bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invariant and smooth limit of discrete geometry folded from bistable origami leading to multistable metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Ke , Tachi Tomohiro , Paulino Glaucio H.
Published: September 2019

Origami offers an avenue to program three-dimensional shapes via scale-independent and non-destructive fabrication. While such programming has focused on the geometry of a tessellation in a single transient state, here we provide a complete description of folding smooth saddle shapes from concentrically pleated squares. When the offset between square creases of the pattern is uniform, it is known as the pleated hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) origami. Despite its popularity, much remains unknown about the mechanism that produces such aesthetic shapes. We show that the mathematical limit of the elegant shape folded from concentrically pleated squares, with either uniform or non-uniform (e.g. functionally graded, random) offsets, is invariantly a hyperbolic paraboloid. Using our theoretical model, which connects geometry to mechanics, we prove that a folded hypar origami exhibits bistability between two symmetric configurations. Further, we tessellate the hypar origami and harness its bistability to encode multi-stable metasurfaces with programmable non-Euclidean geometries.
Replication stress induces mitotic death through parallel pathways regulated by WAPL and telomere deprotection
Authors: Masamsetti V. Pragathi , Low Ronnie Ren Jie , Mak Ka Sin , O’Connor Aisling , Riffkin Chris D. , Lamm Noa , Crabbe Laure , Karlseder Jan , Huang David C. S. , Hayashi Makoto T. , Cesare Anthony J.
Published: September 2019

Mitotic catastrophe is a broad descriptor encompassing unclear mechanisms of cell death. Here we investigate replication stress-driven mitotic catastrophe in human cells and identify that replication stress principally induces mitotic death signalled through two independent pathways. In p53-compromised cells we find that lethal replication stress confers WAPL-dependent centromere cohesion defects that maintain spindle assembly checkpoint-dependent mitotic arrest in the same cell cycle. Mitotic arrest then drives cohesion fatigue and triggers mitotic death through a primary pathway of BAX/BAK-dependent apoptosis. Simultaneously, a secondary mitotic death pathway is engaged through non-canonical telomere deprotection, regulated by TRF2, Aurora B and ATM. Additionally, we find that suppressing mitotic death in replication stressed cells results in distinct cellular outcomes depending upon how cell death is averted. These data demonstrate how replication stress-induced mitotic catastrophe signals cell death with implications for cancer treatment and cancer genome evolution.
Author Correction: Changes in gene expression predictably shift and switch genetic interactions
Authors: Li Xianghua , Lalić Jasna , Baeza-Centurion Pablo , Dhar Riddhiman , Lehner Ben
Published: September 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
High-performance bifunctional polarization switch chiral metamaterials by inverse design method
Authors: Liu Chuanbao , Bai Yang , Zhou Ji , Zhao Qian , Yang Yihao , Chen Hongsheng , Qiao Lijie
Published: September 2019

Multifunctional polarization controlling plays an important role in modern photonics, but their designs toward broad bandwidths and high efficiencies are still rather challenging. Here, by applying the inverse design method of model-based theoretical paradigm, we design cascaded chiral metamaterials for different polarization controls in oppositely propagating directions and demonstrate their broadband and high-efficiency performance theoretically and experimentally. Started with the derivation of scattering matrix towards specified polarization control, a chiral metamaterial is designed as a meta-quarter-wave plate for the forward propagating linearly polarized wave, which converts the x- or y-polarized wave into a nearly perfect left- or right-handed circularly polarized wave; intriguingly, it also serves as a 45° polarization rotator for the backward propagating linearly polarized waves. This bifunctional metamaterial shows a high transmission as well as a broad bandwidth due to the Fabry–Perot-like interference effect. Using the similar approach, an abnormal broadband meta-quarter-wave plate is achieved to convert the forward x- and y-polarized or the backward y- and x-polarized waves into left- and right-handed circularly polarized waves with high transmission efficiencies. The integration of multiple functions in a single structure endows the cascaded chiral metamaterials with great interests for the high-efficiency polarization-controlled applications.
Shear Wave Predictions of Achilles Tendon Loading during Human Walking
Authors: Keuler Emily M. , Loegering Isaac F. , Martin Jack A. , Roth Joshua D. , Thelen Darryl G.
Published: September 2019

The evaluation of in vivo muscle-tendon loads is fundamental to understanding the actuation of normal and pathological human walking. However, conventional techniques for measuring muscle-tendon loads in the human body are too invasive for use in gait analysis. Here, we demonstrate the use of noninvasive measures of shear wave propagation as a proxy for Achilles tendon loading during walking. Twelve healthy young adults performed isometric ankle plantarflexion on a dynamometer. Achilles tendon wave speed, tendon moment arms, tendon cross-sectional area and ankle torque were measured. We first showed that the linear relationship between tendon stress and wave speed squared can be calibrated from isometric tasks. There was no significant effect of knee angle, ankle angle or loading rate on the subject-specific calibrations. Calibrated shear wave tensiometers were used to estimate Achilles tendon loading when walking at speeds ranging from 1 to 2 m/s. Peak tendon stresses during pushoff increased from 41 to 48 MPa as walking speed was increased, and were comparable to estimates from inverse dynamics. The tensiometers also detected Achilles tendon loading of 4 to 7 MPa in late swing. Late swing tendon loading was not discernible in the inverse dynamics estimates, but did coincide with passive stretch of the gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units. This study demonstrates the capacity to use calibrated shear wave tensiometers to evaluate tendon loading in locomotor tasks. Such technology could prove beneficial for identifying the muscle actions that underlie subject-specific movement patterns.
Persian cats under first opinion veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders
Authors: O’Neill Dan G. , Romans Charlotte , Brodbelt Dave C. , Church David B. , Černá Petra , Gunn-Moore Danièlle A.
Published: September 2019

Persian cats are a popular cat breed worldwide, and especially in the US, Europe and Asia. This study aimed to describe the demography, common disorders and mortality in Persians under general practice veterinary care in 2013 in the UK. The study population of 285,547 cats overall included 3235 (1.1%) Persians. Mean adult Persian bodyweight was 3.9 kg (SD 0.9) and median age was 7.0 years (IQR 3.3–11.6). At least one disorder was recorded in 2099 (64.9%) Persians. The most common specific disorders were haircoat disorders (411, 12.7%), periodontal disease (365, 11.3%), overgrown nails (234, 7.2%), and ocular discharge (188, 5.8%). The most common disorder groups were dermatological (578, 17.9%), ophthalmological (496, 15.3%) and dental (397, 12.3%). Median longevity was 13.5 years (IQR 9.9–16.0). The most common grouped causes of death were renal disease (102, 23.4%), neoplasia (37, 8.5%) and mass-associated disorder (35, 8.0%). This is the first study to use general practice data to examine the overall health of Persian cats. With haircoat, ocular and dental disorders being the predominant disorders identified, this study highlights the need for increased owner awareness to manage and prevent the typical health problems associated with this breed’s phenotype.
Novel morphometric analysis of higher order structure of human radial peri-papillary capillaries: relevance to retinal perfusion efficiency and age
Authors: Barbosa Marconi , Maddess Ted , Ahn Samyoul , Chan-Ling Tailoi
Published: September 2019

We apply novel analyses to images of superficial capillaries that are located near and around the optic disc of the human retina: the radial peri-papillary capillaries (RPCs). Due to their unique perfusion of the nerve fibre layer the RPCs are particularly significant for optic-neuropathies. The inputs to the analysis were z-stacks from 3D confocal fluorescence microscopy from 62 human retinas aged 9 to 84 years. Our aim was to find morphometric correlates of age. The retinas had no ophthalmic history. The analysis was undertaken in two stages: (1) converting the z-stacks to 3D tubular networks of vessels, and (2) characterizing the tubular networks using features derived from the Minkowski functionals (MFs). The MFs measure: the capillary volume, surface area, mean breadth, and Euler number. The mean breadth is related to tortuosity, wall shear stress and resistance to flow, and the Euler number is related to the density of loops (collaterals). Features derived from the surface area, mean breadth and Euler number were most related to age (all p ≤ 0.006). The results indicate the importance of pressure-equalizing loops and tortuosity as quantitative measures related to perfusion efficiency. The novel morphometric analysis could quantify disease-related accelerated aging and vessel malformation.
The coral Platygyra verweyi exhibits local adaptation to long-term thermal stress through host-specific physiological and enzymatic response
Authors: Wang Jih-Terng , Wang Yi-Ting , Keshavmurthy Shashank , Meng Pei-Jei , Chen Chaolun Allen
Published: September 2019

Climate change threatens coral survival by causing coral bleaching, which occurs when the coral’s symbiotic relationship with algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) breaks down. Studies on thermal adaptation focus on symbionts because they are accessible bothin vitroandin hospite. However, there is little known about the physiological and biochemical response of adult corals (without Symbiodiniaceae) to thermal stress. Here we show acclimatization and/or adaptation potential of menthol-bleached aposymbiotic coralPlatygyra verweyiin terms of respiration breakdown temperature (RBT) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) enzyme activity in samples collected from two reef sites with contrasting temperature regimes: a site near a nuclear power plant outlet (NPP-OL, with long-term temperature perturbation) and Wanlitong (WLT) in southern Taiwan. AposymbioticP. verweyifrom the NPP-OL site had a 3.1 °C higher threshold RBT than those from WLT. In addition, MDH activity inP. verweyifrom NPP-OL showed higher thermal resistance than those from WLT by higher optimum temperatures and the activation energy required for inactivating the enzyme by heat. The MDH from NPP-OL also had two times higher residual activity than that from WLT after incubation at 50 °C for 1 h. The results of RBT and thermal properties of MDH inP. verweyidemonstrate potential physiological and enzymatic response to a long-term and regular thermal stress, independent of their Symbiodiniaceae partner.
Dynamical controls on the longevity of a non-linear vortex : The case of the Lofoten Basin Eddy
Authors: Bosse Anthony , Fer Ilker , Lilly Jonathan M. , Søiland Henrik
Published: September 2019

The Lofoten Basin is the largest oceanic reservoir of heat in the Nordic Seas, and the site of important heat fluxes to the atmosphere. An intense permanent anticyclone in the basin impacts the regional hydrography, energetics, and ecosystem. Repeated sampling of this Lofoten Basin Eddy from dedicated cruises, autonomous profiling gliders, and acoustically-tracked subsurface floats enables the documentation of its dynamics and energetics over the course of 15 months. The eddy core, in nearly solid-body rotation, exhibits an unusually low vertical vorticity close to the local inertial frequency and important strain rates at the periphery. Subsurface floats as deep as 800 m are trapped within the core for their entire deployment duration (up to 15 months). The potential vorticity is reduced in the core by two orders of magnitude relative to the surroundings, creating a barrier. In the winter, this barrier weakens and lateral exchanges and heat flux between the eddy and the surroundings increase, apparently the result of dynamical instabilities and a possible eddy merger. Based on a simple energy budget, the dissipation timescale for the eddy energy is three years, during which wintertime convection seasonally modulates potential and kinetic energy.
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Oxytocin and Vasopressin Receptor Expression Positively Correlates with Social and Behavioral Function in Children with Autism
Authors: Voinsky Irena , Bennuri Sirish C. , Svigals Julie , Frye Richard E. , Rose Shannon , Gurwitz David
Published: September 2019

The peptide hormone oxytocin is an established regulator of social function in mammals, and dysregulated oxytocin signaling is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several clinical trials examining the effects of intranasal oxytocin for improving social and behavioral function in ASD have had mixed or inclusive outcomes. The heterogeneity in clinical trials outcomes may reflect large inter-individual expression variations of the oxytocin and/or vasopressin receptor genes OXTR and AVPR1A, respectively. To explore this hypothesis we examined the expression of both genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from ASD children, their non-ASD siblings, and age-matched neurotypical children aged 3 to 16 years of age as well as datamined published ASD datasets. Both genes were found to have large inter-individual variations. Higher OXTR and AVPR1A expression was associated with lower Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scores. OXTR expression was associated with less severe behavior and higher adaptive behavior on additional standardized measures. Combining the sum expression levels OXTR, AVPR1A, and IGF1 yielded the strongest correlation with ABC scores. We propose that future clinical trials in ASD children with oxytocin, oxytocin mimetics and additional tentative therapeutics should assess the prognostic value of their PBMC mRNA expression of OXTR, AVPR1A, and IGF1.
A Cortico- Basal Ganglia Model for choosing an optimal rehabilitation strategy in Hemiparetic Stroke
Authors: Narayanamurthy Rukhmani , Jayakumar Samyukta , Elango Sundari , Muralidharan Vignesh , Chakravarthy V. Srinivasa
Published: September 2019

To facilitate the selection of an optimal therapy for a stroke patient with upper extremity hemiparesis, we propose a cortico-basal ganglia model capable of performing reaching tasks under normal and stroke conditions. The model contains two hemispherical systems, each organized into an outer sensory-motor cortical loop and an inner basal ganglia (BG) loop, controlling their respective hands. The model is trained to simulate two therapeutic approaches: the constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) in which the intact is arrested, and Bimanual Reaching in which the movements of the intact arm are found to aid the affected arm. Which of these apparently mutually conflicting approaches is right for a given patient? Based on our study on the effect of lesion size on arm performance, we hypothesize that the choice of the therapy depends on the lesion size. Whereas bimanual reaching is more suitable for smaller lesion size, CIMT is preferred in case of larger lesion sizes. By virtue of the model’s ability to capture the experimental results effectively, we believe that it can serve as a benchmark for the development and testing of various rehabilitation strategies for stroke.
Subsurface diffusion in crystals and effect of surface permeability on the atomic step motion
Authors: Kosolobov Sergey
Published: September 2019

A new theoretical approach to characterize the diffusion of both surface and bulk point defects in crystals is presented. In our model, atomic steps are considered as sources and sinks not only for adatoms and advacancies but also for self-interstitials and bulk vacancies, providing a new mechanism for bulk point defect generation and annihilation. It is shown that the creation and annihilation of self-interstitials and vacancies occur at atomic steps and can be described by introducing a diffusive layer of the bulk point defects adsorbed just below the surface. The atomic step rate of advance is studied taking into account finite permeability of the surface for bulk and surface point defects. The surface permeability results in the appearance of the dependence of the total step rate of advance not only on the supersaturation in vapor phase but also on the supersaturation of point defects in the bulk.
Multifractal and entropy analysis of resting-state electroencephalography reveals spatial organization in local dynamic functional connectivity
Authors: Racz Frigyes Samuel , Stylianou Orestis , Mukli Peter , Eke Andras
Published: September 2019

Functional connectivity of the brain fluctuates even in resting-state condition. It has been reported recently that fluctuations of global functional network topology and those of individual connections between brain regions expressed multifractal scaling. To expand on these findings, in this study we investigated if multifractality was indeed an inherent property of dynamic functional connectivity (DFC) on the regional level as well. Furthermore, we explored if local DFC showed region-specific differences in its multifractal and entropy-related features. DFC analyses were performed on 62-channel, resting-state electroencephalography recordings of twelve young, healthy subjects. Surrogate data testing verified the true multifractal nature of regional DFC that could be attributed to the presumed nonlinear nature of the underlying processes. Moreover, we found a characteristic spatial distribution of local connectivity dynamics, in that frontal and occipital regions showed stronger long-range correlation and higher degree of multifractality, whereas the highest values of entropy were found over the central and temporal regions. The revealed topology reflected well the underlying resting-state network organization of the brain. The presented results and the proposed analysis framework could improve our understanding on how resting-state brain activity is spatio-temporally organized and may provide potential biomarkers for future clinical research.
Entanglement in a 20-Qubit Superconducting Quantum Computer
Authors: Mooney Gary J. , Hill Charles D. , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L.
Published: September 2019

The ability to prepare sizeable multi-qubit entangled states with full qubit control is a critical milestone for physical platforms upon which quantum computers are built. We investigate the extent to which entanglement is found within a prepared graph state on the 20-qubit superconducting quantum computer IBM Q Poughkeepsie. We prepared a graph state along a path consisting of all twenty qubits within the device and performed full quantum state tomography on all groups of four connected qubits along this path. We determined that each pair of connected qubits was inseparable and hence the prepared state was entangled. Additionally, a genuine multipartite entanglement witness was measured on all qubit subpaths of the graph state and we found genuine multipartite entanglement on chains of up to three qubits. These results represent a demonstration of entanglement in one of the largest solid-state qubit arrays to date and indicate the positive direction of progress towards the goal of implementing complex quantum algorithms relying on such effects.
A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study on the Cortical Haemodynamic Responses During the Maastricht Acute Stress Test
Authors: Schaal N. K. , Hepp P. , Schweda A. , Wolf O. T. , Krampe C.
Published: September 2019

In order to better understand stress responses, neuroimaging studies have investigated the underlying neural correlates of stress. Amongst other brain regions, they highlight the involvement of the prefrontal cortex. The aim of the present study was to explore haemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex during the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) using mobile functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), examining the stress response in an ecological environment. The MAST includes a challenging mental arithmic task and a physically stressful ice-water task. In a between-subject design, participants either performed the MAST or a non-stress control condition. FNIRS data were recorded throughout the test. Additionally, subjective stress ratings, heart rate and salivary cortisol were evaluated, confirming a successful stress induction. The fNIRS data indicated significantly increased neural activity of brain regions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to the MAST, compared to the control condition. Furthermore, the mental arithmetic task indicated an increase in neural activity in brain regions of the dlPFC and OFC; whereas the physically stressful hand immersion task indicated a lateral decrease of neural activity in the left dlPFC. The study highlights the potential use of mobile fNIRS in clinical and applied (stress) research.
Switching of Skyrmion chirality by local heating
Authors: Nakatani Yoshinobu , Yamada Keisuke , Hirohata Atsufumi
Published: September 2019

Magnetic Skyrmions are energetically stable entities formed in a ferromagnet with a diameter of typically below 100 nm and are easily displaceable using an electrical current of 102 A/cm2, resulting the Skyrmions to be more advantageous than domain walls for spintronic memory applications. Here, we demonstrated switching of a chirality of magnetic Skyrmions formed in magnetic thin films by introducing a pulsed heat spot using micromagnetic simulation. Skyrmions are found to expand with a pulsed heat spot, which induces the magnetic moments surrounding the Skyrmion to rotate by this expansion, followed by the chirality switching of the Skyrmion. Such simple controllability can be used as a fundamental building block for memory and logic devices using the chirality of Skyrmions as a data bit.
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Macrophages Improve Survival in Microsatellite Unstable Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Narayanan Sumana , Kawaguchi Tsutomu , Peng Xuan , Qi Qianya , Liu Song , Yan Li , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: September 2019

Due to the loss of DNA repair mechanisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI), somatic mutations accumulate within DNA; making them more prone to attack by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and macrophages. We hypothesize that MSI-High (MSI-H) patients have favorable survival due to increased tumor immunogenicity. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to evaluate gene expression from 283 patients with CRC, comparing MSI-H and microsatellite stable (MSS) patients. CIBERSORT algorithm estimated the fraction of immune cell types. We found that low expression of DNA repair genes (MLH1, MLH3, PMS1, PMS2, ATR, PRKDC, ATM, BRCA2) associated with MSI-H. MSI-H was directly associated with Helper T-cells (p = 0.034) and M1 macrophages (p < 0.0001). MSI-H tumors associated with diminished intra-tumoral heterogeneity as well as higher expression of checkpoint molecules PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, LAG3 and TIM3 (p < 0.0001). Improved OS was seen in patients with low ATM, PMS2 and MLH3. In the TCGA CRC cohort, decreased expression of DNA repair genes associated with MSI-H. MSI-H patients had improved survival, likely due to higher TIL and M1 macrophage infiltration as well as lower intra-tumoral heterogeneity. MSI-H also associates with expression of immune checkpoint molecules with potential for development of therapeutic targets.
The polymorphic variant rs1800734 influences methylation acquisition and allele-specific TFAP4 binding in the MLH1 promoter leading to differential mRNA expression
Authors: Thomas Rachael , Trapani Davide , Goodyer-Sait Lily , Tomkova Marketa , Fernandez-Rozadilla Ceres , Sahnane Nora , Woolley Connor , Davis Hayley , Chegwidden Laura , Kriaucionis Skirmantas , Maughan Timothy , Leedham Simon , Palles Claire , Furlan Daniela , Tomlinson Ian , Lewis Annabelle
Published: September 2019

Expression of the mismatch repair gene MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) is silenced in a clinically important subgroup of sporadic colorectal cancers. These cancers exhibit hypermutability with microsatellite instability (MSI) and differ from microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancers in both prognosis and response to therapies. Loss of MLH1 is usually due to epigenetic silencing with associated promoter methylation; coding somatic mutations rarely occur. Here we use the presence of a colorectal cancer (CRC) risk variant (rs1800734) within the MLH1 promoter to investigate the poorly understood mechanisms of MLH1 promoter methylation and loss of expression. We confirm the association of rs1800734 with MSI+ but not MSS cancer risk in our own data and by meta-analysis. Using sensitive allele-specific detection methods, we demonstrate that MLH1 is the target gene for rs1800734 mediated cancer risk. In normal colon tissue, small allele-specific differences exist only in MLH1 promoter methylation, but not gene expression. In contrast, allele-specific differences in both MLH1 methylation and expression are present in MSI+ cancers. We show that MLH1 transcriptional repression is dependent on DNA methylation and can be reversed by a methylation inhibitor. The rs1800734 allele influences the rate of methylation loss and amount of re-expression. The transcription factor TFAP4 binds to the rs1800734 region but with much weaker binding to the risk than the protective allele. TFAP4 binding is absent on both alleles when promoter methylation is present. Thus we propose that TFAP4 binding shields the protective rs1800734 allele of the MLH1 promoter from BRAF induced DNA methylation more effectively than the risk allele.
Recovery of central memory and naive peripheral T cells in Follicular Lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-chemotherapy based regimen
Authors: Milcent B. , Josseaume N. , Petitprez F. , Riller Q. , Amorim S. , Loiseau P. , Toubert A. , Brice P. , Thieblemont C. , Teillaud J.-L. , Sibéril S.
Published: September 2019

Preclinical models and clinical studies have shown that anti-CD20-based treatment has multifaceted consequences on T-cell immunity. We have performed a prospective study of peripheral T-cell compartment in FL patients, all exhibiting high tumor burden and receiving rituximab-chemotherapy-based regimen (R-CHOP). Before treatment, FL patients harbor low amounts of peripheral naive T cells, but high levels of CD4+ TEM, CD4+ Treg and CD8+ TEMRA subsets and significant amounts of CD38+ HLA-DR+ activated T cells. A portion of these activated/differentiated T cells also expressed PD-1 and/or TIGIT immune checkpoints. Hierarchical clustering of phenotyping data revealed that 5/8 patients with only a partial response to R-CHOP induction therapy or with disease progression segregate into a group exhibiting a highly activated/differentiated T cell profile and a markedly low proportion of naive T cells before treatment. Rituximab-based therapy induced a shift of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells toward a central memory phenotype and of CD8+ T cells to a naive phenotype. In parallel, a decrease in the number of peripheral T cells expressing both PD-1 and TIGIT was detected. These observations suggest that the standard rituximab-based therapy partially reverts the profound alterations observed in T-cell subsets in FL patients, and that blood T-cell phenotyping could provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of rituximab-based treatment.
Bright split red fluorescent proteins for the visualization of endogenous proteins and synapses
Authors: Feng Siyu , Varshney Aruna , Coto Villa Doris , Modavi Cyrus , Kohler John , Farah Fatima , Zhou Shuqin , Ali Nebat , Müller Joachim D. , Van Hoven Miri K. , Huang Bo
Published: September 2019

Self-associating split fluorescent proteins (FPs) are split FPs whose two fragments spontaneously associate to form a functional FP. They have been widely used for labeling proteins, scaffolding protein assembly and detecting cell-cell contacts. Recently developments have expanded the palette of self-associating split FPs beyond the original split GFP1-10/11. However, these new ones have suffered from suboptimal fluorescence signal after complementation. Here, by investigating the complementation process, we have demonstrated two approaches to improve split FPs: assistance through SpyTag/SpyCatcher interaction and directed evolution. The latter has yielded two split sfCherry3 variants with substantially enhanced overall brightness, facilitating the tagging of endogenous proteins by gene editing. Based on sfCherry3, we have further developed a new red-colored trans-synaptic marker called Neuroligin-1 sfCherry3 Linker Across Synaptic Partners (NLG-1 CLASP) for multiplexed visualization of neuronal synapses in living C. elegans, demonstrating its broad applications.
Dynamically tuned non-classical light emission from atomic defects in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Lazić Snežana , Espinha André , Pinilla Yanguas Sergio , Gibaja Carlos , Zamora Félix , Ares Pablo , Chhowalla Manish , Paz Wendel S. , Burgos Juan José Palacios , Hernández-Mínguez Alberto , Santos Paulo V. , van der Meulen Herko P.
Published: September 2019

Luminescent defects in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) have recently emerged as a promising platform for non-classical light emission. On-chip solutions, however, require techniques for controllable in-situ manipulation of quantum light. Here, we demonstrate the dynamic spectral and temporal tuning of the optical emission from h-BN via moving acousto-mechanical modulation induced by stimulated phonons. When perturbed by the propagating acoustic phonon, the optically probed radiative h-BN defects are periodically strained and their sharp emission lines are modulated by the deformation potential coupling. This results in an acoustically driven spectral tuning within a 2.5-meV bandwidth. Our findings, supported by first-principles theoretical calculations, reveal exceptionally high elasto-optic coupling in h-BN of ~50 meV/%. Temporal control of the emitted photons is achieved by combining the acoustically mediated fine-spectral tuning with spectral detection filtering. This study opens the door to the use of sound for scalable integration of h-BN emitters in nanophotonic and quantum information technologies.
Synthesis of an acp3U phosphoramidite and incorporation of the hypermodified base into RNA
Authors: Nainytė Milda , Amatov Tynchtyk , Carell Thomas
Published: September 2019

The synthesis of the hydermodified base acp3U and its incorporation into RNA are reported.
A low-molecular-weight ditopic MRI probe for ratiometric sensing of zwitterionic amino acid neurotransmitters
Authors: Toljić Đorđe , Angelovski Goran
Published: September 2019

The capability for cooperative binding of a ditopic Gd-based responsive MRI probe was used to advance the sensitivity towards the major excitatory (Glu) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitters over their physiological competitor hydrogencarbonate.
Near-white photoluminescence in paramagnetic Gd6O5F8 nanoparticles
Authors: Du Shanshan , Wang Yuhua
Published: September 2019

White light emission has been achieved by near full band excitation from 10.7 nm sized pure Gd6O5F8 nanoparticles.
Solid-state supramolecular architectures of a series of Hg(ii) halide coordination compounds based on hydroxyl-substituted Schiff base ligands
Authors: Hajiashrafi Taraneh , Salehi Shiva , Kubicki Maciej , Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio , Flanagan Keith J. , Senge Mathias O.
Published: September 2019

Herein, six Hg(ii) coordination compounds containing Schiff base ligands were synthesized, characterized and studied using geometrical and Hirshfeld analyses as well as theoretical calculations.
Excited state structural dynamics of 4-cyano-4′-hydroxystilbene: deciphering the signatures of proton-coupled electron transfer using ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy
Authors: Mathew Reshma , Kayal Surajit , Yapamanu Adithya Lakshmanna
Published: September 2019

The photo-initiated proton-coupled electron transfer process in the 4-cyano-4′-hydroxystilbene–tert-butylamine adduct strongly affects the excited-state structural dynamics of CHSB.
Optimizing the orbital occupation in the multiple minima problem of magnetic materials from the metaheuristic firefly algorithm
Authors: Payne Adam , Avedaño-Franco Guillermo , He Xu , Bousquet Eric , Romero Aldo H.
Published: September 2019

We present the use and implementation of the firefly algorithm to scan the multiple metastable minima of orbital occupations in density functional theory plus HubbardUand to identify the ground state occupations in strongly correlated materials.
Equilibration of molecules between two compartments through a nanochannel in the presence of osmolytes: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Eun Changsun
Published: September 2019

Osmolytes can drain an initially filled compartment and induce the complete transfer of molecules to another unfilled compartment.
Visualizing reaction and diffusion in xanthan gum aerosol particles exposed to ozone
Authors: Alpert Peter A. , Corral Arroyo Pablo , Dou Jing , Krieger Ulrich K. , Steimer Sarah S. , Förster Jan-David , Ditas Florian , Pöhlker Christopher , Rossignol Stéphanie , Passananti Monica , Perrier Sebastien , George Christian , Shiraiwa Manabu , Berkemeier Thomas , Watts Benjamin , Ammann Markus
Published: September 2019

Atmospheric aerosol particles with a high viscosity may become inhomogeneously mixed during chemical processing.
Solid-state hydrogen rich boron–nitrogen compounds for energy storage
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Karkamkar Abhi , Bowden Mark , Autrey Tom
Published: September 2019

Mechanistic studies of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of boron and nitrogen containing compounds in the solid-state and its applications are reviewed.
Novel magnetic Fe3O4@rGO@ZnO onion-like microspheres decorated with Ag nanoparticles for the efficient photocatalytic oxidation of metformin: toxicity evaluation and insights into the mechanisms
Authors: Cheshme Khavar Amir Hossein , Moussavi Gholamreza , Mahjoub Alireza , Yaghmaeian Kamyaer , Srivastava Varsha , Sillanpää Mika , Satari Mohammad
Published: September 2019

Emerging water contaminants, including pharmaceutical and personal care products, have become a major concern in water pollution, and several efforts have been made for the efficient removal of these contaminants.
Antidiabetic effects of extracts of red and yellow fruits of cornelian cherries (Cornus mas L.) on rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dzydzan Olha , Bila Ivanna , Kucharska Alicja Z. , Brodyak Iryna , Sybirna Natalia
Published: September 2019

The effects of extracts of red and yellow fruits of cornelian cherries have been evaluated in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.
Indole compounds with N-ethyl morpholine moieties as CB2 receptor agonists for anti-inflammatory management of pain: synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Ji Jing , Xu Ruibo , Li Zhengfu
Published: September 2019

A series of indole compounds were designed and synthesized as CB2 agonist with high efficacy and selectivity.
Negative thermal expansion in (Sc,Ti)Fe2 induced by an unconventional magnetovolume effect
Authors: Song Yuzhu , Sun Qiang , Xu Meng , Zhang Ji , Hao Yiqing , Qiao Yongqiang , Zhang Shantao , Huang Qingzhen , Xing Xianran , Chen Jun
Published: September 2019

A new type of ferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition induces the crossover from common positive to negative thermal expansion in (Sc,Ti)Fe2.
Interface engineering in transition metal carbides for electrocatalytic hydrogen generation and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Kuang Min , Huang Wenjing , Hegde Chidanand , Fang Wei , Tan Xianyi , Liu Chuntai , Ma Jianming , Yan Qingyu
Published: September 2019

This review focuses on tuning nanostructures and interfaces to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of TMC-based materials for hydrogen production and nitrogen fixation. Mechanisms and interface engineering are discussed, including synergy effects, facet binding energy, active defects and low coordinated sites.
Kinetic analysis of the accumulation of a half-sandwich organo-osmium pro-drug in cancer cells
Authors: Ballesta Annabelle , Billy Frédérique , Coverdale James P C , Song Ji-Inn , Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Romero-Canelón Isolda , Sadler Peter J
Published: September 2019

The organo-osmium half-sandwich complex [(η6-p-cymene)Os(Ph-azopyridine-NMe2)I]+ (FY26) exhibits potent antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells and is active in vivo. The complex is relatively inert, but rapidly activated in cells by displacement of coordinated iodide. Here, we study time-dependent accumulation of FY26 in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells at various temperatures in comparison with the chlorido metabolite [(η6-p-cymene)Os(Ph-azopyridine-NMe2)Cl]+ (FY25). Mathematical models described the time evolution of FY26 and FY25 intracellular and extracellular concentrations taking into account both cellular transport (influx and efflux) and the intracellular conversion of FY26 to FY25. Uptake of iodide complex FY26 at 37 °C was 17× faster than that of chloride complex FY25, and efflux 1.4× faster. Osmium accumulation decreased markedly after 24 h of exposure. Modelling revealed that this phenomenon could be explained by complex-induced reduction of osmium uptake, rather than by a model involving enhanced osmium efflux. The intracellular osmium concentration threshold above which reduction in drug uptake was triggered was estimated as 20.8 μM (95% confidence interval [16.5, 30]). These studies provide important new insight into the dynamics of transport of this organometallic anticancer drug candidate.
Development of a novel SBA-15 templated mesoporous reduced graphitic oxide composite for high performance supercapacitors and fabrication of its device by an electrospinning technique
Authors: Naik Satishkumar R. , Torvi Anand I. , Achari Divya D. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: September 2019

A novel synthetic route is formulated for the development of mesoporous reduced graphitic oxide (RGO)–silica composites by wrapping SBA-15 between the graphene oxide (GO) layers followed by a chemical reduction process.
Copper(ii) complexes based on levofloxacin and 2N-donor ligands: synthesis, crystal structures andin vitrobiological evaluation
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Gyanendra , Dadure Kanhaiya M. , Masram Dhanraj T.
Published: September 2019

The molecular structures andin vitrobiological applications of two cationic copper(ii) complexes are reported.
Facile one-pot synthesis of Ge/TiO2 nanocomposite structures with improved electrochemical performance
Authors: Kim Hyeona , Kim Min-Cheol , Choi Sojeong , Moon Sang-Hyun , Kim Yo-Seob , Park Kyung-Won
Published: September 2019

Ge/TiO2 nanocomposite structures as anodes for LIBs with improved electrochemical performance were synthesized using a facile one-pot method.
High-index faceted binary-metal selenide nanosheet arrays as efficient 3D electrodes for alkaline hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yang Jian , Lei Chaojun , Wang Hanqing , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Qiu Ming , Zhuang Xiaodong , Yuan Chris , Lei Lecheng , Hou Yang , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2019

A high-index faceted binary-metal selenide nanosheet array was developed as an efficient 3D electrode for electrochemical alkaline hydrogen evolution.
Efficient release of immunocaptured cells using coiled-coils in a microfluidic device
Authors: Zhang Mengen , Xu Bin , Siehr Allison , Shen Wei
Published: September 2019

We report a microfluidic platform capable of isolating target cells from heterogeneous cell populations through highly specific immunocapture and efficiently releasing the captured cells with minimal biochemical and biophysical perturbations.
Study on microwave assisted extraction of chrysophanol and its intervention in biofilm formation of Streptococcus suis
Authors: Bai Jing-Wen , Chen Xing-Ru , Tang Yang , Cui Wen-Qiang , Li Da-Long , God'spower Bello-Onaghise , Yang Yu
Published: September 2019

A microwave assisted extraction technology was used to extract chrysophanol from rhubarb.
Agricultural waste-derived activated carbon/graphene composites for high performance lithium-ion capacitors
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Hongyou , Zhang Cunman
Published: September 2019

Agricultural waste, corncob-derived activated carbon (AC) is prepared by pre-carbonization of the precursors and activation of KOH of the pyrolysis products.
Direct 3D printing of a graphene oxide hydrogel for fabrication of a high areal specific capacitance microsupercapacitor
Authors: Yun Xiawei , Lu Bingchuan , Xiong Zhiyuan , Jia Bo , Tang Bo , Mao Henan , Zhang Ting , Wang Xiaogong
Published: September 2019

This work demonstrates successful fabrication of a high areal specific capacitance micro-supercapacitor via direct 3D printing of a graphene oxide hydrogel.
Facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composites for the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation of dyes
Authors: Wang Tao , Huang Manqi , Liu Xiawei , Zhang Zhen , Liu Yonghong , Tang Wei , Bao Shaopan , Fang Tao
Published: September 2019

Simple one-step hydrothermal synthesis of α-Fe2O3/g-C3N4 composites for the synergistic adsorption and photodegradation of dyes
Glycine betaine enhances biodegradation of phenol in high saline environments by the halophilic strainOceanobacillussp. PT-20
Authors: Long Xiufeng , Wang Denggang , Zou Yuqi , Tian Jiewei , Tian Yongqiang , Liao Xuepin
Published: September 2019

Glycine betaine enhanced the biodegradation of phenol by halophilic strain PT-20 in high salinity conditions.
Light-controlled two-dimensional TiO2 plate micromotors
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Zhen , Solovev Alexander A. , Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng
Published: September 2019

UV light-controlled amorphous TiO2 plate micromotors are demonstrated which move via a bubble-supported gravitational propelling mechanism in H2O2 solution.
Electrochemical synthesis of copper(i) acetylides via simultaneous copper ion and catalytic base electrogeneration for use in click chemistry
Authors: Seavill Peter W. , Holt Katherine B. , Wilden Jonathan D.
Published: September 2019

We report an efficient and sustainable electrochemical synthesis of copper(i) acetylides using simultaneous copper oxidation and Hofmann elimination of quaternary ammonium salts.
Mining predicted crystal structure landscapes with high throughput crystallisation: old molecules, new insights
Authors: Cui Peng , McMahon David P. , Spackman Peter R. , Alston Ben M. , Little Marc A. , Day Graeme M. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: September 2019

New crystal forms of two well-studied organic molecules are identified in a computationally targeted way, by combining structure prediction with a robotic crystallisation screen, including a ‘hidden’ porous polymorph of trimesic acid.
Toward building a physical model for membrane selectivity of antimicrobial peptides: making a quantitative sense of the selectivity
Authors: Nourbakhsh Shokoofeh , Taheri-Araghi Sattar , Ha Bae-Yeun
Published: September 2019

Membrane selectivity of antimicrobial peptides and models of selectivity: a few models are compared and analyzed.
Elastic behavior of confined soap froth
Authors: Guyot Pierre , Kraynik Andrew M. , Reinelt Douglas , Cohen-Addad Sylvie
Published: September 2019

The elastic response of ordered 3D soap froth, in which N layers of cells are confined between two rigid walls, is analyzed.
A non-fullerene acceptor based on alkylphenyl substituted benzodithiophene for high efficiency polymer solar cells with a small voltage loss and excellent stability
Authors: Guo Qing , Zhu Xiaoqian , Dong Xingliang , Zhu Qinglian , Fang Jin , Guo Xia , Ma Wei , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: September 2019

A new small molecule acceptor named BP-4F is developed. The optimal PSC based PM6:BP-4F achieves an excellent average PCE of 13.9% with an Eloss of 0.59 eV and outstanding stability.
On the potential for nanoscale metal–organic frameworks for energy applications
Authors: Kuyuldar Seher , Genna Douglas T. , Burda Clemens
Published: September 2019

Nanoscale metal organic frameworks offer unique advantages for the development of materials for solar energy conversion systems, supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells.
Synthesis of large-area 2D WS2 films and fabrication of a heterostructure for self-powered ultraviolet photodetection and imaging applications
Authors: Zhao Zhihui , Wu Di , Guo Jiawen , Wu Enping , Jia Cheng , Shi Zhifeng , Tian Yongtao , Li Xinjian , Tian Yongzhi
Published: September 2019

High-performance self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on a WS2/GaN heterojunction was demonstrated, which exhibits excellent UV photoresponse properties. Significantly, this photodetector has exhibited excellent UV imaging capability.
Fine tuning of pyridinium-functionalized dibenzo[a,c]phenazine near-infrared AIE fluorescent biosensors for the detection of lipopolysaccharide, bacterial imaging and photodynamic antibacterial therapy
Authors: Liu Xianglong , Yang Zhicheng , Xu Weibo , Chu Yanmeng , Yang Ji , Yan Yongchao , Hu Yue , Wang Yu , Hua Jianli
Published: September 2019

A series of NIR fluorescent probes of dibenzophenazine pyridine salt with different alkyl chain were developed for the detection of LPS. BD2C with ethyl chain exhibited a significant improvement of the singlet oxygen yield and antibacterial property.
Folate deficiency promotes differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells without affecting the methylation status of regulated genes
Authors: Kolb Andreas F. , Petrie Linda , Mayer Claus D. , Pirie Lynn , Duthie Susan J.
Published: September 2019

Elevated serum homocysteine, an intermediate of cellular one-carbon metabolism, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Folate deficiency increases serum homocysteine and may contribute to CVD progression. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) regulate vascular contractility, but also contribute to repair processes in response to vascular injury. Nutritional deficiencies, like folate deficiency, are thought to impact on this phenotypic plasticity, possibly by epigenetic mechanisms. We have investigated the effect of folate deficiency on VSMCs in two cell culture systems representing early and late stages of smooth muscle cells differentiation. We find that folate deficiency promotes differentiation towards a more contractile phenotype as indicated by increased expression of respective marker genes. However, microarray analysis identified markers of striated muscle as the predominant gene expression change elicited by folate deficiency. These changes are not merely a reflection of cell cycle arrest, as foetal calf serum restriction or iron deficiency do not replicate the gene expression changes observed in response to folate deficiency. Folate deficiency only has a marginal effect on global DNA methylation. DNA methylation of CpG islands associated with genes regulated by folate deficiency remains unaffected. This supports our earlier findings in a mouse model system which also did not show any changes in global DNA methylation in response to folate and vitamin B6/B12 deficiency. These data suggest that folate deficiency enhances the expression of smooth muscle marker gene expression, promotes a shift towards a skeletal muscle phenotype, and does not regulate gene expression via DNA methylation.