bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beat frequency quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy for fast and calibration-free continuous trace-gas monitoring
Authors: Wu Hongpeng , Dong Lei , Zheng Huadan , Yu Yajun , Ma Weiguang , Zhang Lei , Yin Wangbao , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang , Tittel Frank K.
Published: May 2017

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is a sensitive gas detection technique which requires frequent calibration and has a long response time. Here we report beat frequency (BF) QEPAS that can be used for ultra-sensitive calibration-free trace-gas detection and fast spectral scan applications. The resonance frequency and Q-factor of the quartz tuning fork (QTF) as well as the trace-gas concentration can be obtained simultaneously by detecting the beat frequency signal generated when the transient response signal of the QTF is demodulated at its non-resonance frequency. Hence, BF-QEPAS avoids a calibration process and permits continuous monitoring of a targeted trace gas. Three semiconductor lasers were selected as the excitation source to verify the performance of the BF-QEPAS technique. The BF-QEPAS method is capable of measuring lower trace-gas concentration levels with shorter averaging times as compared to conventional PAS and QEPAS techniques and determines the electrical QTF parameters precisely.
Succinate and its G-protein-coupled receptor stimulates osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Xie Chengzhi , Li Xiyan , Yang Jian , Yu Tao , Zhang Ruohan , Zhang Tianqing , Saxena Deepak , Snyder Michael , Wu Yingjie , Li Xin
Published: May 2017

The mechanism underlying bone impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia and dysregulation in metabolism, is unclear. Here we show the difference in the metabolomics of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) derived from hyperglycaemic (type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2D) and normoglycaemic mice. One hundred and forty-two metabolites are substantially regulated in BMSCs from T2D mice, with the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle being one of the primary metabolic pathways impaired by hyperglycaemia. Importantly, succinate, an intermediate metabolite in the TCA cycle, is increased by 24-fold in BMSCs from T2D mice. Succinate functions as an extracellular ligand through binding to its specific receptor on osteoclastic lineage cells and stimulates osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Strategies targeting the receptor activation inhibit osteoclastogenesis. This study reveals a metabolite-mediated mechanism of osteoclastogenesis modulation that contributes to bone dysregulation in metabolic disorders.
Bacterial RadA is a DnaB-type helicase interacting with RecA to promote bidirectional D-loop extension
Authors: Marie Léa , Rapisarda Chiara , Morales Violette , Bergé Mathieu , Perry Thomas , Soulet Anne-Lise , Gruget Clémence , Remaut Han , Fronzes Rémi , Polard Patrice
Published: May 2017

Homologous recombination (HR) is a central process of genome biology driven by a conserved recombinase, which catalyses the pairing of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with double-stranded DNA to generate a D-loop intermediate. Bacterial RadA is a conserved HR effector acting with RecA recombinase to promote ssDNA integration. The mechanism of this RadA-mediated assistance to RecA is unknown. Here, we report functional and structural analyses of RadA from the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. RadA is found to facilitate RecA-driven ssDNA recombination over long genomic distances during natural transformation. RadA is revealed as a hexameric DnaB-type helicase, which interacts with RecA to promote orientated unwinding of branched DNA molecules mimicking D-loop boundaries. These findings support a model of DNA branch migration in HR, relying on RecA-mediated loading of RadA hexamers on each strand of the recipient dsDNA in the D-loop, from which they migrate divergently to facilitate incorporation of invading ssDNA.
Real-time visualization of clustering and intracellular transport of gold nanoparticles by correlative imaging
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Li Qian , Liang Le , Li Jiang , Wang Kun , Li Jiajun , Lv Min , Chen Nan , Song Haiyun , Lee Joon , Shi Jiye , Wang Lihua , Lal Ratnesh , Fan Chunhai
Published: May 2017

Mechanistic understanding of the endocytosis and intracellular trafficking of nanoparticles is essential for designing smart theranostic carriers. Physico-chemical properties, including size, clustering and surface chemistry of nanoparticles regulate their cellular uptake and transport. Significantly, even single nanoparticles could cluster intracellularly, yet their clustering state and subsequent trafficking are not well understood. Here, we used DNA-decorated gold (fPlas-gold) nanoparticles as a dually emissive fluorescent and plasmonic probe to examine their clustering states and intracellular transport. Evidence from correlative fluorescence and plasmonic imaging shows that endocytosis of fPlas-gold follows multiple pathways. In the early stages of endocytosis, fPlas-gold nanoparticles appear mostly as single particles and they cluster during the vesicular transport and maturation. The speed of encapsulated fPlas-gold transport was critically dependent on the size of clusters but not on the types of organelle such as endosomes and lysosomes. Our results provide key strategies for engineering theranostic nanocarriers for efficient health management.
Biotransformation of p-xylene into terephthalic acid by engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Luo Zi Wei , Lee Sang Yup
Published: May 2017

Terephthalic acid (TPA) is an important industrial chemical currently produced by energy intensive and potentially hazardous p-xylene (pX) oxidation process. Here we report the development of metabolically engineered Escherichia coli system for biological transformation of pX into TPA. The engineered E. coli strain harbours a synthetic TPA pathway optimized through manipulation of expression levels of upstream and downstream modules. The upstream pathway converts pX to p-toluic acid (pTA) and the downstream pathway transforms pTA to TPA. In a two-phase partitioning fermentation, the engineered strain converts 8.8 g pX into 13.3 g TPA, which corresponds to a conversion yield of 96.7 mol%. These results suggest that the E. coli system presented here might be a promising alternative for the large-scale biotechnological production of TPA and lays the foundations for the future development of sustainable approaches for TPA production.
An optimal distance cutoff for contact-based Protein Structure Networks using side-chain centers of mass
Authors: Salamanca Viloria Juan , Allega Maria Francesca , Lambrughi Matteo , Papaleo Elena
Published: May 2017

Proteins are highly dynamic entities attaining a myriad of different conformations. Protein side chains change their states during dynamics, causing clashes that are propagated at distal sites. A convenient formalism to analyze protein dynamics is based on network theory using Protein Structure Networks (PSNs). Despite their broad applicability, few efforts have been devoted to benchmarking PSN methods and to provide the community with best practices. In many applications, it is convenient to use the centers of mass of the side chains as nodes. It becomes thus critical to evaluate the minimal distance cutoff between the centers of mass which will provide stable network properties. Moreover, when the PSN is derived from a structural ensemble collected by molecular dynamics (MD), the impact of the MD force field has to be evaluated. We selected a dataset of proteins with different fold and size and assessed the two fundamental properties of the PSN, i.e. hubs and connected components. We identified an optimal cutoff of 5 Å that is robust to changes in the force field and the proteins. Our study builds solid foundations for the harmonization and standardization of the PSN approach.
Protective effect of rosiglitazone on kidney function in high-fat challenged human-CRP transgenic mice: a possible role for adiponectin and miR-21?
Authors: Morrison Martine C. , Yakala Gopala K. , Liang Wen , Wielinga Peter Y. , Salic Kanita , van Koppen Arianne , Tomar Tushar , Kleemann Robert , Heeringa Peter , Kooistra Teake
Published: May 2017

Obesity-related albuminuria is associated with decline of kidney function and is considered a first sign of diabetic nephropathy. Suggested factors linking obesity to kidney dysfunction include low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance and adipokine dysregulation. Here, we investigated the effects of two pharmacological compounds with established anti-inflammatory properties, rosiglitazone and rosuvastatin, on kidney dysfunction during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. For this, human CRP transgenic mice were fed standard chow, a lard-based HFD, HFD+rosuvastatin or HFD+rosiglitazone for 42 weeks to study effects on insulin resistance; plasma inflammatory markers and adipokines; and renal pathology. Rosiglitazone but not rosuvastatin prevented HFD-induced albuminuria and renal fibrosis and inflammation. Also, rosiglitazone prevented HFD-induced KIM-1 expression, while levels were doubled with rosuvastatin. This was mirrored by miR-21 expression, which plays a role in fibrosis and is associated with renal dysfunction. Plasma insulin did not correlate with albuminuria. Only rosiglitazone increased circulating adiponectin concentrations. In all, HFD-induced albuminuria, and renal inflammation, injury and fibrosis is prevented by rosiglitazone but not by rosuvastatin. These beneficial effects of rosiglitazone are linked to lowered miR-21 expression but not connected with the selectively enhanced plasma adiponectin levels observed in rosiglitazone-treated animals.
Identification of New Shikonin Derivatives as Antitumor Agents Targeting STAT3 SH2 Domain
Authors: Qiu Han-Yue , Zhu Xiang , Luo Yue-Lin , Lin Hong-Yan , Tang Cheng-Yi , Qi Jin-Liang , Pang Yan-Jun , Yang Rong-Wu , Lu Gui-Hua , Wang Xiao-Ming , Yang Yong-Hua
Published: May 2017

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is hyper-activated in diversiform human tumors and has been validated as an attractive therapeutic target. Current research showed that a natural product, shikonin, along with its synthetic analogues, is able to inhibit the activity of STAT3 potently. The potential space of shikonin in developing novel anti-cancer agents encouraged us to carry out the investigation of the probable binding mode with STAT3. From this foundation, we have designed new types of STAT3 SH2 inhibitors. Combined simulations were performed to filter for the lead compound, which was then substituted, synthesized and evaluated by a variety of bioassays. Among the entities, PMM-172 exhibited the best anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 value 1.98 ± 0.49 μM. Besides, it was identified to decrease luciferase activity, induce cell apoptosis and reduce mitochondrial transmembrane potential in MDA-MB-231 cells. Also, PMM-172 inhibited constitutive/inducible STAT3 activation without affecting STAT1 and STAT5 in MDA-MB-231 cells, and had no effect in non-tumorigenic MCF-10A cells. Moreover, PMM-172 suppressed STAT3 nuclear localization and STAT3 downstream target genes expression. Overall, these results indicate that the antitumor activity of PMM-172 is at least partially due to inhibition of STAT3 in breast cancer cells.
Quantum – coherent dynamics in photosynthetic charge separation revealed by wavelet analysis
Authors: Romero Elisabet , Prior Javier , Chin Alex W. , Morgan Sarah E. , Novoderezhkin Vladimir I. , Plenio Martin B. , van Grondelle Rienk
Published: May 2017

Experimental/theoretical evidence for sustained vibration-assisted electronic (vibronic) coherence in the Photosystem II Reaction Center (PSII RC) indicates that photosynthetic solar-energy conversion might be optimized through the interplay of electronic and vibrational quantum dynamics. This evidence has been obtained by investigating the primary charge separation process in the PSII RC by two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) and Redfield modeling of the experimental data. However, while conventional Fourier transform analysis of the 2DES data allows oscillatory signatures of vibronic coherence to be identified in the frequency domain in the form of static 2D frequency maps, the real-time evolution of the coherences is lost. Here we apply for the first time wavelet analysis to the PSII RC 2DES data to obtain time-resolved 2D frequency maps. These maps allow us to demonstrate that (i) coherence between the excitons initiating the two different charge separation pathways is active for more than 500 fs, and (ii) coherence between exciton and charge-transfer states, the reactant and product of the charge separation reaction, respectively; is active for at least 1 ps. These findings imply that the PSII RC employs coherence (i) to sample competing electron transfer pathways, and ii) to perform directed, ultrafast and efficient electron transfer.
Collective navigation of complex networks: Participatory greedy routing
Authors: Kleineberg Kaj-Kolja , Helbing Dirk
Published: May 2017

Many networks are used to transfer information or goods, in other words, they are navigated. The larger the network, the more difficult it is to navigate efficiently. Indeed, information routing in the Internet faces serious scalability problems due to its rapid growth, recently accelerated by the rise of the Internet of Things. Large networks like the Internet can be navigated efficiently if nodes, or agents, actively forward information based on hidden maps underlying these systems. However, in reality most agents will deny to forward messages, which has a cost, and navigation is impossible. Can we design appropriate incentives that lead to participation and global navigability? Here, we present an evolutionary game where agents share the value generated by successful delivery of information or goods. We show that global navigability can emerge, but its complete breakdown is possible as well. Furthermore, we show that the system tends to self-organize into local clusters of agents who participate in the navigation. This organizational principle can be exploited to favor the emergence of global navigability in the system.
Pre- and post-diagnostic β-blocker use and lung cancer survival: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Weberpals Janick , Jansen Lina , Haefeli Walter E. , Hoffmeister Michael , Wolkewitz Martin , Herk-Sukel Myrthe P. P. van , Vissers Pauline A. J. , Brenner Hermann
Published: May 2017

Beta-blockers have been associated with decreased cancer mortality. However, evidence for lung cancer is sparse and reported beneficial effects might be based on biased analyses. In this so far largest study we investigated the association between β-blocker use and lung cancer survival. Therefore, patients with a lung cancer diagnosis between April 1998 and December 2011 were selected from a database linkage of the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the PHARMO Database Network. After matching eligible patients on the propensity score, adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression to investigate the association between pre-diagnostic and time-dependent β-blocker use and overall survival. Duration and dose-response analyses and stratified analyses by β-blocker type, histological subgroups and stage were conducted. Of 3,340 eligible lung cancer patients, 1437 (43%) took β-blockers four months prior to diagnosis. Pre-diagnostic β-blocker use was not associated with overall survival (HR 1.00 (0.92–1.08)) in the adjusted model. Time-dependent post-diagnostic analysis showed similar results with a HR of 1.03 (0.94–1.11). Trend analyses showed no association for cumulative dose (HR 0.99 (0.97–1.02)) and cumulative duration (HR 1.00 (0.96–1.05)). In conclusion, β-blocker use is not associated with reduced mortality among lung cancer patients.
Wandering behaviour prevents inter and intra oceanic speciation in a coastal pelagic fish
Authors: Silva Gonçalo , Cunha Regina L. , Ramos Ana , Castilho Rita
Published: May 2017

Small pelagic fishes have the ability to disperse over long distances and may present complex evolutionary histories. Here, Old World Anchovies (OWA) were used as a model system to understand genetic patterns and connectivity of fish between the Atlantic and Pacific basins. We surveyed 16 locations worldwide using mtDNA and 8 microsatellite loci for genetic parameters, and mtDNA (cyt b; 16S) and nuclear (RAG1; RAG2) regions for dating major lineage-splitting events within Engraulidae family. The OWA genetic divergences (0–0.4%) are compatible with intra-specific divergence, showing evidence of both ancient and contemporary admixture between the Pacific and Atlantic populations, enhanced by high asymmetrical migration from the Pacific to the Atlantic. The estimated divergence between Atlantic and Pacific anchovies (0.67 [0.53–0.80] Ma) matches a severe drop of sea temperature during the Günz glacial stage of the Pleistocene. Our results support an alternative evolutionary scenario for the OWA, suggesting a coastal migration along south Asia, Middle East and eastern Africa continental platforms, followed by the colonization of the Atlantic via the Cape of the Good Hope.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Protective effects of gingerol on streptozotocin-induced sporadic Alzheimer’s disease: emphasis on inhibition of β-amyloid, COX-2, alpha-, beta - secretases and APH1a
Authors: Halawany Ali M. El , Sayed Nesrine S. EL , Abdallah Hossam M. , Dine Riham Salah El
Published: May 2017

Gingerol is a major dietary compound that occurs in several plants belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. In the current study, the protective effect of gingerol on STZ-induced sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) was determined. Gingerol was isolated from the seeds of Aframomum melegueta K. Schum and tested at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kgbwt for its possible effect on the SAD model in mice, using celecoxib (30 mg/kg bwt) as a reference standard. The curative effects of gingerol were assessed through measurement of β-amyloid (Aβ-42), α-, β- secretases, APH1a and COX-2 levels. In addition, improvement in the cognitive deficit in mice after treatment was confirmed using the water maze and Y-maze with intra-maze cues. Gingerol improved the cognitive and behavioral impairment and AD-like pathology in streptozotocin model mice. These beneficial effects occurred with an increase in α-secretase activity and a decrease in cerebral Aβ-42, β- secretase, APH1a activity and COX-2-linked neuro-inflammation.
Plasmon-induced nanoscale quantised conductance filaments
Authors: Kravets Vasyl G. , Marshall Owen P. , Schedin Fred , Rodriguez Francisco J. , Zhukov Alexander A. , Gholinia Ali , Prestat Eric , Haigh Sarah J. , Grigorenko Alexander N.
Published: May 2017

Plasmon-induced phenomena have recently attracted considerable attention. At the same time, relatively little research has been conducted on electrochemistry mediated by plasmon excitations. Here we report plasmon-induced formation of nanoscale quantized conductance filaments within metal-insulator-metal heterostructures. Plasmon-enhanced electromagnetic fields in an array of gold nanodots provide a straightforward means of forming conductive CrOx bridges across a thin native chromium oxide barrier between the nanodots and an underlying metallic Cr layer. The existence of these nanoscale conducting filaments is verified by transmission electron microscopy and contact resistance measurements. Their conductance was interrogated optically, revealing quantised relative transmission of light through the heterostructures across a wavelength range of 1–12 μm. Such plasmon-induced electrochemical processes open up new possibilities for the development of scalable devices governed by light.
Alteration of the gut microbiota in Chinese population with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Jiang Shuanghong , Xie Shan , Lv Dan , Wang Pu , He Hanchang , Zhang Ting , Zhou Youlian , Lin Qianyun , Zhou Hongwei , Jiang Jianping , Nie Jing , Hou Fanfan , Chen Ye
Published: May 2017

We evaluated differences in the compositions of faecal microbiota between 52 end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and 60 healthy controls in southern China using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing (16S ribosomal RNA V4-6 region) methods. The absolute quantification of total bacteria was significantly reduced in ESRD patients (p < 0.01). In three enterotypes, Prevotella was enriched in the healthy group whereas Bacteroides were prevalent in the ESRD group (LDA score > 4.5). 11 bacterial taxa were significantly overrepresented in samples from ESRD and 22 bacterial taxa were overrepresented in samples from healthy controls. The butyrate producing bacteria, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Clostridium, Coprococcus and Prevotella were reduced in the ESRD group (LDA values > 2.0). Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that Cystatin C (CysC), creatinine and eGFR appeared to be the most important environmental parameters to influence the overall microbial communities. In qPCR analysis, The butyrate producing species Roseburia spp., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Prevotella and Universal bacteria, were negatively related to CRP and CysC. Total bacteria in faeces were reduced in patients with ESRD compared to that in healthy individuals. The enterotypes change from Prevotella to Bacteroides in ESRD patients. The gut microbiota was associated with the inflammatory state and renal function of chronic kidney disease.
Down-dip variations in a subducting low-velocity zone linked to episodic tremor and slip: a new constraint from ScSp waves
Authors: Toya Mitsuhiro , Kato Aitaro , Maeda Takuto , Obara Kazushige , Takeda Tetsuya , Yamaoka Koshun
Published: May 2017

Fluids are thought to play an important role in controlling episodic tremor and slow slip (ETS) in subduction zones. Therefore, constraining the along-dip distribution of fluids is necessary to better understand source mechanism of ETS, and particularly the role played by fluids in ETS generation. Here, we report clear observations of coherent ScSp phases with a dense seismic array in western Shikoku, Japan, where ETS has been most active over the past decade. Using numerical simulations of elastic-wave propagation to reproduce the observed ScSp phases, we demonstrate that, relative to shallower depths, either the Vp/Vs ratio or the thickness of a low-velocity zone (LVZ) within the subducting oceanic crust increases with depth beneath the mantle wedge corner where ETS has been observed. Based on these depth dependences of the structural elements, a wide semi-ductile shear zone appears to be lubricated by high-pressurized fluid in the subducting oceanic crust at ETS source depths, and to be a key factor regulating ETS activity.
Electro-optic comb based real time ultra-high sensitivity phase noise measurement system for high frequency microwaves
Authors: Kuse N. , Fermann M. E.
Published: May 2017

Recent progress in ultra low phase noise microwave generation indispensably depends on ultra low phase noise characterization systems. However, achieving high sensitivity currently relies on time consuming averaging via cross correlation, which sometimes even underestimates phase noise because of residual correlations. Moreover, extending high sensitivity phase noise measurements to microwaves beyond 10 GHz is very difficult because of the lack of suitable high frequency microwave components. In this work, we introduce a delayed self-heterodyne method in conjunction with sensitivity enhancement via the use of higher order comb modes from an electro-optic comb for ultra-high sensitivity phase noise measurements. The method obviates the need for any high frequency RF components and has a frequency measurement range limited only by the bandwidth (100 GHz) of current electro-optic modulators. The estimated noise floor is as low as −133 dBc/Hz, −155 dBc/Hz, −170 dBc/Hz and −171 dBc/Hz without cross correlation at 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz and 1 MHz Fourier offset frequency for a 10 GHz carrier, respectively. Moreover, since no cross correlation is necessary, RF oscillator phase noise can be directly suppressed via feedback up to 100 kHz frequency offset.
Identification of the functional variant driving ORMDL3 and GSDMB expression in human chromosome 17q12-21 in primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Hitomi Yuki , Kojima Kaname , Kawashima Minae , Kawai Yosuke , Nishida Nao , Aiba Yoshihiro , Yasunami Michio , Nagasaki Masao , Nakamura Minoru , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: May 2017

Numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed to identify susceptibility genes to various human complex diseases. However, in many cases, neither a functional variant nor a disease susceptibility gene have been clarified. Here, we show an efficient approach for identification of a functional variant in a primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)-susceptible region, chromosome 17q12-21 (ORMDL3-GSDMB-ZPBP2-IKZF3). High-density association mapping was carried out based on SNP imputation analysis by using the whole-genome sequence data from a reference panel of 1,070 Japanese individuals (1KJPN), together with genotype data from our previous GWAS (PBC patients: n = 1,389; healthy controls: n = 1,508). Among 23 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with P < 1.0 × 10−8, rs12946510 was identified as the functional variant that influences gene expression via alteration of Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) binding affinity in vitro. Moreover, expression-quantitative trait locus (e-QTL) analyses showed that the PBC susceptibility allele of rs12946510 was significantly associated with lower endogenous expression of ORMDL3 and GSDMB in whole blood and spleen. This study not only identified the functional variant in chr.17q12-21 and its molecular mechanism through which it conferred susceptibility to PBC, but it also illustrated an efficient systematic approach for post-GWAS analysis that is applicable to other complex diseases.
Identification of MyoD-Responsive Transcripts Reveals a Novel Long Non-coding RNA (lncRNA-AK143003) that Negatively Regulates Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Guo Yiwen , Wang Jingnan , Zhu Mingfei , Zeng Rui , Xu Zaiyan , Li Guoliang , Zuo Bo
Published: May 2017

Myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) is a master transcription factor in muscle development and differentiation. Although several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) linked to MyoD have been found to influence muscle development, the functions of many lncRNAs have not been explored. Here we utilized lncRNA and mRNA microarray analysis to identify potential lncRNAs regulated by MyoD in muscle cells. A total of 997 differentially expressed lncRNAs (335 up-regulated and 662 down-regulated) and 1,817 differentially expressed mRNAs (148 up-regulated and 1,669 down-regulated) were identified after MyoD knockdown in C2C12 cells. Functional predictions suggested that most lncRNAs are involved in the biological pathways related to muscle differentiation and cell cycle with co-expressed genes. To gain further insight into the MyoD-mediated lncRNA expression in muscle differentiation, tissue expression profiles and MyoD overexpression were performed, and we found one of the candidate lncRNAs-AK143003 was significantly regulated by MyoD. Further analyses showed its noncoding ability and cytoplasmic localisation. Silencing of AK143003 stimulated the accumulation of myogenic marker genes, whereas AK143003 overexpression led to their decreased synthesis. This study identified a multitude of MyoD-mediated lncRNAs for further investigation and identified a novel lncRNA, lnc-AK143003, which plays a role in controlling muscle differentiation.
Candida albicans Sap6 amyloid regions function in cellular aggregation and zinc binding, and contribute to zinc acquisition
Authors: Kumar Rohitashw , Breindel Christine , Saraswat Darpan , Cullen Paul J. , Edgerton Mira
Published: May 2017

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen colonizing the oral cavity. C. albicans secreted aspartic protease Sap6 is important for virulence during oral candidiasis since it degrades host tissues to release nutrients and essential transition metals. We found that zinc specifically increased C. albicans autoaggregation induced by Sap6; and that Sap6 itself bound zinc ions. In silico analysis of Sap6 predicted four amyloidogenic regions that were synthesized as peptides (P1–P4). All peptides, as well as full length Sap6, demonstrated amyloid properties, and addition of zinc further increased amyloid formation. Disruption of amyloid regions by Congo red significantly reduced auotoaggregation. Deletion of C. albicans genes that control zinc acquisition in the ZAP1 regulon, including zinc transporters (Pra1 and Zrt1) and other zinc-regulated surface proteins, resulted in lower autoaggregation and reduction of surface binding of Sap6. Cells with high expression of PRA1 and ZRT1 also showed increased Sap6-mediated autoaggregation. C. albicans ∆sap6 deletion mutants failed to accumulate intracellular zinc comparable to ∆zap1, ∆zrt1, and ∆pra1 cells. Thus Sap6 is a multi-functional molecule containing amyloid regions that promotes autoaggregation and zinc uptake, and may serve as an additional system for the community acquisition of zinc.
Mechanism of superior luminescent and high-efficiency photocatalytic properties of Eu-doped calcium aluminate by low-cost self-propagating combustion synthesis technique
Authors: Rao Jiancun , Wang Yujin , Wang Wen , Ke Hua , Li Yechen , Zhao Yang , Diao Zhiliang , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2017

Eu-doped calcium aluminate was synthesized via the low-cost self-propagating combustion synthesis (SPCS) technique, whose phase constitutions were identified as Ca9Al6O18 and Ca3Al2O6. The Ca2+ ions in Ca9Al6O18 rather than Ca3Al2O6 phase were replaced by Eu3+ ions. The product exhibits the superior luminescent property and photocatalytic activity, which may find potential applications in the display devices and environment treatments.
Targeted Patching and Dendritic Ca2+ Imaging in Nonhuman Primate Brain in vivo
Authors: Ding Ran , Liao Xiang , Li Jingcheng , Zhang Jianxiong , Wang Meng , Guang Yu , Qin Han , Li Xingyi , Zhang Kuan , Liang Shanshan , Guan Jiangheng , Lou Jia , Jia Hongbo , Chen Bingbo , Shen Hui , Chen Xiaowei
Published: May 2017

Nonhuman primates provide an important model not only for understanding human brain but also for translational research in neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, many high-resolution techniques for recording neural activity in vivo that were initially established for rodents have not been yet applied to the nonhuman primate brain. Here, we introduce a combination of two-photon targeted patching and dendritic Ca2+ imaging to the neocortex of adult common marmoset, an invaluable primate model for neuroscience research. Using targeted patching, we show both spontaneous and sensory-evoked intracellular dynamics of visually identified neurons in the marmoset cortex. Using two-photon Ca2+ imaging and intracellular pharmacological manipulation, we report both action-potential-associated global and synaptically-evoked NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor-mediated local Ca2+ signals in dendrites and spines of the superficial-layer cortical neurons. Therefore, we demonstrate the presence of synaptic Ca2+ signals in neuronal dendrites in living nonhuman primates. This work represents a proof-of-principle for exploring the primate brain functions in vivo by monitoring neural activity and morphology at a subcellular resolution.
DNA preservation in silk
Authors: Liu Yawen , Zheng Zhaozhu , Gong He , Liu Meng , Guo Shaozhe , Li Gang , Wang Xiaoqin , Kaplan David L.
Published: May 2017

The structure of DNA is susceptible to alterations at high temperature and on changing pH, irradiation and exposure to DNase.
The effective determination of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) simultaneously based on an aluminum silicon carbide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite electrode
Authors: Wu Yale , Yang Tao , Chou Kuo-Chih , Chen Junhong , Su Lei , Hou Xinmei
Published: May 2017

A platform for the simultaneous determination of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) in aqueous solution has been applied using an aluminum silicon carbide-reduced graphene oxide (Al4SiC4–RGO) nanocomposite modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) for the first time.
Cancer cell targeting driven by selective polyamine reactivity with glycine propargyl esters
Authors: Vong Kenward K. H. , Tsubokura Kazuki , Nakao Yoichi , Tanei Tomonori , Noguchi Shinzaburo , Kitazume Shinobu , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: May 2017

Glycine propargyl ester reactivity shows evidence for selective polyamine reactivity, leading to a new strategy for cancer cell targeting.
Electrochemical performance of MXenes as K-ion battery anodes
Authors: Naguib Michael , Adams Ryan A. , Zhao Yunpu , Zemlyanov Dmitry , Varma Arvind , Nanda Jagjit , Pol Vilas G.
Published: May 2017

Herein, we report on the electrochemical performance of two-dimensional transition metal carbonitrides as novel promising electrode materials in K-ion batteries.
Engineering tough, highly compressible, biodegradable hydrogels by tuning the network architecture
Authors: Gu Dunyin , Tan Shereen , Xu Chenglong , O'Connor Andrea J. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: May 2017

By tailoring the network architecture, tough, highly compressible, biodegradable hydrogels have been developed. This study also shows that the arrangement of each component in the network has a more significant effect on the overall mechanical properties than the network composition.
Simple solution-phase syntheses of tetrahalodiboranes(4) and their labile dimethylsulfide adducts
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Böhnke Julian , Braunschweig Holger , Deißenberger Andrea , Dewhurst Rian D. , Ewing William C. , Hörl Christian , Mies Jan , Muessig Jonas H.
Published: May 2017

Convenient solution-phase syntheses of tetrahalodiboranes(4) and the dimethylsulfide adducts B2Cl4(SMe2)2 and B2Br4(SMe2)2 are presented.
Stepwise self-assembly of a discrete molecular honeycomb using a multitopic metallo-organic ligand
Authors: Wu Tun , Yuan Jie , Song Bo , Chen Yu-Sheng , Chen Mingzhao , Xue Xiaobo , Liu Qianqian , Wang Jun , Chan Yi-Tsu , Wang Pingshan
Published: May 2017

A molecular bismetallo-hexagon and a honeycomb fractal have been assembled with multiple tpy-M2+-tpy connectivities. The key metallo-organic ligand was created by a reaction on complex strategy.
A highly enantioselective access to chiral chromanones and thiochromanones via copper-catalyzed asymmetric conjugated reduction of chromones and thiochromones
Authors: Xiong Donglu , Zhou Wenxi , Lu Zhiwu , Zeng Suping , Wang Jun (Joelle)
Published: May 2017

The chromanone scaffold is a privileged structure in heterocyclic chemistry and drug discovery.
A carbon nanopore model to quantify structure and kinetics of ion electrosorption with in situ small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Prehal C. , Koczwara C. , Jäckel N. , Amenitsch H. , Presser V. , Paris O.
Published: May 2017

In situ small-angle X-ray scattering was carried out on a custom-built supercapacitor cell and is presented together with a novel data analysis strategy to study the structure and kinetics of ion electrosorption in a nanoporous carbon electrode.
Molecular dynamics simulations of solvent-exfoliation and stabilization of graphene with the assistance of compressed carbon dioxide and pyrene–polyethylene glycol
Authors: Xu Xiaodan , Cai Lu , Zheng Xiaoli , Xu Qun
Published: May 2017

Understanding the solvent-exfoliation and stabilization of graphene with cpCO2and pyrene–polyethylene glycol from molecular dynamics simulations.
The role of liquid–liquid transition in glass formation of CuZr alloys
Authors: Zhao Xi , Wang Chunzhen , Zheng Haijiao , Tian Zean , Hu Lina
Published: May 2017

The structure evolution during LLTs is beneficial to the glass forming ability (GFA) of Cu–Zr systems.
Enhanced conductivity of sodium versus lithium salts measured by impedance spectroscopy. Sodium cobaltacarboranes as electrolytes of choice
Authors: Fuentes Isabel , Andrio Andreu , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Compañ Vicente
Published: May 2017

Scheme of the proposed mechanism to explain the mobility of the cations through the monomers COSANE and TPB. While in COSANE the mechanism is through jumps (hopping mechanism) in TPB the ionic transport is vehicular.
Cool white, persistent room-temperature phosphorescence in carbon dots embedded in a silica gel matrix
Authors: Joseph Julin , Anappara Aji A.
Published: May 2017

Cool white room temperature phosphorescence emission of carbon dots embedded in a silica gel matrix.
The new age of MOFs and of their porous-related solids
Authors: Maurin Guillaume , Serre Christian , Cooper Andrew , Férey Gérard
Published: May 2017

Guest editors Guillaume Maurin, Christian Serre, Andrew Cooper and Gérard Férey introduce the Metal–Organic Frameworks and Porous Polymers – Current and Future Challenges issue of Chemical Society Reviews.
Ethylene tri-/tetramerization catalysts supported by diphosphinothiophene ligands
Authors: Zhang Chengye , Song Liubing , Wu Hongfei , Ji Xiaoyu , Jiao Jiajun , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2017

Cr(iii) catalysts supported by diphosphinothiophene ligands are highly active for ethylene tri-/tetramerization with considerable selectivity, achieving the highest activity of 686 kg (g Cr h−1)−1 with a total selectivity of up to 69% toward 1-hexene (29.5%) and 1-octene (39.5%).
Technetium-99m complexes ofl-arginine derivatives for targeting amino acid transporters
Authors: Morais Maurício , Ferreira Vera F. C. , Figueira Flávio , Mendes Filipa , Raposinho Paula , Santos Isabel , Oliveira Bruno L. , Correia João D. G.
Published: May 2017

The metal complexTc2exhibits relevant internalization in several cancer cell lines, likely to be mediated by cationic amino acid transporters.
New amidinate complexes of indium(iii): promising CVD precursors for transparent and conductive In2O3thin films
Authors: Gebhard M. , Hellwig M. , Kroll A. , Rogalla D. , Winter M. , Mallick B. , Ludwig A. , Wiesing M. , Wieck A. D. , Grundmeier G. , Devi A.
Published: May 2017

Heteroleptic and homoleptic In(iii)-amidinate complexes as promising CVD precursors for In2O3thin films.
99mTc-3Cboroxime: a novel 99mTc(iii) complex [99mTcCl(CDO)(CDOH)2B-3C] (CDOH2 = cyclohexanedione dioxime; 3C-B(OH)2 = 3-(carbamoylphenyl)boronic acid) with high heart uptake and long myocardial retention
Authors: Liu Min , Liu Shuang
Published: May 2017

In this study, we found that 99mTc-3Cboroxime has the myocardial retention longer than that of 99mTc-Teboroxime, and its heart washout kinetics follows a regressive linear relationship over the 60 min period.
Phosphomolybdate assembly as a low-cost catalyst for the reduction of toxic Cr(vi) in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Jiaojiao , Geng Zongke , Qian Zhao , Han Zhangang
Published: May 2017

A fully reduced phosphomolybdate hybrid compound was active as a heterogeneous molecular catalyst to reduce toxic Cr(vi) to nontoxic Cr(iii) using formic acid under mild conditions. The activation energy was calculated to be 78.5 kJ·mol−1.
Facile ring-opening of THF at a lithium center induced by a pendant Si–H bond and BPh3
Authors: Mukherjee Debabrata , Osseili Hassan , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun
Published: May 2017

Triphenylborane (BPh3) induces a facile THF ring-opening at a lithium center where a pendant Si–H bond acts as the nucleophile to cleave the Cα–O bond.
Amide-assisted radical strategy: metal-free direct fluorination of arenes in aqueous media
Authors: Liang Deqiang , Li Yanni , Gao Shulin , Li Renlun , Li Xiangguang , Wang Baoling , Yang Hai
Published: May 2017

A practical aromatic C–H fluorination.
The darkening of copper- or lead-based pigments explained by a structural modification of natural orpiment: a spectroscopic and electrochemical study
Authors: Vermeulen Marc , Sanyova Jana , Janssens Koen , Nuyts Gert , De Meyer Steven , De Wael Karolien
Published: May 2017

A combined spectroscopic and electrochemical study is used to understand the mechanism by which natural orpiment darken copper- or lead-based pigments.
Synthesis, α-glucosidase inhibition and molecular docking studies of novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione or rhodanine derivatives
Authors: Wang Guang-cheng , Peng Ya-ping , Xie Zhen-zhen , Wang Jing , Chen Ming
Published: May 2017

A series of novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione or rhodanine derivatives (5a–5k, 6a–6k) were synthesized and evaluated for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Vapor phase infiltration (VPI) for transforming polymers into organic–inorganic hybrid materials: a critical review of current progress and future challenges
Authors: Leng Collen Z. , Losego Mark D.
Published: May 2017

A review of vapor phase infiltration (VPI), a unique gas-phase process for transforming polymers into organic–inorganic hybrid materials.
Aza boron-pyridyl-isoindoline analogues: synthesis and photophysical properties
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wu Yanping , Fan Minhui , Xiao Xuqiong , Mack John , Kubheka Gugu , Nyokong Tebello , Lu Hua
Published: May 2017

The synthesis and properties of four aza boron pyridyl-isoindoline analogues that differ in the position of fused benzene ring annelation on the pyridyl moiety is reported.
Preparation, properties and formation mechanism of cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol bio-composite hydrogel membranes
Authors: Peng Huafeng , Wang Shaopeng , Xu Hongyao , Hao Xingwu
Published: May 2017

Aggregate sheets formed by hydrophobic interactions of cellulose act as physical junctions in the cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel.
Nanoceria supported cobalt(0) nanoparticles: a magnetically separable and reusable catalyst in hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane
Authors: Akbayrak Serdar , Taneroğlu Oğuzcan , Özkar Saim
Published: May 2017

Co0/CeO2 is a magnetically separable and highly reusable catalyst in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane.
Construction of thiazines and oxathianes via [3 + 3] annulation of N-tosylaziridinedicarboxylates and oxiranes with 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol: application towards the synthesis of bioactive molecules
Authors: Varshnaya Rohit Kumar , Banerjee Prabal
Published: May 2017

Efficient construction of functionalized thiazine and oxathiane derivatives via [3 + 3] annulation of N-tosylaziridinedicarboxylates and oxiranes with in situ generated mercaptoaldehyde in the presence of a Lewis acid is described.
Evaluation of ligand-based NMR screening methods to characterize small molecule binding to HIV-1 glycoprotein-41
Authors: Chu Shidong , Zhou Guangyan , Gochin Miriam
Published: May 2017

STD NMR pinpoints the binding mode of a small ligand in the hydrophobic pocket of gp41.
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of optically active phenolic 3,4-dihydropyridin-2-ones: a way to access enantioenriched 1,4-dihydropyridine and benzodiazepine derivatives
Authors: Torres Susana Y. , Brieva Rosario , Rebolledo Francisca
Published: May 2017

Kinetic resolution of 3,4-DHP-2-ones with Candida rugose lipase (CRL) has been possible due to the presence of a reactive phenolic ester in a remote position.
Tryptophan/copper-catalyzed aromatization reaction of chiral cyclohexanones to phenols
Authors: Liu Xue-Li , Zhang Xiao-Long , Xia Ai-Bao , Guo Yan-Jun , Meng Chen-Hong , Xu Dan-Qian
Published: May 2017

By merging organocatalysis with copper catalysis, a simple and efficient methodology for the synthesis of chiral phenols through tryptophan/CuBr2 catalyzed bromination/debromination aromatization of chiral cyclohexanone derivatives was developed.
Li6Zn3(BO3)4: a new zincoborate featuring vertex-, edge- and face-sharing LiO4tetrahedra and exhibiting reversible phase transitions
Authors: Chen Yanna , An Donghai , Zhang Min , Hu Cong , Mutailipu Miriding , Yang Zhihua , Lu Xiaoquan , Pan Shilie
Published: May 2017

A new zincoborate, Li6Zn3(BO3)4, was prepared, which exhibits two reversible phase transitions and contains a face-sharing LiO4configuration.
Facile loading of thin-film surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks with Lewis-base guest molecules
Authors: Baroni Nicolò , Turshatov Andrey , Oldenburg Michael , Busko Dmitry , Adams Michael , Haldar Ritesh , Welle Alexander , Redel Engelbert , Wöll Christof , Richards Bryce S. , Howard Ian A.
Published: May 2017

Lewis-base groups allow guest molecules to infiltrate thin-film surface-anchored metal-organic frameworks.
A photoinduced reaction of perfluoroalkyl halides with 1,3-diarylprop-2-yn-1-ones catalyzed by DABSO
Authors: Li Yuewen , Lu Yiye , Mao Runyu , Li Zhiming , Wu Jie
Published: May 2017

The sulfur dioxide surrogate of DABCO·(SO2)2 is used as an efficient catalyst for the cleavage of the perfluoroalkyl-halogen bond under visible-light irradiation. A plausible mechanism supported by theoretical calculations is proposed.
A novel impedimetric aptasensor based on AuNPs–carboxylic porous carbon for the ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A
Authors: Wei Min , Zhang Wenyang
Published: May 2017

A novel impedimetric aptasensor based on AuNPs–carboxylic porous carbon for the ultrasensitive detection of OTA.
Novel protostane-type triterpenoids with inhibitory human carboxylesterase 2 activities
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Jie , Huo Xiao-Kui , Tian Xiang-Ge , Feng Lei , Ning Jing , Zhao Xin-Yu , Sun Cheng-Peng , Wang Chao , Deng Sa , Zhang Bao-Jing , Zhang Hou-Li , Liu Yong
Published: May 2017

Ten new triterpenoids, including two novel nor-protostanes, were isolated from A. orientalis and biotransformation of alisols A and B 23-acetate.
Design and implementation of instructional videos for upper-division undergraduate laboratory courses
Authors: Schmidt-McCormack Jennifer A. , Muniz Marc N. , Keuter Ellie C. , Shaw Scott K. , Cole Renée S.
Published: May 2017

Well-designed laboratories can help students master content and science practices by successfully completing the laboratory experiments. Upper-division chemistry laboratory courses often present special challenges for instruction due to the instrument intensive nature of the experiments. To address these challenges, particularly those associated with rotation style course structures, pre-laboratory videos were generated for two upper-division laboratory courses, Analytical Measurements and Physical Measurements. Sets of videos were developed for each experiment: a pre-laboratory lecture, an experimental, and a data analysis video. We describe the theoretical principles that guided the design of the instructional videos as well as the process. To assess the impact of the videos on students' successful completion of the experiments, a mixed-methods approach to data collection was used, which included video-recorded laboratory observations, student one-on-one interviews, and the Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Inventory (MLLI) survey. Our findings indicate that video-based resources can help alleviate some challenges associated with rotation-style labs, particularly the temporal disconnect between pre-laboratory lectures and experiment completion as well as the need for more student autonomy in upper-division laboratory courses.
Double quick, double click reversible peptide “stapling”
Authors: Grison Claire M. , Burslem George M. , Miles Jennifer A. , Pilsl Ludwig K. A. , Yeo David J. , Imani Zeynab , Warriner Stuart L. , Webb Michael E. , Wilson Andrew J.
Published: May 2017

A versatile, rapid and reversible approach to constrain peptides in a bioactive helical conformation and bearing a functional handle for inhibition of protein–protein interactions is described.
Insights on pathways for hydrogen generation from ethanol
Authors: Nanda Sonil , Rana Rachita , Zheng Ying , Kozinski Janusz A. , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: May 2017

Hydrogen can be produced from ethanolviareforming, partial oxidation, dehydrogenation, gasification, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis.
Continuous and discontinuous transitions between two types of capillary bridges on a beaded chain pulled out from a liquid
Authors: Dutka Filip , Rozynek Zbigniew , Napiórkowski Marek
Published: May 2017

A plot of the height of the chain, at which the morphological transition takes place; it is continuous (discontinuous) when the diameter of the spherical beads is larger (smaller) than the capillary length. The right panel shows the beaded chain pulled out from a liquid with particle suspension.