bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescent Cationic Carbon Dots as efficient Non-Viral Delivery of Plasmid SOX9 and Chondrogenesis of Fibroblasts
Authors: Cao Xia , Wang Jianping , Deng Wenwen , Chen Jingjing , Wang Yan , Zhou Jie , Du Pan , Xu Wenqian , Wang Qiang , Wang Qilong , Yu Qingtong , Spector Myron , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing
Published: April 2018

With the increasing demand for higher gene carrier performance, a multifunctional vector could immensely simplify gene delivery for disease treatment; nevertheless, the current non- viral vectors lack self-tracking ability. Here, a type of novel, dual-functional cationic carbon dots (CDs), produced through one-step, microwave-assisted pyrolysis of arginine and glucose, have been utilized as both a self-imaging agent and a non-viral gene vector for chondrogenesis from fibroblasts. The cationic CDs could condense the model gene plasmid SOX9 (pSOX9) to form ultra-small (10–30 nm) nanoparticles which possessed several favorable properties, including high solubility, tunable fluorescence, high yield, low cytotoxicity and outstanding biocompatibility. The MTT assay indicated that CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles had little cytotoxicity against mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to Lipofectamine2000 and PEI (25 kDa). Importantly, the CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles with tunable fluorescence not only enabled the intracellular tracking of the nanoparticles, but also could successfully deliver the pSOX9 into MEFs with significantly high efficiency. Furthermore, the CDs/pSOX9 nanoparticles-mediated transfection of MEFs showed obvious chondrogenic differentiation. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that the CDs prepared in this study could serve as a paradigmatic example of the dual-functional reagent for both self-imaging and effective non-viral gene delivery.
Dual extraction of mRNA and lipids from a single biological sample
Authors: Podechard Normand , Ducheix Simon , Polizzi Arnaud , Lasserre Frédéric , Montagner Alexandra , Legagneux Vincent , Fouché Edwin , Saez Fabrice , Lobaccaro Jean-Marc , Lakhal Laila , Ellero-Simatos Sandrine , Martin Pascal. G. , Loiseau Nicolas , Bertrand-Michel Justine , Guillou Hervé
Published: April 2018

The extraction of RNA and lipids from a large number of biological samples is time-consuming and costly with steps required for both transcriptomic and lipidomic approaches. Most protocols rely on independent extraction of nucleic acids and lipids from a single sample, thereby increasing the need for biological material and inducing variability in data analysis. We investigated whether it is possible to use a standard RNA extraction procedure to analyze not only RNA levels, but also lipids in a single liver sample. We show that the organic phase obtained when using standard reagents for RNA extraction can be used to analyze lipids, including neutral lipids and fatty acids, by gas chromatography. We applied this technique to an analysis of lipids and the associated gene expression pattern in mice with hepatic steatosis induced by pharmacological activation of nuclear receptor LXR.
Extensive gene rearrangements in the mitochondrial genomes of two egg parasitoids, Trichogramma japonicum and Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Chen Long , Chen Peng-Yan , Xue Xiao-Feng , Hua Hai-Qing , Li Yuan-Xi , Zhang Fan , Wei Shu-Jun
Published: April 2018

Animal mitochondrial genomes usually exhibit conserved gene arrangement across major lineages, while those in the Hymenoptera are known to possess frequent rearrangements, as are those of several other orders of insects. Here, we sequenced two complete mitochondrial genomes of Trichogramma japonicum and Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Trichogrammatidae). In total, 37 mitochondrial genes were identified in both species. The same gene arrangement pattern was found in the two species, with extensive gene rearrangement compared with the ancestral insect mitochondrial genome. Most tRNA genes and all protein-coding genes were encoded on the minority strand. In total, 15 tRNA genes and seven protein-coding genes were rearranged. The rearrangements of cox1 and nad2 as well as most tRNA genes were novel. Phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes and on gene arrangement patterns produced identical topologies that support the relationship of (Agaonidae + Pteromalidae) + Trichogrammatidae in Chalcidoidea. CREx analysis revealed eight rearrangement operations occurred from presumed ancestral gene order of Chalcidoidea to form the derived gene order of Trichogramma. Our study shows that gene rearrangement information in Chalcidoidea can potentially contribute to the phylogeny of Chalcidoidea when more mitochondrial genome sequences are available.
Climate deteriorations and Neanderthal demise in interior Iberia
Authors: Wolf D. , Kolb T. , Alcaraz-Castaño M. , Heinrich S. , Baumgart P. , Calvo R. , Sánchez J. , Ryborz K. , Schäfer I. , Bliedtner M. , Zech R. , Zöller L. , Faust D.
Published: April 2018

Time and circumstances for the disappearance of Neanderthals and its relationship with the advent of Modern Humans are not yet sufficiently resolved, especially in case of the Iberian Peninsula. Reconstructing palaeoenvironmental conditions during the last glacial period is crucial to clarifying whether climate deteriorations or competition and contacts with Modern Humans played the pivotal role in driving Neanderthals to extinction. A high-resolution loess record from the Upper Tagus Basin in central Spain demonstrates that the Neanderthal abandonment of inner Iberian territories 42 kyr ago coincided with the evolvement of hostile environmental conditions, while archaeological evidence testifies that this desertion took place regardless of modern humans’ activities. According to stratigraphic findings and stable isotope analyses, this period corresponded to the driest environmental conditions of the last glacial apart from an even drier period linked to Heinrich Stadial 3. Our results show that during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 4 and 2 climate deteriorations in interior Iberia temporally coincided with northern hemisphere cold periods (Heinrich stadials). Solely during the middle MIS 3, in a period surrounding 42 kyr ago, this relation seems not straightforward, which may demonstrate the complexity of terrestrial climate conditions during glacial periods.
Abundance of impacted forest patches less than 5 km2 is a key driver of the incidence of malaria in Amazonian Brazil
Authors: Chaves Leonardo Suveges Moreira , Conn Jan E. , López Rossana Verónica Mendoza , Sallum Maria Anice Mureb
Published: April 2018

The precise role that deforestation for agricultural settlements and commercial forest products plays in promoting or inhibiting malaria incidence in Amazonian Brazil is controversial. Using publically available databases, we analyzed temporal malaria incidence (2009–2015) in municipalities of nine Amazonian states in relation to ecologically defined variables: (i) deforestation (rate of forest clearing over time); (ii) degraded forest (degree of human disturbance and openness of forest canopy for logging) and (iii) impacted forest (sum of deforested and degraded forest patches). We found that areas affected by one kilometer square of deforestation produced 27 new malaria cases (r² = 0.78; F1,10 = 35.81; P < 0.001). Unexpectedly, we found both a highly significant positive correlation between number of impacted forest patches less than 5 km2 and malaria cases, and that these patch sizes accounted for greater than ~95% of all patches in the study area. There was a significantly negative correlation between extraction forestry economic indices and malaria cases. Our results emphasize not only that deforestation promotes malaria incidence, but also that it directly or indirectly results in a low Human Development Index, and favors environmental conditions that promote malaria vector proliferation.
Genome-wide analysis of the SPL/miR156 module and its interaction with the AP2/miR172 unit in barley
Authors: Tripathi Rajiv K. , Bregitzer Phil , Singh Jaswinder
Published: April 2018

The SQUAMOSA-promoter binding like (SPL) gene family encodes transcription factors that have been shown in many species to influence plant growth and development, but information about these genes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is limited. This study identified 17 barley SPL genes, within eight distinct groups, that are orthologs of SPL genes described in Arabidopsis, wheat, and rice. Sixteen barley SPLs undergo alternative splicing. Seven SPLs contain a putative miR156 target site and the transcript levels of the miR156-targeted HvSPLs (HvSPL3, 13 and 23) were lower in vegetative than in reproductive phase but this was true also for some SPL genes such as HvSPL6 that were not regulated by miR156. Because SPL gene products regulate miR172, which is also involved in floral development, the expression of miR172 was studied. An antagonistic expression pattern of miR156 and miR172b during the vegetative and the reproductive phases signifies their apparent function in barley growth phase transition. Characterization of a barley mir172 mutant having an abnormal, indeterminate spikelet phenotype suggests the possible feedback role of AP2/miR172 module on HvSPL genes. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the miR156/SPL/miR172 axis in barley that provides a basis to elucidate their roles in various biological processes.
Molecular characterization of mesenchymal stem cells in human osteoarthritis cartilage reveals contribution to the OA phenotype
Authors: Jayasuriya Chathuraka T. , Hu Nan , Li Jing , Lemme Nicholas , Terek Richard , Ehrlich Michael G. , Chen Qian
Published: April 2018

Adult human articular cartilage harbors a population of CD166+ mesenchymal stem cell-like progenitors that become more numerous during osteoarthritis (OA). While their role is not well understood, here we report that they are indeed part of cellular clusters formed in OA cartilage, which is a pathological hallmark of this disease. We hypothesize that these cells, termed OA mesenchymal stem cells (OA-MSCs), contribute to OA pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we generated and characterized multiple clonally derived stable/immortalized human OA-MSC cell lines, which exhibited the following properties. Firstly, two mesenchymal stem cell populations exist in human OA cartilage. While both populations are multi-potent, one preferentially undergoes chondrogenesis while the other exhibits higher osteogenesis potential. Secondly, both OA-MSCs exhibit significantly higher expression of hypertrophic OA cartilage markers COL10A1 and RUNX2, compared to OA chondrocytes. Induction of chondrogenesis in OA-MSCs further stimulated COL10A1 expression and MMP-13 release, suggesting that they contribute to OA phenotypes. Finally, knocking down RUNX2 is insufficient to inhibit COL10A1 in OA-MSCs and also requires simultaneous knockdown of NOTCH1 thereby suggesting altered gene regulation in OA stem cells in comparison to chondrocytes. Overall, our findings suggest that OA-MSCs may drive pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration and should therefore be a novel cell target for OA therapy.
Anatomical and mechanical properties of swine midpalatal suture in the premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine region
Authors: Savoldi Fabio , Xu Bing , Tsoi James K. H. , Paganelli Corrado , Matinlinna Jukka P.
Published: April 2018

The mechanical properties of the midpalatal suture and their relationship with anatomical parameters are relevant for both tissue engineering and clinical treatments, such as in sutural distraction osteogenesis. Soft tissues were dissected from ten swine heads and the hard palate was sliced perpendicularly to the midpalatal suture. Thirteen specimens were collected from each animal and analysed with micro-computed tomography and 4-point-bending for sutural width (Sw), interdigitation (LII), obliteration (LOI), failure stress (σf), elastic modulus (E), and bone mineral density (BMD). Values of the premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine region were compared with Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Spearman’s rank coefficient was used to analyse the correlation between parameters and their position along the suture (α = 0.05).LIIhad values of 1.0, 2.9, and 4.3,LOIhad values of 0.0%, 2.5%, and 4.5%, andEhad values of 12.5 MPa, 31.3 MPa, and 98.5 MPa, in the premaxillary, maxillary, and palatine region, respectively (p < 0.05). Failure stress and rigidity of the midpalatal suture increased from rostral to caudal, due to greater interdigitation and obliteration. These anatomical and mechanical findings contribute to characterise maxillary growth, and may help to understand its mechanical reaction during loading, and in virtual simulations.
Orbital-scale denitrification changes in the Eastern Arabian Sea during the last 800 kyrs
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Khim Boo-Keun , Ikehara Minoru , Lee Jongmin
Published: April 2018

Denitrification in the Arabian Sea is closely related to the monsoon-induced upwelling and subsequent phytoplankton production in the surface water. The δ15N values of bulk sediments collected at Site U1456 of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 355 reveal the orbital-scale denitrification history in response to the Indian Monsoon. Age reconstruction based on the correlation of planktonic foraminifera (Globigerinoides ruber) δ18O values with the LR04 stack together with the shipboard biostratigraphic and paleomagnetic data assigns the study interval to be 1.2 Ma. Comparison of δ15N values during the last 800 kyrs between Site U1456 (Eastern Arabian Sea) and Site 722B (Western Arabian Sea) showed that δ15N values were high during interglacial periods, indicating intensified denitrification, while the opposite was observed during glacial periods. Taking 6‰ as the empirical threshold of denitrification, the Eastern Arabian Sea has experienced a persistent oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) to maintain strong denitrification whereas the Western Arabian Sea has undergone OMZ breakdown during some glacial periods. The results of this study also suggests that five principal oceanographic conditions were changed in response to the Indian Monsoon following the interglacial and glacial cycles, which controls the degree of denitrification in the Arabian Sea.
Author Correction: Implementation, coverage and equity of large-scale door-to-door delivery of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) to children under 10 in Senegal
Authors: Bâ El-Hadj , Pitt Catherine , Dial Yankhoba , Faye Sylvain Landry , Cairns Matt , Faye Ernest , Ndiaye Mouhamed , Gomis Jules-Francois , Faye Babacar , Ndiaye Jean Louis , Sokhna Cheikh , Gaye Oumar , Cissé Badara , Milligan Paul
Published: April 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.
Phylogenetic analyses and in-seedling expression of ammonium and nitrate transporters in wheat
Authors: Bajgain Prabin , Russell Blake , Mohammadi Mohsen
Published: April 2018

Plants deploy several ammonium transporter (AMT) and nitrate transporter (NRT) genes to acquire NH4+and NO3−from the soil into the roots and then transport them to other plant organs. Coding sequences of wheat genes obtained from ENSEMBL were aligned to known AMT and NRT sequences ofArabidopsis, barley, maize, rice, and wheat to retrieve homologous genes. Bayesian phylogenetic relationships among these genes showed distinct classification of sequences with significant homology toNRT1,NRT2, andNRT3(NAR2). Inter-species gene duplication analysis showed that eight AMT and 77 NRT genes were orthologous to the AMT and NRT genes of aforementioned plant species. Expression patterns of these genes were studied via whole transcriptome sequencing of 21-day old seedlings of five spring wheat lines. Eight AMT and 52 NRT genes were differentially expressed between root and shoot; and 131 genes did not express neither in root nor in shoot of 21-day old seedlings. Homeologous genes in the A, B, and D genomes, characterized by high sequence homology, revealed that their counterparts exhibited different expression patterns. This complement and evolutionary relationship of wheat AMT and NRT genes is expected to help in development of wheat germplasm with increased efficiency in nitrogen uptake and usage.
Asymptotic stability of a modified Lotka-Volterra model with small immigrations
Authors: Tahara Takeru , Gavina Maica Krizna Areja , Kawano Takenori , Tubay Jerrold M. , Rabajante Jomar F. , Ito Hiromu , Morita Satoru , Ichinose Genki , Okabe Takuya , Togashi Tatsuya , Tainaka Kei-ichi , Shimizu Akira , Nagatani Takashi , Yoshimura Jin
Published: April 2018

Predator-prey systems have been studied intensively for over a hundred years. These studies have demonstrated that the dynamics of Lotka-Volterra (LV) systems are not stable, that is, exhibiting either cyclic oscillation or divergent extinction of one species. Stochastic versions of the deterministic cyclic oscillations also exhibit divergent extinction. Thus, we have no solution for asymptotic stability in predator-prey systems, unlike most natural predator-prey interactions that sometimes exhibit stable and persistent coexistence. Here, we demonstrate that adding a small immigration into the prey or predator population can stabilize the LV system. Although LV systems have been studied intensively, there is no study on the non-linear modifications that we have tested. We also checked the effect of the inclusion of non-linear interaction term to the stability of the LV system. Our results show that small immigrations invoke stable convergence in the LV system with three types of functional responses. This means that natural predator-prey populations can be stabilized by a small number of sporadic immigrants.
Applications and efficiencies of the first cat 63K DNA array
Authors: Gandolfi Barbara , Alhaddad Hasan , Abdi Mona , Bach Leslie H. , Creighton Erica K. , Davis Brian W. , Decker Jared E. , Dodman Nicholas H. , Ginns Edward I. , Grahn Jennifer C. , Grahn Robert A. , Haase Bianca , Haggstrom Jens , Hamilton Michael J. , Helps Christopher R. , Kurushima Jennifer D. , Lohi Hannes , Longeri Maria , Malik Richard , Meurs Kathryn M. , Montague Michael J. , Mullikin James C. , Murphy William J. , Nilson Sara M. , Pedersen Niels C. , Peterson Carlyn B. , Rusbridge Clare , Saif Rashid , Shelton G. Diane , Warren Wesley C. , Wasim Muhammad , Lyons Leslie A.
Published: April 2018

The development of high throughput SNP genotyping technologies has improved the genetic dissection of simple and complex traits in many species including cats. The properties of feline 62,897 SNPs Illumina Infinium iSelect DNA array are described using a dataset of over 2,000 feline samples, the most extensive to date, representing 41 cat breeds, a random bred population, and four wild felid species. Accuracy and efficiency of the array’s genotypes and its utility in performing population-based analyses were evaluated. Average marker distance across the array was 37,741 Kb, and across the dataset, only 1% (625) of the markers exhibited poor genotyping and only 0.35% (221) showed Mendelian errors. Marker polymorphism varied across cat breeds and the average minor allele frequency (MAF) of all markers across domestic cats was 0.21. Population structure analysis confirmed a Western to Eastern structural continuum of cat breeds. Genome-wide linkage disequilibrium ranged from 50–1,500 Kb for domestic cats and 750 Kb for European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris). Array use in trait association mapping was investigated under different modes of inheritance, selection and population sizes. The efficient array design and cat genotype dataset continues to advance the understanding of cat breeds and will support monogenic health studies across feline breeds and populations.
Dysregulation of tristetraprolin and human antigen R promotes gastric cancer progressions partly by upregulation of the high-mobility group box 1
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Yigang , Guo Jian , Shan Ting , Deng Kaiyuan , Chen Jialin , Cai Liping , Zhou Hong , Zhao Qin , Jin Shimao , Xia Jiazeng
Published: April 2018

Aberrant expression of ARE-binding proteins (ARE-BPs) plays an important role in several diseases, including cancer. Both tristetraprolin (TTP) and human antigen R (HuR) are important ARE-BPs and always play opposite roles in regulating target mRNAs. Our previous work has demonstrated that TTP expression is decreased in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we reported that HuR was elevated in GC cell lines and gastric cancer patients and that decreased TTP expression partly contributed to the elevated HuR levels by regulating its mRNA turnover. We also observed that dysregulation of TTP and HuR elevated the high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression in different ways. HuR promoted HMGB1 expression at translational level, while TTP regulated HMGB1 mRNA turnover by destabilizing its mRNA. Increased HuR promoted cancer cell proliferation and the metastasis potential partly by HMGB1. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed that both positive cytoplasmic and high-expression of nuclear HuR were associated with poor pathologic features and survival of GC patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that dysregulation of the TTP and HuR plays an important role in GC. Moreover, high HuR nuclear expression or aberrant cytoplasmic distribution may serve as a predictor of poor survival.
2H-NbS2 film as a novel counter electrode for meso-structured perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shao Feng , Tian Zhangliu , Qin Peng , Bu Kejun , Zhao Wei , Xu Li , Wang Deliang , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2018

We report the use of 2H-NbS2 film as a novel counter electrode in perovskite solar cells fabricated with a cold isostatic pressing method. The 2H-NbS2 film, which was prepared through an exfoliation method followed by restacking from LixNbS2 powder, shows high electrical conductivity of 8.7 × 103 S cm−1 and work function of 5.20 eV. The two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide was used for the first time as a counter electrode in meso-structured perovskite solar cells. Through this process, we demonstrated a new alternative to noble metals. The perovskite solar cell base on the 2H-NbS2 counter electrode showed an open-circuit voltage of 1.046 V, comparable to that of gold, and a power conversion efficiency of 8.3%.
Multiple aspects of male germ cell development and interactions with Sertoli cells require inositol hexakisphosphate kinase-1
Authors: Fu Chenglai , Rojas Tomas , Chin Alfred C. , Cheng Weiwei , Bernstein Isaac A. , Albacarys Lauren K. , Wright William W. , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: April 2018

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase-1 (IP6K1) is required for male fertility, but the underlying mechanisms have been elusive. Here, we report that IP6K1 is required for multiple aspects of male germ cell development. This development requires selective interactions between germ cells and Sertoli cells, namely apical ectoplasmic specialization. Spermiation (sperm release) requires tubulobulbar complexes. We found that the apical ectoplasmic specialization and tubulobulbar complexes were poorly formed or disrupted in IP6K1 KOs. Deletion of IP6K1 elicited several aberrations, including: 1, sloughing off of round germ cells; 2, disorientation and malformation of elongating/elongated spermatids; 3, degeneration of acrosomes; 4, defects in germ-Sertoli cell interactions and 5, failure of spermiation. Eventually the sperm cells were not released but phagocytosed by Sertoli cells leading to an absence of sperm in the epididymis.
Cyclization Reaction Catalyzed by Cyclodipeptide Synthases Relies on a Conserved Tyrosine Residue
Authors: Schmitt Emmanuelle , Bourgeois Gabrielle , Gondry Muriel , Aleksandrov Alexey
Published: April 2018

Cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs) form various cyclodipeptides from two aminoacyl tRNAs via a stepwise mechanism with the formation of a dipeptidyl enzyme intermediate. As a final step of the catalytic reaction, the dipeptidyl group undergoes intramolecular cyclization to generate the target cyclodipeptide product. In this work, we investigated the cyclization reaction in the cyclodipeptide synthase AlbC using QM/MM methods and free energy simulations. The results indicate that the catalytic Y202 residue is in its neutral protonated form, and thus, is not likely to serve as a general base during the reaction. We further demonstrate that the reaction relies on the conserved residue Y202 serving as a proton relay, and the direct proton transfer from the amino group to S37 of AlbC is unlikely. Calculations reveal that the hydroxyl group of tyrosine is more suitable for the proton transfer than hydroxyl groups of other amino acids, such as serine and threonine. Results also show that the residues E182, N40, Y178 and H203 maintain the correct conformation of the dipeptide needed for the cyclization reaction. The mechanism discovered in this work relies on the amino groups conserved among the entire CDPS family and, thus is expected to be universal among CDPSs.
Cigarette smoke and chewing tobacco alter expression of different sets of miRNAs in oral keratinocytes
Authors: Bhat Mohd Younis , Advani Jayshree , Rajagopalan Pavithra , Patel Krishna , Nanjappa Vishalakshi , Solanki Hitendra S. , Patil Arun H. , Bhat Firdous A. , Mathur Premendu P. , Nair Bipin , Prasad T. S. Keshava , Califano Joseph A. , Sidransky David , Gowda Harsha , Chatterjee Aditi
Published: April 2018

Carcinogenic effect of tobacco in oral cancer is through chewing and/or smoking. Significant differences exist in development of oral cancer between tobacco users and non-users. However, molecular alterations induced by different forms of tobacco are yet to be fully elucidated. We developed cellular models of chronic exposure to chewing tobacco and cigarette smoke using immortalized oral keratinocytes. Chronic exposure to tobacco resulted in increased cell scattering and invasiveness in immortalized oral keratinocytes. miRNA sequencing using Illumina HiSeq 2500 resulted in the identification of 10 significantly dysregulated miRNAs (4 fold; p ≤ 0.05) in chewing tobacco treated cells and 6 in cigarette smoke exposed cells. We integrated this data with global proteomic data and identified 36 protein targets that showed inverse expression pattern in chewing tobacco treated cells and 16 protein targets that showed inverse expression in smoke exposed cells. In addition, we identified 6 novel miRNAs in chewing tobacco treated cells and 18 novel miRNAs in smoke exposed cells. Integrative analysis of dysregulated miRNAs and their targets indicates that signaling mechanisms leading to oncogenic transformation are distinct between both forms of tobacco. Our study demonstrates alterations in miRNA expression in oral cells in response to two frequently used forms of tobacco.
Statistical learning of mobility patterns from long-term monitoring of locomotor behaviour with body-worn sensors
Authors: Ghosh Sayantan , Fleiner Tim , Giannouli Eleftheria , Jaekel Uwe , Mellone Sabato , Häussermann Peter , Zijlstra Wiebren
Published: April 2018

Long term monitoring of locomotor behaviour in humans using body-worn sensors can provide insight into the dynamical structure of locomotion, which can be used for quantitative, predictive and classification analyses in a biomedical context. A frequently used approach to study daily life locomotor behaviour in different population groups involves categorisation of locomotion into various states as a basis for subsequent analyses of differences in locomotor behaviour. In this work, we use such a categorisation to develop two feature sets, namely state probability and transition rates between states, and use supervised classification techniques to demonstrate differences in locomotor behaviour. We use this to study the influence of various states in differentiating between older adults with and without dementia. We further assess the contribution of each state and transition and identify the states most influential in maximising the classification accuracy between the two groups. The methods developed here are general and can be applied to areas dealing with categorical time series.
Two-micron all-fibered dual-comb spectrometer based on electro-optic modulators and wavelength conversion
Authors: Parriaux Alexandre , Hammani Kamal , Millot Guy
Published: April 2018

Mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy offers interesting applications since molecules have their strongest rotational–vibrational absorptions in this frequency domain. Besides, generating frequency combs with electro-optic modulators recently showed promising results toward dual-comb spectroscopy. Here, we report a conversion in the mid-infrared of two mutually coherent frequency combs generated with electro-optic modulators to perform dual-comb spectroscopy in this region. Using fourth-order modulation instability taking place in the normal dispersion regime of a highly nonlinear fiber and by seeding this phenomenon with a frequency agile and low-power laser around 1.3 μm, we develop a stable and wavelength tunable all-fibered dual-comb spectrometer operating in the 2 μm region. This allows us to investigate CO2 absorption spectra over 37 nm and to measure collisional broadening coefficients of a few rotational–vibrational lines.
Inhibitory effects of catechins on β-carbolines in tea leaves and chemical model systems
Authors: Jiao Ye , Yan Yan , He Zhiyong , Gao Daming , Qin Fang , Lu Mei , Xie Mingyong , Chen Jie , Zeng Maomao
Published: April 2018

The profile of 18 heterocyclic amines from seven categories (including β-carbolines) in tea leaves during green and black tea processing procedures, as well as commercial tea products was screened by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
Novel chemiluminescent immunochromatographic assay using a dual-readout signal probe for multiplexed detection of pesticide residues
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Wang Wenwen , Shu Qi , Fu Zhifeng
Published: April 2018

A novel immunochromatographic assay utilizing luminol-reduced Au nanoparticles as a colorimetric/chemiluminescent dual-readout signal probe was developed for multiplexed detection of pesticide residues.
Fast determination of cocaine and some common adulterants in seized cocaine samples by capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection
Authors: Marra Mariana C. , de Castro Costa Brenda M. , Munoz Rodrigo A. A. , Santana Mário H. P. , Maldaner Adriano O. , Botelho Élvio D. , Coltro Wendell K. T. , Richter Eduardo M.
Published: April 2018

The determination of cocaine and common adulterants in seized cocaine samples can be used to identify their possible production area and traffic routes.
Development of non-orthogonal 3D-printed scaffolds to enhance their osteogenic performance
Authors: Fonseca Diana R. , Sobreiro-Almeida Rita , Sol Paula C. , Neves Nuno M.
Published: April 2018

Non-orthogonal scaffolds positively influenced the osteogenic performance of a Saos-2 cell line, presenting a larger amount of calcium phosphate deposition.
A robust and unique iron(ii) mosaic-like MOF
Authors: Fernandez-Bartolome Estefania , Santos José , Khodabakhshi Saeed , McCormick Laura J. , Teat Simon J. , de Pipaon Cristina Saenz , Galan-Mascarós Jose R. , Martín Nazario , Sanchez Costa Jose
Published: April 2018

A novel Fe(ii) MOF is reported to show an unprecedented 1D chain with a perfect linearity. Moreover, this structure expands to a third dimension to form a very robust MOF. The structure displays an amazing resemblance to a 14th century mosaic found in the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Cooperative bond activation reactions with carbene complexes
Authors: Feichtner Kai-Stephan , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: April 2018

This review highlights the recent advances in the application of carbene complexes in bond activation reactionsviametal–ligand cooperation.
Synthesis of copper oxide nanowires and nanoporous copper via environmentally friendly transformation of bulk copper–calcium alloys
Authors: Zhang X. , Turcheniuk K. , Zusmann B. , Benson J. , Nelson S. , Luo S. , Magasinski A. , Yushin G.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we report a novel, one-step, inexpensive and environmentally friendly synthesis of Cu nanostructures by means of chemical de-alloying of bulk Cu–Ca alloys in aqueous solutions.
Water-soluble fluorescent unimolecular micelles: ultra-small size, tunable fluorescence emission from the visible to NIR region and enhanced biocompatibility for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Shi Xiaoxiao , Bai Shuang , Zhang Jianjian , Hou Meili , Zhang Tian , Li Bao-sheng , Xue Peng , Kang Yuejun , Xu Zhigang
Published: April 2018

Water-soluble fluorescent unimolecular micelles with ultra-small size and various fluorescence emission for multicolor imaging.
Highly enantioselective synthesis of trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes by using Ru(ii)–Pheox catalysts
Authors: Kotozaki Manato , Chanthamath Soda , Fujii Takuji , Shibatomi Kazutaka , Iwasa Seiji
Published: April 2018

An asymmetric synthesis of various trifluoromethyl cyclopropanes from olefins, such as vinyl ferrocene, vinyl ethers, vinyl amines, vinyl carbamates and dienes, was achieved by using Ru(ii)–Pheox catalysts.
Strained azabora[2]ferrocenophanes
Authors: Bhattacharjee Hridaynath , Dey Subhayan , Zhu Jianfeng , Sun Wei , Müller Jens
Published: April 2018

The first BN-bridged [2]ferrocenophanes were synthesized and their structures and strain enthalpies were investigated.
A NIR-responsive azobenzene-based supramolecular hydrogel using upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Mandl Gabrielle A. , Rojas-Gutierrez Paola A. , Capobianco John A.
Published: April 2018

Herein we demonstrate the use of lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles to induce the gel–sol transition of a supramolecular hydrogel.
Ferroelectric-mediated filamentary resistive switching in P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO nanocomposite films
Authors: Kim Tae Yeon , Anoop Gopinathan , Son Yeong Jun , Kim Soo Hyeon , Lee Eunji , Jo Ji Young
Published: April 2018

Organic ReRAMs based on ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE) and ZnO NPs blends exhibiting bipolar resistive switching and a high ON/OFF ratio were realized using a low-cost solution process.
Water transport and desalination through double-layer graphyne membranes
Authors: Akhavan Mojdeh , Schofield Jeremy , Jalili Seifollah
Published: April 2018

Double-layer graphyne sheets with carefully chosen layer spacing are promising candidates as membranes in reverse osmosis desalination.
How the distribution of reduced vanadium centers affects structure and stability of the MoVOxmaterial
Authors: Li Wenqing , Fjermestad Torstein , Genest Alexander , Rösch Notker
Published: April 2018

The energy ordering of configurations, with 6 among the 10 V centers reduced, is predicted using 3 easily accessible variables.
A Ni-based catalyst with enhanced Ni–support interaction for highly efficient CO methanation
Authors: Yan Xiaoliang , Yuan Chen , Bao Jiehua , Li Sha , Qi Daizong , Wang Qianqian , Zhao Binran , Hu Tong , Fan Liming , Fan Binbin , Li Ruifeng , Tao Franklin (Feng) , Pan Yun-Xiang
Published: April 2018

A Ni/NiAl2O4 catalyst with an enhanced Ni–support interaction was successfully fabricated for highly efficient CO methanation.
A cyano-bridged Cu(i)-based organic framework coupled with the C–C bond cleavage of acetonitrile for selective and sensitive sensing of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Gai Yanli , Zhao Xueyan , Chen Yan , Yang Silei , Xia Xinshu , Liu Shan , Wan Xiuyan , Xiong Kecai
Published: April 2018

A novel cyano-bridged Cu(i)-based organic framework, in which all cyano anions were generated in situ from the C–C bond cleavage of acetonitrile, exhibits a highly selective and sensitive sensing for Fe3+ ions.
DNA decorated Cu9S5 nanoparticles as NIR light responsive drug carriers for tumor chemo–phototherapy
Authors: Liang Shuang , Xie Zhongxi , Wei Yi , Cheng Ziyong , Han Yanqiu , Lin Jun
Published: April 2018

Recently, near-infrared (NIR) light responsive drug delivery systems have attracted much attention for tumor therapy.
A PEG/copper(i) halide cluster as an eco-friendly catalytic system for C–N bond formation
Authors: Li Cheng-An , Ji Wei , Qu Jian , Jing Su , Gao Fei , Zhu Dun-Ru
Published: April 2018

The PEG/ferrocenyltelluroether-based copper(i) halide cluster is an eco-friendly system in C–N formation with mild reaction conditions, high yield and easy recyclability.
Light-permeable, photoluminescent microbatteries embedded in the color filter of a screen
Authors: Zhu Minshen , Wang Zhenguang , Li Hongfei , Xiong Yuan , Liu Zhuoxin , Tang Zijie , Huang Yang , Rogach Andrey L. , Zhi Chunyi
Published: April 2018

The prototype of a battery-in-screen configuration is constructed from photoluminescent zinc-ion batteries with a hydrogel electrolyte embedded with water-soluble quantum dots.
Effect of humic acid & bacterial exudates on sorption–desorption interactions of90Sr with brucite
Authors: Ashworth Hollie , Abrahamsen-Mills Liam , Bryan Nick , Foster Lynn , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Kellet Simon , Heath Sarah
Published: April 2018

90Sr sorption to brucite appears enhanced by both humic acid, and organics present in irradiated cyanobacterial supernatant.
Real-time determination of aggregated alpha-synuclein induced membrane disruption at neuroblastoma cells using scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Wong Su Stephanie , Chieng Andy , Parres-Gold Jacob , Chang Megan , Wang Yixian
Published: April 2018

Alpha-synuclein aggregates induced cell membrane disruption was observed in real time with scanning ion conductance microscopy.
Driven water/ion transport through narrow nanopores: a molecular dynamics perspective
Authors: Coalson Rob D.
Published: April 2018

Atomistic Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations provide numerous insights into the process whereby water is driven through a narrow nanopore (diameter on the order of a few water molecules) by application of hydrostatic pressure.
Evaluation of A-ring fused pyridine d-modified androstane derivatives for antiproliferative and aldo–keto reductase 1C3 inhibitory activity
Authors: Savić Marina P. , Ajduković Jovana J. , Plavša Jovana J. , Bekić Sofija S. , Ćelić Andjelka S. , Klisurić Olivera R. , Jakimov Dimitar S. , Petri Edward T. , Djurendić Evgenija A.
Published: April 2018

New A-ring pyridine fused androstanes in d-homo lactone, 17α-picolyl or 17(E)-picolinylidene series were synthesized and validated.
A study on the transfer of photo-excited charge carriers within direct and inverted type-I heterojunctions of CdS and ZnS QDs
Authors: Samadi-Maybodi Abdolraouf , Shariati Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2018

Wave function engineering for fast charge carrier separation/slow recombination in reverse type-I core/shell QDs for solar photocatalysis.
Pd nanoparticles supported on a covalent triazine-based framework material: an efficient and highly chemoselective catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Lihong , Liu Xiaotong , Shang Ningzhao , Gao Shutao , Feng Cheng , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: April 2018

Well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles supported on a triazine-based framework were prepared and the material displayed excellent catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes.
Stereoselective synthesis of cyclopentafullerenes: the reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and triethylamine promoted by magnesium perchlorate
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Hong-Yu , Wang Hui-Juan , Li Fa-Bao , Huang Yongshun , Liu Li , Liu Chao-Yang , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A.
Published: April 2018

The magnesium perchlorate-mediated reaction of [60]fullerene with aldehydes and triethylamine generated a series of rare amino-substituted cyclopentafullerenes with high stereoselectivity.
Theoretical insight into the catalytic activities of oxygen reduction reaction on transition metal–N4 doped graphene
Authors: Yin Cong , Tang Hao , Li Kai , Yuan Yuan , Wu Zhijian
Published: April 2018

The ORR (OER) activities are expressed as the function of ΔGads(O) on the M–N4-C composites and the best component can be predicted.
Controlling the magic size of white light-emitting CdSe quantum dots
Authors: Dai Sheng , Su Yu-Sheng , Chung Shu-Ru , Wang Kuan-Wen , Pan Xiaoqing
Published: April 2018

By employing a particular non-coordinating solvent and long carbon chain amine, white-light emitting CdSe quantum dots with magic sizes and enhanced quantum yield can be prepared.
Ultrafast saturable absorption in TiS2induced by non-equilibrium electrons and the generation of a femtosecond mode-locked laser
Authors: Tian Xiangling , Wei Rongfei , Liu Meng , Zhu Chunhui , Luo Zhichao , Wang Fengqiu , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2018

Non-equilibrium electrons in TiS2enhance optical nonlinearity, accompanied by a large modulation response (∼145%) and a short recovery time (∼768 fs). A femtosecond mode-locked laser with a pulse duration of ∼402 fs can be obtained employing TiS2-based optical switch.
The synthesis of non-racemic β-alkyl-β-aryl-disubstituted allyl alcohols and their transformation into allylamines and amino acids bearing a quaternary stereocenter
Authors: Narczyk Aleksandra , Pieczykolan Michał , Stecko Sebastian
Published: April 2018

Two approaches to chiral β-alkyl-β-aryl allyl alcohols and their transformation into non-racemic allylamines and amino acid derivatives bearing a quaternary stereocenter are described.
Polypeptide gels incorporating the exotic functional aromatic amino acid 4-amino-l-phenylalanine
Authors: Kaneko Tatsuo , Ali Mohammad Asif , Captain Ilya , Perlin Pesach , Deming Timothy J.
Published: April 2018

High-molecular-weight polypeptides with functional aromatic side chains, poly(4-amino-l-phenylalanine), were prepared by the metal-initiated polymerization of theNα-carboxyanhydride of the corresponding amino acid, which is a microbial derivative of phenylalanine.
Long non-coding RNA CASC2 enhanced cisplatin-induced viability inhibition of non-small cell lung cancer cells by regulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway through down-regulation of miR-18a and miR-21
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Haifeng , Wang Xiaolong , Wang Jiali , Wei Haitao
Published: April 2018

Long non-coding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (lncRNA CASC2) is a tumor suppressor and has been proved to contribute to chemotherapy efficacy.
Peptide nanosponges designed for rapid uptake by leukocytes and neural stem cells
Authors: Yapa Asanka S. , Wang Hongwang , Wendel Sebastian O. , Shrestha Tej. B. , Kariyawasam Nilusha L. , Kalubowilage Madumali , Perera Ayomi S. , Pyle Marla , Basel Matthew T. , Malalasekera Aruni P. , Manawadu Harshi , Yu Jing , Toledo Yubisela , Ortega Raquel , Thapa Prem S. , Smith Paul E. , Troyer Deryl L. , Bossmann Stefan H.
Published: April 2018

Nanosponges for drug delivery.
Rapid detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in milk samples based on fluorescence hybridization chain reaction amplification
Authors: Xu Yanyang , Huo Bingyang , Sun Xuan , Ning Baoan , Peng Yuan , Bai Jialei , Gao Zhixian
Published: April 2018

A new competitive aptasensor combined with HCR was developed for SEB detection.
Orange emissive carbon dots for colorimetric and fluorescent sensing of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol by fluorescence conversion
Authors: Ren Guojuan , Yu Liying , Zhu Baoya , Tang Mingyu , Chai Fang , Wang Chungang , Su Zhongmin
Published: April 2018

We have described a colorimetric and fluorescent dual-readout probe with a strong and sensitive response towards TNP.
Morphology and mechanical behavior of diamond films fabricated by IH-MPCVD
Authors: Tu Rong , Xu Tiantian , Li Dengfeng , Zhang Song , Yang Meijun , Li Qizhong , Zhang Lianmeng , Shimada Toshihiro , Goto Takashi , Shi Ji
Published: April 2018

Morphology of diamond films has been well controlled via intermediate frequency induction heated MPCVD.
Cs2CO3-promoted defluorination and functionalization of α-CF3carbonyl compounds in the presence ofN-,O-, and/orS-nucleophiles
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Bingbing , Zheng Yinying , Wang Yuheng , Lei Xinsheng
Published: April 2018

Cs2CO3-promoted defluorination and functionalization of α-CF3carbonyl compounds.
Label-free impedimetric sensing platform for microRNA-21 based on ZrO2-reduced graphene oxide nanohybrids coupled with catalytic hairpin assembly amplification
Authors: Zhang Keying , Zhang Na , Zhang Li , Wang Hongyan , Shi Hongwei , Liu Qiao
Published: April 2018

A label-free impedimetric sensor for highly sensitive detection of miRNA-21 based on ZrO2-RGO nanocomposite and a catalytic hairpin assembly strategy.
Preparation of a palygorskite supported KF/CaO catalyst and its application for biodiesel production via transesterification
Authors: Li Ya , Jiang Yunxia
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to explore base catalysts with high transesterification efficiencies to be used for heterogeneous biodiesel production.
Convenient chirality transfer from organics to titania: construction and optical properties
Authors: Liu Xin-Ling , Murakami Ken , Matsukizono Hiroyuki , Tsunega Seiji , Jin Ren-Hua
Published: April 2018

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) complexed with chiral d- (or l-) tartaric acid (tart) in water can self-organize into chiral and crystalline PEI/tart assemblies which can prompt titania deposition and impart their chirality to the resulting titania.
On the dynamic nature of Mo sites for methane dehydroaromatization
Authors: Vollmer Ina , van der Linden Bart , Ould-Chikh Samy , Aguilar-Tapia Antonio , Yarulina Irina , Abou-Hamad Edy , Sneider Yuri G. , Olivos Suarez Alma I. , Hazemann Jean-Louis , Kapteijn Freek , Gascon Jorge
Published: April 2018

The dynamic catalytic site on Mo/HZSM-5 for methane dehydroaromatization is formed during the initial phases of the reaction. Labelling experiments show that carbon from the carbidic active site is incorporated into the final products.
Ruthenium-catalyzed umpolung carboxylation of hydrazones with CO2
Authors: Yan Si-Shun , Zhu Lei , Ye Jian-Heng , Zhang Zhen , Huang He , Zeng Huiying , Li Chao-Jun , Lan Yu , Yu Da-Gang
Published: April 2018

The first ruthenium-catalyzed umpolung carboxylation of hydrazones with CO2 to generate important aryl acetic acids is reported.
Anion conducting multiblock copolymers with multiple head-groups
Authors: Liu Lisha , Huang Garrett , Kohl Paul A.
Published: April 2018

Multiblock copolymers with different number of head-group tethers were compared as AEMs for high ionic conductivity and good alkaline stability.
Synergetic co-immobilization of SeO42−and Sr2+from aqueous solution onto multifunctional graphene oxide and carbon-dot based layered double hydroxide nanocomposites and their mechanistic investigation
Authors: Koilraj Paulmanickam , Kamura Yuta , Sasaki Keiko
Published: April 2018

A synergetic co-immobilization of a Sr2+and SeO42−was evaluated on sustainable multifunctional graphene oxide and carbon-dot based layered double hydroxide nanocomposites.
Porous hybrid aerogels with ultrahigh sulfur loading for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: He Yibo , Bai Songyan , Chang Zhi , Li Qi , Qiao Yu , Zhou Haoshen
Published: April 2018

Porous hybrid aerogel electrode materials with ultrahigh sulfur-loading were designed and fabricated for high performance Li–S batteries.
Novel core/shell CoSe2@PPy nanoflowers for high-performance fiber asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Qiufan , Ma Yun , Liang Xiao , Zhang Daohong , Miao Menghe
Published: April 2018

A novel type of fiber asymmetric supercapacitor was fabricated by assembling a CoSe2@PPy core/shell nanoflower positive electrode and an EACF negative electrode. Full cells show good flexibility, high-rate capacity, outstanding volume specific capacitance, high volume energy density and are used to power mini-scale photodetectors.
Perovskite La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ sensitized SnO2 fiber-in-tube scaffold: highly selective and sensitive formaldehyde sensing
Authors: Kang Joon-Young , Jang Ji-Soo , Koo Won-Tae , Seo Jongsu , Choi Yoonseok , Kim Min-Hyeok , Kim Dong-Ha , Cho Hee-Jin , Jung WooChul , Kim Il-Doo
Published: April 2018

Highly porous SnO2 fiber-in-tubes (FITs), which are functionalized with perovskite La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ (LSCM) particles as a chemical sensitizer, are used as a superior formaldehyde sensing layer.