bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discharge Performance of Zinc-Air Flow Batteries Under the Effects of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate and Pluronic F-127
Authors: Hosseini Soraya , Lao-atiman Woranunt , Han Siow Jing , Arpornwichanop Amornchai , Yonezawa Tetsu , Kheawhom Soorathep
Published: October 2018

Zinc-air batteries are a promising technology for large-scale electricity storage. However, their practical deployment has been hindered by some issues related to corrosion and passivation of the zinc anode in an alkaline electrolyte. In this work, anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and nonionic surfactant Pluronic F-127 (P127) are examined their applicability to enhance the battery performances. Pristine zinc granules in 7 M KOH, pristine zinc granules in 0–8 mM SDS/7 M KOH, pristine zinc granules in 0–1000 ppm P127/7 M KOH, and SDS coated zinc granules in 7 M KOH were examined. Cyclic voltammograms, potentiodynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed that using 0.2 mM SDS or 100 ppm P127 effectively suppressed the anode corrosion and passivation. Nevertheless, direct coating SDS on the zinc anode showed adverse effects because the thick layer of SDS coating acted as a passivating film and blocked the removal of the anode oxidation product from the zinc surface. Furthermore, the performances of the zinc-air flow batteries were studied. Galvanostatic discharge results indicated that the improvement of discharge capacity and energy density could be sought by the introduction of the surfactants to the KOH electrolyte. The enhancement of specific discharge capacity for 30% and 24% was observed in the electrolyte containing 100 ppm P127 and 0.2 mM SDS, respectively.
Author Correction: Active neutron and gamma-ray imaging of highly enriched uranium for treaty verification
Authors: Hamel Michael C. , Polack J. Kyle , Ruch Marc L. , Marcath Matthew J. , Clarke Shaun D. , Pozzi Sara A.
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Ginkgolide B promotes neuronal differentiation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in neural stem cells of the postnatal mammalian subventricular zone
Authors: Li Ming-Yang , Chang Chia-Ting , Han Yueh-Ting , Liao Chien-Po , Yu Jenn-Yah , Wang Tsu-Wei
Published: October 2018

Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been used to treat human diseases for thousands of years. Among them, Ginkgo biloba is reported to be beneficial to the nervous system and a potential treatment of neurological disorders. Since the presence of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) brings hope that the brain may heal itself, whether the effect of Ginkgo biloba is on NSCs remains elusive. In this study, we found that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and one of its main ingredients, ginkgolide B (GB) promoted cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation in NSCs derived from the postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) of the mouse lateral ventricle. Furthermore, the administration of GB increased the nuclear level of β-catenin and activated the canonical Wnt pathway. Knockdown of β-catenin blocked the neurogenic effect of GB, suggesting that GB promotes neuronal differentiation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, our data provide a potential mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of GBE or GB on brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.
Angle-dependent electron-electron correlation in the single ionization of H2 in strong laser fields
Authors: Wu Wan-Yang , He Feng
Published: October 2018

The one-photon ionization and tunneling ionization of H2 exposed to strong XUV and infrared laser pulses are studied by numerically simulating the four-dimensional time-dependent Schrödinger equation, which includes two-electron dynamics for arbitrary angle between the molecular axis and the laser polarization direction. In the one-photon single ionization of H2, one electron escapes fast and the other bound electron is not disturbed but remains in coherent superposition of two electronic states of $${{\bf{H}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}$$

H

2

+

. In another case, under the irradiation of strong infrared laser pulses, one electron tunnels through the laser-dressed Coulomb barrier, and the other bound electron has enough time to adapt to the potential of $${{\bf{H}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}$$

H

2

+

and thus is prone to transfer to the ground electronic state of $${{\bf{H}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{+}}}$$

H

2

+

. In the intermediate regime, between the one photon and tunneling regimes, this electron-electron correlation depends strongly on the laser frequency, laser intensity and on the angle between laser polarization and the molecular axis.
Landscape of alternative splicing in Capra_hircus
Authors: Xu Tieshan , Xu Feng , Gu Lihong , Rong Guang , Li Mao , Qiao Fei , Shi Liguang , Wang Dingfa , Xia Wanliang , Xun Wenjuan , Cao Ting , Liu Yiming , Lin Zhemin , Zhou Hanlin
Published: October 2018

Alternative splicing (AS) is a fundamental regulatory process in all higher eukaryotes. However, AS landscapes for a number of animals, including goats, have not been explored to date. Here, we sequenced 60 samples representing 5 tissues from 4 developmental stages in triplicate using RNA-seq to elucidate the goat AS landscape. In total, 14,521 genes underwent AS (AS genes), accounting for 85.53% of intron-containing genes (16,697). Among these AS genes, 6,342 were differentially expressed in different tissues. Of the AS events identified, retained introns were most prevalent (37.04% of total AS events). Functional enrichment analysis of differential and specific AS genes indicated goat AS mainly involved in organ function and development. Particularly, AS genes identified in leg muscle were associated with the “regulation of skeletal muscle tissue development” GO term. Given genes were associated with this term, four of which (NRG4, IP6K3, AMPD1, and DYSF) might play crucial roles in skeletal muscle development. Further investigation indicated these five genes, harbored 13 ASs, spliced exclusively in leg muscle, likely played a role in goat leg muscle development. These results provide novel insights into goat AS landscapes and a valuable resource for investigation of goat transcriptome complexity and gene regulation.
Interplay between P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans in murine alveolar bone loss, arthritis onset and progression
Authors: Ebbers Meinolf , Lübcke Paul M. , Volzke Johann , Kriebel Katja , Hieke Cathleen , Engelmann Robby , Lang Hermann , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Müller-Hilke Brigitte
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence supports the association of periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis. Even though a prominent role has been postulated for Porphyromonas gingivalis, many bacterial species contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. We therefore investigated the impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis as well as other major pathobionts on the development of both, periodontitis and arthritis in the mouse. Pathobionts used - either alone or in combination - were Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomintans. Periodontitis was induced via oral gavage in SKG, DBA/1 and F1 (DBA/1 × B10.Q) mice and collagen-induced arthritis was provoked via immunization and boost with bovine collagen type II. Alveolar bone loss was quantified via micro computed tomography, arthritis was evaluated macroscopically and histologically and serum antibodies were assessed. Among the strains tested, only F1 mice were susceptible to P. gingivalis induced periodontitis and showed significant alveolar bone loss. Bone loss was paralleled by antibody titers against P. gingivalis. Of note, mice inoculated with the mix of all three pathobionts showed less alveolar bone loss than mice inoculated with P. gingivalis alone. However, oral inoculation with either F. nucleatum or A. actinomycetemcomintans alone accelerated subsequent arthritis onset and progression. This is the first report of a triple oral inoculation of pathobionts combined with collagen-induced arthritis in the mouse. In this interplay and this particular genetic setting, F. nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans exerted a protective impact on P. gingivalis induced alveolar bone loss. By themselves they did not induce periodontitis yet accelerated arthritis onset and progression.
Impact of the Coal Mining on the Spatial Distribution of Potentially Toxic Metals in Farmland Tillage Soil
Authors: Li Fang , Li Xinju , Hou Le , Shao Anran
Published: October 2018

Coal mining areas are prone to hazardous element contamination because of mining activities and the resulting wastes, mainly including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. This study collected 103 samples of farmland tillage soil surrounding a coal mine in southwestern Shandong province and monitored the heavy metal concentrations of each sample by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Statistics, geostatistics, and geographical information systems (GIS) were used to determine the spatial pattern of the potentially toxic metals above in the coal mining area. The results show that the toxic metal concentrations have wide ranges, but the average values for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb are 72.16, 29.53, 23.07, 66.30, 0.14 and 23.71 mg Kg−1, which mostly exceed the natural soil background contents of Shandong Province. The element pairs Ni-Cu, Ni-Zn, and Cu-Zn have relatively high correlation coefficients (0.805, 0.505, 0.613, respectively). The Kriging interpolation results show that the contents of soil toxic metals are influenced by coal mining activities. Moreover, micro-domain variation analysis revealed the toxic metals in the typical area of the coal transportation line. These findings offer systematic insight into the influence of coal mining activities on toxic metals in farmland tillage soil.
Transcriptomic responses of Serratia liquefaciens cells grown under simulated Martian conditions of low temperature, low pressure, and CO2-enriched anoxic atmosphere
Authors: Fajardo-Cavazos Patricia , Morrison Michael D. , Miller Kathleen M. , Schuerger Andrew C. , Nicholson Wayne L.
Published: October 2018

Results from previous experiments indicated that the Gram-negative α-proteobacteriumSerratia liquefaciensstrain ATCC 27592 was capable of growth under low temperature (0 °C), low pressure (0.7 kPa), and anoxic, CO2-dominated atmosphere–conditions intended to simulate the near-subsurface environment of Mars. To probe the response of its transcriptome to this extreme environment,S. liquefaciensATCC 27592 was cultivated under 4 different environmental simulations: 0 °C, 0.7 kPa, CO2atmosphere (Condition A); 0 °C, ~101.3 kPa, CO2atmosphere (Condition B); 0 °C, ~101.3 kPa, ambient N2/O2atmosphere (Condition C); and 30 °C, ~101.3 kPa, N2/O2atmosphere (Condition D; ambient laboratory conditions). RNA-seq was performed on ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA isolated from triplicate cultures grown under Conditions A-D and the datasets generated were subjected to transcriptome analyses. The data from Conditions A, B, or C were compared to laboratory Condition D. Significantly differentially expressed transcripts were identified belonging to a number of KEGG pathway categories. Up-regulated genes under all Conditions A, B, and C included those encoding transporters (ABC and PTS transporters); genes involved in translation (ribosomes and their biogenesis, biosynthesis of both tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNAs); DNA repair and recombination; and non-coding RNAs. Genes down-regulated under all Conditions A, B, and C included: transporters (mostly ABC transporters); flagellar and motility proteins; genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism; transcription factors; and two-component systems. The results are discussed in the context of Mars astrobiology and planetary protection.
Exosomes from normal and diabetic human corneolimbal keratocytes differentially regulate migration, proliferation and marker expression of limbal epithelial cells
Authors: Leszczynska Aleksandra , Kulkarni Mangesh , Ljubimov Alexander V. , Saghizadeh Mehrnoosh
Published: October 2018

Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESC) maintenance requires communication between stem cells and neighboring stromal keratocytes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important for intercellular communication in various stem cell niches. We explored the regulatory roles of limbal stromal cell (LSC)-derived exosomes (Exos), an EV sub-population, in limbal epithelial cells (LEC) in normal and diabetic limbal niche and determined differences in Exo cargos from normal and diabetic LSC. Wound healing and proliferation rates in primary normal LEC were significantly enhanced upon treatment by normal Exos (N-Exos), but not by diabetic Exos (DM-Exos). Western analysis showed increased Akt phosphorylation in wounded LECs and organ-cultured corneas treated with N-Exos, compared to untreated wounded cells and DM-Exos treated fellow corneas, respectively. N-Exos treated organ-cultured corneas showed upregulation of putative LESC markers, keratin 15 (K15) and Frizzled-7, compared to the DM-Exos treated fellow corneas. By next generation sequencing, we identified differentially expressed small RNAs including microRNAs in DM-Exos vs. N-Exos. Overall, N-Exos have greater effect on LEC proliferation and wound healing than DM-Exos, likely by activating Akt signaling. The small RNA differences in Exos from diabetic vs. normal LSC could contribute to the disease state. Our study suggests that exosomes may serve as novel therapeutic tools for diabetic cornea.
Structural insights into the electron/proton transfer pathways in the quinol:fumarate reductase from Desulfovibrio gigas
Authors: Guan Hong-Hsiang , Hsieh Yin-Cheng , Lin Pei-Ju , Huang Yen-Chieh , Yoshimura Masato , Chen Li-Ying , Chen Shao-Kang , Chuankhayan Phimonphan , Lin Chien-Chih , Chen Nai-Chi , Nakagawa Atsushi , Chan Sunney I. , Chen Chun-Jung
Published: October 2018

The membrane-embedded quinol:fumarate reductase (QFR) in anaerobic bacteria catalyzes the reduction of fumarate to succinate by quinol in the anaerobic respiratory chain. The electron/proton-transfer pathways in QFRs remain controversial. Here we report the crystal structure of QFR from the anaerobic sulphate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio gigas (D. gigas) at 3.6 Å resolution. The structure of the D. gigas QFR is a homo-dimer, each protomer comprising two hydrophilic subunits, A and B, and one transmembrane subunit C, together with six redox cofactors including two b-hemes. One menaquinone molecule is bound near heme bL in the hydrophobic subunit C. This location of the menaquinone-binding site differs from the menaquinol-binding cavity proposed previously for QFR from Wolinella succinogenes. The observed bound menaquinone might serve as an additional redox cofactor to mediate the proton-coupled electron transport across the membrane. Armed with these structural insights, we propose electron/proton-transfer pathways in the quinol reduction of fumarate to succinate in the D. gigas QFR.
The Plasmodium falciparum male gametocyte protein P230p, a paralog of P230, is vital for ookinete formation and mosquito transmission
Authors: Marin-Mogollon Catherin , van de Vegte-Bolmer Marga , van Gemert Geert-Jan , van Pul Fiona J. A. , Ramesar Jai , Othman Ahmad Syibli , Kroeze Hans , Miao Jun , Cui Liwang , Williamson Kim C. , Sauerwein Robert W. , Janse Chris J. , Khan Shahid M.
Published: October 2018

Two members of 6-cysteine (6-cys) protein family, P48/45 and P230, are important for gamete fertility in rodent and human malaria parasites and are leading transmission blocking vaccine antigens. Rodent and human parasites encode a paralog of P230, called P230p. While P230 is expressed in male and female parasites, P230p is expressed only in male gametocytes and gametes. In rodent malaria parasites this protein is dispensable throughout the complete life-cycle; however, its function in P. falciparum is unknown. Using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology we disrupted the gene encoding Pfp230p resulting in P. falciparum mutants (PfΔp230p) lacking P230p expression. The PfΔp230p mutants produced normal numbers of male and female gametocytes, which retained expression of P48/45 and P230. Upon activation male PfΔp230p gametocytes undergo exflagellation and form male gametes. However, male gametes are unable to attach to red blood cells resulting in the absence of characteristic exflagellation centres in vitro. In the absence of P230p, zygote formation as well as oocyst and sporozoite development were strongly reduced (>98%) in mosquitoes. These observations demonstrate that P230p, like P230 and P48/45, has a vital role in P. falciparum male fertility and zygote formation and warrants further investigation as a potential transmission blocking vaccine candidate.
Porphyromonas gingivalis bypasses epithelial barrier and modulates fibroblastic inflammatory response in an in vitro 3D spheroid model
Authors: Bugueno Isaac Maximiliano , Batool Fareeha , Keller Laetitia , Kuchler-Bopp Sabine , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia , Huck Olivier
Published: October 2018

Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory effects are mostly investigated in monolayer cultured cells. The aim of this study was to develop a 3D spheroid model of gingiva to take into account epithelio-fibroblastic interactions. Human gingival epithelial cells (ECs) and human oral fibroblasts (FBs) were cultured by hanging drop method to generate 3D microtissue (MT) whose structure was analyzed on histological sections and the cell-to-cell interactions were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). MTs were infected by P. gingivalis and the impact on cell death (Apaf-1, caspase-3), inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) and extracellular matrix components (Col-IV, E-cadherin, integrin β1) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR. Results were compared to those observed in situ in experimental periodontitis and in human gingival biopsies. MTs exhibited a well-defined spatial organization where ECs were organized in an external cellular multilayer, while, FBs constituted the core. The infection of MT demonstrated the ability of P. gingivalis to bypass the epithelial barrier in order to reach the fibroblastic core and induce disorganization of the spheroid structure. An increased cell death was observed in fibroblastic core. The development of such 3D model may be useful to define the role of EC–FB interactions on periodontal host-immune response and to assess the efficacy of new therapeutics.
Computational B-cell epitope identification and production of neutralizing murine antibodies against Atroxlysin-I
Authors: Kozlova Edgar Ernesto Gonzalez , Cerf Loïc , Schneider Francisco Santos , Viart Benjamin Thomas , NGuyen Christophe , Steiner Bethina Trevisol , de Almeida Lima Sabrina , Molina Franck , Duarte Clara Guerra , Felicori Liza , Chávez-Olórtegui Carlos , Machado-de-Ávila Ricardo Andrez
Published: October 2018

Epitope identification is essential for developing effective antibodies that can detect and neutralize bioactive proteins. Computational prediction is a valuable and time-saving alternative for experimental identification. Current computational methods for epitope prediction are underused and undervalued due to their high false positive rate. In this work, we targeted common properties of linear B-cell epitopes identified in an individual protein class (metalloendopeptidases) and introduced an alternative method to reduce the false positive rate and increase accuracy, proposing to restrict predictive models to a single specific protein class. For this purpose, curated epitope sequences from metalloendopeptidases were transformed into frame-shifted Kmers (3 to 15 amino acid residues long). These Kmers were decomposed into a matrix of biochemical attributes and used to train a decision tree classifier. The resulting prediction model showed a lower false positive rate and greater area under the curve when compared to state-of-the-art methods. Our predictions were used for synthesizing peptides mimicking the predicted epitopes for immunization of mice. A predicted linear epitope that was previously undetected by an experimental immunoassay was able to induce neutralizing-antibody production in mice. Therefore, we present an improved prediction alternative and show that computationally identified epitopes can go undetected during experimental mapping.
Multiple intrasyntenic rearrangements and rapid speciation in voles
Authors: Romanenko Svetlana A. , Serdyukova Natalya A. , Perelman Polina L. , Trifonov Vladimir A. , Golenishchev Feodor N. , Bulatova Nina Sh. , Stanyon Roscoe , Graphodatsky Alexander S.
Published: October 2018

Remarkably stable genomic chromosome elements (evolutionary conserved segments or syntenies) are the basis of large-scale chromosome architecture in vertebrate species. However, these syntenic elements harbour evolutionary important changes through intrachromosomal rearrangements such as inversions and centromere repositioning. Here, using FISH with a set of 20 region-specific probes on a wide array of 28 species, we analyzed evolution of three conserved syntenic regions of the Arvicolinae ancestral karyotype. Inside these syntenies we uncovered multiple, previously cryptic intrachromosomal rearrangements. Although in each of the three conserved blocks we found inversions and centromere repositions, the blocks experienced different types of rearrangements. In two syntenies centromere repositioning predominated, while in the third region, paracentric inversions were more frequent, whereas pericentric inversions were not detected. We found that some of the intrachromosomal rearrangements, mainly paracentric inversions, were synapomorphic for whole arvicoline genera or tribes: genera Alexandromys and Microtus, tribes Ellobini and Myodini. We hypothesize that intrachromosomal rearrangements within conserved syntenic blocks are a major evolutionary force modulating genome architecture in species-rich and rapidly-evolving rodent taxa. Inversions and centromere repositioning may impact speciation and provide a potential link between genome evolution, speciation, and biogeography.
Melatonin inhibits attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder caused by atopic dermatitis-induced psychological stress in an NC/Nga atopic-like mouse model
Authors: Park Gunhyuk , Jung Young-Suk , Park Moon-Ki , Yang Chae Ha , Kim Yong-ung
Published: October 2018

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with the hallmark characteristics of pruritus, psychological stress, and sleep disturbance, all possibly associated with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the etiology of the possible association between AD and ADHD is still not well understood. 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene or corticosterone was used to evaluate the atopic symptom and its psychologic stress in the atopic mice model. Melatonin, corticotropin-releasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor, urocortin, proopiomelanocortin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, cAMP, cAMP response element-binding protein, dopamine and noradrenaline were analyzed spectrophotometrically, and the expression of dopamine beta-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase were measured by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. AD-related psychological stress caused an increase in the levels of dopamine beta-hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase, degradation of melatonin, hyper-activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and dysregulation of dopamine and noradrenaline levels (ADHD phenomena) in the locus coeruleus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum of the AD mouse brain. Notably, melatonin administration inhibited the development of ADHD phenomena and their-related response in the mouse model. This study demonstrated that AD-related psychological stress increased catecholamine dysfunction and accelerated the development of psychiatric comorbidities, such as ADHD.
The influence of container geometry and thermal conductivity on evaporation of water at low pressures
Authors: Kazemi Mohammad Amin , Elliott Janet A. W. , Nobes David S.
Published: October 2018

Evaporation is a ubiquitous phenomenon that occurs ceaselessly in nature to maintain life on earth. Given its importance in many scientific and industrial fields, extensive experimental and theoretical studies have explored evaporation phenomena. The physics of the bulk fluid is generally well understood. However, the near-interface region has many unknowns, including the presence and characteristics of the thin surface-tension-driven interface flow, and the role and relative importance of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer in evaporation at the surface. Herein, we report a theoretical study on water evaporation at reduced pressures from four different geometries using a validated numerical model. This study reveals the profound role of heat transfer, not previously recognized. It also provides new insight into when a thermocapillary flow develops during water evaporation, and how the themocapillary flow interacts with the buoyancy flow. This results in a clearer picture for researchers undertaking fundamental studies on evaporation and developing new applications.
Hyaluronic acid-CD44 interactions promote BMP4/7-dependent Id1/3 expression in melanoma cells
Authors: Wu Ruo-Lin , Sedlmeier Georg , Kyjacova Lenka , Schmaus Anja , Philipp Julia , Thiele Wilko , Garvalov Boyan K. , Sleeman Jonathan P.
Published: October 2018

BMP4/7-dependent expression of inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding (Id) proteins 1 and 3 has been implicated in tumor progression and poor prognosis of malignant melanoma patients. Hyaluronic acid (HA), a pericellular matrix component, supports BMP7 signalling in murine chondrocytes through its receptor CD44. However, its role in regulating BMP signalling in melanoma is not clear. In this study we found that depletion of endogenously-produced HA by hyaluronidase treatment or by inhibition of HA synthesis by 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) resulted in reduced BMP4/7-dependent Id1/3 protein expression in mouse melanoma B16-F10 and Ret cells. Conversely, exogenous HA treatment increased BMP4/7-dependent Id1/3 protein expression. Knockdown of CD44 reduced BMP4/7-dependent Id1/3 protein expression, and attenuated the ability of exogenous HA to stimulate Id1 and Id3 expression in response to BMP. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that CD44 can physically associate with the BMP type II receptor (BMPR) ACVR2B. Importantly, we found that coordinate expression of Id1 or Id3 with HA synthases HAS2, HAS3, and CD44 is associated with reduced overall survival of cutaneous melanoma patients. Our results suggest that HA-CD44 interactions with BMPR promote BMP4/7-dependent Id1/3 protein expression in melanoma, contributing to reduced survival in melanoma patients.
Evaluation of ENSO simulations in CMIP5 models: A new perspective based on percolation phase transition in complex networks
Authors: Lu Zhenghui , Fu Zuntao , Hua Lijuan , Yuan Naiming , Chen Lin
Published: October 2018

In this study, the performance of CMIP5 models in simulating the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is evaluated by using a new metric based on percolation theory. The surface air temperatures (SATs) over the tropical Pacific Ocean are constructed as a SAT network, and the nodes within the network are linked if they are highly connected (e.g., high correlations). It has been confirmed from reanalysis datasets that the SAT network undergoes an abrupt percolation phase transition when the influences of the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) below are strong enough. However, from simulations of the CMIP5 models, most models are found incapable of capturing the observed phase transition at a proper critical point Pc. For the 15 considered models, four even miss the phase transition, indicating that the simulated SAT network is too stable to be significantly changed by the SSTA below. Only four models can be considered cautiously with some skills in simulating the observed phase transition of the SAT network. By comparing the simulated SSTA patterns with the node vulnerabilities, which is the chance of each node being isolated during a ENSO event, we find that the improperly simulated sea-air interactions are responsible for the missing of the observed percolation phase transition. Accordingly, a careful study of the sea-air couplers, as well as the atmospheric components of the CMIP5 models is suggested. Since the percolation phase transition of the SAT network is a useful phenomenon to indicate whether the ENSO impacts can be transferred remotely, it deserves more attention for future model development.
Temperature affects the biology of Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Hammoudi Nassim , Torre Cédric , Ghigo Eric , Drancourt Michel
Published: October 2018

Studies of tissue regeneration and host-pathogen interactions using the model planarian Schmidtea mediterranea have been performed at an experimental temperature of 19 °C. S. mediterranea planarians exposed to 19 °C–32 °C were observed for survival, mobility, feeding and regeneration for three months and elimination of the Staphylococcus aureus pathogen over six days. S. mediterranea planarians died at 30 °C–32 °C after 18 days of observation but tolerated temperatures of 19 °C up to 28 °C with non-significant differences in mobility and feeding behavior. Genetic malleability tested by RNAi feeding was still efficient at 26 °C and 28 °C. Concerning the immune capacity of planarians, we reported an exacerbation of the immune response in worms infected by S. aureus at 26 °C and 28 °C. These observations suggest a temperature modulation of planarian stem cells and illustrate the importance of modulating experimental temperature when using planarians as model organisms to study regeneration and immune response.
Adaptive effect of sericin on hepatic mitochondrial conformation through its regulation of apoptosis, autophagy and energy maintenance: a proteomics approach
Authors: Ampawong Sumate , Isarangkul Duangnate , Reamtong Onrapak , Aramwit Pornanong
Published: October 2018

We recently demonstrated that in addition to its protective effect on pancreatic and adrenal biosynthesis, antioxidant properties of sericin decrease blood cholesterol levels and improve the liver mitochondrial architecture. However, little is known about the detailed mechanisms underlying these effects. Using proteomics and electron microscopy, we identified mitochondrial proteins that play important roles in the preservation of the mitochondrial ultrastructure and cholesterol-lowering properties of sericin. Our results showed that sericin maintains the mitochondrial architecture during conditions of high blood cholesterol by regulating apoptotic (NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit) and autophagic (mitochondrial elongation factor Tu and prohibitin-2) proteins as well as energy maintenance proteins [haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase domain-containing protein 3, succinate dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) flavoprotein subunit, ATP synthase-α subunit precursor, enoyl-CoA hydratase domain-containing protein 3 and electron transfer flavoprotein subunit-α]. Sericin also exerts anti-oxidative properties via aconitate hydratase and Chain A, crystal structure of rat carnitine palmitoyltrasferase 2 proteins. Together, these activities may reduce hepatocytic triglyceride deposition, thereby decreasing steatosis, as demonstrated by the modulatory effects on ornithine aminotransferase, mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase, acyl-CoA synthase, hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase and D-beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase. Sericin activity further balanced nitrogenous waste detoxification, characterised by carbamoyl-phosphate synthase (ammonia), aldehyde dehydrogenase and uricase, or folate biosynthesis via sarcosine dehydrogenase and dimethyl glycine dehydrogenase. These results suggest that sericin maintains the hepatic mitochondrial architecture through apoptotic, autophagic, energy maintenance and anti-oxidative mitochondrial proteins for alleviating hepatic steatosis and promoting liver function under conditions of hypercholesterolaemia.
Sulphide Re-Os geochronology links orogenesis, salt and Cu-Co ores in the Central African Copperbelt
Authors: Saintilan N. J. , Selby D. , Creaser R. A. , Dewaele S.
Published: October 2018

The origin of giant, sedimentary rock-hosted copper-cobalt (Cu-Co) provinces remains contentious, in part due to the lack of precise and reliable ages for mineralisation. As such, no consensus has been reached on the genetic model for ore formation, and the relationships between tectonism, palaeo-fluid circulation and mineralisation. Here, we link the timing of Cu-Co mineralisation in the Central African Copperbelt to compressional tectonics during the Lufilian Orogeny by using new ca. 609–473 Ma ages given by rhenium-osmium (Re-Os) isotope data for individual Cu-Co sulphides (carrolite and bornite) from the Cu-Co Kamoto deposit. The initial Os isotope composition of carrolite is compatible with the leaching of Os and Cu(-Co) from Mesoproterozoic Cu sulphide deposits hosted in fertile basement. In contrast, the ca. 473 Ma Cu-Au mineralisation stage, which is coeval with late- to post-compressional deformation, may be a distal expression of fluid flow and heat transfer caused by magmatic intrusions in the core of the collisional orogen. The Re-Os ages support a model for mineralisation driven by evaporite dissolution and percolation of large volumes of dense brines in the Katangan Basin during the Lufilian Orogeny.
The changing validity of tropical cyclone warnings under global warming
Authors: Kang Nam-Young , Elsner James B.
Published: October 2018

Hurricanes and typhoons are a regular threat to large populations across the globe. Facing the potential of a storm disaster the warning process and associated administrative activities across the western North Pacific are confounded by various tropical cyclone classifications. Here, we show that current storm warning categories have suffered from the warming environment over the past decades. Warning now at an average of one out of four storms, the category of ‘‘Super typhoon’’ from U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center is seriously influenced by the warming environment. The categories of ‘‘Very strong typhoon’’ from Japan Meteorological Agency, ‘‘Hurricane category 4’’ from U.S. National Hurricane Center and the higher now occur as often as one per nearly every three storms. The cumulative proportions of storms falling into all warning categories are enlarging, which is interpreted as an increasing threat but the frequency of warnings is potentially making the warnings less effective.
Development of a selective and highly sensitive fluorescence assay for nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase1 (NTPDase1, CD39)
Authors: Lee Sang-Yong , Luo Xihuan , Namasivayam Vigneshwaran , Geiss Jennifer , Mirza Salahuddin , Pelletier Julie , Stephan Holger , Sévigny Jean , Müller Christa E.
Published: October 2018

A new fluorescence-based assay is useful for monitoring CD39 reactions and enables low picomolar detection of nucleotides.
High throughput single cell separation and identification using a self-priming isometric and Equant screw valve-based (SIES) microfluidic chip
Authors: Hu Jiumei , Xu Yanan , Gou Tong , Zhou Shufang , Mu Ying
Published: October 2018

A self-priming microfluidic chip for high throughput single cell analysis independent of any external devices.
Sterol-modified PEG lipids: alteration of the bilayer anchoring moiety has an unexpected effect on liposome circulation
Authors: Dolor Aaron , Kierstead Paul , Dai Zhipeng , Szoka Francis C.
Published: October 2018

We synthesized and characterized two novel sterol-anchored polyethylene glycols (PEG) as potential alternatives to conventional phosphatidylethanolamine-PEGs.
Sensing caspase-1 activity using activatable 19F MRI nanoprobes with improved turn-on kinetics
Authors: Akazawa Kazuki , Sugihara Fuminori , Minoshima Masafumi , Mizukami Shin , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: October 2018

Tandemly-repeated peptide design enhanced enzyme accessibility and cleavage efficiency of substrates on the nanoparticle surface, resulting in high MRI signal amplification.
Ru(ii) complexes with diazine ligands: electronic modulation of the coordinating group is key to the design of “dual action” photoactivated agents
Authors: Havrylyuk Dmytro , Deshpande Megha , Parkin Sean , Glazer Edith C.
Published: October 2018

Coordination complexes can be used to photocage biologically active ligands, providing control over the location, time, and dose of a delivered drug.
From double-shelled grids to supramolecular frameworks
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Guo Mei , Li Xiao-Lei , Zhao Lang , Sun Qing-Fu , Layfield Richard A. , Tang Jinkui
Published: October 2018

Double-shelled 4f and 3d–4f supramolecular grids were assembled by the combination of two different tritopic hydrazone ligands, and further stacked into supramolecular HOFs through sharing the hydrogen bonding donors of halide ions. This study provides the first lanthanide-based double-shelled supramolecular grids and functionalized HOFs.
Consecutive one-/two-step relaxation transformations of single-molecule magnets via coupling dinuclear dysprosium compounds with chloride bridges
Authors: Tian Haiquan , Wang Bao-Lin , Lu Jing , Liu Hou-Ting , Su Jianhui , Li Dacheng , Dou Jianmin
Published: October 2018

A dimer of a dinuclear dysprosium(iii) SMM has been successfully isolated by assembling Dy2 SMMs. Such structural transformation involves the generation and cleavage of chloride bridges and leads to consecutive transformations of one- and two-step slow relaxation.
Selective aerobic oxidation of alkyl aromatics on Bi2MoO6nanoplates decorated with Pt nanoparticles under visible light irradiation
Authors: Zhang Bao , Yang Xiaojing , Li Jun , Cheng Gang
Published: October 2018

Pt/Bi2MoO6nanoplates are efficient photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of saturated C–H bonds in alkyl aromatics under visible light illumination using O2as an oxidant.
Expeditious synthesis of multisubstituted indoles via multiple hydrogen transfers
Authors: Yoshida Taira , Mori Keiji
Published: October 2018

Expeditious synthesis of multisubstituted indoles was achieved by multiple Lewis acid promoted hydrogen transfers.
Improved performance induced by in situ ligand exchange reactions of copper bipyridyl redox couples in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Yujue , Hamann Thomas W.
Published: October 2018

A reversible ligand exchange of the Cu(ii) redox shuttle is shown to reduce recombination, leading to excellent performance in DSSCs.
High-speed prediction of computational fluid dynamics simulation in crystal growth
Authors: Tsunooka Yosuke , Kokubo Nobuhiko , Hatasa Goki , Harada Shunta , Tagawa Miho , Ujihara Toru
Published: October 2018

The combination of the CFD simulation and machine learning thus makes it possible to determine optimized parameters for high-quality and large-diameter crystals.
Reaction intermediate-induced vapor–liquid–solid growth of silicon oxide nanowires
Authors: Huson Joseph J. , Sheng Tao , Ogle Ezekiel , Zhang Haitao
Published: October 2018

Jellyfish-like SiOx nanowires were formed in a reaction intermediate-induced vapor–liquid–solid process, which provides a new method for nanowire growth.
Quantifying the influence of the ion cloud on SAXS profiles of charged proteins
Authors: Ivanović Miloš T. , Bruetzel Linda K. , Shevchuk Roman , Lipfert Jan , Hub Jochen S.
Published: October 2018

MD simulations and Poisson–Boltzmann calculations predict ion cloud effects on SAXS experiments.
Direct diabatization based on nonadiabatic couplings: the N/D method
Authors: Varga Zoltan , Parker Kelsey A. , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: October 2018

We propose a new diabatization method that is direct, orbital-free, and adiabatic-equivalent based on directly calculated nonadiabatic couplings of states and the adiabatic energy gradients.
Nature of halogen bonding involving π-systems, nitroxide radicals and carbenes: a highlight of the importance of charge transfer
Authors: Ang Shi Jun , Mak Adrian M. , Wong Ming Wah
Published: October 2018

The adiabatic ALMO-EDA analyses indicate that charge transfer is important in accurate description of halogen bonding (XB) involving π-systems, nitroxide radicals and carbenes as XB acceptors.
A unique metallic phase of H3S at high-pressure: sulfur in three different local environments
Authors: Verma Ashok K. , Modak P.
Published: October 2018

Structural behaviour of compressed H3S.
Quantum efficiency of the photo-induced electronic transfer in dye–TiO2 complexes
Authors: Marquez Dalma M. , Sánchez Cristián G.
Published: October 2018

The quantum efficiency of charge transfer in a dye–titania complex is calculated as a function of illumination wavelength.
Potential dependent capacitance of [EMIM][TFSI], [N1114][TFSI] and [PYR13][TFSI] ionic liquids on glassy carbon
Authors: Klein Jeffrey M. , Panichi Evio , Gurkan Burcu
Published: October 2018

Potential dependent capacitance of [N1114][TFSI] suggests the crowding mechanism at the wings of the potential range and overscreening near PZC.
Three-dimensional image based modelling of transport parameters in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Tan Chun , Kok Matthew D. R. , Daemi Sohrab R. , Brett Daniel J. L. , Shearing Paul R.
Published: October 2018

A sulfur electrode was imaged with X-ray micro and nano computed tomography for the modelling of effective molecular diffusivity and electrical conductivity through flux based simulations.
Isomerization barriers and resonance stabilization for the conrotatory and disrotatory isomerizations of nitrogen containing tricyclo moieties
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Poland Kimberley N. , Davis Steven R.
Published: October 2018

The isomerizations of 3,4-diazatricyclo[4.1.0.02,7]hept-3-ene and 3,4-diazatricyclo[4.1.0.02,7]heptane to their corresponding products were studied by ab initio calculations.
Binding of the atomic cations hydrogen through argon to water and hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Westbrook Brent R. , Dreux Katelyn M. , Tschumper Gregory S. , Francisco Joseph S. , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: October 2018

Water and hydrogen sulfide will bind with every atomic cation from the first three rows of the periodic table.
First principles study on 2H–1T′ transition in MoS2 with copper
Authors: Huang H. H. , Fan Xiaofeng , Singh David J. , Zheng W. T.
Published: October 2018

Adsorption of Cu can induce phase transition of MoS2 from 2H to metallic 1T′.
Reactivity of the O2+·(H2O)n and NO+·(H2O)n cluster ions in the D-region of the ionosphere
Authors: Sharma Sainish , Wright Timothy G. , Besley Nicholas A.
Published: October 2018

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal different reactivities of NO+·(H2O)n and O2+·(H2O)n cluster ions in the D-region of the ionosphere.
Interfacial barriers to gas transport in zeolites: distinguishing internal and external resistances
Authors: Dutta Ravi C. , Bhatia Suresh K.
Published: October 2018

The gas separation performance of ultrathin membranes is dictated by the interfacial barriers that exist on the solid side of the interface.
Highly active and stable Zn/ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst for the conversion of methanol to aromatics: effect of support morphology
Authors: Wang Kai , Dong Mei , Niu Xianjun , Li Junfen , Qin Zhangfeng , Fan Weibin , Wang Jianguo
Published: October 2018

The regulation of the morphology of HZSM-5 zeolite supports on the modification effect of zinc, as well as their subsequent catalytic performance for the methanol-to-aromatics (MTA) process were investigated.
Monomeric thorium chalcogenolates with bipyridine and terpyridine ligands
Authors: Ringgold Marissa , Wu Wen , Stuber Matthew , Kornienko Anna Y. , Emge Thomas J. , Brennan John G.
Published: October 2018

Thorium chalcogenolates react with bipyridine or terpyridine to form a series of chelate stabilized Th(ER)4compounds (E = S, Se; R = Ph, C6F5).77Se NMR shows that the eight coordinate structures are maintained in solution. These compounds are thermochromic, with color originating from a visible ligand to ligand charge transfer excitation.
Techno-economic assessment for the large-scale production of colloidal lignin particles
Authors: Bangalore Ashok Rahul Prasad , Oinas Pekka , Lintinen Kalle , Sarwar Golam , Kostiainen Mauri A. , Österberg Monika
Published: October 2018

Economical large-scale production of colloidal lignin particles.
Femtosecond laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy and its application to the elemental analysis of aluminum alloys
Authors: He Xiaoyong , Chen Baoqin , Chen Yuqi , Li Runhua , Wang Fujuan
Published: October 2018

A high repetition rate spark discharge was used to improve the analytical sensitivity of the conventional femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
Lead isotopic analysis of Antarctic snow by quadrupole ICP-MS using a total-consumption sample introduction system
Authors: Ardini Francisco , Bazzano Andrea , Grotti Marco
Published: October 2018

Measurement of lead isotope ratios in snow samples using inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS) at a low sample consumption rate was thoroughly studied.
On-chip photodynamic therapy – monitoring cell metabolism using electrochemical microsensors
Authors: Marzioch Julia , Kieninger Jochen , Weltin Andreas , Flamm Hubert , Aravindalochanan Kuppusamy , Sandvik Joe A. , Pettersen Erik O. , Peng Qian , Urban Gerald A.
Published: October 2018

Metabolic monitoring of T-47D breast cancer cells using electrochemical microsensors combined with photodynamic therapy on-chip.
A novel fluorescent peptidyl probe for highly sensitive and selective ratiometric detection of Cd(ii) in aqueous and bio-samplesviametal ion-mediated self-assembly
Authors: Jung Kwan Ho , Oh Semin , Park Joohee , Park Yu Jin , Park See-Hyoung , Lee Keun-Hyeung
Published: October 2018

A fluorescent peptidyl probe based on a Cd(ii)-triggered self-assembling process was proposed for ratiometric detection for Cd(ii) in urine and live cells.
An Angiopep-2 functionalized nanoformulation enhances brain accumulation of tanshinone IIA and exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Yutao , Dang Yanxin , Han Dandan , Tan Yong , Liu Xin , Zhang Fengming , Xu Yuan , Zhang Haiyan , Yan Xianfeng , Zhang Xiaoxu , Zeng Zhiyong , Sun Xiaojun
Published: October 2018

Effective intervention against ischemic stroke requires delivery of potent neuroprotective drugs to the brain.
Enhanced performance of the OMS-2 catalyst by Ag loading for the oxidation of benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde
Authors: Fu Jiaoli , Dong Ning , Ye Qing , Cheng Shuiyuan , Kang Tianfang , Dai Hongxing
Published: October 2018

The catalytic mechanism of formaldehyde, toluene, and benzene oxidation over xAg/OMS-2. Different concentrations of precious metal load have an important impact on the physicochemical properties of the product.
Facile spraying fabrication of highly flexible and mechanically robust superhydrophobic F-SiO2@PDMS coatings for self-cleaning and drag-reduction applications
Authors: Wu Yu , Shen Yizhou , Tao Jie , He Zhaoru , Xie Yuehan , Chen Haifeng , Jin Mingming , Hou Wenqing
Published: October 2018

Superhydrophobic coatings treated as surface functional materials are endowed with great application potential with respect to self-cleaning, drag-reduction, anti-icing, etc.
A new fluorescent macrocyclic nano-chemosensor for Fe3+ and I− in aqueous solution
Authors: Azadbakht Reza , Chehri Neda
Published: October 2018

A fluorescent nano-chemosensor, capable of detecting Fe3+ and I− in aqueous media, has been designed and synthesized.
Enhancing formaldehyde oxidation on iridium catalysts using hydrogenated TiO2 supports
Authors: Chan Hang Cheong , Chen Ting , Xie Lifang , Shu Yijin , Gao Qingsheng
Published: October 2018

Hydrogenated TiO2 nanoparticles with rich hydroxyls were utilized as robust supports for Ir, accomplishing an obviously improved HCHO oxidation.
Investigation of dynamical properties of methane in slit-like quartz pores using molecular simulation
Authors: Yang Lilong , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Kewei , Zeng Fanhua , Wang Zhouhua
Published: October 2018

The dynamical properties of adsorption media confined in micropores play an important role in the adsorptive separation of fluids.