bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Availability and Deformation Processes in Smectite‐Rich Gouges During Seismic Slip
Authors: Aretusini S. , Spagnuolo E. , Dalconi M. C. , Di Toro G. , Rutter E. H.
Published: October 2019

Smectite clays occur in subduction zone fault cores at shallow depth (approximately 1 km; e.g., Japan Trench) and landslide décollements (e.g., Vajont, Italy, 1963). The availability of pore fluids affects the likelihood that seismic slip propagates from deeper to shallow fault depths or that a landslide accelerates to its final collapse. To investigate the deformation processes active during seismic faulting we performed friction experiments with a rotary machine on 2‐mm‐thick smectite‐rich gouge layers (70/30 wt % Ca‐montmorillonite/opal) sheared at 5‐MPa normal stress, at slip rates of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.3 m/s, and total displacement of 3 m. Experiments were performed on predried gouges under vacuum, under room humidity and under partly saturated conditions. The fault shear strength measured in the experiments was included in a one‐dimensional numerical model incorporating frictional heating, thermal, and thermochemical pressurization. Quantitative X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy investigations were performed on pristine and deformed smectite‐rich gouges. Under dry conditions, cataclasis and amorphization dominated at slip rates of 0.001–0.1 m/s, whereas grain size sensitive flow and, under vacuum, frictional melting occurred at fast slip rates (1.3 m/s). Under partly saturated conditions, frictional slip in a smectite foliation occurred in combination with pressurization of water by shear‐enhanced compaction and, for V = 0.01–1.3 m/s, with thermal pressurization. Pseudotachylytes, the only reliable microstructural markers for seismic slip, formed only with large frictional power (>2 MW/m2), which could be achieved at shallow depth with high slip rates, or, at depth, with high shear stress in dehydrated smectites.
Network Topology and Rainfall Controls on the Variability of Combined Sewer Overflows and Loads
Authors: McGrath Gavan , Kaeseberg Thomas , Reyes Silva Julian David , Jawitz James W. , Blumensaat Frank , Borchardt Dietrich , Mellander Per‐Erik , Paik Kyungrock , Krebs Peter , Rao P. Suresh C.
Published: October 2019

Water and pollutant fluxes from combined sewer overflows (CSO) have a significant impact on receiving waters. The random nature of rainfall forcing dominates the variability of sewer discharges, pollutant loads, and concentrations. An analytical model developed here shows how sewer network topology and rainfall properties variously impact the stochasticity of CSO functioning. Probability distributions of sewer discharge and concentration compare well with the results from a calibrated Storm Water Management Model in an application to a sewershed located in Dresden, Germany. The model is determined by only four parameters, three of which can be predicted a priori, two from the rainfall record and one from the network topology using geomorphological flow recession theory, while the fourth can be estimated from a short discharge time series. The sensitivity of CSO and wastewater treatment loads to network structure suggests simple topologies may be more vulnerable to poor performance. The analytical model is useful for evaluating various CSO management strategies to reduce adverse impacts on receiving waters in a probabilistic setting.
Integrated nuclear proteomics and transcriptomics identifies S100A4 as a therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Alanazi Bader , Munje Chinmay R. , Rastogi Namrata , Williamson Andrew J. K. , Taylor Samuel , Hole Paul S. , Hodges Marie , Doyle Michelle , Baker Sarah , Gilkes Amanda F. , Knapper Steven , Pierce Andrew , Whetton Anthony D. , Darley Richard L. , Tonks Alex
Published: October 2019

Inappropriate localization of proteins can interfere with normal cellular function and drive tumor development. To understand how this contributes to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we compared the nuclear proteome and transcriptome of AML blasts with normal human CD34+cells. Analysis of the proteome identified networks and processes that significantly affected transcription regulation including misexpression of 11 transcription factors with seven proteins not previously implicated in AML. Transcriptome analysis identified changes in 40 transcription factors but none of these were predictive of changes at the protein level. The highest differentially expressed protein in AML nuclei compared with normal CD34+nuclei (not previously implicated in AML) was S100A4. In an extended cohort, we found that over-expression of nuclear S100A4 was highly prevalent in AML (83%; 20/24 AML patients). Knock down of S100A4 in AML cell lines strongly impacted their survival whilst normal hemopoietic stem progenitor cells were unaffected. These data are the first analysis of the nuclear proteome in AML and have identified changes in transcription factor expression or regulation of transcription that would not have been seen at the mRNA level. These data also suggest that S100A4 is essential for AML survival and could be a therapeutic target in AML.
Global ecotypes in the ubiquitous marine clade SAR86
Authors: Hoarfrost Adrienne , Nayfach Stephen , Ladau Joshua , Yooseph Shibu , Arnosti Carol , Dupont Chris L , Pollard Katherine S
Published: October 2019

SAR86 is an abundant and ubiquitous heterotroph in the surface ocean that plays a central role in the function of marine ecosystems. We hypothesized that despite its ubiquity, different SAR86 subgroups may be endemic to specific ocean regions and functionally specialized for unique marine environments. However, the global biogeographical distributions of SAR86 genes, and the manner in which these distributions correlate with marine environments, have not been investigated. We quantified SAR86 gene content across globally distributed metagenomic samples and modeled these gene distributions as a function of 51 environmental variables. We identified five distinct clusters of genes within the SAR86 pangenome, each with a unique geographic distribution associated with specific environmental characteristics. Gene clusters are characterized by the strong taxonomic enrichment of distinct SAR86 genomes and partial assemblies, as well as differential enrichment of certain functional groups, suggesting differing functional and ecological roles of SAR86 ecotypes. We then leveraged our models and high-resolution, remote sensing-derived environmental data to predict the distributions of SAR86 gene clusters across the world’s oceans, creating global maps of SAR86 ecotype distributions. Our results reveal that SAR86 exhibits previously unknown, complex biogeography, and provide a framework for exploring geographic distributions of genetic diversity from other microbial clades.
Density-dependent oxylipin production in natural diatom communities: possible implications for plankton dynamics
Authors: Russo Ennio , d’Ippolito Giuliana , Fontana Angelo , Sarno Diana , D’Alelio Domenico , Busseni Greta , Ianora Adrianna , von Elert Eric , Carotenuto Ylenia
Published: October 2019

Oxylipins are important signal transduction lipoxygenase-derived products of fatty acids that regulate a variety of physiological and pathological processes in plants and animals. In marine diatoms, these molecules can be highly bioactive, impacting zooplankton grazers, bacteria and other phytoplankton. However, the ultimate cause for oxylipin production in diatoms is still poorly understood, from an evolutionary perspective. Here we analysed production of particulate linear oxygenated fatty acids (LOFAs, previously named non-volatile oxylipins) from natural phytoplankton collected weekly for 1 year. We demonstrate for the first time that diatoms are the main LOFA producers in natural phytoplankton assemblages. Interestingly, LOFA-per-cell production decreased with increasing diatom density and was not due to major changes in diatom community composition. An inverse relation was confirmed at a global scale by analysing diatom lipoxygenase unigenes and metagenomes from Tara Oceans datasets. A network analysis suggested that different LOFAs could contribute to modulate co-variations of different diatom taxa. Overall, we offer new insights in diatom chemical ecology, possibly explaining the evolution of oxylipin synthesis in diatoms.
Balance between community assembly processes mediates species coexistence in agricultural soil microbiomes across eastern China
Authors: Jiao Shuo , Yang Yunfeng , Xu Yiqin , Zhang Jie , Lu Yahai
Published: October 2019

Revealing the linkages between community assembly and species coexistence, which is crucial for the understanding of ecosystem diversity and functioning, is a fundamental but rarely investigated subject in microbial ecology. Here we examined archaeal, bacterial, and fungal community assembly in adjacent pairs of maize (water-unsaturated) and rice (water-saturated) fields across different habitats and regions throughout Eastern China. The high-throughput sequencing dataset was analyzed by variation partitioning, null model, and neutral community model analyses. We demonstrated that microbial community assembly was governed more by species sorting than by dispersal limitation in maize fields, and to a lesser extent in rice fields. The relative importance of species sorting in maize soils was greater at low latitudes than at high latitudes, while rice soils exhibited an opposite trend. Microbial co-occurrence associations tended to be higher when communities were primarily driven by dispersal limitation relative to species sorting. There were greater community dissimilarities between maize and rice soils in low-latitude regions, which was consistent with the higher proportion of negative edges in the correlation networks. The results indicate that a balance between species sorting and dispersal limitation mediates species coexistence in soil microbiomes. This study enhances our understanding of contemporary coexistence theory in microbial ecosystems.
Cannabidiol directly targets mitochondria and disturbs calcium homeostasis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Olivas-Aguirre Miguel , Torres-López Liliana , Valle-Reyes Juan Salvador , Hernández-Cruz Arturo , Pottosin Igor , Dobrovinskaya Oxana
Published: October 2019

Anticancer properties of non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) have been demonstrated on tumors of different histogenesis. Different molecular targets for CBD were proposed, including cannabinoid receptors and some plasma membrane ion channels. Here we have shown that cell lines derived from acute lymphoblastic leukemia of T lineage (T-ALL), but not resting healthy T cells, are highly sensitive to CBD treatment. CBD effect does not depend on cannabinoid receptors or plasma membrane Ca2+-permeable channels. Instead, CBD directly targets mitochondria and alters their capacity to handle Ca2+. At lethal concentrations, CBD causes mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, stable mitochondrial transition pore formation and cell death. Our results suggest that CBD is an attractive candidate to be included into chemotherapeutic protocols for T-ALL treatment.
Author Correction: Extracellular nanovesicles released from the commensal yeast Malassezia sympodialis are enriched in allergens and interact with cells in human skin
Authors: Johansson Henrik J. , Vallhov Helen , Holm Tina , Gehrmann Ulf , Andersson Anna , Johansson Catharina , Blom Hans , Carroni Marta , Lehtiö Janne , Scheynius Annika
Published: October 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Application of spherical substrate to observe bacterial motility machineries by Quick-Freeze-Replica Electron Microscopy
Authors: Katayama Eisaku , Tahara Yuhei O. , Bertin Clothilde , Shibata Satoshi
Published: October 2019

3-D Structural information is essential to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of various biological machineries. Quick-Freeze Deep-Etch-Replica Electron Microscopy is a unique technique to give very high-contrast surface profiles of extra- and intra-cellular apparatuses that bear numerous cellular functions. Though the global architecture of those machineries is primarily required to understand their functional features, it is difficult or even impossible to depict side- or highly-oblique views of the same targets by usual goniometry, inasmuch as the objects (e.g. motile microorganisms) are placed on conventional flat substrates. We introduced silica-beads as an alternative substrate to solve such crucial issue. Elongated Flavobacterium and globular Mycoplasmas cells glided regularly along the bead’s surface, similarly to those on a flat substrate. Quick-freeze replicas of those cells attached to the beads showed various views; side-, oblique- and frontal-views, enabling us to study not only global but potentially more detailed morphology of complicated architecture. Adhesion of the targets to the convex surface could give surplus merits to visualizing intriguing molecular assemblies within the cells, which is relevant to a variety of motility machinery of microorganisms.
TNFα-signal and cAMP-mediated signals oppositely regulate melanoma- associated ganglioside GD3 synthase gene in human melanocytes
Authors: Takeuchi Rika , Kambe Mariko , Miyata Maiko , Jeyadevan Upul , Tajima Orie , Furukawa Koichi , Furukawa Keiko
Published: October 2019

Analyses of expression and regulation of ganglioside synthases in melanocytes are important to understand roles of gangliosides in melanomagenesis. In this study, we analyzed the expression and regulatory mechanisms of glycosyltransferase genes responsible for ganglioside synthesis in normal melanocytes. We reported previously that culture supernatants of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes induced upregulation of ganglioside GD3 synthase gene in melanocytes, and mainly TNFα was responsible for it. Then, we found that elimination of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and IBMX from the medium also resulted in upregulation of the GD3 synthase gene. The addition of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone which increases cAMP, to the medium led to a significant reduction in the GD3 synthase gene expression level, and a PKA inhibitor enhanced the GD3 synthase gene level. These results suggest that signals mediated via TNFα and cAMP oppositely regulate GD3 synthase gene expression in melanocytes. The results of an IKK inhibitor indicate the possibility that TNFα induces GD3 synthase gene expression via NF-κB signaling in melanocytes. When melanoma cells were treated by these factors, no fluctuation in the GD3 synthase gene expression level was observed, although an IKK inhibitor significantly suppressed it, suggesting that ganglioside synthase genes are regulated in distinct manners between melanocytes and melanomas.
Progress in loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for detection of Schistosoma mansoni DNA: towards a ready-to-use test
Authors: García-Bernalt Diego J. , Fernández-Soto P. , Crego-Vicente B. , Alonso-Castrillejo S. , Febrer-Sendra B. , Gómez-Sánchez A. , Vicente B. , López-Abán J. , Muro A.
Published: October 2019

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Disease, affecting approximately 250 million people worldwide. Schistosoma mansoni is the most important species causing human intestinal schistosomiasis. Despite significant efforts in recent decades, the global disease burden of schistosomiasis remains extremely high. This could partly be attributed to the absence of accurate diagnostic tools, primarily in endemic areas. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is increasingly used in molecular diagnostics as a field-friendly alternative to many other complex molecular methods and it has been proposed as an ideal candidate for revolutionizing point-of-care molecular diagnostics. In a previous work, a LAMP-based method to detect S. mansoni DNA (SmMIT-LAMP) was developed by our research group for early diagnosis of active schistosomiasis in an experimental infection murine model. The SmMIT-LAMP has been further successfully evaluated in both human stool and snail samples and, recently, in human urine samples. In this study, we developed an important improvement for SmMIT-LAMP molecular assay, transforming it into a cold maintenance dry format suitable for potentially manufacturing as kit for ready-to-use for schistosomiasis diagnosis. This procedure could be applied to create dry LAMP kits for a laboratory setting and for diagnostic applications for other neglected tropical diseases.
Preterm and full term infant vocalization and the origin of language
Authors: Oller D. Kimbrough , Caskey Melinda , Yoo Hyunjoo , Bene Edina R. , Jhang Yuna , Lee Chia-Cheng , Bowman Dale D. , Long Helen L. , Buder Eugene H. , Vohr Betty
Published: October 2019

How did vocal language originate? Before trying to determine how referential vocabulary or syntax may have arisen, it is critical to explain how ancient hominins began to produce vocalization flexibly, without binding to emotions or functions. A crucial factor in the vocal communicative split of hominins from the ape background may thus have been copious, functionally flexible vocalization, starting in infancy and continuing throughout life, long before there were more advanced linguistic features such as referential vocabulary. 2–3 month-old modern human infants produce “protophones”, including at least three types of functionally flexible non-cry precursors to speech rarely reported in other ape infants. But how early in life do protophones actually appear? We report that the most common protophone types emerge abundantly as early as vocalization can be observed in infancy, in preterm infants still in neonatal intensive care. Contrary to the expectation that cries are the predominant vocalizations of infancy, our all-day recordings showed that protophones occurred far more frequently than cries in both preterm and full-term infants. Protophones were not limited to interactive circumstances, but also occurred at high rates when infants were alone, indicating an endogenous inclination to vocalize exploratorily, perhaps the most fundamental capacity underlying vocal language.
Coordination of WNT signaling and ciliogenesis during odontogenesis by piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1
Authors: Miyazaki Aya , Sugimoto Asuna , Yoshizaki Keigo , Kawarabayashi Keita , Iwata Kokoro , Kurogoushi Rika , Kitamura Takamasa , Otsuka Kunihiro , Hasegawa Tomokazu , Akazawa Yuki , Fukumoto Satoshi , Ishimaru Naozumi , Iwamoto Tsutomu
Published: October 2019

Signal transmission from the mechanical forces to the various intracellular activities is a fundamental process during tissue development. Despite their critical role, the mechanism of mechanical forces in the biological process is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that in the response to hydrostatic pressure (HP), the piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) is a primary mechanosensing receptor for odontoblast differentiation through coordination of the WNT expression and ciliogenesis. In stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), HP significantly promoted calcium deposition as well as the expression of odontogenic marker genes, PANX3 and DSPP, and WNT related-genes including WNT5b and WNT16, whereas HP inhibited cell proliferation and enhanced primary cilia expression. WNT signaling inhibitor XAV939 and primary cilia inhibitor chloral hydrate blocked the HP-induced calcium deposition. The PIEZO1 activator Yoda1 inhibited cell proliferation but induced ciliogenesis and WNT16 expression. Interestingly, HP and Yoda1 promoted nuclear translocation of RUNX2, whereas siRNA-mediated silencing of PIEZO1 decreased HP-induced nuclear translocation of RUNX2. Taken together, these results suggest that PIEZO1 functions as a mechanotransducer that connects HP signal to the intracellular signalings during odontoblast differentiation.
A modeling algorithm for exploring the architecture and construction of bird nests
Authors: Jessel Hadass R. , Aharoni Lior , Efroni Sol , Bachelet Ido
Published: October 2019

The wide variety of nest architectural designs exhibited by passerine birds allowed them to diversify into a wide variety of ecological niches and terrestrial habitats. At present, very little is known about the mechanics of building these structures. Digitizing natural biological structures such as bird nests provides the opportunity to explore their structural properties and behavior under specific conditions by means of computational manipulations, simulations, and analyses. This study describes a generic algorithm for the digitization and exploration of complex interlocked bird nests, and validates it on nests built by the Dead-Sea Sparrow (Passer moabiticus) in branches of trees using stiff dry branches. This algorithm takes as input computerized tomographic scans of the nest, identifies and isolates each branch entity within the three-dimensional data, and finally extracts the characteristics of each branch. The result is a reliable three-dimensional digital model of the nest that contains a complete geometric dataset per each of its components, e.g. dimensions and contact points with neighboring components, as well as global properties, e.g. density distribution and network structure. Based on these, we were able to simulate various models of the nest construction process. Altogether, the described algorithm and possible derivatives thereof could be a valuable tool in studying the structure-function relationships of similarly complex biological objects, and may provide further insights into the potential selective mechanisms underlying historical evolution of this distinct nest form.
Biomass waste utilisation in low-carbon products: harnessing a major potential resource
Authors: Tripathi Nimisha , Hills Colin D. , Singh Raj S. , Atkinson Christopher J.
Published: October 2019

The increasing demand for food and other basic resources from a growing population has resulted in the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities. The wastes generated from agriculture are a burgeoning problem, as their disposal, utilisation and management practices are not efficient or universally applied. Particularly in developing countries, most biomass residues are left in the field to decompose or are burned in the open, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Similarly, with rapid global urbanisation and the rising demand for construction products, alternative sustainable energy sources and raw material supplies are required. Biomass wastes are an under-utilised source of material (for both energy and material generation), and to date, there has been little activity focussing on a ‘low-carbon’ route for their valorisation. Thus, the present paper attempts to address this by reviewing the global availability of biomass wastes and their potential for use as a feedstock for the manufacture of high-volume construction materials. Although targeted at practitioners in the field of sustainable biomass waste management, this work may also be of interest to those active in the field of carbon emission reductions. We summarise the potential of mitigating CO2 in a mineralisation step involving biomass residues, and the implications for CO2 capture and utilisation (CCU) to produce construction products from both solid and gaseous wastes. This work contributes to the development of sustainable value-added lower embodied carbon products from solid waste. The approach will offer reduced carbon emissions and lower pressure on natural resources (virgin stone, soil etc.).
Visualization of subnanometric phonon modes in a plasmonic nano-cavity via ambient tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Balois Maria Vanessa , Hayazawa Norihiko , Yasuda Satoshi , Ikeda Katsuyoshi , Yang Bo , Kazuma Emiko , Yokota Yasuyuki , Kim Yousoo , Tanaka Takuo
Published: October 2019

Phonons provide information on the physicochemical properties of a crystalline lattice from the material’s vibrational spectrum. Optical phonons, in particular, can be probed at both micrometre and nanometre scales using light-based techniques, such as, micro-Raman and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), respectively. Selection rules, however, govern the accessibility of the phonons and, hence, the information that can be extracted about the sample. Herein, we simultaneously observe both allowed and forbidden optical phonon modes of defect-free areas in monolayer graphene to study nanometre scale strain variations and plasmonic activation of the Raman peaks, respectively, using our home-built TERS system in ambient. Through TERS imaging, strain variations and nanometre-sized domains down to 5 nm were visualised with a spatial resolution of 0.7 nm. Moreover, such subnanometric confinement was found to activate not only the D and D’ forbidden phonon modes but also their D + D’ combination mode. With our TERS in ambient system, the full phonon characterisation of defect-free graphene and other 2D nanomaterials is now possible, which will be useful for subnanometre strain analysis and exploring the inherent properties of defect-free materials.
A fingerprint of amyloid plaques in a bitransgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease obtained by statistical unmixing analysis of hyperspectral Raman data
Authors: Fonseca Emerson A. , Lafetá Lucas , Cunha Renan , Miranda Hudson , Campos João , Medeiros Helton G. , Romano-Silva Marco A. , Silva Raigna A. , Barbosa Alexandre S. , Vieira Rafael P. , Malard Leandro M. , Jorio Ado
Published: October 2019

We have found different Raman signatures of AB fibrils and in brain tissues from unmixed analysis, providing a detailed image of amyloid plaques in the brain, with the potential to be used as biomarkers.
Introducing fluorene into organic hole transport materials to improve mobility and photovoltage for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shao Jiang-Yang , Yang Ning , Guo Wang , Cui Bin-Bin , Chen Qi , Zhong Yu-Wu
Published: October 2019

A PCE of 19.7% and a Voc of 1.11 V are achieved in CH3NH3PbI3 solar cells using a fluorene-terminated pyrene-cored HTM.
Ternary NiFeZr layered double hydroxides: a highly efficient catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Rushuo , Wang Yanhui , Li Wei , Zhou Shuyu , Tian Pengfei , Gao Hongwei , Liu Xiangyu , Zang Jianbing
Published: October 2019

A novel Zr-doping strategy was highly effective to enhance the OER activity of NiFe LDHs via accelerating the charge transfer.
Broadband rotational spectroscopy oftrans3-pentenenitrile and 4-pentenenitrile
Authors: Mishra Piyush , Fritz Sean M. , Hays Brian M. , Mehta-Hurt Deepali N. , Jawad Khadija M. , Zwier Timothy S.
Published: October 2019

Understanding conformational preferences of 3- and 4-pentenenitrilesviabroadband microwave spectroscopy.
Direct synthesis of acetic acid from carbon dioxide and methane over Cu-modulated BEA, MFI, MOR and TON zeolites: a density functional theory study
Authors: Wang Sen , Guo Shujia , Luo Yaoya , Qin Zhangfeng , Chen Yanyan , Dong Mei , Li Junfen , Fan Weibin , Wang Jianguo
Published: October 2019

Cu-Modulated zeolites can be promising candidate catalysts in the direct conversion of carbon dioxide and methane to acetic acid.
Spontaneous mutation in the AgrRS two-component regulatory system ofCupriavidus metalliduransresults in enhanced silver resistance
Authors: Mijnendonckx Kristel , Ali Md Muntasir , Provoost Ann , Janssen Paul , Mergeay Max , Leys Natalie , Charlier Daniël , Monsieurs Pieter , Van Houdt Rob
Published: October 2019

Cupriavidus metalliduransis able to adapt to toxic silver concentrations and previously uncharacterized periplasmic proteins played a crucial role in this adaptation process.
Engineering doping-vacancy double defects and insights into the conversion mechanisms of an Mn–O–F ultrafine nanowire anode for enhanced Li/Na-ion storage and hybrid capacitors
Authors: Huang Yongfa , Ding Rui , Ying Danfeng , Shi Wei , Huang Yuxi , Tan Caini , Sun Xiujuan , Gao Ping , Liu Enhui
Published: October 2019

Doping-vacancy double-defective Mn–O–F ultrafine nanowires power advanced Li/Na-ion capacitors with dominant conversion mechanisms.
Investigation of the antitrypanosomal effects of 2-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline-derived hydrazones and their antimony(iii) and bismuth(iii) complexes
Authors: Oliveira Ana Paula A. , Recio-Despaigne Angel A. , Ferreira Isabella P. , Diniz Renata , Sousa Karoline A. F. , Bastos Tanira M. , Pereira Soares Milena B. , Moreira Diogo Rodrigo M. , Beraldo Heloisa
Published: October 2019

2-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline-4-nitroimidazolhydrazone (H2Q4NO2Im, H2La, 1) and 2-formyl-8-hydroxyquinoline-4-nitrobenzenehydrazone (H2Q4NO2Ph, H2Lb, 2) were obtained, as well as their Sb(iii) [Sb(L)Cl2] (3, 4) and Bi(III) [Bi(L)Cl2] (5, 6) complexes.
A study on the catalytic oxidation of soot by Sn–Ce composite oxides: adsorbed oxygen and defect sites synergistically enhance catalytic activity
Authors: Wang Dengtai , Zhang Changsen , Xie Yunyun , Pan Zeyou , Xue Xiangfei , Zhang Ruiqin
Published: October 2019

Two reaction paths in the presence of a Sn–Ce catalyst with H2O (path 1) and without H2O (path 2).
InAs quantum dot in a needlelike tapered InP nanowire: a telecom band single photon source monolithically grown on silicon
Authors: Jaffal Ali , Redjem Walid , Regreny Philippe , Nguyen Hai Son , Cueff Sébastien , Letartre Xavier , Patriarche Gilles , Rousseau Emmanuel , Cassabois Guillaume , Gendry Michel , Chauvin Nicolas
Published: October 2019

Fabrication of a NW-based single photon source on silicon emitting in the telecom band with a Gaussian far-field emission profile.
Broadband SERS detection with disordered plasmonic hybrid aggregates
Authors: Mao Peng , Liu Changxu , Chen Qiang , Han Min , Maier Stefan A. , Zhang Shuang
Published: October 2019

Plasmonic nanostructures possessing broadband intense field enhancement over a large area are highly desirable for nanophotonic and plasmonic device applications.
Pressure-induced remarkable luminescence switch of a dimer form of donor–acceptor–donor triphenylamine (TPA) derivative
Authors: Li Aisen , Chu Ning , Liu Jianwei , Liu Hao , Wang Jing , Xu Shuping , Cui Haining , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Weiqing , Ma Zhiyong
Published: October 2019

Pressure-induced remarkable responsive behaviours can be realized in the D–A–D molecule TPA-Py-CN with a dimeric structure.
Theranostic system for ratiometric fluorescence monitoring of peptide-guided targeted drug delivery
Authors: Rozovsky Alex , Ebaston T. M. , Zaporozhets Alisa , Bazylevich Andrii , Tuchinsky Helena , Patsenker Leonid , Gellerman Gary
Published: October 2019

Novel theranostic system that first combines a cancer-targeting peptide with a long-wavelength dual fluorescent dye IRD in order to provide ratiometric monitoring of anticancer drug delivery is developed and evaluated in pancreatic cancer cell line.
Enrichment of highly pure large-diameter semiconducting SWCNTs by polyfluorene-containing pyrimidine ring
Authors: Wei Xia , Maimaitiyiming Xieraili
Published: October 2019

The pyrimidine-alt-fluorene copolymer exhibits excellent selectivity towards the semiconducting SWCNTs, and the methylated pyrimidine ring presents a better performance.
Retention of strong intramolecular hydrogen bonds in high polarity solvents in binaphthalene–benzamide derivatives: extensive NMR studies
Authors: Patel Arun Kumar , Mishra Sandeep Kumar , Krishnamurthy Kiran , Suryaprakash N.
Published: October 2019

NMR studies reveal very strong hydrogen bond unbreakable even in high polarity solvents.
Neutralisation rate controls the self-assembly of pH-sensitive surfactants
Authors: Hayward Dominic W. , Chiappisi Leonardo , Teo Jyh Herng , Prévost Sylvain , Schweins Ralf , Gradzielski Michael
Published: October 2019

The self-assembly behaviour of pH-sensitive surfactants is determined by the rate of change of pH. A rapid increase in pH results in the formation of small micelles, whereas a slow increase in pH leads to a mixed population of micelles and vesicles.
Force fluctuations at the transition from quasi-static to inertial granular flow
Authors: Thomas A. L. , Tang Zhu , Daniels Karen E. , Vriend N. M.
Published: October 2019

We analyse the rheology of gravity-driven, dry granular flows in experiments where individual forces within the flow bulk are measured.
Bistable adhesion behavior of an anisotropic particle on a sliding polymer brush
Authors: Bu Xiangyu , Yang Yang , Zhang Xinghua
Published: October 2019

We demonstrate bistable adhesion behavior of an anisotropic particle adsorbed on a sliding polymer brush.
Localized high concentration electrolyte behavior near a lithium–metal anode surface
Authors: Zheng Yu , Soto Fernando A. , Ponce Victor , Seminario Jorge M. , Cao Xia , Zhang Ji-Guang , Balbuena Perla B.
Published: October 2019

Fast decomposition of a localized high concentration electrolyte results in the formation of a thin film constituted by atomic species from the anion and in part from the diluent that is the key for cell stability.
Short chain thiols induce better plasmon resonance sensitivity in Au(111)
Authors: Simone Giuseppina , van de Donk Oole
Published: October 2019

Plasmon electron transfer from a metal is a fundamental paradigm for sensing.
Unravelling the photothermal and photomechanical contributions to actuation of azobenzene-doped liquid crystal polymers in air and water
Authors: Pilz da Cunha Marina , van Thoor Evelien A. J. , Debije Michael G. , Broer Dirk J. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: October 2019

Design guidelines to aid the choice of azobenzene derivatives for light responsive polymer actuators in dry and wet environments.
Kelch-like protein 5-mediated ubiquitination of lysine 183 promotes proteasomal degradation of sphingosine kinase 1
Authors: Powell Jason A. , Pitman Melissa R. , Zebol Julia R. , Moretti Paul A.B. , Neubauer Heidi A. , Davies Lorena T. , Lewis Alexander C. , Dagley Laura F. , Webb Andrew I. , Costabile Maurizio , Pitson Stuart M.
Published: October 2019

Sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) is a signalling enzyme that catalyses the phosphorylation of sphingosine to generate the bioactive lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). A number of SK1 inhibitors and chemotherapeutics can induce the degradation of SK1, with the loss of this pro-survival enzyme shown to significantly contribute to the anti-cancer properties of these agents. Here we define the mechanistic basis for this degradation of SK1 in response to SK1 inhibitors, chemotherapeutics, and in natural protein turnover. Using an inducible SK1 expression system that enables the degradation of pre-formed SK1 to be assessed independent of transcriptional or translational effects, we found that SK1 was degraded primarily by the proteasome since several proteasome inhibitors blocked SK1 degradation, while lysosome, cathepsin B or pan caspase inhibitors had no effect. Importantly, we demonstrate that this proteasomal degradation of SK1 was enabled by its ubiquitination at Lys183 that appears facilitated by SK1 inhibitor-induced conformational changes in the structure of SK1 around this residue. Furthermore, using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified Kelch-like protein 5 (KLHL5) as an important protein adaptor linking SK1 to the cullin 3 (Cul3) ubiquitin ligase complex. Notably, knockdown of KLHL5 or Cul3, use of a cullin inhibitor or a dominant-negative Cul3 all attenuated SK1 degradation. Collectively this data demonstrates the KLHL5/Cul3-based E3 ubiquitin ligase complex is important for regulation of SK1 protein stability via Lys183 ubiquitination, in response to SK1 inhibitors, chemotherapy and for normal SK1 protein turnover.
Biochemical and structural characterization of murine GBP7, a guanylate binding protein with an elongated C-terminal tail
Authors: Legewie Larissa , Loschwitz Jennifer , Steffens Nora , Prescher Martin , Wang Xue , Smits Sander H. J. , Schmitt Lutz , Strodel Birgit , Degrandi Daniel , Pfeffer Klaus
Published: October 2019

Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) constitute a family of interferon-inducible guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) that are key players in host defense against intracellular pathogens ranging from protozoa to bacteria and viruses. So far, human GBP1 and GBP5 as well as murine GBP2 (mGBP2) have been biochemically characterized in detail. Here, with murine GBP7 (mGBP7), a GBP family member with an unconventional and elongated C-terminus is analyzed. The present study demonstrates that mGBP7 exhibits a concentration-dependent GTPase activity and an apparent GTP turnover number of 20 min−1. In addition, fluorescence spectroscopy analyses reveal that mGBP7 binds GTP with high affinity (KD = 0.22 µM) and GTPase activity assays indicate that mGBP7 hydrolyzes GTP to GDP and GMP. The mGBP7 GTPase activity is inhibited by incubation with γ-phosphate analogs and a K51A mutation interfering with GTP binding. SEC-MALS analyses give evidence that mGBP7 forms transient dimers and that this oligomerization pattern is not influenced by the presence of nucleotides. Moreover, a structural model for mGBP7 is provided by homology modeling, which shows that the GTPase possesses an elongated C-terminal (CT) tail compared with the CaaX motif-containing mGBP2 and human GBP1. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that this tail has transmembrane characteristics and, interestingly, confocal microscopy analyses reveal that the CT tail is required for recruitment of mGBP7 to the parasitophorous vacuole of Toxoplasma gondii.
The chromogranin A-derived antifungal peptide CGA-N9 induces apoptosis in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Li Ruifang , Chen Chen , Zhang Beibei , Jing Hongjuan , Wang Zichao , Wu Chunling , Hao Pu , Kuang Yong , Yang Minghang
Published: October 2019

CGA-N9, a peptide derived from human chromogranin A (CGA), was found to have antimicrobial activity in our previous investigation, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, the mechanism of action of CGA-N9 was investigated. We found that CGA-N9 induced the depolarization of the cell membrane and uptake of calcium ions into the cytosol and mitochondria. With the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased. Accordingly, we assessed apoptotic processes in Candida tropicalis cells post-treatment with CGA-N9 and found cytochrome c leakage, chromatin condensation and DNA degradation. The interaction of CGA-N9 with DNA in vitro showed that CGA-N9 did not degrade DNA but bound to DNA via an electrostatic interaction. In conclusion, CGA-N9 exhibits antifungal activity by inducing apoptosis in C. tropicalis.
Synthetic biology and healthcare
Authors: Tew David
Published: October 2019

Through the application of the engineering paradigm of ‘design–build–test–learn’ allied to recent advances in DNA sequencing, bioinformatics and, critically, the falling cost of DNA synthesis, Synthetic Biology promises to make existing therapies more accessible and be at the centre of the development of new types of advanced therapies. As existing pharmaceutical companies integrate Synthetic Biology tools into their normal ways of working, existing products are being produced by cheaper and more sustainable methods. Vaccine design and production is becoming driven by the molecular design allied to rapidly scalable production methods to combat the threat of pandemics and the ability of pathogens to escape the immune system by mutation. Advanced therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, are able to capitalise on the tools of Synthetic Biology to design new proteins and molecular ‘kill switches’ as well as design scalable and effective vectors for cellular transduction. This review highlights how Synthetic Biology is having an impact across the various therapeutic modalities from existing products to new therapies.
Characterization of mid-infrared polarization due to scattering in protoplanetary disks
Authors: Heese S. , Wolf S. , Brauer R.
Published: October 2019

Context. It is generally assumed that magnetic fields play an important role in the formation and evolution of protoplanetary disks. One way of observationally constraining magnetic fields is to measure polarized emission and absorption produced by magnetically aligned elongated dust grains. The fact that radiation also becomes linearly polarized by light scattering at optical to millimeter wavelengths complicates magnetic field studies.

Aims. We characterize the linear polarization of mid-infrared radiation due to scattering of the stellar radiation and dust thermal re-emission radiation (self-scattering).

Methods. We computed the radial polarization profiles at wavelengths across the N and Q bands for a broad range of circumstellar disk configurations. These simulations served as a basis to analyze the correlations between selected disk parameters and the resulting linear polarization.

Results. We find that the thermal re-emission radiation is stronger than the scattered stellar radiation for disks with inner holes smaller than ~10 au within the considered parameter range. The mid-infrared polarization due to scattering shows several clear trends: for scattered stellar radiation only, the linear polarization degree decreases slightly with increasing radial distance, while it increases with radial distance for thermal re-emission radiation only and for a combination of scattered stellar radiation and thermal re-emission radiation. The linear polarization degree decreases with increasing disk flaring and luminosity of the central star. An increasing inner radius shifts the increase of the linear polarization degree further outside, while a larger scale height increases the linear polarization degree for small radial distances and decreases this degree further outside. For longer wavelengths, i.e., toward the Q band in our study, the linear polarization degree converges more slowly.

Conclusions. We found several clear trends for polarization due to scattering. These trends are the basis to distinguish polarization due to scattering from polarization due to dichroic emission and absorption.
Inhibited composition for work in marine conditions
Authors: Plaskeeva Ekaterina , Trusov Valery
Published: October 2019

In marine conditions, especially in the Arctic, the problems of reliability and safety of marine corrosion protection systems are relevant. Reliability can be enhanced by corrosion inhibitors. For the equipment not subject to painting, safe technologies for preservation of water-based compounds are substantiated by bioassay methods. When carrying out painting work carried out by crew members at sea, a simplified chemical surface preparation was proposed with the «NOTEH» phosphating compound with anode inhibitors. The topic of the discussion are the passivation properties of «NOTEH» according to the data on the suppression of corrosion under a layer of paint primer. To increase the safety of work, hexavalent chromium compounds were removed from the inhibiting block of «NOTEH» additives.
Corrosion and the role of structural aluminum alloys in the construction of oil and gas wells
Authors: Gelfgat Mikhail , Alkhimenko Alexey , Kolesov Sergey
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the main research results and examples of structural aluminium alloys (SAA) effective use in the oil and gas wells construction onshore and offshore. The known application cases are drill pipes, tubing and casing. Competitive properties of SAA for hydrocarbons exploration and production were identified as strength-to-weight ratio, high total corrosion resistance, including dissolved hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, absence of cold-shortness effect. The issues with the natural properties of aluminum alloys requiring process and structural corrections were addressed as well. Technical solutions to neutralize characteristics, which limited SAA use in the wells construction have been advised and examples of implementation shown. Among them, technology of surface layers modification, coatings and methods of isolation contacts with other material, system of integrated corrosion protection and optimization of operation environment. Aluminum drilling riser (ADR) is one of the most striking examples of the object from SAA. ADR presents integrated solution of SAA application problems. Finally, SAA could successfully address well construction corrosion issues.
Prediction of steel resistance to stress corrosion cracking in seawater based on accelerated tests and structural studies
Authors: Mushnikova Svetlana , Kharkov Oleg
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the tests results of resistance of various structural steel classes to SCC in chloride solutions. The experiments were performed using cantilever bending tests developed by NRC “Kurchatov Institute” – CRISM “Prometey” with stepwise increasing load of Charpy-type precracking specimens. The criterion estimation of resistance to SCC when β = σSCC/σC > 0.85 was confirmed by the laboratory test results compared with the case studies of corrosion-mechanical fracture of shipbuilding structures in real life service conditions. A new approach of SCC susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels in marine conditions is proposed. It is based on estimation of the critical temperature of SCC when testing for SSRT in a concentrated solution of calcium chloride at temperatures from 20°C to 100°C. Specific features of the structural-phase composition of steels that detrimentally affect the resistance to SCC were discovered during the complex testing.
How modern data management software and state of the art inspection gauges improve the efficiency of the pipeline coating inspection process
Authors: Barnes David
Published: October 2019

The inspection of pipeline coating is crucial to the lifetime performance of the pipeline. Inspection during installation of the pipeline and as part of the routine maintenance programme is essential. It is often said that inspection processes save money by ensuring that relevant specifications are achieved but that writing reports for the inspection process cost money. One way to reduce the cost of inspection reporting and to speed up the inspection process is to use a data management system to present the inspection data in a consistent and organised manner. The automation of the reporting process is an important cost saving that allows more time to be allocated to the important task of inspection and the achievement of the coating specification. There have been recent developments in both the design of reporting software and inspection gauges which together make achieving a paperless quality assurance system a reality for all protective coating applications. This paper describes the latest design and operational features of coating thickness gauges, dewpoint meters, surface profile gauges and other related gauges and describes how data can be easily transferred from the memory of these gauges into personal computers and mobile devices by running a dedicated software program for coating inspection data management. The creation of reports combining test results from a broad range of both digital and non-digital test methods will be discussed with particular emphasis on the use of Standard reports and the preparation of pre-formatted report forms.
Low temperature curing coating technology for corrosion under insulation mitigation
Authors: O’Donoghue Mike , Datta Vijay , Fletcher Ian , Sykes George
Published: October 2019

In the oil and gas industry, the application of epoxy phenolic coatings has been the main route to obtain high heat resistance from coatings and to mitigate corrosion under insulation (CUI) of both insulated carbon and stainless steel pipes operating up to 200°C. These coatings, however, are sensitive to over-application, are prone to cracking and costly to repair when damaged. Additionally, if they are applied below 10°C epoxy phenolic coatings do not cure properly and can fail prematurely, and when applied close to this temperature, can impact shop heating costs, maintenance schedules, and productivity.