) based on signal rather than target amplification under isothermal conditions was developed for nucleic acid assays. The initial signal was generated by hybridization of single stranded DNA targets to immobilized recognition probes followed by hybrid cleavage with specific restriction endonuclease (REase), and release of trigger oligonucleotides (Tr1). The signal amplification chamber contained two bead types carrying single-stranded amplification probes and two amplification REases. The probes consisted of multiple tandem repeats of either Tr1 or another trigger Tr2, with the tandem-Tr1 anchored to the beads through the antisense Tr2 linker and vice versa. Addition of the recognition reaction solution and Tr1 hybridization to the anti-Tr1 linkers started cleavage and release of additional Tr1 and Tr2, resulting in exponential signal amplification. The cleavage cascade also released horseradish peroxidase (HRP) pre-attached to the amplification probes, and the resultant signal was measured colorimetrically. A TORCA assay was developed for detection of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in blood. It had the detection limit in the attomolar concentration range, successfully detecting sub-microscopic P. falciparum infections at less than 0.75 infected erythrocytes per microliter. Further TORCA optimization will likely produce the quantitative isothermal alternative to PCR at a fraction of its cost.
Towards identifying the mode of action of drugs using live-cell FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Altharawi Ali , Rahman Khondaker Miraz , Chan K. L. Andrew
Published: February 2019

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been shown to be a promising tool for identifying the mode of action of drugs.
DEER distance measurements on trityl/trityl and Gd(iii)/trityl labelled proteins
Authors: Giannoulis Angeliki , Yang Yin , Gong Yan-Jun , Tan Xiaoli , Feintuch Akiva , Carmieli Raanan , Bahrenberg Thorsten , Liu Yangping , Su Xun-Cheng , Goldfarb Daniella
Published: February 2019

Trityl–trityl and trityl–Gd(iii) DEER distance measurements in proteins are performed using a new trityl spin label affording thioether–protein conjugation.
Theoretical studies of hydrogen abstraction from H2X and CH3XH (X = O, S) by trichloromethyl radicals
Authors: Pal Jagannath , Subramanian Ranga
Published: February 2019

We have theoretically investigated the hydrogen abstraction reactions of H2O, H2S, CH3OH, and CH3SH by the CCl3 radical, which is of interest in atmospheric chemistry research.
Combining magnetic hyperthermia and dual T1/T2 MR imaging using highly versatile iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sánchez-Cabezas Santiago , Montes-Robles Roberto , Gallo Juan , Sancenón Félix , Martínez-Máñez Ramón
Published: February 2019

Highly-stable ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIONs) show great potential for the development of theranostic nanodevices.
Nano zero-valent iron aging interacts with the soil microbial community: a microcosm study
Authors: Wu Songlin , Cajthaml Tomáš , Semerád Jaroslav , Filipová Alena , Klementová Mariana , Skála Roman , Vítková Martina , Michálková Zuzana , Teodoro Manuel , Wu Zhaoxiang , Martínez-Fernández Domingo , Komárek Michael
Published: February 2019

This study is among the first to reveal nZVI aging in the soil ecosystem and its interactions with the soil microbial community.
Identification of the causes of drinking water discolouration from machine learning analysis of historical datasets
Authors: Speight Vanessa L. , Mounce Stephen R. , Boxall Joseph B.
Published: February 2019

Understanding the processes and interactions occurring within complex, ageing drinking water distribution systems is vital to ensuring the supply of safe drinking water.
Acylated anthocyanins derived from purple carrot (Daucus carota L.) induce elevation of blood flow in rat cremaster arteriole
Authors: Tsutsumi Ayaka , Horikoshi Yukari , Fushimi Taiki , Saito Akiko , Koizumi Ryo , Fujii Yasuyuki , Hu Qing Qiang , Hirota Yoshihisa , Aizawa Koichi , Osakabe Naomi
Published: February 2019

Acylated anthocyanins are more stable than monomeric anthocyanins, but little is known about their physiological effects.
Protective effect of three glucomannans from different plants against DSS induced colitis in female BALB/c mice
Authors: Zhang Liu-Jing , Huang Xiao-Jun , Shi Xiao-Dan , Chen Hai-Hong , Cui Steve W. , Nie Shao-Ping
Published: February 2019

Glucomannans (GMs) from diverse natural plants have great potentiality in enhancing the host immune system.
Water-assisted selective hydrodeoxygenation of phenol to benzene over the Ru composite catalyst in the biphasic process
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Jia Chuhua , Cao Yang , Yao Yao , Xie Shaoqu , Zhang Shicheng , Lin Hongfei
Published: February 2019

Schematic illustration of HDO of phenol to benzene in the biphasic catalytic process.
Hole delocalization as a driving force for charge pair dissociation in organic photovoltaics
Authors: Matheson Andrew B. , Ruseckas Arvydas , Pearson Scott J. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: February 2019

Hole polaron delocalization on polymer chains helps charge separation by lowering the free energy of the spatially separated charge pair.
Maximization of thermal conductance at interfaces via exponentially mass-graded interlayers
Authors: Rastgarkafshgarkolaei Rouzbeh , Zhang Jingjie , Polanco Carlos A. , Le Nam Q. , Ghosh Avik W. , Norris Pamela M.
Published: February 2019

We propose a strategy to potentially best enhance interfacial thermal transport through solid–solid interfaces by adding nano-engineered, exponentially mass-graded intermediate layers.
A multiscale flexible pressure sensor based on nanovesicle-like hollow microspheres for micro-vibration detection in non-contact mode
Authors: Li Tie , Li Lili , Bai Yuanyuan , Cao Yudong , Lu Qifeng , Li Yue , Xu Gengzhao , Zhang Ting
Published: February 2019

Hierarchical nanovesicle-like hollow microspheres are employed to fabricate flexible pressure sensors for detecting micro-vibration signals in non-contacting mode.
Low energy consumption phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes using phenyl anthracenone derivatives as the host featuring bipolar and thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Ye Zhonghua , Ling Zhitian , Chen Minyu , Yang Jiali , Wang Shuanglong , Zheng Yanqiong , Wei Bin , Li Chong , Chen Guo , Shi Ying
Published: February 2019

A bipolar host material 10-(4-(5,5-dimethylbenzofuro[3,2-c]acridin-13(5H)-yl)phenyl)-10-phenylanthracen-9(10H)-one (DphAn-5BzAc) with TADF properties, has been synthesized.
Controlling nanoemulsion surface chemistry with poly(2-oxazoline) amphiphiles
Authors: Estabrook Daniel A. , Ennis Amanda F. , Day Rachael A. , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: February 2019

Poly(2-oxazoline) surfactants allow for the stabilization and functionalization of hydrocarbon- and perfluorocarbon-in-water nanoemulsions.
Oxygen-vacancy Bi2O3 nanosheet arrays with excellent rate capability and CoNi2S4 nanoparticles immobilized on N-doped graphene nanotubes as robust electrode materials for high-energy asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Jian , Li Zhenjiang , Shen Tong , Yuan Xiangcheng , Qiu Guanhao , Jiang Qingyan , Lin Yusheng , Song Guanying , Meng Alan , Li Qingdang
Published: February 2019

An asymmetric supercapacitor with high energy was assembled by using the N-GNTs@OV-Bi2O3 NSAs and N-GNTs@CoNi2S4 NPs as negative and positive electrodes, respectively.
Development of biodegradable polyesters based on a hydroxylated coumarin initiator towards fluorescent visible paclitaxel-loaded microspheres
Authors: Bian Yufei , Wei Zhiyong , Wang Zefeng , Tu Zhu , Zheng Liuchun , Wang Wenhuan , Leng Xuefei , Li Yang
Published: February 2019

A facile method of end-functionalization was used to synthesize a series of fluorescent biodegradable polyesters with tailorable physical properties, which can promisingly be applied in the biomedical field as a controllable and traceable drug delivery system, especially for long-term controlled drug release.
Impact of molecular conformation on triplet-fusion induced photon energy up-conversion in the absence of exothermic triplet energy transfer
Authors: Goudarzi Hossein , Limbu Saurav , Cabanillas-González Juan , Zenonos Vassiliki M. , Kim Ji-Seon , Keivanidis Panagiotis E.
Published: February 2019

Control over the brightness of photon energy up-conversion luminescence is gained by tuning the molecular conformation of the emitter species.
Fluorescence microscopy of single lead bromide nanocrystals reveals sharp transitions during their transformation to methylammonium lead bromide
Authors: Yin Bo , Cavin John , Wang Dong , Khan Daniel , Shen Meikun , Laing Craig , Mishra Rohan , Sadtler Bryce
Published: February 2019

Single-nanocrystal fluorescence microscopy reveals that the immiscibility between PbBr2 and CH3NH3PbBr3 crystals imposes the limiting energetic barrier for nanocrystal conversion.
Proton-coupled multi-electron transfer and its relevance for artificial photosynthesis and photoredox catalysis
Authors: Pannwitz Andrea , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: February 2019

Photoinduced PCET meets catalysis, and the accumulation of multiple redox equivalents is of key importance.
Correction: A comprehensive mechanistic study on the visible-light photocatalytic reductive dehalogenation of haloaromatics mediated by Ru(bpy)3Cl2
Authors: Marin Mireia , Miranda Miguel A. , Marin M. Luisa
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘A comprehensive mechanistic study on the visible-light photocatalytic reductive dehalogenation of haloaromatics mediated by Ru(bpy)3Cl2’ by Mireia Marin et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2017, 7, 4852–4858.
Directing self-assembly in solution towards improved cooperativity in Fe(iii) complexes with amphiphilic tridentate ligands
Authors: Vicente Ana I. , Wu Xinwey , Ortin Yannick , Ferreira Liliana P. , Carvalho Maria de Deus , Realista Sara , Barker Andrew , Morgan Grace G. , Galamba Nuno , Costa Paulo J. , Calhorda Maria José , Martinho Paulo N.
Published: February 2019

Particles with different sizes promote spin crossover at 220 K and a 10 K hysteresis.
Li2ZnGeS4: a promising diamond-like infrared nonlinear optical material with high laser damage threshold and outstanding second-harmonic generation response
Authors: Huang Yi , Wu Kui , Cheng Jianian , Chu Yu , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: February 2019

A promising IR nonlinear optical material Li2ZnGeS4 with a diamond-like configuration and high optical performance is reported.
Nanosheets of nickel, cobalt and manganese triple hydroxides/oxyhydroxides as efficient electrode materials for asymmetrical supercapacitors
Authors: Reghu Nath Anish , Jayachandran Aswathi , Sandhyarani Neelakandapillai
Published: February 2019

Anin situmethod to fabricate thin nanosheets of Nickel, Cobalt and Manganese composite for charge storage applications is reported.
Laser-driven plasmonic gratings for hiding multiple images
Authors: Sharma N. , Vangheluwe M. , Vocanson F. , Cazier A. , Bugnet M. , Reynaud S. , Vermeulin A. , Destouches N.
Published: February 2019

Encoding diffractive images using smart laser printing for applications in security, design and data storage.
Porous reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/WO3 nanocomposites for the enhanced detection of NH3 at room temperature
Authors: Jeevitha G. , Abhinayaa R. , Mangalaraj D. , Ponpandian N. , Meena P. , Mounasamy Veena , Madanagurusamy Sridharan
Published: February 2019

Incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modifies the properties of semiconducting metal oxide nanoparticles and makes it possible to tune the surface area and pore size to optimum values, which in turn improves their gas sensing properties.
Perfect polymer interlocking by spherical particles: capillary force shapes hierarchical composite undercuts
Authors: Siebert Leonard , Schaller Tim , Schütt Fabian , Kaps Sören , Carstensen Jürgen , Shree Sindu , Bahr Jörg , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Sievers Hans-Hinrich , Adelung Rainer
Published: February 2019

The paper presents a simple alternative adhesion method for fabricating spherical particle based complex undercuts for interlocking the laminate polymer composites.
A facilely synthesized glutathione-functionalized silver nanoparticle-grafted covalent organic framework for rapid and highly efficient enrichment of N-linked glycopeptides
Authors: Ma Yu-Fang , Wang Li-Juan , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang
Published: February 2019

A functionalized covalent organic framework was facilely synthesized via an easily popularized process for highly efficient enrichment of N-linked glycopeptides.
Synthesis of the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the cryoprotectant capsular polysaccharide from Colwellia psychrerythraea 34H
Authors: Vessella Giulia , Casillo Angela , Fabozzi Antonio , Traboni Serena , Iadonisi Alfonso , Corsaro Maria Michela , Bedini Emiliano
Published: February 2019

Synthesis of the threonine-decorated tetrasaccharide repeating unit of a cryoprotectant polysaccharide with a glycosaminoglycan-like structure.
Ruthenium(ii)-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and coupling with sulfoxonium ylides: an efficient approach for the synthesis of highly functional 3-ketoindoles
Authors: Wu Chenglin , Zhou Jianhui , He Guoxue , Li Huihui , Yang Qiaolan , Wang Run , Zhou Yu , Liu Hong
Published: February 2019

Ruthenium-catalyzed selective C–H bond activation of imidamides and annulation of sulfoxonium ylides were achieved, which afforded a series of 3-ketoindole derivatives in good yields, with good functional group compatibility.
Cross coupling of alkylsilicates with acyl chlorides via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis: a new synthesis method for ketones
Authors: Levernier Etienne , Corcé Vincent , Rakotoarison Louise-Marie , Smith Adrien , Zhang Mengxue , Ognier Stephanie , Tatoulian Michael , Ollivier Cyril , Fensterbank Louis
Published: February 2019

Photoredox/nickel dual catalysis using silicates and acyl chlorides allows a new method of formation of ketones. Flow chemistry can be applied.
Copper-catalysed C(sp3)–N coupling initiated by selective C–C bond cleavage of cyclobutanone oxime esters
Authors: Min Qing-Qiang , Li Na , Chen Guang-Le , Liu Feng
Published: February 2019

A mild and practical protocol is developed for the synthesis of functionalized 4-(arylamino)butanenitriles via selective C–C bond cleavage and subsequent C(sp3)–N coupling.
Scalable one-step synthesis of N,S co-doped graphene-enhanced hierarchical porous carbon foam for high-performance solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Liya , Liu Jin , Lv Song , Zhou Qin , Shen Xinyu , Mo Shaobo , Tong Hua
Published: February 2019

N,S co-doped graphene-enhanced HPC is prepared by a facile one-step method, and exhibits superior electrochemical performances as a solid-state supercapacitor electrode.
Framework Cu-doped boron nitride nanobelts with enhanced internal electric field for effective Fenton-like removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Li Lingfei , Hu Chun , Zhang Lili , Yu Guangfei , Lyu Lai , Li Fan , Jiang Ning
Published: February 2019

The internal electric field in Cu-BN promotes the reduction of H2O2 and the oxidation of H2O to generate aggressive ·OH.
A new metal–organic open framework enabling facile synthesis of carbon encapsulated transition metal phosphide/sulfide nanoparticle electrocatalysts
Authors: Weng Baicheng , Wang Xiaoming , Grice Corey R. , Xu Fenghua , Yan Yanfa
Published: February 2019

A new metal–organic framework enables a facile and scalable synthesis of transition metal phosphide and sulfide nanoparticle encapsulated by heteroatom-doped carbon as bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Perovskite KNi0.1Co0.9F3as a pseudocapacitive conversion anode for high-performance nonaqueous Li-ion capacitors and dual-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Qilei , Ding Rui , Shi Wei , Ying Danfeng , Huang Yongfa , Yan Tong , Gao Ping , Sun Xiujuan , Liu Enhui
Published: February 2019

The perovskite KNi0.1Co0.9F3anode with pseudocapacitive conversion properties shows potential applications in nonaqueous Li-ion capacitors and dual-ion batteries.
A diketopyrrolopyrrole-based macrocyclic conjugated molecule for organic electronics
Authors: Li Cheng , Wang Chao , Guo Yiting , Jin Yingzhi , Yao Nannan , Wu Yonggang , Zhang Fengling , Li Weiwei
Published: February 2019

The first diketopyrrolopyrrole based donor–acceptor macrocyclic conjugated molecule was developed and its application in organic electronics was systematically studied.
Distributed adaptive control for distance‐based formation and flocking control of multi‐agent systems
Authors: Zou Ying , Wen Changyun , Guan Mingyang
Published: February 2019

In this study, a distributed adaptive control strategy for distance‐based formation and flocking control of multi‐agent system with parametric uncertainty is proposed. A 3‐agent leader–first‐follower system is considered first. The agents are supposed to have non‐identical dynamics, whereas with similar structure. By introducing two new variables that involve distance error and velocity error and utilising them in the controller design, global convergence of all agents to the desired formation and to the velocity of the leader is established. Finally, the three‐agent case is inductively extended to N ‐agent case. The stability and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy are analysed in theory and demonstrated through simulation results, respectively.
Robust long‐term correlation tracking with multiple models
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Guixi , Zhang Haoyang , Hao Zhaohui
Published: February 2019

To address the challenge of repetitive target appearance variation and frequent occlusion, existing visual tracking methods either handle corrupted samples or correct the appearance model. In this study, the authors propose a novel framework that successfully combines these two strategies. In their method, the base tracker is an improved discriminative correlation filter‐based tracker, in which an independent classifier is employed to alleviate the problem of corrupted samples; the best model is selected for improvement from a group of models, which they call a ‘model colony’. The model colony is composed of models updated via different processes. The correlation output and the peak‐to‐sidelobe ratio are used to evaluate each model in the model colony. In addition, they propose a novel criterion called the maximum‐to‐others ratio for superior model selection. Experiments on 80 challenging sequences show that their tracker outperforms state‐of‐the‐art trackers. In addition, experimental results demonstrate that their formulation significantly improves the performance of their base tracker.
ALMA study of the HD 100453 AB system and the tidal interaction of the companion with the disk
Authors: van der Plas G. , Ménard F. , Gonzalez J.-F. , Perez S. , Rodet L. , Pinte C. , Cieza L. , Casassus S. , Benisty M.
Published: February 2019

Context. The complex system HD 100453 AB with a ring-like circumprimary disk and two spiral arms, one of which is pointing to the secondary, is a good laboratory in which to test spiral formation theories.

Aims. We aim to resolve the dust and gas distribution in the disk around HD 100453 A and to quantify the interaction of HD 100453 B with the circumprimary disk.

Methods. Using ALMA band 6 dust continuum and CO isotopologue observations we have studied the HD 100453 AB system with a spatial resolution of 0′′.09 × 0′′.17 at 234 GHz. We used smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations and orbital fitting to investigate the tidal influence of the companion on the disk.

Results. We resolve the continuum emission around HD 100453 A into a disk between 0′′.22 and 0′′.40 with an inclination of 29.5° and a position angle of 151.0°, an unresolved inner disk, and excess mm emission cospatial with the northern spiral arm which was previously detected using scattered light observations. We also detect CO emission from 7 au (well within the disk cavity) out to 1′′.10, overlapping with HD 100453 B at least in projection. The outer CO disk position angle (PA) and inclination differ by up to 10° from the values found for the inner CO disk and the dust continuum emission, which we interpret as due to gravitational interaction with HD 100453 B. Both the spatial extent of the CO disk and the detection of mm emission at the same location as the northern spiral arm are in disagreement with the previously proposed near co-planar orbit of HD 100453 B.

Conclusions. We conclude that HD 100453 B has an orbit that is significantly misaligned with the circumprimary disk. Because it is unclear whether such an orbit can explain the observed system geometry we highlight an alternative scenario that explains all detected disk features where another, (yet) undetected, low mass close companion within the disk cavity, shepherds a misaligned inner disk whose slowly precessing shadows excite the spiral arms.