bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do conservation strategies that increase tiger populations have consequences for other wild carnivores like leopards?
Authors: Kumar Ujjwal , Awasthi Neha , Qureshi Qamar , Jhala Yadvendradev
Published: October 2019

Most large carnivore populations are declining across their global range except in some well managed protected areas (PA’s). Investments for conserving charismatic apex carnivores are often justified due to their umbrella effect on biodiversity. We evaluate population trends of two large sympatric carnivores, the tiger and leopard through spatially-explicit-capture-recapture models from camera trap data in Kanha PA, India, from 2011 to 2016. Our results show that the overall density (100 km−2) of tigers ranged between 4.82 ± 0.33 to 5.21 ± 0.55SE and of leopards between 6.63 ± 0.71 to 8.64 ± 0.75SE, with no detectable trends at the PA scale. When evaluated at the catchment scale, Banjar catchment that had higher prey density and higher conservation investments, recorded significant growth of both carnivores. While Halon catchment, that had lower prey and conservation investments, populations of both carnivores remained stable. Sex ratio of both carnivores was female biased. As is typical with large carnivores, movement parameter sigma (an index for range size), was larger for males than for females. However, sigma was surprisingly similar for the same genders in both carnivores. At home-range scale, leopards achieved high densities and positive growth rates in areas that had low, medium or declining tiger density. Our results suggest that umbrella-species conservation value of tigers is likely to be compromised at very high densities and therefore should not be artificially inflated through targeted management.
Increased plasmatic NETs by-products in patients in severe obesity
Authors: D’Abbondanza Marco , Martorelli Eva Edvige , Ricci Maria Anastasia , De Vuono Stefano , Migliola Elisa Nulli , Godino Cosmo , Corradetti Sara , Siepi Donatella , Paganelli Maria Teresa , Maugeri Norma , Lupattelli Graziana
Published: October 2019

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are DNAs products involved in immune process. Obesity through a low-grade chronic inflammation determines neutrophil activation, but it is still unclear its role in NETs formation. Here we analyzed the NETs levels in healthy and morbid obese, their association with anthropometric and glyco-metabolic parameters and their changes after bariatric surgery. For this study, we enrolled 73 patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2 or ≥35 kg/m2 + comorbidity) eligible to sleeve gastrectomy. In parallel, 55 healthy subjects and 21 patients with severe coronary artery disease were studied as controls. We evaluated anthropometric parameters, peripheral blood pressure, biochemical and serum analysis at the enrollment and at twelve months after surgery. Plasmatic levels of MPO-DNA complexes were assessed by ELISA. NETs levels were higher in obese than in control group (p < 0.001) and correlated with the main anthropometric variable (BMI, waist, hip), glyco-metabolic variables and systolic blood pressure. NETs trend after intervention was uneven. The reduction of NETs correlated with the entity of reduction of BMI (ρ = 0.416, p < 0.05), visceral fat area (ρ = 0.351, p < 0.05), and glycemia (ρ = 0.495, p < 0.001). In medical history of patients in whom NETs increased, we observed a higher number of thromboembolic events. Our observations indicate that severe obesity is associated with increased generation of NETs, which in turn could influence the patients’ systemic inflammatory state. Weight loss and in particular, loss of adipose tissue after bariatric surgery does not in itself correct NET’s dysregulated production. Finally, patients in whom NETs accumulation persists after surgery are probably those at the highest risk of cardiovascular events.
Environmental factors and river network position allow prediction of benthic community assemblies: A model of nematode metacommunities
Authors: Gansfort Birgit , Traunspurger Walter
Published: October 2019

The field of metacommunity studies is growing rapidly, including recent applications to river networks. Most of these studies have targeted a single river network but whether their findings are relevant to other river systems is unknown. This study investigated the influence of environmental, spatial and temporal parameters on the community structure of nematodes in the river networks of the Elbe and Rhine. We asked whether the variance in community structure was better explained by spatial variables representing the watercourse than by overland distances. After determining the patterns in the Elbe river network, we tested whether they also explained the Rhine data. The Elbe data were evaluated using a boosted regression tree analysis. The predictive ability of the model was then assessed using the Rhine data. In addition to strong temporal dynamics, environmental factors were more important than spatial factors in structuring riverine nematode communities. Community structure was more strongly influenced by watercourse than by Euclidean distances. Application of the model’s predictions to the Rhine data correlated significantly with field observations. Our model shows that the consequences of changes in environmental factors or habitat connectivity for aquatic communities across different river networks are quantifiable.
Increased interactions and engulfment of dendrites by microglia precede Purkinje cell degeneration in a mouse model of Niemann Pick Type-C
Authors: Kavetsky Larisa , Green Kayla K. , Boyle Bridget R. , Yousufzai Fawad A. K. , Padron Zachary M. , Melli Sierra E. , Kuhnel Victoria L. , Jackson Harriet M. , Blanco Rosa E. , Howell Gareth R. , Soto Ileana
Published: October 2019

Niemann Pick Type-C disease (NPC) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease (LSD) caused by pathogenic variants in theNpc1orNpc2genes that lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in lysosomes. NPC1 deficiency causes neurodegeneration, dementia and early death. Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are particularly hypersensitive to NPC1 deficiency and degenerate earlier than other neurons in the brain. Activation of microglia is an important contributor to PCs degeneration in NPC. However, the mechanisms by which activated microglia promote PCs degeneration in NPC are not completely understood. Here, we are demonstrating that in theNpc1nmf164mouse cerebellum, microglia in the molecular layer (ML) are activated and contacting dendrites at early stages of NPC, when no loss of PCs is detected. During the progression of PCs degeneration inNpc1nmf164mice, accumulation of phagosomes and autofluorescent material in microglia at the ML coincided with the degeneration of dendrites and PCs. FeedingNpc1nmf164mice a western diet (WD) increased microglia activation and corresponded with a more extensive degeneration of dendrites but not PC somata. Together our data suggest that microglia contribute to the degeneration of PCs by interacting, engulfing and phagocytosing their dendrites while the cell somata are still present.
Remodeling of macular vortex veins in pachychoroid neovasculopathy
Authors: Matsumoto Hidetaka , Kishi Shoji , Mukai Ryo , Akiyama Hideo
Published: October 2019

Superior and inferior macular vortex veins are divided by a horizontal watershed passing through the macula. We evaluated macular vortex vein remodeling in eyes with pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV). Thirty eyes of 30 patients with treatment-naïve PNV and 30 normal eyes of 30 age-, gender-, and refraction-matched subjects were studied. We assessed the features of macular vortex veins employing en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and determined central choroidal thickness (CCT) using B-mode OCT. Of the 30 normal eyes, a horizontal watershed was identified in 24 eyes (80%), while venous anastomosis between the superior and inferior vortex veins was observed in 6 eyes (20%). Mean CCT was 233 μm. Of the 30 eyes with PNV, vortex veins were dilated in all 30 eyes with PNV. In 27 of the 30 PNV eyes (90%), the horizontal watershed had disappeared, and collateral veins had instead developed via anastomosis between the superior and inferior vortex veins, making this finding significantly more frequent than in normal eyes (P < 0.001). Mean CCT was 357 μm, significantly thicker than that of normal eyes (P < 0.001). Remodeling of choroidal drainage routes by venous anastomosis between superior and inferior vortex veins was common in eyes with PNV. This observation suggests longstanding congestion of the choroidal veins.
Urinary myo-inositol is associated with the clinical outcome in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: An Jung Nam , Hyeon Jin Seong , Jung Youngae , Choi Young Wook , Kim Jin Hyuk , Yang Seung Hee , Oh Sohee , Kwon Soie , Lee Sang-Ho , Cho Jang-Hee , Park Sun-Hee , Ha Hunjoo , Kim Dong Ki , Lee Jung Pyo , Hwang Geum-Sook
Published: October 2019

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD) have similar initial histological findings; however, their prognoses are distinct. Therefore, it is of great importance to discriminate FSGS from MCD in the early phase of disease and predict clinical prognosis. A discovery set of 184 urine samples (61 healthy control, 80 MCD, and 43 FSGS) and a validation set of 61 urine samples (12 healthy control, 26 MCD, and 23 FSGS) were collected at the time of kidney biopsy. Metabolic profiles were examined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Of 70 urinary metabolites, myo-inositol was significantly higher in FSGS patients than in control patients (discovery set, 2.34-fold, P < 0.001; validation set, 2.35-fold, P = 0.008) and MCD patients (discovery set, 2.48-fold, P = 0.002; validation set, 1.69-fold, P = 0.042). Myo-inositol showed an inverse relationship with the initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and was associated with the plasma level of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in FSGS patients. Myo-inositol treatment ameliorated the decreased expression of ZO-1 and synaptopodin in an in vitro FSGS model, and as myo-inositol increased, myo-inositol oxygenase tissue expression decreased proportionally to eGFR. Furthermore, urinary myo-inositol exhibited an increase in the power to discriminate FSGS patients, and its addition could better predict the response to initial treatment. In conclusion, urinary myo-inositol may be an important indicator in the diagnosis and treatment of FSGS patients.
Keystone-design perforator island flaps for the management of complicated epidermoid cysts on the back
Authors: Yoon Chi Sun , Kim Hyo Bong , Kim Young Keun , Kim Hoon , Kim Kyu Nam
Published: October 2019

Complicated epidermoid cysts (ECs) occur commonly on the back, but few reports have described their management. We present our experience in managing patients with ECs on the back using a keystone-design perforator island flap (KDPIF) reconstruction, thereby focusing on reduction and redistribution of wound tension. Altogether, 15 patients (average age, 48.067 ± 14.868 years) underwent KDPIF reconstructions after complete excision of complicated ECs on the back. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and clinical photographs of all patients. Final scar appearance was evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). All patients had ruptured ECs, while 6 patients also had cellulitis of the surrounding tissues. All defects, after complete excision of ECs and debridement of surrounding unhealthy tissues, were successfully covered with KDPIF. The mean ‘tension-change’ at the defect and donor sites was −4.73 ± 0.21 N and −4.88 ± 0.25 N, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean ‘rate of tension-change’ at the defect and donor sites was −69.48 ± 1.7% and −71.16 ± 1.33%, respectively (p < 0.001). All flaps survived with no postoperative complications. The mean observer scar assessment scale (OSAS) summary score and patient scar assessment scale (PSAS) total score were 14.467 ± 5.069 and 15.6 ± 6.512, respectively. Overall, we suggest that KDPIF reconstruction is a good surgical modality for the management of complicated ECs on the back.
Beneficial effects of Lactobacillus reuteri 6475 on bone density in male mice is dependent on lymphocytes
Authors: Collins Fraser L. , Rios-Arce Naiomy Deliz , Schepper Jonathan D. , Jones A. Daniel , Schaefer Laura , Britton Robert A. , McCabe Laura R. , Parameswaran Narayanan
Published: October 2019

Oral treatment with probiotic bacteria has been shown to prevent bone loss in multiple models of osteoporosis. In previous studies we demonstrated that oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri in healthy male mice increases bone density. The host and bacterial mechanisms of these effects however are not well understood. The objective of this study was to understand the role of lymphocytes in mediating the beneficial effects of L. reuteri on bone health in male mice. We administered L. reuteri in drinking water for 4 weeks to wild type or Rag knockout (lack mature T and B lymphocytes) male mice. While L. reuteri treatment increased bone density in wild type, no significant increases were seen in Rag knockout mice, suggesting that lymphocytes are critical for mediating the beneficial effects of L. reuteri on bone density. To understand the effect of L. reuteri on lymphocytes in the intestinal tissues, we isolated mesenteric lymph node (MLN) from naïve wild type mice. In ex vivo studies using whole mesenteric lymph node (MLN) as well as CD3+ T-cells, we demonstrate that live L. reuteri and its secreted factors have concentration-dependent effects on the expression of cytokines, including anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Fractionation studies identified that the active component of L. reuteri is likely water soluble and small in size (<3 kDa) and its effects on lymphocytes are negatively regulated by a RIP2 inhibitor, suggesting a role for NOD signaling. Finally, we show that T-cells from MLNs treated with L. reuteri supernatants, secrete factors that enhance osterix (transcription factor involved in osteoblast differentiation) expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Together, these data suggest that L. reuteri secreted factors regulate T-lymphocytes which play an important role in mediating the beneficial effects of L. reuteri on bone density.
Macronutrient Supplements in Preterm and Small-for-Gestational-Age Animals: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Amissah Emma , Lin Luling , Gamble Gregory D , Crowther Caroline A. , Bloomfield Frank H. , Harding Jane E.
Published: October 2019

Early macronutrient supplementation in preterm and/or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants may improve growth but have detrimental effects on later cardio-metabolic health which may be sex-specific. We systematically reviewed the long-term effects of early macronutrient supplementation in preterm and SGA animals and whether these differ by sex. Using Cochrane Neonatal and SYRCLE methodologies we included random or quasi-random studies that allocated non-human mammals to macronutrient supplements or no supplements between birth and weaning and assessed post-weaning outcomes. We used random-effects models to calculate standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Six studies provided low to very-low-quality evidence that macronutrient supplementation increased weight in juvenile rats (SMD; 95% CI: 2.13; 1.00, 3.25; 1 study, n = 24), increased leptin concentrations in older adults (1.31; 0.12, 2.51; 1 study, n = 14 male rats), but decreased leptin concentrations in young adults (−1.13; −2.21, −0.05; 1 study, n = 16 female rats) and improved spatial learning and memory (qualitative data; 1 study). There was no evidence of sex-specific effects and no overall effect on length, serum lipids, body composition, HOMA-IR, or blood pressure. Macronutrient supplements may affect later growth, metabolism, and neurodevelopment of preterm and SGA animals, but evidence is limited and low quality.
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation in blood cells is associated with disease severity and exercise intolerance in heart failure patients
Authors: Shirakawa Ryosuke , Yokota Takashi , Nakajima Takayuki , Takada Shingo , Yamane Miwako , Furihata Takaaki , Maekawa Satoshi , Nambu Hideo , Katayama Takashi , Fukushima Arata , Saito Akimichi , Ishimori Naoki , Dela Flemming , Kinugawa Shintaro , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: October 2019

Systemic oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of chronic heart failure (CHF). We tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contributes to CHF progression. A total of 31 patients who had a history of hospital admission due to worsening HF were enrolled and grouped as having either mild CHF defined as New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-II or moderate-to-severe CHF defined as NYHA functional class III. ROS levels in PBMC mitochondria were significantly increased in CHF patients with NYHA functional class III compared to those with NYHA functional class I-II, accompanied by impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity in PBMCs. ROS generation in PBMC mitochondria was positively correlated with urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a systemic oxidative stress marker, in CHF patients. Importantly, mitochondrial ROS generation in PBMCs was directly correlated with plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, a biomarker for severity of HF, and inversely correlated with peak oxygen uptake, a parameter of exercise capacity, in CHF patients. The study showed that ROS generation in PBMC mitochondria was higher in patients with advanced CHF, and it was associated with disease severity and exercise intolerance in CHF patients.
Ibuprofen as a corrosion inhibitor for copper in synthetic acid rain solution
Authors: Tasić Zaklina Z. , Mihajlović Marija B. Petrović , Simonović Ana T. , Radovanović Milan B. , Antonijević Milan M.
Published: October 2019

It is known that if unused drugs are improperly disposed, they can pollute the environment. Furthermore, researchers are still trying to find an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. These factors lead to the possible application of unused pharmaceutical compounds as corrosion inhibitors. The feasibility of an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug, ibuprofen, was evaluated as a potential copper corrosion inhibitor in synthetic acid rain solution. This investigation was performed by applying electrochemical and weight loss measurements and quantum chemical calculations. The results obtained by these techniques revealed the ability of ibuprofen to protect copper from corrosion. The inhibition efficiency of ibuprofen rises with increase in its concentration and can reach a value of 97.3%. The results of surface analysis of treated coupons by scanning electron microscopy and theoretical calculations are consistent with the experimental results.
Holocene vegetation patterns in southern Lithuania indicate astronomical forcing on the millennial and centennial time scales
Authors: Spiridonov Andrej , Balakauskas Lauras , Stankevič Robertas , Kluczynska Gražyna , Gedminienė Laura , Stančikaitė Miglė
Published: October 2019

The Earth’s biota originated and developed to its current complex state through interacting with multilevel physical forcing of our planet’s climate and near and outer space phenomena. In the present study, we focus on the time scale of hundreds to thousands of years in the most recent time interval – the Holocene. Using a pollen paleocommunity dataset from southern Lithuania (Čepkeliai bog) and applying spectral analysis techniques, we tested this record for the presence of statistically significant cyclicities, which can be observed in past solar activity. The time series of non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) scores, which in our case are assumed to reflect temperature variations, and Tsallis entropy-related community compositional diversity estimates q* revealed the presence of cycles on several time scales. The most consistent periodicities are characterized by periods lasting between 201 and 240 years, which is very close to the DeVries solar cycles (208 years). A shorter-term periodicity of 176 years was detected in the NMDS scores that can be putatively linked to the subharmonics of the Gleissberg solar cycle. In addition, periodicities of ≈3,760 and ≈1,880 years were found in both parameters. These periodic patterns could be explained either as originating as a harmonic nonlinear response to precession forcing, or as resulting from the long-term solar activity quasicycles that were reported in previous studies of solar activity proxies.
Detecting the impact of subject characteristics on machine learning-based diagnostic applications
Authors: Chaibub Neto Elias , Pratap Abhishek , Perumal Thanneer M. , Tummalacherla Meghasyam , Snyder Phil , Bot Brian M. , Trister Andrew D. , Friend Stephen H. , Mangravite Lara , Omberg Larsson
Published: October 2019

Collection of high-dimensional, longitudinal digital health data has the potential to support a wide-variety of research and clinical applications including diagnostics and longitudinal health tracking. Algorithms that process these data and inform digital diagnostics are typically developed using training and test sets generated from multiple repeated measures collected across a set of individuals. However, the inclusion of repeated measurements is not always appropriately taken into account in the analytical evaluations of predictive performance. The assignment of repeated measurements from each individual to both the training and the test sets (“record-wise” data split) is a common practice and can lead to massive underestimation of the prediction error due to the presence of “identity confounding.” In essence, these models learn to identify subjects, in addition to diagnostic signal. Here, we present a method that can be used to effectively calculate the amount of identity confounding learned by classifiers developed using a record-wise data split. By applying this method to several real datasets, we demonstrate that identity confounding is a serious issue in digital health studies and that record-wise data splits for machine learning- based applications need to be avoided.
Alpha-synuclein stepwise aggregation reveals features of an early onset mutation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme A. P. , Silva Jerson L.
Published: October 2019

Amyloid formation is a process involving interconverting protein species and results in toxic oligomers and fibrils. Aggregated alpha-synuclein (αS) participates in neurodegenerative maladies, but a closer understanding of the early αS polymerization stages and polymorphism of heritable αS variants is sparse still. Here, we distinguished αS oligomer and protofibril interconversions in Thioflavin T polymerization reactions. The results support a hypothesis reconciling the nucleation-polymerization and nucleation-conversion-polymerization models to explain the dissimilar behaviors of wild-type and the A53T mutant. Cryo-electron microscopy with a direct detector shows the polymorphic nature of αS fibrils formed by heritable A30P, E46K, and A53T point mutations. By showing that A53T rapidly nucleates competent species, continuously elongates fibrils in the presence of increasing amounts of seeds, and overcomes wild-type surface requirements for growth, our findings place A53T with features that may explain the early onset of familial Parkinson’s disease cases bearing this mutation.
EphB2 receptor cell-autonomous forward signaling mediates auditory memory recall and learning-driven spinogenesis
Authors: Talebian Asghar , Henkemeyer Mark
Published: October 2019

While ephrin-B ligands and EphB receptors are expressed to high levels in the learning centers of the brain, it remains largely unknown how their trans-synaptic interactions contribute to memory. We find that EphB2 forward signaling is needed for contextual and sound-evoked memory recall and that constitutive over-activation of the receptor’s intracellular tyrosine kinase domain results in enhanced memory. Loss of EphB2 expression does not affect the number of neurons activated following encoding, although a reduction of neurons activated after the sound-cued retrieval test was detected in the auditory cortex and hippocampal CA1. Further, spine density and maturation was reduced in the auditory cortex of mutants especially in the neurons that were dual-activated during both encoding and retrieval. Our data demonstrates that trans-synaptic ephrin-B-EphB2 interactions and forward signaling facilitate neural activation and structural plasticity in learning-associated neurons involved in the generation of memories.
Reproduction of vesicles coupled with a vesicle surface-confined enzymatic polymerisation
Authors: Kurisu Minoru , Aoki Harutaka , Jimbo Takehiro , Sakuma Yuka , Imai Masayuki , Serrano-Luginbühl Sandra , Walde Peter
Published: October 2019

Molecular assembly systems that have autonomous reproduction and Darwinian evolution abilities can be considered as minimal cell-like systems. Here we demonstrate the reproduction of cell-sized vesicles composed of AOT, i.e., sodium bis-(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, coupled with an enzymatic polymerisation reaction occurring on the surface of the vesicles. The particular reaction used is the horseradish peroxidase-catalysed polymerisation of aniline with hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, which yields polyaniline in its emeraldine salt form (PANI-ES). If AOT micelles are added during this polymerisation reaction, the AOT - PANI-ES vesicles interact with the AOT molecules in the external solution and selectively incorporate them in their membrane, which leads to a growth of the vesicles. If the AOT vesicles also contain cholesterol, the vesicles not only show growth, but also reproduction. An important characteristic of this reproduction system is that the AOT-based vesicles encourage the synthesis of PANI-ES and PANI-ES promotes the growth of AOT vesicles.
Nanobolometer with ultralow noise equivalent power
Authors: Kokkoniemi Roope , Govenius Joonas , Vesterinen Visa , Lake Russell E. , Gunyhó András M. , Tan Kuan Y. , Simbierowicz Slawomir , Grönberg Leif , Lehtinen Janne , Prunnila Mika , Hassel Juha , Lamminen Antti , Saira Olli-Pentti , Möttönen Mikko
Published: October 2019

Since the introduction of bolometers more than a century ago, they have been used in various applications ranging from chemical sensors, consumer electronics, and security to particle physics and astronomy. However, faster bolometers with lower noise are of great interest from the fundamental point of view and to find new use-cases for this versatile concept. We demonstrate a nanobolometer that exhibits roughly an order of magnitude lower noise equivalent power, $$20\,{\mathrm{zW}}/\sqrt {{\mathrm{Hz}}}$$
20

zW
∕

Hz

, than previously reported for any bolometer. Importantly, it is more than an order of magnitude faster than other low-noise bolometers, with a time constant of 30 μs at $$60\,{\mathrm{zW}}/\sqrt {{\mathrm{Hz}}}$$
60

zW
∕

Hz

. These results suggest a calorimetric energy resolution of 0.3 zJ = h × 0.4 THz with a time constant of 30 μs. Further development of this nanobolometer may render it a promising candidate for future applications requiring extremely low noise and high speed such as those in quantum technology and terahertz photon counting.
Carbon dot-based colorimetric sensor array for the discrimination of different water samples
Authors: Shariati-Rad Masoud , Ghorbani Zahra
Published: October 2019

Herein, a colorimetric sensor array has been introduced which uses carbon dots (CDs) to distinguish between different water samples.
Magnetic carbon nanotubes grafted with smart polymer brushes for highly efficient enantioseparation of tryptophan enantiomers
Authors: Yang Xiao-Rong , Lei Li , Peng Zhuo , Yu Hai-Rong , Cheng Chang-Jing
Published: October 2019

We herein report a novel chiral carbon nanotube nanomaterial (MCNTs–PNG–CD) grafted with smart copolymer brushes for highly efficient chiral recognition and separation of tryptophan enantiomers (dl-Trp).
A near infrared light-triggered human serum albumin drug delivery system with coordination bonding of indocyanine green and cisplatin for targeting photochemistry therapy against oral squamous cell cancer
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Xie Diya , Pan Jiongru , Xia Chengwan , Fan Lei , Pu Yumei , Zhang Qian , Ni Yan hong , Wang Jianquan , Hu Qingang
Published: October 2019

To ensure site–specific drug release in tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts and reduce the systemic toxicity of chemotherapy, a novel drug delivery system called human serum albumin-indocyanine green-cisplatin nanoparticles was developed.
Photo-responsive materials with strong cell trapping ability for light-guided manipulation of nonadherent cells
Authors: Jarzębska Natalia Teresa , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Izuta Shin , Kosaka Takahiro , Yamahira Shinya , Nagamune Teruyuki , Okamoto Akimitsu
Published: October 2019

Optimized photocleavable PEG-lipids tightly trapped cells on the substrate under highspeed flow conditions and released cells in a light-guided manner.
A glucose-depleting silica nanosystem for increasing reactive oxygen species and scavenging glutathione in cancer therapy
Authors: Ong Wee Kong , Jana Deblin , Zhao Yanli
Published: October 2019

A novel silica nanosystem is fabricated to convert intracellular glucose to hydrogen peroxide for enhancing reactive oxygen species level and triggering p-quinomethane release to scavenge glutathione, achieving synergistic anticancer treatment.
Highly chemoselective difluoromethylative homologation of iso(thio)cyanates: expeditious access to unprecedented α,α-difluoro(thio)amides
Authors: Miele Margherita , D’Orsi Rosarita , Sridharan Vellaisamy , Holzer Wolfgang , Pace Vittorio
Published: October 2019

The new motif – α,α-difluoromethyl thioamide – has been assembled starting from isothiocyanate (as thioamide precursor) and a formal difluoromethyl-carbanion generated from commercially available TMSCHF2.
Sulfur-substituted perylene diimides: efficient tuning of LUMO levels and visible-light absorptionviasulfur redox
Authors: Zhou Yongxin , Xue Bo , Wu Chenyu , Chen Siqi , Liu Hui , Jiu Tonggang , Li Zhibo , Zhao Yingjie
Published: October 2019

A series of sulfide and sulfone substituted perylene diimides (PDIs) with different LUMO levels covering a range of 0.72 eV were synthesized through simple sulfur redox chemistry.
Characterisation of three terpene synthases for β-barbatene, β-araneosene and nephthenol from social amoebae
Authors: Rinkel Jan , Köllner Tobias G. , Chen Feng , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: October 2019

Three terpene synthases from social amoebae with new functions were discovered and their mechanisms were explored.
Unprecedented five-fold interpenetrated donor–acceptor hybrid heterostructure induced by anion–π interactions
Authors: You Ming-Hua , Li Meng-Hua , Liu Yong-Fei , Li Hao-Hong , Lin Mei-Jin
Published: October 2019

An unprecedented five-fold interpenetrated D–A hybrid heterostructural complex has been constructed, wherein anion–π interactions play a key role in its interpenetration and photoinduced electron transfers.
Structure and electronic properties of rare earth DOBDC metal–organic-frameworks
Authors: Vogel Dayton J. , Sava Gallis Dorina F. , Nenoff Tina M. , Rimsza Jessica M.
Published: October 2019

Density functional theory is used to investigate rare-earth metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and characterize the level of theory needed to predict structural and electronic properties in MOF materials with 4f-electrons.
Assessing the energy offset at the electron donor/acceptor interface in organic solar cells through radiative efficiency measurements
Authors: Xie Yuan , Wang Weiping , Huang Wei , Lin Fengyuan , Li Tengfei , Liu Sha , Zhan Xiaowei , Liang Yongye , Gao Chao , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong
Published: October 2019

The radiative efficiency of non-fullerene devices is modulated by the energy offset, making electroluminescence a powerful tool for energy offset evaluation.
Aerobic oxidation of alcohols with air catalyzed by decacarbonyldimanganese
Authors: Meng Shan-Shui , Lin Li-Rong , Luo Xiang , Lv Hao-Jun , Zhao Jun-Ling , Chan Albert S. C.
Published: October 2019

Oxidation of various alcohols using air as the ultimate oxidant was realized by Mn without any co-catalysts and additives.
Grafting strategies for hydroxy groups of lignin for producing materials
Authors: Eraghi Kazzaz Armin , Hosseinpour Feizi Zahra , Fatehi Pedram
Published: October 2019

In this work, various strategies for altering hydroxy group of lignin, the primary resource of aromatic compounds on earth, is discussed.
A niobium-catalyzed coupling reaction of α-keto acids withortho-phenylenediamines: synthesis of 3-arylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Ebersol Camila , Rocha Nicole , Penteado Filipe , Silva Márcio S. , Hartwig Daniela , Lenardão Eder J. , Jacob Raquel G.
Published: October 2019

A general methodology to access valuable 3-arylquinoxalin-2(1H)-ones was developed, by the reaction of α-keto acids withortho-phenylenediamines in the presence of ammonium niobium oxalate (ANO) as a catalyst.
One-pot synthesis of gluconic acid from biomass-derived levoglucosan using a Au/Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 catalyst
Authors: Wan Yan , Zhang Lina , Chen Yeyun , Lin Jinhan , Hu Wenda , Wang Shuai , Lin Jingdong , Wan Shaolong , Wang Yong
Published: October 2019

Gluconic acid can be highly selectively synthesized from biomass-derived levoglucosan over a Au/Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 catalyst in one pot.
Green extraction of healthy and additive free mitochondria with a conventional centrifuge
Authors: Lin Ying-Ting , Chen Sung-Tzu , Chang Jui-Chih , Teoh Ren-Jie , Liu Chin-San , Wang Gou-Jen
Published: October 2019

In this research, we propose a novel centrifugal device for the massive extraction of healthy mitochondria with a centrifuge used in general laboratories within 30 minutes.
A bifurcated continuous field-flow fractionation (BCFFF) chip for high-yield and high-throughput nucleic acid extraction and purification
Authors: Zhang Chenguang , Sun Gongchen , Senapati Satyajyoti , Chang Hsueh-Chia
Published: October 2019

We report a new Bifurcated Continuous Field-Flow Fractionation (BCFFF) microfluidic chip for isolation and purification of nucleic acids from blood plasma with high and concentration-independent yield. The platform is ideal for isolation and quantification of small miRNAs.
Colorimetric sensing of Fe3+ and Hg2+ and photocatalytic activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles from the leaf extract of Sonchus arvensis L.
Authors: Chandraker Sandip Kumar , Ghosh Mithun Kumar , Lal Mishri , Ghorai Tanmay Kumar , Shukla Ravindra
Published: October 2019

In the present study, an eco-friendly method was reported for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Sonchus arvensis (SA) leaf extract.
Tandem catalysis in multicomponent solvent-free biofluids
Authors: Atkins Dylan Luke , Berrocal José Augusto , Mason Alexander Francesco , Voets Ilja Karina
Published: October 2019

The core–shell architecture of biohybrid enzymes facilitates construction of multifunctional biofluids which display extremophilic traits in total absence of solvent.
Ring size affects the kinetic and thermodynamic formation of [2]rotaxanes featuring an unsymmetric bis-crown ether component
Authors: Naito Masaya , Fujino Takaaki , Tajima Shinya , Miyagawa Shinobu , Yoshida Kazuyuki , Inoue Hajime , Takagawa Hiroaki , Kawasaki Tsuneomi , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: October 2019

Kinetically and thermodynamically favored [2]rotaxanes, with an axle component positioned within a large and small ring, respectively, were provided by bridging of a [2]pseudorotaxane formed from an unsymmetric mono-crown ether and the ammonium salt.
Magnetically separable and reusable rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for the selective liquid phase oxidation of cyclohexene to 1,2-cyclohexane diol
Authors: Pudukudy Manoj , Jia Qingming , Dong Yanan , Yue Zhongxiao , Shan Shaoyun
Published: October 2019

A series of magnetically-separable and reusable rGO/Fe3O4 nanocomposites were successfully synthesized for the selective liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexene to 1,2-cyclohexane-diol.
Sandwiching analytes with structurally diverse plasmonic nanoparticles on paper substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lartey Jemima A. , Harms John P. , Frimpong Richard , Mulligan Christopher C. , Driskell Jeremy D. , Kim Jun-Hyun
Published: October 2019

Systematic combination of plasmonic nanoparticles on a paper-based substrate introduces SERS-based signal-enhancement environments via interparticle coupling and hot spots.
Thermogravimetric and infrared spectroscopic studies of the spontaneous combustion characteristics of different pre-oxidized lignites
Authors: Ma Teng , Chen Xiaokun , Zhai Xiaowei , Bai Ya'e
Published: October 2019

The characteristic parameters of the spontaneous combustion of raw coal and pre-oxidized coal were analyzed by STA, FTIR and in situ FTIR spectroscopy.
Development of pristine and Au-decorated Bi2O3/Bi2WO6nanocomposites for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Gote Gorkshnath H. , Pathak Mansi , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J. , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: October 2019

Pristine and Au-decorated Bi2O3/Bi2WO6nanocomposites were synthesizedviaa facile hydrothermal method, and find its application in supercapacitor.
Adsorption mechanism of polyethyleneimine modified magnetic core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles for anionic dye removal
Authors: Huang Binyan , Liu Yunguo , Li Bin , Wang Hui , Zeng Guangming
Published: October 2019

In this paper, polyethyleneimine modified magnetic core–shell Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2/PEI) were innovatively synthesized and investigated using various techniques such as TEM, TGA, FT-IR, XRD, VSM and XPS.
Mechanism and kinetics of the atmospheric reaction of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene bicyclic peroxy radical with OH
Authors: Lin Xiaoxiao , Yang Zhenli , Yu Hui , Gai Yanbo , Zhang Weijun
Published: October 2019

The major pathways in the reaction of the 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene bicyclic peroxy radical with OH.
Solid-phase synthesis and structural characterisation of phosphoroselenolate-modified DNA: a backbone analogue which does not impose conformational bias and facilitates SAD X-ray crystallography
Authors: Conlon Patrick F. , Eguaogie Olga , Wilson Jordan J. , Sweet Jamie S. T. , Steinhoegl Julian , Englert Klaudia , Hancox Oliver G. A. , Law Christopher J. , Allman Sarah A. , Tucker James H. R. , Hall James P. , Vyle Joseph S.
Published: October 2019

Stable selenium-modified DNA which maintains the native tertiary structure has been prepared under automated conditions enabling SAD X-ray crystallography.
Development of a hydrolysis-based small-molecule hydrogen selenide (H2Se) donor
Authors: Newton Turner D. , Pluth Michael D.
Published: October 2019

Hydrolysis-based H2Se donors provide new chemical tools for investigating biological H2Se.
Cellulose-derived flake graphite as positive electrodes for Al-ion batteries
Authors: Song Wei-Li , Li Shijie , Zhang Guohua , Tu Jiguo , Chen Hao-Sen , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: October 2019

A high-efficiency method is presented for graphitizing biomass materials into positive electrode of Al ion batteries via molten CaCl2 salt.
Sedimenting pairs of elastic microfilaments
Authors: Bukowicki Marek , Ekiel-Jeżewska Maria L.
Published: October 2019

Two elastic microfilaments sedimenting in a viscous fluid often converge toward horizontal and parallel orientation. Later, stiffer fibers attract each other, moderately flexible separate at a fixed distance, very elastic separate to infinity.
Halogen-bond driven self-assembly of perfluorocarbon monolayers on silicon nitride
Authors: Abate Antonio , Dehmel Raphael , Sepe Alessandro , Nguyen Ngoc Linh , Roose Bart , Marzari Nicola , Hong Jun Ki , Hook James M. , Steiner Ullrich , Neto Chiara
Published: October 2019

We demonstrate that self-assembled monolayers of reproducible thickness can be formed on silicon nitride, driven by halogen bonding using iodo-perfluorinated molecules.
Conductive Co-based metal–organic framework nanowires: a competitive high-rate anode towards advanced Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Sun Jinfeng , Guo Lingzhi , Sun Xuan , Zhang Jinyang , Liu Yang , Hou Linrui , Yuan Changzhou
Published: October 2019

1D conductive metal–organic framework Co3(HHTP)2nanowires with a high Li+diffusion coefficient are first explored as a promising high-rate anode for advanced Li-ion capacitors.
A novel all solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor with superior electrochemical performance in a wide temperature range using a hydroquinone modified graphene xerogel as the cathode and N-doped Ti3C2Tx as the anode
Authors: Sun Qimeng , He Tao , Li Yueming
Published: October 2019

An all solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor composed of a hydroquinone modified graphene xerogel (cathode) and N-doped Ti3C2Tx (anode) shows superior electrochemical performance in a wide temperature range.
Spinel oxide nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers as a robust and self-standing bifunctional oxygen cathode for Zn–air batteries
Authors: Chen Xiang , Yan Zhenhua , Yu Meng , Sun Hongming , Liu Fangming , Zhang Qiyuan , Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: October 2019

Self-standing nitrogen-doped carbon nanofibers with homogeneously embedded CoMn2O4 nanoparticles exhibit superior oxygen reduction/evolution catalytic activity and stability for metal–air batteries.
A visually distinguishable light interfering bioresponsive silica nanoparticle hydrogel sensor fabricated through the molecular imprinting technique
Authors: Jinn Woo Seok , Shin Moo-Kwang , Kang Byunghoon , Oh Seungjae , Moon Chae-Eun , Mun Byeonggeol , Ji Yong Woo , Lee Hyung Keun , Haam Seungjoo
Published: October 2019

Methods of the early detection of diseases are based on recognition of the smallest change in the levels of a disease-specific biomarker in body fluids.
Bypassing pro-survival and resistance mechanisms of autophagy in EGFR-positive lung cancer cells by targeted delivery of 5FU using theranostic Ag2S quantum dots
Authors: Duman Fatma Demir , Akkoc Yunus , Demirci Gozde , Bavili Nima , Kiraz Alper , Gozuacik Devrim , Acar Havva Yagci
Published: October 2019

Cetuximab tagged, 5FU loaded Ag2S QDs enhanced cell death selectively and overcame drug resistance by suppressing autophagy in strong EGFR overexpressing cancer cells.
A transparent, tough self-healing hydrogel based on a dual physically and chemically triple crosslinked network
Authors: Dai Shengping , Wang Shuai , Dong Xu , Xu Xiuzhu , Cao Xiaoting , Chen Yuewen , Zhou Xiaoshuang , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi
Published: October 2019

We propose a new triple crosslinked network in which a physical crosslinked network was formed in the PVA/B SN hydrogel by a simple freeze-thaw method, which resulted in higher stability, toughness and better tensile properties.
New insights into the role of dislocation engineering in N-type filled skutterudite CoSb3
Authors: Liu Zihang , Meng Xianfu , Qin Dandan , Cui Bo , Wu Haijun , Zhang Yang , Pennycook Stephen J. , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: October 2019

The critical role of dislocation arrays, introduced by a liquid phase compaction process, on electron and phonon transport behavior is thoroughly elucidated.
Vacuum-filtration enabled large-area CsPbBr3 films on porous substrates for flexible photodetectors
Authors: Tan Qishuo , Ye Guo , Zhang Yan , Du Xiaojia , Liu Haining , Xie Liming , Zhou Yu , Liu Nan
Published: October 2019

Here, we report a vacuum-filtration method to produce centimeter-scale continuous polycrystalline inorganic perovskite (CsPbBr3) film directly on flexible porous substrates in one step, and demonstrate large-area flexible photodetector arrays.
The effect of side-chain length on the microstructure and processing window of zone-cast naphthalene-based bispentalenes
Authors: Goetz Katelyn P. , Sekine Kohei , Paulus Fabian , Zhong Yu , Roth Daniel , Becker-Koch David , Hofstetter Yvonne J. , Michel Elena , Reichert Lisa , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Huettner Sven , Vaynzof Yana , Herzig Eva M. , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Zaumseil Jana
Published: October 2019

The solubilizing side-groups of solution-processable π-conjugated organic semiconductors affect both the crystal structure and microstructure of the respective thin films and thus charge-carrier mobility in devices.
Electron beam-induced morphology transformations of Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles
Authors: Li Sijie , Zhong Junyu , Cui Zhipeng , Zhang Qingye , Sun Meng , Wang Yiqian
Published: October 2019

Time-resolved morphological evolution of Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles produced with addition of polyvinyl-pyrrolidone under the electron beam irradiation.
Interactions between plants and soil shaping the root microbiome under abiotic stress
Authors: Hartman Kyle , Tringe Susannah G.
Published: October 2019

Plants growing in soil develop close associations with soil microorganisms, which inhabit the areas around, on, and inside their roots. These microbial communities and their associated genes — collectively termed the root microbiome — are diverse and have been shown to play an important role in conferring abiotic stress tolerance to their plant hosts. In light of growing concerns over the threat of water and nutrient stress facing terrestrial ecosystems, especially those used for agricultural production, increased emphasis has been placed on understanding how abiotic stress conditions influence the composition and functioning of the root microbiome and the ultimate consequences for plant health. However, the composition of the root microbiome under abiotic stress conditions will not only reflect shifts in the greater bulk soil microbial community from which plants recruit their root microbiome but also plant responses to abiotic stress, which include changes in root exudate profiles and morphology. Exploring the relative contributions of these direct and plant-mediated effects on the root microbiome has been the focus of many studies in recent years. Here, we review the impacts of abiotic stress affecting terrestrial ecosystems, specifically flooding, drought, and changes in nitrogen and phosphorus availability, on bulk soil microbial communities and plants that interact to ultimately shape the root microbiome. We conclude with a perspective outlining possible directions for future research needed to advance our understanding of the complex molecular and biochemical interactions between soil, plants, and microbes that ultimately determine the composition of the root microbiome under abiotic stress.
Targeting toxins!: Drug delivery with poisons
Authors: Roberts Lynne , Smith Daniel
Published: October 2019

Many organisms produce potently toxic proteins that act on other cells, sometimes with lethal effects. In this way, such proteins help to increase the chance of survival or proliferation of the producing organism. Moreover, a lot of toxins have an exquisitely specific action. For example, proteins studied in the Warwick toxin laboratory -- ricin, a toxin from the castor oil seed (Figure 1), and its relatives from the pathogenic Escherichia coli 0157 and the dysentery-causing bacterium (Shigella dysenteriae), have evolved to selectively target ribosomes within the cells of susceptible organisms, thereby enabling a fatal disruption of protein synthesis. What is very striking is the clever way these particular toxins exploit intracellular transport pathways to travel from the cell surface to their substrates in the cytosol. Once delivered there, each toxin molecule can disable approximately 2000 polysomes per minute, enough to eventually kill the cell. Research is now aimed at elucidating the molecular details of the cellular uptake of ricin and the Shiga family of toxins, and of exploiting their unusual trafficking properties for biotechnological purposes.