bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data-driven predictive models for chemical durability of oxide glass under different chemical conditions
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Aize , Deng Binghui , Hughes Kelleen K.
Published: May 2020

We conducted a comprehensive study to investigate the performance of various machine-learning models in predicting the chemical durability of oxide glasses under different chemical conditions with glass composition as input features, by taking advantage of the large dataset (~1400 datapoints) we have collected. Two typical machine-learning tasks, weight loss regression, and surface appearance change rating classification, were conducted in the study. We successfully made Neural Networks delivered an excellent performance in predicting the weight loss, while Random Forest in classifying the surface appearance change rating. Additionally, feature importance analysis showed that SiO2, Na2O, P2O5 were the most dominate features for predicting the weight loss, while SiO2, ZrO2, CaO were the topmost features for classifying the surface appearance change rating, under acid, HF, and base testing conditions, respectively. We also realized that the trained models fall short of extrapolating data far from the training dataset space even though they exhibit outstanding interpolation performance in some cases. Topology constrained theory fed by structural information from molecular dynamics simulations seems to be a promising approach to address the challenge.
A novel cyanobacterial geosmin producer, revising GeoA distribution and dispersion patterns in Bacteria
Authors: Churro Catarina , Semedo-Aguiar Ana P. , Silva Alexandra D. , Pereira-Leal Jose B. , Leite Ricardo B.
Published: May 2020

Cyanobacteria are ubiquitous organisms with a relevant contribution to primary production in all range of habitats. Cyanobacteria are well known for their part in worldwide occurrence of aquatic blooms while producing a myriad of natural compounds, some with toxic potential, but others of high economical impact, as geosmin. We performed an environmental survey of cyanobacterial soil colonies to identify interesting metabolic pathways and adaptation strategies used by these microorganisms and isolated, sequenced and assembled the genome of a cyanobacterium that displayed a distinctive earthy/musty smell, typical of geosmin, confirmed by GC-MS analysis of the culture’s volatile extract. Morphological studies pointed to a new Oscillatoriales soil ecotype confirmed by phylogenetic analysis, which we named Microcoleus asticus sp. nov. Our studies of geosmin gene presence in Bacteria, revealed a scattered distribution among Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, Delta and Gammaproteobacteria, covering different niches. Careful analysis of the bacterial geosmin gene and gene tree suggests an ancient bacterial origin of the gene, that was probably successively lost in different time frames. The high sequence similarities in the cyanobacterial geosmin gene amidst freshwater and soil strains, reinforce the idea of an evolutionary history of geosmin, that is intimately connected to niche adaptation.
Frequency and consequences of the collection of already parasitized caterpillars by a potter wasp
Authors: Segoli Michal , Leduc Sarah , Meng Fengqun , Hoffmann Ishai , Kishinevsky Miriam , Rozenberg Tamir
Published: May 2020

Maladaptive behaviors reflecting a “bad” choice of habitat or resource have been widely documented; however, their persistence is often difficult to interpret. The potter waspDelta dimidiatipenneconstructs mud cells, in each of which it lays a single egg and places several caterpillars to feed its offspring. Preliminary observations indicated that a portion of these caterpillars were already parasitized and contained the offspring of the gregarious parasitoidCopidosoma primulum. As a result, the offspring of the potter wasp often failed to develop. To characterize the distribution, frequency and consequences of this intriguing phenomenon, we surveyed potter wasp nests throughout the Negev Desert. Evidence for parasitized caterpillars (mummies) was found in ~85% of the sampled sites, in ~20% of previous years’ nest cells and in ~70–80% of the same year’s cells. The survival and pupal mass of the potter wasp offspring were negatively associated with the presence and number of parasitized caterpillars inside the cells. We concluded that the collection of parasitized caterpillars byD. dimidiantipenneis frequent and costly. The persistence of this behavior may result from limited discrimination ability against parasitized prey by female potter wasps, or by their limited ability to exhibit choosiness under field conditions.
Isolation, nucleotide sequencing and genomic comparison of a Novel SXT/R391 ICE mobile genetic element isolated from a municipal wastewater environment
Authors: Slattery Shannon , Tony Pembroke J. , Murnane John G. , Ryan Michael P.
Published: May 2020

Integrative Conjugative Elements (ICE’s) of the SXT/R391 family have largely been detected in clinical or environmental isolates of Gammaproteobacteria, particularly Vibrio and Proteus species. As wastewater treatment plants accumulate a large and diverse number of such species, we examined raw water samples taken from a municipal wastewater treatment plant initially using SXT/R391 family integrase gene-specific PCR probes to detect the presence of such elements in a directed approach. A positive amplification occurred over a full year period and a subsequent Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis revealed a very limited diversity in the treatment plant examined. Samples demonstrating positive amplification were cultured using Vibrio and Proteus selective media and PCR amplification tracking was utilized to monitor SXT/R391-ICE family containing strains. This screening procedure resulted in the isolation and identification of a Proteus mirabilis strain harbouring an ICE. Whole-genome sequencing of this ICE containing strain using Illumina sequencing technology revealed a novel 81 kb element that contained 75 open reading frames on annotation but contained no antibiotic or metal resistance determinants. Comparative genomics revealed the element contained a conserved ICE core with one of the insertions containing a novel bacteriophage defence mechanism. This directed isolation suggests that ICE elements are present in the environment without apparent selective pressure but may contain adaptive functions allowing survival in particular environments such as municipal wastewater which are reservoirs for large bacterial phage populations.
Using an Innovation Arena to compare wild-caught and laboratory Goffin’s cockatoos
Authors: Rössler Theresa , Mioduszewska Berenika , O’Hara Mark , Huber Ludwig , Prawiradilaga Dewi M. , Auersperg Alice M. I.
Published: May 2020

The ability to innovate, i.e., to exhibit new or modified learned behaviours, can facilitate adaptation to environmental changes or exploiting novel resources. We hereby introduce a comparative approach for studying innovation rate, the ‘Innovation Arena’ (IA), featuring the simultaneous presentation of 20 interchangeable tasks, which subjects encounter repeatedly. The new design allows for the experimental study of innovation per time unit and for uncovering group-specific problem-solving abilities – an important feature for comparing animals with different predispositions and life histories. We applied the IA for the first time to investigate how long-term captivity affects innovative capacities in the Goffin’s cockatoo, an avian model species for animal innovation. We found that fewer temporarily-captive wild birds are inclined to consistently interact with the apparatus in comparison to laboratory-raised birds. However, those that are interested solve a similar number of tasks at a similar rate, indicating no difference in the cognitive ability to solve technical problems. Our findings thus provide a contrast to previous literature, which suggested enhanced cognitive abilities and technical problem-solving skills in long-term captive animals. We discuss the impact and discrepancy between motivation and cognitive ability on innovation rate. Our findings contribute to the debate on how captivity affects innovation in animals.
Design and Analysis of Active Metamaterial Modulated by RF Power Level
Authors: Phon Ratanak , Lim Sungjoon
Published: May 2020

In this paper, a radio frequency (RF)-power-modulated active metamaterial loaded with a nonlinear Schottky diode is presented. Its operating mode is a function of the incident power level. It is switched by a change in the operating state (i.e., on/off) of the Schottky diode, which is directly triggered by a change in the incident power level. For instance, when a low-power RF radiation is incident on the proposed metamaterial, the Schottky diode is turned off, and the metamaterial passes a 2 GHz signal in the pass-band mode. By contrast, when a high RF power is incident, the diode is turned on, and the metamaterial reflects all frequencies in the reflection mode. The proposed active metamaterial was analysed by performing numerical simulations for both low- and high-power modes, and the proposed concept was successfully demonstrated by circuit analysis, full-wave simulation, and experimental results.
Developmental stage-specific distribution and phosphorylation of Mblk-1, a transcription factor involved in ecdysteroid-signaling in the honey bee brain
Authors: Kumagai Hitomi , Kunieda Takekazu , Nakamura Korefumi , Matsumura Yasuhiro , Namiki Manami , Kohno Hiroki , Kubo Takeo
Published: May 2020

In the honey bee, the mushroom bodies (MBs), a higher-order center in insect brain, comprise interneurons termed Kenyon cells (KCs). We previously reported that Mblk-1, which encodes a transcription factor involved in ecdysteroid-signaling, is expressed preferentially in the large-type KCs (lKCs) in the pupal and adult worker brain and that phosphorylation by the Ras/MAPK pathway enhances the transcriptional activity of Mblk-1 in vitro. In the present study, we performed immunoblotting and immunofluorescence studies using affinity-purified anti-Mblk-1 and anti-phosphorylated Mblk-1 antibodies to analyze the distribution and phosphorylation of Mblk-1 in the brains of pupal and adult workers. Mblk-1 was preferentially expressed in the lKCs in both pupal and adult worker brains. In contrast, some Mblk-1 was phosphorylated almost exclusively in the pupal stages, and phosphorylated Mblk-1 was preferentially expressed in the MB neuroblasts and lKCs in pupal brains. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that both Mblk-1 and phosphorylated Mblk-1 are located in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of the lKC somata in the pupal and adult worker brains. These findings suggest that Mblk-1 plays a role in the lKCs in both pupal and adult stages and that phosphorylated Mblk-1 has pupal stage-specific functions in the MB neuroblasts and lKCs in the honey bee brain.
Chronic within-hive video recordings detect altered nursing behaviour and retarded larval development of neonicotinoid treated honey bees
Authors: Siefert Paul , Hota Rudra , Ramesh Visvanathan , Grünewald Bernd
Published: May 2020

Risk evaluations for agricultural chemicals are necessary to preserve healthy populations of honey bee colonies. Field studies on whole colonies are limited in behavioural research, while results from lab studies allow only restricted conclusions on whole colony impacts. Methods for automated long-term investigations of behaviours within comb cells, such as brood care, were hitherto missing. In the present study, we demonstrate an innovative video method that enables within-cell analysis in honey bee (Apis mellifera) observation hives to detect chronic sublethal neonicotinoid effects of clothianidin (1 and 10 ppb) and thiacloprid (200 ppb) on worker behaviour and development. In May and June, colonies which were fed 10 ppb clothianidin and 200 ppb thiacloprid in syrup over three weeks showed reduced feeding visits and duration throughout various larval development days (LDDs). On LDD 6 (capping day) total feeding duration did not differ between treatments. Behavioural adaptation was exhibited by nurses in the treatment groups in response to retarded larval development by increasing the overall feeding timespan. Using our machine learning algorithm, we demonstrate a novel method for detecting behaviours in an intact hive that can be applied in a versatile manner to conduct impact analyses of chemicals, pests and other stressors.
Image-Based Single Cell Sorting Automation in Droplet Microfluidics
Authors: Sesen Muhsincan , Whyte Graeme
Published: May 2020

The recent boom in single-cell omics has brought researchers one step closer to understanding the biological mechanisms associated with cell heterogeneity. Rare cells that have historically been obscured by bulk measurement techniques are being studied by single cell analysis and providing valuable insight into cell function. To support this progress, novel upstream capabilities are required for single cell preparation for analysis. Presented here is a droplet microfluidic, image-based single-cell sorting technique that is flexible and programmable. The automated system performs real-time dual-camera imaging (brightfield & fluorescent), processing, decision making and sorting verification. To demonstrate capabilities, the system was used to overcome the Poisson loading problem by sorting for droplets containing a single red blood cell with 85% purity. Furthermore, fluorescent imaging and machine learning was used to load single K562 cells amongst clusters based on their instantaneous size and circularity. The presented system aspires to replace manual cell handling techniques by translating expert knowledge into cell sorting automation via machine learning algorithms. This powerful technique finds application in the enrichment of single cells based on their micrographs for further downstream processing and analysis.
Whole blood transcriptome profile at hospital admission discriminates between patients with ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chiesa Mattia , Piacentini Luca , Bono Elisa , Milazzo Valentina , Campodonico Jeness , Marenzi Giancarlo , Colombo Gualtiero I.
Published: May 2020

Whether ST-segment (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) should be regarded as distinct pathophysiological entities is a matter of debate. We tested the hypothesis that peripheral blood gene-expression profiles at presentation distinguish STEMI from NSTEMI. We performed a case-control study collecting whole-blood from 60 STEMI and 58 NSTEMI (defined according to the third universal definition of MI) consecutive patients on hospital admission. We used RNA-sequencing for the discovery phase, comparing 15 STEMI vs. 15 NSTEMI patients, matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors, and quantitative PCR in the remaining unmatched patients for validating top-significant genes. Gene-level differential expression analysis identified significant differences in the expression of 323 genes: 153 genes withstood correction for admission cardiac troponin I (cTnI), differentiating the two conditions independently of myocardial necrosis extent. Functional annotation analysis uncovered divergent modulation in leukocyte and platelet activation, cell migration, and mitochondrial respiratory processes. Linear regression analysis revealed gene expression patterns on admission predicting infarct size, as indexed by cTnI peak (R2 = 0.58–0.75). Our results unveil distinctive pathological traits for these two MI subtypes and provide insights into the early assessment of injury extent. This could translate into RNA-based disease-specific biomarkers for precision diagnosis and risk stratification.
Electric Fields at Breast Cancer and Cancer Cell Collective Galvanotaxis
Authors: Zhu Kan , Hum Nicholas R. , Reid Brian , Sun Qin , Loots Gabriela G. , Zhao Min
Published: May 2020

Cancer growth interferes with local ionic environments, membrane potentials, and transepithelial potentials, resulting in small electrical changes in the tumor microenvironment. Electrical fields (EFs) have significant effects on cancer cell migration (galvanotaxis/electrotaxis), however, their role as a regulator of cancer progression and metastasis is poorly understood. Here, we employed unique probe systems to characterize the electrical properties of cancer cells and their migratory ability under an EF. Subcutaneous tumors were established from a triple-negative murine breast cancer cell line (4T1), electric currents and potentials of tumors were measured using vibrating probe and glass microelectrodes, respectively. Steady outward and inward currents could be detected at different positions on the tumor surface and magnitudes of the electric currents on the tumor surface strongly correlated with tumor weights. Potential measurements also showed the non-homogeneous intratumor electric potentials. Cancer cell migration was then surveyed in the presence of EFs in vitro. Parental 4T1 cells and metastatic sublines in isolation showed random migration in EFs of physiological strength, whereas cells in monolayer migrated collectively to the anode. Our data contribute to an improved understanding of breast cancer metastasis, providing new evidence in support of an electrical mechanism that promotes this phenomenon.
2-Hydroxypropyl-gamma-cyclodextrin overcomes NPC1 deficiency by enhancing lysosome-ER association and autophagy
Authors: Singhal Ashutosh , Krystofiak Evan S. , Jerome W. Gray , Song Byeongwoon
Published: May 2020

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in NPC1 and NPC2 genes that result in an accumulation of cholesterol in lysosomes. The majority of children with NPC die in adolescence. Currently, no FDA-approved therapies exist for NPC and the mechanisms of NPC disease are not fully understood. Our recent study and the reports from other laboratories showed that 2-hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HPγCD) alleviates cholesterol accumulation in NPC1-deficient cells in spite of its low binding affinity for cholesterol. In this study, we explored the cellular changes that are induced upon HPγCD treatment in NPC1 patient-derived fibroblasts. We show that HPγCD treatment increases lysosome-ER association and enhances autophagic activity. Our study indicates that HPγCD induces an activation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of lysosomal functions and autophagy. Lysosome-ER association could potentially function as conduits for cholesterol transport from lysosomes to the ER. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for autophagy in rescuing the cholesterol accumulation in NPC and other degenerative diseases. Collectively, our findings suggest that HPγCD restores cellular homeostasis in NPC1-deficient cells via enhancing lysosomal dynamics and functions. Understanding the mechanisms of HPγCD-induced cellular pathways could contribute to effective NPC therapies.
Predicting miRNA-based disease-disease relationships through network diffusion on multi-omics biological data
Authors: Sumathipala Marissa , Weiss Scott T.
Published: May 2020

With critical roles in regulating gene expression, miRNAs are strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of many complex diseases. Experimental methods to determine disease related miRNAs are time consuming and costly. Computationally predicting miRNA-disease associations has potential applications in finding miRNA therapeutic pathways and in understanding the role of miRNAs in disease-disease relationships. In this study, we propose the MiRNA-disease Association Prediction (MAP) method, anin-silicomethod to predict and prioritize miRNA-disease associations. The MAP method applies a network diffusion approach, starting from the known disease genes in a heterogenous network constructed from miRNA-gene associations, protein-protein interactions, and gene-disease associations. Validation using experimental data on miRNA-disease associations demonstrated superior performance to two current state-of-the-art methods, with areas under the ROC curve all over 0.8 for four types of cancer. MAP is successfully applied to predict differential miRNA expression in four cancer types. Most strikingly, disease-disease relationships in terms of shared miRNAs revealed hidden disease subtyping comparable to that of previous work on shared genes between diseases, with applications for multi-omics characterization of disease relationships.
Oral administration of ferulic acid or ethyl ferulate attenuates retinal damage in sodium iodate-induced retinal degeneration mice
Authors: Kohno Masayuki , Musashi Kunihiro , Ikeda Hanako Ohashi , Horibe Tomohisa , Matsumoto Aki , Kawakami Koji
Published: May 2020

Epidemiological studies indicate that the daily intake of antioxidants from a traditional Asian diet reduces the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Many of the phytochemicals that are abundant in whole grains exhibit a wide variety of biological activity such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid found in vegetables and grains that has therapeutic potential for diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, and other diseases. We investigated the retinal protective effect of FA in a sodium iodate (NaIO3)-induced model of retinal degeneration. In a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line, FA attenuated H2O2-induced injury and lipopolysaccharide- or 7-ketocholesterol-induced inflammation. In mice, the oral administration of FA or its analog, ethyl ferulate, attenuated the morphological and functional features of NaIO3-induced retinal degeneration according to optical coherence tomography and electroretinography. Our results demonstrate that the oral administration of FA provides protective effects to the retina, suggesting that the intake of FA as a daily supplement or daily healthy diet containing rich vegetables and whole grains may prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Genetic dissection of Rift Valley fever pathogenesis: Rvfs2 locus on mouse chromosome 11 enables survival to early-onset hepatitis
Authors: Batista Leandro , Jouvion Gregory , Simon-Chazottes Dominique , Houzelstein Denis , Burlen-Defranoux Odile , Boissière Magali , Tokuda Satoko , do Valle Tania Zaverucha , Cumano Ana , Flamand Marie , Montagutelli Xavier , Panthier Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2020

Infection of mice with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) reproduces major pathological features of severe human disease, notably the early-onset hepatitis and delayed-onset encephalitis. We previously reported that the Rvfs2 locus from the susceptible MBT/Pas strain reduces survival time after RVFV infection. Here, we used BALB/cByJ (BALB) mice congenic for Rvfs2 (C.MBT-Rvfs2) to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms impacted by Rvfs2. Clinical, biochemical and histopathological features indicated similar liver damage in BALB and C.MBT-Rvfs2 mice until day 5 after infection. However, while C.MBT-Rvfs2 mice succumbed from acute liver injury, most BALB mice recovered and died later of encephalitis. Hepatocytes of BALB infected liver proliferated actively on day 6, promoting organ regeneration and recovery from liver damage. By comparison with C.MBT-Rvfs2, BALB mice had up to 100-fold lower production of infectious virions in the peripheral blood and liver, strongly decreased RVFV protein in liver and reduced viral replication in primary cultured hepatocytes, suggesting that the BALB Rvfs2 haplotype limits RVFV pathogenicity through decreased virus replication. Moreover, bone marrow chimera experiments showed that both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells are required for the protective effect of the BALB Rvfs2 haplotype. Altogether, these results indicate that Rvfs2 controls critical events which allow survival to RVFV-induced hepatitis.
Supercooled water confined in a metal-organic framework
Authors: Fischer Jonas K. H. , Sippel Pit , Denysenko Dmytro , Lunkenheimer Peter , Volkmer Dirk , Loidl Alois
Published: May 2020

Within the so-called “no-man’s land” between about 150 and 235 K, crystallization of bulk water is inevitable. The glass-like freezing and a liquid-to-liquid transition of water, predicted to occur in this region, can be investigated by confining water in nanometer-sized pores. Here, we report the molecular dynamics of water within the pores of a metal-organic framework using dielectric spectroscopy. The detected temperature-dependent dynamics of supercooled water matches that of bulk water as reported outside the borders of the no-man’s land. In confinement, a different type of water is formed, nevertheless still undergoing a glass transition with considerable molecular cooperativity. Two different length scales seem to exist in water: a smaller one, of the order of 2 nm, being the cooperativity length scale governing glassy freezing, and a larger one (> 2 nm), characterizing the minimum size of the hydrogen-bonded network needed to create “real” water with its unique dynamic properties.
Research progress on the biological activities of selenium polysaccharides
Authors: Zhou Ning , Long Hairong , Wang Chenghua , Yu Lian , Zhao Mouming , Liu Xiaoling
Published: May 2020

Selenium polysaccharides, an important organic selenium product, possess better antioxidant, antitumour, immune regulation, hypoglycaemic, and heavy metal removal activities than that of either polysaccharides or inorganic selenium.
Rapidly self-healing, magnetically controllable, stretchable, smart, moldable nanoparticle composite gel
Authors: Zheng Wenhui , Li Yangyang , Wei Huawei , Gao Guolin , Zhang Dawei , Jiang Zaixing
Published: May 2020

Attributed to a combination of healing properties, a magnetic gel shows rapid self-healing, magnetically controllable, stretchable, smart and moldable properties.
A dual electrochemical/colorimetric magnetic nanoparticle/peptide-based platform for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Eissa Shimaa , Zourob Mohammed
Published: May 2020

Rapid and economical biosensor for Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main causes of food-borne illness, was developed based on dual colorimetric and electrochemical detection.
Nano-Affi: a solution-phase, label-free, colorimetric aptamer affinity assay based on binding-inhibited aggregation of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wan Yuan , Zhao Jiaxing , He Junlin , Lou Xinhui
Published: May 2020

The ideal way to assess aptamer affinity is when both aptamer and target are in a native state, without the unpredictable interference associated with labelling and surface immobilization.
In situ real-time identification of packaged chemicals using a dual-offset optical probe
Authors: Song Si Won , Cho Youngho , Bae Chang Hyun , Park Chan Ryang , Kim Hyung Min
Published: May 2020

In situ real-time and nondestructive identification of packaged chemicals is essential for applications such as homeland security and terrorism prevention.
The sensitive detection of single-cell secreted lactic acid for glycolytic inhibitor screening with a microdroplet biosensor
Authors: Chen Xuyue , Shen Rui , Liu Sidi , Xiao Xiang , Yan Jun , Zhang Yiqiu , Jiang Zhongyun , Nie Baoqing , Liu Jian
Published: May 2020

Lactic acid (LA) plays an important role in the tumor metabolism and malignant progression of various cancers.
A disposable gold-cellulose nanofibril platform for SERS mapping
Authors: Tanis Saliha Nur , Ilhan Hasan , Guven Burcu , Tayyarcan Emine Kubra , Ciftci Hakan , Saglam Necdet , Hakki Boyaci Ismail , Tamer Ugur
Published: May 2020

In this study, we present a disposable and inexpensive paper-like gold nanoparticle-embedded cellulose nanofibril substrate for the rapid enumeration ofEscherichia coli(E. coli) using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping.
Accurate, sensitive and rapid determination of perchlorate in tea by hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Hongping , Zhu Li , Liu Xin , Lu Chengyin
Published: May 2020

An accurate, sensitive and rapid method for determination of perchlorate in tea by hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Detection of aflatoxin B1 with a new label-free fluorescent aptasensor based on exonuclease I and SYBR Gold
Authors: Guo Zhijun , Lv Lei , Cui Chengbi , Wang Yan , Ji Shuang , Fang Jiaqi , Yuan Ming , Yu Hansong
Published: May 2020

This paper describes a new label-free fluorescent aptasensor for the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) based upon exonuclease I (Exo I) and SYBR Gold, in which SYBR Gold, aptamer, AFB1, and Exo I were used.
Trivalent metal complex geometry of the substrate governs cathepsin B enzymatic cleavage rate
Authors: Ahn Shin Hye , Iuliano James N. , Boros Eszter
Published: May 2020

The identity of the trivalent metal ion controls the rate of the enzymatic cleavage of a series of metal-complexed cathepsin B substrates. Increasing the distance between the metal complex and the enzyme cleavage site diminishes this effect.
Hollow porous Cu–Au particles with high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Jiang Jianwei , Yoon Sungho , Piao Longhai
Published: May 2020

A Cu-based bimetallic hollow structure can be effectively used to enhance the selective oxidation and electrocatalytic activity of a catalyst and to reduce its cost.
Yolk–shell structured Bi2SiO5:Yb3+,Ln3+ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) upconversion nanophosphors for optical thermometry and solid-state lighting
Authors: Chen Dongxun , Zhang Liangliang , Liang Yanjie , Wang Weili , Yan Shao , Bi Jianqiang , Sun Kangning
Published: May 2020

Bi2SiO5:Yb3+,Er3+ yolk–shell nanophosphors have been successfully synthesized, which are expected to find important applications in optical thermometry and solid-state lighting.
Revealing the effect of water vapor pressure on the kinetics of thermal decomposition of magnesium hydroxide
Authors: Kodani Satoki , Iwasaki Shun , Favergeon Loïc , Koga Nobuyoshi
Published: May 2020

Kinetic features of the thermal decomposition of Mg(OH)2are revealed under different heating and water vapor pressure conditions.
Vacancy-induced thermal transport in two-dimensional silicon carbide: a reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics study
Authors: Islam A. S. M. Jannatul , Islam Md. Sherajul , Ferdous Naim , Park Jeongwon , Hashimoto Akihiro
Published: May 2020

We explored the effect of vacancies (bi vacancy, point vacancy, and mixed vacancy) on the phonon thermal transport behavior of 2D-SiC using RNEMD simulations.
Density-functional theory models of Fe(iv)O reactivity in metal–organic frameworks: self-interaction error, spin delocalisation and the role of hybrid exchange
Authors: Saiz Fernan , Bernasconi Leonardo
Published: May 2020

We study the reactivity of Fe(iv)O moieties supported by a metal–organic framework (MOF-74) in the oxidation reaction of methane to methanol using all-electron, periodic density-functional theory calculations.
Balancing dipolar and exchange coupling in biradicals to maximize cross effect dynamic nuclear polarization
Authors: Equbal Asif , Tagami Kan , Han Songi
Published: May 2020

Balancing dipolar and exchange coupling is essential for efficient Cross Effect DNP. This explains the complex performance of standard radicals (AMUPOL and HyTek) at high magnetic field and fast spinning.
Ultrahigh sensitivity with excellent recovery time for NH3 and NO2 in pristine and defect mediated Janus WSSe monolayers
Authors: Chaurasiya Rajneesh , Dixit Ambesh
Published: May 2020

We demonstrated ultrahigh sensitivity with excellent recovery time for H2S, NH3, NO2, and NO molecules on the sulfur and selenium surfaces of Janus WSSe monolayers using density functional theory.
Near-infrared cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes with bipolar features for efficient OLEDs via solution-processing
Authors: Yu Junting , Li Maoqiu , Xu Chao , Meng Fanyuan , Cao Jiamin , Tan Hua , Zhu Weiguo
Published: May 2020

Double gain, a bipolar feature NIR iridium(iii) complex with both hole and electron transporting group to improve the OLED performance.
Minimizing CO2 emissions with renewable energy: a comparative study of emerging technologies in the steel industry
Authors: Flores-Granobles Marian , Saeys Mark
Published: May 2020

Implementing CCUS technologies at existing steel plants reduces CO2 emissions by 70%, requiring 1.1 MW h per ton of renewable electricity. H2-based steel-making and CCU technologies require 4 and 8 times more electricity to reach similar reductions.
Stoichiometric Bi2Se3 topological insulator ultra-thin films obtained through a new fabrication process for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Salvato Matteo , Scagliotti Mattia , De Crescenzi Maurizio , Castrucci Paola , De Matteis Fabio , Crivellari Michele , Pelli Cresi Stefano , Catone Daniele , Bauch Thilo , Lombardi Floriana
Published: May 2020

Stoichiometric TI Bi2Se3 ultra-thin films suitable for infra-red optoelectronic applications are obtained from the by-products of nanowires/nanobelts. Tunnelling spectroscopy gives the position of the Fermi level inside the energy bandgap.
Continuous one-flow multi-step synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Bloemendal Victor R. L. J. , Janssen Mathilde A. C. H. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: May 2020

This review highlights a selection of multistep continuous flow (one-flow) processes leading to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Photoinduced transition-metal- and external-photosensitizer-free intramolecular aryl rearrangement via C(Ar)–O bond cleavage
Authors: Dou Qian , Li Chao-Jun , Zeng Huiying
Published: May 2020

“We report a protocol for photoinduced transition-metal- and external-photocatalyst-free intramolecular heteroaryl/aryl rearrangement reactions of 2-heteroaryl/aryloxybenzaldehydes. The protocol was compatible with a variety of functionalities.
Evaluation of different Ni–semiconductor composites as electrodes for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Gómez Melisa J. , Benavente-Llorente Victoria , Hainer Andrew , Lacconi Gabriela I. , Scaiano Juan C. , Franceschini Esteban A. , Lanterna Anabel E.
Published: May 2020

A series of Ni–semiconductor composites are electrodeposited onto low-cost stainless-steel plates and used as electrodes for hydrogen generation from water; showing superb electrocatalytic activity over time.
Electrophoretic deposition of supramolecular complexes for the formation of carbon nitride films
Authors: Abisdris Liel , Tzadikov Jonathan , Karjule Neeta , Azoulay Adi , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: May 2020

The large-scale fabrication of polymeric carbon nitride (CN) films with tunable thickness, composition and photoelectrochemical properties is reported.
Mixed phase 2D Mo0.5W0.5S2 alloy as a multi-functional electrocatalyst for a high-performance cathode in Li–S batteries
Authors: Bhoyate Sanket , Kim Junyoung , Lee Eunho , Park Bumsu , Lee Eunji , Park Juhong , Oh Sang Ho , Kim Jeongyong , Choi Wonbong
Published: May 2020

Mixed phase 2D Mo0.5W0.5S2 catalyst exhibits multifunctional catalytic performance in cathode resulting in high performance Li–S batteries.
Giant energy storage efficiency and high recoverable energy storage density achieved in K0.5Na0.5NbO3-Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Miao , Yang Haibo , Li Da , Ma Liang , Lin Ying
Published: May 2020

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics, as promising candidate materials that could replace lead-based ceramics, exhibit outstanding potential in pulsed power systems due to their large dielectric constant, high Curie temperature and environmental friendliness.
Lead-free relaxor-ferroelectric ceramics for high-energy-storage applications
Authors: Jan Abdullah , Liu Hanxing , Hao Hua , Yao Zhonghua , Cao Minghe , Arbab Safeer Ahmad , Tahir Muhammad , Appiah Millicent , Ullah Atta , Emmanuel Marwa , Ullah Amjad , Manan Abdul
Published: May 2020

Relaxor-ferroelectric ceramics capacitors have been in the front line of investigations aimed at optimizing energy density due to their high Pmax, suppressed Pr, and high BDS levels, attributed to their highly dynamic polar nano-regions.
On the understanding of the optoelectronic properties of S-doped MoO3 and O-doped MoS2 bulk systems: a DFT perspective
Authors: Shahrokhi Masoud , Raybaud Pascal , Le Bahers Tangui
Published: May 2020

First-principles calculations were carried out to understand the structure and optoelectronic properties of α-MoO3 and 2H-MoS2 bulk systems with anionic isovalent-atom substitutions.
Methoxylation of quinoidal bithiophene as a single regioisomer building block for narrow-bandgap conjugated polymers and high-performance organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Sun Yunlong , Zhang Yunpeng , Ran Yang , Shi Longxian , Zhang Qingsong , Chen Jinyang , Li Qingyuan , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: May 2020

Methoxyl group was introduced to obtain isomer-free methoxylation quinoidal bithiophene building block. Four polymers displayed narrow bandgap (<1.20 eV) and hole mobility of up to 2.70 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Cellular localization of the FMRP in rat retina
Authors: Zhang Ping-Ping , Yao Hui-Hui , Zha An-Hui , Liu Xing-Yue , Fan Ke-Yu , Xu Yue , Yuan Hui-Yao , Li Lei , Wang Lie-Cheng
Published: May 2020

The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a regulator of local translation through its mRNA targets in the neurons. Previous studies have demonstrated that FMRP may function in distinct ways during the development of different visual subcircuits. However, the localization of the FMRP in different types of retinal cells is unclear. In this work, the FMRP expression in rat retina was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence double labeling. Results showed that the FMRP expression could be detected in rat retina and that the FMRP had a strong immunoreaction (IR) in the ganglion cell (GC) layer, inner nucleus layer (INL), and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of rat retina. In the outer retina, the bipolar cells (BCs) labeled by homeobox protein ChX10 (ChX10) and the horizontal cells (HCs) labeled by calbindin (CB) were FMRP-positive. In the inner retina, GABAergic amacrine cells (ACs) labeled by glutamate decarbonylase colocalized with the FMRP. The dopaminergic ACs (tyrosine hydroxylase marker) and cholinergic ACs (choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) marker) were co-labeled with the FMRP. In most GCs (labeled by Brn3a) and melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal GCs (ipRGCs) were also FMRP-positive. The FMRP expression was observed in the cellular retinal binding protein-positive Müller cells. These results suggest that the FMRP could be involved in the visual pathway transmission.
The regulatory effect of has-circ-0001146/miR-26a-5p/MNAT1 network on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Junjie , Ni Jiangdong , Song Deye , Ding Muliang , Huang Jun , Li Wenzhao , He Guangxu
Published: May 2020

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumour with the lowest survival rates out of all paediatric cancers and is primarily diagnosed in children and adolescents. MNAT1 is a subunit in the cyclin-dependent kinase-activating kinase complex. Abnormal up-regulation of MNAT1 has been associated with the poor prognosis of multiple cancers. Bioinformatics analysis showed that has-circ-0001146 and miR-26a-5p were involved in the regulation of MNAT1 in osteosarcoma. The present study investigated the regulatory effects of has-circ-0001146 and miR-26a-5p on MNAT1 expression using luciferase reporter and RNA-pull down assays. The effects of the has-circ-0001146/miR26a-5p/Mnat1 network on the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma were evaluated by cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Osteosarcoma tissues showed higher MNAT1 and has-circ-0001146 expression than adjacent normal tissues, although the expression of MNAT1 was not significantly up-regulated in sarcomas according to TCGA databases. As indicated by luciferase reporter and RNA-pull down assays, miR-26a-5p was able to bind to both has-circ-0001146 and MNAT1 mRNA. The depletion of has-circ-0001146 as well as the increase of miR-26a-5p decreased MNAT1 expression in osteosarcoma cells, while the reduction of miR-26a-5p was associated with increased MNAT1 expression. These data suggested that has-circ-0001146 promoted MNAT1 expression by competitively binding to miR-26a-5p with MNAT1 mRNA. The depletion of has-circ-0001146 or MNAT1 or the increase of miR-26a-5p inhibited osteosarcoma cell viability and invasion, and increased apoptosis. Reduction of miR-26a-5p conversely promoted osteosarcoma cell viability and invasion. The present study confirmed that has-circ-0001146 blocked miR-26a-5p targeting MNAT1 in osteosarcoma cells, thereby promoting the malignant behaviours of osteosarcoma cells.
Investigating the importance of individual mitochondrial genotype in susceptibility to drug-induced toxicity
Authors: Penman Sophie L. , Carter Alice S. , Chadwick Amy E.
Published: May 2020

The mitochondrion is an essential organelle responsible for generating cellular energy. Additionally, mitochondria are a source of inter-individual variation as they contain their own genome. Evidence has revealed that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation can confer differences in mitochondrial function and importantly, these differences may be a factor underlying the idiosyncrasies associated with unpredictable drug-induced toxicities. Thus far, preclinical and clinical data are limited but have revealed evidence in support of an association between mitochondrial haplogroup and susceptibility to specific adverse drug reactions. In particular, clinical studies have reported associations between mitochondrial haplogroup and antiretroviral therapy, chemotherapy and antibiotic-induced toxicity, although study limitations and conflicting findings mean that the importance of mtDNA variation to toxicity remains unclear. Several studies have used transmitochondrial cybrid cells as personalised models with which to study the impact of mitochondrial genetic variation. Cybrids allow the effects of mtDNA to be assessed against a stable nuclear background and thus the in vitro elucidation of the fundamental mechanistic basis of such differences. Overall, the current evidence supports the tenet that mitochondrial genetics represent an exciting area within the field of personalised medicine and drug toxicity. However, further research effort is required to confirm its importance. In particular, efforts should focus upon translational research to connect preclinical and clinical data that can inform whether mitochondrial genetics can be useful to identify at risk individuals or inform risk assessment during drug development.
Monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) interactions with mitochondrial membrane proteins
Authors: Duncan Anna L.
Published: May 2020

Monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) is a three-tailed variant of cardiolipin (CL), the signature lipid of mitochondria. MLCL is not normally found in healthy tissue but accumulates in mitochondria of people with Barth syndrome (BTHS), with an overall increase in the MLCL:CL ratio. The reason for MLCL accumulation remains to be fully understood. The effect of MLCL build-up and decreased CL content in causing the characteristics of BTHS are also unclear. In both cases, an understanding of the nature of MLCL interaction with mitochondrial proteins will be key. Recent work has shown that MLCL associates less tightly than CL with proteins in the mitochondrial inner membrane, suggesting that MLCL accumulation is a result of CL degradation, and that the lack of MLCL–protein interactions compromises the stability of the protein-dense mitochondrial inner membrane, leading to a decrease in optimal respiration. There is some data on MLCL–protein interactions for proteins involved in the respiratory chain and in apoptosis, but there remains much to be understood regarding the nature of MLCL–protein interactions. Recent developments in structural, analytical and computational approaches mean that these investigations are now possible. Such an understanding will be key to further insights into how MLCL accumulation impacts mitochondrial membranes. In turn, these insights will help to support the development of therapies for people with BTHS and give a broader understanding of other diseases involving defective CL content.
Functioning mechanisms of Shugoshin-1 in centromeric cohesion during mitosis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Liu Hong
Published: May 2020

Proper regulation of centromeric cohesion is required for faithful chromosome segregation that prevents chromosomal instability. Extensive studies have identified and established the conserved protein Shugoshin (Sgo1/2) as an essential protector for centromeric cohesion. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how Shugoshin-1 (Sgo1) protects centromeric cohesion at the molecular level. Targeting of Sgo1 to inner centromeres is required for its proper function of cohesion protection. We therefore discuss about the molecular mechanisms that install Sgo1 onto inner centromeres. At metaphase-to-anaphase transition, Sgo1 at inner centromeres needs to be disabled for the subsequent sister-chromatid segregation. A few recent studies suggest interesting models to explain how it is achieved. These models are discussed as well.
Ubiquitin-like proteins in the DNA damage response: the next generation
Authors: Da Costa Isabelle C. , Schmidt Christine K.
Published: May 2020

DNA suffers constant insult from a variety of endogenous and exogenous sources. To deal with the arising lesions, cells have evolved complex and coordinated pathways, collectively termed the DNA damage response (DDR). Importantly, an improper DDR can lead to genome instability, premature ageing and human diseases, including cancer as well as neurodegenerative disorders. As a crucial process for cell survival, regulation of the DDR is multi-layered and includes several post-translational modifications. Since the discovery of ubiquitin in 1975 and the ubiquitylation cascade in the early 1980s, a number of ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) have been identified as post-translational modifiers. However, while the importance of ubiquitin and the UBLs SUMO and NEDD8 in DNA damage repair and signalling is well established, the roles of the remaining UBLs in the DDR are only starting to be uncovered. Herein, we revise the current status of the UBLs ISG15, UBL5, FAT10 and UFM1 as emerging co-regulators of DDR processes. In fact, it is becoming clear that these post-translational modifiers play important pleiotropic roles in DNA damage and/or associated stress-related cellular responses. Expanding our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these emerging UBL functions will be fundamental for enhancing our knowledge of the DDR and potentially provide new therapeutic strategies for various human diseases including cancer.