bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An interspecies malate–pyruvate shuttle reconciles redox imbalance in an anaerobic microbial community
Authors: Wang Po-Hsiang , Correia Kevin , Ho Han-Chen , Venayak Naveen , Nemr Kayla , Flick Robert , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Edwards Elizabeth A
Published: January 2019

Microbes in ecosystems often develop coordinated metabolic interactions. Therefore, understanding metabolic interdependencies between microbes is critical to deciphering ecosystem function. In this study, we sought to deconstruct metabolic interdependencies in organohalide-respiring consortium ACT-3 containing Dehalobacter restrictus using a combination of metabolic modeling and experimental validation. D. restrictus possesses a complete set of genes for amino acid biosynthesis yet when grown in isolation requires amino acid supplementation. We reconciled this discrepancy using flux balance analysis considering cofactor availability, enzyme promiscuity, and shared protein expression patterns for several D. restrictus strains. Experimentally, 13C incorporation assays, growth assays, and metabolite analysis of D. restrictus strain PER-K23 cultures were performed to validate the model predictions. The model resolved that the amino acid dependency of D. restrictus resulted from restricted NADPH regeneration and predicted that malate supplementation would replenish intracellular NADPH. Interestingly, we observed unexpected export of pyruvate and glutamate in parallel to malate consumption in strain PER-K23 cultures. Further experimental analysis using the ACT-3 transfer cultures suggested the occurrence of an interspecies malate–pyruvate shuttle reconciling a redox imbalance, reminiscent of the mitochondrial malate shunt pathway in eukaryotic cells. Altogether, this study suggests that redox imbalance and metabolic complementarity are important driving forces for metabolite exchange in anaerobic microbial communities.
Ant colonies promote the diversity of soil microbial communities
Authors: Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Eldridge David J , Hamonts Kelly , Singh Brajesh K
Published: January 2019

Little is known about the role of ant colonies in regulating the distribution and diversity of soil microbial communities across large spatial scales. Here, we conducted a survey across >1000 km in eastern Australia and found that, compared with surrounding bare soils, ant colonies promoted the richness (number of phylotypes) and relative abundance of rare taxa of fungi and bacteria. Ant nests were also an important reservoir for plant pathogens. Our study also provides a portfolio of microbial phylotypes only found in ant nests, and which are associated with high nutrient availability. Together, our work highlights the fact that ant nests are an important refugia for microbial diversity.
Increased lactate dehydrogenase activity is dispensable in squamous carcinoma cells of origin
Authors: Flores A. , Sandoval-Gonzalez S. , Takahashi R. , Krall A. , Sathe L. , Wei L. , Radu C. , Joly J. H. , Graham N. A. , Christofk H. R. , Lowry W. E.
Published: January 2019

Although numerous therapeutic strategies have attempted to target aerobic glycolysis to inhibit tumor progression, these approaches have not resulted in effective clinical outcomes. Murine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be initiated by hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). HFSCs utilize aerobic glycolysis, and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) is essential for HFSC activation. We sought to determine whether Ldh activity in SCC is critical for tumorigenesis or simply a marker of the cell type of origin. Genetic abrogation or induction of Ldh activity in HFSC-mediated tumorigenesis shows no effect on tumorigenesis as measured by number, time to formation, proliferation, volume, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, gene expression, or immune response. Ldha-null tumors show dramatically reduced levels of glycolytic metabolites by metabolomics, and significantly reduced glucose uptake by FDG-PET live animal imaging. These results suggest that squamous cancer cells of origin do not require increased glycolytic activity to generate cancers.
Enhancement of the gut barrier integrity by a microbial metabolite through the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Singh Rajbir , Chandrashekharappa Sandeep , Bodduluri Sobha R. , Baby Becca V. , Hegde Bindu , Kotla Niranjan G. , Hiwale Ankita A. , Saiyed Taslimarif , Patel Paresh , Vijay-Kumar Matam , Langille Morgan G. I. , Douglas Gavin M. , Cheng Xi , Rouchka Eric C. , Waigel Sabine J. , Dryden Gerald W. , Alatassi Houda , Zhang Huang-Ge , Haribabu Bodduluri , Vemula Praveen K. , Jala Venkatakrishna R.
Published: January 2019

The importance of gut microbiota in human health and pathophysiology is undisputable. Despite the abundance of metagenomics data, the functional dynamics of gut microbiota in human health and disease remain elusive. Urolithin A (UroA), a major microbial metabolite derived from polyphenolics of berries and pomegranate fruits displays anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-ageing activities. Here, we show that UroA and its potent synthetic analogue (UAS03) significantly enhance gut barrier function and inhibit unwarranted inflammation. We demonstrate that UroA and UAS03 exert their barrier functions through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)- nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent pathways to upregulate epithelial tight junction proteins. Importantly, treatment with these compounds attenuated colitis in pre-clinical models by remedying barrier dysfunction in addition to anti-inflammatory activities. Cumulatively, the results highlight how microbial metabolites provide two-pronged beneficial activities at gut epithelium by enhancing barrier functions and reducing inflammation to protect from colonic diseases.
Structure and inhibition mechanism of the catalytic domain of human squalene epoxidase
Authors: Padyana Anil K. , Gross Stefan , Jin Lei , Cianchetta Giovanni , Narayanaswamy Rohini , Wang Feng , Wang Rui , Fang Cheng , Lv Xiaobing , Biller Scott A. , Dang Lenny , Mahoney Christopher E. , Nagaraja Nelamangala , Pirman David , Sui Zhihua , Popovici-Muller Janeta , Smolen Gromoslaw A.
Published: January 2019

Squalene epoxidase (SQLE), also known as squalene monooxygenase, catalyzes the stereospecific conversion of squalene to 2,3(S)-oxidosqualene, a key step in cholesterol biosynthesis. SQLE inhibition is targeted for the treatment of hypercholesteremia, cancer, and fungal infections. However, lack of structure-function understanding has hindered further progression of its inhibitors. We have determined the first three-dimensional high-resolution crystal structures of human SQLE catalytic domain with small molecule inhibitors (2.3 Å and 2.5 Å). Comparison with its unliganded state (3.0 Å) reveals conformational rearrangements upon inhibitor binding, thus allowing deeper interpretation of known structure-activity relationships. We use the human SQLE structure to further understand the specificity of terbinafine, an approved agent targeting fungal SQLE, and to provide the structural insights into terbinafine-resistant mutants encountered in the clinic. Collectively, these findings elucidate the structural basis for the specificity of the epoxidation reaction catalyzed by SQLE and enable further rational development of next-generation inhibitors.
Single-cell microRNA-mRNA co-sequencing reveals non-genetic heterogeneity and mechanisms of microRNA regulation
Authors: Wang Nayi , Zheng Ji , Chen Zhuo , Liu Yang , Dura Burak , Kwak Minsuk , Xavier-Ferrucio Juliana , Lu Yi-Chien , Zhang Miaomiao , Roden Christine , Cheng Jijun , Krause Diane S. , Ding Ye , Fan Rong , Lu Jun
Published: January 2019

Measuring multiple omics profiles from the same single cell opens up the opportunity to decode molecular regulation that underlies intercellular heterogeneity in development and disease. Here, we present co-sequencing of microRNAs and mRNAs in the same single cell using a half-cell genomics approach. This method demonstrates good robustness (~95% success rate) and reproducibility (R2 = 0.93 for both microRNAs and mRNAs), yielding paired half-cell microRNA and mRNA profiles, which we can independently validate. By linking the level of microRNAs to the expression of predicted target mRNAs across 19 single cells that are phenotypically identical, we observe that the predicted targets are significantly anti-correlated with the variation of abundantly expressed microRNAs. This suggests that microRNA expression variability alone may lead to non-genetic cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Genome-scale analysis of paired microRNA-mRNA co-profiles further allows us to derive and validate regulatory relationships of cellular pathways controlling microRNA expression and intercellular variability.
Nanoparticle-enabled phase control for arc welding of unweldable aluminum alloy 7075
Authors: Sokoluk Maximilian , Cao Chezheng , Pan Shuaihang , Li Xiaochun
Published: January 2019

Lightweight materials are of paramount importance to reduce energy consumption and emissions in today’s society. For materials to qualify for widespread use in lightweight structural assembly, they must be weldable or joinable, which has been a long-standing issue for high strength aluminum alloys, such as 7075 (AA7075) due to their hot crack susceptibility during fusion welding. Here, we show that AA7075 can be safely arc welded without hot cracks by introducing nanoparticle-enabled phase control during welding. Joints welded with an AA7075 filler rod containing TiC nanoparticles not only exhibit fine globular grains and a modified secondary phase, both which intrinsically eliminate the materials hot crack susceptibility, but moreover show exceptional tensile strength in both as-welded and post-weld heat-treated conditions. This rather simple twist to the filler material of a fusion weld could be generally applied to a wide range of hot crack susceptible materials.
A novel scaffold for EGFR inhibition: Introducing N-(3-(3-phenylureido)quinoxalin-6-yl) acrylamide derivatives
Authors: do Amaral Daniel Nascimento , Lategahn Jonas , Fokoue Harold Hilarion , da Silva Eduardo Miguez Bastos , Sant’Anna Carlos Mauricio R. , Rauh Daniel , Barreiro Eliezer J. , Laufer Stefan , Lima Lidia Moreira
Published: January 2019

Clinical data acquired over the last decade on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment with small molecular weight Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have shown significant influence of EGFR point mutations and in-frame deletions on clinical efficacy. Identification of small molecules capable of inhibiting the clinically relevant EGFR mutant forms is desirable, and novel chemical scaffolds might provide knowledge regarding selectivity among EGFR forms and shed light on new strategies to overcome current clinical limitations. Design, synthesis, docking studies and in vitro evaluation of N-(3-(3-phenylureido)quinoxalin-6-yl) acrylamide derivatives (7a-m) against EGFR mutant forms are described. Compounds 7h and 7l were biochemically active in the nanomolar range against EGFRwt and EGFRL858R. Molecular docking and reaction enthalpy calculations have shown the influence of the combination of reversible and covalent binding modes with EGFR on the inhibitory activity. The inhibitory profile of 7h against a panel of patient-derived tumor cell lines was established, demonstrating selective growth inhibition of EGFR related cells at 10 μM among a panel of 30 cell lines derived from colon, melanoma, breast, bladder, kidney, prostate, pancreas and ovary tumors.
Sex hormone-binding globulin provides a novel entry pathway for estradiol and influences subsequent signaling in lymphocytes via membrane receptor
Authors: Balogh Andrea , Karpati Eva , Schneider Andrea E. , Hetey Szabolcs , Szilagyi Andras , Juhasz Kata , Laszlo Gloria , Hupuczi Petronella , Zavodszky Peter , Papp Zoltan , Matko Janos , Than Nandor Gabor
Published: January 2019

The complex effects of estradiol on non-reproductive tissues/cells, including lymphoid tissues and immunocytes, have increasingly been explored. However, the role of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the regulation of these genomic and non-genomic actions of estradiol is controversial. Moreover, the expression of SHBG and its internalization by potential receptors, as well as the influence of SHBG on estradiol uptake and signaling in lymphocytes has remained unexplored. Here, we found that human and mouse T cells expressed SHBG intrinsically. In addition, B lymphoid cell lines as well as both primary B and T lymphocytes bound and internalized external SHBG, and the amount of plasma membrane-bound SHBG decreased in B cells of pregnant compared to non-pregnant women. As potential mediators of this process, SHBG receptor candidates expressed by lymphocytes were identifiedin silico, including estrogen receptor (ER) alpha. Furthermore, cell surface-bound SHBG was detected in close proximity to membrane ERs while highly colocalizing with lipid rafts. The SHBG-membrane ER interaction was found functional since SHBG promoted estradiol uptake by lymphocytes and subsequently influenced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. In conclusion, the SHBG-SHBG receptor-membrane ER complex participates in the rapid estradiol signaling in lymphocytes, and this pathway may be altered in B cells in pregnant women.
Frequency of everyday pro-environmental behaviour is explained by baseline activation in lateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Baumgartner Thomas , Langenbach Benedikt P. , Gianotti Lorena R. R. , Müri René M. , Knoch Daria
Published: January 2019

Humankind faces a plethora of environmental problems, many of which are directly influenced by individual human behaviour. To better understand pro-environmental behaviour, we here try to identify interindividual markers that explain variance in the frequency of every-day pro-environmental behaviour. So far, research on this topic has mainly relied on subjective self-report measures and has yielded mixed results. In this study, we applied a neural trait approach to assess stable, objective individual differences. Using source-localised electroencephalography, we measured cortical activation at rest and combined our neural task-independent data with an ecologically valid assessment of everyday pro-environmental behaviour. We find whole-brain-corrected evidence that task-independent baseline activation in the right lateral prefrontal cortex, a brain area known to be involved in cognitive control and self-control processes, explains individual differences in pro-environmental behaviour. The higher the cortical baseline activation in this area, the higher the frequency of everyday pro-environmental behaviour. Implications for the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour are discussed.
Cell force-mediated matrix reorganization underlies multicellular network assembly
Authors: Davidson Christopher D. , Wang William Y. , Zaimi Ina , Jayco Danica Kristen P. , Baker Brendon M.
Published: January 2019

Vasculogenesis is the de novo formation of a vascular network from individual endothelial progenitor cells occurring during embryonic development, organogenesis, and adult neovascularization. Vasculogenesis can be mimicked and studied in vitro using network formation assays, in which endothelial cells (ECs) spontaneously form capillary-like structures when seeded in the appropriate microenvironment. While the biochemical regulators of network formation have been well studied using these assays, the role of mechanical and topographical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is less understood. Here, we utilized both natural and synthetic fibrous materials to better understand how physical attributes of the ECM influence the assembly of EC networks. Our results reveal that active cell-mediated matrix recruitment through actomyosin force generation occurs concurrently with network formation on Matrigel, a reconstituted basement membrane matrix regularly used to promote EC networks, and on synthetic matrices composed of electrospun dextran methacrylate (DexMA) fibers. Furthermore, modulating physical attributes of DexMA matrices that impair matrix recruitment consequently inhibited the formation of cellular networks. These results suggest an iterative process in which dynamic cell-induced changes to the physical microenvironment reciprocally modulate cell behavior to guide the formation and stabilization of multicellular networks.
Adiponectin promotes muscle regeneration through binding to T-cadherin
Authors: Tanaka Yoshimitsu , Kita Shunbun , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Fukuda Shiro , Fujishima Yuya , Obata Yoshinari , Nagao Hirofumi , Masuda Shigeki , Nakamura Yuto , Shimizu Yuri , Mineo Ryohei , Natsukawa Tomoaki , Funahashi Tohru , Ranscht Barbara , Fukada So-ichiro , Maeda Norikazu , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: January 2019

Skeletal muscle has remarkable regenerative potential and its decline with aging is suggested to be one of the important causes of loss of muscle mass and quality of life in elderly adults. Metabolic abnormalities such as obesity were linked with decline of muscle regeneration. On the other hand, plasma levels of adiponectin are decreased in such metabolic conditions. However, plasma levels of adiponectin have been shown to inversely correlate with muscle mass and strength in elderly people especially with chronic heart failure (CHF). Here we have addressed whether adiponectin has some impact on muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced muscle injury in mice. Muscle regeneration was delayed by angiotensin II infusion, mimicking aging and CHF as reported. Adiponectin overexpression in vivo decreased necrotic region and increased regenerating myofibers. Such enhanced regeneration by excess adiponectin was also observed in adiponectin null mice, but not in T-cadherin null mice. Mechanistically, adiponectin accumulated on plasma membrane of myofibers both in mice and human, and intracellularly colocalized with endosomes positive for a multivesicular bodies/exosomes marker CD63 in regenerating myofibers. Purified high-molecular multimeric adiponectin similarly accumulated intracellularly and colocalized with CD63-positive endosomes and enhanced exosome secretion in differentiating C2C12 myotubes but not in undifferentiated myoblasts. Knockdown of T-cadherin in differentiating C2C12 myotubes attenuated both adiponectin-accumulation and adiponectin-mediated exosome production. Collectively, our studies have firstly demonstrated that adiponectin stimulates muscle regeneration through T-cadherin, where intracellular accumulation and exosome-mediated process of adiponectin may have some roles.
Repositioning salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs to treat adenovirus infections
Authors: Marrugal-Lorenzo José A. , Serna-Gallego Ana , Berastegui-Cabrera Judith , Pachón Jerónimo , Sánchez-Céspedes Javier
Published: January 2019

The repositioning of drugs already approved by regulatory agencies for other indications is an emerging alternative for the development of new antimicrobial therapies. The repositioning process involves lower risks and costs than the de novo development of novel antimicrobial drugs. Currently, infections by adenovirus show a steady increment with a high clinical impact in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. The lack of a safe and efficacious drug to treat these infections supports the search for new antiviral drugs. Here we evaluated the anti-adenovirus activity of niclosanide, oxyclozanide, and rafoxanide, three salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs. Also, we carried out the cytotoxicity evaluation and partial characterization of the mechanism of action of these drugs. The salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs showed significant anti-adenovirus activity at low micromolar concentrations with little cytotoxicity. Moreover, our mechanistic assays suggest differences in the way the drugs exert anti-adenovirus activity. Niclosamide and rafoxanide target transport of the HAdV particle from the endosome to the nuclear envelope, whilst oxyclozanide specifically targets adenovirus immediately early gene E1A transcription. Data suggests that the studied salicylanilide anthelmintic drugs could be suitable for further clinical evaluation for the development of new antiviral drugs to treat infections by adenovirus in immunosuppressed patients and in immunocompetent individuals with community-acquired pneumonia.
Wavefunction Engineering of Type-I/Type-II Excitons of CdSe/CdS Core-Shell Quantum Dots
Authors: Nandan Yashaswi , Mehata Mohan Singh
Published: January 2019

Nanostructured semiconductors have the unique shape/size-dependent band gap tunability, which has various applications. The quantum confinement effect allows controlling the spatial distribution of the charge carriers in the core-shell quantum dots (QDs). Upon increasing shell thickness (e.g., from 0.25–3.25 nm) of core-shell QDs, the radial distribution function (RDF) of hole shifts towards the shell suggesting the confinement region switched from Type-I to Type-II excitons. As a result, there is a jump in the transition energy towards the higher side (blue shift). However, an intermediate state appeared as pseudo Type II excitons, in which holes are co-localized in the shell as well core whereas electrons are confined in core only, resulting in a dual absorption band (excitation energy), carried out by the analysis of the overlap percentage using the Hartree-Fock method. The findings are a close approximation to the experimental evidences. Thus, the understanding of the motion of e-h in core-shell QDs is essential for photovoltaic, LEDs, etc.
Heterochromatin suppresses gross chromosomal rearrangements at centromeres by repressing Tfs1/TFIIS-dependent transcription
Authors: Okita Akiko K. , Zafar Faria , Su Jie , Weerasekara Dayalini , Kajitani Takuya , Takahashi Tatsuro S. , Kimura Hiroshi , Murakami Yota , Masukata Hisao , Nakagawa Takuro
Published: January 2019

Heterochromatin, characterized by histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation, assembles on repetitive regions including centromeres. Although centromeric heterochromatin is important for correct segregation of chromosomes, its exact role in maintaining centromere integrity remains elusive. Here, we found in fission yeast that heterochromatin suppresses gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) at centromeres. Mutations in Clr4/Suv39 methyltransferase increased the formation of isochromosomes, whose breakpoints were located in centromere repeats. H3K9A and H3K9R mutations also increased GCRs, suggesting that Clr4 suppresses centromeric GCRs via H3K9 methylation. HP1 homologs Swi6 and Chp2 and the RNAi component Chp1 were the chromodomain proteins essential for full suppression of GCRs. Remarkably, mutations in RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) or Tfs1/TFIIS, the transcription factor that facilitates restart of RNAPII after backtracking, specifically bypassed the requirement of Clr4 for suppressing GCRs. These results demonstrate that heterochromatin suppresses GCRs by repressing Tfs1-dependent transcription of centromere repeats.
Introduction
Authors: Dierking Ingo
Published: January 2019

An introduction to the liquid crystalline state of matter is provided, discussing thermotropic and lyotropic behaviour, different types of ordering and some of the most common liquid crystal phases. Chirality is introduced and its effects on liquid crystal phases discussed, as well as the occurrence of novel, frustrated phases like blue phases and twist grain boundary phases. The observation of ferroelectricity in chiral, tilted smectic phases is briefly described. A very brief outline of the topic of this book is given by introducing polymer dispersed liquid crystals and polymer stabilized liquid crystals, which will then be covered in much more detail throughout the following chapters.
Grubbs catalysts in intramolecular carbene C(sp3)–H insertion reactions from α-diazoesters
Authors: Solé Daniel , Amenta Arianna , Bennasar M-Lluïsa , Fernández Israel
Published: January 2019

Grubbs complexes are also useful catalysts to chemoselectively promote intramolecular carbene C–H insertion from amino-tethered α-diazoesters to give pyrrolidines.
Surface plasmon resonance-assisted circularly polarized luminescent hybrid assemblies of Eu-containing polyoxometalates
Authors: Shi Nan , Wang Rong , Wang Xiaoshi , Tan Junyan , Guan Yan , Li Zhibo , Wan Xinhua , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2019

Circularly polarized luminescence of achiral Eu-containing polyoxometalates was induced by chiral cationic polymers and enhanced by Ag nanoparticles.
A sub-100 °C aluminum ion battery based on a ternary inorganic molten salt
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Xu , Chu Weiqin , Liu Shiqi , Yu Haijun
Published: January 2019

Using a ternary inorganic molten salt electrolyte, a sub-100 °C aluminum ion battery is presented with improved operational feasibility simply by water heating.
A novel hydrogenated boron–carbon monolayer with high stability and promising carrier mobility
Authors: Fan Dong , Lu Shaohua , Chen Chengke , Jiang Meiyan , Li Xiao , Hu Xiaojun
Published: January 2019

Novel hydrogenated boron–carbon monolayer: a promising photocatalyst for overall water splitting with high carrier mobility.
The complete conformational panorama of formanilide–water complexes: the role of water as a conformational switch
Authors: Pinacho Pablo , Blanco Susana , López Juan Carlos
Published: January 2019

Different interactions of water and formanilide were observed. Water reverts the stability of the cis–trans formanilide conformational equilibrium.
Effect of hindered internal rotation treatments on predicting the thermodynamic properties of alkanes
Authors: Gao Yage , He Tanjin , Li Xiaoyu , You Xiaoqing
Published: January 2019

We compare different vibrational analysis methods and examine the effect of hindered internal rotation treatments on predicting thermodynamic properties.
Sustainable technologies for water purification from heavy metals: review and analysis
Authors: Bolisetty Sreenath , Peydayesh Mohammad , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: January 2019

We review and analyze current water purification technologies in the context of sustainability, and we introduce the Ranking Efficiency Product (REP) index, to evaluate their efficiency and implementation in this broader perspective.
Conjugated HCl-doped polyaniline for photocatalytic oxidative coupling of amines under visible light
Authors: Kong Peng , Liu Pei , Ge Zhenyu , Tan Hao , Pei Linjuan , Wang Jie , Zhu Pengqi , Gu Xianmo , Zheng Zhanfeng , Li Zhong
Published: January 2019

Conjugated HCl-doped polyaniline acted as an efficient visible light-responsive nonmetal photocatalyst for imine green synthesis.
Fluorescent metal–organic frameworks based on mixed organic ligands: new candidates for highly sensitive detection of TNP
Authors: Wang Dong , Hu Zhiyong , Xu Shasha , Li Dandan , Zhang Qiong , Ma Wen , Zhou Hongping , Wu Jieying , Tian Yupeng
Published: January 2019

Novel metal–organic frameworks have been constructed based on fluorescent mixed ligands, which can be employed as efficient sensors.
Hydrophilic quaternary ammonium-group-containing [FeFe]H2ase models prepared by quaternization of the pyridyl N atoms in pyridylazadiphosphine- and pyridylmethylazadiphosphine-bridged diiron complexes with various electrophiles
Authors: Song Li-Cheng , Feng Li , Guo Yuan-Qiang
Published: January 2019

The first aromatic quaternary ammonium-group-containing [FeFe]H2ase models have been prepared and some of them found to be catalysts for H2production under CV conditions.
2-Phenylpyridine- and 2-(benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)pyridine-based o-carboranyl compounds: impact of the structural formation of aromatic rings on photophysical properties
Authors: Jin Hyomin , Bae Hye Jin , Kim Seonah , Lee Ji Hye , Hwang Hyonseok , Park Myung Hwan , Lee Kang Mun
Published: January 2019

2-Phenylpyridine and 2-(benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)pyridine-based o-carboranyl compounds showed intriguing emission that depended on the structural formation.
Building trans-philicity (trans-effect/trans-influence) ladders for octahedral complexes by using an NMR probe
Authors: Tsipis A. C.
Published: January 2019

An NMR trans-philicity ladder was built for octahedral [Cr(CO)5L]−/0/+ complexes employing a 13C NMR probe and quantified by Δσ13C NMR descriptors.
Inexpensive microbial dipstick diagnostic for nitrate in water
Authors: Aukema Kelly G. , Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: January 2019

A rapid, inexpensive, bio-strip was developed for visual quantitation of nitrate in water.
Dietary (−)-epicatechin affects NF-κB activation and NADPH oxidases in the kidney cortex of high-fructose-fed rats
Authors: Prince Paula Denise , Rodríguez Lanzi Cecilia , Fraga César G. , Galleano Mónica
Published: January 2019

The activation of NF-κB and NOXs in rat kidney is attenuated by dietary supplementation of (−)-epicatechin.
Efficient synthesis of ethanol by methanol homologation using CO2at lower temperature
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Jingjing , Qian Qingli , Asare Bediako Bernard Baffour , Cui Meng , Yang Guanying , Yan Jiang , Han Buxing
Published: January 2019

Ethanol was efficiently synthesized from methanol, CO2and H2at lower temperature.
Metal-free synthesis of poly(trimethylene carbonate) by efficient valorization of carbon dioxide
Authors: Huang Jin , De Winter Julien , Dove Andrew P. , Coulembier Olivier
Published: January 2019

The green I2/TBD catalytic complex is demonstrated competitive to metal-based systems in the preparation of PTMC through a two-step process mechanism.
Copper complexes of arylselenolate-based ligands: synthesis and catalytic activity in azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions
Authors: Chauhan Rohit Singh , Oza Dhvani , Yadav Seema , Dash Chandrakanta , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Shivran Neelam
Published: January 2019

Arylselenolate-based copper complexes have been synthesized and used as pre-catalysts for azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions.
Phosphorylated chitosan to promote biomimetic mineralization of type I collagen as a strategy for dentin repair and bone tissue engineering
Authors: Zheng Bo , Mao Caiyun , Gu Tianyi , Pan Haihua , Shao Changyu , Sun Jian , Chen Chaoqun , Tang Ruikang , Gu Xinhua
Published: January 2019

This novel biomimetic mineralization technique provides an efficient method to produce an advanced mineralized matrix.
Remarkable isomeric effects on the mechanofluorochromism of tetraphenylethylene-based D–π–A derivatives
Authors: Jia Junhui , Zhao Haixia
Published: January 2019

Three tetraphenylethylene (TPE) decorated benzaldehyde isomers were designed and synthesized via the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction with higher yields by changing the linking positions of the peripheral TPE units to demonstrate the isomeric effects on the photophysical and MFC properties.
Superb-selective chemodosimetric signaling of sulfide in the absence and in the presence of CT-DNA and imaging in living cells by a plant alkaloid berberine analogue
Authors: Jana Gopal Chandra , Khatun Munira , Nayim Sk , Das Somnath , Maji Anukul , Beg Maidul , Patra Anirudha , Bhattacharjee Paromita , Bhadra Kakali , Hossain Maidul
Published: January 2019

New berberine analogue (BER-S), as a colorimetric probe in the absence of DNA and turn-on fluorometric probe in the presence of DNA towards S2− detection is reported.
Epitaxial growth of dual-color-emitting organic heterostructuresviabinary solvent synergism driven sequential crystallization
Authors: Yin Baipeng , Gu Jianmin , Feng Man , Zhang Guang Cong , Zhang Ziming , Zhong Jinling , Zhang Chuang , Wen Bin , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: January 2019

We reported a sequential epitaxial growth to synthesize dual-color-emitting organic heterostructures by an anti-solvent induced sequential crystallization strategy.
A sensitive and selective electroanalysis strategy for histidine using the wettable well electrodes modified with graphene quantum dot-scaffolded melamine and copper nanocomposites
Authors: Hua Yue , Li Shuai , Cai Yuanyuan , Liu Huan , Wan Yuqi , Yin Mengyuan , Wang Fengxiang , Wang Hua
Published: January 2019

A wettable well electrode was fabricated for the condensing enrichment-based electroanalysis of histidine using quantum dot-scaffolded melamine and copper nanocomposites.
Influence of surface chemistry on optical, chemical and electronic properties of blue luminescent carbon dots
Authors: Ren Jian , Weber Fabian , Weigert Florian , Wang Yajie , Choudhury Sneha , Xiao Jie , Lauermann Iver , Resch-Genger Ute , Bande Annika , Petit Tristan
Published: January 2019

An in-depth spectroscopic study on blue luminescent carbon dots highlights the role of surface chemistry in their physicochemical properties.
Solute segregation and thermal stability of nanocrystalline solid solution systems
Authors: Tang Fawei , Liu Xuemei , Wang Haibin , Hou Chao , Lu Hao , Nie Zuoren , Song Xiaoyan
Published: January 2019

Thermal stability of nanograin structures in solid solution systems was modeled and verified quantitatively by experimental results.
Vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheets on graphene for highly stable electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Gnanasekar Paulraj , Periyanagounder Dharmaraj , Kulandaivel Jeganathan
Published: January 2019

The integration of vertically aligned MoS2 NS with graphene resulted in highly stable, robust and high-performance metal-free hybrid electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Facile amidinations of 2-aminophenylboronic acid promoted by boronate ester formation
Authors: Pappin Brighid B. , Garget Taylor A. , Healy Peter C. , Simone Michela I. , Kiefel Milton J. , Houston Todd A.
Published: January 2019

Amidine synthesis by amine addition to nitriles normally requires high temperatures or harsh catalysts.
Solution-phase total synthesis of teixobactin
Authors: Gao Bowen , Chen Sigui , Hou Yun Nan , Zhao Yong Juan , Ye Tao , Xu Zhengshuang
Published: January 2019

The first solution-phase total synthesis of teixobactin was completed with a 5.6% yield over 20 steps.
The irony of chirality – unveiling the distinct mechanistic binding and activities of 1-(3-(4-amino-5-(7-methoxy-5-methylbenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one enantiomers as irreversible covalent FGFR4 inhibitors
Authors: Badichi Akher Farideh , Farrokhzadeh Abdolkarim , Olotu Fisayo A. , Agoni Clement , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: January 2019

Theoretical investigation of the effect of chirality on inhibitors is providing essential insights for drug design.
Substituted polyfluoroaryl interactions with an arginine side chain in galectin-3 are governed by steric-, desolvation and electronic conjugation effects
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Peterson Kristoffer , Misini Ignjatović Majda , Leffler Hakon , Ryde Ulf , Nilsson Ulf J. , Logan Derek T.
Published: January 2019

Analysis of a ligand induced-aglycone-binding pocket in galectin-3 provides detailed insight into interactions of fluorinated phenyl moieties with arginine-containing protein binding sites and the complex interplay of different energetic components in defining the binding affinity.
Supramolecular self-assembly of fluorescent peptide amphiphiles for accurate and reversible pH measurement
Authors: Mei Leixia , He Suyun , Zhang Li , Xu Keming , Zhong Wenying
Published: January 2019

We report the synthesis and self-assembly of fluorescent peptide amphiphiles (NBD-PA) composed of a fluorescent NBD probe and a peptide derivative VVAADD with a C12-alkyl-chain as the linker (NBD-C12-VVAADD).
Palladium-catalyzed oxidative amidation of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with acetonitrile: a highly efficient strategy toward 3-amidated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Yuan Jinwei , Liu Shuainan , Xiao Yongmei , Mao Pu , Yang Liangru , Qu Lingbo
Published: January 2019

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3-amidated quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones has been developed via a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with acetonitrile.
Synthesis of latex stabilized by unmodified cellulose nanocrystals: the effect of monomers on particle size
Authors: Jiménez Saelices Clara , Save Maud , Capron Isabelle
Published: January 2019

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable rod-shaped nanoparticles able to adsorb at oil–water interfaces to produce highly stable Pickering emulsions with enhanced mechanical properties.
Preparation of carbon-containing, compressible, microporous, polymeric monoliths that regulate macroscopic conductivity
Authors: Lee Kyoung Min , Kim Hea Ji , Kang Cheon-Soo , Tojo Tomohiro , Chae Ji Ae , Oh Yuree , Cha Min Chul , Yang Kap Seung , Kim Yoong Ahm , Kim Hyungwoo
Published: January 2019

Compressible, microporous polymers have been prepared as a monolithic sponge and further regulated macroscopic conductivity when combined with carbon materials.
Selective synthesis of Cu–Cu2O/C and CuO–Cu2O/C catalysts for Pd-free C–C, C–N coupling and oxidation reactions
Authors: Kar Ashish Kumar , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: January 2019

Cu-BTC MOF provides highly nanoporous Cu–Cu2O/C and CuO–Cu2O/C materials having active Cu phases with a high surface area and pore volume for efficient and sustainable catalysis.
A hypervalent and cubically coordinated molecular phase of IF8predicted at high pressure
Authors: Luo Dongbao , Lv Jian , Peng Feng , Wang Yanchao , Yang Guochun , Rahm Martin , Ma Yanming
Published: January 2019

Up to now, the maximum coordination number of iodine is seven in neutral iodine heptafluoride (IF7) and eight in anionic octafluoride (IF8−).
Structure and chemical stability in perovskite–polymer hybrid photovoltaic materials
Authors: Fairfield Daniel J. , Sai Hiroaki , Narayanan Ashwin , Passarelli James V. , Chen Michelle , Palasz Joseph , Palmer Liam C. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: January 2019

Chemical and morphological origins of the improved stability in various polymer–perovskite hybrid thin films under ambient environmental conditions are investigated.
High pseudocapacitance boosts the performance of monolithic porous carbon cloth/closely packed TiO2nanodots as an anode of an all-flexible sodium-ion battery
Authors: Long Bei , Zhang Jingnan , Luo Lei , Ouyang Gangfeng , Balogun Muhammad-Sadeeq , Song Shuqin , Tong Yexiang
Published: January 2019

A monolithic TiO2nanodot/porous carbon cloth electrode with high pseudocapacitance was prepared, and it showed excellent sodium storage properties.
Photo-to-electricity generation of aligned carbon nanotubes in water
Authors: Hu Yajie , He Sisi , Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Longsheng , Xu Yifan , Zhang Jing , Liu Peng , Wen Yunzhou , Ni Fenglou , Jia Mengwen , Zhang Bo , Sun Xuemei , Chen Peining , Peng Huisheng
Published: January 2019

A new and general photo-to-electricity phenomenon is discovered in the aligned CNT sheets in water.
Structural tailoring of hierarchical fibrous composite membranes to balance mass transfer and heat transfer for state-of-the-art desalination performance in membrane distillation
Authors: An Xiaochan , Xu Guorong , Xie Baolei , Hu Yunxia
Published: January 2019

Membrane distillation (MD) displays superior characteristics to other technologies to alleviate the ever-increasing freshwater crisis through seawater desalination and/or wastewater recycling.
In situ generated 3D hierarchical Co3O4@MnO2 core–shell hybrid materials: self-assembled fabrication, morphological control and energy applications
Authors: Miao Qingqing , Du Yanyan , Wang Gongtang , Sun Zhicheng , Zhao Yuehan , Zhang Suojiang
Published: January 2019

A new series of highly ordered 3D hierarchical Co3O4@MnO2 core–shell hybrid materials was developed by a simple in situ self-assembly strategy for two typical energy applications in DSSCs and AP decomposition with superior performances.
Chemical tailoring of one-dimensional polypyrene nanocapsules at a molecular level: towards ideal sulfur hosts for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Xiao Zhichang , Xu Xiaohui , Kong Debin , Liang Jiaxu , Zhou Shanke , Huang Xiaoxiong , Yang Qi , Zhi Linjie
Published: January 2019

A novel 1D porous carbon nanocapsule (PCNC) has been successfully fabricated by heat treatment of the in situ synthesized polypyrene nanocapsule, where the diameter of the capsule wall can be easily tuned.
Metal–organic frameworks: a promising platform for constructing non-noble electrocatalysts for the oxygen-reduction reaction
Authors: Li Liangjun , He Jiangxiu , Wang Ying , Lv Xiaoxia , Gu Xin , Dai Pengcheng , Liu Dandan , Zhao Xuebo
Published: January 2019

This review provides an overview of crucial roles that MOFs have played in constructing non-noble ORR catalysts.
Stimuli-responsive bio-based polymeric systems and their applications
Authors: Gao Shuting , Tang Guosheng , Hua Dawei , Xiong Ranhua , Han Jingquan , Jiang Shaohua , Zhang Qilu , Huang Chaobo
Published: January 2019

This article highlights the properties of stimuli-responsive bio-based polymeric systems and their main intelligent applications.
Dose-dependent modulation effects of bioactive glass particles on macrophages and diabetic wound healing
Authors: Xie Weihan , Fu Xiaoling , Tang Fengling , Mo Yunfei , Cheng Jun , Wang Hongjun , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: January 2019

Many pathophysiologic conditions can interrupt the normal wound healing process and lead to chronic wounds due to the arrest of macrophages in their inflammatory phenotype.
A rational strategy to develop a boron nitride quantum dot-based molecular logic gate and fluorescent assay of alkaline phosphatase activity
Authors: Han Yaqian , Niu Yusheng , Liu Mengli , Niu Fushang , Xu Yuanhong
Published: January 2019

By comparing the percentage of FL quenching and recovery of the BNQDs, a Fe3+-mediated FL quenching of BNQDs system was rationally designed for efficient ALP assay. Moreover, the aforementioned ensemble was exploited to newly construct a 2D-QD-based INH logic gate.
Structural modulation enables magneto-dielectric effect and enhanced photoactivity in ferroelectric bismuth iron niobate pyrochlore
Authors: Sun Shujie , Zhu Liuyang , Zhang Bolin , Zhang Lin , Li Yuan , Cheng Nian , Yin Xiaofeng , Tian Yongshang , Li Xiaoning , Lu Yalin
Published: January 2019

A manipulative crystal structure in ferroelectric Bi pyrochlores can induce dielectric anomaly, magneto-dielectric effect, absorption anomaly and enhanced photoactivity.
Absence of delayed fluorescence and triplet–triplet annihilation in organic light emitting diodes with spatially orthogonal bianthracenes
Authors: Pu Yong-Jin , Satake Rei , Koyama Yuki , Otomo Takahiro , Hayashi Rika , Haruta Naoki , Katagiri Hiroshi , Otsuki Daisuke , Kim DaeGwi , Sato Tohru
Published: January 2019

10,10′-Diphenyl-9,9′-bianthracene (PPBA) does not generate T1 excitons in OLEDs, and RISC at a higher excited state is suggested.
Altered expression of long non-coding RNA GAS5 in digestive tumors
Authors: Lu Shounan , Su Zhilei , Fu Wen , Cui Zhankun , Jiang Xingming , Tai Sheng
Published: January 2019

Cancer has become one of the most important diseases that affect human health and life. The effects of cancer in the digestive system are particularly prominent. Recently, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has attracted the attention of more and more researchers and has become an emerging field of gene research. The lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) is a novel lncRNA that has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years and plays an important role in the development of tumors, especially in digestive system tumors. GAS5 was first identified in a mouse cDNA library. It was generally considered that it has the role of tumor suppressor genes, but there are still studies that have a certain ability to promote cancer. Furthermore, the 5-bp indel polymorphism (rs145204276) in the GAS5 promoter region also has a carcinogenic effect. The discovery of GAS5 and in-depth study of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mechanism can provide a new way for the prevention and treatment of digestive system tumors.
Photoionized emission and absorption features in the high-resolution X-ray spectra of NGC 3783
Authors: Mao Junjie , Mehdipour M. , Kaastra J. S. , Costantini E. , Pinto C. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Behar E. , Peretz U. , Bianchi S. , Kriss G. A. , Ponti G. , De Marco B. , Petrucci P.-O. , Di Gesu L. , Middei R. , Ebrero J. , Arav N.
Published: January 2019

OurSwiftmonitoring program triggered two jointXMM-Newton,NuSTAR, and HST observations on 11 and 21 December 2016 targeting NGC 3783 because its soft X-ray continuum was heavily obscured. Consequently, emission features, including the O VIIradiative recombination continuum, stand out above the diminished continuum. We focus on the photoionized emission features in the December 2016 Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) spectra, and compare them to the time-averaged RGS spectrum obtained in 2000–2001 when the continuum was unobscured. A two-phase photoionized plasma is required to account for the narrow emission features. These narrow emission features are weakly varying between 2000–2001 and December 2016. We also find a statistically significant broad emission component in the time-averaged RGS spectrum in 2000–2001. This broad emission component is significantly weaker in December 2016, suggesting that the obscurer is farther away than the X-ray broad-line region. In addition, by analyzing the archival high-resolution X-ray spectra, we find that nine photoionized absorption components with different ionization parameters and kinematics are required for the warm absorber in X-rays.
Seismic performance
Authors: Mosser B. , Michel E. , Samadi R. , Miglio A. , Davies G. R. , Girardi L. , Goupil M. J.
Published: January 2019

Context. Asteroseismology is a unique tool that can be used to study the interior of stars and hence deliver unique information for the studiy of stellar physics, stellar evolution, and Galactic archaeology.

Aims. We aim to develop a simple model of the information content of asteroseismology and to characterize the ability and precision with which fundamental properties of stars can be estimated for different space missions.

Methods. We defined and calibrated metrics of the seismic performance. The metrics, expressed by a seismic index ℰ defined by simple scaling relations, are calculated for an ensemble of stars. We studied the relations between the properties of mission observations, fundamental stellar properties, and the performance index. We also defined thresholds for asteroseismic detection and measurement of different stellar properties.

Results. We find two regimes of asteroseismic performance: the first where the signal strength is dominated by stellar properties and not by observational noise; and the second where observational properties dominate. Typically, for evolved stars, stellar properties provide the dominant terms in estimating the information content, while main sequence stars fall in the regime where the observational properties, especially stellar magnitude, dominate. We estimate scaling relations to predict ℰ with an intrinsic scatter of around 21%. Incidentally, the metrics allow us to distinguish stars burning either hydrogen or helium.

Conclusions. Our predictions will help identify the nature of the cohort of existing and future asteroseismic observations. In addition, the predicted performance for PLATO will help define optimal observing strategies for defined scientific goals.