bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Allosteric Inhibitors against Active Caspase-6
Authors: Tubeleviciute-Aydin Agne , Beautrait Alexandre , Lynham Jeffrey , Sharma Gyanesh , Gorelik Alexei , Deny Ludovic J. , Soya Naoto , Lukacs Gergely L. , Nagar Bhushan , Marinier Anne , LeBlanc Andrea C.
Published: April 2019

Caspase-6 is a cysteine protease that plays essential roles in programmed cell death, axonal degeneration, and development. The excess neuronal activity of Caspase-6 is associated with Alzheimer disease neuropathology and age-dependent cognitive impairment. Caspase-6 inhibition is a promising strategy to stop early stage neurodegenerative events, yet finding potent and selective Caspase-6 inhibitors has been a challenging task due to the overlapping structural and functional similarities between caspase family members. Here, we investigated how four rare non-synonymous missense single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), resulting in amino acid substitutions outside human Caspase-6 active site, affect enzyme structure and catalytic efficiency. Three investigated SNPs were found to align with a putative allosteric pocket with low sequence conservation among human caspases. Virtual screening of 57,700 compounds against the putative Caspase-6 allosteric pocket, followed byin vitrotesting of the best virtual hits in recombinant human Caspase-6 activity assays identified novel allosteric Caspase-6 inhibitors with IC50andKivalues ranging from ~2 to 13 µM. This report may pave the way towards the development and optimisation of novel small molecule allosteric Caspase-6 inhibitors and illustrates that functional characterisation of rare natural variants holds promise for the identification of allosteric sites on other therapeutic targets in drug discovery.
Concurrent climate extremes in the key wheat producing regions of the world
Authors: Toreti Andrea , Cronie Ottmar , Zampieri Matteo
Published: April 2019

Climate extremes have profound impacts on key socio-economic sectors such as agriculture. In a changing climate context, characterised by an intensification of these extremes and where the population is expected to grow, exposure and vulnerability must be accurately assessed. However, most risk assessments analyse extremes independently, thus potentially being overconfident in the resilience of the socio-economic sectors. Here, we propose a novel approach to defining and characterising concurrent climate extremes (i.e. extremes occurring within a specific temporal lag), which is able to identify spatio-temporal dependences without making any strict assumptions. The method is applied to large-scale heat stress and drought events in the key wheat producing regions of the world, as these extremes can cause serious yield losses and thus trigger market shocks. Wheat regions likely to have concurrent extremes (heat stress and drought events) are identified, as well as regions independent of each other or inhibiting each other in terms of these extreme events. This tool may be integrated in all risk assessments but could also be used to explore global climate teleconnections.
Body odors (even when masked) make you more emotional: behavioral and neural insights
Authors: Cecchetto Cinzia , Lancini Elisa , Bueti Domenica , Rumiati Raffaella Ida , Parma Valentina
Published: April 2019

Morality evolved within specific social contexts that are argued to shape moral choices. In turn, moral choices are hypothesized to be affected by body odors as they powerfully convey socially-relevant information. We thus investigated the neural underpinnings of the possible body odors effect on the participants’ decisions. In an fMRI study we presented to healthy individuals 64 moral dilemmas divided in incongruent (real) and congruent (fake) moral dilemmas, using different types of harm (intentional: instrumental dilemmas, or inadvertent: accidental dilemmas). Participants were required to choose deontological or utilitarian actions under the exposure to a neutral fragrance (masker) or body odors concealed by the same masker (masked body odor). Smelling the masked body odor while processing incongruent (not congruent) dilemmas activates the supramarginal gyrus, consistent with an increase in prosocial attitude. When processing accidental (not instrumental) dilemmas, smelling the masked body odor activates the angular gyrus, an area associated with the processing of people’s presence, supporting the hypothesis that body odors enhance the saliency of the social context in moral scenarios. These results suggest that masked body odors can influence moral choices by increasing the emotional experience during the decision process, and further explain how sensory unconscious biases affect human behavior.
Epizootics due to Yellow Fever Virus in São Paulo State, Brazil: viral dissemination to new areas (2016–2017)
Authors: Cunha Mariana Sequetin , da Costa Antonio Charlys , de Azevedo Fernandes Natália Coelho Couto , Guerra Juliana Mariotti , dos Santos Fabiana Cristina Pereira , Nogueira Juliana Silva , D’Agostino Leandro Guariglia , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos , Witkin Steven S. , Ressio Rodrigo Albergaria , Maeda Adriana Yurika , Vasami Fernanda Gisele Silva , Kaigawa Ursula Mitsue Abreu , de Azevedo Laís Sampaio , de Souza Facioli Paloma Alana , Macedo Fernando Luiz Lima , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Leal Élcio , de Souza Renato Pereira
Published: April 2019

Beginning in late 2016 Brazil faced the worst outbreak of Yellow Fever in recent decades, mainly located in southeastern rural regions of the country. In the present study we characterize the Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) associated with this outbreak in São Paulo State, Brazil. Blood or tissues collected from 430 dead monkeys and 1030 pools containing a total of 5,518 mosquitoes were tested for YFV by quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and indirect immunofluorescence. A total of 67 monkeys were YFV-positive and 3 pools yielded YFV following culture in a C6/36 cell line. Analysis of five nearly full length genomes of YFV from collected samples was consistent with evidence that the virus associated with the São Paulo outbreak originated in Minas Gerais. The phylogenetic analysis also showed that strains involved in the 2016–2017 outbreak in distinct Brazilian states (i.e., Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo) intermingled in maximum-likelihood and Bayesian trees. Conversely, the strains detected in São Paulo formed a monophyletic cluster, suggesting that they were local-adapted. The finding of YFV by RT-PCR in five Callithrix monkeys who were all YFV-negative by histopathology or immunohistochemistry suggests that this YFV lineage circulating in Sao Paulo is associated with different outcomes in Callithrix when compared to other monkeys.
Processing complexity increases in superficial layers of human primary auditory cortex
Authors: Moerel Michelle , De Martino Federico , Uğurbil Kâmil , Yacoub Essa , Formisano Elia
Published: April 2019

The layers of the neocortex each have a unique anatomical connectivity and functional role. Their exploration in the human brain, however, has been severely restricted by the limited spatial resolution of non-invasive measurement techniques. Here, we exploit the sensitivity and specificity of ultra-high field fMRI at 7 Tesla to investigate responses to natural sounds at deep, middle, and superficial cortical depths of the human auditory cortex. Specifically, we compare the performance of computational models that represent different hypotheses on sound processing inside and outside the primary auditory cortex (PAC). We observe that while BOLD responses in deep and middle PAC layers are equally well represented by a simple frequency model and a more complex spectrotemporal modulation model, responses in superficial PAC are better represented by the more complex model. This indicates an increase in processing complexity in superficial PAC, which remains present throughout cortical depths in the non-primary auditory cortex. These results suggest that a relevant transformation in sound processing takes place between the thalamo-recipient middle PAC layers and superficial PAC. This transformation may be a first computational step towards sound abstraction and perception, serving to form an increasingly more complex representation of the physical input.
Refinement of a chronic cranial window implant in the rat for longitudinal in vivo two–photon fluorescence microscopy of neurovascular function
Authors: Koletar Margaret M. , Dorr Adrienne , Brown Mary E. , McLaurin JoAnne , Stefanovic Bojana
Published: April 2019

Longitudinal studies using two–photon fluorescence microscopy (TPFM) are critical for facilitating cellular scale imaging of brain morphology and function. Studies have been conducted in the mouse due to their relatively higher transparency and long term patency of a chronic cranial window. Increasing availability of transgenic rat models, and the range of established behavioural paradigms, necessitates development of a chronic preparation for the rat. However, surgical craniotomies in the rat present challenges due to craniotomy closure by wound healing and diminished image quality due to inflammation, restricting most rat TPFM experiments to acute preparations. Long-term patency is enabled by employing sterile surgical technique, minimization of trauma with precise tissue handling during surgery, judicious selection of the size and placement of the craniotomy, diligent monitoring of animal physiology and support throughout the surgery, and modification of the home cage for long-term preservation of cranial implants. Immunohistochemical analysis employing the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) showed activation and recruitment of astrocytes and microglia/macrophages directly inferior to the cranial window at one week after surgery, with more diffuse response in deeper cortical layers at two weeks, and amelioration around four weeks post craniotomy. TPFM was conducted up to 14 weeks post craniotomy, reaching cortical depths of 400 µm to 600 µm at most time-points. The rate of signal decay with increasing depth and maximum cortical depth attained had greater variation between individual rats at a single time-point than within a rat across time.
Urinary K+ promotes irritative voiding symptoms and pain in the face of urothelial barrier dysfunction
Authors: Montalbetti Nicolas , Stocker Sean D. , Apodaca Gerard , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Carattino Marcelo D.
Published: April 2019

The internal surface of the bladder is lined by the urothelium, a stratified epithelium that forms an impermeable barrier to water and urine constituents. Abnormalities in the urothelial barrier have been described in certain forms of cystitis and were hypothesized to contribute to irritative voiding symptoms and pain by allowing the permeation of urinary K+ into suburothelial tissues, which then alters afferent signaling and smooth muscle function. Here, we examined the mechanisms underlying organ hyperactivity and pain in a model of cystitis caused by adenoviral-mediated expression of claudin-2 (Cldn2), a tight junction protein that forms paracellular pores and increases urothelial permeability. We found that in the presence of a leaky urothelium, intravesical K+ sensitizes bladder afferents and enhances their response to distension. Notably, dietary K+ restriction, a maneuver that reduces urinary K+, prevented the development of pelvic allodynia and inflammation seen in rats expressing Cldn2. Most importantly, intravesical K+ causes and is required to maintain bladder hyperactivity in rats with increased urothelial permeability. Our study demonstrates that in the face of a leaky urothelium, urinary K+ is the main determinant of afferent hyperexcitability, organ hyperactivity and pain. These findings support the notion that voiding symptoms and pain seen in forms of cystitis that coexist with urothelial barrier dysfunction could be alleviated by cutting urinary K+ levels.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Allosteric Modulation of the Adenosine A2a Receptor by a Mini-G Protein
Authors: Renault Pedro , Louet Maxime , Marie Jacky , Labesse Gilles , Floquet Nicolas
Published: April 2019

Through their coupling to G proteins, G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) trigger cellular responses to various signals. Some recent experiments have interestingly demonstrated that the G protein can also act on the receptor by favoring a closed conformation of its orthosteric site, even in the absence of a bound agonist. In this work, we explored such an allosteric modulation by performing extensive molecular dynamics simulations on the adenosine A2 receptor (A2aR) coupled to the Mini-Gs protein. In the presence of the Mini-Gs, we confirmed a restriction of the receptor’s agonist binding site that can be explained by a modulation of the intrinsic network of contacts of the receptor. Of interest, we observed similar effects with the C-terminal helix of the Mini-Gs, showing that the observed effect on the binding pocket results from direct local contacts with the bound protein partner that cause a rewiring of the whole receptor’s interaction network.
Group size effects and critical mass in public goods games
Authors: Pereda María , Capraro Valerio , Sánchez Angel
Published: April 2019

Understanding whether the size of the interacting group has an effect on cooperative behavior has been a major topic of debate since the seminal works on cooperation in the 1960s. Half a century later, scholars have yet to reach a consensus, with some arguing that cooperation is harder in larger groups, while others that cooperation is easier in larger groups, and yet others that cooperation attains its maximum in intermediate size groups. Here we add to this field of work by reporting a two-treatment empirical study where subjects play a Public Goods Game with a Critical Mass, such that the return for full cooperation increases linearly for early contributions and then stabilizes after a critical mass is reached (the two treatments differ only on the critical mass). We choose this game for two reasons: it has been argued that it approximates real-life social dilemmas; previous work suggests that, in this case, group size might have an inverted-U effect on cooperation, where the pick of cooperation is reached around the critical mass. Our main innovation with respect to previous experiments is that we implement a within-subject design, such that the same subject plays in groups of different size (from 5 to 40 subjects). Groups are formed at random at every round and there is no feedback. This allows us to explore if and how subjects change their choice as a function of the size of the group. We report three main results, which partially contrast what has been suggested by previous work: in our setting (i) the critical mass has no effect on cooperation; (ii) group size has a positive effect on cooperation; (iii) the most chosen option (played by about 50% of the subjects) is All Defection, followed by All Cooperation (about 10% of the subjects), whereas the rest have a slight trend to switch preferentially from defection to cooperation as the group size increases.
Aggregate-driven reconfigurations of carbon nanotubes in thin networks under strain: in-situ characterization
Authors: Bodelot Laurence , Pavić Luka , Hallais Simon , Charliac Jérôme , Lebental Bérengère
Published: April 2019

This work focuses on the in-situ characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotube (CNT) motions in thin random networks under strain. Many fine-grain models have been devised to account for CNT motions in carbon nanotube networks (CNN). However, the validation of these models relies on mesoscopic or macroscopic data with very little experimental validation of the physical mechanisms actually arising at the CNT scale. In the present paper, we use in-situ scanning electron microscopy imaging and high-resolution digital image correlation to uncover prominent mechanisms of CNT motions in CNNs under strain. Results show that thin and sparse CNNs feature stronger strain heterogeneities than thicker and denser ones. It is attributed to the complex motions of individual CNTs connected to aggregates within thin and sparse CNNs. While the aggregates exhibit a collective homogeneous deformation, individual CNTs connecting them are observed to fold, unwind or buckle, seemingly to accommodate the motion of these aggregates. In addition, looser aggregates feature internal reconfigurations via cell closing, similar to foam materials. Overall, this suggests that models describing thin and sparse CNN deformation should integrate multiphase behaviour (with various densities of aggregates in addition to individual CNTs), heterogeneity across surface, as well as imperfect substrate adhesion.
Gestation age-associated dynamics of mitochondrial calcium uniporter subunits expression in feto-maternal complex at term and preterm delivery
Authors: Vishnyakova Polina A. , Tarasova Nadezhda V. , Volodina Maria A. , Tsvirkun Daria V. , Sukhanova Iuliia A. , Kurchakova Tatiana A. , Kan Nataliya E. , Medzidova Marzanat K. , Sukhikh Gennadiy T. , Vysokikh Mikhail Yu.
Published: April 2019

Calcium plays a role of universal cellular regulator in the living cell and one of the crucial regulators of proper fetal development during gestation. Mitochondria are important for intracellular calcium handling and signaling. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (mtCU) is a multiprotein complex of the mitochondrial inner membrane responsible for the transport of calcium to the mitochondrial matrix. In the present study, we analyzed the expression level of mtCU components in two parts of the feto-maternal system – placenta and myometrium at full-term delivery and at preterm birth (PTB) on different stages: 22–27, 28–32, 33–36 weeks of gestation (n = 50). A gradual increase of mRNA expression and changes in protein content of MCU and MICU1 subunits were revealed in the placenta during gestation. We also observed slower depolarization rate of isolated placental mitochondria induced by Ca2+ titration at PTB. In myometrium at PTB relative gene expression level of MCU, MCUb and SMDT1 increased as compared to full-term pregnancy, but the tendency to gradual increase of MCU protein simultaneous with MCUb increase and MICU1 decline was shown in gestational dynamics. Changes observed in the present study might be considered both natural dynamics as well as possible pathological mechanisms underlying preterm birth.
Antibacterial Activity of combinatorial treatments composed of transition-metal/antibiotics against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Montelongo-Peralta L. Z. , León-Buitimea A. , Palma-Nicolás J. P. , Gonzalez-Christen J. , Morones-Ramírez J. R.
Published: April 2019

Notwithstanding evidence that tuberculosis (TB) is declining, one of the greatest concerns to public health is the emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB). MDR-TB are defined as strains which are resistant to at least isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin, the two most potent TB drugs, and their increasing incidence is a serious concern. Recently, notable efforts have been spent on research to pursue novel treatments against MDR-TB, especially on synergistic drug combinations as they have the potential to improve TB treatment. Our research group has previously reported promising synergistic antimicrobial effects between transition-metal compounds and antibiotics in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In this work, we evaluated antimycobacterial activity of transition-metals/antibiotics combinatorial treatments against first-line drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Our data showed that INH/AgNO3 combinatorial treatment had an additive effect (bactericidal activity) in an isoniazid-resistant clinical strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Moreover, in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity induced by both, the individual tratments of AgNO3 and INH and the combinatorial treatment of INH/AgNO3 in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and human A549 lung cells; showed no toxic effects. Together, this data suggests that the INH/AgNO3 combinatorial treatment could be used in the development of new strategies to treat resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Fetal lung C4BPA induces p100 processing in human placenta
Authors: Ithier Mayra Cruz , Parobchak Nataliya , Yadava Stacy , Cheng Jerry , Wang Bingbing , Rosen Todd
Published: April 2019

The non-canonical NF-κB signaling may be a central integrator of a placental clock that governs the length of human pregnancy. We sought to identify fetal signals that could activate this NF-κB pathway in the placenta, and in turn, contribute to the onset of labor. Proteomics analysis of exosomes purified from fetal cord arterial blood revealed a total of 328 proteins, among which 48 were more significantly abundant (p < 0.01) in samples from women who delivered following elective Cesarean-section at term (39 to 40 weeks of estimated gestational age, EGA) compared to those who had elective Cesarean deliveries near term (35 to 36 weeks of EGA). Computational, crystal structural, and gene functional analyses showed that one of these 48 proteins, C4BPA, binds to CD40 of placental villous trophoblast to activate p100 processing to p52, and in turn, pro-labor genes. These results suggest that fetal C4BPA-induced activation of non-canonical NF-κB in human placenta may play a critical role in processes of term or preterm labor.
A MOF-assisted phosphine free bifunctional iron complex for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate and carbonate to formate
Authors: Coufourier Sébastien , Gaillard Sylvain , Clet Guillaume , Serre Christian , Daturi Marco , Renaud Jean-Luc
Published: April 2019

A catalytic combination of a phosphine-free iron complex and a MOF allowed the hydrogenation of carbonic derivatives into formate with TON up to 3000.
Redox oxidative cracking of n-hexane with Fe-substituted barium hexaaluminates as redox catalysts
Authors: Tian Xin , Dudek Ryan B. , Gao Yunfei , Zhao Haibo , Li Fanxing
Published: April 2019

Promoted hexaaluminate redox catalysts achieved excellent olefin yield while allowing autothermal redox oxidative cracking of naphtha with low COx formation.
Removal of 90Sr from highly Na+-rich liquid nuclear waste with a layered vanadosilicate
Authors: Datta Shuvo Jit , Oleynikov Peter , Moon Won Kyung , Ma Yanhang , Mayoral Alvaro , Kim Hyuncheol , Dejoie Catherine , Song Mee Kyung , Terasaki Osamu , Yoon Kyung Byung
Published: April 2019

Capture of trace amounts (parts per trillion or ppt level) of 90Sr from highly Na+-rich (5 M or 115 000 parts per million) liquid wastes produced from reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods is crucial for continuous operation of nuclear power plants.
(+)-Catechin inhibits heart mitochondrial complex I and nitric oxide synthase: functional consequences on membrane potential and hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Iglesias Darío E. , Bombicino Silvina S. , Boveris Alberto , Valdez Laura B.
Published: April 2019

The aim was to study thein vitroeffect of nM to low μM concentration of (+)-catechin on the enzymatic activities of mitochondrial complex I and mtNOS, as well as the consequences on the membrane potential and H2O2production rate.
High-sensitivity tracing of stable isotope labeled Ag nanoparticles in environmental samples using MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Junk Tabea , Rehkämper Mark , Laycock Adam
Published: April 2019

Silver nanoparticles are among the most widely used engineered nanomaterials and this warrants further investigation of their behaviour and fate in the environment.
The role and importance of surface modification of polyester fabrics by chitosan and hexadecylpyridinium chloride for the electrical and electro-thermal performance of graphene-modified smart textiles
Authors: Asadi Miankafshe Milad , Bashir Tariq , Persson Nils-Krister
Published: April 2019

Surface charge modification of textiles resulting a graphene-modified smart textile with a low sheet resistivity of 0.6 kΩ □−1 for electro-thermal heater applications.
An indoor light-activated 3D cone-shaped MoS2 bilayer-based NO gas sensor with PPb-level detection at room-temperature
Authors: Chen Yu-Ze , Wang Sheng-Wen , Yang Chun-Chuan , Chung Chieh-Han , Wang Yi-Chung , Huang Chen Sung-Wen , Chen Chia-Wei , Su Teng-Yu , Lin Heh-Nan , Kuo Hao-Chung , Chueh Yu-Lun
Published: April 2019

Utilization of light to boost the performance of gas sensors allows us to operate sensor devices at room temperature.
Solution self-assembly of ABC triblock terpolymers with a central crystallizable poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) core-forming segment
Authors: Oliver Alex M. , Spontak Richard J. , Manners Ian
Published: April 2019

The synthesis and solution self-assembly behavior of a range of linear ABC triblock terpolymers with a central crystallizable poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) core-forming segment have been explored.
Functionality in metal–organic framework minerals: proton conductivity, stability and potential for polymorphism
Authors: Huskić Igor , Novendra Novendra , Lim Dae-Woon , Topić Filip , Titi Hatem M. , Pekov Igor V. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Friščić Tomislav
Published: April 2019

Metal–organic framework minerals stepanovite and zhemchuzhnikovite can exhibit high proton conduction and structure retention on dehydration.
Efficient acceptorless photo-dehydrogenation of alcohols and N-heterocycles with binuclear platinum(ii) diphosphite complexes
Authors: Zhong Jian-Ji , To Wai-Pong , Liu Yungen , Lu Wei , Che Chi-Ming
Published: April 2019

Binuclear platinum(ii) diphosphite complexes efficiently catalyzed the photo-dehydrogenation of alcohols and N-heterocycles (75 examples in total) under oxygen-free and acceptorless conditions at room temperature.
Hyaluronic acid mediated biomineralization of multifunctional ceria nanocomposites as ROS scavengers and tumor photodynamic therapy agents
Authors: Zeng Yiping , Zeng Weinan , Zhou Qing , Jia Xiaolin , Li Juan , Yang Zhangyou , Hao Yuhui , Liu Junli
Published: April 2019

A novel HA@ceria nanoquantum dots (HA@CQDs) exhibit efficient protective effects against damage induced by ROS. More importantly, aided by H2O2, the HA@CQDs-Ce6/H2O2 significantly enhanced PDT efficacy for the tumor therapy.
A visible-light-driven photoelectrochemical molecularly imprinted sensor based on titanium dioxide nanotube arrays loaded with silver iodide nanoparticles for the sensitive detection of benzoyl peroxide
Authors: Zhong Li , Li Xiuqi , Liu Ruilin , Wei Xiaoping , Li Jianping
Published: April 2019

A novel ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical sensor for benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was constructed under visible light irradiation.
Opposite changing dual-emission luminescence of gold nanoparticles by sulfhydryl to develop a pesticide biosensing strategy
Authors: Pan Yuliang , Li Yong , Ma Huan , Li Wang
Published: April 2019

Opposite changing dual-emission luminescence of gold nanoparticles by sulfhydryl-containing compounds was found for the development of a pesticide biosensing strategy.
Hollow porous rhodium nanoballs
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Jiang Yating , Shi Shulin , Li Huiqi , Chen Jiayu , Kuang Qin , Xie Zhaoxiong , Zheng Lansun
Published: April 2019

Hollow porous rhodium nanoballs are prepared via a facile one-pot reaction.
2D MOF induced accessible and exclusive Co single sites for an efficient O-silylation of alcohols with silanes
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Peng , Li Zhijun , Chen Wenxing , Zhou Huang , Zhao Yafei , Wang Xiaoqian , Zheng Lirong , Dong Juncai , Lin Yue , Zheng Xusheng , Yan Wensheng , Yang Jian , Yang Zhengkun , Qu Yunteng , Yuan Tongwei , Wu Yuen , Li Yadong
Published: April 2019

Cobalt single sites on ultrathin two-dimensional nitrogen doped carbon (Co SAs/2D N–C) derived from 2D metal–organic frameworks (MOF).
Investigation of solid–liquid phase diagrams of the sulfamethazine–salicylic acid co-crystal
Authors: Ahuja Dipali , Svärd Michael , Rasmuson Åke C.
Published: April 2019

Ternary phase diagrams for sulfamethazine–salicylic acid co-crystal have been constructed in three solvent systems.
Oscillations of pH in the urea–urease system in a membrane reactor
Authors: Muzika František , Růžička Matěj , Schreiberová Lenka , Schreiber Igor
Published: April 2019

Urea–urease reaction in an open reservoir–membrane–reactor system displays regular spontaneous oscillations of pH.
Theoretical insights into the formation and stability of radical oxygen species in cryptochromes
Authors: Mondal Padmabati , Huix-Rotllant Miquel
Published: April 2019

Cryptochrome is a blue-light absorbing flavoprotein containing a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor.
London dispersion effects in the coordination and activation of alkanes in σ-complexes: a local energy decomposition study
Authors: Lu Qing , Neese Frank , Bistoni Giovanni
Published: April 2019

The coupled-cluster-based local energy decomposition (LED) analysis is used to elucidate the nature of the TM–alkane interaction in alkane σ-complexes.
Catalyzed or non-catalyzed: chemoselectivity of Ru-catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of alcohols and amines via metal–ligand bond cooperation and (de)aromatization
Authors: Shu Siwei , Huang Meijie , Jiang Jingxing , Qu Ling-Bo , Liu Yan , Ke Zhuofeng
Published: April 2019

The mechanistic origin of the chemoselectivity for Ru-catalyzed acceptorless coupling of amines and alcohols.
Selective oxidation of glycerol on morphology controlled ceria nanomaterials
Authors: Tinoco Miguel , Fernandez-Garcia Susana , Villa Alberto , Gonzalez Juan M. , Blanco Ginesa , Hungria Ana B. , Jiang Lei , Prati Laura , Calvino Jose J. , Chen Xiaowei
Published: April 2019

It is reported, for the first time, that morphology controlled ceria without any addition of other metal exhibits catalytic activity for selective oxidation of glycerol. Moreover, development of {111} nanofacets plays an important role in both activity and selectivity.
Phosphonate-assisted tetranuclear lanthanide assemblies: observation of the toroidic ground state in the TbIII analogue
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Kumar Pawan , Swain Abinash , Gupta Tulika , Kalita Pankaj , Kundu Subrata , Rajaraman Gopalan , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: April 2019

Studies on [Ln4(LH2)2(O3PtBu)2(μ2-η1η1tfa)2]·2Cl (Ln = DyIII, TbIII and GdIII) reveal a SMM behaviour for the DyIII analogue and a SMT behaviour for the TbIII analogue.
Phosphotellurite glass and glass-ceramics with high TeO2 contents: thermal, structural and optical properties
Authors: Manzani Danilo , Souza Junior João B. , Reyna Albert S. , Silva Neto Manoel L. , Bautista Jessica E. Q. , Ribeiro Sidney J. L. , de Araújo Cid B.
Published: April 2019

Phosphotellurite based glasses and glass-ceramics have interesting features such as low characteristic temperatures, high glass forming ability, promising optical properties and a broad transparency window from UV to NIR.
Reactive solid phase epitaxy of layered aurivillius-type oxyfluorides Bi2TiO4F2 using polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Katayama Tsukasa , Mo Shishin , Maruyama Takahiro , Chikamatsu Akira , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: April 2019

Layered Aurivillius-type oxyfluoride Bi2TiO4F2 films were fabricated from oxides through reactive solid phase epitaxy using polyvinylidene fluoride.
Correction: The environmental biorefinery: state-of-the-art on the production of hydrogen and value-added biomolecules in mixed-culture fermentation
Authors: Moscoviz Roman , Trably Eric , Bernet Nicolas , Carrère Hélène
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘The environmental biorefinery: state-of-the-art on the production of hydrogen and value-added biomolecules in mixed-culture fermentation’ by Roman Moscoviz et al., Green Chem., 2018, 20, 3159–3179.
Micro-destructive analysis with high sensitivity using double-pulse resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Zhiyang , Zhou Ran , Hao Zhongqi , Ma Shixiang , Zhang Wen , Liu Kun , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan , Lu Yongfeng
Published: April 2019

To achieve micro-destructive analysis with high sensitivity, single beam splitting and an appropriate optical geometric configuration were used to establish a double pulse resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-RLIBS) system.
Correction: Functional specific roles of FADD: comparative proteomic analyses from knockout cell lines
Authors: Zhuang Hongqin , Gan Ziyi , Jiang Weiwei , Zhang Xiangyu , Hua Zi-Chun
Published: April 2019

Correction for ‘Functional specific roles of FADD: comparative proteomic analyses from knockout cell lines’ by Hongqin Zhuang et al., Mol. BioSyst., 2013, 9, 2063–2078.
A water-soluble and highly specific fluorescent probe for imaging thiophenols in living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Li Zilu , Liu Caiyun , Yu Chen , Yuan Ruifang , Jia Pan , Wang Zuokai , Duan Qingxia , Zhu Hanchuang , Zhu Baocun , Sheng Wenlong
Published: April 2019

A water-soluble and highly specific fluorescent probe was developed to track thiophenols in living cells and zebrafish.
Development of an efficient sample preparation method for the speciation of Se(iv)/Se(vi) and total inorganic selenium in blood of children with acute leukemia
Authors: Akramipour Reza , Golpayegani Mohammad Reza , Ghasemi Mahmoud , Noori Negar , Fattahi Nazir
Published: April 2019

In this study, a new solidified deep eutectic solvent microextraction (SDES-ME) method was applied for the speciation of Se(iv), Se(vi) and total inorganic selenium in the blood of children with leukemia from Kermanshah, Iran, prior to analysis by iridium-modified tube graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).
O2 as a molecular probe for nonradiative surface defects in CsPbBr3 perovskite nanostructures and single crystals
Authors: Rodà Carmelita , Abdelhady Ahmed L. , Shamsi Javad , Lorenzon Monica , Pinchetti Valerio , Gandini Marina , Meinardi Francesco , Manna Liberato , Brovelli Sergio
Published: April 2019

Surface defects and environmental conditions affect the physical properties of CsPbBr3 perovskites differently, based on the materials dimensionality, despite their ‘defect tolerant’ electronic structure.
Highly compressive and stretchable poly(ethylene glycol) based hydrogels synthesised using pH-responsive nanogels without free-radical chemistry
Authors: Nguyen Nam T. , Milani Amir H. , Jennings James , Adlam Daman J. , Freemont Anthony J. , Hoyland Judith A. , Saunders Brian R.
Published: April 2019

A new strategy is developed to prepare a novel class of highly compressive and stretchable PEG-based hydrogels using pH-responsive nanogels.
Control of conformation in α-helix mimicking aromatic oligoamide foldamers through interactions between adjacent side-chains
Authors: Arrata Irene , Grison Claire M. , Coubrough Heather M. , Prabhakaran Panchami , Little Marc A. , Tomlinson Darren C. , Webb Michael E. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: April 2019

Hydrogen-bonding interactions are used to bias the conformation of an aromatic oligoamide foldamer in favour of an α-helix mimicking syn conformer.
Ferulic acid-based reactive core–shell latex by seeded emulsion polymerization
Authors: Li Wing Sze Jennifer , Ladmiral Vincent , Takeshima Hisaaki , Satoh Kotaro , Kamigaito Masami , Semsarilar Mona , Negrell Claire , Lacroix-Desmazes Patrick , Caillol Sylvain
Published: April 2019

A recently revisited biobased styrenic monomer, acetyl-protected 4-vinylguaiacol (AC4VG), was used for the synthesis of partially biobased, functional core–shell polymers.
Hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene using Pd-promoted Co–Mo/Al2O3and Ni–Mo/Al2O3catalysts coupled with ionic liquids at ambient operating conditions
Authors: Muhammad Yaseen , Rahman Ata Ur , Rashid Haroon Ur , Sahibzada Maria , Subhan Sidra , Tong Zhangfa
Published: April 2019

Synergistic application of ionic liquids with Pd loaded Co–Mo@Al2O3and Ni–Mo@Al2O3catalysts for efficient hydrodesulfurization of dibenzothiophene at ambient conditions.
LncRNA HOTAIRM1 is involved in the progression of acute myeloid leukemia through targeting miR-148b
Authors: Hu Ning , Chen Li , Li Qianyu , Zhao Hongmian
Published: April 2019

LncRNAs have been shown to be involved in the biological and pathological processes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
A turn-on fluorescence sensor for the highly selective detection of Al3+ based on diarylethene and its application on test strips
Authors: Lv Junfei , Fu Yinglong , Liu Gang , Fan Congbin , Pu Shouzhi
Published: April 2019

A novel fluorescent sensor, 1O, based on photochromic diarylethene with a 2-hydroxybenzhydrazide unit was designed and synthesized and can be used to recognize Al3+ in methanol (2.0 × 10−5 mol L−1).
One-pot synthesis of hollow hydrangea Au nanoparticles as a dual catalyst with SERS activity for in situ monitoring of a reduction reaction
Authors: Qin Yazhou , Lu Yuxiang , Pan Wufan , Yu Dongdong , Zhou Jianguang
Published: April 2019

We prepared hollow flower-shaped Au nanoparticles as a bifunctional material by a one-pot method for in situ monitoring of reduction reactions.
Controllable synthesis of aluminum doped peony-like α-Ni(OH)2with ultrahigh rate capability for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Jinying , Qiu Daping , Li Min , Xie Zhenyu , Gao Ang , Liu Hongru , Yin Suhong , Yang Dongsheng , Yang Ru
Published: April 2019

Ion substitution and micromorphology control are two efficient strategies to ameliorate the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors electrode materials.
Non-alkaloidal constituents from the genus Aconitum: a review
Authors: Yin Tianpeng , Zhou Hao , Cai Le , Ding Zhongtao
Published: April 2019

Multiple non-alkaloidal constituents from Aconitum showed great research significance for their novel structures, broad bioactivities and chemotaxonomical significance.
Facile preparation of low-cost HKUST-1 with lattice vacancies and high-efficiency adsorption for uranium
Authors: Yang Aili , Li Ping , Zhong Jingrong
Published: April 2019

HLV was prepared using benzoic acid with lower cost as the modulator to replace part of the traditional ligand H3BTC for uranium removal.
An efficient 3-acylquinoline synthesis from acetophenones and anthranilviaC(sp3)–H bond activation mediated by Selectfluor
Authors: Gao Yejun , Hider Robert C. , Ma Yongmin
Published: April 2019

An efficient method for the synthesis of 3-functionalized quinolines from acetophenones and anthranil mediated by Selectfluor was achieved.
Circularly polarized light modulated supramolecular self-assembly for an azobenzene-based chiral gel
Authors: Shao Kenan , Lv Ziyu , Xiong Yuting , Li Guodong , Wang Dongdong , Zhang Haining , Qing Guangyan
Published: April 2019

An unconventional supramolecular self-assembly triggered by left-handed circularly polarized light breaks the traditional knowledge of azobenzene photoisomerization.
Antimonene with two-orders-of-magnitude improved stability for high-performance cancer theranostics
Authors: Lu Guihong , Lv Chengliang , Bao Weier , Li Feng , Zhang Fan , Zhang Lijun , Wang Shuang , Gao Xiaoyong , Zhao Dongxu , Wei Wei , Xie Hai-yan
Published: April 2019

Antimonene was engineered with significantly improved stability, superior tumor targeting capacity and increased photothermal efficacy for high-performance cancer theranostics.
An ultra-durable icephobic coating by a molecular pulley
Authors: Zhuo Yizhi , Li Tong , Wang Feng , Håkonsen Verner , Xiao Senbo , He Jianying , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: April 2019

Molecular pulleys have been designed and fabricated to mitigate ice accretion.
Diffusive ferromagnetic roller gas
Authors: Kokot Gašper , Vilfan Andrej , Glatz Andreas , Snezhko Alexey
Published: April 2019

Diffusive properties of an active magnetic roller gas are investigated in experiments and by means of discrete particles simulations.
pH-Modulated luminescence switching in a Eu-MOF: rapid detection of acidic amino acids
Authors: Zhao Yifang , Wan Meng-Yan , Bai Jian-Ping , Zeng Heng , Lu Weigang , Li Dan
Published: April 2019

Rapid detection of acidic amino acids by luminescence switching of a Eu-MOF from red to blue.
A ‘Smart-Bottle’ humidifier-assisted air-processed CuSCN inorganic hole extraction layer towards highly-efficient, large-area and thermally-stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Mali Sawanta S. , Patil Jyoti V. , Hong Chang Kook
Published: April 2019

A long-term thermally stable, inexpensively produced, inorganic-hole extraction layer (i-HEL) is the best choice for the commercialization of air-thermo-stable, low-cost, highly-efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Swelling of graphene oxide membranes in alcohols: effects of molecule size and air ageing
Authors: Iakunkov Artem , Sun Jinhua , Rebrikova Anastasia , Korobov Mikhail , Klechikov Alexey , Vorobiev Alexei , Boulanger Nicolas , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: April 2019

Swelling of Hummers graphene oxide (HGO) membranes in a set of progressively longer liquid alcohols (methanol to 1-nonanol) was studied using synchrotron radiation XRD after air ageing over prolonged periods of time.
Pursuit of a high-capacity and long-life Mg-storage cathode by tailoring sandwich-structured MXene@carbon nanosphere composites
Authors: Liu Fanfan , Liu Yongchang , Zhao Xudong , Liu Xiaobin , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: April 2019

Sandwich-structured MXene@C nanospheres with an enlarged interlayer spacing were pioneeringly prepared by a simple electrostatic self-assembly method, and exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as a cathode for rechargeable Mg batteries.
Hollow TiO2 submicrospheres assembled by tiny nanocrystals as superior anode for lithium ion battery
Authors: Hou Jie , Zhang Huimin , Lin Jianjian , Qiu Xueying , Zhao Wenshi , Sun Xiaogang , Xiang Yu , Zhang Hao , Xing Guichuan , Zheng Dehua , Li Guodong , Tang Zhiyong
Published: April 2019

Hollow TiO2 submicrospheres assembled by 10 nm-sized units via a facile hydrothermal strategy exhibit excellent rate capability and long-term stability.
Review of strategies for the fabrication of heterojunctional nanocomposites as efficient visible-light catalysts by modulating excited electrons with appropriate thermodynamic energy
Authors: Zhang Ziqing , Bai Linlu , Li Zhijun , Qu Yang , Jing Liqiang
Published: April 2019

Strategies to construct heterojunctional nanocomposites as efficient visible-light catalysts by modulating excited electrons for environmental remediation and clean energy production.
Novel bismuth ferrite-based lead-free incipient piezoceramics with high electromechanical response
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhai Jiwei , Shen Bo
Published: April 2019

Lead-free piezoceramics with high recoverable strain (or d33*, the large-signal piezoelectric coefficient) and a low degree of hysteresis (Hys) are in great demand for next-generation actuator devices to meet the requirement of sustainable development.
A high performance perovskite CH3NH3PbCl3 single crystal photodetector: benefiting from an evolutionary preparation process
Authors: Yuan Zhishuai , Huang Wei , Ma Shoutao , Ouyang Gang , Hu Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2019

Hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites (CH3NH3PbX3, X = Cl, Br, or I) are deemed to be the highest potential semiconducting materials due to their unique optoelectronic properties.
LncRNA UCA1 acts as a sponge of miR-204 to up-regulate CXCR4 expression and promote prostate cancer progression
Authors: He Chang , Lu Xuwei , Yang Fan , Qin Liang , Guo Zhuifeng , Sun Yang , Wu Jiawen
Published: April 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a devastating malignant disease with a poor prognosis. The aim of current study is to investigate the role of lncRNA-urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) in the progression of PCa. We evaluated the expression levels of UCA1 in a total of 16 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (BPH) and 40 PCa tissues, as well as PCa cells. The functional regulatory effects of UCA1 were investigated using a series of cell function approaches. Our data showed that UCA1 is frequently overexpressed in PCa tissues compared with BPH tissues (P<0.01). Moreover, the higher expression of UCA1 was observed in patients with Gleason score ≥8 (P<0.05). In consistent, we found the expression levels of UCA1 was higher in the PCa cell lines PC-3, LnCaP, and DU-145 than in the normal prostate epithelial cell line RWPE-1 (P<0.01). Functionally, we found knockdown of UCA1 in PC-3 significantly suppressed cell growth and invasion of PC-3, while overexpression of UCA1 in DU-145 cells promote cell growth and invasion. Mechanistically, UCA1 overexpression permitted activation of CXCR4 oncogenes through inhibition of miR-204 activity, as evidenced by the positive association of these two genes with UCA1 levels and inverse correlation with miR-204 expression in PCa tissues. Luciferase activity assay further confirmed the targetting relationship between UCA1 and miR-204, CXCR4, and miR-204. The up-regulation of UCA1 in PC-3 cells significantly impaired the inhibitory effect of miR-204 on CXCR4 expression. Taken together, our research revealed that UCA1 works as an oncogene by targetting miR-204. The UCA1-miR-204-CXCR4 regulatory network regulated the growth and metastasis of PCa, providing new insight in the management of patients with such malignancy.
Ribophorin II promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in esophageal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Yongshun , Huang Changrong , Bai Qizhou , Yu Jun
Published: April 2019

Esophageal cancer is a common digestive tract cancer, which is a serious threat to human health. Ribophorin II (RPN2) is a part of an N-oligosaccharyltransferase complex, which is excessively expressed in many kinds of cancers. In the present study, we explore the biological role of RNP2 in esophageal cancer. First, we found that the expression of RPN2 was higher in esophageal cancer tissues than in adjacent non-tumor tissues, and negatively correlated with E-cadherin expression. RPN2 expression levels in esophageal cancer tissues were positively associated with differentiation and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage. Furthermore, the expression of RPN2 was increased significantly in esophageal cancer cell lines compared with normal cells. The effect of RPN2 down-regulation on cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell invasion was examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. Silencing RPN2 effectively inhibited cell proliferation of esophageal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Cell migration and invasion were also weakened dramatically by siRPN2 treatment of esophageal cancer cells. In addition, protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2), and E-cadherin in esophageal cancer cells was determined by Western blot analysis. PCNA, MMP-2, E-cadherin, Snail and phosphorylation-Smad2/3 expression was also regulated notably by siRPN2 treatment. These findings indicate that RPN2 exhibits oncogenetic capabilities in esophageal cancer, which could provide novel insights into esophageal cancer prevention and treatment.