bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray Fluorescence Nanotomography of Single Bacteria with a Sub-15 nm Beam
Authors: Victor Tiffany W. , Easthon Lindsey M. , Ge Mingyuan , O’Toole Katherine H. , Smith Randy J. , Huang Xiaojing , Yan Hanfei , Allen Karen N. , Chu Yong S. , Miller Lisa M.
Published: September 2018

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy is a growing approach for imaging the trace element concentration, distribution, and speciation in biological cells at the nanoscale. Moreover, three-dimensional nanotomography provides the added advantage of imaging subcellular structure and chemical identity in three dimensions without the need for staining or sectioning of cells. To date, technical challenges in X-ray optics, sample preparation, and detection sensitivity have limited the use of XRF nanotomography in this area. Here, XRF nanotomography was used to image the elemental distribution in individual E. coli bacterial cells using a sub-15 nm beam at the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe beamline (HXN, 3-ID) at NSLS-II. These measurements were simultaneously combined with ptychography to image structural components of the cells. The cells were embedded in small (3–20 µm) sodium chloride crystals, which provided a non-aqueous matrix to retain the three-dimensional structure of the E. coli while collecting data at room temperature. Results showed a generally uniform distribution of calcium in the cells, but an inhomogeneous zinc distribution, most notably with concentrated regions of zinc at the polar ends of the cells. This work demonstrates that simultaneous two-dimensional ptychography and XRF nanotomography can be performed with a sub-15 nm beam size on unfrozen biological cells to co-localize elemental distribution and nanostructure simultaneously.
Characterizing thermal-oxidation behaviors of nuclear graphite by combining O2 supply and micro surface area of graphite
Authors: Zhou Yangping , Dong Yujie , Yin Huaqiang , Li Zhengcao , Yan Rui , Li Dianbin , Gu Zhengwei , Sun Ximing , Shi Lei , Zhang Zuoyi
Published: September 2018

The effects of different parameters on oxidation rate are non-linear, interactive and diversified in which the change of adequacy of O2 supply is an important indicator. The influence of microstructure on oxidation rate became stronger worsening the fitting linearity to calculate the activation energy based on present method with the decreased adequacy of O2 supply due to the increase of temperature, the decrease of gas flow rate, etc. Here, we proposed a method to characterize thermal-oxidation behaviors of nuclear graphite by combining O2 supply and micro surface area of graphite. The proposed method improved the linearity and reduced the standard error of Arrhenius plots of oxidized graphite IG-110 (10 L/min reactant gas) and ET-10 (0.2 L/min reactant gas). The value of activation energy of graphite IG-110 oxidized under ASTM D7542 condition is calculated as 220 kJ/mol by this method echoing the results of previous studies with sufficient O2 supply. For the conditions with less O2 supply at low gas flow rate and/or high temperature, the change of microstructure of oxidized graphite should be obtained as an important factor influencing oxidation rate of graphite.
Dual action of L-Lactate on the activity of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors: from potentiation to neuroprotection
Authors: Jourdain P. , Rothenfusser K. , Ben-Adiba C. , Allaman I. , Marquet P. , Magistretti P. J.
Published: September 2018

L-Lactate is a positive modulator of NMDAR-mediated signaling resulting in plasticity gene induction and memory consolidation. However, L-Lactate is also able to protect neurons against excito-toxic NMDAR activity, an indication of a mitigating action of L-Lactate on NMDA signaling. In this study, we provide experimental evidence that resolves this apparent paradox. Transient co-application of glutamate/glycine (1 μM/100 μM; 2 min) in primary cultures of mouse cortical neurons triggers a NMDA-dependent Ca2+ signal positively modulated by L-Lactate (10 mM) or DTT (1 mM) but decreased by Pyruvate (10 mM). This L-Lactate and DTT-induced potentiation is blocked by Ifenprodil (2 μM), a specific blocker of NMDARs containing NR2B sub-units. In contrast, co-application of glutamate/glycine (1 mM/100 μM; 2 min) elicits a NMDAR-dependent excitotoxic death in 49% of neurons. L-Lactate and Pyruvate significantly reduce this rate of cell death processes (respectively to 23% and 9%) while DTT has no effect (54% of neuronal death). This L-Lactate-induced neuroprotection is blocked by carbenoxolone and glibenclamide, respectively blockers of pannexins and KATP. In conclusion, our results show that L-Lactate is involved in two distinct and independent pathways defined as NMDAR-mediated potentiation pathway (or NADH pathway) and a neuroprotective pathway (or Pyruvate/ATP pathway), the prevalence of each one depending on the strength of the glutamatergic stimulus.
Facile and scalable production of heterostructured ZnS-ZnO/Graphene nano-photocatalysts for environmental remediation
Authors: Lonkar Sunil P. , Pillai Vishnu V. , Alhassan Saeed M.
Published: September 2018

A facile and eco-friendly strategy is described for the synthesis of ZnS-ZnO/graphene heterostructured nano-photocatalysts for the first time. This solvent-free and technologically scalable method involves solid-state mixing of graphite oxide (GO), Zn salt and surfeit yet non-toxic elemental sulfur using ball-milling followed by thermal annealing. The as-formed hybrids are composed of uniformly distributed in-situ formed ZnS-ZnO nanoparticles simultaneously within the thermally reduced GO (graphene) matrix. A series of hybrid compositions with varying content of ZnS/ZnO and graphene were prepared and thoroughly characterized. Further, the effect of heterostructure composition on the photocatalytic properties was investigated under visible-light illumination. The synergistic ZnS-ZnO/graphene hybridization promoted the band-gap narrowing compared to the pristine ZnS nanoparticles. The ZnS:ZnO composition was controlled by graphite oxide under thermal treatment and observed to be a crucial factor in enhancement of photocatalytic activity. As a proof of concept, the phase optimized and surface enhanced ZnS-ZnO/graphene nano-photocatalysts was tested towards visible light driven photocatalytic degradation of environmentally harmful organic dyes and toxic phenol molecules from aqueous media. The presented cost-effective strategy provides high potential in large-scale production of heterostructured nano-photocatalysts for environmental remediation and photocatalytic greener production of hydrogen.
Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus) with concomitant canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus-2, and Neospora caninum in puppies: a retrospective immunohistochemical study
Authors: Headley Selwyn A. , Oliveira Thalita E. S. , Pereira Alfredo H. T. , Moreira Jéssica R. , Michelazzo Mariana M. Z. , Pires Bárbara G. , Marutani Victor Hugo B. , Xavier Ana A. C. , Di Santis Giovana W. , Garcia João L. , Alfieri Amauri A.
Published: September 2018

A retrospective immunohistochemical study was designed to investigate the frequency of concomitant traditional infectious disease pathogens in puppies that died suddenly and review the aspects of associated pathogenesis. Fifteen puppies were evaluated; the pathology reports and histopathologic slides of these animals were reviewed to determine the pattern of histopathologic lesions. The intralesional identification of antigens of canine (distemper) morbillivirus (CDV), canine adenovirus-1 and -2 (CAdV-1 and -2), canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2), Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum was evaluated by IHC within the histopathologic patterns observed. All puppies contained CDV nucleic acid by molecular testing. The most frequent histopathologic patterns were intestinal crypt necrosis (n = 8), white matter cerebellar demyelination (n = 7), necrohaemorrhagic hepatitis (n = 7), interstitial pneumonia (n = 7), and gallbladder oedema (n = 5). All puppies contained intralesional antigens of CDV in multiple tissues resulting in singular (n = 3), and concomitant dual (n = 3), triple (n = 5) and quadruple (n = 4) infections by CAdV-1, and -2, CPV-2, and N. caninum; T. gondii was not identified. Concomitant infections by CDV was observed with N. caninum (100%; 1/1), CPV-2 (100%; 8/8), CAdV-1 (100%; 8/8), and CAdV-2 (100%; 8/8). Intralesional antigens of CDV and not CAdV-1 were identified in cases of gallbladder oedema. The “blue eye” phenomenon was histologically characterized by corneal oedema and degenerative lesions to the corneal epithelium, without inflammatory reactions.
The Role of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
Authors: Alashkar Ferras , Schemuth Haemi Phaedra , Nensa Felix , Göbel Juliane , Vance Colin , Forsting Michael , Dührsen Ulrich , Schlosser Thomas Wilfried , Röth Alexander
Published: September 2018

In PNH thromboembolic events (TEs) represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Between Dec 2013 and Jan 2016 37 PNH patients (pts) (23 PNH, 14 AA/PNH; 51% (19/37) females; median age 44 years, median D-dimer levels 0.22 mg/l) were examined with a whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) scan at 1.5 T to detect TEs. Pts were treated according to German PNH guidelines, including eculizumab therapy. 64% (24/37) of the pts had no documented TEs prior to observation. Two pts had suspected TEs in their clinical history. 29% of the pts (11/37) had a known history of venous thromboses (deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (5/11), portal venous thrombosis (PVT) (4/11), vena caval thrombosis (VCT) (2/11). A myocardial infarction was reported in one pt, and two had a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) or a thalamic infarction. Six pts (16%) had at least two prior TEs. In pts with prior TEs no progression of the existing TEs was observed. In pts on eculizumab and prior TEs as well as treatment-naïve pts silent bone and renal infarctions were detected. Furthermore, a clinically non-critical arterial occlusion was identified. WB-MRI scans present a novel, non-invasive method to assess the complete vascular status of PNH pts and allow the detection of previously undiagnosed vascular complications, affecting treatment indications and regimens.
Mammillary body regulates state-dependent fear by alternating cortical oscillations
Authors: Jiang Jun , Wang Guang-Yu , Luo Wenhan , Xie Hong , Guan Ji-Song
Published: September 2018

State-dependent memory describes a phenomenon that memory will be efficiently retrieved only when the brain state during retrieval matches the state during encoding. While a variety of psychoactive drugs, such as ethanol, cocaine, morphine and NMDA receptor antagonists, are able to induce state-dependent memory, the biological hallmark of brain state and neural mechanism of its regulation are still unknown. In this study, we found that MK-801 enhanced delta oscillations in awake mice, representing a drug-induced brain state, in which fear memory could only be successfully retrieved when the same drug condition was presented. We identified a key nucleus, mammillary body (MB), which regulates the specific brain state associated with MK-801. Chemogenetic silencing of MB neurons enhanced cortical delta oscillations and generated state-dependent memory. Moreover, optogenetic reconstitution of delta oscillations alone facilitated retrieval of fear memory encoded under MK-801. Our results indicated that delta oscillations in awake animals defined a specific brain state, in which memory formed is inaccessible under the normal condition, shining light on the neural mechanism underlying the fluctuation of memory retrieval and the role of MB in memory encoding and recall.
Cell type-resolved human lung lipidome reveals cellular cooperation in lung function
Authors: Kyle Jennifer E. , Clair Geremy , Bandyopadhyay Gautam , Misra Ravi S. , Zink Erika M. , Bloodsworth Kent J. , Shukla Anil K. , Du Yina , Lillis Jacquelyn , Myers Jason R. , Ashton John , Bushnell Timothy , Cochran Matthew , Deutsch Gail , Baker Erin S. , Carson James P. , Mariani Thomas J. , Xu Yan , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Pryhuber Gloria , Ansong Charles
Published: September 2018

Cell type-resolved proteome analyses of the brain, heart and liver have been reported, however a similar effort on the lipidome is currently lacking. Here we applied liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the lipidome of major lung cell types isolated from human donors, representing the first lipidome map of any organ. We coupled this with cell type-resolved proteomics of the same samples (available at Lungmap.net). Complementary proteomics analyses substantiated the functional identity of the isolated cells. Lipidomics analyses showed significant variations in the lipidome across major human lung cell types, with differences most evident at the subclass and intra-subclass (i.e. total carbon length of the fatty acid chains) level. Further, lipidomic signatures revealed an overarching posture of high cellular cooperation within the human lung to support critical functions. Our complementary cell type-resolved lipid and protein datasets serve as a rich resource for analyses of human lung function.
Author Correction: Glycosylation Significantly Inhibits the Aggregation of Human Prion Protein and Decreases Its Cytotoxicity
Authors: Yi Chuan-Wei , Wang Li-Qiang , Huang Jun-Jie , Pan Kai , Chen Jie , Liang Yi
Published: September 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.
Cascade biotransformation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by Beauveria species
Authors: Kozłowska Ewa , Urbaniak Monika , Hoc Natalia , Grzeszczuk Jakub , Dymarska Monika , Stępień Łukasz , Pląskowska Elżbieta , Kostrzewa-Susłow Edyta , Janeczko Tomasz
Published: September 2018

Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus used as a biological control agent. It is a well-known biocatalyst for the transformation of steroid compounds. Hydroxylations at the 7α or 11α position and oxidation to D-homo lactones are described in the literature. In our study, we examined the diversity of metabolism of five different B. bassiana strains and compared them to already known pathways. According to the literature, 7α and 11α-hydroxy derivatives as well as 3β,11α-dihydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-androst-5-en-17-one have been observed. Here we describe new DHEA metabolic pathways and two products not described before: 3β-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-androst-5-en-7,17-dione and 3β,11α-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-7,17-dione. We also used for the first time another species from this genus, Beauveria caledonica, for steroid transformation. DHEA was hydroxylated at the 7α, 7β and 11α positions and then reactions of oxidation and reduction leading to 3β,11α-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-7,17-dione were observed. All tested strains from the Beauveria genus effectively transformed the steroid substrate using several different enzymes, resulting in cascade transformation.
Arthroscopic near infrared spectroscopy enables simultaneous quantitative evaluation of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in vivo
Authors: Sarin Jaakko K. , te Moller Nikae C. R. , Mancini Irina A. D. , Brommer Harold , Visser Jetze , Malda Jos , van Weeren P. René , Afara Isaac O. , Töyräs Juha
Published: September 2018

Arthroscopic assessment of articular tissues is highly subjective and poorly reproducible. To ensure optimal patient care, quantitative techniques (e.g., near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)) could substantially enhance arthroscopic diagnosis of initial signs of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of arthroscopic NIRS to simultaneously monitor progressive degeneration of cartilage and subchondral bone in vivo in Shetland ponies undergoing different experimental cartilage repair procedures. Osteochondral tissues adjacent to the repair sites were evaluated using an arthroscopic NIRS probe and significant (p < 0.05) degenerative changes were observed in the tissue properties when compared with tissues from healthy joints. Artificial neural networks (ANN) enabled reliable (ρ = 0.63–0.87, NMRSE = 8.5–17.2%, RPIQ = 1.93–3.03) estimation of articular cartilage biomechanical properties, subchondral bone plate thickness and bone mineral density (BMD), and subchondral trabecular bone thickness, bone volume fraction (BV), BMD, and structure model index (SMI) from in vitro spectral data. The trained ANNs also reliably predicted the properties of an independent in vitro test group (ρ = 0.54–0.91, NMRSE = 5.9–17.6%, RPIQ = 1.68–3.36). However, predictions based on arthroscopic NIR spectra were less reliable (ρ = 0.27–0.74, NMRSE = 14.5–24.0%, RPIQ = 1.35–1.70), possibly due to errors introduced during arthroscopic spectral acquisition. Adaptation of NIRS could address the limitations of conventional arthroscopy through quantitative assessment of lesion severity and extent, thereby enhancing detection of initial signs of PTOA. This would be of high clinical significance, for example, when conducting orthopaedic repair surgeries.
Genetic screen in myeloid cells identifies TNF-α autocrine secretion as a factor increasing MDSC suppressive activity via Nos2 up-regulation
Authors: Schröder Matthias , Krötschel Marit , Conrad Lena , Naumann Svenja Kerstin , Bachran Christopher , Rolfe Alex , Umansky Viktor , Helming Laura , Swee Lee Kim
Published: September 2018

The suppressive microenvironment of tumors remains one of the limiting factors for immunotherapies. In tumors, the function of effector T cells can be inhibited by cancer cells as well as myeloid cells including tumor associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). A better understanding of how myeloid cells inhibit T cell function will guide the design of therapeutic strategies to increase anti-tumor responses. We have previously reported the in vitro differentiation of MDSC from immortalized mouse hematopoietic progenitors and characterized the impact of retinoic acid and 3-deazaneplanocin A on MDSC development and function. We describe here the effect of these compounds on MDSC transcriptome and identify genes and pathway affected by the treatment. In order to accelerate the investigation of gene function in MDSC suppressive activity, we developed protocols for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in MDSC. Through screening of 217 genes, we found that autocrine secretion of TNF-α contributes to MDSC immunosuppressive activity through up-regulation of Nos2. The approach described here affords the investigation of gene function in myeloid cells such as MDSC with unprecedented ease and throughput.
Sex differences in lipid metabolism are affected by presence of the gut microbiota
Authors: Baars Annemarie , Oosting Annemarie , Lohuis Mirjam , Koehorst Martijn , El Aidy Sahar , Hugenholtz Floor , Smidt Hauke , Mischke Mona , Boekschoten Mark V. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Garssen Johan , van der Beek Eline M. , Knol Jan , de Vos Paul , van Bergenhenegouwen Jeroen , Fransen Floris
Published: September 2018

Physiological processes are differentially regulated between men and women. Sex and gut microbiota have each been demonstrated to regulate host metabolism, but it is unclear whether both factors are interdependent. Here, we determined to what extent sex-specific differences in lipid metabolism are modulated via the gut microbiota. While male and female Conv mice showed predominantly differential expression in gene sets related to lipid metabolism, GF mice showed differences in gene sets linked to gut health and inflammatory responses. This suggests that presence of the gut microbiota is important in sex-specific regulation of lipid metabolism. Further, we explored the role of bile acids as mediators in the cross-talk between the microbiome and host lipid metabolism. Females showed higher total and primary serum bile acids levels, independent of presence of microbiota. However, in presence of microbiota we observed higher secondary serum bile acid levels in females compared to males. Analysis of microbiota composition displayed sex-specific differences in Conv mice. Therefore, our data suggests that bile acids possibly play a role in the crosstalk between the microbiome and sex-specific regulation of lipid metabolism. In conclusion, our data shows that presence of the gut microbiota contributes to sex differences in lipid metabolism.
Author Correction: Strong activation effect on a Ru-Co-C thin film catalyst for the hydrolysis of sodium borohydride
Authors: Arzac G. M. , Paladini M. , Godinho V. , Beltrán A. M. , Jiménez de Haro M. C. , Fernández A.
Published: September 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Human adenovirus type 17 from species D transduces endothelial cells and human CD46 is involved in cell entry
Authors: Liu Jing , Boehme Philip , Zhang Wenli , Fu Jun , Yumul Roma , Mese Kemal , Tsoukas Raphael , Solanki Manish , Kaufmann Michael , Lu Ruirui , Schmidtko Achim , Stewart A. Francis , Lieber André , Ehrhardt Anja
Published: September 2018

More than 70 human adenoviruses with type-dependent pathogenicity have been identified but biological information about the majority of these virus types is scarce. Here we employed multiple sequence alignments and structural information to predict receptor usage for the development of an adenoviral vector with novel biological features. We report the generation of a cloned adenovirus based on human adenovirus type 17 (HAdV17) with high sequence homology to the well characterized human adenovirus type 37 (HAdV37) that causes epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Our study revealed that human CD46 (CD46) is involved in cell entry of HAdV17. Moreover, we found that HAdV17 infects endothelial cells (EC) in vitro including primary cells at higher efficiencies compared to the commonly used human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV5). Using a human CD46 transgenic mouse model, we observed that HAdV17 displays a broad tropism in vivo after systemic injection and that it transduces ECs in this mouse model. We conclude that the HAdV17-based vector may provide a novel platform for gene therapy.
Ultraviolet exposure has an epigenetic effect on a Batesian mimetic trait in the butterfly Papilio polytes
Authors: Katoh Mitsuho , Tatsuta Haruki , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: September 2018

Wing polymorphism of butterflies provides a good system in which to study adaptation. The Asian Batesian mimic butterfly Papilio polytes has unmelanized, putative mimetic red spots on its black hind wings. The size of those red spots is non-heritable but it is highly polymorphic, the adaptive significance of which is unknown. We hypothesized that under strong ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, butterflies develop a wider melanized black area to protect the wings from UV damage, and as a result express smaller mimetic red spots. Our field survey on Okinawa Island revealed a negative relationship between the sizes of the red spot and the black area in the wings. The size varied seasonally and was negatively correlated with the intensity of solar UV radiation at the time of capture. Laboratory experiments revealed that the size was reduced by strong UV irradiation not only of the eggs and larvae, but also of their mothers through a putative epigenetic mechanism. The flexible phenotypic expression of the red spots in P. polytes suggests a trade-off between protection against UV damage and predation avoidance, and provides a new insight into the evolution of Batesian mimicry.
Sensing phases of water via nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond
Authors: Fernández-Acebal P. , Plenio M. B.
Published: September 2018

Ultra-thin layers of liquids on a surface behave differently from bulk liquids due to liquid-surface interactions. Some examples are significant changes in diffusion properties and the temperature at which the liquid-solid phase transition takes place. Indeed, molecular dynamics simulations suggest that thin layers of water on a diamond surface may remain solid even well above room temperature. However, because of the small volumes that are involved, it is exceedingly difficult to examine these phenomena experimentally with current technologies. In this context, shallow NV centres promise a highly sensitive tool for the investigation of magnetic signals emanating from liquids and solids that are deposited on the surface of a diamond. Moreover, NV centres are non-invasive sensors with extraordinary performance even at room-temperature. To that end, we present here a theoretical work, complemented with numerical evidence based on bosonization techniques, that predicts the measurable signal from a single NV centre when interacting with large spin baths in different configurations. In fact, by means of continuous dynamical decoupling, the polarization exchange between a single NV centre and the hydrogen nuclear spins from the water molecules is enhanced, leading to differences in the coherent dynamics of the NV centre that are interpreted as an unambiguous trace of the molecular structure. We therefore propose single NV centres as sensors capable to resolve structural water features at the nanoscale and even sensitive to phase transitions.
Sleep staging using nocturnal sound analysis
Authors: Dafna Eliran , Tarasiuk Ariel , Zigel Yaniv
Published: September 2018

Sleep staging is essential for evaluating sleep and its disorders. Most sleep studies today incorporate contact sensors that may interfere with natural sleep and may bias results. Moreover, the availability of sleep studies is limited, and many people with sleep disorders remain undiagnosed. Here, we present a pioneering approach for rapid eye movement (REM), non-REM, and wake staging (macro-sleep stages, MSS) estimation based on sleep sounds analysis. Our working hypothesis is that the properties of sleep sounds, such as breathing and movement, within each MSS are different. We recorded audio signals, using non-contact microphones, of 250 patients referred to a polysomnography (PSG) study in a sleep laboratory. We trained an ensemble of one-layer, feedforward neural network classifiers fed by time-series of sleep sounds to produce real-time and offline analyses. The audio-based system was validated and produced an epoch-by-epoch (standard 30-sec segments) agreement with PSG of 87% with Cohen’s kappa of 0.7. This study shows the potential of audio signal analysis as a simple, convenient, and reliable MSS estimation without contact sensors.
Development of a quantitative evaluation system for visuo-motor control in three-dimensional virtual reality space
Authors: Choi Woong , Lee Jongho , Yanagihara Naoki , Li Liang , Kim Jaehyo
Published: September 2018

The process of learning a human’s movement and motor control mechanisms by watching and mimicking human motions was based on visuo-motor control in three dimensional space. However, previous studies regarding the visuo-motor control in three dimensional space have focused on analyzing the tracking tasks along one-dimensional lines or two-dimensional planes using single or multi-joint movements. Therefore, in this study, we developed a new system to quantitatively evaluate visuo-motor control in three-dimensional space based on virtual reality (VR) environment. Our proposed system is designed to analyze circular tracking movements on frontal and sagittal planes in VR space with millimeter level accuracy. In particular, we compared the circular tracking movements under monocular and binocular vision conditions. The results showed that the accuracy of circular tracking movements drops approximately 4.5 times in monocular vision than that in binocular vision on both frontal and sagittal planes. We also found that significant difference can be observed between frontal and sagittal planes for only the accuracy of X-axis in both monocular and binocular visions.
Zn Vacancy Formation Energy and Diffusion Coefficient of CVT ZnO Crystals in the Sub-Surface Micron Region
Authors: Parmar Narendra S. , Boatner Lynn A. , Lynn Kelvin G. , Choi Ji-Won
Published: September 2018

By using positron annihilation spectroscopy methods, we have experimentally demonstrated the creation of isolated zinc vacancy concentrations >1020 cm−3 in chemical vapor transport (CVT)-grown ZnO bulk single crystals. X-ray diffraction ω-rocking curve (XRC) shows the good quality of ZnO single crystal with (110) orientation. The depth analysis of Auger electron spectroscopy indicates the atomic concentrations of Zn and O are almost stoichiometric and constant throughout the measurement. Boltzmann statistics are applied to calculate the zinc vacancy formation energies (Ef) of ~1.3–1.52 eV in the sub-surface micron region. We have also applied Fick’s 2nd law to calculate the zinc diffusion coefficient to be ~1.07 × 10−14 cm2/s at 1100 °C. The zinc vacancies began annealing out at 300 °C and, by heating in the air, were completely annealed out at 700 °C.
Random Genetic Drift and Selective Pressures Shaping the Blattabacterium Genome
Authors: Alleman Austin , Hertweck Kate L. , Kambhampati Srini
Published: September 2018

Estimates suggest that at least half of all extant insect genera harbor obligate bacterial mutualists. Whereas an endosymbiotic relationship imparts many benefits upon host and symbiont alike, the intracellular lifestyle has profound effects on the bacterial genome. The obligate endosymbiont genome is a product of opposing forces: genes important to host survival are maintained through physiological constraint, contrasted by the fixation of deleterious mutations and genome erosion through random genetic drift. The obligate cockroach endosymbiont, Blattabacterium – providing nutritional augmentation to its host in the form of amino acid synthesis – displays radical genome alterations when compared to its most recent free-living relative Flavobacterium. To date, eight Blattabacterium genomes have been published, affording an unparalleled opportunity to examine the direction and magnitude of selective forces acting upon this group of symbionts. Here, we find that the Blattabacterium genome is experiencing a 10-fold increase in selection rate compared to Flavobacteria. Additionally, the proportion of selection events is largely negative in direction, with only a handful of loci exhibiting signatures of positive selection. These findings suggest that the Blattabacterium genome will continue to erode, potentially resulting in an endosymbiont with an even further reduced genome, as seen in other insect groups such as Hemiptera.
Low-dose calcipotriol can elicit wound closure, anti-microbial, and anti-neoplastic effects in epidermolysis bullosa keratinocytes
Authors: Guttmann-Gruber Christina , Tockner Birgit , Scharler Cornelia , Hüttner Clemens , Common John E. , Tay Angeline S. L. , Denil Simon L. I. J. , Klausegger Alfred , Trost Andrea , Breitenbach Jenny , Schnitzhofer Peter , Hofbauer Peter , Wolkersdorfer Martin , Diem Anja , Laimer Martin , Strunk Dirk , Bauer Johann W. , Reichelt Julia , Lang Roland , Piñón Hofbauer Josefina
Published: September 2018

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients suffer from chronic and repeatedly infected wounds predisposing them to the development of aggressive and life-threatening skin cancer in these areas. Vitamin D3 is an often neglected but critical factor for wound healing. Intact skin possesses the entire enzymatic machinery required to produce active 1-alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), underscoring its significance to proper skin function. Injury enhances calcitriol production, inducing the expression of calcitriol target genes including the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (hCAP18), an essential component of the innate immune system and an important wound healing factor. We found significantly reduced hCAP18 expression in a subset of RDEB keratinocytes which could be restored by calcipotriol treatment. Reduced scratch closure in RDEB cell monolayers was enhanced up to 2-fold by calcipotriol treatment, and the secretome of calcipotriol-treated cells additionally showed increased antimicrobial activity. Calcipotriol exhibited anti-neoplastic effects, suppressing the clonogenicity and proliferation of RDEB tumor cells. The combined wound healing, anti-microbial, and anti-neoplastic effects indicate that calcipotriol may represent a vital therapeutic option for RDEB patients which we could demonstrate in a single-patient observation study.
Projected amplification of food web bioaccumulation of MeHg and PCBs under climate change in the Northeastern Pacific
Authors: Alava Juan José , Cisneros-Montemayor Andrés M. , Sumaila U. Rashid , Cheung William W. L.
Published: September 2018

Climate change increases exposure and bioaccumulation of pollutants in marine organisms, posing substantial ecophysiological and ecotoxicological risks. Here, we applied a trophodynamic ecosystem model to examine the bioaccumulation of organic mercury (MeHg) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a Northeastern Pacific marine food web under climate change. We found largely heterogeneous sensitivity in climate-pollution impacts between chemicals and trophic groups. Concentration of MeHg and PCBs in top predators, including resident killer whales, is projected to be amplified by 8 and 3%, respectively, by 2100 under a high carbon emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5) relative to a no-climate change control scenario. However, the level of amplification increases with higher carbon emission scenario for MeHg, but decreases for PCBs. Such idiosyncratic responses are shaped by the differences in bioaccumulation pathways between MeHg and PCBs, and the modifications of food web dynamics between different levels of climate change. Climate-induced pollutant amplification in mid-trophic level predators (Chinook salmon) are projected to be higher (~10%) than killer whales. Overall, the predicted trophic magnification factor is ten-fold higher in MeHg than in PCBs under high CO2 emissions. This contribution highlights the importance of understanding the interactions with anthropogenic organic pollutants in assessing climate risks on marine ecosystems.
Organizational principles of multidimensional predictions in human auditory attention
Authors: Wollman Indiana , Morillon Benjamin
Published: September 2018

Anticipating the future rests upon our ability to exploit contextual cues and to formulate valid internal models or predictions. It is currently unknown how multiple predictions combine to bias perceptual information processing, and in particular whether this is determined by physiological constraints, behavioral relevance (task demands), or past knowledge (perceptual expertise). In a series of behavioral auditory experiments involving musical experts and non-musicians, we investigated the respective and combined contribution of temporal and spectral predictions in multiple detection tasks. We show that temporal and spectral predictions alone systematically increase perceptual sensitivity, independently of task demands or expertise. When combined, however, spectral predictions benefit more to non-musicians and dominate over temporal ones, and the extent of the spectrotemporal synergistic interaction depends on task demands. This suggests that the hierarchy of dominance primarily reflects the tonotopic organization of the auditory system and that expertise or attention only have a secondary modulatory influence.
High abundances of the nuisance raphidophyte Gonyostomum semen in brown water lakes are associated with high concentrations of iron
Authors: Lebret Karen , Östman Örjan , Langenheder Silke , Drakare Stina , Guillemette François , Lindström Eva S.
Published: September 2018

Algal blooms occur frequently in lakes and oceans and the causes and consequences of those are often studied. In this study, we focus on a less well known type of algal bloom by the freshwater raphidophyte Gonyostomum semen. This species’ abundance and occurrence is increasing, especially in brown water lakes, the most abundant lake type in the boreal zone. The aim of the study was to investigate which environmental factors are associated with G. semen by statistical evaluation of field data of 95 Swedish lakes over five years. Although we found G. semen to be associated with dark waters it was, contrary to our expectations, mainly high concentrations of iron, and only to a lesser extent high TOC (total organic carbon) concentrations, that were associated with blooms of G. semen. In addition, high phosphorus concentrations and low pH also appear to facilitate G. semen blooms. We suggest that browning of lakes caused by increased iron concentrations may decrease net heterotrophy by fostering heavy algal blooms, i.e. the opposite to commonly assumed effects of increased DOM (dissolved organic matter).
Spying on protein interactions in living cells with reconstituted scarlet light
Authors: Wang Sheng , Ding Miao , Xue Boxin , Hou Yingping , Sun Yujie
Published: September 2018

A red BiFC system was developed for efficient detection and visualization of protein–protein interactions under 37 °C in live mammalian cells.
Primer dephosphorylation-initiated circular exponential amplification for ultrasensitive detection of alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Wang Li-juan , Wang Zi-yue , Zhang Chun-yang
Published: September 2018

We develop a new fluorescent method for ultrasensitive alkaline phosphatase assay based on primer dephosphorylation-initiated isothermal circular exponential amplification.
A solid-state Sb/Sb2O3biosensor for thein situmeasurement of extracellular acidification associated with the multidrug resistance phenotype in breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Zhen , Zong Li , Liu Hanmeng , Yao Zhixia , Sun Yujing , Li Zhuang
Published: September 2018

A high-performance pH-sensing biosensor for measuring the extracellular acidity of multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells.
Electrochemical detection of 7-methylguanosine and DNA-methylation
Authors: do Nascimento Raphael F. , Nascimento José A. M. , Montenegro João G. S. , Nascimento Valberes B. , Oliveira Severino Carlos B.
Published: September 2018

DNA methylation damage can be detected using a DNA-electrochemical biosensor.
Self-assembly of two-dimensional structures in water from rigid and curved amphiphiles with a low molecular weight
Authors: Yao Huan , Yang Liu-Pan , Pang Xin-Yu , Li Jia-Rong , Jiang Wei
Published: September 2018

Rigid and curved amphiphiles with very low molecular weight (MW < 500 Da) self-assemble into two-dimensional structures in water.
Construction of a targeted photodynamic nanotheranostic agent using upconversion nanoparticles coated with an ultrathin silica layer
Authors: Yue Zihong , Hong Tongtong , Song Xinyue , Wang Zonghua
Published: September 2018

A photodynamic nanotheranostic agent prepared using UCNPs coated with an ultrathin silica layer was applied in living cells and tumor-bearing mice.
π-Hole/n→π* interactions with acetonitrile in crystal structures
Authors: Ruigrok van der Werve Ad , van Dijk Yannick Ricky , Mooibroek Tiddo Jonathan
Published: September 2018

A DFT/CSD study reveals that π-hole/n→π* interactions with acetonitrile are energetically feasible and weakly directional.
Synthesis and evaluation of pyrazine and quinoxaline fluorophores for in vivo detection of cerebral tau tangles in Alzheimer's models
Authors: Zhu Biyue , Zhang Ting , Jiang Qian , Li Ying , Fu Yu , Dai Jiapei , Li Ge , Qi Qingrong , Cheng Yan
Published: September 2018

The quinoxaline derivative 3b is a candidate probe for fluorescence turn-on detection of tau tangles both in vitro and in mice in vivo.
Size and surface effects on chemically-induced joining of Ag conductive inks
Authors: Wu Yingsi , Wang Zhaomin , Zhao Xinyu , Tan Mei Chee
Published: September 2018

The underlying roles of particle size effects and ionic salts are uncovered for optimal chemically-induced sintering as a scalable approach to join metallic nanomaterials to create efficient sensors.
Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed by a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand
Authors: Li Lin-Ke , Li Hai-Yang , Li Ting , Quan Li-Hong , Xu Jing , Li Fu-An , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: September 2018

Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed using a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand are reported.
Reaction mechanism of the selective reduction of CO2 to CO by a tetraaza [CoIIN4H]2+ complex in the presence of protons
Authors: Garza Alejandro J. , Pakhira Srimanta , Bell Alexis T. , Mendoza-Cortes Jose L. , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: September 2018

The tetraaza [CoIIN4H]2+ complex (1) is remarkable for its ability to selectively reduce CO2 to CO with 45% Faradaic efficiency and a CO to H2 ratio of 3 : 2.
First-principles calculations of the electronic properties of SiC-based bilayer and trilayer heterostructures
Authors: Li Song , Sun Minglei , Chou Jyh-Pin , Wei Jie , Xing Huaizhong , Hu Alice
Published: September 2018

The tunable Schottky barrier heights and optical absorption efficiency in van der Waals SiC-based heterostructures are investigated.
In situgenerated catalyst: copper(ii) oxide and copper(i) supported on Ca2Fe2O5for CO oxidation
Authors: Penkala Bartosz , Gatla Suresh , Aubert Daniel , Ceretti Monica , Tardivat Caroline , Paulus Werner , Kaper Helena
Published: September 2018

Two sets of copper oxide–brownmillerite Ca2Fe2O5catalysts are prepared and studied for CO oxidation.
The importance of post-analysis data processing in ICP-AES: calibration adjustment and multi-line approaches
Authors: Baghdadi S. , Crozet M. , Gracia S. , Dautheribes J. L. , Rivier C. , Picart S.
Published: September 2018

The effect of different post-analysis data processing approaches such as the “excess variance” approach was investigated for ICP-AES analyses.
Preparation of long linear carbon chain inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes by cooling enhanced hydrogen arc discharge method
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zhao Junwei , Fang Yanghao , Liu Yi , Zhao Xinluo
Published: September 2018

Research widely broadened the suitable condition to produce long linear carbon chain inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes and discussed the mechanism.
Cp*Rh(iii)-catalyzed annulation of N-methoxybenzamide with 1,4,2-bisoxazol-5-one toward 2-aryl quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives
Authors: Xiong Hao , Xu Shengbo , Sun Song , Cheng Jiang
Published: September 2018

A [Cp*RhIII]-catalyzed annulation of N-methoxybenzamide with 1,4,2-bisoxazol-5-one was developed, affording a series of 2-aryl quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives.
Rhodium(iii)/amine synergistically catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of cyclic ketones with α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles
Authors: Qurban Saira , Gong Jun , Du Yu , Kang Qiang
Published: September 2018

An enantioselective Michael addition of α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles with cyclic ketones catalyzed synergistically by a chiral-at-metal Rh(iii) complex and a secondary amine has been developed, affording the corresponding adducts with up to 98% yield and 99% ee.
Production of γ-terpinene by metabolically engineeredEscherichia coliusing glycerol as feedstock
Authors: Qi Chang , Zhao Hongwei , Li Wenyang , Li Xing , Xiang Haiying , Zhang Ge , Liu Haobao , Wang Qian , Wang Yi , Xian Mo , Zhang Haibo
Published: September 2018

A sustainable technology for gamma (γ)-terpinene was constructed in an engineered Escherichia coli. In-depth analysis at translation level for the engineered strain and intermediate metabolites were analyzed. The fed-batch fermentation of γ-terpinene was 275.41 mg L−1.
Critical conditions for the formation of p-type ZnO with Li doping
Authors: Jin Mingge , Li Zhibing , Huang Feng , Xia Yu , Ji Xu , Wang Weiliang
Published: September 2018

The stability of Li dopants in ZnO is studiedviafirst-principles calculations with electric dipole correction.
Facile synthesis of high-performance SiO2@Au core–shell nanoparticles with high SERS activity
Authors: Wang Keli , Wang Yanping , Wang Chongwen , Jia Xiaofei , Li Jia , Xiao Rui , Wang Shengqi
Published: September 2018

This study proposes a facile and general method for fabricating a wide range of high-performance SiO2@Au core–shell nanoparticles (NPs).
Retracted Article: TRIM22 functions as an oncogene in gliomas through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Shi-lei , Gao Yuan-lin , Hu Wen-zhong
Published: September 2018

The tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family is a group of proteins that are implicated in a plethora of pathological conditions.
Screening of potential IL-tolerant cellulases and their efficient saccharification of IL-pretreated lignocelluloses
Authors: Sun Yi-Xin , Shen Bing-Bing , Han Hui-Ying , Lu Yuan , Zhang Bi-Xian , Gao Yun-Fei , Hu Bao-Zhong , Hu Xiao-Mei
Published: September 2018

Lignocellulosic biomass as one of the most abundant and renewable resources has great potential for biofuel production.
B(C6F5)3 catalyzed direct nucleophilic substitution of benzylic alcohols: an effective method of constructing C–O, C–S and C–C bonds from benzylic alcohols
Authors: Meng Shan-Shui , Wang Qian , Huang Gong-Bin , Lin Li-Rong , Zhao Jun-Ling , Chan Albert S. C.
Published: September 2018

An efficient and general method of nucleophilic substitution of benzylic alcohols catalyzed by non-metallic Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 was developed.
Effects of temperature on the fracture and fatigue damage of temperature sensitive hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Ni , Pan Zhouzhou , Lei Jincheng , Liu Zishun
Published: September 2018

The fracture energy increases rapidly, when the temperature is higher than the VPTT, mainly because of the hydrophobic interactions becomes dominant.
Controlled cavity collapse: scaling laws of drop formation
Authors: Ismail A. Said , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M. , Castrejón-Pita J. Rafael , Herrada Miguel A. , Castrejón-Pita Alfonso A.
Published: September 2018

The violent but controlled collapse of liquid cavities is exploited for the generation of diminutive droplets: experiments, simulations and theory.
Glassy dynamics in composite biopolymer networks
Authors: Golde Tom , Huster Constantin , Glaser Martin , Händler Tina , Herrmann Harald , Käs Josef A. , Schnauß Jörg
Published: September 2018

Composite networks of actin and vimentin filaments can be described by a superpositionviaan inelastic glassy wormlike chain model.
Optically induced motion of liquid crystalline droplets
Authors: Dogishi Yoshiharu , Sakai Yota , Sohn Woon Yong , Katayama Kenji
Published: September 2018

Rolling motion is activated by UV light for photo-responsive nematic droplets in a surfactant solution.
Room-temperature solution-processed amorphous NbOx as an electron transport layer in high-efficiency photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Shi Yantao , Wang Shi , Dong Qingshun , Feng Yulin , Wang Liduo , Wang Kai , Shao Yingying , Liu Yang , Wang Shufeng
Published: September 2018

This work provided important guidelines for the low-temperature fabrication of high-quality AOS films using NbOx as an example.
Stepwise co-delivery of an enzyme and prodrug based on a multi-responsive nanoplatform for accurate tumor therapy
Authors: Chen Li , Liu Zhongning , Jin Ronghua , Yang Xiaoshan , Bai Yongkang , Liu Shiyu , Chen Xin
Published: September 2018

We fabricated a HAase@SiO2@prodrug nanoplatform with a core–shell–corona structure for highly selective and effective tumor therapyviamicroenvironment-responsive sequential catalytic reactions.
Antigen uptake and immunoadjuvant activity of pathogen-mimetic hollow silica particles conjugated with β-glucan
Authors: Jin Jing Wei , Peng Wei Li , Tang Shun Qing , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu
Published: September 2018

Pathogen-mimetic hollow silica particles induce robust immune responses by recognition of pathogen-associated molecular and geometric patterns.
Preparation and properties of dual-mode luminescent NaYF4:Yb,Tm@SiO2/carbon dot nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Xiaokai , Li Wei , Zhou Wan , Tan Guiping , Zheng Yihao , Hu Chaofan , Lei Bingfu , Zhang Xuejie , Liu Yingliang , Zhuang Jianle
Published: September 2018

Dual-mode luminescent NaYF4:Yb,Tm@SiO2/carbon dot nanocomposites were fabricated by embedding CDs in the silica layer outside NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanoparticles.