bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial hydrogels with biochemical gradients for screening 3D cellular microenvironments
Authors: Vega Sebastián L. , Kwon Mi Y. , Song Kwang Hoon , Wang Chao , Mauck Robert L. , Han Lin , Burdick Jason A.
Published: February 2018

3D microenvironmental parameters control cell behavior, but can be challenging to investigate over a wide range of conditions. Here, a combinatorial hydrogel platform is developed that uses light-mediated thiol-norbornene chemistry to encapsulate cells within hydrogels with biochemical gradients made by spatially varied light exposure. Specifically, mesenchymal stem cells are photoencapsulated in norbornene-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogels functionalized with gradients (0–5 mM) of peptides that mimic cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions, either as single or orthogonal gradients. Chondrogenesis varied spatially in these hydrogels based on the local biochemical formulation, as indicated by Sox9 and aggrecan expression levels. From 100 combinations investigated, discrete hydrogels are formulated and early gene expression and long-term cartilage-specific matrix production are assayed and found to be consistent with screening predictions. This platform is a scalable, high-throughput technique that enables the screening of the effects of multiple biochemical signals on 3D cell behavior.
Additive manufacturing of 3D nano-architected metals
Authors: Vyatskikh Andrey , Delalande Stéphane , Kudo Akira , Zhang Xuan , Portela Carlos M. , Greer Julia R.
Published: February 2018

Most existing methods for additive manufacturing (AM) of metals are inherently limited to ~20–50 μm resolution, which makes them untenable for generating complex 3D-printed metallic structures with smaller features. We developed a lithography-based process to create complex 3D nano-architected metals with ~100 nm resolution. We first synthesize hybrid organic–inorganic materials that contain Ni clusters to produce a metal-rich photoresist, then use two-photon lithography to sculpt 3D polymer scaffolds, and pyrolyze them to volatilize the organics, which produces a >90 wt% Ni-containing architecture. We demonstrate nanolattices with octet geometries, 2 μm unit cells and 300–400-nm diameter beams made of 20-nm grained nanocrystalline, nanoporous Ni. Nanomechanical experiments reveal their specific strength to be 2.1–7.2 MPa g−1 cm3, which is comparable to lattice architectures fabricated using existing metal AM processes. This work demonstrates an efficient pathway to 3D-print micro-architected and nano-architected metals with sub-micron resolution.
Ultra-thin chips for high-performance flexible electronics
Authors: Gupta Shoubhik , Navaraj William Taube , Lorenzelli Leandro , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: February 2018

Flexible electronics has significantly advanced over the last few years, as devices and circuits from nanoscale structures to printed thin films have started to appear. Simultaneously, the demand for high-performance electronics has also increased because flexible and compact integrated circuits are needed to obtain fully flexible electronic systems. It is challenging to obtain flexible and compact integrated circuits as the silicon based CMOS electronics, which is currently the industry standard for high-performance, is planar and the brittle nature of silicon makes bendability difficult. For this reason, the ultra-thin chips from silicon is gaining interest. This review provides an in-depth analysis of various approaches for obtaining ultra-thin chips from rigid silicon wafer. The comprehensive study presented here includes analysis of ultra-thin chips properties such as the electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties, stress modelling, and packaging techniques. The underpinning advances in areas such as sensing, computing, data storage, and energy have been discussed along with several emerging applications (e.g., wearable systems, m-Health, smart cities and Internet of Things etc.) they will enable. This paper is targeted to the readers working in the field of integrated circuits on thin and bendable silicon; but it can be of broad interest to everyone working in the field of flexible electronics.
Sleep endophenotypes of schizophrenia: slow waves and sleep spindles in unaffected first-degree relatives
Authors: D’Agostino Armando , Castelnovo Anna , Cavallotti Simone , Casetta Cecilia , Marcatili Matteo , Gambini Orsola , Canevini Mariapaola , Tononi Giulio , Riedner Brady , Ferrarelli Fabio , Sarasso Simone
Published: February 2018

Sleep spindles and slow waves are the main brain oscillations occurring in non-REM sleep. Several lines of evidence suggest that spindles are initiated within the thalamus, whereas slow waves are generated and modulated in the cortex. A decrease in sleep spindle activity has been described in Schizophrenia (SCZ), including chronic, early course, and early onset patients. In contrast, slow waves have been inconsistently found to be reduced in SCZ, possibly due to confounds like duration of illness and antipsychotic medication exposure. Nontheless, the implication of sleep spindles and slow waves in the neurobiology of SCZ and related disorders, including their heritability, remains largely unknown. Unaffected first-degree relatives (FDRs) share a similar genetic background and several neurophysiological and cognitive deficits with SCZ patients, and allow testing whether some of these measures are candidate endophenotypes. In this study, we performed sleep high-density EEG recordings to characterise the spatiotemporal features of sleep spindles and slow waves in FDRs of SCZ probands and healthy subjects (HS) with no family history of SCZ. We found a significant reduction of integrated spindle activity (ISAs) in FDRs relative to HS, whereas spindle density and spindle duration were not different between groups. FDRs also had decreased slow wave amplitude and slopes. Altogether, our results suggest that ISAs deficits might represent a candidate endophenotype for SCZ. Furthermore, given the slow wave deficits observed in FDRs, we propose that disrupted cortical synchronisation increases the risk for SCZ, but thalamic dysfunction is necessary for the disorder to fully develop.
A Mathematical Model for Enzyme Clustering in Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Jeon Miji , Kang Hye-Won , An Songon
Published: February 2018

We have recently demonstrated that the rate-limiting enzymes in human glucose metabolism organize into cytoplasmic clusters to form a multienzyme complex, the glucosome, in at least three different sizes. Quantitative high-content imaging data support a hypothesis that the glucosome clusters regulate the direction of glucose flux between energy metabolism and building block biosynthesis in a cluster size-dependent manner. However, direct measurement of their functional contributions to cellular metabolism at subcellular levels has remained challenging. In this work, we develop a mathematical model using a system of ordinary differential equations, in which the association of the rate-limiting enzymes into multienzyme complexes is included as an essential element. We then demonstrate that our mathematical model provides a quantitative principle to simulate glucose flux at both subcellular and population levels in human cancer cells. Lastly, we use the model to simulate 2-deoxyglucose-mediated alteration of glucose flux in a population level based on subcellular high-content imaging data. Collectively, we introduce a new mathematical model for human glucose metabolism, which promotes our understanding of functional roles of differently sized multienzyme complexes in both single-cell and population levels.
Neurodynamics and connectivity during facial fear perception: The role of threat exposure and signal congruity
Authors: Cushing Cody A. , Im Hee Yeon , Adams Reginald B. , Ward Noreen , Albohn Daniel N. , Steiner Troy G. , Kveraga Kestutis
Published: February 2018

Fearful faces convey threat cues whose meaning is contextualized by eye gaze: While averted gaze is congruent with facial fear (both signal avoidance), direct gaze (an approach signal) is incongruent with it. We have previously shown using fMRI that the amygdala is engaged more strongly by fear with averted gaze during brief exposures. However, the amygdala also responds more to fear with direct gaze during longer exposures. Here we examined previously unexplored brain oscillatory responses to characterize the neurodynamics and connectivity during brief (~250 ms) and longer (~883 ms) exposures of fearful faces with direct or averted eye gaze. We performed two experiments: one replicating the exposure time by gaze direction interaction in fMRI (N = 23), and another where we confirmed greater early phase locking to averted-gaze fear (congruent threat signal) with MEG (N = 60) in a network of face processing regions, regardless of exposure duration. Phase locking to direct-gaze fear (incongruent threat signal) then increased significantly for brief exposures at ~350 ms, and at ~700 ms for longer exposures. Our results characterize the stages of congruent and incongruent facial threat signal processing and show that stimulus exposure strongly affects the onset and duration of these stages.
Reference gene selection for RT-qPCR analysis in Harmonia axyridis, a global invasive lady beetle
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Pan Huipeng , Yuan Ling , Zhou Xuguo
Published: February 2018

Harmonia axyridis is a voracious predator, a biological control agent, and one of the world most invasive insect species. The advent of next-generation sequencing platforms has propelled entomological research into the genomics and post-genomics era. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), a primary tool for gene expression analysis, is a core technique governs the genomic research. The selection of internal reference genes, however, can significantly impact the interpretation of RT-qPCR results. The overall goal of this study is to identify the reference genes in the highly invasive H. axyridis. Our central hypothesis is that the suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis can be selected from housekeeping genes. To test this hypothesis, the stability of nine housekeeping genes, including 18S, 28S, ACTB, ATP1A1, GAPDH, HSP70, HSP90, RP49, and ATP6V1A, were investigated under both biotic (developmental time, tissue and sex), and abiotic (temperature, photoperiod, in vivo RNAi) conditions. Gene expression profiles were analyzed by geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and the ΔCt method. Our combined results recommend a specific set of reference genes for each experimental condition. With the recent influx of genomic information for H. axyridis, this study lays the foundation for an in-depth omics dissection of biological invasion in this emerging model.
Activated T follicular helper-like cells are released into blood after oral vaccination and correlate with vaccine specific mucosal B-cell memory
Authors: Cárdeno Ana , Magnusson Maria K. , Quiding-Järbrink Marianne , Lundgren Anna
Published: February 2018

T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells with potent B-cell helping ability are mobilized into human circulation after parenteral vaccination and are generally held to reflect ongoing germinal center reactions. However, whether mucosal vaccination induces systemic Tfh responses and how such responses may relate to IgA production are unknown. We investigated the frequencies, phenotype and function of circulating Tfh-like CD4+CXCR5+T cells (cTfh) in adults receiving an oral inactivated enterotoxigenicEscherichia colivaccine. Subjects were classified as vaccine responders or weak/non-responders based on their intestine-derived antibody-secreting cell (ASC) IgA responses to major vaccine antigens. Oral immunization induced significantly increased proportions of cTfh cells expressing the cTfh activation marker inducible costimulator (ICOS) in ASC responders, but not in weak/non-responders. Vaccination also enhanced the expression of IL-21, Th17 markers and integrin β7 by activated cTfh cells, supporting functionality and gut homing potential. cTfh cells promoted total and vaccine specific IgA production from cocultured B cells. Magnitudes of cTfh responses assessed within a week after primary vaccinations correlated with memory intestine-derived vaccine specific IgA responses 1–2 years later. We conclude that activated ICOS+Tfh-like cells are mobilized into blood after oral vaccination and may be used as biomarkers of vaccine specific mucosal memory in humans.
Ageing potentiates diet-induced glucose intolerance, β-cell failure and tissue inflammation through TLR4
Authors: He Wei , Yuan Ting , Choezom Dolma , Hunkler Hannah , Annamalai Karthika , Lupse Blaz , Maedler Kathrin
Published: February 2018

Ageing and obesity are two major risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A chronic, low-grade, sterile inflammation contributes to insulin resistance and β-cell failure. Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) is a major pro-inflammatory pathway; its ligands as well as downstream signals are increased systemically in patients with T2D and at-risk individuals. In the present study we investigated the combined effects of high fat/high sucrose diet (HFD) feeding, ageing and TLR4-deficiency on tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and β-cell failure. In young mice, a short-term HFD resulted in a mildly impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin secretion, together with a β-cell mass compensation. In older mice, HFD further deteriorated insulin secretion and induced a significantly impaired glucose tolerance and augmented tissue inflammation in adipose, liver and pancreatic islets, all of which was attenuated by TLR4 deficiency. Our results show that ageing exacerbates HFD-induced impairment of glucose homeostasis and pancreatic β-cell function and survival, and deteriorates HFD-induced induction of mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory macrophage markers. TLR4-deficiency protects against these combined deleterious effects of a high fat diet and ageing through a reduced expression of inflammatory products in both insulin sensitive tissues and pancreatic islets.
Quantitative analysis of receptor-mediated uptake and pro-apoptotic activity of mistletoe lectin-1 by high content imaging
Authors: Beztsinna N. , de Matos M. B. C. , Walther J. , Heyder C. , Hildebrandt E. , Leneweit G. , Mastrobattista E. , Kok R. J.
Published: February 2018

Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) are highly potent cytotoxins that have potential as anticancer therapeutics. Mistletoe lectin 1 (ML1) is a heterodimeric cytotoxic protein isolated from European Mistletoe and belongs to RIP class II. The aim of this project was to systematically study ML1 cell binding, endocytosis pathway(s), subcellular processing and apoptosis activation. For this purpose, state of the art cell imaging equipment and automated image analysis algorithms were used. ML1 displayed very fast binding to sugar residues on the membrane and energy-dependent uptake in CT26 cells. The co-staining with specific antibodies and uptake blocking experiments revealed involvement of both clathrin-dependent and -independent pathways in ML1 endocytosis. Co-localization studies demonstrated the toxin transport from early endocytic vesicles to Golgi network; a retrograde road to the endoplasmic reticulum. The pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative activity of ML1 were shown in time lapse movies and subsequently quantified. ML1 cytotoxicity was less affected in multidrug resistant tumor cell line 4T1 in contrast to commonly used chemotherapeutic drug (ML1 resistance index 6.9 vs 13.4 for doxorubicin; IC50: ML1 1.4 ng/ml vs doxorubicin 24000 ng/ml). This opens new opportunities for the use of ML1 as an alternative treatment in multidrug resistant cancers.
Value of Circulating Cytokine Profiling During Submaximal Exercise Testing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Moneghetti Kegan J. , Skhiri Mehdi , Contrepois Kévin , Kobayashi Yukari , Maecker Holden , Davis Mark , Snyder Michael , Haddad Francois , Montoya Jose G.
Published: February 2018

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous syndrome in which patients often experience severe fatigue and malaise following exertion. Immune and cardiovascular dysfunction have been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology. We therefore, examined whether cytokine profiling or cardiovascular testing following exercise would differentiate patients with ME/CFS. Twenty-four ME/CFS patients were matched to 24 sedentary controls and underwent cardiovascular and circulating immune profiling. Cardiovascular analysis included echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise and endothelial function testing. Cytokine and growth factor profiles were analyzed using a 51-plex Luminex bead kit at baseline and 18 hours following exercise. Cardiac structure and exercise capacity were similar between groups. Sparse partial least square discriminant analyses of cytokine profiles 18 hours post exercise offered the most reliable discrimination between ME/CFS and controls (κ = 0.62(0.34,0.84)). The most discriminatory cytokines post exercise were CD40L, platelet activator inhibitor, interleukin 1-β, interferon-α and CXCL1. In conclusion, cytokine profiling following exercise may help differentiate patients with ME/CFS from sedentary controls.
Alps to Apennines zircon roller coaster along the Adria microplate margin
Authors: Jacobs J. , Paoli G. , Rocchi S. , Ksienzyk A. K. , Sirevaag H. , Elburg M. A.
Published: February 2018

We have traced the particle path of high-pressure metasedimentary rocks on Elba Island, Northern Apennines, with the help of a U-Pb-Hf detrital zircon study. One quarter of the analysed zircons are surprisingly young, 41-30 Ma, with a main age peak at ca. 32 Ma, indicating an unexpected early Oligocene maximum deposition age. These Oligocene ages with negative εHf indicate a volcanic source region in the central-southern Alps. Though young by geological means, these zircons record an extraordinary geodynamic history. They originated in a volcanic arc, during the convergence/collision of the the Adria microplate with Europe from ca. 65 to 30 Ma. Thereafter, the Oligocene zircons travelled ca. 400 km southward along the Adria margin and the accretionary prism to present-day Tuscany, where they were subducted to depths of at least 40 km. Shortly thereafter, they were brought to the surface again in the wake of hinge roll back of the Apennine subduction zone and the resulting rapid extensional exhumation. Such a zircon roller coaster requires a microplate that has back-to-back subduction zones with opposing polarities on two sides.
The Size Congruity Effect Vanishes in Grasping: Implications for the Processing of Numerical Information
Authors: Namdar Gal , Ganel Tzvi , Algom Daniel
Published: February 2018

Judgments of the physical size in which a numeral is presented are often affected by the task-irrelevant attribute of its numerical magnitude, the Size Congruity Effect (SCE). The SCE is typically interpreted as a marker of the automatic activation of numerical magnitude. However, a growing literature shows that the SCE is not robust, a possible indication that numerical information is not always activated in an automatic fashion. In the present study, we tested the SCE via grasping by way of resolving the automaticity debate. We found results that challenge the robustness of the SCE and, consequently, the validity of the automaticity assumption. The SCE was absent when participants grasped the physically larger object of a pair of 3D wooden numerals. An SCE was still recorded when the participants perceptually indicated the general location of the larger object, but not when they grasped that object. These results highlight the importance of the sensory domain when considering the generality of a perceptual effect.
Optimization of the Synthesis of Superhydrophobic Carbon Nanomaterials by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Aljumaily Mustafa Mohammed , Alsaadi Mohammed Abdulhakim , Das Rasel , Hamid Sharifah Bee Abd , Hashim N. Awanis , AlOmar Mohamed Khalid , Alayan Haiyam Mohammed , Novikov Mikhail , Alsalhy Qusay F. , Hashim Mohd Ali
Published: February 2018

Demand is increasing for superhydrophobic materials in many applications, such as membrane distillation, separation and special coating technologies. In this study, we report a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process to fabricate superhydrophobic carbon nanomaterials (CNM) on nickel (Ni)-doped powder activated carbon (PAC). The reaction temperature, reaction time and H2/C2H2 gas ratio were optimized to achieve the optimum contact angle (CA) and carbon yield (CY). For the highest CY (380%) and CA (177°), the optimal reaction temperatures were 702 °C and 687 °C, respectively. However, both the reaction time (40 min) and gas ratio (1.0) were found to have similar effects on CY and CA. Based on the Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images, the CNM could be categorized into two main groups: a) carbon spheres (CS) free carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and b) CS mixed with CNFs, which were formed at 650 and 750 °C, respectively. Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis also support this finding. The hydrophobicity of the CNM, expressed by the CA, follows the trend of CS-mixed CNFs (CA: 177°) > CS-free CNFs (CA: 167°) > PAC/Ni (CA: 65°). This paves the way for future applications of synthesized CNM to fabricate water-repellent industrial-grade technologies.
Transcriptome analysis and prognosis of ALDH isoforms in human cancer
Authors: Chang Peter Mu-Hsin , Chen Che-Hong , Yeh Chi-Chun , Lu Hsueh-Ju , Liu Tze-Tze , Chen Ming-Huang , Liu Chun-Yu , Wu Alexander T. H. , Yang Muh-Hwa , Tai Shyh-Kuan , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Huang Chi-Ying F.
Published: February 2018

Overexpression of ALDH is associated with cancer stem-like features and poor cancer prognosis. High ALDH activity has been observed in cancer stem-like cells. There are a total of 19 human ALDH isoforms, all of which are associated with reducing oxidative stress and protecting cells from damage. However, it is unknown whether all ALDHs are associated with poor cancer prognosis and which ones play a significant role in cancer progression. In this study, we used RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to evaluate the differential expression of 19 ALDH isoforms in 5 common human cancers. The 19 ALDH genes were analyzed with an integrating meta-analysis of cancer prognosis. Genotyping and next-generation RNA sequencing for 30 pairwise samples of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were performed and compared with the TCGA cohort. The analysis showed that each ALDH isoform had a specific differential expression pattern, most of which were related to prognosis in human cancer. A lower expression of ALDH2 in the tumor was observed, which was independent from the ALDH2 rs671 SNP variant and the expression of other mitochondria-associated protein coding genes. This study provides new insight into the association between ALDH expression and cancer prognosis.
Elavl3 is essential for the maintenance of Purkinje neuron axons
Authors: Ogawa Yuki , Kakumoto Kyoko , Yoshida Tetsu , Kuwako Ken-ichiro , Miyazaki Taisuke , Yamaguchi Junji , Konno Ayumu , Hata Junichi , Uchiyama Yasuo , Hirai Hirokazu , Watanabe Masahiko , Darnell Robert B. , Okano Hideyuki , Okano Hirotaka James
Published: February 2018

Neuronal Elav-like (nElavl or neuronal Hu) proteins are RNA-binding proteins that regulate RNA stability and alternative splicing, which are associated with axonal and synaptic structures. nElavl proteins promote the differentiation and maturation of neurons via their regulation of RNA. The functions of nElavl in mature neurons are not fully understood, although Elavl3 is highly expressed in the adult brain. Furthermore, possible associations between nElavl genes and several neurodegenerative diseases have been reported. We investigated the relationship between nElavl functions and neuronal degeneration using Elavl3−/− mice. Elavl3−/− mice exhibited slowly progressive motor deficits leading to severe cerebellar ataxia, and axons of Elavl3−/− Purkinje cells were swollen (spheroid formation), followed by the disruption of synaptic formation of axonal terminals. Deficit in axonal transport and abnormalities in neuronal polarity was observed in Elavl3−/− Purkinje cells. These results suggest that nElavl proteins are crucial for the maintenance of axonal homeostasis in mature neurons. Moreover, Elavl3−/− mice are unique animal models that constantly develop slowly progressive axonal degeneration. Therefore, studies of Elavl3−/− mice will provide new insight regarding axonal degenerative processes.
Identification of basic/helix-loop-helix transcription factors reveals candidate genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis from the strawberry white-flesh mutant
Authors: Zhao Fengli , Li Gang , Hu Panpan , Zhao Xia , Li Liangjie , Wei Wei , Feng Jiayue , Zhou Houcheng
Published: February 2018

As the second largest transcription factor family in plant, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family, characterized by the conserved bHLH domain, plays a central regulatory role in many biological process. However, the bHLH transcription factor family of strawberry has not been systematically identified, especially for the anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here, we identified a total of 113 bHLH transcription factors and described their chromosomal distribution and bioinformatics for the diploid woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca. In addition, transcription profiles of 113 orthologous bHLH genes from various tissues were analyzed for the cultivar ‘Benihoppe’, its white-flesh mutant ‘Xiaobai’, and the ‘Snow Princess’ from their fruit development to the ripening, as well as those under either the ABA or Eth treatment. Both the RT-PCR and qRT-PCR results show that seven selected FabHLH genes (FabHLH17, FabHLH25, FabHLH27, FabHLH29, FabHLH40, FabHLH80, FabHLH98) are responsive to the fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis and hormone signaling according to transcript profiles where three color modes are observed for strawberry’s fruit skin and flesh. Further, prediction for the protein interaction network reveals that four bHLHs (FabHLH25, FabHLH29, FabHLH80, FabHLH98) are involved in the fruit anthocyanin biosynthesis and hormone signaling transduction. These bioinformatics and expression profiles provide a good basis for a further investigation of strawberry bHLH genes.
An Alfin-like gene from Atriplex hortensis enhances salt and drought tolerance and abscisic acid response in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Tao Jian-Jun , Wei Wei , Pan Wen-Jia , Lu Long , Li Qing-Tian , Ma Jin-Biao , Zhang Wan-Ke , Ma Biao , Chen Shou-Yi , Zhang Jin-Song
Published: February 2018

Alfin-like (AL) is a small plant-specific gene family with prominent roles in root growth and abiotic stress response. Here, we aimed to identify novel stress tolerance AL genes from the stress-tolerant species Atriplex hortensis. Totally, we isolated four AhAL genes, all encoding nuclear-localized proteins with cis-element-binding and transrepression activities. Constitutive expression of AhAL1 in Arabidopsis facilitated plants to survive under saline condition, while expressing anyone of the other three AhAL genes led to salt-hypersensitive response, indicating functional divergence of AhAL family. AhAL1 also conferred enhanced drought tolerance, as judged from enhanced survival, improved growth, decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) content and reduced water loss in AhAL1-expressing plants compared to WT. In addition, abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated stomatal closure and inhibition of seed germination and primary root elongation were enhanced in AhAL1-transgenic plants. Further analysis demonstrated that AhAL1 could bind to promoter regions of GRF7, DREB1C and several group-A PP2C genes and repress their expression. Correspondingly, the expression levels of positive stress regulator genes DREB1A, DREB2A and three ABFs were all increased in AhAL1-expressing plants. Based on these results, AhAL1 was identified as a novel candidate gene for improving abiotic stress tolerance of crop plants.
Short-term Effect of Ambient Ozone on Daily Emergency Room Visits in Beijing, China
Authors: Tian Yaohua , Xiang Xiao , Juan Juan , Song Jing , Cao Yaying , Huang Chao , Li Man , Hu Yonghua
Published: February 2018

Little is known about the acute effects of ozone on morbidity risk in China. We conducted a time-series study to examine the association between ozone and daily emergency room visits (ERVs) in Beijing, China. We identified 7,088,309 ERVs between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. A generalized additive model with Poisson regression incorporating penalized spline functions was employed to analyze ERVs in association with daily 8-h maximum ozone concentrations. An increase of 10 μg/m3 of same-day ozone concentration was significantly associated with a 0.24% (95% CI, 0.21%–0.26%), 0.31% (95% CI, 0.27%–0.35%), and 0.43% (95% CI, 0.36%–0.50%) increase in daily ERVs for the whole study period, days when the daily 8-h maximum ozone met the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) Grade II standard, and days that met the CAAQS Grade I standard, respectively. These results were robust when considering the potential confounding effects of PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, and CO. In conclusion, our findings suggested significant effects of ozone exposure on daily ERVs in Beijing. Improving air quality with even lower ozone level than the current CAAQS could yield important public health.
Identifying source populations for the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber L. 1758, into Britain: evidence from ancient DNA
Authors: Marr Melissa M. , Brace Selina , Schreve Danielle C. , Barnes Ian
Published: February 2018

Establishing true phylogenetic relationships between populations is a critical consideration when sourcing individuals for translocation. This presents huge difficulties with threatened and endangered species that have become extirpated from large areas of their former range. We utilise ancient DNA (aDNA) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of a keystone species which has become extinct in Britain, the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber. We sequenced seventeen 492 bp partial tRNAPro and control region sequences from Late Pleistocene and Holocene age beavers and included these in network, demographic and genealogy analyses. The mode of postglacial population expansion from refugia was investigated by employing tests of neutrality and a pairwise mismatch distribution analysis. We found evidence of a pre-Late Glacial Maximum ancestor for the Western C. fiber clade which experienced a rapid demographic expansion during the terminal Pleistocene to early Holocene period. Ancient British beavers were found to originate from the Western phylogroup but showed no phylogenetic affinity to any one modern relict population over another. Instead, we find that they formed part of a large, continuous, pan-Western European clade that harbored little internal substructure. Our study highlights the utility of aDNA in reconstructing population histories of extirpated species which has real-world implications for conservation planning.
Rate-limiting steps in the dark-to-light transition of Photosystem II - revealed by chlorophyll-a fluorescence induction
Authors: Magyar Melinda , Sipka Gábor , Kovács László , Ughy Bettina , Zhu Qingjun , Han Guangye , Špunda Vladimír , Lambrev Petar H. , Shen Jian-Ren , Garab Győző
Published: February 2018

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyses the photoinduced oxygen evolution and, by producing reducing equivalents drives, in concert with PSI, the conversion of carbon dioxide to sugars. Our knowledge about the architecture of the reaction centre (RC) complex and the mechanisms of charge separation and stabilisation is well advanced. However, our understanding of the processes associated with the functioning of RC is incomplete: the photochemical activity of PSII is routinely monitored by chlorophyll-a fluorescence induction but the presently available data are not free of controversy. In this work, we examined the nature of gradual fluorescence rise of PSII elicited by trains of single-turnover saturating flashes (STSFs) in the presence of a PSII inhibitor, permitting only one stable charge separation. We show that a substantial part of the fluorescence rise originates from light-induced processes that occur after the stabilisation of charge separation, induced by the first STSF; the temperature-dependent relaxation characteristics suggest the involvement of conformational changes in the additional rise. In experiments using double flashes with variable waiting times (∆τ) between them, we found that no rise could be induced with zero or short ∆τ, the value of which depended on the temperature - revealing a previously unknown rate-limiting step in PSII.
LAMB3 mediates metastatic tumor behavior in papillary thyroid cancer by regulating c-MET/Akt signals
Authors: Jung Seung-Nam , Lim Hyun Sil , Liu Lihua , Chang Jae Won , Lim Young Chang , Rha Ki Sang , Koo Bon Seok
Published: February 2018

Laminin subunit beta-3 (LAMB3) encodes one of the three subunits of LM-332, a protein of the extracellular matrix secreted by cultured human keratinocytes. While LAMB3 is involved in the invasive and metastatic abilities of several tumor types, including those found in the colon, pancreas, lung, cervix, stomach, and prostate, its mechanism of action in thyroid cancer has not been investigated previously. Our results show that LAMB3 is up-regulated in papillary thyroid cancer, and that its suppression reduces cell migration/invasion via down-regulation of epithelial‒mesenchymal transition-associated proteins (N-cadherin, vimentin, slug) and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase 9. LAMB3 suppression also significantly decreases Akt phosphorylation and inhibits the transcription of c-MET, reducing its activation. These results suggest that LAMB3 leads to tumor invasion via Akt activation induced by the HGF/c-MET axis in papillary thyroid cancer cells. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism of action for LAMB3 in papillary thyroid cancer cells.
A White Random Laser
Authors: Chang Shu-Wei , Liao Wei-Cheng , Liao Yu-Ming , Lin Hung-I , Lin Hsia-Yu , Lin Wei-Ju , Lin Shih-Yao , Perumal Packiyaraj , Haider Golam , Tai Chia-Tse , Shen Kun-Ching , Chang Cheng-Han , Huang Yuan-Fu , Lin Tai-Yuan , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: February 2018

Random laser with intrinsically uncomplicated fabrication processes, high spectral radiance, angle-free emission, and conformal onto freeform surfaces is in principle ideal for a variety of applications, ranging from lighting to identification systems. In this work, a white random laser (White-RL) with high-purity and high-stability is designed, fabricated, and demonstrated via the cost-effective materials (e.g., organic laser dyes) and simple methods (e.g., all-solution process and self-assembled structures). Notably, the wavelength, linewidth, and intensity of White-RL are nearly isotropic, nevertheless hard to be achieved in any conventional laser systems. Dynamically fine-tuning colour over a broad visible range is also feasible by on-chip integration of three free-standing monochromatic laser films with selective pumping scheme and appropriate colour balance. With these schematics, White-RL shows great potential and high application values in high-brightness illumination, full-field imaging, full-colour displays, visible-colour communications, and medical biosensing.
Simultaneous non-polar and polar lipid analysis by on-line combination of HILIC, RP and high resolution MS
Authors: Rampler Evelyn , Schoeny Harald , Mitic Bernd M. , El Abiead Yasin , Schwaiger Michaela , Koellensperger Gunda
Published: February 2018

Polar and non-polar lipids analysis in 15 min chromatographic run time was enabled by a novel instrumental setup using orthogonal HILIC and RP separation and effluent combination prior to high-resolution mass spectrometry.
Optical probes, theranostics and optogenetics shed light on zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Minyong
Published: February 2018

Zebrafish is a promising animal model applied for optical probes, theranostics and optogenetics.
Cu(ii) sorption by biogenic birnessite produced byPseudomonas putidastrain MnB1: structural differences from abiotic birnessite and its environmental implications
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Li Yan , Chen Ning , Ding Hongrui , Zhang Huiqin , Liu Feifei , Yin Hui , Chu Shengqi , Wang Changqiu , Lu Anhuai
Published: February 2018

Cu(ii) adsorbs predominantly at the layer edges of abiobirnessite, but at vacancies in bio-birnessite with larger interlayer space.
Dynamics of bridge–loop transformation in a membrane with mixed monolayer/bilayer structures
Authors: Yang Yan-Ling , Chen Min-Yi , Tsao Heng-Kwong , Sheng Yu-Jane
Published: February 2018

Coexistence of the I-shape and U-shape conformations in a triblock copolymer membrane.
Nitrogen doped nanohoops as promising CO2 capturing devices
Authors: Vidal Vidal Ángel , López Carlos Silva , Nieto Faza Olalla
Published: February 2018

High binding energies, which increase with the number of nitrogens, make nitrogen-doped nanohoops promising CO2 capturing and sensing devices.
Distinct photophysical behaviour and transport of cell-impermeable [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ in live cells using cucurbit[7]uril as a delivery system
Authors: Shinde Meenakshi N. , Rao Soniya S. , Gejji Shridhar P. , Kumbhar Anupa A.
Published: February 2018

We have successfully demonstrated the delivery of a cell-impermeable [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ complex across the cell membrane in live cells using a cucurbit[7]uril molecular container.
Nanocomposites based on hierarchical porous carbon fiber@vanadium nitride nanoparticles as supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Ran Fen , Wu Yage , Jiang Minghuan , Tan Yongtao , Liu Ying , Kong Lingbin , Kang Long , Chen Shaowei
Published: February 2018

In this study, a hybrid electrode material for supercapacitors based on hierarchical porous carbon fiber@vanadium nitride nanoparticles is fabricated using the method of phase-separation mediated by the PAA-b-PAN-b-PAA tri-block copolymer.
Critical analysis on the quality of stability studies of perovskite and dye solar cells
Authors: Tiihonen Armi , Miettunen Kati , Halme Janne , Lepikko Sakari , Poskela Aapo , Lund Peter D.
Published: February 2018

Urgent deficiencies in the aging tests of perovskite and dye solar cells are identified and improved methods are proposed in this work.
The in situ transformation of the co-product formaldehyde in the reversible hydrolysis of 1,3-dixoane to obtain 1,3-propanediol efficiently
Authors: Wang Yehong , Zhang Jian , Zhang Zhixin , Hou Tingting , Zhang Chaofeng , An Jinghua , Wang Feng
Published: February 2018

Herein, a strategy is developed for efficient production of l,3-propanediol via the hydrolysis of 1,3-dioxane by the in situ transformation of the co-product formaldehyde (HCHO) in the presence of Eu(OH)3.
The conjunction of a new ultrasonic-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction method with HPLC-DAD for the trace determination of diazinon in biological and water media
Authors: Behbahani Mohammad , Veisi Ali , Omidi Fariborz , Yeganeh Badi Mojtaba , Noghrehabadi Aminreza , Esrafili Ali , Sobhi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2018

Herein, a new ultrasonic-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction method was successfully developed for the trace detection of diazinon.
AgPd@Pt nanoparticles with different morphologies of cuboctahedron, icosahedron, decahedron, octahedron, and Marks-decahedron: insights from atomistic simulations
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen , Mehrjouei Esmat , Kamrani Maliheh
Published: February 2018

The thermal stabilities of AgPd@Pt nanoclusters with different morphologies have been investigated via MD simulations.
Effective removal of organic pollutants using GeO2/TiO2 nanoparticle composites under direct sunlight
Authors: Natarajan Kalithasan , Bajaj Hari C. , Tayade Rajesh J.
Published: February 2018

TiO2 and GeO2/TiO2 nanoparticle composites were synthesized by solution combustion method are used as photocatalyst for removal of organic pollutants.
Comparison of two online extraction systems and development of the online SPE-HPLC-DAD method to simultaneously determine ten β-amino alcohol drugs in plasma
Authors: Wang Man , Liu Lei , Yin Zheng , Lu Yaxin
Published: February 2018

Multiple comparisons of two online pretreatment systems were conducted, which provided a reference for choosing a suitable solution.
Iminoxyl radicalsvs. tert-butylperoxyl radical in competitive oxidative C–O coupling with β-dicarbonyl compounds. Oxime ether formation prevails over Kharasch peroxidation
Authors: Krylov I. B. , Paveliev S. A. , Shumakova N. S. , Syroeshkin M. A. , Shelimov B. N. , Nikishin G. I. , Terent'ev A. O.
Published: February 2018

The Kharasch peroxidation system Cu(ii)cat./t-BuOOH, the source oft-BuOO˙ radicals, can be switched to generate iminoxyl radicals by adding various oximes.
Assessing assessment: in pursuit of meaningful learning
Authors: Rootman-le Grange Ilse , Blackie Margaret A. L.
Published: February 2018

The challenge of supporting the development of meaningful learning is prevalent in chemistry education research. One of the core activities used in the learning process is assessments. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how the semantics dimension of Legitimation Code Theory can be a helpful tool to critique the quality of assessments and reveal how this quality potentially contributes to meaningful learning. For this purpose we analysed an exam paper from an introductory chemistry module, using the semantics dimension as a framework. We discuss the tools that were designed for this analysis and how it was applied to reveal the weakness in this particular assessment. Suggestions for how this assessment can be improved is also discussed. This study illustrates how the semantics dimension can inform assessment practice and potentially contribute to the development of meaningful learning.
Formation of quaternary centres by copper catalysed asymmetric conjugate addition to β-substituted cyclopentenones with the aid of a quantitative structure–selectivity relationship
Authors: Ardkhean Ruchuta , Mortimore Mike , Paton Robert S. , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: February 2018

A new asymmetric conjugate addition method was developed for β-substituted cyclopentenones to form quaternary centres using alkylzirconocene nucleophiles giving up to 97% yield and 92% ee.
Tailored trisubstituted chiral CpxRhIII catalysts for kinetic resolutions of phosphinic amides
Authors: Sun Y. , Cramer N.
Published: February 2018

A trisubstituted chiral Cpx ligand family is introduced.
Hydrogen-enriched natural gas as a domestic fuel: an analysis based on flash-back and blow-off limits for domestic natural gas appliances within the UK
Authors: Jones Daniel R. , Al-Masry Waheed A. , Dunnill Charles W.
Published: February 2018

In the effort to reduce carbon emissions from an ever-increasing global population, it has become increasingly vital to monitor and counteract the environmental impact of our domestic energy usage given its contribution to overall carbon emissions.
Temperature-dependent structure and dynamics of highly-branched poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) in aqueous solution
Authors: AL-Baradi Ateyyah M. , Rimmer Stephen , Carter Steven R. , de Silva Johann P. , King Stephen M. , Maccarini Marco , Farago Bela , Noirez Laurence , Geoghegan Mark
Published: February 2018

Neutron scattering has been used to investigate the solution behaviour of highly-branched poly(N-isopropylacrylamide).
Competing failure modes in finite adhesive pads
Authors: Cohen Tal , Chan Chon U , Mahadevan L.
Published: February 2018

Thin adhesive pads used to attach objects to each other often fail catastrophically. In this study we consider the nature of failure of such pads and show that two different peeling mechanisms emerge.
A theoretical study on the electronic properties of in-plane CdS/ZnSe heterostructures: type-II band alignment for water splitting
Authors: Yang Hongchao , Li Jinjin , Yu Lin , Huang Baibiao , Ma Yandong , Dai Ying
Published: February 2018

Lateral heterostructures fabricated by using two-dimensional (2D) building blocks have attracted a great deal of attention in materials science and device physics.
Synthesis of uniform hierarchical Na3V1.95Mn0.05(PO4)2F3@C hollow microspheres as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yu , Guo Shirui , Xu Huayun
Published: February 2018

Uniform hierarchical Na3V1.95Mn0.05(PO4)2F3@C hollow microspheres with high electrochemical performance as a cathode material for SIBs were successfully synthesized.
Fabrication of mesoporous La3Ga5GeO14:Cr3+,Zn2+persistent luminescence nanocarriers with super-long afterglow for bioimaging-guidedin vivodrug delivery to the gut
Authors: Zhang Dong-Dong , Liu Jing-Min , Song Nan , Liu Yao-Yao , Dang Meng , Fang Guo-Zhen , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2018

Infection by pathogens has always been a major threat to human health, a persistent luminescence nanocarriers has been explored and designed for bioimaging-guidedin vivodrug delivery to the gut to kill pathogens.
A 3D in vitro pericyte-supported microvessel model: visualisation and quantitative characterisation of multistep angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Eujin , Takahashi Haruko , Pauty Joris , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Kato Keisuke , Kabara Maki , Kawabe Jun-ichi , Matsunaga Yukiko T.
Published: February 2018

A 3D in vitro microvessel model consisting of pericytes and endothelial cells which enables visualization of the multistep process of angiogenesis induced by VEGF.
Flexible latex photonic films with tunable structural colors templated by cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Leng Junxiao , Li Guihua , Ji Xingxiang , Yuan Zaiwu , Fu Yingjuan , Li Hongguang , Qin Menghua , Moehwald Helmuth
Published: February 2018

Free-standing latex films were prepared by using CNCs as templates. The structural color of the latex film shows a reversible response to water adsorption and dehydration. The maximum elongation at break of the latex film reaches 34.5%, which is ∼8 times larger than that of the best film reported so far.
Isolation and structural characterization of a titanacyclopropane as key intermediate in the double aryl Grignard addition to 2-(arylethynyl)pyridine derivatives
Authors: Foschi Francesco , Roth Torsten , Enders Markus , Wadepohl Hubert , Clot Eric , Gade Lutz H.
Published: February 2018

A titanacyclopropane species, which is a key reaction intermediate in the Ti(OiPr)4-mediated double aryl Grignard addition to 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)ethyne and related alkynes, was isolated and fully characterized.
Covalent triazine framework catalytic oxidative cleavage of lignin models and organosolv lignin
Authors: Zhao Li , Shi Song , Liu Meng , Zhu Guozhi , Wang Min , Du Wenqiang , Gao Jin , Xu Jie
Published: February 2018

CTFs were used as effective metal-free catalysts for the oxidative cleavage of lignin model compounds and organosolv lignin.
C(sp2)–H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazonesviaa radical process
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Zhang Jun , Xia Hongguang , Wu Jie
Published: February 2018

This review is focused on the recent advances in the C(sp2)–H functionalization of aldehyde-derived hydrazonesviaa radical process. Diverse substituted hydrazones including N-heterocycles are afforded under mild conditions with excellent selectivities. In general, an aminyl radical as the key intermediate is involved during the reaction process.
Palladium-catalyzed dimerization of N-aryl propargylamines for the synthesis of 3-vinylquinolines
Authors: Li Xiao-Fang , Zhang Xing-Guo , Hu Bo-Lun , Zhang Xiao-Hong
Published: February 2018

Palladium-catalyzed dimerization of N-aryl propargylamines through cascade electrophilic cyclization and hydroarylation was reported.
Electrochemical reduction of CO2on defect-rich Bi derived from Bi2S3with enhanced formate selectivity
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Fengwang , Zhang Xiaolong , Williams Tim , Easton Christopher D. , Bond Alan. M. , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2018

An urchin-like sulphide-derived bismuth electrocatalyst was synthesised for CO2reduction and a maximum of 84.0% faradaic efficiency for formate formation was achieved. The origin of the activity of the sulphide-derived bismuth catalyst was explored and its defect-rich structure was responsible for the high formate selectivity.