bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-dependent neurobiological features of prenatal immune activation via TLR7
Authors: Missig Galen , Robbins James O. , Mokler Emery L. , McCullough Kenneth M. , Bilbo Staci D. , McDougle Christopher J. , Carlezon William A.
Published: January 2019

Immune activation during pregnancy via infection or autoimmune disease is a risk factor for neuropsychiatric illness. Mouse models of prenatal immune activation often involve maternal administration of agents that activate toll-like receptors (TLRs), a class of pattern recognition receptors that initiate innate immune responses. Such studies have focused primarily on activating the TLR3 or TLR4 subtypes, to mimic immune responses to viral or bacterial infections, respectively. Here, we characterize the effects of prenatal activation of TLR7, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Prenatal TLR7 activation via administration of the selective agonist imiquimod (5.0 mg/kg) induces a phenotype in offspring characterized by reduced anxiety-like behavior, fragmented social behavior, and altered ultrasonic vocalization patterns at 6–12 weeks of age. The characteristics of this phenotype are readily distinguishable from—and in some ways opposite to—those seen following prenatal activation of TLR3 and/or TLR4. Prenatal TLR7-activated mice have normal baseline locomotor activity, but are hyperresponsive to stimuli including social partners, circadian cues, and gonadal hormone fluctuations. These alterations are accompanied by decreases in microglia density but increases in ramifications. RNA-sequencing of dorsal striatum, a region showing profound changes in microglial markers, indicates that prenatal TLR7 activation induces differential expression of hundreds of genes at 13 weeks of age, with virtually no overlap in differentially expressed genes between males and females. Our findings demonstrate that prenatal immune activation can promote a wide range of developmental trajectories, depending on the type and/or pattern of TLR activation and the sex of the offspring.
Differential co-occurrence relationships shaping ecotype diversification within Thaumarchaeota populations in the coastal ocean water column
Authors: Reji Linta , Tolar Bradley B , Smith Jason M , Chavez Francisco P , Francis Christopher A
Published: January 2019

Ecological factors contributing to depth-related diversification of marine Thaumarchaeota populations remain largely unresolved. To investigate the role of potential microbial associations in shaping thaumarchaeal ecotype diversification, we examined co-occurrence relationships in a community composition dataset (16S rRNA V4-V5 region) collected as part of a 2-year time series in coastal Monterey Bay. Ecotype groups previously defined based on functional gene diversity—water column A (WCA), water column B (WCB) and Nitrosopumilus-like clusters—were recovered in the thaumarchaeal 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. Networks systematically reflected depth-related patterns in the abundances of ecotype populations, suggesting thaumarchaeal ecotypes as keystone members of the microbial community below the euphotic zone. Differential environmental controls on the ecotype populations were further evident in subnetwork modules showing preferential co-occurrence of OTUs belonging to the same ecotype cluster. Correlated abundances of Thaumarchaeota and heterotrophic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroidetes, Marinimicrobia and Gammaproteobacteria) indicated potential reciprocal interactions via dissolved organic matter transformations. Notably, the networks recovered ecotype-specific associations between thaumarchaeal and Nitrospina OTUs. Even at depths where WCB-like Thaumarchaeota dominated, Nitrospina OTUs were found to preferentially co-occur with WCA-like and Nitrosopumilus-like thaumarchaeal OTUs, highlighting the need to investigate the ecological implications of the composition of nitrifier assemblages in marine waters.
9.2%-efficient core-shell structured antimony selenide nanorod array solar cells
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Liang Xiaoyang , Li Gang , Liu Haixu , Zhang Huiyu , Guo Jianxin , Chen Jingwei , Shen Kai , San Xingyuan , Yu Wei , Schropp Ruud E. I. , Mai Yaohua
Published: January 2019

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has a one-dimensional (1D) crystal structure comprising of covalently bonded (Sb4Se6)n ribbons stacking together through van der Waals force. This special structure results in anisotropic optical and electrical properties. Currently, the photovoltaic device performance is dominated by the grain orientation in the Sb2Se3 thin film absorbers. Effective approaches to enhance the carrier collection and overall power-conversion efficiency are urgently required. Here, we report the construction of Sb2Se3 solar cells with high-quality Sb2Se3 nanorod arrays absorber along the [001] direction, which is beneficial for sun-light absorption and charge carrier extraction. An efficiency of 9.2%, which is the highest value reported so far for this type of solar cells, is achieved by junction interface engineering. Our cell design provides an approach to further improve the efficiency of Sb2Se3-based solar cells.
Shifts in the selectivity filter dynamics cause modal gating in K+ channels
Authors: Jekhmane Shehrazade , Medeiros-Silva João , Li Jing , Kümmerer Felix , Müller-Hermes Christoph , Baldus Marc , Roux Benoît , Weingarth Markus
Published: January 2019

Spontaneous activity shifts at constant experimental conditions represent a widespread regulatory mechanism in ion channels. The molecular origins of these modal gating shifts are poorly understood. In the K+ channel KcsA, a multitude of fast activity shifts that emulate the native modal gating behaviour can be triggered by point-mutations in the hydrogen bonding network that controls the selectivity filter. Using solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulations in a variety of KcsA mutants, here we show that modal gating shifts in K+ channels are associated with important changes in the channel dynamics that strongly perturb the selectivity filter equilibrium conformation. Furthermore, our study reveals a drastically different motional and conformational selectivity filter landscape in a mutant that mimics voltage-gated K+ channels, which provides a foundation for an improved understanding of eukaryotic K+ channels. Altogether, our results provide a high-resolution perspective on some of the complex functional behaviour of K+ channels.
Dickkopf-3 links HSF1 and YAP/TAZ signalling to control aggressive behaviours in cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Ferrari Nicola , Ranftl Romana , Chicherova Ievgeniia , Slaven Neil D. , Moeendarbary Emad , Farrugia Aaron J. , Lam Maxine , Semiannikova Maria , Westergaard Marie C. W. , Tchou Julia , Magnani Luca , Calvo Fernando
Published: January 2019

Aggressive behaviours of solid tumours are highly influenced by the tumour microenvironment. Multiple signalling pathways can affect the normal function of stromal fibroblasts in tumours, but how these events are coordinated to generate tumour-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is not well understood. Here we show that stromal expression of Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is associated with aggressive breast, colorectal and ovarian cancers. We demonstrate that DKK3 is a HSF1 effector that modulates the pro-tumorigenic behaviour of CAFs in vitro and in vivo. DKK3 orchestrates a concomitant activation of β-catenin and YAP/TAZ. Whereas β-catenin is dispensable for CAF-mediated ECM remodelling, cancer cell growth and invasion, DKK3-driven YAP/TAZ activation is required to induce tumour-promoting phenotypes. Mechanistically, DKK3 in CAFs acts via canonical Wnt signalling by interfering with the negative regulator Kremen and increasing cell-surface levels of LRP6. This work reveals an unpredicted link between HSF1, Wnt signalling and YAP/TAZ relevant for the generation of tumour-promoting CAFs.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mir20a/106a-WTX axis regulates RhoGDIa/CDC42 signaling and colon cancer progression
Authors: Zhu Gui-fang , Xu Yang-wei , Li Jian , Niu Hui-lin , Ma Wen-xia , Xu Jia , Zhou Pei-rong , Liu Xia , Ye Dan-li , Liu Xiao-rong , Yan Tao , Zhai Wei-ke , Xu Zhi-jun , Liu Chun , Wang Lei , Wang Hao , Luo Jia-mao , Liu Li , Li Xuan-qi , Guo Suiqun , Jiang Hui-ping , Shen Peng , Lin Hui-kuan , Yu Di-hua , Ding Yan-qing , Zhang Qing-ling
Published: January 2019

Wilms tumor gene on the X chromosome (WTX) is a putative tumor suppressor gene in Wilms tumor, but its expression and functions in other tumors are unclear. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women and the second leading cause in men in the United States. We demonstrated that WTX frequently lost in CRC which was highly correlated with cell proliferation, tumor invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, WTX loss disrupts the interaction between RhoGDIα and CDC42 by losing of the binding with RhoGDIα and triggers the activation of CDC42 and its downstream cascades, which promotes CRC development and liver metastasis. The aberrant upregulation of miR-20a/miR-106a were identified as the reason of WTX loss in CRC both in vivo and in vitro. These study defined the mechanism how miR-20a/miR-106a-mediated WTX loss regulates CRC progression and metastasis, and provided a potential therapeutic target for preventing CRC progression.
Global phosphoproteomic analysis reveals ARMC10 as an AMPK substrate that regulates mitochondrial dynamics
Authors: Chen Zhen , Lei Caoqi , Wang Chao , Li Nan , Srivastava Mrinal , Tang Mengfan , Zhang Huimin , Choi Jong Min , Jung Sung Yun , Qin Jun , Chen Junjie
Published: January 2019

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis. Although AMPK has been studied extensively in cellular processes, understanding of its substrates and downstream functional network, and their contributions to cell fate and disease development, remains incomplete. To elucidate the AMPK-dependent signaling pathways, we performed global quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis using wild-type and AMPKα1/α2-double knockout cells and discovered 160 AMPK-dependent phosphorylation sites. Further analysis using an AMPK consensus phosphorylation motif indicated that 32 of these sites are likely direct AMPK phosphorylation sites. We validated one uncharacterized protein, ARMC10, and demonstrated that the S45 site of ARMC10 can be phosphorylated by AMPK both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ARMC10 overexpression was sufficient to promote mitochondrial fission, whereas ARMC10 knockout prevented AMPK-mediated mitochondrial fission. These results demonstrate that ARMC10 is an effector of AMPK that participates in dynamic regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion.
SREBP-dependent lipidomic reprogramming as a broad-spectrum antiviral target
Authors: Yuan Shuofeng , Chu Hin , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Ye Zi-Wei , Wen Lei , Yan Bingpeng , Lai Pok-Man , Tee Kah-Meng , Huang Jingjing , Chen Dongdong , Li Cun , Zhao Xiaoyu , Yang Dong , Chiu Man Chun , Yip Cyril , Poon Vincent Kwok-Man , Chan Chris Chung-Sing , Sze Kong-Hung , Zhou Jie , Chan Ivy Hau-Yee , Kok Kin-Hang , To Kelvin Kai-Wang , Kao Richard Yi-Tsun , Lau Johnson Yiu-Nam , Jin Dong-Yan , Perlman Stanley , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: January 2019

Viruses are obligate intracellular microbes that exploit the host metabolic machineries to meet their biosynthetic demands, making these host pathways potential therapeutic targets. Here, by exploring a lipid library, we show that AM580, a retinoid derivative and RAR-α agonist, is highly potent in interrupting the life cycle of diverse viruses including Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and influenza A virus. Using click chemistry, the overexpressed sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) is shown to interact with AM580, which accounts for its broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Mechanistic studies pinpoint multiple SREBP proteolytic processes and SREBP-regulated lipid biosynthesis pathways, including the downstream viral protein palmitoylation and double-membrane vesicles formation, that are indispensable for virus replication. Collectively, our study identifies a basic lipogenic transactivation event with broad relevance to human viral infections and represents SREBP as a potential target for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral strategies.
Olefin-accelerated solid-state C–N cross-coupling reactions using mechanochemistry
Authors: Kubota Koji , Seo Tamae , Koide Katsumasa , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Ito Hajime
Published: January 2019

Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions are one of the most powerful and versatile methods to synthesize a wide range of complex functionalized molecules. However, the development of solid-state cross-coupling reactions remains extremely limited. Here, we report a rational strategy that provides a general entry to palladium-catalyzed Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reactions in the solid state. The key finding of this study is that olefin additives can act as efficient molecular dispersants for the palladium-based catalyst in solid-state media to facilitate the challenging solid-state cross-coupling. Beyond the immediate utility of this protocol, our strategy could inspire the development of industrially attractive solvent-free palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling processes for other valuable synthetic targets.
Spin-Orbit induced phase-shift in Bi2Se3 Josephson junctions
Authors: Assouline Alexandre , Feuillet-Palma Cheryl , Bergeal Nicolas , Zhang Tianzhen , Mottaghizadeh Alireza , Zimmers Alexandre , Lhuillier Emmanuel , Eddrie Mahmoud , Atkinson Paola , Aprili Marco , Aubin Hervé
Published: January 2019

The transmission of Cooper pairs between two weakly coupled superconductors produces a superfluid current and a phase difference; the celebrated Josephson effect. Because of time-reversal and parity symmetries, there is no Josephson current without a phase difference between two superconductors. Reciprocally, when those two symmetries are broken, an anomalous supercurrent can exist in the absence of phase bias or, equivalently, an anomalous phase shift φ0 can exist in the absence of a superfluid current. We report on the observation of an anomalous phase shift φ0 in hybrid Josephson junctions fabricated with the topological insulator Bi2Se3 submitted to an in-plane magnetic field. This anomalous phase shift φ0 is observed directly through measurements of the current-phase relationship in a Josephson interferometer. This result provides a direct measurement of the spin-orbit coupling strength and open new possibilities for phase-controlled Josephson devices made from materials with strong spin-orbit coupling.
Differential PROTAC substrate specificity dictated by orientation of recruited E3 ligase
Authors: Smith Blake E. , Wang Stephen L. , Jaime-Figueroa Saul , Harbin Alicia , Wang Jing , Hamman Brian D. , Crews Craig M.
Published: January 2019

PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are hetero-bifunctional molecules that recruit an E3 ubiquitin ligase to a given substrate protein resulting in its targeted degradation. Many potent PROTACs with specificity for dissimilar targets have been developed; however, the factors governing degradation selectivity within closely-related protein families remain elusive. Here, we generate isoform-selective PROTACs for the p38 MAPK family using a single warhead (foretinib) and recruited E3 ligase (von Hippel-Lindau). Based on their distinct linker attachments and lengths, these two PROTACs differentially recruit VHL, resulting in degradation of p38α or p38δ. We characterize the role of ternary complex formation in driving selectivity, showing that it is necessary, but insufficient, for PROTAC-induced substrate ubiquitination. Lastly, we explore the p38δ:PROTAC:VHL complex to explain the different selectivity profiles of these PROTACs. Our work attributes the selective degradation of two closely-related proteins using the same warhead and E3 ligase to heretofore underappreciated aspects of the ternary complex model.
RNA inhibitors of nuclear proteins responsible for multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
Authors: Urak Kevin T. , Blanco Giselle N. , Shubham Shambhavi , Lin Li-Hsien , Dassie Justin P. , Thiel William H. , Chen Yani , Sonkar Vijay Kumar , Lei Beilei , Murthy Shubha , Gutierrez Wade R. , Wilson Mary E. , Stiber Jonathan A. , Klesney-Tait Julia , Dayal Sanjana , Miller Francis J. , Giangrande Paloma H.
Published: January 2019

The development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following infection or tissue injury is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Extensive cellular injury results in the release of nuclear proteins, of which histones are the most abundant, into the circulation. Circulating histones are implicated as essential mediators of MODS. Available anti-histone therapies have failed in clinical trials due to off-target effects such as bleeding and toxicity. Here, we describe a therapeutic strategy for MODS based on the neutralization of histones by chemically stabilized nucleic acid bio-drugs (aptamers). Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology identified aptamers that selectively bind those histones responsible for MODS and do not bind to serum proteins. We demonstrate the efficacy of histone-specific aptamers in human cells and in a murine model of MODS. These aptamers could have a significant therapeutic benefit in the treatment of multiple diverse clinical conditions associated with MODS.
A metamaterial-enabled design enhancing decades-old short backfire antenna technology for space applications
Authors: Binion J. Daniel , Lier Erik , Hand Thomas H. , Jiang Zhi Hao , Werner Douglas H.
Published: January 2019

Nearly two decades of intense study have passed since the term metamaterials was first introduced in 1999. In spite of their great promise, however, metamaterials have been slow to find their way into practical devices, and examples of real-world applications remain rare. In this paper, an Advanced Short Backfire Antenna (A-SBFA), augmented with anisotropic metamaterial surfaces (metasurfaces), has been designed to achieve a very high aperture efficiency across two frequency bands. This performance is unprecedented for an antenna that has seen widespread use, but few design changes over its more than 50 year existence. The reduced weight, compact design, hexagonal aperture, high dual-band efficiency, high cross-polarization isolation, as well as low multipaction and passive intermodulation (PIM) risk make the A-SBFA ideal for spaceborne applications. This transformative design demonstrates how practical metamaterials, when applied to conventional antenna technology, can provide significant performance enhancements.
GORAB scaffolds COPI at the trans-Golgi for efficient enzyme recycling and correct protein glycosylation
Authors: Witkos Tomasz M. , Chan Wing Lee , Joensuu Merja , Rhiel Manuel , Pallister Ed , Thomas-Oates Jane , Mould A. Paul , Mironov Alex A. , Biot Christophe , Guerardel Yann , Morelle Willy , Ungar Daniel , Wieland Felix T. , Jokitalo Eija , Tassabehji May , Kornak Uwe , Lowe Martin
Published: January 2019

COPI is a key mediator of protein trafficking within the secretory pathway. COPI is recruited to the membrane primarily through binding to Arf GTPases, upon which it undergoes assembly to form coated transport intermediates responsible for trafficking numerous proteins, including Golgi-resident enzymes. Here, we identify GORAB, the protein mutated in the skin and bone disorder gerodermia osteodysplastica, as a component of the COPI machinery. GORAB forms stable domains at the trans-Golgi that, via interactions with the COPI-binding protein Scyl1, promote COPI recruitment to these domains. Pathogenic GORAB mutations perturb Scyl1 binding or GORAB assembly into domains, indicating the importance of these interactions. Loss of GORAB causes impairment of COPI-mediated retrieval of trans-Golgi enzymes, resulting in a deficit in glycosylation of secretory cargo proteins. Our results therefore identify GORAB as a COPI scaffolding factor, and support the view that defective protein glycosylation is a major disease mechanism in gerodermia osteodysplastica.
Thermal radiation control from hot graphene electrons coupled to a photonic crystal nanocavity
Authors: Shiue Ren-Jye , Gao Yuanda , Tan Cheng , Peng Cheng , Zheng Jiabao , Efetov Dmitri K. , Kim Young Duck , Hone James , Englund Dirk
Published: January 2019

Controlling thermal radiation is central in a range of applications including sensing, energy harvesting, and lighting. The thermal emission spectrum can be strongly modified through the electromagnetic local density of states (EM LDOS) in nanoscale-patterned metals and semiconductors. However, these materials become unstable at high temperature, preventing improvements in radiative efficiency and applications such as thermophotovoltaics. Here, we report stable high-temperature thermal emission based on hot electrons (>2000 K) in graphene coupled to a photonic crystal nanocavity, which strongly modifies the EM LDOS. The electron bath in graphene is highly decoupled from lattice phonons, allowing a comparatively cool temperature (700 K) of the photonic crystal nanocavity. This thermal decoupling of hot electrons from the LDOS-engineered substrate opens a broad design space for thermal emission control that would be challenging or impossible with heated nanoscale-patterned metals or semiconductor materials.
Ultrafast data mining of molecular assemblies in multiplexed high-density super-resolution images
Authors: Yin Yandong , Lee Wei Ting Chelsea , Rothenberg Eli
Published: January 2019

Multicolor single-molecule localization super-resolution microscopy has enabled visualization of ultrafine spatial organizations of molecular assemblies within cells. Despite many efforts, current approaches for distinguishing and quantifying such organizations remain limited, especially when these are contained within densely distributed super-resolution data. In theory, higher-order correlation such as the Triple-Correlation function is capable of obtaining the spatial configuration of individual molecular assemblies masked within seemingly discorded dense distributions. However, due to their enormous computational cost such analyses are impractical, even for high-end computers. Here, we developed a fast algorithm for Triple-Correlation analyses of high-content multiplexed super-resolution data. This algorithm computes the probability density of all geometric configurations formed by every triple-wise single-molecule localization from three different channels, circumventing impractical 4D Fourier Transforms of the entire megapixel image. This algorithm achieves 102-folds enhancement in computational speed, allowing for high-throughput Triple-Correlation analyses and robust quantification of molecular complexes in multiplexed super-resolution microscopy.
Integrating all-optical switching with spintronics
Authors: Lalieu M. L. M. , Lavrijsen R. , Koopmans B.
Published: January 2019

All-optical switching (AOS) of magnetic materials describes the reversal of the magnetization using short (femtosecond) laser pulses, and received extensive attention in the past decade due to its high potential for fast and energy-efficient data writing in future spintronic memory applications. Unfortunately, the AOS mechanism in the ferromagnetic multilayers commonly used in spintronics needs multiple pulses for the magnetization reversal, losing its speed and energy efficiency. Here, we experimentally demonstrate on-the-fly single-pulse AOS in combination with spin Hall effect (SHE) driven motion of magnetic domains in Pt/Co/Gd synthetic-ferrimagnetic racetracks. Moreover, using field-driven-SHE-assisted domain wall (DW) motion measurements, both the SHE efficiency in the racetrack is determined and the chirality of the optically written DW’s is verified. Our experiments demonstrate that Pt/Co/Gd racetracks facilitate both single-pulse AOS as well as efficient SHE-induced domain wall motion, which might ultimately pave the way towards integrated photonic memory devices.
Live imaging of leukocyte recruitment in a zebrafish model of chemical liver injury
Authors: Stoddard Michelina , Huang Cong , Enyedi Balázs , Niethammer Philipp
Published: January 2019

Studying early immune responses to organ damage in situ requires animal models amenable to intravital imaging. Here, we used transparent zebrafish larvae, a powerful animal model for innate immunity, to measure leukocyte recruitment to damaged livers. Bath application of metronidazole (Mtz) to fish expressing nitroreductase (NTR) under a liver-specific promoter damaged the organ within 24 hours causing oxidative stress, distorted liver morphology, accumulation of TUNEL-positive cells, and transcriptional upregulation of apoptotic and antioxidant genes. Inflammatory gene transcription in damaged hepatocytes was attenuated. In line with predominant apoptosis, macrophages were massively recruited into Mtz/NTR-damaged livers. By contrast, neutrophil infiltration was more variable and delayed, consistent with less abundant necrosis and an attenuated inflammatory capacity of damaged hepatocytes.
Characterization of the human head louse nit sheath reveals proteins with adhesive property that show no resemblance to known proteins
Authors: Park Jeong Kuk , Han Yu Jin , Lee Jae Ho , Joo Sang-Woo , Kim Ju Hyeon , Lee Si Hyeock , Park SangYoun
Published: January 2019

Human head and body lice attach their eggs respectively to human hair or clothing by female lice secreted glue that hardens into a nit sheath that protects the egg. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to characterize the glue-like material of the nit sheath. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on embryo-cleared nit showed proteinaceous amide I bands. With this result, we determined the amino acid composition of the nit sheath proteins and performed similarity search against the protein products of the body louse genome to identify the candidate nit sheath proteins. The identified two homologous proteins newly named as louse nit sheath protein (LNSP) 1 and LNSP2 are composed of three domains of characteristic repeating sequences. The N-terminal and middle domains consist of tandem two-residue repeats of Gln-Ala and Gly-Ala, respectively, which are expected to fold into β-strands and may further stack into β-sheets, whereas the C-terminal domain contains multiple consecutive Gln residues. Temporal and spatial transcription profiling demonstrated that both LNSP1 and LNSP2 are most predominantly expressed in the accessory gland of females of egg-laying stage, supporting that they indeed encode the nit sheath proteins. Further adhesive property of recombinant partial LNSP1 suggests that both LNSP1 and LNSP2 may act as glues.
Paternal Age and Transgenerational Telomere Length Maintenance: A Simulation Model
Authors: Horvath K. , Eisenberg D. , Stone R. , Anderson J. , Kark J. , Aviv A.
Published: January 2019

Telomere length (TL) in offspring is positively correlated with paternal age at the time of the offspring conception. The paternal-age-at-conception (PAC) effect on TL is puzzling, and its biological implication at the population level is unknown. Using a probabilistic model of transgenerational TL and population dynamics, we simulated the effect of PAC on TL in individuals over the course of 1,000 years. Findings suggest a key role for an isometric PAC midpoint (PACmp) in modulating TL across generations, such that offspring conceived by males younger than the isometric PACmp have comparatively short telomeres, while offspring conceived by males older than the isometric PACmp have comparatively long telomeres. We further show that when cancer incidence escalates, the average PAC drops below the isometric PACmp and transgenerational adaptation to cancer ensues through TL shortening. We propose that PAC serves to maintain an optimal TL across generations.
Liver Macrophage Depletion Ameliorates The Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in a Murine Model of Injured Liver
Authors: Ghanem Lobna y. , Mansour Iman M. , Abulata Nelly , Akl Maha M. , Demerdash Zeinab A. , El Baz Hanan G. , Mahmoud Soheir S. , Mohamed Salwa H. , Mahmoud Faten S. , Hassan Ayat S. M.
Published: January 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy show different levels of effectiveness in the context of different types of liver damage, suggesting that the microenvironment of the injured liver is a key determinant for effective stem cell therapy. The objective was to assess the modulatory effect of hepatic stem cell niche components on the transplanted MSCs during liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-labeled human MSCs were injected intravenously into mice treated with CCl4 and subjected to hepatic macrophage-depletion. Liver tissues were collected at different intervals post transplantation for subsequent histopathological, morphometric, immunohistochemical, gene expression and ultrastructural studies. The homing of the transplanted MSCs was evidenced by tracing them within the niche by iron staining and immunohistochemical studies. MSCs differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells and intimal smooth muscle cells as evidenced by their expression of human albumin and α-smooth muscle actin with a concomitant increase in the level of mouse hepatocyte growth factor. A post transplantation reduction in the liver fibro-inflammatory reaction was found and was promoted by liver macrophages depletion. Thus, it could be concluded from the present study that prior manipulation of the microenvironment is required to improve the outcome of the transplanted cells.
Ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ions based on enhanced catalytic performance of gold amalgam dispersed in channels of rose petals
Authors: Zhang Chi , Kong Caiyun , Liu Qingyun , Chen Zhengbo
Published: January 2019

We herein present a simple, low-cost, and ultrasensitive colorimetric sensing strategy for the detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) that takes advantage of the natural pore structure in rose petals to encapsulate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
Simultaneous quantification of multiple bacterial metabolites using surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Morelli Lidia , Centorbi Francesca Alessandra , Ilchenko Oleksii , Jendresen Christian Bille , Demarchi Danilo , Nielsen Alex Toftgaard , Zór Kinga , Boisen Anja
Published: January 2019

We combine liquid–liquid extraction, SERS detection and partial least squares analysis for simultaneous quantification of bacterial metabolites in E. coli supernatant.
Development of a microfluidic device (μPADs) for forensic serological analysis
Authors: Cromartie Rosa L. , Wardlow Ashley , Duncan George , McCord Bruce R.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we describe a paper microfluidic device capable of performing a variety of presumptive tests for the presence of biological fluids at crime scenes.
Label free electrochemical detection of cardiac biomarker troponin T using ZnSnO3 perovskite nanomaterials
Authors: Supraja Patta , Sudarshan Vadnala , Tripathy Suryasnata , Agrawal Amit , Singh Shiv Govind
Published: January 2019

Perovskite nanomaterial based electrochemical biosensor for label free sub femtomolar detection of cardiac biomarker troponin T.
Cysteine-rich protein-templated silver nanoclusters as a fluorometric probe for mercury(ii) detection
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Wang Jinjie , Yang Guang , Ma Shuyi , Zhang Min , Yang Jingxia
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we explored a convenient method for preparing stable silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) within 1 h at room temperature using keratin as a template and NaBH4 as a reducing agent.
Layer-by-layer preparation of polyelectrolyte multilayer nanocapsules via crystallized miniemulsions
Authors: Jafari Amin , Sun Haotian , Sun Boyang , Mohamed Mohamed Alaa , Cui Honggang , Cheng Chong
Published: January 2019

Using crystallized miniemulsion nanoparticles (NPs) as synthetic templates leads to well-defined layer-by-layer (LBL) polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) under mild conditions
Au–Cu–M (M = Pt, Pd, Ag) nanorods with enhanced catalytic efficiency by galvanic replacement reaction
Authors: Wang Xudong , Chen Shutang , Reggiano Gabriella , Thota Sravan , Wang Yongchen , Kerns Peter , Suib Steven L. , Zhao Jing
Published: January 2019

This work reports a general wet-chemistry method to produce Au–Cu–X (X = Pt, Pd, and Ag) trimetallic nanorods using galvanic replacement reaction with Au–Cu nanorods as the templates.
Stereogenic cyclic oligonaphthalenes displaying ring size-dependent handedness of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL)
Authors: Nojima Yuki , Hasegawa Masashi , Hara Nobuyuki , Imai Yoshitane , Mazaki Yasuhiro
Published: January 2019

A series of cyclic oligomers with Dn symmetry (n = 2–5) based on chiral (R)/(S)-binaphthyl exhibiting intensive chiroptical properties were synthesized by using a Ni(0)-catalyzed coupling reaction.
Highly selective dual sensing of ATP and ADP using fluorescent ribonucleopeptide sensors
Authors: Nakano Shun , Shimizu Musashi , Dinh Huyen , Morii Takashi
Published: January 2019

ATP- and ADP-sensors constructed by converting their respective RNA aptamers to fluorescent ribonucleopeptides enabled dual sensing of ATP and ADP.
Remarkably enhanced direct dissolution of plutonium oxide in task-specific ionic liquid: insights from electrochemical and theoretical investigations
Authors: Jayachandran Kavitha , Gupta Ruma , Chandrakumar K. R. S. , Goswami Dibakar , Noronha D. M. , Paul Sumana , Kannan S.
Published: January 2019

A simple way of catching a big fat element: plutonium from radioactive waste by a task specific ionic liquid.
Atmospheric chemistry of a cyclic hydro-fluoro-carbon: kinetics and mechanisms of gas-phase reactions of 1-trifluoromethyl-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3
Authors: Sulbaek Andersen Mads Peter , Nielsen Ole John
Published: January 2019

Long path length FTIR-smog chamber techniques were used to study the title reactions in 700 Torr of N2or air diluent at 296 ± 2 K.
Topologically nontrivial phase and tunable Rashba effect in half-oxidized bismuthene
Authors: Liu Ming-Yang , Chen Qing-Yuan , Cao Chao , He Yao
Published: January 2019

Sublattice half-oxidized bismuthene shows a novel topological insulator phase and tunable Rashba effect.
Crystallization kinetics of thin water films on Pt(111): effects of oxygen and carbon-monoxide adspecies
Authors: Souda Ryutaro , Aizawa Takashi
Published: January 2019

The nucleation and growth processes of ice crystallites on Pt(111) and how they are influenced by O and CO adspecies are explored using TOF-SIMS, TPD, and RHEED.
Graphdiyne: synthesis, properties, and applications
Authors: Gao Xin , Liu Huibiao , Wang Dan , Zhang Jin
Published: January 2019

Graphdiyne (GDY), a new two-dimensional (2D) carbon allotrope, has been receiving increased attention.
Variable oxidation state sulfur-bridged bithiazole ligands tune the electronic properties of ruthenium(ii) and copper(i) complexes
Authors: Caron Elise , Brown Christopher M. , Hean Duane , Wolf Michael O.
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of homoleptic and heteroleptic ruthenium(ii) and copper(i) complexes containing sulfur-bridged bithiazole ligands of varying oxidation states are reported.
Direct observation of active catalyst surface phases and the effect of dynamic self-optimization in NiFe-layered double hydroxides for alkaline water splitting
Authors: Qiu Zhen , Tai Cheuk-Wai , Niklasson Gunnar A. , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: January 2019

Identification of active catalyst surface phases and the influence of dynamic self-optimization in NiFe-layered double hydroxides for alkaline water splitting.
Assessing changes in groundwater chemistry in landscapes with more than 100 years of oil and gas development
Authors: Wen Tao , Agarwal Amal , Xue Lingzhou , Chen Alex , Herman Alison , Li Zhenhui , Brantley Susan L.
Published: January 2019

Historical oil & gas development or using salt and production brines on roads for de-icing or dust abatement might impact groundwater chemistry.
Visible light photocatalysis of pristine anatase TiO2 mesocrystals induced by largely exposed and stepped {001} surface
Authors: Chen Jin , Li Xiaofan , Lei Bingyu , Zhou Lei , Wang Shenqi
Published: January 2019

Largely improved visible light photocatalytic activities of pristine TiO2 by constructing stepped structures on exposed {001} facets.
Facile preparation of N,S-graphene oxide nanosheets as a fluorescence “off–on” sensing platform for sensitive detection of biothiols
Authors: Zhao Xiuxiu , Lin Xin , Wang Jianhua , Chen Xuwei
Published: January 2019

Fluorescent N,S-graphene oxide was prepared via a one-step, solvent-free approach, and used as a probe for sensitive detection of biothiols.
An artificial TiO2/lithium n-butoxide hybrid SEI layer with facilitated lithium-ion transportation ability for stable lithium anodes
Authors: Nan Yang , Li Songmei , Li Bin , Yang Shubin
Published: January 2019

We in situ fabricated an artificial SEI layer by dipping the lithium metal into liquid tetrabutyl titanate. Such an artificial SEI layer, composed of amorphous TiO2 and lithium terminal groups, supplied high mechanical strength and fast lithium ion conductivity and greatly improved the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes.
Ultra-sensitive graphene–bismuth telluride nano-wire hybrids for infrared detection
Authors: Islam Saurav , Mishra Jayanta Kumar , Kumar Abinash , Chatterjee Dipanwita , Ravishankar N , Ghosh Arindam
Published: January 2019

The myriad technological applications of infrared radiation sensors make the search for ultra-sensitive detectors extremely crucial.
Electrochemical synthesis of NiCo layered double hydroxide nanosheets decorated on moderately oxidized graphene films for energy storage
Authors: Jia Dedong , Jiang Degang , Zheng Yiwei , Tan Hua , Cao Xueying , Liu Fang , Yue Lijun , Sun Yuanyuan , Liu Jingquan
Published: January 2019

The NiCo-LDH nanosheet arrays are strongly anchored on moderately oxidized RGO through C–O–metal bonds to construct a hierarchical composite film electrode for flexible high-performance supercapacitors.
A catalyst-free four-component domino reaction for the synthesis of functionalized 3-acyl-1,5-benzodiazepines
Authors: Sun Yue-Wei , Bei Yue-Ming , Wang Lan-Zhi
Published: January 2019

Various functional 3-acyl-1,5-benzodiazepines were synthesized via a catalyst-free four-component domino reaction. A total of 26 examples were examined by reacting inexpensive starting materials of N,N-dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal, aromatic ketones, 1,2-phenylenediamine compounds and aldehyde derivatives in high yields.
Influence of intramolecular secondary sphere hydrogen-bonding interactions on cytochrome c oxidase inspired low-spin heme–peroxo–copper complexes
Authors: Ehudin Melanie A. , Schaefer Andrew W. , Adam Suzanne M. , Quist David A. , Diaz Daniel E. , Tang Joel A. , Solomon Edward I. , Karlin Kenneth D.
Published: January 2019

Structural/electronic influence of metalloenzyme-inspired synthetic heme–peroxo–copper models containing intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions.
Step-by-step reaction-powered mechanical motion triggered by a chemical fuel pulse
Authors: Shi Qiang , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: January 2019

With the discovery of the iodosylbenzene-triggered pH oscillating reaction, the chemically fueled movement of helicarene-based [2]rotaxane could be successfully achieved.
CGA-N9, an antimicrobial peptide derived from chromogranin A: direct cell penetration of and endocytosis by Candida tropicalis
Authors: Li Ruifang , Chen Chen , Zhu Sha , Wang Xueqin , Yang Yanhui , Shi Weini , Chen Sijia , Wang Congcong , Yan Lixing , Shi Jiaofan
Published: January 2019

CGA-N9 is a peptide derived from the N-terminus of human chromogranin A comprising amino acids 47–55. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays showed that CGA-N9 had antimicrobial activity and exhibited time-dependent inhibition activity against Candida tropicalis, with high safety in human red blood cells (HRBCs) and mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3). According to the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, CGA-N9 accumulated in cells without destroying the integrity of the cell membrane; the peptide was initially localized to the cell membrane and subsequently internalized into the cytosol. An investigation of the cellular internalization mechanism revealed that most CGA-N9 molecules entered the yeast cells, even at 4°C and in the presence of sodium azide (NaN3), both of which block all energy-dependent transport mechanisms. In addition, peptide internalization was affected by the endocytic inhibitors 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA), cytochalasin D (CyD) and heparin; chlorpromazine (CPZ) also had some effect on CGA-N9 internalization. Similar results were obtained in the MIC assays, whereby the anticandidal activity of CGA-N9 was blocked to different degrees in the presence of EIPA, CyD, heparin or CPZ. Therefore, most CGA-N9 passes through the C. tropicalis cell membrane via direct cell penetration, whereas the remainder enters through macropinocytosis and sulfate proteoglycan-mediated endocytosis, with a slight contribution from clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Shenqi Fuzheng Injection impairs bile duct ligation-induced cholestatic liver injury in vivo
Authors: Cao Fei , Liu Peng , Zhang Xianbin , Hu Yanfen , Dong Xin , Bao Haidong , Kong Lingkai , Wang Lei , Gong Peng
Published: January 2019

Background and aim: The aim of the present study sought to determine the protective function of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) in cholestatic liver injury.

Methods: Cholestatic liver injury was induced in a 7-day bile duct-ligated (BDL) rat model. Rats were divided into three groups that were comprised of: (1) Sham; (2) BDL model; and (3) SFI treatment. The sham and BDL groups were treated with an appropriate volume of 0.9% sodium chloride as the vehicle, and the SFI group was administered SFI at a dose of 20 ml/kg/day, via tail vein injection.

Results: SFI significantly (all at P<0.01) decreased the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase as compared with the BDL group, which was associated with reduced severity of inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic damage. Moreover, SFI significantly decreased the levels of hepatic interleukin-6 (P<0.01), tumor necrosis factor-α (P=0.041), and malondialdehyde (P=0.026), and significantly increased the levels of total superoxide dismutase (P<0.01), and the GSH/GSSG ratio (P=0.041) in the liver. Western blot analysis showed that SFI increased PPAR-γ expression; however, SFI treatment decreased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65.

Conclusions: These data demonstrated that SFI attenuated both inflammation and oxidative stress, and disrupted cholestatic liver injury. The involved mechanism was dependent, at least in part, on regulating PPAR-γ, COX-2, and NF-κBp65 expression.
Mesenchymal stem cells for inflammatory airway disorders: promises and challenges
Authors: Fan Xing-Liang , Zhang Zhao , Ma Chui Yan , Fu Qing-Ling
Published: January 2019

The regenerative and immunomodulatory characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive in the treatment of many diseases. Although they have shown promising preclinical studies of immunomodulation and paracrine effects in inflammatory airway disorders and other lung diseases, there are still challenges that have to be overcome before MSCs can be safely, effectively, and routinely applied in the clinical setting. A good understanding of the roles and mechanisms of the MSC immunomodulatory effects will benefit the application of MSC-based clinical therapy. In this review, we summarize the promises and challenges of the preclinical and clinical trials of MSC therapies, aiming to better understand the role that MSCs play in attempt to treat inflammatory airway disorders.
High‐speed motion image deblurring using referenceless image quality assessment
Authors: Huang Lv E. , Wu Lu Shen , Peng Qing Jing
Published: January 2019

A new method is developed to deblur seriously blurred images taken in a long exposure of camera in the fast motion. It is different from most of the existing deblurring methods that result in a poor quality for processing serious blur images, and few papers concerned the deblurred image quality, the authors study referenceless image quality assessment method to deblurring image. A blurred image is modelled based on a fast motion scene. Due to the consistent characteristics of direction motion blurs and ringing artefacts generated with the direct deconvolution, an adjacent‐column‐greyscale‐difference index is proposed, which combines with an effective spatial quality evaluator to reduce the artefacts and improve quality of the deconvolution image. The process of the proposed method is automatic and fast in the image deblurring, it is verified on both the synthetic‐blurred and the real‐scene‐blurred images, which outperforms the existing methods in reducing serious blurs of forward motion images.
Optimal power dispatch considering load and renewable generation uncertainties in an AC–DC hybrid microgrid
Authors: Maulik Avirup , Das Debapriya
Published: January 2019

An AC–DC hybrid microgrid is gradually becoming popular. For economic viability and environmental sustainability, an AC–DC microgrid should be operated optimally. This study introduces an optimal power dispatch strategy for simultaneous reduction of cost and emission from generation activities in an AC–DC hybrid microgrid under load and generation uncertainties. The operational attributes of an AC–DC hybrid microgrid, and load and renewable generation uncertainties are incorporated in the optimal scheduling problem by using a customised power‐flow technique, and by modelling uncertainties by Hong's two‐point estimate method, respectively. The economic and environmental objectives are modelled in the fuzzy domain by fuzzy membership functions. A combination of particle swarm optimisation and fuzzy max–min technique is then employed for obtaining the optimal solution. The static active power droop constants of the dispatchable units are the control variables. Simulation results on a 6‐bus AC–DC hybrid microgrid system demonstrate that optimal scheduling results in 4.26% reduction of operating cost and 13.91% reduction of emission in comparison to capacity based droop settings. Further, a comparison between the proposed method and the elitist multi‐objective GA indicates that the optimised solution lies on the Pareto‐front, thereby validating the proposed technique.
Systematic review on vehicular licence plate recognition framework in intelligent transport systems
Authors: Arafat Md Yeasir , Khairuddin Anis Salwa Mohd , Khairuddin Uswah , Paramesran Raveendran
Published: January 2019

In recent years, vehicular licence plate recognition (VLPR) framework has emerged as one of the most significant issues in intelligent transport systems. It has emerged as an important and complicated issue of research in recent times as explorations are carried on this issue with regard to the challenges and diversities of licence plates (LP) including various illumination and hazardous situations. Restricted situations like stationary background, only one vehicle image, fixed illumination, and limited vehicular speed have been focused in most of the approaches. VLPR approaches should be generalised for being capable of identifying LP containing different fonts, colours, languages, complex backgrounds, deformities, hazardous situations, occlusion, speeding vehicles, vertical or horizontal skew, blurriness, and illumination diversions. A comprehensive investigation on the existing VLPR techniques has been carried throughout this study by the aspects of detecting, segmenting, and recognising the plates. Different existing VLPR approaches have been categorised in accordance with the deployed attributes and the classifications have been compared as well on the basis of conveniences, inconveniences, processing time, and recognition rate when available.