bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Use of Folate-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-Appended Dendrimer (G3) Conjugate with alpha-Cyclodextrin as DNA Carriers to Tumor Cells
Authors: Hirayama Fumitoshi , Uekama Kaneto , Arima Hidetoshi , Motoyama Keiichi , Higashi Taishi , Yoshimitsu Ayumi , Ikeda Haruna , Arizono Masayo , Hattori Kenjiro , Takeuchi Tomoko
Published: July 2019

We previously reported that polyamidoamine STARBURST dendrimer (generation 3, G3) (dendrimer) conjugate with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CyD) having an average degree of substitution of 2.4 of alpha-CyD (alpha-CDE) provided remarkable aspects as novel carriers for DNA and siRNA. To develop novel alpha-CDE derivatives with tumor cell specificity, we prepared folate-appended alpha-CDEs (Fol-alpha-CDEs) and folate-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-appended alpha-CDEs (Fol-PalphaCs) with the various degrees of substitution of folate (DSF), and evaluated in vitro and in vivo gene transfer activity, cytotoxicity, cellular association and physicochemical properties. In vitro gene transfer activity of Fol-alpha-CDEs (G3, DSF 2, 5 or 7) was lower than that of &x03B1;-CDE (G3) in KB cells, folate receptor (FR)-overexpressing cancer cells. Of the three Fol-PalphaCs (G3, DSF 2, 5 or 7), Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) had the highest gene transfer activity in KB cells. The activity of Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) was significantly higher than that of alpha-CDE (G3) in KB cells, but not in A549 cells, FR-negative cells. Negligible cytotoxicity of the pDNA complex with Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) was observed in KB cells or A549 cells up to a charge ratio of 100/1 (carrier/pDNA). The cellular association of the pDNA complex with Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) could be mediated by FR on KB cells, resulting in its efficient cellular uptake. Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) had higher binding affinity with folate binding protein (FBP) than alpha-CDE (G3), although the physicochemical properties of pDNA complex with Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) were almost comparable to that with alpha-CDE (G3), although the onset charge ratio and the compaction ability of Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) were slightly different. Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5) tended to show higher gene transfer activity than alpha-CDE (G3) 12 h after intratumoral administration in mice. These results suggest that Fol-PalphaC (G3, DSF 5), not Fol-alpha-CDEs, could be potentially used as a FR-overexpressing cancer cell-selective DNA carrier.
Design and construction of a new Drosophila species, D.synthetica, by synthetic regulatory evolution
Authors: Moreno Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Here, I merge the principles of synthetic biology^1,2^ and regulatory evolution^3-11^ to create a new species^12-15^ with a minimal set of known elements. Using preexisting transgenes and recessive mutations of Drosophila melanogaster, a transgenic population arises with small eyes and a different venation pattern that fulfills the criteria of a new species according to Mayr's "Biological Species Concept"^7,10^. The genetic circuit entails the loss of a non-essential transcription factor and the introduction of cryptic enhancers. Subsequent activation of those enhancers causes hybrid lethality. The transition from "transgenic organisms" towards "synthetic species", such as Drosophila synthetica, constitutes a safety mechanism to avoid hybridization with wild type populations and preserve natural biodiversity^16-18^. Drosophila synthetica is the first transgenic organism that cannot hybridize with the original wild type population but remains fertile when crossed with other transgenic animals.
Worm-like carbon shell chains produced from wood
Authors: Suzuki Kyoko , Kita Hidetoshi , Saito Yukie , Suzuki Tsutomu , Sato Kazuhisa , Konno Toyohiko
Published: July 2019

Large-scale utilization of wood which command absolute majority in biomass for functional carbon precursors contributes to reduce greenhouse effect. Wood char generally has a limit on material usage because of its non-graphitic structure^1^, so we developed a new functional wood char by iron-, or nickel-catalyzed carbonization, which has a graphite-like structure with mesopores good for electroconductivity and liquid phase adsorption capacity for macro molecules^2-5^. However the fine structure of the wood char is still not clear. Here we report more than 70 wt % of iron-catalyzed wood char is filled with chained carbon shells formed by 3~20 defective stacking layers of carbon hexagonal planes, which look like nanometer-sized worms swarm. We name them "carbon shell chains". The discussion of the formation mechanism reveals that the wood cell wall plays an important role for their efficient production. They are stable at 1800 &x00BA;C under vacuum, but in air, burn under 600 &x00BA;C, and are perfectly conversed into hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a short time by steam at 900 &x00BA;C. The control of their decomposition will bring out a new talent in the wood char as a big source of supply for nano-graphite or nano-graphene, for which nanometer size and edge effects have recently attracted considerable attention^6^. In addition, a simple and easy preparation of carbon shell chains implies that they may be naturally produced on or in the earth rich in iron, and might be misinterpreted as nano-worms, though most of them may decompose into organic gases.
Control of konzo in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Bradbury J. Howard , Mandombi Chretienne , Nahimana D , Banea J. P. , Denton Ian , Kuwa N
Published: July 2019

Konzo is an upper motor neuron disease that causes irreversible paralysis of the legs mainly in children and young women^1,2^, due to consumption of large amounts of cyanogens from poorly processed cassava, the staple food of tropical Africa^3^. Konzo occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),Mozambique, Tanzania, Cameroon, Central African Republic and Angola. In March 2010 the wetting method, which removes cyanogens from cassava flour^4,5,6^, was taught to and used by the mothers of Kay Kalenge village. This reduced the total cyanide content of cassava flour to the FAO/WHO limit of 10ppm^7^. Cyanogen intake of school children, monitored by urinary thiocyanate analyses, decreased from mean values of 332 to 130 &x03BC;mole/L. The percentage of urine samples that exceeded the danger level of about 350 &x03BC;mole/L decreased from 26 in March 2010 to zero by May 2011. In 2009 there were many new cases of konzo, but none in 2010-2011. Konzo was first identified in1938 in Popokabaka area^8^ and it has now been prevented for the first time in the same area. This methodology is being used in three villages in Boko area and we believe it is the way to control konzo in tropical Africa.
The Starving Cell: Metabolic Syndrome as an Adaptive Process
Authors: Golomb Beatrice
Published: July 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is commonly presumed to stem from obesity, with both propelled by energy surfeit: positive balance of calories consumed to energy expended. A complementary thesis is proposed: that episodes of cell energy deficit (not expressly calorie deficit) drive MetS – the “Starving Cell.”Risk factors for MetS include hypoxemia from sleep apnea, severe calorie debt, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress; and sleep restriction, illness, surgery, trauma, cold. Each fosters inadequate cell energy, hampering production or boosting demand. MetS factors support energy: glucose, triglycerides, abdominal/visceral fat – and blood pressure, sustaining perfusion. Additional energy-supportive adaptations co-occur in MetS: e.g. increased free fatty acids and deposition of metabolically active ectopic fat. Indeed, increased appetite/calories and reduced activity – features of the energy surfeit model – also arise as adaptations to cell energy deprivation. Among persons who are overweight, the risk for MetS remains determined by energy deprivation contributors.The Thrifty Gene hypothesis, and MetS promotion by fetal energy deprivation, prefigure the Starving Cell thesis. However, evidence is vastly more comprehensive in connecting cell energy deprivations to MetS elements: generalizing the sources of energy deficit that dispose to MetS; the populations vulnerable to their impact; and the forms of adaptation implemented to protect energy. This clarifies why MetS factors cohere; and why other energy-supportive adaptations attend them. It explains bidirectional MetS associations; and why MetS factors appear “paradoxically” protective in some populations. It generates predictions, and suggests approaches to MetS mitigation that complement and modify existing approaches, and may augment their efficacy.
The Five Stars of Online Journal Articles – an article evaluation framework
Authors: Shotton David
Published: July 2019

I propose five factors – peer review, open access, enriched content, available datasets and machine-readable metadata – as the Five Stars of Online Journal Articles, a constellation of five independent criteria within a multi-dimensional publishing universe against which online journal articles can be evaluated, to see how well they match up to current visions for research communications. Achievement along each of these publishing axes can vary, analogous to the different stars within the constellation shining with varying luminosities. I suggest a five-point scale for each by which a journal article can be evaluated, and a diagrammatic representation for such evaluations. While the criteria adopted for these scales are somewhat arbitrary, and while the rating of a particular article on each axis may involve elements of subjective judgment, these Five Stars of Online Journal Articles provide a conceptual framework by which to judge the degree to which any article achieves or falls short of the ideal, which should be useful to authors, editors and publishers. I exemplify such evaluations using my own recent publications of relevance to semantic publishing.
Learning to Leap: Nanotechnology's Root in Soil Science
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Siddhartha Sankar
Published: July 2019

Dr. Nil Ratan Dhar Memorial Lecture Soil could be perceived as a four dimensional system where a broad three dimensional structural fabric is filled by dynamic and reactive colloidal constituents. There are interconnected relationships between authegenic, neogenic and stable-phase crystallite constituents, most of which are in nano-phase, and the system seldom reaches equilibrium. Also, variations in composition, pH, and other properties make soil unique at each place. Therefore, understanding of soil system helps to develop insight into mobility and reactivity of nano-materials. The origin of nanoscience can be traced to the discovery that clay minerals were crystalline and of micrometer size. The unit cell dimensions of clay minerals are in nanometer scale in all three axes (x, y, and z). Nanoclays played a catalytic role in the synthesis of ribosome in RNA, a process that led to genesis of life on Earth. This fact makes clays the most life-compatible material in nanotechnology. Methods followed in industry (like melting materials at a high temperature) cannot be copied for agricultural nanotechnology. Yet this is no hindrance, because nanoclays obey the laws of ion exchange, adsorption-desorption, aggregation-dispersion and solubility-precipitation, to name a few. The most vital yardstick is that the nanosystem has to be capable of releasing nutrient ions in plant-available forms. Clays have both covalent and ionic bonds; a feature unique for developing passive control systems for nutrient supply mechanisms. There are numerous examples in soils, where bonds are changed from one type to another through isomorphous substitution or insertion of small ions, or by the use of organic compounds. Nanotechnology in clay system does not promise a control system such as we experience in electrical machines, or in satellites, or in chemical reactors. But, it has to be a knowledge based passive system, and for sure, it is going to create millions of rhizospheres in an acre of land to support the growth of millions of plants of a crop; a breakthrough to take agriculture into the new millennium.
Strong violation of the competitive exclusion principle
Authors: Kalmykov Lev , Kalmykov Vyacheslav
Published: July 2019

Bacteria and plants are able to form population waves as a result of their consumer behaviour and propagation. A soliton-like interpenetration of colliding population waves was assumed but not proved earlier. Here we show how and why colliding population waves of trophically identical but fitness different species can interpenetrate through each other without delay. We have hypothesized and revealed here that the last mechanism provides a stable coexistence of two, three and four species, competing for the same limiting resource in the small homogeneous habitat under constant conditions and without any fitness trade-offs. We have explained the mystery of biodiversity mechanistically because (i) our models are bottom-up mechanistic, (ii) the revealed interpenetration mechanism provides strong violation of the competitive exclusion principle and (iii) we have shown that the increase in the number of competing species increases the number of cases of coexistence. Thus the principled assumptions of fitness neutrality (equivalence), competitive trade-offs and competitive niches are redundant for fundamental explanation of species richness.
Fighting Risky Population Synchronization: Desynchronization and Stabilization in Spatially Structured Ecological Systems
Authors: Luo Ming
Published: July 2019

Population synchronization exists ubiquitously in ecological systems, of which the underlying causes and the roles in species extinction remain a perplexing puzzle. It is generally believed that the coherence of population dynamics is detrimental and regarded as a major cause of global extinction. A central but unsolved question in ecology of great importance for conservation and biological control is how to destroy the pernicious coherent structures. Here, a top-down approach is adopted to tackle the challenge. A feedback strategy accordingly is applied to stabilize the metacommunity, i.e., to reduce excessive metapopulation fluctuations by means of introducing or removing a planned number of individuals. As a result, the feedback desynchronizes correlated population oscillations, giving rise to either complex asynchronous traveling waves or "amplitude death"; cessation of all individual population cycles. Together with the construction of corridors, my method may provide an efficient way to protect those species threatened as a result of, e.g. habitat fragmentation. I anticipate my essay provides a general mechanism against widespread harmful synchronization in physical and biological systems, for example, for developing a "brain anti-pacemaker" for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy closely linked to pathologically synchronized neuronal discharges.
Field Trial Experiment Of Artificial Diet On Tasar Silkworm, Anthereaea myltta D.
Authors: Sahay Alok , Satpathy Subrat , Sharan Shashi
Published: July 2019

An indoor and outdoor experiment was conducted at Shyamsunderpur, Mayurbhanj, Odhisa to test the efficacy of the artificial diet, Tasar Amrit on the young aged Antheraea mylitta silkworm larvae. The results of the experiment reveal that survival and effective rate of rearing (ERR) was higher when larvae were brushed on Tasar Amrit (75 and 42.45%) in contrast to complete outdoor rearing (44 and 33.56 %). Uniform moulting was also observed in the larvae fed with Tasar Amrit.
Causal Stability Ranking
Authors: Stekhoven Daniel , Hennig Lars , Sveinbjörnsson Gardar , Moraes Izabel , Maathuis Marloes , Bühlmann Peter
Published: July 2019

Genotypic causes of a phenotypic trait are typically determined via randomized controlled intervention experiments. Such experiments are often prohibitive with respect to durations and costs. We therefore consider inferring stable rankings of genes, according to their causal effects on a phenotype, from observational data only. Our method allows for efficient design and prioritization of future experiments, and due to its generality it is useable for a broad spectrum of applications.
Angular momentum transfer from photon polarization to an electron spin in a gate-defined quantum dot
Authors: Fujita Takafumi , Morimoto Kazuhiro , Kiyama Haruki , Allison Giles , Larsson Marcus , Ludwig Arne , Valentin Sascha R. , Wieck Andreas D. , Oiwa Akira , Tarucha Seigo
Published: July 2019

Gate-defined quantum dots (QDs) are such a highly-tunable quantum system in which single spins can be electrically coupled, manipulated, and measured. However, the spins in gate-defined QDs are lacking its interface to free-space photons. Here, we verify that a circularly-polarized single photon can excite a single electron spin via the transfer of angular momentum, measured using Pauli spin blockade (PSB) in a double QD. We monitor the inter-dot charge tunneling which only occur when the photo-electron spin in one QD is anti-parallel to the electron spin in the other. This allows us to detect single photo-electrons in the spin-up/down basis using PSB. The photon polarization dependence of the excited spin state was finally confirmed for the heavy-hole exciton excitation. The angular momentum transfer observed here is a fundamental step providing a route to instant injection of spins, distributing single spin information, and possibly towards extending quantum communication.
Dual stem cell therapy synergistically improves cardiac function and vascular regeneration following myocardial infarction
Authors: Park Soon-Jung , Kim Ri Youn , Park Bong-Woo , Lee Sunghun , Choi Seong Woo , Park Jae-Hyun , Choi Jong Jin , Kim Seok-Won , Jang Jinah , Cho Dong-Woo , Chung Hyung-Min , Moon Sung-Hwan , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun
Published: July 2019

Since both myocardium and vasculature in the heart are excessively damaged following myocardial infarction (MI), therapeutic strategies for treating MI hearts should concurrently target both so as to achieve true cardiac repair. Here we demonstrate a concomitant method that exploits the advantages of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) and human mesenchymal stem cell-loaded patch (hMSC-PA) to amplify cardiac repair in a rat MI model. Epicardially implanted hMSC-PA provide a complimentary microenvironment which enhances vascular regeneration through prolonged secretion of paracrine factors, but more importantly it significantly improves the retention and engraftment of intramyocardially injected hiPSC-CMs which ultimately restore the cardiac function. Notably, the majority of injected hiPSC-CMs display adult CMs like morphology suggesting that the secretomic milieu of hMSC-PA constitutes pleiotropic effects in vivo. We provide compelling evidence that this dual approach can be a promising means to enhance cardiac repair on MI hearts.
Experimental band structure spectroscopy along a synthetic dimension
Authors: Dutt Avik , Minkov Momchil , Lin Qian , Yuan Luqi , Miller David A. B. , Fan Shanhui
Published: July 2019

There has been significant recent interest in synthetic dimensions, where internal degrees of freedom of a particle are coupled to form higher-dimensional lattices in lower-dimensional physical structures. For these systems, the concept of band structure along the synthetic dimension plays a central role in their theoretical description. Here we provide a direct experimental measurement of the band structure along the synthetic dimension. By dynamically modulating a resonator at frequencies commensurate with its mode spacing, we create a periodically driven lattice of coupled modes in the frequency dimension. The strength and range of couplings can be dynamically reconfigured by changing the modulation amplitude and frequency. We show theoretically and demonstrate experimentally that time-resolved transmission measurements of this system provide a direct readout of its band structure. We also realize long-range coupling, gauge potentials and nonreciprocal bands by simply incorporating additional frequency drives, enabling great flexibility in band structure engineering.
Structural basis for the adsorption of a single-stranded RNA bacteriophage
Authors: Meng Ran , Jiang Mengqiu , Cui Zhicheng , Chang Jeng-Yih , Yang Kailu , Jakana Joanita , Yu Xinzhe , Wang Zhao , Hu Bo , Zhang Junjie
Published: July 2019

Single-stranded RNA bacteriophages (ssRNA phages) infect Gram-negative bacteria via a single maturation protein (Mat), which attaches to a retractile pilus of the host. Here we present structures of the ssRNA phage MS2 in complex with the Escherichia coli F-pilus, showing a network of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions at the Mat-pilus interface. Moreover, binding of the pilus induces slight orientational variations of the Mat relative to the rest of the phage capsid, priming the Mat-connected genomic RNA (gRNA) for its release from the virions. The exposed tip of the attached Mat points opposite to the direction of the pilus retraction, which may facilitate the translocation of the gRNA from the capsid into the host cytosol. In addition, our structures determine the orientation of the assembled F-pilin subunits relative to the cell envelope, providing insights into the F-like type IV secretion systems.
Highly selective reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sensor based on a peptide aptamer receptor for detecting explosives
Authors: Lee Kyungjae , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Chae Myung-Sic , Hwang Kyo Seon , Lee Junwoo , Kim Hyungsuk , Hur Don , Lee Jeong Hoon
Published: July 2019

An essential requirement for bio/chemical sensors and electronic nose systems is the ability to detect the intended target at room temperature with high selectivity. We report a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based gas sensor functionalized with a peptide receptor to detect dinitrotoluene (DNT), which is a byproduct of trinitrotoluene (TNT). We fabricated the multi-arrayed rGO sensor using spin coating and a standard microfabrication technique. Subsequently, the rGO was subjected to photolithography and an etching process, after which we prepared the DNT-specific binding peptide (DNT-bp, sequence: His-Pro-Asn-Phe-Se r-Lys-Tyr-IleLeu-HisGln-Arg-Cys) and DNT non-specific binding peptide (DNT-nbp, sequence: Thr-Ser-Met-Leu-Leu-Met-Ser-Pro-Lys-His-Gln-Ala-Cys). These two peptides were prepared to function as highly specific and highly non-specific (for the control experiment) peptide receptors, respectively. By detecting the differential signals between the DNT-bp and DNT-nbp functionalized rGO sensor, we demonstrated the ability of 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) targets to bind to DNT-specific binding peptide surfaces, showing good sensitivity and selectivity. The advantage of using the differential signal is that it eliminates unwanted electrical noise and/or environmental effects. We achieved sensitivity of 27 ± 2 × 10−6 per part per billion (ppb) for the slope of resistance change versus DNT gas concentration of 80, 160, 240, 320, and 480 ppm, respectively. By sequentially flowing DNT vapor (320 ppb), acetone (100 ppm), toluene (1 ppm), and ethanol (100 ppm) onto the rGO sensors, the change in the signal of rGO in the presence of DNT gas is 6400 × 10−6 per ppb whereas the signals from the other gases show no changes, representing highly selective performance. Using this platform, we were also able to regenerate the surface by simply purging with N2.
Top-down GaN nanowire transistors with nearly zero gate hysteresis for parallel vertical electronics
Authors: Fatahilah Muhammad Fahlesa , Yu Feng , Strempel Klaas , Römer Friedhard , Maradan Dario , Meneghini Matteo , Bakin Andrey , Hohls Frank , Schumacher Hans Werner , Witzigmann Bernd , Waag Andreas , Wasisto Hutomo Suryo
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on the direct qualitative and quantitative performance comparisons of the field-effect transistors (FETs) based on vertical gallium nitride nanowires (GaN NWs) with different NW numbers (i.e., 1–100) and diameters (i.e., 220–640 nm) fabricated on the same wafer substrate to prove the feasibility of employing the vertical 3D architecture concept towards massively parallel electronic integration, particularly for logic circuitry and metrological applications. A top-down approach combining both inductively coupled plasma dry reactive ion etching (ICP-DRIE) and wet chemical etching is applied in the realization of vertically aligned GaN NWs on metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE)-based GaN thin films with specific doping profiles. The FETs are fabricated involving a stack of n-p-n GaN layers with embedded inverted p-channel, top drain bridging contact, and wrap-around gating technology. From the electrical characterization of the integrated NWs, a threshold voltage (Vth) of (6.6 ± 0.3) V is obtained, which is sufficient for safely operating these devices in an enhancement mode (E-mode). Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used as the gate dielectric material resulting in nearly-zero gate hysteresis (i.e., forward and backward sweep Vth shift (ΔVth) of ~0.2 V). Regardless of the required device processing optimization for having better linearity profile, the upscaling capability of the devices from single NW to NW array in terms of the produced currents could already be demonstrated. Thus, the presented concept is expected to bridge the nanoworld into the macroscopic world, and subsequently paves the way to the realization of innovative large-scale vertical GaN nanoelectronics.
Simultaneous change of wood mass and dimension caused by moisture dynamics
Authors: Nopens Martin , Riegler Martin , Hansmann Christian , Krause Andreas
Published: July 2019

An investigation of simultaneous dynamic mass and length change measurement for wood is presented. In contrast to the equilibrium in moisture content and swelling and shrinking, where extensive data exists for different wood species, less information is available for the dynamics of moisture changes in direct comparison to the related dimensional changes during the sorption process. This is due to a lack of methods. A gravimetric sorption system, equipped with a high resolution camera and an automated image evaluation, is used to examine simultaneous effects of water vapour sorption dynamics and dimensional change. This method proves a strong correlation between mass and dimensional change, which is in contrast to other investigations. Equilibrium moisture content as well as swelling and shrinking data is in good agreement with literature and manual measurements. The method enables the possibility to determine swelling and shrinking values in-situ without disturbing the targeted climatic conditions. The system is applicable for the investigation of natural wood, modified wood, wood composites or other lignocellulosic materials.
Hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis for the development of breast capsular contracture
Authors: Kuo Yao-Lung , Jou I-Ming , Jeng Seng-Feng , Chu Chun-Hui , Huang Jhy-Shrian , Hsu Tai-I , Chang Li-Ren , Huang Po-Wei , Chen Jian-An , Chou Ting-Mao
Published: July 2019

Fibrosis has been considered as a major cause of capsular contracture. Hypoxia has widely emerged as one of the driving factors for fibrotic diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hypoxia-induced fibrosis and breast capsular contracture formation. Fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vimentin, fibronectin, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in tissues from patients with capsular contracture were determined according to the Baker classification system. Normal breast skin cells in patients with capsular contracture after implant-based breast surgery and NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts were cultured with cobalt chloride (CoCl2) to mimic hypoxic conditions. Treatment responses were determined by detecting the expression of HIF-1α, vimentin, fibronectin, N-cadherin, snail, twist, occludin, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and -2, as well as phosphorylated ERK. The expression levels of HIF-1α, vimentin, fibronectin, and fibrosis as well as EMT were positively correlated with the severity of capsular contracture. MMP-9 expression was negatively correlated the Baker score. Hypoxia up-regulated the expression of HIF-1α, vimentin, fibronectin, N-cadherin, snail, twist, TIMP-1 and -2, as well as phosphorylated ERK in normal breast skin cells and NIH3T3. Nonetheless, the expression levels of MMP-9 and occludin were down-regulated in response to CoCl2 treatment. This study is the first to demonstrate the association of hypoxia-induced fibrosis and capsular contracture.
Estimating Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Aedes Albopictus Dispersal to Guide Control Interventions in Case of Exotic Arboviruses in Temperate Regions
Authors: Marini Francesca , Caputo Beniamino , Pombi Marco , Travaglio Manuela , Montarsi Fabrizio , Drago Andrea , Rosà Roberto , Manica Mattia , della Torre Alessandra
Published: July 2019

The increasing number of exotic arbovirus cases imported in Europe and the 2017 chikungunya outbreak in central/southern Italy highlight the urgency of evidence-based outbreak management plans to predict, prevent or interrupt spreading of these arboviruses to non-endemic countries in temperate regions. We here present the results of three mark-release-recapture experiments conducted in a peri-urban area of North-East Italy to estimate the spatio-temporal dynamics of the dispersal of Aedes albopictus females looking for oviposition sites. The Flight Range of 90% of the mosquito population (FR90) was found to exceed 200 m, consistently with data obtained from a previous study conducted in a highly urbanised area in Rome (Central Italy). Modelling results showed that dispersal can be so rapid that insecticide spraying within a 200m-radius around a potential infected case leaves >10% probability that a potentially infected mosquito escapes the treatment, even if this is carried out after only 2–3 days since the importation of a viremic case. These data provide evidence in favour of an update of guidelines for the control of exotic autochthonous arbovirus transmission in temperate areas and highlight the need of effective surveillance approaches and rapid response to contain the risks associated to imported viremic cases.
Microbial and abiotic controls on mineral-associated organic matter in soil profiles along an ecosystem gradient
Authors: Mikutta Robert , Turner Stephanie , Schippers Axel , Gentsch Norman , Meyer-Stüve Sandra , Condron Leo M. , Peltzer Duane A. , Richardson Sarah J. , Eger Andre , Hempel Günter , Kaiser Klaus , Klotzbücher Thimo , Guggenberger Georg
Published: July 2019

Formation of mineral-organic associations is a key process in the global carbon cycle. Recent concepts propose litter quality-controlled microbial assimilation and direct sorption processes as main factors in transferring carbon from plant litter into mineral-organic associations. We explored the pathways of the formation of mineral-associated organic matter (MOM) in soil profiles along a 120-ky ecosystem gradient that developed under humid climate from the retreating Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand. We determined the stocks of particulate and mineral-associated carbon, the isotope signature and microbial decomposability of organic matter, and plant and microbial biomarkers (lignin phenols, amino sugars and acids) in MOM. Results revealed that litter quality had little effect on the accumulation of mineral-associated carbon and that plant-derived carbon bypassed microbial assimilation at all soil depths. Seemingly, MOM forms by sorption of microbial as well as plant-derived compounds to minerals. The MOM in carbon-saturated topsoil was characterized by the steady exchange of older for recent carbon, while subsoil MOM arises from retention of organic matter transported with percolating water. Overall, MOM formation is not monocausal but involves various mechanisms and processes, with reactive minerals being effective filters capable of erasing chemical differences in organic matter inputs.
Identifying chemopreventive agents for obesity-associated cancers using an efficient, 3D high-throughput transformation assay
Authors: Benham Vanessa , Bullard Blair , Dexheimer Thomas S. , Bernard Matthew P. , Neubig Richard R. , Liby Karen T. , Bernard Jamie J.
Published: July 2019

Obesity is associated with ~40% of cancer diagnoses but there are currently no effective preventive strategies, illustrating a need for chemoprevention. We previously demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) from adipose tissue stimulates malignant transformation, as measured by growth in soft agar, the gold-standard in vitro transformation assay. Because the soft agar assay is unsuitable for high throughput screens (HTS), we developed a novel method using 3D growth in ultra-low attachment conditions as an alternative to growth in agar to discover compounds that inhibit transformation. Treating non-tumorigenic, skin epithelial JB6 P+ cells with FGF2 stimulates growth in ultra-low attachment conditions analogous to growth in the soft agar. This transformation HTS identified picropodophyllin, an insulin growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitor, and fluvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, as potential chemopreventive agents. These compounds were validated for efficacy using two non-tumorigenic cell lines in soft agar. Another IGF1R inhibitor and other statins were also tested and several were able to inhibit growth in soft agar. This novel 3D HTS platform is fast, robust and has the potential to identify agents for obesity-associated cancer prevention.
HDAC6 depletion improves cystic fibrosis mouse airway responses to bacterial challenge
Authors: Rosenjack Julie , Hodges Craig A. , Darrah Rebecca J. , Kelley Thomas J.
Published: July 2019

The hypothesis of this study was that Hdac6 depletion would restore cystic fibrosis (CF) responses to bacterial challenge to more wild type profiles using a CF mouse model. CF mice harboring the F508del Cftr mutation respond to bacterial challenge with 25,000 CFU Pseudomonas aeruginosa embedded into agarose beads to slow clearance. CF mice respond significantly more aggressively to this challenge compared to WT mice with respect to bacterial clearance, weight loss, neutrophil recruitment, and MIP-2 production. Depletion of Hdac6 expression in the CF mice (CF/Hdac6) significantly improves these responses to more WT levels. Weight loss in response to infection is most severe in CF mice and significantly attenuated in CF/Hdac6 mice. Bacterial levels are reduced at a faster rate in CF/Hdac6 mice compared to CF mice where infection persists. Percent neutrophils in lung lavage fluid post-infection are significantly higher in CF mice, but returned to WT levels with CF/Hdac6 mice. Similarly, CF Mip-2 levels are restored to WT levels in the absence of Hdac6 expression. These data demonstrate that Hdac6 depletion restores CF responses to bacterial challenge to WT-like profiles and offer a potential therapeutic avenue for addressing inflammation and infection in CF airways independently of Cftr correction.
Herbivore range expansion triggers adaptation in a subsequently-associated third trophic level species and shared microbial symbionts
Authors: Ke Fushi , You Shijun , Huang Sumei , Chen Weijun , Liu Tiansheng , He Weiyi , Xie Dandan , Li Qiang , Lin Xijian , Vasseur Liette , Gurr Geoff M. , You Minsheng
Published: July 2019

Invasive species may change the life history strategies, distribution, genetic configuration and trophic interactions of native species. The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., is an invasive herbivore attacking cultivated and wild brassica plants worldwide. Here we present phylogeographic analyses of P. xylostella and one of its major parasitoids, Cotesia vestalis, using mitochondrial markers, revealing the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of these two species. We find evidence that C. vestalis originated in Southwest China, then adapted to P. xylostella as a new host by ecological sorting as P. xylostella expanded its geographic range into this region. Associated with the expansion of P. xylostella, Wolbachia symbionts were introduced into local populations of the parasitoid through horizontal transfer from its newly associated host. Insights into the evolutionary history and phylogeographic system of the herbivore and its parasitoid provide an important basis for better understanding the impacts of biological invasion on genetic configuration of local species.
Verification of Charge Transfer in Metal-Insulator-Oxide Semiconductor Diodes via Defect Engineering of Insulator
Authors: Lee Donggun , Park Jun-Woo , Cho Nam-Kwang , Lee Jinwon , Kim Youn Sang
Published: July 2019

In a MIS (Metal/Insulator/Semiconductor) structure consisting of two terminals, a systematic analysis of the electrical charge transport mechanism through an insulator is essential for advanced electronic application devices such as next-generation memories based on resistance differences. Herein, we have verified the charge transfer phenomenon in MIOS (Metal/Insulator/Oxide Semiconductor) diodes through a defect engineering of the insulator. By selectively generating the oxygen vacancies in the insulator (Al2O3), the MIOS diode rectification of the P++-Si anode/Al2O3/IGZO cathode reached 107 at 1.8 V and considerably suppressed the leakage current. Studying the current-voltage characteristics of MIOS diodes shows that the charge carrier transport mechanism can vary depending on the defect density as well as the difference between the CBM (conduction band minimum) of the semiconductor and the oxygen vacancy energy level of the insulator.
Atrogin-1/MAFbx mRNA expression is regulated by histone deacetylase 1 in rat soleus muscle under hindlimb unloading
Authors: Mochalova Ekaterina P. , Belova Svetlana P. , Mirzoev Timur M. , Shenkman Boris S. , Nemirovskaya Tatiana L.
Published: July 2019

It is known that MuRF-1 and atrogin-1/MAFbx mRNA expression is increased in rat soleus muscle under unloading conditions. We aimed to determine the role of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) in the activation of MuRF-1 and MAFbx expression in rat soleus muscle at the early stage of hindlimb suspension (HS). To this end, male Wistar rats (195–215 g) were divided into 3 groups (n = 8/group): control (C), 3-day HS (HS) and 3-day HS + HDAC1 inhibitor CI-994 (1 mg/kg/day) (HS + CI). Protein content and mRNA expression levels of regulatory molecules were determined by Western-blotting and RT-PCR. CI-994 treatment prevented HS-induced increase in HDAC1 nuclear content. As expected, 3-day HS induced a significant upregulation in MAFbx, MuRF-1 and ubiquitin. CI-994 administration resulted in an attenuation of HS-mediated increase in MAFbx and ubiquitin expression levels but did not affect MuRF-1 expression. A decrease in histone acetyltransferase p300 nuclear content in the HS group was prevented by CI-994 administration. There were no significant differences in the content of phosphorylated anabolic signaling molecules between HS group and HS + CI group. Thus, inhibition of HDAC1 prevented a HS-mediated increase in MAFbx and ubiquitin expression, but did not affect MuRF-1 gene expression.
Author Correction: Multi-qubit Quantum Rabi Model and Multi-partite Entangled States in a Circuit QED System
Authors: Li Jialun , Wang Gangcheng , Xiao Ruoqi , Sun Chunfang , Wu Chunfeng , Xue Kang
Published: July 2019

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.
Publisher Correction: In vitro imaging of bacteria using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose micro positron emission tomography
Authors: Heuker Marjolein , Sijbesma Jürgen W. A. , Aguilar Suárez Rocío , de Jong Johan R. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Luurtsema Gert , Elsinga Philip H. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , van Oosten Marleen
Published: July 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Arterial tissue transcriptional profiles associate with tissue remodeling and cardiovascular phenotype in children with end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Freise Christian , Schaefer Betti , Bartosova Maria , Bayazit Aysun , Bauer Ulrike , Pickardt Thomas , Berger Felix , Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Jensen Pia Søndergaard , Laube Guido , Mencarelli Francesca , Arbeiter Klaus , Büscher Rainer , Habbig Sandra , Möller Kristina , Kirchner Marietta , Schaefer Franz , Schmitt Claus Peter , Querfeld Uwe
Published: July 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) greatly increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, molecular mechanisms underlying CKD-induced arterial remodeling are largely unknown. We performed a systematic analysis of arterial biopsies from children with stage 5 predialysis CKD participating in the Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease (4 C) study. For comparison, we studied biopsies from children without CKD, coronary bypass vessels from adults with atherosclerotic coronary heart disease without CKD and aortic sections of subtotally nephrectomized rats. In pediatric CKD patients, gene expression was correlated to the cardiovascular phenotype assessed by surrogate end-points. The arterial calcium content correlated with the intima-media thickness (IMT) of biopsied vessels from pediatric CKD patients, was markedly increased compared to biopsies from children without CKD and comparable to adult coronary bypass patients. Significant transcriptional changes included ECM components, pro-calcifying factors, and physiological calcification inhibitors; most were highly accordant with changes observed in adults with atherosclerosis and in uremic rats. Individual gene expression levels were significantly associated with the left ventricular mass index and carotid intima media thickness. Thus, inflammatory processes (TNF, IL-10), calcification inhibitors (CA2), the Wnt-pathway (FGF-2) and foremost, ECM components (HMGA1, VNN1, VCAN), impact pathobiological responses in arteries from children with CKD.
Author Correction: High-dimensional detection of imaging response to treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kanber Baris , Nachev Parashkev , Barkhof Frederik , Calvi Alberto , Cardoso Jorge , Cortese Rosa , Prados Ferran , Sudre Carole H. , Tur Carmen , Ourselin Sebastien , Ciccarelli Olga
Published: July 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Synergistic effect between Cu–Cr bimetallic oxides supported on g-C3N4 for the selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde
Authors: Xu Cai , Wang Xiaozhong , Chen Yingqi , Dai Liyan
Published: July 2019

Supported Cu–Cr/g-C3N4 catalysts were prepared via an in situ heating treatment method for the selective oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde.
Discovery of napabucasin derivatives for the treatment of tuberculosis
Authors: Li Chungen , Tang Yunxiang , Sang Zitai , Yang Yang , Gao Yamin , Yang Tao , Fang Cuiting , Zhang Tianyu , Luo Youfu
Published: July 2019

Thirty-one napabucasin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antitubercular activities, as well as for studying the structure–activity relationships.
Crystallization of Gd2O3 nanoparticles: evolution of the microstructure via electron-beam manipulation
Authors: Li He , Li Jiangfeng , Jia Yunling , Liao Fuhui , Xu Yuejiao , Sun Lingdong , Yan Chunhua , Li Yanting , Bie Lijian , Ju Jing
Published: July 2019

E-beam manipulation of organic-containing NPs induces a subtle structural transformation, which is dependent in principle on the microenvironment of the NPs.
CO2 fixation and transformation on a thiolate-bridged dicobalt scaffold under oxidising conditions
Authors: Wu Hui , Li Jianzhe , Yang Dawei , Tong Peng , Zhao Jinfeng , Wang Baomin , Qu Jingping
Published: July 2019

CO2 fixation and conversion promoted by a thiolate-bridged dicobalt complex in the presence of an oxidant.
Solvent switching smart metal–organic framework as a catalyst of reduction and condensation
Authors: Rouhani Farzaneh , Gharib Behnam , Morsali Ali
Published: July 2019

The organization of a Zn-based metal–organic framework (MOF) as the first solvent switching catalyst has been achieved via in situ ligand incorporation.
The dual deformation and remodeling of coal powders: implications for obtaining reliable stress-formed coal samples
Authors: Dong Jun , Cheng Yuanping , Guo Pinkun
Published: July 2019

The preparation of suitable specimens is important for obtaining credible mechanical and methane migration parameters for tectonic coal, which help to guide methane extraction and disaster prevention.
Inverted vortex fluidic exfoliation and scrolling of hexagonal-boron nitride
Authors: Al-Antaki Ahmed Hussein Mohammed , Luo Xuan , Alharbi Thaar M. D. , Harvey David P. , Pye Scott , Zou Jin , Lawrance Warren , Raston Colin L.
Published: July 2019

Exfoliation or scrolling of h-BN occurs in a vortex fluidic device under downward continuous flow.
Lonimacranaldes A–C, three iridoids with novel skeletons from Lonicera macranthoides
Authors: Mei Yu-Dan , Li Hai-Bo , Pang Qian-Qian , Li Ting , Pan Da-Bo , Dai Yi , Qin Da-Peng , Meng He , Yao Xin-Sheng , Yu Yang
Published: July 2019

Lonimacranaldes A and B (1 and 2), along with one biogenetically related intermediate, lonimacranalde C (3), were isolated from the flower buds of Lonicera macranthoides.
Liquid metal core–shell structures functionalised via mechanical agitation: the example of Field's metal
Authors: Idrus-Saidi Shuhada A. , Tang Jianbo , Ghasemian Mohammad B. , Yang Jiong , Han Jialuo , Syed Nitu , Daeneke Torben , Abbasi Roozbeh , Koshy Pramod , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh
Published: July 2019

Field's metal particles synthesised by mechanical agitation exhibit peculiar core–shell structure and functionality.
A biochemical comparison of fungal GH6 cellobiohydrolases
Authors: Christensen Stefan Jarl , Krogh Kristian Bertel Rømer Mørkeberg , Spodsberg Nikolaj , Borch Kim , Westh Peter
Published: July 2019

Cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) from glycoside hydrolase family 6 (GH6) make up an important part of the secretome in many cellulolytic fungi. They are also of technical interest, particularly because they are part of the enzyme cocktails that are used for the industrial breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass. Nevertheless, functional studies of GH6 CBHs are scarce and focused on a few model enzymes. To elucidate functional breadth among GH6 CBHs, we conducted a comparative biochemical study of seven GH6 CBHs originating from fungi living in different habitats, in addition to one enzyme variant. The enzyme sequences were investigated by phylogenetic analyses to ensure that they were not closely related phylogenetically. The selected enzymes were all heterologously expressed in Aspergillus oryzae, purified and thoroughly characterized biochemically. This approach allowed direct comparisons of functional data, and the results revealed substantial variability. For example, the adsorption capacity on cellulose spanned two orders of magnitude and kinetic parameters, derived from two independent steady-state methods also varied significantly. While the different functional parameters covered wide ranges, they were not independent since they changed in parallel between two poles. One pole was characterized by strong substrate interactions, high adsorption capacity and low turnover number while the other showed weak substrate interactions, poor adsorption and high turnover. The investigated enzymes essentially defined a continuum between these two opposites, and this scaling of functional parameters raises interesting questions regarding functional plasticity and evolution of GH6 CBHs.