bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete human mtDNA genome sequences from Vietnam and the phylogeography of Mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Duong Nguyen Thuy , Macholdt Enrico , Ton Nguyen Dang , Arias Leonardo , Schröder Roland , Van Phong Nguyen , Thi Bich Thuy Vo , Ha Nguyen Hai , Thi Thu Hue Huynh , Thi Xuan Nguyen , Thi Phuong Oanh Kim , Hien Le Thi Thu , Hoang Nguyen Huy , Pakendorf Brigitte , Stoneking Mark , Van Hai Nong
Published: July 2018

Vietnam is an important crossroads within Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and a gateway to Island Southeast Asia, and as such exhibits high levels of ethnolinguistic diversity. However, comparatively few studies have been undertaken of the genetic diversity of Vietnamese populations. In order to gain comprehensive insights into MSEA mtDNA phylogeography, we sequenced 609 complete mtDNA genomes from individuals belonging to five language families (Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai, Hmong-Mien, Sino-Tibetan and Austronesian) and analyzed them in comparison with sequences from other MSEA countries and Taiwan. Within Vietnam, we identified 399 haplotypes belonging to 135 haplogroups; among the five language families, the sequences from Austronesian groups differ the most from the other groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 111 novel Vietnamese mtDNA lineages. Bayesian estimates of coalescence times and associated 95% HPD for these show a peak of mtDNA diversification around 2.5–3 kya, which coincides with the Dong Son culture, and thus may be associated with the agriculturally-driven expansion of this culture. Networks of major MSEA haplogroups emphasize the overall distinctiveness of sequences from Taiwan, in keeping with previous studies that suggested at most a minor impact of the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan on MSEA. We also see evidence for population expansions across MSEA geographic regions and language families.
A plant virus (BYDV) promotes trophic facilitation in aphids on wheat
Authors: Porras Mitzy , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Mescher Mark C. , Rajotte Edwin G. , Carlo Tomás A.
Published: July 2018

Pathogens and other parasites can have profound effects on biological communities and ecosystems. Here we explore how two strains of a plant virus – Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus, BYDV – influence the foraging performance and fecundity of two aphid species:Rhopalosiphum maidisandR.padi. We found that pre-inhabitation byR.padion plants facilitates the subsequent foraging of conspecifics andR.maidis. Without the virus, the occurrence of facilitation is asymmetric because it depends on the order of species arrival. However, with virus we found facilitation irrespective of the order of species arrival. Furthermore, the virus also boosted the fecundity of both aphids. Analyses of nutrient content of virus-free and virus-infected plants show significant increases of essential amino acids, sterols, and carbohydrates. Such nutrient increases appear to underlie the facilitative interactions and fecundity of aphids on virus-infected plants. Our experiments demonstrate that the virus dramatically increases the food consumption and fecundity of aphids through intra and interspecific trophic facilitation, resulting in processes that could affect community organization.
Genomic-enabled prediction models using multi-environment trials to estimate the effect of genotype × environment interaction on prediction accuracy in chickpea
Authors: Roorkiwal Manish , Jarquin Diego , Singh Muneendra K. , Gaur Pooran M. , Bharadwaj Chellapilla , Rathore Abhishek , Howard Reka , Srinivasan Samineni , Jain Ankit , Garg Vanika , Kale Sandip , Chitikineni Annapurna , Tripathi Shailesh , Jones Elizabeth , Robbins Kelly R. , Crossa Jose , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: July 2018

Genomic selection (GS) by selecting lines prior to field phenotyping using genotyping data has the potential to enhance the rate of genetic gains. Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction inclusion in GS models can improve prediction accuracy hence aid in selection of lines across target environments. Phenotypic data on 320 chickpea breeding lines for eight traits for three seasons at two locations were recorded. These lines were genotyped using DArTseq (1.6 K SNPs) and Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS; 89 K SNPs). Thirteen models were fitted including main effects of environment and lines, markers, and/or naïve and informed interactions to estimate prediction accuracies. Three cross-validation schemes mimicking real scenarios that breeders might encounter in the fields were considered to assess prediction accuracy of the models (CV2: incomplete field trials or sparse testing; CV1: newly developed lines; and CV0: untested environments). Maximum prediction accuracies for different traits and different models were observed with CV2. DArTseq performed better than GBS and the combined genotyping set (DArTseq and GBS) regardless of the cross validation scheme with most of the main effect marker and interaction models. Improvement of GS models and application of various genotyping platforms are key factors for obtaining accurate and precise prediction accuracies, leading to more precise selection of candidates.
Thymoquinone synergizes gemcitabine anti-breast cancer activity via modulating its apoptotic and autophagic activities
Authors: Bashmail Hanan A. , Alamoudi Aliaa A. , Noorwali Abdulwahab , Hegazy Gehan A. , AJabnoor Ghada , Choudhry Hani , Al-Abd Ahmed M.
Published: July 2018

The use of anti-cancer adjuvant therapy is rationalized by potentiating the efficacy, and/or protecting from major side effects of chemotherapeutics. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a naturally occurring compound with cumulative evidence of anti-cancer properties. In this study, we assessed the chemomodulatory potential of TQ to gemcitabine (GCB) against human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), and ductal carcinoma (T47D) cells. TQ showed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and T47D with IC50’s of 64.9 ± 14 µM and 165 ± 2 µM, respectively. The IC50’s of GCB against MCF-7 and T47D were 0.9 ± 0.18 µM and 14.3 ± 2.8 µM and were significantly reduced after combination with TQ to 0.058 ± 12 µM and 2.3 ± 0.2 µM, respectively. The CI- values were indicative of synergism in MCF-7 and T47D cells (0.15 and 0.30, respectively). Further investigation showed that GCB caused significant anti-proliferative effect reflected by increasing cell population in S-phase in both cell lines. TQ potentiated GCB-induced anti-proliferative activity in both cell lines. GCB induced considerable apoptosis in T47D cell line, and TQ significantly increased GCB-induced apoptotic effects by 1.5 to 3.6 folds. Interestingly, GCB, TQ and their combination induced significant autophagic cell death in the apoptosis defected MCF-7 cells. In addition, TQ, GCB and their combination depleted breast cancer associated stem cell (CD44(+)/CD24(−)/(low)) clone within MCF-7 and T47D cells by 3.8% to 27.5%. In conclusion, TQ showed promising chemomodulatory effects to GCB against breast cancer cells via inducing apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy, in addition to depleting tumor associated resistant stem cell fraction.
Fire blight host-pathogen interaction: proteome profiles of Erwinia amylovora infecting apple rootstocks
Authors: Holtappels Michelle , Noben Jean-Paul , Van Dijck Patrick , Valcke Roland
Published: July 2018

Fire blight, caused by the enterobacterium Erwinia amylovora, is a destructive disease, which can affect most members of the Rosaceae family. Since no significant genomic differences have been found by others to explain differences in virulence, we used here a gel-based proteomic approach to elucidate mechanisms and key players that allow the pathogen to survive, grow and multiply inside its host. Therefore, two strains with proven difference in virulence were grown under controlled conditions in vitro as well as in planta (infected apple rootstocks). Proteomic analysis including 2DE and mass spectrometry revealed that proteins involved in transcription regulation were more abundant in the in planta condition for both strains. In addition, genes involved in RNA processing were upregulated in planta for the highly virulent strain PFB5. Moreover, the upregulation of structural components of the F0F1-ATP synthase are major findings, giving important information on the infection strategy of this devastating pathogen. Overall, this research provides the first proteomic profile of E. amylovora during infection of apple rootstocks and insights into the response of the pathogen in interaction with its host.
Author Correction: Intensified summer monsoon and the urbanization of Indus Civilization in northwest India
Authors: Dixit Yama , Hodell David A. , Giesche Alena , Tandon Sampat K. , Gázquez Fernando , Saini Hari S. , Skinner Luke C. , Mujtaba Syed A. I. , Pawar Vikas , Singh Ravindra N. , Petrie Cameron A.
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Phenylephrine, a common cold remedy active ingredient, suppresses uterine contractions through cAMP signalling
Authors: Chen Xingjuan , Meroueh Marya , Mazur Gabriela , Rouse Evan , Hundal Karmjot Singh , Stamatkin Christopher W. , Obukhov Alexander G.
Published: July 2018

Regulation of uterine contractility is an important aspect of women’s health. Phenylephrine, a selective agonist of the α1-adrenoceptor and a potent smooth muscle constrictor, is widely used in women even during pregnancy to relieve cold-related symptoms, to treat postpartum haemorrhoid, and during routine eye exams. We performed isometric tension recordings to investigate the effect of phenylephrine on mouse uterine contractility. Phenylephrine decreased spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions in non-pregnant mouse uterine rings and strips with an IC50of ~1 μM. Prazosin, an inhibitor of α1-adrenoceptor, did not prevent phenylephrine-mediated relaxations. Conversely, ICI118551, an antagonist of β2-adrenoceptors, inhibited phenylephrine relaxation. In the presence of ICI118551, high concentrations (>30 μM) of phenylephrine caused mouse uterine contractions, suggesting that β-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition interferes with the phenylephrine contractile potential. Phenylephrine-dependent relaxation was reduced in the uterus of pregnant mice. We used primary mouse and human uterine smooth muscle cells (M/HUSMC) to establish the underlying mechanisms. Phenylephrine stimulated large increases in intracellular cAMP in M/HUSMCs. These cAMP transients were decreased when HUSMCs were cultured in the presence of oestrogen and progesterone to mimic the pregnancy milieu. Thus, phenylephrine is a strong relaxant in the non-pregnant mouse uterus, but exhibits diminished effect in the pregnant uterus.
Two Drosophila Neuropeptide Y-like Neurons Define a Reward Module for Transforming Appetitive Odor Representations to Motivation
Authors: Pu Yuhan , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Yan , Shen Ping
Published: July 2018

Neuropeptides, many of which are conserved among vertebrate and invertebrate animals, are implicated in the regulation of motivational states that selectively facilitate goal-directed behaviors. After a brief presentation of appetitive odors, Drosophila larvae display an impulsive-like feeding activity in readily accessible palatable food. This innate appetitive response may require coordinated signaling activities of dopamine (DA) and neuropeptide F (NPF; a fly homolog of neuropeptide Y). Here we provide anatomical and functional evidence, at single-cell resolution, that two NPF neurons define a reward module in the highest-order brain region for cognitive processing of food-related olfactory representations. First, laser lesioning of these NPF neurons abolished odor induction of appetitive arousal, while their genetic activation mimicked the behavioral effect of appetitive odors. Further, a circuit analysis shows that each of the two NPF neurons relays its signals to a subset of target neurons in the larval hindbrain-like region. Finally, the NPF neurons discriminatively responded to appetitive odor stimuli, and their odor responses were blocked by targeted lesioning of a pair of dopaminergic third-order olfactory neurons that appear to be presynaptic to the NPF neurons. Therefore, the two NPF neurons contribute to appetitive odor induction of impulsive-like feeding by selectively decoding DA-encoded ascending olfactory inputs and relaying NPF-encoded descending motivational outputs for behavioral execution.
Zeroth Law investigation on the logarithmic thermostat
Authors: Patra Puneet Kumar , Bhattacharya Baidurya
Published: July 2018

The Zeroth Law implies that the three systems, each separately in equilibrium and having the same temperature, must remain so when brought in pairwise or simultaneous thermal contact with each other. We examine numerically the conformity of the logarithmic thermostat with the Zeroth Law of thermodynamics. Three specific scenarios, with different heat reservoirs, are investigated. For each scenario, the system of interest, S1 – a single harmonic oscillator, is coupled with two heat reservoirs, S2 and S3. S2 and S3 are variously chosen to be from the Nosé-Hoover, the Hoover-Holian, the C1,2 and the logarithmic thermostats. In the scenarios involving logarithmic thermostat, we observe a violation of the Zeroth Law of thermodynamics, in computationally achievable time, at low to moderate coupling strengths: (i) the kinetic and configurational temperatures of the systems are different, (ii) momentum distribution of log thermostat is non-Gaussian, and (iii) a temperature gradient is created between the kinetic and configurational variables of the log thermostat.
Phenotype-oriented network analysis for discovering pharmacological effects of natural compounds
Authors: Yoo Sunyong , Nam Hojung , Lee Doheon
Published: July 2018

Although natural compounds have provided a wealth of leads and clues in drug development, the process of identifying their pharmacological effects is still a challenging task. Over the last decade, many in vitro screening methods have been developed to identify the pharmacological effects of natural compounds, but they are still costly processes with low productivity. Therefore, in silico methods, primarily based on molecular information, have been proposed. However, large-scale analysis is rarely considered, since many natural compounds do not have molecular structure and target protein information. Empirical knowledge of medicinal plants can be used as a key resource to solve the problem, but this information is not fully exploited and is used only as a preliminary tool for selecting plants for specific diseases. Here, we introduce a novel method to identify pharmacological effects of natural compounds from herbal medicine based on phenotype-oriented network analysis. In this study, medicinal plants with similar efficacy were clustered by investigating hierarchical relationships between the known efficacy of plants and 5,021 phenotypes in the phenotypic network. We then discovered significantly enriched natural compounds in each plant cluster and mapped the averaged pharmacological effects of the plant cluster to the natural compounds. This approach allows us to predict unexpected effects of natural compounds that have not been found by molecular analysis. When applied to verified medicinal compounds, our method successfully identified their pharmacological effects with high specificity and sensitivity.
Modulation of gluteus medius activity reflects the potential of the muscle to meet the mechanical demands during perturbed walking
Authors: Afschrift Maarten , Pitto Lorenzo , Aerts Wouter , van Deursen Robert , Jonkers Ilse , De Groote Friedl
Published: July 2018

Mediolateral stability during walking can be controlled by adjustment of foot placement. Reactive activity of gluteus medius (GM) is modulated during the gait cycle. However, the mechanisms behind the modulation are yet unclear. We measured reactive GM activity and kinematics in response to a mediolateral platform translation during different phases of the gait cycle. Forward simulations of perturbed walking were used to evaluate the isolated effect of the perturbation and the GM response on gait stability. We showed that the potential of GM to adjust lateral foot placement and prevent collisions during swing varies during the gait cycle and explains the observed modulation. The observed increase in stance, swing or combined GM activity causes an outward foot placement and therefore compensates for the loss of stability caused by a perturbation early in the gait cycle. GM activity of the swing leg in response to a platform translation late in the gait cycle counteracts foot placement, but prevents collision of the swing foot with the stance leg. This study provides insights in the neuromechanics of reactive control of gait stability and proposes a novel method to distinguish between the effect of perturbation force and reactive muscle activity on gait stability.
Diffractive multifocal intraocular lens implantation in eyes with a small-diameter pupil
Authors: Ouchi Masayuki , Shiba Takuya
Published: July 2018

Postoperative outcome of diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) implantation in eyes with a small-diameter pupil was evaluated. This non randomized case series involved 23 eyes of 23 patients who underwent diffractive MIOL implantation and whose preoperative photopic pupil diameter was ≤3.0 mm [small-diameter pupil (SDP) group], and 79 eyes of 79 patients implanted with the same MIOL whose pupil diameter was >3.0 mm as controls (LDP group). Contrast sensitivity of high spatial frequency (12, and 18 cycle per degree) and both 12.5% and 6% low-contrast visual acuity (VA) were significantly worse in the SDP group than in the LDP group (P = 0.04, 0.05, 0.05, 0.03). However, no significant difference was found between eyes in the SDP group with a postoperative pupil diameter greater than 3.0 mm and LDP group eyes. No significant differences were found in uncorrected and corrected distance VA (UDVA, CDVA), uncorrected and corrected near VA (UNVA, CNVA), contrast sensitivity with low spatial frequency, and defocus curve between the two groups. In conclusion, in eyes implanted with a diffractive MIOL, a pupil diameter of ≤3.0 mm deteriorates contrast sensitivity. This effect was eliminated postoperatively when pupil size was enlarged to >3.0 mm during surgery.
Hierarchical integration of porosity in shales
Authors: Ma Lin , Slater Thomas , Dowey Patrick J. , Yue Sheng , Rutter Ernest H. , Taylor Kevin G. , Lee Peter D.
Published: July 2018

Pore characterization in shales is challenging owing to the wide range of pore sizes and types present. Haynesville-Bossier shale (USA) was sampled as a typical clay-bearing siliceous, organic-rich, gas-mature shale and characterized over pore diameters ranging 2 nm to 3000 nm. Three advanced imaging techniques were utilized correlatively, including the application of Xe+ plasma focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (plasma FIB or PFIB), complemented by the Ga+ FIB method which is now frequently used to characterise porosity and organic/inorganic phases, together with transmission electron microscope tomography of the nano-scale pores (voxel size 0.6 nm; resolution 1–2 nm). The three pore-size scales each contribute differently to the pore network. Those <10 nm (greatest number), 10 nm to 100 nm (best-connected hence controls transport properties), and >100 nm (greatest total volume hence determines fluid storativity). Four distinct pore types were found: intra-organic, organic-mineral interface, inter-mineral and intra-mineral pores were recognized, with characteristic geometries. The whole pore network comprises a globally-connected system between phyllosilicate mineral grains (diameter: 6–50 nm), and locally-clustered connected pores within porous organic matter (diameter: 200–800 nm). Integrated predictions of pore geometry, connectivity, and roles in controlling petrophysical properties were verified through experimental permeability measurements.
Structural Analysis of Glutamine Synthetase from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Joo Hyun Kyu , Park Young Woo , Jang Young Yoon , Lee Jae Young
Published: July 2018

Glutamine synthetase (GS) is an enzyme that regulates nitrogen metabolism and synthesizes glutamine via glutamate, ATP, and ammonia. GS is a homo-oligomeric protein of eight, ten, or twelve subunits, and each subunit-subunit interface has its own active site. GS can be divided into GS I, GS II, and GS III. GS I and GS III form dodecamer in bacteria and archaea, whereas GS II form decamer in eukaryotes. GS I can be further subdivided into GS I-α and GS I-β according to its sequence and regulatory mechanism. GS is an essential protein for the survival of Helicobacter pylori which its infection could promote gastroduodenal diseases. Here, we determined the crystal structures of the GS from H. pylori (Hpy GS) in its apo- and substrate-bound forms at 2.8 Å and 2.9 Å resolution, respectively. Hpy GS formed a dodecamer composed of two hexameric rings stacked face-to-face. Hpy GS, which belongs to GS I, cannot be clearly classified as either GS I-α or GS I-β based on its sequence and regulatory mechanism. In this study, we propose that Hpy GS could be classified as a new GS-I subfamily and provide structural information on the apo- and substrate-bound forms of the protein.
Amelioration of Photosynthesis and Quality of Wheat under Non-thermal Radio Frequency Plasma Treatment
Authors: Saberi Mahin , Modarres-Sanavy Seyed Ali Mohammad , Zare Rasoul , Ghomi Hamid
Published: July 2018

Plasma treatment is recognized as a suitable technology to improve germination efficiency of numerous seeds. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate whether cold air plasma can change the quality and quantity of wheat yield. Effects of cold plasma treatment on wheat (Pishgam variety) yield were studied by a randomized complete block design experiment at the Faculty of Agriculture of Tarbiat Modarres University, Iran, during 2015–17. Seeds were pre-treated with 80 W of cold plasma at four levels of time, 60, 120, 180 and 240 seconds. Plasma effects on yield and quality of wheat were determined by measuring plant photosynthesis, grain yield, biological yield, 1000-grain weight, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin, protein and starch content. Results showed that plasma treatments had positive effects on wheat characteristics, and treatment of 180 s had the highest stimulatory effect. In both years, cold plasma increased grain yield at 180 s, but decreased it at 240 s compared with control. The rate of plant photosynthesis, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, carotenoid and anthocyanin were enhanced at 180 s. The starch content and grain protein were enhanced at 120 s cold plasma application compared with control.
Expression and localization of the polarity protein CRB2 in adult mouse brain: a comparison with the CRB1rd8 mutant mouse model
Authors: Dolón Jorge F. , Paniagua Antonio E. , Valle Vicente , Segurado Alicia , Arévalo Rosario , Velasco Almudena , Lillo Concepción
Published: July 2018

Acquisition of cell polarization is essential for the performance of crucial functions, like a successful secretion and appropriate cell signaling in many tissues, and it depends on the correct functioning of polarity proteins, including the Crumbs complex. The CRB proteins, CRB1, CRB2 and CRB3, identified in mammals, are expressed in epithelial-derived tissues like brain, kidney and retina. CRB2 has a ubiquitous expression and has been detected in embryonic brain tissue; but currently there is no data regarding its localization in the adult brain. In our study, we characterized the presence of CRB2 in adult mice brain, where it is particularly enriched in cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebellum. Double immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that CRB2 is a neuron-specific protein, present in both soma and projections where colocalizes with certain populations of exocytic and endocytic vesicles and with other members of the Crumbs complex. Finally, in the cortex of CRB1rd8 mutant mice that contain a mutation in the Crb1 gene generating a truncated CRB1 protein, there is an abnormal increase in the expression levels of the CRB2 protein which suggests a possible compensatory mechanism for the malfunction of CRB1 in this mutant background.
A reaction-based near-infrared fluorescent probe that can visualize endogenous selenocysteinein vivoin tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Zhang Ling , Kai Xiaoning , Zhang Yiran , Zheng Youguang , Xue Yunsheng , Yin Xiaoxing , Zhao Jing
Published: July 2018

Endogenously generated selenocysteine in tumor-bearing mice were selectively detected by our reaction-based NIR probe for the first time.
Scalable polyzwitterion–polydopamine coating for regenerable oil/water separation and underwater self-cleaning of stubborn heavy oil fouling without pre-hydration
Authors: Zhang Jiawen , Zhang Ling , Cui Xinwei , Gong Lu , Xiang Li , Shi Chen , Hu Wenjihao , Zeng Hongbo
Published: July 2018

Scalable polyzwitterion–polydopamine coatings realize regenerable underwater self-cleaning of stubborn heavy oil fouling without pre-hydration and removal of water in oil.
Single-molecule force-unfolding of titin I27 reveals a correlation between the size of the surrounding anions and its mechanical stability
Authors: Muddassir Mohd , Manna Bharat , Singh Priyanka , Singh Surjeet , Kumar Rajesh , Ghosh Amit , Sharma Deepak
Published: July 2018

The mechanical stability of proteins varies with size of surrounding anions.
Titanium(iv)-folded single-chain polymeric nanoparticles as artificial metalloenzyme for asymmetric sulfoxidation in water
Authors: Zhang Yaoyao , Wang Weiying , Fu Wenqin , Zhang Mingjie , Tang Zhiyang , Tan Rong , Yin Donghong
Published: July 2018

Bio-inspired TiIV-folded SCPNs exhibited metalloenzyme-mimetic activity, selectivity, and especially, facile reusability in asymmetric sulfoxidation in water.
V-modified Co3O4nanorods with superior catalytic activity and thermostability for CO oxidation
Authors: Wang Kun , Liu Baolin , Cao Yali , Li Yizhao , Jia Dianzeng
Published: July 2018

Solid-state chemical strategy was applied to synthesize V-modified Co3O4nanorods with high catalytic activity and thermostability for CO oxidation.
Carbon dots for promoting the growth of ZIF-8 crystals to obtain fluorescent powders and their application for latent fingerprint imaging
Authors: Li Guangming , Wang Xun , Zhang Jilin
Published: July 2018

Green and controllable synthesis of carbon dots/ZIF-8 fluorescent powders for latent fingerprint imaging.
Optimizing edges and defects of supported MoS2catalysts for hydrogen evolutionviaan external electric field
Authors: Ling Faling , Liu Xiaoqing , Jing Huirong , Chen Yankun , Zeng Wen , Zhang Yixin , Kang Wei , Liu Jun , Fang Liang , Zhou Miao
Published: July 2018

Use of an electric field to tune the S p-resonance states of defects in MoS2and optimize the adsorption strength of atomic H for efficient hydrogen evolution.
Electron transfer vs. proton-coupled electron transfer as the mechanism of reaction between amino acids and triplet-excited benzophenones revealed by time-resolved CIDNP
Authors: Morozova Olga B. , Panov Mikhail S. , Fishman Natalya N. , Yurkovskaya Alexandra V.
Published: July 2018

We use proportionality between NMR signal enhancements in geminate products and hyperfine coupling constants in transient radicals to elucidate reaction mechanism in detail.
Two-dimensional light-emitting materials: preparation, properties and applications
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Jingjing Qiu , Wang Xiaoshan , Zhang Zhipeng , Chen Yonghua , Huang Xiao , Huang Wei
Published: July 2018

We review the recent development in two-dimensional (2D) light-emitting materials and describe their preparation methods, optical/optoelectronic properties and applications.
Fabrication of selective interface of ZnO/CdS heterostructures for more efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Ma Xinlong , Zhao Fei , Qiang Qinping , Liu Tongyao , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2018

Selective interface in ZnO/CdS heterostructure promote the photocatalytic activity.
Novel luminescent lanthanide(iii) hybrid materials: fluorescence sensing of fluoride ions and N,N-dimethylformamide
Authors: Pang Xuelei , Li Li , Wei Yi , Yu Xudong , Li Yajuan
Published: July 2018

Highly luminescent lanthanide mesoporous hybrid materials Ln(L-SBA15)3phen (Ln = Eu, Tb) have been designed and synthesized via co-hydrolysis and co-condensation reactions, which display sensitive sensing toward fluoride ion and DMF.
New Talent: Europe, 2018
Authors: Layfield Richard A. , Mazzanti Marinella , Metzler-Nolte Nils , Ott Sascha
Published: July 2018

Welcome to this themed issue of Dalton Transactions entitled New Talent: Europe, 2018 guest edited by Richard A. Layfield, Marinella Mazzanti, Nils Metzler-Nolte and Sascha Ott.
Monitoring real-time hormone release kinetics via high-content 3-D imaging of compensatory endocytosis
Authors: Tarasov Andrei I. , Galvanovskis Juris , Rorsman Olof , Hamilton Alexander , Vergari Elisa , Johnson Paul R. V. , Reimann Frank , Ashcroft Frances M. , Rorsman Patrik
Published: July 2018

A novel technology for quantifying hormone secretion from tissues, with a single-cell resolution.
Design and synthesis of an organic (naphthoquinone) and inorganic (RuO2) hybrid graphene hydrogel composite for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Ziyu , Guo Bingshu , Wang Xiaotong , Li Zhimin , Yang Yuying , Hu Zhongai
Published: July 2018

The NQ–RuO2/SGH composite reveals an electrochemically positive synergy based on the properties of its organic and inorganic molecules (NQ and RuO2).
Acylhydrazone as a novel “Off–On–Off” fluorescence probe for the sequential detection of Al3+and F−
Authors: Wu Yi-Peng , Rahman Faiz-Ur , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Yu Shang-Bo , Yang Bo , Wang Hui , Li Zhan-Ting , Zhang Dan-Wei
Published: July 2018

An acylhydrazone,SPBH,acts as a sequential fluorescence “Off–On–Off” probe for Al3+/F−, and the phenomenon was detectable by the naked eye.
Portraying the role of halo ligands and the auxiliary part of ligands of mononuclear manganese(iii)-Schiff base complexes in catalyzing phospho–ester bond hydrolysis
Authors: Chakraborty Tonmoy , Dasgupta Sanchari , Zangrando Ennio , Das Debasis
Published: July 2018

The influences of the auxiliary part of ligands and halo ligands have been explored towards phosphatase like activity using a series of manganese(iii)-Schiff base complexes as catalysts.
Synthesis of new fluorescent amino acids with a triazolopyridine core: diacid sensors
Authors: Chiassai L. , Ballesteros-Garrido R. , Ballesteros R. , Abarca B.
Published: July 2018

A new family of amino acid containing pyridine–triazolopyridine cores has been prepared by means of a copper catalysed reaction.
3-D manipulation of a single nano-droplet on graphene with an electrowetting driving scheme: critical condition and tunability
Authors: Zeng Jian , Zhang Shiwei , Tang Kairui , Chen Gong , Yuan Wei , Tang Yong
Published: July 2018

The 3-D actuation of a nanoscale droplet is realized using electro-wetting driving scheme. The droplet is actuated if the saturated contact angle is reached. The droplet speed is well tuned by changing the magnitude of E-field and wettability of substrate.
Facile synthesis of silver nanowire-zeolitic imidazolate framework 67 composites as high-performance bifunctional oxygen catalysts
Authors: Wang Yuyin , Zhao Mingming , Zhao Qunxing , Li Qing , Pang Huan
Published: July 2018

The development of inexpensive, highly active, bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is required for many energy conversion systems, including water splitting, fuel cells, and metal–air batteries.
Effects of flexibility and branching of side chains on the mechanical properties of low-bandgap conjugated polymers
Authors: Sugiyama Fumitaka , Kleinschmidt Andrew T. , Kayser Laure V. , Rodriquez Daniel , Finn Mickey , Alkhadra Mohammad A. , Wan Jeremy M.-H. , Ramírez Julian , Chiang Andrew S.-C. , Root Samuel E. , Savagatrup Suchol , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: July 2018

This paper compares the mechanical properties of low-bandgap polymers with different side chains.
Understanding the facet-dependent catalytic performance of hematite microcrystals in a CO oxidation reaction
Authors: Sun Liming , Zhan Wenwen , Li Yan-An , Wang Fan , Zhang Xueliang , Han Xiguang
Published: July 2018

α-Fe2O3microcrystals with uniform plate, cube and rod morphologies have been synthesized. DFT calculations and experimental results indicated that the Fe2O3nanorods showed an obvious improvement of CO catalytic activities due to their unique surface structure.
A novel hierarchical precursor of densely integrated hydroxide nanoflakes on oxide microspheres toward high-performance layered Ni-rich cathode for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Yan , Li Xinhai , Wang Zhixing , Guo Huajun , Li Tao , Meng Kui , Wang Jiexi
Published: July 2018

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode derived from a novel Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1Ox@Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1(OH)2 hierarchical precursor exhibits improved tap density and initial coulombic efficiency, as well as excellent cycling stability and superior rate capability.
Ultrasensitive detection of seventeen chemicals simultaneously using paper-based sensors
Authors: Wang Zhongxing , Sun Li , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai
Published: July 2018

We developed an ultrasensitive gold nanoparticle-based multicomponent lateral-flow strip assay for the simultaneous detection of seventeen hormone drugs from three classes: nandrolone (NR) and its analogues, dexamethasone (DEX) and its analogues, and hexestrol (HES) and its analogues.
Divergent synthesis of α-aryl ketones/esters via rhodium-catalyzed selective deesterification and decarbonylation of diazo compounds
Authors: Tang Zhonghe , Mai Shaoyu , Zhou Yao , Song Qiuling
Published: July 2018

A rhodium-catalyzed selective deesterification, decarbonylation and dual C–H activation of diazo compounds is presented.
(B,N)-Doped 3D porous graphene–CNTs synthesized by chemical vapor deposition as a bi-functional catalyst for ORR and HER
Authors: Gao Pingping , Sun Min , Wu Xiaobo , Zhou Shuzhu , Deng Xiaoting , Xie Zhiyong , Xiao Li , Jiang Lihui , Huang Qizhong
Published: July 2018

A simple but very efficient two-step CVD method to prepare a (B,N)-doped 3D porous graphene–CNT hybrid material (B–N–G–CNT), and its catalytic performance for ORR and HER.
Facile synthesis of highly active fluorinated ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalytic H2 evolution using a novel NaF etching strategy
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Wang Junjie , Yin Chaochuang , Duan Huazhen , Kang Shifei , Cui Lifeng
Published: July 2018

Although graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) has been intensively studied in photocatalytic research, its performance is still hindered by its inherently low photo-absorption and inefficient charge separation.
Uptake and distribution characteristics of the novel fungicide pyraoxystrobin in cucumber plants
Authors: Liu Xunyue , Chen Xia , Ding Xingcheng , Wu Huiming
Published: July 2018

The uptake and distribution characteristics of a novel fungicide, pyraoxystrobin, labeled with14C on its pyrazol ring, were investigated in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings.
Correction: Flexible composite film of aligned polyaniline grown on the surface of magnetic barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride for exceptional microwave absorption performance
Authors: Yu Lujun , Zhu Yaofeng , Fu Yaqin
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Flexible composite film of aligned polyaniline grown on the surface of magnetic barium titanate/polyvinylidene fluoride for exceptional microwave absorption performance’ by Lujun Yu et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 36473–36481.
Clustering-induced self-propulsion of isotropic autophoretic particles
Authors: Varma Akhil , Montenegro-Johnson Thomas D. , Michelin Sébastien
Published: July 2018

Isotropic phoretic particles do not swim individually but can achieve self-propulsion collectively by spontaneously forming clusters of anisotropic geometry.
Hierarchical hollow, sea-urchin-like and porous Ni0.5Co0.5Se2 as advanced battery material for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Song Xinxin , Huang Chenghao , Qin Yanliang , Li Hongliang , Chen Hai Chao
Published: July 2018

Hierarchical Ni0.5Co0.5Se2 containing a hollow inner structure, 3D sea-urchin-like overall morphology and very porous nanowires was first synthesized as an advanced battery material for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.
g-C3N4/MgO nanosheets: light-independent, metal-poisoning-free catalysts for the activation of hydrogen peroxide to degrade organics
Authors: Ge Lifa , Peng Ziling , Wang Wei , Tan Fatang , Wang Xinyun , Su Bin , Qiao Xueliang , Wong Po Keung
Published: July 2018

The bonding between MgO and g-C3N4 in g-C3N4/MgO nanosheets plays a key role in activating H2O2 to degrade organic dyes.
Nanoparticle–proteome in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Wang Miaoyi , Gustafsson Ove J. R. , Pilkington Emily H. , Kakinen Aleksandr , Javed Ibrahim , Faridi Ava , Davis Thomas P. , Ke Pu Chun
Published: July 2018

The protein corona is a concept central to a range of disciplines exploiting the bio–nano interface.
Integration of organic electrochemical transistors and immuno-affinity membranes for label-free detection of interleukin-6 in the physiological concentration range through antibody–antigen recognition
Authors: Gentili Denis , D’Angelo Pasquale , Militano Francesca , Mazzei Rosalinda , Poerio Teresa , Brucale Marco , Tarabella Giuseppe , Bonetti Simone , Marasso Simone L. , Cocuzza Matteo , Giorno Lidietta , Iannotta Salvatore , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: July 2018

A label-free immunosensor based on an organic electrochemical transistor integrated with an immuno-affinity membrane for cytokine detection at physiologically relevant concentrations is reported.
TiO2–WO3 core–shell inverse opal structure with enhanced electrochromic performance in NIR region
Authors: Ling Han , Yeo Loo Pin , Wang Zhiwei , Li Xianglin , Mandler Daniel , Magdassi Shlomo , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong
Published: July 2018

A novel core–shell TiO2–aWO3 inverse opal structure was fabricated with significantly enhanced electrochromic long term reversibility in NIR region.
Correction: Integration of BiFeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterostructures with III–V semiconductors for low-power non-volatile memory and multiferroic field effect transistors
Authors: Rahman Md. Shafiqur , Ghose Susmita , Hong Liang , Dhungana Pradip , Fahami Abbas , Gatabi Javad R. , Rojas-Ramirez Juan S. , Zakhidov Alex , Klie Robert F. , Pandey R. K. , Droopad Ravi
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Integration of BiFeO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterostructures with III–V semiconductors for low-power non-volatile memory and multiferroic field effect transistors’ by Md. Shafiqur Rahman et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2016, 4, 10386–10394.
Cerebral blood flow alteration following acute myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Kaplan Abdullah , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Ghali Rana , Altara Raffaele , Booz George W. , Zouein Fouad A.
Published: July 2018

Heart failure is associated with low cardiac output (CO) and low brain perfusion that imposes a significant risk for accelerated brain ageing and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development. Although clinical heart failure can emerge several years following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the impact of AMI on cerebral blood flow (CBF) at early stages and up to 30 days following MI is unknown. Sixteen months old male mice underwent left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Hemodynamics analyses were performed at baseline and at days 1, 7, and 30 post-MI. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), LV volumes, CO, and right common carotid artery (RCCA) diameter were recorded by echocardiography. RCCA flow (RCCA FL) was measured by Doppler echocardiography. LV volumes consistently increased (P<0.0012) and LV systolic function progressively deteriorated (P<0.0001) post-MI. CO and RCCA FL showed a moderate but significant decrease over the course of MI with similar fluctuation pattern such that both variables were decreased at day 1, increased at day 7, and decreased at 30 days post-MI. Correlation and regression analyses between CO and RCCA FL showed a strong correlation with significance at baseline and day 30 post-MI (R = 0.71, P=0.03, and R = 0.72, P=0.03, respectively). Days 1 and 7 analyses between CO and RCCA FL showed moderate correlation with non-significance post-MI (R = 0.51, P=0.2, and R = 0.56, P=0.12, respectively). In summary, CBF significantly decreased following AMI and remained significantly decreased for up to 30 days, suggesting a potential risk for brain damage that could contribute to cognitive dysfunction later in life.
In vivo and in vitro effects of hyperplasia suppressor gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells
Authors: Sun Zhen-Qing , Chen Gang , Guo Qiang , Li He-Fei , Wang Zhou
Published: July 2018

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Hyperplasia suppressor gene (HSG) has been reported to inhibit cell proliferation, migration, and remodeling in cardiovascular diseases. However, there lacks systematic researches on the effect of HSG on the apoptosis and proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and data of in vivo experiments. The present study aims to investigate the effects of HSG gene silencing on proliferation and apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell was selected to construct adenovirus vector. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis were conducted to detect expressions of HSG and apoptosis related-proteins. Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay was performed to assess A549 cell proliferation and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle and apoptosis rate. The BALB/C nude mice were collected to establish xenograft model. Silenced HSG showed decreased mRNA and protein expressions of HSG, and elevated A549 cell survival rates at the time point of 24, 48, and 72 h. The ratio of cells at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis rate decreased and the ratio of cells at S- and G2/M phases increased following the silencing of HSG. There were decreases of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), Caspase-3, and Caspase-8 expressions but increases in Bcl-2 induced by silenced HSG. As for the xenograft in nude mice, tumor volume increased, and apoptosis index (AI) decreased after HSG silencing. These results indicate that HSG gene silencing may promote the proliferation of A549 cells and inhibit the apoptosis. HSG may be a promising target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
LINC00675 is a prognostic factor and regulates cell proliferation, migration and invasion in glioma
Authors: Li Zhibing , Li Yijian , Wang Qibai
Published: July 2018

LINC00675 has been suggested to be dysregulated in gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and pancreatic cancer. However, the expression status and biological function of LINC00675 in glioma were still unknown. Thus, we reported LINC00675 was overexpressed in glioma tissues and cell lines, and positively associated with advanced WHO grade, large tumor size and poor prognosis. Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that high-expression of LINC00675 was an independent unfavorable prognostic predictor for glioma. In addition, levels of LINC00675 expression were positively correlated with TRIP6 mRNA and protein expressions. The in vitro experiment showed that silencing of LINC00675 inhibits glioma cell proliferation, migration and invasion through regulating TRIP6. In conclusion, LINC00675 acts as a tumor promoter in glioma progression.
The transformation of the communication infrastructure in relation to spatial and landscape changes of cities based on the example of Wroclaw
Authors: Andrzejewska Anna Katarzyna
Published: July 2018

Infrastructural transformations are an indispensable element of developing cities. They condition the proper flow of goods, information and people. The communication infrastructure is of particular importance for cities, which determines their proper functioning. Difficulties in accessing space are often one of the main barriers blocking the intended development direction. On the other hand, in order to prevent the currently occurring phenomenon of city sprawl, it is necessary to focus new investments within already existing transport corridors located closer to the center. Such an approach has the chance of implementing an alternative to the progressing phenomenon of suburbanization in the form of promoting the concept of the so-called compact city. Thanks to such activities, the urban potential has a chance to be maximized. As part of this article, based on the example of Wroclaw, the transformation of road infrastructure has been tracked in relation to the ongoing spatial and landscape changes. An interpretation of the recurrently modified study of conditions and directions of spatial development of Wroclaw, showed the relationships that occur between road infrastructure and urban space and the surrounding landscape.
Conditions for the effective development and protection of the resources of urban green infrastructure
Authors: Borowski Jacek , Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz Beata , Łukaszkiewicz Jan , Rosłon-Szeryńska Edyta
Published: July 2018

One of the basic conditions for the sustainable development of a modern city is the presence of a developed and efficiently functioning system of green infrastructure. It consists of all natural resources: greenery areas (gardens, parks, squares, street shelters, green roofs, etc.) and spontaneous (urban forests, green wastelands, etc.), water (watercourses and water reservoirs). Taking into account the specific, usually unfavorable conditions of the urban environment and the strong anthropopressure occurring there, all forms of vegetation should be subject to comprehensive management, including among others, the successful development of new facilities and plantings, as well as protection with the constant control and maintenance of existing valuable resources [2]. The long-term studies of the condition and transformations of urban tree stands [1, 3, 4, 5, 6] conducted by the authors allow the formulation of a set of recommendations at the implementation level to ensure the efficient functioning of the green infrastructure in the city.
The efficiency of urban combined sewer systems during wet weather
Authors: Burszta-Adamiak Ewa , Stańczyk Justyna , Łomotowski Janusz , Konieczny Tomasz
Published: July 2018

The intensive development of urban areas results in the sealing of increasingly large areas. In such conditions the existing sewer systems are quite often unable to simultaneously collect sewage along with the additional volume of rainwater. These systems require control of the hydraulic parameters in order to recognize the hydraulic conditions that occur in different operational states. Nowadays, such control may be exercised through the use of models that are capable of prediction as a result of the process of learning from a database of historical events. The study presents the possibilities of using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for the analyses of the time series of waste-water depth and flows in a combined sewer system. The measurement campaign organized in Wrocław (Poland) enabled obtaining data on the hydraulic parameters of the flow of sewage in the sewer systems, and rainfall of various characteristics. The test results demonstrate that algorithms of the MLP (Multi-Layered Perceptron) Artificial Neural Network may be implemented to predict the flow rate in the system. The method presented in the paper may be applied to the daily operation of sewer systems to predict transient flows. The obtained results demonstrate a good and very good accuracy of prediction model.