bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered factor Xa variants retain procoagulant activity independent of direct factor Xa inhibitors
Authors: Verhoef Daniël , Visscher Koen M. , Vosmeer C. Ruben , Cheung Ka Lei , Reitsma Pieter H. , Geerke Daan P. , Bos Mettine H. A.
Published: September 2017

The absence of an adequate reversal strategy to prevent and stop potential life-threatening bleeding complications is a major drawback to the clinical use of the direct oral inhibitors of blood coagulation factor Xa. Here we show that specific modifications of the substrate-binding aromatic S4 subpocket within the factor Xa active site disrupt high-affinity engagement of the direct factor Xa inhibitors. These modifications either entail amino-acid substitution of S4 subsite residues Tyr99 and/or Phe174 (chymotrypsinogen numbering), or extension of the 99-loop that borders the S4 subsite. The latter modifications led to the engineering of a factor Xa variant that is able to support coagulation in human plasma spiked with (supra-)physiological concentrations of direct factor Xa inhibitors. As such, this factor Xa variant has the potential to be employed to bypass the direct factor Xa inhibitor-mediated anticoagulation in patients that require restoration of blood coagulation.
Functional organization of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in cells infected by respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Rincheval Vincent , Lelek Mickael , Gault Elyanne , Bouillier Camille , Sitterlin Delphine , Blouquit-Laye Sabine , Galloux Marie , Zimmer Christophe , Eleouet Jean-François , Rameix-Welti Marie-Anne
Published: September 2017

Infection of cells by respiratory syncytial virus induces the formation of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (IBs) where all the components of the viral RNA polymerase complex are concentrated. However, the exact organization and function of these IBs remain unclear. In this study, we use conventional and super-resolution imaging to dissect the internal structure of IBs. We observe that newly synthetized viral mRNA and the viral transcription anti-terminator M2-1 concentrate in IB sub-compartments, which we term “IB-associated granules” (IBAGs). In contrast, viral genomic RNA, the nucleoprotein, the L polymerase and its cofactor P are excluded from IBAGs. Live imaging reveals that IBAGs are highly dynamic structures. Our data show that IBs are the main site of viral RNA synthesis. They further suggest that shortly after synthesis in IBs, viral mRNAs and M2-1 transiently concentrate in IBAGs before reaching the cytosol and suggest a novel post-transcriptional function for M2-1.
Oxytocin stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis via oxytocin receptor expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Chen Chien-Chung , Huang Chiung-Chun , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Hsu Kuei-Sen
Published: September 2017

In addition to the regulation of social and emotional behaviors, the hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis in adult dentate gyrus; however, the mechanisms underlying the action of oxytocin are still unclear. Taking advantage of the conditional knockout mouse model, we show here that endogenous oxytocin signaling functions in a non-cell autonomous manner to regulate survival and maturation of newly generated dentate granule cells in adult mouse hippocampus via oxytocin receptors expressed in CA3 pyramidal neurons. Through bidirectional chemogenetic manipulations, we also uncover a significant role for CA3 pyramidal neuron activity in regulating adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Retrograde neuronal tracing combined with immunocytochemistry revealed that the oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus project directly to the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Our findings reveal a critical role for oxytocin signaling in adult neurogenesis.
The catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase δ inhibits γTuRC activity and regulates Golgi-derived microtubules
Authors: Shen Yuehong , Liu Pengfei , Jiang Taolue , Hu Yu , Au Franco K. C. , Qi Robert Z.
Published: September 2017

γ-Tubulin ring complexes (γTuRCs) initiate microtubule growth and mediate microtubule attachment at microtubule-organizing centers, such as centrosomes and the Golgi complex. However, the mechanisms that control γTuRC-mediated microtubule nucleation have remained mostly unknown. Here, we show that the DNA polymerase δ catalytic subunit (PolD1) binds directly to γTuRCs and potently inhibits γTuRC-mediated microtubule nucleation. Whereas PolD1 depletion through RNA interference does not influence centrosome-based microtubule growth, the depletion augments microtubule nucleation at the Golgi complex. Conversely, PolD1 overexpression inhibits Golgi-based microtubule nucleation. Golgi-derived microtubules are required for the assembly and maintenance of the proper Golgi structure, and we found that alteration of PolD1 levels affects Golgi structural organization. Moreover, suppression of PolD1 expression impairs Golgi reassembly after nocodazole-induced disassembly and causes defects in Golgi reorientation and directional cell migration. Collectively, these results reveal a mechanism that controls noncentrosomal γTuRC activity and regulates the organization of Golgi-derived microtubules.
Late Permian wood-borings reveal an intricate network of ecological relationships
Authors: Feng Zhuo , Wang Jun , Rößler Ronny , Ślipiński Adam , Labandeira Conrad
Published: September 2017

Beetles are the most diverse group of macroscopic organisms since the mid-Mesozoic. Much of beetle speciosity is attributable to myriad life habits, particularly diverse-feeding strategies involving interactions with plant substrates, such as wood. However, the life habits and early evolution of wood-boring beetles remain shrouded in mystery from a limited fossil record. Here we report new material from the upper Permian (Changhsingian Stage, ca. 254–252 million-years ago) of China documenting a microcosm of ecological associations involving a polyphagan wood-borer consuming cambial and wood tissues of the conifer Ningxiaites specialis. This earliest evidence for a component community of several trophically interacting taxa is frozen in time by exceptional preservation. The combination of an entry tunnel through bark, a cambium mother gallery, and up to 11 eggs placed in lateral niches—from which emerge multi-instar larval tunnels that consume cambium, wood and bark—is ecologically convergent with Early Cretaceous bark-beetle borings 120 million-years later.
Room-temperature 2D semiconductor activated vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
Authors: Shang Jingzhi , Cong Chunxiao , Wang Zilong , Peimyoo Namphung , Wu Lishu , Zou Chenji , Chen Yu , Chin Xin Yu , Wang Jianpu , Soci Cesare , Huang Wei , Yu Ting
Published: September 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors are opening a new platform for revitalizing widely spread optoelectronic applications. The realisation of room-temperature vertical 2D lasing from monolayer semiconductors is fundamentally interesting and highly desired for appealing on-chip laser applications such as optical interconnects and supercomputing. Here, we present room-temperature low-threshold lasing from 2D semiconductor activated vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) under continuous-wave pumping. 2D lasing is achieved from a 2D semiconductor. Structurally, dielectric oxides were used to construct the half-wavelength-thick cavity and distributed Bragg reflectors, in favour of single-mode operation and ultralow optical loss; in the cavity centre, the direct-bandgap monolayer WS2was embedded as the gain medium, compatible with the planar VCSEL configuration and the monolithic integration technology. This work demonstrates 2D semiconductor activated VCSELs with desirable emission characteristics, which represents a major step towards practical optoelectronic applications of 2D semiconductor lasers.
Inherent aggressive character of invasive and non-invasive cells dictates the in vitro migration pattern of multicellular spheroid
Authors: Gayan Sukanya , Teli Abhishek , Dey Tuli
Published: September 2017

Cellular migration, a process relevant to metastasis, is mostly studied in the conventional 2D condition. However, cells cultured in the 3D condition assumed to mimic the in vivo conditions better. The current study is designed to compare an invasive and non-invasive adenocarcinoma cell with an invasive fibrosarcoma cell to understand the migration pattern of the multicellular spheroid. It is observed that conventional haplotaxis, chemotactic and pseudo-3D migration assay cannot distinguish between the invasive and non-invasive cells conclusively under 2D condition. Invasive spheroids migrate rapidly in sprouting assay in comparison to non-invasive spheroids. Effects of cytochalasin B, marimastat and blebbistatin are tested to determine the influence of different migration modality namely actin polymerization, matrix metalloprotease and acto-myosin in both culture conditions. Altered mRNA profile of cellular migration related genes (FAK, Talin, Paxillin, p130cas and Vinculin) is observed between 2D and 3D condition followed by the changed expression of matrix metallo proteases. A distinct difference is observed in distribution and formation of focal adhesion complex under these culture conditions. This study demonstrates the efficacy of multicellular spheroids in identifying the intrinsic aggressive behavior of different cell lines as a proof of concept and recognizes the potential of spheroids as a migration model.
Enhancement of water diffusion and compression performance of crosslinked alginate films with a minuscule amount of graphene oxide
Authors: Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Ruiz-Pividal Juan-Francisco , Llorens-Gámez Mar
Published: September 2017

A series of calcium alginate composite hydrogels with several calcium chloride contents ranging from 3 to 18 wt.% with and without 0.1 wt.% of graphene oxide (GO) was prepared in order to study the effect of crosslinking and nanofilling on water diffusion and compression performance. Thus, for high crosslinker contents, these composite hydrogels exhibited ultrafast diffusion of liquid water and excellent compression properties as compared with control (0 wt.% GO and the same crosslinking). These remarkable results are produced due to calcium cations are able to crosslink alginate and also graphene oxide nanosheets to form large crosslinked GO networks inside the calcium alginate hydrogels. Besides, these crosslinked GO/calcium alginate networks present nanochannels, as confirmed by electron microscopy, able to improve significantly water diffusion. Thus, these composite materials are very promising for many industrial applications demanding low-cost hydrogels with improved mechanical and water diffusion properties.
Transcriptome analysis of developing lens reveals abundance of novel transcripts and extensive splicing alterations
Authors: Srivastava Rajneesh , Budak Gungor , Dash Soma , Lachke Salil A. , Janga Sarath Chandra
Published: September 2017

Lens development involves a complex and highly orchestrated regulatory program. Here, we investigate the transcriptomic alterations and splicing events during mouse lens formation using RNA-seq data from multiple developmental stages, and construct a molecular portrait of known and novel transcripts. We show that the extent of novelty of expressed transcripts decreases significantly in post-natal lens compared to embryonic stages. Characterization of novel transcripts into partially novel transcripts (PNTs) and completely novel transcripts (CNTs) (novelty score ≥ 70%) revealed that the PNTs are both highly conserved across vertebrates and highly expressed across multiple stages. Functional analysis of PNTs revealed their widespread role in lens developmental processes while hundreds of CNTs were found to be widely expressed and predicted to encode for proteins. We verified the expression of four CNTs across stages. Examination of splice isoforms revealed skipped exon and retained intron to be the most abundant alternative splicing events during lens development. We validated by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, the predicted splice isoforms of several genes Banf1, Cdk4, Cryaa, Eif4g2, Pax6, and Rbm5. Finally, we present a splicing browser Eye Splicer (http://www.iupui.edu/~sysbio/eye-splicer/), to facilitate exploration of developmentally altered splicing events and to improve understanding of post-transcriptional regulatory networks during mouse lens development.
Honeycomb-like ZnO Mesoporous Nanowall Arrays Modified with Ag Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Feng Yimeng , Wang Guojing , Liao Jiecui , Li Wei , Chen Chienhua , Li Mingyang , Li Zhengcao
Published: September 2017

A new structure of honeycomb-like ZnO mesoporous nanowall arrays (MNWAs) with highly efficient photocatalytic activity was designed and successfully synthesized on Al foil by hydrothermal method. The nanowalls of ZnO-MNWAs have mesopores, which possess a large surface area. The visible light absorption of ZnO-MNWAs was efficiently stronger than ZnO nanowire, resulting in that the photocatalytic activity of ZnO-MNWAs, whose bandgap energy was 3.12 eV, was 5.97 times than that of ZnO nanowires in the degradation of methyl orange. Besides, Al foil acted as a good electron conductor which was beneficial to the separation of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. After modifying ZnO-MNWAs with a proper amount of Ag nanoparticles (NPs), photocatalytic activity could be further enhanced. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO-MNWAs with the optimal amount of Ag NPs was 9.08 times than that of ZnO nanowires and 1.52 times than that of pure ZnO-MNWAs.
Qubit-mediated deterministic nonlinear gates for quantum oscillators
Authors: Park Kimin , Marek Petr , Filip Radim
Published: September 2017

Quantum nonlinear operations for harmonic oscillator systems play a key role in the development of analog quantum simulators and computers. Since strong highly nonlinear operations are often unavailable in the existing physical systems, it is a common practice to approximate them by using conditional measurement-induced methods. The conditional approach has several drawbacks, the most severe of which is the exponentially decreasing success rate of the strong and complex nonlinear operations. We show that by using a suitable two level system sequentially interacting with the oscillator, it is possible to resolve these issues and implement a nonlinear operation both nearly deterministically and nearly perfectly. We explicitly demonstrate the approach by constructing self-Kerr and cross-Kerr couplings in a realistic situation, which require a feasible dispersive coupling between the two-level system and the oscillator.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs in experimental and human temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Korotkov A. , Mills J. D. , Gorter J. A. , van Vliet E. A. , Aronica E.
Published: September 2017

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common chronic neurological disease in humans. A number of studies have demonstrated differential expression of miRNAs in the hippocampus of humans with TLE and in animal models of experimental epilepsy. However, the dissimilarities in experimental design have led to largely discordant results across these studies. Thus, a comprehensive comparison is required in order to better characterize miRNA profiles obtained in various post-status epilepticus (SE) models. We therefore created a database and performed a meta-analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs across 3 post-SE models of epileptogenesis (electrical stimulation, pilocarpine and kainic acid) and human TLE with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS). The database includes data from 11 animal post-SE studies and 3 human TLE-HS studies. A total of 378 differentially expressed miRNAs were collected (274 up-regulated and 198 down-regulated) and analyzed with respect to the post-SE model, time point and animal species. We applied the novel robust rank aggregation method to identify consistently differentially expressed miRNAs across the profiles. It highlighted common and unique miRNAs at different stages of epileptogenesis. The pathway analysis revealed involvement of these miRNAs in key pathogenic pathways underlying epileptogenesis, including inflammation, gliosis and deregulation of the extracellular matrix.
PHF7, a novel male gene influences female fecundity and population growth in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Ge Lin-Quan , Xia Ting , Huang Bo , Gu Hao-Tian , Song Qi-Sheng , Yang Guo-Qing , Liu Fang , Wu Jin-Cai
Published: September 2017

PHF7 exhibits male-specific expression in early germ cells, germline stem cells and spermatogonia in insects, and its expression promotes spermatogenesis in germ cells when they are present in a male soma. However, the influence of male-specific PHF7 on female reproductive biology via mating remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the potential impacts of male PHF7, existed in seminal fluid of Nilaparvata lugens (NlPHF7), on fecundity and population growth via mating. Our results revealed that suppressing male NlPHF7 expression by RNAi led to decreases in body weight, soluble accessory gland protein content, arginine content, and reproductive organ development in males, resulting in significant reduction of oviposition periods and fecundity in females, and significant decrease in body weight, fat body and ovarian protein content, yeast-like symbionts abundance, ovarian development and vitellogenin gene expression in their female mating partners. Similarly, suppression of NlPHF7 expression in males mated with the control female reduced population growth and egg hatching rate, but did not influence gender ratio. We infer that NlPHF7 play a role important in stimulating female fecundity via mating. This study provides valuable information by identifying a potentially effective target gene for managing BPH population through RNAi.
Thermodynamics of nanodisc formation mediated by styrene/maleic acid (2:1) copolymer
Authors: Grethen Anne , Oluwole Abraham Olusegun , Danielczak Bartholomäus , Vargas Carolyn , Keller Sandro
Published: September 2017

Styrene/maleic acid copolymers (SMA) have recently attracted great interest for in vitro studies of membrane proteins, as they self-insert into and fragment biological membranes to form polymer-bounded nanodiscs that provide a native-like lipid-bilayer environment. SMA copolymers are available in different styrene/maleic acid ratios and chain lengths and, thus, possess different charge densities, hydrophobicities, and solubilisation properties. Here, we studied the equilibrium solubilisation properties of the most commonly used copolymer, SMA(2:1), by monitoring the formation of nanodiscs from phospholipid vesicles using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. Comparison of SMA(2:1) phase diagrams with those of SMA(3:1) and diisobutylene/maleic acid (DIBMA) revealed that, on a mass concentration scale, SMA(2:1) is the most efficient membrane solubiliser, despite its relatively mild effects on the thermotropic phase behaviour of solubilised lipids. In contrast with previous kinetic studies, our equilibrium experiments demonstrate that the solubilisation of phospholipid bilayers by SMA(2:1) is most efficient at moderately alkaline pH values. This pH dependence was also observed for the solubilisation of native Escherichia coli membranes, for which SMA(2:1) again turned out to be the most powerful solubiliser in terms of the total amounts of membrane proteins extracted.
Role of RKKY torque on domain wall motion in synthetic antiferromagnetic nanowires with opposite spin Hall angles
Authors: Krishnia S. , Sethi P. , Gan W. L. , Kholid F. N. , Purnama I. , Ramu M. , Herng T. S. , Ding J. , Lew W. S.
Published: September 2017

We experimentally show the effect of enhanced spin-orbit and RKKY induced torques on the current-induced motion of a pair of domain walls (DWs), which are coupled antiferromagnetically in synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) nanowires. The torque from the spin Hall effect (SHE) rotates the Néel DWs pair into the transverse direction, which is due to the fact that heavy metals of opposite spin Hall angles are deposited at the top and the bottom ferromagnetic interfaces. The rotation of both DWs in non-collinear fashion largely perturbs the antiferromagnetic coupling, which in turn stimulates an enhanced interlayer RKKY exchange torque that improved the DW velocity. The interplay between the SHE-induced torque and the RKKY exchange torque is validated via micromagnetic simulations. In addition, the DW velocity can be further improved by increasing the RKKY exchange strength.
Novel insight into streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats from the protein misfolding perspective
Authors: Leyva-García Edgar , Lara-Martínez Reyna , Morán-Zanabria Liborio , Revilla-Monsalve Cristina , Jiménez-García Luis Felipe , Oviedo Norma , Murata Chiharu , Garrido-Magaña Eulalia , Altamirano-Bustamante Nelly F. , Altamirano-Bustamante Myriam M.
Published: September 2017

Protein folding is a process of self-assembly defined by the sequence of the amino acids of the protein involved. Additionally, proteins tend to unfold, misfold and aggregate due to both intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) aggregation is an early step in diabetes mellitus. However, the aggregation of rat IAPP (rIAPP) remains an open question. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150–250 g were divided into two groups. The experimental group (streptozotocin [STZ]) (n = 21) received an intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 40 mg/kg STZ. We used the mouse anti-IAPP antibody and the anti-amyloid oligomer antibody to study the temporal course of rIAPP oligomerization during STZ-induced diabetes using a wide array of methods, strategies and ideas derived from biochemistry, cell biology, and proteomic medicine. Here, we demonstrated the tendency of rIAPP to aggregate and trigger cooperative processes of self-association or hetero-assembly that lead to the formation of amyloid oligomers (trimers and hexamers). Our results are the first to demonstrate the role of rIAPP amyloid oligomers in the development of STZ-induced diabetes in rats. The IAPP amyloid oligomers are biomarkers of the onset and progression of diabetes and could play a role as therapeutic targets.
Digging into the low molecular weight peptidome with the OligoNet web server
Authors: Liu Youzhong , Forcisi Sara , Lucio Marianna , Harir Mourad , Bahut Florian , Deleris-Bou Magali , Krieger-Weber Sibylle , Gougeon Régis D. , Alexandre Hervé , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: September 2017

Bioactive peptides play critical roles in regulating many biological processes. Recently, natural short peptides biomarkers are drawing significant attention and are considered as “hidden treasure” of drug candidates. High resolution and high mass accuracy provided by mass spectrometry (MS)-based untargeted metabolomics would enable the rapid detection and wide coverage of the low-molecular-weight peptidome. However, translating unknown masses (<1 500 Da) into putative peptides is often limited due to the lack of automatic data processing tools and to the limit of peptide databases. The web server OligoNet responds to this challenge by attempting to decompose each individual mass into a combination of amino acids out of metabolomics datasets. It provides an additional network-based data interpretation named “Peptide degradation network” (PDN), which unravels interesting relations between annotated peptides and generates potential functional patterns. The ab initio PDN built from yeast metabolic profiling data shows a great similarity with well-known metabolic networks, and could aid biological interpretation. OligoNet allows also an easy evaluation and interpretation of annotated peptides in systems biology, and is freely accessible at https://daniellyz200608105.shinyapps.io/OligoNet/.
Evaluation of therapeutic potential of the silver/silver chloride nanoparticles synthesized with the aqueous leaf extract of Rumex acetosa
Authors: Kota Sobha , Dumpala Pradeep , Anantha Ratna Kumari , Verma Mahendra Kumar , Kandepu Surendranath
Published: September 2017

Silver nanoparticles were green synthesized with the aqueous leaf extract of the widely consumed green leafy vegetable, Rumex acetosa (sorrel) and the obtained silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were tested for their in vitro antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma (HOS) cell lines and antibacterial effects against sixteen human pathogenic clinical isolates. Different analytical techniques viz. UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX and TEM were employed to characterize the synthesized Ag NPs. Surface Plasmon spectra for the Ag NPs with brownish black color were centered approximately at 448 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of reactive N-H and O-H groups that are effective in reducing Ag(I) ions to Ag(0) which then reacted with the contents of the extract to AgCl/Ag2C2O4. From SEM and TEM analyses, the particles were found to be predominantly spherical in shape and ranged in size from 5 nm to 80 nm, but were largely in the range of 15 nm to 20 nm. Ag NPs showed considerable antioxidant activity, and all the sixteen clinical isolates of human pathogens tested were significantly inhibited. Also, HOS cell lines were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited at 25% concentration of the Ag NPs extract, while showing a marginal revival at 50% and 100% concentrations.
Malignancy risk stratification of thyroid nodules: comparisons of four ultrasound Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems in surgically resected nodules
Authors: Wang Ying , Lei Kai-Rong , He Ya-Ping , Li Xiao-Long , Ren Wei-Wei , Zhao Chong-Ke , Bo Xiao-Wan , Wang Dan , Sun Cheng-Yu , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: September 2017

To compare the efficiency of four different ultrasound (US) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) in malignancy risk stratification in surgically resected thyroid nodules (TNs). The study included 547 benign TNs and 464 malignant TNs. US images of the TNs were retrospectively reviewed and categorized according to the TI-RADSs published by Horvath Eet al. (TI-RADS H), Parket al. (TI-RADS P), Kwaket al. (TI-RADS K) and Russet al. (TI-RADS R). The diagnostic performances for the four TI-RADSs were then compared. At multivariate analysis, among the suspicious US features, marked hypoechogenicity was the most significant independent predictor for malignancy (OR: 15.344, 95% CI: 5.313-44.313) (P < 0.05). Higher sensitivity was seen in TI-RADS H, TI-RADS K, TI-RADS R comparing with TI-RADS P (P < 0.05 for all), whereas the specificity, accuracy and area under the ROC curve (Az) of TI-RADS P were the highest (all P < 0.05). Higher specificity, accuracy and Az were seen in TI-RADS K compared with TI-RADS R (P = 0.003). With its higher sensitivity, TI-RADS K, a simple predictive model, is practical and convenient for the management of TNs in clinical practice. The study indicates that there is a good concordance between TI-RADS categories and histopathology.
RNAi-mediated silencing of a pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase enhances triacylglycerol biosynthesis in the oleaginous marine alga Nannochloropsis salina
Authors: Ma Xiaonian , Yao Lina , Yang Bo , Lee Yuan Kun , Chen Feng , Liu Jin
Published: September 2017

Oleaginous microalgae have been emerging as the third-generation feedstocks for biofuel production. Genetic manipulation for improving triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation represents a promising approach towards the economics of microalgal biofuels. Acetyl-CoA, the essential carbon precursor for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, can be derived from pyruvate catalyzed by pyruvate dehydrogenase, which is negatively regulated by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). In the present study, we characterized a PDK gene (NsPDK) from Nannochloropsis salina. Subcellular localization assay assisted by green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusion indicated the localization of NsPDK in mitochondria of N. salina cells. NsPDK knockdown via RNA interference strategy attenuated NsPDK expression at the mRNA level and its enzymatic activity in vivo, leading to faster TAG accumulation without compromising cell growth under high light stress conditions. Interestingly, the TAG increase was accompanied by a decline in membrane polar lipids. NsPDK knockdown also altered fatty acid profile in N. salina. Furthermore, transcriptional analysis suggested that the carbon metabolic pathways might be influenced by NsPDK knockdown leading to diverted carbon flux towards TAG synthesis. Taken together, our results demonstrate the role of NsPDK in regulating TAG accumulation and provide valuable insights into future manipulation of oleaginous microalgae for improving biofuel production.
The Homologous Recombination Machinery Orchestrates Post-replication DNA Repair During Self-renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Choi Eui-Hwan , Yoon Seobin , Park Kyung-Soon , Kim Keun P.
Published: September 2017

Embryonic stem (ES) cells require homologous recombination (HR) to cope with genomic instability caused during self-renewal. Here, we report expression dynamics and localization of endogenous HR factors in DNA break repair of ES cells. In addition, we analyzed gene expression patterns of HR-related factors at the transcript level with RNA-sequencing experiments. We showed that ES cells constitutively expressed diverse HR proteins throughout the cell cycle and that HR protein expression was not significantly changed even in the DNA damaging conditions. We further analyzed that depleting Rad51 resulted in the accumulation of larger single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps, but did not perturb DNA replication, indicating that ES cells were able to enter the G2-phase in the presence of unrepaired DNA gaps, consistent with the possibility that post-replication repair helps avoid stalling at the G2/M checkpoint. Interestingly, caffeine treatment inhibited the formation of Rad51 or Rad54 foci, but not the formation of γH2AX and Exo1 foci, which led to incomplete HR in ssDNA, thus increasing DNA damage sensitivity. Our results suggested that ES cells possess conserved HR-promoting machinery to ensure effective recruitment of the HR proteins to DNA breaks, thereby driving proper chromosome duplication and cell cycle progression in ES cells.
Matrisome Profiling During Intervertebral Disc Development And Ageing
Authors: Caldeira Joana , Santa Cátia , Osório Hugo , Molinos Maria , Manadas Bruno , Gonçalves Raquel , Barbosa Mário
Published: September 2017

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is often the cause of low back pain. Degeneration occurs with age and is accompanied by extracellular matrix (ECM) depletion, culminating in nucleus pulpous (NP) extrusion and IVD destruction. The changes that occur in the disc with age have been under investigation. However, a thorough study of ECM profiling is needed, to better understand IVD development and age-associated degeneration. As so, iTRAQ LC-MS/MS analysis of foetus, young and old bovine NPs, was performed to define the NP matrisome. The enrichment of Collagen XII and XIV in foetus, Fibronectin and Prolargin in elder NPs and Collagen XI in young ones was independently validated. This study provides the first matrisome database of healthy discs during development and ageing, which is key to determine the pathways and processes that maintain disc homeostasis. The factors identified may help to explain age-associated IVD degeneration or constitute putative effectors for disc regeneration.
Synthesis of enhanced phosphonic functional groups mesoporous silica for uranium selective adsorption from aqueous solutions
Authors: Sarafraz H. , Minuchehr A. , Alahyarizadeh Gh. , Rahimi Z.
Published: September 2017

Enhanced phosphonic functional group (PFG)-based mesoporous silicas (MSs) were synthesized by hydrothermal method for uranium [U(VI)] selective adsorption from aqueous solutions. Considering that PFGs are directly related to U(VI) adsorption, the main idea of this research was to synthesize enhanced PFG-MSs and consequently enhance U(VI) adsorption. We synthesized two kinds of MSs based on acetic and phosphoric acids at weakly acidic pH, which allows high-loading phosphonic functionality. The main sodium and phosphonic functionality sources were sodium metasilicate and diethylphosphatoethyltriethoxysilane (DPTS). Adsorption experiment results exhibit enhanced U(VI) adsorption capacity from 55.75 mg/g to 207.6 mg/g for acetic and phosphoric acids, respectively. This finding was due to the enhancement of PFGs by phosphoric acids. The highest adsorption selectivity was 79.82% for U(VI) among the six different elements, including Pb, As, Cu, Mo, Ni, and K. Structural characterization of the samples was performed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis methods. Element concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Several parameters affecting adsorption capacity, including pH, contact time, initial U(VI) concentration and solution volume, and adsorbent concentration, were also investigated.
Performance-based ability emotional intelligence benefits working memory capacity during performance on hot tasks
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cobo María José , Cabello Rosario , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo
Published: September 2017

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions. Higher scores on this ability measured through performance tests (but no through self-reports) appears to be related to better performance on “hot” (emotionally laden) cognitive tasks. However, there are relatively few studies concerning how EI may benefit the working memory capacity (WMC). Thus, the objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between EI (as measured through a performance-based ability test, a self-report mixed test, and a self-report ability test) and the WMC during the performance of hot and “cool” (i.e., non-emotionally laden) “2-back” tasks. 203 participants completed three EI tests as well as two 2-back tasks. The results provide evidence for better performance of higher EI participants (specifically in the managing branch) measured through the performance-based ability test, but only on the hot task. For the self-report mixed model, incongruent results were found, and no correlations were obtained using the self-report ability model. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of the validity of the various EI models.
Highly chromophoric Cy5-methionine for N-terminal fluorescent tagging of proteins in eukaryotic translation systems
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Seong Baik Lin
Published: September 2017

Despite significant advances on fluorescent labeling of target proteins to study their structural dynamics and function, there has been need for labeling with high quantum yield ensuring high sensitivity and selectivity without sacrificing the biological function of the protein. Here as a technical advancement over non-canonical amino acid incorporation, we provided a conceptual design of the N-terminal fluorescent tagging of proteins. Cy5-labeled methionine (Cy5-Met) was chemically synthesized, and then the purified Cy5-Met was coupled with synthetic human initiator tRNA by methionine tRNA synthetase. Cy5-Met-initiator tRNA (Cy5-Met-tRNAi) was purified and transfected into HeLa cells with HIV-Tat plasmid, resulting in an efficient production of Cy5-labeled HIV-Tat protein. Based on the universal requirement in translational initiation, the approach provides co-translational incorporation of N-terminal probe to a repertoire of proteins in the eukaryote system. This methodology has potential utility in the single molecule analysis of human proteins in vitro and in vivo for addressing to their complex biological structural and functional dynamics.
Purification of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots via the liquid–liquid extraction system of tetrahydrofuran–(NH4)2SO4–water and its application to sensitive iron(iii) ions determination
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Tang Shaokang , Zhang Shaopei , Chen Yi
Published: September 2017

Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots were purified via a liquid–liquid extraction system and can be used as a fluorescent probe for recognition of Fe3+.
Isoreticular expansion of polyMOFs achieves high surface area materials
Authors: Schukraft Giulia E. M. , Ayala Sergio , Dick Benjamin L. , Cohen Seth M.
Published: September 2017

Polymer–MOF hybrid materials (polyMOFs) are shown to adhere to the principle of isoreticular expansion, generating polyMOFs with large surface areas and enhanced stability.
Retracted Article: Polymer nanodiscs and macro-nanodiscs of a varying lipid composition
Authors: Ramadugu Venkata Sudheer Kumar , Di Mauro Giacomo Maria , Ravula Thirupathi , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: September 2017

Enhancing the utility of polymer lipid nanodiscs in structural biology applications.
A theoretical study of complexes between fullerenes and concave receptors with interest in photovoltaics
Authors: Cabaleiro-Lago E. M. , Rodríguez-Otero J. , Carrazana-García J. A.
Published: September 2017

The proper combination of host and guest allows controlling the stability and charge transfer capability of fullerene–concave receptor complexes.
Self-assembly of diphenylalanine with preclick components as capping groups
Authors: Gemma Andrea , Mayans Enric , Ballano Gema , Torras Juan , Díaz Angélica , Jiménez Ana I. , Puiggalí Jordi , Cativiela Carlos , Alemán Carlos
Published: September 2017

Alkyne and azide, which are commonly used in the cycloaddition reaction recognized as “click chemistry”, have been used as capping groups of two engineered diphenylalanine (FF) derivatives due to their ability to form weak intermolecular interactions (i.e. dipole–π and π–π stacking).
Concerted double proton-transfer electron-transfer between catechol and superoxide radical anion
Authors: Quintero-Saumeth Jorge , Rincón David A. , Doerr Markus , Daza Martha C.
Published: September 2017

Catechol reacts with a superoxide anion via concerted double proton-transfer electron-transfer with a reaction rate that is dominated by tunneling.
A mechanistic study of the Knoevenagel condensation reaction: new insights into the influence of acid and base properties of mixed metal oxide catalysts on the catalytic activity
Authors: Li Jerry P. H. , Adesina Adesoji A. , Kennedy Eric M. , Stockenhuber Michael
Published: September 2017

Insight into the Knoevenagel condensation reaction mechanism over the surface of solid catalysts, determined through in situ methods and kinetic expressions.
The effect of regioisomerism on the photophysical properties of alkylated-naphthalene liquids
Authors: Narayan B. , Nagura K. , Takaya T. , Iwata K. , Shinohara A. , Shinmori H. , Wang H. , Li Q. , Sun X. , Li H. , Ishihara S. , Nakanishi T.
Published: September 2017

Novel alkylated naphthalene liquids with a correlation among the 1- and 2-regioisomeric chemical structures and their photophysical, calorimetric and rheological properties are presented.
Radionuclides in oncology clinical practice – review of the literature
Authors: Luna Pais Helena , Alho Irina , Vendrell Inês , Mansinho André , Costa Luís
Published: September 2017

Radionuclide therapy is a promising type of targeted therapy for cancer and its use is becoming more common in several types of malignant tumors.
Iron(ii) complexes of 2-mercaptopyridine as rubredoxin site analogues
Authors: Halder Partha , Ghorai Santanu , Banerjee Sridhar , Mondal Biswajit , Rana Atanu
Published: September 2017

The present work presents a structural and functional model of rubredoxin and emphasizes the effect of the secondary coordination sphere on the redox potential.
Site preferences in hetero-metallic [Fe9−xNix] clusters: a combined crystallographic, spectroscopic and theoretical analysis
Authors: Georgopoulou Anastasia N. , Al-Ameed Karrar , Boudalis Athanassios K. , Anagnostopoulos Dimitrios F. , Psycharis Vassilis , McGrady John E. , Sanakis Yiannis , Raptopoulou Catherine P.
Published: September 2017

The distribution of Fe(ii) and Ni(ii) over two distinct metal sites in [Fe9−xNix] clusters is studied by X-ray crystallography, Mössbauer and XRF spectroscopies, and DFT calculations.
Polycatenation tuned microporosity of two metal–tris(4′-carboxybiphenyl)amine frameworks with multilayer structures
Authors: He Yan-Ping , Yuan Lv-Bing , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2017

By employing a nanosized tris(4′-carboxybiphenyl)amine ligand to assemble with Zn2+ ions, a novel trilayer network (FIR-37) and an unprecedented 2D → 3D microporous polycatenation framework (FIR-38) based on unusual tetralayers have been synthesized and structurally characterized.
A hybrid of CdS/HCa2Nb3O10 ultrathin nanosheets for promoting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xiong Jinhua , Jing Kaiqiang , Zou Junhua , Liang Shijing , Wu Ling
Published: September 2017

A hybrid of CdS/HCa2Nb3O10 ultrathin nanosheets with a tough heterointerface was successfully fabricated. Efficient interfacial charge transfer from CdS to HCa2Nb3O10 nanosheets was achieved to realize the enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
Flexibly assembled and readily detachable photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Shi , Hou Kaili , Xing Yujin , Dong Qingshun , Wang Kai , Lv Yanping , Shi Yantao
Published: September 2017

A flexibly assembled and readily detachable perovskite solar cell is introduced and paves the way for innovative cell design.
New dimensions in salt–solvent mixtures: a 4th evolution of ionic liquids
Authors: MacFarlane Douglas R. , Chong Alison L. , Forsyth Maria , Kar Mega , Vijayaraghavan R. , Somers Anthony , Pringle Jennifer M.
Published: September 2017

The important properties and applications of molecular liquid mixtures with ionic liquids and low melting organic salts are discussed.
Encapsulation of phytosterols and phytosterol esters in liposomes made with soy phospholipids by high pressure homogenization
Authors: Wang Fan C. , Acevedo Nuria , Marangoni Alejandro G.
Published: September 2017

Free phytosterols and phytosterol esters were encapsulated in liposomes made with soy phospholipids using a high-pressure homogenizer. The liposome diameter increased with phytosterol content, particularly free sterols.
High performance blue quantum dot light-emitting diodes employing polyethylenimine ethoxylated as the interfacial modifier
Authors: Shi Ying-Li , Liang Feng , Hu Yun , Zhuo Ming-Peng , Wang Xue-Dong , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: September 2017

A high-efficiency inverted blue QLED device achieved the maximum EQE of 7.86% by employing interfacial modifications with the organic polymer PEIE.
An intelligent NIR-responsive chelate copper-based anticancer nanoplatform for synergistic tumor targeted chemo-phototherapy
Authors: Feng Qianhua , Zhang Wanxia , Li Yuzhen , Yang Xuemei , Hao Yongwei , Zhang Hongling , Li Wei , Hou Lin , Zhang Zhenzhong
Published: September 2017

The chelate copper-based anticancer drug bleomycin (BLM) is usually believed to bind metal ions especially Cu(ii) to generate the “activated BLM” for DNA cleavage. This study offered a platform for simultaneous NIR-mediated temperature-responsive BLM and copper ion release, which further initiated the generation of the “activated BLM”.
Cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly synthesis of nitrogen-doped ordered mesoporous carbon nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Wei , Asif Muhammad , Yu Yang , Wang Zhengyun , Wang Junlei , Liu Hongfang , Xiao Junwu
Published: September 2017

An efficient ORR catalyst (Co/N-OMCNS) is skillfully prepared by a cobalt ion-coordinated self-assembly and subsequent annealing.
RGD-QD-MoS2 nanosheets for targeted fluorescent imaging and photothermal therapy of cancer
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Xiu Weijun , Sun Yiting , Zhu Di , Zhang Qi , Yuwen Lihui , Weng Lixing , Teng Zhaogang , Wang Lianhui
Published: September 2017

Multifunctional RGD-QD-MoS2 nanosheets were prepared and used for targeted fluorescent imaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer.
Nano- and micromotors for cleaning polluted waters: focused review on pollutant removal mechanisms
Authors: Eskandarloo Hamed , Kierulf Arkaye , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: September 2017

Nano- and micromotors are machines designed to self-propel and—in the process of propelling themselves—perform specialized tasks like cleaning polluted waters.
The influences of added polysaccharides on the properties of bacterial crystalline nanocellulose
Authors: Chi Kai , Catchmark Jeffrey M.
Published: September 2017

Modulating both cellulose crystallization and bundling produces crystalline nanocellulose with improved properties.
Directed nucleophilic addition of phenoxides to cyclopropenes
Authors: Yamanushkin Pavel , Lu-Diaz Michael , Edwards Andrew , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Rubina Marina , Rubin Michael
Published: September 2017

The alkali metal-templated addition of aryloxides across the double bond of non-conjugated cyclopropenes is described. High cis-selectivity is achieved through a directing effect of a strategically positioned carboxamide functionality.
Efficient and regioselective one-step synthesis of 7-aryl-5-methyl- and 5-aryl-7-methyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Massari Serena , Desantis Jenny , Nannetti Giulio , Sabatini Stefano , Tortorella Sara , Goracci Laura , Cecchetti Violetta , Loregian Arianna , Tabarrini Oriana
Published: September 2017

Two facile and efficient one-step procedures for the regioselective synthesis of 7-aryl-5-methyl- and 5-aryl-7-methyl-2-amino-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines.
Room-temperature Cu-catalyzed N-arylation of aliphatic amines in neat water
Authors: Wang Deping , Zheng Yanwen , Yang Min , Zhang Fuxing , Mao Fangfang , Yu Jiangxi , Xia Xiaohong
Published: September 2017

A room-temperature copper-catalyzedN-arylation of aliphatic amines with great selectivity and substrate scope tolerance in neat water has been developed.
Synthesis of microporous organic polymers via radical polymerization of fumaronitrile with divinylbenzene
Authors: Xie Feifei , Hu Wei , Ding Lei , Tian Ke , Wu Zhengchen , Li Lei
Published: September 2017

To circumvent the intractable disadvantages of a hyper-cross-linked strategy based on the Friedel–Crafts reaction, a new type of microporous organic polymer (MOP) has been successfully prepared using fumaronitrile and divinylbenzene via alternating radical polymerization.
Sequence-controlled molecular layers on surfaces by thiol–ene chemistry: synthesis and multitechnique characterization
Authors: Llevot A. , Steinmüller S. O. , Bitterer B. , Ridder B. , Berson J. , Walheim S. , Schimmel T. , Bräse S. , Scheiba F. , Meier M. A. R.
Published: September 2017

Silicon surfaces were functionalized by thiol–ene chemistry using sequential reactions of different α,ω-dienes and α,ω-dithiols bearing marker moieties.
Transition metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of nitrogen-linked 1,6-diynes: a straightforward route to fused pyrrolidine systems
Authors: Babazadeh Mirzaagha , Soleimani-Amiri Somayeh , Vessally Esmail , Hosseinian Akram , Edjlali Ladan
Published: September 2017

Transition metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of nitrogen-linked 1,6-diynes with unsaturated motifs have recently attracted more attention from synthetic organic chemists because of their high efficiency in the construction of numerous pyrrolidine based systems.
Formylation or methylation: what determines the chemoselectivity of the reaction of amine, CO2, and hydrosilane catalyzed by 1,3,2-diazaphospholene?
Authors: Lu Yu , Gao Zhong-Hua , Chen Xiang-Yu , Guo Jiandong , Liu Zheyuan , Dang Yanfeng , Ye Song , Wang Zhi-Xiang
Published: September 2017

A DFT study demonstrates that methylation and formylation of amines with CO2 and hydrosilane, catalyzed by 1,3,2-diazaphospholene, are two competitive reaction channels.
Multidimensional performance optimization of conducting polymer-based supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Fong Kara D. , Wang Tiesheng , Smoukov Stoyan K.
Published: September 2017

We review the most promising design strategies for enhanced conducting polymer-based supercapacitors, summarizing the challenges and recent progress in optimizing each of the most important metrics of supercapacitor performance.