bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analytical Limits: HADF (High Angle Dark Field Imaging)
Authors: Kersker Michael
Published: March 2018

High Angle Dark Field Imaging, or Z contrast imaging, is an Imaging method. It takes advantage of the useful fact that if one uses the high angle scattering intensities and eliminates the elastic scattered (diffracted) beams from the image (by using a Howie type angular dark field detector), the remaining image will be characterized by, if the probe used is on the order of the atomic dimensions, intensity modulations that reveal atom positions and relative atomic number. In simple terms, the image will display Z-contrast at the atomic level and can differentiate columns of heavy atoms from columns of lighter ones.
A FIB Micro-Sampling Technique for Three-Dimensional Characterization of a Site-Specific Defect
Authors: Yaguchi Toshie , Kuroda Yasushi , Konno Mitsuru , Kamino Takeo , Ohnishi Tsuyohsi , Hashimoto Takahito , Umemura Kaoru , Asayama Kyoichiro
Published: March 2018

In characterization or failure analysis of new materials and semiconductor devices, the requirements for three dimensional observation and analysis are rapidly increasing. We discuss techniques for specimen preparation, three-dimensional observation, and elemental analysis of semiconductor devices that we developed using a system consisting of a dedicated focused ion beam (FIB) instrument and a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The system utilizes a FIB-STEM compatible specimen holder with a specially designed rotation mechanism, which allows 360° rotation of a specimen on a conical stage (needle stub) around the ion beam axis of the FIB system and 360° rotation perpendicular to the electron beam in the STEM. A piece of sample (micro sample) is extracted from a specific-site by the micro-sampling technique and mounted on the needle stub. Instruments used in the study are the Hitachi FB-2100 FIB system with a micro-sampling attachment and the HD-2300 field emission 200kV STEM.
Anatomy, Histology and color Thresholding
Authors: Fermin Cesar D
Published: March 2018

For over 5 years, here in Pathology at Tuiane, I have used color thresholding (CT) rather than monochrome thresholding (MT) for objective quantitation of histological, immunohistological, fluorescent and thick TEM sections. Technical aspects distinguishing CT from MT were recently described in detail, and this technical note represents an abbreviation of the last paper, which I recommend for those beginning to use video imaging technology. The system I use is the V150 (r) from ONCOR. Despite the advantages of today computers, data outcome, e.g., unbiased, still depends on good experimental design, strict control and repeatability. When the stain of interest is histochemically derived, my laboratory follows standard procedures found in the Handbook of Histopathological and Histochemical Techniques. When the stain is immunohistochemically derived, my laboratory checks cross reactivity of every antibody with known positive and negative control tissues besides using irrelevant antibodies or omitting the primary antibody. In addition, preabsorbing the antibody is done whenever its substrate is available.
The Commercial Development of FT-IR Microspectroscopy
Authors: Reffner John A
Published: March 2018

Pittcon ‘93 marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of a microscope attachment designed specifically for Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The first commercial microscope developed for FT-IR spectroscopy was designed by Spectra-Tech, Inc., under the direction of then-owner D. W. Sting, in fulfillment of a contract with C. T. Foskett of the Digilab Division of BioRad. Digilab recognized a growing interest in the market for an FT-IR microscope and contracted with Spectra-Tech to design and build a microscope accessory for Digilab's FT-IR spectrometers. This microscope was introduced at the 1983 Pittsburgh Conference.

Linking microscopy with Fourier transform spectroscopy was a very significant event, but the foundation of infrared microspectroscopy can be traced back to 1949. The explosive growth in the use of infrared-absorption spectroscopy following World War II led researchers R. Gore (in the U.S.A.), and R. Barer, A. R. Cole, and H. W. Thompson (in England), to investigate (in 1949) the possibility of recording infrared spectra of microscopic samples.
Hints On Removing Epon Specimen Blocks From Glass Slides
Authors: Muss Wolfgang
Published: March 2018

Depending on the quality of the glass slide (not all brands seem to be the same quality and therefore display variable physical properties), post-polymerized specimen blocks can be separated from object slides. These can be of varying area size, and can include a selected area of your former semi-thin section or the whole area (as used in re-embedding techniques).
Collecting and Examining Beach Sand: Getting Started
Authors: Millette Jim , Hopen Thom , Brown Rich
Published: March 2018

Grains of sand collected from the beach may be examined for a number of reasons. From the youngster who first peers at a handful of beach sand under a magnifying glass to see the various shapes and colors to the sedimentologist who studies sand grains for clues to the questions of plate tectonics, the collection and examination of sand can be a fascinating activity. Dr. Oliver H. Howe, in an interesting article published in 1946, remarked of one sand sampie that under a low power magnifier the various colors of garnet grains contrasted strikingly with the black grains of magnetite, green of epidote and the brilliant grains of quartz.
Automated Gunshot Analysis by SEM/EDS
Authors: Houch Max M
Published: March 2018

Firearms are involved in roughly 60% of all murders, 33% of all robberies and almost 25% of aggravated assaults. Given these statistics, it is easy to see why a determination of whether an individual has recently been in the immediate vicinity of a discharged firearm is important to law enforcement.
Keeping the Arctic White: The Legal and Governance Landscape for Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the Arctic Region
Authors: Yamineva Yulia , Kulovesi Kati
Published: March 2018

Reducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – in particular, black carbon and methane – is a promising option for slowing global and regional warming in the short term, while at the same time reducing local air pollution. This mitigation opportunity seems to be particularly relevant in the Arctic context. The article provides a comprehensive overview and a critical assessment of the state of international law and governance relevant to the reduction of SLCP emissions in the Arctic. The article demonstrates that current legal and governance regimes for reducing SLCP emissions in the Arctic are complex and fragmented, which raises questions about the scope for this option for climate change and air pollution mitigation to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, the article concludes that fragmentation in this policy domain is of a cooperative or synergistic nature and therefore not problematic, provided that greater harmonization of legal instruments and enhanced cooperation between institutions are achieved. It also suggests options for strengthening international law and governance on SLCPs. Although the focus of the article is regional, many of its conclusions are relevant for the global regulation of SLCPs.
Erhitzter Tabak und «Heat not Burn»-Tabakprodukte
Authors: Humbel Fabienne , Sattler Aline , Schuurmans Macé M.
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Seit 2014 sind batteriebetriebene Tabak-Erhitzungssysteme auf dem Markt, die ein nikotinhaltiges Aerosol freisetzen, das einen inhalativen Tabakkonsum zulässt mit gemäss Hersteller deutlich reduzierter Schadstoffexposition im Vergleich zur Tabak-Zigarette. Der Hauptgrund für die reduzierte Schadstoffentwicklung sind niedrigere Temperaturen, wobei es offenbar zu keiner Verbrennung oder Rauchentstehung kommt. Trotzdem lassen sich krebserregende und andere Schadstoffe nachweisen, deren gesundheitliche Auswirkungen noch nicht bekannt sind. Die Hersteller der drei bisherigen Tabak-Erhitzungssysteme sind grosse Tabakkonzerne, die mit einem sogenannt reduzierten Risikoprodukt Passivrauchgesetze umgehen, eine niedrigere Besteuerung erreichen und das eigene Image verbessern möchten. Ob diese Produkte tatsächlich Zigaretten ersetzen werden, zu gesundheitlichen Vorteilen führen und als rauchfrei angesehen werden können, muss noch geklärt werden. Ärztlich sollten diese Produkte nicht empfohlen werden.
Alltagsintegrierte Resilienzförderung von Kindern in den ersten drei Lebensjahren
Authors: Kaiser Silke , Fröhlich-Gildhoff Klaus
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Artikel wird – aufbauend auf aktuellen Forschungsergebnissen der Interaktions- und Resilienzforschung – eine explorative Studie vorgestellt, die sich mit den Möglichkeiten der Resilienzförderung im Bereich der Pädagogik für Kinder in den ersten drei Lebensjahren befasst. Dazu wurde ein Weiterbildungsprogramm für frühpädagogische Fachkräfte erarbeitet, das diese zur alltagsintegrierten Resilienzförderung befähigen soll. In drei Kindertageseinrichtungen wurde die Implementation des Weiterbildungsprogramms in einem Kontrollgruppendesign wissenschaftlich evaluiert. Im Artikel werden die Intervention sowie erste Ergebnisse vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Aspekte der Nutzung digitaler Lesemedien im Vorschulalter
Authors: Pfost Maximilian , Freund Jana G. , Becker Sarah
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. In Ergänzung zum klassischen Vorlesen von Kinderbüchern hat sich in den letzten Jahren ein wachsendes Angebot an digitalen Lesemedien für Kinder im Vorschulalter etabliert. Besonders prominente Vertreter sind dabei digitale Lese- und Lernstifte sowie elektronische Kinderbücher mit Vorlesefunktion. Im Rahmen unserer Studie wurden 102 Eltern aus der Region Oberfranken zur Verfügbarkeit, dem Nutzungsverhalten sowie der Bewertung des pädagogischen Nutzens digitaler Lesemedien befragt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass viele Vorschulkinder Zugang zu digitalen Lese- und Lernstiften haben und diese auch überwiegend selbstständig, d.h. ohne elterliche Hilfe nutzen. Elektronische Kinderbücher mit Vorlesefunktion werden dagegen deutlich seltener und auch weniger selbständig von Kindern genutzt. Die Befunde werden mit Ergebnissen zum klassischen Vorlesen von Kinderbüchern sowie dem Fernsehverhalten in Relation gesetzt.
Common dental diseases in children and malocclusion
Authors: Zou Jing , Meng Mingmei , Law Clarice S , Rao Yale , Zhou Xuedong
Published: March 2018

Malocclusion is a worldwide dental problem that influences the affected individuals to varying degrees. Many factors contribute to the anomaly in dentition, including hereditary and environmental aspects. Dental caries, pulpal and periapical lesions, dental trauma, abnormality of development, and oral habits are most common dental diseases in children that strongly relate to malocclusion. Management of oral health in the early childhood stage is carried out in clinic work of pediatric dentistry to minimize the unwanted effect of these diseases on dentition. This article highlights these diseases and their impacts on malocclusion in sequence. Prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions are also illustrated in order to achieve successful oral health for children and adolescents, even for their adult stage.
Inhibition of Sec61-dependent translocation by mycolactone uncouples the integrated stress response from ER stress, driving cytotoxicity via translational activation of ATF4
Authors: Ogbechi Joy , Hall Belinda S. , Sbarrato Thomas , Taunton Jack , Willis Anne E. , Wek Ronald C. , Simmonds Rachel E.
Published: March 2018

Mycolactone is the exotoxin virulence factor of Mycobacterium ulcerans that causes the neglected tropical disease Buruli ulcer. We recently showed it to be a broad spectrum inhibitor of Sec61-dependent co-translational translocation of proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). An outstanding question is the molecular pathway linking this to its known cytotoxicity. We have now used translational profiling to better understand the reprogramming that occurs in cells exposed to mycolactone. Gene ontology identified enrichment in genes involved in cellular response to stress, and apoptosis signalling among those showing enhanced translation. Validation of these results supports a mechanism by which mycolactone activates an integrated stress response meditated by phosphorylation of eIF2α via multiple kinases (PERK, GCN, PKR) without activation of the ER stress sensors IRE1 or ATF6. The response therefore uncouples the integrated stress response from ER stress, and features translational and transcriptional modes of genes expression that feature the key regulatory transcription factor ATF4. Emphasising the importance of this uncoupled response in cytotoxicity, downstream activation of this pathway is abolished in cells expressing mycolactone-resistant Sec61α variants. Using multiple genetic and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that eIF2α phosphorylation is responsible for mycolactone-dependent translation attenuation, which initially protects cells from cell death. However, chronic activation without stress remediation enhances autophagy and apoptosis of cells by a pathway facilitated by ATF4 and CHOP. Our findings demonstrate that priming events at the ER can result in the sensing of stress within different cellular compartments.
Histone deacetylase 3 promotes liver regeneration and liver cancer cells proliferation through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Xu-Feng , Cao Xiao-Yue , Zhu Yong-Jie , Wu Zhen-Ru , Zhuang Xiang , Shao Ming-Yang , Xu Qing , Zhou Yong-Jie , Ji Hong-Jie , Lu Qing-Richard , Shi Yu-Jun , Zeng Yong , Bu Hong
Published: March 2018

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and is often aberrantly expressed in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but little is known about its role in liver regeneration and liver cancer cells proliferation. Using an inducible hepatocyte-selective HDAC3 knockout mouse, we find that lack of HDAC3 dramatically impaired liver regeneration and blocked hepatocyte proliferation in the G1 phase entry. HDAC3 inactivation robustly disrupted the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) cascade. HDAC3 silencing impaired the ac-STAT3-to-p-STAT3 transition in the cytoplasm, leading to the subsequent breakdown of STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, overexpressed HDAC3 was further associated with increased tumor growth and a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Inhibition of HDAC3 expression reduced liver cancer cells growth and inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Our results suggest that HDAC3 is an important regulator of STAT3-dependent cell proliferation in liver regeneration and cancer. These findings provide novel insights into the HDAC3–STAT3 pathway in liver pathophysiological processes.
The mitochondrially targeted antioxidant MitoQ protects the intestinal barrier by ameliorating mitochondrial DNA damage via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Qiongyuan , Ren Jianan , Li Guanwei , Wu Jie , Wu Xiuwen , Wang Gefei , Gu Guosheng , Ren Huajian , Hong Zhiwu , Li Jieshou
Published: March 2018

Disruption of the mucosal barrier following intestinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) is life threatening in clinical practice. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress significantly contribute to the early phase of I/R injury and amplify the inflammatory response. MitoQ is a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant that exerts protective effects following I/R injury. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether and how MitoQ protects intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) from I/R injury. In both in vivo and in vitro studies, we found that MitoQ pretreatment downregulated I/R-induced oxidative stress and stabilized the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by MitoQ-treated I/R mice exhibiting attenuated intestinal hyperpermeability, inflammatory response, epithelial apoptosis, and tight junction damage compared to controls. Mechanistically, I/R elevated mitochondrial 8-hydroxyguanine content, reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mRNA transcription levels, and induced mitochondrial disruption in IECs. However, MitoQ pretreatment dramatically inhibited these deleterious effects. mtDNA depletion alone was sufficient to induce apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of IECs. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a key activator of mitochondrial transcription, was significantly reduced during I/R injury, a phenomenon that was prevented by MitoQ treatment. Furthermore, we observed that thee protective properties of MitoQ were affected by upregulation of cellular antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC. Transfection with Nrf2 siRNA in IECs exposed to hypoxia/reperfusion conditions partially blocked the effects of MitoQ on mtDNA damage and mitochondrial oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data suggest that MitoQ exerts protective effect on I/R-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.
MicroRNA-30a-5p inhibits gallbladder cancer cell proliferation, migration and metastasis by targeting E2F7
Authors: Ye Yuan-Yuan , Mei Jia-Wei , Xiang Shan-Shan , Li Huai-Feng , Ma Qiang , Song Xiao-Ling , Wang Zheng , Zhang Yi-Chi , Liu Yong-Chen , Jin Yun-Peng , Hu Yun-Ping , Jiang Lin , Liu Fa-Tao , Zhang Yi-Jian , Hao Ya-Juan , Liu Ying-Bin
Published: March 2018

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), the most common malignant tumour of the bile duct, is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) is an important tumour suppressor that participates in many aspects of carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, the role of miR-30a-5p in GBC development remains to be determined, as do the mechanisms underlying its effects in GBC. Using samples collected from 42 subjects with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), we showed decreased miR-30a-5p expression in the primary lesions vs. non-tumour adjacent tissues (NATs). Decreased miR-30a-5p was associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Inhibiting miR-30a-5p expression in 2 representative GBC cell lines (GBC-SD and NOZ) increased cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, as well as β-catenin nuclear translocation, vice versa. In nude mice, NOZ cells transfected with miR-30a-5p mimics grew slower (vs. miR-NC) upon subcutaneous inoculation, and had lower rate of hepatic metastasis upon spleen inoculation. Dual luciferase assay confirmed that E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) was a direct target of miR-30a-5p and antagonized the effects induced by miR-30a-5p downregulation in GBC cells. MiR-30a-5p attenuates the EMT and metastasis in GBC cells by targeting E2F7, suggesting miR-30a-5p is a tumour suppressor that may serve as a novel potential prognostic biomarker or molecular therapeutic target for GBC.
miR-381-3p knockdown improves intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury by targeting nurr1
Authors: Liu Liwei , Yao Jihong , Li Zhenlu , Zu Guo , Feng Dongcheng , Li Yang , Qasim Wasim , Zhang Su , Li Tong , Zeng Huizhi , Tian Xiaofeng
Published: March 2018

Impairment in gut barrier function induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Intestinal barrier function requires the tight coordination of epithelial migration, proliferation and differentiation. We previously observed that nuclear receptor-related protein 1 (nurr1)-mediated proliferative pathway was impaired in intestinal I/R injury. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of nurr1 on intestinal barrier function and to evaluate microRNA (miRNA)-nurr1-mediated restoration of intestinal barrier function in intestinal I/R injury. We induced an in vivo intestinal I/R injury mouse model by clamping and then releasing the superior mesenteric artery. We also performed an in vitro study in which we exposed Caco-2 and IEC-6 cells to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions to stimulate intestinal I/R injury. Our results demonstrated that nurr1 regulated intestinal epithelial development and barrier function after intestinal I/R injury. miR-381-3p, which directly suppressed nurr1 translation, was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. miR-381-3p inhibition enhanced intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function in vitro and in vivo and also attenuated remote organ injury and improved survival. Importantly, nurr1 played an indispensable role in the protective effect of miR-381-3p inhibition. Collectively, these findings show that miR-381-3p inhibition mitigates intestinal I/R injury by enhancing nurr1-mediated intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function. This discovery may lead to the development of therapeutic interventions for intestinal I/R injury.
Crystal structure of an intramembranal phosphatase central to bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis and lipid recycling
Authors: Workman Sean D. , Worrall Liam J. , Strynadka Natalie C. J.
Published: March 2018

Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase (UppP) is an integral membrane protein that recycles the lipid carrier essential to the ongoing biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Individual building blocks of peptidoglycan are assembled in the cytoplasm on undecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P) before being flipped to the periplasmic face, where they are polymerized and transferred to the existing cell wall sacculus, resulting in the side product undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55-PP). Interruption of UppP’s regeneration of C55-P from C55-PP leads to the buildup of cell wall intermediates and cell lysis. We present the crystal structure of UppP from Escherichia coli at 2.0 Å resolution, which reveals the mechanistic basis for intramembranal phosphatase action and substrate specificity using an inverted topology repeat. In addition, the observation of key structural motifs common to a variety of cross membrane transporters hints at a potential flippase function in the specific relocalization of the C55-P product back to the cytosolic space.
Disparities in breast cancer tumor characteristics, treatment, time to treatment, and survival probability among African American and white women
Authors: Foy Kevin Chu , Fisher James L. , Lustberg Maryam B. , Gray Darrell M. , DeGraffinreid Cecilia R. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: March 2018

African American (AA) women have a 42% higher breast cancer death rate compared to white women despite recent advancements in management of the disease. We examined racial differences in clinical and tumor characteristics, treatment and survival in patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2014 at a single institution, the James Cancer Hospital, and who were included in the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Cancer Registry in Columbus OH. Statistical analyses included likelihood ratio chi-square tests for differences in proportions, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions to examine associations between race and overall and progression-free survival probabilities. AA women made up 10.2% (469 of 4593) the sample. Average time to onset of treatment after diagnosis was almost two times longer in AA women compared to white women (62.0 days vs 35.5 days, p < 0.0001). AA women were more likely to report past or current tobacco use, experience delays in treatment, have triple negative and late stage breast cancer, and were less likely to receive surgery, especially mastectomy and reconstruction following mastectomy. After adjustment for confounding factors (age, grade, and surgery), overall survival probability was significantly associated with race (HR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.72). These findings highlight the need for efforts focused on screening and receipt of prompt treatment among AA women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Astrocyte dysfunction following molybdenum-associated purine loading could initiate Parkinson’s disease with dementia
Authors: Bourke Christopher A.
Published: March 2018

Sporadic or idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder with a worldwide distribution, a long pre-clinical latent period and a frequent association with dementia. The combination of molybdenum deficiency and purine ingestion could explain the movement disorder, the distribution, the latent period and the dementia association. Recent studies in sheep have shown that molybdenum deficiency enables some dietary purines to accumulate in the central nervous system. This causes astrocyte dysfunction, altered neuromodulation and eventually irreversible central nervous system disease. Humans and sheep share the ability to salvage purines and this ability places humans at risk when they ingest xanthosine, inosine, adenosine and guanosine. Adenosine ingestion in molybdenum-deficient humans will lead to adenosine loading and potentially a disturbance to the A2a adenosine receptors in the nigro-striatum. This could result in Parkinson’s disease. Guanosine ingestion in molybdenum-deficient humans will lead to guanosine loading and potentially a disturbance to the guanosine receptors in the hippocampus, amygdala and ventral striatum. This could result in dementia. The molybdenum content of the average daily diet in the United States is 0.07 ppm and in the United Kingdom 0.04 ppm. Central nervous system disease occurs in sheep at <0.04 ppm. Consistent with the role proposed for molybdenum deficiency in Parkinson’s disease is the observation that affected individuals have elevated sulfur amino acid levels, depressed sulfate levels, and depressed uric acid levels. Likewise the geographical distribution of Parkinson’s dementia complex on Guam corresponds with the distribution of molybdenum-deficient soils hence molybdenum-deficient food gardens on that island.
Quantifying the impact of simple DNA parameters on the cyclization J-factor for single-basepair-addition families
Authors: Tong Yunjin , Manning Robert S.
Published: March 2018

We use Monte Carlo simulation to quantify the change in cyclization J-factor within a dramatically simplified model of DNA that involves parameters for uniform stiffnesses, intrinsic twist, and intrinsic bending (including nonplanar bending). Plots of J versus DNA length over multiple periods of helical repeat are fit to a simple functional form in order to project the behavior of J over a broad range of these model parameters. In some instances, this process allows us to find families of DNA molecules (within our model) with quite different material properties, but very similar plots of J versus length, so similar as to likely to be indistinguishable by experiments. This effect is seen both for the parameter-pair of bend angle and stiffness scaling, as well as for the parameter-trio of helical repeat, bend angle, and bend non-planarity.
Author Correction: ARC6-mediated Z ring-like structure formation of prokaryote-descended chloroplast FtsZ in Escherichia coli
Authors: Irieda Hiroki , Shiomi Daisuke
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. T he error has not been fixed in the paper.
Publisher Correction: Minimally Invasive Micro-Indentation: mapping tissue mechanics at the tip of an 18G needle
Authors: Beekmans Steven V. , Emanuel Kaj S. , Smit Theodoor H. , Iannuzzi Davide
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Phosphatidylglycerol Incorporates into Cardiolipin to Improve Mitochondrial Activity and Inhibits Inflammation
Authors: Chen Wei-Wei , Chao Yu-Jen , Chang Wan-Hsin , Chan Jui-Fen , Hsu Yuan-Hao Howard
Published: March 2018

Chronic inflammation and concomitant oxidative stress can induce mitochondrial dysfunction due to cardiolipin (CL) abnormalities in the mitochondrial inner membrane. To examine the responses of mitochondria to inflammation, macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells were activated by Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA) in our inflammation model, and then the mitochondrial CL profile, mitochondrial activity, and the mRNA expression of CL metabolism-related genes were examined. The results demonstrated that KLA activation caused CL desaturation and the partial loss of mitochondrial activity. KLA activation also induced the gene upregulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and phospholipid scramblase 3, and the gene downregulation of COX-1, lipoxygenase 5, and Δ-6 desaturase. We further examined the phophatidylglycerol (PG) inhibition effects on inflammation. PG supplementation resulted in a 358-fold inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression. PG(18:1)2 and PG(18:2)2 were incorporated into CLs to considerably alter the CL profile. The decreased CL and increased monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) quantity resulted in a reduced CL/MLCL ratio. KLA-activated macrophages responded differentially to PG(18:1)2 and PG(18:2)2 supplementation. Specifically, PG(18:1)2 induced less changes in the CL/MLCL ratio than did PG(18:2)2, which resulted in a 50% reduction in the CL/MLCL ratio. However, both PG types rescued 20–30% of the mitochondrial activity that had been affected by KLA activation.
Author Correction: Contingent sounds change the mental representation of one’s finger length
Authors: Tajadura-Jiménez Ana , Vakali Maria , Fairhurst Merle T. , Mandrigin Alisa , Bianchi-Berthouze Nadia , Deroy Ophelia
Published: March 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Early and late scanning electron microscopy findings in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Conti Sara , Perico Norberto , Novelli Rubina , Carrara Camillo , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), the single strongest predictor of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes, is characterized by initial glomerular hyperfiltration with subsequent progressive renal function loss with or without albuminuria, greatly accelerated with the onset of overt proteinuria. Experimental and clinical studies have convincingly shown that early interventions retard disease progression, while treatment if started late in the disease course seldom modifies the slope of GFR decline. Here we assessed whether the negligible renoprotection afforded by drugs in patients with proteinuric DN could be due to loss of glomerular structural integrity, explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In diabetic patients with early renal disease, glomerular structural integrity was largely preserved. At variance SEM documented that in the late stage of proteinuric DN, glomerular structure was subverted with nearly complete loss of podocytes and lobular transformation of the glomerular basement membrane. In these circumstances one can reasonably imply that any form of treatment, albeit personalized, is unlikely to reach a given cellular or molecular target. These findings should persuade physicians to start the putative renoprotective therapy soon after the diagnosis of diabetes or in an early phase of the disease before structural integrity of the glomerular filter is irreversibly compromised.
Infant anemia is associated with reduced TLR-stimulated cytokine responses and increased nasopharyngeal colonization with Moxarella catarrhalis
Authors: Liao Sui-Ling , Hsu Shih-Yun , Lai Shen-Hao , Chen Shih-Hsiang , Hua Man-Chin , Yao Tsung-Chieh , Chen Li-Chen , Tsai Ming-Han , Huang Jing-Long
Published: March 2018

Anemia is a major public health problem in young children. Reports on the role of anemia on infectious diseases remained controversial. We aim to investigate the effect of anemia on innate immunity, nasopharyngeal bacterial colonization, and subsequent infectious outcome. Blood tests were examined at the age of 12 months. TLR-induced cytokine production was assessed by ELISA. Bacteria from nasopharyngeal specimens were identified with traditional culture. Clinical infectious diseases were followed yearly until 3 years of age. Result showed that of the 423 infants, 72 had hemoglobin level ≤ 11 g/dL, among which 55% had normal iron level. There was significant association between hemoglobin level and TLR1–2, and 4 induced IL-6 (p = 0.04, 0.02) and that of TLR4 stimulated TNF-α response (p = 0.04). Children with anemia had higher nasopharyngeal colonization with Moxarella catarrhalis. Clinical analysis did not show anemia to be associated with infectious morbidity. However, children who developed LRTIs had mean lower ferritin levels. We speculated that iron might be the key factor related to infectious morbidity. Thus, to investigate the role of anemia in infectious diseases, it is important to first consider the prevalence of iron deficit, since the incidence of iron deficiency-induced anemia may vary among different regions.
Effect of Electrical Contact Resistance on Measurement of Thermal Conductivity and Wiedemann-Franz Law for Individual Metallic Nanowires
Authors: Wang Jianli , Wu Zhizheng , Mao Chengkun , Zhao Yunfeng , Yang Juekuan , Chen Yunfei
Published: March 2018

The electrical and thermal properties of metallic nanostructures have attracted considerable fundamental and technological interests. Recent studies confirmed a dramatic decrease in the electrical and thermal conductivities when the dimension is comparable or even smaller than the electron mean free path. However, the verification of the Wiedemann-Franz law in these nanostructures remains hotly debated. The Lorenz number obtained from the two-probe measurement is found to be much larger than that from the four-probe measurement. Here, we reported the electrical and thermal properties of the individual silver nanowires measured by the two-probe and four-probe configurations. The measured electrical contact resistance is found to be nearly temperature-independent, indicating a ballistic-dominant electronic transport at the contacts. When the effect of thermal contact resistance is diminished, the Lorenz number measured by the four-probe configuration is comparable to the Sommerfeld value, verifying that the Wiedemann-Franz law holds in the monocrystalline-like silver nanowire. Comparatively, the derived electrical conductivity becomes smaller and the thermal conductivity becomes larger in the two-probe measurement, confirming that the electrical contact resistance will introduce a large error. The present study experimentally demonstrates a reasonable explanation to the discouragingly broad span in the Lorenz number obtained from different metallic nanostructures.
DNA nanoclew templated spherical nucleic acids for siRNA delivery
Authors: Ruan Weimin , Zheng Meng , An Yang , Liu Yuanyuan , Lovejoy David B. , Hao Mingcong , Zou Yan , Lee Albert , Yang Shu , Lu Yiqing , Morsch Marco , Chung Roger , Shi Bingyang
Published: March 2018

A superior biocompatible spherical nucleic acid (SNA) conjugate was fabricated by grafting siRNA onto the surface of a core composed of a spherical DNA nanostructure that we have termed DNA nanoclew (DC).
All-inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots embedded in dual-mesoporous silica with moisture resistance for two-photon-pumped plasmonic nanoLasers
Authors: Chen Yu , Yu Minghuai , Ye Shuai , Song Jun , Qu Junle
Published: March 2018

We demonstrate the miniaturization of plasmonic nanoclusters via embedding perovskite quantum dots (QDs) in rationally designed dual-mesoporous silica with a gold nanocore.
Ionic liquid electrolytes supporting high energy density in sodium-ion batteries based on sodium vanadium phosphate composites
Authors: Manohar C. V. , Mendes Tiago Correia , Kar Mega , wang Dabin , Xiao Changlong , Forsyth Maria , Mitra Sagar , MacFarlane Douglas R.
Published: March 2018

Sodium ion batteries (SIBs) are widely considered as alternative, sustainable, and cost-effective energy storage devices for large-scale energy storage applications.
Aromaticity gain increases the inherent association strengths of multipoint hydrogen-bonded arrays
Authors: Wu Chia-Hua , Zhang Yu , van Rickley Krista , Wu Judy I.
Published: March 2018

Besides the textbook checklist for ways to control the association strengths of multipoint hydrogen-bonded arrays, “aromaticity” also makes the list!
A rhodium-catalyzed transannulation of N-(per)fluoroalkyl-1,2,3-triazoles under microwave conditions – a general route to N-(per)fluoroalkyl-substituted five-membered heterocycles
Authors: Motornov Vladimir , Markos Athanasios , Beier Petr
Published: March 2018

An efficient rhodium-catalyzed microwave-assisted transannulation of N-(per)fluoroalkyl-1,2,3-triazoles to previously inaccessible N-(per)fluoroalkyl five-membered heterocycles was developed.
Synthesis of spiroindolenines by intramolecular ipso-iodocyclization of indol ynones
Authors: Fedoseev Pavel , Coppola Guglielmo , Ojeda Gerardo M. , Van der Eycken Erik V.
Published: March 2018

A high-yielding fast spirocyclization of easily available indol ynones has been developed by applying N-iodosuccinimide.
SURMOF induced polymorphism and crystal morphological engineering of acetaminophen polymorphs: advantage of heterogeneous nucleation
Authors: Bolla Geetha , Myerson Allan S.
Published: March 2018

Surface metal organic framework substrates were engineered as heterogeneous surfaces and the importance of these designed surfaces towards polymorphs and morphological engineering was discussed for the first time.
Cs-137 immobilization in C-S-H gel nanopores
Authors: Duque-Redondo Eduardo , Kazuo Yamada , López-Arbeloa Iñigo , Manzano Hegoi
Published: March 2018

Molecular scale simulations of Cs-137 adsorption in a C-S-H gel: diffusion coefficients, residence times, and sorption sites per area.
A homoleptic chromium(iii) carboxylate
Authors: Sydora O. L. , Hart R. T. , Eckert N. A. , Martinez Baez E. , Clark A. E. , Benmore C. J.
Published: March 2018

The first homoleptic monomeric chromium(iii) carboxylate has been prepared using an anhydrous salt metathesis synthetic route. The carboxylate groups coordinate the chromium in a bidentate chelate yielding an aliphatic soluble complex.
Bis(selenobenzoato)dibutyltin(iv) as a single source precursor for the synthesis of SnSe nanosheets and their photo-electrochemical study for water splitting
Authors: Khan Malik Dilshad , Aamir Muhammad , Sohail Manzar , Sher Muhammad , Baig Nadeem , Akhtar Javeed , Malik Mohammad Azad , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: March 2018

A new organo tin complex has been synthesized and used as a single source precursor for the synthesis of tin selenide nanosheets and deposition of thin films.
Bis(phenylsulfonyl)methane mediated synthesis of olefins via a halogen elimination and double bond migration
Authors: Jiang Jing , Hu Ying , Cai Xin , Wang Liudi , Hu Yanwei , Chen Shaohua , Zhang Shilei , Zhang Yinan
Published: March 2018

An effective dehydrochlorination of bis(phenylsulfonyl)alkane to prepare alkene building blocks is developed.
Copper nitrate: a privileged reagent for organic synthesis
Authors: Gao Mingchun , Ye Rongxuan , Shen Weijia , Xu Bin
Published: March 2018

This review demonstrates the state-of-the-art applications of copper nitrate as a nitration reagent, oxidant, catalyst, promoter and precursor of nitrile oxides.
Correction: Sulfur–hydrazine hydrate-based chemical synthesis of sulfur@graphene composite for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Han Jianmei , Xi Baojuan , Feng Zhenyu , Ma Xiaojian , Zhang Junhao , Xiong Shenglin , Qian Yitai
Published: March 2018

Correction for ‘Sulfur–hydrazine hydrate-based chemical synthesis of sulfur@graphene composite for lithium–sulfur batteries’ by Jianmei Han et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7qi00726d.
Expression of concern: One-pot sol–gel synthesis of reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles in starch environment for highly efficient photodegradation of methylene blue
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: March 2018

Expression of concern for ‘One-pot sol–gel synthesis of reduced graphene oxide uniformly decorated zinc oxide nanoparticles in starch environment for highly efficient photodegradation of methylene blue’ by Majid Azarang et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 21888–21896.
Dynamics of associative polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Chen Quan , Colby Ralph H.
Published: March 2018

Current progress in understanding the dynamics of associating polymers is reviewed, with examples including both ionic and hydrogen bonding associations.
A temperature-responsive supramolecular hydrogel: preparation, gel–gel transition and molecular aggregation
Authors: Wang Lin , Shi Xuefeng , Wang Jinben
Published: March 2018

A supramolecular hydrogel based on a gemini surfactant exhibits a reversible gel–gel phase transition and the turbid hydrogel possesses more compacted assemblies than the transparent one.
Pre-equilibrium competitive library screening for tuning inhibitor association rate and specificity toward serine proteases
Authors: Cohen Itay , Naftaly Si , Ben-Zeev Efrat , Hockla Alexandra , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv
Published: March 2018

High structural and sequence similarity within protein families can pose significant challenges to the development of selective inhibitors, especially toward proteolytic enzymes. Such enzymes usually belong to large families of closely similar proteases and may also hydrolyze, with different rates, protein- or peptide-based inhibitors. To address this challenge, we employed a combinatorial yeast surface display library approach complemented with a novel pre-equilibrium, competitive screening strategy for facile assessment of the effects of multiple mutations on inhibitor association rates and binding specificity. As a proof of principle for this combined approach, we utilized this strategy to alter inhibitor/protease association rates and to tailor the selectivity of the amyloid β-protein precursor Kunitz protease inhibitor domain (APPI) for inhibition of the oncogenic protease mesotrypsin, in the presence of three competing serine proteases, anionic trypsin, cationic trypsin and kallikrein-6. We generated a variant, designated APPIP13W/M17G/I18F/F34V, with up to 30-fold greater specificity relative to the parental APPIM17G/I18F/F34V protein, and 6500- to 230 000-fold improved specificity relative to the wild-type APPI protein in the presence of the other proteases tested. A series of molecular docking simulations suggested a mechanism of interaction that supported the biochemical results. These simulations predicted that the selectivity and specificity are affected by the interaction of the mutated APPI residues with nonconserved enzyme residues located in or near the binding site. Our strategy will facilitate a better understanding of the binding landscape of multispecific proteins and will pave the way for design of new drugs and diagnostic tools targeting proteases and other proteins.
Morphofunctional properties of a differentiated Caco2/HT-29 co-culture as an in vitro model of human intestinal epithelium
Authors: Ferraretto Anita , Bottani Michela , De Luca Paola , Cornaghi Laura , Arnaboldi Francesca , Maggioni Margherita , Fiorilli Amelia , Donetti Elena
Published: March 2018

An intestinal 70/30 Caco2/HT-29 co-culture was set up starting from the parental populations of differentiated cells to mimic the human intestinal epithelium. Co-culture was harvested at confluence 0 (T0) and at 3, 6, 10, and 14 days post confluence after plating (T3, T6, T10, and T14, respectively) for morphological and functional analysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed different features from T0 to T14: microvilli and a complete junctional apparatus from T6, mucus granules from T3, as also confirmed by PAS/Alcian Blue staining. The specific activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aminopeptidase N (APN), and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) progressively increased after T0, indicating the acquirement of a differentiated and digestive phenotype. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), indicative of the barrier properties of the monolayer, increased from T0 up to T6 reaching values very similar to the human small intestine. The apparent permeability coefficient for Lucifer Yellow (LY), along with morphological analysis, reveals a good status of the tight junctions. At T14, HT-29 cells reduced to 18.4% and formed domes, indicative of transepithelial transport of nutrients. This Caco2/HT-29 co-culture could be considered a versatile and suitable in vitro model of human intestinal epithelium for the presence of more than one prevalent intestinal cell type, by means of a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 14 post-confluence days obtained without the need of particular inducers of subclones and growth support to reach an intestinal differentiated phenotype.
Review and perspective on mathematical modeling of microbial ecosystems
Authors: Succurro Antonella , Ebenhöh Oliver
Published: March 2018

Understanding microbial ecosystems means unlocking the path toward a deeper knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms of life. Engineered microbial communities are also extremely relevant to tackling some of today's grand societal challenges. Advanced meta-omics experimental techniques provide crucial insights into microbial communities, but have been so far mostly used for descriptive, exploratory approaches to answer the initial ‘who is there?’ question. An ecosystem is a complex network of dynamic spatio-temporal interactions among organisms as well as between organisms and the environment. Mathematical models with their abstraction capability are essential to capture the underlying phenomena and connect the different scales at which these systems act. Differential equation models and constraint-based stoichiometric models are deterministic approaches that can successfully provide a macroscopic description of the outcome from microscopic behaviors. In this mini-review, we present classical and recent applications of these modeling methods and illustrate the potential of their integration. Indeed, approaches that can capture multiple scales are needed in order to understand emergent patterns in ecosystems and their dynamics regulated by different spatio-temporal phenomena. We finally discuss promising examples of methods proposing the integration of differential equations with constraint-based stoichiometric models and argue that more work is needed in this direction.
Insights into toxic Prymnesium parvum blooms: the role of sugars and algal viruses
Authors: Wagstaff Ben A. , Hems Edward S. , Rejzek Martin , Pratscher Jennifer , Brooks Elliot , Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , O'Neill Ellis C. , Donaldson Matthew I. , Lane Steven , Currie John , Hindes Andrew M. , Malin Gill , Murrell J. Colin , Field Robert A.
Published: March 2018

Prymnesium parvum is a toxin-producing microalga that causes harmful algal blooms globally, which often result in large-scale fish kills that have severe ecological and economic implications. Although many toxins have previously been isolated from P. parvum, ambiguity still surrounds the responsible ichthyotoxins in P. parvum blooms and the biotic and abiotic factors that promote bloom toxicity. A major fish kill attributed to P. parvum occurred in Spring 2015 on the Norfolk Broads, a low-lying set of channels and lakes (Broads) found on the East of England. Here, we discuss how water samples taken during this bloom have led to diverse scientific advances ranging from toxin analysis to discovery of a new lytic virus of P. parvum, P. parvum DNA virus (PpDNAV-BW1). Taking recent literature into account, we propose key roles for sialic acids in this type of viral infection. Finally, we discuss recent practical detection and management strategies for controlling these devastating blooms.