bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralization of IL-15 abrogates experimental immune-mediated cholangitis in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Reyes José L. , Vannan Danielle T. , Vo Tina , Gulamhusein Aliya , Beck Paul L. , Reimer Raylene A. , Eksteen Bertus
Published: February 2018

Obesity is a global epidemic affecting chronic inflammatory diseases. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that can occur as an extraintestinal manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Previously we reported that patients with PSC who are obese have a higher risk of advanced liver disease. Currently it is unknown how obesity accelerates or worsens PSC. We evaluated the progression of PSC in an antigen-driven cholangitis mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Obesity was induced in our murine model of immune-mediated cholangitis (OVAbil). OVAbil mice were fed standard chow or high-fat/sucrose diet for twelve weeks followed by induction of biliary inflammation by OVA-specific T cell transfer. Histopathological damage in portal tracts was scored and serum collected. Neutralizing antibodies against IL-15 were administered daily until study termination. Obese mice developed exacerbated liver inflammation and damage. Immune cell phenotyping in liver revealed greater numbers of neutrophils and CD8+ T cells in obese mice. Higher levels of cytokines and chemokines were found in obese mice with cholangitis. Immuno-neutralizing antibodies against IL-15 greatly attenuated cholangitis in obese mice. Obesity exacerbated experimental PSC in part by overproduction of IL-15. Timely targeting of IL-15 may slow the progression of PSC.
Prime and Boost Vaccination Elicit a Distinct Innate Myeloid Cell Immune Response
Authors: Palgen Jean-Louis , Tchitchek Nicolas , Elhmouzi-Younes Jamila , Delandre Simon , Namet Inana , Rosenbaum Pierre , Dereuddre-Bosquet Nathalie , Martinon Frédéric , Cosma Antonio , Lévy Yves , Le Grand Roger , Beignon Anne-Sophie
Published: February 2018

Understanding the innate immune response to vaccination is critical in vaccine design. Here, we studied blood innate myeloid cells after first and second immunization of cynomolgus macaques with the modified vaccinia virus Ankara. The inflammation at the injection site was moderate and resolved faster after the boost. The blood concentration of inflammation markers increased after both injections but was lower after the boost. The numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells were transiently affected by vaccination, but without any major difference between prime and boost. However, phenotyping deeper those cells with mass cytometry unveiled their high phenotypic diversity with subsets responding differently after each injection, some enriched only after the primary injection and others only after the boost. Actually, the composition in subphenotype already differed just before the boost as compared to just before the prime. Multivariate analysis identified the key features that contributed to these differences. Cell subpopulations best characterizing the post-boost response were more activated, with a stronger expression of markers involved in phagocytosis, antigen presentation, costimulation, chemotaxis, and inflammation. This study revisits innate immunity by demonstrating that, like adaptive immunity, innate myeloid responses differ after one or two immunizations.
Threshold driven contagion on weighted networks
Authors: Unicomb Samuel , Iñiguez Gerardo , Karsai Márton
Published: February 2018

Weighted networks capture the structure of complex systems where interaction strength is meaningful. This information is essential to a large number of processes, such as threshold dynamics, where link weights reflect the amount of influence that neighbours have in determining a node's behaviour. Despite describing numerous cascading phenomena, such as neural firing or social contagion, the modelling of threshold dynamics on weighted networks has been largely overlooked. We fill this gap by studying a dynamical threshold model over synthetic and real weighted networks with numerical and analytical tools. We show that the time of cascade emergence depends non-monotonously on weight heterogeneities, which accelerate or decelerate the dynamics, and lead to non-trivial parameter spaces for various networks and weight distributions. Our methodology applies to arbitrary binary state processes and link properties, and may prove instrumental in understanding the role of edge heterogeneities in various natural and social phenomena.
Nuclear targeting of the betanodavirus B1 protein via two arginine-rich domains induces G1/S cell cycle arrest mediated by upregulation of p53/p21
Authors: Su Yu-Chin , Reshi Latif , Chen Lei-Jia , Li Wei-Han , Chiu Hsuan-Wen , Hong Jiann-Ruey
Published: February 2018

The molecular functions of betanodavirus non-structural protein B and its role in host cell survival remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the roles of specific nuclear targeting domains in B1 localization as well as the effect of B1 nuclear localization on the cell cycle and host cell survival. The B1 protein of the Red spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) was detected in GF-1 grouper cells as early as 24 hours post-infection (hpi). Using an EYFP-B1 fusion construct, we observed nuclear localization of the B1 protein (up to 99%) in GF-1 cells at 48 hpi. The nuclear localization of B1 was mediated by two arginine-rich nuclear targeting domains (B domain: 46RRSRR51; C domain: 63RDKRPRR70) and domain C was more important than domain B in this process. B1 nuclear localization correlated with upregulation of p53 and p21(wef1/cip1); downregulation of Cyclin D1, CDK4 and Mdm2; and G1/S cell cycle arrest in GF-1 cells. In conclusion, nuclear targeting of the RGNNV B1 protein via two targeting domains causes cell cycle arrest by up-regulating p53/p21 and down-regulating Mdm2, thereby regulating host cell survival.
Probing Conformal Invariant of Non-unitary Two-Dimensional Systems by Central Spin Decoherence
Authors: Wei Bo-Bo
Published: February 2018

Universality classes of non-unitary critical theories in two-dimensions are characterized by the central charge. However, experimental determination of the central charge of a non-unitary critical theory has not been done before because of the intrinsic difficulty that complex parameters usually occur in non-unitary theory, which is not physical. Here we propose to extract the effective central charge of the non-unitary critical point of a two-dimensional lattice model from the quantum coherence measurement of a probe spin which is coupled to the lattice model. A recent discovery shows that quantum coherence of a probe spin which is coupled to a bath is proportional to the partition function of the bath with a complex parameter. Thus the effective central charge of a non-unitary conformal field theory may be extracted from quantum coherence measurement of a probe spin which is coupled to a bath. We have applied the method to the Yang-Lee edge singularity of the two-dimensional Ising model and extracted the effective central charge of the Yang-Lee edge singularity with good precision and tested other predictions of non-unitary conformal field theory. This work paves the way for the first experimental observation of the effective central charge of non-unitary conformal field theory.
Incidence and clinical characteristics of ciguatera fish poisoning in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) between 2013 and 2016: a retrospective cases-series
Authors: Boucaud-Maitre Denis , Vernoux Jean-Paul , Pelczar Stéphane , Daudens-Vaysse Elise , Aubert Lyderic , Boa Sylvie , Ferracci Serge , Garnier Robert
Published: February 2018

This retrospective case study analysed the incidence and symptoms of ciguatera fish poisoning (ciguatera) in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) between 2013 and 2016. Cases attending the emergency departments of the two public hospitals and the reports received by the regional health authority in charge of monitoring (ARS) were compiled. Two hundred and thirty-four cases of poisoning were observed, with a mean annual incidence of 1.47/10,000 (95% CI): 1.29–1.66), i.e 5 times higher than the previously reported incidence (1996–2006). The main species described as being responsible for poisoning were fish from the Carangidae family (n = 47) (jack), followed by fish from the Lutjanidae family (n = 27) (snapper), Serranidae family (n = 15) (grouper), Sphyraenidae family (n = 12) (barracuda), and Mullidae family (n = 12) (goatfish). One case of lionfish ciguatera was observed. 93.9% of patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, 76.0% presented neurological signs (mainly paresthesia, dysesthesia and pruritus) and 40.3% presented cardiovascular symptoms (bradycardia and/or hypotension). A high frequency (61.4%) of hypothermia (body temperature <36.5 °C) was observed. This study reports for the first time the relatively high frequency of cardiac symptoms and low body temperature. The monitoring of ciguatera poisoning throughout the Caribbean region must be improved, notably after reef disturbance due to Irma and Maria major cyclones.
Assessment of interaction between maternal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and genetic polymorphisms on the risk of congenital heart diseases
Authors: Li Nana , Mu Yi , Liu Zhen , Deng Ying , Guo Yixiong , Zhang Xuejuan , Li Xiaohong , Yu Ping , Wang Yanping , Zhu Jun
Published: February 2018

The major causes of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are the interactions of genetic and environmental factors. We conducted a case–control study in 357 mothers of CHDs fetuses and 270 control mothers to investigate the association of maternal PAHs exposure, AHR, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and CYP2E polymorphisms, the interaction between PAHs exposure and genetic variants with the risk of CHDs. The higher level PAHs exposure was associated with the risk of CHDs (aOR = 2.029, 95% CI: 1.266, 3.251) or subtypes. The haplotypes of AHR or CYP1A2 were associated with the risk of CHDs: AHR: C-G-A-C: aOR = 0.765; T-A-G-A: aOR = 1.33; CYP1A2: A-T:aOR = 1.75; C-C: aOR = 0.706. When exposed to higher level PAHs, the risk of CHDs among the mothers carrying rs2158041 “C/T or T/T” genotype or rs7811989 “G/A or A/A” genotype in AHR was 1.724 (χ2 = 7.209, P = 0.007) or 1.735 (χ2 = 7.364, P = 0.007) times greater than the aOR in the mothers carrying wild genotype. The multiplicative-scale interactions between PAHs exposure and polymorphisms of CYP1A2 rs4646425 (P = 0.03) or CYP2E1 rs915908 (P = 0.0238) on the risk of CHDs were observed. Our study suggests that maternal AHR polymorphisms may modify the association of PAHs exposure with CHDs, CYP1A2 or CYP2E1 polymorphisms significantly interact with PAHs exposure on CHDs.
A Multifunctional Nanocage-based MOF with Tri- and Tetranuclear Zinc Cluster Secondary Building Units
Authors: Zhou Zhongyuan , Xing Xiushuang , Tian Chongbin , Wei Wei , Li Dejing , Hu Falu , Du Shaowu
Published: February 2018

A new Zn-cluster based MOF, [Zn21(BTC)11(μ3-OH)3(μ4-O)3(H2O)18]·21EtOH (1) (H3BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), with two different types of cluster nodes has been successfully synthesized from Zn2+ and H3BTC under the solvothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 1 is a 3D trinodal (3,5,6)-c framework which features a large octahedral cage organized by nine Zn3O and nine Zn4O clusters SBUs and twenty-four triangular BTC3− linkers. The Eu3+/Tb3+-incorporated derivative of 1 with 0.251% Eu3+ and 0.269% Tb3+ exhibits tunable luminescence from yellow to white and then to blue-green by changing the excitation wavelength from 308 to 315 nm. Metal ion exchange with Cu2+ affords isomorphous Cu-based MOF with enhanced N2 and CO2 adsorption capacity. In addition, 1 can act as a selective luminescent sensor for Cu2+ and Al3+ ions.
Neural activity induced by visual food stimuli presented out of awareness: a preliminary magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Takada Katsuko , Ishii Akira , Matsuo Takashi , Nakamura Chika , Uji Masato , Yoshikawa Takahiro
Published: February 2018

Obesity is a major public health problem in modern society. Appetitive behavior has been proposed to be partially driven by unconscious decision-making processes and thus, targeting the unconscious cognitive processes related to eating behavior is essential to develop strategies for overweight individuals and obese patients. Here, we presented food pictures below the threshold of awareness to healthy male volunteers and examined neural activity related to appetitive behavior using magnetoencephalography. We found that, among participants who did not recognize food pictures during the experiment, an index of heart rate variability assessed by electrocardiography (low-frequency component power/high-frequency component power ratio, LF/HF) just after picture presentation was increased compared with that just before presentation, and the increase in LF/HF was negatively associated with the score for cognitive restraint of food intake. In addition, increased LF/HF was negatively associated with increased alpha band power in Brodmann area (BA) 47 caused by food pictures presented below the threshold of awareness, and level of cognitive restraint was positively associated with increased alpha band power in BA13. Our findings may provide valuable clues to the development of methods assessing unconscious regulation of appetite and offer avenues for further study of the neural mechanisms related to eating behavior.
Substructure-activity relationship studies on antibody recognition for phenylurea compounds using competitive immunoassay and computational chemistry
Authors: Zhang Fuyuan , Liu Bing , Liu Guozhen , Zhang Yan , Wang Junping , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2018

Based on the structural features of fluometuron, an immunizing hapten was synthesized and conjugated to bovine serum albumin as an immunogen to prepare a polyclonal antibody. However, the resultant antibody indicated cross-reactivity with 6 structurally similar phenylurea herbicides, with binding activities (expressed by IC50 values) ranging from 1.67 µg/L to 42.71 µg/L. All 6 phenylurea herbicides contain a common moiety and three different substitutes. To understand how these three different chemical groups affect the antibody-phenylurea recognition activity, quantum chemistry, using density function theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311++ G(d,p) level of theory, was employed to optimize all phenylurea structures, followed by determination of the 3D conformations of these molecules, pharmacophore analysis, and molecular electrostatic potential (ESP) analysis. The molecular modeling results confirmed that the geometry configuration, pharmacophore features and electron distribution in the substituents were related to the antibody binding activity. Spearman correlation analysis further elucidated that the geometrical and electrostatic properties on the van der Waals (vdW) surface of the substituents played a critical role in the antibody-phenylurea recognition process.
Phaeophleospora vochysiae Savi & Glienke sp. nov. Isolated from Vochysia divergens Found in the Pantanal, Brazil, Produces Bioactive Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Savi Daiani C. , Shaaban Khaled A. , Gos Francielly Maria Wilke Ramos , Ponomareva Larissa V. , Thorson Jon S. , Glienke Chirlei , Rohr Jürgen
Published: February 2018

Microorganisms associated with plants are highly diverse and can produce a large number of secondary metabolites, with antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and cytotoxic activities. We are particularly interested in exploring endophytes from medicinal plants found in the Pantanal, a unique and widely unexplored wetland in Brazil. In a bio-prospecting study, strains LGMF1213 and LGMF1215 were isolated as endophytes from Vochysia divergens, and by morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses were characterized as Phaeophleospora vochysiae sp. nov. The chemical assessment of this species reveals three major compounds with high biological activity, cercoscosporin (1), isocercosporin (2) and the new compound 3-(sec-butyl)-6-ethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methylcyclohex-2-enone (3). Besides the isolation of P. vochysiae as endophyte, the production of cercosporin compounds suggest that under specific conditions this species causes leaf spots, and may turn into a pathogen, since leaf spots are commonly caused by species of Cercospora that produce related compounds. In addition, the new compound 3-(sec-butyl)-6-ethyl-4,5-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-6-methylcyclohex-2-enone showed considerable antimicrobial activity and low cytotoxicity, which needs further exploration.
Familial Risks Between Urolithiasis and Cancer
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Hemminki Otto , Försti Asta , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Li Xinjun
Published: February 2018

Urolithiasis (UL, urinary tract stone disease) has been reported to increase subsequent cancers in the urinary tract. Recently, we showed data that surveillance bias may be an important confounder in the reported associations. In the present approach we want to address the question of possible cancer risk posed by UL mechanistically. Both UL and cancer have strong genetic components and we hypothesize that familial association between UL and cancer may be plausible. We thus assess familial risks between UL and cancer, hoping to find an explanation why UL may pose a risk of cancer. UL patients were identified from hospital inpatient and outpatient records and they were organized in families based on the Multigeneration Register into which also national cancer data were linked. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated for cancer in the offspring generation when parents were diagnosed with UL, and conversely for UL when parents were diagnosed with cancer. Familial risks between UL and cancer were generally small and inconsistent providing no convincing support of genetic sharing between UL and cancer. However, bladder UL was associated weakly with prostate cancer, and ureter and bladder UL were associated with salivary gland cancer. Potential mechanisms for these findings are proposed.
Kinesthetic stimulation for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: An “on-off” proof of concept trial
Authors: Hernández Alfredo I. , Pérez Diego , Feuerstein Delphine , Loiodice Corinne , Graindorge Laurence , Guerrero Gustavo , Limousin Nadège , Gagnadoux Frédéric , Dauvilliers Yves , Tamisier Renaud , Prigent Arnaud , Mabo Philippe , Amblard Amel , Senhadji Lotfi , Pépin Jean-Louis
Published: February 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway narrows or collapses due to the loss of upper airway muscle activation at sleep onset. This study investigated the effectiveness of triggered kinesthetic stimulation in patients with OSA. This proof-of-concept, open-label, multicenter prospective study was conducted on 24 patients with severe OSA. During a one night evaluation, kinesthetic stimulation was intermittently delivered in 30 minute periods. The duration of apneas and hypopneas during Stim
on
and Stim
off
periods were compared. Five hospital-based university centers in France participated. Sleep studies were evaluated by a single scorer at a core laboratory (CHU Grenoble). Results show that during the Stim
on
phases, statistically significant decreases in durations of apneas and hypopneas were observed in 56% and 46% of patients, respectively. Overall, 75% of patients showed an improvement in apneas or hypopneas durations. The mean reduction in durations for patients with a significant decrease was 4.86 seconds for apneas and 6.00 seconds for hypopneas. This proof of concept study is the first to identify kinesthetic stimulation as a potentially effective therapy for OSA. These data justify evaluation in a controlled study.
Identification of juvenility-associated genes in the mouse hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jam Faidruz Azura , Kadota Yosuke , Mendsaikhan Anarmaa , Tooyama Ikuo , Mori Masaki
Published: February 2018

Young individuals possess distinct properties that adults do not. The juvenile animals show higher activities for growth, healing, learning and plasticity than adults. The machinery for establishing these juvenile properties is not fully understood. To better understand the molecular constituents for the above properties, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of differently aged cells of mice by high-throughput sequencing and identified the genes selectively highly expressed in the young cells. These genes, collectively called as juvenility-associated genes (JAGs), show significant enrichments in the functions such as alternative splicing, phosphorylation and extracellular matrix (ECM). This implies the juvenescence might be achieved by these functions at the cell level. The JAG mutations are associated with progeria syndromes and growth disorders. Thus, the JAGs might organize the juvenile property of young animals and analysis of JAGs may provide scientific and therapeutic approaches toward treating the genetic diseases.
First evidence for a multienzyme complex of lipid biosynthesis pathway enzymes in Cunninghamella bainieri
Authors: Shuib Shuwahida , Ibrahim Izyanti , Mackeen Mukram Mohamed , Ratledge Colin , Hamid Aidil Abdul
Published: February 2018

Malic enzyme (ME) plays a vital role in determining the extent of lipid accumulation in oleaginous fungi being the major provider of NADPH for the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS). We report here the first direct evidence of the existence of a lipogenic multienzyme complex (the lipid metabolon) involving ME, FAS, ATP: citrate lyase (ACL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in Cunninghamella bainieri 2A1. Cell-free extracts prepared from cells taken in both growth and lipid accumulation phases were prepared by protoplasting and subjected to Blue Native (BN)-PAGE coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A high molecular mass complex (approx. 3.2 MDa) consisting of the above enzymes was detected during lipid accumulation phase indicating positive evidence of multienzyme complex formation. The complex was not detected in cells during the balanced phase of growth or when lipid accumulation ceased, suggesting that it was transiently formed only during lipogenesis.
Electromagnetically induced polarization grating
Authors: Zhao Lu
Published: February 2018

Based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), we investigate an all-optical grating structure to realize polarization-dependent multiple beam splitting in the Raman-Nath limit. To optimize the grating performance, higher excited state [e.g., nS1/2 (n ≥ 6)] of ultracold 87Rb atoms is employed to construct a five-level Ξ-Λ system sharing one common populated ground state. A principal advantage of our proposed scheme is that the σ± components of a linearly polarized weak probe field can be decoupled and thus be independently diffracted with high efficiency in both one and two dimensions by exploiting different quasi-standing waves as the two strong coupling fields in the Ξ and Λ configurations. Such an all-optical polarization-sensitive operation could greatly enhance the tunability and capacity of all-optical multiplexing, interconnecting, and networking in free space for both classical and quantum applications.
Social inhibition and behavioural flexibility when the context changes: a comparison across six primate species
Authors: Amici Federica , Call Josep , Watzek Julia , Brosnan Sarah , Aureli Filippo
Published: February 2018

The ability to inhibit previously employed strategies and flexibly adjust behavioural responses to external conditions may be critical for individual survival. However, it is unclear which factors predict their distribution across species. Here, we investigated social inhibition and behavioural flexibility in six primate species (chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys) differing in terms of phylogenetic relatedness, foraging ecology and social organization. Depending on the social context, individuals could maximize their food intake by inhibiting the selection of a larger food reward in one condition (i.e. inhibition), but not in others, which required them to flexibly switching strategies across conditions (i.e. behavioural flexibility). Overall, our study revealed inter-specific differences in social inhibition and behavioural flexibility, which partially reflected differences in fission-fusion dynamics. In particular, orangutans and chimpanzees showed the highest level of inhibitory skills, while gorillas and capuchin monkeys showed the lowest one. In terms of behavioural flexibility, orangutans and spider monkeys were the best performers, while bonobos and capuchin monkeys were the worst ones. These results contribute to our understanding that inhibition and behavioural flexibility may be linked in more complex ways than usually thought, although both abilities play a crucial role in efficient problem solving.
Identification of G-quadruplex clusters by high-throughput sequencing of whole-genome amplified products with a G-quadruplex ligand
Authors: Yoshida Wataru , Saikyo Hiroki , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Yoshioka Hitomi , Bay Daniyah Habiballah , Iida Keisuke , Kawai Tomoko , Hata Kenichiro , Ikebukuro Kazunori , Nagasawa Kazuo , Karube Isao
Published: February 2018

G-quadruplex (G4) is a DNA secondary structure that has been found to play regulatory roles in the genome. The identification of G4-forming sequences is important to study the specific structure-function relationships of such regions. In the present study, we developed a method for identification of G4 clusters on genomic DNA by high-throughput sequencing of genomic DNA amplified via whole-genome amplification (WGA) in the presence of a G4 ligand. The G4 ligand specifically bound to G4 structures on genomic DNA; thus, DNA polymerase was arrested on the G4 structures stabilised by G4 ligand. We utilised the telomestatin derivative L1H1-7OTD as a G4 ligand and demonstrated that the efficiency of amplification of the G4 cluster regions was lower than that of the non-G4-forming regions. By high-throughput sequencing of the WGA products, 9,651 G4 clusters were identified on human genomic DNA. Among these clusters, 3,766 G4 clusters contained at least one transcriptional start site, suggesting that genes are regulated by G4 clusters rather than by one G4 structure.
Exotic multifractal conductance fluctuations in graphene
Authors: Amin Kazi Rafsanjani , Ray Samriddhi Sankar , Pal Nairita , Pandit Rahul , Bid Aveek
Published: February 2018

In quantum systems, signatures of multifractality are rare. They have been found only in the multiscaling of eigenfunctions at critical points. Here we demonstrate multifractality in the magnetic field-induced universal conductance fluctuations of the conductance in a quantum condensed matter system, namely, high-mobility single-layer graphene field-effect transistors. This multifractality decreases as the temperature increases or as doping moves the system away from the Dirac point. Our measurements and analysis present evidence for an incipient Anderson-localization near the Dirac point as the most plausible cause for this multifractality. Our experiments suggest that multifractality in the scaling behavior of local eigenfunctions are reflected in macroscopic transport coefficients. We conjecture that an incipient Anderson-localization transition may be the origin of this multifractality. It is possible that multifractality is ubiquitous in transport properties of low-dimensional systems. Indeed, our work suggests that we should look for multifractality in transport in other low-dimensional quantum condensed-matter systems.
Dual-wavelength 3D photoacoustic imaging of mammalian cells using a photoswitchable phytochrome reporter protein
Authors: Märk Julia , Dortay Hakan , Wagener Asja , Zhang Edward , Buchmann Jens , Grötzinger Carsten , Friedrich Thomas , Laufer Jan
Published: February 2018

Photoacoustic imaging has been shown to provide high-resolution images of genetically labelled cells at depths that are inaccessible to optical microscopy. While the detection of genetic reporters, such as fluorescent proteins and pigments, has been demonstrated using multiwavelength imaging and spectral unmixing, these approaches remain challenging due to their large computational scale. In this study we report a method based on a reversibly photoswitchable phytochrome-based reporter protein (AGP1) and dual-wavelength interleaved image acquisition for obtaining difference images with unambiguous reporter-specific contrast. Detailed, full 3D images of tumours formed of cells lentivirally transduced to express AGP1 were acquired in vivo in deep tissue in a longitudinal study. This method represents a powerful new approach to studying cellular and genetic processes which, due to its experimental simplicity, can be implemented in a wide range of existing photoacoustic imaging platforms.
Colloidal topological insulators
Authors: Loehr Johannes , de las Heras Daniel , Jarosz Adam , Urbaniak Maciej , Stobiecki Feliks , Tomita Andreea , Huhnstock Rico , Koch Iris , Ehresmann Arno , Holzinger Dennis , Fischer Thomas M.
Published: February 2018

Topological insulators insulate in the bulk but exhibit robust conducting edge states protected by the topology of the bulk material. Here, we design a colloidal topological insulator and demonstrate experimentally the occurrence of edge states in a classical particle system. Magnetic colloidal particles travel along the edge of two distinct magnetic lattices. We drive the colloids with a uniform external magnetic field that performs a topologically non-trivial modulation loop. The loop induces closed orbits in the bulk of the magnetic lattices. At the edge, where both lattices merge, the colloids perform skipping orbits trajectories and hence edge-transport. We also observe paramagnetic and diamagnetic colloids moving in opposite directions along the edge between two inverted patterns; the analogue of a quantum spin Hall effect in topological insulators. We present a robust and versatile way of transporting colloidal particles, enabling new pathways towards lab on a chip applications.
The doping level of boron-doped diamond electrodes affects the voltammetric sensing of uric acid
Authors: Cinková K. , Kianičková K. , Stanković D. M. , Vojs M. , Marton M. , Švorc Ľ.
Published: February 2018

In this work, the electrochemical oxidation and subsequent determination of uric acid was investigated using boron-doped diamond electrodes with various B/C ratios (0–2000 ppm).
A route to diastereomerically pure phenylglycine thioester peptides: crucial intermediates for investigating glycopeptide antibiotic biosynthesis
Authors: Tailhades Julien , Schoppet Melanie , Greule Anja , Peschke Madeleine , Brieke Clara , Cryle Max J.
Published: February 2018

Non-ribosomal peptides contain an array of amino acid building blocks that can present challenges for the synthesis of important intermediates. Here we report a route to incorporate phenylglycine residues in peptide thioesters without significant racemisation.
Interfacial growth of metal–organic framework membranes on porous polymers via phase transformation
Authors: Li Qin , Li Jiansheng , Fang Xiaofeng , Liao Zhipeng , Wang Dapeng , Sun Xiuyun , Shen Jinyou , Han Weiqing , Wang Lianjun
Published: February 2018

A novel single-step approach, named phase transformation interfacial growth (PTIG), was developed for the fabrication of metal–organic framework membranes on polymeric substrates.
Unimolecular reaction energies for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ions
Authors: West Brandi , Rodriguez Castillo Sarah , Sit Alicia , Mohamad Sabria , Lowe Bethany , Joblin Christine , Bodi Andras , Mayer Paul M
Published: February 2018

PAH ion dissociation reaction energy thresholds are remarkably constant within reaction classes.
A computational study of supported Cu-based bimetallic nanoclusters for CO oxidation
Authors: Liu Yulu , Li Hao , Cen Wanglai , Li Jianjun , Wang Zhengming , Henkelman Graeme
Published: February 2018

In this study, we used DFT calculations to investigate the bi-functional nature of Cu-based alloy nanoclusters (NCs) supported on CeO2(111) for CO oxidation.
On the relevance of thermophysical characterization in the microwave treatment of legumes
Authors: Dalmoro Annalisa , Naddeo Carlo , Caputo Silvestro , Lamberti Gaetano , Guadagno Liberata , d'Amore Matteo , Barba Anna Angela
Published: February 2018

This study is focused on the characterization of the thermal behavior and physical properties of the most consumed legumes in the daily diet such as beans, lentils and chickpeas.
Synergistic interactions between lecithin and fruit wax in oleogel formation
Authors: Okuro Paula K. , Tavernier Iris , Bin Sintang Mohd D. , Skirtach Andre G. , Vicente António A. , Dewettinck Koen , Cunha Rosiane L.
Published: February 2018

Lecithin addition affected crystallization and gelation of fruit wax-based oleogels with sunflower oil.
Non-biocidal preservation of wood against brown-rot fungi with a TiO2/Ce xerogel
Authors: Guo Huizhang , Bachtiar Erik Valentine , Ribera Javier , Heeb Markus , Schwarze Francis W. M. R. , Burgert Ingo
Published: February 2018

A new approach for protecting wood materials from fungal degradation through a non-biocidal inorganic system of a TiO2/Ce xerogel.
Injection molded lab-on-a-disc platform for screening of genetically modified E. coli using liquid–liquid extraction and surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Morelli Lidia , Serioli Laura , Centorbi Francesca Alessandra , Jendresen Christian Bille , Matteucci Marco , Ilchenko Oleksii , Demarchi Danilo , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard , Zór Kinga , Boisen Anja
Published: February 2018

We present an injection molded lab-on-a-disc enabling quantification of bacterial metabolites in E. coli supernatant.
Complexation of protactinium(v) with nitrilotriacetic acid: a study at the tracer scale
Authors: Luchini C. , Leguay S. , Aupiais J. , Cannes C. , Le Naour C.
Published: February 2018

Complexation of Pa(v) with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) in aqueous solution (1 M (Na,H)ClO4) was studied by solvent extraction at different acidities (pcH = 0.6; 1.0; 2.0 and 2.5) with the element at the tracer scale (CPa< 10−10M).
Emergence of photoluminescence enhancement of Eu3+ doped BiOCl single-crystalline nanosheets at reduced vertical dimensions
Authors: Li Yongjin , Hu Rui , Zhang Xiangzhou , Yin Zhaoyi , Qiu Jianbei , Yang Zhengwen , Song Zhiguo
Published: February 2018

The depolarization field and corresponding IEF in BiOCl nanosheets were greatly intensified with a decrease in sheet thickness along the [001] direction, which can induce excitation field enhancement and an abnormal scale-dependent PL enhancement.
Catalytic synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes at low temperatures
Authors: Baysal Mustafa , Bilge Kaan , Yıldızhan Melike Mercan , Yorulmaz Yelda , Öncel Çınar , Papila Melih , Yürüm Yuda
Published: February 2018

A new alkali based catalyst KFeO2 allowing the synthesis of highly crystalline BNNTs by TCVD at significantly low temperatures (750 °C).
Rational design of 3D inverse opal heterogeneous composite microspheres as excellent visible-light-induced NO2 sensors at room temperature
Authors: Wang Tianshuang , Yu Qi , Zhang Sufang , Kou Xueying , Sun Peng , Lu Geyu
Published: February 2018

We provide a novel strategy for fabricating 3D IO heterogeneous composite microspheres and achieve detection of NO2 at room temperature.
In situ self-sacrificed template synthesis of vanadium nitride/nitrogen-doped graphene nanocomposites for electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Liu Hong-hui , Zhang Hong-ling , Xu Hong-bin , Lou Tai-ping , Sui Zhi-tong , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2018

N-Doped graphene (NGr) was decorated with vanadium nitride (VN) via an in situ self-sacrificed template strategy and VN/NGr nanocomposites were fabricated.
Selective CO2 adsorption in water-stable alkaline-earth based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Tang Yiwen , Kourtellaris Andreas , Tasiopoulos Anastasios J. , Teat Simon J. , Dubbeldam David , Rothenberg Gadi , Tanase Stefania
Published: February 2018

Four novel metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) built from alkaline-earth metal ions and the flexible ligand tetrakis[4-(carboxyphenyl)oxamethyl]methane acid (H4L) were synthesized. Among them, Ca-based MOFs have high stability under humidity conditions and show good CO2 uptake.
The mechanism of ratiometric fluoride sensing and the ESIPT process for 2,6-dibenzothiazolylphenol and its derivative
Authors: Dong Hao , Zhao Jinfeng , Yang Huan , Zheng Yujun
Published: February 2018

In this work, we explore the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process and the relevant fluoride-sensing mechanism of two novel chemical systems, 2,6-dibenzothiazolylphenol (26DB) and bis-2,6-dibenzothiazolylphenol (Bis-26DB).
Dynamic electro-regulation of the stiffness gradient hydrogels
Authors: Yang Runhuai , Liang Haiyi
Published: February 2018

A reversible electro-regulation process was developed which can dynamically regulate the stiffness gradient of hydrogels (10 to 30 kPa).
Comparative pharmacokinetics of four active components on normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of Gandi capsules
Authors: Xu Renjie , Qi Jia , Zhan Ruan-Juan , Zhou Gui-Sheng , Hao Bin , Ma Jing , Wei Xin , Xu A.-Jing , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2018

The Gandi capsule, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a hospital preparation that has been widely used in China for decades for the treatment of diabetes.
Application of asymmetric Sharpless aminohydroxylation in total synthesis of natural products and some synthetic complex bio-active molecules
Authors: Heravi Majid M. , Lashaki Tahmineh Baie , Fattahi Bahareh , Zadsirjan Vahideh
Published: February 2018

This work shows applications of Asymmetric Sharpless Aminohydroxylation (ASAH) in the stereoselective synthesis of vicinal amino alcohols as important intermediates in the total synthesis of complex molecules and natural products with significant biological activities.
CpG incorporated DNA microparticles for elevated immune stimulation for antigen presenting cells
Authors: Jung Heejung , Kim Dajeong , Kang Yoon Young , Kim Hyejin , Lee Jong Bum , Mok Hyejung
Published: February 2018

As emerging evidence supports the immune stimulating capability of the CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), CpG-based adjuvants have been widely used.
Impact of the lipid bilayer on energy transfer kinetics in the photosynthetic protein LH2
Authors: Ogren John I. , Tong Ashley L. , Gordon Samuel C. , Chenu Aurélia , Lu Yue , Blankenship Robert E. , Cao Jianshu , Schlau-Cohen Gabriela S.
Published: February 2018

Embedding photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes in membrane discs enables measurements of the physiological energy transfer kinetics.
A red-shifted two-photon-only caging group for three-dimensional photorelease
Authors: Becker Yvonne , Unger Erik , Fichte Manuela A. H. , Gacek Daniel A. , Dreuw Andreas , Wachtveitl Josef , Walla Peter J. , Heckel Alexander
Published: February 2018

With a new photolabile protecting group – exclusively cleavable by two-photon-excitation – complex light scenarios for three-dimensional uncaging are possible.
Mechanism of the formation of microphase separated water clusters in a water-mediated physical network of perfluoropolyether tetraol
Authors: Deshpande Ashwini A. , Torris A. T. Arun , Pahari Swagata , Menon Shamal K. , Badiger Manohar V. , Rajamohanan P. R. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P. , Roy Sudip , Tonelli Claudio
Published: February 2018

Water induced microphase separation is observed in perfluoropolyether tetraol (PFPE tetraol) which results in the formation of physical gel network driven by hydrogen bonding.
From helical supramolecular arrays to gel-forming networks: lattice restructuring and aggregation control in peptide-based sulfamides to integrate new functional attributes
Authors: Raghava Saripalli V. , Srivastava Bhartendu K. , Ramshad Kalluruttimmal , Antharjanam Sudhadevi , Varghese Babu , Muraleedharan Kannoth M.
Published: February 2018

A rational approach towards gelator design making use of self-assembly preferences of peptide-based sulfamides is presented.
Electroosmosis near surfactant laden liquid–air interfaces
Authors: Blanc Baptiste , Bonhomme Oriane , Brevet Pierre-Francois , Benichou Emmanuel , Ybert Christophe , Biance Anne-Laure
Published: February 2018

Generation of an electroosmostic (EO) flow near a liquid–gas interface covered with ionic surfactants is experimentally investigated.
From core–shell Ba0.4Sr0.6TiO3@SiO2 particles to dense ceramics with high energy storage performance by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Huang Yu Hui , Wu Yong Jun , Liu Bing , Yang Tian Nan , Wang Jian Jun , Li Juan , Chen Long-Qing , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: February 2018

Electrostatic capacitors with high charge/discharge speed and long cycle lifetime play an essential role in advanced electronic and electrical power systems.
A reversible frequency upconversion probe for real-time intracellular lysosome-pH detection and subcellular imaging
Authors: Dong Zhe , Han Qingxin , Mou Zuolin , Li Ge , Liu Weisheng
Published: February 2018

The probeNRH-Lysoshows an FUCL response to acidic pH and is a promising candidate for lysosome imaging in living cells.
Stimuli responsive AIE active positional isomers of phenanthroimidazole as non-doped emitters in OLEDs
Authors: Ekbote Anupama , Han Si Hyun , Jadhav Thaksen , Mobin Shaikh M. , Lee Jun Yeob , Misra Rajneesh
Published: February 2018

Development of aggregation induced emission (AIE) active mechanochromic positional isomers of phenanthroimidazole comprising of triphenylamine and tetraphenylethylene.
Deciphering the biochemical similarities and differences among mouse embryonic stem cells, somatic and cancer cells using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Güler Günnur , Acikgoz Eda , Karabay Yavasoglu N. Ülkü , Bakan Buket , Goormaghtigh Erik , Aktug Huseyin
Published: February 2018

Cellular macromolecules play important roles in cellular behaviors and biological processes.
1,3-Iodo-amination of 2-methyl indoles via Csp2–Csp3 dual functionalization with iodine reagent
Authors: Moriyama Katsuhiko , Hamada Tsukasa , Ishida Kazuma , Togo Hideo
Published: February 2018

Remote iodo-amination of indole derivatives via Csp2–Csp3 dual functionalization under transition-metal-free conditions.
Capacity fade in high energy silicon-graphite electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dose W. M. , Piernas-Muñoz M. J. , Maroni V. A. , Trask S. E. , Bloom I. , Johnson C. S.
Published: February 2018

A silicon-graphite blended anode is paired with a high capacity LiFePO4 reference/counter electrode to track irreversibility and lithium inventory.
Concerted motions and large-scale structural fluctuations of Trichoderma reesei Cel7A cellobiohydrolase
Authors: Silveira Rodrigo L. , Skaf Munir S.
Published: February 2018

Cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) are key enzymes for the saccharification of cellulose and play major roles in industrial settings for biofuel production.
First-principles study of intrinsic defects in formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite solar cell absorbers
Authors: Liu Na , Yam ChiYung
Published: February 2018

Based on first-principles calculations, the intrinsic defects in FAPbI3 are investigated systematically. It is found that antisites FAI and IFA create deep levels in the band gap which can act as recombination centers.
Designing effective solid catalysts for biomass conversion: aerobic oxidation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ensing Bernd , Rothenberg Gadi , Raveendran Shiju N.
Published: February 2018

A novel highly efficient solid catalyst in which vanadia is supported on pyridine-rich carbon is designed for the oxidation of ethyl lactate to ethyl pyruvate.
Guest-regulated chirality switching of planar chiral pseudo[1]catenanes
Authors: Yang Ya-Fen , Hu Wei-Bo , Shi Lei , Li Sheng-Gang , Zhao Xiao-Li , Liu Yahu A. , Li Jiu-Sheng , Jiang Biao , Ke Wen
Published: February 2018

Pillar[5]arene-derived pseudo[1]catenanes in dichloromethane exist in an equilibrium between a self-included conformational state and a de-threading one.
Highly efficient polymer solar cells with a thienopyrroledione and benzodithiophene containing planar random copolymer
Authors: Kim Taehyo , Lee Ji Young , Heo Jungwoo , Lim Bogyu , Kim Jin Young
Published: February 2018

A new random copolymer based on thienopyrroledione and benzodithiophene units with a high degree of planarity was developed for high-performance organic solar cells.
Selective and rapid detection of ascorbic acid by a cobalt oxyhydroxide-based two-photon fluorescent nano-platform
Authors: Han Qingxin , Yang Huan , Wen Shuting , Jiang Huie , Wang Li , Liu Weisheng
Published: February 2018

A novel and facilitated two-photon approach was developed for efficient ascorbic acid (AA) detection.
Metal-free intermolecular aminochlorination of unactivated alkenes
Authors: Zhu Nengbo , Li Yajun , Bao Hongli
Published: February 2018

We report a metal-free method for the synthesis of vicinal chloroamines by intermolecular aminochlorination of unactivated alkenes.
Structural changes, thermodynamic properties,1H magic angle spinning NMR, and14N NMR of (NH4)2CuCl4·2H2O
Authors: Lim Ae Ran , Kim Sun Ha
Published: February 2018

The structural changes and thermodynamic properties of (NH4)2CuCl4·2H2O were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Nanobubble-embedded inorganic 808 nm excited upconversion nanocomposites for tumor multiple imaging and treatment
Authors: Chan Ming-Hsien , Pan Yu-Ting , Chan Yung-Chieh , Hsiao Michael , Chen Chung-Hsuan , Sun Lingdong , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: February 2018

Upconversion nanocomposites embedded in nanobubbles can be a new technique to achieve imaging and therapy under 808 nm irradiation.
Novel facile self-assembly approach to construct graphene oxide-decorated phase-change microcapsules with enhanced photo-to-thermal conversion performance
Authors: Yuan Kunjie , Liu Jian , Fang Xiaoming , Zhang Zhengguo
Published: February 2018

Novel self-assembled phase change microcapsule exhibits high encapsulation rate, large heat storage capacity, good thermal reliability and enhanced photo-thermal performance.
A polymer design strategy toward green solvent processed efficient non-fullerene polymer solar cells
Authors: Qin Yunpeng , Ye Long , Zhang Shaoqing , Zhu Jie , Yang Bei , Ade Harald , Hou Jianhui
Published: February 2018

This work suggests an effective material design strategy to prepare efficient PSCs with a green solvent, which is important in PSCs.
Double carbon dot assembled mesoporous aluminas: solid-state dual-emission photoluminescence and multifunctional applications
Authors: He Youling , He Jiangling , Yu Zhonghang , Zhang Haoran , Liu Yingliang , Hu Guangqi , Zheng Mingtao , Dong Hanwu , Zhuang Jianle , Lei Bingfu
Published: February 2018

Double carbon dot-based fluorescent materials synthesised in one step possess dual characteristic peaks and multifunctional applications in WLED and transparent sunlight conversion film.
Spectrum allocation in cognitive radio networks using chaotic biogeography‐based optimisation
Authors: Tegou Thomas I. , Tsiflikiotis Antonios , Vergados Dimitrios D. , Siakavara Katherine , Nikolaidis Spiros , Goudos Sotirios K. , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis , Obaidat Mohammad
Published: February 2018

Cognitive radio networks are a promising technology for the improvement of the spectrum utilisation. The basic idea is to maximise the utilisation of the available spectrum by dynamically assigning available channels to secondary users. This problem known as the spectrum allocation problem is non‐deterministic polynomial‐time hard (NP‐hard). Chaotic biogeography‐based optimisation (CBBO) is a recently proposed evolutionary algorithm that can be applied to the above‐mentioned problem. The authors compare CBBO with other popular algorithms in different spectrum allocation problem cases. The results show that CBBO performs in general better or similar to the other algorithms.