bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation
Authors: Jacquemond Isaline , Muggeo Anaëlle , Lamblin Gery , Tristan Anne , Gillet Yves , Bolze Pierre Adrien , Bes Michèle , Gustave Claude Alexandre , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Golfier François , Ferry Tristan , Dubost Audrey , Abrouk Danis , Barreto Samuel , Prigent-Combaret Claire , Thioulouse Jean , Lina Gérard , Muller Daniel
Published: June 2018

Menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) is a severe disease that occurs in healthy women vaginally colonized by Staphylococcus aureus producing toxic shock toxin 1 and who use tampons. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of the composition of vaginal microbial communities on tampon colonisation by S. aureus during menses. We analysed the microbiota in menstrual fluids extracted from tampons from 108 healthy women and 7 mTSS cases. Using culture, S. aureus was detected in menstrual fluids of 40% of healthy volunteers and 100% of mTSS patients. Between class analysis of culturomic and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding data indicated that the composition of the tampons’ microbiota differs according to the presence or absence of S. aureus and identify discriminating genera. However, the bacterial communities of tampon fluid positive for S. aureus did not cluster together. No difference in tampon microbiome richness, diversity, and ecological distance was observed between tampon vaginal fluids with or without S. aureus, and between healthy donors carrying S. aureus and mTSS patients. Our results show that the vagina is a major niche of. S. aureus in tampon users and the composition of the tampon microbiota control its virulence though more complex interactions than simple inhibition by lactic acid-producing bacterial species.
Light Emitting Diodes based Photoacoustic Imaging and Potential Clinical Applications
Authors: Zhu Yunhao , Xu Guan , Yuan Jie , Jo Janggun , Gandikota Girish , Demirci Hakan , Agano Toshitaka , Sato Naoto , Shigeta Yusuke , Wang Xueding
Published: June 2018

Using low cost and small size light emitting diodes (LED) as the alternative illumination source for photoacoustic (PA) imaging has many advantages, and can largely benefit the clinical translation of the emerging PA imaging technology. Here, we present our development of LED-based PA imaging integrated with B-mode ultrasound. To overcome the challenge of achieving sufficient signal-to-noise ratio by the LED light that is orders of magnitude weaker than lasers, extensive signal averaging over hundreds of pulses is performed. Facilitated by the fast response of the LED and the high-speed driving as well as the high pulse repetition rate up to 16 kHz, B-mode PA images superimposed on gray-scale ultrasound of a biological sample can be achieved in real-time with frame rate up to 500 Hz. The LED-based PA imaging could be a promising tool for several clinical applications, such as assessment of peripheral microvascular function and dynamic changes, diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, and detection of head and neck cancer.
Enhancing bulk defect-mediated absorption in silicon waveguides by doping compensation technique
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Hui , Qi Tian , Fu Zhilei , Jiang Xiaoqing , Yang Jianyi
Published: June 2018

Silicon waveguide photodiodes (SiWG PD) based on the bulk defect-mediated absorption (BDA) of sub-bandgap photons are suitable to realize in-line optical power monitors for silicon photonic integrated circuits. Deep-level states to enable the BDA can be induced by exploiting the ion implantation steps that are used to embed PN junctions for carrier-depletion-based modulators. This manner usually exhibits limited responsivities since relevant processing conditions are optimized for the modulation rather than the BDA. In this letter, we solve this issue with the doping compensation technique. This technique overlaps P-type and N-type implantation windows at the waveguide core. The responsivity is enhanced due to the increased density of lattice defects and the reduced density of free carriers in the compensated silicon. Influences of the dimension of the dopant compensation region on responsivity and operation speed are investigated. As the width of this region increases from 0 μm to 0.4 μm, the responsivity at −5 V is improved from 2 mA/W to 17.5 mA/W. This level is comparable to BDA based SiWG PDs relying on dedicated ion bombardments. On the other hand, a bit-error-rate test at 10 Gb/s suggests that the device with 0.2-μm-wide compensation region exhibits the highest sensitivity.
Surface reconstruction in gold nanowires
Authors: Suzuki Yasuchika , Kizuka Tokushi
Published: June 2018

Surface reconstructions are caused by structural stabilization resulting from the modulation of surface atomic positions. Studies on surface reconstruction have been conducted for substantially large surfaces, rather than at the size of reconstructed surface unit cells. Hence, well-known surface reconstruction manners may not be applicable for the surfaces of nanometer-sized isolated crystals, such as nanoclusters, nanowires and nanotubes. This is because they have high surface area-to-interior volume ratios exceeding several tens of percent, and their surface structures significantly affect the stabilization of their entire structures. In this study, we demonstrate the inherent surface reconstruction of gold nanowires via nanosecond-pulsed electromigration with the application of tensile stresses. The results lead to evolutions in basic studies relating to surface reconstruction and nanostructures and in applications of nanowires, for which stabilization is essential when they are used in extremely miniaturized integrated circuits for next-generation electronics.
Molecular mechanisms of tannin accumulation in Rhus galls and genes involved in plant-insect interactions
Authors: Chen Hang , Liu Juan , Cui Kai , Lu Qin , Wang Chao , Wu Haixia , Yang Zixiang , Ding Weifeng , Shao Shuxia , Wang Haiying , Ling Xiaofei , King-Jones Kirst , Chen Xiaoming
Published: June 2018

For galling aphids and their hosts, tannins are crucial for plant-insect interactions and for protecting the host plant from herbivory. Due to their peculiar chemical characteristics, tannins from plant galls have been used for medical and chemical purposes for more than 2000 years. In this study, hydrolyzable tannin concentrations in galls increased from gall initiation (38.34% on June 21) to maturation (74.79% on August 8), then decreased gradually thereafter (58.83% on October 12). We identified a total of 81 genes (named as GTS1-81) with putative roles in gallotannin biosynthesis and 22 genes (TS1-22) in condensed tannin biosynthesis. We determined the expression profiles of these genes by real-time PCR over the course of gall development. Multiple genes encoding 1-beta-D-glucosyl transferases were identified, which may play a vital role in gallotannin accumulation in plant galls. This study is the first attempt to examine the molecular basis for the regulation of tannin accumulation in insect gallnuts. The differentially expressed genes we identified may play important roles in both tannin biosynthesis and plant-insect interactions.
Whole genome sequencing reveals widespread distribution of typhoidal toxin genes and VirB/D4 plasmids in bovine-associated nontyphoidal Salmonella
Authors: Delgado-Suárez Enrique Jesús , Selem-Mojica Nelly , Ortiz-López Rocío , Gebreyes Wondwossen A. , Allard Marc W. , Barona-Gómez Francisco , Rubio-Lozano María Salud
Published: June 2018

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a common pathogen in food-producing animals and a public health concern worldwide. Various NTS serovars may be present in apparently healthy animals. This could result in carcass contamination during the slaughter process leading to human exposure. While most genomic research has focused on Salmonella pathogenesis, little is known on the factors associated with subclinical infections and environmental persistence. We report here the widespread distribution of typhoidal toxin genes (i. e. the cdtB islet, hlyE, taiA), among NTS strains from a beef slaughter operation (n = 39) and from epidemiologically unconnected ground beef (n = 20). These genes were present in 76% of the strains, regardless of serovar, isolation source or geographical location. Moreover, strains that predominated in the slaughterhouse carry plasmid-borne type IV secretion systems (T4SS), which have been linked to persistent infections in numerous pathogens. Population genomics supports clonal dissemination of NTS along the food production chain, highlighting its role as reservoir of genetic variability in the environment. Overall, the study provides a thorough characterization of serovar diversity and genomic features of beef-associated NTS in Mexico. Furthermore, it reveals how common genetic factors could partially explain the emergence and persistence of certain NTS serovars in the beef industry.
S100B immunization triggers NFκB and complement activation in an autoimmune glaucoma model
Authors: Reinehr Sabrina , Reinhard Jacqueline , Gandej Marcel , Gottschalk Ivo , Stute Gesa , Faissner Andreas , Dick H. Burkhard , Joachim Stephanie C.
Published: June 2018

In glaucoma, latest studies revealed an involvement of the complement system with and without an elevated intraocular pressure. In the experimental autoimmune glaucoma model, immunization with antigens, such as S100B, lead to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and optic nerve degeneration after 28 days. Here, we investigated the timeline of progression of the complement system, toll-like-receptor 4 (TLR4), and the transcription factor nucleus factor-kappa B (NFκB). Therefore, rats were immunized with S100B protein (S100) and analyzed at 3, 7, and 14 days. RGC numbers were comparable at all points in time, whereas a destruction of S100 optic nerves was noted at 14 days. A significant increase of mannose binding lectin (MBL) was observed in S100 retinas at 3 days. Subsequently, significantly more MBL+cells were seen in S100 optic nerves at 7 and 14 days. Accordingly, C3 was upregulated in S100 retinas at 14 days. An increase of interleukin-1 beta was noted in S100 aqueous humor samples at 7 days. In this study, activation of complement system via the lectin pathway was obvious. However, no TLR4 alterations were noted in S100 retinas and optic nerves. Interestingly, a significant NFκB increase was observed in S100 retinas at 7 and 14 days. We assume that NFκB activation might be triggered via MBL leading to glaucomatous damage.
Morphological, genomic and transcriptomic responses of
Klebsiella pneumoniae to the last-line antibiotic
colistin
Authors: Cain Amy K. , Boinett Christine J. , Barquist Lars , Dordel Janina , Fookes Maria , Mayho Matthew , Ellington Matthew J. , Goulding David , Pickard Derek , Wick Ryan R. , Holt Kathryn E. , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: June 2018

Colistin remains one of the few antibiotics effective against
multi-drug resistant (MDR) hospital pathogens, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Yet resistance to this last-line drug is
rapidly increasing. Characterized mechanisms of colR in
K. pneumoniae are largely due to chromosomal mutations in two-component
regulators, although a plasmid-mediated colR mechanism
has recently been uncovered. However, the effects of intrinsic colistin resistance
are yet to be characterized on a whole-genome level. Here, we used a genomics-based
approach to understand the mechanisms of adaptive colR
acquisition in K. pneumoniae. In controlled directed-evolution experiments we observed
two distinct paths to colistin resistance acquisition. Whole genome sequencing
identified mutations in two colistin resistance genes: in the known
colR regulator phoQ
which became fixed in the population and resulted in a single amino acid change, and
unstable minority variants in the recently described two-component sensor crrB. Through RNAseq and microscopy, we reveal the broad
range of effects that colistin exposure has on the cell. This study is the first to
use genomics to identify a population of minority variants with mutations in a
colR gene in K.
pneumoniae.
Strain-specific pathogenicity and subversion of phenoloxidase activity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti by members of the fungal entomopathogenic genus Isaria
Authors: Ramirez José L. , Muturi Ephantus J. , Dunlap Christopher , Rooney Alejandro P.
Published: June 2018

Development of alternative vector control strategies are becoming more pressing given the rapid evolution of insecticide resistance and the rise of vector borne pathogens affecting public health such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Fungal-based biopesticides are promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides because they are ecofriendly and are highly effective at infecting insects through contact. This study evaluated the susceptibility of the yellow fever mosquito Ae. aegypti to a range of entomopathogenic fungal strains from the genus Isaria. We observed a diverse variation in the virulence of the Isaria strains tested, with two strains showing high pathogenicity towards adult mosquitoes. Mosquito susceptibility to fungal infection was further corroborated through the molecular quantification of fungal loads and the transcript evaluation of a fungal-specific pathogen recognition molecule in the mosquito body. Moreover, quantitative analysis of transcript abundance coupled with enzymatic assays revealed strain-specific subversion of the melanization cascade, an important immune response component. Our study contributes critical insights for a better understanding of fungal-mosquito interactions.
A broadband tunable terahertz negative refractive index metamaterial
Authors: Ling Fang , Zhong Zheqiang , Huang Renshuai , Zhang Bin
Published: June 2018

A strategy to greatly broaden negative refractive index (NRI) band, reduce loss and ease bi-anisotropy of NRI metamaterials (MMs) has been proposed at terahertz frequencies. Due to the symmetric structure of the MM, the transmission and refractive index are independent to polarizations of incident radiations, and a broadband NRI is obtainable for the range of the incident angle from 0° to 26°. In addition, THz MMs’ properties such as transmission, phase and negative refraction exhibit a real-time response by controlling the temperature. The results indicate that the maximum bands of the negative and double-negative refraction are 1.66 THz and 1.37 THz for the temperature of 40 °C and 63 °C, respectively. The figure of merit of the MMs exceeds 10 (that is, low loss) as the frequency increases from 2.44 THz to 2.56 THz in the working temperature range, and the maximum figure of merit is 83.77 at 2.01 THz where the refractive index is −2.81 for a given temperature of 40 °C. Furthermore, the negative refraction of the MMs at the low loss band is verified by the classical method of the wedge, and the symmetric slab waveguide based on the proposed MM has many unique properties.
Neonatal- maternal separation primes zymogenic cells in the rat gastric mucosa through glucocorticoid receptor activity
Authors: Ogias Daniela , Rattes Isadora C. , Hosoya Larissa Y. M. , Zulian Juliana G. , Yan Chao Yun Irene , Gama Patrícia
Published: June 2018

Neonatal- Maternal Separation (NMS) deprives mammals from breastfeeding and maternal care, influencing growth during suckling- weaning transition. In the gastric mucosa, Mist1 (encoded by Bhlha15 gene) and moesin organize the secretory apparatus for pepsinogen C in zymogenic cells. Our current hypothesis was that NMS would change corticosterone activity through receptors (GR), which would modify molecules involved in zymogenic cell differentiation in rats. We found that NMS increased corticosterone levels from 18 days onwards, as GR decreased in the gastric mucosa. However, as nuclear GR was detected, we investigated receptor binding to responsive elements (GRE) and observed an augment in NMS groups. Next, we demonstrated that NMS increased zymogenic population (18 and and 30 days), and targeted Mist1 and moesin. Finally, we searched for evolutionarily conserved sequences that contained GRE in genes involved in pepsinogen C secretion, and found that the genomic regions of Bhlha15 and PgC contained sites highly likely to be responsive to glucocorticoids. We suggest that NMS triggers GR- GRE to enhance the expression and to prime genes that organize cellular architecture in zymogenic population for PgC function. As pepsinogen C- pepsin is essential for digestion, disturbance of parenting through NMS might alter functions of gastric mucosa in a permanent manner.
Visualization of solute diffusion into cell walls in solution-impregnated wood under varying relative humidity using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Peiming , Aoki Dan , Seki Masako , Miki Tsunehisa , Tanaka Soichi , Kanayama Kozo , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Fukushima Kazuhiko
Published: June 2018

The purpose of the present study is to clarify the diffusion of non-volatile substances into cell walls during the conditioning procedure under varying relative humidities (RH). In this paper, wood blocks were impregnated using an aqueous solution of melamine formaldehyde (MF), and they were subsequently conditioned under RHs of 11, 43, and 75%. The solute that diffused into the cell walls was visualized using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The volumetric relative swelling of the samples during the conditioning procedure was calculated. The results showed increased cell wall swelling at higher RH, which may have been caused by higher MF diffusion into the cell walls and/or higher moisture content. Cryo-TOF-SIMS measurements showed that more cell cavities were unfilled with MF at higher RH, indicating that most of the MF diffused from the cell cavities into the cell walls. The relative intensity of MF in the cell walls of the cured samples was evaluated from dry-TOF-SIMS images, which showed a higher relative intensity of MF in the cell walls at higher RH. With the ability to visualize and semi-quantitatively evaluate the solute in cell walls, TOF-SIMS will serve as a powerful tool for future studies of solute diffusion mechanisms in solution-impregnated wood.
ETV1 activates a rapid conduction transcriptional program in rodent and human cardiomyocytes
Authors: Shekhar Akshay , Lin Xianming , Lin Bin , Liu Fang-Yu , Zhang Jie , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Bu Lei , Fishman Glenn I. , Park David S.
Published: June 2018

Rapid impulse propagation is a defining attribute of the pectinated atrial myocardium and His-Purkinje system (HPS) that safeguards against atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, conduction block, and myocardial dyssynchrony. The complex transcriptional circuitry that dictates rapid conduction remains incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that ETV1 (ER81)-dependent gene networks dictate the unique electrophysiological characteristics of atrial and His-Purkinje myocytes. Cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of ETV1 results in cardiac conduction abnormalities, decreased expression of rapid conduction genes (Nkx2–5, Gja5, and Scn5a), HPS hypoplasia, and ventricularization of the unique sodium channel properties that define Purkinje and atrial myocytes in the adult heart. Forced expression of ETV1 in postnatal ventricular myocytes (VMs) reveals that ETV1 promotes a HPS gene signature while diminishing ventricular and nodal gene networks. Remarkably, ETV1 induction in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes increases rapid conduction gene expression and inward sodium currents, converting them towards a HPS phenotype. Our data identify a cardiomyocyte-autonomous, ETV1-dependent pathway that is responsible for specification of rapid conduction zones in the heart and demonstrate that ETV1 is sufficient to promote a HPS transcriptional and functional program upon VMs.
Clinical Implications of Lysyl Oxidase-Like Protein 2 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Tanaka Nobutake , Yamada Suguru , Sonohara Fuminori , Suenaga Masaya , Hayashi Masamichi , Takami Hideki , Niwa Yukiko , Hattori Norifumi , Iwata Naoki , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Nakayama Goro , Koike Masahiko , Fujiwara Michitaka , Fujii Tsutomu , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: June 2018

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family genes, particularly lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2), have been implicated in carcinogenesis, metastasis, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various cancers. This study aimed to explore the clinical implications of LOXL2 expression in pancreatic cancer (PC) in the context of EMT status. LOX family mRNA expression was measured in PC cell lines, and LOXL2 protein levels were examined in surgical specimens resected from 170 patients with PC. Higher LOXL2 expression was observed in cell lines from mesenchymal type PC than in those from epithelial type PC. A significant correlation between LOXL2 expression and the EMT status defined based on the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin was observed in surgical specimens (P < 0.01). The disease-free survival and overall survival rates among patients with low LOXL2 expression were significantly better than those among patients with high LOXL2 expression (P < 0.001). According to the multivariate analysis, high LOXL2 expression (P = 0.03) was a significant independent prognostic factor for patients with PC. Additionally, LOX inhibition significantly decreased PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. In conclusion, LOXL2 expression is potentially associated with PC progression, and LOXL2 expression represents a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with PC who have undergone complete resection.
Geographic variation and plasticity in climate stress resistance among southern African populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Weldon Christopher W. , Nyamukondiwa Casper , Karsten Minette , Chown Steven L. , Terblanche John S.
Published: June 2018

Traits of thermal sensitivity or performance are typically the focus of species distribution modelling. Among-population trait variation, trait plasticity, population connectedness and the possible climatic covariation thereof are seldom accounted for. Here, we examine multiple climate stress resistance traits, and the plasticity thereof, for a globally invasive agricultural pest insect, the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). We also accounted for body size and population genetic connectivity among distinct populations from diverse bioclimatic regions across southern Africa. Desiccation resistance, starvation resistance, and critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and maximum (CTmax) of C. capitata varied between populations. For thermal tolerance traits, patterns of flexibility in response to thermal acclimation were suggestive of beneficial acclimation, but this was not the case for desiccation or starvation resistance. Population differences in measured traits were larger than those associated with acclimation, even though gene flow was high. Desiccation resistance was weakly but positively affected by growing degree-days. There was also a weak positive relationship between CTmin and temperature seasonality, but CTmax was weakly but negatively affected by the same bioclimatic variable. Our results suggest that the invasive potential of C. capitata may be supported by adaptation of tolerance traits to local bioclimatic conditions.
A Cosine Similarity Algorithm Method for Fast and Accurate Monitoring of Dynamic Droplet Generation Processes
Authors: Zhu Xiurui , Su Shisheng , Fu Mingzhu , Liu Junyuan , Zhu Lingxiang , Yang Wenjun , Jing Gaoshan , Guo Yong
Published: June 2018

Droplet microfluidics has attracted significant interests in functional microcapsule synthesis, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, cosmetics and biomedical research. The low variability of performing chemical reactions inside droplets could benefit from improved homogeneity and reproducibility. Therefore, accurate and convenient methods are needed to monitor dynamic droplet generation processes. Here, a novel Cosine Similarity Algorithm (CSA) method was developed to monitor the droplet generation frequency accurately and rapidly. With a microscopic droplet generation video clip captured with a high-speed camera, droplet generation frequency can be computed accurately by calculating the cosine similarities between the frames in the video clip. Four kinds of dynamic droplet generation processes were investigated including (1) a stable condition in a single microfluidic channel, (2) a stable condition in multiple microfluidic channels, (3) a single microfluidic channel with artificial disturbances, and (4) microgel fabrication with or without artificial disturbances. For a video clip with 5,000 frames and a spatial resolution of 512 × 62 pixels, droplet generation frequency up to 4,707.9 Hz can be calculated in less than 1.70 s with an absolute relative calculation error less than 0.08%. Artificial disturbances in droplet generation processes can be precisely determined using the CSA method. This highly effective CSA method could be a powerful tool for further promoting the research of droplet microfluidics.
Surface nanogrooving of carbon microtubes
Authors: Nasri-Nasrabadi Bijan , Kaynak Akif , Komeily-Nia Zahra , Adams Scott D. , Li Jingliang , Kouzani Abbas Z.
Published: June 2018

Extrusion processing of carbon tubes can be problematic due to their poor interfacial interactions with polymeric matrices. Surface chemical modification of carbon tubes can be utilized to create bonding sites to form networks with polymer chains. However, chemical reactions resulting in intermolecular primary bonding limit processability of extrudate, since they cause unstable rheological behaviour, and thus decrease the stock holding time, which is determinative in extrusion. This study presents a method for the synthesis of carbon microtubes with physically modified surface area to improve the filler and matrix interfacial interactions. The key concept is the formation of a nanogrooved topography, through acoustic cavitation on the surface of processing fibres. The effect of nanogrooving on roughness parameters is described, along with the role of surface modified carbon tubes on rheological behaviour, homogeneity, and coherency of extrudate. The measurements showed that nanogrooving increases the surface area of carbon microtubes, as a result, die swelling of the extrudate is reduced. Furthermore, after solidification, the mechanical strength of composite is reinforced due to stronger interactions between nanogrooved carbon tubes and polymer matrix.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis peptide E7/HLA-DRB1 tetramers with different HLA-DR alleles bound CD4+ T cells might share identical CDR3 region
Authors: Gan Yichuan , Wang Cong , Fang Yimin , Yao Yanan , Tu Xiaoxin , Wang Jiao , Huang Xi , Tan Yaoju , Chen Tao , Zhang Kouxing , Shen Yanming , Zhou Lin , Liu Jianxiong , Lai Xiaomin
Published: June 2018

Human CD4+T cells play an important role in the immune response toMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB). However, little is known about the spectratyping characteristics of the CD4+T-cell receptor (TCR) α- and β-chains CDR3 region in tuberculosis (TB) patients. We sorted MTB peptide E7-bound CD4+T cells by using E7/HLA-DR tetramers constructed with different HLA-DRB1 alleles and extracted the CDR3 amino-acid sequences of TCR α- and β-chains. The results showed that the CDR3 sequences of E7-bound CD4+T cells were completely or partially identical in a single patient. The sequences of MTB peptide C5-bound CD4+T cells shared another, and non-peptide bound CD4+T cells, as well as unbound CD4+T cells with tetramers were different from each other. Specifically, diverse CDR3 sequences of E7-bound CD4+T cells displayed similar protein tertiary structure in one TB patient. In summary, the TCR α- and β-chains of CDR3 lineage of CD4+T cells in TB patients apparently drifted, and the predominant CDR3 sequences of TCR α- and β-chains that recognized the MTB antigen exhibited peptide specificity, and certain HLA-DR restriction was also established. This study elucidates the possible causes and mechanisms of peptide-specific CD4+T-cell-related presentation against MTB.
Weak Antilocalization and Quantum Oscillations of Surface States in Topologically Nontrivial DyPdBi(110)Half Heusler alloy
Authors: Bhardwaj Vishal , Pal Satyendra Prakash , Varga Lajos K. , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay , Chatterjee Ratnamala
Published: June 2018

Recently, a number of ternary half-Heusler compounds have been predicted independently by several research groups as candidates for 3D topological insulators. In this work, we report the observation of a two-dimensional (2D) weak antilocalization (WAL) effect, one of the hall-marks of topological surface states, and Shubnikov-de Hass (SdH) quantum oscillations in <110> oriented DyPdBi (DPB) thin films grown on MgO (100) substrates. The films prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique under the optimized conditions, showed a textured structure with (110) planes parallel to the (100) plane of MgO. The measured WAL effect follows the Hikami-Larkin-Nagaoka (HLN) model and the extracted values of phase coherence length (lϕ) and α are ~420 nm and ~−0.52 respectively. The power law variation of lϕ (~T−0.46) indicates the presence of the 2D surface states in DPB film. The Dirac nature of the surface states is further confirmed by Landau-level fan diagram analysis of SdH oscillations of the magneto-transport data. This analysis shows a finite Berry phase of 0.90π ± 0.16, reasonably close to the expected π value. Sheet Carrier density, ns ~ 2.56 × 1012 cm−2, calculated from the SdH oscillations (fSdH ~ 106 T) and Hall measurements agree well with each other. These findings demonstrate that the half Heusler DPB thin films (~15–20 nm) can be used as a suitable material for investigating the novel intrinsic quantum transport properties of surface Dirac fermions.
Extremely high strength and work hardening ability in a metastable high entropy alloy
Authors: Nene S. S. , Frank M. , Liu K. , Mishra R. S. , McWilliams B. A. , Cho K. C.
Published: June 2018

Design of multi-phase high entropy alloys uses metastability of phases to tune the strain accommodation by favoring transformation and/or twinning during deformation. Inspired by this, here we present Si containing dual phase Fe42Mn28Co10Cr15Si5 high entropy alloy (DP-5Si-HEA) exhibiting very high strength (1.15 GPa) and work hardening (WH) ability. The addition of Si in DP-5Si-HEA decreased the stability of f.c.c. (γ) matrix thereby promoting pronounced transformation induced plastic deformation in both as-cast and grain refined DP-5Si-HEAs. Higher yet sustained WH ability in fine grained DP-5Si-HEA is associated with the uniform strain partitioning among the metastable γ phase and resultant h.c.p. (ε) phase thereby resulting in total elongation of 12%. Hence, design of dual phase HEAs for improved strength and work hardenability can be attained by tuning the metastability of γ matrix through proper choice of alloy chemistry from the abundant compositional space of HEAs.
A light-up fluorescence assay for tumor cell detection based on bifunctional split aptamers
Authors: Sun Yuqiong , Yuan Baoyin , Deng Meitao , Wang Qing , Huang Jin , Guo Qiuping , Liu Jianbo , Yang Xiaohai , Wang Kemin
Published: June 2018

Truncating, splitting and fusing of two aptamers for label-free and one-step fluorescence detection of tumor cells.
A novel quantitative31P NMR spectroscopic analysis of hydroxyl groups in lignosulfonic acids
Authors: Stücker Alexander , Podschun Jacob , Saake Bodo , Lehnen Ralph
Published: June 2018

A quick and accurate procedure for quantitative evaluation of the different hydroxyl groups in lignosulfonic acids by31P NMR spectroscopy is presented.
A viable strategy for screening the effects of glycan heterogeneity on target organ adhesion and biodistribution in live mice
Authors: Ogura Akihiro , Urano Sayaka , Tahara Tsuyoshi , Nozaki Satoshi , Sibgatullina Regina , Vong Kenward , Suzuki Takehiro , Dohmae Naoshi , Kurbangalieva Almira , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: June 2018

Screening a diverse set of heterogeneous glycoalbumins for binding to several cancer cell types in cell- and mouse-based assays.
Compressible colloidal clusters from Pickering emulsions and their DNA functionalization
Authors: Jo In-Seong , Oh Joon Suk , Kim Shin-Hyun , Pine David J. , Yi Gi-Ra
Published: June 2018

Colloidal clusters were prepared by assembling azide-functionalized non-crosslinked polymer particles using fluorinated oil-in-water emulsion droplets.
Application of Q2MM to predictions in stereoselective synthesis
Authors: Rosales Anthony R. , Quinn Taylor R. , Wahlers Jessica , Tomberg Anna , Zhang Xin , Helquist Paul , Wiest Olaf , Norrby Per-Ola
Published: June 2018

Transition state force fields derived by Quantum Guided Molecular Mechanics (Q2MM) allows the rapid and accurate prediction of stereoselectivity.
P-Doped carbons derived from cellulose as highly efficient metal-free catalysts for aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol in water under an air atmosphere
Authors: Long Zhouyang , Sun Liming , Zhu Weijie , Chen Guojian , Wang Xiaochen , Sun Wen
Published: June 2018

Metal-free P-doped carbon catalysts are constructed for highly efficient aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in water under air.
Dual-catalytic decarbonylation of fatty acid methyl esters to form olefins
Authors: Fieser Megan E. , Schimler Sydonie D. , Mitchell Lauren A. , Wilborn Emily G. , John Alex , Hogan Levi T. , Benson Brooke , LaPointe Anne M. , Tolman William B.
Published: June 2018

The homogeneous dehydrative decarbonylation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) to form olefins is reported.
Highly stable CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites prepared via confined condensation for use as a luminescent ink
Authors: Cai Jin , Gu Kailun , Zhu Yihua , Zhu Jingrun , Wang Yuanwei , Shen Jianhua , Trinchi Adrian , Li Chunzhong , Wei Gang
Published: June 2018

Stable CsPbBr3@SiO2 nanocomposites in polar solvents were prepared via an organosilicon ligand-assisted re-precipitation method with polystyrene preventing excessive particle cross-linking and aggregation.
New sarcosine–metal halide complexes related to ferroelectric TSCC
Authors: Clulow Rebecca , Lightfoot Philip
Published: June 2018

A family of sarcosine–metal halide coordination polymers are presented. All have structural similarities to the well-known ferroelectric,trissarcosine calcium chloride, though all these example have centrosymmetric crystal structures.
Thermodynamic features and enthalpy relaxation in a metal–organic framework glass
Authors: Zhou Chao , Stepniewska Malwina , Longley Louis , Ashling Christopher W. , Chater Philip A. , Keen David A. , Bennett Thomas D. , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: June 2018

In this work, we explore the thermodynamic evolution in a melt-quenched metal–organic framework glass, formed from ZIF-62 upon heating to the melting point (Tm), and subsequent enthalpy relaxation.
Electronic structure and rovibrational predissociation of the 21Π state in KLi
Authors: Jasik P. , Kozicki J. , Kilich T. , Sienkiewicz J. E. , Henriksen N. E.
Published: June 2018

Adiabatic potential energy curves of the 31Σ+, 33Σ+, 21Π and 23Π states correlating for large internuclear distance with the K(4s) + Li(2p) atomic asymptote were calculated. Lifetimes of the quasi-bound rovibrational states of the 21Π state were determined by explicit time propagation.
Nanoscale liquid crystal lubrication controlled by surface structure and film composition
Authors: Jana Pritam Kumar , Chen Wei , Alava Mikko J. , Laurson Lasse
Published: June 2018

We study nematic liquid crystal lubrication in presence of hexane and confined by mica surfaces using fully atomistic model simulations.
Silkworm silk-based materials and devices generated using bio-nanotechnology
Authors: Huang Wenwen , Ling Shengjie , Li Chunmei , Omenetto Fiorenzo G. , Kaplan David L.
Published: June 2018

Silks are natural fibrous protein polymers that are spun by silkworms and spiders. This tutorial review summarizes and highlights recent advances in the use of silkworm silk-based materials in bio-nanotechnology.
Redox behaviour of ([fc(NPiPr2)2]Fe)2, formation of an iron–iron bond and cleavage of azobenzene
Authors: Pick Fraser S. , Leznoff Daniel B. , Fryzuk Michael D.
Published: June 2018

The redox behaviour of the dimeric tetrairon complex, ([fc(NPiPr2)2]Fe)2 (where fc(NPiPr2)2 = 1,1′-(C5H4NPiPr2)2Fe) has been investigated.
A novel magnetite nanorod-decorated Si-Schiff base complex for efficient immobilization of U(vi) and Pb(ii) from water solutions
Authors: Khan Ayub , Xing Jinlu , Elseman Ahmed Mourtada , Gu Pengcheng , Gul Kashif , Ai Yuejie , Jehan Riffat , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar , Wang Xiangke
Published: June 2018

A novel silicon Schiff base complex (Si-SBC) and magnetite nanorod-decorated Si-SBC (M/SiO2-Si-SBC) were synthesized and well characterized in detail.
Impacts of Mn ion in ZnSe passivation on electronic band structure for high efficiency CdS/CdSe quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Lu Shuqi , Peng Shanglong , Zhang Zhiya , Deng Yunlong , Qin Tianfeng , Huang Juanjuan , Ma Fei , Hou Juan , Cao Guozhong
Published: June 2018

Surface passivation in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) plays a very important role in preventing surface charge recombination and thus enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE).
The proportion of Met80-sulfoxide dictates peroxidase activity of human cytochromec
Authors: Parakra Rinky D. , Kleffmann Torsten , Jameson Guy N. L. , Ledgerwood Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2018

Peroxidase activity of cytochrome c is activated and deactivated by methionine 80 oxidation to the sulfoxide and sulfone respectively.
Correction: Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of group 4 post-metallocenes bearing (σ-aryl)-2-phenolate-6-pyridyl and -isoquinolinyl auxiliaries
Authors: Lo Jerry C. Y. , So Loi-Chi , Chan Michael C. W.
Published: June 2018

Correction for ‘Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of group 4 post-metallocenes bearing (σ-aryl)-2-phenolate-6-pyridyl and -isoquinolinyl auxiliaries’ by Jerry C. Y. Lo et al., Dalton Trans., 2015, 44, 15905–15913.
Inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase by flavonoid glycosides from Lu'an GuaPian tea: molecular docking and interaction mechanism
Authors: Hua Fang , Zhou Peng , Wu Hao-Yue , Chu Gang-Xiu , Xie Zhong-Wen , Bao Guan-Hu
Published: June 2018

Inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase by flavonoid glycosides from Lu'an GuaPian tea.
Evaluation of an improved closed-vessel conductively heated digestion system for the analysis of raw meat samples by ICP techniques
Authors: Vieira Alan Lima , Miranda Kelber , Virgilio Alex , Ferreira Edilene Cristina , Gomes Neto José Anchieta
Published: June 2018

In this work, an improved conductively heated digestion system (CHDS) with closed vessels, which provides simpler, easier and safer digestion of raw chicken, beef and pork meat samples aiming at Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, and Zn determinations by ICP OES and As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Pb and Se by ICP-MS/MS, was evaluated.
The influence of microcapsules with a partially filled structure on the damping properties of an epoxy resin
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Song Yilong , Cai Zhenzhen , Wang Xuesong , Cao Danfeng , Cheng Qiuli , Zou Jiawei , Shi Zuosen , Cui Zhanchen
Published: June 2018

Loss factor relies on the core volume fraction and the concentration of the microcapsule in the epoxy resin.
Heteropoly acid supported on sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate modified layered double hydroxides as catalysts for oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Huang Pengcheng , Liu Aili , Kang Lihua , Zhu Mingyuan , Dai Bin
Published: June 2018

The HPW/MgAl-LDH-DBS catalyst was synthesized, and the removal of DBT was almost 100% under the optimal conditions.
Synthesis of poly(l-lactide)/β-cyclodextrin/citrate network modified hydroxyapatite and its biomedical properties
Authors: Yi Wen-Jun , Li Li-Jun , He Hao , Hao Zhen , Liu Bo , Chao Zi-Sheng , Shen Yi
Published: June 2018

PLA/β-CD/citrate network modified HA possesses a tailored surface and smaller particle size, thus showing great cell adhesion performance and osteoinductivity to the MSCs of Wistar rats.
Engineering strategies for rational polyketide synthase design
Authors: Klaus Maja , Grininger Martin
Published: June 2018

In this review, we highlight strategies in engineering polyketide synthases (PKSs). We focus on important protein–protein interactions that constitute an intact PKS assembly line.
Silver(i)-catalyzed sequential hydroamination and Prins type cyclization for the synthesis of fused benzo-δ-sultams
Authors: Maheshwar Rao B. , Yadav J. S. , Sridhar B. , Subba Reddy B. V.
Published: June 2018

An intramolecular annulation strategy has been developed for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[e]pyrano[4,3-c][1,2]thiazine derivatives by means of coupling of aldehydes with 2-(4-hydroxybut-1-yn-1-yl)-N-arylsulfonamides using a catalytic amount of silver hexafluoroantimonate.
Synthesis and characterization of novel donor–acceptor type electrochromic polymers containing diketopyrrolopyrrole as an acceptor and propylenedioxythiophene or indacenodithiophene as a donor
Authors: Cheng Xinfeng , Ju Xiuping , Du Hongmei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jinsheng , Xie Yu
Published: June 2018

Three novel D–A type conjugated copolymers were prepared, illustrating excellent electrochromic properties, such as desirable color switches, high optical contrasts, fast response time, and high color efficiency.
High performance layer-by-layer Pt3Ni(Pt-skin)-modified Pd/C for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Huang Jing-Fang , Tseng Po-Kai
Published: June 2018

A core (Pd)/shell (Pt3Ni(Pt-skin)) ORR catalyst was obtained, and displayed eminently superior catalytic performance to state-of-the-art Pt–Ni catalysts.
A thermoresponsive dynamic polymer brush fabricated by the segregation of amphiphilic diblock copolymers
Authors: Tanoue Hirokazu , Inoue Kazuma , Yamada Norifumi L. , Ito Kohzo , Miyao Syo , Ishizone Takashi , Yokoyama Hideaki
Published: June 2018

A thermoresponsive polymer brush fabricated by the ‘dynamic polymer brush’ method, which uses segregation of amphiphilic diblock copolymers, uniquely responds to increasing temperature with increasing brush densities.
Influence of surfactants of different nature and chain length on the morphology, thermal stability and sheet resistance of graphene
Authors: Díez-Pascual Ana M. , Vallés Cristina , Mateos Rocío , Vera-López Soledad , Kinloch Ian A. , Andrés María Paz San
Published: June 2018

The morphology, microstructure, thermal stability and electrical resistivity of graphene dispersions in different surfactants (anionic, cationic and non-ionic) are examined.
Recent progress in single-atom electrocatalysts: concept, synthesis, and applications in clean energy conversion
Authors: Su Jianwei , Ge Ruixiang , Dong Yan , Hao Fei , Chen Liang
Published: June 2018

Introduction of recently reported single-atom catalysts and their application in the field of clean energy conversion.
Boosting the electron mobilities of dimeric perylenediimides by simultaneously enhancing intermolecular and intramolecular electronic interactions
Authors: Guo Yuan , Han Guangchao , Duan Ruihong , Geng Hua , Yi Yuanping
Published: June 2018

High electron mobilities and suppressed π–π aggregation for perylenediimides can be achieved at the same time by properly tailoring the dimerization and alkylation modes to enhance both intermolecular and intramolecular electronic interactions.
Artificial cerium-based proenzymes confined in lyotropic liquid crystals: synthetic strategy and on-demand activation
Authors: Bohn Denise R. , Lobato Francielli O. , Thill Alisson S. , Steffens Luiza , Raabe Marco , Donida Bruna , Vargas Carmen R. , Moura Dinara J. , Bernardi Fabiano , Poletto Fernanda
Published: June 2018

The artificial proenzyme concept for ultra-small cerium-based nanoparticles: the on-demand activation of inactive nanoparticles to mimic the activity of superoxide dismutase.
Polyelectrolyte-based physical adhesive hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties for biomedical applications
Authors: Li Wenxiang , Feng Ruyan , Wang Rensheng , Li Dan , Jiang Wenwen , Liu Hanzhou , Guo Zhenzhong , Serpe Michael J. , Hu Liang
Published: June 2018

Cytocompatible and adhesive polyelectrolyte-based physical hydrogels with reinforced mechanical strength for small molecule delivery and detecting doses of radiotherapy.
Anticancer effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor scriptaid as a single agent for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Linlin , Sun Xiaoyang , Xie Yu , Zhuang Yinping , Yao Ruosi , Xu Kai
Published: June 2018

Recurrence is one of the major causes of poor prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and drug resistance is closely associated with disease recurrence. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor scriptaid functions as an anticancer agent in many different types of tumors, but its possible roles in HCC progression have not been explored to date. Herein, we show that HDAC inhibitor scriptaid decreases HCC cell proliferation and induces cell cycle G2/M-phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, scriptaid triggered HCC cell death via transcriptional activation of p21 and subsequent elevated global H3Ac levels. Importantly, we found that scriptaid showed robust antitumor activity against HCC. Thus, our findings indicate that HDAC inhibitor scriptaid could be an important potential candidate for treatment of HCC patients.
Use of Ash-and-Slag Wastes after Burning of Fine-Dispersed Coal-Washing Wastes
Authors: Murko Vasilii , Khyamyalyainen Veniamin , Baranova Marina
Published: June 2018

Effective utilization of ash-and-slag waste generated by coalfired power plants can help significantly to reduce the negative impact on the environment and improve their economic performance. Studies have been made of the mineralogical composition of ash-and-slag wastes obtained after the combustion of water-coal fuel based on fine-dispersed coal-washing waste (filter cake) in a specially designed boiler with a vortex combustion system. The possibility of effective use of ash-and-slag wastes for the production of building materials, primarily mortar mixes, widely used for mining works on mine openings, laying the worked out space, etc. (high content of silicon oxide and aluminum oxide is combined with a low carbon content in other words a negligible unburned carbon loss). The optimum percentage ratio of the initial components of the filling mixture based on ash-and-slag wastes and crushed rock (granulated slag) has been established. The results of experimental tests of hardening tabs on the strength under uniaxial compression are presented. It has been established that a sample containing 18% of ash-and-slag wastes, 33% of a granulated slag and 19% of cement, corresponds to the required technological parameters for the strength and cement content.
Geo-Resources Recycling as the Way of Mining Wastes Disposing
Authors: Abay Asmelash , Imbuga Mabel , Malik Chandara , Singh Kumar , Borodin Dmitriy
Published: June 2018

Scientific and technological progress envisages the solving the most important problems in the main areas of mineral processing, leading to the perfection of technological processes, improving quality indicators and reducing the cost of production. Rational use of minerals at the stages of their extraction and enrichment is a single indivisible problem, the main task of which is the fullest use of basic and rare minerals. Geo-resources include mineral deposits and subsurface materials (solid, liquid, gaseous, mixtures), underground space (cavity), subsurface energy (static, geo-dynamic, geomagnetic). Geo-resources are provisionally recognized as geoinformation, characterized by various attributes and properties of subsurface material (minerals, overburden, etc.), and the other geo-resources, including streams migrating into the depths (fluids, magma, etc.). It is clear that mineral resources are part of the subsurface material. Therefore, the most important aspect of geo-resources development today is the initiation of recycling of their industrial processing.