bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition and dual users in complex contagion processes
Authors: Min Byungjoon , San Miguel Maxi
Published: September 2018

We study the competition of two spreading entities, for example innovations, in complex contagion processes in complex networks. We develop an analytical framework and examine the role of dual users, i.e. agents using both technologies. Searching for the spreading transition of the new innovation and the extinction transition of a preexisting one, we identify different phases depending on network mean degree, prevalence of preexisting technology, and thresholds of the contagion process. Competition with the preexisting technology effectively suppresses the spread of the new innovation, but it also allows for phases of coexistence. The existence of dual users largely modifies the transient dynamics creating new phases that promote the spread of a new innovation and extinction of a preexisting one. It enables the global spread of the new innovation even if the old one has the first-mover advantage.
Experimental evidence for the enhanced and reduced stopping regimes for protons propagating through hot plasmas
Authors: Chen S. N. , Atzeni S. , Gangolf T. , Gauthier M. , Higginson D. P. , Hua R. , Kim J. , Mangia F. , McGuffey C. , Marquès J.-R. , Riquier R. , Pépin H. , Shepherd R. , Willi O. , Beg F. N. , Deutsch C. , Fuchs J.
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of the dynamics of ion collisional energy loss in a plasma is still not complete, in part due to the difficulty and lack of high-quality experimental measurements. These measurements are crucial to benchmark existing models. Here, we show that such a measurement is possible using high-flux proton beams accelerated by high intensity short pulse lasers, where there is a high number of particles in a picosecond pulse, which is ideal for measurements in quickly expanding plasmas. By reducing the energy bandwidth of the protons using a passive selector, we have made proton stopping measurements in partially ionized Argon and fully ionized Hydrogen plasmas with electron temperatures of hundreds of eV and densities in the range 1020–1021 cm−3. In the first case, we have observed, consistently with previous reports, enhanced stopping of protons when compared to stopping power in non-ionized gas. In the second case, we have observed for the first time the regime of reduced stopping, which is theoretically predicted in such hot and fully ionized plasma. The versatility of these tunable short-pulse laser based ion sources, where the ion type and energy can be changed at will, could open up the possibility for a variety of ion stopping power measurements in plasmas so long as they are well characterized in terms of temperature and density. In turn, these measurements will allow tests of the validity of existing theoretical models.
Relationship between mean platelet volume and metabolic syndrome in Chinese patients
Authors: Zhao Fengxiao , Yan Ziyu , Meng Zhaowei , Li Xue , Liu Ming , Ren Xiaojun , Zhu Mei , He Qing , Zhang Qing , Song Kun , Jia Qiyu , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Huiying , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Xuemei , Wang Xiaoran , Pan Zhengzhou , Liu Xiangxiang , Zhang Wan
Published: September 2018

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a determinant of activation and variability of platelets (PLT). The focus of this study was to to investigate MPV values in patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). It also evaluates the association between them. There are close connections among MPV, MS, and cardiometabolic risk. We compiled age, body mass index, blood cell counts, MPV, and other data of 59976 self-reported healthy volunteers (28428 male, 31548 female), 24.65% of who have MS. The mean age of the group was 48.21 years old. The data was grouped by sex and values of data between men and women groups were analyzed by independent sample’s t-test. The relationship between sex and MS was evaluated by chi-square tests. Crude odd ratios of MS between MPV quartiles and 95% confidence intervals were analyzed by binary logistic regression in this study. We found women had higher levels of MPV (10.09 vs. 9.98, P < 0.01) and PLT (228.68 vs. 212.11, P < 0.01) than men. In females, the prevalence of MS was higher in low MPV group than in high MPV groups. The odds of having MS were significantly lower in higher MPV quartiles compared with MPV Quartile 1 in women (Adjusted OR < 1, P < 0.01). This study indicated that MS was inversely associated with MPV in females only.
Small-molecule AgrA inhibitors F12 and F19 act as antivirulence agents against Gram-positive pathogens
Authors: Greenberg Michael , Kuo David , Jankowsky Eckhard , Long Lisa , Hager Chris , Bandi Kiran , Ma Danyang , Manoharan Divya , Shoham Yaron , Harte William , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Shoham Menachem
Published: September 2018

Small-molecule antivirulence agents represent a promising alternative or adjuvant to antibiotics. These compounds disarm pathogens of disease-causing toxins without killing them, thereby diminishing survival pressure to develop resistance. Here we show that the small-molecule antivirulence agents F12 and F19 block staphylococcal transcription factor AgrA from binding to its promoter. Consequently, toxin expression is inhibited, thus preventing host cell damage by Gram-positive pathogens. Broad spectrum efficacy against Gram-positive pathogens is due to the existence of AgrA homologs in many Gram-positive bacteria. F12 is more efficacious in vitro and F19 works better in vivo. In a murine MRSA bacteremia/sepsis model, F19 treatment alone resulted in 100% survival while untreated animals had 70% mortality. Furthermore, F19 enhances antibiotic efficacy in vivo. Notably, in a murine MRSA wound infection model, combination of F19 with antibiotics resulted in bacterial load reduction. Thus, F19 could be used alone or in combination with antibiotics to prevent and treat infections of Gram-positive pathogens.
Transcriptome Analysis of Intrusively Growing Flax Fibers Isolated by Laser Microdissection
Authors: Gorshkova Tatyana , Chernova Tatyana , Mokshina Natalia , Gorshkov Vladimir , Kozlova Liudmila , Gorshkov Oleg
Published: September 2018

The intrusive growth, a type of plant cell elongation occurring in the depths of plant tissues, is characterized by the invasion of a growing cell between its neighbours due to a higher rate of elongation. In order to reveal the largely unknown molecular mechanisms of intrusive growth, we isolated primary flax phloem fibers specifically at the stage of intrusive growth by laser microdissection. The comparison of the RNA-Seq data from several flax stem parts enabled the characterization of those processes occurring specifically during the fiber intrusive elongation. The revealed molecular players are summarized as those involved in the supply of assimilates and support of turgor pressure, cell wall enlargement and modification, regulation by transcription factors and hormones, and responses to abiotic stress factors. The data obtained in this study provide a solid basis for developing approaches to manipulate fiber intrusive elongation, which is of importance both for plant biology and the yield of fiber crops.
The prevalence of olfactory- versus visual-signal encounter by searching bumblebees
Authors: Sprayberry Jordanna D. H.
Published: September 2018

While the phrase ‘foraging bumblebee’ brings to mind a bumbling bee flying flower to flower in a sunny meadow, foraging is a complicated series of behaviors such as: locating a floral patch; selecting a flower-type; learning handling skills for pollen and nectar extraction; determining when to move-on from a patch; learning within-patch paths (traplining); and learning efficient hive-to-patch routes (spatial navigation). Thus the term ‘forager’ encompasses multiple distinct behaviors that rely on different sensory modalities. Despite a robust literature on bumblebee foraging behavior, few studies are directly relevant to sensory-guided search; i.e. how workers locate novel patches. The first step in answering this question is to determine what sensory information is available to searching bumblebees. This manuscript presents a computational model that elucidates the relative frequency of visual and olfactory cues that are available to workers searching for floral resources under a range of ecologically relevant scenarios. Model results indicate that odor is the most common sensory cue encountered during search flights. When the likelihood of odor-plume contact is higher, odor-encounter is ubiquitous. While integrative (visual + olfactory) cues are common when foragers are searching for larger flowers (e.g. Echinacea), they become rare when foragers are searching for small flowers (e.g. Penstemon). Visual cues are only encountered in isolation when foragers are seeking large flowers with a low odor-plume contact probability. These results indicate that despite the multisensory nature of floral signals, different modalities may be encountered in isolation during search-behavior, as opposed to the reliably multimodal signals encountered during patch-exploitation or nectar/ pollen acquisition.
Calcium increases titin N2A binding to F-actin and regulated thin filaments
Authors: Dutta Samrat , Tsiros Christopher , Sundar Sai Lavanyaa , Athar Humra , Moore Jeffrey , Nelson Brent , Gage Matthew J. , Nishikawa Kiisa
Published: September 2018

Mutations in titin are responsible for many cardiac and muscle diseases, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplained. Numerous studies have established roles for titin in muscle function, and Ca2+-dependent interactions between titin and actin have been suggested to play a role in muscle contraction. The present study used co-sedimentation assays, dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS), and in vitro motility (IVM) assays to determine whether the N2A region of titin, overlooked in previous studies, interacts with actin in the presence of Ca2+. Co-sedimentation demonstrated that N2A – F-actin binding increases with increasing protein and Ca2+ concentration, DFS demonstrated increased rupture forces and decreased koff in the presence of Ca2+, and IVM demonstrated a Ca2+-dependent reduction in motility of F-actin and reconstituted thin filaments in the presence of N2A. These results indicate that Ca2+ increases the strength and stability of N2A – actin interactions, supporting the hypothesis that titin plays a regulatory role in muscle contraction. The results further support a model in which N2A – actin binding in active muscle increases titin stiffness, and that impairment of this mechanism contributes to the phenotype in muscular dystrophy with myositis. Future studies are required to determine whether titin – actin binding occurs in skeletal muscle sarcomeres in vivo.
Leukocyte telomere length and risk of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yang , Lei Tianshui , Zhang Nasha , Zheng Yan , Kou Peisi , Shang Shuheng , Yang Ming
Published: September 2018

As a chromosome stabilizer, telomeres play an essential part in maintaining the stability and integrity of human genome. Shortened telomeres have been associated with the development of cancers but it is still largely unclear whether leukocyte telomere length contributes to predisposition of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA). We conducted a case-control study consisting of 524 GCA cases and 510 controls to assess the association between telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes and GCA risk in a Chinese Han population. The GCA patients had significantly overall shorter relative leukocyte telomere length (RTL) (median ± SD: 1.10 ± 0.54) when compared with the controls (1.24 ± 0.58). Individuals with the shortest quartile of RTL performed a doubled GCA risk (OR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.47–3.22, P = 9.90 × 10−5) when compared with those with the highest quartile. We also found that telomere shortening and smoking have a significantly synergistic effect in intensifying risk of GCA (OR = 7.03, 95% CI = 4.55–10.86, P = 1.43 × 10−18). These findings indicate that short RTL contributes to increased susceptibility of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and might be a promising marker to identify high-risk individuals combined with lifestyle risk factors.
Author Correction: Glassy Dynamics in a heavy ion irradiated NbSe2 crystal
Authors: Eley S. , Khilstrom K. , Fotovat R. , Xiao Z. L. , Chen A. , Chen D. , Leroux M. , Welp U. , Kwok W. K. , Civale L.
Published: September 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Pinopsin evolved as the ancestral dim-light visual opsin in vertebrates
Authors: Sato Keita , Yamashita Takahiro , Kojima Keiichi , Sakai Kazumi , Matsutani Yuki , Yanagawa Masataka , Yamano Yumiko , Wada Akimori , Iwabe Naoyuki , Ohuchi Hideyo , Shichida Yoshinori
Published: September 2018

Pinopsin is the opsin most closely related to vertebrate visual pigments on the phylogenetic tree. This opsin has been discovered among many vertebrates, except mammals and teleosts, and was thought to exclusively function in their brain for extraocular photoreception. Here, we show the possibility that pinopsin also contributes to scotopic vision in some vertebrate species. Pinopsin is distributed in the retina of non-teleost fishes and frogs, especially in their rod photoreceptor cells, in addition to their brain. Moreover, the retinal chromophore of pinopsin exhibits a thermal isomerization rate considerably lower than those of cone visual pigments, but comparable to that of rhodopsin. Therefore, pinopsin can function as a rhodopsin-like visual pigment in the retinas of these lower vertebrates. Since pinopsin diversified before the branching of rhodopsin on the phylogenetic tree, two-step adaptation to scotopic vision would have occurred through the independent acquisition of pinopsin and rhodopsin by the vertebrate lineage.
Generation and characterization of thiol-deficient Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutants
Authors: Sao Emani C. , Williams M. J. , Van Helden P. D. , Taylor M. J. C. , Carolis C. , Wiid I. J. , Baker B.
Published: September 2018

Mycothiol (MSH) and ergothioneine (ERG) are thiols able to compensate for each other to protect mycobacteria against oxidative stress. Gamma-glutamylcysteine (GGC), another thiol and an intermediate in ERG biosynthesis has detoxification abilities. Five enzymes are involved in ERG biosynthesis, namely EgtA, EgtB, EgtC, EgtD and EgtE. The role of these enzymes in the production of ERG had been unclear. On the other hand, the enzyme MshA is known to be essential for MSH biosynthesis. In this manuscript, we describe the raw data of the generation and characterization ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tb)mutants harbouring a deletion of the gene coding for each of these enzymes, and the raw data of the phenotypic characterization of the obtained thiol-deficientM.tbmutants. High throughput screening (HTS) of off-patent drugs and natural compounds revealed few compounds that displayed a higher activity against the thiol-deficient mutants relative to the wild-type strain. The mode of action of these drugs was further investigated. Raw data displaying these results are described here.
Mimi-PAGE, an open-source implementation of the PAGE09 integrated assessment model
Authors: Moore Frances C. , Rising James , Lollo Niklas , Springer Cecilia , Vasquez Valeri , Dolginow Alex , Hope Chris , Anthoff David
Published: September 2018

Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) have become critical tools for assessing the costs and benefits of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Three models currently inform the social cost of carbon dioxide (SCCO2, the net present value of damages from one additional ton of CO2) used by the US federal government, several states, and Canada. Here we present a new open-source implementation of one of these models (PAGE09) in the Julia programming language using a modular modeling framework (Mimi). Mimi-PAGE was coded using best coding practices (such as multiple code reviews by different individuals during development, automated testing of newly-committed code, and provision of documentation and usage notes) and is publicly available in a GitHub repository for community inspection and use under an open source license. In this paper we describe the Julia implementation of PAGE09, show that output from Mimi-PAGE matches that of the original model, and perform comparisons of the run time between the two implementations.
Hyphenation of high-temperature liquid chromatography with high-pressure electrospray ionization for subcritical water LC-ESI-MS
Authors: Chen Lee Chuin , Naito Tsubasa , Ninomiya Satoshi , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: September 2018

A super-atmospheric pressure electrospray ion source enables >100 °C operation of capillary LC-ESI-MS at microliter per min flow rates.
Improved ATR-FTIR detection of hydrocarbons in water with semi-crystalline polyolefin coatings on ATR elements
Authors: Nam Changwoo , Zimudzi Tawanda J. , Wiencek Richard A. , Chung T.C. Mike , Hickner Michael A.
Published: September 2018

In situ detection of hydrocarbons in water using ATR-FTIR with LLDPE film.
Rapid determination of binding parameters of chitin binding domains using chitin-coated quartz crystal microbalance sensor chips
Authors: Vogt Stephan , Kelkenberg Marco , Nöll Tanja , Steinhoff Benedikt , Schönherr Holger , Merzendorfer Hans , Nöll Gilbert
Published: September 2018

Chitin present in fungal cell walls has been considered as a diagnostic polymer for the detection of fungal infections.
Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of miRNA based on DNA strand displacement polymerization and Ca2+-dependent DNAzyme cleavage
Authors: Yang Dawei , Cheng Wenbo , Chen Xifeng , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: September 2018

An ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing strategy for the detection of miRNA is developed combining strand displacement polymerization and a DNAzyme-catalyzed cleavage reaction.
Solvent directed selective and sensitive fluorescence detection of target ions using a coumarin–pyridine probe
Authors: Xie Yiting , Cheng Wenjing , Jin Bing , Liang Chaogen , Ding Yubin , Zhang Weihua
Published: September 2018

The solvatochromic properties of a coumarin–pyridine probe were utilized as a cheap and effective way for designing fluorescent probes for Mg2+ and PPi with high selectivity and nanomolar level sensitivity.
An electrochemical immunosensor based on a multiple signal amplification strategy for highly sensitive detection of prostate specific antigen
Authors: Liu Li , Zhao Guanhui , Dong Xue , Li Xuan , Wei Qin , Cao Wei
Published: September 2018

A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was developed based on a multiple signal amplification strategy.
A smartphone-based surface plasmon resonance platform
Authors: Lertvachirapaiboon Chutiparn , Baba Akira , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo
Published: September 2018

This review provides an overview of smartphone-based SPR platforms in both reflection and transmission configurations, typical setups, and examples of their use in the analysis of chemical and biological samples.
Mesoporous S doped Fe–N–C materials as highly active oxygen reduction reaction catalyst
Authors: Guan Zhi , Zhang Xuejiang , Chen Wenxing , Pei Jiajing , Liu Di , Xue Yanrong , Zhu Wei , Zhuang Zhongbin
Published: September 2018

Highly active mesoporous S doped Fe–N–C ORR catalysts have been synthesized by pyrolysis of APS and FeCl3 co-initiated poly(o-phenylenediamine).
Layer-by-layer preparation of 3D covalent organic framework/silica composites for chromatographic separation of position isomers
Authors: Qian Hai-Long , Yang Cheng , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: September 2018

A layer-by-layer approach was developed to fabricate COF-300@SiO2 for HPLC separation of position isomers.
Conformation-directing chiral groups in bis(naphthaldiminato)nickel(ii) complexes: a rare example with 16 crystallographically independent units (Z′)
Authors: Ganadu Maria Luisa , Demitri Nicola , Zangrando Ennio
Published: September 2018

Unit cell of bis(naphthaldiminato)nickel(ii) complexes bearing chiral groups at imino N atoms showing 16 independent units (Z′) with a sizeable bending of the chelating ligands.
Graphene-like metal–organic frameworks: morphology control, optimization of thin film electrical conductivity and fast sensing applications
Authors: Hoppe Bastian , Hindricks Karen D. J. , Warwas Dawid P. , Schulze Hendrik A. , Mohmeyer Alexander , Pinkvos Tim J. , Zailskas Saskia , Krey Marc R. , Belke Christopher , König Sandra , Fröba Michael , Haug Rolf J. , Behrens Peter
Published: September 2018

Platelets of the Cu3hhtp2-MOF are used for coatings and sensing.
Size exclusion effect in binary inclusion compounds of α-cyclodextrin
Authors: Gatiatulin Askar K. , Osel'skaya Viktoria Yu. , Ziganshin Marat A. , Gorbatchuk Valery V.
Published: September 2018

The size exclusion of guests by α-cyclodextrin (aCD) in binary host–guest systems was observed to be a key structure–property relationship for the choice of this host as a receptor.
Charge transfer dynamics at the boron subphthalocyanine chloride/C60 interface: non-adiabatic dynamics study with Libra-X
Authors: Sato Kosuke , Pradhan Ekadashi , Asahi Ryoji , Akimov Alexey V.
Published: September 2018

The Libra-X software for non-adiabatic molecular dynamics is reported. It is used to comprehensively study the charge transfer dynamics at the boron subphtalocyanine chloride (SubPc)/fullerene (C60) interface.
Unveiling CO adsorption on Cu surfaces: new insights from molecular orbital principles
Authors: Gameel Kareem M. , Sharafeldin Icell M. , Abourayya Amr U. , Biby Ahmed H. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: September 2018

A holistic analysis of adsorption energies, charge transfer, and structural changes has been employed to highlight the variations in adsorption mechanisms upon changing the surface type and the adsorption site.
Influence of the metals and ligands in dinuclear complexes on phosphopeptide sequencing by electron-transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Asakawa Daiki , Miyazato Akio , Rosu Frédéric , Gabelica Valérie
Published: September 2018

Dinuclear zinc complex aided electron-transfer dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (ETD-MS/MS) is a potentially useful method for the sequencing of phosphopeptides, including determination of the phosphorylation site.
Facile synthesis and magnetic and electrical properties of layered chalcogenides K2CoCu3Q4 (Q for S and Se)
Authors: Zhang Ganghua , Cao Jianwu , Zhao Cheng , Han Binghui , Ma Chongxian , Gao Zhipeng , Zeng Tao
Published: September 2018

Two layered quaternary chalcogenides have been synthesized by a convenient hydrothermal route. Both samples show a weak ferromagnetic behavior and the stoichiometric K2CoCu3S4 reveals a metallic nature while K2CoCu3Se4 is semiconductor.
Applying MOF+ technique for in situ preparation of a hybrid material for hydrogenation reaction
Authors: Tao Yuan , Wu Hui Qiong , Li Jian Qiang , Yang Li Xiao , Yin Wen Hui , Luo Ming Biao , Luo Feng
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate herein the preparation of a hybrid material for catalytic purpose by our recently developed MOF+ method. Impressively, the results show that the resultant catalyst displays superior catalytic performances for hydrogenation on olefin and selective semihydrogenation on phenylacetylene.
Aging reduces the toxicity of pristine but not sulphidised silver nanoparticles to soil bacteria
Authors: Schultz Carolin L. , Gray Joanna , Verweij Rudo A. , Busquets-Fité Martí , Puntes Victor , Svendsen Claus , Lahive Elma , Matzke Marianne
Published: September 2018

Aging of silver nanoparticles shows soluble silver driving toxicity in ISO medium, but not in media containing natural organic matter.
Phenotypic, transcriptional, physiological and metabolic responses to carbon nanodot exposure inArabidopsis thaliana(L.)
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Baofeng , Yang Zhongzhou , Qu Jiao , Xun Hongwei , Dou Runzhi , Gao Xiang , Wang Li
Published: September 2018

In this study, we systematically investigated the fate and phytotoxicity of carbon nanodots (C-dots, about 3 nm) inArabidopsis thaliana(Arabidopsis), as well as the underlying potential mechanisms, by integrating transcriptomic, physiological and metabolomic techniques.
Core–shell magnetic metal–organic framework molecularly imprinted nanospheres for specific adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol A from water
Authors: Li Minna , Sun Ping , Wu Qiong , Liu Desheng , Zhou Lincheng
Published: September 2018

A surface molecularly imprinted polymer named Fe3O4@ZIF-8@MIP was synthesized and employed in the selective adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) from water.
Anti-hyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects of extracts from Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne in hyperuricemic mice
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhan Shaoying , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou , He Jingren , Lorenzo Jose M. , Barba Francisco J.
Published: September 2018

CSF-E possesses potent anti-hyperuricemic through inhibiting XOD activity.
Search for a 5-CT alternative. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel pharmacological tools: 3-(1-alkyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl)-1H-indole-5-carboxamides, low-basicity 5-HT7 receptor agonists
Authors: Latacz Gniewomir , Hogendorf Adam S. , Hogendorf Agata , Lubelska Annamaria , Wierońska Joanna M. , Woźniak Monika , Cieślik Paulina , Kieć-Kononowicz Katarzyna , Handzlik Jadwiga , Bojarski Andrzej J.
Published: September 2018

Close structural analogues of 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) based on the newly discovered indole-imidazole scaffold were synthesized and evaluated to search for a 5-HT7 receptor agonist of higher selectivity.
Selected aryl thiosemicarbazones as a new class of multi-targeted monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Mathew Bijo , Baek Seung Cheol , Grace Thomas Parambi Della , Pil Lee Jae , Joy Monu , Annie Rilda P. R. , Randev Rugma V. , Nithyamol P. , Vijayan Vijitha , Inasu Sini T. , Mathew Githa Elizabeth , Lohidakshan Krishnakumar K. , Kumar Krishnan Girish , Kim Hoon
Published: September 2018

A series of 13 phenyl substituted thiosemicarbazones (SB1–SB13) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory potential towards human recombinant monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B, respectively) and acetylcholinesterase.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-ones as cisplatin sensitizers
Authors: Hou Xueyan , Luo Hao , Zhang Mengqi , Yan Guoyi , Pu Chunlan , Lan Suke , Li Rui
Published: September 2018

A series of novel 3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized and their anti-cancer as well as cisplatin sensitization activities were evaluated.
Molecules on rails: friction anisotropy and preferential sliding directions of organic nanocrystallites on two-dimensional materials
Authors: Vasić Borislav , Stanković Igor , Matković Aleksandar , Kratzer Markus , Ganser Christian , Gajić Radoš , Teichert Christian
Published: September 2018

Organic, crystalline nanoneedles slide on two-dimensional materials along preferential directions.
Langmuir–Blodgett self-assembly of ultrathin graphene quantum dot films with modulated optical properties
Authors: Wang Jingyun , Yan Hao , Liu Zhongqun , Wang Zechao , Gao Haining , Zhang Zijian , Wang Bolun , Xu Nan , Zhang Shaoqiong , Liu Xujie , Zhang Ranran , Wang Xiumei , Zhang Guifeng , Zhao Lingyun , Liu Kai , Sun Xiaodan
Published: September 2018

Macro-scale assembly of graphene quantum dots has great potential in diverse applications.
Fluorescent Ti3C2MXene quantum dots for an alkaline phosphatase assay and embryonic stem cell identification based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Guo Zheng , Zhu Xiaohua , Wang Shigong , Lei Chunyang , Huang Yan , Nie Zhou , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: September 2018

A Ti3C2QD-based fluorescent probe for an ALP activity assay and embryonic stem cell identification was developed by taking advantage of the inner filter effect.
Size-controlled synthesis of CdS nanoparticles confined on covalent triazine-based frameworks for durable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution under visible light
Authors: Wang Dengke , Li Xiang , Zheng Ling-Ling , Qin Lu-Mei , Li Shuang , Ye Peng , Li Yan , Zou Jian-Ping
Published: September 2018

A new strategy was developed to improve the photocatalytic performance and stability of CdS via decorating CdS nanoparticles on covalent triazine-based frameworks.
Highly stable and active SERS substrates with Ag–Ti alloy nanorods
Authors: Liu Yuehua , Wu Hui , Ma Lingwei , Zou Sumeng , Ling Yunhan , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: September 2018

Ag–Ti alloy nanorods are designed and fabricated. Taking advantage of the higher chemical activity of Ti compared with Ag, Ti can be sacrificed against oxidation and corrosion, protecting Ag in harsh environments, further ensuring long-term stability of the SERS substrates.
A SNAP-tag fluorogenic probe mimicking the chromophore of the red fluorescent protein Kaede
Authors: Jung Kwan Ho , Fares Matthew , Grainger Leeann S. , Wolstenholme Charles H. , Hou Anna , Liu Yu , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2018

Structural modulation of the fluorescent protein (FP) chromophore to enable fluorogenic probe for SNAP-tag towards wash-free live cell imaging.
Non-toxic cyanide sources and cyanating agents
Authors: Nauth Alexander M. , Opatz Till
Published: September 2018

This review focuses on alternative cyanide sources and cyanating agents which are less hazardous than HCN or its salts.
Competition between two cysteines in covalent binding of biliverdin to phytochrome domains
Authors: Khrenova Maria G. , Kulakova Anna M. , Nemukhin Alexander V.
Published: September 2018

In this work, we disclose a mechanism of competing chemical reactions of protein assembly for a bacterial phytochrome using modern methods of molecular modeling.
Metal-free phenylpropiolate–azide polycycloaddition: efficient synthesis of functional poly(phenyltriazolylcarboxylate)s
Authors: Yuan Wei , Chi Weiwen , Han Ting , Du Jun , Li Hongkun , Li Yongfang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2018

Metal-free polycycloaddition of phenylpropiolates and azide is developed to afford multifunctional triazole-containing polyesters.
Fully synthetic macromolecular prodrug chemotherapeutics with EGFR targeting and controlled camptothecin release kinetics
Authors: Freeman Hanna , Srinivasan Selvi , Das Debobrato , Stayton Patrick S. , Convertine Anthony J.
Published: September 2018

The development of fully polymerizable, peptide-targeted, camptothecin polymeric prodrugs are reported.
Side-chain effect of perylene diimide tetramer-based non-fullerene acceptors for improving the performance of organic solar cells
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Ma Lik-Kuen , Huang Jiachen , Chen Ming , Liu Zitong , Jiang Guoyu , Yan He
Published: September 2018

PDIPQ-C5 and PDIPQ-C6 were synthesized to study side-chain effects of PDI tetramer-based non-fullerene acceptors. OSCs based on PDIPQ-C5:P3TEA blend films with 2.5% DIO exhibited the highest PCEs (5.16%).
Halodifluoroacetates as formylation reagents for various amines via unprecedented quadruple cleavage
Authors: Ma Xingxing , Deng Shuilin , Song Qiuling
Published: September 2018

Unprecedented quadruple cleavage of halodifluoromethyl compounds has been disclosed for the first time, resulting in carbonyl synthons for reaction with various amines.
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric annulation between aryl iodides and racemic epoxides using a chiral norbornene cocatalyst
Authors: Li Renhe , Liu Feipeng , Dong Guangbin
Published: September 2018

The first chiral norbornene scaffold-promoted asymmetric Catellani-type reaction using aryl iodides is reported.
A hybrid micromixer with planar mixing units
Authors: Bazaz Sajad Razavi , Mehrizi Ali Abouei , Ghorbani Sadegh , Vasilescu Steven , Asadnia Mohsen , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi
Published: September 2018

Taguchi-optimized “hybrid micromixer” has been proposed which can be utilized in a wide range of chemical and biological applications.
An ‘‘off–on–off’’ sensor for sequential detection of Cu2+ and hydrogen sulfide based on a naphthalimide–rhodamine B derivative and its application in dual-channel cell imaging
Authors: Wang Shuai , Ding Haichang , Wang Yuesong , Fan Congbin , Tu Yayi , Liu Gang , Pu Shouzhi
Published: September 2018

A novel colorimetric and fluorometric sensor with unique dual-channel emission to sequentially detect Cu2+ and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was synthesized from naphthalimide–rhodamine B through the PET and FRET mechanism.
Facile preparation of hybrid porous polyanilines for highly efficient Cr(vi) removal
Authors: Tang Wenjie , Wu Yue , Gao Tingting , Wei Yingqin , Zhou Guowei
Published: September 2018

In the present work, leucoemeraldine-based hybrid porous polyanilines (LHPPs) have been synthesized by the Friedel–Crafts reaction of leucoemeraldine and octavinylsilsesquioxane (OVS) for Cr(vi) removal.
Anion identification using silsesquioxane cages
Authors: Chanmungkalakul Supphachok , Ervithayasuporn Vuthichai , Boonkitti Patcharaporn , Phuekphong Alisa , Prigyai Nicha , Kladsomboon Sumana , Kiatkamjornwong Suda
Published: September 2018

Anthracene-conjugated octameric silsesquioxane cages thermodynamically display intramolecular excimer formation, which can be used to identify anions through the change of fluorescence.
Highly efficient room-temperature phosphorescence and afterglow luminescence from common organic fluorophores in 2D hybrid perovskites
Authors: Yang Shuming , Wu Duobin , Gong Wenjing , Huang Qiuqin , Zhen Hongyu , Ling Qidan , Lin Zhenghuan
Published: September 2018

A simple and effective strategy on producing solution-processable materials with highly efficient and persistent room-temperature-phosphorescence (RTP) is presented here.
Metallic tin substitution of organic lead perovskite films for efficient solar cells
Authors: Zhao Jinjin , Wei Liyu , Jia Chunmei , Tang Hao , Su Xiao , Ou Yun , Liu Zhenghao , Wang Chen , Zhao Xingyu , Jin Hongyun , Wang Peng , Yu Gang , Zhang Guanglei , Liu Jinxi
Published: September 2018

Low-leaded perovskite solar cells are operated using inorganic active metal substitution of lesser active organometal halide perovskite.
Ultrahigh effective H2/D2 separation in an ultramicroporous metal–organic framework material through quantum sieving
Authors: Cao Dawei , Huang Hongliang , Lan Youshi , Chen Xiaojun , Yang Qingyuan , Liu Dahuan , Gong Yu , Xiao Chengjian , Zhong Chongli , Peng Shuming
Published: September 2018

By cryogenic quantum sieving, an extraordinary selectivity for D2/H2 as high as 41.4 ± 0.4@20 K was for the first time experimentally obtained on an ultramicroporous MOF material.
A hierarchical hydrophilic/hydrophobic cooperative fog collector possessing self-pumped droplet delivering ability
Authors: Bai Haoyu , Zhang Chunhui , Long Zhiyun , Geng Hui , Ba Teer , Fan Yangyang , Yu Cunming , Li Kan , Cao Moyuan , Jiang Lei
Published: September 2018

Continuous and spontaneous fog harvesting, including efficient capture, one-way droplet delivery, and rapid water storage, is achieved in one step.
Reversible encapsulations and stimuli-responsive biological delivery from a dynamically assembled cucurbit[7]uril host and nanoparticle guest scaffold
Authors: Sinha Santu , Das Saha Nilanjana , Sasmal Ranjan , Joshi Divyesh , Chandrasekhar Soumya , Bosco Monica Swetha , Agasti Sarit S.
Published: September 2018

Dynamic host–guest scaffold utilizes bioorthogonal small molecule to achieve therapeutic control.
Role of cysteine 416 inN-ethylmaleimide sensitivity of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1)
Authors: Yao Sylvia Y.M. , Ng Amy M.L. , Cass Carol E. , Young James D.
Published: September 2018

Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1), the first identified member of the ENT family of integral membrane proteins, is the primary mechanism for cellular uptake of physiologic nucleosides and many antineoplastic and antiviral nucleoside drugs. hENT1, which is potently inhibited by nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR), possesses 11 transmembrane helical domains with an intracellular N-terminus and an extracellular C-terminus. As a protein with 10 endogenous cysteine residues, it is sensitive to inhibition by the membrane permeable sulfhydryl-reactive reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) but is unaffected by the membrane impermeable sulfhydryl-reactive reagent p-chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate. To identify the residue(s) involved in NEM inhibition, we created a cysteine-less version of hENT1 (hENT1C-), with all 10 endogenous cysteine residues mutated to serine, and showed that it displays wild-type uridine transport and NBMPR-binding characteristics when produced in the Xenopus oocyte heterologous expression system, indicating that endogenous cysteine residues are not essential for hENT1 function. We then tested NEM sensitivity of recombinant wild-type hENT1, hENT1 mutants C1S to C10S (single cysteine residues replaced by serine), hENT1C- (all cysteine residues replaced by serine), and hENT1C- mutants S1C to S10C (single serine residues converted back to cysteine). Mutants C9S (C416S/hENT1) and S9C (S416C/hENT1C-) were insensitive and sensitive, respectively, to inhibition by NEM, identifying Cys416 as the endofacial cysteine residue in hENT1 responsible for NEM inhibition. Kinetic experiments suggested that NEM modification of Cys416, which is located at the inner extremity of TM10, results in the inhibition of hENT1 uridine transport and NBMPR binding by constraining the protein in its inward-facing conformation.
Global DNA demethylation as an epigenetic marker of human brain metastases
Authors: Barciszewska Anna-Maria
Published: September 2018

Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors in adults. They usually originate from: lung, breast, renal cell and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as melanoma. Prognosis for brain metastases is still poor and classical treatment combining surgery and radiation therapy should be strongly supported with molecular approaches. However, their successful application depends on a deep understanding of not only genetic, but also epigenetic background of the disease. That will result in an earlier and more precise diagnosis, successful treatment, as well as individualized estimation of clinical outcomes and prognosis. It has already been shown that the epigenetic machinery plays a crucial role in cancer biology, development, and progression. Therefore, we decided to look for metastasis through changes in the most studied epigenetic mark, 5-methylcytosine (m5C) in DNA. We performed global analysis of the m5C contents in DNA isolated from the brain metastatic tumor tissue and peripheral blood samples of the same patients, using thin layer chromatography separation of radioactively labeled nucleotides. We found that the m5C level in DNA from brain metastases: changes in the broad range, overlaps with that of blood, and negatively correlates with the increasing tumor grade. Because the amount of m5C in tumor tissue and blood is almost identical, the genomic DNA methylation can be a useful marker for brain metastases detection and differentiation. Our research creates a scope for future studies on epigenetic mechanisms in neuro-oncology and can lead to development of new diagnostic methods in clinical practice.
Human placental exosomes in gestational diabetes mellitus carry a specific set of miRNAs associated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity
Authors: Nair Soumyalekshmi , Jayabalan Nanthini , Guanzon Dominic , Palma Carlos , Scholz-Romero Katherin , Elfeky Omar , Zuñiga Felipe , Ormazabal Valeska , Diaz Emilio , Rice Gregory E. , Duncombe Gregory , Jansson Thomas , McIntyre Harold David , Lappas Martha , Salomon Carlos
Published: September 2018

There is increasing evidence that miRNAs, which are enriched in nanovesicles called exosomes, are important regulators of gene expression. When compared with normal pregnancies, pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with skeletal muscle insulin resistance as well as increased levels of circulating placental exosomes. Here we investigated whether placental exosomes in GDM carry a specific set of miRNAs associated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Exosomes were isolated from chorionic villous (CV) explants from both women with Normal Glucose Tolerant (NGT) and GDM pregnancies. Using miRNA sequencing, we identified a specific set of miRNAs selectively enriched with exosomes and compared with their cells of origin indicating a specific packaging of miRNAs into exosomes. Gene target and ontology analysis of miRNA differentially expressed in exosomes secreted in GDM compared with NGT are associated with pathways regulating cell migration and carbohydrate metabolism. We determined the expression of a selected set of miRNAs in placenta, plasma, and skeletal muscle biopsies from NGT and GDM. Interestingly, the expression of these miRNAs varied in a consistent pattern in the placenta, in circulating exosomes, and in skeletal muscle in GDM. Placental exosomes from GDM pregnancies decreased insulin-stimulated migration and glucose uptake in primary skeletal muscle cells obtained from patients with normal insulin sensitivity. Interestingly, placental exosomes from NGT increase migration and glucose uptake in response to insulin in skeletal muscle from diabetic subjects. These findings suggest that placental exosomes might have a role in the changes on insulin sensitivity in normal and GDM pregnancies.
Development of industrial scale PVC nanocomposites with comprehensive enhancement in dielectric properties
Authors: Abdel‐Gawad Nagat M.K. , El Dein Adel Z. , Mansour Diaa‐Eldin A. , Ahmed Hanaa M. , Darwish Mohamed M. F. , Lehtonen Matti
Published: September 2018

This study aims to develop large‐scale polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanocomposites for industrial application with power cables. To achieve this goal, PVC/silicon dioxide and PVC/titanium dioxide nanocomposites were fabricated with two different loadings of nanoparticles: 0.3 and 0.6 wt.%, in the presence of a suitable coupling agent that was used to reduce the agglomeration of nanoparticles and enhance the compatibility with polymer matrix. The coupling agent used in this study was the amino silane, and the process followed in the nanocomposites preparation was the melt blending method. The dielectric properties of these synthesised nanocomposites were studied by measuring the AC dielectric breakdown strength under the uniform field, then compared with the simulation results. The relative permittivity (ɛr), loss tangent (tan δ), and DC electrical conductivity (σ) were also measured under frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. In addition, the internal discharge measurements are performed using the traditional needle‐plane configuration with the help of phase‐resolved partial discharge (PD) analyser. This technique is used to analyse the PDs activity with respect to the phase angle of the applied voltage. It was found that the dielectric breakdown strength and PD resistance of the prepared samples are increased higher than that of the neat PVC; however, the ɛr, tan δ, and σ at 50 Hz are decreased.
Synthetic simulations of the extragalactic sky seen by eROSITA
Authors: Clerc N. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Ridl J. , Lamer G. , Brunner H. , Hofmann F. , Comparat J. , Pacaud F. , Käfer F. , Reiprich T. H. , Merloni A. , Schmid C. , Brand T. , Wilms J. , Friedrich P. , Finoguenov A. , Dauser T. , Kreykenbohm I.
Published: September 2018

Context. Studies of galaxy clusters provide stringent constraints on models of structure formation. Provided that selection effects are under control, large X-ray surveys are well suited to derive cosmological parameters, in particular those governing the dark energy equation of state.

Aims. We forecast the capabilities of the all-sky eROSITA (extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) survey to be achieved by the early 2020s. We bring special attention to modelling the entire chain from photon emission to source detection and cataloguing.

Methods. The selection function of galaxy clusters for the upcoming eROSITA mission is investigated by means of extensive and dedicated Monte-Carlo simulations. Employing a combination of accurate instrument characterisation and a state-of-the-art source detection technique, we determine a cluster detection efficiency based on the cluster fluxes and sizes.

Results. Using this eROSITA cluster selection function, we find that eROSITA will detect a total of approximately 105 clusters in the extra-galactic sky. This number of clusters will allow eROSITA to put stringent constraints on cosmological models. We show that incomplete assumptions on selection effects, such as neglecting the distribution of cluster sizes, induce a bias in the derived value of cosmological parameters.

Conclusions. Synthetic simulations of the eROSITA sky capture the essential characteristics impacting the next-generation galaxy cluster surveys and they highlight parameters requiring tight monitoring in order to avoid biases in cosmological analyses.
Star formation history and metallicity in the Galactic inner bulge revealed by the red giant branch bump
Authors: Nogueras-Lara F. , Schödel R. , Dong H. , Najarro F. , Gallego-Calvente A. T. , Hilker M. , Gallego-Cano E. , Nishiyama S. , Neumayer N. , Feldmeier-Krause A. , Girard J. H. V. , Cassisi S. , Pietrinferni A.
Published: September 2018

Context. The study of the inner region of the Milky Way bulge is hampered by high interstellar extinction and extreme source crowding. Sensitive high angular resolution near-infrared imaging is needed to study stellar populations and their characteristics in such a dense and complex environment.

Aims. We aim at investigating the stellar population in the innermost Galactic bulge, to study the star formation history in this region of the Galaxy.

Methods. We used the 0.2″ angular resolution JHKs data from the GALACTICNUCLEUS survey to study the stellar population within two 8.0′×3.4′ fields, about 0.6° and 0.4° to the Galactic north of the Milky Way centre and to compare it with the one in the immediate surroundings of Sagittarius A*. We also characterise the absolute extinction and the extinction curve of the two fields.

Results. The average interstellar extinction to the outer and the inner field is AKs ∼ 1.20 ± 0.08 mag and ∼1.48 ± 0.10 mag, respectively. We present Ks luminosity functions that are complete down to at least two magnitudes below the red clump (RC). We detect a feature in the luminosity functions that is fainter than the RC by 0.80 ± 0.03 and 0.79 ± 0.02 mag, respectively, in the Ks band. It runs parallel to the reddening vector. We identify the feature as the red giant branch bump. Fitting α-enhanced BaSTI luminosity functions to our data, we find that a single old stellar population of ∼12.8 ± 0.6 Gyr and Z = 0.040 ± 0.003 provides the best fit. Our findings thus show that the stellar population in the innermost bulge is old, similar to the one at larger distances from the Galactic plane, and that its metallicity is about twice solar at distances as short as about 60 pc from the centre of the Milky Way, similar to what is observed at about 500 pc from the Galactic Centre. Comparing the obtained metallicity with previous known values at larger latitudes (|b| > 2°), our results favour a flattening of the gradient at |b| < 2°. As a secondary result we obtain that the extinction index in the studied regions agrees within the uncertainties with our previous value of α = 2.30 ± 0.08 that was derived for the very Galactic centre.