bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving virus production through quasispecies genomic selection and molecular breeding
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Francisco J. , D’Andrea Lucía , de Castellarnau Montserrat , Costafreda Maria Isabel , Guix Susana , Ribes Enric , Quer Josep , Gregori Josep , Bosch Albert , Pintó Rosa M.
Published: November 2016

Virus production still is a challenging issue in antigen manufacture, particularly with slow-growing viruses. Deep-sequencing of genomic regions indicative of efficient replication may be used to identify high-fitness minority individuals suppressed by the ensemble of mutants in a virus quasispecies. Molecular breeding of quasispecies containing colonizer individuals, under regimes allowing more than one replicative cycle, is a strategy to select the fittest competitors among the colonizers. A slow-growing cell culture-adapted hepatitis A virus strain was employed as a model for this strategy. Using genomic selection in two regions predictive of efficient translation, the internal ribosome entry site and the VP1-coding region, high-fitness minority colonizer individuals were identified in a population adapted to conditions of artificially-induced cellular transcription shut-off. Molecular breeding of this population with a second one, also adapted to transcription shut-off and showing an overall colonizer phenotype, allowed the selection of a fast-growing population of great biotechnological potential.
Structural characterisation of high affinity Siglec-2 (CD22) ligands in complex with whole Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) Daudi cells by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Madge Paul D. , Maggioni Andrea , Pascolutti Mauro , Amin Moein , Waespy Mario , Bellette Bernadette , Thomson Robin J. , Kelm Sørge , von Itzstein Mark , Haselhorst Thomas
Published: November 2016

Siglec-2 undergoes constitutive endocytosis and is a drug target for autoimmune diseases and B cell-derived malignancies, including hairy cell leukaemia, marginal zone lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). An alternative to current antibody-based therapies is the use of liposomal nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic drugs and decorated with Siglec-2 ligands. We have recently designed the first Siglec-2 ligands (9-biphenylcarboxamido-4-meta-nitrophenyl-carboxamido-Neu5Acα2Me, 9-BPC-4-mNPC-Neu5Acα2Me) with simultaneous modifications at C-4 and C-9 position. In the current study we have used Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy to monitor the binding of 9-BPC-4-mNPC-Neu5Acα2Me to Siglec-2 present on intact Burkitt’s lymphoma Daudi cells. Pre-treatment of cells with periodate resulted in significantly higher STD NMR signal intensities for 9-BPC-4-mNPC-Neu5Acα2Me as the cells were more susceptible to ligand binding because cis-binding on the cell surface was removed. Quantification of STD NMR effects led to a cell-derived binding epitope of 9-BPC-4-mNPC-Neu5Acα2Me that facilitated the design and synthesis of C-2, C-3, C-4 and C-9 tetra-substituted Siglec-2 ligands showing an 88-fold higher affinity compared to 9-BPC-Neu5Acα2Me. This is the first time a NMR-based binding study of high affinity Siglec-2 (CD22) ligands in complex with whole Burkitt’s lymphoma Daudi cells has been described that might open new avenues in developing tailored therapeutics and personalised medicine.
Cassava brown streak virus has a rapidly evolving genome: implications for virus speciation, variability, diagnosis and host resistance
Authors: Alicai Titus , Ndunguru Joseph , Sseruwagi Peter , Tairo Fred , Okao-Okuja Geoffrey , Nanvubya Resty , Kiiza Lilliane , Kubatko Laura , Kehoe Monica A. , Boykin Laura M.
Published: November 2016

Cassava is a major staple food for about 800 million people in the tropics and sub-tropical regions of the world. Production of cassava is significantly hampered by cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), caused by Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV). The disease is suppressing cassava yields in eastern Africa at an alarming rate. Previous studies have documented that CBSV is more devastating than UCBSV because it more readily infects both susceptible and tolerant cassava cultivars, resulting in greater yield losses. Using whole genome sequences from NGS data, we produced the first coalescent-based species tree estimate for CBSV and UCBSV. This species framework led to the finding that CBSV has a faster rate of evolution when compared with UCBSV. Furthermore, we have discovered that in CBSV, nonsynonymous substitutions are more predominant than synonymous substitution and occur across the entire genome. All comparative analyses between CBSV and UCBSV presented here suggest that CBSV may be outsmarting the cassava immune system, thus making it more devastating and harder to control.
Voluntary control of intracortical oscillations for reconfiguration of network activity
Authors: Corlier Juliana , Valderrama Mario , Navarrete Miguel , Lehongre Katia , Hasboun Dominique , Adam Claude , Belaid Hayat , Clémenceau Stéphane , Baulac Michel , Charpier Stéphane , Navarro Vincent , Le Van Quyen Michel
Published: November 2016

Voluntary control of oscillatory activity represents a key target in the self-regulation of brain function. Using a real-time closed-loop paradigm and simultaneous macro- and micro-electrode recordings, we studied the effects of self-induced intracortical oscillatory activity (4–8 Hz) in seven neurosurgical patients. Subjects learned to robustly and specifically induce oscillations in the target frequency, confirmed by increased oscillatory event density. We have found that the session-to-session variability in performance was explained by the functional long-range decoupling of the target area suggesting a training-induced network reorganization. Downstream effects on more local activities included progressive cross-frequency-coupling with gamma oscillations (30–120 Hz), and the dynamic modulation of neuronal firing rates and spike timing, indicating an improved temporal coordination of local circuits. These findings suggest that effects of voluntary control of intracortical oscillations can be exploited to specifically target plasticity processes to reconfigure network activity, with a particular relevance for memory function or skill acquisition.
Clinical Significance of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Isolated From Respiratory Specimens in a Chinese Tuberculosis Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Duan Hongfei , Han Xiqin , Wang Qingfeng , Wang Jing , Wang Jun , Chu Naihui , Huang Hairong
Published: November 2016

The clinical relevance of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) has been reported to be different dramatically by species or by regions, however, no such evaluation has been performed in China.A retrospective study was performed in Beijing Chest Hospital. All the NTM strains isolated from respiratory specimens in the past 5 years, and patients’ clinical records (symptoms and radiographic information etc.) were investigated. The clinical relevance was evaluated according to the criteria recommended by the American Thoracic society. Totally 232 NTM strains were recruited, among them, M. intracellulare was the dominant species (40.5%), followed by M. abscessus (28.4%). 109 patients, with 185 total isolates, had full clinical records available for review. 84.4% (38/45), 85.7% (24/28%) and 63.6% (7/11) of patients with isolation of M. intracellulare, M. abscessus and M. kansasii, respectively, were categorized as definite NTM disease. Whereas all the 10 patients with isolation of M. gordonae were defined as unlikely NTM disease. The majority of NTMs isolates yielded from respiratory specimens in Beijing Chest Hospital were clinically significant, and M. intracellulare and M. abscessus was the dominated species of NTM lung disease. NTM lung infections demonstrated some specific chest radiograph characteristics.
Coenzyme Engineering of a Hyperthermophilic 6-Phosphogluconate Dehydrogenase from NADP+ to NAD+ with Its Application to Biobatteries
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhu Zhiguang , Huang Rui , Zhang Yi-Heng Percival
Published: November 2016

Engineering the coenzyme specificity of redox enzymes plays an important role in metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, but it has rarely been applied to bioelectrochemistry. Here we develop a rational design strategy to change the coenzyme specificity of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH) from a hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima from its natural coenzyme NADP+ to NAD+. Through amino acid-sequence alignment of NADP+- and NAD+-preferred 6PGDH enzymes and computer-aided substrate-coenzyme docking, the key amino acid residues responsible for binding the phosphate group of NADP+ were identified. Four mutants were obtained via site-directed mutagenesis. The best mutant N32E/R33I/T34I exhibited a ~6.4 × 104-fold reversal of the coenzyme selectivity from NADP+ to NAD+. The maximum power density and current density of the biobattery catalyzed by the mutant were 0.135 mW cm−2 and 0.255 mA cm−2, ~25% higher than those obtained from the wide-type 6PGDH-based biobattery at the room temperature. By using this 6PGDH mutant, the optimal temperature of running the biobattery was as high as 65 °C, leading to a high power density of 1.75 mW cm−2. This study demonstrates coenzyme engineering of a hyperthermophilic 6PGDH and its application to high-temperature biobatteries.
Metal-coupled folding as the driving force for the extreme stability of Rad50 zinc hook dimer assembly
Authors: Kochańczyk Tomasz , Nowakowski Michał , Wojewska Dominika , Kocyła Anna , Ejchart Andrzej , Koźmiński Wiktor , Krężel Artur
Published: November 2016

The binding of metal ions at the interface of protein complexes presents a unique and poorly understood mechanism of molecular assembly. A remarkable example is the Rad50 zinc hook domain, which is highly conserved and facilitates the Zn2+-mediated homodimerization of Rad50 proteins. Here, we present a detailed analysis of the structural and thermodynamic effects governing the formation and stability (logK12 = 20.74) of this evolutionarily conserved protein assembly. We have dissected the determinants of the stability contributed by the small β-hairpin of the domain surrounding the zinc binding motif and the coiled-coiled regions using peptides of various lengths from 4 to 45 amino acid residues, alanine substitutions and peptide bond-to-ester perturbations. In the studied series of peptides, an >650 000-fold increase of the formation constant of the dimeric complex arises from favorable enthalpy because of the increased acidity of the cysteine thiols in metal-free form and the structural properties of the dimer. The dependence of the enthalpy on the domain fragment length is partially compensated by the entropic penalty of domain folding, indicating enthalpy-entropy compensation. This study facilitates understanding of the metal-mediated protein-protein interactions in which the metal ion is critical for the tight association of protein subunits.
Host-ant specificity of endangered large blue butterflies (Phengaris spp., Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) in Japan
Authors: Ueda Shouhei , Komatsu Takashi , Itino Takao , Arai Ryusuke , Sakamoto Hironori
Published: November 2016

Large blue butterflies, Phengaris (Maculinea), are an important focus of endangered-species conservation in Eurasia. Later-instar Phengaris caterpillars live in Myrmica ant nests and exploit the ant colony’s resources, and they are specialized to specific host-ant species. For example, local extinction of P. arion in the U. K. is thought to have been due to the replacement of its host-ant species with a less-suitable congener, as a result of changes in habitat. In Japan, Myrmica kotokui hosts P. teleius and P. arionides caterpillars. We recently showed, however, that the morphological species M. kotokui actually comprises four genetic clades. Therefore, to determine to which group of ants the hosts of these two Japanese Phengaris species belong, we used mitochondrial COI-barcoding of M. kotokui specimens from colonies in the habitats of P. teleius and P. arionides to identify the ant clade actually parasitized by the caterpillars of each species. We found that these two butterfly species parasitize different ant clades within M. kotokui.
Bioluminescence as an ecological factor during high Arctic polar night
Authors: Cronin Heather A. , Cohen Jonathan H. , Berge Jørgen , Johnsen Geir , Moline Mark A.
Published: November 2016

Bioluminescence commonly influences pelagic trophic interactions at mesopelagic depths. Here we characterize a vertical gradient in structure of a generally low species diversity bioluminescent community at shallower epipelagic depths during the polar night period in a high Arctic fjord with in situ bathyphotometric sampling. Bioluminescence potential of the community increased with depth to a peak at 80 m. Community composition changed over this range, with an ecotone at 20–40 m where a dinoflagellate-dominated community transitioned to dominance by the copepod Metridia longa. Coincident at this depth was bioluminescence exceeding atmospheric light in the ambient pelagic photon budget, which we term the bioluminescence compensation depth. Collectively, we show a winter bioluminescent community in the high Arctic with vertical structure linked to attenuation of atmospheric light, which has the potential to influence pelagic ecology during the light-limited polar night.
The role of Internal Solitary Waves on deep-water sedimentary processes: the case of up-slope migrating sediment waves off the Messina Strait
Authors: Droghei R. , Falcini F. , Casalbore D. , Martorelli E. , Mosetti R. , Sannino G. , Santoleri R. , Chiocci F. L.
Published: November 2016

Subaqueous, asymmetric sand waves are typically observed in marine channel/canyon systems, tidal environments, and continental slopes exposed to strong currents, where they are formed by current shear resulting from a dominant unidirectional flow. However, sand-wave fields may be readily observed in marine environments where no such current exists; the physical processes driving their formation are enigmatic or not well understood. We propose that internal solitary waves (ISWs) induced by tides can produce an effective, unidirectional boundary “current” that forms asymmetric sand waves. We test this idea by examining a sand-wave field off the Messina Strait, where we hypothesize that ISWs formed at the interface between intermediate and surface waters are refracted by topography. Hence, we argue that the deflected pattern (i.e., the depth-dependent orientation) of the sand-wave field is due to refraction of such ISWs. Combining field observations and numerical modelling, we show that ISWs can account for three key features: ISWs produce fluid velocities capable of mobilizing bottom sediments; the predicted refraction pattern resulting from the interaction of ISWs with bottom topography matches the observed deflection of the sand waves; and predicted migration rates of sand waves match empirical estimates. This work shows how ISWs may contribute to sculpting the structure of continental margins and it represents a promising link between the geological and oceanographic communities.
Essential Oils and Eugenols Inhibit Biofilm Formation and the Virulence of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Kim Yong-Guy , Lee Jin-Hyung , Gwon Giyeon , Kim Soon-Il , Park Jae Gyu , Lee Jintae
Published: November 2016

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EHEC) has caused foodborne outbreaks worldwide and the bacterium forms antimicrobial-tolerant biofilms. We investigated the abilities of various plant essential oils and their components to inhibit biofilm formation by EHEC. Bay, clove, pimento berry oils and their major common constituent eugenol at 0.005% (v/v) were found to markedly inhibit EHEC biofilm formation without affecting planktonic cell growth. In addition, three other eugenol derivatives isoeugenol, 2-methoxy-4-propylphenol, and 4-ethylguaiacol had antibiofilm activity, indicating that the C-1 hydroxyl unit, the C-2 methoxy unit, and C-4 alkyl or alkane chain on the benzene ring of eugenol play important roles in antibiofilm activity. Interestingly, these essential oils and eugenol did not inhibit biofilm formation by three laboratory E. coli K-12 strains that reduced curli fimbriae production. Transcriptional analysis showed that eugenol down-regulated 17 of 28 genes analysed, including curli genes (csgABDFG), type I fimbriae genes (fimCDH) and ler-controlled toxin genes (espD, escJ, escR, and tir), which are required for biofilm formation and the attachment and effacement phenotype. In addition, biocompatible poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) coatings containing clove oil or eugenol exhibited efficient biofilm inhibition on solid surfaces. In a Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model, clove oil and eugenol attenuated the virulence of EHEC.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for Budd–Chiari syndrome with diffuse occlusion of hepatic veins
Authors: He Fuliang , Zhao Hongwei , Dai Shan , Wu Yingfeng , Wang Lei , Huang Hongdong , Yue Zhendong , Fan Zhenhua , Dong Xiaoqun , Liu Fuquan
Published: November 2016

Either acute or sub-acute Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) with diffuse occlusion of hepatic veins has a high mortality rate and remains challenging for clinical treatment. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as a treatment for BCS with diffuse occlusion of hepatic veins. From January 2007 to December 2010, 100 patients were randomly recruited onto this study and 91 patients were treated with TIPS. 14 patients were defined as acute BCS group and 86 patients as sub-acute group. Patients with acute BCS had a significantly higher rate of jaundice whereas a lower rate of abdominal and chest varices, gastroesophageal variceal bleeding and refractory ascites than sub-acute group (P < 0.001). TIPS was technically successful in all 91 patients (12 in acute group). The portosystemic pressure gradient (PSG) was decreased to normal level, while total bilirubin (TBIL) and liver function were significantly improved. During follow-up period, the mortality rate of 91 patients who underwent TIPS was 6.59% (6/91), whereas 88.89% of 9 patients who didn’t receive TIPS procedure (2 in acute group). Collectively, TIPS is an effective and safe approach in treating BCS with diffuse occlusion of hepatic veins, which should be performed in time.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Signalling Networks in Coronatine-Induced Secondary Laticifer Differentiation from Vascular Cambia in Rubber Trees
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Zhang Shixin , Chao Jinquan , Deng Xiaomin , Chen Yueyi , Shi Minjing , Tian Wei-Min
Published: November 2016

The secondary laticifer in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is a specific tissue within the secondary phloem. This tissue differentiates from the vascular cambia, and its function is natural rubber biosynthesis and storage. Given that jasmonates play a pivotal role in secondary laticifer differentiation, we established an experimental system with jasmonate (JA) mimic coronatine (COR) for studying the secondary laticifer differentiation: in this system, differentiation occurs within five days of the treatment of epicormic shoots with COR. In the present study, the experimental system was used to perform transcriptome sequencing and gene expression analysis. A total of 67,873 unigenes were assembled, and 50,548 unigenes were mapped at least in one public database. Of these being annotated unigenes, 15,780 unigenes were differentially expressed early after COR treatment, and 19,824 unigenes were differentially expressed late after COR treatment. At the early stage, 8,646 unigenes were up-regulated, while 7,134 unigenes were down-regulated. At the late stage, the numbers of up- and down-regulated unigenes were 7,711 and 12,113, respectively. The annotation data and gene expression analysis of the differentially expressed unigenes suggest that JA-mediated signalling, Ca2+ signal transduction and the CLAVATA-MAPK-WOX signalling pathway may be involved in regulating secondary laticifer differentiation in rubber trees.
A short insertion mutation disrupts genesis of miR-16 and causes increased body weight in domesticated chicken
Authors: Jia Xinzheng , Lin Huiran , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan , Lamont Susan J.
Published: November 2016

Body weight is one of the most important quantitative traits with high heritability in chicken. We previously mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for body weight by genome-wide association study (GWAS) in an F2 chicken resource population. To identify the causal mutations linked to this QTL, expression profiles were determined on livers of high-weight and low-weight chicken lines by microarray. Combining the expression pattern with SNP effects by GWAS, miR-16 was identified as the most likely potential candidate with a 3.8-fold decrease in high-weight lines. Re-sequencing revealed that a 54-bp insertion mutation in the upstream region of miR-15a-16 displayed high allele frequencies in high-weight commercial broiler line. This mutation resulted in lower miR-16 expression by introducing three novel splicing sites instead of the missing 5′ terminal splicing of mature miR-16. Elevating miR-16 significantly inhibited DF-1 chicken embryo cell proliferation, consistent with a role in suppression of cellular growth. The 54-bp insertion was significantly associated with increased body weight, bone size and muscle mass. Also, the insertion mutation tended towards fixation in commercial broilers (Fst > 0.4). Our findings revealed a novel causative mutation for body weight regulation that aids our basic understanding of growth regulation in birds.
Manipulation of small particles at solid liquid interface: light driven diffusioosmosis
Authors: Feldmann David , Maduar Salim R. , Santer Mark , Lomadze Nino , Vinogradova Olga I. , Santer Svetlana
Published: November 2016

The strong adhesion of sub-micron sized particles to surfaces is a nuisance, both for removing contaminating colloids from surfaces and for conscious manipulation of particles to create and test novel micro/nano-scale assemblies. The obvious idea of using detergents to ease these processes suffers from a lack of control: the action of any conventional surface-modifying agent is immediate and global. With photosensitive azobenzene containing surfactants we overcome these limitations. Such photo-soaps contain optical switches (azobenzene molecules), which upon illumination with light of appropriate wavelength undergo reversible trans-cis photo-isomerization resulting in a subsequent change of the physico-chemical molecular properties. In this work we show that when a spatial gradient in the composition of trans- and cis- isomers is created near a solid-liquid interface, a substantial hydrodynamic flow can be initiated, the spatial extent of which can be set, e.g., by the shape of a laser spot. We propose the concept of light induced diffusioosmosis driving the flow, which can remove, gather or pattern a particle assembly at a solid-liquid interface. In other words, in addition to providing a soap we implement selectivity: particles are mobilized and moved at the time of illumination, and only across the illuminated area.
Physiological response and sulfur metabolism of the V. dahliae-infected tomato plants in tomato/potato onion companion cropping
Authors: Fu Xuepeng , Li Chunxia , Zhou Xingang , Liu Shouwei , Wu Fengzhi
Published: November 2016

Companion cropping with potato onions (Allium cepa var. agrogatum Don.) can enhance the disease resistance of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) to Verticillium dahliae infection by increasing the expressions of genes related to disease resistance. However, it is not clear how tomato plants physiologically respond to V. dahliae infection and what roles sulfur plays in the disease-resistance. Pot experiments were performed to examine changes in the physiology and sulfur metabolism of tomato roots infected by V. dahliae under the companion cropping (tomato/potato onion). The results showed that the companion cropping increased the content of total phenol, lignin and glutathione and increased the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase in the roots of tomato plants. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expressions of genes involved in sulfur uptake and assimilation, and the formation of sulfur-containing defense compounds (SDCs) were up-regulated in the V. dahlia-infected tomatoes in the companion cropping. In addition, the interactions among tomato, potato onion and V. dahliae induced the expression of the high- affinity sulfate transporter gene in the tomato roots. These results suggest that sulfur may play important roles in tomato disease resistance against V. dahliae.
Ultra-Smooth, Fully Solution-Processed Large-Area Transparent Conducting Electrodes for Organic Devices
Authors: Jin Won-Yong , Ginting Riski Titian , Ko Keum-Jin , Kang Jae-Wook
Published: November 2016

A novel approach for the fabrication of ultra-smooth and highly bendable substrates consisting of metal grid-conducting polymers that are fully embedded into transparent substrates (ME-TCEs) was successfully demonstrated. The fully printed ME-TCEs exhibited ultra-smooth surfaces (surface roughness ~1.0 nm), were highly transparent (~90% transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm), highly conductive (sheet resistance ~4 Ω ◻−1), and relatively stable under ambient air (retaining ~96% initial resistance up to 30 days). The ME-TCE substrates were used to fabricate flexible organic solar cells and organic light-emitting diodes exhibiting devices efficiencies comparable to devices fabricated on ITO/glass substrates. Additionally, the flexibility of the organic devices did not degrade their performance even after being bent to a bending radius of ~1 mm. Our findings suggest that ME-TCEs are a promising alternative to indium tin oxide and show potential for application toward large-area optoelectronic devices via fully printing processes.
Surface-bound bovine serum albumin carrier protein as present in recombinant cytokine preparations amplifies T helper 17 cell polarization
Authors: Dong Lei , Helmke Alexandra , Waisman Ari , Haller Hermann , Pich Andreas , von Vietinghoff Sibylle
Published: November 2016

Understanding of T helper 17 lineage (TH17) polarization has been significantly promoted by cell culture experiments that reduce the complexity of the in vivo environment. We here investigated TH17 amplification by coating of cytokine preparations. Cytokine preparations coated to the surface compared to the same amount given in solution significantly enhanced TH17 polarization assessed by flow cytometry and interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-17F and RORγt mRNA expression. T cell proliferation and TH1 polarization were similarly enhanced while TREG polarization was impeded. TH17 amplification was replicated by coating the plate with low amounts of FCS or albumin as used as carrier protein for cytokines (0.5 μl 0.1%). It was unaltered by filtration, protein digestion and arylhydrocarbon receptor blockade, not replicated by LPS and independent of integrin stimulation. TH17 amplification required anti-CD3 stimulation and was T cell intrinsic. Supernatants of CD4+ cells polarized on coated cytokine preparations with carrier albumin conferred amplification to fresh splenocytes. Coating markedly elevated CD4+ IL-22 mRNA expression and IL-22 blockade significantly reduced TH17 amplification. Our data show TH17 amplification by coated albumin in the low amounts present in recombinant cytokine preparations. This unexpected adjuvant like effect underscores the need for controls also for temporal and spatial factors in cell culture.
Chiral supramolecular organization and cooperativity in DNA-templated assemblies of ZnII–chromophore complexes
Authors: Rubio-Magnieto Jenifer , Kumar Mohit , Brocorens Patrick , Idé Julien , George Subi J. , Lazzaroni Roberto , Surin Mathieu
Published: November 2016

Templated cooperative binding induced assembly of chromophores is achieved via interactions between Zn-complexes and the DNA phosphodiester backbone.
Fluorescein as an artificial enzyme to mimic peroxidase
Authors: Liu Li , Shi Ying , Yang Yufang , Li Menglu , Long Yijuan , Huang Yuming , Zheng Huzhi
Published: November 2016

Fluorescein was found to possess intrinsic peroxidase-like activity, which could catalyze the oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2to produce a color reaction.
Enzymatic synthesis of natural (+)-aristolochene from a non-natural substrate
Authors: Faraldos Juan A. , Grundy Daniel J. , Cascon Oscar , Leoni Stefano , van der Kamp Marc W. , Allemann Rudolf K.
Published: November 2016

Aristolochene synthase from Penicillium roqueforti converts 7-methylene-FDP, a substrate the enzyme never encounters in nature, to the natural product (+)-aristolochene.
Two new phases of monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides and their piezoelectric properties
Authors: Hu Ting , Dong Jinming
Published: November 2016

Two stable structural phases of the monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides have been found, both of which exhibit significant piezoelectric properties.
Polyiodides in room-temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Aono Masami , Kiyotani Tamiko , Tsuzuki Seiji
Published: November 2016

Polyiodides, Im−, were formed in room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs).
Self-assembled monolayer formation of a (N5)Fe(ii) complex on gold electrodes: electrochemical properties and coordination chemistry on a surface
Authors: Buron Charlotte , Groni Sihem , Ségaud Nathalie , Mazerat Sandra , Dragoe Diana , Fave Claire , Sénéchal-David Katell , Schöllhorn Bernd , Banse Frédéric
Published: November 2016

The first coordination sphere of (N5)FeII–X complexes grafted on a gold electrode can be tuned in a similar way to that in solution.
Differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers exhibit adaptation in the transport and metabolism of flavan-3-ols with chronic exposure to both isolated flavan-3-ols and enriched extracts
Authors: Redan Benjamin W. , Chegeni Mohammad , Ferruzzi Mario G.
Published: November 2016

Chronic exposure to commonly consumed flavonoids changes their transport and metabolism in a small intestinal cell model.
Oxidation of olefins using molecular oxygen catalyzed by a part per million level of recyclable copper catalyst under mild conditions
Authors: Yang Guoqiang , Du Huiyuan , Liu Jia , Zhou Zheng , Hu Xingbang , Zhang Zhibing
Published: November 2016

O2 as oxidant, ppm catalyst loading, mild reaction conditions, good selectivity, and excellent catalyst recyclability for the oxidation of olefins.
New relationship models for solvent–pyrene solubility based on molecular structure and empirical properties
Authors: Yousefinejad Saeed , Honarasa Fatemeh , Chaabi Mehrnoosh
Published: November 2016

A combination of QSPR and LSER was used to predict the Ostwald solubility of pyrene in organic solvents and descript solvent–solute interactions.
Dual-responsive hybrid thermoplastic shape memory polyurethane
Authors: Chan Benjamin Qi Yu , Heng Sylvester Jun Wen , Liow Sing Shy , Zhang Kangyi , Loh Xian Jun
Published: November 2016

A urethane-based dual-responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) was prepared.
New insights into catalytic pyrolysis mechanisms and reaction pathways of urea pyrolysis on V–Ti catalyst surfaces
Authors: Wang Yaolin , Zhu Xinbo , Huang Yu , Zheng Chenghang , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2016

A series of V–Ti catalysts with different vanadium loadings for urea pyrolysis were synthesized using the impregnation method and showed desirable catalytic activity.
N,N′-Diaryl-perylene-3,9-diamine derivatives: synthesis, characterization and electroluminescence properties
Authors: Torres Érica , Bogel-Lukasik Rafal , Berberan-Santos Mário Nuno , Höfle Stefan , Colsmann Alexander , Brites Maria João
Published: November 2016

In this work, N,N′-diaryl-perylene-3,9-diamine (PDA) derivatives featuring different alkoxyl substituents at para position of the N-aryl rings were synthesized and employed as emitters in solution processed organic light emitting diodes.
NH2-functionalized carbon-coated Fe3O4 core–shell nanoparticles for in situ preparation of robust polyimide composite films with high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and high breakdown strength
Authors: Fang Xinliang , Wang Shanfeng , Li Yanxiao , Liu Xiaoyun , Li Xinxin , Lin Shaoliang , Cui Zhong-Kai , Zhuang Qixin
Published: November 2016

Thermostable amine-functionalized carbon-coated Fe3O4/polyimide composites with high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss were created at a low percolation threshold.
Development of a superhydrophobic polybenzoxazine surface with self-cleaning and reversible water adhesion properties
Authors: Zhang Wenfei , Lu Xin , Xin Zhong , Zhou Changlu
Published: November 2016

A superhydrophobic polybenzoxazine surface with self-cleaning properties is obtained, and is resistant to solvents and corrosive liquids.
A bio-hybrid material for adsorption and degradation of phenanthrene: bacteria immobilized on sawdust coated with a silica layer
Authors: Li Jinghua , Guo Chuling , Liao Changjun , Zhang Menglu , Liang Xujun , Lu Guining , Yang Chen , Dang Zhi
Published: November 2016

Membrane permeability of bacteria immobilized in silica-coated sawdust was increased, and its metabolic activity toward Phe was enhanced.
Gold nanoparticle superlattices: structure and cavities studied by GISAXS and PALS
Authors: Olichwer Natalia , Koschine Tönjes , Meyer Andreas , Egger Werner , Rätzke Klaus , Vossmeyer Tobias
Published: November 2016

In this study the sizes of cavities formed within the ligand matrix of gold nanoparticle superlattices were probed using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.
The role of carbon in structural evolution during single step synthesis of nano tantalum carbide
Authors: Brar Loveleen K. , Singla Gourav , Pandey O. P.
Published: November 2016

Carbon-coated nano TaC has been synthesized at 800 °C in single step from TaO2. Structural features of synthesized cubic TaC depend on the initial carbon concentration. The reaction analysis depicts the role of Mg in lowering the reaction temperature.
Correction: A novel strategy for enhancing the electrospun PVDF support layer of thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes
Authors: Obaid M. , Mohamed Hend Omar , Yasin Ahmed S. , Fadali Olfat A. , Khalil Khalil Abdelrazek , Kim Taewoo , Barakat Nasser A. M.
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘A novel strategy for enhancing the electrospun PVDF support layer of thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes’ by M. Obaid et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 102762–102772.
Gamma titanium phosphate as an electrode material for Li-ion and Na-ion storage: performance and mechanism
Authors: Xiang Xinghua , Li Xiaocheng , Chen Kongyao , Tang Yang , Wan Min , Ding Xuli , Xue Lihong , Zhang Wuxing , Huang Yunhui
Published: November 2016

Layered G-TiP can store Li+ and Na+ ions via a local ion exchange process and redox reaction. Despite the large radius of Na+, G-TiP exhibits a higher structural tolerance upon (de)sodiation and a better capacity retention at low voltage.
Magnetic field-guided directional rebound of a droplet on a superhydrophobic flexible needle surface
Authors: Wang Lei , Gao Chunlei , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2016

A superhydrophobic flexible tilt angle controlled needle surface is fabricated by integrating the methods of soft-lithography and crystal growth.
Correction: Hydrogenated under-stoichiometric tungsten oxide anode interlayers for efficient and stable organic photovoltaics
Authors: Vasilopoulou M. , Soultati A. , Georgiadou D. G. , Stergiopoulos T. , Palilis L. C. , Kennou S. , Stathopoulos N. A. , Davazoglou D. , Argitis P.
Published: November 2016

Correction for ‘Hydrogenated under-stoichiometric tungsten oxide anode interlayers for efficient and stable organic photovoltaics’ by M. Vasilopoulou et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 1738–1749.
Enhanced antibacterial activity and osteoinductivity of Ag-loaded strontium hydroxyapatite/chitosan porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Xu Zheng-Liang , Lei Yong , Yin Wen-Jing , Chen Yi-Xuan , Ke Qin-Fei , Guo Ya-Ping , Zhang Chang-Qing
Published: November 2016

A new design of Ag-loaded Sr-HAP/CS porous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering to promote osteogenesis and prevent infections.
Photosensitizer-complexed polypyrrole nanoparticles for activatable fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Park Dongjin , Kim Jisu , Choi Yongdoo
Published: November 2016

Photosensitizer-complexed polypyrrole nanoparticles for real-time fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy of cancer.
Unraveling structural and magnetic information during growth of nanocrystalline SrFe12O19
Authors: Granados-Miralles Cecilia , Saura-Múzquiz Matilde , Bøjesen Espen D. , Jensen Kirsten M. Ø. , Andersen Henrik L. , Christensen Mogens
Published: November 2016

Hydrothermal synthesis of SrFe12O19is followedin situusing PXRD, and successfully reproducedex situusing a custom-designed batch-type reactor.
Homocysteine deteriorates intrahepatic derangement and portal-systemic collaterals in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Tung Hung-Chun , Hsu Shao-Jung , Tsai Ming-Hung , Lin Te-Yueh , Hsin I-Fang , Huo Te-Ia , Lee Fa-Yauh , Huang Hui-Chun , Ho Hsin-Ling , Lin Han-Chieh , Lee Shou-Dong
Published: November 2016

In liver cirrhosis, the altered levels of vasoactive substances, especially endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) lead to elevated intrahepatic resistance, increased portal-systemic collaterals and abnormal intra- and extra-hepatic vascular responsiveness. These derangements aggravate portal hypertension-related complications such as gastro-oesophageal variceal bleeding. Homocysteine, a substance implicated in cardiovascular diseases, has been found with influences on vasoresponsiveness and angiogenesis. However, their relevant effects in liver cirrhosis have not been investigated. In the present study, liver cirrhosis was induced by common bile duct ligation (BDL) in Sprague–Dawley rats. In acute study, the results showed that homocysteine enhanced hepatic vasoconstriction to ET-1 but decreased portal-systemic collateral vasocontractility to arginine vasopressin (AVP). Homocysteine down-regulated hepatic phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (p-eNOS) and p-Akt protein expressions. Inducible NOS (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expressions were up-regulated by homocysteine in splenorenal shunt (SRS), the most prominent intra-abdominal collateral vessel. In chronic study, BDL or thioacetamide (TAA) rats received homocysteine or vehicle for 14 days. The results revealed that homocysteine increased hepatic collagen fibre deposition and fibrotic factors expressions in both BDL- and TAA-induced liver fibrotic rats. Portal-systemic shunting and expressions of mesenteric angiogenetic factors [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), PDGF receptor β (PDGFRβ) and p-eNOS] were also increased in BDL rats. In conclusion, homocysteine is harmful to vascular derangements and liver fibrosis in cirrhosis.
To treat or not to treat – Successful hepatitis C virus eradication in a patient with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and complete response to sorafenib
Authors: Waidmann Oliver , Peveling-Oberhag Jan , Eichler Katrin , Schulze Falko , Vermehren Johannes
Published: November 2016

Background and aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most frequent underlying diseases leading to HCC development. Sorafenib is the standard of care for HCC patients not amenable to local treatment, resection, or liver transplantation. Although overall survival can be increased, objective response rates in patients treated with sorafenib are low. In HCC patients who underwent resection or ablation, HCV eradication with interferon-based regimens reduces the risk of recurrence. However, it is not known and under strong debate if patients with HCC should be treated with interferon-free regimens. Furthermore, it is not known if patients with advanced HCC at the time of diagnosis should be treated with antiviral therapy.

Methods A patient with histologically confirmed advanced-stage HCC due to HCV-related cirrhosis was treated with sorafenib according to current guideline recommendations. Furthermore, he received subsequent treatment with direct antiviral agents (DAAs).

Results The patient achieved a complete response after sorafenib treatment was initiated. Sorafenib treatment was terminated 1 year after complete response. As no recurrence of HCC was evident after treatment cessation, antiviral treatment was initiated with paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and dose-reduced ribavirin because of chronic kidney disease. The patient achieved a sustained viral response.

Conclusions Complete response to sorafenib treatment is scarce. Antiviral treatment should be considered in such patients as well as in patients with HCC who underwent resection or ablation.
A stretchable and screen-printable conductive ink for stretchable electronics
Authors: Mohammed Anwar , Pecht Michael
Published: November 2016

Stretchable electronics can offer an added degree of design freedom and generate products with unprecedented capabilities. Stretchable conductive ink serving as interconnect, is a key enabler for stretchable electronics. This paper focuses on the development of a stretchable and screen printable conductive ink which could be stretched more than 500 cycles at 20% strain while maintaining electrical and mechanical integrity. The screen printable and stretchable conductive ink developed in this paper marks an important milestone for this nascent technology.
Nonlinear dynamics of a thin liquid film deposited on a laterally oscillating corrugated surface in the high-frequency limit
Authors: Duruk Selin , Oron Alexander
Published: November 2016

The nonlinear dynamics of thin liquid films deposited on various periodically corrugated substrates, both left-right symmetric and asymmetric, subjected to lateral vibration in the high-frequency limit is investigated. The method used to derive the governing evolution equation is based on the long-wave approximation, multiscale time expansion, and averaging over the fast time scale. The resulting evolution equation contains the effects of gravity, capillarity, vibration, and the substrate topology. The initial-boundary-value problem associated with this evolution equation is numerically solved and the system behavior is investigated for a variety of parameter sets. Typical patterns emerging as a result of the film evolution include hump formation within the troughs of the substrate and homogenized coatings whose configuration resembles that of the substrate, as well as the possibility of film rupture. We show that the choice of the vibration parameters and the topological features of the substrate may be used for controlling the shape of the film interface as well as its properties such as the amplitude, continuity, or rupture. Together with the film profiles stationary in terms of the averaged film interface with respect to the slow time scale, time evolution of the total (comprising of the averaged and pulsating components) interfacial profiles and streamline maps is presented to illustrate the film flow. We carry out Floquet stability analysis of periodically replicated steady states for the time-independent problem, linear stability analysis based on a reduced low-order projection approximation for the time-dependent problem, and stability analysis with respect to disturbances of a larger wavelength. We have found also that in the case of two-dimensional corrugated substrates, the vast majority of two-dimensional steady-state flows in terms of the averaged film interface exhibit stability in three dimensions with respect to small perturbations in the transverse spatial direction.
Effects of vibrational anharmonicity on molecular electronic conduction and thermoelectric efficiency
Authors: Friedman Hava Meira , Agarwalla Bijay Kumar , Segal Dvira
Published: November 2016

We study inelastic vibration-assisted charge transfer effects in two-site molecular junctions, focusing on signatures of vibrational anharmonicity on the electrical characteristics and the thermoelectric response of the junction. We consider three types of oscillators: harmonic, anharmonic-Morse allowing bond dissociation, and harmonic-quartic, mimicking a confinement potential. Using a quantum master equation method which is perturbative in the electron-vibration interaction, we find that the (inelastic) electrical and thermal conductances can be largely affected by the nature of the vibrational potential. In contrast, the Seebeck coefficient, the thermoelectric figure-of-merit, and the thermoelectric efficiency beyond linear response conceal this information, showing a rather weak sensitivity to vibrational anharmonicity. Our work illustrates that anharmonic (many-body) effects, consequential to the current-voltage characteristics, are of little effect for the thermoelectric performance in the present model.
Nonequilibrium diagrammatic technique for Hubbard Green functions
Authors: Chen Feng , Ochoa Maicol A. , Galperin Michael
Published: November 2016

We introduce diagrammatic technique for Hubbard nonequilibrium Green functions. The formulation is an extension of equilibrium considerations for strongly correlated lattice models to description of current carrying molecular junctions. Within the technique intra-system interactions are taken into account exactly, while molecular coupling to contacts is used as a small parameter in perturbative expansion. We demonstrate the viability of the approach with numerical simulations for a generic junction model of quantum dot coupled to two electron reservoirs.
Magnon–phonon coupling and implications for charge-density wave states and superconductivity in cuprates
Authors: Struzhkin Viktor V. , Chen Xiao-Jia
Published: November 2016

The mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity of copper oxides (cuprates) remains unsolved puzzle in condensed matter physics. The cuprates represent extremely complicated system, showing fascinating variety of quantum phenomena and rich phase diagram as a function of doping. In the suggested “superconducting glue” mechanisms, phonon and spin excitations are invoked most frequently, and it appears that only spin excitations cover the energy scale required to justify very high transition temperature Tc ∼ 165 K (as in mercury-based triple layer cuprates compressed to 30 GPa). It appears that pressure is quite important variable helping to boost the Tc record by almost 30°. Pressure may be also considered as a clean tuning parameter, helping to understand the underlying balance of various energy scales and ordered states in cuprates. In this paper, a review of mostly our work on cuprates under pressure will be given, with the emphasis on the interactions between phonon and spin excitations. It appears that there is a strong coupling between superexchange interaction and stretching in-plane oxygen vibrations, which may give rise to a variety of complex phenomena, including the charge-density wave state intertwined with superconductivity and attracting a lot of interest recently.
Possible increase in the critical temperature of high-temperature superconductors based on the synthesis of new classes of HTSC compounds
Authors: Savchenko A. M. , Savchenko M. A.
Published: November 2016

The effect of exchange enhancement of electron-phonon interactions in high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) systems is examined and an upper bound is determined for applicability of the quasilinear equations. The spin-phonon interaction in the HTSC phase is described. It is found that if the resonance wave vector krez ≪ pF, then use of the quasilinear equations is justified, since krez is on the order of the inverse correlation length kc which, in turn, does not exceed the inverse coherence length (i.e., kc ≪ pF). Thus, the quasilinear calculation of Tc is correct when the spin-phonon coupling parameter ξ ≫ 1 and can be used to determine the synthesis characteristics for new HTSC materials with higher Tc.