bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of single lymphoma primary cells and normal B-cells based on their adhesion to mesenchymal stromal cells in optical tweezers
Authors: Duś-Szachniewicz Kamila , Drobczyński Sławomir , Woźniak Marta , Zduniak Krzysztof , Ostasiewicz Katarzyna , Ziółkowski Piotr , Korzeniewska Aleksandra K. , Agrawal Anil K. , Kołodziej Paweł , Walaszek Kinga , Bystydzieński Zbigniew , Rymkiewicz Grzegorz
Published: July 2019

We have adapted a non-invasive method based on optical tweezers technology to differentiate between the normal B-cells and the B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) cells derived from clinical samples. Our approach bases on the nascent adhesion between an individual B-cell and a mesenchymal stromal cell. In this study, a single B-cell was trapped and optically seeded on a mesenchymal stromal cell and kept in a direct contact with it until a stable connection between the cells was formed in time scale. This approach allowed us to avoid the introduction of any exogenous beads or chemicals into the experimental setup which would have affected the cell-to-cell adhesion. Here, we have provided new evidence that aberrant adhesive properties found in transformed B-cells are related to malignant neoplasia. We have demonstrated that the mean time required for establishing adhesive interactions between an individual normal B-cell and a mesenchymal stromal cell was 26.7 ± 16.6 s, while for lymphoma cell it was 208.8 ± 102.3 s, p < 0.001. The contact time for adhesion to occur ranged from 5 to 90 s and from 60 to 480 s for normal B-cells and lymphoma cells, respectively. This method for optically controlled cell-to-cell adhesion in time scale is beneficial to the successful differentiation of pathological cells from normal B-cells within the fine needle aspiration biopsy of a clinical sample. Additionally, variations in time-dependent adhesion among subtypes of B-NHL, established here by the optical trapping, confirm earlier results pertaining to cell heterogeneity.
Onset of schizophrenia diagnoses in a large clinical cohort
Authors: Lopez-Castroman Jorge , Leiva-Murillo José Miguel , Cegla-Schvartzman Fanny , Blasco-Fontecilla Hilario , Garcia-Nieto Rebeca , Artes-Rodriguez Antonio , Morant-Ginestar Consuelo , Courtet Philippe , Blanco Carlos , Aroca Fuensanta , Baca-García Enrique
Published: July 2019

We aimed to describe the diagnostic patterns preceding and following the onset of schizophrenia diagnoses in outpatient clinics. A large clinical sample of 26,163 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in at least one outpatient visit was investigated. We applied a Continuous Time Hidden Markov Model to describe the probability of transition from other diagnoses to schizophrenia considering time proximity. Although the most frequent diagnoses before schizophrenia were anxiety and mood disorders, direct transitions to schizophrenia usually came from psychotic-spectrum disorders. The initial diagnosis of schizophrenia was not likely to change for two of every three patients if it was confirmed some months after its onset. When not confirmed, the most frequent alternative diagnoses were personality, affective or non-schizophrenia psychotic disorders. Misdiagnosis or comorbidity with affective, anxiety and personality disorders are frequent before and after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Our findings give partial support to a dimensional view of schizophrenia and emphasize the need for longitudinal assessment.
Differences in placental capillary shear stress in fetal growth restriction may affect endothelial cell function and vascular network formation
Authors: Tun Win M. , Yap Choon Hwai , Saw Shier Nee , James Joanna L. , Clark Alys R.
Published: July 2019

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5–10% of pregnancies, leading to clinically significant fetal morbidity and mortality. FGR placentae frequently exhibit poor vascular branching, but the mechanisms driving this are poorly understood. We hypothesize that vascular structural malformation at the organ level alters microvascular shear stress, impairing angiogenesis. A computational model of placental vasculature predicted elevated placental micro-vascular shear stress in FGR placentae (0.2 Pa in severe FGR vs 0.05 Pa in normal placentae). Endothelial cells cultured under predicted FGR shear stresses migrated significantly slower and with greater persistence than in shear stresses predicted in normal placentae. These cell behaviors suggest a dominance of vessel elongation over branching. Taken together, these results suggest (1) poor vascular development increases vessel shear stress, (2) increased shear stress induces cell behaviors that impair capillary branching angiogenesis, and (3) impaired branching angiogenesis continues to drive elevated shear stress, jeopardizing further vascular formation. Inadequate vascular branching early in gestation could kick off this cyclic loop and continue to negatively impact placental angiogenesis throughout gestation.
A universal approach for drainage basins
Authors: Oliveira Erneson A. , Pires Rilder S. , Oliveira Rubens S. , Furtado Vasco , Herrmann Hans J. , Andrade José S.
Published: July 2019

Drainage basins are essential to Geohydrology and Biodiversity. Defining those regions in a simple, robust and efficient way is a constant challenge in Earth Science. Here, we introduce a model to delineate multiple drainage basins through an extension of the Invasion Percolation-Based Algorithm (IPBA). In order to prove the potential of our approach, we apply it to real and artificial datasets. We observe that the perimeter and area distributions of basins and anti-basins display long tails extending over several orders of magnitude and following approximately power-law behaviors. Moreover, the exponents of these power laws depend on spatial correlations and are invariant under the landscape orientation, not only for terrestrial, but lunar and martian landscapes. The terrestrial and martian results are statistically identical, which suggests that a hypothetical martian river would present similarity to the terrestrial rivers. Finally, we propose a theoretical value for the Hack’s exponent based on the fractal dimension of watersheds, γ = D/2. We measure γ = 0.54 ± 0.01 for Earth, which is close to our estimation of γ ≈ 0.55. Our study suggests that Hack’s law can have its origin purely in the maximum and minimum lines of the landscapes.
Super-resolution modularity analysis shows polyhedral caveolin-1 oligomers combine to form scaffolds and caveolae
Authors: Khater Ismail M. , Liu Qian , Chou Keng C. , Hamarneh Ghassan , Nabi Ivan Robert
Published: July 2019

Caveolin-1 (Cav1), the coat protein for caveolae, also forms non-caveolar Cav1 scaffolds. Single molecule Cav1 super-resolution microscopy analysis previously identified caveolae and three distinct scaffold domains: smaller S1A and S2B scaffolds and larger hemispherical S2 scaffolds. Application here of network modularity analysis of SMLM data for endogenous Cav1 labeling in HeLa cells shows that small scaffolds combine to form larger scaffolds and caveolae. We find modules within Cav1 blobs by maximizing the intra-connectivity between Cav1 molecules within a module and minimizing the inter-connectivity between Cav1 molecules across modules, which is achieved via spectral decomposition of the localizations adjacency matrix. Features of modules are then matched with intact blobs to find the similarity between the module-blob pairs of group centers. Our results show that smaller S1A and S1B scaffolds are made up of small polygons, that S1B scaffolds correspond to S1A scaffold dimers and that caveolae and hemispherical S2 scaffolds are complex, modular structures formed from S1B and S1A scaffolds, respectively. Polyhedral interactions of Cav1 oligomers, therefore, leads progressively to the formation of larger and more complex scaffold domains and the biogenesis of caveolae.
Inhibition of activin-like kinase 4/5 attenuates cancer cachexia associated muscle wasting
Authors: Levolger S. , Wiemer E. A. C. , van Vugt J. L. A. , Huisman S. A. , van Vledder M. G. , van Damme-van Engel S. , Ambagtsheer G. , IJzermans J. N. M. , de Bruin R. W. F.
Published: July 2019

Cancer mediated activation of the ActRIIB-ALK4/5 heterodimer by myostatin is strongly associated with muscle wasting. We investigated in vitro and in vivo the efficacy of ALK4/5 receptor blockers SB431542 and GW788388 in preventing muscle wasting, and explored synergy with IGF-I analogue LONG R3 (LR3) IGF-I. In vitro, C2C12 skeletal muscle cells were treated with vehicle, SB431542, GW788388 and LR3 IGF-I. A C26-CD2F1 cachexia model was used to induce cachexia in vivo. Mice were allocated as non-tumour bearing (NTB) or C26 tumour-bearing (C26 TB) vehicle control, treated with SB431542, LR3 IGF-I, SB431542 and LR3 IGF-I, or GW788388 (intraperitoneally or orally). In vitro, differentiation index and mean nuclei count increased using SB431542, GW788388, LR3 IGF-I. In vivo, GW788388 was superior to SB431542 in limiting loss of bodyweight, grip-strength and gastrocnemius weight. and downregulated Atrogin-1 expression comparable to NTB mice. LR3 IGF-I treatment limited loss of muscle mass, but at the expense of accelerated tumour growth. In conclusion, treatment with GW788388 prevented cancer cachexia, and downregulated associated ubiquitin ligase Atrogin-1.
Physiological condition of nestling great tits (Parus major) declines with the date of brood initiation: a long term study of first clutches
Authors: Kaliński Adam , Bańbura Mirosława , Glądalski Michał , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Zieliński Piotr , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: July 2019

In seasonal environments, a temporal decline in breeding performance (e.g. clutch size, nestling condition, and fledging success) of altricial bird species is a well-known phenomenon. In this study, we present the effect of laying phenology on the physiological condition of nestling great tits (Parus major)in 14 consecutive breeding seasons. We used blood haemoglobin and baseline glucose concentrations as indicators of nestling physiological condition. Nestling blood haemoglobin reflects food base quality and availability during the breeding period. Blood glucose concentration can be used as a supplementary reverse index of condition, since it is negatively related to environmental quality. It might be indicative of the stress caused by unfavourable extrinsic factors, though, due to potential confounding factors such as adverse weather conditions, low food quality, or feeding interruptions, glucose levels should be used in this ecological context with caution. Great tit nestlings from earlier broods were characterised by higher mean haemoglobin concentrations, indicating a seasonal decline in food quality and availability. The blood glucose concentration displayed an opposite pattern, with nestlings from earlier broods being characterised by lower mean concentrations than those from later broods. However, very little of the variation in blood glucose concentration can be explained by the variation in laying date, which suggests that blood glucose concentration is of little importance in the context of breeding phenology. Our results show that the physiological condition of nestlings of this species decreases as the breeding season progresses, most probably due to environmental factors.
The mammalian CTLH complex is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets its subunit muskelin for degradation
Authors: Maitland Matthew E. R. , Onea Gabriel , Chiasson Christopher A. , Wang Xu , Ma Jun , Moor Sarah E. , Barber Kathryn R. , Lajoie Gilles A. , Shaw Gary S. , Schild-Poulter Caroline
Published: July 2019

The multi-subunit C-terminal to LisH (CTLH) complex is the mammalian homologue of the yeast Gid E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. In this study, we investigated the human CTLH complex and characterized its E3 ligase activity. We confirm that the complex immunoprecipitated from human cells comprises RanBPM, ARMC8 α/β, muskelin, WDR26, GID4 and the RING domain proteins RMND5A and MAEA. We find that loss of expression of individual subunits compromises the stability of other complex members and that MAEA and RMND5A protein levels are interdependent. Using in vitro ubiquitination assays, we demonstrate that the CTLH complex has E3 ligase activity which is dependent on RMND5A and MAEA. We report that the complex can pair with UBE2D1, UBE2D2 and UBE2D3 E2 enzymes and that recombinant RMND5A mediates K48 and K63 poly-ubiquitin chains. Finally, we show a proteasome-dependent increase in the protein levels of CTLH complex member muskelin in RMND5A KO cells. Furthermore, muskelin ubiquitination is dependent on RMND5A, suggesting that it may be a target of the complex. Overall, we further the characterization of the CTLH complex as an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex in human cells and reveal a potential autoregulation mechanism.
Marine and non-marine strata preserving Ediacaran microfossils
Authors: Lehn Ilana , Horodyski Rodrigo Scalise , Paim Paulo Sérgio Gomes
Published: July 2019

We report the first occurrence of microfossils in Ediacaran strata of the Camaquã Basin. The assemblage includes simple (Leiosphaeridiasp. predominantly) and ornamented acritarchs associated with microbial mats. They are related to the Ediacaran Complex Acanthomorph Palynoflora (ECAP) and Late Ediacaran Leiosphere Palynoflora (LELP) due to the similar morphology and time interval assigned to those assemblages, though the observed specimens are a lot simpler and less diversified. However, different from the usual occurrences, this case study reports Neoproterozoic cosmopolitan communities living in marine (basal unit) and lacustrine (middle units) settings. Fossils within non-marine strata in the Precambrian record are rare. Therefore, this first finding of microfossils in the Camaquã Basin constitutes a new piece of the puzzle related to the history of the Panafrican-Brasiliano basins and shed some light on possible settings where the Ediacaran eukaryotes have evolved.
Impairment of starch biosynthesis results in elevated oxidative stress and autophagy activity in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Tran Quynh-Giao , Cho Kichul , Park Su-Bin , Kim Urim , Lee Yong Jae , Kim Hee-Sik
Published: July 2019

Autophagy is a self-degradation system wherein cellular materials are recycled. Although autophagy has been extensively studied in yeast and mammalian systems, integrated stress responses in microalgae remain poorly understood. Accordingly, we carried out a comparative study on the oxidative stress responses of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii wild-type and a starchless (sta6) mutant previously shown to accumulate high lipid content under adverse conditions. To our surprise, the sta6 mutant exhibited significantly higher levels of lipid peroxidation in the same growth conditions compared to controls. The sta6 mutant was more sensitive to oxidative stress induced by H2O2, whereas the wild-type was relatively more resistant. In addition, significantly up-regulated autophagy-related factors including ATG1, ATG101, and ATG8 were maintained in the sta6 mutant regardless of nitrogen availability. Also, the sta6 mutant exhibited relatively higher ATG8 protein level compared to wild-type under non-stress condition, and quickly reached a saturation point of autophagy when H2O2 was applied. Our results indicate that, in addition to the impact of carbon allocation, the increased lipid phenotype of the sta6 mutant may result from alterations in the cellular oxidative state, which in turn activates autophagy to clean up oxidatively damaged components and fuel lipid production.
Facile and Sustainable Synthesis of Erythritol bis(carbonate), a Valuable Monomer for Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes (NIPUs)
Authors: Dannecker Patrick-Kurt , Meier Michael A. R.
Published: July 2019

Recently, R. Mülhaupt et al. introduced the first high yielding synthesis of erythritol bis(carbonate) from erythritol with diphenyl carbonate (DPC) as reagent. They utilized it as monomer for the synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs). Here, we present a significantly more sustainable procedure for the carbonate formation regarding solvent, carbonyl source, reaction temperature, reaction time, reduced pressure during the reaction, simplicity of the workup as well as recycling of reagents. Catalysed by triazabicyclodecene (TBD), dimethyl carbonate as solvent as well as reagent leads to selective product formation and facile product separation by filtration. After addition of new starting materials, the mixture of catalyst and DMC was reused up to 8 times without loss of catalytic activity.
Association between maternally perceived quality and pattern of fetal movements and late stillbirth
Authors: Bradford Billie F. , Cronin Robin S. , McCowan Lesley M. E. , McKinlay Christopher J. D. , Mitchell Edwin A. , Thompson John M. D.
Published: July 2019

We investigated fetal movement quality and pattern and association with late stillbirth in this multicentre case-control study. Cases (n = 164) had experienced a non-anomalous singleton late stillbirth. Controls (n = 569) were at a similar gestation with non-anomalous singleton ongoing pregnancy. Data on perceived fetal movements were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaire. We compared categorical fetal movement variables between cases and controls using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for possible confounders. In multivariable analysis, maternal perception of the following fetal movement variables was associated with decreased risk of late stillbirth; multiple instances of ‘more vigorous than usual’ fetal movement (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32–0.82), daily perception of fetal hiccups (aOR 0.28, 95%CI 0.15–0.52), and perception of increased length of fetal movement clusters or ‘busy times’ (aOR 0.23, 95%CI 0.11–0.47). Conversely, the following maternally perceived fetal movement variables were associated with increased risk of late stillbirth; decreased frequency of fetal movements (aOR 2.29, 95%CI 1.31–4.0), and perception of ‘quiet or light’ fetal movement in the evening (aOR 3.82, 95%CI 1.57–9.31). In conclusion, women with stillbirth were more likely than controls to have experienced alterations in fetal movement, including decreased strength, frequency and in particular a fetus that was ‘quiet’ in the evening.
Ampicillin-treated Lactococcus lactis MG1363 populations contain persisters as well as viable but non-culturable cells
Authors: van Tatenhove-Pel Rinke J. , Zwering Emile , Solopova Ana , Kuipers Oscar P. , Bachmann Herwig
Published: July 2019

Lactococcus lactis is used as cell-factory and strain selections are regularly performed to improve production processes. When selection regimes only allow desired phenotypes to survive, for instance by using antibiotics to select for cells that do not grow in a specific condition, the presence of more resistant subpopulations with a wildtype genotype severely slows down the procedure. While the food grade organism L. lactis is not often exposed to antibiotics we characterized its response to ampicillin in more detail, to better understand emerging population heterogeneity and how this might affect strain selection procedures. Using growth-dependent viability assays we identified persister subpopulations in stationary and exponential phase. Growth-independent viability assays revealed a 100 times larger subpopulation that did not grow on plates or in liquid medium, but had an intact membrane and could maintain a pH gradient. Over one third of these cells restored their intracellular pH when we induced a temporary collapse, indicating that this subpopulation was metabolically active and in a viable but non-culturable state. Exposure of L. lactis MG1363 to ampicillin therefore results in a heterogeneous population response with different dormancy states. These dormant cells should be considered in survival-based strain selection procedures.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor attenuates experimental fungal keratitis in mice
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Yuan Min , Yin Ruijie , Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Yu , Sun Shengtao , Han Lei , He Shikun
Published: July 2019

Fungal keratitis is one of the leading causes of blindness of infected corneal diseases, but the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis is not fully understood and therefore the treatment of the disease by medication is still under investigation. In the current study, we sought to study the effect of HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on experimental fungal keratitis in mice. SAHA (25 mg/kg) (n = 30) or vehicle (DMSO) (n = 30) was delivered through intraperitoneal injection (IP) 24 hours after the fungal inoculation, and the same amount of SAHA injection or DMSO was followed at day 2. The expression of histone H3 (H3), acetylated histone H3 (AC-H3), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC)1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in surgically excised specimens from the patients and mice with fungal keratitis were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of mRNAs for Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNFα, and TLR4 were evaluated in the corneas of the mice with fungal infection and the control corneas by real-time PCR. The quantification of IL-1β and TNFα in the corneas of the mice with fungal infection was determined by ELISA. The inhibitory effect of SAHA on mice fungal keratitis was revealed by GMS and H&E staining. We found that the downregulation of histone acetylation and upregulation of HDAC1 expression were associated with the increased inflammation response in fungal keratitis not only in humans but also in experimental animals. SAHA was able to inhibit experimental fungal keratitis in mouse by suppressing TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-1β; the inhibition of HDAC may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of fungal keratitis.
Blockade of L-type Ca2+ channel attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy via suppression of CaMKII-NF-κB pathway
Authors: Ikeda Soichiro , Matsushima Shouji , Okabe Kosuke , Ikeda Masataka , Ishikita Akihito , Tadokoro Tomonori , Enzan Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Taishi , Sada Masashi , Deguchi Hiroko , Morimoto Sachio , Ide Tomomi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: July 2019

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) play crucial roles in pathogenesis of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy. Their activities are regulated by intracellular Ca2+. We hypothesized that blockade of L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) could attenuate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy by regulating CaMKII and NF-κB. DOX activated CaMKII and NF-κB through their phosphorylation and increased cleaved caspase 3 in cardiomyocytes. Pharmacological blockade or gene knockdown of LTCC by nifedipine or small interfering RNA, respectively, suppressed DOX-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and NF-κB and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, accompanied by decreasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Autocamtide 2-related inhibitory peptide (AIP), a selective CaMKII inhibitor, inhibited DOX-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Inhibition of NF-κB activity by ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) suppressed DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. DOX-treatment (18 mg/kg via intravenous 3 injections over 1 week) increased phosphorylation of CaMKII and NF-κB in mouse hearts. Nifedipine (10 mg/kg/day) significantly suppressed DOX-induced phosphorylation of CaMKII and NF-κB and cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis in mouse hearts. Moreover, it attenuated DOX-induced left ventricular dysfunction and dilatation. Our findings suggest that blockade of LTCC attenuates DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via suppressing intracellular Ca2+ elevation and activation of CaMKII-NF-κB pathway. LTCC blockers might be potential therapeutic agents against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy.
Prevention of lipid loss from hair by surface and internal modification
Authors: Song Sang-Hun , Lim Jong Hyun , Son Seong Kil , Choi Julia , Kang Nae-Gyu , Lee Sang-Min
Published: July 2019

Surfactants during routine washing have a tremendous effect on lipid loss from hair. This study aims to understand the loss of lipids from hair upon contact with surfactants and develop a way to prevent the lipid loss. The change in lipid levels depends on the relative hydrophobicity of the lipid. We herein propose that the change in lipid levels can be protected by two modifications. In the case of fatty acids and cholesterol (group A), the concentration difference between virgin hair versus surface modified hair with highly charged polymer was 22 to 32% higher after washing with surfactants while the loss of squalene and wax esters (group B) in response to surfactants still occurred even after the surface modification. In the hair treated by internal modification with the carbodiimide reaction, 52.0 to 81.3% more lipids in group B were prevented than in the untreated hair. Finally, different types of lipids were successfully protected by surface and internal modifications from the surfactant treatment. This study will be the basis for understanding the mechanisms by which surfactants damage the lipid barrier of tissues including hair and for establishing strategies to defend the barrier.
Non-target Effects of Naphthalene on the Soil Microbial Biomass and Bacterial Communities in the Subalpine Forests of Western China
Authors: Lan Liying , Yang Fan , Zhang Li , Yang Wanqin , Wu Fuzhong , Xu Zhenfeng , Liu Yang , Yue Kai , Ni Xiangyin , Li Han , Liao Shu , Liu Yuwei , Chen Ya , Tan Bo
Published: July 2019

Naphthalene is a biocide of soil fauna, particularly of soil arthropods, that has been widely applied to test the functional roles of soil fauna in soil processes. However, whether the use of naphthalene to expel soil fauna has a non-target effect on soil bacteria in subalpine forests remains unclear. We conducted a naphthalene treatment experiment to explore the effects of naphthalene on the soil bacterial community in subalpine forest soil. The results suggested that naphthalene treatment (at 100 g.m−2 per month) significantly increased the abundances of total bacterial, gram-positive bacterial and gram-negative bacterial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and did not change the microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) or MBC/MBN ratio. Moreover, a total of 1038 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected by Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria Chloroflexi were the dominant phyla, and Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant genus. The naphthalene treatment did not affect soil bacterial diversity or community structure. Overall, these results demonstrated that the naphthalene treatment had non-target effects on the active bacterial community abundance but not the soil bacterial community structure. Thus, the non-target effects of naphthalene treatment should be considered before using it to expel soil fauna.
Distribution of fitness effects of mutations obtained from a simple genetic regulatory network model
Authors: Brajesh R. G. , Dutta Dibyendu , Saini Supreet
Published: July 2019

Beneficial and deleterious mutations change an organism’s fitness but the distribution of these mutational effects on fitness are unknown. Several experimental, theoretical, and computational studies have explored this question but are limited because of experimental restrictions, or disconnect with physiology. Here we attempt to characterize the distribution of fitness effects (DFE) due to mutations in a cellular regulatory motif. We use a simple mathematical model to describe the dynamics of gene expression in the lactose utilization network, and use a cost-benefit framework to link the model output to fitness. We simulate mutations by changing model parameters and computing altered fitness to obtain the DFE. We find beneficial mutations distributed exponentially, but distribution of deleterious mutations seems far more complex. In addition, we find neither the starting fitness, nor the exact location on the fitness landscape, affecting these distributions qualitatively. Lastly, we quantify epistasis in our model and find that the distribution of epistatic effects remains qualitatively conserved across different locations on the fitness landscape. Overall, we present a first attempt at exploring the specific statistical features of the fitness landscape associated with a system, by using the specific mathematical model associated with it.
Human iPS cell-derived engineered heart tissue does not affect ventricular arrhythmias in a guinea pig cryo-injury model
Authors: Pecha Simon , Yorgan Kaja , Röhl Matti , Geertz Birgit , Hansen Arne , Weinberger Florian , Sehner Susanne , Ehmke Heimo , Reichenspurner Hermann , Eschenhagen Thomas , Schwoerer Alexander Peter
Published: July 2019

Human iPSC-derived engineered heart tissue (hEHT) has been used to remuscularize injured hearts in a guinea pig infarction model. While beneficial effects on cardiac remodeling have been demonstrated, the arrhythmogenic potential of hEHTs is a major concern. We investigated whether hiPSC-derived hEHTs increase the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. HEHTs were created from human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells. Left-ventricular cryo-injury was induced in guinea pigs (n = 37) and telemetry sensors for continuous ECG monitoring were implanted. 7 days following the cryo-injury, hEHTs or cell-free constructs were transplanted into the surviving animals (n = 15 and n = 9). ECGs were recorded over the following 28 days. 10 hEHT animals and 8 control animals survived the observation period and were included in the final analysis. After implantation of hEHTs or cell-free constructs, ventricular arrhythmias (premature ventricular contractions, couplets, triplets and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia) were observed in animals of both groups. The fraction of animals with the respective arrhythmias as well as the rate of arrhythmic events did not differ between groups. Following hEHT implantation, no clinically relevant sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was detected. Our telemetric data provides first evidence for the electrical safety of human iPSC-derived EHTs in this experimental model, thereby supporting further development of this approach.
Metal-catalyzed regiodivergent organic reactions
Authors: Nájera Carmen , Beletskaya Irina P. , Yus Miguel
Published: July 2019

This review discusses metal-catalysed regiodivergent additions, allylic substitutions, CH-activation, cross-couplings and intra- or intermolecular cyclisations.
Design and functionalization of bioactive benzoxazines. An unexpected ortho-substitution effect
Authors: Arendt-Pindel Agata , Marszałek-Harych Aleksandra , Gębarowska Elżbieta , Gębarowski Tomasz , Jędrzkiewicz Dawid , Pląskowska Elżbieta , Zalewski Dariusz , Gulia Nurbey , Szafert Sławomir , Ejfler Jolanta
Published: July 2019

A family of o, p- and N-functionalized dihydro-2H-benzo-1,3-oxazines was synthesized and characterized.
A two-dimensional robust topological insulator with coexisting ferroelectric and valley polarization
Authors: Hu Xing-kai , Pang Zhao-xia , Zhang Chang-wen , Wang Pei-ji , Li Ping , Ji Wei-xiao
Published: July 2019

The coexistence of ferroelectric and valley polarization, as well as topological edge states, are found in fluorinated methyl-functionalized bismuthene films.
Hierarchical core–shell structured Ni3S2/NiMoO4nanowires: a high-performance and reusable electrochemical sensor for glucose detection
Authors: Kannan Palanisamy , Chen Fangshuai , Jiang Huasheng , Wang Hui , Wang Rongfang , Subramanian Palaniappan , Ji Shan
Published: July 2019

The electro-oxidation of glucose occurred at the surface of hierarchical core–shell Ni3S2/NiMoO4nanowires.
Trace level analysis of three glycol ethers in wood stains by APCI-LC-MS/MS
Authors: MacInnis Ceara , Brunswick Pamela , Yan Jeffrey , Kim Marcus , Van Aggelen Graham , Shang Dayue
Published: July 2019

A direct injection liquid chromatography tandem atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry method was developed for determination of diethylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, and dipropylene glycol methyl ether.
NaCl protected synthesis of 3D hierarchical metal-free porous nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in acidic electrolyte
Authors: Wu Rui , Wan Xiaoju , Deng Jianghai , Huang Xun , Chen Siguo , Ding Wei , Li Li , Liao Qiang , Wei Zidong
Published: July 2019

A high-performance 3D hierarchical porous metal-free N-doped carbon catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic medium was synthesized with ZnO as a mesoporous template and NaCl as both a macroporous template and a structure protective agent.
PINO/NHPI-mediated selective oxidation of cycloalkenes to cycloalkenones via a photo-electrochemical method
Authors: Tateno Hiroyuki , Miseki Yugo , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: July 2019

The photo-electrochemical oxidation of cyclohexene to 2-cyclohexene-1-one was successfully performed with excellent Faraday efficiency (>99%) via indirect oxidation with a PINO/NHPI mediator and O2 on a BiVO4/WO3 photoanode under low applied bias.
Formation and trapping of the thermodynamically unfavoured inverted-hemicucurbit[6]uril
Authors: Prigorchenko Elena , Kaabel Sandra , Narva Triin , Baškir Anastassia , Fomitšenko Maria , Adamson Jasper , Järving Ivar , Rissanen Kari , Tamm Toomas , Aav Riina
Published: July 2019

The first inverted hemicucurbituril is synthesized in insufficient amount of template during oligomerisation and through its early precipitation.
Coupling enhanced growth by nitrogen and hydrogen plasma of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhang Man-Chen , Guo Gen-Cai , Wang Ru-Zhi , Cui Yan-Lei , Feng Xiao-Yu , Wang Bing-Rong
Published: July 2019

Coupling growth mechanism with N* and H*.
Photo-physical properties of salts of a di-topic imidazole-tethered anthracene derivative in solid and solution
Authors: Singh Munendra Pal , Tarai Arup , Baruah Jubaraj B.
Published: July 2019

Combined effects of Dexter-quenching and protonation to change the photoluminescence of a di-topic anthracene–amine conjugate by nitrophenols and aromatic carboxylic acids in solid and solution are presented.
Modulating lifetimes and relaxation times of phenoxyl radicals through their incorporation into different hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Dol Cyrielle , Gerbaud Guillaume , Guigliarelli Bruno , Bloch Emily , Gastaldi Stéphane , Besson Eric
Published: July 2019

Playing with the structural features of various hybrid materials enables to adjust physical properties of phenoxyl radicals.
Extending the temperature sensing range using Eu3+ luminescence up to 865 K in a single crystal of EuPO4
Authors: Sharma Suchinder K. , Köhler Thomas , Beyer Jan , Fuchs Margret , Gloaguen Richard , Heitmann Johannes
Published: July 2019

Extending the temperature sensing range up to 865 K using an appropriate choice of excitation wavelength and coupling scheme in a single crystal sample of EuPO4.
High performance Pt/Ti3O5Mo0.2Si0.4 electrocatalyst with outstanding methanol oxidation activity
Authors: Alipour Moghadam Esfahani Reza , Moghaddam Reza B. , Easton E. Bradley
Published: July 2019

The strong metal–support interaction in Pt/Ti3O5Mo0.2Si0.4 enhances the methanol oxidation activity by decreasing the charge transfer resistance and activation energy.
Hydrodeoxygenation of phenol over Ni-based bimetallic single-atom surface alloys: mechanism, kinetics and descriptor
Authors: Zhou Jingwen , An Wei , Wang Zeming , Jia Xin
Published: July 2019

Phenol HDO over bimetallic M@Ni(111) single-atom surface alloys was systematically investigated. For optimal phenolic-HDO performance, a balance of alloyed M's oxophilicity should be achieved.
The synergistic mechanism of NOx and chlorobenzene degradation in municipal solid waste incinerators
Authors: Gan Lina , Wang Yu , Chen Jianjun , Yan Tao , Li Junhua , Crittenden John , Peng Yue
Published: July 2019

The development of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst that destroys both NOx and chlorobenzene (CB) has drawn considerable interest for controlling emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators.
Chlorine-doped α-Co(OH)2 hollow nano-dodecahedrons prepared by a ZIF-67 self-sacrificing template route and enhanced OER catalytic activity
Authors: Zha Qingqing , Xu Wenyan , Li Xiaolei , Ni Yonghong
Published: July 2019

A ZIF-67-self-sacrificing template strategy was designed for the synthesis of undoped/Cl-doped α-Co(OH)2 hollow nano-dodecahedrons with enhanced OER performance.
Oxidative stress and histological changes in Corbicula fluminea exposed to nano-Al13 and monomeric Al coagulants
Authors: Wu Yuehan , Gu Erxue , Li Haoxin , Tian Chenghao , Feng Chenghong
Published: July 2019

This is the first study to comprehensively analyze the toxicity of Al coagulants in the form of polynuclear Al and mononuclear Al on the siphoning efficiency, antioxidant defense system and histological alterations of Corbicula fluminea.
Toxicity of nanoencapsulated bifenthrin to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Blewett Tamzin A. , Qi Arthur A. , Zhang Yueyang , Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Blair Salvatore D. , Folkerts Erik J. , Sheedy Claudia , Nilsson Denise , Goss Greg G.
Published: July 2019

Bifenthrin is an effective pyrethroid pesticide with known detrimental effects on aquatic biota, despite its relative insolubility in water.
Superionic conduction along ordered hydroxyl networks in molecular-thin nanosheets
Authors: Sun Pengzhan , Chen Fashen , Zhou Wei , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: July 2019

Single-layer LDH nanosheets serve as a free hydroxide ion donor and 2D hopping lane for superionic conduction.
Self-mineralization and assembly of a bis-silylated Phe–Phe pseudodipeptide to a structured bioorganic–inorganic material
Authors: Jebors Saïd , Valot Laurine , Echalier Cécile , Legrand Baptiste , Mikhaleff Remi , Van Der Lee Arie , Arenal Raul , Dumy Pascal , Amblard Muriel , Martinez Jean , Mehdi Ahmad , Subra Gilles
Published: July 2019

Self-mineralization of a hybrid peptide building block with neither structure directing agents nor inorganic salts yields nanostructured materials.
Controlling blood sugar levels with a glycopolymersome
Authors: Xiao Yufen , Hu Yu , Du Jianzhong
Published: July 2019

A novel ‘controlling sugar with sugar’ concept has been proposed for long-acting regulation of blood sugar levels using a glycopolymersome.
NiCo2O4 nanoarray on CNT sponge: a bifunctional oxygen electrode material for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Gangadharan Pranav K. , Bhange Siddheshwar N. , Kabeer Nasrin , Illathvalappil Rajith , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: July 2019

A three-dimensional interconnected nanostructure (NCS) consisting of the NiCo2O4 nanoarray over CNT modified melamine foam, which acts as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reactions.
Nickel-catalyzed regioselective C–H acylation of chelating arenes: a new catalytic system for C–C bond formation via a radical process and its mechanistic explorations
Authors: Li Ze-lin , Wu Peng-yu , Sun Kang-kang , Cai Chun
Published: July 2019

An unprecedented acylation at the ortho C–H bond of chelating arenes via the Ni(ii)-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling strategy has been developed here.
Synthesis of sub-millimeter single-crystal grains of aligned hexagonal boron nitride on an epitaxial Ni film
Authors: Taslim Alexandre Budiman , Nakajima Hideaki , Lin Yung-Chang , Uchida Yuki , Kawahara Kenji , Okazaki Toshiya , Suenaga Kazu , Hibino Hiroki , Ago Hiroki
Published: July 2019

CVD growth of epitaxially aligned, sub-millimeter h-BN grains on Ni(111)/sapphire is demonstrated with detailed investigation of the h-BN growth mechanism.
A self-powered delivery substrate boosts active enzyme delivery in response to human movements
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tong Congyang , Ma Zequn , Lu Limei , Fu Han , Pan Shaofeng , Tong Wangshu , Li Xiangming , Zhang Yihe , An Qi
Published: July 2019

We propose a composite delivery substrate that preserves enzyme activities and enhances molecular delivery in response to human movements.
A Janus nanofiber-based separator for trapping polysulfides and facilitating ion-transport in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Kong Lushi , Fu Xuewei , Fan Xin , Wang Yu , Qi Shengli , Wu Dezhen , Tian Guofeng , Zhong Wei-Hong
Published: July 2019

The conductive CNF side of the Janus CNF@PI separator used in Li–S battery can effectively trap and convert polysulfides and the insulated PI nanofabric side separates the electrodes and facilitates Li+-transport in Li–S battery.
Hydantoin analogs inhibit the fully assembled ClpXP protease without affecting the individual peptidase and chaperone domains
Authors: Fetzer Christian , Korotkov Vadim S. , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: July 2019

A new class of non-covalent inhibitors attenuates ClpXP turnover, neither impairing chaperone nor peptidase activity.
Impact of the Zn source on the RSN-type zeolite formation
Authors: Palčić Ana , Szyja Bartłomiej M. , Mičetić Maja , Čendak Tomaž , Akouche Mariame , Juraić Krunoslav , Čargonja Marija , Mekterović Darko , Vušak Vitomir , Valtchev Valentin
Published: July 2019

RSN-type material has been prepared exclusively from Zn containing systems under the studied reaction conditions.
Molecular doping of CuSCN for hole transporting layers in inverted-type planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Jin In Su , Lee Ju Ho , Noh Young Wook , Park Sang Hyun , Jung Jae Woong
Published: July 2019

Among many strategies to develop high-performance perovskite solar cells, interface engineering is considered as a promising approach for achieving high power conversion efficiency.
A ternary Ag–TiO2/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as the anode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yu Jiuling , Huang Di , Liu Yanan , Luo Hongmei
Published: July 2019

A Ag–TiO2/rGO nanocomposite exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance with good stability, as the intra-/inter-grain connectivity is increased between nanosized Ag and TiO2 particles on the reduced graphene oxide surface.
Ferromagnetic coupling between 4f- and delocalized π-radical spins in mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) rare earth double-decker SMMs
Authors: Yang Liguo , Wang Xin , Zhu Mengliang , Xiao Tongtong , Ouyang Zhongwen , Bian Yongzhong , Wang Zhenxing , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: July 2019

Ferromagnetic π–f exchange couplings were revealed in [REIII(Pc)(Por)]0 SMMs (RE = Tb and Dy) by HF-EPR measurements.
Four intricately caged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols from Garcinia multiflora fruits
Authors: Chen Yu , Ma Ziyu , Teng Haida , Gan Fei , Xiong Hui , Mei Zhinan , Yang Guangzhong
Published: July 2019

Garmultinones A–C (1–3), three polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with a unique caged tricyclo[3.3.1.1.4,8]decane skeleton, and one PPAP garmultinone D (4) with the tricyclo[4.3.1.03,7]decane skeleton bearing the 2,2-dimethyl-3-isopropenylcyclopentyl ring were isolated from the fruits of Garcinia multiflora.
Silver-catalyzed nitration/annulation of 2-alkynylanilines for a tunable synthesis of nitrated indoles and indazole-2-oxides
Authors: Zhang Tian-Shu , Wang Rong , Cai Pei-Jun , Hao Wen-Juan , Tu Shu-Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: July 2019

Two new types of silver-catalyzed nitration–annulations of 2-alkynylanilines with tert-butyl nitrite (TBN) were reported, leading to the selective formation of a variety of nitrated indoles and indazole-2-oxides.
Phytochemical composition and the cholinesterase and xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of seed extracts from theWashingtonia filiferapalm fruit
Authors: Floris Sonia , Fais Antonella , Rosa Antonella , Piras Alessandra , Marzouki Hanen , Medda Rosaria , González-Paramás Ana M. , Kumar Amit , Santos-Buelga Celestino , Era Benedetta
Published: July 2019

The chemical composition and biological properties of palmWashingtonia filifera(Lindl.) H. Wendl. seeds are seldom studied.
Performance and selectivity of lower-rim substituted calix[4]arene as a stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography
Authors: Sun Tao , Li Bin , Shuai Xiaomin , Chen Yujie , Li WeiWei , Cai Zhiqiang , Qiao Xiaoguang , Hu Shaoqiang , Ma Lufang
Published: July 2019

This work presents the investigation of p-tert-butyl(tetradecyloxy)calix[4]arene (C4A-C10) as stationary phase for capillary gas chromatographic (GC) separations.
Tracing internal quality and aroma of a red-fleshed kiwifruit during ripening by means of GC-MS and E-nose
Authors: Du Dongdong , Xu Min , Wang Jun , Gu Shuang , Zhu Luyi , Hong Xuezhen
Published: July 2019

‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit is a new breed of red-fleshed cultivar that has become broadly popular with consumers in recent years.
Efficient multi-objective molecular optimization in a continuous latent space
Authors: Winter Robin , Montanari Floriane , Steffen Andreas , Briem Hans , Noé Frank , Clevert Djork-Arné
Published: July 2019

We utilize Particle Swarm Optimization to optimize molecules in a machine-learned continuous chemical representation with respect to multiple objectives such as biological activity, structural constrains or ADMET properties.
Solvent-controlled solid-electrolyte interphase layer composition of a high performance Li4Ti5O12 anode for Na-ion battery applications
Authors: Gangaja Binitha , Nair Shantikumar , Santhanagopalan Dhamodaran
Published: July 2019

Ultra-high rate Na-ion battery operating over wide range of temperature is demonstrated with engineered-Li4Ti5O12 electrode. Performance with different electrolyte solvents is correlated to the resultant solid-electrolyte interphase layer composition.
Indentation response of soft viscoelastic matter with hard skin
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Wei Yueguang , Chen Pu
Published: July 2019

The structure of a hard film mounted on a soft viscoelastic substrate exists widely in nature and in industrial production, in which the hard film plays an important role.
Dry active turbulence in a model for microtubule–motor mixtures
Authors: Maryshev Ivan , Goryachev Andrew B. , Marenduzzo Davide , Morozov Alexander
Published: July 2019

We study the dynamics and phase behaviour of a dry suspension of microtubules and molecular motors.
Hydrodynamic mobility reversal of squirmers near flat and curved surfaces
Authors: Kuron Michael , Stärk Philipp , Holm Christian , de Graaf Joost
Published: July 2019

Our theoretical study shows that higher-order hydrodynamic moments allow squirmers to have a retrograde orbit around a spherical obstacle.
Stress relaxation and thermally adaptable properties in vitrimer-like elastomers from HXNBR rubber with covalent bonds
Authors: Kaiser Simon , Wurzer Stefan , Pilz Gerald , Kern Wolfgang , Schlögl Sandra
Published: July 2019

Vitrimer-like elastomers are prepared and their ability to undergo thermally adaptable reshaping, mending and adhesion is demonstrated.
Superhydrophobic heterogeneous graphene networks with controllable adhesion behavior for detecting multiple underwater motions
Authors: Ding Guomin , Jiao Weicheng , Wang Rongguo , Yan Meiling , Chu Zhenming , He Xiaodong
Published: July 2019

A superhydrophobic, heterogeneous open-cell graphene network is fabricated by an inverse drying method, and it has a controllable adhesion behavior and detection functions for multiple underwater motions.
Structural engineering to maintain the superior capacitance of molybdenum oxides at ultrahigh mass loadings
Authors: Liu Ji-Chi , Li Hui , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , Xiao Xue , Sun Ying , Zhao Qin , Liu Xue , Huang Zi-Hang , Ma Tian-Yi
Published: July 2019

An ultrahigh loaded MoO3−x electrode was developed with improved rate capability through incorporating layered structure graphite sheets and oxygen functional groups.
Facilitating the C–C bond cleavage on sub-10 nm concavity-tunable Rh@Pt core–shell nanocubes for efficient ethanol electrooxidation
Authors: Li Pingting , Liu Kai , Ye Jinyu , Xue Fei , Cheng Yong , Lyu Zixi , Liao Xinyan , Wang Wei , Zhang Qiaobao , Chen Xuejiao , Liu Maochang , Xie Shuifen
Published: July 2019

Concavity-tunable Rh@Pt core–shell nanocubes with an engineered Rh–Pt interface and Pt atomic steps facilitate C–C bond cleavage in the EOR.