bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unscrambling light—automatically undoing strong mixing between modes
Authors: Annoni Andrea , Guglielmi Emanuele , Carminati Marco , Ferrari Giorgio , Sampietro Marco , Miller David AB , Melloni Andrea , Morichetti Francesco
Published: December 2017

Propagation of light beams through scattering or multimode systems may lead to the randomization of the spatial coherence of the light. Although information is not lost, its recovery requires a coherent interferometric reconstruction of the original signals, which have been scrambled into the modes of the scattering system. Here we show that we can automatically unscramble optical beams that have been arbitrarily mixed in a multimode waveguide, undoing the scattering and mixing between the spatial modes through a mesh of silicon photonics tuneable beam splitters. Transparent light detectors integrated in a photonic chip are used to directly monitor the evolution of each mode along the mesh, allowing sequential tuning and adaptive individual feedback control of each beam splitter. The entire mesh self-configures automatically through a progressive tuning algorithm and resets itself after significantly perturbing the mixing, without turning off the beams. We demonstrate information recovery by the simultaneous unscrambling, sorting and tracking of four mixed modes, with residual cross-talk of −20 dB between the beams. Circuit partitioning assisted by transparent detectors enables scalability to meshes with a higher port count and to a higher number of modes without a proportionate increase in the control complexity. The principle of self-configuring and self-resetting in optical systems should be applicable in a wide range of optical applications.
Automated design of freeform imaging systems
Authors: Yang Tong , Jin Guo-Fan , Zhu Jun
Published: December 2017

The automated design of imaging systems involving no or minimal human effort has always been the expectation of scientists, researchers and optical engineers. In addition, it is challenging to choose an appropriate starting point for an optical system design. In this paper, we present a novel design framework based on a point-by-point design process that can automatically obtain high-performance freeform systems. This framework only requires a combination of planes as the input based on the configuration requirements or the prior knowledge of designers. This point-by-point design framework is different from the decades-long tradition of optimizing surface coefficients. Compared with the traditional design method, whereby the selection of the starting point and the optimization process are independent of each other and require extensive amount of human effort, there are no obvious differences between these two processes in our design framework, and the entire design process is mostly automated. This automated design process significantly reduces the amount of human effort required and does not rely on advanced design skills and experience. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed design framework, we successfully designed two high-performance systems as examples. This point-by-point design framework opens up new possibilities for automated optical design and can be used to develop automated optical design in the areas of remote sensing, telescopy, microscopy, spectroscopy, virtual reality and augmented reality.
Malaria parasite DNA-harbouring vesicles activate cytosolic immune sensors
Authors: Sisquella Xavier , Ofir-Birin Yifat , Pimentel Matthew A. , Cheng Lesley , Abou Karam Paula , Sampaio Natália G. , Penington Jocelyn Sietsma , Connolly Dympna , Giladi Tal , Scicluna Benjamin J. , Sharples Robyn A. , Waltmann Andreea , Avni Dror , Schwartz Eli , Schofield Louis , Porat Ziv , Hansen Diana S. , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Eriksson Emily M. , Gerlic Motti , Hill Andrew F. , Bowie Andrew G. , Regev-Rudzki Neta
Published: December 2017

STING is an innate immune cytosolic adaptor for DNA sensors that engage malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) or other pathogen DNA. As P. falciparum infects red blood cells and not leukocytes, how parasite DNA reaches such host cytosolic DNA sensors in immune cells is unclear. Here we show that malaria parasites inside red blood cells can engage host cytosolic innate immune cell receptors from a distance by secreting extracellular vesicles (EV) containing parasitic small RNA and genomic DNA. Upon internalization of DNA-harboring EVs by human monocytes, P. falciparum DNA is released within the host cell cytosol, leading to STING-dependent DNA sensing. STING subsequently activates the kinase TBK1, which phosphorylates the transcription factor IRF3, causing IRF3 to translocate to the nucleus and induce STING-dependent gene expression. This DNA-sensing pathway may be an important decoy mechanism to promote P. falciparum virulence and thereby may affect future strategies to treat malaria.
Differentially evolved glucosyltransferases determine natural variation of rice flavone accumulation and UV-tolerance
Authors: Peng Meng , Shahzad Raheel , Gul Ambreen , Subthain Hizar , Shen Shuangqian , Lei Long , Zheng Zhigang , Zhou Junjie , Lu Dandan , Wang Shouchuang , Nishawy Elsayed , Liu Xianqing , Tohge Takayuki , Fernie Alisdair R. , Luo Jie
Published: December 2017

Decoration of phytochemicals contributes to the majority of metabolic diversity in nature, whereas how this process alters the biological functions of their precursor molecules remains to be investigated. Flavones, an important yet overlooked subclass of flavonoids, are most commonly conjugated with sugar moieties by UDP-dependent glycosyltransferases (UGTs). Here, we report that the natural variation of rice flavones is mainly determined by OsUGT706D1 (flavone 7-O-glucosyltransferase) and OsUGT707A2 (flavone 5-O-glucosyltransferase). UV-B exposure and transgenic evaluation demonstrate that their allelic variation contributes to UV-B tolerance in nature. Biochemical characterization of over 40 flavonoid UGTs reveals their differential evolution in angiosperms. These combined data provide biochemical insight and genetic regulation into flavone biosynthesis and additionally suggest that adoption of the positive alleles of these genes into breeding programs will likely represent a potential strategy aimed at producing stress-tolerant plants.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: REST regulates the cell cycle for cardiac development and regeneration
Authors: Zhang Donghong , Wang Yidong , Lu Pengfei , Wang Ping , Yuan Xinchun , Yan Jianyun , Cai Chenleng , Chang Ching-Pin , Zheng Deyou , Wu Bingruo , Zhou Bin
Published: December 2017

Despite the importance of cardiomyocyte proliferation in cardiac development and regeneration, the mechanisms that promote cardiomyocyte cell cycle remain incompletely understood. RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor of neuronal genes. Here we show that REST also regulates the cardiomyocyte cell cycle. REST binds and represses the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21 and is required for mouse cardiac development and regeneration. Rest deletion de-represses p21 and inhibits the cardiomyocyte cell cycle and proliferation in embryonic or regenerating hearts. By contrast, REST overexpression in cultured cardiomyocytes represses p21 and increases proliferation. We further show that p21 knockout rescues cardiomyocyte cell cycle and proliferation defects resulting from Rest deletion. Our study reveals a REST-p21 regulatory axis as a mechanism for cell cycle progression in cardiomyocytes, which might be exploited therapeutically to enhance cardiac regeneration.
Large guanidinium cation mixed with methylammonium in lead iodide perovskites for 19% efficient solar cells
Authors: Jodlowski Alexander D. , Roldán-Carmona Cristina , Grancini Giulia , Salado Manuel , Ralaiarisoa Maryline , Ahmad Shahzada , Koch Norbert , Camacho Luis , de Miguel Gustavo , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: December 2017

Organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites have shown photovoltaic performances above 20% in a range of solar cell architectures while offering simple and low-cost processability. Despite the multiple ionic compositions that have been reported so far, the presence of organic constituents is an essential element in all of the high-efficiency formulations, with the methylammonium and formamidinium cations being the sole efficient options available to date. In this study, we demonstrate improved material stability after the incorporation of a large organic cation, guanidinium, into the MAPbI3 crystal structure, which delivers average power conversion efficiencies over 19%, and stabilized performance for 1,000 h under continuous light illumination, a fundamental step within the perovskite field.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa zinc uptake in chelating environment is primarily mediated by the metallophore pseudopaline
Authors: Lhospice Sébastien , Gomez Nicolas Oswaldo , Ouerdane Laurent , Brutesco Catherine , Ghssein Ghassan , Hajjar Christine , Liratni Ahmed , Wang Shuanglong , Richaud Pierre , Bleves Sophie , Ball Geneviève , Borezée-Durant Elise , Lobinski Ryszard , Pignol David , Arnoux Pascal , Voulhoux Romé
Published: December 2017

Metal uptake is vital for all living organisms. In metal scarce conditions a common bacterial strategy consists in the biosynthesis of metallophores, their export in the extracellular medium and the recovery of a metal-metallophore complex through dedicated membrane transporters. Staphylopine is a recently described metallophore distantly related to plant nicotianamine that contributes to the broad-spectrum metal uptake capabilities of Staphylococcus aureus. Here we characterize a four-gene operon (PA4837–PA4834) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa involved in the biosynthesis and trafficking of a staphylopine-like metallophore named pseudopaline. Pseudopaline differs from staphylopine with regard to the stereochemistry of its histidine moiety associated with an alpha ketoglutarate moiety instead of pyruvate. In vivo, the pseudopaline operon is regulated by zinc through the Zur repressor. The pseudopaline system is involved in nickel uptake in poor media, and, most importantly, in zinc uptake in metal scarce conditions mimicking a chelating environment, thus reconciling the regulation of the cnt operon by zinc with its function as the main zinc importer under these metal scarce conditions.
Endomucin inhibits VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration, growth, and morphogenesis by modulating VEGFR2 signaling
Authors: Park-Windhol Cindy , Ng Yin Shan , Yang Jinling , Primo Vincent , Saint-Geniez Magali , D’Amore Patricia A.
Published: December 2017

Angiogenesis is central to both normal and pathologic processes. Endothelial cells (ECs) express O-glycoproteins that are believed to play important roles in vascular development and stability. Endomucin-1 (EMCN) is a type I O-glycosylated, sialic-rich glycoprotein, specifically expressed by venous and capillary endothelium. Evidence has pointed to a potential role for EMCN in angiogenesis but it had not been directly investigated. In this study, we examined the role of EMCN in angiogenesis by modulating EMCN levels both in vivo and in vitro. Reduction of EMCN in vivo led to the impairment of angiogenesis during normal retinal development in vivo. To determine the cellular basis of this inhibition, gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed in human retinal EC (HREC) in vitro by EMCN over-expression using adenovirus or EMCN gene knockdown by siRNA. We show that EMCN knockdown reduced migration, inhibited cell growth without compromising cell survival, and suppressed tube morphogenesis of ECs, whereas over-expression of EMCN led to increased migration, proliferation and tube formation. Furthermore, knockdown of EMCN suppressed VEGF-induced signaling as measured by decreased phospho-VEGFR2, phospho-ERK1/2 and phospho-p38-MAPK levels. These results suggest a novel role for EMCN as a potent regulator of angiogenesis and point to its potential as a new therapeutic target for angiogenesis-related diseases.
The influences and neural correlates of past and present during gambling in humans
Authors: Sacré Pierre , Subramanian Sandya , Kerr Matthew S. D. , Kahn Kevin , Johnson Matthew A. , Bulacio Juan , González-Martínez Jorge A. , Sarma Sridevi V. , Gale John T.
Published: December 2017

During financial decision-making tasks, humans often make “rational” decisions, where they maximize expected reward. However, this rationality may compete with a bias that reflects past outcomes. That is, if one just lost money or won money, this may impact future decisions. It is unclear how past outcomes influence future decisions in humans, and how neural circuits encode present and past information. In this study, six human subjects performed a financial decision-making task while we recorded local field potentials from multiple brain structures. We constructed a model for each subject characterizing bets on each trial as a function of present and past information. The models suggest that some patients are more influenced by previous trial outcomes (i.e., previous return and risk) than others who stick to more fixed decision strategies. In addition, past return and present risk modulated with the activity in the cuneus; while present return and past risk modulated with the activity in the superior temporal gyrus and the angular gyrus, respectively. Our findings suggest that these structures play a role in decision-making beyond their classical functions by incorporating predictions and risks in humans’ decision strategy, and provide new insight into how humans link their internal biases to decisions.
Normalizing brain activity across individuals using functional reference mapping
Authors: Martinelli Eugenio , Lüdke Alja , Adamo Piergiorgio , Strauch Martin , Di Natale Corrado , Galizia C. Giovanni
Published: December 2017

Neural activity can be mapped across individuals using brain atlases, but when spatial relationships are not equal, these techniques collapse. We map activity across individuals using functional registration, based on physiological responses to predetermined reference stimuli. Data from several individuals are integrated into a common multidimensional stimulus space, where dimensionality and axes are defined by these reference stimuli. We used this technique to discriminate volatile compounds with a cohort of Drosophila flies, by recording odor responses in receptor neurons on the flies’ antennae. We propose this technique for the development of reliable biological sensors when activity raw data cannot be calibrated. In particular, this technique will be useful for evaluating physiological measurements in natural chemosensory systems, and therefore will allow to exploit the sensitivity and selectivity of olfactory receptors present in the animal kingdom for analytical purposes.
Experimental Zika Virus Inoculation in a New World Monkey Model Reproduces Key Features of the Human Infection
Authors: Chiu Charles Y. , Sánchez-San Martín Claudia , Bouquet Jerome , Li Tony , Yagi Shigeo , Tamhankar Manasi , Hodara Vida L. , Parodi Laura M. , Somasekar Sneha , Yu Guixia , Giavedoni Luis D. , Tardif Suzette , Patterson Jean
Published: December 2017

A monkey model of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is urgently needed to better understand transmission and pathogenesis, given its proven association with fetal brain defects in pregnant women and acute neurological illness. Here we experimentally infected 4 male marmosets with ZIKV (prototype 1947 African strain) and monitored them clinically with sampling of various body fluids and tissues for nearly 3 months. We show that the course of acute infection with ZIKV in these New World monkeys resembles the human illness in many respects, including (1) lack of apparent clinical symptoms in most cases, (2) persistence of the virus in body fluids such as semen and saliva for longer periods of time than in serum, and (3) generation of neutralizing antibodies as well as an antiviral immunological host response. Importantly, ZIKV-infected saliva samples (in addition to serum) were found to be infectious, suggesting potential capacity for viral transmission by the oral route. Re-challenge of a previously infected marmoset with a contemporary outbreak strain SPH2015 from Brazil resulted in continued protection against infection, no viral shedding, and boosting of the immune response. Given the key similarities to human infection, a marmoset model of ZIKV infection may be useful for testing of new drugs and vaccines.
A PLAG1 mutation contributed to stature recovery in modern cattle
Authors: Utsunomiya Yuri Tani , Milanesi Marco , Utsunomiya Adam Taiti Harth , Torrecilha Rafaela Beatriz Pintor , Kim Eui-Soo , Costa Márcio Silva , Aguiar Tamíris Sayuri , Schroeder Steven , do Carmo Adriana Santana , Carvalheiro Roberto , Neves Haroldo Henrique Rezende , Padula Romulo Cláudio Morozini , Sussai Thayla Souza , Zavarez Ludmilla Balbo , Cipriano Rafael Silva , Caminhas Maria Margareth Theodoro , Hambrecht George , Colli Licia , Eufemi Elisa , Ajmone-Marsan Paolo , Cesana Deneb , Sannazaro Marco , Buora Maurizio , Morgante Michele , Liu George , Bickhart Derek , Van Tassell Curtis Paul , Sölkner Johann , Sonstegard Tad Stewart , Garcia José Fernando
Published: December 2017

The recent evolution of cattle is marked by fluctuations in body size. Height in the Bos taurus lineage was reduced by a factor of ~1.5 from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, and increased again only during the Early Modern Ages. Using haplotype analysis, we found evidence that the bovine PLAG1 mutation (Q) with major effects on body size, weight and reproduction is a >1,000 years old derived allele that increased rapidly in frequency in Northwestern European B. taurus between the 16th and 18th centuries. Towards the 19th and 20th centuries, Q was introgressed into non-European B. taurus and Bos indicus breeds. These data implicate a major role of Q in recent changes in body size in modern cattle, and represent one of the first examples of a genomic sweep in livestock that was driven by selection on a complex trait.
Magnetic Frustration Driven by Itinerancy in Spinel CoV2O4
Authors: Lee J. H. , Ma J. , Hahn S. E. , Cao H. B. , Lee M. , Hong Tao , Lee H.-J. , Yeom M. S. , Okamoto S. , Zhou H. D. , Matsuda M. , Fishman R. S.
Published: December 2017

Localized spins and itinerant electrons rarely coexist in geometrically-frustrated spinel lattices. They exhibit a complex interplay between localized spins and itinerant electrons. In this paper, we study the origin of the unusual spin structure of the spinel CoV2O4, which stands at the crossover from insulating to itinerant behavior using the first principle calculation and neutron diffraction measurement. In contrast to the expected paramagnetism, localized spins supported by enhanced exchange couplings are frustrated by the effects of delocalized electrons. This frustration produces a non-collinear spin state even without orbital orderings and may be responsible for macroscopic spin-glass behavior. Competing phases can be uncovered by external perturbations such as pressure or magnetic field, which enhances the frustration.
Rapid and effective enrichment of mononuclear cells from blood using acoustophoresis
Authors: Urbansky Anke , Ohlsson Pelle , Lenshof Andreas , Garofalo Fabio , Scheding Stefan , Laurell Thomas
Published: December 2017

Effective separation methods for fractionating blood components are needed for numerous diagnostic and research applications. This paper presents the use of acoustophoresis, an ultrasound based microfluidic separation technology, for label-free, gentle and continuous separation of mononuclear cells (MNCs) from diluted whole blood. Red blood cells (RBCs) and MNCs behave similar in an acoustic standing wave field, compromising acoustic separation of MNC from RBC in standard buffer systems. However, by optimizing the buffer conditions and thereby changing the acoustophoretic mobility of the cells, we were able to enrich MNCs relative to RBCs by a factor of 2,800 with MNC recoveries up to 88%. The acoustophoretic microchip can perform cell separation at a processing rate of more than 1 × 105 cells/s, corresponding to 5 µl/min undiluted whole blood equivalent. Thus, acoustophoresis can be easily integrated with further down-stream applications such as flow cytometry, making it a superior alternative to existing MNC isolation techniques.
Risk, Predictors, and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units in Egypt
Authors: Abd ElHafeez Samar , Tripepi Giovanni , Quinn Robert , Naga Yasmine , Abdelmonem Sherif , AbdelHady Mohamed , Liu Ping , James Matthew , Zoccali Carmine , Ravani Pietro
Published: December 2017

Epidemiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) in developing countries is under-studied. We evaluated the risk and prognosis of AKI in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Egypt. We recruited consecutive adults admitted to ICUs in Alexandria Teaching Hospitals over six months. We used the KDIGO criteria for AKI. We followed participants until the earliest of ICU discharge, death, day 30 from entry or study end. Of the 532 participants (median age 45 (Interquartile range [IQR]: 30–62) years, 41.7% male, 23.7% diabetics), 39.6% had AKI at ICU admission and 37.4% developed AKI after 24 hours of ICU admission. Previous need of diuretics, sepsis and low education were associated with AKI at ICU admission; APACHE II score independently predicted AKI after ICU admission. A total of 120 (22.6%) patients died during 30-day follow-up. Compared to patients who remained AKI-free, mortality was significantly higher in patients who had AKI at study entry (Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.14; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.02–4.48) or developed AKI in ICU (HR 2.74; 95% CI 1.45–5.17). The risk of AKI is high in critically ill people and predicts poor outcomes. Further studies are needed to estimate the burden of AKI among patients before ICU admission.
Transplantation of a quaternary structure neutralizing antibody epitope from dengue virus serotype 3 into serotype 4
Authors: Widman Douglas G. , Young Ellen , Nivarthi Usha , Swanstrom Jesica A. , Royal Scott R. , Yount Boyd L. , Debbink Kari , Begley Matthew , Marcet Stephanie , Durbin Anna , de Silva Aravinda M. , Messer William B. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: December 2017

Dengue vaccine trials have revealed deficits in our understanding of the mechanisms of protective immunity, demonstrating a need to measure epitope-specific antibody responses against each DENV serotype. HmAb 5J7 binds to a complex, 3-monomer spanning quaternary epitope in the DENV3 envelope (E) protein, but it is unclear whether all interactions are needed for neutralization. Structure guided design and reverse genetics were used to sequentially transplant larger portions of the DENV3-specific 5J7 mAb epitope into dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV4). We observed complete binding and neutralization only when the entire 3 monomer spanning epitope was transplanted into DENV4, providing empirical proof that cooperative monomer-hmAb 5J7 interactions maximize activity. The rDENV4/3 virus containing the most expanded 5J7 epitope was also significantly more sensitive than WT DENV4 to neutralization by DENV3 primary immune sera. We conclude that the hinge-spanning region of the 5J7 quaternary epitope is a target for serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies after DENV3 infection.
Influence of genetic ancestry and socioeconomic status on type 2 diabetes in the diverse Colombian populations of Chocó and Antioquia
Authors: Chande Aroon T. , Rowell Jessica , Rishishwar Lavanya , Conley Andrew B. , Norris Emily T. , Valderrama-Aguirre Augusto , Medina-Rivas Miguel A. , Jordan I. King
Published: December 2017

Differences in genetic ancestry and socioeconomic status (SES) among Latin American populations have been linked to health disparities for a number of complex diseases, such as diabetes. We used a population genomic approach to investigate the role that genetic ancestry and socioeconomic status (SES) play in the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) for two Colombian populations: Chocó (Afro-Latino) and Antioquia (Mestizo). Chocó has significantly higher predicted genetic risk for T2D compared to Antioquia, and the elevated predicted risk for T2D in Chocó is correlated with higher African ancestry. Despite its elevated predicted genetic risk, the population of Chocó has a three-times lower observed T2D prevalence than Antioquia, indicating that environmental factors better explain differences in T2D outcomes for Colombia. Chocó has substantially lower SES than Antioquia, suggesting that low SES in Chocó serves as a protective factor against T2D. The combination of lower prevalence of T2D and lower SES in Chocó may seem surprising given the protective nature of elevated SES in many populations in developed countries. However, low SES has also been documented to be a protective factor in rural populations in less developed countries, and this appears to be the case when comparing Chocó to Antioquia.
mTORC1 Signaling is a Critical Regulator of Postnatal Tendon Development
Authors: Lim Joohyun , Munivez Elda , Jiang Ming-Ming , Song I-Wen , Gannon Francis , Keene Douglas R. , Schweitzer Ronen , Lee Brendan H. , Joeng Kyu Sang
Published: December 2017

Tendons transmit contractile forces between musculoskeletal tissues. Whereas the biomechanical properties of tendons have been studied extensively, the molecular mechanisms regulating postnatal tendon development are not well understood. Here we examine the role of mTORC1 signaling in postnatal tendon development using mouse genetic approaches. Loss of mTORC1 signaling by removal of Raptor in tendons caused severe tendon defects postnatally, including decreased tendon thickness, indicating that mTORC1 is necessary for postnatal tendon development. By contrast, activation of mTORC1 signaling in tendons increased tendon cell numbers and proliferation. In addition, Tsc1 conditional knockout mice presented severely disorganized collagen fibers and neovascularization in the tendon midsubstance. Interestingly, collagen fibril diameter was significantly reduced in both Raptor and Tsc1 conditional knockout mice, albeit with variations in severity. We performed RNA-seq analysis using Achilles tendons to investigate the molecular changes underlying these tendon phenotypes. Raptor conditional knockout mice showed decreased extracellular matrix (ECM) structure-related gene expression, whereas Tsc1 conditional knockout mice exhibited changes in genes regulating TGF-β/BMP/FGF signaling, as well as in genes controlling ECM structure and disassembly. Collectively, our studies suggest that maintaining physiological levels of mTORC1 signaling is essential for postnatal tendon development and maturation.
Additive manufacture of complex 3D Au-containing nanocomposites by simultaneous two-photon polymerisation and photoreduction
Authors: Hu Qin , Sun Xue-Zhong , Parmenter Christopher D. J. , Fay Michael W. , Smith Emily F. , Rance Graham A. , He Yinfeng , Zhang Fan , Liu Yaan , Irvine Derek , Tuck Christopher , Hague Richard , Wildman Ricky
Published: December 2017

The fabrication of complex three-dimensional gold-containing nanocomposite structures by simultaneous two-photon polymerisation and photoreduction is demonstrated. Increased salt delivers reduced feature sizes down to line widths as small as 78 nm, a level of structural intricacy that represents a significant advance in fabrication complexity. The development of a general methodology to efficiently mix pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) with gold chloride hydrate (HAuCl4∙3H2O) is reported, where the gold salt concentration is adjustable on demand from zero to 20 wt%. For the first-time 7-Diethylamino-3-thenoylcoumarin (DETC) is used as the photoinitiator. Only 0.5 wt% of DETC was required to promote both polymerisation and photoreduction of up to 20 wt% of gold salt. This efficiency is the highest reported for Au-containing composite fabrication by two-photon lithography. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the presence of small metallic nanoparticles (5.4 ± 1.4 nm for long axis / 3.7 ± 0.9 nm for short axis) embedded within the polymer matrix, whilst X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that they exist in the zero valent oxidation state. UV-vis spectroscopy defined that they exhibit the property of localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The capability demonstrated in this study opens up new avenues for a range of applications, including plasmonics, metamaterials, flexible electronics and biosensors.
Design and synthesis of 5-aryl-4-(4-arylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as colchicine binding site inhibitors
Authors: Wu Yue , Feng Dongjie , Gao Meiqi , Wang Zhiwei , Yan Peng , Gu Zhenzhen , Guan Qi , Zuo Daiying , Bao Kai , Sun Jun , Wu Yingliang , Zhang Weige
Published: December 2017

A series of 5-aryl-4-(4-arylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazol derivatives were designed as potential microtubule targeting agents. The regioselective alkylation of 5-aryl-4-(4-arylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2H-1,2,3-triazole was predicted by computations and confirmed by an unambiguous synthetic route. The antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds was tested in vitro using three human cancer cell lines and some compounds exhibited significant antiproliferative activity, which suggested the reasonability of introduction of the 1,2,3-triazole fragment. Among them, compound 7p showed highest activity with the IC50 values at nanomolar level towards all three cell lines, which were comparable to the positive control, CA-4. Tubulin polymerization assay, immunofluorescence studies, cell cycle analysis and competitive tubulin-binding assay strongly proved that 7p is a colchicine binding site inhibitor of tubulin. Thus, 7p was identified as a promising drug candidate for further development of colchicine binding site inhibitors.
Damage of the right dorsal superior longitudinal fascicle by awake surgery for glioma causes persistent visuospatial dysfunction
Authors: Nakajima Riho , Kinoshita Masashi , Miyashita Katsuyoshi , Okita Hirokazu , Genda Ryoji , Yahata Tetsutaro , Hayashi Yutaka , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: December 2017

Patients with glioma frequently present with neuropsychological deficits preoperatively and/or postoperatively, and these deficits may remain after the chronic phase. However, little is known about postoperative recovery course of right hemispheric function. We therefore studied the characteristics and causes of persistent cognitive dysfunction in right cerebral hemispheric glioma. Eighteen patients who underwent awake surgery participated in this study. All patients who received preoperative neuropsychological examinations were assigned to two groups according to their test results: preoperative deficit and normal. They were reassessed 1 week and 3 months after surgery. The rates of remaining deficits in the deficit group at chronic phase were higher than those of the normal group for all functions. Despite preoperative normal function, the remaining rate for visuospatial cognitive deficits was the highest among all functions. The voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping analysis for visuospatial cognition revealed that a part of the medial superior and middle frontal gyri were resected with high probability in patients with low visuospatial cognitive accuracy. Our study indicates that in patients with preoperative neuropsychological deficits, these deficits tend to remain until the chronic phase. Visuospatial dysfunction frequently persists until the chronic phase, which might reflect damage to the superior longitudinal fasciclus I and II.
The myokinetic control interface: tracking implanted magnets as a means for prosthetic control
Authors: Tarantino S. , Clemente F. , Barone D. , Controzzi M. , Cipriani C.
Published: December 2017

Upper limb amputation deprives individuals of their innate ability to manipulate objects. Such disability can be restored with a robotic prosthesis linked to the brain by a human-machine interface (HMI) capable of decoding voluntary intentions, and sending motor commands to the prosthesis. Clinical or research HMIs rely on the interpretation of electrophysiological signals recorded from the muscles. However, the quest for an HMI that allows for arbitrary and physiologically appropriate control of dexterous prostheses, is far from being completed. Here we propose a new HMI that aims to track the muscles contractions with implanted permanent magnets, by means of magnetic field sensors. We called this a myokinetic control interface. We present the concept, the features and a demonstration of a prototype which exploits six 3-axis sensors to localize four magnets implanted in a forearm mockup, for the control of a dexterous hand prosthesis. The system proved highly linear (R2 = 0.99) and precise (1% repeatability), yet exhibiting short computation delay (45 ms) and limited cross talk errors (10% the mean stroke of the magnets). Our results open up promising possibilities for amputees, demonstrating the viability of the myokinetic approach in implementing direct and simultaneous control over multiple digits of an artificial hand.
Melanization in response to wounding is ancestral in arthropods and conserved in albino cave species
Authors: Bilandžija Helena , Laslo Mara , Porter Megan L. , Fong Daniel W.
Published: December 2017

Many species adapted to aphotic subterranean habitats have lost all body pigmentation. Yet, melanization is an important component of wound healing in arthropods. We amputated appendages in a variety of cave-adapted and surface-dwelling arthropods. A dark clot formed at the site of injury in most species tested, including even albino cave-adapted species. The dark coloration of the clots was due to melanin deposition. The speed of wound melanization was uncorrelated with a difference in metabolic rate between surface and cave populations of an amphipod. The chelicerate Limulus polyphemus, all isopod crustaceans tested, and the cave shrimp Troglocaris anophthalmus did not melanize wounds. The loss of wound melanization in T. anophthalmus was an apomorphy associated with adaptation to subterranean habitats, but in isopods it appeared to be a symplesiomorphy unrelated to colonization of subterranean habitats. We conclude that wound melanization i) is an important part of innate immunity because it was present in all major arthropod lineages, ii) is retained in most albino cave species, and iii) has been lost several times during arthropod evolution, indicating melanization is not an indispensable component of wound healing in arthropods.
Pharmacological inhibition of REV-ERB stimulates differentiation, inhibits turnover and reduces fibrosis in dystrophic muscle
Authors: Welch Ryan D. , Billon Cyrielle , Valfort Aurore-Cecile , Burris Thomas P. , Flaveny Colin A.
Published: December 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating X-linked disorder that is fatal. DMD patients lack the expression of the structural protein dystrophin caused by mutations within the DMD gene. The absence of functional dystrophin protein results in excessive damage from normal muscle use due to the compromised structural integrity of the dystrophin associated glycoprotein complex. As a result, DMD patients exhibit ongoing cycles of muscle destruction and regeneration that promote inflammation, fibrosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, satellite cell (SC) exhaustion and loss of skeletal and cardiac muscle function. The nuclear receptor REV-ERB suppresses myoblast differentiation and recently we have demonstrated that the REV-ERB antagonist, SR8278, stimulates muscle regeneration after acute injury. Therefore, we decided to explore whether the REV-ERB antagonist SR8278 could slow the progression of muscular dystrophy. In mdx mice SR8278 increased lean mass and muscle function, and decreased muscle fibrosis and muscle protein degradation. Interestingly, we also found that SR8278 increased the SC pool through stimulation of Notch and Wnt signaling. These results suggest that REV-ERB is a potent target for the treatment of DMD.
Removal of sulfur by adding zinc during the digestion process of high-sulfur bauxite
Authors: Liu Zhanwei , Ma Wenhui , Yan Hengwei , Xie Keqiang , Li Dunyong , Zheng Licong , Li Pengfei
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a novel approach to sulfur removal by adding zinc during the digestion process. The effects of zinc dosage on the concentrations of different valence sulfur in sodium aluminate solution were investigated at length to find that high-valence sulfur (S2O32−, SO32−, SO42−) concentration in sodium aluminate solution decreases, but the concentration of the S2− in the sodium aluminate solution increases as zinc dosage increases. This suggests that zinc can react with high-valence sulfur to generate S2− at digestion temperature, which is consistent with our thermodynamic calculation results. In this study, as zinc dosage increases, sulfur digestion rate decreases while sulfur content in red mud markedly increases when zinc dosage was below 4%; the digestion rates of sulfur and sulfur content in red mud remains stable when zinc dosage was above 4%; the alumina digestion rate, conversely, increased slightly throughout the experiment. This suggests that high-valence sulfur in sodium aluminate solution can be converted to S2− and then enter red mud to be removed completely by adding zinc during the digestion process.
Impairing the function of MLCK, myosin Va or myosin Vb disrupts Rhinovirus B14 replication
Authors: Real-Hohn Antonio , Provance D. William , Gonçalves Rafael Braga , Denani Caio Bidueira , de Oliveira Andréa Cheble , Salerno Verônica P. , Oliveira Gomes Andre Marco
Published: December 2017

Together, the three human rhinovirus (RV) species are the most frequent cause of the common cold. Because of their high similarity with other viral species of the genus Enterovirus, within the large family Picornaviridae, studies on RV infectious activities often offer a less pathogenic model for more aggressive enteroviruses, e.g. poliovirus or EV71. Picornaviruses enter via receptor mediated endocytosis and replicate in the cytosol. Most of them depend on functional F-actin, Rab proteins, and probably motor proteins. To assess the latter, we evaluated the role of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and two myosin V isoforms (Va and Vb) in RV-B14 infection. We report that ML-9, a very specific MLCK inhibitor, dramatically reduced RV-B14 entry. We also demonstrate that RV-B14 infection in cells expressing dominant-negative forms of myosin Va and Vb was impaired after virus entry. Using immunofluorescent localization and immunoprecipitation, we show that myosin Va co-localized with RV-B14 exclusively after viral entry (15 min post infection) and that myosin Vb was present in the clusters of newly synthesized RNA in infected cells. These clusters, observed at 180 min post infection, are reminiscent of replication sites. Taken together, these results identify myosin light chain kinase, myosin Va and myosin Vb as new players in RV-B14 infection that participate directly or indirectly in different stages of the viral cycle.
Mechanochemical mineralization of “very persistent” fluorocarbon surfactants ‒ 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2FTS) as an example
Authors: Lu Mengnan , Cagnetta Giovanni , Zhang Kunlun , Huang Jun , Yu Gang
Published: December 2017

Fluorinated organic chemicals have a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. For long time perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid have been used as precursors for manufacture of such chemicals. However, these C8 chain compounds have been demonstrated to be toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative, thus inducing their phase-out. Currently, C6 telomer based fluorocarbon surfactants are considered better alternatives to C8 products because of their low bioaccumulability. But, their high persistency suggests that in the near future their concentrations will increase in the environment and in industrial waste. Being a solid state non-thermal technology, mechanochemical treatment is a good candidate for the destruction of emerging C6 fluorotelomers in solid waste. In the present study, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate is effectively destroyed (~100%) in rapid manner (<1 h) by high energy ball milling with KOH. Stoichiometric fluoride formation confirms its entire mineralization, assuring that no toxic by-products are generated. Reaction mechanism and kinetics indicate that effective mineralization of the perfluorinated moiety is obtained thanks to a rapid CF2 “flake-off” process through radical mechanism.
Harvesting energy from low-frequency excitations through alternate contacts between water and two dielectric materials
Authors: Yu Jian , Ma Enze , Ma Tianwei
Published: December 2017

Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of water-dielectric interfaces in electrostatic energy harvesting. Most efforts have been focused on extracting the kinetic energy from the motions of water drops on hydrophobic surfaces, and thus, the resulting schemes inherently prefer cases where the water drops move at a high speed, or vibrate at a high frequency. Here we report a method for directly harvesting ambient mechanical energy as electric potential energy through water droplets by making alternate contacts with CYTOP and PTFE thin films. Because CYTOP and PTFE acquire significantly different surface charge densities during contact with water, such a difference can be utilized to effectively generate electricity. We demonstrate this concept using prototype devices fabricated on silicon substrates with a simple procedure. In the experiments conducted, a water drop of 400 μL alone could generate a peak open-circuit voltage of 42 V under a 0.25 Hz vibration. Under a 2.5 Hz vibration, the peak open-circuit voltage reached 115 V under an external bias of 8 V. The demonstrated efficiency is orders of magnitude higher than those of existing devices of similar dimensions.
Metallic cobalt modified MnO–C nanocrystalline composites as an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Haitao , Yu Yang , Wu Zexing , Asif Muhammad , Liu Hongfang
Published: December 2017

An efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst, slight metallic cobalt modified manganese oxide nanocrystalline is successfully synthesized through rheological phase reaction method.
Anaerobic biodegradation and decolorization of a refractory acid dye by a forward osmosis membrane bioreactor
Authors: Li Fang , Xia Qin , Gao Yingying , Cheng Qianxun , Ding Lián , Yang Bo , Tian Qing , Ma Chunyan , Sand Wolfgang , Liu Yanbiao
Published: December 2017

In this study, the feasibility of utilizing an anaerobic osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR) for the treatment of a refractory acid dye, Lanaset red G.GR, is demonstrated.
Home food preparation techniques impacted the availability of natural antioxidants and bioactivities in kale and broccoli
Authors: Yu Lu , Gao Boyan , Li Yanfang , Wang Thomas T. Y. , Luo Yinghua , Wang Jing , Yu Liangli (Lucy)
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the effects of grinding and chopping with/without microwaving on the health-beneficial components, and antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation capacities of commercial kale and broccoli samples.
Hypolipidemic effect and protection ability of liver-kidney functions of melanin fromLachnumYM226 in high-fat diet fed mice
Authors: Shi Fang , Li Jinglei , Yang Liuqing , Hou Guohua , Ye Ming
Published: December 2017

The present study investigated the hypolipidemic properties of melanin fromLachnumYM226 (LM) in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic mice.
Dietary fruits and arthritis
Authors: Basu Arpita , Schell Jace , Scofield R. Hal
Published: December 2017

Arthritis is a global health concern affecting a significant proportion of the population and associated with reduced quality of life.
Correction: Visible-light-mediated aerobic selenation of (hetero)arenes with diselenides
Authors: Zhang Qing-Bao , Ban Yong-Liang , Yuan Pan-Feng , Peng Shou-Jiao , Fang Jian-Guo , Wu Li-Zhu , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2017

Correction for ‘Visible-light-mediated aerobic selenation of (hetero)arenes with diselenides’ by Qing-Bao Zhang et al., Green Chem., 2017, 19, 5559–5563.
Deep learning for chemical reaction prediction
Authors: Fooshee David , Mood Aaron , Gutman Eugene , Tavakoli Mohammadamin , Urban Gregor , Liu Frances , Huynh Nancy , Van Vranken David , Baldi Pierre
Published: December 2017

We describe a deep learning-based system for predicting chemical reactions and identifying experimentally-observed masses.
[Ag15(N-triphos)4(Cl4)](NO3)3: a stable Ag–P superatom with eight electrons (N-triphos = tris((diphenylphosphino)methyl)amine)
Authors: Shen Xue-Tao , Ma Xue-Li , Ni Qing-Ling , Ma Meng-Xia , Gui Liu-Cheng , Hou Cheng , Hou Ruo-Bing , Wang Xiu-Jian
Published: December 2017

A first and stable Ag–P superatom nanocluster [Ag15(N-triphos)4(Cl4)](NO3)3(N-triphos = tris((diphenylphosphino)methyl)amine) has been synthesized and characterized by ESI-MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction.
Synthesis and photophysical properties of a porphyrin–BODIPY dyad and a porphyrin–o-carborane–BODIPY triad
Authors: Berksun Ekin , Nar Ilgın , Atsay Armağan , Özçeşmeci İbrahim , Gelir Ali , Hamuryudan Esin
Published: December 2017

The photophysical and electrochemical properties of a newly synthesized porphyrin–BODIPY dyad and a porphyrin–o-carborane–BODIPY triad have been investigated.
Enantioselective total synthesis of periconiasin A
Authors: Zeng Zhixiong , Chen Cheng , Zhang Yandong
Published: December 2017

A concise, enantioselective total synthesis of periconiasin A, a hybrid natural product, has been achieved.
tert-Butyl peroxybenzoate mediated formation of 3-alkylated quinolines from N-propargylamines via a cascade radical addition/cyclization reaction
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Yicheng , Li Pinhua , Wang Lei
Published: December 2017

A novel method for constructing 3-alkylated quinolines was developed via tert-butyl peroxybenzoate mediated cycloaddition between N-propargyl aromatic amines and ethers.
Nanocrystalline carbon coated alumina with enhanced phase stability at high temperatures
Authors: Volodin Alexander M. , Bedilo Alexander F. , Stoyanovskii Vladimir O. , Zaikovskii Vladimir I. , Kenzhin Roman M. , Mishakov Ilya V. , Vedyagin Aleksey A.
Published: December 2017

The carbon coating hinders the sintering of the δ-Al2O3 phase. The stabilization of the nanosized oxide particles in the Al2O3@C system is considered as the decisive factor preventing their transformation to the α-Al2O3 phase.
Indium-doped ZnO horizontal nanorods for high on-current field effect transistors
Authors: Zhu Ziqiang , Li Borui , Wen Jian , Chen Zhao , Chen Zhiliang , Zhang Ranran , Ye Shuangli , Fang Guojia , Qian Jun
Published: December 2017

High on-current field effect transistors (FETs) are highly desirable for driving information displays such as active matrix organic light-emitting diode displays.
Highly stretchable fiber-based single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator for wearable devices
Authors: Park Jiwon , Choi A Young , Lee Chang Jun , Kim Dogyun , Kim Youn Tae
Published: December 2017

In the proposed fiber-based single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (FSTENG), energy was generated from the contact between human skin and silicone rubber.
An aptamer-based fluorescence probe for facile detection of lipopolysaccharide in drinks
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Yang Jiajia , Pang Wenting , Yan Guiqin
Published: December 2017

An alternative fluorescence strategy for specific and convenient detection of lipopolysaccharide in drink was developed.
Preparation of conductive composite hydrogels from carboxymethyl cellulose and polyaniline with a nontoxic crosslinking agent
Authors: Li Junrong , Fang Liangjing , Tait William R. , Sun Luyi , Zhao Lihong , Qian Liying
Published: December 2017

A cellulose based conductive composite hydrogel was prepared with a non-toxic crosslinking agent for application in biomedical materials.
Activated biochar derived from pomelo peel as a high-capacity sorbent for removal of carbamazepine from aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Dezhi , Xie Shasha , Chen Caiqin , Quan Hongying , Hua Li , Luo Xubiao , Guo Lin
Published: December 2017

In recent years, the application of biochar to remove contaminants from aqueous solutions has become interesting due to favorable physical/chemical properties and abundant feedstocks.