bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome editing for horticultural crop improvement
Authors: Xu Jiemeng , Hua Kai , Lang Zhaobo
Published: October 2019

Horticultural crops provide humans with many valuable products. The improvement of the yield and quality of horticultural crops has been receiving increasing research attention. Given the development and advantages of genome-editing technologies, research that uses genome editing to improve horticultural crops has substantially increased in recent years. Here, we briefly review the different genome-editing systems used in horticultural research with a focus on clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9)-mediated genome editing. We also summarize recent progress in the application of genome editing for horticultural crop improvement. The combination of rapidly advancing genome-editing technology with breeding will greatly increase horticultural crop production and quality.
Democratized image analytics by visual programming through integration of deep models and small-scale machine learning
Authors: Godec Primož , Pančur Matjaž , Ilenič Nejc , Čopar Andrej , Stražar Martin , Erjavec Aleš , Pretnar Ajda , Demšar Janez , Starič Anže , Toplak Marko , Žagar Lan , Hartman Jan , Wang Hamilton , Bellazzi Riccardo , Petrovič Uroš , Garagna Silvia , Zuccotti Maurizio , Park Dongsu , Shaulsky Gad , Zupan Blaž
Published: October 2019

Analysis of biomedical images requires computational expertize that are uncommon among biomedical scientists. Deep learning approaches for image analysis provide an opportunity to develop user-friendly tools for exploratory data analysis. Here, we use the visual programming toolbox Orange (http://orange.biolab.si) to simplify image analysis by integrating deep-learning embedding, machine learning procedures, and data visualization. Orange supports the construction of data analysis workflows by assembling components for data preprocessing, visualization, and modeling. We equipped Orange with components that use pre-trained deep convolutional networks to profile images with vectors of features. These vectors are used in image clustering and classification in a framework that enables mining of image sets for both novel and experienced users. We demonstrate the utility of the tool in image analysis of progenitor cells in mouse bone healing, identification of developmental competence in mouse oocytes, subcellular protein localization in yeast, and developmental morphology of social amoebae.
Rapid selection and identification of functional CD8+ T cell epitopes from large peptide-coding libraries
Authors: Sharma Govinda , Rive Craig M. , Holt Robert A.
Published: October 2019

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells recognize and eliminate infected or malignant cells that present peptide epitopes derived from intracellularly processed antigens on their surface. However, comprehensive profiling of specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-bound peptide epitopes that are naturally processed and capable of eliciting a functional T cell response has been challenging. Here, we report a method for deep and unbiased T cell epitope profiling, using in vitro co-culture of CD8+ T cells together with target cells transduced with high-complexity, epitope-encoding minigene libraries. Target cells that are subject to cytotoxic attack from T cells in co-culture are isolated prior to apoptosis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and characterized by sequencing the encoded minigenes. We then validate this highly parallelized method using known murine T cell receptor/peptide-MHC pairs and diverse minigene-encoded epitope libraries. Our data thus suggest that this epitope profiling method allows unambiguous and sensitive identification of naturally processed and MHC-presented peptide epitopes.
Galactose to tagatose isomerization at moderate temperatures with high conversion and productivity
Authors: Bober Josef R. , Nair Nikhil U.
Published: October 2019

There are many industrially-relevant enzymes that while active, are severely limited by thermodynamic, kinetic, or stability issues (isomerases, lyases, transglycosidases). In this work, we study Lactobacillus sakeil-arabinose isomerase (LsLAI) for d-galactose to d-tagatose isomerization—that is limited by all three reaction parameters. The enzyme demonstrates low catalytic efficiency, low thermostability at temperatures > 40 °C, and equilibrium conversion < 50%. After exploring several strategies to overcome these limitations, we show that encapsulating LsLAI in gram-positive Lactobacillus plantarum that is chemically permeabilized enables reactions at high rates, high conversions, and elevated temperatures. In a batch process, this system enables ~ 50% conversion in 4 h starting with 300 mM galactose (an average productivity of 37 mM h−1), and 85% conversion in 48 h. We suggest that such an approach may be invaluable for other enzymatic processes that are similarly kinetically-, thermodynamically-, and/or stability-limited.
Detecting relapse in youth with psychotic disorders utilizing patient-generated and patient-contributed digital data from Facebook
Authors: Birnbaum M. L. , Ernala S. K. , Rizvi A. F. , Arenare E. , R. Van Meter A. , De Choudhury M. , Kane J. M.
Published: October 2019

Although most patients who experience a first-episode of psychosis achieve remission of positive psychotic symptoms, relapse is common. Existing relapse evaluation strategies are limited by their reliance on direct and timely contact with professionals, and accurate reporting of symptoms. A method by which to objectively identify early relapse warning signs could facilitate swift intervention. We collected 52,815 Facebook posts across 51 participants with recent onset psychosis (mean age = 23.96 years; 70.58% male) and applied anomaly detection to explore linguistic and behavioral changes associated with psychotic relapse. We built a one-class classification model that makes patient-specific personalized predictions on risk to relapse. Significant differences were identified in the words posted to Facebook in the month preceding a relapse hospitalization compared to periods of relative health, including increased usage of words belonging to the swear (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed rank test), anger (p < 0.001), and death (p < 0.0001) categories, decreased usage of words belonging to work (p = 0.00579), friends (p < 0.0001), and health (p < 0.0001) categories, as well as a significantly increased use of first (p < 0.0001) and second-person (p  < 0.001) pronouns. We additionally observed a significant increase in co-tagging (p < 0.001) and friending (p < 0.0001) behaviors in the month before a relapse hospitalization. Our classifier achieved a specificity of 0.71 in predicting relapse. Results indicate that social media activity captures objective linguistic and behavioral markers of psychotic relapse in young individuals with recent onset psychosis. Machine-learning models were capable of making personalized predictions of imminent relapse hospitalizations at the patient-specific level.
Blue Carbon stock in Zostera noltei meadows at Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal) over a decade
Authors: Sousa Ana I. , da Silva José Figueiredo , Azevedo Ana , Lillebø Ana I.
Published: October 2019

This work assessed the Blue Carbon (C) stock in the seagrass meadows (Zostera noltei) of Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal), and evaluated its spatio-temporal trend over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period. Zostera noltei spatial distribution, restricted to intertidal areas in 2014, was mapped by remote sensing using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and aerial photography. Zostera noltei biomass was also monitored in situ over a year and its Blue C stock was estimated. By 2014, intertidal meadows covered an area of 226 ± 4 ha and their Blue C stock ranged from 227 ± 6 to 453 ± 13 Mg C. Overall, Ria de Aveiro Z. noltei intertidal meadows increased in extent over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period, corroborating the recent declining trend reversal observed in Europe and contrary to the global decline trend. This spatio-temporal shift might be related to a natural adjustment of the intertidal meadows to past human intervention in Ria de Aveiro, namely large-scale dredging activities, particularly in the 1996–1998 period, combined with the more accurate assessment performed in 2014 using the UAV. This recovery contributes to the effective increase of the Blue C stock in Ria de Aveiro and, ultimately, to supporting climate regulation and improving ecosystem health. However, major dredging activities are foreseen in the system’s management plan, which can again endanger the recovery trend of Z. noltei intertidal meadows in Ria de Aveiro.
Estimation of nephron number in living humans by combining unenhanced computed tomography with biopsy-based stereology
Authors: Sasaki Takaya , Tsuboi Nobuo , Okabayashi Yusuke , Haruhara Kotaro , Kanzaki Go , Koike Kentaro , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Yamamoto Izumi , Takahashi Sho , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Shimizu Akira , Rule Andrew D. , Bertram John F. , Yokoo Takashi
Published: October 2019

Methods for estimating nephron number in a clinical setting may be useful for predicting renal outcomes. This study aimed to establish such a method using unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and biopsy-based stereology. Patients or living kidney donors simultaneously subjected to enhanced and unenhanced CT examinations were randomly assigned to development and validation groups. The enhanced CT-measured arterial phase and the venous phase images of kidneys were regarded as the true values for cortical volume and parenchymal volume, respectively. Linear multiple regression analysis was used to create models for estimating cortical volume using explanatory variables including unenhanced CT-measured parenchymal volume. Nephron number was determined as the product of cortical volume and the glomerular density in biopsies of donors. Five equations for estimating cortical volume were created and verified. In donors, estimated nephron number by unenhanced CT was consistent with that by enhanced CT, with minimal errors in all models (636–655 ± 210–219 vs. 648 ± 224 × 103/kidney). Clinical characteristics combined with parenchymal volume did not improve the equation over parenchymal volume alone. These results support the feasibility of estimating nephron number by a combination of unenhanced CT and biopsy-based stereology, with a possible application for renal disease patients who are often not suitable for contrast media.
Biphasic adverse effect of titanium nanoparticles on testicular function in mice
Authors: Miura Nobuhiko , Ohtani Katsumi , Hasegawa Tatsuya , Yoshioka Hiroki , Hwang Gi-Wook
Published: October 2019

The male reproductive system is being recognized as toxic targets of nanoparticles including titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiNP). Most of these reports are, however, obtained from the results of long-term exposure of TiNP. In this study, we diversely examined the acute effects of TiNP on the male reproductive system. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered a single intravenous injection of TiNP (10, 50 mg/kg), and were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 9 days post-injection. Testicular functions (estimated by sperm motility and sperm number) were measured via computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Results indicated that sperm motility was significantly reduced from 1 day following TiNP injection (in both dose), and this reduction persisted up to 9 days post-TiNP injection (10 mg/kg injection group). Interestingly, we observed no significant decrease in sperm numbers in both the testis and the cauda epididymis in either treatment groups during the course of the experiment. Therefore, we hypothesized that TiNP may target the mature spermatozoa. In addition, sperm suspensions directly incubated with TiNP showed reduced sperm motility, [3H]-thymidine incorporation, and ATP level. Our results indicated that TiNP possesses “biphasic effects”; the obstacles to mature sperms (short term effect) in addition to the impairment in testis (long-term effect).
Bengamides display potent activity against drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Quan Diana H. , Nagalingam Gayathri , Luck Ian , Proschogo Nicholas , Pillalamarri Vijaykumar , Addlagatta Anthony , Martinez Elena , Sintchenko Vitali , Rutledge Peter J. , Triccas James A.
Published: October 2019

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects over 10 million people annually and kills more people each year than any other human pathogen. The current tuberculosis (TB) vaccine is only partially effective in preventing infection, while current TB treatment is problematic in terms of length, complexity and patient compliance. There is an urgent need for new drugs to combat the burden of TB disease and the natural environment has re-emerged as a rich source of bioactive molecules for development of lead compounds. In this study, one species of marine sponge from the Tedania genus was found to yield samples with exceptionally potent activity against M. tuberculosis. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified bengamide B as the active component, which displayed activity in the nanomolar range against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis. The active compound inhibited in vitro activity of M. tuberculosis MetAP1c protein, suggesting the potent inhibitory action may be due to interference with methionine aminopeptidase activity. Tedania-derived bengamide B was non-toxic against human cell lines, synergised with rifampicin for in vitro inhibition of bacterial growth and reduced intracellular replication of M. tuberculosis. Thus, bengamides isolated from Tedania sp. show significant potential as a new class of compounds for the treatment of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis.
Educational inequality in physician-diagnosed hypertension widened and persisted among women from 1999 to 2014 in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Gary K. K. , Lai Francisco T. T. , Yeoh Eng-Kiong , Chung Roger Y.
Published: October 2019

Gender differences in the trend of educational inequality in hypertension have been observed especially in the Asian populations, indicating the increasing importance of education as a social determinant of hypertension among women. This study examined the gender-specific trends of educational inequality in physician-diagnosed hypertension in Hong Kong between 1999 and 2014. Based on a series of eight government-led territory-wide household surveys conducted between 1999 and 2014, 97,481 community-dwelling Hong Kong Chinese adults aged 45 or above were analysed. The extent and trend of gender-specific educational inequality in self-reported physician-diagnosed hypertension were estimated by regression-based Relative Index of Inequality and age-standardised Slope Index of Inequality. Over the study period, age-standardised prevalence of self-reported hypertension increased in both genders, with the greatest prevalence among the least educated women. Educational inequalities in hypertension significantly widened in female from 1999 to 2009 and persisted thereafter; nonetheless, the respective inequality was negligible in male. Further adjustment for household income did not attenuate the observed inequality. To conclude, a widened and then persistent discrepancy in hypertension across education levels was observed among women, but not among men, in Hong Kong. The gender perspective should be carefully considered when designing hypertension prevention strategies and related health policies.
A novel form of Deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1) lacking the N-terminal domain does not bind SIRT1 and is dynamically regulated in vivo
Authors: Santos Leonardo , Colman Laura , Contreras Paola , Chini Claudia C. , Carlomagno Adriana , Leyva Alejandro , Bresque Mariana , Marmisolle Inés , Quijano Celia , Durán Rosario , Irigoín Florencia , Prieto-Echagüe Victoria , Vendelbo Mikkel H. , Sotelo-Silveira José R. , Chini Eduardo N. , Badano Jose L. , Calliari Aldo J. , Escande Carlos
Published: October 2019

The protein Deleted in Breast Cancer-1 is a regulator of several transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, including HDAC3, Rev-erb-alpha, PARP1 and SIRT1. It is well known that DBC1 regulates its targets, including SIRT1, by protein-protein interaction. However, little is known about how DBC1 biological activity is regulated. In this work, we show that in quiescent cells DBC1 is proteolytically cleaved, producing a protein (DN-DBC1) that misses the S1-like domain and no longer binds to SIRT1. DN-DBC1 is also found in vivo in mouse and human tissues. Interestingly, DN-DBC1 is cleared once quiescent cells re-enter to the cell cycle. Using a model of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, we found that DN-DBC1 is down-regulated in vivo during regeneration. In fact, WT mice show a decrease in SIRT1 activity during liver regeneration, coincidentally with DN-DBC1 downregulation and the appearance of full length DBC1. This effect on SIRT1 activity was not observed in DBC1 KO mice. Finally, we found that DBC1 KO mice have altered cell cycle progression and liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, suggesting that DBC1/DN-DBC1 transitions play a role in normal cell cycle progression in vivo after cells leave quiescence. We propose that quiescent cells express DN-DBC1, which either replaces or coexist with the full-length protein, and that restoring of DBC1 is required for normal cell cycle progression in vitro and in vivo. Our results describe for the first time in vivo a naturally occurring form of DBC1, which does not bind SIRT1 and is dynamically regulated, thus contributing to redefine the knowledge about its function.
Alternative fate of glyoxylate during acetate and hexadecane metabolism in Acinetobacter oleivorans DR1
Authors: Park Chulwoo , Shin Bora , Park Woojun
Published: October 2019

The glyoxylate shunt (GS), involving isocitrate lyase (encoded by aceA) and malate synthase G (encoded by glcB), is known to play important roles under several conditions including oxidative stress, antibiotic defense, or certain carbon source metabolism (acetate and fatty acids). Comparative growth analyses of wild type (WT), aceA, and glcB null-strains revealed that aceA, but not glcB, is essential for cells to grow on either acetate (1%) or hexadecane (1%) in Acinetobacter oleivorans DR1. Interestingly. the aceA knockout strain was able to grow slower in 0.1% acetate than the parent strain. Northern Blot analysis showed that the expression of aceA was dependent on the concentration of acetate or H2O2, while glcB was constitutively expressed. Up-regulation of stress response-related genes and down-regulation of main carbon metabolism-participating genes in a ΔaceA mutant, compared to that in the parent strain, suggested that an ΔaceA mutant is susceptible to acetate toxicity, but grows slowly in 0.1% acetate. However, a ΔglcB mutant showed no growth defect in acetate or hexadecane and no susceptibility to H2O2, suggesting the presence of an alternative pathway to eliminate glyoxylate toxicity. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, encoded by a ldh) could possibly mediate the conversion from glyoxylate to oxalate based on our RNA-seq profiles. Oxalate production during hexadecane degradation and impaired growth of a ΔldhΔglcB double mutant in both acetate and hexadecane-supplemented media suggested that LDH is a potential detoxifying enzyme for glyoxylate. Our constructed LDH-overexpressing Escherichia coli strain also showed an important role of LDH under lactate, acetate, and glyoxylate metabolisms. The LDH-overexpressing E. coli strain, but not wild type strain, produced oxalate under glyoxylate condition. In conclusion, the GS is a main player, but alternative glyoxylate pathways exist during acetate and hexadecane metabolism in A. oleivorans DR1.
LncRNA LUCAT1 as a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Luzón-Toro B. , Fernández R. M. , Martos-Martínez J. M. , Rubio-Manzanares-Dorado M. , Antiñolo G. , Borrego S.
Published: October 2019

In recent years, long non-coding RNAs have emerged as a novel class of regulators of cancer biological processes. While they are dysregulated in many cancer types, little is known about their expression and functional profiles. This study has been focused on the determination of the role of a specific lncRNA in papillary thyroid cancer. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of 84 lncRNAs in 61 papillary thyroid carcinoma tissues and their adjacent non-tumor tissues. The highest fold-change was obtained for lung cancer associated transcript 1 LUCAT1, and thus, this study determines the expression and biological implication of lncRNA LUCAT1 through different in vitro and ex vivo approaches in this tumor. LUCAT1 was specifically located at the cell nucleus in tumoral regions of patient tissues. Furthermore, LUCAT1 knockdown significantly reduced both cell proliferation and invasion ex vivo and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. These facts were corroborated by an enhanced expression of P21, P57, P53 and BAX, and a reduced expression of EZH2 and HDAC1. In addition, a significant decrease was observed on DNMT1 and NRF2 genes, helping to clarify the role of LUCAT1 on PTC. Our study reveals the involvement of LUCAT1 in PTC development, through acting in cell-cycle regulation, proliferation, epigenetic modifications through LUCAT1/ CDK1/ EZH2/ P57/ P21/ HDAC1/ DNMT1/ P53/ BAX axis and apoptosis, via extrinsic pathway activating caspases. These findings indicate that LUCAT1 is maybe a potential therapeutic target and molecular biomarker for PTC.
Neurotropic and modulatory effects of insulin-like growth factor II in Aplysia
Authors: Kukushkin Nikolay Vadimovich , Williams Sidney Paulina , Carew Thomas James
Published: October 2019

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF2) enhances memory in rodents via the mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR), but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We found that human IGF2 produces an enhancement of both synaptic transmission and neurite outgrowth in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. These findings were unexpected since Aplysia lack the mammal-specific affinity between insulin-like ligands and M6PR. Surprisingly, this effect was observed in parallel with a suppression of neuronal excitability in a well-understood circuit that supports several temporally and mechanistically distinct forms of memory in the defensive withdrawal reflex, suggesting functional coordination between excitability and memory formation. We hypothesize that these effects represent behavioral adaptations to feeding that are mediated by the endogenous Aplysia insulin-like system. Indeed, the exogenous application of a single recombinant insulin-like peptide cloned from the Aplysia CNS cDNA replicated both the enhancement of synaptic transmission, the reduction of excitability, and promoted clearance of glucose from the hemolymph, a hallmark of bona fide insulin action.
A two-layered brain network model and its chimera state
Authors: Kang Ling , Tian Changhai , Huo Siyu , Liu Zonghua
Published: October 2019

Based on the data of cerebral cortex, we present a two-layered brain network model of coupled neurons where the two layers represent the left and right hemispheres of cerebral cortex, respectively, and the links between the two layers represent the inter-couplings through the corpus callosum. By this model we show that abundant patterns of synchronization can be observed, especially the chimera state, depending on the parameters of system such as the coupling strengths and coupling phase. Further, we extend the model to a more general two-layered network to better understand the mechanism of the observed patterns, where each hemisphere of cerebral cortex is replaced by a highly clustered subnetwork. We find that the number of inter-couplings is another key parameter for the emergence of chimera states. Thus, the chimera states come from a matching between the structure parameters such as the number of inter-couplings and clustering coefficient etc and the dynamics parameters such as the intra-, inter-coupling strengths and coupling phase etc. A brief theoretical analysis is provided to explain the borderline of synchronization. These findings may provide helpful clues to understand the mechanism of brain functions.
Static magnetic field regulates Arabidopsis root growth via auxin signaling
Authors: Jin Yue , Guo Wei , Hu Xupeng , Liu Mengmeng , Xu Xiang , Hu Fenhong , Lan Yiheng , Lv Chenkai , Fang Yanwen , Liu Mengyu , Shi Tieliu , Ma Shisong , Fang Zhicai , Huang Jirong
Published: October 2019

Static magnetic field (SMF) plays important roles in biological processes of many living organisms. In plants, however, biological significance of SMF and molecular mechanisms underlying SMF action remain largely unknown. To address these questions, we treated Arabidopsis young seedlings with different SMF intensities and directions. Magnetic direction from the north to south pole was adjusted in parallel (N0) with, opposite (N180) and perpendicular to the gravity vector. We discovered that root growth is significantly inhanced by 600 mT treatments except for N180, but not by any 300 mT treatments. N0 treatments lead to more active cell division of the meristem, and higher auxin content that is regulated by coordinated expression of PIN3 and AUX1 in root tips. Consistently, N0-promoted root growth disappears in pin3 and aux1 mutants. Transcriptomic and gene ontology analyses revealed that in roots 85% of the total genes significantly down-regulated by N0 compared to untreatment are enriched in plastid biological processes, such as metabolism and chloroplast development. Lastly, no difference in root length is observed between N0-treated and untreated roots of the double cryptochrome mutant cry1 cry2. Taken together, our data suggest that SMF-regulated root growth is mediated by CRY and auxin signaling pathways in Arabidopsis.
Microsporidia Nosema spp. – obligate bee parasites are transmitted by air
Authors: Sulborska Aneta , Horecka Beata , Cebrat Malgorzata , Kowalczyk Marek , Skrzypek Tomasz H. , Kazimierczak Waldemar , Trytek Mariusz , Borsuk Grzegorz
Published: October 2019

Microsporidia Nosema are transferred among bees via the faecal-oral route. Nosema spp. spores have been detected on flowers and transferred to hives along with the bee pollen. The aim of the present study was to determine whether Nosema microsporidia are transferred by air in an apiary, in a control area (without the presence of bee colonies), and/or in a laboratory during cage experiments with artificially infected bees. The novel way of transmission by air was investigated by the volumetric method using a Hirst-type aerobiological sampler located on the ground in the apiary, in the Botanical Garden and on the laboratory floor. Concurrently, the mean rate of Nosema infections in the foragers in the apiary was estimated with the Bürker haemocytometer method. Spore-trapping tapes were imaged by means of light microscopy, Nomarski interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The highest concentration of Nosema spores per 1m3 of air (4.65) was recorded in August, while the lowest concentration (2.89) was noted in July. This was confirmed by a Real-Time PCR analysis. The presence of N. apis as well as N. ceranae was detected in each of the tested tapes from the apiary. The average copy number of N. apis was estimated at 14.4 × 104 copies per 1 cm2 of the tape; whereas the number of N. ceranae was 2.24 × 104 copies per tape per 1 cm2. The results indicate that Nosema microsporidia were transferred by the wind in the apiary, but not in the Botanical Garden and laboratory by air. This was confirmed by genetic analyses. DNA from immobilised biological material was isolated and subjected to a PCR to detect the Nosema species. A fragment of the 16S rRNA gene, characteristic of Nosema apis and N. ceranae, was detected. Our research adds knowledge about the transfer of Nosema spp. microsporidia in the natural environment and indicates the season associated with the greatest risk of a bee colony infection with Nosema spp.
Non-viral vector based gene transfection with human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tan Shihua , Tao Zhonghao , Loo Szejie , Su Liping , Chen Xin , Ye Lei
Published: October 2019

Non-viral transfection of mammalian cardiomyocytes (CMs) is challenging. The current study aims to characterize and determine the non-viral vector based gene transfection efficiency with human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). hiPSC-CMs differentiated from PCBC hiPSCs were used as a cell model to be transfected with plasmids carrying green fluorescence protein (pGFP) using polyethylenimine (PEI), including Transporter 5 Transfection Reagent (TR5) and PEI25, and liposome, including lipofectamine-2000 (Lipo2K), lipofectamine-3000 (Lipo3K), and Lipofectamine STEM (LipoSTEM). The gene transfection efficiency and cell viability were quantified by flow cytometry. We found that the highest gene transfection efficiency in hiPSC-CMs on day 14 of contraction can be achieved by LipoSTEM which was about 32.5 ± 6.7%. However, it also cuased poor cell viability (60.1 ± 4.5%). Furthermore, a prolonged culture of (transfection on day 23 of contraction) hiPSC-CMs not only improved gene transfection (54.5 ± 8.9%), but also enhanced cell viability (74 ± 4.9%) by LipoSTEM. Based on this optimized gene transfection condition, the highest gene transfection efficiency was 55.6 ± 7.8% or 34.1 ± 4%, respectively, for P1C1 or DP3 hiPSC line that was derived from healthy donor (P1C1) or patient with diabetes (DP3). The cell viability was 80.8 ± 5.2% or 92.9 ± 2.24%, respectively, for P1C1 or DP3. LipoSTEM is a better non-viral vector for gene transfection of hiPSC-CMs. The highest pGFP gene transfection efficiency can reach >50% for normal hiPSC-CMs or >30% for diabetic hiPSC-CMs.
Transgenic soybean expressing a thermostable phytase as substitution for feed additive phytase
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhu Lixia , Lin Chaoyang , Shen Zhicheng , Xu Chao
Published: October 2019

Phytase is one of the most effective feed additives to increase the availability of phosphorus and minerals by catalyzing the hydrolysis of phytic acid. A modified appA gene (mappA) was transformed into soybean (Glycine max) under the control of a seed-specific promoter from common bean (Phaselous vulgaris). The soybean recombinant phytase showed optimal activity at pH 4.5 and 70 °C. A slight increase in enzyme activity occurred when the recombinant enzyme was pre-incubated with n-hexane. In addition, the phytase activity from our transgenic soybean does not reduce even after 2 hours of extraction with n-hexane at 55~65 °C. In conclusion, the oil extraction process using n-hexane does not inactivate the phytase expressed in the mAppA transgenic soybean, and the meal derived from the transgenic soybean processing can be used as feed supplement to livestock.
Application of the response surface methodology in the optimization of modified molecularly imprinted polymer based pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction for spectrophotometric determination of nicotine in seawater and human plasma
Authors: Hashemi Sayyed Hossein , Keykha Fateme
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer/zinc oxide (MIP/ZnO) was synthesized and applied as an adsorbent for pipette-tip micro-solid phase extraction (MIP/ZnO PT-μSPE) of nicotine from seawater and human plasma followed by its spectrophotometric detection.
Smart injectable biogels based on hyaluronic acid bioconjugates finely substituted with poly(β-amino ester urethane) for cancer therapy
Authors: Thambi Thavasyappan , Giang Phan V. H. , Kim Seong Han , Duy Le Thai Minh , Duong Huu Thuy Trang , Lee Doo Sung
Published: October 2019

In situ-forming injectable biogels (IBGs) have been developed for the programmed delivery of potent chemotherapeutic drugs.
Biomimetic and bioinspired strategies for oral drug delivery
Authors: Hu Xiankang , Yang Guoyu , Chen Sheng , Luo Suxin , Zhang Jianxiang
Published: October 2019

Herein we provide a state-of-the-art review on the current progress of biomimetic particulate oral delivery systems.
“Imitative” click chemistry to form a sticking xerogel for the portable therapy of bacteria-infected wounds
Authors: Huang Bo , Liu Xiangmei , Tan Lei , Cui Zhenduo , Yang Xianjin , Jing Doudou , Zheng Dong , Li Zhaoyang , Liang Yanqin , Zhu Shengli , Yeung Kelvin Wai Kwok , Wang Xianbao , Zheng Yufeng , Wu Shuilin
Published: October 2019

Xerogels usually possess a stable structure and have a low swelling rate due to their inferior dynamics.
Ultrafine PdOx nanoparticles on spinel oxides by galvanic displacement for catalytic combustion of methane
Authors: Zhang Zeshu , Hu Xuefeng , Zhang Yibo , Sun Liwei , Tian Heyuan , Yang Xiangguang
Published: October 2019

The excellent catalytic activity of methane combustion over the Pd/NiCo2O4 is attributed to ultrafine Pd nanopariticles and a tight Pd-spinel interface obtained by galvanic displacement.
Symmetry correlations between crystallographic and photoluminescence study of ternary β-diketone europium(iii) based complexes using 1,10-phenanthroline as the ancillary ligand
Authors: Alexander Orbett T. , Kroon Robin E. , Brink Alice , Visser Hendrik G.
Published: October 2019

This work entails deep red emitting EuIII based complexes with a variety of ternary β-diketonate ligands and 1,10-phenanthroline as the ancillary ligand in the system.
Phosphate speciation on Al-substituted goethite: ATR-FTIR/2D-COS and CD-MUSIC modeling
Authors: Xu Jinling , Koopal Luuk K. , Wang Mingxia , Xiong Juan , Hou Jingtao , Li Yan , Tan Wenfeng
Published: October 2019

Natural goethite commonly encounters Al substitution for Fe, which alters the surface reactivity of goethite.
Inhibitory effects of nobiletin and its major metabolites on lung tumorigenesis
Authors: Sun Yue , Han Yanhui , Song Mingyue , Charoensinphon Noppawat , Zheng Jinkai , Qiu Peiju , Wu Xian , Xiao Hang
Published: October 2019

The present study demonstrated that the oral administration of nobiletin significantly inhibited lung carcinogenesis in mice, and these chemopreventive effects could be attributed to its metabolites that showed potent anti-cancer effects.
Aurantiamide-related dipeptide derivatives are formyl peptide receptor 1 antagonists
Authors: Mastromarino Margherita , Kirpotina Liliya N. , Schepetkin Igor A. , Quinn Mark T. , Lacivita Enza , Leopoldo Marcello
Published: October 2019

Aurantiamide is a useful scaffold to develop promising FPR1 antagonists capable of inhibiting neutrophil chemotaxis.
Dramatic increase in polymer triboelectrification by transition from a glassy to rubbery state
Authors: Šutka Andris , Linarts Artis , Mālnieks Kaspars , Stiprais Klāvs , Lapčinskis Linards
Published: October 2019

Glassy polymers show an impressive surge in triboelectric surface charge when crossing their respectiveTg. In a rubbery state they become softer and more adhesive, therefore heterolysis of polymer bonds and material transfer becomes more probable.
Iron carbide nanoplatelets: colloidal synthesis and characterization
Authors: Abel Frank M. , Pourmiri Shirin , Basina Georgia , Tzitzios Vasileios , Devlin Eamonn , Hadjipanayis George C.
Published: October 2019

Single-step liquid chemical synthesis of iron carbide nanoplatelets.
Towards efficient and stable perovskite solar cells employing non-hygroscopic F4-TCNQ doped TFB as the hole-transporting material
Authors: Kwon Hannah , Lim Ju Won , Han Jinyoung , Quan Li Na , Kim Dawoon , Shin Eun-Sol , Kim Eunah , Kim Dong-Wook , Noh Yong-Young , Chung In , Kim Dong Ha
Published: October 2019

Designing an efficient and stable hole transport layer (HTL) material is one of the essential ways to improve the performance of organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
MoS2quantum dots chemically modified with porphyrin for solid-state broadband optical limiters
Authors: Jiang Peng , Zhang Bin , Liu Zhiwei , Chen Yu
Published: October 2019

Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) was covalently functionalized to the surface of MoS2quantum dots (MQDs) to obtain solid-state broadband optical limiters.
Low-frequency electronic noise in superlattice and random-packed thin films of colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Geremew Adane , Qian Caroline , Abelson Alex , Rumyantsev Sergey , Kargar Fariborz , Law Matt , Balandin Alexander A.
Published: October 2019

We report measurements of low-frequency electronic noise in ordered superlattice, weakly-ordered and random-packed thin films of 6.5 nm PbSe quantum dots prepared using several different ligand chemistries.
Highly stable hetero-structured green-emitting cesium lead bromide nanocrystals via ligand-mediated phase control
Authors: Grandhi G. Krishnamurthy , Viswanath N. S. M. , Cho Han Bin , Kim Seong Min , Im Won Bin
Published: October 2019

Ligand-mediated phase control of cesium lead bromide nanocrystals provides insights into the origin of stable green emission of Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals.
New versatile bimolecular photoinitiating systems based on amino-m-terphenyl derivatives for cationic, free-radical and thiol–ene photopolymerization under low intensity UV-A and visible light sources
Authors: Hola Emilia , Pilch Maciej , Galek Mariusz , Ortyl Joanna
Published: October 2019

The performance of a series of 2-amino-4,6-diphenyl-benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives as visible light sensitizers for diphenyliodonium salt for enabling photopolymerization at different irradiation wavelengths was studied.
The heavy-atom effect on xanthene dyes for photopolymerization by visible light
Authors: Yoon Jieun , Jung Young Jae , Yoon Joon Bo , Damodar Kongara , Kim Hyungwook , Shin Minjoong , Seo Myungeun , Cho Dae Won , Lee Jeong Tae , Lee Jungkyu K.
Published: October 2019

Heavy halogen atoms on the xanthene ring significantly increase the photoredox catalytic performance for visible-light-induced photopolymerization.
Correction: Direct visualization of the ouzo zone through aggregation-induced dye emission for the synthesis of highly monodispersed polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Middha Eshu , Manghnani Purnima Naresh , Ng Denise Zi Ling , Chen Huan , Khan Saif A. , Liu Bin
Published: October 2019

Correction for ‘Direct visualization of the ouzo zone through aggregation-induced dye emission for the synthesis of highly monodispersed polymeric nanoparticles’ by Eshu Middha et al., Mater. Chem. Front., 2019, 3, 1375–1384.
Homocysteine induces human mesangial cell apoptosis via the involvement of autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Liang Shanshan , Liu Hua , Liu Sixiu , Wei Meng , Gao Fanfan , Xue Jinhong , Sun Lingshuang , Wang Meng , Jiang Hongli , Chen Lei
Published: October 2019

Homocysteine (Hcy) level characterizes a progressive increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
LncRNA GAS5 facilitates nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression through epigenetically silencing PTEN via EZH2
Authors: Zhao Dan , Li Yujie , Yu Min
Published: October 2019

Increasing evidence demonstrated that long non-coding RNA growth-arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) serves as a critical regulator in cancer development and progression.
Low pH constructed Co(ii) and Ni(ii) 1D coordination polymers based on Cα-substituted analogues of zoledronic acid: structural characterization, and spectroscopic and magnetic properties
Authors: Rojek Tomasz , Goldeman Waldemar , Ślepokura Katarzyna , Duczmal Marek , Wojciechowska Agnieszka , Matczak-Jon Ewa
Published: October 2019

1D Co(ii)/Ni(ii) coordination polymers with alternating antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic exchange interactions between metal centers propagated through double (–O–P–O–)2 bridges.
Hydrophobic resin treatment of hydrothermal autohydrolysate for prebiotic applications
Authors: Corbett Derek B. , Hong Changyoung , Venditti Richard , Jameel Hasan , Park Sunkyu
Published: October 2019

∼30% of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) in autohydrolysate are likely bonded to lignin “tied,” contributing to loss during resin purification. Loss of “free” XOS depends on DP.
Enhanced capacitive properties of all-metal-oxide-nanoparticle-based asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Jin Sohyun , Lee Haein , Yim Sanggyu
Published: October 2019

This study reports on an asymmetric supercapacitor consisting of two composite transition metal oxide (TiO2–Fe2O3and TiO2–MnO2) nanoparticles-based electrodes working in different potential ranges.
Seven membered chelate Pt(ii) complexes with 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline ligands: studies of substitution kinetics by sulfur donor nucleophiles, interactions with CT-DNA, BSA and in vitro cytotoxicity activities
Authors: Bellam Rajesh , Jaganyi Deogratius , Mambanda Allen , Robinson Ross , BalaKumaran Manickam Dakshinamoorthi
Published: October 2019

Dichloro platinum(ii) complexes coordinated with 2,3-di(2-pyridyl)quinoxaline ligands form seven-membered chelates were synthesized, characterised and their respective hydrated product complexes were prepared by chloride metathesis.
Co-regulation of the copper vacancy concentration and point defects leading to the enhanced thermoelectric performance of Cu3In5Te9-based chalcogenides
Authors: Li Min , Luo Yong , Hu Xiaojuan , Han Zhongkang , Liu Xianglian , Cui Jiaolin
Published: October 2019

Co-regulation of both the copper vacancy concentration (Vc) and point defect GaIn realizing the high carrier concentration and low lattice thermal conductivity in Cu3In5Te9-based chalcogenides simultaneously.
Nickel foam and stainless steel mesh as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction and overall water splitting in alkaline media
Authors: Hu Xiaoyan , Tian Xuemei , Lin Ying-Wu , Wang Zhonghua
Published: October 2019

Efficient electrocatalytic overall water splitting is achieved with commercially-available and low-cost nickel foam and stainless steel mesh as cathode and anode electrodes.
A sensor array for the discrimination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using conjugated polymers and the inner filter effect
Authors: Tropp Joshua , Ihde Michael H. , Williams Abagail K. , White Nicholas J. , Eedugurala Naresh , Bell Noel C. , Azoulay Jason D. , Bonizzoni Marco
Published: October 2019

The inner filter effect and multivariate array sensing using conjugated polymers are combined for the detection and challenging discrimination of closely related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A lipidomic workflow capable of resolving sn- and CC location isomers of phosphatidylcholines
Authors: Zhao Xue , Zhang Wenpeng , Zhang Donghui , Liu Xinwei , Cao Wenbo , Chen Qinhua , Ouyang Zheng , Xia Yu
Published: October 2019

Large-scale profiling of phosphatidylcholines at the isomer level is achieved by incorporating gas-phase radical-directed fragmentation into an LC-MS/MS workflow.
First experimental evidence for the elusive tetrahedral cations [EP3]+ (E = S, Se, Te) in the condensed phase
Authors: Weis Philippe , Röhner David Christopher , Prediger Richard , Butschke Burkhard , Scherer Harald , Weber Stefan , Krossing Ingo
Published: October 2019

Cationic tetrahedra: condensed phase access to the tetrahedral cations [EP3]+ (E = S, Se, Te) isoelectronic to P4 or AsP3 was found by the reactions of ECl3[WCA] with P4 ([WCA]− = [Al(ORF)4]− and [F(Al(ORF)3)2]−; –RF = –C(CF3)3).
The butterfly effect in bisfluorenylidene-based dihydroacenes: aggregation induced emission and spin switching
Authors: Yin Xiaodong , Low Jonathan Z. , Fallon Kealan J. , Paley Daniel W. , Campos Luis M.
Published: October 2019

Difluorenylidene dihydroanthracene with a butterfly-like structure exhibits both aggregation induced emission (AIE) and thermally activated ground-state spin switching properties.
Hydration of nitriles using a metal–ligand cooperative ruthenium pincer catalyst
Authors: Guo Beibei , de Vries Johannes G. , Otten Edwin
Published: October 2019

The hydration of a broad range of aliphatic and (hetero)aromatic nitriles is reported via catalysis by metal–ligand cooperative Ru pincer complexes under very mild conditions.
A simple and general approach for in situ synthesis of sulfur–porous carbon composites for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Díez Noel , Ferrero Guillermo A. , Sevilla Marta , Fuertes Antonio B.
Published: October 2019

Biomass-derived carbon/sulfur composites are synthesized by a simple approach using sodium thiosulfate as both the activating agent and sulfur source.
Assembled superlattice with dynamic chirality in a mixture of biased-active and passive particles
Authors: Gou Yongliang , Jiang Huijun , Hou Zhonghuai
Published: October 2019

We propose a biased-active particles (BAPs) model, wherein the active force is not aligned with the interaction direction.
Self-assembly of magnetically-functionalized molecular motors and microtubules into active gels
Authors: Wang Wei-An , Garcia-Jove Navarro Marina , Gueroui Zoher
Published: October 2019

Strategy to functionalize and manipulate active microtubule-based structures upon magnetic actuation. Engineered protein ferritins were used as magnetic labels to target Eg5 kinesin motors and generate a magnetic-responsive gel.
Numerical insights on ionic microgels: structure and swelling behaviour
Authors: Del Monte Giovanni , Ninarello Andrea , Camerin Fabrizio , Rovigatti Lorenzo , Gnan Nicoletta , Zaccarelli Emanuela
Published: October 2019

The graphic provides three snapshots of the model showing how structural inhomogeneities arise in ionic microgels when topological disorder and the presence of explicit counterions are accounted for.
Lateral migration of viscoelastic droplets in a viscoelastic confined flow: role of discrete phase viscoelasticity
Authors: Hazra Shamik , Mitra Sushanta K. , Sen Ashis Kumar
Published: October 2019

We study wall and center migration of viscoelastic droplets in a Poiseuille flow of viscoelastic medium (PVP) at low Reynolds numbers (Re ≪ 1) and propose the existence of a new lift force whose origin lies in the viscoelasticity of the droplet phase.
Controllable directional deformation of micro-pillars actuated by a magnetic field
Authors: Chai Ze , Liu Ming , Chen Lei , Peng Zhilong , Chen Shaohua
Published: October 2019

Controllable directional deformation of micro-pillars can be actuated by a magnetic field and predicted theoretically.
Comment on “Photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide coupled with water oxidation using various soft-oxometalate (SOM) based catalytic systems” (J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 8875–8887)
Authors: Liu Tianbo
Published: October 2019

In this Comment, I propose several points of serious scientific and ethical issues in the article from Roy et al. [J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 8875–8887].
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide coupled with water oxidation using various soft-oxometalate (SOM) based catalytic systems”’ by T. Liu, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7, DOI: 10.1039/c9ta03809d
Authors: Roy Soumyajit
Published: October 2019

We reply to Professor Liu’s Comment on our paper (J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 8875–8887).
Sulfuryl chloride as a functional additive towards dendrite-free and long-life Li metal anodes
Authors: Fu Xiangxiang , Wang Gang , Dang Dai , Liu Quanbing , Xiong Xunhui , Wu Chuande
Published: October 2019

With ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and the lowest redox potential, lithium (Li) metal is regarded as the most promising anode material for the electrochemical energy storage field.
Facile fabrication of polydopamine nanotubes for combined chemo-photothermal therapy
Authors: Sun Yuzhe , Davis Edward W.
Published: October 2019

Polydopamine nanoparticles with higher drug loading capacity and enhanced photothermal behavior.
Fundamentals of cross-seeding of amyloid proteins: an introduction
Authors: Ren Baiping , Zhang Yanxian , Zhang Mingzhen , Liu Yonglan , Zhang Dong , Gong Xiong , Feng Zhangqi , Tang Jianxin , Chang Yung , Zheng Jie
Published: October 2019

Misfolded protein aggregates formed by the same (homologous) or different (heterologous/cross) sequences are the pathological hallmarks of many protein misfolding diseases (PMDs) including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Aggregation-induced photodimerization of an alkynylpyrene derivative as a photoresponsive fluorescent ink
Authors: Zhang Junying , Tang Shao-Xiong , Fu Rong , Xu Xing-Dong , Feng Shengyu
Published: October 2019

With the formation of highly ordered aggregates through molecular self-assembly, photodimerization can be realized effectively with 400 nm LED irradiation for photolithography and inkjet-printing technique applications.