bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of active sites on supported metal catalysts with carbon nanotube hydrogen highways
Authors: Briggs Nicholas M. , Barrett Lawrence , Wegener Evan C. , Herrera Leidy V. , Gomez Laura A. , Miller Jeffrey T. , Crossley Steven P.
Published: September 2018

Catalysts consisting of metal particles supported on reducible oxides exhibit promising activity and selectivity for a variety of current and emerging industrial processes. Enhanced catalytic activity can arise from direct contact between the support and the metal or from metal-induced promoter effects on the oxide. Discovering the source of enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity is challenging, with conflicting arguments often presented based on indirect evidence. Here, we separate the metal from the support by a controlled distance while maintaining the ability to promote defects via the use of carbon nanotube hydrogen highways. As illustrative cases, we use this approach to show that the selective transformation of furfural to methylfuran over Pd/TiO2occurs at the Pd-TiO2interface while anisole conversion to phenol and cresol over Cu/TiO2is facilitated by exposed Ti3+cations on the support. This approach can be used to clarify many conflicting arguments in the literature.
Strongly lensed repeating fast radio bursts as precision probes of the universe
Authors: Li Zheng-Xiang , Gao He , Ding Xu-Heng , Wang Guo-Jian , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2018

Fast radio bursts (FRBs), bright transients with millisecond durations at ∼GHz and typical redshifts probably >0.8, are likely to be gravitationally lensed by intervening galaxies. Since the time delay between images of strongly lensed FRB can be measured to extremely high precision because of the large ratio ∼109 between the typical galaxy-lensing delay time $$\sim{\cal O}$$
~
O
(10 days) and the width of bursts $$\sim{\cal O}$$
~
O
(ms), we propose strongly lensed FRBs as precision probes of the universe. We show that, within the flat ΛCDM model, the Hubble constant H0 can be constrained with a ~0.91% uncertainty from 10 such systems probably observed with the square kilometer array (SKA) in <30 years. More importantly, the cosmic curvature can be model independently constrained to a precision of ∼0.076. This constraint can directly test the validity of the cosmological principle and break the intractable degeneracy between the cosmic curvature and dark energy.
Vegetation response to exceptional global warmth during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
Authors: Heimhofer Ulrich , Wucherpfennig Nina , Adatte Thierry , Schouten Stefan , Schneebeli-Hermann Elke , Gardin Silvia , Keller Gerta , Kentsch Sarah , Kujau Ariane
Published: September 2018

The Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE2; ~94.5 million years ago) represents an episode of global-scale marine anoxia and biotic turnover, which corresponds to one of the warmest time intervals in the Phanerozoic. Despite its global significance, information on continental ecosystem response to this greenhouse episode is lacking. Here we present a terrestrial palynological record combined with marine-derived temperature data (TEX86) across an expanded OAE2 section from the Southern Provençal Basin, France. Despite high TEX86-derived temperature estimates reaching up to 38 °C, the continental hinterland did support a diverse vegetation, adapted to persist under elevated temperatures. A transient phase of climatic instability and cooling during OAE2 known as Plenus Cold Event (PCE) is marked by the proliferation of open, savanna-type vegetation rich in angiosperms at the expanse of conifer-dominated forest ecosystems. A rise in early representatives of Normapolles-type pollen during the PCE marks the initial radiation of this important angiosperm group.
Ancient and modern anticonvulsants act synergistically in a KCNQ potassium channel binding pocket
Authors: Manville Rían W. , Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: September 2018

Epilepsy has been treated for centuries with herbal remedies, including leaves of the African shrub Mallotus oppositifolius, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms have remained unclear. Voltage-gated potassium channel isoforms KCNQ2–5, predominantly KCNQ2/3 heteromers, underlie the neuronal M-current, which suppresses neuronal excitability, protecting against seizures. Here, in silico docking, mutagenesis and cellular electrophysiology reveal that two components of M. oppositifolius leaf extract, mallotoxin (MTX) and isovaleric acid (IVA), act synergistically to open neuronal KCNQs, including KCNQ2/3 channels. Correspondingly, MTX and IVA combine to suppress pentylene tetrazole-induced tonic seizures in mice, whereas individually they are ineffective. Co-administering MTX and IVA with the modern, synthetic anticonvulsant retigabine creates a further synergy that voltage independently locks KCNQ2/3 open. Leveraging this synergy, which harnesses ancient and modern medicines to exploit differential KCNQ isoform preferences, presents an approach to developing safe yet effective anticonvulsants.
Robust single-cell DNA methylome profiling with snmC-seq2
Authors: Luo Chongyuan , Rivkin Angeline , Zhou Jingtian , Sandoval Justin P. , Kurihara Laurie , Lucero Jacinta , Castanon Rosa , Nery Joseph R. , Pinto-Duarte António , Bui Brian , Fitzpatrick Conor , O’Connor Carolyn , Ruga Seth , Van Eden Marc E. , Davis David A. , Mash Deborah C. , Behrens M. Margarita , Ecker Joseph R.
Published: September 2018

Single-cell DNA methylome profiling has enabled the study of epigenomic heterogeneity in complex tissues and during cellular reprogramming. However, broader applications of the method have been impeded by the modest quality of sequencing libraries. Here we report snmC-seq2, which provides improved read mapping, reduced artifactual reads, enhanced throughput, as well as increased library complexity and coverage uniformity compared to snmC-seq. snmC-seq2 is an efficient strategy suited for large-scale single-cell epigenomic studies.
Transcriptional profiling of Zygosaccharomyces bailii early response to acetic acid or copper stress mediated by ZbHaa1
Authors: Antunes Miguel , Palma Margarida , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: September 2018

The non-conventional yeast species Zygosaccharomyces bailii is remarkably tolerant to acetic acid, a highly important microbial inhibitory compound in Food Industry and Biotechnology. ZbHaa1 is the functional homologue of S. cerevisiae Haa1 and a bifunctional transcription factor able to modulate Z. bailii adaptive response to acetic acid and copper stress. In this study, RNA-Seq was used to investigate genomic transcription changes in Z. bailii during early response to sublethal concentrations of acetic acid (140 mM, pH 4.0) or copper (0.08 mM) and uncover the regulatory network activated by these stresses under ZbHaa1 control. Differentially expressed genes in response to acetic acid exposure (297) are mainly related with the tricarboxylic acid cycle, protein folding and stabilization and modulation of plasma membrane composition and cell wall architecture, 17 of which, directly or indirectly, ZbHaa1-dependent. Copper stress induced the differential expression of 190 genes mainly involved in the response to oxidative stress, 15 ZbHaa1-dependent. This study provides valuable mechanistic insights regarding Z. bailii adaptation to acetic acid or copper stress, as well as useful information on transcription regulatory networks in pre-whole genome duplication (WGD) (Z. bailii) and post-WGD (S. cerevisiae) yeast species, contributing to the understanding of transcriptional networks’ evolution in yeasts.
Separation of blood microsamples by exploiting sedimentation at the microscale
Authors: Forchelet D. , Béguin S. , Sajic T. , Bararpour N. , Pataky Z. , Frias M. , Grabherr S. , Augsburger M. , Liu Y. , Charnley M. , Déglon J. , Aebersold R. , Thomas A. , Renaud P.
Published: September 2018

Microsample analysis is highly beneficial in blood-based testing where cutting-edge bioanalytical technologies enable the analysis of volumes down to a few tens of microliters. Despite the availability of analytical methods, the difficulty in obtaining high-quality and standardized microsamples at the point of collection remains a major limitation of the process. Here, we detail and model a blood separation principle which exploits discrete viscosity differences caused by blood particle sedimentation in a laminar flow. Based on this phenomenon, we developed a portable capillary-driven microfluidic device that separates blood microsamples collected from finger-pricks and delivers 2 µL of metered serum for bench-top analysis. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated the high purity of generated microsamples. Proteomic and metabolomic analyses of the microsamples of 283 proteins and 1351 metabolite features was consistent with samples generated via a conventional centrifugation method. These results were confirmed by a clinical study scrutinising 8 blood markers in obese patients.
Enhanced antibacterial effect of the novel T4-like bacteriophage KARL-1 in combination with antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Jansen Mathias , Wahida Adam , Latz Simone , Krüttgen Alex , Häfner Helga , Buhl Eva Miriam , Ritter Klaus , Horz Hans-Peter
Published: September 2018

The continuing rise of infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria has led to a renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy. Here we characterize phage vB_AbaM-KARL-1 with lytic activity against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii (AB). Besides genomic and phenotypic phage analysis, the objective of our study was to investigate the antibacterial outcome when the phage acts in concert with distinct antibiotics. KARL-1 belongs to the family of Myoviridae and is able to lyse 8 of 20 (40%) tested clinical isolates. Its double-stranded DNA genome consists of 166,560 bp encoding for 253 open reading frames. Genome wide comparison suggests that KARL-1 is a novel species within the subfamily Tevenvirinae, sharing 77% nucleotide identity (coverage 58%) with phage ZZ1. The antibacterial efficacy at various multiplicities of infection (MOI) was monitored either alone or in combination with meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and colistin. A complete clearance of liquid cultures was achieved with KARL-1 at an MOI of 10−1 and meropenem (>128 mg/l). KARL-1 was still effective at an MOI of 10−7, but antibacterial activity was significantly augmented with meropenem. While ciprofloxacin did generally not support phage activity, the application of KARL-1 at an MOI of 10−7 and therapeutic doses of colistin significantly elevated bacterial suppression. Hence, KARL-1 represents a novel candidate for use against multi-drug resistant AB and the therapeutic outcome may be positively influenced by the addition of traditional antibiotics.
Cryptic population structure reveals low dispersal in Iberian wolves
Authors: Silva Pedro , López-Bao José Vicente , Llaneza Luis , Álvares Francisco , Lopes Susana , Blanco Juan Carlos , Cortés Yolanda , García Emilio , Palacios Vicente , Rio-Maior Helena , Ferrand Nuno , Godinho Raquel
Published: September 2018

Highly mobile mammalian carnivores are expected to have the capability to maintain high levels of gene flow across large geographic scales. Nonetheless, surprising levels of genetic structure have been found in many such populations. We combined genetic and spatial behavioural information from wolves (Canis lupus) in the Iberian Peninsula (Western Europe) during the last two decades to present a particular case of low dispersal levels in a large carnivore population persisting in human-dominated landscapes. We found an exceptionally reticulated pattern of cryptic population structure emerging at two hierarchical levels, in which four or eleven meaningful genetic clusters can be recognized, respectively. These clusters were characterized by moderate-high levels of differentiation (average pairwise FST = 0.09–0.19), low levels of admixture and varying degrees of genetic diversity. The number of dispersers identified among the 11 clusters was very low (<4% out of 218 wolves). Spatial information of tracked wolves further confirmed the geographical genetic patterns (only 2 out of 85 collared wolves overlapped with more than one genetic cluster). The high levels of genetic structure in this population may be determined by the recent demographic history of this population, among other factors. The identification of meaningful genetic clusters has implications for the delineation of conservation units and, consequently, on the conservation and management actions for Iberian wolves.
HP1 cooperates with CAF-1 to compact heterochromatic transgene repeats in mammalian cells
Authors: Yan Haiyan , Xiang Xingfeng , Chen Qinfu , Pan Xuan , Cheng Hankun , Wang Fangwei
Published: September 2018

The nuclear organization of tightly condensed heterochromatin plays important roles in regulating gene transcription and genome integrity. Heterochromatic domains are usually present at chromosomal regions containing a large array of repeated DNA sequences. We previously showed that integration of a 1,000-copy tandem array of an inducible reporter gene into the genome of mammalian cells induces the formation of a highly compact heterochromatic domain enriched in heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). It remains to be determined how these DNA repeats are packaged into a heterochromatic form and are silenced. Here, we show that HP1-mediated transgene condensation and silencing require the interaction with PxVxL motif-containing proteins. The chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) complex concentrates at the transgenic locus through the interaction of its PxVxL motif-containing p150 subunit with HP1. Knockdown of p150 relieves HP1-mediated transgene compaction and repression. When targeted to the transgenic locus, p150 mutants defective in binding HP1 cause transgene decondensation and activation. Taken together, these results suggest that HP1 cooperates with CAF-1 to compact transgene repeats. This study provides important insight into how heterochromatin is maintained at chromosomal regions with abundant DNA repeats.
Vps34/PI3KC3 deletion in kidney proximal tubules impairs apical trafficking and blocks autophagic flux, causing a Fanconi-like syndrome and renal insufficiency
Authors: Grieco Giuseppina , Janssens Virginie , Gaide Chevronnay Héloïse P. , N’Kuli Francisca , Van Der Smissen Patrick , Wang Tongsong , Shan Jingdong , Vainio Seppo , Bilanges Benoit , Jouret François , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Pierreux Christophe E. , Courtoy Pierre J.
Published: September 2018

Kidney proximal tubular cells (PTCs) are highly specialized for ultrafiltrate reabsorption and serve as paradigm of apical epithelial differentiation. Vps34/PI3-kinase type III (PI3KC3) regulates endosomal dynamics, macroautophagy and lysosomal function. However, its in vivo role in PTCs has not been evaluated. Conditional deletion of Vps34/PI3KC3 in PTCs by Pax8-Cre resulted in early (P7) PTC dysfunction, manifested by Fanconi-like syndrome, followed by kidney failure (P14) and death. By confocal microscopy, Vps34∆/∆ PTCs showed preserved apico-basal specification (brush border, NHERF-1 versus Na+/K+-ATPase, ankyrin-G) but basal redistribution of late-endosomes/lysosomes (LAMP-1) and mis-localization to lysosomes of apical recycling endocytic receptors (megalin, cubilin) and apical non-recycling solute carriers (NaPi-IIa, SGLT-2). Defective endocytosis was confirmed by Texas-red-ovalbumin tracing and reduced albumin content. Disruption of Rab-11 and perinuclear galectin-3 compartments suggested mechanistic clues for defective receptor recycling and apical biosynthetic trafficking. p62-dependent autophagy was triggered yet abortive (p62 co-localization with LC3 but not LAMP-1) and PTCs became vacuolated. Impaired lysosomal positioning and blocked autophagy are known causes of cell stress. Thus, early trafficking defects show that Vps34 is a key in vivo component of molecular machineries governing apical vesicular trafficking, thus absorptive function in PTCs. Functional defects underline the essential role of Vps34 for PTC homeostasis and kidney survival.
A novel mechanism of plasminogen activation in epithelial and mesenchymal cells
Authors: Bydoun Moamen , Sterea Andra , Weaver Ian C. G. , Bharadwaj Alamelu G. , Waisman David M.
Published: September 2018

Cancer dissemination is initiated by the movement of cells into the vasculature which has been reported to be triggered by EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition). Cellular dissemination also requires proteases that remodel the extracellular matrix. The protease, plasmin is a prominent player in matrix remodeling and invasion. Despite the contribution of both EMT and the plasminogen activation (PA) system to cell dissemination, these processes have never been functionally linked. We reveal that canonical Smad-dependent TGFβ1 signaling and FOXC2-mediated PI3K signaling in cells undergoing EMT reciprocally modulate plasminogen activation partly by regulating the plasminogen receptor, S100A10 and the plasminogen activation inhibitor, PAI-1. Plasminogen activation and plasminogen-dependent invasion were more prominent in epithelial-like cells and were partly dictated by the expression of S100A10 and PAI-1.
Nitrite producing bacteria inhibit reinforcement bar corrosion in cementitious materials
Authors: Erşan Yusuf Çağatay , Van Tittelboom Kim , Boon Nico , De Belie Nele
Published: September 2018

Chemicals and synthetic coatings are widely used to protect steel against corrosion. Bio-based corrosion inhibition strategies can be an alternative in the arising bioeconomy era. To maintain the good state of steel reinforcement in cracked concrete, microbe-based self-healing cementitious composites (MSCC) have been developed. Yet, proposed strategies involve reasonably slow crack filling by biomineralization and thus risk the possible rebar corrosion during crack healing. Here we upgrade the rebar protection to a higher level by combining MSCC with microbial induced corrosion inhibition. Presented NO3− reducing bacterial granules inhibit rebar corrosion by producing the anodic corrosion inhibitor NO2− and meanwhile heal a 300-µm-wide crack in 28 days. During 120 days exposure to 0.5 M Cl− solution, the rebars in cracked MSCC keep showing open circuit potentials above the critical value of −250 mV and they lose less than 2% of the total rebar material which corresponds to half the material loss in cracked plain mortar. Overall, the obtained rebar protection performance is comparable with that of uncracked mortar and mortar containing chemical inhibitor, hence the microbe-based system becomes an alternative to the traditional methods.
Tooth oxygen isotopes reveal Late Bronze Age origin of Mediterranean fish aquaculture and trade
Authors: Guy Sisma-Ventura , Thomas Tütken , Irit Zohar , Andreas Pack , Dorit Sivan , Omri Lernau , Ayelet Gilboa , Guy Bar-Oz
Published: September 2018

Past fish provenance, exploitation and trade patterns were studied by analyzing phosphate oxygen isotope compositions (δ18OPO4) of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) tooth enameloid from archaeological sites across the southern Levant, spanning the entire Holocene. We report the earliest evidence for extensive fish exploitation from the hypersaline Bardawil lagoon on Egypt’s northern Sinai coast, as indicated by distinctively high δ18OPO4 values, which became abundant in the southern Levant, both along the coast and further inland, at least from the Late Bronze Age (3,550–3,200 BP). A period of global, postglacial sea-level stabilization triggered the formation of the Bardawil lagoon, which was intensively exploited and supported a widespread fish trade. This represents the earliest roots of marine proto-aquaculture in Late Holocene coastal domains of the Mediterranean. We demonstrate the potential of large-scale δ18OPO4 analysis of fish teeth to reveal cultural phenomena in antiquity, providing unprecedented insights into past trade patterns.
Words affect visual perception by activating object shape representations
Authors: Noorman Samuel , Neville David A. , Simanova Irina
Published: September 2018

Linguistic labels are known to facilitate object recognition, yet the mechanism of this facilitation is not well understood. Previous psychophysical studies have suggested that words guide visual perception by activating information about visual object shape. Here we aimed to test this hypothesis at the neural level, and to tease apart the visual and semantic contribution of words to visual object recognition. We created a set of object pictures from two semantic categories with varying shapes, and obtained subjective ratings of their shape and category similarity. We then conducted a word-picture matching experiment, while recording participants’ EEG, and tested if the shape or the category similarity between the word’s referent and target picture explained the spatiotemporal pattern of the picture-evoked responses. The results show that hearing a word activates representations of its referent’s shape, which interacts with the visual processing of a subsequent picture within 100 ms from its onset. Furthermore, non-visual categorical information, carried by the word, affects the visual processing at later stages. These findings advance our understanding of the interaction between language and visual perception and provide insights into how the meanings of words are represented in the brain.
Astaxanthin alleviated ethanol-induced liver injury by inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via blocking of STAT3 activity
Authors: Han Ji Hye , Ju Jung Heun , Lee Yong Sun , Park Ju Ho , Yeo In Jun , Park Mi Hee , Roh Yoon Seok , Han Sang Bae , Hong Jin Tae
Published: September 2018

Astaxanthin (AXT) is classified as a xanthophyll carotenoid compound which have broader functions including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Considerable researches have demonstrated that AXT shows preventive and therapeutic properties against for Diabetes, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, the protective effect of AXT on liver disease has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated effects of AXT on ethanol-induced liver injury in chronic plus binge alcohol feeding model. The hepatic steatosis and inflammation induced by ethanol administration were alleviated by AXT. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were decreased in the livers of AXT administrated group. The ethanol-induced expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), pro-inflammatory proteins, cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also reduced in the livers of AXT administrated group. Moreover, ethanol-induced infiltration of neutrophils was decreased in the livers of AXT administrated group. Docking model and pull-down assay showed that AXT directly binds to the DNA binding site of STAT3. Moreover, AXT decreased STAT3 phosphorylation in the liver of AXT administration group. Therefore, these results suggest that AXT could prevent ethanol-induced hepatic injury via inhibition of oxidant and inflammatory responses via blocking of STAT3 activity.
First- and second-order contributions to depth perception in anti-correlated random dot stereograms
Authors: Asher Jordi M. , Hibbard Paul B.
Published: September 2018

The binocular energy model of neural responses predicts that depth from binocular disparity might be perceived in the reversed direction when the contrast of dots presented to one eye is reversed. While reversed-depth has been found using anti-correlated random-dot stereograms (ACRDS) the findings are inconsistent across studies. The mixed findings may be accounted for by the presence of a gap between the target and surround, or as a result of overlap of dots around the vertical edges of the stimuli. To test this, we assessed whether (1) the gap size (0, 19.2 or 38.4 arc min) (2) the correlation of dots or (3) the border orientation (circular target, or horizontal or vertical edge) affected the perception of depth. Reversed-depth from ACRDS (circular no-gap condition) was seen by a minority of participants, but this effect reduced as the gap size increased. Depth was mostly perceived in the correct direction for ACRDS edge stimuli, with the effect increasing with the gap size. The inconsistency across conditions can be accounted for by the relative reliability of first- and second-order depth detection mechanisms, and the coarse spatial resolution of the latter.
Menisci protect chondrocytes from load-induced injury
Authors: Abusara Z. , Andrews S. H. J. , Von Kossel M. , Herzog W.
Published: September 2018

Menisci in the knee joint are thought to provide stability, increased contact area, decreased contact pressures, and offer protection to the underlying articular cartilage and bone during joint loading. Meniscal loss or injury is typically accompanied by degenerative changes in the knee, leading to an increased risk for osteoarthritis in animals including humans. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying joint degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis remain largely unknown, and the acute effects of meniscal loss have not been studied systematically. We developed a microscopy-based system to study microscale joint mechanics in living mice loaded by controlled muscular contractions. Here, we show how meniscal loss is associated with rapid chondrocyte death (necrosis) in articular cartilage within hours of injury, and how intact menisci protect chondrocytes in vivo in the presence of intense muscle-based joint loading and/or injury to the articular cartilage. Our findings suggest that loading the knee after meniscal loss is associated with extensive cell death in intact and injured knees, and that early treatment interventions should be aimed at preventing chondrocyte death.
Adaptive Gaze Strategies to Reduce Environmental Uncertainty During a Sequential Visuomotor Behaviour
Authors: Domínguez-Zamora F. Javier , Gunn Shaila M. , Marigold Daniel S.
Published: September 2018

People must decide where, when, and for how long to allocate gaze to perform different motor behaviours. However, the factors guiding gaze during these ongoing, natural behaviours are poorly understood. Gaze shifts help acquire information, suggesting that people should direct gaze to locations where environmental details most relevant to the task are uncertain. To explore this, human subjects stepped on a series of targets as they walked. We used different levels of target uncertainty, and through instruction, altered the importance of (or subjective value assigned to) foot-placement accuracy. Gaze time on targets increased with greater target uncertainty when precise foot placement was more important, and these longer gaze times associated with reduced foot-placement error. Gaze times as well as the gaze shifts to and from targets relative to stepping differed depending on the target’s position in the sequence and uncertainty level. Overall, we show that gaze is allocated to reduce uncertainty about target locations, and this depends on the value of this information gain for successful task performance. Furthermore, we show that the spatial-temporal pattern of gaze to resolve uncertainty changes with the evolution of the motor behaviour, indicating a flexible strategy to plan and control movement.
Fibulin-2 is required for basement membrane integrity of mammary epithelium
Authors: Ibrahim Ayman M. , Sabet Salwa , El-Ghor Akmal A. , Kamel Nora , Anis Shady E. , Morris Joanna S. , Stein Torsten
Published: September 2018

Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein which has been associated with tissue development and remodelling. In the mouse mammary gland, FBLN2 can be detected during ductal morphogenesis in cap cells and myoepithelial cells at puberty and early pregnancy, respectively. In an attempt to assign its function, we knocked down Fbln2 in the mouse mammary epithelial cell line EpH4. FBLN2 reduction led to an increase in the size of spheroidal structures when compared to scrambled control shRNA-transduced cells plated on Matrigel matrix. This phenotype was associated with a disruption of the collagen IV sheath around the epithelial spheroids and downregulation of integrin β1, suggesting a role for FBLN2 in stabilizing the basement membrane (BM). In contrast to mice, in normal adult human breast tissue, FBLN2 was detected in ductal stroma, and in the interlobular stroma, but was not detectable within the lobular regions. In tissue sections of 65 breast cancers FBLN2 staining was lost around malignant cells with retained staining in the neighbouring histologically normal tissue margins. These results are consistent with a role of FBLN2 in mammary epithelial BM stability, and that its down-regulation in breast cancer is associated with loss of the BM and early invasion.
Identification of depression subtypes and relevant brain regions using a data-driven approach
Authors: Tokuda Tomoki , Yoshimoto Junichiro , Shimizu Yu , Okada Go , Takamura Masahiro , Okamoto Yasumasa , Yamawaki Shigeto , Doya Kenji
Published: September 2018

It is well known that depressive disorder is heterogeneous, yet little is known about its neurophysiological subtypes. In the present study, we identified neurophysiological subtypes of depression related to specific neural substrates. We performed cluster analysis for 134 subjects (67 depressive subjects and 67 controls) using a high-dimensional dataset consisting of resting state functional connectivity measured by functional MRI, clinical questionnaire scores, and various biomarkers. Applying a newly developed, multiple co-clustering method to this dataset, we identified three subtypes of depression that are characterized by functional connectivity between the right Angular Gyrus (AG) and other brain areas in default mode networks, and Child Abuse Trauma Scale (CATS) scores. These subtypes are also related to Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) treatment outcomes, which implies that we may be able to predict effectiveness of treatment based on AG-related functional connectivity and CATS.
Molecular mechanism of the Escherichia coli AhpC in the function of a chaperone under heat-shock conditions
Authors: Kamariah Neelagandan , Eisenhaber Birgit , Eisenhaber Frank , Grüber Gerhard
Published: September 2018

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are ubiquitous antioxidants utilizing a reactive cysteine for peroxide reduction and acting as a molecular chaperone under various stress conditions. Besides other stimulating factors, oxidative- and heat stress conditions trigger their ATP-independent chaperoning function. So far, many studies were intended to reveal the chaperoning mechanisms of the so-called sensitive Prxs of eukaryotes, which are susceptible to inactivation by over-oxidation of its reactive cysteine during H2O2 reduction. In contrast, the chaperone mechanisms of bacterial Prxs, which are mostly robust against inactivation by over-oxidation, are not well understood. Herein, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical studies demonstrate that the Escherichia coli alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C (EcAhpC) acquires chaperone activity under heat stress. Interestingly, their chaperoning activity is independent of its redox-states but is regulated in a temperature-dependent manner. Data are presented, showing that oxidized EcAhpC, which forms dimers at 25 °C, self-assembled into high molecular weight (HMW) oligomers at higher temperatures and supressed aggregation of client proteins at heat-shock conditions. In addition, we unravelled the essential role of the C-terminal tail of EcAhpC on heat-induced HMW oligomer formation and chaperoning activity. Our findings suggest a novel molecular mechanism for bacterial Prxs to function as chaperone at heat-shock conditions.
Balancing conservation and development in Winter Olympic construction: evidence from a multi-scale ecological suitability assessment
Authors: Song Shuai , Zhang Sheng , Wang Tieyu , Meng Jing , Zhou Yunqiao , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2018

Optimizing spatial patterns of land development and minimizing the ecological impact of concentrated construction is the key to realizing regionally sustainable development. The reasonable assessment of the ecological effects of the Winter Olympic construction on areas where the mountainous ecosystem is ecologically sensitive and vulnerable is urgent for responsible urban and regional development. Here, we assess the multi-scale suitability of ecologically compatible development in Winter Olympic regions using the ecological suitability assessment method based on GIS spatial analysis. We found the Chongli District had relatively high ecological structure and function resistances at a basin scale and that the towns where Olympic facilities located also had larger ecological resistance. The integrated suitability assessment showed the prior and moderate zones for suitable large-scale development and utilization in Chongli were smaller than those in other counties. The total loss area of natural ecological systems (forests, shrubs and meadows) for a new ski resort is 117.27 hm2, which will lead to ecosystem function loss such as water and soil conservation and will potentially impact ecological systems. This research will be a useful reference for exploring the multi-scale balancing of conservation and development for Winter Olympic regions, and in turn, for concentrated global constructions.
Complex electric double layers in charged topological colloids
Authors: Everts Jeffrey C. , Ravnik Miha
Published: September 2018

Charged surfaces in contact with liquids containing ions are accompanied in equilibrium by an electric double layer consisting of a layer of electric charge on the surface that is screened by a diffuse ion cloud in the bulk fluid. This screening cloud determines not only the interactions between charged colloidal particles or polyelectrolytes and their self-assembly into ordered structures, but it is also pivotal in understanding energy storage devices, such as electrochemical cells and supercapacitors. However, little is known to what spatial complexity the electric double layers can be designed. Here, we show that electric double layers of non-trivial topology and geometry -including tori, multi-tori and knots- can be realised in charged topological colloidal particles, using numerical modelling within a mean-field Poisson-Boltzmann theory. We show that the complexity of double layers -including geometry and topology- can be tuned by changing the Debye screening length of the medium, or by changing the shape and topology of the (colloidal) particle. More generally, this work is an attempt to introduce concepts of topology in the field of charged colloids, which could lead to novel exciting material design paradigms.
Pharmacological Characterization of Dezocine, a Potent Analgesic Acting as a κ Partial Agonist and μ Partial Agonist
Authors: Wang Yu-Hua , Chai Jing-Rui , Xu Xue-Jun , Ye Ru-Feng , Zan Gui-Ying , Liu George Yun-Kun , Long Jian-Dong , Ma Yan , Huang Xiang , Xiao Zhi-Chao , Dong Hu , Wang Yu-Jun
Published: September 2018

Dezocine is becoming dominated in China market for relieving moderate to severe pain. It is believed that Dezocine’s clinical efficacy and little chance to provoke adverse events during the therapeutic process are mainly attributed to its partial agonist activity at the μ opioid receptor. In the present work, we comprehensively studied the pharmacological characterization of Dezocine and identified that the analgesic effect of Dezocine was a result of action at both the κ and μ opioid receptors. We firstly found that Dezocine displayed preferential binding to μ opioid receptor over κ and δ opioid receptors. Dezocine, on its own, weakly stimulated G protein activation in cells expressing κ and μ receptors, but in the presence of full κ agonist U50,488 H and μ agonist DAMGO, Dezocine inhibited U50,488H- and DAMGO-mediated G protein activation, indicating that Dezocine was a κ partial agonist and μ partial agonist. Then the in intro results were verified by in vivo studies in mice. We observed that Dezocine-produced antinociception was significantly inhibited by κ antagonist nor-BNI and μ antagonist β-FNA pretreatment, indicating that Dezocine-mediated antinociception was via both the κ and μ opioid receptors. When co-administrating of Dezocine with U50,488 H or morphine, Dezocine was capable of inhibiting U50,488H- or morphine-induced antinociception. Finally, κ receptor activation-associated side effect sedation was investigated. We found that Dezocine displayed limited sedative effect with a ceiling effecting at a moderate dose. Thus, our work led to a better understanding of the analgesic mechanism of action of Dezocine in vivo.
Pretreatment plasma HGF as potential biomarker for susceptibility to radiation-induced liver dysfunction after radiotherapy
Authors: Hong Theodore S. , Grassberger Clemens , Yeap Beow Y. , Jiang Wenqing , Wo Jennifer Y. , Goyal Lipika , Clark Jeffrey W. , Crane Christopher H. , Koay Eugene J. , Dima Simona , Eyler Christine E. , Popescu Irinel , DeLaney Thomas F. , Zhu Andrew X. , Duda Dan G.
Published: September 2018

Radiotherapy shows excellent local control in liver cancers but carries the risk of radiation-induced liver dysfunction and liver failure. We conducted a study of plasma hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a clinical trial of proton radiotherapy in patients with unresectable liver cancers (NCT00976898), and in an observational study for liver cancer patients undergoing surgical treatments. Liver dysfunction within 3 months after radiotherapy—a Childs−Turcotte−Pugh (CTP) score increase of 1 point or more—occurred in 9/34 (26%) of patients. Patients with no increase in CTP score had lower pretreatment plasma HGF level (p = 0.015). Both the increase in CTP score (p = 0.034) and the pretreatment plasma HGF (p = 0.017) were associated with OS. Plasma HGF was significantly associated with presence of cirrhosis (p = 0.0027) and with Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (p < 0.0001), but not with OS in surgical liver cancer patients. Pretreatment plasma HGF is a candidate biomarker for patient selection for radiotherapy.
Facile synthesis of polylactide coarse microspheres as artificial antigen-presenting cells
Authors: Zhang Tong , Li Min , Wang Xiaotong , Zhou Zhimin , Yuan Wei , Ma Jie
Published: September 2018

Magnetic poly(l-lactide) coarse microspheres as artificial antigen-presenting cells were synthesizedviasimple chemical etching and antibody immobilization.
Reactivity and properties of bis(chlorodifluoroacetyl) peroxide generated in situ from chlorodifluoroacetic anhydride for chlorodifluoromethylation reactions
Authors: Kawamura Shintaro , Henderson Cassandra J. , Aoki Yuma , Sekine Daisuke , Kobayashi Shū , Sodeoka Mikiko
Published: September 2018

A practical one-pot procedure using chlorodifluoroacetic anhydride as a user-friendly chlorodifluoromethyl-source was developed.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed dehydrogenative dialkenylation of the monocarba-closo-decaborate cluster by regioselective B–H activation
Authors: Liang Xuewei , Shen Yunjun , Zhang Kang , Liu Jiyong , Duttwyler Simon
Published: September 2018

The regioselective double B–H activation of the {CB9} carborane by rhodium catalysis is reported, affording novel inorganic–organic hybrid clusters.
A cell-penetrating peptide induces the self-reproduction of phospholipid vesicles: understanding the role of the bilayer rigidity
Authors: Banerjee Pavel , Pal Siddhartha , Kundu Niloy , Mondal Dipankar , Sarkar Nilmoni
Published: September 2018

Model lipid vesicles (LAPC) self-reproduce to generate unilamellar daughter vesicles in the presence of a cell-penetrating peptide (R9) due to a loss of the bilayer rigidity.
What atomic properties of metal oxide control the reaction threshold of solid elemental fuels?
Authors: Wang Xizheng , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: September 2018

The redox reaction between fuel (metal, metalloid, etc.) and metal oxide is ubiquitous.
Trap state passivation and photoactivation in wide band gap inorganic perovskite semiconductors
Authors: Chu Shenglong , Pan Shusheng , Li Guanghai
Published: September 2018

CsPbCl3 is a promising material to construct future short wavelength optoelectronic devices based on inorganic perovskite semiconductors.
Metalation and coordination reactions of 2H-meso-trans-di(p-cyanophenyl)porphyrin on Ag(111) with coadsorbed cobalt atoms
Authors: Kuliga Jan , Zhang Liang , Lepper Michael , Lungerich Dominik , Hölzel Helen , Jux Norbert , Steinrück Hans-Peter , Marbach Hubertus
Published: September 2018

We investigated the metalation and coordination reactions of Co with 2H-5,15-bis(para-cyanophenyl)-10,20-bisphenylporphyrin (2HtransDCNPP) on a Ag(111) surface by scanning tunneling microscopy.
Intramolecular alkene hydroamination and degradation of amidines: divergent behavior of rare earth metal amidinate intermediates
Authors: Zhang Dexing , Liu Ruiting , Zhou Xigeng
Published: September 2018

The methods for catalytic intramolecular alkene hydroamination and degradation of amidines have been established. Furthermore, a tandem reconstruction/cyclization of amidines has also been developed.
Rhodium at the chemistry–biology interface
Authors: Ohata Jun , Ball Zachary T.
Published: September 2018

While rhodium has no known natural biological function, the element's unique structural and reactivity properties make for unique opportunities in biological systems.
Thiol-rich polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-modified magnetic nanoparticles for the highly efficient separation and preconcentration of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) in food and water prior to ICP-OES determination
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Jing , Pei Fei , Liu Qin , Fang Yong , Hu Qiuhui
Published: September 2018

Thiol-rich polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane modified magnetic nanoparticles as a novel adsorbent for the extraction of Cd(ii) and Pb(ii) in foods.
Infrared heating of commercially available spray chambers to improve the analytical performance of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Al Hejami Ahmed , Beauchemin Diane
Published: September 2018

Heating a Scott double-pass spray chamber with two ceramic block heaters improves detection limits 10-fold on average.
Proof-of-concept: Interfacing the liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge ion source with a miniature quadrupole mass spectrometer towards trace metal analysis in cell culture media
Authors: Hoegg Edward D. , Patel Bhumit A. , Napoli William N. , Richardson Douglas D. , Marcus R. Kenneth
Published: September 2018

The facile interfacing of the LS-APGD to a commercial, small-format quadrupole MS holds promise for at-bioreactor elemental analysis.
Cu and Zn interactions with Aβ peptides: consequence of coordination on aggregation and formation of neurotoxic soluble Aβ oligomers
Authors: Rana Monika , Sharma Anuj Kumar
Published: September 2018

The coordination chemistry of transition metal ions (Fe, Cu, Zn) with the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides has attracted a lot of attention in recent years due to its repercussions in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Brittle fracture to recoverable plasticity: polytypism-dependent nanomechanics in todorokite-like nanobelts
Authors: Amin Shikder Md Ruhul , Maksud Mahjabin , Vasudevamurthy Gokul , Byles Bryan W. , Cullen David A. , More Karren L. , Pomerantseva Ekaterina , Subramanian Arunkumar
Published: September 2018

This paper shows polytypism dependent nanomechanics in todorokite-like nanobelts and reveals a plastic recovery regime in nanobelts with larger-width tunnel grains.
Free-radical reaction synthesis of carbon using nitrogenous organic molecules and CCl4
Authors: Fang Zhen , Li Jianwen , Jia Weiguo
Published: September 2018

Carbon could be synthesized by the reaction between CCl4 and nitrogenous organic molecules (DMF, DMAC, HMTA, DETA, DEA, EN, and NMP).
NaOH-promoted reaction of 1,1-dihaloalkenes and 1H-azoles: synthesis of dihetaryl substituted alkenes
Authors: Zhang Chen , Shi Yu-Long , Zhang Li-Yu , Yuan Dong-Peng , Ban Meng-Tao , Zheng Jia-Yao , Liu Deng-Hui , Guo Shun-Na , Cui Dong-Mei
Published: September 2018

We have developed a useful and simple process for the NaOH-promoted reaction of 1,1-dihaloalkenes and 1H-azoles to afford dipyrazolyl alkenes under mild and transition-metal-free conditions.
Metal–organic framework assisted synthesis of nitrogen-doped hollow carbon materials for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Zhang Xu , Fan Qiuyu , Yang He , Xiao Hongyan , Xiao Yonghou
Published: September 2018

N-Doped hollow carbon materials have been fabricated via the carbonization process by using ZIF-8 coated with PDA.
A molecular dynamics study of plasticiser migration in nitrocellulose binders
Authors: Richards Lisa A. , Nash Anthony , Phipps Maximillian Joshua Sebastian , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: September 2018

The assessment of plasticiser migration in nitrocellulose binder systems using diffusion coefficients and activation energies of diffusion.
Covalent bond formation via a [2+2] cycloaddition reaction as a tool to alter thermal expansion parameters of organic co-crystals
Authors: Hutchins Kristin M. , Unruh Daniel K. , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: September 2018

The thermal expansion properties of a co-crystal before and after undergoing a covalent-bond-generating reaction are discussed.
Unusual strain-dependent thermal conductivity modulation of silver nanoflower-polyurethane fibers
Authors: Jan Agha Aamir , Suh Daewoo , Bae Seonghyun , Baik Seunghyun
Published: September 2018

The thermal conductivity of silver nanoflower-polyurethane fibers increased in the low strain region (<10%) when stretched at 45 °C.
Epitaxial growth of Ni(OH)2 nanoclusters on MoS2 nanosheets for enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Guoqiang , Lin Yue , Rui Kun , Zhou Qian , Chen Yaping , Dou Shi Xue , Sun Wenping
Published: September 2018

Constructing heterostructures is an effective strategy for designing efficient electrocatalysts.
A new difluoromethoxyl-containing acrylate monomer for PEG-b-PDFMOEA amphiphilic diblock copolymers
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Lu Guolin , Feng Chun , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2018

This article reports the first synthesis of a well-defined difluoromethoxyl-containing polyacrylate via ATRP.
Recoverable hydrogel with high stretchability and toughness achieved by low-temperature hydration of Portland cement
Authors: Liang Rui , Li Zongjin , Weng Lu-Tao , Zhang Lina , Sun Guoxing
Published: September 2018

A novel recoverable polymer/cement hydrogel with super deformability, excellent mechanical properties, and low additive content is prepared and investigated.
Enhancing the light olefin selectivity of an iron-based Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst by modification with CTAB
Authors: Zhu Chuanxue , Liu Yingxin , Huo Chao , Liu Huazhang
Published: September 2018

The effects of the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the catalytic performance of a manganese-promoted iron (FeMn) catalyst for the Fischer–Tropsch to olefin (FTO) reaction were investigated.
Selective adsorption and decomposition of pollutants using RGO-TiO2 with optimized surface functional groups
Authors: Sun Yunfei , He Yanfeng , Tang Bo , Wu Zhengtian , Tao Chongben , Ban Jianmin , Jiang Li , Sun Xiaohong
Published: September 2018

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) samples with optimized types of surface functional groups were hybridized with TiO2 to achieve the selective adsorption and removal of various pollutants.
Growth and properties of ZnO nanorods by RF-sputtering for detection of toxic gases
Authors: Baratto Camilla
Published: September 2018

ZnO polycrystalline nanorods were easily prepared via RF sputtering and proved excellent sensors for H2S and other toxic/explosive gases.
Metal-free hypervalent iodine/TEMPO mediated oxidation of amines and mechanistic insight into the reaction pathways
Authors: Bansode Ajay H. , Suryavanshi Gurunath
Published: September 2018

A highly efficient, metal free rapid protocol studied mechanistically the oxidation of primary and secondary amines to their corresponding carbonyl compounds using PhI(OAc)2and catalytic TEMPO to provide diverse products in excellent yields.