bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Author Correction: The challenge of mapping the human connectome based on diffusion tractography
Authors: Maier-Hein Klaus H. , Neher Peter F. , Houde Jean-Christophe , Côté Marc-Alexandre , Garyfallidis Eleftherios , Zhong Jidan , Chamberland Maxime , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Lin Ying-Chia , Ji Qing , Reddick Wilburn E. , Glass John O. , Chen David Qixiang , Feng Yuanjing , Gao Chengfeng , Wu Ye , Ma Jieyan , He Renjie , Li Qiang , Westin Carl-Fredrik , Deslauriers-Gauthier Samuel , González J. Omar Ocegueda , Paquette Michael , St-Jean Samuel , Girard Gabriel , Rheault François , Sidhu Jasmeen , Tax Chantal M. W. , Guo Fenghua , Mesri Hamed Y. , Dávid Szabolcs , Froeling Martijn , Heemskerk Anneriet M. , Leemans Alexander , Boré Arnaud , Pinsard Basile , Bedetti Christophe , Desrosiers Matthieu , Brambati Simona , Doyon Julien , Sarica Alessia , Vasta Roberta , Cerasa Antonio , Quattrone Aldo , Yeatman Jason , Khan Ali R. , Hodges Wes , Alexander Simon , Romascano David , Barakovic Muhamed , Auría Anna , Esteban Oscar , Lemkaddem Alia , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Cetingul H. Ertan , Odry Benjamin L. , Mailhe Boris , Nadar Mariappan S. , Pizzagalli Fabrizio , Prasad Gautam , Villalon-Reina Julio E. , Galvis Justin , Thompson Paul M. , De Santiago Requejo Francisco , Laguna Pedro Luque , Lacerda Luis Miguel , Barrett Rachel , Dell’Acqua Flavio , Catani Marco , Petit Laurent , Caruyer Emmanuel , Daducci Alessandro , Dyrby Tim B. , Holland-Letz Tim , Hilgetag Claus C. , Stieltjes Bram , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Membrane protein megahertz crystallography at the European XFEL
Authors: Gisriel Chris , Coe Jesse , Letrun Romain , Yefanov Oleksandr M. , Luna-Chavez Cesar , Stander Natasha E. , Lisova Stella , Mariani Valerio , Kuhn Manuela , Aplin Steve , Grant Thomas D. , Dörner Katerina , Sato Tokushi , Echelmeier Austin , Cruz Villarreal Jorvani , Hunter Mark S. , Wiedorn Max O. , Knoska Juraj , Mazalova Victoria , Roy-Chowdhury Shatabdi , Yang Jay-How , Jones Alex , Bean Richard , Bielecki Johan , Kim Yoonhee , Mills Grant , Weinhausen Britta , Meza Jose D. , Al-Qudami Nasser , Bajt Saša , Brehm Gerrit , Botha Sabine , Boukhelef Djelloul , Brockhauser Sandor , Bruce Barry D. , Coleman Matthew A. , Danilevski Cyril , Discianno Erin , Dobson Zachary , Fangohr Hans , Martin-Garcia Jose M. , Gevorkov Yaroslav , Hauf Steffen , Hosseinizadeh Ahmad , Januschek Friederike , Ketawala Gihan K. , Kupitz Christopher , Maia Luis , Manetti Maurizio , Messerschmidt Marc , Michelat Thomas , Mondal Jyotirmoy , Ourmazd Abbas , Previtali Gianpietro , Sarrou Iosifina , Schön Silvan , Schwander Peter , Shelby Megan L. , Silenzi Alessandro , Sztuk-Dambietz Jolanta , Szuba Janusz , Turcato Monica , White Thomas A. , Wrona Krzysztof , Xu Chen , Abdellatif Mohamed H. , Zook James D. , Spence John C. H. , Chapman Henry N. , Barty Anton , Kirian Richard A. , Frank Matthias , Ros Alexandra , Schmidt Marius , Fromme Raimund , Mancuso Adrian P. , Fromme Petra , Zatsepin Nadia A.
Published: November 2019

The world’s first superconducting megahertz repetition rate hard X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL), the European XFEL, began operation in 2017, featuring a unique pulse train structure with 886 ns between pulses. With its rapid pulse rate, the European XFEL may alleviate some of the increasing demand for XFEL beamtime, particularly for membrane protein serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX), leveraging orders-of-magnitude faster data collection. Here, we report the first membrane protein megahertz SFX experiment, where we determined a 2.9 Å-resolution SFX structure of the large membrane protein complex, Photosystem I, a > 1 MDa complex containing 36 protein subunits and 381 cofactors. We address challenges to megahertz SFX for membrane protein complexes, including growth of large quantities of crystals and the large molecular and unit cell size that influence data collection and analysis. The results imply that megahertz crystallography could have an important impact on structure determination of large protein complexes with XFELs.
Minimal biomass deposition in banded iron formations inferred from organic matter and clay relationships
Authors: Dodd Matthew S. , Papineau Dominic , Pirajno Franco , Wan Yusheng , Karhu Juha A.
Published: November 2019

The cycling of iron and organic matter (OM) is thought to have been a major biogeochemical cycle in the early ferruginous oceans which contributed to the deposition of banded iron formations (BIF). However, BIF are deficient in OM, which is postulated to be the result of near-complete oxidation of OM during iron reduction. We test this idea by documenting the prevalence of OM in clays within BIF and clays in shales associated with BIF. We find in shales >80% of OM occurs in clays, but <1% occurs in clays within BIF. Instead, in BIF OM occurs with 13C-depleted carbonate and apatite, implying OM oxidation occurred. Conversely, BIF which possess primary clays would be expected to preserve OM in clays, yet this is not seen. This implies OM deposition in silicate-bearing BIF would have been minimal, this consequently stifled iron-cycling and primary productivity through the retention of nutrients in the sediments.
Author Correction: Lung endothelial cell antigen cross-presentation to CD8+T cells drives malaria-associated lung injury
Authors: Claser Carla , Nguee Samantha Yee Teng , Balachander Akhila , Howland Shanshan Wu , Becht Etienne , Gunasegaran Bavani , Hartimath Siddesh V. , Lee Audrey W. Q. , Ho Jacqueline Theng Theng , Ong Chee Bing , Newell Evan W. , Goggi Julian , Ng Lai Guan , Renia Laurent
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Distributed slow-wave dynamics during sleep predict memory consolidation and its impairment in schizophrenia
Authors: Bartsch Ullrich , Simpkin Andrew J. , Demanuele Charmaine , Wamsley Erin , Marston Hugh M. , Jones Matthew W.
Published: November 2019

The slow waves (SW) of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep reflect neocortical components of network activity during sleep-dependent information processing; their disruption may therefore impair memory consolidation. Here, we quantify sleep-dependent consolidation of motor sequence memory, alongside sleep EEG-derived SW properties and synchronisation, and SW–spindle coupling in 21 patients suffering from schizophrenia and 19 healthy volunteers. Impaired memory consolidation in patients culminated in an overnight improvement in motor sequence task performance of only 1.6%, compared with 15% in controls. During sleep after learning, SW amplitudes and densities were comparable in healthy controls and patients. However, healthy controls showed a significant 45% increase in frontal-to-occipital SW coherence during sleep after motor learning in comparison with a baseline night (baseline: 0.22 ± 0.05, learning: 0.32 ± 0.05); patient EEG failed to show this increase (baseline: 0.22 ± 0.04, learning: 0.19 ± 0.04). The experience-dependent nesting of spindles in SW was similarly disrupted in patients: frontal-to-occipital SW–spindle phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) significantly increased after learning in healthy controls (modulation index baseline: 0.17 ± 0.02, learning: 0.22 ± 0.02) but not in patients (baseline: 0.13 ± 0.02, learning: 0.14 ± 0.02). Partial least-squares regression modelling of coherence and PAC data from all electrode pairs confirmed distributed SW coherence and SW–spindle coordination as superior predictors of overnight memory consolidation in healthy controls but not in patients. Quantifying the full repertoire of NREM EEG oscillations and their long-range covariance therefore presents learning-dependent changes in distributed SW and spindle coordination as fingerprints of impaired cognition in schizophrenia.
Cretaceous amber fossils highlight the evolutionary history and morphological conservatism of land snails
Authors: Hirano Takahiro , Asato Kaito , Yamamoto Shûhei , Takahashi Yui , Chiba Satoshi
Published: November 2019

Other than hard bones and shells, it is rare for soft tissues to fossilize, but occasionally they are well-preserved in amber. Here, we focus on both modern and fossilized species of the land snail superfamily Cyclophoroidea. Phylogenetic relationships within the Cyclophoroidea were previously studied using extant species, but timing of divergence within the group remains unclear. In addition, it is difficult to observe morphological traits such as the chitinous operculum and periostracum of fossil snails due to their poor preservation potential. Here we describe nine species including a new genus and five new species of well-preserved fossil cyclophoroideans from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. These fossils include not only the shell, but also the chitinous operculum and periostracum, soft body, and excrements. We present the first estimation of divergence time among cyclophoroidean families using fossil records and molecular data, suggesting extreme morphological conservatism of the Cyclophoroidea for nearly 100 million years.
Metabolic Activation of Flavin Monooxygenase-mediated Trimethylamine-N-Oxide Formation in Experimental Kidney Disease
Authors: Prokopienko Alexander J. , West Raymond E. , Schrum Daniel P. , Stubbs Jason R. , Leblond François A. , Pichette Vincent , Nolin Thomas D.
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients despite treatment of traditional risk factors, suggesting that non-traditional CVD risk factors are involved. Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) correlates with atherosclerosis burden in CKD patients and may be a non-traditional CVD risk factor. Serum TMAO concentrations are significantly increased in CKD patients, which may be due in part to increased hepatic flavin monooxygenase (FMO)-mediated TMAO formation. The objective of this work was to elucidate the mechanism of increased FMO activity in CKD. In this study, FMO enzyme activity experiments were conducted in vitro with liver microsomes isolated from experimental CKD and control rats. Trimethylamine was used as a probe substrate to assess FMO activity. The FMO activator octylamine and human uremic serum were evaluated. FMO gene and protein expression were also determined. FMO-mediated TMAO formation was increased in CKD versus control. Although gene and protein expression of FMO were not changed, metabolic activation elicited by octylamine and human uremic serum increased FMO-mediated TMAO formation. The findings suggest that metabolic activation of FMO-mediated TMAO formation is a novel mechanism that contributes to increased TMAO formation in CKD and represents a therapeutic target to reduce TMAO exposure and CVD.
The Effect of Early Rounds of ex vivo Expansion and Cryopreservation on the Adipogenic Differentiation Capacity of Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Durandt C. , Dessels C. , da Silva C. , Murdoch C. , Pepper M. S.
Published: November 2019

Multipotent adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) are candidates for use in cellular therapies for the treatment of a variety of conditions/diseases. Ex vivo expansion of freshly isolated ASCs may be necessary prior to clinical application to ensure that clinically relevant cell numbers are administered during treatment. In addition, cryopreserving cells at early passages allows for storage of freshly isolated cells for extended periods of time before expanding these cells for clinical usage. There are however several concerns that these laboratory-based procedures may alter the characteristics of the cells and in so doing decrease their regenerative potential. In this study we report on the impact of early rounds of cryopreservation (P0) and ex vivo expansion (P0 to P5) on the phenotypic characteristics and adipogenic differentiation potential of ASCs. Our results show that ASCs that upregulate CD36 expression during adipogenic differentiation gradually decrease with increasing expansion rounds. The consequent decrease in adipogenic differentiation capacity was evident in both gene expression and flow cytometry-based phenotypic studies. Successive rounds of expansion did not however alter cell surface marker expression of the cells. We also show that early cryopreservation of ASCs (at P0) does not affect the adipogenic differentiation potential of the cells.
Dominance relationships and coalitionary aggression against conspecifics in female carrion crows
Authors: Holtmann Benedikt , Buskas Julia , Steele Matthew , Sokolovskis Kristaps , Wolf Jochen B. W.
Published: November 2019

Cooperation is a prevailing feature of many animal systems. Coalitionary aggression, where a group of individuals engages in coordinated behaviour to the detriment of conspecific targets, is a form of cooperation involving complex social interactions. To date, evidence has been dominated by studies in humans and other primates with a clear bias towards studies of male-male coalitions. We here characterize coalitionary aggression behaviour in a group of female carrion crows consisting of recruitment, coordinated chase, and attack. The individual of highest social rank liaised with the second most dominant individual to engage in coordinated chase and attack of a lower ranked crow on several occasions. Despite active intervention by the third most highly ranked individual opposing the offenders, the attack finally resulted in the death of the victim. All individuals were unrelated, of the same sex, and naïve to the behaviour excluding kinship, reproduction, and social learning as possible drivers. Instead, the coalition may reflect a strategy of the dominant individual to secure long-term social benefits. Overall, the study provides evidence that members of the crow family engage in coordinated alliances directed against conspecifics as a possible means to manipulate their social environment.
Anisotropy of the sea surface height wavenumber spectrum from altimeter observations
Authors: Wang Shihong , Qiao Fangli , Dai Dejun , Zhou Xiaohui
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the zonal and meridional sea surface height (SSH) wavenumber spectra are systematically calculated using along-track and gridded altimeter products, and the slopes of the SSH wavenumber spectra over the mesoscale band, which is defined by the characteristic length scale of mesoscale signals, are estimated. The results show that the homogeneous spectral slopes calculated from the along-track and gridded altimeter datasets have a similar spatial pattern, but the spectral slopes from gridded altimeter data are generally steeper than that from the along-track data with an averaged difference of 1.5. Significant differences are found between the zonal and meridional spectra, which suggest that SSH wavenumber spectra are indeed anisotropic. Furthermore, the anisotropy exhibits strong regional contrast: in the equatorial region, the zonal spectrum is steeper than its corresponding meridional spectrum, while in the eastward-flowing high EKE regions the meridional spectrum is steeper than its zonal counterpart. The anisotropy of SSH wavenumber spectral slopes implies that EKE distributes anisotropically in different directions, and this distribution is closely associated with the generation and nonlinear evolution of mesoscale movements.
The Microtubule Severing Protein Katanin Regulates Proliferation of Neuronal Progenitors in Embryonic and Adult Neurogenesis
Authors: Lombino Franco L. , Muhia Mary , Lopez-Rojas Jeffrey , Brill Monika S. , Thies Edda , Ruschkies Laura , Lutz David , Richter Melanie , Hausrat Torben J. , Lopes André T. , McNally Francis J. , Hermans-Borgmeyer Irm , Dunleavy Jessica E. M. , Hoffmeister-Ullerich Sabine , Frotscher Michael , Misgeld Thomas , Kreutz Michael R. , de Anda Froylan Calderon , Kneussel Matthias
Published: November 2019

Microtubule severing regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement underlying various cellular functions. Katanin, a heterodimer, consisting of catalytic (p60) and regulatory (p80) subunits severs dynamic microtubules to modulate several stages of cell division. The role of p60 katanin in the mammalian brain with respect to embryonic and adult neurogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we generated a Katna1 knockout mouse and found that consistent with a critical role of katanin in mitosis, constitutive homozygous Katna1 depletion is lethal. Katanin p60 haploinsufficiency induced an accumulation of neuronal progenitors in the subventricular zone during corticogenesis, and impaired their proliferation in the adult hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) subgranular zone. This did not compromise DG plasticity or spatial and contextual learning and memory tasks employed in our study, consistent with the interpretation that adult neurogenesis may be associated with selective forms of hippocampal-dependent cognitive processes. Our data identify a critical role for the microtubule-severing protein katanin p60 in regulating neuronal progenitor proliferation in vivo during embryonic development and adult neurogenesis.
Quantifying Concentration Polarization – Raman Microspectroscopy for In-Situ Measurement in a Flat Sheet Cross-flow Nanofiltration Membrane Unit
Authors: Jung Oliver , Saravia Florencia , Wagner Michael , Heißler Stefan , Horn Harald
Published: November 2019

In this work, the concentration polarization layer (CPL) of sulphate in a cross-flow membrane system was measured in-situ using Raman microspectroscopy (RM). The focus of this work is to introduce RM as a new tool for the study of mass transfer inside membrane channels in reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) generally. Specifically, this work demonstrates how to use RM for locally resolved measurement of sulphate concentration in a cross-flow flat-sheet NF membrane flow cell with channel dimensions similar to commonly applied RO/NF spiral wound modules (channel height about 0.7 mm). Concentration polarization profiles of an aqueous magnesium sulphate solution of 10 gsulphate·L−1 were obtained at operating pressure of 10 bar and cross-flow velocities of 0.04 and 0.2 m·s−1. The ability of RM to provide accurate concentration profiles is discussed thoroughly. Optical effects due to refraction present one of the main challenges of the method by substantially affecting signal intensity and depth resolution. The concentration profiles obtained in this concept study are consistent with theory and show reduced CPL thickness and membrane wall concentration with increasing cross-flow velocity. The severity of CP was quantified to reach almost double the bulk concentration at the lower velocity.
Direct Production of Difructose Anhydride IV from Sucrose by Co-fermentation of Recombinant Yeasts
Authors: Ko Hyunjun , Bae Jung-Hoon , Sung Bong Hyun , Kim Mi-Jin , Park Soon-Ho , Sohn Jung-Hoon
Published: November 2019

A functional sweetener, difructose anhydride IV (DFA IV), is enzymatically produced from sucrose via levan by levansucrase (LSRase) followed by levan fructotransferase (LFTase). Here, we have demonstrated a consolidated production system for the direct conversion of DFA IV from sucrose using the co-culture of two recombinant yeast strains secreting LSRase from Bacillus subtilis and LFTase from Arthrobacter ureafaciens, respectively. To ensure secretory production of the enzymes, target protein-specific translational fusion partners (TFP) were employed, and the selected strains produced 3.8 U/mL of LSRase and 16.0 U/mL LFTase activity into the fermentation broth. To optimise the direct production, sucrose concentration and cell ratios were investigated. In the optimised conditions, 64.3 g/L crude DFA IV was directly produced from 244.7 g/L sucrose using co-fermentation of recombinant yeasts. These results promise an efficient production titre, yield, and DFA IV productivity in an industrially applicable method.
Accessing Methyl Groups in Proteins via 1H-detected MAS Solid-state NMR Spectroscopy Employing Random Protonation
Authors: Asami Sam , Reif Bernd
Published: November 2019

We recently introduced RAP (reduced adjoining protonation) labelling as an easy to implement and cost-effective strategy to yield selectively methyl protonated protein samples. We show here that even though the amount of H2O employed in the bacterial growth medium is rather low, the intensities obtained in MAS solid-state NMR 1H,13C correlation spectra are comparable to spectra obtained for samples in which α-ketoisovalerate was employed as precursor. In addition to correlations for Leu and Val residues, RAP labelled samples yield also resonances for all methyl containing side chains. The labelling scheme has been employed to quantify order parameters, together with the respective asymmetry parameters. We obtain a very good correlation between the order parameters measured using a GlcRAP (glucose carbon source) and a α-ketoisovalerate labelled sample. The labelling scheme holds the potential to be very useful for the collection of long-range distance restraints among side chain atoms. Experiments are demonstrated using RAP and α-ketoisovalerate labelled samples of the α-spectrin SH3 domain, and are applied to fibrils formed from the Alzheimer’s disease Aβ1-40 peptide.
MicroRNAs in Daphnia magna identified and characterized by deep sequencing, genome mapping and manual curation
Authors: Coucheron Dag H. , Wojewodzic Marcin W. , Bøhn Thomas
Published: November 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that function in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in most organisms. The water flea, Daphnia magna is a key model to study phenotypic, physiological and genomic responses to environmental cues and miRNAs can potentially mediate these responses. By using deep sequencing, genome mapping and manual curations, we have characterised the miRNAome of D. magna. We identified 66 conserved miRNAs and 13 novel miRNAs; all of these were found in the three studied life stages of D. magna (juveniles, subadults, adults), but with variation in expression levels between stages. Forty-one of the miRNAs were clustered into 13 genome clusters also present in the D. pulex genome. Most miRNAs contained sequence variants (isomiRs). The highest expressed isomiRs were 3′ template variants with one nucleotide deletion or 3′ non-template variants with addition of A or U at the 3′ end. We also identified offset RNAs (moRs) and loop RNAs (loRs). Our work extends the base for further work on all species (miRNA, isomiRs, moRNAs, loRNAs) of the miRNAome of Daphnia as biomarkers in response to chemical substances and environment cues, and underline age dependency.
Boosting the activity of Prussian-blue analogue as efficient electrocatalyst for water and urea oxidation
Authors: Feng Yongqiang , Wang Xiao , Dong Peipei , Li Jie , Feng Li , Huang Jianfeng , Cao Liyun , Feng Liangliang , Kajiyoshi Koji , Wang Chunru
Published: November 2019

The design and fabrication of intricate hollow architectures as cost-effective and dual-function electrocatalyst for water and urea electrolysis is of vital importance to the energy and environment issues. Herein, a facile solvothermal strategy for construction of Prussian-blue analogue (PBA) hollow cages with an open framework was developed. The as-obtained CoFe and NiFe hollow cages (CFHC and NFHC) can be directly utilized as electrocatalysts towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR) with superior catalytic performance (lower electrolysis potential, faster reaction kinetics and long-term durability) compared to their parent solid precursors (CFC and NFC) and even the commercial noble metal-based catalyst. Impressively, to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution, the CFHC catalyst required an overpotential of merely 330 mV, 21.99% lower than that of the solid CFC precursor (423 mV) at the same condition. Meanwhile, the NFHC catalyst could deliver a current density as high as 100 mA cm−2 for the urea oxidation electrolysis at a potential of only 1.40 V, 24.32% lower than that of the solid NFC precursor (1.85 V). This work provides a new platform to construct intricate hollow structures as promising nano-materials for the application in energy conversion and storage.
Variants of the hyoid-larynx complex, with implications for forensic science and consequence for the diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome
Authors: de Bakker Bernadette S. , de Bakker Henri M. , Soerdjbalie-Maikoe Vidija , Dikkers Frederik G.
Published: November 2019

Thorough anatomic knowledge of the hyoid-larynx complex is necessary for forensic radiologists and ear-nose-throat surgeons, given the many anatomic variations that originate in embryology. In forensics the anomalies must be distinguished from fractures because the latter are indicative of violence on the neck. In this manuscript we describe the anatomical variations that can be found in the hyoid-larynx complex and explain their etiology. 284 radiological scans of excised hyoid-larynx complexes were examined with X-ray and CT. Some rare cases from literature and historical collections were added. Two third of the examined hyoid-larynx complexes deviated from the anatomical standard and showed uni- or bilateral ankylosis in the hyoid bone and/or so-called triticeal cartilages. In one fifth of the cases we found striking anatomical variants, mostly derived from the cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch. Anatomical variations of the hyoid-larynx complex can be explained by embryological development. The aberrant hyoid apparatus and the elongated styloid processes (Eagle syndrome) should be considered as one clinical entity with two different expressions as both anomalies are derived from the cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch. Several variants can mimic fractures in this region, so our study is important for radiologists and forensic experts assessing cases of possible violence on the neck.
A Study Comparing the Effects of Targeted Intra-Arterial and Systemic Chemotherapy in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Rezaee Melika , Wang Jing , Razavi Mehdi , Ren Gang , Zheng Fengyan , Hussein Ahmed , Ullah Mujib , Thakor Avnesh S.
Published: November 2019

Systemic chemotherapy is the first line treatment for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, however, insufficient drug delivery to the pancreas is a major problem resulting in poor outcomes. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of targeted intra-arterial (IA) delivery of gemcitabine directly into the pancreas in an orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Nude mice with orthotopic pancreatic tumors were randomly assigned into 3 groups receiving gemcitabine: systemic intravenous (IV) injection (low: 0.3 mg/kg and high: 100 mg/kg) and direct IA injection (0.3 mg/kg). Treatments were administered weekly for 2 weeks. IA treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in tumor growth compared to low IV treatment. To achieve a comparable reduction in tumor growth as seen with IA treatment, gemcitabine had to be given IV at over 300x the dose (high IV treatment) which was associated with some toxicity. After 2 weeks, tumor samples from animals treated with IA gemcitabine had significantly lower residual cancer cells, higher cellular necrosis and evidence of increased apoptosis when compared to animals treated with low IV gemcitabine. Our study shows targeted IA injection of gemcitabine directly into the pancreas, via its arterial blood supply, has a superior therapeutic effect in reducing tumor growth compared to the same concentration administered by conventional systemic injection.
Quantitative evaluation of digital-image enhancement during heads-up surgery
Authors: Akiyama Kunihiko , Watanabe Ken , Fukui Masaki , Higuchi Hiroshi , Noda Toru
Published: November 2019

Image-processing is an advantage of heads-up surgery and expected to facilitate ophthalmic surgeries. To evaluate image-processing quantitatively, we analyzed the surgical images of twenty eyes that underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling assisted by Brilliant Blue G (BBG). Still images of the peeling procedure were obtained from the surgical video, and the color difference was calculated between two adjacent spots inside and outside the ILM-peeling contour, i.e., without and with BBG staining, respectively. The color differences were compared between the two settings with and without image-processing, delivered by an algorithm to enhance the color and contrast. Color differences were calculated using two methods: the Euclidean distance based on RGB values (RGB distance) and the Delta-E00 formula provided by the International Commission on Illumination. In five cases, minimum light intensities required to recognize the contour of ILM-peeling were compared during surgeries between the two settings with and without enhancement. Image-processing increased the mean color difference significantly (P < 0.001) from 15.47 and 4.49 to 34.03 and 8.00, respectively, for the RGB distance and Delta-E00. The minimum light intensity was reduced from 15 to 5 on average by image-enhancement. These results showed image-processing enhances color differences and reduces light intensities during vitrectomy.
Spatial structure affects phage efficacy in infecting dual-strain biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Testa Samuele , Berger Sarah , Piccardi Philippe , Oechslin Frank , Resch Grégory , Mitri Sara
Published: November 2019

Bacterial viruses, or phage, are key members of natural microbial communities. Yet much research on bacterial-phage interactions has been conducted in liquid cultures involving single bacterial strains. Here we explored how bacterial diversity affects the success of lytic phage in structured communities. We infected a sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 with a lytic phage Pseudomonas 352 in the presence versus absence of an insensitive P. aeruginosa strain PA14, in liquid culture versus colonies on agar. We found that both in liquid and in colonies, inter-strain competition reduced resistance evolution in the susceptible strain and decreased phage population size. However, while all sensitive bacteria died in liquid, bacteria in colonies could remain sensitive yet escape phage infection, due mainly to reduced growth in colony centers. In sum, spatial structure can protect bacteria against phage infection, while the presence of competing strains reduces the evolution of resistance to phage.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing of migratory breast cancer cells: discovering genes associated with cancer metastasis
Authors: Chen Yu-Chih , Sahoo Saswat , Brien Riley , Jung Seungwon , Humphries Brock , Lee Woncheol , Cheng Yu-Heng , Zhang Zhixiong , Luker Kathryn E. , Wicha Max S. , Luker Gary D. , Yoon Euisik
Published: November 2019

We enriched migratory breast cancer cells with enhanced tumor formation and metastasis capability using microfluidics and performed single-cell RNA-sequencing to identify unique EMT and CSC signature of migratory cells.
Cell loaded 3D bioprinted GelMA hydrogels for corneal stroma engineering
Authors: Kilic Bektas Cemile , Hasirci Vasif
Published: November 2019

Tissue engineering aims to replace missing or damaged tissues and restore their functions.
Biomimetic cell-derived nanocarriers for modulating immune responses
Authors: Qin Ming , Du Guangsheng , Sun Xun
Published: November 2019

In this review, we summarize various applications of biomimetic carriers in modulating immune responses and discuss the future perspectives.
Synthesis of a two-dimensional organic–inorganic bismuth iodide metalate throughin situformation of iminium cations
Authors: Dehnhardt Natalie , Luy Jan-Niclas , Szabo Marvin , Wende Mirco , Tonner Ralf , Heine Johanna
Published: November 2019

A new layered organic–inorganic iodido bismuthate is prepared from anin situcondensation reaction of acetone and dimethylammonium iodide.
Highly specific and sensitive detection of microRNAs by tandem signal amplification based on duplex-specific nuclease and strand displacement
Authors: Liu Qing , Kang Peng-Jian , Chen Zeng-Ping , Shi Cai-Xia , Chen Yao , Yu Ru-Qin
Published: November 2019

A platform for microRNA detection was developed based on understanding the hydrolysis patterns of duplex-specific nuclease against probe DNAs.
Covalently linked donor–acceptor dyad for efficient single material organic solar cells
Authors: Lucas Sebastian , Leydecker Tim , Samorì Paolo , Mena-Osteritz Elena , Bäuerle Peter
Published: November 2019

A novel covalently linked donor–acceptor dyad comprising a dithienopyrrol-based oligomeric donor and a fullerene acceptor was synthesized and characterized.
Intensified interzeolite transformation: ultrafast synthesis of active and stable Ti-Beta zeolites without solvents
Authors: Zhu Zhiguo , Xu Hao , Wang Bowen , Yin Jinpeng , Jiang Jingang , Lü Hongying , Wu Peng
Published: November 2019

Nanosized Ti-Beta zeolite with highly stable isolated Ti(iv) is synthesized in an ultrafast manner by intensified interzeolite transformation from a Ti-MWW source under solvent-free conditions at an elevated temperature.
Atropisomer-based construction of macrocyclic hosts that selectively recognize tryptophan from standard amino acids
Authors: Yang Fei , Liu Caiping , Yin Di , Xu Yanqing , Wu Mingyan , Wei Wei
Published: November 2019

A syn-atropisomer precursor was employed to construct trapezoid-shape macrocycles, which can selectively recognize tryptophan from 20 standard amino acids.
A nonaqueous all organic semisolid flow battery
Authors: Xing Xueqi , Liu Qinghua , Li Jiang , Han Zhihua , Wang Baoguo , Lemmon John P.
Published: November 2019

A proof-of-principle of a nonaqueous all organic semisolid flow battery with a cell voltage of 2.35 V was demonstrated.
Solution-synthesis of Sb2Se3 nanorods using KSeCN as a molecular selenium source
Authors: Wang Junli , Guan Fan
Published: November 2019

Potassium selenocyanate (KSeCN) is used as a molecular selenium source to prepare Sb2Se3 nanorods, in which selenocyanate (SeCN−) anions are thermally decomposed to elemental Se(0) and then reduced to Se2− anions in the organic amine medium.
Facile fabrication of cobalt-doped SnO2 for gaseous ethanol detection and the catalytic mechanism of cobalt
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Bonan , Xu Yaohua , Liu Hao , Zhao Wenrui , Wang Penghui , Ming Anjie , Wei Feng
Published: November 2019

The fabricated Co-SnO2 showed good ethanol sensing properties, while the single-atom effect, catalytic enhancement, and structural effect enhanced its performance.
Mg(H2O)6B4O5(OH)4(H2O)3: a new hydrated borate with a short DUV cutoff edge
Authors: Wang Ya , Han Jian , Guo Fengjiao , Cheng Shichao , Yang Zhihua , Pan Shilie
Published: November 2019

[B4O5(OH)4] groups are linked together by hydrogen bonds forming undulating pseudo layers, leading to a short cutoff edge.
Defect induced photoluminescence and triboluminescence in layered CaLaAl3O7
Authors: Li Yezhou , Koskin Igor P. , Ma Zhidong , Benassi Enrico , Wang Zhaofeng
Published: November 2019

Attractive photoluminescence and triboluminescence were demonstrated in layered CaLaAl3O7, and the intrinsic defect effects were investigated.
Activation of persulfate by microwave radiation combined with FeS for treatment of wastewater from explosives production
Authors: Wang Ying , Gu Zhepei , Yang Siping , Zhang Aiping
Published: November 2019

A persulfate (PS) process activated by microwave (MW) radiation and combined with FeS (MW–FeS/PS) was developed to treat wastewater from explosives production containing dinitrodiazophenol (DDNP).
Fermentation of pigment-extracted microalgal residue using yeast cell-surface display: direct high-density ethanol production with competitive life cycle impacts
Authors: Huang Xiaochen , Bai Shunwen , Liu Zhuo , Hasunuma Tomohisa , Kondo Akihiko , Ho Shih-Hsin
Published: November 2019

This study attempts to optimize the use of microalgal biomass for direct high-density ethanol production instead of conventional pretreatments, combining with comprehensive evaluation of environmental impact by life cycle assessment (LCA).
Gradient-sized control of tumor spheroids on a single chip
Authors: Fang Guocheng , Lu Hongxu , Law Andrew , Gallego-Ortega David , Jin Dayong , Lin Gungun
Published: November 2019

Gradient-sized spheroids can be simultaneously generated on a single chip using a liquid-dome method assisted by the surface tension. The facile method can be used for investigation of the size-dependent behaviors of spheroids in biomedical research.
Tunable daytime passive radiative cooling based on a broadband angle selective low-pass filter
Authors: Pech-May Nelson W. , Retsch Markus
Published: November 2019

Dynamic control for passive radiative cooling during daytime.
The laser writing of highly conductive and anti-oxidative copper structures in liquid
Authors: Zhou Xingwen , Guo Wei , Zhu Ying , Peng Peng
Published: November 2019

An in situ laser patterning technique for manufacturing flexible Cu-based electrodes from a liquid precursor is demonstrated.
Sequence-dependent mechanical properties of double-stranded RNA
Authors: Marin-Gonzalez Alberto , Vilhena J. G. , Moreno-Herrero Fernando , Perez Ruben
Published: November 2019

Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal the strikingly different effect of the nucleotide sequence on the mechanical response of dsRNA and dsDNA.
Simple synthesis of a vacancy-rich NiO 2D/3D dendritic self-supported electrode for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Ji Renjie , Zhang Fan , Liu Yonghong , Pan Yuan , Li Zhijian , Liu Zheng , Lu Shuaichen , Wang Yating , Dong Hang , Liu Peng , Wu Xinlei , Jin Hui
Published: November 2019

A dendritic electrode consisting of oxygen-vacancy-rich NiO embedded within ultrathin 2D and 3D nanostructures for overall water splitting is firstly developed.
Enhanced microwave absorption performance from abundant polarization sites of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in CNTs via confined space synthesis
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wang Lei , You Wenbin , Li Xiao , Yang Liting , Zhang Jie , Wang Min , Che Renchao
Published: November 2019

C–ZnO@CNTs shows a remarkable RLmax of −48.2 dB, resulting from multi-polarization loss and strong strain.
CsRe2F7@glass nanocomposites with efficient up-/down-conversion luminescence: fromin situnanocrystallization synthesis to multi-functional applications
Authors: Chen Jiangkun , Wang Shaoxiong , Lin Jidong , Chen Daqin
Published: November 2019

A family of CsRe2F7(Re = La–Lu, Y, Sc) nanocrystals embedded in glass with superior emissive performance are reported.
Gold(i)-catalyzed nucleophilic cyclization of β-monosubstituted o-(alkynyl)styrenes: a combined experimental and computational study
Authors: Virumbrales Cintia , Solas Marta , Suárez-Pantiga Samuel , Fernández-Rodríguez Manuel A. , Marín-Luna Marta , López Carlos Silva , Sanz Roberto
Published: November 2019

The diastereospecific 5-endo cyclization of β-monosubstituted o-(alkynyl)styrenes to 1-functionalized-1H-indenes is reported. The regiospecific generation of a cyclopropyl gold carbene intermediate is also supported by DFT calculations.
N-Isopropylsulfinyliminesvs. N-tert-butylsulfinylimines in the stereoselective synthesis of sterically hindered amines: an improved synthesis of enantiopure (R)- and (S)-rimantadine and the trifluoromethylated analogues
Authors: Moreno Nazaret , Recio Rocío , Valdivia Victoria , Khiar Noureddine , Fernández Inmaculada
Published: November 2019

In contrast toN-tert-butylsulfinylimines, the use ofN-isopropylsulfinylimines as starting chiral material allows the stereoselective synthesis of both enantiomers of rimantadine and its trifluoromethylated analogues.
Synthesis of tri(di)fluoroethylanilines via copper-catalyzed coupling reaction of tri(di)fluoroethylamine with (hetero)aromatic bromides
Authors: Chen Suo , Wang Hui , Jiang Wei , Rui Pei-Xin , Hu Xiang-Guo
Published: November 2019

A practical and efficient synthesis of fluoroalkylanilines has been achieved via the Ullmann type coupling of (hetero)aromatic bromides with tri(di)fluoroethylamine.
A MOF-derived ZrO2/C nanocomposite for efficient electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Zhang Xue , Qiao Jing , Liu Chang , Wang Fenglong , Jiang Yanyan , Cui Ping , Wang Qi , Wang Zhou , Wu Lili , Liu Jiurong
Published: November 2019

Carbon-based materials derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn increasing research attention for high-performance electromagnetic wave absorption due to their unique microstructure.
Access to chiral cyano-containing five-membered rings through enantioconvergent rhodium-catalyzed cascade cyclization of a diastereoisomeric E/Z mixture of 1,6-enynes
Authors: Selmani Aymane , Darses Sylvain
Published: November 2019

In contrast to the intermolecular rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of organometallic reagents to activated alkenes, the asymmetric arylative cyclization of a diastereoisomeric E/Z mixture of 1,6-enynes afforded only one major enantiomer.
Structure and luminescence properties of multicolor phosphor Ba2La3(GeO4)3F:Tb3+,Eu3+
Authors: Ma Xiaoxue , Liao Libing , Guo Qingfeng , Liu Haikun , Yang Dan , Liu Ning , Mei Lefu
Published: November 2019

Single-phase Ba2La3(GeO4)3F:Tb3+,Eu3+ phosphors were obtained for the first time.
Local atomic order of the amorphous TaOx thin films in relation to their chemical resistivity
Authors: Lawniczak-Jablonska Krystyna , Wolska Anna , Kuzmiuk Piotr , Rejmak Pawel , Kosiel Kamil
Published: November 2019

The experimental and theoretical studies of the local atomic order and chemical binding in tantalum oxide amorphous films are presented.
Discovery of dihydrooxazolo[2,3-a]isoquinoliniums as highly specific inhibitors of hCE2
Authors: Ding Lixia , Wang Lu , Zou Kun , Li Bo , Song Yunqing , Zhang Qihua , Zhao Yitian , Xu Zhijian , Ge Guangbo , Zhao Bo , Zhu Weiliang
Published: November 2019

Novel oxazoliniums are highly specific inhibitors of hCE2 over hCE1 and have good cell-membrane permeability for inhibiting intracellular hCE2.
Key role of hydrochar in heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of sulfamethoxazole using Ag3PO4-based photocatalysts
Authors: Zhou Li , Cai Min , Zhang Xu , Cui Naxin , Chen Guifa , Zou Guo-yan
Published: November 2019

To overcome the practical application limitations of Ag3PO4 such as photocorrosion and relatively low efficiency of photogenerated carrier seperation, Ag3PO4 particles were loaded onto hydrochar.
Clickable poly-l-lysine for the formation of biorecognition surfaces
Authors: Di Iorio Daniele , Marti Almudena , Koeman Sander , Huskens Jurriaan
Published: November 2019

The fast and stable adsorption of modified PLL on activated surfaces was combined with the versatile catalyst-free click chemistry for the fast and selective functionalization of substrates with DNA.
Preparation of electrospray ALG/PDA–PVP nanocomposites and their application in cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Yangjie , Zhao Jiulong , Zhang Zhilun , Zhang Jing , Huang Mingxian , Wang Shige , Xie Pei
Published: November 2019

In this study, sodium alginate (ALG)/poly dopamine (PDA)–polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanocomposites was synthesizedviaa one-step electrostatic spraying method.
Phase separation-induced superhydrophobic polylactic acid films
Authors: Zhong Lingqi , Gong Xiao
Published: November 2019

Superhydrophobic PLA films with nano/microstructured morphology can be obtained by a phase separation method.
Cancer nanomedicine: focus on recent developments and self-assembled peptide nanocarriers
Authors: Raza Faisal , Zafar Hajra , You Xinru , Khan Asifullah , Wu Jun , Ge Liang
Published: November 2019

The applications of nanoparticulate drug delivery have received abundant interest in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Insight into in-plane isotropic transport in anthracene-based organic semiconductors
Authors: Zeng Xingwei , Zhang Dongwei , Zhu Yanan , Chen Mo , Chen Haibiao , Kasai Seiya , Meng Hong , Goto Osamu
Published: November 2019

A molecular design strategy for developing anthracene-based organic semiconductors with in-plane isotropic mobility.
Dual-emitting dye-CDs@MOFs for selective and sensitive identification of antibiotics and MnO4− in water
Authors: Zhu Ke , Fan Ruiqing , Zheng Xubin , Wang Ping , Chen Wei , Sun Tiancheng , Gai Shuang , Zhou Xuesong , Yang Yulin
Published: November 2019

The “smart” fluorescent material RhB-CDs@1 contains functions of multicomponent recognition, including the detection of quinolones, tetracyclines, nitrofurans and MnO4− in aqueous solution.
Nanocrystallization of lanthanide-doped KLu2F7–KYb2F7 solid-solutions in aluminosilicate glass for upconverted solid-state-lighting and photothermal anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Wang Shaoxiong , Chen Jiangkun , Lin Jidong , Yang Changbin , Huang Feng , Chen Daqin
Published: November 2019

KLu2F7–KYb2F7 solid-solution nanocrystal embedded glasses are reported to have promising applications in upconverted solid-state-lighting and photothermal anti-counterfeiting.
Catestatin prevents endothelial inflammation and promotes thrombus resolution in acute pulmonary embolism in mice
Authors: Chen Hua , Liu Dongxia , Ge Lan , Wang Tao , Ma Zhenzhen , Han Yuping , Duan Yawei , Xu Xin , Liu Wei , Yuan Jing , Liu Jing , Li Ruyi , Du Rongpin
Published: November 2019

Catestatin (CTS), a catecholamine-release inhibitory peptide, exerts pleiotropic cardiac protective effects. Pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis involving vascular dysfunction. The present study aims to investigate the effects of CTS on thrombus formation that may inhibit the development of pulmonary embolism and its potential pathway. Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) model was developed as an in vivo model. The effects of CTS on mice with APE were examined. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were pretreated with CTS before thrombin stimulation, and endothelial inflammation and underlying mechanisms were evaluated in vitro. That plasma CTS level was decreased in APE mice, while the number of platelets was significantly increased. The decreased circulating CTS level negatively associated with the number of platelets. CTS administration increased the survival rate of APE mice and protected against microvascular thrombosis in lung. APE-induced the increase in platelets number and plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) were inhibited by CTS. Platelets from CTS-treated APE mice showed impaired agonist-induced platelets aggregation and spreading. CTS also ameliorated APE-induced the systemic inflammatory response. In in vivo study, thrombin-induced the increase in inflammation, TLR-4 expression and p38 phosphorylation were abrogated by CTS in HPAECs. Furthermore, TLR-4 overexpression inhibited the effect of CTS on VWF release and inflammation in HPAECs. Collectively, CTS increases thrombus resolution by attenuating endothelial inflammation at partially via inhibiting TLR-4-p38 pathway. The present study may provide a novel approach for anti-thrombosis.