bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemical states and atomic structure evolution of ultralow-energy high-dose Boron implanted Si(110) via laser annealing
Authors: Lee Fu-Ying , Wu Zong-Zhe , Kao Li-Chi , Chang Feng-Mei , Chen Sheng-Wen , JangJian Shiu-Ko , Cheng Hui-Yu , Chen Wei-Liang , Chang Yu-Ming , Lo Kuang Yao
Published: October 2017

Further scale down the dimension of silicon-based integrated circuit is a crucial trend in semiconductor fabrication. One of the most critical issues in the nano-device fabrication is to confirm the atomic structure evolution of the ultrathin shallow junction. In this report, UV Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and reflective second harmonic generation (RSHG) are utilized to monitor the pulse laser induced atomic structure evolution of ultralow-energy high-dose Boron implanted Si(110) at room and cold substrate temperature. A peak feature around 480 cm−1 resolved in UV Raman spectra indicates the formation of Si-B bond after the laser irradiation. The red shift of binding energy of Si element (~99 eV) in XPS and the evolution of absorption peak (~196.2 eV) in XANES reveal that the changes in the chemical states of ultra shallow junction strongly correlate to the activation process of Boron implantation, which is confirmed by RSHG measurement. The substrate temperature effect in the recrystallization of Boron implanted region is also realized by cross-section high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The phenomena of Si-B bond formation and ultra-shallow junction recrystallization can be traced and applied to improve the reliability of Si ultra shallow junction in the future.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Cartilage Development and Osteoarthritis
Authors: Nagao Masashi , Hamilton John L. , Kc Ranjan , Berendsen Agnes D. , Duan Xuchen , Cheong Chan Wook , Li Xin , Im Hee-Jeong , Olsen Bjorn R.
Published: October 2017

Genome wide studies indicate that vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) is associated with osteoarthritis (OA), and increased VEGF expression correlates with increased disease severity. VEGF is also a chondrocyte survival factor during development and essential for bone formation, skeletal growth and postnatal homeostasis. This raises questions of how the important embryonic and postnatal functions of VEGF can be reconciled with an apparently destructive role in OA. Addressing these questions, we find that VEGF acts as a survival factor in growth plate chondrocytes during development but only up until a few weeks after birth in mice. It is also required for postnatal differentiation of articular chondrocytes and the timely ossification of bones in joint regions. In surgically induced knee OA in mice, a model of post-traumatic OA in humans, increased expression of VEGF is associated with catabolic processes in chondrocytes and synovial cells. Conditional knock-down of Vegf attenuates induced OA. Intra-articular anti-VEGF antibodies suppress OA progression, reduce levels of phosphorylated VEGFR2 in articular chondrocytes and synovial cells and reduce levels of phosphorylated VEGFR1 in dorsal root ganglia. Finally, oral administration of the VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor Vandetanib attenuates OA progression.
Characterization of Fluorescein Arsenical Hairpin (FlAsH) as a Probe for Single-Molecule Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Fernandes Dennis D. , Bamrah Jasbir , Kailasam Senthilkumar , Gomes Gregory-Neal W. , Li Yuchong , Wieden Hans-Joachim , Gradinaru Claudiu C.
Published: October 2017

In recent years, new labelling strategies have been developed that involve the genetic insertion of small amino-acid sequences for specific attachment of small organic fluorophores. Here, we focus on the tetracysteine FCM motif (FLNCCPGCCMEP), which binds to fluorescein arsenical hairpin (FlAsH), and the ybbR motif (TVLDSLEFIASKLA) which binds fluorophores conjugated to Coenzyme A (CoA) via a phosphoryl transfer reaction. We designed a peptide containing both motifs for orthogonal labelling with FlAsH and Alexa647 (AF647). Molecular dynamics simulations showed that both motifs remain solvent-accessible for labelling reactions. Fluorescence spectra, correlation spectroscopy and anisotropy decay were used to characterize labelling and to obtain photophysical parameters of free and peptide-bound FlAsH. The data demonstrates that FlAsH is a viable probe for single-molecule studies. Single-molecule imaging confirmed dual labeling of the peptide with FlAsH and AF647. Multiparameter single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) measurements were performed on freely diffusing peptides in solution. The smFRET histogram showed different peaks corresponding to different backbone and dye orientations, in agreement with the molecular dynamics simulations. The tandem of fluorophores and the labelling strategy described here are a promising alternative to bulky fusion fluorescent proteins for smFRET and single-molecule tracking studies of membrane proteins.
Trk-fused gene (TFG) regulates pancreatic β cell mass and insulin secretory activity
Authors: Yamamotoya Takeshi , Nakatsu Yusuke , Kushiyama Akifumi , Matsunaga Yasuka , Ueda Koji , Inoue Yuki , Inoue Masa-Ki , Sakoda Hideyuki , Fujishiro Midori , Ono Hiraku , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Ishihara Hisamitsu , Asano Tomoichiro
Published: October 2017

The Trk-fused gene (TFG) is reportedly involved in the process of COPII-mediated vesicle transport and missense mutations in TFG cause several neurodegenerative diseases including hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement (HMSN-P). The high coincidence ratio between HMSN-P and diabetes mellitus suggests TFG to have an important role(s) in glucose homeostasis. To examine this possibility, β-cell specific TFG knockout mice (βTFG KO) were generated. Interestingly, βTFG KO displayed marked glucose intolerance with reduced insulin secretion. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed smaller β-cell masses in βTFG KO than in controls, likely attributable to diminished β-cell proliferation. Consistently, β-cell expansion in response to a high-fat, high-sucrose (HFHS) diet was significantly impaired in βTFG KO. Furthermore, glucose-induced insulin secretion was also markedly impaired in islets isolated from βTFG KO. Electron microscopic observation revealed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) dilatation, suggestive of ER stress, and smaller insulin crystal diameters in β-cells of βTFG KO. Microarray gene expression analysis indicated downregulation of NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream genes in TFG depleted islets. Collectively, TFG in pancreatic β-cells plays a vital role in maintaining both the mass and function of β-cells, and its dysfunction increases the tendency to develop glucose intolerance.
Revealing the Saline Adaptation Strategies of the Halophilic Bacterium Halomonas beimenensis through High-throughput Omics and Transposon Mutagenesis Approaches
Authors: Chen Yan-Huey , Lu Chia-Wei , Shyu Yuan-Tay , Lin Shih-Shun
Published: October 2017

Studies on the halotolerance of bacteria are attractive to the fermentation industry. However, a lack of sufficient genomic information has precluded an investigation of the halotolerance of Halomonas beimenensis. Here, we describe the molecular mechanisms of saline adaptation in H. beimenensis based on high-throughput omics and Tn5 transposon mutagenesis. The H. beimenensis genome is 4.05 Mbp and contains 3,807 genes, which were sequenced using short and long reads obtained via deep sequencing. Sixteen Tn5 mutants with a loss of halotolerance were identified. Orthologs of the mutated genes, such as nqrA, trkA, atpC, nadA, and gdhB, have significant biological functions in sodium efflux, potassium uptake, hydrogen ion transport for energy conversion, and compatible solute synthesis, which are known to control halotolerance. Other genes, such as spoT, prkA, mtnN, rsbV, lon, smpB, rfbC, rfbP, tatB, acrR1, and lacA, function in cellular signaling, quorum sensing, transcription/translation, and cell motility also shown critical functions for promoting a halotolerance. In addition, KCl application increased halotolerance and potassium-dependent cell motility in a high-salinity environment. Our results demonstrated that a combination of omics and mutagenesis could be used to facilitate the mechanistic exploitation of saline adaptation in H. beimenensis, which can be applied for biotechnological purposes.
Mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate facilitates bumblebee pre-flight thermogenesis
Authors: Masson Stewart W. C. , Hedges Christopher P. , Devaux Jules B. L. , James Crystal S. , Hickey Anthony J. R.
Published: October 2017

Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) fly at low ambient temperatures where other insects cannot, and to do so they must pre-warm their flight muscles. While some have proposed mechanisms, none fully explain how pre-flight thermogenesis occurs. Here, we present a novel hypothesis based on the less studied mitochondrial glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase pathway (mGPDH). Using calorimetry, and high resolution respirometry coupled with fluorimetry, we report substrate oxidation by mGPDH in permeabilised flight muscles operates, in vitro, at a high flux, even in the absence of ADP. This may be facilitated by an endogenous, mGPDH-mediated uncoupling of mitochondria. This uncoupling increases ETS activity, which results in increased heat release. Furthermore, passive regulation of this mechanism is achieved via dampened temperature sensitivity of mGPDH relative to other respiratory pathways, and subsequent consumption of its substrate, glycerol 3-phosphate (G3P), at low temperatures. Mitochondrial GPDH may therefore facilitate pre-flight thermogenesis through poor mitochondrial coupling. We calculate this can occur at a sufficient rate to warm flight muscles until shivering commences, and until flight muscle function is adequate for bumblebees to fly in the cold.
Small-angle neutron scattering modeling of spin disorder in nanoparticles
Authors: Vivas Laura G. , Yanes Rocio , Michels Andreas
Published: October 2017

Magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a powerful technique for investigating magnetic nanoparticle assemblies in nonmagnetic matrices. For such microstructures, the standard theory of magnetic SANS assumes uniformly magnetized nanoparticles (macrospin model). However, there exist many experimental and theoretical studies which suggest that this assumption is violated: deviations from ellipsoidal particle shape, crystalline defects, or the interplay between various magnetic interactions (exchange, magnetic anisotropy, magnetostatics, external field) may lead to nonuniform spin structures. Therefore, a theoretical framework of magnetic SANS of nanoparticles needs to be developed. Here, we report numerical micromagnetic simulations of the static spin structure and related unpolarized magnetic SANS of a single cobalt nanorod. While in the saturated state the magnetic SANS cross section is (as expected) determined by the particle form factor, significant deviations appear for nonsaturated states; specifically, at remanence, domain-wall and vortex states emerge which result in a magnetic SANS signal that is composed of all three magnetization Fourier components, giving rise to a complex angular anisotropy on a two-dimensional detector. The strength of the micromagnetic simulation methodology is the possibility to decompose the cross section into the individual Fourier components, which allows one to draw important conclusions regarding the fundamentals of magnetic SANS.
Work and information from thermal states after subtraction of energy quanta
Authors: Hloušek J. , Ježek M. , Filip R.
Published: October 2017

Quantum oscillators prepared out of thermal equilibrium can be used to produce work and transmit information. By intensive cooling of a single oscillator, its thermal energy deterministically dissipates to a colder environment, and the oscillator substantially reduces its entropy. This out-of-equilibrium state allows us to obtain work and to carry information. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an advanced approach, conditionally preparing more efficient out-of-equilibrium states only by a weak dissipation, an inefficient quantum measurement of the dissipated thermal energy, and subsequent triggering of that states. Although it conditionally subtracts the energy quanta from the oscillator, average energy grows, and second-order correlation function approaches unity as by coherent external driving. On the other hand, the Fano factor remains constant and the entropy of the subtracted state increases, which raise doubts about a possible application of this approach. To resolve it, we predict and experimentally verify that both available work and transmitted information can be conditionally higher in this case than by arbitrary cooling or adequate thermal heating up to the same average energy. It qualifies the conditional procedure as a useful source for experiments in quantum information and thermodynamics.
Metabolic Responses of Eisenia Fetida to Individual Pb and Cd Contamination in Two Types of Soils
Authors: Tang Ronggui , Ding Changfeng , Ma Yibing , Wang Junsong , Zhang Taolin , Wang Xingxiang
Published: October 2017

To characterize the potential toxicity of low Pb- and Cd-contaminated arable soils, earthworms were exposed to Pb contaminated ferrosol, cambosol or Cd contaminated ferrosol for two weeks. Polar metabolites of earthworms were detected by nuclear magnetic resonance. Data were then analyzed with principal component analysis followed by orthogonal signal correction-partial least squares-discriminant analysis and univariate analysis to determine possible mechanisms for the changes in metabolites. The survival rates, metal concentrations and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the earthworms were also measured and calculated as auxiliary data. The results showed that the metabolite profiles were highly similar in Pb-contaminated ferrosol and cambosol (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.0001), which can be attributed to similar response mechanisms. However, there was a more intense response in ferrosol likely due to higher Pb concentrations in earthworms. Metabolic pathways and BAFs exhibited apparent distinctions between Pb- and Cd-contaminated ferrosol, likely because they bind to different bio-ligands. The affected metabolic pathways were involved in alanine-aspartate-glutamate, purine, glutathione, valine-leucine-isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism. Regarding the bioavailability in earthworms, Pb availability was higher for ferrosol than for cambosol. We confirmed that the potential toxicity of low Pb/Cd-contaminated soils can be characterized using earthworm metabolomics.
Growth hormone secretagogues hexarelin and JMV2894 protect skeletal muscle from mitochondrial damages in a rat model of cisplatin-induced cachexia
Authors: Sirago Giuseppe , Conte Elena , Fracasso Flavio , Cormio Antonella , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Martinez Jean , Musicco Clara , Camerino Giulia Maria , Fonzino Adriano , Rizzi Laura , Torsello Antonio , Lezza Angela Maria Serena , Liantonio Antonella , Cantatore Palmiro , Pesce Vito
Published: October 2017

Chemotherapy can cause cachexia, which consists of weight loss associated with muscle atrophy. The exact mechanisms underlying this skeletal muscle toxicity are largely unknown and co-therapies to attenuate chemotherapy-induced side effects are lacking. By using a rat model of cisplatin-induced cachexia, we here characterized the mitochondrial homeostasis in tibialis anterior cachectic muscle and evaluated the potential beneficial effects of the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) hexarelin and JMV2894 in this setting. We found that cisplatin treatment caused a decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, NRF-1, TFAM, mtDNA, ND1), mitochondrial mass (Porin and Citrate synthase activity) and fusion index (MFN2, Drp1), together with changes in the expression of autophagy-related genes (AKT/FoxO pathway, Atg1, Beclin1, LC3AII, p62) and enhanced ROS production (PRX III, MnSOD). Importantly, JMV2894 and hexarelin are capable to antagonize this chemotherapy-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, our findings reveal a key-role played by mitochondria in the mechanism responsible for GHS beneficial effects in skeletal muscle, strongly indicating that targeting mitochondrial dysfunction might be a promising area of research in developing therapeutic strategies to prevent or limit muscle wasting in cachexia.
Associations of interactions between NLRP3 SNPs and HLA mismatch with acute and extensive chronic graft-versus-host diseases
Authors: Takahashi Hidekazu , Okayama Naoko , Yamaguchi Natsu , Miyahara Yuta , Morishima Yasuo , Suehiro Yutaka , Yamasaki Takahiro , Tamada Koji , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu , Asano Shigetaka , Tanabe Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2017

HLA matching is a well-known genetic requirement for successful bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, the importance of non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remains poorly understood. The NLR family pyrin domain–containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, a key regulator of innate immunity, is associated with multiple diseases. We retrospectively genotyped SNPs of NLRP1–3 and caspase recruitment domain family member 8 (CARD8), which are implicated in the interleukin 1β (IL-1β) signaling, in 999 unrelated BMT donor–recipient pairs. We identified an association of the interaction between the recipient NLRP3 SNP CC genotype and total HLA mismatches with grade 2–4 acute graft-versus-host disease (AGVHD), and an association of the interaction between the donor NLRP3 SNP T allele and HLA-C mismatch with extensive chronic GVHD (ECGVHD), in both adjusted and unadjusted regressions (P < 0.005). Importantly, the ECGVHD risk associated with HLA-C mismatch was not elevated when the donor NLRP3 genotype was CC. We also identified an association of the interaction between recipient NLRP3 SNP and donor cytomegalovirus seropositivity with overall survival in adjusted regressions (P < 0.005). These results suggest the importance of certain SNP–covariate interactions in unrelated BMT. The three identified interactions may be useful for donor selection or outcome prediction.
Spectrum of spontaneous photon emission as a promising biophysical indicator for breast cancer research
Authors: Zhao Xiaolei , Yang Meina , Wang Yong , Pang Jingxiang , Wijk Eduard Van , Liu Yanli , Fan Hua , Zhang Liewei , Han Jinxiang
Published: October 2017

In this study, we investigated the spectral characteristics of Spontaneous Photon Emission (SPE) from the body surface of a human breast cancer-bearing nude mice model during the overall growth process of breast cancers. By comparing and analyzing the data, we found that there was a striking difference between tumor mice and healthy controls in the spectral distribution of SPE from the body surface of lesion site, even when the morphological changes at the lesion site were not obvious. The spectral distribution of SPE from the healthy site of the tumor mice also differed from that of the healthy controls as the breast cancer developed to a certain stage. In addition, the difference in spectrum was related with different growth states of tumors. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between the spectral ratio (610–630/395–455 nm) and the logarithm of the tumor volume for both the lesion site (R2 = 0.947; p < 0.001) and the normal site (R2 = 0.892; p < 0.001) of the tumor mice. The results suggested that the spectrum of SPE was sensitive to changes in the tumor status.
Bortezomib promotes KHSV and EBV lytic cycle by activating JNK and autophagy
Authors: Granato Marisa , Romeo Maria Anele , Tiano Mariangela Sara , Santarelli Roberta , Gonnella Roberta , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Faggioni Alberto , Cirone Mara
Published: October 2017

KSHV and EBV are gammaherpesviruses strictly linked to human cancers. Even if the majority of cancer cells harbor a latent infection, the few cells that undergo viral replication may contribute to the pathogenesis and maintenance of the virus-associated malignancies. Cytotoxic drugs used for the therapies of cancers harboring virus-infection often have, as side effect, the activation of viral lytic cycle. Therefore it is important to investigate whether they affect viral reactivation and understand the underlying mechanisms involved. In this study, we found that proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, a cytotoxic drug that efficiently target gammaherpesvirus-associated B cell lymphomas, triggered KSHV or EBV viral lytic cycle by activating JNK, in the course of ER stress, and inducing autophagy. These results suggest that the manipulation of these pathways could limit viral spread and improve the outcome of bortezomib treatment in patients affected by gammaherpesvirus-associated lymphomas.
In vivo noninvasive microscopy of human leucocytes
Authors: Winer Matan M. , Zeidan Adel , Yeheskely-Hayon Daniella , Golan Lior , Minai Limor , Dann Eldad J. , Yelin Dvir
Published: October 2017

Leucocytes play a key role in our immune system, protecting the body against infections using a wide range of biological mechanisms. Effective imaging and identification of leucocytes within the blood stream in patients is challenging, however, because of their low volume fraction in the blood, the high tissue scattering and the rapid blood flow. Spectrally encoded flow cytometry (SEFC) has recently been demonstrated effective for label-free high-resolution in vivo imaging of blood cells using an optical probe that does not require mechanical scanning. Here, we use SEFC to noninvasively image leucocytes at different imaging depths within small vessels in human volunteers, and identify visual differences in cell brightness and nuclei shapes, that would help distinguish between the two most abundant leucocyte types. The observed differences match the in vitro characteristics of isolated granulocytes and mononuclear cells. The results prove the potential of the system for conducting differential leucocyte count and as an effective research tool for studying the function and distribution of leucocytes in humans.
Ultraintense UV emission from ZnO-sheathed ZnS nanorods
Authors: Lee Jae Kyung , Sun Gun-Joo , Lee Woo Seok , Hyun Soong Keun , Kim Kyoung-Kook , Choi Seung-Bok , Lee Chongmu
Published: October 2017

Short-wavelength luminescence is essential for high-performance optoelectronic device applications. There have been efforts to obtain intense ultraviolet (UV) emission by encapsulating ZnO one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures with materials such as ZnS. However, the encapsulation of ZnS 1D nanostructures with ZnO has not been reported. In this paper, we report ultraintense UV emission from ZnS nanorods coated with ZnO, i.e., ZnS-core/ZnO-shell nanorods. UV emission from the ZnS-core/ZnO-shell nanorods was much more intense than that obtained from the extensively studied ZnO-core/ZnS-shell nanorods. The highest intensity of the near-band-edge emission from the ZnS-core/ZnO-shell nanorods was obtained with a ZnO shell layer thickness of 35 nm, which is ∼16 times higher than that of pristine ZnS nanorods. Moreover, the deep level (DL) emission was suppressed completely. The substantial enhancement of the UV emission from the ZnS nanorods and the complete suppression of the DL emission by ZnO sheathing can be rationalized by combining the following four effects: the reinforcement of the UV emission by the overlap of the UV emissions from the ZnS core and ZnO shell, enhancement of the emission from the ZnO shell by the carrier transfer from the ZnS core to the ZnO shell, suppression of the capture of carriers by the surface states on the ZnS surface, and suppression of the visible emission and nonradiative recombination in ZnS.
Three-Dimensional SERS Substrates Formed with Plasmonic Core-Satellite Nanostructures
Authors: Wu Li-An , Li Wei-En , Lin Ding-Zheng , Chen Yih-Fan
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate three-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates formed by accumulating plasmonic nanostructures that are synthesized using a DNA-assisted assembly method. We densely immobilize Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on polymer beads to form core-satellite nanostructures for detecting molecules by SERS. The experimental parameters affecting the AuNP immobilization, including salt concentration and the number ratio of the AuNPs to the polymer beads, are tested to achieve a high density of the immobilized AuNPs. To create electromagnetic hot spots for sensitive SERS sensing, we add a Ag shell to the AuNPs to reduce the interparticle distance further, and we carefully adjust the thickness of the shell to optimize the SERS effects. In addition, to obtain sensitive and reproducible SERS results, instead of using the core-satellite nanostructures dispersed in solution directly, we prepare SERS substrates consisting of closely packed nanostructures by drying nanostructure-containing droplets on hydrophobic surfaces. The densely distributed small and well-controlled nanogaps on the accumulated nanostructures function as three-dimensional SERS hot spots. Our results show that the SERS spectra obtained using the substrates are much stronger and more reproducible than that obtained using the nanostructures dispersed in solution. Sensitive detection of melamine and sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) are achieved using the SERS substrates.
Genomic divergence within non-photosynthetic cyanobacterial endosymbionts in rhopalodiacean diatoms
Authors: Nakayama Takuro , Inagaki Yuji
Published: October 2017

Organelle acquisitions via endosymbioses with prokaryotes were milestones in the evolution of eukaryotes. Still, quite a few uncertainties have remained for the evolution in the early stage of organellogenesis. In this respect, rhopalodiacean diatoms and their obligate cyanobacterial endosymbionts, called spheroid bodies, are emerging as new models for the study of organellogenesis. The genome for the spheroid body of Epithemia turgida, a rhopalodiacean diatom, has unveiled its unique metabolic nature lacking the photosynthetic ability. Nevertheless, the genome sequence of a spheroid body from a single lineage may not be sufficient to depict the evolution of these cyanobacterium-derived intracellular structures as a whole. Here, we report on the complete genome for the spheroid body of Rhopalodia gibberula, a lineage distinct from E. turgida, of which genome has been fully determined. Overall, features in genome structure and metabolic capacity, including a lack of photosynthetic ability, were highly conserved between the two spheroid bodies. However, our comparative genomic analyses revealed that the genome of the R. gibberula spheroid body exhibits a lower non-synonymous substitution rate and a slower progression of pseudogenisation than those of E. turgida, suggesting that a certain degree of diversity exists amongst the genomes of obligate endosymbionts in unicellular eukaryotes.
Randomized clinical trial: Effective gluten degradation by Aspergillus niger-derived enzyme in a complex meal setting
Authors: König Julia , Holster Savanne , Bruins Maaike J. , Brummer Robert J.
Published: October 2017

The Aspergillus niger-derived prolyl endoprotease (AN-PEP) has previously been shown to degrade gluten in healthy subjects when added to an intragastrically infused meal. The current study investigated the efficacy of AN-PEP in a physiological meal setting. In this randomized placebo-controlled crossover study, 18 gluten-sensitive subjects consumed a porridge containing 0.5 g gluten together with two tablets either containing a high or low dose of AN-PEP, or placebo. Gastric and duodenal content was sampled over 180 minutes, and areas under the curve of gluten concentrations were calculated. The primary outcome, i.e. success rate of high dose AN-PEP defined as at least 50% gluten degradation compared to placebo in the duodenum, was achieved in 10 of 13 comparisons. In the stomach, gluten levels were reduced from 176.9 (median, interquartile range 73.5–357.8) to 22.0 (10.6–50.8, p = 0.001) in the high dose and to 25.4 μg × min/ml (16.4–43.7, p = 0.001) in the low dose. In the duodenum, gluten levels were reduced from 14.1 (8.3–124.7) in the placebo to 6.3 (3.5–19.8, p = 0.019) in the high dose and to 7.4 μg × min/ml in the low dose (3.8–12.0, p = 0.015). Thus even in a physiological meal setting, AN-PEP significantly degraded most gluten in the stomach before it entered the duodenum.
Infrared light field imaging system free of fixed-pattern noise
Authors: Coelho Pablo A. , Tapia Jorge E. , Pérez Francisco , Torres Sergio N. , Saavedra Carlos
Published: October 2017

Digital photonic sensors have greatly evolved to maximize sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and temporal imaging resolution. For low-energy photons, new designs have generated new types of noise that degrade the formed-image signal-to-noise ratio to values lower than 1. Fixed-pattern noise (FPN), which is produced by the non-uniform focal-plane-array optoelectronics response, is an ill-posed problem in infrared and hyperspectral imaging science. Here, we experimentally show that the FPN behaves as an object at a depth of infinity when a light field is captured by an imaging system. The proposed method is based on the capture of the light field of a scene and digital refocusing to any nearby objects in the scene. Unlike standard techniques for FPN reduction, our method does not require knowledge of the physical parameters of the optoelectronic transducer, the motion scene, or the presence of off-line blackbody sources. The ability of the proposed method to reduce FPN is measured by evaluating the structural similarity (SSIM) index employing a blackbody-based FPN reduction technique as a reference. This new interpretation of the FPN opens avenues to create new cameras for low-energy photons with the ability to perform denoising by digital refocusing.
Enhancing the sialylation of recombinant EPO produced in CHO cells via the inhibition of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis
Authors: Kwak Chan-Yeong , Park Seung-Yeol , Lee Chung-Geun , Okino Nozomu , Ito Makoto , Kim Jung Hoe
Published: October 2017

Sialylation regulates the in vivo half-life of recombinant therapeutic glycoproteins, affecting their therapeutic efficacy. Levels of the precursor molecule cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac) are considered a limiting factor in the sialylation of glycoproteins. Here, we show that by reducing the amount of intracellular CMP-Neu5Ac consumed for glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis, we can increase the sialylation of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) produced in CHO cells. Initially, we found that treating CHO cells with a potent inhibitor of GSL biosynthesis increases the sialylation of the rhEPO they produce. Then, we established a stable CHO cell line that produces rhEPO in the context of repression of the key GSL biosynthetic enzyme UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG). These UGCG-depleted cells show reduced levels of gangliosides and significantly elevated levels of rhEPO sialylation. Upon further analysis of the resulting N-glycosylation pattern, we discovered that the enhanced rhEPO sialylation could be attributed to a decrease in neutral and mono-sialylated N-glycans and an increase in di-sialylated N-glycans. Our results suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of rhEPO produced in CHO cells can be improved by shunting intracellular CMP-Neu5Ac away from GSL biosynthesis and toward glycoprotein sialylation.
Dual contribution of TRPV4 antagonism in the regulatory effect of vasoinhibins on blood-retinal barrier permeability: diabetic milieu makes a difference
Authors: Arredondo Zamarripa David , Noguez Imm Ramsés , Bautista Cortés Ana María , Vázquez Ruíz Osvaldo , Bernardini Michela , Fiorio Pla Alessandra , Gkika Dimitra , Prevarskaya Natalia , López-Casillas Fernando , Liedtke Wolfgang , Clapp Carmen , Thébault Stéphanie
Published: October 2017

Breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), as occurs in diabetic retinopathy and other chronic retinal diseases, results in vasogenic edema and neural tissue damage, causing vision loss. Vasoinhibins are N-terminal fragments of prolactin that prevent BRB breakdown during diabetes. They modulate the expression of some transient receptor potential (TRP) family members, yet their role in regulating the TRP vanilloid subtype 4 (TRPV4) remains unknown. TRPV4 is a calcium-permeable channel involved in barrier permeability, which blockade has been shown to prevent and resolve pulmonary edema. We found TRPV4 expression in the endothelium and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) components of the BRB, and that TRPV4-selective antagonists (RN-1734 and GSK2193874) resolve BRB breakdown in diabetic rats. Using human RPE (ARPE-19) cell monolayers and endothelial cell systems, we further observed that (i) GSK2193874 does not seem to contribute to the regulation of BRB and RPE permeability by vasoinhibins under diabetic or hyperglycemic-mimicking conditions, but that (ii) vasoinhibins can block TRPV4 to maintain BRB and endothelial permeability. Our results provide important insights into the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy that will further guide us toward rationally-guided new therapies: synergistic combination of selective TRPV4 blockers and vasoinhibins can be proposed to mitigate diabetes-evoked BRB breakdown.
Identification of activity trends for CO oxidation on supported transition-metal single-atom catalysts
Authors: Xu Haoxiang , Xu Cong-Qiao , Cheng Daojian , Li Jun
Published: October 2017

Identification of activity trends for CO oxidation on transition-metal single-atom catalysts by using Ead(CO) and Ead(O2) as descriptors.
Reactions catalyzed by a binuclear copper complex: selective oxidation of alkenes to carbonyls with O2
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Xue Dong , Li Chaoqun , Xiao Jianliang , Wang Chao
Published: October 2017

A binuclear copper complex bearing a simple salicylate ligand catalyses the efficient cleavage of styrenes into ketones and aldehydes with O2 as the oxidant. The reaction works under an atmosphere of O2 (balloon) with 0.5 mol% of catalyst and could be performed on a gram scale, providing an alternative to ozonolysis.
Triple function nanocomposites of porous silica-CoFe2O4-MWCNTs as a carrier for pH-sensitive anti-cancer drug controlled delivery
Authors: Fan Huitao , Xing Xiaojing , Yang Yuhan , Li Bo , Wang Congcong , Qiu Dongfang
Published: October 2017

A novel nanocarrier based on MWCNTs@CoFe2O4@mSiO2 was proposed, and its potential application for targeted cancer therapy was highlighted.
Indole-based conjugated macromolecules as a redox-mediated electrolyte for an ultrahigh power supercapacitor
Authors: Xiong Ting , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Chen Li , Tan Teck Leong , Huang Xiaolei , Xue Junmin
Published: October 2017

Lowering the HOMO–LUMO gapviaextending the conjugation of redox species is a strategy towards designing a high power redox-active electrolyte supercapacitor.
Fortified beeswax oleogels: effect of β-carotene on the gel structure and oxidative stability
Authors: Martins Artur J. , Cerqueira Miguel A. , Cunha Rosiane L. , Vicente António A.
Published: October 2017

Incorporation of β-carotene in beeswax-based oleogels promoted structural, thermal and rheological changes leading also to different crystalline arrangements.
Dietary iron loading negatively affects liver mitochondrial function
Authors: Volani Chiara , Doerrier Carolina , Demetz Egon , Haschka David , Paglia Giuseppe , Lavdas Alexandros A. , Gnaiger Erich , Weiss Guenter
Published: October 2017

Dietary iron overload affects liver metabolic homeostasis, reducing mitochondrial respiratory capacity, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in a strain-dependent manner.
Gold nanoshurikens with uniform sharp tips for chemical sensing by the localized surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Zhang Lei , Sha Xiao , Fan Qikui , Han Lu , Yin Yadong , Gao Chuanbo
Published: October 2017

Uniform shuriken-shaped Au nanostructures with four in-plane sharp tips are synthesized, which demonstrate superior LSPR-based sensing activity toward mercury.
Tailored emulsion-templated porous polymer scaffolds for iPSC-derived human neural precursor cell culture
Authors: Murphy Ashley R. , Ghobrial Irene , Jamshidi Pegah , Laslett Andrew , O'Brien Carmel M. , Cameron Neil R.
Published: October 2017

The work here describes the synthesis of tailor-made, porous, polymeric materials with elastic moduli in the range associated with mammalian brain tissue (0.1–24 kPa).
Polymers with acyl-protected perthiol chain termini as convenient building blocks for doubly responsive H2S-donating nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Sul Hwa , Ercole Francesca , Veldhuis Nicholas A. , Whittaker Michael R. , Davis Thomas P. , Quinn John F.
Published: October 2017

H2S-releasing polymers with an acyl-protected perthiol chain terminus were prepared using a simple, high yielding end-group modification process.
3D macroporous TiO2inverse opal binary and ternary composite materials and their photocatalytic activity
Authors: Corella Daniel A. , Baruah Bharat
Published: October 2017

We have fabricated binary and ternary 3D macroporous composite materials containing inverse opal TiO2, gold nanoparticles and nanosized cadmium sulfide on glass slides and these materials show excellent photocatalytic activity.
Synthesis of an oligomer ruthenium complex and its catalysis in the oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Zhang Yuecheng , Huo Wenge , Zhang Hong-Yu , Zhao Jiquan
Published: October 2017

The catalyst showed high efficiency in the oxidation of alcohols to ketones or acids and can be recycled several times.
Development of a series of bis-triazoles as G-quadruplex ligands
Authors: Saleh Maysaa M. , Laughton Charles A. , Bradshaw Tracey D. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

Maintenance of telomeres – specialized complexes that protect the ends of chromosomes – is provided by the enzyme complex telomerase, which is a key factor that is activated in more than 80% of cancer cells, but absent in most normal cells.
Controllable photoinduced scattering and optimized light emission intensity in Nd3+ doped (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 perovskite ceramics
Authors: Xu Long , Zhang Jingwen , Zhao Hua , Xu Caixia
Published: October 2017

Controllable photoinduced scatterers were investigated in Nd3+-doped lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) perovskite ceramics, the total number of which will increase dramatically with the induction of light intensity.
Dynamic self-assembled polymer: HCl responsive inversion of supramolecular polymer handedness
Authors: Paikar Arpita , Haldar Debasish
Published: October 2017

Discotic trisamide formed a self-assembled polymer and exhibits inversion of supramolecular polymer handedness in the presence of HCl.
Theoretical design of a surface plasmon resonance sensor with high sensitivity and high resolution based on graphene–WS2 hybrid nanostructures and Au–Ag bimetallic film
Authors: Wang Minghong , Huo Yanyan , Jiang Shouzhen , Zhang Chao , Yang Cheng , Ning Tingyin , Liu Xiaoyun , Li Chonghui , Zhang Wenyuan , Man Baoyuan
Published: October 2017

We proposed a high sensitivity and a high resolution surface plasmon resonance sensor composed of graphene–WS2 hybrid nanostructure and Au–Ag bimetallic-layers film.
Strain-induced thermoelectric performance enhancement of monolayer ZrSe2
Authors: Qin Dan , Ge Xu-Jin , Ding Guang-qian , Gao Guo-ying , Lü Jing-Tao
Published: October 2017

Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of monolayer ZrSe2via strain induced band valley engineering.
Fluorinated glycidyl azide polymers as potential energetic binders
Authors: Xu Minghui , Ge Zhongxue , Lu Xianming , Mo Hongchang , Ji Yueping , Hu Huaiming
Published: October 2017

A novel fluorinated GAP energetic polymer was synthesized through copolymerization and azidation reaction.
Rapid and label-free strategy for the sensitive detection of Hg2+ based on target-triggered exponential strand displacement amplification
Authors: Lee Chang Yeol , Kim Hyo Yong , Ahn Jun Ki , Park Ki Soo , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: October 2017

A rapid and label-free strategy for sensitive detection of Hg2+ is developed based on target-triggered exponential strand displacement amplification (eSDA).
Improving oxidation efficiency through plasma coupled thin film processing
Authors: Jones Darryl B. , Raston Colin L.
Published: October 2017

Plasma liquid processing efficiency improves by reducing the liquid film thickness.
In-liquid plasma: a novel tool in the fabrication of nanomaterials and in the treatment of wastewaters
Authors: Horikoshi S. , Serpone N.
Published: October 2017

Attempts to generate plasma in liquids have been successful and various devices have been proposed.
Composition analysis of two different PEDOT:PSS commercial products used as an interface layer in Au/n-Si Schottky diode
Authors: Mahato Somnath
Published: October 2017

The water based highly conductive transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) polymer is a promising material for many optoelectronic device applications.
Isomeric trimesogens exhibiting modulated nematic mesophases
Authors: Al-Janabi Adam , Mandle Richard J. , Goodby John W.
Published: October 2017

A simple deprotection/etherification strategy enables us to prepare oligomeric liquid-crystalline materials with ease, and unearth a potentially new mesophase.
Isostructural functionalization by –OH and –NH2: different contributions to CO2 adsorption
Authors: Lu Zhiyong , Xing Yue , Du Liting , He Haiyan , Zhang Jianfeng , Hang Cheng
Published: October 2017

Amino- and hydroxyl-functionalized mfj-type MOFs were successfully synthesized, and gas-adsorption results demonstrated amino groups contribute more to CO2 adsorption.
Effective stabilization of a planar phosphorus(iii) center embedded in a porphyrin-based fused aromatic skeleton
Authors: Fujimoto Keisuke , Osuka Atsuhiro
Published: October 2017

Planar phosphorus(iii) centers were effectively stabilized by structural constraint as well as aromatic stabilization in porphyrin-based fused π-conjugated frameworks.
Ex situ generation of stoichiometric HCN and its application in the Pd-catalysed cyanation of aryl bromides: evidence for a transmetallation step between two oxidative addition Pd-complexes
Authors: Kristensen Steffan K. , Eikeland Espen Z. , Taarning Esben , Lindhardt Anders T. , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate how hydrogen cyanide can be exploited for the cyanation of aryl bromides with Pd-catalysis.
Laboratory filter paper as a substrate material for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Leicong , Yu Xuecheng , Zhu Pengli , Zhou Fengrui , Li Gang , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-ping
Published: October 2017

A lightweight flexible asymmetrical all solid-state supercapacitor based on common laboratory filter paper has been built and exhibits excellent electrochemical and mechanical flexibility performance.
Thiol–ene synthesis and characterization of lithium bis(malonato)borate single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Weber Ryan L. , Mahanthappa Mahesh K.
Published: October 2017

Conductivities of single-ion conducting gel polymer electrolytes depend on crosslink density, which controls segmental rearrangement dynamics at the electrode interfaces.
High capacity potassium-ion battery anodes based on black phosphorus
Authors: Sultana Irin , Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Ramireddy Thrinathreddy , Chen Ying , Glushenkov Alexey M.
Published: October 2017

Potassium electrochemistry of a battery anode based on black phosphorus is reported. The phosphorus component operates via electrochemical alloying with potassium and has a theoretical capacity of 843 mA h g−1.
Elucidating the role of the hole-extracting electrode on the stability and efficiency of inverted CsSnI3/C60perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Marshall K. P. , Walker M. , Walton R. I. , Hatton R. A.
Published: October 2017

Unencapsulated inverted CsSnI3perovskite photovoltaics are shown to exhibit the highest air-stability under continuous illumination without a hole-transport layer.
Hexagonal prism-like hierarchical Co9S8@Ni(OH)2core–shell nanotubes on carbon fibers for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Fangfang , Yan Ming , Liu Yu , Shen Hao , Lei Yong , Shi Weidong
Published: October 2017

In this work, novel hierarchical cobalt sulfide@nickel hydroxide [Co9S8@Ni(OH)2] core–shell nanotube arrays supported on carbon fibers have been designed logically and synthesized for use as supercapacitors.
In situencapsulated Fe3O4nanosheet arrays with graphene layers as an anode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Lin Jinghuang , Liang Haoyan , Jia Henan , Chen Shulin , Guo Jiale , Qi Junlei , Qu Chaoqun , Cao Jian , Fei Weidong , Feng Jicai
Published: October 2017

To achieve high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors, we designed and synthesized a new anode material of Fe3O4nanosheet arrays, which were encapsulatedin situby graphene layers (G@Fe3O4).
Rapidly annealed nanoporous graphene materials for electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Yang Hao , Kannappan Santhakumar , Pandian Amaresh S. , Jang Jae-Hyung , Lee Yun Sung , Lu Wu
Published: October 2017

Graphene supercapacitors synthesized by rapid annealing exhibit an energy density of 135 W h kg−1and a specific capacitance of 279 F g−1.
A facile synthesis of a theranostic nanoparticle by oxidation of dopamine-DTPA-Gd conjugates
Authors: Xia Mingchun , Ye Mingzhou , Zhou Xiaoxuan , Tang Jianbin , Piao Ying , Liu Xiangrui , Zhou Zhuxian , Hu Hongjie , Shen Youqing
Published: October 2017

A theranostic nanoparticle with functions of an MRI agent and a photothermal therapy agent was facilely synthesized by oxidation of dopamine-DTPA-Gd conjugates.
Responsive hybrid (poly)peptide–polymer conjugates
Authors: Paik Bradford A. , Mane Shivshankar R. , Jia Xinqiao , Kiick Kristi L.
Published: October 2017

(Poly)peptide–polymer conjugates continue to garner significant interest in the production of functional materials given their composition of natural and synthetic building blocks that confer select and synergistic properties.
Self-aligned patterning of conductive films on plastic substrates for electrodes of flexible electronics
Authors: Mamo Melaku Dereje , Shin Eun-Sol , Noh Yong-Young
Published: October 2017

We report a reliable and low-cost self-aligned patterning process for the formation of conducting polymer electrodes with a high resolution on flexible plastic substrates.