bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconfigurable MEMS Fano metasurfaces with multiple-input–output states for logic operations at terahertz frequencies
Authors: Manjappa Manukumara , Pitchappa Prakash , Singh Navab , Wang Nan , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Lee Chengkuo , Singh Ranjan
Published: September 2018

A broad range of dynamic metasurfaces has been developed for manipulating the intensity, phase and wavefront of electromagnetic radiation from microwaves to optical frequencies. However, most of these metasurfaces operate in single-input–output state. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a reconfigurable MEMS Fano resonant metasurface possessing multiple-input–output (MIO) states that performs logic operations with two independently controlled electrical inputs and an optical readout at terahertz frequencies. The far-field behaviour of Fano resonance exhibits XOR and XNOR operations, while the near-field resonant confinement enables the NAND operation. The MIO configuration resembling hysteresis-type closed-loop behaviour is realized through inducing electromechanically tuneable out-of-plane anisotropy in the near-field coupling of constituent resonator structures. The XOR metamaterial gate possesses potential applications in cryptographically secured terahertz wireless communication networks. Furthermore, the MIO features could lay the foundation for the realization of programmable and randomly accessible metamaterials with enhanced electro-optical performance across terahertz, infrared and optical frequencies.
Polymerization driven monomer passage through monolayer chemical vapour deposition graphene
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liao Zhongquan , Sandonas Leonardo Medrano , Dianat Arezoo , Liu Xiaoling , Xiao Peng , Amin Ihsan , Gutierrez Rafael , Chen Tao , Zschech Ehrenfried , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Jordan Rainer
Published: September 2018

Mass transport through graphene is receiving increasing attention due to the potential for molecular sieving. Experimental studies are mostly limited to the translocation of protons, ions, and water molecules, and results for larger molecules through graphene are rare. Here, we perform controlled radical polymerization with surface-anchored self-assembled initiator monolayer in a monomer solution with single-layer graphene separating the initiator from the monomer. We demonstrate that neutral monomers are able to pass through the graphene (via native defects) and increase the graphene defects ratio (Raman ID/IG) from ca. 0.09 to 0.22. The translocations of anionic and cationic monomers through graphene are significantly slower due to chemical interactions of monomers with the graphene defects. Interestingly, if micropatterned initiator-monolayers are used, the translocations of anionic monomers apparently cut the graphene sheet into congruent microscopic structures. The varied interactions between monomers and graphene defects are further investigated by quantum molecular dynamics simulations.
A rust fungal effector binds plant DNA and modulates transcription
Authors: Ahmed Md Bulbul , Santos Karen Cristine Gonçalves dos , Sanchez Ingrid Benerice , Petre Benjamin , Lorrain Cécile , Plourde Mélodie B. , Duplessis Sébastien , Desgagné-Penix Isabel , Germain Hugo
Published: September 2018

The basidiomycete Melampsora larici-populina causes poplar rust disease by invading leaf tissues and secreting effector proteins through specialized infection structures known as haustoria. The mechanisms by which rust effectors promote pathogen virulence are poorly understood. The present study characterized Mlp124478, a candidate effector of M. larici-populina. We used the models Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana to investigate the function of Mlp124478 in plant cells. We established that Mlp124478 accumulates in the nucleus and nucleolus, however its nucleolar accumulation is not required to promote growth of the oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Stable constitutive expression of Mlp124478 in A. thaliana repressed the expression of genes involved in immune responses, and also altered leaf morphology by increasing the waviness of rosette leaves. Chip-PCR experiments showed that Mlp124478 associats'e with the TGA1a-binding DNA sequence. Our results suggest that Mlp124478 exerts a virulence activity and binds the TGA1a promoter to suppress genes induced in response to pathogen infection.
Bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) associated dermatitis and mortality in free ranging common toads (Bufo bufo) in Switzerland
Authors: Origgi Francesco C. , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Lohmann Petra , Otten Patricia , Meier Roman K. , Pisano Simone R. R. , Moore-Jones Gaia , Tecilla Marco , Sattler Ursula , Wahli Thomas , Gaschen Veronique , Stoffel Michael H.
Published: September 2018

Here we report the discovery and partial characterization of a novel herpesvirus tentatively named Bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) from severe dermatitis in free ranging common toads (Bufo bufo) in Switzerland. The disease has been observed in toads every year since 2014, in spring, during the mating season, at different and distant locations. The virus is found in the skin and occasionally in the brain of infected toads. The genome of the virus is at least 158 Kb long and contains at least 152 open reading frames with a minimal length of 270 nt. The genome of BfHV1 contains all the signature genes that are present in alloherpesviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on the amino acid sequence of the DNA polymerase and terminase proteins positions the novel virus among the members of the genus Batrachovirus, family Alloherpesviridae. This is the first herpesvirus ever characterized in common toads.
The use of natural media amendments to produce kale enhanced with functional lipids in controlled environment production system
Authors: Vidal Natalia P. , Pham Huong T. , Manful Charles , Pumphrey Ryley , Nadeem Muhammad , Cheema Mumtaz , Galagedara Lakshman , Leke-Aladekoba Adedayo , Abbey Lord , Thomas Raymond
Published: September 2018

Diets high in vegetable consumption is highly correlated with reduced risk of developing common lifestyle related diseases. We investigated the effects of three natural growth media amendments [potassium humate, dry vermicast, volcanic minerals or Promix alone (Control)] in enhancing the accumulation of functional lipids in greenhouse grown kale. Functional lipids (n9, n6, n3 fatty acids, diglycerides, galactolipids and phytosterols) were assessed using either gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) or ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The results showed volcanic minerals and dry vermicast were the most successful in enhancing the accumulation of functional lipids in kale. For example, dry vermicast enhanced the accumulation of total C18:1n9 and C16:3n3 fatty acids, while total C18:2n6 fatty acid accumulation was enhanced by volcanic minerals. In conclusion, natural growing medium amendments are remarkably effective in modulating the accumulation of functional lipids in kale grown under controlled-environment conditions. This could be a useful strategy for functional foods production in control environment production systems. Increase access to kale with enhanced functional lipids could aid in increase consumption of these health promotive compounds in the diet with potential implications in population health.
Maternal high-fat diet consumption induces sex-dependent alterations of the endocannabinoid system and redox homeostasis in liver of adult rat offspring
Authors: Miranda Rosiane Aparecida , De Almeida Mariana Macedo , Rocha Camilla Pereira Dias Da , de Brito Fassarella Larissa , De Souza Luana Lopes , Souza Aline Fonseca Pereira De , Andrade Cherley Borba Vieira De , Fortunato Rodrigo Soares , Pazos-Moura Carmen Cabanelas , Trevenzoli Isis Hara
Published: September 2018

Maternal diet plays a critical role in health development. Perinatal overnutrition induces metabolic dysfunctions and obesity in the offspring. Obesity is associated with endocannabinoid system (ECS) over activation and oxidative stress. Liver ECS activation induces hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis while the antagonism of cannabinoid receptors ameliorates these alterations. Here, we investigated the effect of perinatal maternal high-fat diet (HF, 29% of calories as fat) on the ECS and antioxidant system in liver of male and female adult rat offspring (180 days old). Maternal HF diet increased hepatic cannabinoid receptors, ECS metabolizing enzymes and triglyceride content, with male offspring more affected. ECS changes are likely independent of estradiol serum levels but associated with increased hepatic content of estrogen receptor, which can stimulate the expression of ECS components. Differently, maternal HF diet decreased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and increased oxidative stress markers in both sexes. Alterations in the redox homeostasis were associated with mitochondria damage but not with liver fibrosis. Our data suggest that maternal HF diet induces ECS over activation in adulthood, and that male offspring are at higher risk to develop liver disease compared with female rats.
Connectivity of larval stages of sedentary marine communities between hard substrates and offshore structures in the North Sea
Authors: Molen Johan van der , García-García Luz María , Whomersley Paul , Callaway Alexander , Posen Paulette E. , Hyder Kieran
Published: September 2018

Man-made structures including rigs, pipelines, cables, renewable energy devices, and ship wrecks, offer hard substrate in the largely soft-sediment environment of the North Sea. These structures become colonised by sedentary organisms and non-migratory reef fish, and form local ecosystems that attract larger predators including seals, birds, and fish. It is possible that these structures form a system of interconnected reef environments through the planktonic dispersal of the pelagic stages of organisms by ocean currents. Changes to the overall arrangement of hard substrate areas through removal or addition of individual man-made structures will affect the interconnectivity and could impact on the ecosystem. Here, we assessed the connectivity of sectors with oil and gas structures, wind farms, wrecks, and natural hard substrate, using a model that simulates the drift of planktonic stages of seven organisms with sedentary adult stages associated with hard substrate, applied to the period 2001–2010. Connectivity was assessed using a classification system designed to address the function of sectors in the network. Results showed a relatively stable overall spatial distribution of sector function but with distinct variations between species and years. The results are discussed in the context of decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure in the North Sea.
Social and nutritional factors shape larval aggregation, foraging, and body mass in a polyphagous fly
Authors: Morimoto Juliano , Nguyen Binh , Tabrizi Shabnam Tarahi , Ponton Fleur , Taylor Phillip
Published: September 2018

The majority of insect species have a clearly defined larval stage during development. Larval nutrition is crucial for individuals’ growth and development, and larval foraging success often depends on both resource availability and competition for those resources. To date, however, little is known about how these factors interact to shape larval development and behaviour. Here we manipulated the density of larvae of the polyphagous fruit fly pest Bactrocera tryoni (‘Queensland fruit fly’), and the diet concentration of patches in a foraging arena to address this gap. Using advanced statistical methods of machine learning and linear regression models, we showed that high larval density results in overall high larval aggregation across all diets except in extreme diet dilutions. Larval aggregation was positively associated with larval body mass across all diet concentrations except in extreme diet dilutions where this relationship was reversed. Over time, larvae in low-density arenas also tended to aggregate while those in high-density arenas tended to disperse, an effect that was observed for all diet concentrations. Furthermore, larvae in high-density arenas displayed significant avoidance of low concentration diets – a behaviour that was not observed amongst larvae in low-density arenas. Thus, aggregation can help, rather than hinder, larval growth in high-density environments, and larvae may be better able to explore available nutrition when at high-density than when at low-density.
The interplay of exercise, placebo and nocebo effects on experimental pain
Authors: Colloca Luana , Corsi Nicole , Fiorio Mirta
Published: September 2018

Over the last few decades, placebo, and nocebo effects in general, have been investigated at rest. This proposed study explores whether they could work even when the experience of pain occurs during a movement. Exercise itself can have a hypoalgesic effect, suggesting that placebo- and exercise-induced hypoalgesia could foster pain reduction. In the present study, we investigated the interplay of exercise, placebo and nocebo effects on pain. To this aim, we developed a machine-controlled isotonic motor task to standardize the exercise across participants and used a well-validated model of placebo and nocebo manipulations with reinforced expectations via a conditioning procedure including visual cues paired with heat painful stimulations. Participants reported expectations and pain on a trial-by-trial basis. We found that the standardized isotonic exercise elicited a reduction of pain intensity. Moreover, both exercise and placebo induced comparable hypoalgesic effects. When the exercise was added, placebo and nocebo effects were influenced by expectations but were not affected by fatigue or sex differences. Exercise-, placebo- and nocebo-induced pain modulation are likely to work through distinct mechanisms and neurophysiological research is needed to fully exploit the implications for sport, rehabilitation and pain management.
Human neural stem cell transplantation improves cognition in a murine model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McGinley Lisa M. , Kashlan Osama N. , Bruno Elizabeth S. , Chen Kevin S. , Hayes John M. , Kashlan Samy R. , Raykin Julia , Johe Karl , Murphy Geoffrey G. , Feldman Eva L.
Published: September 2018

Stem cell transplantation offers a potentially transformative approach to treating neurodegenerative disorders. The safety of cellular therapies is established in multiple clinical trials, including our own in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To initiate similar trials in Alzheimer’s disease, efficacious cell lines must be identified. Here, we completed a preclinical proof-of-concept study in the APP/PS1 murine model of Alzheimer’s disease. Human neural stem cell transplantation targeted to the fimbria fornix significantly improved cognition in two hippocampal-dependent memory tasks at 4 and 16 weeks post-transplantation. While levels of synapse-related proteins and cholinergic neurons were unaffected, amyloid plaque load was significantly reduced in stem cell transplanted mice and associated with increased recruitment of activated microglia. In vitro, these same neural stem cells induced microglial activation and amyloid phagocytosis, suggesting an immunomodulatory capacity. Although long-term transplantation resulted in significant functional and pathological improvements in APP/PS1 mice, stem cells were not identified by immunohistochemistry or PCR at the study endpoint. These data suggest integration into native tissue or the idea that transient engraftment may be adequate for therapeutic efficacy, reducing the need for continued immunosuppression. Overall, our results support further preclinical development of human neural stem cells as a safe and effective therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Gut Colonization with Methanogenic Archaea Lowers Plasma Trimethylamine N-oxide Concentrations in Apolipoprotein e−/− Mice
Authors: Ramezani Ali , Nolin Thomas D. , Barrows Ian R. , Serrano Myrna G. , Buck Gregory A. , Regunathan-Shenk Renu , West Raymond E. , Latham Patricia S. , Amdur Richard , Raj Dominic S.
Published: September 2018

A mechanistic link between trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and atherogenesis has been reported. TMAO is generated enzymatically in the liver by the oxidation of trimethylamine (TMA), which is produced from dietary choline, carnitine and betaine by gut bacteria. It is known that certain members of methanogenic archaea (MA) could use methylated amines such as trimethylamine as growth substrates in culture. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of gut colonization with MA on lowering plasma TMAO concentrations. Initially, we screened for the colonization potential and TMAO lowering efficacy of five MA species in C57BL/6 mice fed with high choline/TMA supplemented diet, and found out that all five species could colonize and lover plasma TMAO levels, although with different efficacies. The top performing MA, Methanobrevibacter smithii, Methanosarcina mazei, and Methanomicrococcus blatticola, were transplanted into Apoe−/− mice fed with high choline/TMA supplemented diet. Similar to C57BL/6 mice, following initial provision of the MA, there was progressive attrition of MA within fecal microbial communities post-transplantation during the initial 3 weeks of the study. In general, plasma TMAO concentrations decreased significantly in proportion to the level of MA colonization. In a subsequent experiment, use of antibiotics and repeated transplantation of Apoe−/− mice with M. smithii, led to high engraftment levels during the 9 weeks of the study, resulting in a sustained and significantly lower average plasma TMAO concentrations (18.2 ± 19.6 μM) compared to that in mock-transplanted control mice (120.8 ± 13.0 μM, p < 0.001). Compared to control Apoe−/− mice, M. smithii-colonized mice also had a 44% decrease in aortic plaque area (8,570 μm [95% CI 19587–151821] vs. 15,369 μm [95% CI [70058–237321], p = 0.34), and 52% reduction in the fat content in the atherosclerotic plaques (14,283 μm [95% CI 4,957–23,608] vs. 29,870 μm [95% CI 18,074–41,666], p = 0.10), although these differences did not reach significance. Gut colonization with M. smithii leads to a significant reduction in plasma TMAO levels, with a tendency for attenuation of atherosclerosis burden in Apoe−/− mice. The anti-atherogenic potential of MA should be further tested in adequately powered experiments.
Observation of the linewidth broadening of single spins in diamond nanoparticles in aqueous fluid and its relation to the rotational Brownian motion
Authors: Fujiwara Masazumi , Shikano Yutaka , Tsukahara Ryuta , Shikata Shinichi , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: September 2018

Capturing the fast rotational motion of single nanoparticles has been hindered owing to the difficulty of acquiring directional information under the optical diffraction limit. Here, we report the linewidth broadening of the electron spin resonance of single nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers that matches the rotational diffusion constant of the host nanodiamonds. When nanodiamonds are gradually detached from the substrates that they were fixed to, their optically detected spin resonance peaks are broadened by 1.8 MHz, which corresponds to the rotational diffusion constant of nanoparticles with a diameter of 11.4 nm from the Einstein–Smoluchowski relation.
Cold-season disasters on the Eurasian steppes: Climate-driven or man-made
Authors: Nandintsetseg Banzragch , Shinoda Masato , Du Chunling , Munkhjargal Erdenebadrakh
Published: September 2018

Socio-ecological damage from climate-related disasters has increased worldwide, including a type of cold-season disaster (dzud) that is unique to the Eurasian steppes, notably Mongolia. During 2000–2014, dzuds killed approximately 30 million livestock and impacted the Mongolian socio-economy. The contributions of both natural and social processes to livestock mortality were not previously considered across Mongolia. Here, we consider the contribution of both multiple climate hazards (drought, cold temperatures and snow), and socioeconomic vulnerability (herders’ livestock and coping-capacity) to mortality risk. We performed multi-regression analyses for each province using meteorological, livestock and socioeconomic datasets. Our results show that 93.5% of mortality within Mongolia was caused by a combination of multi-hazards (47.3%) and vulnerability (46.2%), suggesting dzuds were both climate- and man-made. However, in high-mortality hotspots, mortality was primarily caused by multi-hazards (drought-induced pasture deficiency and deep-snow). Livestock overpopulation and a lack of coping capacities that caused inadequate preparedness (e.g., hay/forage) were the main vulnerability factors. Frequent and severe multi-hazards greatly increased the mortality risk, while increased vulnerability caused by socioeconomic changes in Mongolia since the 1990s tended to amplify the effects of multi-hazards. Thus, reductions in herder vulnerability within high-mortality hotspots would likely be an effective means of mitigating the risk of future dzuds.
Kidney-derived c-kit+ progenitor/stem cells contribute to podocyte recovery in a model of acute proteinuria
Authors: Rangel Erika B. , Gomes Samirah A. , Kanashiro-Takeuchi Rosemeire , Saltzman Russell G. , Wei Changli , Ruiz Phillip , Reiser Jochen , Hare Joshua M.
Published: September 2018

Kidney-derived c-kit+ cells exhibit progenitor/stem cell properties and can regenerate epithelial tubular cells following ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. We therefore investigated whether c-kit+ progenitor/stem cells contribute to podocyte repair in a rat model of acute proteinuria induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN), the experimental prototype of human minimal change disease and early stages of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. We found that c-kit+ progenitor/stem cells accelerated kidney recovery by improving foot process effacement (foot process width was lower in c-kit group vs saline treated animals, P = 0.03). In particular, these cells engrafted in small quantity into tubules, vessels, and glomeruli, where they occasionally differentiated into podocyte-like cells. This effect was related to an up regulation of α-Actinin-4 and mTORC2-Rictor pathway. Activation of autophagy by c-kit+ progenitor/stem cells also contributed to kidney regeneration and intracellular homeostasis (autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes number and LC3A/B-I and LC3A/B-II expression were higher in the c-kit group vs saline treated animals, P = 0.0031 and P = 0.0009, respectively). Taken together, our findings suggest that kidney-derived c-kit+ progenitor/stem cells exert reparative effects on glomerular disease processes through paracrine effects, to a lesser extent differentiation into podocyte-like cells and contribution to maintenance of podocyte cytoskeleton after injury. These findings have clinical implications for cell therapy of glomerular pathobiology.
Antarctic marine ciliates under stress: superoxide dismutases from the psychrophilic Euplotes focardii are cold-active yet heat tolerant enzymes
Authors: Pischedda Alessandro , Ramasamy Kesava Priyan , Mangiagalli Marco , Chiappori Federica , Milanesi Luciano , Miceli Cristina , Pucciarelli Sandra , Lotti Marina
Published: September 2018

Oxidative stress is a particularly severe threat to Antarctic marine polar organisms because they are exposed to high dissolved oxygen and to intense UV radiation. This paper reports the features of three superoxide dismutases from the Antarctic psychrophilic ciliate Euplotes focardii that faces two environmental challenges, oxidative stress and low temperature. Two out of these are Cu,Zn superoxide dismutases (named Ef-SOD1a and Ef-SOD1b) and one belongs to the Mn-containing group (Ef-SOD2). Ef-SOD1s and Ef-SOD2 differ in their evolutionary history, expression and overall structural features. Ef-SOD1 genes are expressed at different levels, with Ef-SOD1b mRNA 20-fold higher at the ciliate optimal temperature of growth (4 °C). All Ef-SOD enzymes are active at 4 °C, consistent with the definition of cold-adapted enzymes. At the same time, they display temperatures of melting in the range 50–70 °C and retain residual activity after incubation at 65–75 °C. Supported by data of molecular dynamics simulation, we conclude that the E. focardii SODs combine cold activity, local molecular flexibility and thermo tolerance.
Modeling the two- and three-dimensional displacement field in Lorca, Spain, subsidence and the global implications
Authors: Fernandez Jose , Prieto Juan F. , Escayo Joaquin , Camacho Antonio G. , Luzón Francisco , Tiampo Kristy F. , Palano Mimmo , Abajo Tamara , Pérez Enrique , Velasco Jesus , Herrero Tomas , Bru Guadalupe , Molina Iñigo , López Juan , Rodríguez-Velasco Gema , Gómez Israel , Mallorquí Jordi J.
Published: September 2018

Land subsidence associated with overexploitation of aquifers is a hazard that commonly affects large areas worldwide. The Lorca area, located in southeast Spain, has undergone one of the highest subsidence rates in Europe as a direct consequence of long-term aquifer exploitation. Previous studies carried out on the region assumed that the ground deformation retrieved from satellite radar interferometry corresponds only to vertical displacement. Here we report, for the first time, the two- and three-dimensional displacement field over the study area using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1A images and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations. By modeling this displacement, we provide new insights on the spatial and temporal evolution of the subsidence processes and on the main governing mechanisms. Additionally, we also demonstrate the importance of knowing both the vertical and horizontal components of the displacement to properly characterize similar hazards. Based on these results, we propose some general guidelines for the sustainable management and monitoring of land subsidence related to anthropogenic activities.
A Dexterous, Glove-Based Teleoperable Low-Power Soft Robotic Arm for Delicate Deep-Sea Biological Exploration
Authors: Phillips Brennan T. , Becker Kaitlyn P. , Kurumaya Shunichi , Galloway Kevin C. , Whittredge Griffin , Vogt Daniel M. , Teeple Clark B. , Rosen Michelle H. , Pieribone Vincent A. , Gruber David F. , Wood Robert J.
Published: September 2018

Modern marine biologists seeking to study or interact with deep-sea organisms are confronted with few options beyond industrial robotic arms, claws, and suction samplers. This limits biological interactions to a subset of “rugged” and mostly immotile fauna. As the deep sea is one of the most biologically diverse and least studied ecosystems on the planet, there is much room for innovation in facilitating delicate interactions with a multitude of organisms. The biodiversity and physiology of shallow marine systems, such as coral reefs, are common study targets due to the easier nature of access; SCUBA diving allows for in situ delicate human interactions. Beyond the range of technical SCUBA (~150 m), the ability to achieve the same level of human dexterity using robotic systems becomes critically important. The deep ocean is navigated primarily by manned submersibles or remotely operated vehicles, which currently offer few options for delicate manipulation. Here we present results in developing a soft robotic manipulator for deep-sea biological sampling. This low-power glove-controlled soft robot was designed with the future marine biologist in mind, where science can be conducted at a comparable or better means than via a human diver and at depths well beyond the limits of SCUBA. The technology relies on compliant materials that are matched with the soft and fragile nature of marine organisms, and uses seawater as the working fluid. Actuators are driven by a custom proportional-control hydraulic engine that requires less than 50 W of electrical power, making it suitable for battery-powered operation. A wearable glove master allows for intuitive control of the arm. The manipulator system has been successfully operated in depths exceeding 2300 m (3500 psi) and has been field-tested onboard a manned submersible and unmanned remotely operated vehicles. The design, development, testing, and field trials of the soft manipulator is placed in context with existing systems and we offer suggestions for future work based on these findings.
Photosystem-II D1 protein mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in relation to metabolic rewiring and remodelling of H-bond network at QB site
Authors: Antonacci Amina , Lambreva Maya D. , Margonelli Andrea , Sobolev Anatoly P. , Pastorelli Sandro , Bertalan Ivo , Johanningmeier Udo , Sobolev Vladimir , Samish Ilan , Edelman Marvin , Havurinne Vesa , Tyystjärvi Esa , Giardi Maria T. , Mattoo Autar K. , Rea Giuseppina
Published: September 2018

Photosystem II (PSII) reaction centre D1 protein of oxygenic phototrophs is pivotal for sustaining photosynthesis. Also, it is targeted by herbicides and herbicide-resistant weeds harbour single amino acid substitutions in D1. Conservation of D1 primary structure is seminal in the photosynthetic performance in many diverse species. In this study, we analysed built-in and environmentally-induced (high temperature and high photon fluency – HT/HL) phenotypes of two D1 mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with Ala250Arg (A250R) and Ser264Lys (S264K) substitutions. Both mutations differentially affected efficiency of electron transport and oxygen production. In addition, targeted metabolomics revealed that the mutants undergo specific differences in primary and secondary metabolism, namely, amino acids, organic acids, pigments, NAD, xanthophylls and carotenes. Levels of lutein, β-carotene and zeaxanthin were in sync with their corresponding gene transcripts in response to HT/HL stress treatment in the parental (IL) and A250R strains. D1 structure analysis indicated that, among other effects, remodelling of H-bond network at the QB site might underpin the observed phenotypes. Thus, the D1 protein, in addition to being pivotal for efficient photosynthesis, may have a moonlighting role in rewiring of specific metabolic pathways, possibly involving retrograde signalling.
Augmenting GPS IWV estimations using spatio-temporal cloud distribution extracted from satellite data
Authors: Leontiev Anton , Reuveni Yuval
Published: September 2018

Water vapor (WV) is the most variable greenhouse gas in the troposphere, therefore investigation of its spatio-temporal distribution and motion is of great importance in meteorology and climatology studies. Here, we suggest a new strategy for augmenting integrated water vapor (IWV) estimations using both remote sensing satellites and global positioning system (GPS) tropospheric path delays. The strategy is based first on the ability to estimate METEOSAT-10 7.3 µmWV pixel values by extracting the mathematical dependency between the IWV amount calculated from GPS zenith wet delays (ZWD) and the METEOSAT-10 data. We then use the surface temperature differences between ground station measurements and METEOSAT-10 10.8 µminfra-red (IR) channel to identify spatio-temporal cloud distribution structures. As a last stage, the identified cloud features are mapped into the GPS-IWV distribution map when preforming the interpolation between adjusted GPS station inside the network. The suggested approach improves the accuracy of estimated regional IWV maps, in comparison with radiosonde data, thus enables to obtain the total water amount at the atmosphere, both in the form of clouds and vapor. Mean and root mean square (RMS) difference between the GPS-IWV estimations, using the spatio-temporal clouds distribution, and radiosonde data are reduced from 1.77 and 2.81 kg/m2to 0.74 and 2.04 kg/m2, respectively. Furthermore, by improving the accuracy of the estimated regional IWV maps distribution it is possible to increase the accuracy of regional Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) platforms.
NF-κB-related decrease of glioma angiogenic potential by graphite nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanoplatelets
Authors: Wierzbicki Mateusz , Sawosz Ewa , Strojny Barbara , Jaworski Sławomir , Grodzik Marta , Chwalibog André
Published: September 2018

Gliomas develop an expanded vessel network and a microenvironment characterized by an altered redox environment, which produces high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that fuel its growth and malignancy. ROS and RNS can influence tumor cell malignancy via the redox-regulated transcription factor NF-κB, whose activation is further regulated by the mutation status of p53. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of graphite nanoparticles (NG) and graphene oxide nanoplatelets (nGO) on the angiogenic potential of glioma cell lines with different p53 statuses. Nanoparticle treatment of glioma cells decreased the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cocultured with U87 (p53 wild type) and was not effective for U118 (p53 mutant) cells. Nanoparticle activity was related to the decreased level of intracellular ROS and RNS, which downregulated NF-κB signaling depending on the p53 status of the cell line. Activation of NF-κB signaling affected downstream protein levels of interleukin 6, interleukin 8, growth-regulated oncogene α, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1. These results indicate that the activity of NG and nGO can be regulated by the mutation status of glioma cells and therefore give new insights into the use of nanoparticles in personalized biomedical applications regarding glioma angiogenesis and its microenvironment.
Impact of an infectious diseases specialist-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance in a large Korean hospital
Authors: Hwang Hyeonjun , Kim Bongyoung
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an infectious diseases specialist (IDS)-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in a large Korean hospital. An interrupted time series analysis assessing the trends in antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance rate of major pathogens between September 2015 and August 2017 was performed in an 859-bed university-affiliated hospital in Korea. The restrictive measure for designated antibiotics led by an IDS reduced carbapenems usage by −4.57 days of therapy (DOT)/1,000 patient-days per month in general wards (GWs) (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.69 to −2.46; P < 0.001), and by −41.50 DOT/1,000 patient-days per month in intensive care units (ICUs) (95% CI, −57.91 to −25.10; P < 0.001). Similarly, glycopeptides usage decreased by −2.61 DOT/1,000 patient-days per month in GWs (95% CI, −4.43 to −0.79; P = 0.007), and −27.41 DOT/1,000 patient-days per month in ICUs (95% CI, −47.03 to −7.79; P = 0.009). Use of 3rd generation cephalosporins, beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, and fluoroquinolones in GWs showed change comparable with that of carbapenems or glycopeptides use. Furthermore, trends of antimicrobial resistance rate of Staphylococcus aureus to gentamicin in GWs, Staphylococcus aureus to ciprofloxacin and oxacillin in ICUs, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to imipenem in ICUs decreased in slope in the intervention period. The in-hospital mortality rate per 1,000 patient-days among ICU patients remained stable between the pre-intervention and intervention periods. In conclusion, an IDS-led ASPs could enact a meaningful reduction in antibiotic use, and a decrease in antibiotic resistance rate, without changing mortality rates in a large Korean hospital.
Alcohol reduces muscle fatigue through atomistic interactions with nicotinic receptors
Authors: Noori Hamid R. , Mücksch Christian , Vengeliene Valentina , Schönig Kai , Takahashi Tatiane T. , Mukhtasimova Nuriya , Bagher Oskouei Maryam , Mosqueira Matias , Bartsch Dusan , Fink Rainer , Urbassek Herbert M. , Spanagel Rainer , Sine Steven M.
Published: September 2018

Alcohol consumption affects many organs and tissues, including skeletal muscle. However, the molecular mechanism of ethanol action on skeletal muscle remains unclear. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations and single channel recordings, we show that ethanol interacts with a negatively charged amino acid within an extracellular region of the neuromuscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), thereby altering its global conformation and reducing the single channel current amplitude. Charge reversal of the negatively charged amino acid abolishes the nAChR-ethanol interaction. Moreover, using transgenic animals harboring the charge-reversal mutation, ex vivo measurements of muscle force production show that ethanol counters fatigue in wild type but not homozygous αE83K mutant animals. In accord, in vivo studies of motor coordination following ethanol administration reveal an approximately twofold improvement for wild type compared to homozygous mutant animals. Together, the converging results from molecular to animal studies suggest that ethanol counters muscle fatigue through its interaction with neuromuscular nAChRs.
Multiple self-healing Bloch surface wave beams generated by a two-dimensional fraxicon
Authors: Kim Myun-Sik , Vetter Andreas , Rockstuhl Carsten , Lahijani Babak Vosoughi , Häyrinen Markus , Kuittinen Markku , Roussey Matthieu , Herzig Hans Peter
Published: September 2018

Two-dimensional surface waves are a cornerstone for future integrated photonic circuits. They can also be beneficially exploited in sensing devices by offering dark-field illuminations of objects. One major problem in sensing schemes arises from the individual sensing objects: the interaction of surface waves with an object reduces the field amplitude, and the readout of other objects along the propagation path suffers from this reduced signal. Here we show in two experiments that nondiffracting and self-healing Bloch surface waves can be launched using a Fresnel axicon (i.e., fraxicon). First, we visualize the generation of an array of multiple focal spots by scanning near-field optical microscopy in the infrared. With a second device operating in the visible, we demonstrate the self-healing effect directly using a far-field readout method by placing metallic nanoantennas onto the multiple focal spots of the fraxicon. Our study extends the versatile illumination capabilities of surface wave systems.
Scaffold mediated gene knockdown for neuronal differentiation of human neural progenitor cells
Authors: Chooi Wai Hon , Ong William , Murray Aoife , Lin Junquan , Nizetic Dean , Chew Sing Yian
Published: September 2018

Scaffold-mediated RE-1 silencing factor (REST) knockdown enhanced neuronal differentiation from human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells after transplantation to the injured spinal cord tissues.
Anion-controlled supramolecular crystal structures and ionic liquids from fatty acid-substituted ethyl-nicotinate ionic compounds
Authors: Chang Wei-Jie , Su Padi Yi-Syong , Lee Kwang-Ming
Published: September 2018

A series of bio-inspired fatty acid-substituted ethyl-nicotinate ionic compounds with a flexible ester group were prepared, and two crystals and four ionic liquids were obtained.
In proteins, the structural responses of a position to mutation rely on the Goldilocks principle: not too many links, not too few
Authors: Dorantes-Gilardi Rodrigo , Bourgeat Laëtitia , Pacini Lorenza , Vuillon Laurent , Lesieur Claire
Published: September 2018

A disease has distinct genetic and molecular hallmarks such as sequence variants that are likely to produce the alternative protein structures accountable for individual responses to drugs and disease development.
Molecular dynamics study on the role of solvation water in the adsorption of hyperactive AFP to the ice surface
Authors: Grabowska Joanna , Kuffel Anna , Zielkiewicz Jan
Published: September 2018

Using computer simulations, the early stages of the adsorption of the CfAFP molecule to the ice surface were analyzed.
From sequential chemoenzymatic synthesis to integrated hybrid catalysis: taking the best of both worlds to open up the scope of possibilities for a sustainable future
Authors: Dumeignil Franck , Guehl Marie , Gimbernat Alexandra , Capron Mickaël , Ferreira Nicolas Lopes , Froidevaux Renato , Girardon Jean-Sébastien , Wojcieszak Robert , Dhulster Pascal , Delcroix Damien
Published: September 2018

Here an overview of all pathways that integrate chemical and biological catalysis is presented. We emphasize the factors to be considered in order to understand catalytic synergy.
A simple chemical solution synthesis of nanowire-assembled hierarchical CuO microspheres with enhanced photochemical properties
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Yongxing , Li Jia , Ma Dong , Li Dechuan , Zhu Guangping , Tang Huijie , Li Xuanhua
Published: September 2018

Hierarchical micro/nanostructures manifest attractive prospects for photocatalytic application.
A luminescent dicyanidonitridotechnetium(v) core with tridentate ligand coordination sites
Authors: Yoshimura Takashi , Nagata Kojiro , Shiroyama Tatsuki , Kino Yasushi , Takayama Tsutomu , Sekine Tsutomu , Shinohara Atsushi
Published: September 2018

A novel luminescent technetium complex with tridentate ligand coordination sites was synthesized and characterized.
Novel fully reduced phosphomolybdates for highly efficient removal of inorganic hexavalent chromium and the organic dye methylene blue
Authors: Tian Xuerui , Hou Lin , Wang Jiaojiao , Xin Xing , Zhang Heng , Ma Yuanyuan , Wang Yali , Zhang Lina , Han Zhangang
Published: September 2018

New Na-bridged phosphomolybdates as heterogeneous catalysts exhibit efficient catalytic performance on the reduction of hexavalent chromium and photodegradation of methylene blue.
Perfectly isoselective polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine promoted by β-diketiminato rare-earth metal cationic complexes
Authors: Mou Zehuai , Zhuang Qingxiang , Xie Hongyan , Luo Yunjie , Cui Dongmei
Published: September 2018

Highly isotactic poly(2-vinylpyridine)s were produced with rare-earth metal complexes supported by a symmetric β-diketiminate ligand in the presence of borate.
Reactions of dicobalt octacarbonyl with dinucleating and mononucleating bis(imino)pyridine ligands
Authors: Hollingsworth Ryan L. , Beattie Jeffrey W. , Grass Amanda , Martin Philip D. , Groysman Stanislav , Lord Richard L.
Published: September 2018

Reactivity of dicobalt octacarbonyl with dinucleating and mononucleating redox-active bis(imino)pyridines is investigated.
Displacement of nanofluids in silica nanopores: influenced by wettability of nanoparticles and oil components
Authors: Wang Xiao , Xiao Senbo , Zhang Zhiliang , He Jianying
Published: September 2018

Water–oil displacement by nanofluids in silica nanopores.
Effects of the intake of white wheat bread added with garlic and resistant starch: action on calcium bioavailability and metabolic parameters of growing Wistar rats
Authors: Weisstaub Adriana R. , Salinas María Victoria , Correa María Jimena , Barchuk Magalí , Berg Gabriela , Zuleta Angela
Published: September 2018

Functional bread with resistant starch and garlic improved the metabolism of calcium and lipids and the growth of beneficial gut microbiota.
Brønsted acidic reduced graphene oxide as a sustainable carbocatalyst: a selective method for the synthesis of C-2-substituted benzimidazole
Authors: Karthik Murugan , Suresh Palaniswamy
Published: September 2018

A selective and sustainable methodology for the synthesis of C-2-substituted benzimidazole has been demonstrated using benzenesulfonic acid-grafted reduced graphene oxide as a Brønsted acidic carbocatalyst.
Correction: An effective EMI shielding material based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend nanocomposites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: R Ajitha A. , P Mohammed Arif , K Aswathi M. , Mathew Lovely P. , G Geethamma V. , Kalarikkal Nandakumar , Thomas Sabu , Volova Tatiana
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘An effective EMI shielding material based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend nanocomposites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes’ by Ajitha A. R et al., New J. Chem., 2018, 42, 13915–13926.
High magnetoresistance in ultra-thin two-dimensional Cr-based MXenes
Authors: Yang Jianhui , Zhang Shaozheng , Wang Anping , Wang Ruining , Wang Chuan-Kui , Zhang Guang-Ping , Chen Liang
Published: September 2018

Developing effective magnetoresistance devices has become beneficial due to their extensive applications in electronics such as data storage.
A three-dimensional nickel–chromium layered double hydroxide micro/nanosheet array as an efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Ye Wen , Fang Xiaoyu , Chen Xuebo , Yan Dongpeng
Published: September 2018

The development of bifunctional and stable non-noble metal electrocatalysts for the high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is very important and challenging for renewable energy.
Efficient light trapping and broadband absorption of the solar spectrum in nanopillar arrays decorated with deep-subwavelength sidewall features
Authors: Faingold Yevgeny , Fadida Shay , Prajapati Ashish , Llobet Jordi , Antunes Mariana , Fonseca Helder , Calaza Carlos , Gaspar João , Shalev Gil
Published: September 2018

Deep subwavelength sidewall scalloping (DSSS) on the broadband absorption of nanopillar arrays.
Geometric deconstruction of core and electron activation of a π-system in a series of deformed porphyrins: mimics of heme
Authors: Liu Qiuhua , Zhang Jinjin , Tang Min , Yang Yan , Zhang Jian , Zhou Zaichun
Published: September 2018

The predominant distortion of heme is responsible for its electronic activity, catalytic ability and spectral properties.
The fluorescent biomarkers for lipid droplets with quinolone-coumarin unit
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wei Xue-Rui , Sun Ru , Xu Yu-Jie , Ge Jian-Feng
Published: September 2018

Two dyes with high quantum yields were designed and synthesized for imaging lipid droplets in living and fixed cells.
Regiospecific formal [3 + 2] annulation oftert-propargyl alcohols with acyclic 1,3-diketonesviathe cycloisomerization of homoallenyl ketones
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Rajesh P.
Published: September 2018

A one-pot, regiospecific synthesis of dihydrofurans bearing a quaternary centre is developed from the formal [3 + 2] annulation oftert-propargyl alcohols and 1,3-diketones through the SN2Imechanism to form homoallenyl ketone and a subsequent cycloisomerization reaction.
Cadmium tolerance and accumulation characteristics of wetland emergent plants under hydroponic conditions
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Lv Ningqing , Mao Xuhui , Yan Zheng , Wang Jinsheng , Tan Wenbing , Li Xiang , Liu Hui , Wang Lei , Xi Beidou
Published: September 2018

Four kinds of wetland emergent plants (Iris sibirica L., Acorus calamus L., Typha orientalis Presl and Cyperus alternifolius L.) were investigated for their cadmium tolerance and accumulation characteristics under hydroponic conditions.
Investigation of a commercial lithium-ion battery under overcharge/over-discharge failure conditions
Authors: Ouyang Dongxu , Chen Mingyi , Liu Jiahao , Wei Ruichao , Weng Jingwen , Wang Jian
Published: September 2018

A lithium-ion battery (LIB) may experience overcharge or over-discharge when it is used in a battery pack because of capacity variation of different batteries in the pack and the difficulty of maintaining identical state of charge (SOC) of every single battery.
The effect of shear on the cytoskeleton remodeling and physiological performance of myocardium cells through Tmod1
Authors: Zhao Liang , Li Xiafei , Niu Pei , Li Li
Published: September 2018

F-actin cytoskeleton remodeling observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy was induced by shear stress in cardiac myocytes (A), and the F-actin content change was manifested in (B).
Reactive adsorption desulfurization of NiO and Ni0 over NiO/ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 adsorbents: role of hydrogen pretreatment
Authors: Ju Feng , Wang Miao , Luan Hui , Du Pengyu , Tang Zhihe , Ling Hao
Published: September 2018

A possible reaction mechanism of desulfurization on NiO/ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 is discussed.
Catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate over LaBO3 (B = Co, Mn, Ni, Fe) perovskites supported silver catalysts
Authors: Qin Yu , Shen Fangxia , Zhu Tianle , Hong Wei , Liu Xiaolong
Published: September 2018

Ag/LaBO3 (B = Co, Mn, Ni, Fe) were investigated for the catalytic oxidation of ethyl acetate, and Ag/LaCoO3 showed the best catalytic performance.