bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full rescue of an inactive olfactory receptor mutant by elimination of an allosteric ligand-gating site
Authors: Sharma Kanika , Balfanz Sabine , Baumann Arnd , Korsching Sigrun
Published: June 2018

Ligand-gating has recently been proposed as a novel mechanism to regulate olfactory receptor sensitivity. TAAR13c, the zebrafish olfactory receptor activated by the death-associated odor cadaverine, appears to possess an allosteric binding site for cadaverine, which was assumed to block progress of the ligand towards the internal orthosteric binding-and-activation site. Here we have challenged the suggested gating mechanism by modeling the entry tunnel for the ligand as well as the ligand path inside the receptor. We report an entry tunnel, whose opening is blocked by occupation of the external binding site by cadaverine, confirming the hypothesized gating mechanism. A multistep docking algorithm suggested a plausible path for cadaverine from the allosteric to the orthosteric binding-and-activation site. Furthermore we have combined a gain-of-function gating site mutation and a loss-of-function internal binding site mutation in one recombinant receptor. This receptor had almost wildtype ligand affinities, consistent with modeling results that showed localized effects for each mutation. A novel mutation of the suggested gating site resulted in increased receptor ligand affinity. In summary both the experimental and the modeling results provide further evidence for the proposed gating mechanism, which surprisingly exhibits pronounced similarity to processes described for some metabotropic neurotransmitter receptors.
The Joint Association of Small for Gestational Age and Nighttime Sleep with Blood Pressure in Childhood
Authors: Wang Hongjian , Mueller Noel , Wang Guoying , Hong Xiumei , Chen Ting , Ji Yuelong , Pearson Colleen , Appel Lawrence J. , Wang Xiaobin
Published: June 2018

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are more likely to develop high blood pressure. In prior studies, longer sleep duration is associated with lower BP, and SGA is associated with shorter sleep duration in childhood. We investigated whether sleep duration in early childhood modifies the association between SGA and higher childhood SBP in 1178 children recruited at birth and followed up to age 9 years. We ascertained birthweight and gestational age from medical records. We derived child sleep duration from maternal questionnaire interview. We calculated child SBP percentile according to U.S. reference data. We defined elevated SBP as SBP ≥75th percentile. In this sample, 154 (13.1%) children were born SGA. Children born SGA had higher SBP percentiles and higher risk of elevated SBP. Among children born SGA, those in the highest compared to the lowest tertile for sleep had a 12.28 lower (−22.00, −2.57) SBP percentile and 0.44 (0.25 to 0.79) times lower risk of developing elevated SBP. Our data are consistent with an interaction between SGA and sleep duration on childhood elevated SBP (Pinteraction = 0.0056). In conclusion, in this prospective birth cohort, longer sleep duration in early childhood may mitigate the blood pressure-raising effect of being born small.
Loss of Glis3 causes dysregulation of retrotransposon silencing and germ cell demise in fetal mouse testis
Authors: Ungewitter Erica K. , Rotgers Emmi , Kang Hong Soon , Lichti-Kaiser Kristin , Li Leping , Grimm Sara A. , Jetten Anton M. , Yao Humphrey H.-C.
Published: June 2018

Fetal germ cell development is regulated by an elaborate combination of cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic signals. Here we identify a novel role for the Krüppel-like transcription factor Gli-Similar 3 (Glis3) in male germ cell development in the mouse embryos. Glis3 is expressed in male germ cells during the brief window of time prior to initiation of piRNA-dependent retrotransposon surveillance. Disruption of Glis3 function led to a widespread reduction in retrotransposon silencing factors, aberrant retrotransposon expression and pronounced germ cell loss. Experimental induction of precocious Glis3 expression in vivo before its normal expression resulted in premature expression of several piRNA pathway members, suggesting that GLIS3 is necessary for the activation of the retrotransposon silencing programs. Our findings reveal an unexpected role for GLIS3 in the development of male germ cells and point to a central role for GLIS3 in the control of retrotransposon silencing in the fetal germline.
Phytate Decreases Formation of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Patients with Type II Diabetes: Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Sanchis Pilar , Rivera Rosmeri , Berga Francisco , Fortuny Regina , Adrover Miquel , Costa-Bauza Antonia , Grases Felix , Masmiquel Luis
Published: June 2018

Myo-inositol hexaphosphate (phytate; IP6) is a natural compound that is abundant in cereals, legumes, and nuts and it has the ability to chelate metal cations. The binding of IP6 to transition metals suggests that it could be used for the treatment of metal-catalyzed protein glycation, which appears to trigger diabetes-related diseases. Our in vitro studies showed that IP6 reduced the formation of Fe3+-catalyzed advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). This led us to perform a randomized cross-over trial to investigate the impact of the daily consumption IP6 on protein glycation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; n = 33). Thus, we measured AGEs, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), several vascular risk factors, and urinary IP6 at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. Patients who consumed IP6 supplements for 3 months had lower levels of circulating AGEs and HbA1c than those who did not consume IP6. This is the first report to show that consumption of IP6 inhibits protein glycation in patients with T2DM. Considering that AGEs contribute to microvascular and macrovascular complications in T2DM, our data indicates that dietary supplementation with IP6 should be considered as a therapy to prevent the formation of AGEs and therefore, the development of diabetes-related diseases in patients with T2DM.
Evidence for neurogenesis in the medial cortex of the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius
Authors: McDonald Rebecca P. , Vickaryous Matthew K.
Published: June 2018

Although lizards are often described as having robust neurogenic abilities, only a handful of the more than 6300 species have been explored. Here, we provide the first evidence of homeostatic neurogenesis in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius). We focused our study on the medial cortex, homologue of the mammalian hippocampal formation. Using immunostaining, we identified proliferating pools of neural stem/progenitor cells within the sulcus septomedialis, the pseudostratified ventricular zone adjacent to the medial cortex. Consistent with their identification as radial glia, these cells expressed SOX2, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and Vimentin, and demonstrated a radial morphology. Using a 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine cell tracking strategy, we determined that neuroblast migration from the ventricular zone to the medial cortex takes ~30-days, and that newly generated neuronal cells survived for at least 140-days. We also found that cell proliferation within the medial cortex was not significantly altered following rupture of the tail spinal cord (as a result of the naturally evolved process of caudal autotomy). We conclude that the sulcus septomedialis of the leopard gecko demonstrates all the hallmarks of a neurogenic niche.
Characterization of influenza virus variants induced by treatment with the endonuclease inhibitor baloxavir marboxil
Authors: Omoto Shinya , Speranzini Valentina , Hashimoto Takashi , Noshi Takeshi , Yamaguchi Hiroto , Kawai Makoto , Kawaguchi Keiko , Uehara Takeki , Shishido Takao , Naito Akira , Cusack Stephen
Published: June 2018

Baloxavir acid (BXA), derived from the prodrug baloxavir marboxil (BXM), potently and selectively inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease within the polymerase PA subunit of influenza A and B viruses. In clinical trials, single doses of BXM profoundly decrease viral titers as well as alleviating influenza symptoms. Here, we characterize the impact on BXA susceptibility and replicative capacity of variant viruses detected in the post-treatment monitoring of the clinical studies. We find that the PA I38T substitution is a major pathway for reduced susceptibility to BXA, with 30- to 50-fold and 7-fold EC50 changes in A and B viruses, respectively. The viruses harboring the I38T substitution show severely impaired replicative fitness in cells, and correspondingly reduced endonuclease activity in vitro. Co-crystal structures of wild-type and I38T influenza A and B endonucleases bound to BXA show that the mutation reduces van der Waals contacts with the inhibitor. A reduced affinity to the I38T mutant is supported by the lower stability of the BXA-bound endonuclease. These mechanistic insights provide markers for future surveillance of treated populations.
Improved identification of concordant and discordant gene expression signatures using an updated rank-rank hypergeometric overlap approach
Authors: Cahill Kelly M. , Huo Zhiguang , Tseng George C. , Logan Ryan W. , Seney Marianne L.
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in large-scale gene expression profiling necessitate concurrent development of biostatistical approaches to reveal meaningful biological relationships. Most analyses rely on significance thresholds for identifying differentially expressed genes. We use an approach to compare gene expression datasets using ‘threshold-free’ comparisons. Significance cut-offs to identify genes shared between datasets may be too stringent and may miss concordant patterns of gene expression with potential biological relevance. A threshold-free approach gaining popularity in several research areas, including neuroscience, is Rank–Rank Hypergeometric Overlap (RRHO). Genes are ranked by their p-value and effect size direction, and ranked lists are compared to identify significantly overlapping genes across a continuous significance gradient rather than at a single arbitrary cut-off. We have updated the previous RRHO analysis by accurately detecting overlap of genes changed in the same and opposite directions between two datasets. Here, we use simulated and real data to show the drawbacks of the previous algorithm as well as the utility of our new algorithm. For example, we show the power of detecting discordant transcriptional patterns in the postmortem brain of subjects with psychiatric disorders. The new R package, RRHO2, offers a new, more intuitive visualization of concordant and discordant gene overlap.
TNF inhibits catecholamine production from induced sympathetic neuron-like cells in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in vitro
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Anders Sven , Straub Rainer H. , Jenei-Lanzl Zsuzsa
Published: June 2018

Synovial adipose stem cells (sASC) can be differentiated into catecholamine-expressing sympathetic neuron-like cells to treat experimental arthritis. However, the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to be toxic to catecholaminergic cells (see Parkinson disease), and this may prevent anti-inflammatory effects in inflamed tissue. We hypothesized that TNF exhibits inhibitory effects on human differentiated sympathetic tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neuron-like cells. For the first time, iTH+ neuron-like sympathetic cells were generated from sACSs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial tissue. Compared to untreated controls in both OA and RA, TNF-treated iTH+ cells demonstrated a weaker staining of catecholaminergic markers in cell cultures of RA/OA patients, and the amount of produced noradrenaline was markedly lower. These effects were reversed by etanercept. Exposure of iTH+ cells to synovial fluid of RA patients showed similar inhibitory effects. In mixed synovial cells, significant effects of TNF on catecholamine release were observed only in OA. This study shows that TNF inhibits iTH+ synovial cells leading to the decrease of secreted noradrenaline. This might be a reason why discovered newly appearing TH+ cells in the synovium are not able to develop their possible full anti-inflammatory role in arthritis.
DNA damage response induced by Etoposide promotes steroidogenesis via GADD45A in cultured adrenal cells
Authors: Tamamori-Adachi Mimi , Koga Akane , Susa Takao , Fujii Hiroko , Tsuchiya Masao , Okinaga Hiroko , Hisaki Harumi , Iizuka Masayoshi , Kitajima Shigetaka , Okazaki Tomoki
Published: June 2018

Glucocorticoid production is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) via the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in the adrenal cortex, but the changes in steroidogenesis associated with aging are unknown. In this study, we show that cell-autonomous steroidogenesis is induced by non-ACTH- mediated genotoxic stress in human adrenocortical H295R cells. Low-dose etoposide (EP) was used to induce DNA damage as a genotoxic stress, leading to cellular senescence. We found that steroidogenesis was promoted in cells stained with γH2AX, a marker of DNA damaged cells. Among stress-associated and p53-inducible genes, the expression of GADD45A and steroidogenesis-related genes was significantly upregulated. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that GADD45A accumulated in the nuclei. Metabolite assay using cultured media showed that EP-treated cells were induced to produce and secrete considerable amounts of glucocorticoid. Knockdown of GADD45A using small interfering RNA markedly inhibited the EP-induced upregulation of steroidogenesis-related gene expression, and glucocorticoid production. A p38MAPK inhibitor, but not a PKA inhibitor, suppressed EP-stimulated steroidogenesis. These results suggest that DNA damage itself promotes steroidogenesis via one or more unprecedented non-ACTH-mediated pathway. Specifically, GADD45A plays a crucial role in the steroidogenic processes triggered by EP-stimulated genotoxic stress. Our study sheds new light on an alternate mechanism of steroidogenesis in the adrenal cortex.
Transcriptome analysis of two contrasting rice cultivars during alkaline stress
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Hualong , Sun Jian , Zheng Hongliang , Wang Jingguo , Yang Luomiao , Zhao Hongwei , Zou Detang
Published: June 2018

Soil alkalinity greatly affects plant growth and crop productivity. Although RNA-Seq analyses have been conducted to investigate genome-wide gene expression in response to alkaline stress in many plants, the expressions of alkali-responsive genes in rice have not been previously investigated. In this study, the transcriptomic data between an alkaline-tolerant (WD20342) and an alkaline-sensitive (Caidao) rice cultivar were compared under alkaline stress conditions. A total of 962 important alkali-responsive (IAR) genes from highly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 28 alkaline-resistant cultivar-related genes, 771 alkaline-sensitive cultivar-related genes and 163 cultivar-non-specific genes. Gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated the enrichment of IAR genes involved in various stimulus or stress responses. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, the IAR genes were related primarily to plant hormone signal transduction and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Additionally, among these 962 IAR genes, 74 were transcription factors and 15 occurred with differential alternative splicing between the different samples after alkaline treatment. Our results provide a valuable resource on alkali-responsive genes and should benefit the improvement of alkaline stress tolerance in rice.
Elastic and dynamical structural properties of La and Mn-doped SrTiO3 studied by neutron scattering and their relation with thermal conductivities
Authors: Kajimoto Ryoichi , Nakamura Mitsutaka , Murai Naoki , Shamoto Shin-ichi , Honda Takashi , Ikeda Kazutaka , Otomo Toshiya , Hata Hiroto , Eto Takahiro , Noda Masaaki , Kuwahara Hideki , Okuda Tetsuji
Published: June 2018

The electron-doped SrTiO3 exhibits good thermoelectric properties, which makes this material a promising candidate of an n-type oxide thermoelectric device. Recent studies indicated that only a few percent co-doping of La and Mn in SrTiO3 substantially reduces the thermal conductivity, thereby greatly improving the thermoelectric figure of merit at room temperature. Our time-of-flight neutron scattering studies revealed that by doping both La and Mn into SrTiO3, the inelastic scattering spectrum shows a momentum-independent increase in the low-energy spectral weight approximately below 10 meV. The increase in the low-energy spectral weight exhibits a clear correlation with thermal conductivity. The correlation is attributed to dynamical and local structural fluctuations caused by the Jahn-Teller instability in Mn3+ ions coupled with the incipient ferroelectric nature of SrTiO3, as the origin of the low thermal conductivity.
First report on the application of near-infrared spectroscopy to predict the age of Aedes albopictus Skuse
Authors: Sikulu-Lord Maggy T. , Devine Gregor J. , Hugo Leon E. , Dowell Floyd E.
Published: June 2018

To date, no methodology has been described for predicting the age of Aedes albopictus Skuse mosquitoes, commonly known as Asian tiger mosquitoes. In this study, we report the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique for characterizing the age of female laboratory reared Ae. albopictus. Using leave-one-out cross-validation analysis on a training set, laboratory reared mosquitoes preserved in RNAlater for up to a month were assessed at 1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 16, 20 and 25 days post emergence. Mosquitoes (N = 322) were differentiated into two age classes (< or ≥ 7 days) with 93% accuracy, into three age classes (<7, 7–13 and >13 days old) with 76% accuracy, and on a continuous age scale to within ±3 days of their actual average age. Similarly, models predicted mosquitoes (N = 146) excluded from the training model with 94% and 71% accuracy to the two and the three age groups, respectively. We show for the first time that NIRS, with an improved spectrometer and fibre configuration, can be used to predict the age of laboratory reared female Ae. albopictus. Characterization of the age of Ae. albopictus populations is crucial for determining the efficacy of vector control interventions that target their survival.
Plasmonic refractive index sensing using strongly coupled metal nanoantennas: nonlocal limitations
Authors: Wang Hancong
Published: June 2018

Localized surface plasmon resonance based on coupled metallic nanoparticles has been extensively studied in the refractive index sensing and the detection of molecules. The amount of resonance peak-shift depends on the refractive index of surrounding medium and the geometry/symmetry of plasmonic oligomers. It has recently been found that as the feature size or the gap distance of plasmonic nanostructures approaches several nanometers, quantum effects can change the plasmon coupling in nanoparticles. However, most of the research on plasmonic sensing has been done based on classical local calculations even for the interparticle gap below ~3 nm, in which the nonlocal screening plays an important role. Here, we theoretically investigate the nonlocal effect on the evolution of various plasmon resonance modes in strongly coupled nanoparticle dimer and trimer antennas with the gap down to 1 nm. Then, the refractive index sensing in these nonlocal systems is evaluated and compared with the results in classical calculations. We find that in the nonlocal regime, both refractive index sensibility factor and figure of merit are actually smaller than their classical counterparts mainly due to the saturation of plasmon shifts. These results would be beneficial for the understanding of interaction between light and nonlocal plasmonic nanostructures and the development of plasmonic devices such as nanosensors and nanoantennas.
The Biological Object Notation (BON): a structured file format for biological data
Authors: Buchmann Jan P. , Fourment Mathieu , Holmes Edward C.
Published: June 2018

The large size and high complexity of biological data can represent a major methodological challenge for the analysis and exchange of data sets between computers and applications. There has also been a substantial increase in the amount of metadata associated with biological data sets, which is being increasingly incorporated into existing data formats. Despite the existence of structured formats based on XML, biological data sets are mainly formatted using unstructured file formats, and the incorporation of metadata results in increasingly complex parsing routines such that they become more error prone. To overcome these problems, we present the “biological object notation” (BON) format, a new way to exchange and parse nearly all biological data sets more efficiently and with less error than other currently available formats. Based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), BON simplifies parsing by clearly separating the biological data from its metadata and reduces complexity compared to XML based formats. The ability to selectively compress data up to 87% compared to other file formats and the reduced complexity results in improved transfer times and less error prone applications.
HMGB2 is a novel adipogenic factor that regulates ectopic fat infiltration in skeletal muscles
Authors: Lee Deokcheol , Taniguchi Noboru , Sato Katsuaki , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Kataoka Hiroaki , Morinaga Hidetaka , Lotz Martin , Chosa Etsuo
Published: June 2018

Although various surgical procedures have been developed for chronic rotator cuff tear repair, the re-tear rate remains high with severe fat infiltration. However, little is known about the molecular regulation of this process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the intra-muscular space are origin of ectopic fat cells in skeletal muscle. We have previously shown that high-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2), which is a nuclear protein commonly associated with mesenchymal differentiation, is involved in the early articular cartilage degeneration. In this study, we addressed the role of HMGB2 in adipogenesis of MSCs and fat infiltration into skeletal muscles. HMGB2 was highly expressed in undifferentiated MSCs and co-localized with platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) known as an MSC-specific marker, while their expressions were decreased during adipocytic differentiation. Under the deficiency of HMGB2, the expressions of adipogenesis-related molecules were reduced, and adipogenic differentiation is substantially impaired in MSCs. Moreover, HMGB2+ cells were generated in the muscle belly of rat supraspinatus muscles after rotator cuff transection, and some of these cells expressed PDGFRA in intra-muscular spaces. Thus, our findings suggest that the enhance expression of HMGB2 induces the adipogenesis of MSCs and the fat infiltration into skeletal muscles through the cascade of HMGB2-PDGFRA.
Acute Heart Failure developed as worsening of Chronic Heart Failure is associated with increased mortality compared to de novo cases
Authors: Degoricija Vesna , Trbušić Matias , Potočnjak Ines , Radulović Bojana , Terešak Sanda Dokoza , Pregartner Gudrun , Berghold Andrea , Tiran Beate , Frank Saša
Published: June 2018

Acute heart failure (AHF) emerges either de novo or from worsening of chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between worsening of CHF and mortality in AHF patients. Out of 152 included AHF patients, 47 (30.9%) were de novo AHF patients and 105 (69%) were AHF patients with worsening of CHF. The proportion dying in hospital (19.0% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.023) and within 3 months after hospitalization (36.6% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in AHF patients with worsening of CHF. Logistic regression analyses also showed a significant positive association of AHF emerging as worsening of CHF with hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.29 (1.46–34.10), p = 0.029] and 3-month mortality [8.09 (2.70–35.03), p = 0.001]. While the association with hospital mortality was no longer significant after adjusting for comorbidities and clinical as well as laboratory parameters known to be associated with mortality in heart failure patients, the association with 3-month mortality remained significant. We conclude that compared to de novo AHF, AHF evolved from worsening of CHF is a more severe condition and is associated with increased mortality.
Comparative study of plasmonic antennas fabricated by electron beam and focused ion beam lithography
Authors: Horák Michal , Bukvišová Kristýna , Švarc Vojtěch , Jaskowiec Jiří , Křápek Vlastimil , Šikola Tomáš
Published: June 2018

We present a comparative study of plasmonic antennas fabricated by electron beam lithography and direct focused ion beam milling. We have investigated optical and structural properties and chemical composition of gold disc-shaped plasmonic antennas on a silicon nitride membrane fabricated by both methods to identify their advantages and disadvantages. Plasmonic antennas were characterized using transmission electron microscopy including electron energy loss spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. We have found stronger plasmonic response with better field confinement in the antennas fabricated by electron beam lithography, which is attributed to their better structural quality, homogeneous thickness, and only moderate contamination mostly of organic nature. Plasmonic antennas fabricated by focused ion beam lithography feature weaker plasmonic response, lower structural quality with pronounced thickness fluctuations, and strong contamination, both organic and inorganic, including implanted ions from the focused beam. While both techniques are suitable for the fabrication of plasmonic antennas, electron beam lithography shall be prioritized over focused ion beam lithography due to better quality and performance of its products.
Inverse association between soy food consumption, especially fermented soy products intake and soy isoflavone, and arterial stiffness in Japanese men
Authors: Uemura Hirokazu , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Nakamoto Mariko , Yamaguchi Miwa , Fujioka Miho , Iwasaki Yuki , Arisawa Kokichi
Published: June 2018

Studies on the associations between soy food consumption and arterial stiffness are rare. The aim of the present study was to evaluate their associations in Japanese men. A total of 652 eligible men, aged 35–69 years, who underwent the measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as an index of arterial stiffness were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Information on their lifestyle characteristics, including dietary behavior, was obtained from a structured self-administered questionnaire. The frequency of total soy products as well as fermented and non-fermented soy products intakes was calculated, and the amounts of soy protein and soy isoflavone intakes were also estimated; these were then divided into tertiles and their associations with baPWV values were evaluated using general linear models. Higher frequency of fermented soy products intake was associated with decreased baPWV after adjusting for the multivariable covariates (P value for trend was 0.002, in Model 3). This association did not alter after further adjustment with a biomarker of systemic inflammation (serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)) (P value for trend was 0.001, in Model 4). Total soy isoflavone consumption was also inversely associated with baPWV even after adjusting for multivariable covariates including serum hs-CRP (P value for trend was 0.043, in Model 4); however total soy protein consumption was not. These results demonstrated that greater consumption of soy food, especially fermented soy products and soy isoflavone was associated with reduced arterial stiffness, independent of systemic inflammation, in Japanese men.
Angular- and Polarization-insensitive Ultrathin Double-layered Metamaterial Absorber for Ultra-wideband Application
Authors: Cong Li Li , Cao Xiang Yu , Song Tao , Gao Jun , Lan Jun Xiang
Published: June 2018

We proposed an ultra-thin polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber (MMA) for ultra-wideband and wide incident angle operation. The MMA is composed of double-layer symmetric split rings (SSRs) connected with two orthogonally-arranged bars and the ground metallic plane separated by two identical substrates. Multiple metallic layers and scalabilities are employed to provide broadband absorptivity based on the cooperated mechanisms of the Ohmic loss and the Fabry-Perot interference. To further broaden the absorption bandwidth, four lumped resistors are loaded with the SSRs on the top metallic layer. By this means, an ultra-wideband absorbance is achieved nearly in 4~22 GHz, two gentle slope belts with absorptivity over 60% and 80% in 4~12 GHz and 12~22 GHz, respectively. The whole structure is with an ultrathin thickness of 2.4 mm, which is 0.032λlow and 0.176λhigh corresponds to the lowest and highest absorption frequency separately. Meanwhile, the symmetric structure enables the MMA of satisfactory stability for polarization and wide incident angles. Numerical and experimental results prove the capability of the proposed MMA for ultra-wideband absorbance.
Warping an atlas derived from serial histology to 5 high-resolution MRIs
Authors: Tullo Stephanie , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Patel Raihaan , Park Min Tae M. , Collins D. Louis , Chakravarty M. Mallar
Published: June 2018

Previous work from our group demonstrated the use of multiple input atlases to a modified multi-atlas framework (MAGeT-Brain) to improve subject-based segmentation accuracy. Currently, segmentation of the striatum, globus pallidus and thalamus are generated from a single high-resolution and -contrast MRI atlas derived from annotated serial histological sections. Here, we warp this atlas to five high-resolution MRI templates to create five de novo atlases. The overall goal of this work is to use these newly warped atlases as input to MAGeT-Brain in an effort to consolidate and improve the workflow presented in previous manuscripts from our group, allowing for simultaneous multi-structure segmentation. The work presented details the methodology used for the creation of the atlases using a technique previously proposed, where atlas labels are modified to mimic the intensity and contrast profile of MRI to facilitate atlas-to-template nonlinear transformation estimation. Dice’s Kappa metric was used to demonstrate high quality registration and segmentation accuracy of the atlases. The final atlases are available at https://github.com/CobraLab/atlases/tree/master/5-atlas-subcortical.
MEG-BIDS, the brain imaging data structure extended to magnetoencephalography
Authors: Niso Guiomar , Gorgolewski Krzysztof J. , Bock Elizabeth , Brooks Teon L. , Flandin Guillaume , Gramfort Alexandre , Henson Richard N. , Jas Mainak , Litvak Vladimir , T. Moreau Jeremy , Oostenveld Robert , Schoffelen Jan-Mathijs , Tadel Francois , Wexler Joseph , Baillet Sylvain
Published: June 2018

We present a significant extension of the Brain Imaging Data Structure (BIDS) to support the specific aspects of magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. MEG measures brain activity with millisecond temporal resolution and unique source imaging capabilities. So far, BIDS was a solution to organise magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The nature and acquisition parameters of MRI and MEG data are strongly dissimilar. Although there is no standard data format for MEG, we propose MEG-BIDS as a principled solution to store, organise, process and share the multidimensional data volumes produced by the modality. The standard also includes well-defined metadata, to facilitate future data harmonisation and sharing efforts. This responds to unmet needs from the multimodal neuroimaging community and paves the way to further integration of other techniques in electrophysiology. MEG-BIDS builds on MRI-BIDS, extending BIDS to a multimodal data structure. We feature several data-analytics software that have adopted MEG-BIDS, and a diverse sample of open MEG-BIDS data resources available to everyone.
Amino-functionalized CdSe/ZnS quantum dot-based lateral flow immunoassay for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1
Authors: Li Jieying , Mao Mao , Wu Feng , Li Qiang , Wei Luyao , Ma Lan
Published: June 2018

In this study, highly fluorescent amino-functionalized CdSe/ZnS QDs coated with amphiphilic N-alkylated poly(ethyleneimine) have been synthesized and applied as fluorescent probes in LFIA strips for on-site determination of AFB1.
Baseline correction for Raman spectra using penalized spline smoothing based on vector transformation
Authors: Cai Yaoyi , Yang Chunhua , Xu Degang , Gui Weihua
Published: June 2018

A penalized spline smoothing method based on vector transformation (VTPspline) method has been proposed for baseline correction of Raman spectra.
Universally applicable three-dimensional hydrodynamic focusing in a single-layer channel for single cell analysis
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Li Qin , Hu Xiaoming
Published: June 2018

A microfluidic cytometer which integrated 3D hydrodynamic focusing and integrated optical systems on a single-layer microfluidic structure was demonstrated.
Sensitized photon upconversion in anthracene-based zirconium metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Rowe Jennifer M. , Zhu Jie , Soderstrom Erin M. , Xu Wenqian , Yakovenko Andrey , Morris Amanda J.
Published: June 2018

A systematic investigation of chromophore spacing on sensitized photon upconversion observed for the first time in zirconium-based anthracenic metal–organic frameworks.
A catalytic allylic cation-induced intermolecular allylation-semipinacol rearrangement
Authors: Xu Ming-Hui , Dai Kun-Long , Tu Yong-Qiang , Zhang Xiao-Ming , Zhang Fu-Min , Wang Shao-Hua
Published: June 2018

A catalytic intermolecular semipinacol rearrangement induced by allylic carbocations has been realized and used in the synthesis of α-homoallyl ketones.
Correlation between piezoelectric and magnetic properties of Fe and Sm co-substituted potassium niobate piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Swami Madhvi , Verma Onkar Nath , Tomar Vandna , Kumar Manish , Srivastav Kamal K. , Sathe Vasant , Jha Priyanka A. , Singh Prabhakar
Published: June 2018

A piezoelectric material KNbO3has been co-substituted with the magnetic ions Sm3+and Fe3+in order to explore the relation between piezoelectricity and magnetism.
K2TeP2O8: a new telluro-phosphate with a pentagonal Te–P–O layer structure
Authors: Wen Ming , Hu Cong , Yang Zhihua , Wu Xiaohong , Pan Shilie
Published: June 2018

We report a new telluro-phosphate K2TeP2O8with an analogously pentagonal [TeP2O8]2−layer structure.
Metallosomes for biomedical applications by mixing molybdenum carbonyl metallosurfactants and phospholipids
Authors: Marín-García M. , Benseny-Cases N. , Camacho M. , Perrie Y. , Suades J. , Barnadas-Rodríguez R.
Published: June 2018

New photo-CORM metallosomes with low cell toxicity were prepared from organometallic metallosurfactants and phospholipids.
Synthesis,in vitrocytotoxicity, and structure–activity relationships (SAR) of multidentate oxidovanadium(iv) complexes as anticancer agents
Authors: Ni Lubin , Zhao Hongxia , Tao Li , Li Xing , Zhou Zhaohui , Sun Yun , Chen Chong , Wei Duo , Liu Yanqing , Diao Guowang
Published: June 2018

Through screening and optimization, compound [VO(ox)(phen)(H2O)] (2) had stronger antitumor activity on hepatoma cells than four other vanadyl compounds.
Metal bis(acetylide) complex molecular wires: concepts and design strategies
Authors: Milan David C. , Vezzoli Andrea , Planje Inco J. , Low Paul J.
Published: June 2018

This Perspective highlights relationships between chemical features of metal bis(acetylide) complexes and their electrical response in a molecular junction.
Hydrophosphination of alkenes and alkynes with primary phosphines catalyzed by zirconium complexes bearing aminophenolato ligands
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Xinxin , Wang Yaorong , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming
Published: June 2018

Zirconium complexes supported by amine-bridged bis(phenolato) ligands have been developed as highly active and chemo-selective catalysts in hydrophosphination of alkenes and alkynes with primary phosphines at room temperature.
Cooperative bimetallic reactivity of a heterodinuclear molybdenum–copper model of Mo–Cu CODH
Authors: Hollingsworth Thilini S. , Hollingsworth Ryan L. , Lord Richard L. , Groysman Stanislav
Published: June 2018

Modeling the reactivity of Mo–Cu CODH: Cu(i) brings the substrate close to Mo–oxo and develops electrophilic character in CO carbon.
Vertical Co9S8 hollow nanowall arrays grown on a Celgard separator as a multifunctional polysulfide barrier for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: He Jiarui , Chen Yuanfu , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been regarded as one of the most promising next-generation energy-storage devices, due to their low cost and high theoretical energy density (2600 W h kg−1).
Fully quantum calculation of the second and third virial coefficients of water and its isotopologues fromab initiopotentials
Authors: Garberoglio Giovanni , Jankowski Piotr , Szalewicz Krzysztof , Harvey Allan H.
Published: June 2018

Path-Integral Monte Carlo methods were applied to calculate the second,B(T), and the third,C(T), virial coefficients for water and heavy water from state-of-art flexible potentials.
On the universality of the I–V switching characteristics in non-volatile and volatile resistive switching oxides
Authors: Wouters Dirk J. , Menzel Stephan , Rupp Jonathan A. J. , Hennen Tyler , Waser Rainer
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we want to review the correlation between filamentary (width) switching and the (SET) I–V characteristics by discussing the existing models.
Enhancing the health potential of processed meat: the effect of chitosan or carboxymethyl cellulose enrichment on inherent microstructure, water mobility and oxidation in a meat-based food matrix
Authors: Han Minyi , Clausen Mathias P. , Christensen Morten , Vossen Els , Van Hecke Thomas , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: June 2018

The addition of dietary fibers can alleviate the deteriorated textural properties and water binding capacity (WBC) that may occur when the fat content is lowered directly in the formulas of comminuted meat products.
The environmental biorefinery: state-of-the-art on the production of hydrogen and value-added biomolecules in mixed-culture fermentation
Authors: Moscoviz Roman , Trably Eric , Bernet Nicolas , Carrère Hélène
Published: June 2018

The production of energy carriers and bulk chemicals by mixed-culture fermentation is quantitatively analysed and discussed in a biorefinery context.
Trihalide ionic liquids as non-volatile oxidizing solvents for metals
Authors: Van den Bossche Arne , De Witte Elise , Dehaen Wim , Binnemans Koen
Published: June 2018

Various trihalide ionic liquids were prepared and used as non-volatile solvent to oxidatively dissolve metals.
Catalytic single-chain polymeric nanoparticles at work: from ensemble towards single-particle kinetics
Authors: Liu Yiliu , Turunen Petri , de Waal Bas F. M. , Blank Kerstin G. , Rowan Alan E. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W.
Published: June 2018

In this work, we present the design and preparation of catalytic single chain polymeric nanoparticles (SCPNs), their characterization at the ensemble level as well as our progress toward analyzing individual SCPNs with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy.
Hydrothermal synthesis of a mineral-substituted hydroxyapatite nanocomposite material for fluoride removal from drinking water
Authors: Nagaraj Ammavasi , Munusamy Murugan A. , Ahmed Mukhtar , Suresh Kumar S. , Rajan Mariappan
Published: June 2018

Mineral substituted hydroxyapatite (mHAp) nanocomposite was synthesized and it shows high fluoride adsorption capacity.
Indolizine quaternary ammonium salt inhibitors part II: a reinvestigation of an old-fashioned strong acid corrosion inhibitor phenacyl quinolinium bromide and its indolizine derivative
Authors: Wang Yefei , Yang Zhen , Zhan Fengtao , LYu Zhifeng , Han Chengyou , Wang Xiaonuo , Chen Wuhua , Ding Mingchen , Wang Renzhuo , Jiang Yingnan
Published: June 2018

Anti-corrosion inhibition was dramatically improved by transforming heterocyclic ammonium inhibitors into their dimer indolizine derivatives.
Natural products from thioester reductase containing biosynthetic pathways
Authors: Mullowney Michael W. , McClure Ryan A. , Robey Matthew T. , Kelleher Neil L. , Thomson Regan J.
Published: June 2018

Thioester reductases arm natural products, such as the peptide aldehydes and the anti-cancer drug Yondelis, with unique structures and bioactivity.
Graphitic and oxidised high pressure high temperature (HPHT) nanodiamonds induce differential biological responses in breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Woodhams Benjamin , Ansel-Bollepalli Laura , Surmacki Jakub , Knowles Helena , Maggini Laura , de Volder Michael , Atatüre Mete , Bohndiek Sarah
Published: June 2018

We show here that oxidised nanodiamonds show improved biocompatibility compared to graphitic nanodiamonds when applied in living cells.
Facile synthesis of highly monodisperse EuSe nanocubes with size-dependent optical/magnetic properties and their electrochemiluminescence performance
Authors: Zhang Jinzha , Xie Hangqing , Shen Yang , Zhao Wenbo , Li Yafei
Published: June 2018

The highly monodisperse cubic EuSe NPs with controllable edge lengths were prepared and their optical/magnetic properties and electrochemiluminescence performances were investigated.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of Na0.5Ni0.25Mn0.75O2 micro-sheets at 3.8 V for Na-ion batteries with nanosized-thin AlF3 coating
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yang Jingang , Guo Biao , Han Xiaopeng , Yuan Qi , Fu Qianlin , Lin Hua , Liu Gang , Xu Maowen
Published: June 2018

Na0.5Ni0.25Mn0.75O2 (NNMO) micro-sheets are novel and attractive cathode materials for Na-ion batteries because of the high capacity and a considerable operating voltage of 3.8 V versus Na/Na+, while the rate and cycling capabilities were not satisfactory.
Controllable self-assembled plasmonic vesicle-based three-dimensional SERS platform for picomolar detection of hydrophobic contaminants
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Liu Yijing , Barr Jim , Song Jibin , He Zhimei , Wang Yongmei , Nie Zhihong , Xiong Yonghua , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2018

Here, a controllable solution-based SERS detection platform was fabricated for direct and ultrasensitive detection of hydrophobic contaminants by using self-assembled 3D plasmonic vesicles.
Lubricating properties of single metal ions at interfaces
Authors: Cafolla Clodomiro , Voïtchovsky Kislon
Published: June 2018

Molecular-level shear experiments quantify how single ions lubricate nano-confined water by locally remodelling the hydrogen bond network.
Controllable formation of meso- and macropores within metal–organic framework crystals via a citric acid modulator
Authors: Liu Ting , Liu Yongxin , Yao Lili , Yang Wenxiu , Tian Long , Liu Huiling , Liu Dan , Wang Cheng
Published: June 2018

Citric acid (modulator) was introduced to create hierarchical pores in metal–organic frameworks for catalysis by loading large active molecules.
Microporous 2D NiCoFe phosphate nanosheets supported on Ni foam for efficient overall water splitting in alkaline media
Authors: Sial Muhammad Aurang Zeb Gul , Lin Haifeng , Wang Xun
Published: June 2018

Ultrathin, amorphous and porous NiCoFe phosphate nanosheets show excellent OER, HER and overall water splitting activity in alkaline solution.
A sinusoidal alternating output of a triboelectric nanogenerator array with asymmetric-layer-based units
Authors: Yu Bin , Yu Hao , Huang Tao , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Bimeng , Zhu Meifang
Published: June 2018

A sinusoidal alternating power output is achieved with a triboelectric nanogenerator array assembled with multiple asymmetric-layer-based triboelectric units.
Probing the enhanced catalytic activity of carbon nanotube supported Ni-LaOx hybrids for the CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Gao Jie , Jiang Qian , Liu Yuefeng , Liu Wei , Chu Wei , Su Dang Sheng
Published: June 2018

The promoted active sites for the CO2 reduction reaction on Ni-LaOx/oCNT consist of LaOx species on the surface of Ni NPs and are responsible for the highest TOF rate (51.8 × 10−3 s−1) of CO2 conversion with 100% methane selectivity at 240 °C.
Tracking down protein–protein interactionsviaa FRET-system using site-specific thiol-labeling
Authors: Söveges B. , Imre T. , Póti Á. L. , Sok P. , Kele Zs. , Alexa A. , Kele P. , Németh K.
Published: June 2018

A novel Cys-specific bioorthogonalized linker was synthesized and applied in combination with bioorthogonally applicable fluorescent markers to track down protein–protein (p38-MK2) interactions by FRET.
A macrocyclic receptor containing two viologen species connected by conjugated terphenyl groups
Authors: Chen Long , Lim Kate J. C. , Babra Tahkur S. , Taylor James O. , Pižl Martin , Evans Robert , Chippindale Ann M. , Hartl František , Colquhoun Howard M. , Greenland Barnaby W.
Published: June 2018

A diviologen-containing macrocycle containing conjugated terphenyl groups has been synthesised and studied. It forms pseudo-rotaxanes with π-electron rich guest species.
Second-order asymmetric transformation and its application for the practical synthesis of α-amino acids
Authors: Takeda Ryosuke , Kawamura Akie , Kawashima Aki , Sato Tatsunori , Moriwaki Hiroki , Izawa Kunisuke , Abe Hidenori , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: June 2018

Design of a rimantadine [1-(1-adamantyl)ethanamine]-derived chiral ligand and its application for the preparation of α-amino acids via second-order asymmetric transformation is reported.
Pd-Catalyzed diastereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes with sulfamate-derived cyclic imines
Authors: Wang Qijun , Wang Chang , Shi Wangyu , Xiao Yumei , Guo Hongchao
Published: June 2018

The palladium-catalyzed diastereoselective [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of vinylcyclopropanes with sulfamate-derived cyclic imines worked efficiently under mild conditions, providing sulfamate-fused pyrrolidines in good to excellent yields.
Deletion of a global regulator LaeB leads to the discovery of novel polyketides in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Lin Haizhou , Lyu Haining , Zhou Shuang , Yu Jingwen , Keller Nancy P. , Chen Lin , Yin Wen-Bing
Published: June 2018

By disruption of LaeB, a global regulator recently characterized in Aspergillus nidulans, eight cryptic compounds in the mutant were identified, including seven polyketides and one NRPS-like product.
Post-synthetic functionalization of a polysulfone scaffold with hydrazone-linked functionality
Authors: Domaille Dylan W. , Love Dillon M. , Rima Xilal Y. , Harguindey Albert , Fairbanks Benjamin D. , Klug David , Cha Jennifer N. , Bowman Christopher N.
Published: June 2018

The synthesis, characterization, and post-synthetic functionalization of a readily functionalized step-growth linear polymer derived from divinyl sulfone (DVS) and tert-butylcarbazate (TBC) is presented.
Investigation of green and sustainable solvents for direct arylation polymerization (DArP)
Authors: Pankow Robert M. , Ye Liwei , Gobalasingham Nemal S. , Salami Neda , Samal Sanket , Thompson Barry C.
Published: June 2018

Green solvents, notably cyclopentyl methylether (CPME), are found to be highly effective in Direct Arylation Polymerization (DArP).
Cyanide-bridged coordination polymers constructed from lanthanide ions and octacyanometallate building-blocks
Authors: Gao Yuan , Viciano-Chumillas Marta , Toader Ana Maria , Teat Simon J. , Ferbinteanu Marilena , Tanase Stefania
Published: June 2018

Self-assembling lanthanide ions and octacyanometallate building-blocks in the presence of pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate acid leads to 3D dense networks.
High-pressure study of Li[Li1/3Ti5/3]O4 spinel
Authors: Mukai Kazuhiko , Yamada Ikuya
Published: June 2018

Crystal structures and electrochemical reactivities of high-pressure forms of the lithium titanium spinel Li[Li1/3Ti5/3]O4 (LTO) were investigated under a pressure of 12 GPa to elucidate its structural phase transition from spinel to post-spinel and to obtain a wide variety of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.