bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aron Beckerman's City of Light: writing French history and defining immigrant Jewish space in interwar Paris
Authors: UNDERWOOD NICK
Published: October 2015

This article examines the writing of a little-known, but prolific interwar immigrant eastern European Parisian Yiddish writer, Aron Beckerman, to demonstrate how Yiddish journalism played a pivotal role in defining Paris as a simultaneously French and Jewish space to immigrant Jews living in the city. Engaging urban historical theory on the communal-building effect that public space can have, this article argues that within Beckerman's writings on Paris – its history and specific places within the city – we see a Paris emerge that details a universalist republican identity, which, when read through a Jewish lens, leads simultaneously to a particular immigrant, Yiddish-speaking, leftist Jewish understanding of what it meant to be ‘French’.
Large variability of bathypelagic microbial eukaryotic communities across the world’s oceans
Authors: Pernice Massimo C , Giner Caterina R , Logares Ramiro , Perera-Bel Júlia , Acinas Silvia G , Duarte Carlos M , Gasol Josep M , Massana Ramon
Published: October 2015

In this work, we study the diversity of bathypelagic microbial eukaryotes (0.8–20 μm) in the global ocean. Seawater samples from 3000 to 4000 m depth from 27 stations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans were analyzed by pyrosequencing the V4 region of the 18S ribosomal DNA. The relative abundance of the most abundant operational taxonomic units agreed with the results of a parallel metagenomic analysis, suggesting limited PCR biases in the tag approach. Although rarefaction curves for single stations were seldom saturated, the global analysis of all sequences together suggested an adequate recovery of bathypelagic diversity. Community composition presented a large variability among samples, which was poorly explained by linear geographic distance. In fact, the similarity between communities was better explained by water mass composition (26% of the variability) and the ratio in cell abundance between prokaryotes and microbial eukaryotes (21%). Deep diversity appeared dominated by four taxonomic groups (Collodaria, Chrysophytes, Basidiomycota and MALV-II) appearing in different proportions in each sample. Novel diversity amounted to 1% of the pyrotags and was lower than expected. Our study represents an essential step in the investigation of bathypelagic microbial eukaryotes, indicating dominating taxonomic groups and suggesting idiosyncratic assemblages in distinct oceanic regions.
Genetic sharing and heritability of paediatric age of onset autoimmune diseases
Authors: Li Yun R. , Zhao Sihai D. , Li Jin , Bradfield Jonathan P. , Mohebnasab Maede , Steel Laura , Kobie Julie , Abrams Debra J. , Mentch Frank D. , Glessner Joseph T. , Guo Yiran , Wei Zhi , Connolly John J. , Cardinale Christopher J. , Bakay Marina , Li Dong , Maggadottir S. Melkorka , Thomas Kelly A. , Qui Haijun , Chiavacci Rosetta M. , Kim Cecilia E. , Wang Fengxiang , Snyder James , Flatø Berit , Førre Øystein , Denson Lee A. , Thompson Susan D. , Becker Mara L. , Guthery Stephen L. , Latiano Anna , Perez Elena , Resnick Elena , Strisciuglio Caterina , Staiano Annamaria , Miele Erasmo , Silverberg Mark S. , Lie Benedicte A. , Punaro Marilynn , Russell Richard K. , Wilson David C. , Dubinsky Marla C. , Monos Dimitri S. , Annese Vito , Munro Jane E. , Wise Carol , Chapel Helen , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte , Orange Jordan S. , Behrens Edward M. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Kugathasan Subra , Griffiths Anne M. , Satsangi Jack , Grant Struan F. A. , Sleiman Patrick M. A. , Finkel Terri H. , Polychronakos Constantin , Baldassano Robert N. , Luning Prak Eline T. , Ellis Justine A. , Li Hongzhe , Keating Brendan J. , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: October 2015

Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are polygenic diseases affecting 7–10% of the population in the Western Hemisphere with few effective therapies. Here, we quantify the heritability of paediatric AIDs (pAIDs), including JIA, SLE, CEL, T1D, UC, CD, PS, SPA and CVID, attributable to common genomic variations (SNP-h2). SNP-h2 estimates are most significant for T1D (0.863±s.e. 0.07) and JIA (0.727±s.e. 0.037), more modest for UC (0.386±s.e. 0.04) and CD (0.454±0.025), largely consistent with population estimates and are generally greater than that previously reported by adult GWAS. On pairwise analysis, we observed that the diseases UC-CD (0.69±s.e. 0.07) and JIA-CVID (0.343±s.e. 0.13) are the most strongly correlated. Variations across the MHC strongly contribute to SNP-h2 in T1D and JIA, but does not significantly contribute to the pairwise rG. Together, our results partition contributions of shared versus disease-specific genomic variations to pAID heritability, identifying pAIDs with unexpected risk sharing, while recapitulating known associations between autoimmune diseases previously reported in adult cohorts.
Hyperpolarized nanodiamond with long spin-relaxation times
Authors: Rej Ewa , Gaebel Torsten , Boele Thomas , Waddington David E.J. , Reilly David J.
Published: October 2015

The use of hyperpolarized agents in magnetic resonance, such as 13C-labelled compounds, enables powerful new imaging and detection modalities that stem from a 10,000-fold boost in signal. A major challenge for the future of the hyperpolarization technique is the inherently short spin-relaxation times, typically <60 s for 13C liquid-state compounds, which limit the time that the signal remains boosted. Here we demonstrate that 1.1% natural abundance 13C spins in synthetic nanodiamond can be hyperpolarized at cryogenic and room temperature without the use of free radicals, and, owing to their solid-state environment, exhibit relaxation times exceeding 1 h. Combined with the already established applications of nanodiamonds in the life sciences as inexpensive fluorescent markers and non-cytotoxic substrates for gene and drug delivery, these results extend the theranostic capabilities of nanoscale diamonds into the domain of hyperpolarized magnetic resonance.
Immunological biomarkers predict HIV-1 viral rebound after treatment interruption
Authors: Hurst Jacob , Hoffmann Matthias , Pace Matthew , Williams James P. , Thornhill John , Hamlyn Elizabeth , Meyerowitz Jodi , Willberg Chris , Koelsch Kersten K. , Robinson Nicola , Brown Helen , Fisher Martin , Kinloch Sabine , Cooper David A. , Schechter Mauro , Tambussi Giuseppe , Fidler Sarah , Babiker Abdel , Weber Jonathan , Kelleher Anthony D. , Phillips Rodney E. , Frater John
Published: October 2015

Treatment of HIV-1 infection with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the weeks following transmission may induce a state of ‘post-treatment control’ (PTC) in some patients, in whom viraemia remains undetectable when ART is stopped. Explaining PTC could help our understanding of the processes that maintain viral persistence. Here we show that immunological biomarkers can predict time to viral rebound after stopping ART by analysing data from a randomized study of primary HIV-1 infection incorporating a treatment interruption (TI) after 48 weeks of ART (the SPARTAC trial). T-cell exhaustion markers PD-1, Tim-3 and Lag-3 measured prior to ART strongly predict time to the return of viraemia. These data indicate that T-cell exhaustion markers may identify those latently infected cells with a higher proclivity to viral transcription. Our results may open new avenues for understanding the mechanisms underlying PTC, and eventually HIV-1 eradication.
Substrate specificity and transport mechanism of amino-acid transceptor Slimfast from Aedes aegypti
Authors: Boudko Dmitri Y. , Tsujimoto Hitoshi , Rodriguez Stacy D. , Meleshkevitch Ella A. , Price David P. , Drake Lisa L. , Hansen Immo A.
Published: October 2015

Anautogenous mosquitoes depend on vertebrate blood as nutrient source for their eggs. A highly efficient set of membrane transporters mediates the massive movement of nutrient amino acids between mosquito tissues after a blood meal. Here we report the characterization of the amino-acid transporter Slimfast (Slif) from the yellow-fever mosquito Aedes aegypti using codon-optimized heterologous expression. Slif is a well-known component of the target-of-rapamycin signalling pathway and fat body nutrient sensor, but its substrate specificity and transport mechanism were unknown. We found that Slif transports essential cationic and neutral amino acids with preference for arginine. It has an unusual dual-affinity mechanism with only the high affinity being Na+ dependent. Tissue-specific expression and blood meal-dependent regulation of Slif are consistent with conveyance of essential amino acids from gut to fat body. Slif represents a novel transport system and type of transceptor for sensing and transporting essential amino acids during mosquito reproduction.
Selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene on platinum–copper alloys at the single-atom limit
Authors: Lucci Felicia R. , Liu Jilei , Marcinkowski Matthew D. , Yang Ming , Allard Lawrence F. , Flytzani-Stephanopoulos Maria , Sykes E. Charles H.
Published: October 2015

Platinum is ubiquitous in the production sectors of chemicals and fuels; however, its scarcity in nature and high price will limit future proliferation of platinum-catalysed reactions. One promising approach to conserve platinum involves understanding the smallest number of platinum atoms needed to catalyse a reaction, then designing catalysts with the minimal platinum ensembles. Here we design and test a new generation of platinum–copper nanoparticle catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene,, an industrially important reaction. Isolated platinum atom geometries enable hydrogen activation and spillover but are incapable of C–C bond scission that leads to loss of selectivity and catalyst deactivation. γ-Alumina-supported single-atom alloy nanoparticle catalysts with <1 platinum atom per 100 copper atoms are found to exhibit high activity and selectivity for butadiene hydrogenation to butenes under mild conditions, demonstrating transferability from the model study to the catalytic reaction under practical conditions.
Learning of anticipatory responses in single neurons of the human medial temporal lobe
Authors: Reddy Leila , Poncet Marlene , Self Matthew W. , Peters Judith C. , Douw Linda , van Dellen Edwin , Claus Steven , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Baayen Johannes C. , Roelfsema Pieter R.
Published: October 2015

Neuronal processes underlying the formation of new associations in the human brain are not yet well understood. Here human participants, implanted with depth electrodes in the brain, learned arbitrary associations between images presented in an ordered, predictable sequence. During learning we recorded from medial temporal lobe (MTL) neurons that responded to at least one of the pictures in the sequence (the preferred stimulus). We report that as a result of learning, single MTL neurons show asymmetric shifts in activity and start firing earlier in the sequence in anticipation of their preferred stimulus. These effects appear relatively early in learning, after only 11 exposures to the stimulus sequence. The anticipatory neuronal responses emerge while the subjects became faster in reporting the next item in the sequence. These results demonstrate flexible representations that could support learning of new associations between stimuli in a sequence, in single neurons in the human MTL.
The external domains of the HIV-1 envelope are a mutational cold spot
Authors: Geller Ron , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Cuevas José M. , Rossolillo Paola , Negroni Matteo , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: October 2015

In RNA viruses, mutations occur fast and have large fitness effects. While this affords remarkable adaptability, it can also endanger viral survival due to the accumulation of deleterious mutations. How RNA viruses reconcile these two opposed facets of mutation is still unknown. Here we show that, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), spontaneous mutations are not randomly located along the viral genome. We find that the viral mutation rate experiences a threefold reduction in the region encoding the most external domains of the viral envelope, which are strongly targeted by neutralizing antibodies. This contrasts with the hypermutation mechanisms deployed by other, more slowly mutating pathogens such as DNA viruses and bacteria, in response to immune pressure. We show that downregulation of the mutation rate in HIV-1 is exerted by the template RNA through changes in sequence context and secondary structure, which control the activity of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (A3)-mediated cytidine deamination and the fidelity of the viral reverse transcriptase.
Structure of the DBL3X-DBL4ε region of the VAR2CSA placental malaria vaccine candidate: insight into DBL domain interactions
Authors: Gangnard Stéphane , Lewit-Bentley Anita , Dechavanne Sébastien , Srivastava Anand , Amirat Faroudja , Bentley Graham A. , Gamain Benoît
Published: October 2015

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is able to evade spleen-mediated clearing from blood stream by sequestering in peripheral organs. This is due to the adhesive properties conferred by the P. falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) family exported by the parasite to the surface of infected erythrocytes. Expression of the VAR2CSA variant of PfEMP1 leads to pregnancy-associated malaria, which occurs when infected erythrocytes massively sequester in the placenta by binding to low-sulfated Chondroitin Sulfate A (CSA) present in the intervillous spaces. VAR2CSA is a 350 kDa protein that carries six Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) domains, one Cysteine-rich Inter-Domain Regions (CIDR) and several inter-domain regions. In the present paper, we report for the first time the crystal structure at 2.9 Å of a VAR2CSA double domain, DBL3X-DBL4ε, from the FCR3 strain. DBL3X and DBL4ε share a large contact interface formed by residues that are invariant or highly conserved in VAR2CSA variants, which suggests that these two central DBL domains (DBL3X-DBL4ε) contribute significantly to the structuring of the functional VAR2CSA extracellular region. We have also examined the antigenicity of peptides corresponding to exposed loop regions of the DBL4ε structure.
High-Efficiency Cooper-Pair Splitter in Quantum Anomalous Hall Insulator Proximity-Coupled with Superconductor
Authors: Zhang Ying-Tao , Deng Xinzhou , Sun Qing-Feng , Qiao Zhenhua
Published: October 2015

The quantum entanglement between two qubits is crucial for applications in the quantum communication. After the entanglement of photons was experimentally realized, much effort has been taken to exploit the entangled electrons in solid-state systems. Here, we propose a Cooper-pair splitter, which can generate spatially-separated but entangled electrons, in a quantum anomalous Hall insulator proximity-coupled with a superconductor. After coupling with a superconductor, the chiral edge states of the quantum anomalous Hall insulator can still survive, making the backscattering impossible. Thus, the local Andreev reflection becomes vanishing, while the crossed Andreev reflection becomes dominant in the scattering process. This indicates that our device can serve as an extremely high-efficiency Cooper-pair splitter. Furthermore, because of the chiral characteristic, our Cooper-pair splitter is robust against disorders and can work in a wide range of system parameters. Particularly, it can still function even if the system length exceeds the superconducting coherence length.
Absorption of PCB126 by upper airways impairs G protein-coupled receptor-mediated immune response
Authors: Shimada Ana Lúcia B. , Cruz Wesley S. , Loiola Rodrigo A. , Drewes Carine C. , Dörr Fabiane , Figueiredo Natália G. , Pinto Ernani , Farsky Sandra H. P.
Published: October 2015

PCB126 is a dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) environmental pollutant with a significant impact on human health, as it bioaccumulates and causes severe toxicity. PCB126-induced immune toxicity has been described, although the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this study, an in vivo protocol of PCB126 intoxication into male Wistar rats by intranasal route was used, which has not yet been described. The intoxication was characterised by PCB126 accumulation in the lungs and liver and enhanced aryl hydrocarbon receptor expression in the liver, lungs, kidneys and adipose tissues. Moreover, an innate immune deficiency was characterised by impairment of adhesion receptors on blood leukocytes and by reduced blood neutrophil locomotion and oxidative burst activation elicited by ex vivo G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation. Specificity of PCB126 actions on the GPCR pathway was shown by normal burst oxidative activation evoked by Toll-like receptor 4 and protein kinase C direct activation. Moreover, in vivo PCB180 intoxication did not alter adhesion receptors on blood leukocytes either blood neutrophil locomotion and only partially reduced the GPCR-induced burst oxidative activation on neutrophils. Therefore, a novel mechanism of in vivo PCB126 toxicity is described which impairs a pivotal inflammatory pathway to the host defence against infections.
Discovery of Novel Anti-prion Compounds Using In Silico and In Vitro Approaches
Authors: Hyeon Jae Wook , Choi Jiwon , Kim Su Yeon , Govindaraj Rajiv Gandhi , Jam Hwang Kyu , Lee Yeong Seon , An Seong Soo A. , Lee Myung Koo , Joung Jong Young , No Kyoung Tai , Lee Jeongmin
Published: October 2015

Prion diseases are associated with the conformational conversion of the physiological form of cellular prion protein (PrPC) to the pathogenic form, PrPSc. Compounds that inhibit this process by blocking conversion to the PrPSc could provide useful anti-prion therapies. However, no suitable drugs have been identified to date. To identify novel anti-prion compounds, we developed a combined structure- and ligand-based virtual screening system in silico. Virtual screening of a 700,000-compound database, followed by cluster analysis, identified 37 compounds with strong interactions with essential hotspot PrP residues identified in a previous study of PrPC interaction with a known anti-prion compound (GN8). These compounds were tested in vitro using a multimer detection system, cell-based assays and surface plasmon resonance. Some compounds effectively reduced PrPSc levels and one of these compounds also showed a high binding affinity for PrPC. These results provide a promising starting point for the development of anti-prion compounds.
Zoophycos macroevolution since 541 Ma
Authors: Zhang Li-Jun , Fan Ruo-Ying , Gong Yi-Ming
Published: October 2015

Zoophycosis one of the most complex and enigmatic trace fossils recorded in marine strata from Cambrian to Quaternary worldwide, which is invaluable for the study of Phanerozoic development of organism–environment interactions. Here we address and demonstrate the macroevolution of PhanerozoicZoophycosby assembling 448 points in constructing the PhanerozoicZoophycosdatabase based on 291 papers from 1821 to 2015 and 180 specimens from Cambrian to Palaeogene. The comprehensive dataset reveals, for the first time, five peaks and six depressions in PhanerozoicZoophycosoccurrence frequency. Secondly, the palaeogeographical distribution ofZoophycosis closely associated with the supercontinent Pangaea shifting, independent of the latitude. Our data also attest that the bathymetrical shift ofZoophycosfrom the littoral–neritic to bathyal environments is synchronized with the tiering shift from shallow to deep. By detailed comparison with body fossils, geochemical and palaeogeographical records, we conclude that the macroevolution of PhanerozoicZoophycosis multi-affected by the global biodiversity expansion, benthic nutrient enhancement and the biotic macroevolution of theZoophycos-producers. The macroevolution of development evidenced by the morphological changes ofZoophycosand other trace fossils, may have great implications on the behavioural and physiological adaptation of ancient animals to the environments.
Large-Scale Molecular Simulations on the Mechanical Response and Failure Behavior of a defective Graphene: Cases of 5–8–5 Defects
Authors: Wang Shuaiwei , Yang Baocheng , Yuan Jinyun , Si Yubing , Chen Houyang
Published: October 2015

Understanding the effect of defects on mechanical responses and failure behaviors of a graphene membrane is important for its applications. As examples, in this paper, a family of graphene with various 5–8–5 defects are designed and their mechanical responses are investigated by employing molecular dynamics simulations. The dependence of fracture strength and strain as well as Young’s moduli on the nearest neighbor distance and defect types is examined. By introducing the 5–8–5 defects into graphene, the fracture strength and strain become smaller. However, the Young’s moduli of DL (Linear arrangement of repeat unit 5–8–5 defect along zigzag-direction of graphene), DS (a Slope angle between repeat unit 5–8–5 defect and zigzag direction of graphene) and DZ (Zigzag-like 5–8–5 defects) defects in the zigzag direction become larger than those in the pristine graphene in the same direction. A maximum increase of 11.8% of Young’s modulus is obtained. Furthermore, the brittle cracking mechanism is proposed for the graphene with 5–8–5 defects. The present work may provide insights in controlling the mechanical properties by preparing defects in the graphene and give a full picture for the applications of graphene with defects in flexible electronics and nanodevices.
Despair-associated memory requires a slow-onset CA1 long-term potentiation with unique underlying mechanisms
Authors: Jing Liang , Duan Ting-Ting , Tian Meng , Yuan Qiang , Tan Ji-Wei , Zhu Yong-Yong , Ding Ze-Yang , Cao Jun , Yang Yue-Xiong , Zhang Xia , Mao Rong-Rong , Richter-levin Gal , Zhou Qi-Xin , Xu Lin
Published: October 2015

The emotion of despair that occurs with uncontrollable stressful event is probably retained by memory, termed despair-associated memory, although little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we report that forced swimming (FS) with no hope to escape, but not hopefully escapable swimming (ES), enhances hippocampal α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-dependent GluA1 Ser831 phosphorylation (S831-P), induces a slow-onset CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) in freely moving rats and leads to increased test immobility 24-h later. Before FS application of the antagonists to block S831-P or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) or glucocorticoid receptor (GR) disrupts LTP and reduces test immobility, to levels similar to those of the ES group. Because these mechanisms are specifically linked with the hopeless of escape from FS, we suggest that despair-associated memory occurs with an endogenous CA1 LTP that is intriguingly mediated by a unique combination of rapid S831-P with NMDAR and GR activation to shape subsequent behavioral despair.
Maternal intraguild predation risk affects offspring anti-predator behavior and learning in mites
Authors: Seiter Michael , Schausberger Peter
Published: October 2015

Predation risk is a strong selective force shaping prey morphology, life history and behavior. Anti-predator behaviors may be innate, learned or both but little is known about the transgenerational behavioral effects of maternally experienced predation risk. We examined intraguild predation (IGP) risk-induced maternal effects on offspring anti-predator behavior, including learning, in the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. We exposed predatory mite mothers during egg production to presence or absence of the IG predator Amblyseius andersoni and assessed whether maternal stress affects the anti-predator behavior, including larval learning ability, of their offspring as protonymphs. Protonymphs emerging from stressed or unstressed mothers and having experienced IGP risk as larvae or not, were subjected to choice situations with and without IG predator traces. Predator-experienced protonymphs from stressed mothers were the least active and acted the boldest in site choice towards predator cues. We argue that the attenuated response of the protonymphs to predator traces alone represents optimized risk management because no immediate risk existed. Such behavioral adjustment could reduce the inherent fitness costs of anti-predator behaviors. Overall, our study suggests that P. persimilis mothers experiencing IGP risk may prime their offspring to behave more optimally in IGP environments.
Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective allylation of silyl enol ethers derived from ketones and α,β-unsaturated ketones
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wei Kun , Yang Yu-Rong
Published: October 2015

The unified Ir-catalyzed enantioselective allylic substitution reactions of silyl enol ethers derived from ketones and α,β-unsaturated ketones with branched, racemic allylic alcohols are described.
Facile fabrication of structure-tunable bead-shaped hybrid microfibers using a Rayleigh instability guiding strategy
Authors: Zhang Yan , Tian Yu , Xu Ling-Ling , Wang Cai-Feng , Chen Su
Published: October 2015

A novel Rayleigh instability driven drop-sliding fiber approach combined with a spinning process is proposed for the fabrication of bead-shaped hybrid microfiber arrays.
Direct evidence of polyamorphism in paracetamol
Authors: Nguyen Thi Yen , Rademann Klaus , Emmerling Franziska
Published: October 2015

Two different amorphous states were identified as structure defining precursors during the crystallization of paracetamol.
Chemoselective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene over a Pt/FeOx pseudo-single-atom-catalyst in CO2-expanded liquids
Authors: Xu Gang , Wei Haisheng , Ren Yujing , Yin Jianzhong , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: October 2015

Chemoselective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene over a Pt/FeOx pseudo-single-atom-catalyst in CO2-expanded liquids.
CELF pretreatment of corn stover boosts ethanol titers and yields from high solids SSF with low enzyme loadings
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Yen , Cai Charles M. , Osman Omar , Kumar Rajeev , Wyman Charles E.
Published: October 2015

CELF pretreatment of corn stover achieves high ethanol yields at industrially relevant ethanol titers for low enzyme loadings without pre-hydrolysis.
Anisotropic photocurrent response at black phosphorus–MoS2p–n heterojunctions
Authors: Hong Tu , Chamlagain Bhim , Wang Tianjiao , Chuang Hsun-Jen , Zhou Zhixian , Xu Ya-Qiong
Published: October 2015

We investigate the photocurrent generation mechanisms at a vertical p–n heterojunction between black phosphorus (BP) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flakes through polarization-, wavelength-, and gate-dependent scanning photocurrent measurements.
Functionalized nanomaterials: are they effective to perform gene delivery to difficult-to-transfect cells with no cytotoxicity?
Authors: Tonelli F. M. P. , Lacerda S. M. S. N. , Paiva N. C. O. , Pacheco F. G. , Scalzo Junior S. R. A. , de Macedo F. H. P. , Cruz J. S. , Pinto M. C. X. , Junior J. D. Corrêa , Ladeira L. O. , França L. R. , Guatimosim S. , Resende R. R.
Published: October 2015

Nanomaterials can transfect hard-to-transfect cells with efficiency and citotoxicity even better than the ones from some commercial reagents.
Conductance tomography of conductive filaments in intrinsic silicon-rich silica RRAM
Authors: Buckwell Mark , Montesi Luca , Hudziak Stephen , Mehonic Adnan , Kenyon Anthony J.
Published: October 2015

Conductive atomic force microscopy was used to etch through SiOxresistance switching devices to produce three-dimensional renderings of conductive filaments.
An efficient one-pot two catalyst system in the construction of 2-substituted benzimidazoles: synthesis of benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolines
Authors: Cimarelli Cristina , Di Nicola Matteo , Diomedi Simone , Giovannini Riccardo , Hamprecht Dieter , Properzi Roberta , Sorana Federico , Marcantoni Enrico
Published: October 2015

The first CeCl3·7H2O–CuI catalyzed one-pot procedure for the synthesis of functionalized 2-substituted benzimidazoles as a valuable strategy in both industry and academia.
Influence of carbon nanofillers on the curing kinetics of epoxy-amine resin
Authors: Vertuccio L. , Russo S. , Raimondo M. , Lafdi K. , Guadagno L.
Published: October 2015

Variation of the activation energy with conversion obtained by “advanced isoconversional method”.
Recyclable ionic liquid iodinating reagent for solvent free, regioselective iodination of activated aromatic and heteroaromatic amines
Authors: Deshmukh Amarsinh , Gore Babasaheb , Thulasiram Hirekodathakallu V. , Swamy Vincent P.
Published: October 2015

This article describes a simple, efficient method for iodination of activated aromatic/heteroaromatic amines using BMPDCI as a recyclable ionic liquid iodinating reagent, in the absence of any solvent, base/toxic heavy metals, or oxidizing agents.
Improved photocatalytic activity of MoS2 nanosheets decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Vattikuti S. V. Prabhakar , Byon Chan , Reddy Ch. Venkata , Ravikumar R. V. S. S. N.
Published: October 2015

MoS2 nanosheets decorated with SnO2 mesoporous nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a facile two-step method.
Synthesis and characterization of BN/Bi2WO6 composite photocatalysts with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Li Weibin , Wang Qi , Huang Liying , Li Yeping , Xu Yuanguo , Song Yanhua , Zhang Qi , Xu Hui , Li Huaming
Published: October 2015

Bi2WO6 modified with few-layer BN was synthesized by an impregnation method. The as-prepared BN/Bi2WO6 photocatalysts exhibited a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) than the pure Bi2WO6.
Silybin, a flavonolignan from milk thistle seeds, restrains the early and advanced glycation end product modification of albumin
Authors: Awasthi Saurabh , Saraswathi N. T.
Published: October 2015

Silybin exhibited a protective effect towards the non-enzymatic glycation mediated structure functional changes in albumin.
ZnO nanorod/nickel phthalocyanine hierarchical hetero-nanostructures with superior visible light photocatalytic properties assisted by H2O2
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Gao Jie , Xu Bingang , Hua Tao , Xia Houyong
Published: October 2015

ZnO-NR/TPNiPc hierarchical hetero-nanostructure arrays exhibited superior visible light photocatalytic activities in degradation of Rhodamine B assisted by H2O2.
Synthesis and characterization of [60]fullerene-poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyl oxetane) and its thermal decomposition
Authors: Zhao Jun , Jin Bo , Peng Rufang , Deng Nengmei , Gong Wenlin , Liu Qiangqiang , Chu Shijin
Published: October 2015

A new functionalized fullerene derivative, [60]fullerene-poly(3-azidomethyl-3-methyl oxetane) (C60-PAMMO), was synthesized for the first time using a modified Bingel reaction with C60 and BM-PAMMO.
Facile preparation of rare-earth semiconductor nanocrystals and tuning of their dimensionalities
Authors: Lin Hechun , Luo Qianqian , Tong Wen-Yi , Jiang Chunli , Huang Rong , Peng Hui , Zhang Lai-Chang , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: October 2015

Monodispersed EuS and Gd2O2S nanocrystals are synthesized in high yields by the thermal decomposition of Eu(oleate)3 or Gd(oleate)3 by using CS2 as the sulfur source with an advantage of facile tuning their dimensionality.
Excellent impact strength of ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer toughened polycarbonate
Authors: Bagotia Nisha , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Choudhary Veena , Sharma D. K.
Published: October 2015

The notched izod impact strength of PC/EMA blends showed a positive blending effect and increased 381% with incorporation of a very little amount of EMA (5%) with a marginal decrease in tensile strength of PC.
Three independent channel nanohybrids as fluorescent probes
Authors: Gonzalez-Carrero Soranyel , Agudelo-Morales Carlos , Guardia Miguel de la , Galian Raquel E. , Pérez-Prieto Julia
Published: October 2015

Pyrene-capped CdSe/ZnS nanohybrids permit a simple and rapid quantification of trinitrotoluene in the presence of interferents of the same chemical family.
Lattice Boltzmann modeling of self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets on ratchet surfaces
Authors: Li Qing , Kang Q. J. , Francois M. M. , Hu A. J.
Published: October 2015

The self-propelled motion of a Leidenfrost droplet on a ratchet surface.
The formation mechanism of layered double hydroxide nanoscrolls by facile trinal-phase hydrothermal treatment and their adsorption properties
Authors: Lv Weiyang , Du Miao , Ye Weijuan , Zheng Qiang
Published: October 2015

A facile trinal-phase hydrothermal treatment method is developed for fabricating uniform layered double hydroxide nanoscrolls, which exhibit excellent performance for adsorbing methyl orange in aqueous solution.
O3-type layered transition metal oxide Na(NiCoFeTi)1/4O2 as a high rate and long cycle life cathode material for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yue Ji-Li , Zhou Yong-Ning , Yu Xiqian , Bak Seong-Min , Yang Xiao-Qing , Fu Zheng-Wen
Published: October 2015

A new single phase quaternary O3-type layer-structured transition metal oxide Na(NiCoFeTi)1/4O2 was successfully synthesized. It can deliver a reversible capacity of 90.6 mA h g−1 at a rate as high as 20C. At 5C, 75.0% of the initial specific capacity can be retained after 400 cycles with a capacity-decay rate of 0.07% per cycle.
Polydopamine-derived porous carbon fiber/cobalt composites for efficient oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Yan Jiajie , Lu Hengyi , Huang Yunpeng , Fu Jun , Mo Shuyi , Wei Chun , Miao Yue-E , Liu Tianxi
Published: October 2015

Mesoporous composites of nitrogen-doped carbon fiber embedded with cobalt nanoparticles have been successfully obtained through the combination of a mussel-inspired biomimetic polydopamine-coating process, a simple solution deposition method and subsequent high-temperature carbonization as an efficient catalyst for oxygen reduction reactions.
Nerve conduits constructed by electrospun P(LLA-CL) nanofibers and PLLA nanofiber yarns
Authors: Li Dawei , Pan Xin , Sun Binbin , Wu Tong , Chen Weiming , Huang Chen , Ke Qinfei , EI-Hamshary Hany A. , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Mo Xiumei
Published: October 2015

Nerve conduits constructed by PLLA nanofiber yarns could facilitate the proliferation, spreading, and migration of SC cells.
Remote, fast actuation of programmable multiple shape memory composites by magnetic fields
Authors: Zhang F. H. , Zhang Z. C. , Luo C. J. , Lin I-Ting , Liu Yanju , Leng Jinsong , Smoukov Stoyan K.
Published: October 2015

Magnetic field actuated shape recovery behavior of a 3D box folded by a Nafion/Fe3O4composite membrane with its surface temperature near body temperature.
Shape-selective, stoichiometric sensing of fatty acids with a mixed polydiacetylene liposome
Authors: Cho Yong-Suk , Ma Dong Hee , Ahn Kyo Han
Published: October 2015

A mixed polymerized liposome discriminates fatty acids depending on their overall shape and with a discrete binding stoichiometry.
Rpn10 monoubiquitination orchestrates the association of the ubiquilin-type DSK2 receptor with the proteasome
Authors: Zuin Alice , Bichmann Anne , Isasa Marta , Puig-Sàrries Pilar , Díaz Luís Miguel , Crosas Bernat
Published: October 2015

Despite the progress made in understanding the roles of proteasome polyubiquitin receptors, such as the subunits Rpn10 (regulatory particle non-ATPase 10) and Rpn13, and the transient interactors Rad23 (radiation sensitivity abnormal 23) and Dsk2 (dual-specificity protein kinase 2), the mechanisms involved in their regulation are virtually unknown. Rpn10, which is found in the cell in proteasome-bound and -unbound pools, interacts with Dsk2, and this interaction has been proposed to regulate the amount of Dsk2 that gains access to the proteasome. Rpn10 monoubiquitination has emerged as a conserved mechanism with a strong effect on Rpn10 function. In the present study, we show that functional yeast proteasomes have the capacity to associate and dissociate with Rpn10 and that Rpn10 monoubiquitination decreases the Rpn10–proteasome and Rpn10–Dsk2 associations. Remarkably, this process facilitates the formation of Dsk2–proteasomes in vivo. Therefore, Rpn10 monoubiquitination acts as mechanism that serves to switch the proteasome from an ‘Rpn10 high/Dsk2 low’ state to an ‘Rpn10 low/Dsk2 high’ state. Interestingly, Rpn10–ubiquitin, with an inactivated ubiquitin-interacting motif (UIM), and Dsk2I45S, with an inactive ubiquitin-like domain (UBL), show temperature-dependent phenotypes with multiple functional interactions.
Structural basis for the mechanism of ABC transporters
Authors: Beis Konstantinos
Published: October 2015

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are primary transporters that couple the energy stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the movement of molecules across the membrane. ABC transporters can be divided into exporters and importers; importers mediate the uptake of essential nutrients into cells and are found predominantly in prokaryotes whereas exporters transport molecules out of cells or into organelles and are found in all organisms. ABC exporters have been linked with multi-drug resistance in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells. ABC transporters are powered by the hydrolysis of ATP and transport their substrate via the alternating access mechanism, whereby the protein alternates between a conformation in which the substrate-binding site is accessible from the outside of the membrane, outward-facing and one in which it is inward-facing. In this mini-review, the structures of different ABC transporter types in different conformations are presented within the context of the alternating access mechanism and how they have shaped our current understanding of the mechanism of ABC transporters.
Tribbles and arthritis: what are the links?
Authors: Rowan Andrew D. , Litherland Gary J.
Published: October 2015

The pseudo-kinase family of tribbles (TRIB) proteins has been linked to a variety of cell signalling pathways and appears to have functionally divergent roles with respect to intracellular protein degradation and the ability to regulate signal transduction pathways. In the arthritides, inflammation and a wide variety of pro-inflammatory pathways have been implicated to drive the cartilage destruction and consequent disability associated with both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Despite burgeoning evidence linking the TRIB to inflammation-related pathologies such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer, very little is known about their roles in arthritis. The present review discusses current knowledge of the impact of TRIB on pro-inflammatory cellular mechanisms and pathways known to be important in the pathogenesis of RA and OA.
Comparison of protein repeat classifications based on structure and sequence families
Authors: Paladin Lisanna , Tosatto Silvio C.E.
Published: October 2015

Tandem repeats (TR) in proteins are common in nature and have several unique functions. They come in various forms that are frequently difficult to recognize from a sequence. A previously proposed structural classification has been recently implemented in the RepeatsDB database. This defines five main classes, mainly based on repeat unit length, with subclasses representing specific folds. Sequence-based classifications, such as Pfam, provide an alternative classification based on evolutionarily conserved repeat families. Here, we discuss a detailed comparison between the structural classes in RepeatsDB and the corresponding Pfam repeat families and clans. Most instances are found to map one-to-one between structure and sequence. Some notable exceptions such as leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) and α-solenoids are discussed.
Characterizing diverse orthologues of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein for structural studies
Authors: Pollock Naomi L. , Rimington Tracy L. , Ford Robert C.
Published: October 2015

As an ion channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein occupies a unique niche within the ABC family. Orthologues of CFTR are extant throughout the animal kingdom from sharks to platypods to sheep, where the osmoregulatory function of the protein has been applied to differing lifestyles and diverse organ systems. In humans, loss-of-function mutations to CFTR cause the disease cystic fibrosis, which is a significant health burden in populations of white European descent. Orthologue screening has proved fruitful in the pursuit of high-resolution structural data for several membrane proteins, and we have applied some of the princples developed in previous studies to the expression and purification of CFTR. We have overexpressed this protein, along with evolutionarily diverse orthologues, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and developed a purification to isolate it in quantities sufficient for structural and functional studies.
The centriolar protein CPAP G-box: an amyloid fibril in a single domain
Authors: Cutts Erin E. , Inglis Alison , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Vakonakis Ioannis , Hatzopoulos Georgios N.
Published: October 2015

Centrioles are evolutionarily conserved cylindrical cell organelles with characteristic radial symmetry. Despite their considerable size (400 nm × 200 nm, in humans), genetic studies suggest that relatively few protein components are involved in their assembly. We recently characterized the molecular architecture of the centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CPAP), which is crucial for controlling the centriolar cylinder length. Here, we review the remarkable architecture of the C-terminal domain of CPAP, termed the G-box, which comprises a single, entirely solvent exposed, antiparallel β-sheet. Molecular dynamics simulations support the stability of the G-box domain even in the face of truncations or amino acid substitutions. The similarity of the G-box domain to amyloids (or amyloid precursors) is strengthened by its oligomeric arrangement to form continuous fibrils. G-box fibrils were observed in crystals as well as in solution and are also supported by simulations. We conclude that the G-box domain may well represent the best analogue currently available for studies of exposed β-sheets, unencumbered by additional structural elements or severe aggregations problems.
Repeat proteins challenge the concept of structural domains
Authors: Espada Rocío , Parra R. Gonzalo , Sippl Manfred J. , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Ferreiro Diego U.
Published: October 2015

Structural domains are believed to be modules within proteins that can fold and function independently. Some proteins show tandem repetitions of apparent modular structure that do not fold independently, but rather co-operate in stabilizing structural forms that comprise several repeat-units. For many natural repeat-proteins, it has been shown that weak energetic links between repeats lead to the breakdown of co-operativity and the appearance of folding sub-domains within an apparently regular repeat array. The quasi-1D architecture of repeat-proteins is crucial in detailing how the local energetic balances can modulate the folding dynamics of these proteins, which can be related to the physiological behaviour of these ubiquitous biological systems.
Structural advances on titin: towards an atomic understanding of multi-domain functions in myofilament mechanics and scaffolding
Authors: Zacharchenko Thomas , von Castelmur Eleonore , Rigden Daniel J. , Mayans Olga
Published: October 2015

Titin is a gigantic filamentous protein of the muscle sarcomere that plays roles in myofibril mechanics and homoeostasis. 3D-structures of multi-domain fragments of titin are now available that start revealing the molecular mechanisms governing its mechanical and scaffolding functions. This knowledge is now being translated into the fabrication of self-assembling biopolymers. Here we review the structural advances on titin, the novel concepts derived from these and the emerging translational avenues.
Designing repeat proteins for biosensors and medical imaging
Authors: Parker Rachael N. , Grove Tijana Z.
Published: October 2015

Advances in protein engineering tools, both computational and experimental, has afforded many new protein structures and functions. Here, we present a snapshot of repeat-protein engineering efforts towards new, versatile, alternative binding scaffolds for use in analytical sensors and as imaging agents. Analytical assays, sensors and imaging agents based on the direct binding of analyte are increasingly important for research and diagnostics in medicine, food safety, and national security.
Emergence of de novo proteins from ‘dark genomic matter’ by ‘grow slow and moult’
Authors: Bornberg-Bauer Erich , Schmitz Jonathan , Heberlein Magdalena
Published: October 2015

Proteins are the workhorses of the cell and, over billions of years, they have evolved an amazing plethora of extremely diverse and versatile structures with equally diverse functions. Evolutionary emergence of new proteins and transitions between existing ones are believed to be rare or even impossible. However, recent advances in comparative genomics have repeatedly called some 10%–30% of all genes without any detectable similarity to existing proteins. Even after careful scrutiny, some of those orphan genes contain protein coding reading frames with detectable transcription and translation. Thus some proteins seem to have emerged from previously non-coding ‘dark genomic matter’. These ‘de novo’ proteins tend to be disordered, fast evolving, weakly expressed but also rapidly assuming novel and physiologically important functions. Here we review mechanisms by which ‘de novo’ proteins might be created, under which circumstances they may become fixed and why they are elusive. We propose a ‘grow slow and moult’ model in which first a reading frame is extended, coding for an initially disordered and non-globular appendage which, over time, becomes more structured and may also become associated with other proteins.
Molecular action of sulphonylureas on KATP channels: a real partnership between drugs and nucleotides
Authors: de Wet Heidi , Proks Peter
Published: October 2015

Sulphonylureas stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells primarily by closing ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the β-cell plasma membrane. The mechanism of channel inhibition by these drugs is unusually complex. As direct inhibitors of channel activity, sulphonylureas act only as partial antagonists at therapeutic concentrations. However, they also exert an additional indirect inhibitory effect via modulation of nucleotide-dependent channel gating. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of these drugs.
Tribbles breaking bad: TRIB2 suppresses FOXO and acts as an oncogenic protein in melanoma
Authors: Link Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

TRIB2 (tribbles homolog 2) encodes one of three members of the tribbles family in mammals. These members share a Trb (tribbles) domain, which is homologous to protein serine-threonine kinases, but lack the active site lysine. The tribbles proteins interact and modulate the activity of signal transduction pathways in a number of physiological and pathological processes. TRIB2 has been identified as an oncogene that inactivates the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and causes acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML). Recent research provided compelling evidence that TRIB2 can also act as oncogenic driver in solid tumours, such as lung and liver cancer. In particular, our recent work demonstrated that TRIB2 is dramatically overexpressed in malignant melanomas compared with normal skin and promotes the malignant phenotype of melanoma cells via the down-regulation of FOXO (forkhead box protein O) tumour suppressor activity in vitro and in vivo. TRIB2 was found to be expressed in normal skin, but its expression consistently increased in benign nevi, melanoma and was highest in samples from patients with malignant melanoma. The observation that TRIB2 strongly correlates with the progression of melanocyte-derived malignancies suggests TRIB2 as a meaningful biomarker to both diagnose and stage melanoma. In addition, interfering with TRIB2 activity might be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of several different tumour types.