bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YEATS2 links histone acetylation to tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Mi Wenyi , Guan Haipeng , Lyu Jie , Zhao Dan , Xi Yuanxin , Jiang Shiming , Andrews Forest H. , Wang Xiaolu , Gagea Mihai , Wen Hong , Tora Laszlo , Dent Sharon Y. R. , Kutateladze Tatiana G. , Li Wei , Li Haitao , Shi Xiaobing
Published: October 2017

Recognition of modified histones by “reader” proteins constitutes a key mechanism regulating diverse chromatin-associated processes important for normal and neoplastic development. We recently identified the YEATS domain as a novel acetyllysine-binding module; however, the functional importance of YEATS domain-containing proteins in human cancer remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the YEATS2 gene is highly amplified in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is required for cancer cell growth and survival. YEATS2 binds to acetylated histone H3 via its YEATS domain. The YEATS2-containing ATAC complex co-localizes with H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) on the promoters of actively transcribed genes. Depletion of YEATS2 or disruption of the interaction between its YEATS domain and acetylated histones reduces the ATAC complex-dependent promoter H3K9ac levels and deactivates the expression of essential genes. Taken together, our study identifies YEATS2 as a histone H3K27ac reader that regulates a transcriptional program essential for NSCLC tumorigenesis.
Accessing the bottleneck in all-solid state batteries, lithium-ion transport over the solid-electrolyte-electrode interface
Authors: Yu Chuang , Ganapathy Swapna , Eck Ernst R. H. van , Wang Heng , Basak Shibabrata , Li Zhaolong , Wagemaker Marnix
Published: October 2017

Solid-state batteries potentially offer increased lithium-ion battery energy density and safety as required for large-scale production of electrical vehicles. One of the key challenges toward high-performance solid-state batteries is the large impedance posed by the electrode–electrolyte interface. However, direct assessment of the lithium-ion transport across realistic electrode–electrolyte interfaces is tedious. Here we report two-dimensional lithium-ion exchange NMR accessing the spontaneous lithium-ion transport, providing insight on the influence of electrode preparation and battery cycling on the lithium-ion transport over the interface between an argyrodite solid-electrolyte and a sulfide electrode. Interfacial conductivity is shown to depend strongly on the preparation method and demonstrated to drop dramatically after a few electrochemical (dis)charge cycles due to both losses in interfacial contact and increased diffusional barriers. The reported exchange NMR facilitates non-invasive and selective measurement of lithium-ion interfacial transport, providing insight that can guide the electrolyte–electrode interface design for future all-solid-state batteries.
Single-shot measurement of the orbital-angular-momentum spectrum of light
Authors: Kulkarni Girish , Sahu Rishabh , Magaña-Loaiza Omar S. , Boyd Robert W. , Jha Anand K.
Published: October 2017

The existing methods for measuring the orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) spectrum suffer from issues such as poor efficiency, strict interferometric stability requirements, and too much loss. Furthermore, most techniques inevitably discard part of the field and measure only a post-selected portion of the true spectrum. Here, we propose and demonstrate an interferometric technique for measuring the true OAM spectrum of optical fields in a single-shot manner. Our technique directly encodes the OAM-spectrum information in the azimuthal intensity profile of the output interferogram. In the absence of noise, the spectrum can be fully decoded using a single acquisition of the output interferogram, and, in the presence of noise, acquisition of two suitable interferograms is sufficient for the purpose. As an important application of our technique, we demonstrate measurements of the angular Schmidt spectrum of the entangled photons produced by parametric down-conversion and report a broad spectrum with the angular Schmidt number 82.1.
Reconstitution of human shelterin complexes reveals unexpected stoichiometry and dual pathways to enhance telomerase processivity
Authors: Lim Ci Ji , Zaug Arthur J. , Kim Hee Jin , Cech Thomas R.
Published: October 2017

The human shelterin proteins associate with telomeric DNA to confer telomere protection and length regulation. They are thought to form higher-order protein complexes for their functions, but studies of shelterin proteins have been mostly limited to pairs of proteins. Here we co-express various human shelterin proteins and find that they form defined multi-subunit complexes. A complex harboring both TRF2 and POT1 has the strongest binding affinity to telomeric DNA substrates comprised of double-stranded DNA with a 3′ single-stranded extension. TRF2 interacts with TIN2 with an unexpected 2:1 stoichiometry in the context of shelterin (RAP12:TRF22:TIN21:TPP11:POT11). Tethering of TPP1 to the telomere either via TRF2–TIN2 or via POT1 gives equivalent enhancement of telomerase processivity. We also identify a peptide region from TPP1 that is both critical and sufficient for TIN2 interaction. Our findings reveal new information about the architecture of human shelterin and how it performs its functions at telomeres.
Water conservation benefits of urban heat mitigation
Authors: Vahmani Pouya , Jones Andrew D.
Published: October 2017

Many cities globally are seeking strategies to counter the consequences of both a hotter and drier climate. While urban heat mitigation strategies have been shown to have beneficial effects on health, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, their implications for water conservation have not been widely examined. Here we use a suite of satellite-supported regional climate simulations in California to show that broad implementation of cool roofs, a heat mitigation strategy, not only results in significant cooling, but can also meaningfully decrease outdoor water consumption by reducing evaporative and irrigation water demands. Irrigation water consumption across the major metropolitan areas is reduced by up to 9% and irrigation water savings per capita range from 1.8 to 15.4 gallons per day across 18 counties examined. Total water savings are found to be the highest in Los Angeles county, reaching about 83 million gallons per day. Cool roofs are a valuable solution for addressing the adaptation and mitigation challenges faced by multiple sectors in California.
High-Fat Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Single Skeletal Muscle Fibers is Fiber Type Selective
Authors: Pataky Mark W. , Wang Haiyan , Yu Carmen S. , Arias Edward B. , Ploutz-Snyder Robert J. , Zheng Xiaohua , Cartee Gregory D.
Published: October 2017

Skeletal muscle is the major site for insulin-stimulated glucose disposal, and muscle insulin resistance confers many negative health outcomes. Muscle is composed of multiple fiber types, and conventional analysis of whole muscles cannot elucidate fiber type differences at the cellular level. Previous research demonstrated that a brief (two weeks) high fat diet (HFD) caused insulin resistance in rat skeletal muscle. The primary aim of this study was to determine in rat skeletal muscle the influence of a brief (two weeks) HFD on glucose uptake (GU) ± insulin in single fibers that were also characterized for fiber type. Epitrochlearis muscles were incubated with [3H]-2-deoxyglucose (2DG) ± 100 µU/ml insulin. Fiber type (myosin heavy chain expression) and 2DG accumulation were measured in whole muscles and single fibers. Although fiber type composition of whole muscles did not differ between diet groups, GU of insulin-stimulated whole muscles from LFD rats significantly exceeded HFD values (P < 0.005). For HFD versus LFD rats, GU of insulin-stimulated single fibers was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for IIA, IIAX, IIBX, IIB, and approached significance for IIX (P = 0.100), but not type I (P = 0.776) fibers. These results revealed HFD-induced insulin resistance was attributable to fiber type selective insulin resistance and independent of altered fiber type composition.
Semi-Empirical Estimation of Dean Flow Velocity in Curved Microchannels
Authors: Bayat Pouriya , Rezai Pouya
Published: October 2017

Curved and spiral microfluidic channels are widely used in particle and cell sorting applications. However, the average Dean velocity of secondary vortices which is an important design parameter in these devices cannot be estimated precisely with the current knowledge in the field. In this paper, we used co-flows of dyed liquids in curved microchannels with different radii of curvatures and monitored the lateral displacement of fluids using optical microscopy. A quantitative Switching Index parameter was then introduced to calculate the average Dean velocity in these channels. Additionally, we developed a validated numerical model to expand our investigations to elucidating the effects of channel hydraulic diameter, width, and height as well as fluid kinematic viscosity on Dean velocity. Accordingly, a non-dimensional comprehensive correlation was developed based on our numerical model and validated against experimental results. The proposed correlation can be used extensively for the design of curved microchannels for manipulation of fluids, particles, and biological substances in spiral microfluidic devices.
Gpbar1 agonism promotes a Pgc-1α-dependent browning of white adipose tissue and energy expenditure and reverses diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice
Authors: Carino Adriana , Cipriani Sabrina , Marchianò Silvia , Biagioli Michele , Scarpelli Paolo , Zampella Angela , Monti Maria Chiara , Fiorucci Stefano
Published: October 2017

Gpbar1 is a bile acid activated receptor for secondary bile acids. Here we have investigated the mechanistic role of Gpbar1 in the regulation of adipose tissues functionality in a murine model of steatohepatitis (NASH). Feeding wild type and Gpbar1−/− mice with a high fat diet-fructose (HFD-F) lead to development of NASH-like features. Treating HFD-F mice with 6β-ethyl-3a,7b-dihydroxy-5b-cholan-24-ol (BAR501), a selective Gpbar1-ligand, reversed insulin resistance and histologic features of NASH, increased the weight of epWAT and BAT functionality and promoted energy expenditure and the browning of epWAT as assessed by measuring expression of Ucp1 and Pgc-1α. The beneficial effects of BAR501 were lost in Gpbar1−/− mice. In vitro, BAR501 promoted the browning of 3T3-L1 cells a pre-adipocyte cell line and recruitment of CREB to the promoter of Pgc-1α. In conclusion, Gpbar1 agonism ameliorates liver histology in a rodent model of NASH and promotes the browning of white adipose tissue.
Prognostic values of red blood cell distribution width, platelet count, and red cell distribution width-to-platelet ratio for severe burn injury
Authors: Qiu Le , Chen Chen , Li Shi-Ji , Wang Chao , Guo Feng , Peszel April , Liu Sheng , Wang Fei , Sun Ye-Xiang , Wang Yong-Jie , Chen Xu-Lin
Published: October 2017

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count (PLT), and a RDW-to-PLT ratio (RPR) have been associated with inflammatory activity and adverse outcomes in many diseases. This study has aimed to investigate the association between these indicators and the mortality rate of severe burn patients. From 2008 to 2014, 610 cases of severe burn patients from two burn centers in eastern China were enrolled in this study. Eighty-eight patients died within 90 days after admission. The RDW, PLT, and RPR were studied through Cox regression analysis on the 3rd and 7th day. The RDW, PLT, and RPR values on the 3rd and 7th day were significantly associated with the outcomes of severe burn patients (P < 0.01). High RPR was significantly associated with a 90-day mortality rate at the two time points. However, the RDW and PLT did not provide independent predictive values. Our results indicated that the RPR values on the 3rd and 7th day were associated with the mortality rates of severe burn patients (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the RDW and PLT values at these time points failed to provide independent values for burn mortality prediction. Thus, the RPR can serve as an independent and novel marker for mortality rates prediction in severe burn patients.
A novel scoring system to analyze combined effect of lifestyle factors on pancreatic cancer risk: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Pang Tianshu , Ding Guoping , Wu Zhengrong , Jiang Guixing , Yang Yifei , Zhang Xiaofei , Cao Liping
Published: October 2017

Although several risk factors for the onset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been identified, currently, no scoring system to systemically evaluate the risk of PDAC has been established. In this study, we aimed to use a population of over 1200 patients to build a novel scoring system, and evaluated combined effects of risk factors for PDAC patients.A set of 4904 participants including 1274 PDAC patients and 3630 non-cancer individuals were recruited for the single-center study over 17-year period (1997~2013). Systematic logical analysis were presented for case and control groups, and a risk rating system was constructed to assess combined risk factors. Seven independent risk factors were identified with the increased risk of PDAC, were selected into the risk score. A merged risk assessment model was established, demonstrating significantly increased PDAC risk in following a number of rising scores. Individuals with scores from 1 to more than 4, the responding OR (95% CI) were 3.06 (2.57~3.65), 7.08 (5.63~8.91), 22.4 (14.2~35.4), and 31.4 (12.7~77.5), respectively. The integer-based risk score in the study can be used for risk stratification to accurately evaluate PDAC occurrence at an early stage. This scoring system provides an accurate risk assessment of PDAC risk.
Multitwist Möbius Strips and Twisted Ribbons in the Polarization of Paraxial Light Beams
Authors: Galvez Enrique J. , Dutta Ishir , Beach Kory , Zeosky Jon J. , Jones Joshua A. , Khajavi Behzad
Published: October 2017

The polarization of light can exhibit unusual features when singular optical beams are involved. In 3-dimensional polarized random media the polarization orientation around singularities describe 1/2 or 3/2 Möbius strips. It has been predicted that if singular beams intersect non-collinearly in free space, the polarization ellipse rotates forming many-turn Möbius strips or twisted ribbons along closed loops around a central singularity. These polarization features are important because polarization is an aspect of light that mediate strong interactions with matter, with potential for new applications. We examined the non-collinear superposition of two unfocused paraxial light beams when one of them carried an optical vortex and the other one a uniform phase front, both in orthogonal states of circular polarization. It is known that these superpositions in 2-dimensions produce space-variant patterns of polarization. Relying on the symmetry of the problem, we extracted the 3-dimensional patterns from projective measurements, and confirmed the formation of many-turn Möbius strips or twisted ribbons when the topological charge of one of the component beams was odd or even, respectively. The measurements agree well with the modelings and confirmed that these types of patterns occur at macroscopic length scales and in ordinary superposition situations.
R/G editing in GluA2Rflop modulates the functional difference between GluA1 flip and flop variants in GluA1/2R heteromeric channels
Authors: Wen Wei , Lin Chi-Yen , Niu Li
Published: October 2017

In α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptors, RNA editing and alternative splicing generate sequence variants, and those variants, as in GluA2-4 AMPA receptor subunits, generally show different properties. Yet, earlier studies have shown that the alternatively spliced, flip and flop variants of GluA1 AMPA receptor subunit exhibit no functional difference in homomeric channel form. Using a laser-pulse photolysis technique, combined with whole-cell recording, we measured the rate of channel opening, among other kinetic properties, for a series of AMPA channels with different arginine/glycine (R/G) editing and flip/flop status. We find that R/G editing in the GluA2 subunit modulates the channel properties in both homomeric (GluA2Q) and complex (GluA2Q/2R and GluA1/2R) channel forms. However, R/G editing is only effective in flop channels. Specifically, editing at the R/G site on the GluA2R flop isoform accelerates the rate of channel opening and desensitization for GluA1/2R channels more pronouncedly with the GluA1 being in the flop form than in the flip form; yet R/G editing has no effect on either channel-closing rate or EC50. Our results suggest R/G editing via GluA2R serve as a regulatory mechanism to modulate the function of GluA2R-containing, native receptors involved in fast excitatory synaptic transmission.
Exhaustive search for epistatic effects on the human methylome
Authors: Egli Tobias , Vukojevic Vanja , Sengstag Thierry , Jacquot Martin , Cabezón Rubén , Coynel David , Freytag Virginie , Heck Angela , Vogler Christian , de Quervain Dominique J.-F. , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Milnik Annette
Published: October 2017

Studies assessing the existence and magnitude of epistatic effects on complex human traits provide inconclusive results. The study of such effects is complicated by considerable increase in computational burden, model complexity, and model uncertainty, which in concert decrease model stability. An additional source introducing significant uncertainty with regard to the detection of robust epistasis is the biological distance between the genetic variation and the trait under study. Here we studied CpG methylation, a genetically complex molecular trait that is particularly close to genomic variation, and performed an exhaustive search for two-locus epistatic effects on the CpG-methylation signal in two cohorts of healthy young subjects. We detected robust epistatic effects for a small number of CpGs (N = 404). Our results indicate that epistatic effects explain only a minor part of variation in DNA-CpG methylation. Interestingly, these CpGs were more likely to be associated with gene-expression of nearby genes, as also shown by their overrepresentation in DNase I hypersensitivity sites and underrepresentation in CpG islands. Finally, gene ontology analysis showed a significant enrichment of these CpGs in pathways related to HPV-infection and cancer.
Manipulation of photoassociation of ultracold Cs atoms with tunable scattering length by external magnetic fields
Authors: Feng Guosheng , Li Yuqing , Wang Xiaofeng , Wu Jizhou , Sovkov Vladimir B. , Ma Jie , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate that for ultracold, optically trapped Cs atoms the photoassociation (PA) can be manipulated by using external uniform magnetic fields due to the alteration of the scattering wavefunction in the region of the free–bound optical transition. We present PA–induced atom loss measurements with the same intensity for PA laser but different external magnetic fields, and analyze main contributions of the PA to the variation of the number of atoms in the trap. The PA rate exhibits a strong dependence on the changing uniform magnetic field. The experimental data are simulated within the model of a single–channel one–well rectangular potential, whose depth is adjusted so as to assure the predicted variation of the scattering length with the magnetic field. The computational and experimental results are in a reasonable agreement to each other. The same model is used to illustrate some general properties of the two–body quantum system in the near–threshold state.
Mid-troposphere transport of Middle-East dust over the Arabian Sea and its effect on rainwater composition and sensitive ecosystems over India
Authors: Ramaswamy V. , Muraleedharan P. M. , Babu C. Prakash
Published: October 2017

The importance of mineral dust and aerosols in the transfer of bio-essential elements to terrestrial and marine ecosystems far removed from the source region is well known. Aerosol concentrations measured at the surface over the west coast of India during the SW monsoon period (June to September) are usually very low as pristine maritime air from the Southern Indian Ocean blows over this region. However, we find very high levels of mineral dust and dust derived nutrients in rainwater collected during the SW monsoon period. We show that the dry, warm and dusty Red Sea Wind and Shamal Wind from the Middle-East override the moist oceanic Low-Level Jet (Findlater Jet) of the SW monsoon and transport large quantities of dust at heights between 2 km and 5 km over the Indian Peninsula. A substantial portion is the desert dust is scavenged and wet-deposited over the Western Ghats of India where it neutralizes the acidity of rainwater and provides substantial amounts of nutrients that have the potential to impact sensitive ecosystems in this region. After the Red Sea and Shamal Winds subside in September, the alkaline rainwater reverts to the acidic range due to soluble ions derived from local carbonaceous aerosols.
Glioblastoma cancer stem cell lines express functional acid sensing ion channels ASIC1a and ASIC3
Authors: Tian Yuemin , Bresenitz Pia , Reska Anna , El Moussaoui Laila , Beier Christoph Patrick , Gründer Stefan
Published: October 2017

Acidic microenvironment is commonly observed in tumour tissues, including glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive and lethal brain tumour in adults. Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are neuronal voltage-insensitive sodium channels, which are sensors of extracellular protons. Here we studied and functionally characterized ASICs in two primary glioblastoma stem cell lines as cell culture models. We detected transcripts of the ACCN2 and ACCN3 genes, coding for ASIC1 and ASIC3, respectively, but not transcripts of ACCN1 (coding for ASIC2). Available microarray data confirmed that ACCN1 is downregulated in glioma. Western blotting confirmed expression of ASIC1 and ASIC3, the most proton-sensitive ASICs, in both GBM cell lines. We characterized ASICs functionally using whole-cell patch clamp and detected different types of acid-sensitive currents. Some of these currents had kinetics typical for ASICs and were sensitive to specific toxin inhibitors of ASIC1a or ASIC3, demonstrating that the GBM cell lines express functional ASIC1a and ASIC3 that may enable GBM cells to sensitively detect extracellular pH in a tumour tissue. Microarray data revealed that expression of ACCN2 and ACCN3 is associated with improved survival of patients suffering from gliomas, suggesting that preserved susceptibility to extracellular pH may impair tumour growth.
Ultrasound localization microscopy to image and assess microvasculature in a rat kidney
Authors: Foiret Josquin , Zhang Hua , Ilovitsh Tali , Mahakian Lisa , Tam Sarah , Ferrara Katherine W.
Published: October 2017

The recent development of ultrasound localization microscopy, where individual microbubbles (contrast agents) are detected and tracked within the vasculature, provides new opportunities for imaging the vasculature of entire organs with a spatial resolution below the diffraction limit. In stationary tissue, recent studies have demonstrated a theoretical resolution on the order of microns. In this work, single microbubbles were localized in vivo in a rat kidney using a dedicated high frame rate imaging sequence. Organ motion was tracked by assuming rigid motion (translation and rotation) and appropriate correction was applied. In contrast to previous work, coherence-based non-linear phase inversion processing was used to reject tissue echoes while maintaining echoes from very slowly moving microbubbles. Blood velocity in the small vessels was estimated by tracking microbubbles, demonstrating the potential of this technique to improve vascular characterization. Previous optical studies of microbubbles in vessels of approximately 20 microns have shown that expansion is constrained, suggesting that microbubble echoes would be difficult to detect in such regions. We therefore utilized the echoes from individual MBs as microscopic sensors of slow flow associated with such vessels and demonstrate that highly correlated, wideband echoes are detected from individual microbubbles in vessels with flow rates below 2 mm/s.
Characterization of serum miRNAs as molecular biomarkers for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection diagnosis
Authors: Xu Zhenjun , Wang Qiang , Pan Jun , Sheng Xia , Hou Dongxia , Chong Hoshun , Wei Zhe , Zheng Shasha , Xue Yunxing , Zhou Qing , Cao Hailong , Zhang Chen-Yu , Wang Dongjin , Jiang Xiaohong
Published: October 2017

Early and convenient diagnosis is urgently needed for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients due to its high mortality within the first 48 hours. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases, however, little is known about circulating miRNAs involved in AAAD. Here, the blood serum was sampled from 104 AAAD+ patients and 103 age-matched donors. Initial screening was conducted using the TaqMan Low Density Array followed by RT-qPCR confirmation. According to the two-phase selection and validation process, we found that miR-25, miR-29a and miR-155 were significantly elevated, while miR-26b was markedly decreased in AAAD+ serum samples compared with AAAD− individuals. Most importantly, for individuals with hypertension, which is a major contributor to AAAD, the 4-miRNA panel also showed high accuracy in predicting those who are more likely to develop AAAD. In the blind trial set, the panel correctly classified 93.33% AAAD+ patients and 86.67% controls from the hypertension cohort. Finally, the serum miRNA-based biomarker for early AAAD detection was supported by a retrospective analysis. Taken together, we identify a distinct profile of 4-miRNA that can serve as a noninvasive biomarker for AAAD diagnosis, especially for those with hypertension.
An optical Fourier transform coprocessor with direct phase determination
Authors: Macfaden Alexander J. , Gordon George S. D. , Wilkinson Timothy D.
Published: October 2017

The Fourier transform is a ubiquitous mathematical operation which arises naturally in optics. We propose and demonstrate a practical method to optically evaluate a complex-to-complex discrete Fourier transform. By implementing the Fourier transform optically we can overcome the limiting O(nlogn) complexity of fast Fourier transform algorithms. Efficiently extracting the phase from the well-known optical Fourier transform is challenging. By appropriately decomposing the input and exploiting symmetries of the Fourier transform we are able to determine the phase directly from straightforward intensity measurements, creating an optical Fourier transform with O(n) apparent complexity. Performing larger optical Fourier transforms requires higher resolution spatial light modulators, but the execution time remains unchanged. This method could unlock the potential of the optical Fourier transform to permit 2D complex-to-complex discrete Fourier transforms with a performance that is currently untenable, with applications across information processing and computational physics.
Evolving stability and pH-dependent activity of the high redox potential Botrytis aclada laccase for enzymatic fuel cells
Authors: Scheiblbrandner Stefan , Breslmayr Erik , Csarman Florian , Paukner Regina , Führer Johannes , Herzog Peter L. , Shleev Sergey V. , Osipov Evgeny M. , Tikhonova Tamara V. , Popov Vladimir O. , Haltrich Dietmar , Ludwig Roland , Kittl Roman
Published: October 2017

Fungal high redox potential laccases are proposed as cathodic biocatalysts in implantable enzymatic fuel cells to generate high cell voltages. Their application is limited mainly through their acidic pH optimum and chloride inhibition. This work investigates evolutionary and engineering strategies to increase the pH optimum of a chloride-tolerant, high redox potential laccase from the ascomyceteBotrytis aclada. The laccase was subjected to two rounds of directed evolution and the clones screened for increased stability and activity at pH 6.5. Beneficial mutation sites were investigated by semi-rational and combinatorial mutagenesis. Fourteen variants were characterised in detail to evaluate changes of the kinetic constants. Mutations increasing thermostability were distributed over the entire structure. Among them, T383I showed a 2.6-fold increased half-life by preventing the loss of the T2 copper through unfolding of a loop. Mutations affecting the pH-dependence cluster around the T1 copper and categorise in three types of altered pH profiles: pH-type I changes the monotonic decreasing pH profile into a bell-shaped profile, pH-type II describes increased specific activity below pH 6.5, and pH-type III increased specific activity above pH 6.5. Specific activities of the best variants were up to 5-fold higher (13 U mg−1) thanBaL WT at pH 7.5.
Investigation of Melts of Polybutylcarbosilane Dendrimers by 1H NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Matveev Vladimir V. , Markelov Denis A. , Dvinskikh Sergey V. , Shishkin Andrei N. , Tyutyukin Konstantin V. , Penkova Anastasia V. , Tatarinova Elena A. , Ignat’eva Galina M. , Milenin Sergey A.
Published: October 2017

Melts of polybutylcarbosilane (PBC) dendrimers from third (G3) up to sixth (G6) generations are investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy in a wide temperature range up to 493 K. At room temperature, NMR spectra of G3-G5 dendrimers exhibit resolved, solution-like spectra (“liquid” phase). In contrast, the spectrum of the G6 dendrimer is characterized by a single unresolved broad line at whole temperature range, which supports the presence of an anomalous phase state of G6 at temperatures higher than glass transition temperature. For the first time, an unexpected transition of G5 dendrimer from a molecular liquid state to an anomalous state/phase upon temperature increase has been detected using NMR data. Specifically, an additional wide background line appears in the G5 spectrum above 473 K, and this line corresponds to a G5 state characterized by restricted molecular mobility, i.e., a state similar to the “anomalous” phase of G6 melt. The fraction of the G5 dendrimers in “anomalous” phase at 493 K is approximately 40%. Analysis of the spectral shapes suggests that changes in the G5 dendrimers are reversible with temperature.
Zymophore identification enables the discovery of novel phenylalanine ammonia lyase enzymes
Authors: Weise Nicholas J. , Ahmed Syed T. , Parmeggiani Fabio , Galman James L. , Dunstan Mark S. , Charnock Simon J. , Leys David , Turner Nicholas J.
Published: October 2017

The suite of biological catalysts found in Nature has the potential to contribute immensely to scientific advancements, ranging from industrial biotechnology to innovations in bioenergy and medical intervention. The endeavour to obtain a catalyst of choice is, however, wrought with challenges. Herein we report the design of a structure-based annotation system for the identification of functionally similar enzymes from diverse sequence backgrounds. Focusing on an enzymatic activity with demonstrated synthetic and therapeutic relevance, five new phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzymes were discovered and characterised with respect to their potential applications. The variation and novelty of various desirable traits seen in these previously uncharacterised enzymes demonstrates the importance of effective sequence annotation in unlocking the potential diversity that Nature provides in the search for tailored biological tools. This new method has commercial relevance as a strategy for assaying the ‘evolvability’ of certain enzyme features, thus streamlining and informing protein engineering efforts.
Main factor causing “faster-is-slower” phenomenon during evacuation: rodent experiment and simulation
Authors: Oh Hyejin , Park Junyoung
Published: October 2017

Understanding crowd flow at bottlenecks is important for preventing accidents in emergencies. In this research, a crowd evacuation passing through a narrow exit connected with guide-walls is analysed using the discrete element method based on physical and psychological modelling in parallel with empirical rodent research. Results of rodent experiment and simulation demonstrate the faster-is-slower (FIS) effect, which is a well-known phenomenon in pedestrian dynamics. As the angle of the guide-walls increases, agents rapidly evacuate the room even though they have low velocity. The increase in this angle causes agents to form lanes. It is validated that ordered agents evacuate expeditiously with relatively low velocity despite expectations to the contrary. The extracted experimental and simulation data strongly suggest that the agents’ standard deviation of velocity can be a key factor causing the FIS effect. It is found that the FIS effect can be eliminated by controlling the standard deviation.
Determination of the Genome and Primary Transcriptome of Syngas Fermenting Eubacterium limosum ATCC 8486
Authors: Song Yoseb , Shin Jongoh , Jeong Yujin , Jin Sangrak , Lee Jung-Kul , Kim Dong Rip , Kim Sun Chang , Cho Suhyung , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: October 2017

Autotrophic conversion of CO2 to value-added biochemicals has received considerable attention as a sustainable route to replace fossil fuels. Particularly, anaerobic acetogenic bacteria are naturally capable of reducing CO2 or CO to various metabolites. To fully utilize their biosynthetic potential, an understanding of acetogenesis-related genes and their regulatory elements is required. Here, we completed the genome sequence of the syngas fermenting Eubacterium limosum ATCC 8486 and determined its transcription start sites (TSS). We constructed a 4.4 Mb long circular genome with a GC content of 47.2% and 4,090 protein encoding genes. To understand the transcriptional and translational regulation, the primary transcriptome was augmented, identifying 1,458 TSSs containing a high pyrimidine (T/C) and purine nucleotide (A/G) content at the −1 and +1 position, respectively, along with 1,253 5′-untranslated regions, and principal promoter elements such as −10 (TATAAT) and −35 (TTGACA), and Shine-Dalgarno motifs (GGAGR). Further analysis revealed 93 non-coding RNAs, including one for potential transcriptional regulation of the hydrogenase complex via interaction with molybdenum or tungsten cofactors, which in turn controls formate dehydrogenase activity of the initial step of Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Our results provide comprehensive genomic information for strain engineering to enhance the syngas fermenting capacity of acetogenic bacteria.
Challenging FRET-based E-Cadherin force measurements in Drosophila
Authors: Eder Dominik , Basler Konrad , Aegerter Christof M.
Published: October 2017

Mechanical forces play a critical role during embryonic development. Cellular and tissue wide forces direct cell migration, drive tissue morphogenesis and regulate organ growth. Despite the relevance of mechanics for these processes, our knowledge of the dynamics of mechanical forces in living tissues remains scarce. Recent studies have tried to address this problem with the development of tension sensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). These sensors are integrated into force bearing proteins and allow the measurement of mechanical tensions on subcellular structures. Here, we developed such a FRET-based sensor to measure E-Cadherin tensions in different Drosophila tissues in and ex vivo. Similar to previous studies, we integrated the sensor module into E-cadherin. We assessed the sensitivity of the sensor by measuring dynamic, developmental processes and mechanical modifications in three Drosophila tissues: the wing imaginal disc, the amnioserosa cells and the migrating border cells. However, these assays revealed that the sensor is not functional to measure the magnitude of tensions occurring in any of the three tissues. Moreover, we encountered technical problems with the measurement of FRET, which might represent more general pitfalls with FRET sensors in living tissues. These insights will help future studies to better design and control mechano-sensing experiments.
Recurrent water deficit causes epigenetic and hormonal changes in citrus plants
Authors: Neves Diana Matos , Almeida Lucas Aragão da Hora , Santana-Vieira Dayse Drielly Souza , Freschi Luciano , Ferreira Claudia Fortes , Soares Filho Walter dos Santos , Costa Marcio Gilberto Cardoso , Micheli Fabienne , Coelho Filho Maurício Antônio , Gesteira Abelmon da Silva
Published: October 2017

The present study evaluated the physiological, molecular and hormonal parameters from scion/rootstock interaction of citrus plants during recurrent water deficit. Responses of the Valencia (VO) scion variety grafted on two rootstocks with different soil water extraction capacities, Rangpur Lime (RL) and Sunki Maravilha (SM), during three successive periods of water deficit: plants exposed to a single episode of water deficit (WD1) and plants exposed to two (WD2) and three (WD3) recurrent periods of WD were compared. The combinations VO/RL and VO/SM presented polymorphic alterations of epigenetic marks and hormonal (i.e. abscisic acid, auxins and salicylicacid) profiles, which were particularly prominent when VO/SM plantswere exposed toWD3 treatment. Upon successive drought events, the VO/SM combination presented acclimatization characteristics that enable higher tolerance to water deficit by increasing transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (g
s
) and photosynthetic rate (A), which in turn may have facilitated the whole plant survival. Besides providing comprehensive data on the scion/rootstock interactions upon successive stress events, this study brings the first dataset suggesting that epigenetic alterations in citrus plants triggered by recurrent water deficit lead to improved drought tolerance in this crop species.
Impact of analytical and biological variations on classification of diabetes using fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c
Authors: Chai Jia Hui , Ma Stefan , Heng Derick , Yoong Joanne , Lim Wei-Yen , Toh Sue-Anne , Loh Tze Ping
Published: October 2017

Historically, diabetes is diagnosed by measuring fasting (FPG) and two-hour post oral glucose load (OGTT) plasma concentration and interpreting it against recommended clinical thresholds of the patient. More recently, glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been included as a diagnostic criterion. Within-individual biological variation (CVi), analytical variation (CVa) and analytical bias of a test can impact on the accuracy and reproducibility of the classification of a disease. A test with large biological and analytical variation increases the likelihood of erroneous classification of the underlying disease state of a patient. Through numerical simulations based on the laboratory results generated from a large population health survey, we examined the impact of CVi, CVa and bias on the classification of diabetes using fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and HbA1c. From the results of the simulations, HbA1c has comparable performance to FPG and is better than OGTT in classifying subjects with diabetes, particularly when laboratory methods with smaller CVa are used. The use of the average of the results of the repeat laboratory tests has the effect of ameliorating the combined (analytical and biological) variation. The averaged result improves the consistency of the disease classification.
Electrodeposition of tin on Nafion-bonded carbon black as an active catalyst layer for efficient electroreduction of CO2 to formic acid
Authors: Wang Qinian , Wang Xinqi , Wu Chao , Cheng Yuanyuan , Sun Qingye , Dong Heng , Yu Hongbing
Published: October 2017

Electroreduction of CO2 to formic acid (ERCF) based on gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) has been considered as a promising method to convert CO2 into value-added chemicals. However, current GDEs for ERCF suffer from low efficiency of electron transfer. In this work, a novel Sn-based gas diffusion electrode (ESGDE) is prepared by electrodepositing Sn on Nafion-bonded carbon black as catalyst layer to enhance electron transfer and thus the efficiency of ERCF. The highest Faraday efficiency (73.01 ± 3.42%), current density (34.21 ± 1.14 mA cm−2) and production rate (1772.81 ± 59.08 μmol m−2 s−1) of formic acid are obtained by using the ESGDE with electrodeposition time of 90 s in 0.5 M KHCO3 solution, which are one of the highest values obtained from Sn-based gas diffusion electrodes under similar conditions. The notable efficiency of ERCF achieved here should be attributed to the enhancement in the reactants transfer as well as the three-dimensional reaction zone. This work will be helpful for the industrial application of GDEs in EFCF.
The immobilization of antibiotic-loaded polymeric coatings on osteoarticular Ti implants for the prevention of bone infections
Authors: Li Dan , Lv Pengfei , Fan Linfeng , Huang Yaoyi , Yang Fei , Mei Xifan , Wu Decheng
Published: October 2017

Polymeric multilayers covalently fixed to Ti surfaces could offer a sustained drug release with no initial burst release and extend the drug release time.
On the selection of the best polymorph of Al2O3 carriers for supported cobalt nano-spinel catalysts for N2O abatement: an interplay between preferable surface spreading and damaging active phase–support interaction
Authors: Grzybek Gabriela , Ciura Klaudia , Wójcik Sylwia , Gryboś Joanna , Indyka Paulina , Inger Marek , Antoniak-Jurak Katarzyna , Kowalik Paweł , Kotarba Andrzej , Sojka Zbigniew
Published: October 2017

Selection of a polymorph of Al2O3 carriers for the Co3O4|Al2O3 catalyst for deN2O reactions.
Calcium carbonate with nanogranular microstructure yields enhanced toughness
Authors: Lopez-Berganza Josue A. , Song Ruofan , Elbanna Ahmed , Espinosa-Marzal Rosa M.
Published: October 2017

A nanogranular microstructure, together with an interspersed organic phase, enhance toughness of synthetic amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles.
Insights into the structure-induced catalysis dependence of simply engineered one-dimensional zinc oxide nanocrystals towards photocatalytic water purification
Authors: Xiong Jinyan , Gan Yixin , Zhu Jiaxin , Li Wei , Gao Chao , Wei Yi , Cheng Gang , Li Zhen , Dou Shixue
Published: October 2017

One-dimensional nanocrystalline semiconductors have been comprehensively studied because of their fascinating properties and practical applications in various fields.
The effects of PVP-modified SiO2 on the catalytic performance of CO hydrogenation over Rh–Mn–Li/SiO2 catalysts
Authors: Ding Dan , Yu Jun , Guo Qiangsheng , Guo Xiaoming , Xiao Xiuzhen , Mao Dongsen , Lu Guanzhong
Published: October 2017

The properties of PVP-modified SiO2 markedly influence the catalytic performance of Rh–Mn–Li/SiO2 catalysts on C2+ oxygenates synthesis from CO hydrogenation.
Tri- and hexanuclear heterometallic Ni(ii)–M(ii) (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) bis(salamo)-type complexes: synthesis, structure and fluorescence properties
Authors: Dong Xiu-Yan , Li Xiao-Yan , Liu Ling-Zhi , Zhang Han , Ding Yu-Jie , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: October 2017

Tri- and hexanuclear Ni(ii)–M(ii) (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) complexes have been synthesized and characterized structurally. Fluorescence titration experiments show that the coordinating capabilities in the central O6 site are in the order of Ca(ii) > Sr(ii) > Ba(ii).
Facile fabrication of paper-based analytical devices for rapid and highly selective colorimetric detection of cesium in environmental samples
Authors: Kang Sung-Min , Jang Sung-Chan , Haldorai Yuvaraj , Vilian A. T. Ezhil , Rethinasabapathy Muruganantham , Roh Changhyun , Han Young-Kyu , Huh Yun Suk
Published: October 2017

Cesium (Cs), a radioactive contaminant of the ecosystem, causes a major risk to human health and environments. This chemo-indicator is designed to exhibit a powerful detection capability featuring high selectivity and sensitivity to inactive Cs.
Targeted synthesis of cadmium(ii) Schiff base complexes towards corrosion inhibition on mild steel
Authors: Das Mriganka , Biswas Amrita , Kundu Bidyut Kumar , Mobin Shaikh M. , Udayabhanu G. , Mukhopadhyay Suman
Published: October 2017

Strategic synthesis of Cd(ii) Schiff base complexes with introduction of an azido ligand to achieve significant corrosion inhibition on mild steel.
Novel method for the formation of monodisperse superheated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets as activatable ultrasound contrast agents
Authors: de Gracia Lux C. , Vezeridis A. M. , Lux J. , Armstrong A. M. , Sirsi S. R. , Hoyt K. , Mattrey R. F.
Published: October 2017

We developed a direct method of formulating ultrasound-activatable low boiling point perfluorocarbon nanodroplets with striking characteristics and stability.
Molybdenum trioxide thin film recombination barrier layers for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ashok Aditya , Vijayaraghavan S. N. , Nair Shantikumar V. , Shanmugam Mariyappan
Published: October 2017

MoO3 thin film recombination barrier layer suppresses electron–hole recombination at the FTO–TiO2 interface and facilitates charge transport.
Tribochemistry and thermo-oxidative stability of halogen-free ionic liquids
Authors: Totolin Vladimir , Pisarova Lucia , Dörr Nicole , Minami Ichiro
Published: October 2017

The formation of binary iron phosphates/phosphides based tribofilms from a phosphonium phosphate room-temperature ionic liquid has been reported for the first time.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of luminescent silicon-based nanoparticles for highly specific detection of oxytetracyclineviaratiometric fluorescent strategy
Authors: Xu Na , Yuan Yaqing , Yin Jian-Hang , Wang Xue , Meng Lei
Published: October 2017

Amino groups terminated luminescent SiNPs have been designed for ratiometric visual detection of OTCin vitroand milk samples.
Improving the performance and stability of flexible pressure sensors with an air gap structure
Authors: Wei Xiongbang , Xiao Lun , Huang Wen , Liao Jiaxuan , Chen Zhi David
Published: October 2017

A highly sensitive flexible resistive pressure sensor based on an air gap structure was presented.
A facile electrospinning and electrospraying synchronization technique for preparation of high performance MnO/C@rGO composite anodes for lithium storage
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhu Peipei , Pan Jiaolong , Li Chao , Yang Zhenyu
Published: October 2017

A facile electrospinning and electrospraying synchronization technique is used to assemble 1D nanowires with 2D graphene sheets to build as 3D MnO/C@rGO composite thin film. The raw material MnO2powder was recovered from spent Zn/MnO2batteries.
Numerical simulation of high inertial liquid-in-gas droplet in a T-junction microchannel
Authors: Mastiani Mohammad , Mosavati Babak , Kim Myeongsub (Mike)
Published: October 2017

Two new flow regimes named unstable dripping and unstable jetting are identified in aqueous droplet generation within high inertial air flow inside a T-Junction microchannel.
Hydrothermal synthesis of nitrogen and boron doped carbon quantum dots with yellow-green emission for sensing Cr(vi), anti-counterfeiting and cell imaging
Authors: Guo Yongming , Chen Yuzhi , Cao Fengpu , Wang Lijuan , Wang Zhuo , Leng Yumin
Published: October 2017

Nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon quantum dots with great stability in high-salt conditions and good photostability are prepared through hydrothermal method and utilized for fluorometric detection of Cr(vi), anti-counterfeiting and cell imaging.
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of formononetin derivatives as novel EGFR inhibitors via inhibiting growth, migration and inducing apoptosis in breast cancer cell line
Authors: Lin Hong-Yan , Sun Wen-Xue , Zheng Chao-Sai , Han Hong-Wei , Wang Xue , Zhang Ya-Han , Qiu Han-Yue , Tang Cheng-Yi , Qi Jin-Liang , Lu Gui-Hua , Yang Rong-Wu , Wang Xiao-Ming , Yang Yong-Hua
Published: October 2017

Novel formononetin derivative 4v inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, migration and induced apoptosis through targeting EGFR.
Insight into the structure evolution and the associated catalytic behavior of highly dispersed Pt and PtSn catalysts supported on La2O2CO3 nanorods
Authors: Hou Fengjun , Zhao Huahua , Song Huanling , Chou Lingjun , Zhao Jun , Yang Jian , Yan Liang
Published: October 2017

This work reports the composition-dependent structure evolution and the associated catalytic behavior of PtSn catalysts supported on La2O2CO3 nanorods.