bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid remodelling is a widespread strategy in marine heterotrophic bacteria upon phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Sebastián Marta , Smith Alastair F , González José M , Fredricks Helen F , Van Mooy Benjamin , Koblížek Michal , Brandsma Joost , Koster Grielof , Mestre Mireia , Mostajir Behzad , Pitta Paraskevi , Postle Anthony D , Sánchez Pablo , Gasol Josep M , Scanlan David J , Chen Yin
Published: November 2015

Upon phosphorus (P) deficiency, marine phytoplankton reduce their requirements for P by replacing membrane phospholipids with alternative non-phosphorus lipids. It was very recently demonstrated that a SAR11 isolate also shares this capability when phosphate starved in culture. Yet, the extent to which this process occurs in other marine heterotrophic bacteria and in the natural environment is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the substitution of membrane phospholipids for a variety of non-phosphorus lipids is a conserved response to P deficiency among phylogenetically diverse marine heterotrophic bacteria, including members of the Alphaproteobacteria and Flavobacteria. By deletion mutagenesis and complementation in the model marine bacterium Phaeobacter sp. MED193 and heterologous expression in recombinant Escherichia coli, we confirm the roles of a phospholipase C (PlcP) and a glycosyltransferase in lipid remodelling. Analyses of the Global Ocean Sampling and Tara Oceans metagenome data sets demonstrate that PlcP is particularly abundant in areas characterized by low phosphate concentrations. Furthermore, we show that lipid remodelling occurs seasonally and responds to changing nutrient conditions in natural microbial communities from the Mediterranean Sea. Together, our results point to the key role of lipid substitution as an adaptive strategy enabling heterotrophic bacteria to thrive in the vast P-depleted areas of the ocean.
Formin and capping protein together embrace the actin filament in a ménage à trois
Authors: Shekhar Shashank , Kerleau Mikael , Kühn Sonja , Pernier Julien , Romet-Lemonne Guillaume , Jégou Antoine , Carlier Marie-France
Published: November 2015

Proteins targeting actin filament barbed ends play a pivotal role in motile processes. While formins enhance filament assembly, capping protein (CP) blocks polymerization. On their own, they both bind barbed ends with high affinity and very slow dissociation. Their barbed-end binding is thought to be mutually exclusive. CP has recently been shown to be present in filopodia and controls their morphology and dynamics. Here we explore how CP and formins may functionally coregulate filament barbed-end assembly. We show, using kinetic analysis of individual filaments by microfluidics-assisted fluorescence microscopy, that CP and mDia1 formin are able to simultaneously bind barbed ends. This is further confirmed using single-molecule imaging. Their mutually weakened binding enables rapid displacement of one by the other. We show that formin FMNL2 behaves similarly, thus suggesting that this is a general property of formins. Implications in filopodia regulation and barbed-end structural regulation are discussed.
Sialic acid-dependent cell entry of human enterovirus D68
Authors: Liu Yue , Sheng Ju , Baggen Jim , Meng Geng , Xiao Chuan , Thibaut Hendrik J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Rossmann Michael G.
Published: November 2015

Human enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a causative agent of childhood respiratory diseases and has now emerged as a global public health threat. Nevertheless, knowledge of the tissue tropism and pathogenesis of EV-D68 has been hindered by a lack of studies on the receptor-mediated EV-D68 entry into host cells. Here we demonstrate that cell surface sialic acid is essential for EV-D68 to bind to and infect susceptible cells. Crystal structures of EV-D68 in complex with sialylated glycan receptor analogues show that they bind into the ‘canyon’ on the virus surface. The sialic acid receptor induces a cascade of conformational changes in the virus to eject a fatty-acid-like molecule that regulates the stability of the virus. Thus, virus binding to a sialic acid receptor and to immunoglobulin-like receptors used by most other enteroviruses share a conserved mechanism for priming viral uncoating and facilitating cell entry.
Bird embryos uncover homology and evolution of the dinosaur ankle
Authors: Ossa-Fuentes Luis , Mpodozis Jorge , Vargas Alexander O
Published: November 2015

The anklebone (astragalus) of dinosaurs presents a characteristic upward projection, the ‘ascending process’ (ASC). The ASC is present in modern birds, but develops a separate ossification centre, and projects from the calcaneum in most species. These differences have been argued to make it non-comparable to dinosaurs. We studied ASC development in six different orders of birds using traditional techniques and spin–disc microscopy for whole-mount immunofluorescence. Unexpectedly, we found the ASC derives from the embryonic intermedium, an ancient element of the tetrapod ankle. In some birds it comes in contact with the astragalus, and, in others, with the calcaneum. The fact that the intermedium fails to fuse early with the tibiale and develops an ossification centre is unlike any other amniotes, yet resembles basal, amphibian-grade tetrapods. The ASC originated in early dinosaurs along changes to upright posture and locomotion, revealing an intriguing combination of functional innovation and reversion in its evolution.
Inhibition of Pten deficient Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer by Targeting of the SET - PP2A Signaling axis
Authors: Hu Xiaoyong , Garcia Consuelo , Fazli Ladan , Gleave Martin , Vitek Michael P. , Jansen Marilyn , Christensen Dale , Mulholland David J
Published: November 2015

The PP2A signaling axis regulates multiple oncogenic drivers of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We show that targeting the endogenous PP2A regulator, SET (I2PP2A), is a viable strategy to inhibit prostate cancers that are resistant to androgen deprivation therapy. Our data is corroborated by analysis of prostate cancer patient cohorts showing significant elevation of SET transcripts. Tissue microarray analysis reveals that elevated SET expression correlates with clinical cancer grading, duration of neoadjuvant hormone therapy (NHT) and time to biochemical recurrence. Using prostate regeneration assays, we show that in vivo SET overexpression is sufficient to induce hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Knockdown of SET induced significant reductions in tumorgenesis both in murine and human xenograft models. To further validate SET as a therapeutic target, we conducted in vitro and in vivo treatments using OP449 - a recently characterized PP2A-activating drug (PAD). OP449 elicits robust anti-cancer effects inhibiting growth in a panel of enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer cell lines. Using the Pten conditional deletion mouse model of prostate cancer, OP449 potently inhibited PI3K-Akt signaling and impeded CRPC progression. Collectively, our data supports a critical role for the SET-PP2A signaling axis in CRPC progression and hormone resistant disease.
Myc and Omomyc functionally associate with the Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Mongiardi Maria Patrizia , Savino Mauro , Bartoli Laura , Beji Sara , Nanni Simona , Scagnoli Fiorella , Falchetti Maria Laura , Favia Annarita , Farsetti Antonella , Levi Andrea , Nasi Sergio , Illi Barbara
Published: November 2015

The c-Myc protein is dysregulated in many human cancers and its function has not been fully elucitated yet. The c-Myc inhibitor Omomyc displays potent anticancer properties in animal models. It perturbs the c-Myc protein network, impairs c-Myc binding to the E-boxes, retaining transrepressive properties and inducing histone deacetylation. Here we have employed Omomyc to further analyse c-Myc activity at the epigenetic level. We show that both Myc and Omomyc stimulate histone H4 symmetric dimethylation of arginine (R) 3 (H4R3me2s), in human glioblastoma and HEK293T cells. Consistently, both associated with protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5)—the catalyst of the reaction—and its co-factor Methylosome Protein 50 (MEP50). Confocal experiments showed that Omomyc co-localized with c-Myc, PRMT5 and H4R3me2s-enriched chromatin domains. Finally, interfering with PRMT5 activity impaired target gene activation by Myc whereas it restrained Omomyc-dependent repression. The identification of a histone-modifying complex associated with Omomyc represents the first demonstration of an active role of this miniprotein in modifying chromatin structure and adds new information regarding its action on c-Myc targets. More importantly, the observation that c-Myc may recruit PRMT5-MEP50, inducing H4R3 symmetric di-methylation, suggests previously unpredictable roles for c-Myc in gene expression regulation and new potential targets for therapy.
Fiber-optic control and thermometry of single-cell thermosensation logic
Authors: Fedotov I.V. , Safronov N.A. , Ermakova Yu.G. , Matlashov M.E. , Sidorov-Biryukov D.A. , Fedotov A.B. , Belousov V.V. , Zheltikov A.M.
Published: November 2015

Thermal activation of transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels is one of the most striking examples of temperature-controlled processes in cell biology. As the evidence indicating the fundamental role of such processes in thermosensation builds at a fast pace, adequately accurate tools that would allow heat receptor logic behind thermosensation to be examined on a single-cell level are in great demand. Here, we demonstrate a specifically designed fiber-optic probe that enables thermal activation with simultaneous online thermometry of individual cells expressing genetically encoded TRP channels. This probe integrates a fiber-optic tract for the delivery of laser light with a two-wire microwave transmission line. A diamond microcrystal fixed on the fiber tip is heated by laser radiation transmitted through the fiber, providing a local heating of a cell culture, enabling a well-controlled TRP-assisted thermal activation of cells. Online local temperature measurements are performed by using the temperature-dependent frequency shift of optically detected magnetic resonance, induced by coupling the microwave field, delivered by the microwave transmission line, to nitrogen—vacancy centers in the diamond microcrystal. Activation of TRP channels is verified by using genetically encoded fluorescence indicators, visualizing an increase in the calcium flow through activated TRP channels.
Digital quantum simulators in a scalable architecture of hybrid spin-photon qubits
Authors: Chiesa Alessandro , Santini Paolo , Gerace Dario , Raftery James , Houck Andrew A. , Carretta Stefano
Published: November 2015

Resolving quantum many-body problems represents one of the greatest challenges in physics and physical chemistry, due to the prohibitively large computational resources that would be required by using classical computers. A solution has been foreseen by directly simulating the time evolution through sequences of quantum gates applied to arrays of qubits, i.e. by implementing a digital quantum simulator. Superconducting circuits and resonators are emerging as an extremely promising platform for quantum computation architectures, but a digital quantum simulator proposal that is straightforwardly scalable, universal and realizable with state-of-the-art technology is presently lacking. Here we propose a viable scheme to implement a universal quantum simulator with hybrid spin-photon qubits in an array of superconducting resonators, which is intrinsically scalable and allows for local control. As representative examples we consider the transverse-field Ising model, a spin-1 Hamiltonian and the two-dimensional Hubbard model and we numerically simulate the scheme by including the main sources of decoherence.
Combined deficiency of Notch1 and Notch3 causes pericyte dysfunction, models CADASIL and results in arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Kofler Natalie M. , Cuervo Henar , Uh Minji K. , Murtomäki Aino , Kitajewski Jan
Published: November 2015

Pericytes regulate vessel stability and pericyte dysfunction contributes to retinopathies, stroke and cancer. Here we define Notch as a key regulator of pericyte function during angiogenesis. InNotch1+/−;Notch3−/−mice, combined deficiency of Notch1 and Notch3 altered pericyte interaction with the endothelium and reduced pericyte coverage of the retinal vasculature. Notch1 and Notch3 were shown to cooperate to promote proper vascular basement membrane formation and contribute to endothelial cell quiescence. Accordingly, loss of pericyte function due to Notch deficiency exacerbates endothelial cell activation caused by Notch1 haploinsufficiency. Mice mutant for Notch1 and Notch3 develop arteriovenous malformations and display hallmarks of the ischemic stroke disease CADASIL. Thus, Notch deficiency compromises pericyte function and contributes to vascular pathologies.
Microstructures and growth mechanisms of GaN films epitaxially grown on AlN/Si hetero-structures by pulsed laser deposition at different temperatures
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Yang Weijia , Lin Yunhao , Zhou Shizhong , Li Guoqiang
Published: November 2015

2 inch-diameter GaN films with homogeneous thickness distribution have been grown on AlN/Si(111) hetero-structures by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with laser rastering technique. The surface morphology, crystalline quality and interfacial property of as-grown GaN films are characterized in detail. By optimizing the laser rastering program, the ~300 nm-thick GaN films grown at 750 °C show a root-mean-square (RMS) thickness inhomogeneity of 3.0%, very smooth surface with a RMS surface roughness of 3.0 nm, full-width at half-maximums (FWHMs) for GaN(0002) and GaN(10"Equation missing"2) X-ray rocking curves of 0.7° and 0.8°, respectively and sharp and abrupt AlN/GaN hetero-interfaces. With the increase in the growth temperature from 550 to 850 °C, the surface morphology, crystalline quality and interfacial property of as-grown ~300 nm-thick GaN films are gradually improved at first and then decreased. Based on the characterizations, the corresponding growth mechanisms of GaN films grown on AlN/Si hetero-structures by PLD with various growth temperatures are hence proposed. This work would be beneficial to understanding the further insight of the GaN films grown on Si(111) substrates by PLD for the application of GaN-based devices.
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation in high fat diet challenged C57BL/6J mice is associated with acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis
Authors: van der Heijden Roel A. , Bijzet Johan , Meijers Wouter C. , Yakala Gopala K. , Kleemann Robert , Nguyen Tri Q. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Hazenberg Bouke P. C. , Tietge Uwe J. F. , Heeringa Peter
Published: November 2015

Obesity-induced inflammation presumably accelerates the development of chronic kidney diseases. However, little is known about the sequence of these inflammatory events and their contribution to renal pathology. We investigated the effects of obesity on the evolution of age-dependent renal complications in mice in conjunction with the development of renal and systemic low-grade inflammation (LGI). C57BL/6J mice susceptible to develop age-dependent sclerotic pathologies with amyloid features in the kidney, were fed low (10% lard) or high-fat diets (45% lard) for 24, 40 and 52 weeks. HFD-feeding induced overt adiposity, altered lipid and insulin homeostasis, increased systemic LGI and adipokine release. HFD-feeding also caused renal upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes, infiltrating macrophages, collagen I protein, increased urinary albumin and NGAL levels. HFD-feeding severely aggravated age-dependent structural changes in the kidney. Remarkably, enhanced amyloid deposition rather than sclerosis was observed. The degree of amyloidosis correlated significantly with body weight. Amyloid deposits stained positive for serum amyloid A (SAA) whose plasma levels were chronically elevated in HFD mice. Our data indicate obesity-induced chronic inflammation as a risk factor for the acceleration of age-dependent renal amyloidosis and functional impairment in mice and suggest that obesity-enhanced chronic secretion of SAA may be the driving factor behind this process.
Perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cell with inverted nanopyramids: realizing high efficiency by controllable light trapping
Authors: Shi Dai , Zeng Yang , Shen Wenzhong
Published: November 2015

Perovskite/c-Si tandem solar cells (TSCs) have become a promising candidate in recent years for achieving efficiency over 30%. Although general analysis has shown very high upper limits for such TSCs, it remains largely unclear what specific optical structures could best approach these limits. Here we propose the combination of perovskite/c-Si tandem structure with inverted nanopyramid morphology as a practical way of achieving efficiency above 31% based on realistic solar cell parameters. By full-field simulation, we have shown that an ultra-low surface reflectance can be achieved by tuning the pyramid geometry within the range of experimental feasibility. More importantly, we have demonstrated that the index-guided modes can be excited within the top cell layer by introducing a TCO interlayer that prevents coupling of guided light energy into the bottom cell. This light trapping scheme has shown superior performance over the Bragg stack intermediate reflector utilized in previous micropyramid-based TSCs. Finally, by controlling the coupling between the top and bottom cell through the thickness of the interlayer, current generation within the tandem can be optimized for both two- and four-terminal configurations, yielding efficiencies of 31.9% and 32.0%, respectively. These results have provided useful guidelines for the fabrication of perovskite/c-Si TSCs.
Determinants of ligand binding and catalytic activity in the myelin enzyme 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase
Authors: Raasakka Arne , Myllykoski Matti , Laulumaa Saara , Lehtimäki Mari , Härtlein Michael , Moulin Martine , Kursula Inari , Kursula Petri
Published: November 2015

2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) is an enzyme highly abundant in the central nervous system myelin of terrestrial vertebrates. The catalytic domain of CNPase belongs to the 2H phosphoesterase superfamily and catalyzes the hydrolysis of nucleoside 2′,3′-cyclic monophosphates to nucleoside 2′-monophosphates. The detailed reaction mechanism and the essential catalytic amino acids involved have been described earlier, but the roles of many amino acids in the vicinity of the active site have remained unknown. Here, several CNPase catalytic domain mutants were studied using enzyme kinetics assays, thermal stability experiments and X-ray crystallography. Additionally, the crystal structure of a perdeuterated CNPase catalytic domain was refined at atomic resolution to obtain a detailed view of the active site and the catalytic mechanism. The results specify determinants of ligand binding and novel essential residues required for CNPase catalysis. For example, the aromatic side chains of Phe235 and Tyr168 are crucial for substrate binding and Arg307 may affect active site electrostatics and regulate loop dynamics. The β5-α7 loop, unique for CNPase in the 2H phosphoesterase family, appears to have various functions in the CNPase reaction mechanism, from coordinating the nucleophilic water molecule to providing a binding pocket for the product and being involved in product release.
AKAP6 inhibition impairs myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration: Positive loop between AKAP6 and myogenin
Authors: Lee Sae-Won , Won Joo-Yun , Yang Jimin , Lee Jaewon , Kim Su-Yeon , Lee Eun Ju , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: November 2015

Skeletal muscle regeneration occurs continuously to repair muscle damage incurred during normal activity and in chronic disease or injury. Herein, we report that A-kinase anchoring protein 6 (AKAP6) is important for skeletal myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration. Compared with unstimulated skeletal myoblasts that underwent proliferation, differentiated cells show significant stimulation of AKAP6 expression. AKAP6 knockdown with siRNA effectively halts the formation of myotubes and decreases the expression of the differentiation markers myogenin and myosin heavy chain. When shAKAP6-lentivirus is delivered to mice with cardiotoxin (CTX)-induced muscle injury, muscle regeneration is impaired compared with that of mice injected with control shMock-lentivirus. The motor functions of mice infected with shAKAP6-lentivirus (CTX+shAK6) are significantly worse than those of mice infected with shMock-lentivirus (CTX+shMock). Mechanistic analysis showed that AKAP6 promotes myogenin expression through myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A). Notably, myogenin increases AKAP6 expression as well. The results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays showed that myogenin binds to an E-box site on the AKAP6 promoter. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a novel interplay between AKAP6 and myogenin and we suggest that AKAP6 is an important regulator of myoblast differentiation, myotube formation and muscle regeneration.
Imprinting bulk amorphous alloy at room temperature
Authors: Kim Song-Yi , Park Eun-Soo , Ott Ryan T. , Lograsso Thomas A. , Huh Moo-Young , Kim Do-Hyang , Eckert Jürgen , Lee Min-Ha
Published: November 2015

We present investigations on the plastic deformation behavior of a brittle bulk amorphous alloy by simple uniaxial compressive loading at room temperature. A patterning is possible by cold-plastic forming of the typically brittle Hf-based bulk amorphous alloy through controlling homogenous flow without the need for thermal energy or shaping at elevated temperatures. The experimental evidence suggests that there is an inconsistency between macroscopic plasticity and deformability of an amorphous alloy. Moreover, imprinting of specific geometrical features on Cu foil and Zr-based metallic glass is represented by using the patterned bulk amorphous alloy as a die. These results demonstrate the ability of amorphous alloys or metallic glasses to precisely replicate patterning features onto both conventional metals and the other amorphous alloys. Our work presents an avenue for avoiding the embrittlement of amorphous alloys associated with thermoplastic forming and yields new insight the forming application of bulk amorphous alloys at room temperature without using heat treatment.
High-Performance Planar-Type Photodetector on (100) Facet of MAPbI3 Single Crystal
Authors: Lian Zhipeng , Yan Qingfeng , Lv Qianrui , Wang Ying , Liu Lili , Zhang Lijing , Pan Shilie , Li Qiang , Wang Liduo , Sun Jia-Lin
Published: November 2015

Recently, the discovery of organometallic halide perovskites provides promising routes for fabricating optoelectronic devices with low cost and high performance. Previous experimental studies of MAPbI3 optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors and solar cells, are normally based on polycrystalline films. In this work, a high-performance planar-type photodetector fabricated on the (100) facet of a MAPbI3 single crystal is proposed. We demonstrate that MAPbI3 photodetector based on single crystal can perform much better than that on polycrystalline-film counterpart. The low trap density of MAPbI3 single crystal accounts for the higher carrier mobility and longer carrier diffusion length, resulted in a significant performance increasement of MAPbI3 photodetector. Compared with similar planar-type photodetectors based on MAPbI3 polycrystalline film, our MAPbI3 single crystal photodetector showed excellent performance with good stability and durability, broader response spectrum to near-infrared region, about 102 times higher responsivity and EQE and approximately 103 times faster response speed. These results may pave the way for exploiting high-performance perovskites photodetectors based on single crystal.
Differentiation of human ESCs to retinal ganglion cells using a CRISPR engineered reporter cell line
Authors: Sluch Valentin M. , Davis Chung-ha O. , Ranganathan Vinod , Kerr Justin M. , Krick Kellin , Martin Russ , Berlinicke Cynthia A. , Marsh-Armstrong Nicholas , Diamond Jeffrey S. , Mao Hai-Quan , Zack Donald J.
Published: November 2015

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and cell death from glaucoma and other forms of optic nerve disease is a major cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived RGCs could provide a source of cells for the development of novel therapeutic molecules as well as for potential cell-based therapies. In addition, such cells could provide insights into human RGC development, gene regulation and neuronal biology. Here, we report a simple, adherent cell culture protocol for differentiation of hPSCs to RGCs using a CRISPR-engineered RGC fluorescent reporter stem cell line. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of the differentiated cultures yields a highly purified population of cells that express a range of RGC-enriched markers and exhibit morphological and physiological properties typical of RGCs. Additionally, we demonstrate that aligned nanofiber matrices can be used to guide the axonal outgrowth of hPSC-derived RGCs for in vitro optic nerve-like modeling. Lastly, using this protocol we identified forskolin as a potent promoter of RGC differentiation.
High catalytic activity and pollutants resistivity using Fe-AAPyr cathode catalyst for microbial fuel cell application
Authors: Santoro Carlo , Serov Alexey , Villarrubia Claudia W. Narvaez , Stariha Sarah , Babanova Sofia , Artyushkova Kateryna , Schuler Andrew J. , Atanassov Plamen
Published: November 2015

For the first time, a new generation of innovative non-platinum group metal catalysts based on iron and aminoantipyrine as precursor (Fe-AAPyr) has been utilized in a membraneless single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) running on wastewater. Fe-AAPyr was used as an oxygen reduction catalyst in a passive gas-diffusion cathode and implemented in SCMFC design. This catalyst demonstrated better performance than platinum (Pt) during screening in “clean” conditions (PBS) and no degradation in performance during the operation in wastewater. The maximum power density generated by the SCMFC with Fe-AAPyr was 167 ± 6 μW cm−2and remained stable over 16 days, while SCMFC with Pt decreased to 113 ± 4 μW cm−2by day 13, achieving similar values of an activated carbon based cathode. The presence of S2−and "Equation missing"showed insignificant decrease of ORR activity for the Fe-AAPyr. The reported results clearly demonstrate that Fe-AAPyr can be utilized in MFCs under the harsh conditions of wastewater.
X-ray phase-contrast tomography for high-spatial-resolution zebrafish muscle imaging
Authors: Vågberg William , Larsson Daniel H. , Li Mei , Arner Anders , Hertz Hans M.
Published: November 2015

Imaging of muscular structure with cellular or subcellular detail in whole-body animal models is of key importance for understanding muscular disease and assessing interventions. Classical histological methods for high-resolution imaging methods require excision, fixation and staining. Here we show that the three-dimensional muscular structure of unstained whole zebrafish can be imaged with sub-5 μm detail with X-ray phase-contrast tomography. Our method relies on a laboratory propagation-based phase-contrast system tailored for detection of low-contrast 4–6 μm subcellular myofibrils. The method is demonstrated on 20 days post fertilization zebrafish larvae and comparative histology confirms that we resolve individual myofibrils in the whole-body animal. X-ray imaging of healthy zebrafish show the expected structured muscle pattern while specimen with a dystrophin deficiency (sapje) displays an unstructured pattern, typical of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The method opens up for whole-body imaging with sub-cellular detail also of other types of soft tissue and in different animal models.
Modal engineering of Surface Plasmons in apertured Au Nanoprisms
Authors: Cuche Aurélien , Viarbitskaya Sviatlana , Sharma Jadab , Arbouet Arnaud , Girard Christian , Dujardin Erik
Published: November 2015

Crystalline gold nanoprisms of sub-micrometric size sustain high order plasmon modes in the visible and near infrared range that open a new realm for plasmon modal design, integrated coplanar devices and logic gates. In this article, we explore the tailoring of the surface plasmon local density of states (SP-LDOS) by embedding a single defect, namely a small hole, carved in the platelet by focused ion beam (FIB). The change in the SP-LDOS of the hybrid structure is monitored by two-photon luminescence (TPL) microscopy. The dependency of the two-dimensional optical field intensity maps on the linear polarization of the tightly focused femtosecond laser beam reveals the conditions for which the hole defect significantly affects the initial modes. A detailed numerical analysis of the spectral characteristics of the SP-LDOS based on the Green dyadic method clearly indicates that the hole size and location can be exploited to tune or remove selected SP modes.
A novel violet/blue light-emitting device based on Ce2Si2O7
Authors: Li Ling , Wang Shenwei , Mu Guangyao , Yin Xue , Ou Kai , Yi Lixin
Published: November 2015

Rare-earth silicates are highly efficient materials for silicon-based light sources. Here we report a novel light-emitting device based on Ce2Si2O7. Intense violet/blue electroluminescence was observed, with a turn-on voltage of about 13 V. The violet/blue emission is attributed to 4f–5d transitions of the Ce3+ ions in Ce2Si2O7, which are formed by interfacial reaction of CeO2 and Si. Electroluminescence and photoluminescence mechanisms of the Ce2Si2O7 light-emitting device are also discussed.
Towards an antimicrobial ‘microglove’
Authors: Reilman Ewoud , Hagting Joke G. , Flipsen Theo , Ulmer Herb , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: November 2015

A large proportion of hospital-related infections are acquired and spread due to the direct contacts between patients and healthcare workers. Accordingly, proper infection prevention measures and especially hand hygiene, are key to limit the spread of infections in nosocomial settings. However, healthcare workers frequently experience difficulties in complying strictly to hand disinfection protocols. This study was therefore aimed at the development of a hand rub with antimicrobial activity that forms a protective film on the hand, a so-called microglove, in order to enhance hand hygiene. For this purpose, various co-polymer formulations consisting of different ratios of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and a branched C20 derivatized maleate (M20) in combination with the known biocide benzalkonium chloride (BKC) were tested for their combined film-forming and antimicrobial activities. The results of a series of novel contamination and transmission assays show that a formulation of 80% PVP and 20% M20 co-polymer with 0.9% BKC fulfils the elementary requirements for an antimicrobial microglove.
Obesity rates in two generations of Swedish women entering pregnancy and associated obesity risk among adult daughters
Authors: Derraik José G. B. , Ahlsson Fredrik , Diderholm Barbro , Lundgren Maria
Published: November 2015

We examined changes in obesity rates in two generations of Swedish women entering pregnancy and assessed the effects of maternal body mass index (BMI) on the risk of overweight or obesity among adult daughters. This study covered an intergenerational retrospective cohort of 26,561 Swedish mothers and their 26,561 first-born daughters. There was a 4-fold increase in obesity rates, which rose from 3.1% among women entering pregnancy in 1982–1988 to 12.3% among their daughters in 2000–2008 (p < 0.0001) when entering pregnancy. The greater the maternal BMI, the greater the odds of overweight and/or obesity among daughters. Underweight mothers had half the odds of having an overweight or obese daughter in comparison to mothers of normal BMI (p < 0.0001). In contrast, the odds ratio of obese mothers having obese daughters was 3.94 (p < 0.0001). This study showed a strong association between maternal obesity and the risk of obesity among their first-born daughters. In addition, we observed a considerable increase in obesity rates across generations in mother-daughter pairs of Swedish women entering pregnancy. Thus, it is important to have preventative strategies in place to halt the worsening intergenerational cycle of obesity.
Variations in Crystalline Structures and Electrical Properties of Single Crystalline Boron Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Aldalbahi Ali , Zhou Andrew Feng , Feng Peter
Published: November 2015

We report the studies of (1) the basic mechanism underlying the formation of defect-free, single crystalline boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) synthesized using pulsed laser plasma deposition (PLPD) technique, (2) the variation in the crystalline structure at the edges of the hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanosheets and (3) the basic electrical properties related to the BNNSs tunneling effect and electrical breakdown voltage. The nanoscale morphologies of BNNSs are characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results show that each sample consisted of a number of transparent BNNSs that partially overlapped one another. Varying the deposition duration yielded different thicknesses of sample but did not affect the morphology, structure and thickness of individual BNNSs pieces. Analysis of the SEM and HRTEM data revealed changes in the spatial period of the B3–N3 hexagonal structures and the interlayer distance at the edge of the BNNSs, which occurred due to the limited number of atomic layers and was confirmed further by x-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The experimental results clearly indicate that the values of the electrical conductivities of the super-thin BNNSs and the effect of temperature relied strongly on the direction of observation.
Treatment of dextran sodium sulfate-induced experimental colitis by adoptive transfer of peritoneal cells
Authors: Liu Ting , Ren Jun , Wang Wei , Wei Xia-wei , Shen Guo-bo , Liu Yan-tong , Luo Min , Xu Guang-chao , Shao Bin , Deng Sen-yi , He Zhi-yao , Liang Xiao , Liu Yu , Wen Yan-Zhu , Xiang Rong , Yang Li , Deng Hong-xin , Wei Yu-quan
Published: November 2015

The adoptive transfer of the natural regulatory B cells and macrophages should be a useful treatment for inflammation and autoimmune disease. However, it is usually difficult to isolate these cells from the tissues and expand them. Here, we investigated the feasibility of adoptively transferring peritoneal cells (PCs) as a treatment for DSS-induced colitis. We found that peritoneal cavity can provide an easily accessible site for harvesting enough number of PCs, namely, two-dose PCs for the treatment from a mouse in one operation. Adoptive therapy of these cells from healthy mice or those with disease is effectively in reducing the disease activity score. The natural B cells and macrophages of the infused PCs can selectively migrate to lesion sites and regulate the expression of Stat3, NF−κB, Smad3 and Smad7. Additionally, PCs exert dual activity of IL-10 and TGF-β secreted spontaneously by both peritoneal B cells and macrophages, which in turn enhance the induction of regulatory B cells and Macrophages in microenvironment of inflammation. Moreover, PCs can re-establish immunological tolerance in the OVA-immunized mice. Thus, our findings provide a new strategy for colitis therapy and could be of importance in additional exploration of other inflammation and autoimmune diseases therapy.
High-resolution NMR-based metabolic detection of microgram biopsies using a 1 mm HRμMAS probe
Authors: Nishiyama Yusuke , Endo Yuki , Nemoto Takahiro , Bouzier-Sore Anne-Karine , Wong Alan
Published: November 2015

A 1 mm HRμMAS prototype probe is introduced for 1H NMR-based metabolic detection of heterogeneous biospecimens.
Implementing a strategy for on-chip detection of cell-free DNA fragments using GMR sensors: A translational application in cancer diagnostics using ALU elements
Authors: Dias T. M. , Cardoso F. A. , Martins S. A. M. , Martins V. C. , Cardoso S. , Gaspar J. F. , Monteiro G. , Freitas P. P.
Published: November 2015

Optimization of a strategy for the detection of cell-free DNA using an array of magnetoresistive (MR) sensors integrated in a portable readout platform.
Cytosine-functionalized polyurethane foam and its use as a sorbent for the determination of gold in geological samples
Authors: Xue Dingshuai , Wang Hongyue , Liu Yanhong , Shen Ping , Sun Jiefang
Published: November 2015

A solid phase extraction procedure was developed for the separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Au(iii) in geological samples by using a polyurethane foam column modified with cytosine.
A highly selective and sensitive resonance Rayleigh scattering sensor for sulfide ion detection using Ag2Te nanocrystals
Authors: Yan Shuguang , Song Rongcai , Tang Yurong
Published: November 2015

Schematic representation of the operation of the Ag2Te NCs probe for the detection of S2−.
Preparation of an amino functionalized Fe3O4/Gd2O3 network composite and application in electrochemical detection of Cu2+
Authors: Sun Xiao , Cai Chuanjie , Liu Tao , Zhang Guilong , Cai Dongqing , Xiong Shiquan , Wu Zhengyan
Published: November 2015

A nano-network-structured amino functionalized Gd2O3/Fe3O4 composite was prepared and used as a sensing platform to detect Cu2+.
Dual C–H functionalization of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines: a highly diastereoselective synthesis of dibenzo[a,f]quinolizines via visible-light induced oxidation and inverse electron-demand aza-Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Xu Guo-Qiang , Li Chen-Guang , Liu Ming-Qian , Cao Jian , Luo Yong-Chun , Xu Peng-Fei
Published: November 2015

Dual C–H functionalization of amines with high diastereoselectivity is developedviavisible-light photocatalysis and inverse electron-demand aza-Diels–Alder reaction.
Synthesis of digermylene-stabilized linear tetraboronate and boroxine
Authors: Wu Yile , Liu Liu Leo , Su Jue , Yan Kaili , Zhu Jun , Zhao Yufen
Published: November 2015

Two newly discovered linear compounds tetraboronate and boroxine stabilized by digermylene are reported, which feature a B4O5 chain and a B3O3 ring, respectively.
Synthesis of ZnO nanosheet arrays with exposed (100) facets for gas sensing applications
Authors: Xiao Chuanhai , Yang Tianye , Chuai Mingyan , Xiao Bingxin , Zhang Mingzhe
Published: November 2015

ZnO nanosheet arrays synthesized by electrodeposition with exposed (100) facets exhibit high selectivity and quick response/recovery for detecting NO2.
Bioinspired polymer vesicles and membranes for biological and medical applications
Authors: Palivan Cornelia G. , Goers Roland , Najer Adrian , Zhang Xiaoyan , Car Anja , Meier Wolfgang
Published: November 2015

Biological membranes play an essential role in living organisms by providing stable and functional compartments, supporting signalling and selective transport. Combining synthetic polymer membranes with biological molecules promises to be an effective strategy to mimic the functions of cell membranes and apply them in artificial systems.
Halide coordinated homoleptic [Fe4S4X4]2−and heteroleptic [Fe4S4X2Y2]2−clusters (X, Y = Cl, Br, I)—alternative preparations, structural analogies and spectroscopic properties in solution and solid state
Authors: Schüren Andreas O. , Gramm Verena K. , Dürr Maximilian , Foi Ana , Ivanović-Burmazović Ivana , Doctorovich Fabio , Ruschewitz Uwe , Klein Axel
Published: November 2015

Iron sulphur halide clusters [Fe4S4X4]2−and [Fe4S4X2Y2]2−were synthesised and characterised using HR-MS and UV-vis-NIR in solution and using IR and synchrotron XRPD in the solid.
Solvent-induced Mn(ii)/Zn(ii)/Co(ii) organopolymolybdate compounds constructed by bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligands through the Mo–N bond: synthesis, structures and properties
Authors: Xu Na , Zhang Ju-Wen , Wang Xiu-Li , Liu Guo-Cheng , Li Tian-Jiao
Published: November 2015

Three transition metal organopolymolybdate hybrids have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. The solvents play an important role in directing the formation of the Mo–N bond and structures of the title compounds.
A doubly deprotonated diimine dioximate metalloligand as a synthon for multimetallic complex assembly
Authors: Henckel Danielle A. , Lin Yuting F. , McCormick Theresa M. , Kaminsky Werner , Cossairt Brandi M.
Published: November 2015

An electrocatalytically active cobalt diimine dioximate metalloligand was prepared and explored as a precursor for a variety of multimetallic complexes with Co–Zn, –Cd, –Mn, and –Ru coordination.
Controlling the molecular weights of polyethylene waxes using the highly active precatalysts of 2-(1-aryliminoethyl)-9-arylimino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocycloheptapyridylcobalt chlorides: synthesis, characterization, and catalytic behavior
Authors: Huang Fang , Zhang Wenjuan , Yue Erlin , Liang Tongling , Hu Xinquan , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: November 2015

2-(1-aryliminoethyl)-9-arylimino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocycloheptapyridylcobalt chlorides polymerized ethylene in high activities, producing useful waxes.
User-friendly aerobic reductive alkylation of iridium(iii) porphyrin chloride with potassium hydroxide: scope and mechanism
Authors: Zuo Huiping , Liu Zhipeng , Yang Wu , Zhou Zhikuan , Chan Kin Shing
Published: November 2015

Alkylation of iridium 5,10,15,20-tetrakistolylporphyrinato carbonyl chloride, Ir(ttp)Cl(CO) (1), with 1°, 2° alkyl halides was achieved to give (ttp)Ir-alkyls in good yields under air and water compatible conditions by utilizing KOH as the cheap reducing agent.
Analysis of the influence of synthetic paramaters on the structure and physico-chemical properties of non-spherical iron oxide nanocrystals and their biological stability and compatibility
Authors: Pardo Alberto , Pujales Rosa , Blanco Mateo , Villar-Alvarez Eva M. , Barbosa Silvia , Taboada Pablo , Mosquera Víctor
Published: November 2015

Monodisperse non-spherical magnetic IONCs obtained by simple methods display excellent magnetic properties with high potential for theranostic applications.
An element through the looking glass: exploring the Au–C, Au–H and Au–O energy landscape
Authors: Roşca Dragoş-Adrian , Wright Joseph A. , Bochmann Manfred
Published: November 2015

Gold has seen a remarkable transformation from inert noble metal to highly reactive catalyst. However, its organometallic chemistry contains many unknowns. How certain can we be about the species involved in catalytic cycles? This Perspective summarises recent discoveries.
A room temperature spin crossover ionic liquid
Authors: Fitzpatrick Anthony J. , O'Connor Helen M. , Morgan Grace G.
Published: November 2015

Two new paramagnetic ionic liquids (ILs) comprising a mononuclear iron(iii) or manganese(iii) complex cation, charge balanced by a dicyanamide anion are reported which show a range of spin states including spin crossover.
Red wine polyphenols modulate fecal microbiota and reduce markers of the metabolic syndrome in obese patients
Authors: Moreno-Indias Isabel , Sánchez-Alcoholado Lidia , Pérez-Martínez Pablo , Andrés-Lacueva Cristina , Cardona Fernando , Tinahones Francisco , Queipo-Ortuño María Isabel
Published: November 2015

Moderate intake of red wine by obese adults with MetS resulted in positive effects on gut microbiota composition and a reduction in the metabolic syndrome risk markers.
Synthesis of visible and near infrared light sensitive amorphous titania for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jiang Jinghui , Tang Xingwei , Zhou Shujun , Ding Jian , Zhou Han , Zhang Fan , Zhang Di , Fan Tongxiang
Published: November 2015

An anaerobic hydrolysis of titanium metal was designed to synthesize visible and near infrared light sensitive amorphous titania.
Removal and safe reuse of highly toxic allyl alcohol using a highly selective photo-sensitive metal–organic framework
Authors: Gong Le Le , Feng Xue Feng , Luo Feng , Yi Xian Feng , Zheng An Min
Published: November 2015

By means of a MOF platform and photo-assistant adsorption technique, the removal and reuse of highly toxic allyl alcohol can be achieved. This is mainly based on a reversible asymmetric [2 + 2] cycloaddition inside a MOF.
Nature versus design: synthetic biology or how to build a biological non-machine
Authors: Porcar M. , Peretó J.
Published: November 2015

We suggest that progress in synthetic biology will be achieved by abandoning the bio-machine paradigm and by using an alliance between engineering and evolution as a guiding tool.
A simple method for high-precision isotopic analysis of chlorine via pneumatic nebulization multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: de Gois Jefferson S. , Costas-Rodríguez Marta , Vallelonga Paul , Borges Daniel L. G. , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: November 2015

Despite the occurrence of spectral interference, memory effects and the characteristic low sensitivity, isotopic analysis of Cl in seawater can be successfully performed using PN-MC-ICP-MS.
Freestanding carbon-coated CNT/Sn(O2) coaxial sponges with enhanced lithium-ion storage capability
Authors: Luo Bin , Qiu Tengfei , Wang Bin , Hao Long , Li Xianglong , Cao Anyuan , Zhi Linjie
Published: November 2015

A freestanding spongy coaxial tin-based nanoarchitecture has been developed with exceptional electrochemical characteristics for energy storage application.
Substrate tolerant direct block copolymer nanolithography
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Zhongli , Schulte Lars , Ndoni Sokol
Published: November 2015

Sub-20 nm block copolymer films directly applied on substrates and annealed in vapors of selective solvents significantly simplify the lithographic process.
Electronically modified amine substituted alkynols for regio-selective synthesis of dihydrofuran derivatives
Authors: V Vijay , Karkhelikar Manjusha V. , Sridhar B. , Mirzadeh Nedaossadat , Bhargava Suresh , Likhar Pravin R.
Published: November 2015

An efficient approach has been developed for the regio-selective synthesis of iodo-dihydrofurans from amino alkynols. These dihydrofurans have been further diversified by C–C, C–N coupling reactions.
Synthesis of novel pyrophosphorothiolate-linked dinucleoside cap analogues in a ball mill
Authors: Eguaogie Olga , Cooke Leonie A. , Martin Patricia M. L. , Ravalico Francesco , Conway Louis P. , Hodgson David R. W. , Law Christopher J. , Vyle Joseph S.
Published: November 2015

Exploiting the rapid kinetics and low solvent requirements of mechanochemically-activated reactions, the instability of phosphorothiolate monoesters was bypassed enabling one-pot hydrolytic desilylation and phosphate coupling to be achieved in a ball mill.
UV-Vis/FT-NIR in situ monitoring of visible-light induced polymerization of PEGDA hydrogels initiated by eosin/triethanolamine/O2
Authors: Kaastrup Kaja , Aguirre-Soto Alan , Wang Chen , Bowman Christopher N. , Stansbury Jeffrey W. , Sikes Hadley D.
Published: November 2015

Coupled UV-Vis/FT-NIR spectroscopy was applied to the study of the eosin-activated photopolymerization of hydrogels in the presence of oxygen; a relationship between signal loss and network formation was established.
Preparation of zinc hydroxystannate nanocomposites coated by organophosphorus and investigation of their effect on mechanical properties and flame retardancy of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Gao Ting-Ting , Li Zhi-Wei , Yu Lai-Gui , Zhang Zhi-Jun
Published: November 2015

A novel organic–inorganic nanohybrid flame retardant was prepared. The organic flame retardant could not only surface modify to the inorganic flame retardant but also improve flame retardancy of inorganic flame retardant with the synergistic effect.
Preparation and characterization of N-phthaloyl-chitosan-g-(PEO–PLA–PEO) as a potential drug carrier
Authors: Fang Jinda , Zhang Ke , Jia Jingwei , Wang Zhengke , Hu Qiaoling
Published: November 2015

Synthesis of N-phthaloyl-chitosan-g-(PEO–PLA–PEO) and its drug loading capacities and drug release profiles of IMC.