bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct cysteine sulfenylation drives activation of the Src kinase
Authors: Heppner David E. , Dustin Christopher M. , Liao Chenyi , Hristova Milena , Veith Carmen , Little Andrew C. , Ahlers Bethany A. , White Sheryl L. , Deng Bin , Lam Ying-Wai , Li Jianing , van der Vliet Albert
Published: October 2018

The Src kinase controls aspects of cell biology and its activity is regulated by intramolecular structural changes induced by protein interactions and tyrosine phosphorylation. Recent studies indicate that Src is additionally regulated by redox-dependent mechanisms, involving oxidative modification(s) of cysteines within the Src protein, although the nature and molecular-level impact of Src cysteine oxidation are unknown. Using a combination of biochemical and cell-based studies, we establish the critical importance of two Src cysteine residues, Cys-185 and Cys-277, as targets for H2O2-mediated sulfenylation (Cys-SOH) in redox-dependent kinase activation in response to NADPH oxidase-dependent signaling. Molecular dynamics and metadynamics simulations reveal the structural impact of sulfenylation of these cysteines, indicating that Cys-277-SOH enables solvent exposure of Tyr-416 to promote its (auto)phosphorylation, and that Cys-185-SOH destabilizes pTyr-527 binding to the SH2 domain. These redox-dependent Src activation mechanisms offer opportunities for development of Src-selective inhibitors in treatment of diseases where Src is aberrantly activated.
Mechanism of activating mutations and allosteric drug inhibition of the phosphatase SHP2
Authors: Pádua Ricardo A. P. , Sun Yizhi , Marko Ingrid , Pitsawong Warintra , Stiller John B. , Otten Renee , Kern Dorothee
Published: October 2018

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 functions as a key regulator of cell cycle control, and activating mutations cause several cancers. Here, we dissect the energy landscape of wild-type SHP2 and the oncogenic mutation E76K. NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography reveal that wild-type SHP2 exchanges between closed, inactive and open, active conformations. E76K mutation shifts this equilibrium toward the open state. The previously unknown open conformation is characterized, including the active-site WPD loop in the inward and outward conformations. Binding of the allosteric inhibitor SHP099 to E76K mutant, despite much weaker, results in an identical structure as the wild-type complex. A conformational selection to the closed state reduces drug affinity which, combined with E76K’s much higher activity, demands significantly greater SHP099 concentrations to restore wild-type  activity levels. The differences in structural ensembles and drug-binding kinetics of cancer-associated SHP2 forms may stimulate innovative ideas for developing more potent inhibitors for activated SHP2 mutants.
Manganese-catalyzed hydroboration of carbon dioxide and other challenging carbonyl groups
Authors: Erken Christina , Kaithal Akash , Sen Suman , Weyhermüller Thomas , Hölscher Markus , Werlé Christophe , Leitner Walter
Published: October 2018

Reductive functionalization of the C=O unit in carboxylic acids, carbonic acid derivatives, and ultimately in carbon dioxide itself is a challenging task of key importance for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. In particular, it can open novel pathways for the valorization of non-fossil feedstocks. Catalysts based on earth-abundant, cheap, and benign metals would greatly contribute to the development of sustainable synthetic processes derived from this concept. Herein, a manganese pincer complex [Mn(Ph2PCH2SiMe2)2NH(CO)2Br] (1) is reported to enable the reduction of a broad range of carboxylic acids, carbonates, and even CO2 using pinacolborane as reducing agent. The complex is shown to operate under mild reaction conditions (80–120 °C), low catalyst loadings (0.1–0.2 mol%) and runs under solvent-less conditions. Mechanistic studies including crystallographic characterisation of a borane adduct of the pincer complex (1) imply that metal-ligand cooperation facilitates substrate activation.
A high-energy sulfur cathode in carbonate electrolyte by eliminating polysulfides via solid-phase lithium-sulfur transformation
Authors: Li Xia , Banis Mohammad , Lushington Andrew , Yang Xiaofei , Sun Qian , Zhao Yang , Liu Changqi , Li Qizheng , Wang Biqiong , Xiao Wei , Wang Changhong , Li Minsi , Liang Jianwen , Li Ruying , Hu Yongfeng , Goncharova Lyudmila , Zhang Huamin , Sham Tsun-Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: October 2018

Carbonate-based electrolytes demonstrate safe and stable electrochemical performance in lithium-sulfur batteries. However, only a few types of sulfur cathodes with low loadings can be employed and the underlying electrochemical mechanism of lithium-sulfur batteries with carbonate-based electrolytes is not well understood. Here, we employ in operando X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy to shed light on a solid-phase lithium-sulfur reaction mechanism in carbonate electrolyte systems in which sulfur directly transfers to Li2S without the formation of linear polysulfides. Based on this, we demonstrate the cyclability of conventional cyclo-S8 based sulfur cathodes in carbonate-based electrolyte across a wide temperature range, from −20 °C to 55 °C. Remarkably, the developed sulfur cathode architecture has high sulfur content (>65 wt%) with an areal loading of 4.0 mg cm−2. This research demonstrates promising performance of lithium-sulfur pouch cells in a carbonate-based electrolyte, indicating potential application in the future.
Dynamics of individual molecular shuttles under mechanical force
Authors: Naranjo Teresa , Lemishko Kateryna M. , de Lorenzo Sara , Somoza Álvaro , Ritort Felix , Pérez Emilio M. , Ibarra Borja
Published: October 2018

Molecular shuttles are the basis of some of the most advanced synthetic molecular machines. In these devices a macrocycle threaded onto a linear component shuttles between different portions of the thread in response to external stimuli. Here, we use optical tweezers to measure the mechanics and dynamics of individual molecular shuttles in aqueous conditions. Using DNA as a handle and as a single molecule reporter, we measure thousands of individual shuttling events and determine the force-dependent kinetic rates of the macrocycle motion and the main parameters governing the energy landscape of the system. Our findings could open avenues for the real-time characterization of synthetic devices at the single molecule level, and provide crucial information for designing molecular machinery able to operate under physiological conditions.
Sources, propagation and consequences of stochasticity in cellular growth
Authors: Thomas Philipp , Terradot Guillaume , Danos Vincent , Weiße Andrea Y.
Published: October 2018

Growth impacts a range of phenotypic responses. Identifying the sources of growth variation and their propagation across the cellular machinery can thus unravel mechanisms that underpin cell decisions. We present a stochastic cell model linking gene expression, metabolism and replication to predict growth dynamics in single bacterial cells. Alongside we provide a theory to analyse stochastic chemical reactions coupled with cell divisions, enabling efficient parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis and hypothesis testing. The cell model recovers population-averaged data on growth-dependence of bacterial physiology and how growth variations in single cells change across conditions. We identify processes responsible for this variation and reconstruct the propagation of initial fluctuations to growth and other processes. Finally, we study drug-nutrient interactions and find that antibiotics can both enhance and suppress growth heterogeneity. Our results provide a predictive framework to integrate heterogeneous data and draw testable predictions with implications for antibiotic tolerance, evolutionary and synthetic biology.
Helminth-induced IL-4 expands bystander memory CD8+ T cells for early control of viral infection
Authors: Rolot Marion , Dougall Annette M. , Chetty Alisha , Javaux Justine , Chen Ting , Xiao Xue , Machiels Bénédicte , Selkirk Murray E. , Maizels Rick M. , Hokke Cornelis , Denis Olivier , Brombacher Frank , Vanderplasschen Alain , Gillet Laurent , Horsnell William G. C. , Dewals Benjamin G.
Published: October 2018

Infection with parasitic helminths can imprint the immune system to modulate bystander inflammatory processes. Bystander or virtual memory CD8+ T cells (TVM) are non-conventional T cells displaying memory properties that can be generated through responsiveness to interleukin (IL)-4. However, it is not clear if helminth-induced type 2 immunity functionally affects the TVM compartment. Here, we show that helminths expand CD44hiCD62LhiCXCR3hiCD49dlo TVM cells through direct IL-4 signaling in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, helminth-mediated conditioning of TVM cells provided enhanced control of acute respiratory infection with the murid gammaherpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4). This enhanced control of MuHV-4 infection could further be explained by an increase in antigen-specific CD8+ T cell effector responses in the lung and was directly dependent on IL-4 signaling. These results demonstrate that IL-4 during helminth infection can non-specifically condition CD8+ T cells, leading to a subsequently raised antigen-specific CD8+ T cell activation that enhances control of viral infection.
Adrenal hormones mediate disease tolerance in malaria
Authors: Vandermosten Leen , Pham Thao-Thy , Knoops Sofie , De Geest Charlotte , Lays Natacha , Van der Molen Kristof , Kenyon Christopher J. , Verma Manu , Chapman Karen E. , Schuit Frans , De Bosscher Karolien , Opdenakker Ghislain , Van den Steen Philippe E.
Published: October 2018

Malaria reduces host fitness and survival by pathogen-mediated damage and inflammation. Disease tolerance mechanisms counter these negative effects without decreasing pathogen load. Here, we demonstrate that in four different mouse models of malaria, adrenal hormones confer disease tolerance and protect against early death, independently of parasitemia. Surprisingly, adrenalectomy differentially affects malaria-induced inflammation by increasing circulating cytokines and inflammation in the brain but not in the liver or lung. Furthermore, without affecting the transcription of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes, adrenalectomy causes exhaustion of hepatic glycogen and insulin-independent lethal hypoglycemia upon infection. This hypoglycemia is not prevented by glucose administration or TNF-α neutralization. In contrast, treatment with a synthetic glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) prevents the hypoglycemia, lowers cerebral cytokine expression and increases survival rates. Overall, we conclude that in malaria, adrenal hormones do not protect against lung and liver inflammation. Instead, they prevent excessive systemic and brain inflammation and severe hypoglycemia, thereby contributing to tolerance.
Charge and phonon transport in PbTe-based thermoelectric materials
Authors: Xiao Yu , Zhao Li-Dong
Published: October 2018

PbTe is a typical intermediate-temperature thermoelectric material, which has undergone extensive developments and achieved excellent high thermoelectric performance. In this perspective we summarized several strategies that were successfully applied in PbTe-based thermoelectric materials through manipulating charge and phonon transports, such as optimizing carrier density to tune Fermi level, tailoring band structure to enhance effective mass, and designing all-scale hierarchical architectures to suppress phonon propagation. Meanwhile, due to the different features of conduction and valence bands, we separately introduced the approaches to enhance performance of p-type and n-type PbTe. In p-type PbTe, the strategies of band convergence, band alignment and density of state (DOS) distortion are more effective to achieve high electrical transport properties. By contrast, flattening conduction bands and introducing deep impurity level are more suitable for n-type PbTe. Lastly, several potential strategies were proposed to further improve the thermoelectric performance of PbTe-based materials, which might be extended to other thermoelectric systems.
Quantum spin fluctuations and evolution of electronic structure in cuprates
Authors: Stepanov Evgeny A. , Peters Lars , Krivenko Igor S. , Lichtenstein Alexander I. , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Rubtsov Alexey N.
Published: October 2018

Correlation effects in CuO2 layers give rise to a complicated landscape of collective excitations in high-Tc cuprates. Their description requires an accurate account for electronic fluctuations at a very broad energy range and remains a challenge for the theory. Particularly, there is no conventional explanation of the experimentally observed “resonant” antiferromagnetic mode, which is often considered to be a mediator of superconductivity. Here we model spin excitations of the hole-doped cuprates in the paramagnetic regime and show that this antiferromagnetic mode is associated with electronic transitions between anti-nodal X and Y points of the quasiparticle band that is pinned to the Fermi level. We observe that upon doping of 7–12%, the electronic spectral weight redistribution leads to the formation of a very stable quasiparticle dispersion due to strong correlation effects. The reconstruction of the Fermi surface results in a flattening of the quasiparticle band at the vicinity of the nodal MΓ/2 point, accompanied by a high density of charge carriers. Collective excitations of electrons between the nodal MΓ/2 and XM/2 points form the additional magnetic holes state in magnetic spectrum, which protects the antiferromagnetic fluctuation. Further investigation of the evolution of spin fluctuations with the temperature and doping allowed us to observe the incipience of the antiferromagnetic ordering already in the paramagnetic regime above the transition temperature. Additionally, apart from the most intensive low-energy magnetic excitations, the magnetic spectrum reveals less intensive collective spin fluctuations that correspond to electronic processes between peaks of the single-particle spectral function.
Author Correction: Homogeneity evaluation of mesenchymal stem cells based on electrotaxis analysis
Authors: Kim Min Sung , Lee Mi Hee , Kwon Byeong-Ju , Kim Dohyun , Koo Min-Ah , Seon Gyeung Mi , Park Jong-Chul
Published: October 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
Development of a rapid and economic in vivo electrocardiogram platform for cardiovascular drug assay and electrophysiology research in adult zebrafish
Authors: Lin Min-Hsuan , Chou Huang-Cheng , Chen Yu-Fu , Liu Wangta , Lee Chi-Chun , Liu Lawrence Yu-Min , Chuang Yung-Jen
Published: October 2018

Zebrafish is a popular and favorable model organism for cardiovascular research, with an increasing number of studies implementing functional assays in the adult stage. For example, the application of electrocardiography (ECG) in adult zebrafish has emerged as an important tool for cardiac pathophysiology, toxicity, and chemical screen studies. However, few laboratories are able to perform such functional analyses due to the high cost and limited availability of a convenient in vivo ECG recording system. In this study, an inexpensive ECG recording platform and operation protocol that has been optimized for adult zebrafish ECG research was developed. The core hardware includes integration of a ready-to-use portable ECG kit with a set of custom-made needle electrode probes. A combined anesthetic formula of MS-222 and isoflurane was first tested to determine the optimal assay conditions to minimize the interference to zebrafish cardiac physiology under sedation. For demonstration, we treated wild-type zebrafish with different pharmacological agents known to affect cardiac rhythms in humans. Conserved electrophysiological responses to these drugs were induced in adult zebrafish and recorded in real time. This economic ECG platform has the potential to facilitate teaching and training in cardiac electrophysiology with adult zebrafish and to promote future translational applications in cardiovascular medicine.
Static magnetic fields reduce epileptiform activity in anesthetized rat and monkey
Authors: Rivadulla Casto , Aguilar Juan , Coletti Marcos , Aguila Jordi , Prieto Sandra , Cudeiro Javier
Published: October 2018

Increasing evidence indicates that static magnetic fields (SMF) reduce cortical activity in both human and animal models. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of SMF on epileptiform cortical activity, a condition related to an abnormal increase in neuronal excitability. The first experimental block included a Pilocarpine rat model of epilepsy, in which a magnetic neodymium nickel-plated cylinder, a magnetic field of 0.5 T, or “sham” were placed over the skull. In the second experimental block, we recorded epileptic-like activity in the visual cortex of a monkey (Macaca mulatta) under control conditions and in the presence of the magnet. Between 15 and 30 minutes after the second dose of Pilocarpine, EEG changes compatible with seizure like events induced by Pilocarpine were clearly observed in the control animals (sham stimulation). Similar effects were visible in the animals exposed to the real magnet after 1–2 hours. In the monkey, SMF over the cortical focus clearly reduced abnormal activity: the intensity threshold for visual induction increased and the severity and duration decreased. These results reinforce the view that static magnets modulate cortical activity and open the door to the future therapeutic use of SMF in epilepsy as a complement to current pharmacological treatments.
Impact of worker emigration on HIV epidemics in labour export areas: a molecular epidemiology investigation in Guangyuan, China
Authors: Su Ling , Liang Shu , Hou Xueqin , Zhong Ping , Wei Dongbing , Fu Yu , Ye Li , Xiong Li , Zeng Yali , Hu Ying , Yang Hong , Wu Bo , Zhang Linglin , Li Xiaoshan
Published: October 2018

We aimed to investigate the molecular epidemic characteristics and viral transmission patterns of HIV-1 in a typical labor export area, Guangyuan city, China. Based on conducting phylogenetic trees and molecular transmission networks, a phylogenetic analysis was performed on HIV-1 pol sequences obtained from 211 migrant-history workers, 83 non-migrant-history individuals, and 21 migrant-history unknown individuals between January, 2012 and February, 2017 in Guangyuan city. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CRF07_BC (48.3%, n = 152) and CRF01_AE (33.3%, n = 105) were the dominant strains in Guangyuan city, and circulated by multiple lineages with various epidemic characteristics. Geographic network analysis showed that Guangyuan city-related sequences with 20.3% CRF07_BC and 28.3% CRF01_AE were linked to that of other provinces, compared to that with 1.7% CRF07_BC and 5.0% CRF01_AE in cities of Sichuan. Molecular transmission network analysis further illustrated that migrant-history workers linked more sequences from other provinces than non-migrant-history individuals in both CRF07_BC (29.3% versus 0.0%, P = 0.013) and CRF01_AE (40.5% versus 10.0%, P = 0.001) networks. Our results highlighted that migrant-history workers in recent year played a vital role in fueling HIV-1 epidemic in Guangyuan city. Molecular transmission network analysis could be a useful approach for disclosing the transmission mechanism of HIV, which should be used in prevention and intervention efforts.
MRI Compatibility: Automatic Brain Shunt Valve Recognition using Feature Engineering and Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Giancardo Luca , Arevalo Octavio , Tenreiro Andrea , Riascos Roy , Bonfante Eliana
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether we could develop a machine learning method to distinguish models of cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves (CSF-SVs) from their appearance in clinical X-rays. This is an essential component of an automatic MRI safety system based on X-ray imaging. To this end, a retrospective observational study using 416 skull X-rays from unique subjects retrieved from a clinical PACS system was performed. Each image included a CSF-SV representing the most common brands of programmable shunt valves currently used in US which were split into five different classes. We compared four machine learning pipelines: two based on engineered image features (Local Binary Patterns and Histogram of Oriented Gradients) and two based on features learned by a deep convolutional neural network architecture. Performance is evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall and f1-score. Confidence intervals are computed with non-parametric bootstrap procedures. Our best performing method identified the valve type correctly 96% [CI 94–98%] of the time (CI: confidence intervals, precision 0.96, recall 0.96, f1-score 0.96), tested using a stratified cross-validation approach to avoid chances of overfitting. The machine learning pipelines based on deep convolutional neural networks showed significantly better performance than the ones based on engineered image features (mean accuracy 95–96% vs. 56–64%). This study shows the feasibility of automatically distinguishing CSF-SVs using clinical X-rays and deep convolutional neural networks. This finding is the first step towards an automatic MRI safety system for implantable devices which could decrease the number of patients that experience denials or delays of their MRI examinations.
New insights into tomato microRNAs
Authors: Cardoso Thaís Cunha de Sousa , Alves Tamires Caixeta , Caneschi Carolina Milagres , Santana Douglas dos Reis Gomes , Fernandes-Brum Christiane Noronha , Reis Gabriel Lasmar Dos , Daude Matheus Martins , Ribeiro Thales Henrique Cherubino , Gómez Miguel Maurício Díaz , Lima André Almeida , Gomes Luiz Antônio Augusto , Gomes Marcos de Souza , Gandolfi Peterson Elizandro , Amaral Laurence Rodrigues do , Chalfun-Júnior Antonio , Maluf Wilson Roberto , de Souza Gomes Matheus
Published: October 2018

Cultivated tomato,Solanum lycopersicum, is one of the most common fruits in the global food industry. Together with the wild tomatoSolanum pennellii, it is widely used for developing better cultivars. MicroRNAs affect mRNA regulation, inhibiting its translation and/or promoting its degradation. Important proteins involved in these processes are ARGONAUTE and DICER. This study aimed to identify and characterize the genes involved in the miRNA processing pathway, miRNA molecules and target genes in both species. We validated the presence of pathway genes and miRNA in different NGS libraries and 6 miRNA families using quantitative RT-PCR. We identified 71 putative proteinsin S.lycopersicumand 108 inS.pennelliilikely involved in small RNAs processing. Of these, 29 and 32 participate in miRNA processing pathways, respectively. We identified 343 mature miRNAs, 226 pre-miRNAs in 87 families, including 192 miRNAs, which were not previously identified, belonging to 38 new families inS.lycopersicum. InS.pennellii, we found 388 mature miRNAs and 234 pre-miRNAs contained in 85 families. All miRNAs found inS.pennelliiwere unpublished, being identified for the first time in our study. Furthermore, we identified 2471 and 3462 different miRNA target inS. lycopersicumandS.pennellii, respectively.
Injection locking of multiple auto-oscillation modes in a tapered nanowire spin Hall oscillator
Authors: Wagner Kai , Smith Andrew , Hache Toni , Chen Jen-Ru , Yang Liu , Montoya Eric , Schultheiss Katrin , Lindner Jürgen , Fassbender Jürgen , Krivorotov Ilya , Schultheiss Helmut
Published: October 2018

Spin Hall oscillators (SHO) are promising candidates for the generation, detection and amplification of high frequency signals, that are tunable through a wide range of operating frequencies. They offer to be read out electrically, magnetically and optically in combination with a simple bilayer design. Here, we experimentally study the spatial dependence and spectral properties of auto-oscillations in SHO devices based on Pt(7 nm)/Ni80Fe20(5 nm) tapered nanowires. Using Brillouin light scattering microscopy, we observe two individual self-localized spin-wave bullets that oscillate at two distinct frequencies (5.2 GHz and 5.45 GHz) and are localized at different positions separated by about 750 nm within the SHO. This state of a tapered SHO has been predicted by a Ginzburg-Landau auto-oscillator model, but not yet been directly confirmed experimentally. We demonstrate that the observed bullets can be individually synchronized to external microwave signals, leading to a frequency entrainment, linewidth reduction and increase in oscillation amplitude for the bullet that is selected by the microwave frequency. At the same time, the amplitude of other parasitic modes decreases, which promotes the single-mode operation of the SHO. Finally, the synchronization of the spin-wave bullets is studied as a function of the microwave power. We believe that our findings promote the realization of extended spin Hall oscillators accomodating several distinct spin-wave bullets, that jointly cover an extended range of tunability.
A novel somatic mutation of SIN3A detected in breast cancer by whole-exome sequencing enhances cell proliferation through ERα expression
Authors: Watanabe Kenji , Yamamoto Shigeru , Sakaguti Syuiti , Isayama Keishiro , Oka Masaaki , Nagano Hiroaki , Mizukami Yoichi
Published: October 2018

Breast cancer is the most frequent tumor in women, and in nearly two-thirds of cases, the tumors express estrogen receptor α (ERα, encoded by ESR1). Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 16 breast cancer tissues classified according to ESR1 expression and 12 samples of whole blood, and detected 310 somatic mutations in cancer tissues with high levels of ESR1 expression. Of the somatic mutations validated by a different deep sequencer, a novel nonsense somatic mutation, c.2830 C>T; p.Gln944*, in transcriptional regulator switch-independent 3 family member A (SIN3A) was detected in breast cancer of a patient. Part of the mutant protein localized in the cytoplasm in contrast to the nuclear localization of ERα, and induced a significant increase in ESR1 mRNA. The SIN3A mutation obviously enhanced MCF7 cell proliferation. In tissue sections from the breast cancer patient with the SIN3A c.2830 C>T mutation, cytoplasmic SIN3A localization was detected within the tumor regions where nuclear enlargement was observed. The reduction in SIN3A mRNA correlates with the recurrence of ER-positive breast cancers on Kaplan-Meier plots. These observations reveal that the SIN3A mutation has lost its transcriptional repression function due to its cytoplasmic localization, and that this repression may contribute to the progression of breast cancer.
Strong-correlated behavior of 4f electrons and 4f5d hybridization in PrO2
Authors: Zhang Lifang , Meng Junling , Yao Fen , Liu Xiaojuan , Meng Jian , Zhang Hongjie
Published: October 2018

Bringing oxygen atoms from infinite, passing equilibrium until short enough distances, we aim to reveal the 4f5d electron bonding property and its relevance to the peculiar physical properties within PrO2 based on both accounting for electron Coulomb repulsion and spin-orbit coupling effects in combination with Wannier function methods. The microscopic mechanism of static Janh-Teller distortions and the physical insight into the dynamic Jahn-Teller effects are clarified. Peculiarly, the magnetic coupling is suggested to be via 4f-5d-O2p-5d-4f pathway in PrO2, and the coupling between spin and orbital ordering of 4f electrons is for the first time disclosed. The 5d orbitals, hybridized with 4f electrons, are found to play important roles in these processes.
Effect of biocompatible nucleants in rapid crystallization of natural amino acids using a CW Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Thippeshappa Shilpa , George Sajan D. , Bankapur Aseefhali , Chidangil Santhosh , Mathur Deepak , Abdul Salam Abdul Ajees
Published: October 2018

Laser-induced crystallization is emerging as an alternative technique to crystallize biomolecules. However, its applications are limited to specific small molecules and some simple proteins, possibly because of the need to use high-intensity, pulsed lasers and relatively long laser irradiation time. Both these factors tend to denature biological molecules. If the laser-intensity and time required to crystallize biomolecules were to be reduced, laser-induced crystallization may well become of widespread utility. We report here the crystallization of nineteen natural amino acids by a laser-induced method in combination with one of three nucleants: aluminum, coconut coir, and peacock feather barbule. We have utilized a low-power, continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser (λ = 1064 nm). The advantages of our method are (i) the use of very small laser powers (60 mW), and (ii) the ability to obtain diffraction quality crystals within a mere few seconds. For most amino acids our method yields several orders of magnitude reduction in crystallization time. The use of biocompatible nucleants like coir fibres and peacock feather barbules are novel; their non-toxic nature may find broad applicability in rapid crystallization of diverse biological molecules.
Evolution favours aging in populations with assortative mating and in sexually dimorphic populations
Authors: Lenart Peter , Bienertová-Vašků Julie , Berec Luděk
Published: October 2018

Since aging seems omnipresent, many authors regard it as an inevitable consequence of the laws of physics. However, recent research has conclusively shown that some organisms do not age, or at least do not age on a scale comparable with other aging organisms. This begets the question why aging evolved in some organisms yet not in others. Here we present a simulation model of competition between aging and non-aging individuals in a sexually reproducing population. We find that the aging individuals may outcompete the non-aging ones if they have a sufficiently but not excessively higher initial fecundity or if individuals mate assortatively with respect to their own phenotype. Furthermore, the aging phenotype outcompetes the non-aging one or resists dominance of the latter for a longer period in populations composed of genuine males and females compared to populations of simultaneous hermaphrodites. Finally, whereas sterilizing parasites promote non-aging, the effect of mortality-enhancing parasites is to enable longer persistence of the aging phenotype relative to when parasites are absent. Since the aging individuals replace the non-aging ones in diverse scenarios commonly found in nature, our study provides important insights into why aging has evolved in most, but not all organisms.
Upwelling jet separation in the California Current System
Authors: Castelao Renato M. , Luo Hao
Published: October 2018

The California Current System is characterized by summertime wind-driven upwelling, high biological productivity, and an intense equatorward upwelling jet. The upwelling jet is generally located close to shore to the north of Cape Blanco (43°N), but it separates from the coast at the cape during summer extending farther offshore downstream of the separation point. Jet separation results in a wider region influenced by cold, nutrient-rich upwelled waters, strongly affecting biological productivity, mesoscale activity, and air-sea interactions. Flow-topography interactions are thought to play a dominant role in jet separation. Here, we use a high-resolution ocean model to show that the wind stress curl is a dominant forcing controlling jet separation, and that separation can occur independently of flow-topography interactions. While jet separation occurs in simulations with realistic wind stress curl and modified topography with no submarine banks or capes, jet separation is substantially reduced when the wind stress curl is removed, even in the presence of realistic topography. This novel insight indicates that future changes in winds, as the predicted delay in the seasonal development of wind stress curl intensifications, may result in substantial changes in ocean circulation in the California Current System.
Effect of Macular Vascular Density on Central Visual Function and Macular Structure in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Jeon Soo Ji , Park Hae-Young Lopilly , Park Chan Kee
Published: October 2018

In patients with glaucomatous parafoveal scotoma, evidence of compromised vascular circulation was commonly seen. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between macular vascular density (VD) and central visual function and structure in glaucoma patients. We enrolled 46 eyes of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients with parafoveal scotoma. All subjects underwent measurement of segmented macular thickness in each layer and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to assess VD of macula. Correlation coefficients of VD with structural parameters were identified and multivariate regression analyses were performed to verify factors affecting the MD of SITA 10-2. Superficial VD in NFL, GCL and IPL showed significant correlation with thickness of those layers, but deep VD in INL did not show meaningful correlation with any structural parameters. However, deep VD showed significant correlations with central visual field parameters such as MD of SITA 10-2. By multivariate regression analysis, the significant factors affecting central visual function were deep VD. Different multivariate regression models including segmented macular thicknesses were compared and R2 value was best for the model with deep VD, not containing superficial VD (R2 = 0.326, p = 0.001). Assigning subjects as worse or better visual functional group using regression line, deep VD of worse functional group was significantly lower than that of better group. In couclusion, decreased deep VD was an independent risk factor for central scotoma in addition to structural thinning. Taking both macular thickness and vascular circulation into acount, the deterioration of central visual function could be predicted more precisely.
Functional Variant in the GCKR Gene Affects Lactate Levels Differentially in the Fasting State and During Hyperglycemia
Authors: López Rodríguez Maykel , Fernandes Silva Lilian , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Modi Shalem , Kuusisto Johanna , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Laakso Markku
Published: October 2018

The rs780094 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; C/T) of glucokinase regulatory protein gene (GCKR) is a regulatory genetic variant that has been associated with lactate levels in the fasting state. However, the association of this locus with lactate during hyperglycemia, and the mechanisms underlying these associations remain unknown. We investigated the association of rs780094 with lactate levels in a frequently sampled oral glucose tolerance test in humans and evaluated the effect of increasing GCKR expression on lactate production in liver cells. The C allele of rs780094 was associated with lower lactate levels in fasting but increased lactate level during hyperglycemia independently of insulin levels. Increased expression of GKRP induced higher lactate level in HepG2 cells and in human primary hepatocytes (HPH) upon glucose stimulation by increasing the amount of GCK. Glucagon induced the expression of GCKR in HepG2 and HPH cells. Our results suggest that the association of rs780094 with lactate levels may involve differential GCKR expression between the carriers of the C and T alleles.
An immunofiltration strip method based on the photothermal effect of gold nanoparticles for the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Jia Min , Liu Jingjing , Zhang Jinghua , Zhang Hongyan
Published: October 2018

A novel photothermal-immunofiltration strip which can simultaneously achieve sensitive detection and sterilization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 was designed.
Two aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active reaction-type probes: for real-time detecting and imaging of superoxide anions
Authors: Ma Hengchang , Yang Manyi , Zhang Shaoxiong , Yin Pei , Wang Tao , Yang Yuan , Lei Ziqiang , Ma Yucheng , Qin Yanfang , Yang Zengming
Published: October 2018

Two AIE-active reaction-type probes: one probe, two channels, at the same & different cell locations for superoxide anion.
Delivery of 5′-triphosphate RNA with endosomolytic nanoparticles potently activates RIG-I to improve cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Jacobson Max E. , Wang-Bishop Lihong , Becker Kyle W. , Wilson John T.
Published: October 2018

Delivery of a 5′ triphosphate RNA (3pRNA), a ligand for RIG-I, with endosomolytic nanoparticles (NP) augments response to anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade.
An integrated immobilization strategy manipulates dual active centers to boost enantioselective tandem reactions
Authors: Shu Xiaomin , Jin Ronghua , Zhao Zhongrui , Cheng Tanyu , Liu Guohua
Published: October 2018

A bifunctional catalyst assembled by dual species manipulation presents high efficiency in Suzuki coupling-asymmetric transfer hydrogenation tandem reactions.
Edge morphology induced rectifier diode effect in C3N nanoribbon
Authors: He Jing-Jing , Guo Yan-Dong , Yan Xiao-Hong , Zeng Hong-Li
Published: October 2018

We find that edge morphology induces interesting electronic transport properties in step-like heterojunction devices composed of width-variable zigzag C3N nanoribbons.
Rotational spectra and theoretical study of tetramers and trimers of 2-fluoroethanol: dramatic intermolecular compensation for intramolecular instability
Authors: Seifert Nathan A. , Thomas Javix , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie
Published: October 2018

Cooperativity and chirality dominate in stabilizing the 2-fluoroethanol tetramer, thanks to a fully bifurcated C–H⋯F H-bond network.
Amide-functionalized heterometallic helicate cages as highly efficient catalysts for CO2 conversion under mild conditions
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Ruilian , Han Qingxin , Xu Cong , Chen Wanmin , Yang Huan , Gao Guoshu , Qin Wenwu , Liu Weisheng
Published: October 2018

Mimicking nature seems to be one of the smartest strategies to design novel catalysts for CO2 conversion under mild conditions.
High-precision measurements of krypton and xenon isotopes with a new static-mode quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Avice G. , Belousov A. , Farley K. A. , Madzunkov S. M. , Simcic J. , Nikolić D. , Darrach M. R. , Sotin C.
Published: October 2018

A quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer measures precisely the abundance and isotopic composition of small amounts of noble gases.
Direct probe of the nuclear modes limiting charge mobility in molecular semiconductors
Authors: Harrelson Thomas F. , Dantanarayana Varuni , Xie Xiaoyu , Koshnick Correy , Nai Dingqi , Fair Ryan , Nuñez Sean A. , Thomas Alan K. , Murrey Tucker L. , Hickner Michael A. , Grey John K. , Anthony John E. , Gomez Enrique D. , Troisi Alessandro , Faller Roland , Moulé Adam J.
Published: October 2018

The charge mobility of organic semiconductors are accurately predicted using first principles simulations validated by inelastic neutron scattering experiments.
A novel long-wavelength fluorescent probe for selective detection of hydrogen sulfide in living cells
Authors: Li Yu-ting , Zhao Xiong-jie , Jiang Yu-ren , Yang Bing-qing
Published: October 2018

Sensitive detection of endogenous H2S by a low cytotoxicity probe.
Vibrational response of clusters of Fe3O4 nanoparticles patterned on glass surfaces investigated with magnetic sample modulation AFM
Authors: Kulkarni Shalaka A. , Kolhatkar Arati G. , Lee T. Randall , Garno Jayne C.
Published: October 2018

MSM-AFM images of Fe3O4 nanoparticles arranged on glass: individual nanoparticles that are invisible in topography frames can be mapped using MSM-AFM.
Oxygen vacancy modulation of two-dimensional γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets as efficient catalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Zizhong , Huang Huijuan , Wang Ying , Tong Na , Lin Jinjin , Liu Dan , Wang Xuxu
Published: October 2018

γ-Ga2O3 nanosheets with different thicknesses and oxygen vacancy concentrations were fabricated to study their effects on photocatalytic activity.
Fabrication of POSS-embedded supramolecular hyperbranched polymers with multi-responsive morphology transitions
Authors: Tang Guoke , Wang Xing , Li Dawei , Ma Yuanzheng , Wu Decheng
Published: October 2018

We demonstrate a simple approach to prepare POSS-embedded supramolecular hyperbranched polymers with multiple stimulus morphology transitions driven by triple supramolecular driving forces in selective solvents.
A high precision length-based carbon nanotube ladder
Authors: Borzooeian Zahra , Taslim Mohammad E. , Rezvani Saina , Borzooeian Giti
Published: October 2018

Today, carbon nanotubes manufacturers as well as users such as molecular electronics, nanomedicine, nano-biotechnology and similar industries are facing a major challenge: lack of length uniformity of carbon nanotubes in mass production.
Efficient production of high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid with a two-stage fermentation
Authors: Liu J. , Wang Y. , Li Z. , Ren Y. , Zhao Y. , Zhao G.
Published: October 2018

A two-stage fermentation process with a segmented control strategy provides high-level synthesis in both HA titer and molecular weight.
A double helix of opposite charges to form channels with unique CO2selectivity and dynamics
Authors: Xing Guolong , Bassanetti Irene , Bracco Silvia , Negroni Mattia , Bezuidenhout Charl , Ben Teng , Sozzani Piero , Comotti Angiolina
Published: October 2018

Electrostatic charges patterning along crystalline channels recognize CO2with high selectivity and promote its fast screwing dynamics through the crystal at one million steps per second, strongly reminiscent of trans-membrane transport in biological channels.
Colloidal Au/iron oxide nanocrystal heterostructures: magnetic, plasmonic and magnetic hyperthermia properties
Authors: Vita Francesco , Innocenti Claudia , Secchi Andrea , Albertini Franca , Grillo Vincenzo , Fiore Angela , Cozzoli P. Davide , de Julián Fernández César
Published: October 2018

Interface and morphology determine the magnetic, plasmonic and magnetic hyperthermia properties of Au/iron oxide nanocrystal heterostructures.
Ba2M(C3N3O3)2 (M = Mg, Ca): potential UV birefringent materials with strengthened optical anisotropy originating from the (C3N3O3)3− group
Authors: Li Zhuang , Liang Fei , Guo Yangwu , Lin Zheshuai , Yao Jiyong , Zhang Guochun , Yin Wenlong , Wu Yicheng , Chen Chuangtian
Published: October 2018

(C3N3O3)3− is first proposed to be an excellent birefringent active group and the representative compounds Ba2M(C3N3O3)2 (M = Mg and Ca) are studied in detail.
Inhibited corneal neovascularization in rabbits following corneal alkali burn by double-target interference for VEGF and HIF-1α
Authors: Fu Ying-Cong , Xin Zhi-Ming
Published: October 2018

Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α has been observed in corneal neovascularization (CNV). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most well-known angiogenic factors in CNV, is under the regulation of HIF-1. The present study aims to investigate the synergistic effects of VEGF and HIF-1α gene silencing on alkali burn-induced CNV in rabbits. The models of rabbits in corneal alkali burn were established. SiRNA recombinant adenovirus was used to explore the synergistic effects of VEGF and HIF-1α gene silencing on alkali burn-induced CNV. CNV area and ultrastructure of cornea were observed. The expression of VEGF and HIF-1α was detected. CNV was observed in rabbits following alkali burn. In addition, overexpressed VEGF and HIF-1α was also observed in rabbits following alkali burn. Then, silencing HIF-1α or silencing VEGF decreased area of CNV, inhibited neovascularization and improved pathological changes, while double-target interference for VEGF and HIF-1α decreased area of CNV inhibited neovascularization, and improved pathological changes to a greater extent. Our study provides evidences emphasizing the distinct notion that VEGF and HIF-1α play the contributory role in alkali burn-induced CNV as a result of double-target interference for VEGF and HIF-1α inhibiting CNV in rabbits following corneal alkali burn.
The silencing of long non-coding RNA ANRIL suppresses invasion, and promotes apoptosis of retinoblastoma cells through the ATM-E2F1 signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yang , Peng Xiao-Wei
Published: October 2018

As one of the most common primary intraocular carcinomas, retinoblastoma generally stems from the inactivation of the retinoblastoma RB1 gene in retinal cells. Antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been reported to affect tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers, including gastric cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. However, limited investigations emphasized the role of ANRIL in human retinoblastoma. Hence, the current study was intended to investigate the effects of ANRIL on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of retinoblastoma HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells. The lentivirus-based packaging system was designed to aid the up-regulation of ANRIL and ATM expressions or employed for the down-regulation of ANRIL in human retinoblastoma cells. Afterward, ANRIL expression, mRNA and protein expression of ATM and E2F1, and protein expression of INK4b, INK4a, alternate reading frame (ARF), p53 and retinoblastoma protein (pRB) were determined in order to elucidate the regulation effect associated with ANRIL on the ATM-E2F1 signaling pathway. In addition, cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion were detected accordingly. The results indicated that the down-regulation of ANRIL or up-regulation of ATM led to an increase in the expressions of ATM, E2F1, INK4b, INK4a, ARF, p53, and pRB. The silencing of ANRIL or up-regulation of ATM exerted an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and invasion while improving the apoptosis of HXO-RB44 and Y79 cells. In conclusion, the key observations of our study demonstrated that ANRIL depletion could act to suppress retinoblastoma progression by activating the ATM-E2F1 signaling pathway. These results provide a potentially promising basis for the targetted intervention treatment of human retinoblastoma.
Association of the WNT3 polymorphisms and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Bing-qian , Gao Shu-tao , Chen Kun , Xu Zhu-qiu , Sun Jia-ming , Xia Yun , Lv Zheng-tao
Published: October 2018

Objective: This meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of investigating the association between WNT3 gene polymorphisms and non-syndromic cleft lip (CL) with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) predisposition. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in six online databases including PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Wanfang from inception up to June 2018 without language restriction. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated under allele model of inheritance to indicate the association between WNT3 polymorphisms and NSCL/P. Risk of bias was assessed through the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). Predetermined stratified and sensitivity analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.3 software, publication bias were evaluated by Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Results: Seven case–control studies comprising 1617 NSCL/P patients and 2143 healthy controls were identified and included in the present study, a total of eight loci were investigated in the present study: rs3809857 was significantly associated with NSCL/P vulnerability (G compared with T, OR = 1.34, 95%CI: 1.15–1.56, P=0.0001), a significant association between rs9890413 polymorphism and NSCL/P susceptibility (A compared with G, OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.06–1.47, P=0.007) was detected as well. Since only few studies reported detailed data about the association between rs142167, rs7207916, rs199498, rs111769, rs12452064, rs11653738, and NSCL/P risk, these results were not combined using meta-analysis. Conclusion: Based on the findings of our current study, the rs3809857 and rs9890413 polymorphisms of WNT3 appeared to be associated with NSCL/P. Limited evidence is found to support the association between other WNT3 polymorphisms and risk of NSCL/P.