bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cell Function in an Ex Vivo Microvascular Network Model
Authors: Motherwell Jessica M. , Azimi Mohammad S. , Spicer Kristine , Alves Natascha G. , Hodges Nicholas A. , Breslin Jerome W. , Katakam Prasad V. G. , Murfee Walter L.
Published: May 2017

An emerging challenge in tissue engineering biomimetic models is recapitulating the physiological complexity associated with real tissues. Recently, our laboratory introduced the rat mesentery culture model as an ex vivo experimental platform for investigating the multi-cellular dynamics involved in angiogenesis within an intact microvascular network using time-lapse imaging. A critical question remains whether the vessels maintain their functionality. The objective of this study was to determine whether vascular smooth muscle cells in cultured microvascular networks maintain the ability to constrict. Adult rat mesenteric tissues were harvested and cultured for three days in either MEM or MEM plus 10% serum. On Day 0 and Day 3 live microvascular networks were visualized with FITC conjugated BSI-lectin labeling and arteriole diameters were compared before and five minutes after topical exposure to vasoconstrictors (50 mM KCl and 20 nM Endothelin-1). Arterioles displayed a vasoconstriction response to KCl and endothelin for each experimental group. However, the Day 3 serum cultured networks were angiogenic, characterized by increased vessel density, and displayed a decreased vasoconstriction response compared to Day 0 networks. The results support the physiological relevance of the rat mesentery culture model as a biomimetic tool for investigating microvascular growth and function ex vivo.
Response of coral calcification and calcifying fluid composition to thermally induced bleaching stress
Authors: D’Olivo J. P. , McCulloch M. T.
Published: May 2017

Severe, global-scale thermal stress events like those of 1998 and 2016, are becoming more frequent and intense, potentially compromising the future of coral reefs. Here we report the effects of the 1998 bleaching event on coral calcification as well as the composition of the calcifying fluid (cf) from which corals precipitate their calcium carbonate skeletons. This was investigated by using the Sr/Ca, Li/Mg (temperature), and boron isotopes (δ11B) and B/Ca (carbonate chemistry) proxies in a Porites sp. coral. Following the summer of 1998 the coral exhibited a prolonged period (~18 months) of reduced calcification (~60%) and a breakdown in the seasonality of the geochemical proxies. However, the maintenance of elevated dissolved inorganic carbon (DICcf; >×2 seawater) and pHcf (>8.3 compared to seawater ~8.0) even during severe stress of 1998 indicate that a minimum threshold of high aragonite saturation state (Ωcf) of ~14 (~×4 seawater), is an essential pre-requisite for coral calcification. However, despite maintaining elevated levels of Ωcf even under severe stress, coral growth is still impaired. We attribute this to reductions in either the effective active volume of calcification and/or DICcf as bleaching compromises the photosynthetically fixed carbon pool available to the coral.
Identification of a novel chalcone derivative that inhibits Notch signaling in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mori Mattia , Tottone Luca , Quaglio Deborah , Zhdanovskaya Nadezda , Ingallina Cinzia , Fusto Marisa , Ghirga Francesca , Peruzzi Giovanna , Crestoni Maria Elisa , Simeoni Fabrizio , Giulimondi Francesca , Talora Claudio , Botta Bruno , Screpanti Isabella , Palermo Rocco
Published: May 2017

Notch signaling is considered a rational target in the therapy of several cancers, particularly those harbouring Notch gain of function mutations, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Although currently available Notch-blocking agents are showing anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies, they are not effective in all the patients and often cause severe side-effects, limiting their widespread therapeutic use. Here, by functional and biological analysis of the most representative molecules of an in house library of natural products, we have designed and synthetized the chalcone-derivative 8 possessing Notch inhibitory activity at low micro molar concentration in T-ALL cell lines. Structure-activity relationships were afforded for the chalcone scaffold. Short term treatments with compound 8 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of Notch signaling activity, halted cell cycle progression and induced apoptosis, thus affecting leukemia cell growth. Taken together, our data indicate that 8 is a novel Notch inhibitor, candidate for further investigation and development as an additional therapeutic option against Notch-dependent cancers.
FK866 attenuates acute hepatic failure through c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent autophagy
Authors: Guo Enshuang , Li Renlong , Yang Jiankun , Zhang Jun , Li Anyi , Yang Yan , Liu Shenpei , Liu Anding , Jiang Xiaojing
Published: May 2017

FK866 exhibits a protective effect on D-galactosamine (GaIN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute liver failure (ALF), but the mechanism by which FK866 affords this benefit has not yet been elucidated. Autophagy has a protective effect on acute liver injury. However, the contribution of autophagy to FK866-conferred hepatoprotection is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether FK866 could attenuate GaIN/LPS and ConA-induced ALF through c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent autophagy. In vivo, Mice were pretreated with FK866 at 24, 12, and 0.5 h before treatment with GaIN/LPS and ConA. 3-methyladenine (3MA) or rapamycin were used to determine the role of autophagy in FK866-conferred hepatoprotection. In primary hepatocytes, autophagy was inhibited by 3MA or autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7) small interfering RNA (siRNA). JNK was suppressed by SP600125 or Jnk siRNA. FK866 alleviated hepatotoxicity and increased autophagy while decreased JNK activation. Suppression of autophagy abolished the FK866-conferred protection. Inhibition of JNK increased autophagy and exhibited strongly protective effect. Collectively, FK866 could ameliorate GaIN/LPS and ConA-induced ALF through induction of autophagy while suppression of JNK. These findings suggest that FK866 acts as a simple and applicable preconditioning intervention to protect against ALF; autophagy and JNK may also provide therapeutic targets for ALF treatment.
Identification of extracellular glycerophosphodiesterases in Pseudomonas and their role in soil organic phosphorus remineralisation
Authors: Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Murphy Andrew R. J. , Fraser Tandra D. , Bending Gary D. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Moore Jonathan D. , Goodall Andrew , Tibbett Mark , Hammond John P. , Scanlan David J. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H.
Published: May 2017

In soils, phosphorus (P) exists in numerous organic and inorganic forms. However, plants can only acquire inorganic orthophosphate (Pi), meaning global crop production is frequently limited by P availability. To overcome this problem, rock phosphate fertilisers are heavily applied, often with negative environmental and socio-economic consequences. The organic P fraction of soil contains phospholipids that are rapidly degraded resulting in the release of bioavailable Pi. However, the mechanisms behind this process remain unknown. We identified and experimentally confirmed the function of two secreted glycerolphosphodiesterases, GlpQI and GlpQII, found in Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 and Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, respectively. A series of co-cultivation experiments revealed that in these Pseudomonas strains, cleavage of glycerolphosphorylcholine and its breakdown product G3P occurs extracellularly allowing other bacteria to benefit from this metabolism. Analyses of metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets revealed that this trait is widespread among soil bacteria with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, specifically Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria, the likely major players.
Vector Beam Polarization State Spectrum Analyzer
Authors: Moreno Ignacio , Davis Jeffrey A. , Badham Katherine , Sánchez-López María M. , Holland Joseph E. , Cottrell Don M.
Published: May 2017

We present a proof of concept for a vector beam polarization state spectrum analyzer based on the combination of a polarization diffraction grating (PDG) and an encoded harmonic q-plate grating (QPG). As a result, a two-dimensional polarization diffraction grating is formed that generates six different q-plate channels with topological charges from −3 to +3 in the horizontal direction, and each is split in the vertical direction into the six polarization channels at the cardinal points of the corresponding higher-order Poincaré sphere. Consequently, 36 different channels are generated in parallel. This special polarization diffractive element is experimentally demonstrated using a single phase-only spatial light modulator in a reflective optical architecture. Finally, we show that this system can be used as a vector beam polarization state spectrum analyzer, where both the topological charge and the state of polarization of an input vector beam can be simultaneously determined in a single experiment. We expect that these results would be useful for applications in optical communications.
NK cell-derived IL-10 is critical for DC-NK cell dialogue at the maternal-fetal interface
Authors: Blois Sandra M. , Freitag Nancy , Tirado-González Irene , Cheng Shi-Bin , Heimesaat Markus M. , Bereswill Stefan , Rose Matthias , Conrad Melanie L. , Barrientos Gabriela , Sharma Surendra
Published: May 2017

DC-NK cell interactions are thought to influence the development of maternal tolerance and de novo angiogenesis during early gestation. However, it is unclear which mechanism ensures the cooperative dialogue between DC and NK cells at the feto-maternal interface. In this article, we show that uterine NK cells are the key source of IL-10 that is required to regulate DC phenotype and pregnancy success. Upon in vivo expansion of DC during early gestation, NK cells expressed increased levels of IL-10. Exogenous administration of IL-10 was sufficient to overcome early pregnancy failure in dams treated to achieve simultaneous DC expansion and NK cell depletion. Remarkably, DC expansion in IL-10−/− dams provoked pregnancy loss, which could be abrogated by the adoptive transfer of IL-10+/+ NK cells and not by IL-10−/− NK cells. Furthermore, the IL-10 expressing NK cells markedly enhanced angiogenic responses and placental development in DC expanded IL-10−/− dams. Thus, the capacity of NK cells to secrete IL-10 plays a unique role facilitating the DC-NK cell dialogue during the establishment of a healthy gestation.
Biosorption Performance of Encapsulated Candida krusei for the removal of Copper(II)
Authors: Luk Chi Him Jim , Yip Joanne , Yuen Chun Wah Marcus , Pang Siu Kwong , Lam Kim Hung , Kan Chi Wai
Published: May 2017

The use of microorganisms in biosorption is one of the most promising ways to remove trace amounts of heavy metal ions. Nevertheless, the enhancement of the successful removal of heavy metal ions by using different combinations of biosorbents is not generally guaranteed which leaves room to explore the application of the technique. In this study, the performance of free and immobilized forms of a yeast strain, Candida krusei (C. krusei), and calcium alginate (CaAlg) are evaluated for their ability to remove copper(II). Infrared spectroscopy, studies on the effects of pH and temperature, and kinetics and isotherm modelling are carried out to evaluate the biosorption. The infrared spectroscopy shows that the primary biosorption sites on the biosorbents are carboxylate groups. In addition, a higher pH and higher temperatures promote biosorption while a decline in biosorption ability is observed for C. krusei at 50 °C. The kinetics study shows that C. krusei, CaAlg and immobilized C. krusei (MCaAlg) conform with good correlation to pseudo-second order kinetics. MCaAlg and CaAlg fit well to the Langmuir isotherm while C. krusei fits well to the Temkin isotherm. From the experimental data, encapsulating C. krusei showed improved biosoprtion and address clogging in practical applications.
Seasonal soil microbial responses are limited to changes in functionality at two Alpine forest sites differing in altitude and vegetation
Authors: Siles José A. , Margesin Rosa
Published: May 2017

The study of soil microbial responses to environmental changes is useful to improve simulation models and mitigation strategies for climate change. We here investigated two Alpine forest sites (deciduous forest vs. coniferous forest) situated at different altitudes (altitudinal effect) in spring and autumn (seasonal effect) regarding: (i) bacterial and fungal abundances (qPCR); (ii) diversity and structure of bacterial and fungal communities (amplicon sequencing); and (iii) diversity and composition of microbial functional gene community (Geochip 5.0). Significant altitudinal changes were detected in microbial abundances as well as in diversity and composition of taxonomic and functional communities as a consequence of the differences in pH, soil organic matter (SOM) and nutrient contents and soil temperatures measured between both sites. A network analysis revealed that deciduous forest site (at lower altitude) presented a lower resistance to environmental changes than that of coniferous forest site (at higher altitude). Significant seasonal effects were detected only for the diversity (higher values in autumn) and composition of microbial functional gene community, which was related to the non-significant increased SOM and nutrient contents detected in autumn respect to spring and the presumable high capacity of soil microbial communities to respond in functional terms to discreet environmental changes.
Odorant-binding proteins expression patterns in recently diverged species of Anastrepha fruit flies
Authors: Campanini Emeline Boni , Congrains Carlos , Torres Felipe Rafael , de Brito Reinaldo Alves
Published: May 2017

We studied two species of closely related South American fruit flies,Anastrepha fraterculusandAnastrepha obliquawhich, despite being able to interbreed, still show some ecological and reproductive differences. Because part of these differences, such as host and mate preferences, may be related to olfactory perception, we focused our investigation on the differential expression of Odorant-binding protein (OBP) gene family, which participate in initial steps of the olfactory signal transduction cascade. We investigated patterns of expression of eight OBP genes by qPCR in male and female head tissues of both species. The expression patterns of these OBPs suggest that some OBP genes are more likely involved with the location of food resources, while others seem to be associated with mate and pheromone perception. Furthermore, the expression patterns obtained at different reproductive stages indicate that OBP expression levels changed significantly after mating in males and females of both species. All eight OBP genes analyzed here showed significant levels of differential expression betweenA.fraterculusandA.obliqua, suggesting that they may hold important roles in their olfactory perception differences, and consequently, may potentially be involved in their differentiation.
Induction of senescence in primary glioblastoma cells by serum and TGFβ
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Gont Alexander , Perkins Theodore J. , Hanson Jennifer E. L. , Lorimer Ian A. J.
Published: May 2017

Glioblastoma is the most common type of adult brain tumour and has a median survival after diagnosis of a little more than a year. Glioblastomas have a high frequency of mutations in the TERT promoter and CDKN2A locus that are expected to render them resistant to both replicative and oncogene-induced senescence. However, exposure of PriGO8A primary glioblastoma cells to media with 10% serum induced a senescence-like phenotype characterized by increased senescence-associated β galactosidase activity, PML bodies and p21 and morphological changes typical of senescence. Microarray expression analysis showed that 24 h serum exposure increased the expression of genes associated with the TGFβ pathway. Treatment of PriGO8A cells with TGFβ was sufficient to induce senescence in these cells. The response of PriGO8A cells to serum was dependent on basal expression of the TGFβ activator protein thrombospondin. Primary glioblastoma cells from three additional patients showed a variable ability to undergo senescence in response to serum. However all were able to undergo senescence in response to TGFβ, although for cells from one patient this required concomitant inhibition of Ras pathway signalling. Primary glioblastoma cells therefore retain a functional senescence program that is inducible by acute activation of the TGFβ signalling pathway.
Automated Quantification of Early Bone Alterations and Pathological Bone Turnover in Experimental Arthritis by in vivo PET/CT Imaging
Authors: Hoffmann Bianca , Svensson Carl-Magnus , Straßburger Maria , Gebser Björn , Irmler Ingo M. , Kamradt Thomas , Peter Saluz Hans , Thilo Figge Marc
Published: May 2017

The assessment of bone damage is required to evaluate disease severity and treatment efficacy both in arthritis patients and in experimental arthritis models. Today there is still a lack ofin vivomethods that enable the quantification of arthritic processes at an early stage of the disease. We performed longitudinalin vivoimaging with [18F]-fluoride PET/CT before and after experimental arthritis onset for diseased and control DBA/1 mice and assessed arthritis progression by clinical scoring, tracer uptake studies and bone volume as well as surface roughness measurements. Arthritic animals showed significantly increased tracer uptake in the paws compared to non-diseased controls. Automated CT image analysis revealed increased bone surface roughness already in the earliest stage of the disease. Moreover, we observed clear differences between endosteal and periosteal sites of cortical bone regarding surface roughness. This study shows thatin vivoPET/CT imaging is a favorable method to study arthritic processes, enabling the quantification of different aspects of the disease like pathological bone turnover and bone alteration. Especially the evaluation of bone surface roughness is sensitive to early pathological changes and can be applied to study the dynamics of bone erosion at different sites of the bones in an automated fashion.
Magnetospinography visualizes electrophysiological activity in the cervical spinal cord
Authors: Sumiya Satoshi , Kawabata Shigenori , Hoshino Yuko , Adachi Yoshiaki , Sekihara Kensuke , Tomizawa Shoji , Tomori Masaki , Ishii Senichi , Sakaki Kyohei , Ukegawa Dai , Ushio Shuta , Watanabe Taishi , Okawa Atsushi
Published: May 2017

Diagnosis of nervous system disease is greatly aided by functional assessments and imaging techniques that localize neural activity abnormalities. Electrophysiological methods are helpful but often insufficient to locate neural lesions precisely. One proposed noninvasive alternative is magnetoneurography (MNG); we have developed MNG of the spinal cord (magnetospinography, MSG). Using a 120-channel superconducting quantum interference device biomagnetometer system in a magnetically shielded room, cervical spinal cord evoked magnetic fields (SCEFs) were recorded after stimulation of the lower thoracic cord in healthy subjects and a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and after median nerve stimulation in healthy subjects. Electrophysiological activities in the spinal cord were reconstructed from SCEFs and visualized by a spatial filter, a recursive null-steering beamformer. Here, we show for the first time that MSG with high spatial and temporal resolution can be used to map electrophysiological activities in the cervical spinal cord and spinal nerve.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy reveals a cooperative unfolding of monomeric amyloid-β 42 with a low Gibbs free energy
Authors: Schneider Mario , Walta Stefan , Cadek Chris , Richtering Walter , Willbold Dieter
Published: May 2017

The amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) plays a major role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its high toxicity, the 42 amino acid long isoform Aβ42 has become of considerable interest. The Aβ42 monomer is prone to aggregation down to the nanomolar range which makes conventional structural methods such as NMR or X-ray crystallography infeasible. Conformational information, however, will be helpful to understand the different aggregation pathways reported in the literature and will allow to identify potential conditions that favour aggregation-incompetent conformations. In this study, we applied fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to investigate the unfolding of Alexa Fluor 488 labelled monomeric Aβ42 using guanidine hydrochloride as a denaturant. We show that our Aβ42 pre-treatment and the low-nanomolar concentrations, typically used for FCS measurements, strongly favour the presence of monomers. Our results reveal that there is an unfolding/folding behaviour of monomeric Aβ42. The existence of a cooperative unfolding curve suggests the presence of structural elements with a Gibbs free energy of unfolding of about 2.8 kcal/mol.
Significant Clinical Factors Associated with Long-term Mortality in Critical Cancer Patients Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Keng Li-Ta , Chung Kuei-Pin , Lin Shu-Yung , Liang Sheng-Kai , Cheng Jui-Chen , Chen I-Chun , Chen Yen-Fu , Chang Hou-Tai , Hsu Chia-Lin , Jerng Jih-Shuin , Wang Hao-Chien , Kuo Ping-Hung , Wu Huey-Dong , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: May 2017

Studies about prognostic assessment in cancer patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) for post-intensive care are scarce. We retrospectively enrolled 112 cancer patients requiring PMV support who were admitted to the respiratory care center (RCC), a specialized post-intensive care weaning facility, from November 2009 through September 2013. The weaning success rate was 44.6%, and mortality rates at hospital discharge and after 1 year were 43.8% and 76.9%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression showed that weaning failure, in addition to underlying cancer status, was significantly associated with an increased 1-year mortality (odds ratio, 6.269; 95% confidence interval, 1.800–21.834; P = 0.004). Patients who had controlled non-hematologic cancers and successful weaning had the longest median survival, while those with other cancers who failed weaning had the worst. Patients with low maximal inspiratory pressure, anemia, and poor oxygenation at RCC admission had an increased risk of weaning failure. In conclusion, cancer status and weaning outcome were the most important determinants associated with long-term mortality in cancer patients requiring PMV. We suggest palliative care for those patients with clinical features associated with worse outcomes. It is unknown whether survival in this specific patient population could be improved by modifying the risk of weaning failure.
Systematic comparison of 2A peptides for cloning multi-genes in a polycistronic vector
Authors: Liu Ziqing , Chen Olivia , Wall J. Blake Joseph , Zheng Michael , Zhou Yang , Wang Li , Ruth Vaseghi Haley , Qian Li , Liu Jiandong
Published: May 2017

Cloning of multiple genes in a single vector has greatly facilitated both basic and translational studies that require co-expression of multiple factors or multi-units of complex protein. Many strategies have been adopted, among which 2A “self-cleaving” peptides have garnered increased interest for their polycistronic nature, small size and high “cleavage” efficiency. However, broad application of 2 A peptides is limited by the lack of systematic comparison of different 2As alone or in combination. Here we characterized the effect of varying gene position and 2As on the expression of proteins encoded in bi-, tri-, or quad-cistronic constructs. Using direct cardiac reprogramming as an example, we further determined the effect of varied 2As on the efficiency of fluorescent cell labeling and cell fate conversion. We found that the expression of fluorophores decreased as it was moved towards the end of the construct while reprogramming was most efficient with the fluorophore at the second position. Moreover, quad-cistronic TPE2A constructs resulted in more efficient reprogramming than 3P2A or PTE2A constructs. We expect that the bi-, tri-, and quad-cistronic vectors constructed here and our results on protein expression ratios from different 2A constructs could serve to guide future utilization of 2A peptides in basic research and clinical applications.
Paramagnetic, RDC and RCSA Constraints in the Structural Analysis of Glycans
Authors: Prestegard James H. , Eletsky Alexander
Published: May 2017

NMR methods provide a useful approach to structural analysis of glycans in their native aqueous environment. However, demands for experimental data are high, particularly if internal motions as well as structure are to be described. Data from traditional sources, such as NOEs, are also limited, making additional data from paramagnetic effects (PREs and PCSs), residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and residual chemical shift anisotropies (RCSAs) especially valuable. This chapter reviews the theory behind these data types, as well as methods for data acquisition and interpretation. It also presents examples of application to both free glycans in solution and glycans bound to protein receptors.
Lanthanide-Chelating Carbohydrate Conjugates to Detect Carbohydrate–Protein Interactions
Authors: Canales Angeles , Jiménez-Barbero Jesús
Published: May 2017

The synergy between paramagnetic and biomolecular NMR is currently setting the limits of carbohydrate NMR at levels difficult to imagine a few years ago. Indeed, the use of properly designed lanthanide-binding-tags is currently allowing to deduce fine details of the conformational and recognition features of complex glycans that were rather challenging or impossible to uncover using conventional NMR techniques.
NMR Characterization of the Conformations, Dynamics, and Interactions of Glycosphingolipids
Authors: Yagi-Utsumi Maho , Yamaguchi Takumi , Uekusa Yoshinori , Kato Koichi
Published: May 2017

Glycosphingolipids, including gangliosides, can form clusters on membranes and thereby mediate a variety of physiological and pathological functions. This chapter illustrates recent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional roles of glycosphingolipid clusters, particularly focusing on the conformational dynamics and interactions of gangliosides. Dynamic conformational ensembles of ganglioside glycans in solution have been elucidated using molecular dynamics simulations validated by NMR data. Intermolecular interactions of glycosphingolipids in membrane-like environments have been characterized using solution and solid-state NMR techniques. Various membrane mimics have been developed for NMR studies on the interactions between ganglioside clusters and amyloidogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
NMR Analysis of Glycosyltransferases
Authors: Peters Thomas
Published: May 2017

Glycosyltransferases are responsible for the biosynthesis of a multitude of complex glycan chains located on cell surfaces, and representing a ″postal code system″ for cell–cell or cell–pathogen recognition. A substantial number of crystal structures of glycosyltransferases have become available showing that these enzymes undergo significant conformational changes upon binding to substrates. Yet, not much is known about the protein dynamics behind these changes. Although NMR offers powerful tools to obtain insight into dynamical processes application to glycosyltransferases has been sparse mainly because of the large size of most of these enzymes rendering especially protein NMR approaches difficult or even impossible. This review highlights studies focussing on the application of NMR experiments to study dynamical aspects of glycosyltransferases. A methodological division is made into protein-based and ligand-based techniques. From the NMR experimental data available it becomes clear that glycosyltransferases are enzymes with a large degree of plasticity.
Stable Isotope Labeling of Glycoproteins for NMR Study
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi
Published: May 2017

In the study of glycoproteins by NMR spectroscopy, stable isotope labeling is a challenging but important step. Labeling by metabolic means is useful, but choice of production vehicles (mammalian or non-mammalian expression systems) and of medium (or diet) are critical for obtaining functional glycoproteins with high isotope enrichment and with the appropriate glycoform framework. Metabolic labeling coupled with in vitro enzymatic reactions enables remodeling or modification of the NMR target glycoform. This chapter outlines recent progress in isotope labeling techniques of glycoproteins using mammalian and non-mammalian expression systems.
Elastic properties and short-range structural order in mixed network former glasses
Authors: Wang Weimin , Christensen Randilynn , Curtis Brittany , Hynek David , Keizer Sydney , Wang James , Feller Steve , Martin Steve W. , Kieffer John
Published: May 2017

A new statistical thermodynamic model has been developed to describe the speciation of network former elements in ternary oxide glasses, which uses data from NMR spectroscopy and the adiabatic elastic moduli measured using Brillouin light scattering as input.
Facile synthesis of mesoporous hierarchical Co3O4–TiO2 p–n heterojunctions with greatly enhanced gas sensing performance
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Tang Pinggui , Liu Tongyuan , Feng Yongjun , Blackman Chris , Li Dianqing
Published: May 2017

Mesoporous hierarchical Co3O4–TiO2 p–n heterojunctions, derived from hierarchical CoTi-LDH precursors, exhibit an excellent sensing performance towards toluene and xylene.
Signal enhancement and low oxidation potentials for miniaturized ECL biosensors via N-butyldiethanolamine
Authors: Kirschbaum-Harriman Stefanie , Mayer Michael , Duerkop Axel , Hirsch Thomas , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: May 2017

We present studies on ruthenium-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) focusing on conditions supporting signal enhancement and low oxidation potentials.
Fabrication of a flexible carbon cloth based solid contact iodide selective electrode
Authors: Cincy J. , Milja T. E. , Prathish K. P.
Published: May 2017

Elimination of the inner filling electrolyte of classical ISEs to overcome their associated drawbacks is the major driving force for the evolution of solid contact ISEs.
Intervening factors in the performance of a naked-eye microemulsification-based method and improvements in analytical frequency
Authors: Higa Karen M. , de Camargo Camila L. , Giordano Gabriela F. , Silva Ivo P. O. , Gobbi Angelo L. , Kubota Lauro T. , Lima Renato S.
Published: May 2017

An investigation into the use of different amphiphiles and improvements in the analytical frequency of a microemulsification-based method (MEC) are described.
Multielement determination in medicinal plants using electrothermal vaporization coupled to ICP OES
Authors: Santos C. M. M. , Nunes M. A. G. , Costa A. B. , Pozebon D. , Duarte F. A. , Dressler V. L.
Published: May 2017

Electrothermal vaporization (ETV) associated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) for elemental determination in medicinal herbs was investigated.
Multicellular tumor invasion and plasticity in biomimetic materials
Authors: Leggett Susan E. , Khoo Amanda S. , Wong Ian Y.
Published: May 2017

Collective and individual cancer cell invasion can be investigatedin vitroandex vivousing microfabricated devices and hydrogels.
Size-dependent conformational change in halogen–π interaction: from benzene to graphene
Authors: Kim Dong Yeon , Madridejos Jenica Marie L. , Ha Miran , Kim Jun-Hyeong , Yang David ChangMo , Baig Chunggi , Kim Kwang S.
Published: May 2017

Diatomic halogen molecules (Cl2, Br2) favor the stacked conformation on graphene, while they favor the edge-to-face conformation on benzene.
Origin of cooperativity in hydrogen bonding
Authors: Nochebuena Jorge , Cuautli Cristina , Ireta Joel
Published: May 2017

Hydrogen bond cooperativity results from interactions between effective point dipoles which account for many-body contributions to cooperativity.
Cobalt-porphine catalyzed CO2 electro-reduction: a novel protonation mechanism
Authors: Yao Cang Lang , Li Jian Chen , Gao Wang , Jiang Qing
Published: May 2017

The presence/absence of [CoP·H]+ determines the different producing rate-pH correlations for the formation of CO and hydrocarbons.
Computational mining of photocatalysts for water splitting hydrogen production: two-dimensional InSe-family monolayers
Authors: Peng Qiong , Xiong Rui , Sa Baisheng , Zhou Jian , Wen Cuilian , Wu Bo , Anpo Masakazu , Sun Zhimei
Published: May 2017

The InSe-family monolayers exhibit high electron mobility, small exciton binding energy, and distinguished optical responses under visible-light irradiation.
Pulsed laser-deposited n-Si/NiOxphotoanodes for stable and efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: He Lingyun , Zhou Wu , Cai Dongping , Mao Samuel S. , Sun Ke , Shen Shaohua
Published: May 2017

An electrocatalytic nickel oxide thin layer was deposited on an n-Si substrate for efficient and stable solar water oxidation.
Minireview: direct catalytic conversion of sour natural gas (CH4 + H2S + CO2) components to high value chemicals and fuels
Authors: Taifan William , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: May 2017

Direct sour natural gas catalytic conversion allows to obtain high value products, such as hydrocarbon and organosulfur chemicals, fuels and fertilizers.
Lead-free organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite heterojunction composites for photocatalytic applications
Authors: Zhang Weining , Zhao Qingguo , Wang Xiaohong , Yan Xiaoxia , Xu Jiaqiang , Zeng Zhigang
Published: May 2017

Heterojunction structured MASnI3/TiO2 photocatalysts (MA represents CH3NH3+) are prepared via a facile wet-chemical method and characterized by various techniques.
Encapsulating nano rods of copper–biphenylamines framework on g-C3N4 photocatalysts for visible-light-driven organic dyes degradation: promoting charge separation efficiency
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asim , Xia Mingzhu , Mutahir Sadaf , Muhmood Tahir , Lei Wu , Wang Fengyun
Published: May 2017

For the first time we have successfully constructed semi conductive copper–biphenylamines framework hybrid photocatalysts to degrade organic pollutants.
2-Hydroxy-naphthyl functionalized mesoporous silica for fluorescence sensing and removal of aluminum ions
Authors: Das Trisha , Roy Ankita , Uyama Hiroshi , Roy Partha , Nandi Mahasweta
Published: May 2017

2-Hydroxy-naphthyl functionalized mesoporous silica has been used as a turn-on fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+ and used to remove it with high efficiency.
Design of a highly active base catalyst through utilizing organic-solvent-treated layered silicate Hiroshima University Silicates
Authors: Tsunoji Nao , Bandyopadhyay Mahuya , Yagenji Yuya , Nishida Hidechika , Sadakane Masahiro , Sano Tsuneji
Published: May 2017

A layered-silicate base catalyst prepared by utilizing organic-solvent-treated HUS-7 exhibited remarkably high catalytic performance for the transesterification of triacetin.
A Pt(0) complex with cyclic (alkyl)(amino)silylene and 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane ligands: synthesis, molecular structure, and catalytic hydrosilylation activity
Authors: Iimura Tomohiro , Akasaka Naohiko , Kosai Tomoyuki , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: May 2017

A platinum(0) complex bearing a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)silylene and a 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (DVTMS) was synthesized and isolated in the form of colorless crystals.
Synthesis and magnetic properties of two isostructural fluorophosphates BaMPO4F (M = Cu, Co) with a tunnel structure
Authors: Qiu Chaoqun , He Zhangzhen , Cui Meiyan , Chen Sihuai
Published: May 2017

Fluorophosphates, BaMPO4F (M = Cu, Co), with a tunnel structure show different magnetic behaviors, in which BaCuPO4F exhibits a paramagnetic behavior down to 2 K, while BaCoPO4F undergoes long-range antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperature.
Generation of wheat gluten hydrolysates with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory properties
Authors: Nongonierma A. B. , Hennemann M. , Paolella S. , FitzGerald R. J.
Published: May 2017

Wheat gluten hydrolysates contain known/potential DPP-IV inhibitory peptides.
How coffee affects metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Baspinar B. , Eskici G. , Ozcelik A. O.
Published: May 2017

Metabolic syndrome, with its increasing prevalence, is becoming a major public health problem throughout the world.
Cellular orientation is guided by strain gradients
Authors: Chagnon-Lessard Sophie , Jean-Ruel Hubert , Godin Michel , Pelling Andrew E.
Published: May 2017

A biomimetic microdevice reveals that strain gradients act as potent physical cues which guide the long-range organization of cells.
Towards the reduction of matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry: an argon–nitrogen–hydrogen mixed-gas plasma for the analysis of geological and environmental samples
Authors: Makonnen Yoseif , MacFarlane William R. , Geagea Majdi L. , Beauchemin Diane
Published: May 2017

A robust Ar–N2–H2plasma enables accurate multielemental analysis of geological and environmental samples without matrix-matching or internal standardization.
Human calprotectin affects the redox speciation of iron
Authors: Nakashige Toshiki G. , Nolan Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2017

The metal-chelating host-defense protein human calprotectin promotes the reduction of Fe(iii) to Fe(ii).
Fabrication of Cu–CuO–Fe2O3/Fe anti-sticky and superhydrophobic surfaces on an iron substrate with mechanical abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Lu Shixiang , Xu Wenguo , Tao Hong
Published: May 2017

Superhydrophobic Cu–CuO–Fe2O3/Fe surfaces with excellent mechanical abrasion resistance and anti-corrosion property were fabricated via immersion and annealing.
Sn(ii)-Mediated facile approach for the synthesis of 2-aryl-2H-indazole-3-phosphonates and their anticancer activities
Authors: Sudhapriya N. , Balachandran C. , Awale S. , Perumal P. T.
Published: May 2017

The efficient synthesis of 2-aryl-2H-indazole-3-phosphonates has been achieved successfully via a SnCl2·2H2O mediated one-pot method.
A smart ratiometric red fluorescent chemodosimeter for fluoride based on anthraquinone nosylate
Authors: Shweta Shweta , Kumar Ajit , Neeraj Neeraj , Asthana Sharad Kumar , Upadhyay K. K.
Published: May 2017

A smart ratiometric red fluorescent chemodosimeter (AH) has been explored for specific detection of F− with a lowest detection limit of 3.45 × 10−10 M. The sensing mechanism was worked out as fluoride-triggered deprotonation of imidazole accompanied by deprotection of the nosylate group.
Lipoic acid based core cross-linked micelles for multivalent platforms: design, synthesis and application in bio-imaging and drug delivery
Authors: Huang Jingsheng , Wu Fang , Yu Yunlong , Huang Haolong , Zhang Shiyong , You Jingsong
Published: May 2017

Natural lipoic acid derived small-molecule amphiphiles self-assemble into micelles in water.
Multicellular tumor spheroids: a relevant 3D model for the in vitro preclinical investigation of polymer nanomedicines
Authors: Lazzari Gianpiero , Couvreur Patrick , Mura Simona
Published: May 2017

Application of 3D multicellular tumor spheroids to the investigation of polymer nanomedicines.
Stoichiometry of lanthanide(iii) complexes with tripodal aminophosphonic ligands – a new solution to an old problem
Authors: Janicki Rafał , Gałęzowska Joanna , Mondry Anna
Published: May 2017

The [Eu(NP2py)2]5− complex crystallized as a [C(NH2)3]5[Eu(NP2py)2]·12 compound. However, the formation of the [Ln(NP2py)2]5– species in aqueous solution starts at pH as high as 8.
An octanuclear Schiff-base complex with a Na2Ni6 core: structure, magnetism and DFT calculations
Authors: Machata Marek , Nemec Ivan , Herchel Radovan , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: May 2017

An octanuclear complex with a Na2Ni6 core was prepared and characterized. Its magnetic properties were thoroughly studied by experimental and theoretical methods.
A facile one-step fabrication of a novel Cu/MoS2 nano-assembled structure for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction performance
Authors: Cao Jiamu , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yufeng , Liu Xiaowei
Published: May 2017

The design and synthesis of non-precious-metal catalysts for the efficient electrochemical transformation of water into molecular hydrogen in acid environments are of paramount importance in reducing energy losses during the water splitting process.
Performances of an Al–0.15 Bi–0.15 Pb–0.035 Ga alloy as an anode for Al–air batteries in neutral and alkaline electrolytes
Authors: Wang Qin , Miao He , Xue Yejian , Sun Shanshan , Li Shihua , Liu Zhaoping
Published: May 2017

Aluminum is a very good candidate anode for metal–air batteries due to its negative electrode potential, high theoretical electrochemical equivalent value, abundant reserves and environmental friendliness.
First-principles investigation of the orientation influenced He dissolution and diffusion behaviors on W surfaces
Authors: Pan G. Y. , Li Y. G. , Zhang Y. S. , Zhang C. G. , Zhao Z. , Zeng Z.
Published: May 2017

He-induced vacancy formation aggravates He accumulation on the W(111), W(112), and W(100) surfaces and hinders He escaping from the W(111) surface.
Selective removal Pb(ii) ions form wastewater using Pb(ii) ion-imprinted polymers with bi-component polymer brushes
Authors: Luo Xubiao , Yu Haiyan , Xi Yu , Fang Lili , Liu Lingling , Luo Jinming
Published: May 2017

Ion imprinted polymers (IIPs) are very difficult to apply in actual wastewater containing solid particles and floccules due to the imprinting hole blockage of losing adsorption performance.
New triterpene saponins from the aerial parts of Androsace umbellata
Authors: Yin Zhi-Qi , Wang Lei , Li Cheng-Hua , Zhang Dong-Mei , Zhang Wei , Wang Ying , Zhao Ming , Che Chun-Tao , Ye Wen-Cai
Published: May 2017

Compound 8 bearing a 13β,28-epoxy group can induce apoptosis in HepG2/ADM cells.
Powder diffraction and crystal structure prediction identify four new coumarin polymorphs
Authors: Shtukenberg Alexander G. , Zhu Qiang , Carter Damien J. , Vogt Leslie , Hoja Johannes , Schneider Elia , Song Hongxing , Pokroy Boaz , Polishchuk Iryna , Tkatchenko Alexandre , Oganov Artem R. , Rohl Andrew L. , Tuckerman Mark E. , Kahr Bart
Published: May 2017

Crystal structures of four new coumarin polymorphs were solved by crystal structure prediction method and their lattice and free energies were calculated by advanced techniques.
Additive engineering for highly efficient organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells: recent advances and perspectives
Authors: Li Taotao , Pan Yufeng , Wang Ze , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: May 2017

Recent advances in additive engineering for improving the perovskite morphology, charge transport, and excitonic and optical properties have been reviewed.
Hierarchically porous carbons from an emulsion-templated, urea-based deep eutectic
Authors: Kapilov-Buchman Katya , Portal Lotan , Zhang Youjia , Fechler Nina , Antonietti Markus , Silverstein Michael S.
Published: May 2017

A hierarchically porous carbon monolith (97% porosity) was generated through the carbonization of an emulsion-templated monolith formed from a chain extended, urea-based, deep-eutectic polymer. The highly interconnected micrometer-scale porous structure had a high specific surface area (812 m2g−1, largely microporous) and exhibited promising results for aqueous solution sorption applications.
Self-driven, broadband and ultrafast photovoltaic detectors based on topological crystalline insulator SnTe/Si heterostructures
Authors: Gu Suhang , Ding Ke , Pan Jing , Shao Zhibin , Mao Jie , Zhang Xiujuan , Jie Jiansheng
Published: May 2017

Topological crystalline insulator SnTe film/Si heterostructure were fabricated, which can function as self-driven, ultrafast and broadband photovoltaic detectors.
Paper-based membranes on silicone floaters for efficient and fast solar-driven interfacial evaporation under one sun
Authors: Wang Zizhao , Ye Qinxian , Liang Xingbo , Xu Jiale , Chang Chao , Song Chengyi , Shang Wen , Wu Jianbo , Tao Peng , Deng Tao
Published: May 2017

A paper-based reduced graphene oxide composite membrane is integrated with a floating silicone-based thermal insulation layer for high-efficiency, fast-response solar-driven interfacial evaporation under one-sun illumination.
Chitosan/gelatin porous scaffolds assembled with conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanoparticles for neural tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Shuping , Sun Changkai , Guan Shui , Li Wenfang , Xu Jianqiang , Ge Dan , Zhuang Meiling , Liu Tianqing , Ma Xuehu
Published: May 2017

An electrically conductive scaffold was prepared by assembling PEDOT on a chitosan/gelatin porous scaffold via in situ interfacial polymerization.
Effect of water on the supramolecular assembly and functionality of a naphthalimide derivative: tunable honeycomb structure with mechanochromic properties
Authors: Yu Xudong , Xie Dongyan , Lan Haichuang , Li Yajuan , Zhen Xiaoli , Ren Jujie , Yi Tao
Published: May 2017

This work demonstrated that the honeycomb structure self-assembled by a gelator can be facilely tuned by solvent in both gel and gel emulsions. The corresponding xerogel performs grinding chromism.
Charge-transfer complexes of dinuclear ruthenium compounds/polyoxometalates for multistate electrochromism covering ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared region
Authors: Chong Dandan , Wan Xinhua , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2017

Novel charge-transfer electrostatic complexes between the anionic polyoxometalates and cationic dinuclear ruthenium compounds display the full absorption covering ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared region.
High triplet energy exciplex hosts for deep blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Song Wook , Lee Ha Lim , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: May 2017

High triplet energy exciplex hosts for deep blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes were developed by synthesizing a high triplet energy hole transport type host material designed for exciplex formation with a high triplet energy electron transport type host material derived from a diphenyltriazine.
Synthesis and characterization of photoelectrochemical and photovoltaic Cu2BaSnS4 thin films and solar cells
Authors: Ge Jie , Yan Yanfa
Published: May 2017

Earth abundant Cu2BaSnS4 thin films hold great promise for use as solar absorbers in the photoelectrochemical water splitting and the top cell of tandem photovoltaic solar cells.
Crosslinguistic Phonological Development: An International Collaboration
Authors: Bernhardt Barbara May , Stemberger Joseph Paul , Bérubé Daniel
Published: May 2017

An international study is investigating phonological development in 12 languages: Romance (Canadian French, Granada, Mexican and Chilean Spanish, and European Portuguese); Germanic (German, English, Swedish, and Icelandic); Semitic (Kuwaiti Arabic); Asian (Japanese, Mandarin); South Slavic (Bulgarian, Slovene). Additional phonological assessment materials have been created for Anishinaabemowin (Algonquian, Canada), Brazilian Portuguese, European French, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Greek. The study has two purposes: (a) to investigate crosslinguistic patterns in phonological development; and (b) to develop assessment tools and treatment activities. Equivalent crosslinguistic methodologies include: (a) single word lists for elicitation that reflect major characteristics of each language; (b) data collection and transcription by native speakers; (c) participant samples of 20–30 preschoolers (ages 3 to 6) with typical versus protracted phonological development; and (d) data analysis supported by Phon, a phonological analysis program. The current paper provides an overview of the study and introduces a website that offers free tutorials and materials for speech-language pathologists (SLPs).