bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reductive metabolism of the important atmospheric gas isoprene by homoacetogens
Authors: Kronen Miriam , Lee Matthew , Jones Zackary L , Manefield Michael J
Published: January 2019

Isoprene is the most abundant biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) in the Earth’s atmosphere and plays important roles in atmospheric chemistry. Despite this, little is known about microbiological processes serving as a terrestrial sink for isoprene. While aerobic isoprene degrading bacteria have been identified, there are no known anaerobic, isoprene-metabolizing organisms. In this study an H2-consuming homoacetogenic enrichment was shown to utilize 1.6 µmoles isoprene h−1 as an electron acceptor in addition to HCO3−. The isoprene-reducing community was dominated by Acetobacterium spp. and isoprene was shown to be stoichiometrically reduced to three methylbutene isomers (2-methyl-1-butene (>97%), 3-methyl-1-butene (≤2%), 2-methyl-2-butene (≤1%). In the presence of isoprene, 40% less acetate was formed suggesting that isoprene reduction is coupled to energy conservation in Acetobacterium spp. This study improves our understanding of linkages and feedbacks between biogeochemistry and terrestrial microbial activity.
E47 modulates hepatic glucocorticoid action
Authors: Hemmer M. Charlotte , Wierer Michael , Schachtrup Kristina , Downes Michael , Hübner Norbert , Evans Ronald M. , Uhlenhaut N. Henriette
Published: January 2019

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are effective drugs, but their clinical use is compromised by severe side effects including hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity. They bind to the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR), which acts as a transcription factor. The activation of metabolic genes by GR is thought to underlie these adverse effects. We identify the bHLH factor E47 as a modulator of GR target genes. Using mouse genetics, we find that E47 is required for the regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism by GR, and that loss of E47 prevents the development of hyperglycemia and hepatic steatosis in response to GCs. Here we show that E47 and GR co-occupy metabolic promoters and enhancers. E47 is needed for the efficient recruitment of GR and coregulators such as Mediator to chromatin. Altogether, our results illustrate how GR and E47 regulate hepatic metabolism, and might provide an entry point for novel therapies with reduced side effects.
Hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein mediates cartilage degeneration during the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis
Authors: Ji Quanbo , Xu Xiaojie , Kang Lei , Xu Yameng , Xiao Jingbo , Goodman Stuart B. , Zhu Xiang , Li Wenchao , Liu Juan , Gao Xu , Yan Zhifeng , Zheng Yuxuan , Wang Zheng , Maloney William J. , Ye Qinong , Wang Yan
Published: January 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been recognized as the most common chronic age-related disease. Cartilage degeneration influences OA therapy. Here we report that hematopoietic pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor-interacting protein (HPIP) is essential for OA development. Elevated HPIP levels are found in OA patients. Col2a1-CreERT2/HPIPf/f mice exhibit obvious skeletal abnormalities compared with their HPIPf/f littermates. HPIP deficiency in mice protects against developing OA. Moreover, intra-articular injection of adeno-associated virus carrying HPIP-specific short hairpin RNA in vivo attenuates OA histological signs. Notably, in vitro RNA-sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing profiles identify that HPIP modulates OA cartilage degeneration through transcriptional activation of Wnt target genes. Mechanistically, HPIP promotes the transcription of Wnt targets by interacting with lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1). Furthermore, HPIP potentiates the transcriptional activity of LEF1 and acetylates histone H3 lysine 56 in the promoters of Wnt targets, suggesting that HPIP is an attractive target in OA regulatory network.
Gut bacterial tyrosine decarboxylases restrict levels of levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: van Kessel Sebastiaan P. , Frye Alexandra K. , El-Gendy Ahmed O. , Castejon Maria , Keshavarzian Ali , van Dijk Gertjan , El Aidy Sahar
Published: January 2019

Human gut microbiota senses its environment and responds by releasing metabolites, some of which are key regulators of human health and disease. In this study, we characterize gut-associated bacteria in their ability to decarboxylate levodopa to dopamine via tyrosine decarboxylases. Bacterial tyrosine decarboxylases efficiently convert levodopa to dopamine, even in the presence of tyrosine, a competitive substrate, or inhibitors of human decarboxylase. In situ levels of levodopa are compromised by high abundance of gut bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Finally, the higher relative abundance of bacterial tyrosine decarboxylases at the site of levodopa absorption, proximal small intestine, had a significant impact on levels of levodopa in the plasma of rats. Our results highlight the role of microbial metabolism in drug availability, and specifically, that abundance of bacterial tyrosine decarboxylase in the proximal small intestine can explain the increased dosage regimen of levodopa treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Author Correction: Narrow bounds for the quantum capacity of thermal attenuators
Authors: Rosati Matteo , Mari Andrea , Giovannetti Vittorio
Published: January 2019

The original version of this Article contained an error in Equation (40). The numerator of the fraction inside the logarithm was missing an overall minus sign. This has been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Disulfiram and BKM120 in Combination with Chemotherapy Impede Tumor Progression and Delay Tumor Recurrence in Tumor Initiating Cell-Rich TNBC
Authors: Wu Ling , Meng Fanyan , Dong Lun , Block C. James , Mitchell Allison V. , Wu Jason , Jang Hyejeong , Chen Wei , Polin Lisa , Yang Qifeng , Dou Q. Ping , Wu Guojun
Published: January 2019

Tumor initiating cells (TIC) have been suggested as a mechanism for driving chemoresistance and tumor recurrence in human cancers including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Significant progress has been made in targeting TICs. However, methods for simultaneously targeting heterogeneous TIC populations are lacking. In this study, we found that treating TNBC cells with chemotherapeutic agents led to a significant accumulation of the ALDH+ TIC population. Treating TNBC cells with a disulfiram and copper mixture (DSF/Cu) specifically decreased the ALDH+ TIC population and treatment with BKM120, a pan-PI3K inhibitor, significantly decreased the CD44+/CD24− TIC population. Furthermore, treatment with DSF/Cu or BKM120 induced higher levels of apoptosis in ALDH+ or CD44+/CD24− populations, respectively, than in bulk tumor cells. Combining DSF/Cu and BKM120 treatment simultaneously decreased the ALDH+ and CD44+/CD24− TICs. Using a TNBC tumor xenograft mouse model, we found that DSF/BKM in combination with Taxol significantly reduced the tumor burden and delayed tumor recurrence compared to Taxol treatment alone. Our study is the first of its kind to use two different drugs to abolish two major TIC subtypes simultaneously and inhibit tumor recurrence. These results lay a foundation for developing a novel therapy that can improve chemotherapeutic efficacy.
Proteo-Transcriptomic Dynamics of Cellular Response to HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Golumbeanu Monica , Desfarges Sébastien , Hernandez Céline , Quadroni Manfredo , Rato Sylvie , Mohammadi Pejman , Telenti Amalio , Beerenwinkel Niko , Ciuffi Angela
Published: January 2019

Throughout the HIV-1 replication cycle, complex host-pathogen interactions take place in the infected cell, leading to the production of new virions. The virus modulates the host cellular machinery in order to support its life cycle, while counteracting intracellular defense mechanisms. We investigated the dynamic host response to HIV-1 infection by systematically measuring transcriptomic, proteomic, and phosphoproteomic expression changes in infected and uninfected SupT1 CD4+ T cells at five time points of the viral replication process. By means of a Gaussian mixed-effects model implemented in the new R/Bioconductor package TMixClust, we clustered host genes based on their temporal expression patterns. We identified a proteo-transcriptomic gene expression signature of 388 host genes specific for HIV-1 replication. Comprehensive functional analyses of these genes confirmed the previously described roles of some of the genes and revealed novel key virus-host interactions affecting multiple molecular processes within the host cell, including signal transduction, metabolism, cell cycle, and immune system. The results of our analysis are accessible through a freely available, dedicated and user-friendly R/Shiny application, called PEACHi2.0. This resource constitutes a catalogue of dynamic host responses to HIV-1 infection that provides a basis for a more comprehensive understanding of virus-host interactions.
Gene activated adipose tissue fragments as advanced autologous biomaterials for bone regeneration: osteogenic differentiation within the tissue and implications for clinical translation
Authors: Ren Bin , Betz Volker M. , Thirion Christian , Salomon Michael , Klar Roland M. , Jansson Volkmar , Müller Peter E. , Betz Oliver B.
Published: January 2019

Cost-effective, expedited approaches for bone regeneration are urgently needed in an ageing population. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) stimulate osteogenesis but their efficacy is impeded by their short half-life. Delivery by genetically modified cells can overcome this problem. However, cell isolation and propagation represent significant obstacles for the translation into the clinic. Instead, complete gene activated fragments of adipose tissue hold great potential for bone repair. Here, using an in-vitro culture system, we investigated whether adenoviral transduction with human BMP-2 can promote osteogenic differentiation within adipose tissue fragments. Osteoinduction in adipose tissue fragments was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunohistology and histomorphometry. BMP-2 transduced adipose tissue synthesized BMP-2 protein over 30 days peaking by day six, which significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation as indicated by increased calcium depositions, up-regulation of bone marker genes, and bone-related protein expression. Our results demonstrate that cells within adipose tissue fragments can differentiate osteogenically after BMP-2 transduction of cells on the surface of the adipose tissue. BMP-2 gene activated adipose tissue represents an advanced osteo-regenerative biomaterial that can actively contribute to osteogenesis and potentially enable the development of a novel, cost-effective, one-step surgical approach to bone repair without the need for cell isolation.
Proper direction of male genitalia is prerequisite for copulation in Drosophila, implying cooperative evolution between genitalia rotation and mating behavior
Authors: Inatomi Momoko , Shin Dongsun , Lai Yi-Ting , Matsuno Kenji
Published: January 2019

Animal morphology and behavior often appear to evolve cooperatively. However, it is difficult to assess how strictly these two traits depend on each other. The genitalia morphologies and courtship behaviors in insects, which vary widely, may be a good model for addressing this issue. In Diptera, phylogenetic analyses of mating positions suggested that the male-above position evolved from an end-to-end one. However, with this change in mating position, the dorsoventral direction of the male genitalia became upside down with respect to that of the female genitalia. It was proposed that to compensate for this incompatibility, the male genitalia rotated an additional 180° during evolution, implying evolutionary cooperativity between the mating position and genitalia direction. According to this scenario, the proper direction of male genitalia is critical for successful mating. Here, we tested this hypothesis using a Drosophila Myosin31DF (Myo31DF) mutant, in which the rotation of the male genitalia terminates prematurely, resulting in various deviations in genitalia direction. We found that the proper dorsoventral direction of the male genitalia was a prerequisite for successful copulation, but it did not affect the other courtship behaviors. Therefore, our results suggested that the male genitalia rotation and mating position evolved cooperatively in Drosophila.
One- and two-stage surgical revision of infected shoulder prostheses following arthroplasty surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Wylde Vikki , Beswick Andrew D. , Whitehouse Michael R. , Blom Ashley W.
Published: January 2019

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication of shoulder arthroplasty. Commonly used surgical treatments include one- or two-stage revision, but their effectiveness in controlling infection is uncertain. We aimed to compare re-infection (recurrent and new infections) rates; clinical measures of function and pain; and noninfection complication rates of one- and two-stage revision surgery for shoulder PJI using a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library to February 2018. Longitudinal studies conducted in patients with shoulder PJI treated exclusively by one- or two-stage revision were eligible. No clinical trials were identified. Re-infection rates were meta-analysed using random-effect models after arcsine transformation. The re-infection rate (95% CI) in pooled analysis of eight one-stage studies (147 participants) was 5.3% (1.4–10.6). The corresponding rate for 27 two-stage studies (351 participants) was 11.5% (6.0–18.1). Postoperative clinical measures of function and pain were not significantly different between the two revision strategies. The pooled noninfection complication rate (95% CI) for one-stage and two-stage revision was 12.1% (6.1–19.5) and 18.9% (8.4–31.9) respectively. New evidence suggests one-stage revision is at least equally as effective as the two-stage in controlling infection, maintaining joint function, and improving complications in shoulder PJI.
Body sway reflects joint emotional expression in music ensemble performance
Authors: Chang Andrew , Kragness Haley E. , Livingstone Steven R. , Bosnyak Dan J. , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: January 2019

Joint action is essential in daily life, as humans often must coordinate with others to accomplish shared goals. Previous studies have mainly focused on sensorimotor aspects of joint action, with measurements reflecting event-to-event precision of interpersonal sensorimotor coordination (e.g., tapping). However, while emotional factors are often closely tied to joint actions, they are rarely studied, as event-to-event measurements are insufficient to capture higher-order aspects of joint action such as emotional expression. To quantify joint emotional expression, we used motion capture to simultaneously measure the body sway of each musician in a trio (piano, violin, cello) during performances. Excerpts were performed with or without emotional expression. Granger causality was used to analyze body sway movement time series amongst musicians, which reflects information flow. Results showed that the total Granger-coupling of body sway in the ensemble was higher when performing pieces with emotional expression than without. Granger-coupling further correlated with the emotional intensity as rated by both the ensemble members themselves and by musician judges, based on the audio recordings alone. Together, our findings suggest that Granger-coupling of co-actors’ body sways reflects joint emotional expression in a music ensemble, and thus provide a novel approach to studying joint emotional expression.
A near infrared light emitting electrochemical cell with a 2.3 V turn-on voltage
Authors: Nemati Bideh Babak , Shahroosvand Hashem , Sousaraei Ahmad , Cabanillas-Gonzalez Juan
Published: January 2019

We report on an organic electroluminescent device with simplified geometry and emission in the red to near infrared (NIR) spectral region which, has the lowest turn-on voltage value, 2.3 V, among light emitting electrochemical cells (LEECs). We have synthesized and characterized three novel ruthenium π-extended phenanthroimidazoles which differ on their N^N ligands. The use of dimethyl electron donating groups along with the π-extended phenanthroimidazole moiety promotes ambipolar transport thereby avoiding the use of additional charge transport layers. Furthermore, a facile cathode deposition method based on transfer of a molten alloy (Ga:In) on top of the active layer is deployed, thus avoiding high vacuum thermal deposition which adds versatile assets to our approach. We combine ambipolar charge transport organic complex design and a simple ambient cathode deposition to achieve a potentially cost effective red to NIR emitting device with outstanding performance, opening new avenues towards the development of simplified light emitting sources through device optimization.
In utero and lactational exposure to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor fluoxetine compromises pup bones at weaning
Authors: Weaver Samantha R. , Xie Cynthia , Charles Julia F. , Hernandez Laura L.
Published: January 2019

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine are widely prescribed to pregnant and breastfeeding women, yet the effects of peripartum SSRI exposure on neonatal bone are not known. In adult populations, SSRI use is associated with compromised bone health, and infants exposed to in utero SSRIs have a smaller head circumference and are shorter, suggesting possible effects on longitudinal growth. Yet no study to date has examined the effects of peripartum SSRIs on long bone growth or mass. We used microCT to determine the outcomes of in utero and lactational SSRI exposure on C57BL6 pup bone microarchitecture. We found that peripartum exposure to 20 mg/kg fluoxetine reduced femoral bone mineral density and bone volume fraction, negatively impacted trabecular and cortical parameters, and resulted in shorter femurs on postnatal day 21. Although SSRIs are considered the first-choice antidepressant for pregnant and lactating women due to a low side effect profile, SSRI exposure may compromise fetal and neonatal bone development.
Klebsiella pneumoniae prevents spore germination and hyphal development of Aspergillus species
Authors: Nogueira M. F. , Pereira L. , Jenull S. , Kuchler K. , Lion T.
Published: January 2019

Different bacteria and fungi live as commensal organisms as part of the human microbiota, but shifts to a pathogenic state potentially leading to septic infections commonly occur in immunocompromised individuals. Several studies have reported synergistic or antagonistic interactions between individual bacteria and fungi which might be of clinical relevance. Here, we present first evidence for the interaction between Klebsiella pneumoniae and several Aspergillus species including A. fumigatus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. flavus which cohabit in the lungs and the intestines. Microbiological and molecular methods were employed to investigate the interaction in vitro, and the results indicate that Klebsiella pneumoniae is able to prevent Aspergillus spp. spore germination and hyphal development. The inhibitory effect is reversible, as demonstrated by growth recovery of Aspergillus spp. upon inhibition or elimination of the bacteria, and is apparently dependent on the physical interaction with metabolically active bacteria. Molecular analysis of Klebsiella-Aspergillus interaction has shown upregulation of Aspergillus cell wall-related genes and downregulation of hyphae-related genes, suggesting that Klebsiella induces cell wall stress response mechanisms and suppresses filamentous growth. Characterization of polymicrobial interactions may provide the basis for improved clinical management of mixed infections by setting the stage for appropriate diagnostics and ultimately for optimized treatment strategies.
Anomalous acoustic phonons as the physical mechanism behind the adiabatic barocaloric effect on graphene
Authors: Ma Ning , Reis Mario S.
Published: January 2019

A graphene sheet is able to either heat up or cool down due to a mechanical strain: this is the adiabatic barocaloric effect. In order to understand the physical mechanism behind this effect, we have explored the adiabatic temperature change of the graphene and, for this purpose, we considered two contributions to the total entropy: a lattice entropy (depending on the transversal, longitudinal and anomalous out-of-plane acoustic phonons) and a strain entropy. We found that the adiabatic barocaloric effect only depends on the strain energy and the anomalous acoustic phonons, without terms due to the transversal and longitudinal acoustic phonons.
Sediment fluxes rather than oxic methanogenesis explain diffusive CH4 emissions from lakes and reservoirs
Authors: Peeters Frank , Encinas Fernandez Jorge , Hofmann Hilmar
Published: January 2019

Methane emissions from lakes and reservoirs are a major natural source in the global budget of atmospheric CH4. A large fraction of these emissions are due to diffusive transport of CH4 from surface waters to the atmosphere. It was suggested recently that CH4 production in the oxic surface waters is required to compensate for diffusive CH4 emissions from lakes. In contrast, we demonstrate here that typical diffusive CH4-fluxes from sediments in shallow water zones, Fsed,S, suffice to explain CH4 emissions to the atmosphere. Our analysis is based on the combination of an exceptional data set on surface concentrations of CH4 with a mass balance model of CH4 that is focused on the surface mixed layer and considers CH4-fluxes from sediments, lateral transport, gas exchange with the atmosphere, and includes temperature dependencies of sediment fluxes and gas exchange. Fsed,S not only explains observed surface CH4 concentrations but also concentration differences between shallow and open water zones, and the seasonal variability of emissions and lateral concentration distributions. Hence, our results support the hypothesis that diffusive fluxes from shallow sediments and not oxic methanogenesis are the main source of the CH4 in the surface waters and the CH4 emitted from lakes and reservoirs.
Tribological and mechanical investigation of multi-directional forged nickel
Authors: Djavanroodi Faramarz , Ebrahimi Mahmoud , Nayfeh Jamal F.
Published: January 2019

Tailoring material properties to specific application requirements is one of the major challenges in materials engineering. Grain size is a key factor affecting physical and mechanical properties of polycrystals materials, the presented work enables insight into how the pure nickel properties are affected by application of multi-directional forging (MDF) as a well-known severe plastic deformation method. It is demonstrated that the hardness and wear rate are improved by imposing MDF process. The rate of enhancement is reduced at the higher pass numbers. It is also shown that the application of MDF process changed the mechanism of wear. Non-MDF sample’s surface shows spalling and delamination, while the dominated wear mechanism of final pass sample is peeling with a slight of adhesion. The change of wear mechanism can be associated with the reduction of friction coefficient of the deformed sample. By considering the linear correlation between the hardness and wear rate, a simple and fast procedure is proposed to estimate the wear rate of sample after the different MDF pass numbers using the corresponding hardness magnitude. Additionally, the attained microstructure of the final pass sample shows a combination of ultrafine grains and micro shear bands.
Detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity using perfusion-corrected 99mTc sestamibi SPECT
Authors: Safee Zaitulhusna M. , Baark Friedrich , Waters Edward C. T. , Veronese Mattia , Pell Victoria R. , Clark James E. , Mota Filipa , Livieratos Lefteris , Eykyn Thomas R. , Blower Philip J. , Southworth Richard
Published: January 2019

By the time cardiotoxicity-associated cardiac dysfunction is detectable by echocardiography it is often beyond meaningful intervention. 99mTc-sestamibi is used clinically to image cardiac perfusion by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, but as a lipophilic cation its distribution is also governed by mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Correcting scans for variations in perfusion (using a ΔΨm-independent perfusion tracer such as (bis(N-ethoxy-N-ethyldithiocarbamato)nitrido 99mTc(V)) (99mTc-NOET) could allow 99mTc-sestamibi to be repurposed to specifically report on ΔΨm as a readout of evolving cardiotoxicity. Isolated rat hearts were perfused within a γ-detection apparatus to characterize the pharmacokinetics of 99mTc-sestamibi and 99mTc-NOET in response to mitochondrial perturbation by hypoxia, ionophore (CCCP) or doxorubicin. All interventions induced 99mTc-sestamibi washout; hypoxia from 24.9 ± 2.6% ID to 0.4 ± 6.2%, CCCP from 22.8 ± 2.5% ID to −3.5 ± 3.1%, and doxorubicin from 23.0 ± 2.2% ID to 17.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.05. Cardiac 99mTc-NOET retention (34.0 ± 8.0% ID) was unaffected in all cases. Translating to an in vivo rat model, 2 weeks after bolus doxorubicin injection, there was a dose-dependent loss of cardiac 99mTc-sestamibi retention (from 2.3 ± 0.3 to 0.9 ± 0.2 ID/g with 10 mg/kg (p < 0.05)), while 99mTc-NOET retention (0.93 ± 0.16 ID/g) was unaffected. 99mTc-NOET therefore traps in myocardium independently of the mitochondrial perturbations that induce 99mTc-sestamibi washout, demonstrating proof-of-concept for an imaging approach to detect evolving cardiotoxicity.
Claudin-3-deficient C57BL/6J mice display intact brain barriers
Authors: Castro Dias Mariana , Coisne Caroline , Lazarevic Ivana , Baden Pascale , Hata Masaki , Iwamoto Noriko , Francisco David Miguel Ferreira , Vanlandewijck Michael , He Liqun , Baier Felix A. , Stroka Deborah , Bruggmann Rémy , Lyck Ruth , Enzmann Gaby , Deutsch Urban , Betsholtz Christer , Furuse Mikio , Tsukita Shoichiro , Engelhardt Britta
Published: January 2019

The tight junction protein claudin-3 has been identified as a transcriptional target of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) maturation. In neurological disorders loss of claudin-3 immunostaining is observed at the compromised BBB and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). Although these observations support a central role of claudin-3 in regulating brain barriers’ tight junction integrity, expression of claudin-3 at the brain barriers has remained a matter of debate. This prompted us to establish claudin-3−/−C57BL/6J mice to study the role of claudin-3 in brain barrier integrity in health and neuroinflammation. Bulk and single cell RNA sequencing and direct comparative qRT-PCR analysis of brain microvascular samples from WT and claudin-3−/−mice show beyond doubt that brain endothelial cells do not express claudin-3 mRNA. Detection of claudin-3 protein at the BBBin vivoandin vitrois rather due to junctional reactivity of anti-claudin-3 antibodies to an unknown antigen still detected in claudin-3−/−brain endothelium. We confirm expression and junctional localization of claudin-3 at the BCSFB of the choroid plexus. Our study clarifies that claudin-3 is not expressed at the BBB and shows that absence of claudin-3 does not impair brain barrier function during health and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6J mice.
Investigation of Cavity Enhanced XEOL of a Single ZnO Microrod by Using Multifunctional Hard X-ray Nanoprobe
Authors: Lin Bi-Hsuan , Li Xiao-Yun , Lin Dai-Jie , Jian Bo-Lun , Hsu Hsu-Cheng , Chen Huang-Yen , Tseng Shao-Chin , Lee Chien-Yu , Chen Bo-Yi , Yin Gung-Chian , Hsu Ming-Ying , Chang Shih-Hung , Tang Mau-Tsu , Hsieh Wen-Feng
Published: January 2019

The multifunctional hard X-ray nanoprobe at Taiwan Photon Source (TPS) exhibits the excellent ability to simultaneously characterize the X-ray absorption, X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) as well as the dynamics of XEOL of materials. Combining the scanning electron microscope (SEM) into the TPS 23A end-station, we can easily and quickly measure the optical properties to map out the morphology of a ZnO microrod. A special phenomenon has been observed that the oscillations in the XEOL associated with the confinement of the optical photons in the single ZnO microrod shows dramatical increase while the X-ray excitation energy is set across the Zn K-edge. Besides having the nano-scale spatial resolution, the synchrotron source also gives a good temporal domain measurement to investigate the luminescence dynamic process. The decay lifetimes of different emission wavelengths and can be simultaneously obtained from the streak image. Besides, SEM can provide the cathodoluminescence (CL) to be a complementary method to analyze the emission properties of materials, we anticipate that the X-ray nanoprobe will open new avenues with great characterization ability for developing nano/microsized optoelectronic devices.
Road dust biases NDVI and alters edaphic properties in Alaskan arctic tundra
Authors: Ackerman Daniel E. , Finlay Jacques C.
Published: January 2019

Increased road-building activity in the arctic has the potential to impact adjacent ecosystems. Roads in permafrost regions are often built atop insulative gravel pads that generate dust plumes, altering soil chemistry and ecosystem function of nearby tundra. Here, we measure edaphic and vegetation characteristics along transects of decreasing dust deposition perpendicular to the Dalton Highway in northern Alaska. We quantify the impact of dust deposition on normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a proxy for aboveground plant biomass. Deposition of calcium carbonate-rich dust declined from 1.625 grams m−2 day−1 immediately adjacent to the road, to negligible levels 625 meters away. Along these transects from the road, we found declines in soil moisture and temperature, thaw depth, shrub height, and foliar nitrogen content, indicating that tundra roads create corridors with edaphic conditions favorable to vascular plant growth. At sites nearest the road, dust deposited on leaf surfaces reduced measured NDVI values by 0.24 by blocking reflectance properties of the underlying leaves. Our findings on the impacts of roads and dust deposition on adjacent tundra may aid planning of future infrastructure projects. We caution that dust deposition may negatively bias NDVI-based estimates of plant biomass, especially where unpaved roads are common.
Regulatory mechanism predates the evolution of self-organizing capacity in simulated ant-like robots
Authors: Fujisawa Ryusuke , Ichinose Genki , Dobata Shigeto
Published: January 2019

The evolution of complexity is one of the prime features of life on Earth. Although well accepted as the product of adaptation, the dynamics underlying the evolutionary build-up of complex adaptive systems remains poorly resolved. Using simulated robot swarms that exhibit ant-like group foraging with trail pheromones, we show that their self-organizing capacity paradoxically involves regulatory behavior that arises in advance. We focus on a traffic rule on their foraging trail as a regulatory trait. We allow the simulated robot swarms to evolve pheromone responsiveness and traffic rules simultaneously. In most cases, the traffic rule, initially arising as selectively neutral component behaviors, assists the group foraging system to bypass a fitness valley caused by overcrowding on the trail. Our study reveals a hitherto underappreciated role of regulatory mechanisms in the origin of complex adaptive systems, as well as highlights the importance of embodiment in the study of their evolution.
Highly sensitive electrochemical sensing of para-chloronitrobenzene using a carbon nanohorn–nanotube hybrid modified electrode
Authors: Zhu Gangbing , Fiston Mwenze Nkulu , Qian Junjuan , Kingsford Odoom Jibrael
Published: January 2019

A novel three-dimensional nanohybrid composed of carbon nanohorns and carbon nanotubes was prepared via a simple ultrasonication process for electrochemical sensing of para-chloronitrobenzene.
Papain-stabilized silver nanoclusters: dual emission and ratiometric fluorescent sensing of ferrous ions
Authors: Mo Qinchao , Jia Minna , Zhuang Peifeng , Yang Simin , Su Wanting , Zhu Yixuan , Shao Na , Zhao Meiping
Published: January 2019

Herein, a dual emissive fluorescent probe for Fe2+ based on papain-stabilized Ag nanoclusters was developed.
A multi-interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel with gelatin and silk fibroin
Authors: Park Shiwha , Edwards Seth , Hou Shujie , Boudreau Ryann , Yee Rachel , Jeong Kyung Jae
Published: January 2019

A mechanically tough and biofunctional hydrogel was created using a multi-interpenetrating network between gelatin and silk fibroin.
Second harmonic generation microscopy of collagen organization in tunable, environmentally responsive alginate hydrogels
Authors: Boddupalli Anuraag , Bratlie Kaitlin M.
Published: January 2019

We fabricated photocrosslinked, environmentally responsive alginate hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.
Engineering biocompatible benzodithiophene-based polymer dots with tunable absorptions as high-efficiency theranostic agents for multiscale photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy
Authors: Chang Kaiwen , Gao Duyang , Qi Qiaofang , Liu Yubin , Yuan Zhen
Published: January 2019

Conjugated polymer dots with tunable absorptions by controlling the structure have been engineered for multiscale photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy.
Biohybrid catalysts for sequential one-pot reactions based on an engineered transmembrane protein
Authors: Sauer D. F. , Qu Y. , Mertens M. A. S. , Schiffels J. , Polen T. , Schwaneberg U. , Okuda J.
Published: January 2019

A two-step one pot reaction sequence consisting of artificial metalloprotein olefin metathesis and hydrogenation was performed yielding 1,2-diphenylethane derivatives.
Interplay of nucleophilic catalysis with proton transfer in the nitrile reductase QueF from Escherichia coli
Authors: Jung Jihye , Braun Jan , Czabany Tibor , Nidetzky Bernd
Published: January 2019

Proton relay through an active-site network of hydrogen bonds promotes enzymatic nitrile reduction to amine via a covalent thioimidate enzyme intermediate.
Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination at four oil spill sites using fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with parallel factor-principal component analysis
Authors: Mirnaghi Fatemeh S. , Pinchin Natalie P. , Yang Zeyu , Hollebone Bruce P. , Lambert Patrick , Brown Carl E.
Published: January 2019

Monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination from two recent and two historical oil spills in Canada, using fluorescence spectroscopy.
Oxidation and removal of As(iii) from soil using novel magnetic nanocomposite derived from biomass waste
Authors: Cui Jianghu , Jin Qian , Li Yadong , Li Fangbai
Published: January 2019

A novel biomass-derived magnetic nanocomposite, named BMN, was fabricated via one-step pyrolysis process.
Supplementation with Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 from Tibetan Kefir improves depression-like behavior in stressed mice by modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Sun Ye , Geng Weitao , Pan Yajing , Wang Jinju , Xiao Ping , Wang Yanping
Published: January 2019

ZW3 regulated the biomarkers and behaviors associated with tryptophan metabolism, the HPA axis, and the immune system in depressed mice by regulating the gut microbiota.
Anti-diabetic activity of canophyllol fromCratoxylum cochinchinense(Lour.) Blume in type 2 diabetic mice by activation of AMP-activated kinase and regulation of PPARγ
Authors: Lv Yibing , Ming Qian , Hao Ji , Huang Yun , Chen Hao , Wang Qiang , Yang Xinzhou , Zhao Ping
Published: January 2019

Our results indicated that CNPL exhibits anti-diabetic effects in KK-Ay miceviaactivating AMP-activated kinase and regulating PPARγ.
Emulsifying properties of water-soluble proteins extracted from the microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Ebert Sandra , Grossmann Lutz , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: January 2019

This work studies the emulsifying properties of new protein extracts of microalgae in different environmental conditions.
Whey protein isolate–low methoxyl pectin nanocomplexes improve physicochemical and stability properties of quercetin in a model fat-free beverage
Authors: Wijaya Wahyu , Harfieyanto Rachel Catherina , Dewettinck Koen , Patel Ashok R. , Van der Meeren Paul
Published: January 2019

In this study, whey protein isolate (WPI)–low methoxyl pectin (LMP) electrostatic complexes were used to encapsulate quercetin (Q) in a model fat-free beverage.
Potent antiviral activity of carbohydrate-specific algal and leguminous lectins from the Brazilian biodiversity
Authors: Gondim Ana C. S. , Roberta da Silva Suzete , Mathys Leen , Noppen Sam , Liekens Sandra , Holanda Sampaio Alexandre , Nagano Celso S. , Renata Costa Rocha Cintia , Nascimento Kyria S. , Cavada Benildo S. , Sadler Peter J. , Balzarini Jan
Published: January 2019

Brazilian legumes and algae contain potent antiviral lectins.
Soft material nanoarchitectonics at interfaces: molecular assembly, nanomaterial synthesis, and life control
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Jia Xiaofang , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: January 2019

Nanoarchitectonics would be a breakthrough paradigm for preparation of functional materials with soft material components from nanoscale units.
3D flower-like binary nickel cobalt oxide decorated coiled carbon nanotubes directly grown on nickel nanocones and binder-free hydrothermal carbons for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Hekmat Farzaneh , Shahrokhian Saeed , Rahimi Sajad
Published: January 2019

The development of high performance supercapacitors with high energy densities without sacrificing power densities has always been at the leading edge of the emerging field of renewable energy.
Ce4+ as a facile and versatile surface modification reagent for templated synthesis in electrical applications
Authors: Yao Lulu , Gu Jiajun , Wang Weiqiang , Li Tengfei , Ma Dongling , Liu Qinglei , Zhang Wang , Abbas Waseem , Bahadoran Ashkan , Zhang Di
Published: January 2019

Ce4+ is a facile and versatile surface modification reagent for various substrates, producing versatile platforms for fabricating 3D architectured materials.
Hierarchically ordered nanostructures of a supramolecular rod-coil block copolymer with a hydrogen-bonded discotic mesogen
Authors: Pan Hongbing , Zhang Wei , Xiao Anqi , Lyu Xiaolin , Hou Pingping , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xinghe
Published: January 2019

Supramolecular liquid crystalline block copolymers prepared via hydrogen bonding exhibit hierarchical structures that can be tuned by varying the molar ratio of the discotic hydrogen-bonding acceptor to the block copolymer donor.
Highly efficient redox reaction between potassium permanganate and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine for application in hydrogen peroxide based colorimetric assays
Authors: Sun Ying , Liu Hui , Tan Xionghong , Li Zheng , Du Yanlin , Zheng Aixian , Liu Xiaolong , Peng Niancai
Published: January 2019

The redox reaction between potassium permanganate and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine is fast and highly efficient, which can be used for different biosensing.
Absorption and thermodynamic properties of CO2 by amido-containing anion-functionalized ionic liquids
Authors: Huang Yanjie , Cui Guokai , Wang Huiyong , Li Zhiyong , Wang Jianji
Published: January 2019

Amido-containing anion-functionalized ionic liquids exhibit high CO2 absorption capacity and low desorption energy.
An electrochemical technique for controlled dissolution of zirconium based components of light water reactors
Authors: Chatterjee Sayandev , Fujimoto Meghan S. , Canfield Nathan L. , Elmore Monte R. , Olson Devin W. , Buck Edgar C. , Conroy Michele A. , Varga Tamas , Senor David J.
Published: January 2019

This work demonstrates a controlled potential electrochemistry with correlative microscopy for insight into the radial H-distribution into TPBAR components of light water reactors.
Influence of magnetic field on electrical and thermal transport in the hole doped ferromagnetic manganite: La0.9Na0.1MnO3
Authors: Das Rajasree , Chanda Amit , Mahendiran Ramanathan
Published: January 2019

Magnetic field dependent electrical resistivity (ρ), thermal conductivity (κ) and thermopower (S) of polycrystalline La0.9Na0.1MnO3 have been reported and the possible mechanisms are discussed.
Conformational transition of a non-associative fluorinated amphiphile in aqueous solution. II. Conformational transition vs. supramolecular assembly
Authors: Taraban Marc B. , Deredge Daniel J. , Smith Margaret E. , Briggs Katharine T. , Feng Yue , Li Yu , Jiang Zhong-Xing , Wintrode Patrick L. , Yu Yihua Bruce
Published: January 2019

Conformational transition in non-associative fluorinated dendrimer—a way to novel unconventional amphiphiles.
An eco-friendly water-assisted polyol method to enhance the aspect ratio of silver nanowires
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Sha-Sha , Cao Hong-Tao , Xie Ling-Hai , Hong Chao-Shen , Jin Ling-Zhi , Yu Meng-Na , Zhang He , Zhang Zhi-Yun , Huang Li-Hua , Huang Wei
Published: January 2019

Silver nanowires with a high aspect ratio over 1600 were realized through a water-assisted polyol method.
Effect of external electric field on nanobubbles at the surface of hydrophobic particles during air flotation
Authors: Wu Leichao , Han Yong , Zhang Qianrui , Zhao Shuai
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the effect of external electric field on nanobubbles adsorbed on the surface of hydrophobic particles during air flotation was studied by molecular dynamics simulations.
Generation of twisted nanowires with achiral organic amphiphilic copper complexes
Authors: Isenberg Carolin , Käkel Eireen B. , Saragi Tobat P. I. , Thoma Peter , Weber Birgit , Lorenz Alexander
Published: January 2019

Drying under solvent atmosphere (DUSA) was investigated as an experimental technique to generate self-assembled nanowires and needles from solutions of organic molecules under controlled conditions.
Non-thermal plasma assisted surface nano-textured carboxymethyl guar gum/chitosan hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Dalei Ganeswar , Das Subhraseema , Das Smruti Prava
Published: January 2019

Surface nano-textured carboxymethyl guar gum/chitosan smart hydrogels by non-thermal plasma for biomedical applications.
Near-infrared emitting lanthanide(iii) complexes as prototypes of optical imaging agents with peptide targeting ability: a methodological approach
Authors: Cieslikiewicz-Bouet Monika , Eliseeva Svetlana V. , Aucagne Vincent , Delmas Agnès F. , Gillaizeau Isabelle , Petoud Stéphane
Published: January 2019

NIR Ln(iii) complexes combining a cyclen derivative, azo-dye as a sensitizer and a cRGD peptide as a targeting moiety.
Through-space charge transfer hexaarylbenzene dendrimers with thermally activated delayed fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission for efficient solution-processed OLEDs
Authors: Wang Xingdong , Wang Shumeng , Lv Jianhong , Shao Shiyang , Wang Lixiang , Jing Xiabin , Wang Fosong
Published: January 2019

Through-space charge transfer hexaarylbenzene dendrimers containing circularly-arrayed electron donors and acceptors exhibit thermally activated delayed fluorescence and aggregation-induced emission effects, giving EQE of 14.2% for solution-processed OLEDs.
Downsizing feature of microphase-separated structures via intramolecular crosslinking of block copolymers
Authors: Watanabe Kodai , Katsuhara Satoshi , Mamiya Hiroaki , Yamamoto Takuya , Tajima Kenji , Isono Takuya , Satoh Toshifumi
Published: January 2019

Intramolecular crosslinking of block copolymers was established as a novel strategy for downsizing the microphase-separated structures without changing the molecular weight.
Monomeric Cp3tAl(i): synthesis, reactivity, and the concept of valence isomerism
Authors: Hofmann Alexander , Tröster Tobias , Kupfer Thomas , Braunschweig Holger
Published: January 2019

With Cp3tAl, a monomeric Al(i) species was isolated, which reacted faster, more selectively, and under milder conditions than well-known tetrameric (Cp*Al)4.
Hydrodynamic self-assembly of active colloids: chiral spinners and dynamic crystals
Authors: Shen Zaiyi , Würger Alois , Lintuvuori Juho S.
Published: January 2019

Active colloids self-organise into a variety of collective states, ranging from highly motile “molecules” to complex 2D structures.
Unusually fast and large actuation from multilayer polyelectrolyte thin films
Authors: Song Yixuan , Qin Shuang , Gerringer Joseph , Grunlan Jaime C.
Published: January 2019

A dual vapor responsive polymer actuator that can control the bending curvature acts as a fast and reliable environmental detector.
Efficient delivery of oxygen via magnetic framework composites
Authors: Melag Leena , Sadiq M. Munir , Smith Stefan J. D. , Konstas Kristina , Suzuki Kiyonori , Hill Matthew R.
Published: January 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with their intriguing network structures, large internal surface areas, and tunable pore properties offer the perfect yet largely unexplored alternative for selective adsorption of oxygen.
Charge carrier dynamics in tantalum oxide overlayered and tantalum doped hematite photoanodes
Authors: Ruoko Tero-Petri , Hiltunen Arto , Iivonen Tomi , Ulkuniemi Riina , Lahtonen Kimmo , Ali-Löytty Harri , Mizohata Kenichiro , Valden Mika , Leskelä Markku , Tkachenko Nikolai V.
Published: January 2019

The effects that Ta2O5-overlayer and Ta-doping have on the photoelectrochemical performance and surface state capacitance of hematite photoanodes.
Perfluorocarbon-based O2 nanocarrier for efficient photodynamic therapy
Authors: Hu Huamin , Yan Xuefeng , Wang Hui , Tanaka Joji , Wang Mengzhe , You Wei , Li Zibo
Published: January 2019

A series of polymer micelles with a perfluorocarbon (PFC) core to carry both PS and O2 to tumor sites was prepared. These new PFC formulation not only improved the production of 1O2 and enhanced the PDT efficiency, but also significantly reduced cell toxicity compared with the one without a perfluoro unit.
Magnetic liposomes for light-sensitive drug delivery and combined photothermal–chemotherapy of tumors
Authors: Shen Song , Huang Danhuang , Cao Jin , Chen Ying , Zhang Xin , Guo Shujun , Ma Wanjun , Qi Xueyong , Ge Yanru , Wu Lin
Published: January 2019

The targeted delivery of anticancer drugs for improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects has attracted great attention in cancer therapy.
Cross-plane thermoelectric Seebeck coefficients in nanoscale Al2O3/ZnO superlattice films
Authors: Yoon Yo-Seop , Lee Won-Yong , Park No-Won , Kim Gil-Sung , Ramos Rafael , Takashi Kikkawa , Saitoh Eiji , Koo Sang-Mo , Park Jin-Seong , Lee Sang-Kwon
Published: January 2019

Superlattice thin films, which are used in thermoelectric (TE) devices for small-scale solid-state cooling and for generating electrical power, have recently been attracting attention due to their low dimensionality, low thermal conductivity, and enhanced power factor.
Centrosymmetric Li2NaN: a superior topological electronic material with critical-type triply degenerate nodal points
Authors: Jin Lei , Zhang Xiaoming , Dai Xuefang , Liu Heyan , Chen Guifeng , Liu Guodong
Published: January 2019

Li2NaN is a realistic triply degenerate nodal point material with several superior characteristics.
Correction: Targeting Brd4 for cancer therapy: inhibitors and degraders
Authors: Duan Yingchao , Guan Yuanyuan , Qin Wenping , Zhai Xiaoyu , Yu Bin , Liu Hongmin
Published: January 2019

Correction for ‘Targeting Brd4 for cancer therapy: inhibitors and degraders’ by Yingchao Duan et al., Med. Chem. Commun., 2018, 9, 1779–1802.
Engineering ultrafast charge transfer in a bismuthene/perovskite nanohybrid
Authors: Wang Yingwei , Chen Keqiang , Hao Huang , Yu Guannan , Zeng Bowen , Wang Hui , Zhang Feng , Wu Leiming , Li Jianqing , Xiao Si , He Jun , Zhang Yupeng , Zhang Han
Published: January 2019

0-Dimensional (0D) CsPbBr3 QDs were integrated with 2D bismuthene to obtain a 0D/2D nanohybrid with tunable charge transfer efficiency.