bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of SIVmac251 reservoir seeding in rhesus monkeys by early antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Whitney James B. , Lim So-Yon , Osuna Christa E. , Kublin Jessica L. , Chen Elsa , Yoon Gyeol , Liu Po-Ting , Abbink Peter , Borducci Erica N. , Hill Alison , Lewis Mark G. , Geleziunas Romas , Robb Merlin L. , Michael Nelson L. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: December 2018

The precise time when the viral reservoir is seeded during acute HIV-1 infection remains unclear. We previously demonstrated that the viral reservoir was seeded by day 3 following SIVmac251 infection in rhesus monkeys. Here we report the impact of initiating ART on day 0 (6 h), 1, 2, or 3 following intrarectal SIVmac251 infection in 20 rhesus monkeys (N = 5/group). After 6 months of daily suppressive ART, antiretroviral drugs were discontinued, and viral rebound was monitored. 0% (0 of 5), 20% (1 of 5), 60% (3 of 5), and 100% (5 of 5) of animals that initiated ART on days 0 (6 h), 1, 2, or 3, respectively, showed viral rebound following ART discontinuation and correlated with integrated viral DNA in lymph node CD4+ T cells. These data demonstrate that the viral reservoir is seeded within the first few days of infection and that early ART initiation limits the viral reservoir.
Population reconstructions for humans and megafauna suggest mixed causes for North American Pleistocene extinctions
Authors: Broughton Jack M. , Weitzel Elic M.
Published: December 2018

Dozens of large mammals such as mammoth and mastodon disappeared in North America at the end of the Pleistocene with climate change and “overkill” by human hunters the most widely-argued causes. However, the population dynamics of humans and megafauna preceding extinctions have received little attention even though such information may be telling as we expect increasing human populations to be correlated with megafaunal declines if hunting caused extinctions. No such trends are expected if climate change was the primary cause. We present tests of these hypotheses here by using summed calibrated radiocarbon date distributions to reconstruct population levels of megafauna and humans. The results suggest that the causes for extinctions varied across taxa and by region. In three cases, extinctions appear linked to hunting, while in five others they are consistent with the ecological effects of climate change and in a final case, both hunting and climate change appear responsible.
Optimized libraries for CRISPR-Cas9 genetic screens with multiple modalities
Authors: Sanson Kendall R. , Hanna Ruth E. , Hegde Mudra , Donovan Katherine F. , Strand Christine , Sullender Meagan E. , Vaimberg Emma W. , Goodale Amy , Root David E. , Piccioni Federica , Doench John G.
Published: December 2018

The creation of genome-wide libraries for CRISPR knockout (CRISPRko), interference (CRISPRi), and activation (CRISPRa) has enabled the systematic interrogation of gene function. Here, we show that our recently-described CRISPRko library (Brunello) is more effective than previously published libraries at distinguishing essential and non-essential genes, providing approximately the same perturbation-level performance improvement over GeCKO libraries as GeCKO provided over RNAi. Additionally, we present genome-wide libraries for CRISPRi (Dolcetto) and CRISPRa (Calabrese), and show in negative selection screens that Dolcetto, with fewer sgRNAs per gene, outperforms existing CRISPRi libraries and achieves comparable performance to CRISPRko in detecting essential genes. We also perform positive selection CRISPRa screens and demonstrate that Calabrese outperforms the SAM approach at identifying vemurafenib resistance genes. We further compare CRISPRa to genome-scale libraries of open reading frames (ORFs). Together, these libraries represent a suite of genome-wide tools to efficiently interrogate gene function with multiple modalities.
Author Correction: Organic field-effect optical waveguides
Authors: Zhao Guangyao , Dong Huanli , Liao Qing , Jiang Jun , Luo Yi , Fu Hongbing , Hu Wenping
Published: December 2018

The original version of this Article contained an error in Fig. 3, in which the x-axes in Fig. 3e and Fig. 3f were incorrectly labelled ‘Vds’ rather than the correct ‘Vgs’. This has been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Field-level clothianidin exposure affects bumblebees but generally not their pathogens
Authors: Wintermantel Dimitry , Locke Barbara , Andersson Georg K. S. , Semberg Emilia , Forsgren Eva , Osterman Julia , Rahbek Pedersen Thorsten , Bommarco Riccardo , Smith Henrik G. , Rundlöf Maj , de Miranda Joachim R.
Published: December 2018

Neonicotinoids are implicated in bee declines and laboratory studies imply that they impair the bee immune system, thereby precipitating a rise in pathogen levels. To establish whether such synergisms reduce bee performance in real-world agricultural landscapes, we analysed the microbial composition of the bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) samples from our recent landscape study on the impacts of field-level clothianidin exposure. We related clothianidin exposure and microbial composition to both individual- and colony-level performance parameters, to better understand the direct and indirect mechanistic effects of neonicotinoid exposure on bumblebees. We show that exposure to clothianidin from seed-coated oilseed rape reduces bumblebee size and numbers, particularly of reproductives. However, exposure does not affect the levels of non-pathogenic bacteria or viruses, nor induce rises in the levels or virulence of intracellular parasites. We conclude that field exposure to the neonicotinoid clothianidin affects bumblebee performance but generally not their pathogenic or beneficial microbiota.
Detecting the dominance component of heritability in isolated and outbred human populations
Authors: Herzig Anthony F. , Nutile Teresa , Ruggiero Daniela , Ciullo Marina , Perdry Hervé , Leutenegger Anne-Louise
Published: December 2018

Inconsistencies between published estimates of dominance heritability between studies of human genetic isolates and human outbred populations incite investigation into whether such differences result from particular trait architectures or specific population structures. We analyse simulated datasets, characteristic of genetic isolates and of unrelated individuals, before analysing the isolate of Cilento for various commonly studied traits. We show the strengths of using genetic relationship matrices for variance decomposition over identity-by-descent based methods in a population isolate and that heritability estimates in isolates will avoid the downward biases that may occur in studies of samples of unrelated individuals; irrespective of the simulated distribution of causal variants. Yet, we also show that precise estimates of dominance in isolates are demonstrably problematic in the presence of shared environmental effects and such effects should be accounted for. Nevertheless, we demonstrate how studying isolates can help determine the existence or non-existence of dominance for complex traits, and we find strong indications of non-zero dominance for low-density lipoprotein level in Cilento. Finally, we recommend future study designs to analyse trait variance decomposition from ensemble data across multiple population isolates.
Cerebral Corpora amylacea are dense membranous labyrinths containing structurally preserved cell organelles
Authors: Navarro Paula P. , Genoud Christel , Castaño-Díez Daniel , Graff-Meyer Alexandra , Lewis Amanda J. , de Gier Yvonne , Lauer Matthias E. , Britschgi Markus , Bohrmann Bernd , Frank Stephan , Hench Jürgen , Schweighauser Gabriel , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , van de Berg Wilma D. J. , Stahlberg Henning , Shahmoradian Sarah H.
Published: December 2018

Corpora amylaceaare cell-derived structures that appear physiologically in the aged human brain. While their histological identification is straightforward, their ultrastructural composition and microenvironment at the nanoscale have remained unclear so far, as has their relevance to aging and certain disease states that involve the sequestration of toxic cellular metabolites. Here, we apply correlative serial block-face scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron tomography to gain three-dimensional insight into the ultrastructure and surrounding microenvironment of cerebralCorpora amylaceain the human brainstem and hippocampal region. We find that cerebralCorpora amylaceaare composed of dense labyrinth-like sheets of lipid membranes, contain vesicles as well as morphologically preserved mitochondria, and are in close proximity to blood vessels and the glymphatic system, primarily within the cytoplasm of perivascular glial cells. Our results clarify the nature of cerebralCorpora amylaceaand provide first hints on how they may arise and develop in the aging brain.
Legacies of domestication, trade and herder mobility shape extant male zebu cattle diversity in South Asia and Africa
Authors: Pérez-Pardal Lucía , Sánchez-Gracia Alejandro , Álvarez Isabel , Traoré Amadou , Ferraz J. Bento S. , Fernández Iván , Costa Vânia , Chen Shanyuan , Tapio Miika , Cantet Rodolfo J. C. , Patel Ajita , Meadow Richard H. , Marshall Fiona B. , Beja-Pereira Albano , Goyache Félix
Published: December 2018

All tropically adapted humped cattle (Bos indicusor “zebu”), descend from a domestication process that took place >8,000 years ago in South Asia. Here we present an intercontinental survey of Y-chromosome diversity and a comprehensive reconstruction of male-lineage zebu cattle history and diversity patterns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the zebu Y-chromosome haplotypes in our dataset group within three different lineages: Y3A, the most predominant and cosmopolitan lineage; Y3B, only observed in West Africa; and Y3C, predominant in South and Northeast India. The divergence times estimated for these three Zebu-specific lineages predate domestication. Coalescent demographic models support eitherde novodomestication of genetically divergent paternal lineages or more complex process including gene flow between wild and domestic animals. Our data suggest export of varied zebu lineages from domestication centres through time. The almost exclusive presence of Y3Ahaplotypes in East Africa is consistent with recent cattle restocking in this area. The cryptic presence of Y3Bhaplotypes in West Africa, found nowhere else, suggests that these haplotypes might represent the oldest zebu lineage introduced to Africa ca. 3,000 B.P. and subsequently replaced in most of the world. The informative ability of Interspersed Multilocus Microsatellites and Y-specific microsatellites to identify genetic structuring in cattle populations is confirmed.
Bidirectional propagation of tilting domain walls in perpendicularly magnetized T shaped structure with the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Authors: Kwon Jaesuk , Hwang Hee-Kyeong , Hong Jung-Il , You Chun-Yeol
Published: December 2018

Understanding of domain wall (DW) propagation in a complex structure is an essential first step toward the development of any magnetic-domain based devices including spin-based logic or magnetic memristors. Interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (iDMI) in the structure with broken inversion symmetry induces an asymmetrical DW configuration with respect to the direction of in-plane field. Dynamic behaviors of field-driven DW within the film with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is influenced by DW tilt from the iDMI effect and the corners in the T-shaped structure of the DW path. Images from Kerr microscopy reveal that the iDMI effective field contributes to a tilted structure of DW configuration and evolution along its propagation. With the combination of iDMI and T-shaped structure, we observed two distinguished bidirectional DW propagations in two output branches and distinct arriving times at the destination pads with a uniform external field. Micromagnetic simulation results is compared with the observed dynamics of a DW configuration in the structure providing an additional confirmation of the interpreted results.
Lactoferrin and lactoferricin endocytosis halt Giardia cell growth and prevent infective cyst production
Authors: Frontera Lorena S. , Moyano Sofía , Quassollo Gonzalo , Lanfredi-Rangel Adriana , Rópolo Andrea S. , Touz María C.
Published: December 2018

Lactoferrin (LF) is an 80 KDa iron-binding glycoprotein that plays a significant role in the innate immune system and is considered to be an important microbicide molecule. It has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of giardiasis, an intestinal disease caused by the protozoan parasiteG. lamblia. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LF exerts its effect on this parasite are unknown. Most of the microbicidal activity of human or bovine LF (hLF or bLF) has been associated with the N-terminal region of the mature LF - lactoferricin (LFcin). LFcin is produced by pepsin cleavage of the native proteinin vitroand likelyin vivo. In this work, we analyse the participation of the endocytic machinery ofG. lambliain the internalization of bLF and bLFcin and their effects on cell homeostasis. Our results show that, when bLF or bLFcin are internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis, cell growth stops, and morphological changes are produced in the trophozoites, which ultimately will produce immature cysts. Our findings contribute to disclose the fine mechanism by which bLF and bLFcin may function as an antigiardial molecule and why they have therapeutic potential to eradicate giardiasis.
Near infrared emission properties of Er doped cubic sesquioxides in the second/third biological windows
Authors: Avram Daniel , Tiseanu Ion , Vasile Bogdan S. , Florea Mihaela , Tiseanu Carmen
Published: December 2018

In the recent years, there is an extensive effort concentrated towards the development of nanoparticles with near-infrared emission within the so called second or third biological windows induced by excitation outside 800–1000 nm range corresponding to the traditional Nd (800 nm) and Yb (980 nm) sensitizers. Here, we present a first report on the near-infrared (900–1700 nm) emission of significant member of cubic sesquioxides, Er-Lu2O3 nanoparticles, measured under both near-infrared up-conversion and low energy X-ray excitations. The nanoparticle compositions are optimized by varying Er concentration and Li addition. It is found that, under ca. 1500 nm up-conversion excitation, the emission is almost monochromatic (>93%) and centered at 980 nm while over 80% of the X-ray induced emission is concentrated around 1500 nm. The mechanisms responsible for the up-conversion emission of Er - Lu2O3 are identified by help of the up-conversion emission and excitation spectra as well as emission decays considering multiple excitation/emission transitions across visible to near-infrared ranges. Comparison between the emission properties of Er-Lu2O3 and Er-Y2O3 induced by optical and X-ray excitation is also presented. Our results suggest that the further optimized Er-doped cubic sesquioxides represent promising candidates for bioimaging and photovoltaic applications.
Ethanol represses the expression of methanol-inducible genes via acetyl-CoA synthesis in the yeast Komagataella phaffii
Authors: Ohsawa Shin , Nishida Susumu , Oku Masahide , Sakai Yasuyoshi , Yurimoto Hiroya
Published: December 2018

In methylotrophic yeasts, the expression of methanol-inducible genes is repressed by ethanol even in the presence of methanol, a phenomenon called ethanol repression. The mechanism of ethanol repression in Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris) was studied, and acetyl-CoA synthesis from ethanol by sequential reactions of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase and acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) was involved in ethanol repression. Molecular analysis of the ACS-encoding gene product KpAcs1 revealed that its N-terminal motif, which is conserved in methylotrophic yeasts, was required for ethanol repression. ACS activity was downregulated during methanol-induced gene expression, which partially depended on autophagy. In addition, acetyl-CoA synthesis and phosphorylation of a transcription factor KpMxr1 were found to contribute to ethanol repression in a synergistic manner.
A causal inference explanation for enhancement of multisensory integration by co-articulation
Authors: Magnotti John F. , Smith Kristen B. , Salinas Marcelo , Mays Jacqunae , Zhu Lin L. , Beauchamp Michael S.
Published: December 2018

The McGurk effect is a popular assay of multisensory integration in which participants report the illusory percept of “da” when presented with incongruent auditory “ba” and visual “ga” (AbaVga). While the original publication describing the effect found that 98% of participants perceived it, later studies reported much lower prevalence, ranging from 17% to 81%. Understanding the source of this variability is important for interpreting the panoply of studies that examine McGurk prevalence between groups, including clinical populations such as individuals with autism or schizophrenia. The original publication used stimuli consisting of multiple repetitions of a co-articulated syllable (three repetitions, AgagaVbaba). Later studies used stimuli without repetition or co-articulation (AbaVga) and used congruent syllables from the same talker as a control. In three experiments, we tested how stimulus repetition, co-articulation, and talker repetition affect McGurk prevalence. Repetition with co-articulation increased prevalence by 20%, while repetition without co-articulation and talker repetition had no effect. A fourth experiment compared the effect of the on-line testing used in the first three experiments with the in-person testing used in the original publication; no differences were observed. We interpret our results in the framework of causal inference: co-articulation increases the evidence that auditory and visual speech tokens arise from the same talker, increasing tolerance for content disparity and likelihood of integration. The results provide a principled explanation for how co-articulation aids multisensory integration and can explain the high prevalence of the McGurk effect in the initial publication.
Wearable Nail Deformation Sensing for Behavioral and Biomechanical Monitoring and Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Sakuma Katsuyuki , Abrami Avner , Blumrosen Gaddi , Lukashov Stanislav , Narayanan Rajeev , Ligman Joseph W. , Caggiano Vittorio , Heisig Stephen J.
Published: December 2018

The dynamics of the human fingertip enable haptic sensing and the ability to manipulate objects in the environment. Here we describe a wearable strain sensor, associated electronics, and software to detect and interpret the kinematics of deformation in human fingernails. Differential forces exerted by fingertip pulp, rugged connections to the musculoskeletal system and physical contact with the free edge of the nail plate itself cause fingernail deformation. We quantify nail warpage on the order of microns in the longitudinal and lateral axes with a set of strain gauges attached to the nail. The wearable device transmits raw deformation data to an off-finger device for interpretation. Simple motions, gestures, finger-writing, grip strength, and activation time, as well as more complex idioms consisting of multiple grips, are identified and quantified. We demonstrate the use of this technology as a human-computer interface, clinical feature generator, and means to characterize workplace tasks.
Integration of genetic and epidemiological data to infer H5N8 HPAI virus transmission dynamics during the 2016-2017 epidemic in Italy
Authors: Mulatti P. , Fusaro A. , Scolamacchia F. , Zecchin B. , Azzolini A. , Zamperin G. , Terregino C. , Cunial G. , Monne I. , Marangon S.
Published: December 2018

Between October 2016 and December 2017, several European Countries had been involved in a massive Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) epidemic sustained by H5N8 subtype virus. Starting on December 2016, also Italy was affected by H5N8 HPAI virus, with cases occurring in two epidemic waves: the first between December 2016 and May 2017, and the second in July-December 2017. Eighty-three outbreaks were recorded in poultry, 67 of which (80.72%) occurring in the second wave. A total of 14 cases were reported in wild birds. Epidemiological information and genetic analyses were conjointly used to get insight on the spread dynamics. Analyses indicated multiple introductions from wild birds to the poultry sector in the first epidemic wave, and noteworthy lateral spread from October 2017 in a limited geographical area with high poultry densities. Turkeys, layers and backyards were the mainly affected types of poultry production. Two genetic sub-groups were detected in the second wave in non-overlapping geographical areas, leading to speculate on the involvement of different wild bird populations. The integration of epidemiological data and genetic analyses allowed to unravel the transmission dynamics of H5N8 virus in Italy, and could be exploited to timely support in implementing tailored control measures.
The microRNA-183/96/182 Cluster is Essential for Stereociliary Bundle Formation and Function of Cochlear Sensory Hair Cells
Authors: Geng Ruishuang , Furness David N , Muraleedharan Chithra K , Zhang Jinsheng , Dabdoub Alain , Lin Vincent , Xu Shunbin
Published: December 2018

The microRNA (miR)-183/96/182 cluster plays important roles in the development and functions of sensory organs, including the inner ear. Point-mutations in the seed sequence of miR-96 result in non-syndromic hearing loss in both mice and humans. However, the lack of a functionally null mutant has hampered the evaluation of the cluster’s physiological functions. Here we have characterized a loss-of-function mutant mouse model (miR-183CGT/GT), in which the miR-183/96/182 cluster gene is inactivated by a gene-trap (GT) construct. The homozygous mutant mice show profound congenital hearing loss with severe defects in cochlear hair cell (HC) maturation, alignment, hair bundle formation and the checkboard-like pattern of the cochlear sensory epithelia. The stereociliary bundles retain an immature appearance throughout the cochlea at postnatal day (P) 3 and degenerate soon after. The organ of Corti of mutant newborn mice has no functional mechanoelectrical transduction. Several predicted target genes of the miR-183/96/182 cluster that are known to play important roles in HC development and function, including Clic5, Rdx, Ezr, Rac1, Myo1c, Pvrl3 and Sox2, are upregulated in the cochlea. These results suggest that the miR-183/96/182 cluster is essential for stereociliary bundle formation, morphogenesis and function of the cochlear HCs.
The impact of carbon addition on the organisation of rhizosheath of chickpea
Authors: Rabbi Sheikh M. F. , Tighe Matthew K. , Knox Oliver , Young Iain M.
Published: December 2018

Spatio-temporal development of the rhizosheath during root elongation has the potential to modify the function of the rhizosphere under abiotic stress. We quantified the impact of carbon (i.e. glucose) addition on the development and function of rhizosheath of drought tolerant and sensitive chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by integrating soil pore volume obtained from X-ray microtomography (µCT), soil physical and microbial respiration measures, and measurements of root traits. Structural equation modelling indicated the feedback mechanisms between added carbon, root traits, pore geometry, and soil functions differed between the cultivars in a fashion congruent with the concept of soil as a self-organising system that interacts with an introduced root system. The drought tolerant cultivar partitioned more photosynthetically fixed carbon to the roots, had more root hairs and more porous rhizosheath, as compared with the sensitive cultivar.
Facile fabrication and mechanistic understanding of a transparent reversible superhydrophobic – superhydrophilic surface
Authors: Majhy B. , Iqbal R. , Sen A. K.
Published: December 2018

We report a simple, inexpensive and rapid method for fabrication of a stable and transparent superhydrophobic (TSHB) surface and its reversible transition to a transparent superhydrophilic (TSHL) surface. We provide a mechanistic understanding of the superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity and the reversible transition. The proposed TSHB surface was created by candle sooting a partially cured n-hexane + PDMS surface followed by washing with DI water. The nano/microscopic grooved structures created on the surface conforms Cassie – Baxter state and thus gives rise to superhydrophobicity (water contact angle (WCA) = 161° ± 1°). The TSHB surface when subjected to oxygen plasma develops -OH bonds on the surface thus gets transformed into a TSHL surface (WCA < 1°). Both surface chemistry and surface morphology play important roles for the superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic transition. In the Cassie – Baxter relation for a composite surface, due to the capillary spreading of liquid in the nano/micro grooves, bothθ1,θ2 = 0, thus giving rise to complete wetting. Rapid recovery of superhydrophobicity from superhydrophilicity was achieved by heating the TSHL surface at 150 °C for 30 min, due to a much faster adsorption of the -OH bonds into the PDMS. Thus it is possible to achieve reversible transition from TSHB to TSHL and vice versa by exposing to oxygen plasma and heat, respectively.
Representations of time in human frontoparietal cortex
Authors: Hayashi Masamichi J. , van der Zwaag Wietske , Bueti Domenica , Kanai Ryota
Published: December 2018

Precise time estimation is crucial in perception, action and social interaction. Previous neuroimaging studies in humans indicate that perceptual timing tasks involve multiple brain regions; however, whether the representation of time is localized or distributed in the brain remains elusive. Using ultra-high-field functional magnetic resonance imaging combined with multivariate pattern analyses, we show that duration information is decoded in multiple brain areas, including the bilateral parietal cortex, right inferior frontal gyrus and, albeit less clearly, the medial frontal cortex. Individual differences in the duration judgment accuracy were positively correlated with the decoding accuracy of duration in the right parietal cortex, suggesting that individuals with a better timing performance represent duration information in a more distinctive manner. Our study demonstrates that although time representation is widely distributed across frontoparietal regions, neural populations in the right parietal cortex play a crucial role in time estimation.
Assessment of the Raman spectroscopy effectiveness in determining the early changes in human enamel caused by artificial caries
Authors: Buchwald Tomasz , Buchwald Zuzanna
Published: December 2018

Raman maps indicate the changes in enamel affected by the early demineralization process with the use of new parameters.
Whole-cell biosensing by siderophore-based molecular recognition and localized surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Hu Jiayun , Ghosh Manuka , Miller Marvin J. , Bohn Paul W.
Published: December 2018

Selective whole-cell Acinetobacter baumannii detection using a biotinylated siderophore–Fe(iii) complex in a localized surface plasmon resonance biosensing platform.
Aluminum-doped NiO nanofibers as chemical sensors for selective and sensitive methanol detection
Authors: Feng Changhao , Jiang Zhongwei , Chen Bin , Cheng Pengfei , Wang Yinglin , Huang Chengzhi
Published: December 2018

One-dimensional nanomaterials with controlled morphology have received considerable attention as chemical sensors.
Phosphorescent Pt(ii) complexes spatially arrayed in micellar polymeric nanoparticles providing dual readout for multimodal imaging
Authors: Proetto Maria T. , Sanning Jan , Peterlechner Martin , Thunemann Martin , Stegemann Linda , Sadegh Sanaz , Devor Anna , Gianneschi Nathan C. , Strassert Cristian A.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we report phosphorescent Pt(ii) complexes as monomers which can be directly incorporated into growing polymers that provide orthogonal readouts.
A rapid one-step surface functionalization of polyvinyl chloride by combining click sulfur(vi)-fluoride exchange with benzophenone photochemistry
Authors: Liu Wenying , Dong Yishi , Zhang Shuxiang , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: December 2018

We demonstrated a rapid one-step strategy for polyvinyl chloride surface functionalization by combining click “sulfur(vi)-fluoride exchange” (SuFEx) reaction with benzophenone photochemistry.
New mechanism for the nucleation and growth of large zeolite X crystals in the presence of triethanolamine
Authors: Turner Savannah J. , Chen Jialu , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Zhou Wuzong
Published: December 2018

Zeolite X crystals nucleate inside preformed spherical particles in between the amorphous core and the shell of zeolite P nanorods.
Solid-phase synthesis for thalidomide-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTAC)
Authors: Krajcovicova S. , Jorda R. , Hendrychova D. , Krystof V. , Soural M.
Published: December 2018

A novel chemical tool for the rapid preparation of PROTAC conjugates by persons without extensive synthetic experience or special laboratory equipment.
Halogen bonding-assisted assembly of bromoantimonate(v) and polybromide-bromoantimonate-based frameworks
Authors: Adonin Sergey A. , Bondarenko Mikhail A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Abramov Pavel A. , Plyusnin Pavel E. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: December 2018

Halogen bonding within bromo- and polybromoantimonates(v).
A molecular dynamics study on the interface morphology of vapor-deposited amorphous organic thin films
Authors: Yoo Dongsun , Song Hochul , Youn Yong , Jeon Sang Ho , Cho Youngmi , Han Seungwu
Published: December 2018

The interfaces between amorphous organic layers play an important role in the efficiency and lifetime of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).
Why co-catalyst-loaded rutile facilitates photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Walenta Constantin A. , Kollmannsberger Sebastian L. , Courtois Carla , Pereira Rui N. , Stutzmann Martin , Tschurl Martin , Heiz Ueli
Published: December 2018

The photocatalytic H2 evolution on co-catalyst loaded titania is interpreted by a new mechanism, in which the co-catalyst acts as a recombination center for hydrogen and not as a reduction site of a photoreaction.
Charge transport parameters for carbon based nanohoops and donor–acceptor derivatives
Authors: Canola Sofia , Graham Christina , Pérez-Jiménez Ángel José , Sancho-García Juan-Carlos , Negri Fabrizia
Published: December 2018

The effect of donor–acceptor (D–A) moieties on magnitudes such as reorganization energies and electronic couplings in cycloparaphenylene (CPP) carbon based nanohoops (i.e. conjugated organic molecules with cyclic topology) is highlighted via model computations and analysis of the available crystalline structure of N,N-dimethylaza[8]CPP.
Rational chemical doping of metal halide perovskites
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Li Lina , Sun Zhihua , Luo Junhua
Published: December 2018

This review summarizes recent significant work on metal-halide doped perovskites, disclosing the underlying structure–property relationships to provide useful insights into their applications.
Teaching c-phosphanylimines the titanaaziridine coordination mode
Authors: Fischer Malte , Steinert Henning , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Ruediger
Published: December 2018

The employment of a c-phosphanylimine for the synthesis of a novel titanaaziridine with an intramolecular phosphine donor side is reported, thus teaching the c-phosphanylimine a new coordination mode.
Monomeric alkoxide and alkylcarbonate complexes of nickel and palladium stabilized with the iPrPCP pincer ligand: a model for the catalytic carboxylation of alcohols to alkyl carbonates
Authors: Martínez-Prieto Luis M. , Palma Pilar , Cámpora Juan
Published: December 2018

Monomeric nickel and palladium alkoxides stabilized with pincer ligands provide a model for the study of key steps in the catalytic synthesis of organic carbonates from alcohols and CO2.
Integrating a redox flow battery into a Z-scheme water splitting system for enhancing the solar energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Wangyin , Liao Shichao , Liu Mingyao , Qi Yu , Ding Chunmei , Li Can
Published: December 2018

A RFB-integrated Z-scheme water splitting system produces hydrogen energy and electricity for efficient solar energy conversion.
Polar mixture analysis by NMR under spin diffusion conditions in viscous sucrose solution and agarose gel
Authors: Lameiras Pedro , Mougeolle Simon , Pedinielli François , Nuzillard Jean-Marc
Published: December 2018

A viscous sucrose solution is used for the first time to access individual NMR spectra of mixture components under spin diffusion conditions.
An innovative synthesis pathway to benzodioxanes: the peculiar reactivity of glycerol carbonate and catechol
Authors: Tabanelli T. , Giliberti C. , Mazzoni R. , Cucciniello R. , Cavani F.
Published: December 2018

A peculiar reactivity of glycerol carbonate (GlyC) as an innovative and highly reactive alkylating agent for phenolic compounds is investigated in this article.
Development of a UPLC-IDA-ICP-MS/MS method for peptide quantitation in plasma by Se-labelling, and comparison to S-detection of the native peptide
Authors: Grønbæk-Thorsen Freja , Stürup Stefan , Gammelgaard Bente , Møller Laura Hyrup
Published: December 2018

Se-labelling improves quantitation of peptides in plasma significantly compared to S-detection of the native peptide.
Microfluidic Schottky-junction photovoltaics with superior efficiency stimulated by plasmonic nanoparticles and streaming potential
Authors: Bhattacharjee Mitradip , Timung Seim , Mandal Tapas Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: December 2018

Microfluidic-photovoltaic energy harvester with superior efficiency coupling the features of Schottky-junction and streaming potential.
Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with two aminoalcohol-based quinoxaline derivatives for targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Kα)
Authors: Araújo Janine , Menezes Fabrício G. , Silva Heloiza F. O. , Vieira Davi S. , Silva Sergio R. B. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Sant’Anna Celso , Eugenio Mateus , Neri Jannyely M. , Gasparotto Luiz H. S.
Published: December 2018

Quinoxaline derivatives have attracted considerable attention due to their vast range of applications that includes electroluminescence and biomedicine.
Polymethacrylic acid encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes for sustained drug release and enhanced antibacterial activities
Authors: Huang Ling , Chen Jian , Li Xiufang , Liu Hui , Li Jianbing , Ren Tao , Yang Yanjing , Zhong Shian
Published: December 2018

A long-term antibacterial and sustained drug release system was fabricated, in which the TNTs acted as the loading platform of NOR and then encapsulated with PMAA.
Biomimetic high-intensity superhydrophobic metal rubber with anti-corrosion property for industrial oil–water separation
Authors: Ren Zhiying , Wen Gang , Guo Zhiguang
Published: December 2018

In this work, a superhydrophobic metal rubber with excellent water repellency, mechanical durability, corrosion resistance and oil/water separation properties was prepared by a facile and scale-up chemical etching method and a straightforward modification.
Luminescence studies of new [C,N,N′] cyclometallated platinum(ii) and platinum(iv) compounds
Authors: Lázaro Ariadna , Serra Oriol , Rodríguez Laura , Crespo Margarita , Font-Bardia Mercè
Published: December 2018

New [C,N,N′]-cyclometallated platinum(ii) and platinum(iv) complexes are prepared and their emission properties are reported.
Heterologous expression and biochemical characterisation of cyanotoxin biosynthesis pathways
Authors: Cullen Alescia , Pearson Leanne A. , Mazmouz Rabia , Liu Tianzhe , Soeriyadi Angela H. , Ongley Sarah E. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: December 2018

This review discusses cyanotoxin biosynthetic pathways and highlights the heterologous expression and biochemical studies used to characterise them.
Tropolone natural products
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Roman David , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: December 2018

This review on natural products containing a tropolonoid motif highlights analytical methods applied for structural identification and biosynthetic pathway analysis, the ecological context and the pharmacological potential of this compound class.
Tungsten oxide nanorod architectures as 3D anodes in binder-free lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Herdt Tim , Deckenbach Daniel , Bruns Michael , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: December 2018

3D WO3/C nanorod architectures have been employed as binder-free composite anodes in lithium ion batteries.
DNA-free directed assembly in single-molecule cut-and-paste
Authors: Erlich Katherine R. , Sedlak Steffen M. , Jobst Markus A. , Milles Lukas F. , Gaub Hermann E.
Published: December 2018

DNA-free single-molecule cut-and-paste enables spatially controlled assembly of labelled biomolecules into well-defined geometries (e.g. a star) with nanometre precision.
Tuning the oxygen evolution reaction on a nickel–iron alloy via active straining
Authors: Wang Anqi , Zhao Zhonglong , Hu Di , Niu Junfeng , Zhang Man , Yan Kai , Lu Gang
Published: December 2018

We report that one can gain active control of the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on Ni3Fe thin films via externally applied strains.
Air-stable lead-free hybrid perovskite employing self-powered photodetection with an electron/hole-conductor-free device geometry
Authors: Hussain Amreen A. , Rana Amit K. , Ranjan Mukesh
Published: December 2018

We have demonstrated the fabrication of one of the few lead-free perovskite self-powered photodetectors reported to date.
Discovery of a novel dipeptidyl boronic acid proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma and triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lei Meng , Feng Huayun , Bai Enhe , Zhou Hui , Wang Jia , Qin Yanru , Zhang Haoyang , Wang Xueyuan , Liu Zhaogang , Hai Ou , Liu Jia , Zhu Yongqiang
Published: December 2018

An effective candidate for the treatment of both MM and tri-negative breast cancer.
Mechanochemical synthesis of poly(lactic acid) block copolymers: overcoming the miscibility of the macroinitiator, monomer and catalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Lee Gue Seon , Moon Bo Reum , Jeong Haemin , Shin Jihoon , Kim Jeung Gon
Published: December 2018

Efficient mixing and energy delivery by ball-milling promoted the lactide polymer growth from macroinitiators without the use of a solvent.
Facile synthesis of boronic acid-functionalized magnetic metal–organic frameworks for selective extraction and quantification of catecholamines in rat plasma
Authors: He Xinying , Yu Yunqiu , Li Yan
Published: December 2018

MG@MIL-100-B takes magnetic Fe3O4microparticles as core and coated by MIL-100-B shows great potential as a SPE absorbent material for the analysis of catecholamines, due to its rapid magnetic separation, outstanding sensitivity and selectivity.
Study of hydrogen explosion control measures by using l-phenylalanine for aluminum wet dust removal systems
Authors: Zheng Xin , Xu Kaili , Wang Yantong , Shen Ruiqing , Wang Qingsheng
Published: December 2018

The reaction between aluminium dust and water in wet dust removal system is inhibited by using l-phenylalanine.
Sludge degradation and microbial community structures analysis in a microbial electrolysis cell-coupled up flow anaerobic blanket reactor with an ultrasound treatment system
Authors: Wang Youzhao , Pan Yuan , Li Xianjin , Zhang Kuo , Zhu Tong
Published: December 2018

This study proposes an ultrasound treatment–up flow anaerobic sludge blanket–microbial electrolysis cell (UT-UASB-MEC) degradation system.
Paper-based chemical reaction arrays as an effective tool for geographical indication of turmerics
Authors: Rauytanapanit Monrawat , Sukmanee Thanyada , Wongravee Kanet , Praneenararat Thanit
Published: December 2018

Paper-based chemical arrays and chemometrics uncovered clear geographical indications of turmeric samples from various origins.
Biguanidine functional chitooligosaccharide modified reverse osmosis membrane with improved anti-biofouling property
Authors: Wang Huihui , Zhou Yixuan , Wang Yao , Wang Zhi , Wang Jixiao
Published: December 2018

The COSG-modified RO membrane with excellent anti-adhesive and antimicrobial properties was successfully fabricated by second interfacial polymerization.
Synthesis of 2D and 3D MOFs with tuneable Lewis acidity from preformed 1D hybrid sub-domains
Authors: Moreno José María , Velty Alexandra , Díaz Urbano , Corma Avelino
Published: December 2018

Monodentate spacers, containing electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups, and the cohabitation of metallic nodes with different nature allowed generating further families of MOF-type catalysts based on functional 1D building sub-units with controllable defects, vacancies and acid strength.
An efficient multi-functional material based on polyether-substituted indolocarbazole for perovskite solar cells and solution-processed non-doped OLEDs
Authors: Mai Runsheng , Wu Xiayan , Jiang Yue , Meng Yuying , Liu Baiquan , Hu Xiaowen , Roncali Jean , Zhou Guofu , Liu Jun-Ming , Kempa Krzysztof , Gao Jinwei
Published: December 2018

A multi-functional material is demonstrated, and it simultaneously improves the efficiency of PSCs and emits bright light for solution-processed non-doped OLEDs.
Synergistic enhancement of chemical looping-based CO2 splitting with biomass cascade utilization using cyclic stabilized Ca2Fe2O5 aerogel
Authors: Sun Zhao , Wu Xiaodong , Russell Christopher K. , Dyar M. Darby , Sklute Elizabeth C. , Toan Sam , Fan Maohong , Duan Lunbo , Xiang Wenguo
Published: December 2018

Thermochemical splitting of carbon dioxide to carbon-containing fuels or value-added chemicals is a promising method to reduce greenhouse effects.
Simultaneous sensing of ferritin and apoferritin proteins using an iron-responsive dye and evaluation of physiological parameters associated with serum iron estimation
Authors: Dey Nilanjan , Ali Asfa , Kamra Mohini , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: December 2018

An iron-responsive optical probe has been developed for simultaneous sensing of both ferritin and apoferritin proteins at pH 7.4 in water.
Ultrathin high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbers with facilely fabricated hierarchical porous Co/C crabapples
Authors: Wu Nannan , Liu Chang , Xu Dongmei , Liu Jiurong , Liu Wei , Liu Hu , Zhang Jiaoxia , Xie Wei , Guo Zhanhu
Published: December 2018

The lab-synthesized hierarchical porous Co/C crabapples demonstrated enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption.
Engineering Arabidopsis long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 9 variants with enhanced enzyme activity
Authors: Xu Yang , Caldo Kristian Mark P. , Holic Roman , Mietkiewska Elzbieta , Ozga Jocelyn , Rizvi Syed Masood , Chen Guanqun , Weselake Randall J.
Published: December 2018

Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LACS, EC 6.2.1.3) catalyzes the ATP-dependent activation of free fatty acid to form acyl-CoA, which, in turn, serves as the major acyl donor for various lipid metabolic pathways. Increasing the size of acyl-CoA pool by enhancing LACS activity appears to be a useful approach to improve the production and modify the composition of fatty acid-derived compounds, such as triacylglycerol. In the present study, we aimed to improve the enzyme activity of Arabidopsis thaliana LACS9 (AtLACS9) by introducing random mutations into its cDNA using error-prone PCR. Two AtLACS9 variants containing multiple amino acid residue substitutions were identified with enhanced enzyme activity. To explore the effect of each amino acid residue substitution, single-site mutants were generated and the amino acid substitutions C207F and D238E were found to be primarily responsible for the increased activity of the two variants. Furthermore, evolutionary analysis revealed that the beneficial amino acid site C207 is conserved among LACS9 from plant eudicots, whereas the other beneficial amino acid site D238 might be under positive selection. Together, our results provide valuable information for the production of LACS variants for applications in the metabolic engineering of lipid biosynthesis in oleaginous organisms.
Small GTPase peripheral binding to membranes: molecular determinants and supramolecular organization
Authors: Peurois François , Peyroche Gérald , Cherfils Jacqueline
Published: December 2018

Small GTPases regulate many aspects of cell logistics by alternating between an inactive, GDP-bound form and an active, GTP-bound form. This nucleotide switch is coupled to a cytosol/membrane cycle, such that GTP-bound small GTPases carry out their functions at the periphery of endomembranes. A global understanding of the molecular determinants of the interaction of small GTPases with membranes and of the resulting supramolecular organization is beginning to emerge from studies of model systems. Recent studies highlighted that small GTPases establish multiple interactions with membranes involving their lipid anchor, their lipididated hypervariable region and elements in their GTPase domain, which combine to determine the strength, specificity and orientation of their association with lipids. Thereby, membrane association potentiates small GTPase interactions with GEFs, GAPs and effectors through colocalization and positional matching. Furthermore, it leads to small GTPase nanoclustering and to lipid demixing, which drives the assembly of molecular platforms in which proteins and lipids co-operate in producing high-fidelity signals through feedback and feedforward loops. Although still fragmentary, these observations point to an integrated model of signaling by membrane-attached small GTPases that involves a diversity of direct and indirect interactions, which can inspire new therapeutic strategies to block their activities in diseases.
Structural biology and structure–function relationships of membrane proteins
Authors: Reis Rosana , Moraes Isabel
Published: December 2018

The study of structure–function relationships of membrane proteins (MPs) has been one of the major goals in the field of structural biology. Many Noble Prizes regarding remarkable accomplishments in MP structure determination and biochemistry have been awarded over the last few decades. Mutations or improper folding of these proteins are associated with numerous serious illnesses. Therefore, as important drug targets, the study of their primary sequence and three-dimensional fold, combined with cell-based assays, provides vital information about their structure–function relationships. Today, this information is vital to drug discovery and medicine. In the last two decades, many have been the technical advances and breakthroughs in the field of MP structural biology that have contributed to an exponential growth in the number of unique MP structures in the Protein Data Bank. Nevertheless, given the medical importance and many unanswered questions, it will never be an excess of MP structures, regardless of the method used. Owing to the extension of the field, in this brief review, we will only focus on structure–function relationships of the three most significant pharmaceutical classes: G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and transporters.
The chemistry of the vitamin B3 metabolome
Authors: Makarov Mikhail V. , Trammell Samuel A.J. , Migaud Marie E.
Published: December 2018

The functional cofactors derived from vitamin B3 are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), its phosphorylated form, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+) and their reduced forms (NAD(P)H). These cofactors, together referred as the NAD(P)(H) pool, are intimately implicated in all essential bioenergetics, anabolic and catabolic pathways in all forms of life. This pool also contributes to post-translational protein modifications and second messenger generation. Since NAD+ seats at the cross-road between cell metabolism and cell signaling, manipulation of NAD+ bioavailability through vitamin B3 supplementation has become a valuable nutritional and therapeutic avenue. Yet, much remains unexplored regarding vitamin B3 metabolism. The present review highlights the chemical diversity of the vitamin B3-derived anabolites and catabolites of NAD+ and offers a chemical perspective on the approaches adopted to identify, modulate and measure the contribution of various precursors to the NAD(P)(H) pool.