bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cγ1 inhibition induces autophagy in human colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Dai Lianzhi , Chen Xiaolei , Lu Xiaohong , Wang Fen , Zhan Yanyan , Song Gang , Hu Tianhui , Xia Chun , Zhang Bing
Published: October 2017

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) γ1 has been reported to be involved in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. However, whether PLCγ1 modulates autophagy and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between PLCγ1 and autophagy in the human colon cancer cell line HCT116 and hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The results indicated that PLCγ1 inhibition via lentivirus-mediated transduction with shRNA/PLCγ1 or transient transfection with pRK5-PLCγ1 (Y783A) vector increased LC3B-II levels and the number of autophagic vacuoles and decreased p62 levels. Addition of an autophagy inhibitor led to LC3B and p62 accumulation. Furthermore, AMPK activation promoted the autophagy induced by PLCγ1 inhibition by blocking the FAK/PLCγ1 axis. In addition, PLCγ1 inhibition either blocked the mTOR/ULK1 axis or enhanced dissociation of the Beclin1-IP3R-Bcl-2 complex to induce autophagy. Taken together, our findings revealed that PLCγ1 inhibition induced autophagy and the FAK/PLCγ1 axis is a potential downstream effector of the AMPK activation-dependent autophagy signalling cascade. Both blockade of the mTOR/ULK1 axis and dissociation of the Beclin1-IP3R-Bcl-2 complex contributed to the induction of autophagy by PLCγ1 inhibition. Consequently, these findings provide novel insight into autophagy regulation by PLCγ1 in colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
A strategy to improve arithmetical performance in four day-old domestic chicks (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Rugani Rosa , Loconsole Maria , Regolin Lucia
Published: October 2017

A large body of literature shows that non-human animals master numerical discriminations, but a limit has been reported in a variety of species in the comparison 3vs.4. Little is known regarding the possibility of using “cognitive strategies” to enable this discrimination. The aims of this study were to investigate: whether domestic chicks discriminated 3vs.4, and if changes in stimuli presentation could improve chicks’ numerical performance. Newly hatched chicks were reared with seven identical objects. On day 4, they underwent 20 consecutive testing trials to assess their capability to discriminate 3vs.4. The objects were presented, one-by-one, to the chicks and hidden behind one of two identical panels. As expected, the chicks did not discriminate (Experiment 1). When objects were presented and hidden in groups comprising one or two objects (2 + 1)vs.(2 + 2), the chicks succeeded (Experiment 2). The grouping strategy did not help in the case of a harder discrimination of (3 + 1)vs.(3 + 2) (Experiment 3), unless chicks were allowed to rest for two hours between testing sessions (Experiment 4). Our results suggest that in some cases, the limits reported for numerical performance in animals do not depend on cognitive limitations but on attentional or motivational factors, which can be overcome employing simple procedural adjustments.
Fine control of chlorophyll-carotenoid interactions defines the functionality of light-harvesting proteins in plants
Authors: Balevičius Vytautas , Fox Kieran F. , Bricker William P. , Jurinovich Sandro , Prandi Ingrid G. , Mennucci Benedetta , Duffy Christopher D. P.
Published: October 2017

Photosynthetic antenna proteins can be thought of as “programmed solvents”, which bind pigments at specific mutual orientations, thus tuning the overall energetic landscape and ensuring highly efficient light-harvesting. While positioning of chlorophyll cofactors is well understood and rationalized by the principle of an “energy funnel”, the carotenoids still pose many open questions. Particularly, their short excited state lifetime (<25 ps) renders them potential energy sinks able to compete with the reaction centers and drastically undermine light-harvesting efficiency. Exploration of the orientational phase-space revealed that the placement of central carotenoids minimizes their interaction with the nearest chlorophylls in the plant antenna complexes LHCII, CP26, CP29 and LHCI. At the same time we show that this interaction is highly sensitive to structural perturbations, which has a profound effect on the overall lifetime of the complex. This links the protein dynamics to the light-harvesting regulation in plants by the carotenoids.
Heparan sulfate: Resilience factor and therapeutic target for cocaine abuse
Authors: Chen Jihuan , Kawamura Tomoya , Sethi Manveen K. , Zaia Joseph , Repunte-Canonigo Vez , Sanna Pietro Paolo
Published: October 2017

Substance abuse is a pressing problem with few therapeutic options. The identification of addiction resilience factors is a potential strategy to identify new mechanisms that can be targeted therapeutically. Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear sulfated polysaccharide that is a component of the cell surface and extracellular matrix. Heparan sulfate modulates the activity and distribution of a set of negatively charged signaling peptides and proteins — known as the HS interactome — by acting as a co-receptor or alternative receptor for growth factors and other signaling peptides and sequestering and localizing them, among other actions. Here, we show that stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine greatly increase HS content and sulfation levels in the lateral hypothalamus and that HS contributes to the regulation of cocaine seeking and taking. The ability of the HS-binding neuropeptide glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to increase cocaine intake was potentiated by a deletion that abolished its HS binding. The delivery of heparanase, the endo-β-D-glucuronidase that degrades HS, accelerated the acquisition of cocaine self-administration and promoted persistent responding during extinction. Altogether, these results indicate that HS is a resilience factor for cocaine abuse and a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cocaine addiction.
Impaired K+ binding to glial glutamate transporter EAAT1 in migraine
Authors: Kovermann Peter , Hessel Margarita , Kortzak Daniel , Jen Joanna C. , Koch Johannes , Fahlke Christoph , Freilinger Tobias
Published: October 2017

SLC1A3 encodes the glial glutamate transporter hEAAT1, which removes glutamate from the synaptic cleft via stoichiometrically coupled Na+-K+-H+-glutamate transport. In a young man with migraine with aura including hemiplegia, we identified a novel SLC1A3 mutation that predicts the substitution of a conserved threonine by proline at position 387 (T387P) in hEAAT1. To evaluate the functional effects of the novel variant, we expressed the wildtype or mutant hEAAT1 in mammalian cells and performed whole-cell patch clamp, fast substrate application, and biochemical analyses. T387P diminishes hEAAT1 glutamate uptake rates and reduces the number of hEAAT1 in the surface membrane. Whereas hEAAT1 anion currents display normal ligand and voltage dependence in cells internally dialyzed with Na+-based solution, no anion currents were observed with internal K+. Fast substrate application demonstrated that T387P abolishes K+-bound retranslocation. Our finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of genetic variation in SLC1A3 and highlights impaired K+ binding to hEAAT1 as a novel mechanism of glutamate transport dysfunction in human disease.
Passive and Active Triaxial Wall Mechanics in a Two-Layer Model of Porcine Coronary Artery
Authors: Lu Yuan , Wu Hao , Li Jiahang , Gong Yanjun , Ma Jiahui , Kassab Ghassan S. , Huo Yong , Tan Wenchang , Huo Yunlong
Published: October 2017

Triaxial active and passive mechanical properties of coronary arteries are needed for understanding arterial mechanics in health and disease. The aim of the study was to quantify both active and passive strain energy functions in circumferential, axial and radial directions based on the experimental measurement. Moreover, a two-layer computational model was used to determine the transmural distribution of stresses and strains across the vessel wall. The first Piola-Kirchhoff stresses in the three normal directions had the approximate relationship as:$$\,{T}_{\theta \theta }\cong 2{T}_{zz}\cong 5|{T}_{rr}|$$

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z

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. The two-layer model showed that circumferential Cauchy stresses increased significantly from the intima layer to the interface between media and adventitia layers (from ~80 to 160 kPa), dropped abruptly at the interface (from ~160 to <5 kPa), and increased slightly towards the outer boundary of the adventitia layer. In contrast, absolute values of radial Cauchy stress decreased continuously from the inner to outer boundaries of the vessel wall (from ~11 kPa to zero). Smooth muscle cell contraction significantly increased the ratio of radial to circumferential Cauchy stresses at the intima-media layer, which had the highest values at the intima layer.
Nitrogen recycling at the Costa Rican subduction zone: The role of incoming plate structure
Authors: Lee Hyunwoo , Fischer Tobias P. , de Moor J. Maarten , Sharp Zachary D. , Takahata Naoto , Sano Yuji
Published: October 2017

Efficient recycling of subducted sedimentary nitrogen (N) back to the atmosphere through arc volcanism has been advocated for the Central America margin while at other locations mass balance considerations and N contents of high pressure metamorphic rocks imply massive addition of subducted N to the mantle and past the zones of arc magma generation. Here, we report new results of N isotope compositions with gas chemistry and noble gas compositions of forearc and arc front springs in Costa Rica to show that the structure of the incoming plate has a profound effect on the extent of N subduction into the mantle. N isotope compositions of emitted arc gases (9–11 N°) imply less subducted pelagic sediment contribution compared to farther north. The N isotope compositions (δ15N = −4.4 to 1.6‰) of forearc springs at 9–11 N° are consistent with previously reported values in volcanic centers (δ15N = −3.0 to 1.9‰). We advocate that subduction erosion enhanced by abundant seamount subduction at 9–11 N° introduces overlying forearc crustal materials into the Costa Rican subduction zone, releasing fluids with lighter N isotope signatures. This process supports the recycling of heavier N into the deep mantle in this section of the Central America margin.
Dynamically controllable plasmon induced transparency based on hybrid metal-graphene metamaterials
Authors: Yan Xicheng , Wang Tao , Xiao Shuyuan , Liu Tingting , Hou Haowen , Cheng Le , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: October 2017

Novel hybrid metal-graphene metamaterials featuring dynamically controllable single, double and multiple plasmon induced transparency (PIT) windows are numerically explored in the terahertz (THz) regime. The designed plasmonic metamaterials composed of a strip and a ring with graphene integration generate a novel PIT window. Once the ring is divided into pairs of asymmetrical arcs, double PIT windows both with the spectral contrast ratio 100% are obtained, where one originates from the destructive interference between bright-dark modes, and the other is based on the interaction of bright-bright modes. Just because the double PIT windows are induced by two different mechanisms, the continuously controllable conductivity and damping of graphene are employed to appropriately interpret the high tunability in double transparency peaks at the resonant frequency, respectively. Moreover, multiple PIT windows can be achieved by introducing an additional bright mode to form the other bright-bright modes coupling. At the PIT transparent windows, the dispersions undergo tremendous modifications and the group delays reach up to 43 ps, 22 ps, and 25 ps, correspondingly. Our results suggest the existence of strong interaction between the monolayer graphene layer and metal-based resonant plasmonic metamaterials, which may hold widely applications in filters, modulators, switching, sensors and optical buffers.
Molecular Cloning of the Vitellogenin Gene and the Effects of Vitellogenin Protein Expression on the Physiology of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Zhang T. , Zhang G. , Zeng F. , Mao J. , Liang H. , Liu F.
Published: October 2017

Vitellogenin (Vg), the main egg storage protein precursor, plays an integral role in many oviparous animals, including Harmonia axyridis, an important agent for the biological control of many insect pests. In this study, the full-length Vg gene of was cloned. The open reading frame (ORF) of H. axyridis Vg cDNA is 5,403 bp in length and encodes 1,800 amino acids, with a predicted molecular mass of 211.88 KDa (accession number in NCBI: KX442718). Recombinant protein (18 kDa) expressed by the cloned Vg gene was characterized, and the effects of the expression of this protein on the physiology of H. axyridis were investigated. We found that Vg fragment significantly increased the egg production of H. axyridis. Furthermore, we also found that the activities of trypsin and lipase in H. axyridis were significantly higher in the groups treated with Vg fragment compared with those of the controls. The data from this study also reveals that Vg expression has significant effects on the physiology of H. axyridis and leads to increased egg production in these insects. These results may have future implications for increasing the reproduction rates of beneficial insects.
Aberrant glioblastoma neovascularization patterns and their correlation with DCE-MRI-derived parameters following temozolomide and bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Xue Wei , Du Xuesong , Wu Hao , Liu Heng , Xie Tian , Tong Haipeng , Chen Xiao , Guo Yu , Zhang Weiguo
Published: October 2017

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly angiogenic malignancy, and its abundant, aberrant neovascularization is closely related to the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells. However, anti-angiogenesis combined with standard radio-/chemo-therapy produces little improvement in treatment outcomes. Determining the reason for treatment failure is pivotal for GBM treatment. Here, histopathological analysis and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) were used to explore the effects of temozolomide (TMZ) and bevacizumab (BEV) on GBM neovascularization patterns in an orthotopic U87MG mouse model at 1, 3 and 6 days after treatment. We found that the amount of vascular mimicry (VM) significantly increased 6 days after BEV treatment. TMZ inhibited neovascularization at an early stage, but the microvessel density (MVD) and transfer coefficient (Ktrans) derived from DCE-MRI increased 6 days after treatment. TMZ and BEV combination therapy slightly prolonged the inhibitory effect on tumor microvessels. Sprouting angiogenesis was positively correlated with Ktrans in all treatment groups. The increase in VM after BEV administration and the increase in MVD and Ktrans after TMZ administration may be responsible for treatment resistance. Ktrans holds great potential as an imaging biomarker for indicating the variation in sprouting angiogenesis during drug treatment for GBM.
Effects of Recovery Time during Magnetic Nanofluid Hyperthermia on the Induction Behavior and Efficiency of Heat Shock Proteins 72
Authors: Jang Jung-tak , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Joo Hyun , Lee Won June , Kim Yu Jeong , Seon Jiyun , Kim Minkyu , Lee Jooyoung , Paek Sun Ha , Park Ki Ho , Bae Seongtae
Published: October 2017

In this study, we investigated the effects of recovery time during magnetic nanofluid hyperthermia (MNFH) on the cell death rate and the heat shock proteins 72 (HSP72) induction behavior in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs-5) to provide a possible solution for highly efficient ocular neuroprotection. The recovery time and the heat duration time during MNFH were systematically controlled by changing the duty cycle of alternating current (AC) magnetic field during MNFH. It was clearly observed that the cell death rate and the HSP72 induction rate had a strong dependence on the recovery time and the optimizated recovery time resulted in maximizing the induction efficiency of HSP72. Controlling the recovery time during MNFH affects not only the cell death rate but also HSP72 induction rate. The cell death rate after MNFH was dramatically decreased by increasing the recovery time during MNFH. However, it was also found that the HSP72 induction rate was slightly decreased by increasing the recovery time. These results indicate that applying the appropriate or optimized recovery time during MNFH can improve the induction efficiency of HSP72 by minimizing the cell death caused by cytotoxic effects of heat.
Near-infrared photothermal/photodynamic therapy with indocyanine green induces apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through oxidative stress
Authors: Shirata Chikara , Kaneko Junichi , Inagaki Yoshinori , Kokudo Takashi , Sato Masumitsu , Kiritani Sho , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Arita Junichi , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: October 2017

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a photothermal agent, photosensitizer, and fluorescence imaging probe which shows specific accumulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We recently developed a photodynamic therapy (PDT) using ICG and near-infrared (NIR) laser as a new anti-cancer treatment for HCC. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this effect needs to be elucidated. HuH-7 cells, a well-differentiated human HCC cell line, were transplanted subcutaneously into BALB/c-nu/nu mice for in vivo experiment. ICG was administered 24 h before NIR irradiation. The irradiation was performed at three tumor locations by 823-nm NIR laser on days 1 and 7. The temperature of HuH-7 xenografts increased to 48.5 °C 3 minutes after ICG-NIR irradiation start. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected after ICG-NIR irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. There was certain anti-tumor effect and ROS production even under cooling conditions. Repeated NIR irradiation increased the cell toxicity of ICG-NIR therapy; the mean tumor volume on day 9 was significantly smaller after ICG-NIR irradiation compared to tumor without irradiation (87 mm3 vs. 1332 mm3; p = 0.01) in HCC mice xenografts model. ICG-NIR therapy induced apoptosis in HCC cells via a photothermal effect and oxidative stress. Repeated ICG-NIR irradiation enhanced the anti-tumor effect.
Wave Manipulations by Coherent Perfect Channeling
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Meng Chong , Yang Z.
Published: October 2017

We show that through the wave energy conserved and reversible process of coherent interactions of scalar waves in a multi-channel system joint by a common junction, it is possible to generate outgoing waves only in certain channels by controlling the incoming waves. We refer to such processes as coherent perfect channeling (CPC). As two particular examples, we report experimental and theoretical investigations of CPC with two incoming coherent waves in three and four-channel waveguides that are completely channeled into one or two other waveguides mediated by a deep subwavelength dimension scatterer at the common junction. Two such scatterers are discovered, one confirmed by experiments and the other predicted by theory, and their scattering matrices are constructed. Scatterers with other CPC scattering matrices are explored, and preliminary investigations of their properties are conducted. The scattering matrix formulism makes it possible to extend the domain of CPC to other scalar waves, such as electromagnetic waves and quantum wavefunctions.
Bat songs as acoustic beacons - male territorial songs attract dispersing females
Authors: Knörnschild Mirjam , Blüml Simone , Steidl Patrick , Eckenweber Maria , Nagy Martina
Published: October 2017

Male song in birds and mammals is important for repelling rivals, stimulating mates or attracting them to a specific location. Nevertheless, direct experimental evidence for the mate attraction function of male song is limited to a few studies. Here, we provide strong experimental evidence that male songs attract wild female bats (Saccopteryx bilineata). Playbacks of territorial songs reliably elicited phonotaxis in females but not males. Most females captured during playbacks were subadults searching for new colonies to settle in. In S. bilineata, multiple males sing simultaneously at dawn and dusk, thereby creating a conspicuous chorus which encodes information on colony identity and size. Since territorial songs have a large signalling range, male songs constitute acoustic beacons which enable females to localize new colonies. In our playbacks, females strongly preferred local territorial songs over foreign territorial songs from two different locations, indicating that song familiarity influences phonotaxis. Our study provides the first clear experimental evidence that male song elicits female phonotaxis in a non-human mammal. Bats are an especially promising taxon for studying mammalian song since male song has been described in different species with diverse social organisations and natural histories, thus providing exciting opportunities for phylogenetically controlled comparative studies.
Dysregulated gene expressions of MEX3D, FOS and BCL2 in human induced-neuronal (iN) cells from NF1 patients: a pilot study
Authors: Sagata Noriaki , Kato Takahiro A. , Kano Shin-ichi , Ohgidani Masahiro , Shimokawa Norihiro , Sato-Kasai Mina , Hayakawa Kohei , Kuwano Nobuki , Wilson Ashley M. , Ishizuka Koko , Kato Shiori , Nakahara Takeshi , Nakahara-Kido Makiko , Setoyama Daiki , Sakai Yasunari , Ohga Shouichi , Furue Masutaka , Sawa Akira , Kanba Shigenobu
Published: October 2017

Direct conversion technique to produce induced-neuronal (iN) cells from human fibroblasts within 2 weeks is expected to discover unknown neuronal phenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we present unique gene expression profiles in iN cells from patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a single-gene multifaceted disorder with comparatively high co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microarray-based transcriptomic analysis on iN cells from male healthy controls and male NF1 patients (NF1-iN cells) revealed that 149 genes expressions were significantly different (110 upregulated and 39 downregulated). We validated that mRNA of MEX3D (mex-3 RNA binding family member D) was lower in NF1-iN cells by real-time PCR with 12 sex-mixed samples. In NF1-iN cells on day 14, higher expression of FOS mRNA was observed with lower expression of MEX3D mRNA. Interestingly, BCL2 mRNA was higher in NF1-iN cells on day 5 (early-period) but not on day 14. Our data suggest that aberrant molecular signals due to NF1 mutations may disturb gene expressions, a subset of which defines continuum of the neuronal phenotypes of NF1 with ASD. Further translational studies using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived neuronal cells are needed to validate our preliminary findings especially confirming meanings of analysis using early-period iN cells.
Modelling acrylamide acute neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Prats Eva , Gómez-Canela Cristian , Ben-Lulu Shani , Ziv Tamar , Padrós Francesc , Tornero Daniel , Garcia-Reyero Natàlia , Tauler Romà , Admon Arie , Raldúa Demetrio
Published: October 2017

Acrylamide (ACR), a type-2 alkene, may lead to a synaptopathy characterized by ataxia, skeletal muscles weakness and numbness of the extremities in exposed human and laboratory animals. Currently, only the mildly affected patients undergo complete recovery, and identification of new molecules with therapeutic bioactivity against ACR acute neurotoxicity is urgently needed. Here, we have generated a zebrafish model for ACR neurotoxicity by exposing 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish larvae to 1 mM ACR for 3 days. Our results show that zebrafish mimics most of the pathophysiological processes described in humans and mammalian models. Motor function was altered, and specific effects were found on the presynaptic nerve terminals at the neuromuscular junction level, but not on the axonal tracts or myelin sheath integrity. Transcriptional markers of proteins involved in synaptic vesicle cycle were selectively altered, and the proteomic analysis showed that ACR-adducts were formed on cysteine residues of some synaptic proteins. Finally, analysis of neurotransmitters profile showed a significant effect on cholinergic and dopaminergic systems. These data support the suitability of the developed zebrafish model for screening of molecules with therapeutic value against this toxic neuropathy.
Ontogeny of foraging behaviour in juvenile red-footed boobies (Sula sula)
Authors: Mendez Loriane , Prudor Aurélien , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: October 2017

The early life stages represent a crucial period that can strongly influence population dynamics. We studied the development of foraging behaviour in the red-footed booby, a tropical seabird with an extensive post-fledging care period (3 to 6 months). Adults and juveniles were observed from shore and tracked at sea using GPS loggers over 3 consecutive 12-day periods. Juveniles initially made a majority of flights inland, likely to practice flying, and formed groups of up to 10 juveniles before making short trips at sea. They left the island later and returned earlier than the adults, allowing them to be fed on the nest. Over time, juveniles left the colony alone more frequently and increased the range of their trips while remaining significantly closer to the colony than the adults. They spent more time intensively foraging (slow and sinuous trajectory) than adults, which could reflect attempts to capture prey. Juveniles foraged independently of their parents but associated frequently with congeners, particularly during area-restricted search (ARS) behaviour. The extensive post-fledging care period observed may be explained by the need to develop proper foraging skills adapted to tropical waters, where resources are particularly scarce and unpredictable.
Density-dependence in the declining population of the monarch butterfly
Authors: Marini Lorenzo , Zalucki Myron P.
Published: October 2017

The Eastern monarch butterfly population has significantly declined over the last two decades creating growing concerns around its conservation status. Here, we showed that the overwintering population exhibited a negative density-dependence (i.e. a negative effect on growth rate of the density in the previous year) and that, after accounting for the density effect, the population growth rate tended to decline over time. The negative time effect is probably linked to the host plant (i.e. milkweed) decline in North America. A negative density-dependence was also found in the time series of both egg density per host plant and adult density across North America suggesting the importance of a bottom-up, resource-driven regulation such as host plant limitation and/or of a top-down regulation through generalist natural enemies or diseases. The temporal stability of the density effect indicated that the negative density-dependence and the population decline are likely independent phenomena. One of the most common conclusions of previous research is that environmental stochasticity is the dominant key compounded driver of population dynamics. We showed that density dependence explained 37–50% of the total variation in growth rate in three independent datasets, indicating that several non-exclusive density-related mechanisms can be important in monarch population dynamics.
Origins of Common Neural Inputs to Different Compartments of the Extensor Digitorum Communis Muscle
Authors: Dai Chenyun , Shin Henry , Davis Bradley , Hu Xiaogang
Published: October 2017

The extensor digitorum communis (EDC) is a multi-compartment muscle that allows dexterous extension of the four digits. However, the level of common input shared across different compartments of this muscle is not well understood. We seek to systematically characterize the common and independent neural input, originated from different levels of the central nervous system, to the different compartments. A motor unit (MU) coherence analysis was used to capture the different sources of common and independent input, by quantifying the coherence of MU discharge between different compartments. The MU activities were obtained from decomposition of surface electromyogram recordings. Our results showed that the MU coherence across different muscle compartments accounted for only a small proportion (<20%) of the total input in the alpha (5–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) bands, but was a major driver (>60%) in the delta (1–4 Hz) band. Additionally, cross-compartment coherence between the middle and ring-little fingers tended to be higher as compared with other finger combinations. Overall, the common input shared across different fingers are found to be at low to moderate levels, in comparison with the total input, which allows dexterous control of individual digits with some degree of coordinated control of multiple digits.
Perdeuterated and 13C-enriched myo-inositol for DNP assisted monitoring of enzymatic phosphorylation by inositol-3-kinase
Authors: Moure M. J. , Zhuo Y. , Boons G. J. , Prestegard J. H.
Published: October 2017

Synthesis of perdeuterated and 13C enriched myo-inositol facilitates NMR observation.
Cyanamide as a prebiotic phosphate activating agent – catalysis by simple 2-oxoacid salts
Authors: Tsanakopoulou Maria , Sutherland John D.
Published: October 2017

Cyanamide as a fast and efficient prebiotic phosphate activating agent with catalysis by glyoxylate or pyruvate.
Characterization of the three-dimensional residual stress distribution in SiC bulk crystals by neutron diffraction
Authors: Xie Xuejian , Hu Xiaobo , Chen Xiufang , Liu Fafu , Yang Xianglong , Xu Xiangang , Wang Hong , Li Jian , Yu Peng , Wang Ruiqi
Published: October 2017

The neutron diffraction method was adopted to study the three-dimensional residual stress distribution in SiC bulk crystals for the first time.
Architecture of packing in molecular crystals
Authors: Motherwell W. D. S.
Published: October 2017

Molecular coordination shells have been used to classify crystal structures into similarity groups.
Engineering n–p junction for photo-electrochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Toupin J. , Strub H. , Kressmann S. , Boudot M. , Artero V. , Laberty-Robert Ch.
Published: October 2017

A Cu-based photoelectrode protected by a BaTiO3 perovskite layer exhibits a photocurrent of −3.1 mA cm−2 in a pH = 6 aqueous electrolyte.
The promoting effect of tetravalent cerium on the oxygen evolution activity of copper oxide catalysts
Authors: Chen Zhu , Kronawitter Coleman X. , Yang Xiaofang , Yeh Yao-wen , Yao Nan , Koel Bruce E.
Published: October 2017

A new catalyst is based on cerium-modified copper oxide demonstrated the promoting effect of tetravalent Ce toward oxygen evolution activity.
Quantification of cation–anion interactions in crystalline monopotassium and monosodium glutamate salts
Authors: Ruggiero Michael T. , Sibik Juraj , Erba Alessandro , Zeitler J. Axel , Korter Timothy M.
Published: October 2017

Specific anion–cation orbital interactions lead to the large structural and spectral differences observed in crystalline monosodium and monopotassium glutamates.
Low temperature kinetics and theoretical studies of the reaction CN + CH3NH2: a potential source of cyanamide and methyl cyanamide in the interstellar medium
Authors: Sleiman Chantal , El Dib Gisèle , Rosi Marzio , Skouteris Dimitrios , Balucani Nadia , Canosa André
Published: October 2017

Combined experimental/theoretical studies demonstrate that the reaction between cyano radicals and methylamine is an efficient formation route of interstellar cyanamide.
Interaction of H2O with CO: potential energy surface, bound states and scattering calculations
Authors: Kalugina Y. N. , Faure A. , van der Avoird A. , Walker K. , Lique F.
Published: October 2017

We present the first scattering calculations for the H2O–CO system based on a high accuracy potential energy surface.
Molecular engineering of organic electroactive materials for redox flow batteries
Authors: Ding Yu , Zhang Changkun , Zhang Leyuan , Zhou Yangen , Yu Guihua
Published: October 2017

With high scalability and independent control over energy and power, redox flow batteries (RFBs) stand out as an important large-scale energy storage system.
Adaptation of Rhodopseudomonas acidophila strain 7050 to growth at different light intensities: what are the benefits to changing the type of LH2?
Authors: Gardiner A. T. , Niedzwiedzki D. M. , Cogdell R. J.
Published: October 2017

Femto-second time resolved absorption has been used to investigate how the energy transfer properties in the membranes of high-light and low-light adapted cells change as the composition of the LH2 complexes varies.
Polymer blend-filled nanoparticle films via monomer-driven infiltration of polymer and photopolymerization
Authors: Qiang Yiwei , Manohar Neha , Stebe Kathleen J. , Lee Daeyeon
Published: October 2017

A facile process to fabricate multiphasic nanocomposite films consisting of polymer blends and high loadings of nanoparticles is developed.
Rationally designed meta-implants: a combination of auxetic and conventional meta-biomaterials
Authors: Kolken Helena M. A. , Janbaz Shahram , Leeflang Sander M. A. , Lietaert Karel , Weinans Harrie H. , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: October 2017

Rationally designed meta-implants were found to create compression along both of their contact lines with the surrounding bone, thereby decreasing the chance of bone–implant interface failure (Hoffman's criterion) and wear particle-induced osteolysis, and improving bone ingrowth.
Spin crossover in mixed ligand iron(iii) complexes
Authors: Phonsri Wasinee , Harding Phimphaka , Murray Keith S. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Harding David J.
Published: October 2017

The use of two subtly different ligands is used to explore their impact on spin crossover characteristics.
An apolipoprotein-enriched biomolecular corona switches the cellular uptake mechanism and trafficking pathway of lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Digiacomo L. , Cardarelli F. , Pozzi D. , Palchetti S. , Digman M. A. , Gratton E. , Capriotti A. L. , Mahmoudi M. , Caracciolo G.
Published: October 2017

The biomolecular corona promotes a switch of both the cell entry mechanism and the intracellular dynamics of liposomes.
Non-covalent molecular tweezer/guest complexation with Pt(ii)⋯Pt(ii) metal–metal interactions: toward intelligent photocatalytic materials
Authors: Li Zijian , Han Yifei , Gao Zongchun , Fu Tengfei , Wang Feng
Published: October 2017

A novel supramolecular tweezering system has been developed for “on-demand” photocatalysis.
Helical graphite metamaterials for intense and locally controllable magnetic fields
Authors: Mitran T. L. , Nemnes G. A.
Published: October 2017

We propose a novel class of bulk metamaterials, termed helical graphite (HG), which is able to produce intense magnetic fields under an external electrical bias.
Heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysis of Fe-MOF derived magnetic carbon nanocomposites for degradation of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Chen Shasha , Jiang Yijie , Xie Shasha , Quan Hongying , Hua Li , Luo Xubiao , Guo Lin
Published: October 2017

Magnetic Fe–Cx as heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts were synthesized by the pyrolysis of Fe-MOF, and the catalytic activity of Fe–Cx for removal of 4-NP was significantly affected by pyrolysis temperature.
Redox-active copper triangles as an enzymatic molecular flask for light-driven hydrogen production
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wei Jianwei , Zhang Feili , He Cheng , Zheng Sijia , Duan Chunying
Published: October 2017

A redox-active Cu-based triangle was developed to encapsulate fluorescein for photocatalytic hydrogen production. Control experiments and inactive ATP as an inhibitor were performed to confirm this enzymatic photocatalytic behaviour.
Cochinchinenin C, a potential nonpolypeptide anti-diabetic drug, targets a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor
Authors: Sha Yijie , Shi Yunfeng , Niu Bing , Chen Qin
Published: October 2017

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor is currently being explored as a therapeutic target for anti-diabetic drugs.
Correction: Development of a series of bis-triazoles as G-quadruplex ligands
Authors: Saleh Maysaa M. , Laughton Charles A. , Bradshaw Tracey D. , Moody Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

Correction for ‘Development of a series of bis-triazoles as G-quadruplex ligands’ by Maysaa M. Saleh et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 47297–47308.
Microgel-assisted assembly of hierarchical porous reduced graphene oxide for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Wang Huan , Xie Jingyi , Almkhelfe Haider , Zane Victoria , Ebini Raiya , Sorensen Christopher M. , Amama Placidus B.
Published: October 2017

Graphene has emerged as one of the foremost candidates for replacing graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its unique physical and electrochemical properties.
Highly selective adsorption of uranium in strong HNO3 media achieved on a phosphonic acid functionalized nanoporous polymer
Authors: Yuan Dingzhong , Wang Yun , Qian Yong , Liu Yan , Feng Gang , Huang Bin , Zhao Xiaohong
Published: October 2017

The competition between uranium and other metal ions is one of the greatest challenges for recovery of uranium in strong HNO3 media.
Understanding the function of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide in lithium/sulfur cells
Authors: Kawase Ayako , Cairns Elton J.
Published: October 2017

A surfactant material plays a significant role in creating a sulfur/carbon composite for lithium/sulfur cells.
Full-spectrum-activated Z-scheme photocatalysts based on NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+, TiO2 and Ag6Si2O7
Authors: Tian Qingyong , Yao Weijing , Wu Zhaohui , Liu Jun , Liu Li , Wu Wei , Jiang Changzhong
Published: October 2017

A Z-scheme full-spectrum-activated upconversion heterostructural photocatalyst was designed and synthesized, which exhibited superior photocatalytic activity than commercial P25 by 15 fold.
17% efficient printable mesoscopic PIN metal oxide framework perovskite solar cells using cesium-containing triple cation perovskite
Authors: Liu Shungshuang , Huang Wenchao , Liao Peizhe , Pootrakulchote Nuttapol , Li Hao , Lu Jianfeng , Li Junpeng , Huang Feihong , Shai Xuxia , Zhao Xiaojuan , Shen Yan , Cheng Yi-Bing , Wang Mingkui
Published: October 2017

Cs0.05(FA0.4MA0.6)0.95PbI2.8Br0.2 based devices showed an impressive efficiency of 17.02% and excellent thermal stability with long electron and hole diffusion lengths.
Salt-templated porous carbon–carbon composite electrodes for application in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Schnucklake Maike , Kuecken Sophie , Fetyan Abdulmonem , Schmidt Johannes , Thomas Arne , Roth Christina
Published: October 2017

Investigation of a newly developed IL-derived composite electrode, synthesized via the salt templating method for utilization in vanadium redox flow batteries.
Foam-like CoO@N,S-codoped carbon composites derived from a well-designed N,S-rich Co-MOF for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhuo Hong-Yan , Han Xiguang , Chen Wen-Miao , Sun Di
Published: October 2017

A novel 4-fold interpenetrated dia MOF was used as a N,S-containing precursor to fabricate a foam-like CoO@N,S-codoped carbon hybrid composite via pyrolysis at 550 °C under an Ar atmosphere. The foam-like CoO@N,S–C exhibited excellent electrochemical properties as anode materials for LIBs.
Simultaneous polymerization enabled the facile fabrication of S-doped carbons with tunable mesoporosity for high-capacitance supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Yun , He Chengen , Gao Pengyuan , Qiu Shengqiang , Han Xiaoyan , Shi Dean , Zhang Aiqing , Yang Yingkui
Published: October 2017

Simultaneous polymerization enabled the facile fabrication of S-doped mesoporous carbon materials as advanced electrodes for high-capacitance supercapacitors.
New two-dimensional transition metal borides for Li ion batteries and electrocatalysis
Authors: Guo Zhonglu , Zhou Jian , Sun Zhimei
Published: October 2017

A new family of transition metal borides MBenes are reported with remarkable applications in Li ion batteries and electrocatalysis.
Past and future of graphene/silicon heterojunction solar cells: a review
Authors: Bhopal Muhammad Fahad , Lee Doo Won , Rehman Atteq ur , Lee Soo Hong
Published: October 2017

Graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) Schottky junction solar cells represent an alternative low-cost, easy fabrication structure in photovoltaic devices.
Reflections on Lake Como Conferences (2000–2016)
Authors: Grandori Ferdinando , Hayes Deborah
Published: October 2017

Purpose

We present an overview of the conceptualization and development of the Newborn Hearing Screening and Hearing Across the Lifespan (Lake Como) conferences from 2000 to 2016.
Kann das CT die Katheterangiografie für die Koronardiagnostik ersetzen? – Nein!
Authors: Er Fikret
Published: October 2017

The need for coronary computed tomography (CTA) is still a matter of discussion. Areas in which CTA can replace invasive coronary angiography are rare. More data is needed to precise in which clinical settings CTA might be beneficial.
Plastisch rekonstruktive Mikrochirurgie beim alten Patienten
Authors: Ludolph Ingo , Lehnhardt Marcus , Arkudas Andreas , Kneser Ulrich , Pierer Gerhard , Harder Yves , Horch Raymund E.
Published: October 2017

Ein besseres Verständnis und die zunehmende Routine in der Mikrochirurgie während der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte, unter anderem aufgrund
verbesserter Instrumente und technischer Geräte, wie auch die zunehmende Anzahl verfügbarer Gewebe-Spenderstellen für den freien
Lappentransfer, ermöglichen heutzutage bei geeigneter Indikation individualisierte, sicherere und erfolgreichere mikrochirurgische
Rekonstruktionen nahezu unabhängig vom Patientenalter. Trotz dieser stetigen Entwicklungen ist die Literatur bezüglich der Thematik im
Hinblick auf die spezifischen Probleme bei älteren Patienten bisher noch spärlich. In zwei Konsensus-Workshops der DAM (Deutschsprachige
Arbeitsgemeinschaft für die Mikrochirurgie der peripheren Nerven und Gefäße) anlässlich der Jahrestagungen 2014 und 2016 wurden die neuesten
Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen zum mikrochirurgischen Wiederaufbau beim älteren Patienten von einer Expertengruppe erarbeitet und aktuelle
Empfehlungen formuliert. Basierend auf diesen Konsensus-Treffen und der aktuellen Literatur diskutiert dieser Artikel die relevanten
Aspekte.
Haut- und Weichteilinfektionen durch Corynebacterium ulcerans – Fallberichte
Authors: Jenssen Christian , Schwede Ilona , Neumann Volker , Pietsch Cristine , Handrick Werner
Published: October 2017

Anamnese und klinische Befunde Es wird über drei Patienten mit Haut- und Weichteilinfektionen der Unterschenkel durch Toxin-produzierende Corynebacterium-ulcerans-Stämme berichtet. Alle drei Patienten hatten prädisponierende chronische Erkrankungen und lebten mit Katzen bzw. einem Hund in einem Haushalt.

Untersuchungen und Diagnose Aus Wundabstrichen wurde jeweils eine Mischflora einschließlich von Corynebacterium ulcerans angezüchtet. Die Produktion von Diphtherietoxin war in allen drei Fällen nachweisbar.

Therapie und Verlauf Die Haut- und Weichteilinfektionen konnten bei allen drei Patienten durch eine Kombination von Lokalmaßnahmen und Antibiotikatherapie beherrscht werden. Diphtherie-Antitoxin kam nicht zum Einsatz.

Folgerung Basierend auf einer Literaturübersicht werden die wichtigsten Aspekte der Pathogenese, Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie dieser Infektionen diskutiert. Corynebacterium ulcerans sollte als möglicher Erreger schwerer Haut-, Wund- und Weichgewebe-Infektionen in diagnostische und therapeutische Überlegungen einbezogen und berufliche sowie häusliche Tierkontakte erfragt werden.
Fe-Al alloy single-crystal thin film preparation for basic magnetic measurements
Authors: Abe Tatsuya , Kawai Tetsuroh , Futamoto Masaaki , Ohtake Mitsuru , Inaba Nobuyuki
Published: October 2017

Fe100–xAlx (x = 0, 4, 10, 20, 30 at. %) alloy films of 40 nm thickness are prepared on MgO(001) single-crystal substrates by varying substrate temperature from room temperature to 600 °C. Single-crystal films of (001) orientation with bcc-based disordered A2 structure are obtained for the Al content range of x = 0 - 20 at. %. An ordered phase of DO3 structure is observed in Fe70Al30 films prepared at temperatures higher than 200 °C, whereas (001) oriented single-crystal films of A2 structure are obtained when prepared at room temperature. The film surface profile does not depend much on the film composition, while the surface roughness increases with increasing substrate temperature. Island-like crystals are observed for films prepared at 600°C for all compositions. Difference in lattice spacing measured parallel and perpendicular to the substrate is noted for the single-crystal thin films and it increases with increasing Al content. The lattice strain in single-crystal film is caused possibly to accommodate the lattice mismatch with the MgO substrate. The (001)-oriented single-crystal films with A2 structure show four-fold symmetries in in-plane magnetic anisotropy with the easy magnetization axis A2[100] and the hard magnetization axis A2[110], whereas the films with DO3 ordered structure show almost isotropic magnetic properties.
Motion stability of the magnetic levitation and suspension with YBa2Cu3O7-x high-Tc superconducting bulks and NdFeB magnets
Authors: Li Jipeng , Zheng Jun , Huang Huan , Li Yanxing , Li Haitao , Deng Zigang
Published: October 2017

The flux pinning effect of YBa2Cu3O7-x high temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk can achieve self-stable levitation over a permanent magnet or magnet array. Devices based on this phenomenon have been widely developed. However, the self-stable flux pinning effect is not unconditional, under disturbances, for example. To disclose the roots of this amazing self-stable levitation phenomenon in theory, mathematical and mechanical calculations using Lyapunov's stability theorem and the Hurwitz criterion were performed under the conditions of magnetic levitation and suspension of HTS bulk near permanent magnets in Halbach array. It is found that the whole dynamical system, in the case of levitation, has only one equilibrium solution, and the singular point is a stable focus. In the general case of suspension, the system has two singular points: one is a stable focus, and the other is an unstable saddle. With the variation of suspension force, the two first-order singular points mentioned earlier will get closer and closer, and finally degenerate to a high-order singular point, which means the stable region gets smaller and smaller, and finally vanishes. According to the center manifold theorem, the high-order singular point is unstable. With the interaction force varying, the HTS suspension dynamical system undergoes a saddle-node bifurcation. Moreover, a deficient damping can also decrease the stable region. These findings, together with existing experiments, could enlighten the improvement of HTS devices with strong anti-interference ability.
Dynamic Kerr effect in a strong uniform AC electric field for interacting polar and polarizable molecules in the mean field approximation
Authors: Deshmukh Snehal D. , Déjardin Pierre-Michel , Kalmykov Yuri P.
Published: October 2017

Analytical formulas for the electric birefringence response of interacting polar and anisotropically polarizable molecules due to a uniform alternating electric field are derived using Berne’s forced rotational diffusion model [B. J. Berne, J. Chem. Phys. 62, 1154 (1975)] in the nonlinear version described by Warchol and Vaughan [J. Chem. Phys. 71, 502 (1979)]. It is found for noninteracting molecules that the signal consists of a frequency-dependent DC component superimposed on an oscillatory part with a frequency twice that of the AC driving field. However, unlike noninteracting molecules, the AC part strongly deviates from its dilute counterpart. This suggests a possible way of motivating new experimental studies of intermolecular interactions involving electro-optical methods and complementary nonlinear dielectric relaxation experiments.