bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico analyses of protein glycosylating genes in the helminth Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) predict protein-linked glycan simplicity and reveal temporally-dynamic expression profiles
Authors: McVeigh Paul , Cwiklinski Krystyna , Garcia-Campos Andres , Mulcahy Grace , O’Neill Sandra M. , Maule Aaron G. , Dalton John P.
Published: July 2018

Glycoproteins secreted by helminth parasites are immunogenic and represent appealing components of vaccine preparations. Our poor knowledge of the pathways that mediate protein glycosylation in parasitic flatworms hinders our understanding of how proteins are synthesised and modified, and our ability to target these pathways for parasite control. Here we provide the first detailed description of genes associated with protein glycosylation in a parasitic flatworm, focusing on the genome of the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica), which is a globally important trematode parasite of humans and their livestock. Using 190 human sequences as search queries against currently availableF.hepaticagenomes, we identified 149 orthologues with putative roles in sugar uptake or nucleotide sugar synthesis, and an array of glycosyltransferase and glycosidase activities required for protein N- and O-glycosylation. We found appreciable duplication within these orthologues, describing just 87 non-redundant genes when paralogues were excluded.F.hepaticalacks many of the enzymes required to produce complex N- and O-linked glycans, which explains the genomic basis for the structurally simple glycans described byF.hepaticaglycomic datasets, and predicts pervasive structural simplicity in the wider glycome. These data provide a foundation for functional genomic interrogation of these pathways with the view towards novel parasite intervention strategies.
Establishing normal metabolism and differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by culturing in adult human serum
Authors: Steenbergen Rineke , Oti Martin , ter Horst Rob , Tat Wilson , Neufeldt Chris , Belovodskiy Alexandr , Chua Tiing Tiing , Cho Woo Jung , Joyce Michael , Dutilh Bas E. , Tyrrell D. Lorne
Published: July 2018

Tissue culture medium routinely contains fetal bovine serum (FBS). Here we show that culturing human hepatoma cells in their native, adult serum (human serum, HS) results in the restoration of key morphological and metabolic features of normal liver cells. When moved to HS, these cells show differential transcription of 22–32% of the genes, stop proliferating, and assume a hepatocyte-like morphology. Metabolic analysis shows that the Warburg-like metabolic profile, typical for FBS-cultured cells, is replaced by a diverse metabolic profile consistent within vivohepatocytes, including the formation of large lipid and glycogen stores, increased glycogenesis, increased beta-oxidation and ketogenesis, and decreased glycolysis. Finally, organ-specific functions are restored, including xenobiotics degradation and secretion of bile, VLDL and albumin. Thus, organ-specific functions are not necessarily lost in cell cultures, but might be merely suppressed in FBS. The effect of serum is often overseen in cell culture and we provide a detailed study in the changes that occur and provide insight in some of the serum components that may play a role in the establishment of the differentiated phenotype.
Possible deep connection between volcanic systems evidenced by sequential assimilation of geodetic data
Authors: Bato Mary Grace , Pinel Virginie , Yan Yajing , Jouanne François , Vandemeulebrouck Jean
Published: July 2018

The existence of possible deep connections between nearby volcanoes has so far only been formulated on the basis of correlation in their eruptive activities or geochemical arguments. The use of geodetic data to monitor the deep dynamics of magmatic systems and the possible interference between them has remained limited due to the lack of techniques to follow transient processes. Here, for the first time, we use sequential data assimilation technique (Ensemble Kalman Filter) on ground displacement data to evaluate a possible interplay between the activities of Grímsvötn and Bárðarbunga volcanoes in Iceland. Using a two-reservoir dynamical model for the Grímsvötn plumbing system and assuming a fixed geometry and constant magma properties, we retrieve the temporal evolution of the basal magma inflow beneath Grímsvötn that drops by up to 85% during the 10 months preceding the initiation of the Bárðarbunga rifting event. We interpret the loss of at least 0.016 km3 in the magma supply of Grímsvötn as a consequence of magma accumulation beneath Bárðarbunga and subsequent feeding of the Holuhraun eruption 41 km away. We demonstrate that, in addition to its interest for predicting volcanic eruptions, sequential assimilation of geodetic data has a unique potential to give insights into volcanic system roots.
Relaxation dynamics in magnetic antidot lattice arrays of Co/Pt with perpendicular anisotropy
Authors: Mallick Sougata , Mishra Swapna Sindhu , Bedanta Subhankar
Published: July 2018

The topic of magnetic antidot lattice (MAL) arrays has drawn attention from both fundamental research as well as from application point of view. MAL arrays are promising candidates for making domain engineering in thin films. For various applications it is necessary to understand the magnetization reversal mechanism as well as the relaxation dynamics. In this context we have studied magnetic antidot lattice (MAL) arrays of Co/Pt with perpendicular anisotropy fabricated by combination of photolithography and sputtering deposition. Kerr microscopy domain imaging for the continuous thin film reveals the formation of typical bubble domains of perpendicular media with high anisotropy. However, presence of periodic holes in the MAL arrays lead to nucleation of localised smaller bubbles. We have performed simulations using object oriented micromagnetic framework (OOMMF) which reproduced the experimental results even considering antidot arrays in nano dimension. In literature it has been reported that in MAL arrays with in-plane anisotropy the domain propagation gets significantly hindered by the presence of the holes. However here we show that in perpendicularly magnetized Co/Pt the propagation of the domain walls is not restricted by the presence of the antidots. Further we have performed magnetic relaxation study and found that the global relaxation time for the MAL arrays of Co/Pt is faster as compared to it’s parent thin film. This behavior is opposite to what has been observed in literature for in-plane magnetized MAL arrays.
Unusual electronic and vibrational properties in the colossal thermopower material FeSb2
Authors: Homes C. C. , Du Q. , Petrovic C. , Brito W. H. , Choi S. , Kotliar G.
Published: July 2018

The iron antimonide FeSb2 possesses an extraordinarily high thermoelectric power factor at low temperature, making it a leading candidate for cryogenic thermoelectric cooling devices. However, the origin of this unusual behavior is controversial, having been variously attributed to electronic correlations as well as the phonon-drag effect. The optical properties of a material provide information on both the electronic and vibrational properties. The optical conductivity reveals an anisotropic response at room temperature; the low-frequency optical conductivity decreases rapidly with temperature, signalling a metal-insulator transition. One-dimensional semiconducting behavior is observed along the b axis at low temperature, in agreement with first-principle calculations. The infrared-active lattice vibrations are also symmetric and extremely narrow, indicating long phonon relaxation times and a lack of electron-phonon coupling. Surprisingly, there are more lattice modes along the a axis than are predicted from group theory; several of these modes undergo significant changes below about 100 K, hinting at a weak structural distortion or phase transition. While the extremely narrow phonon line shapes favor the phonon-drag effect, the one-dimensional behavior of this system at low temperature may also contribute to the extraordinarily high thermopower observed in this material.
Novel Arginine-containing Macrocyclic MMP Inhibitors: Synthesis, 99mTc-labeling, and Evaluation
Authors: Ye Yunpeng , Toczek Jakub , Gona Kiran , Kim Hye-Yeong , Han Jinah , Razavian Mahmoud , Golestani Reza , Zhang Jiasheng , Wu Terence L. , Ghosh Mousumi , Jung Jae-Joon , Sadeghi Mehran M.
Published: July 2018

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in tissue remodeling. Accordingly, MMP inhibitors and related radiolabeled analogs are important tools for MMP-targeted imaging and therapy in a number of diseases. Herein, we report design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new Arginine-containing macrocyclic hydroxamate analog, RYM, its hydrazinonicotinamide conjugate, RYM1 and 99mTc-labeled analog 99mTc-RYM1 for molecular imaging. RYM exhibited potent inhibition against a panel of recombinant human (rh) MMPs in vitro. RYM1 was efficiently labeled with 99mTcO4− to give 99mTc-RYM1 in a high radiochemical yield and high radiochemical purity. RYM1 and its decayed labeling product displayed similar inhibition potencies against rhMMP-12. Furthermore, 99mTc-RYM1 exhibited specific binding with lung tissue from lung-specific interleukin-13 transgenic mice, in which MMP activity is increased in conjunction with tissue remodeling and inflammation. The results support further development of such new water-soluble Arginine-containing macrocyclic hydroxamate MMP inhibitors for targeted imaging and therapy.
Association between cognitive impairment and poor antihypertensive medication adherence in elderly hypertensive patients without dementia
Authors: Cho Mi Hee , Shin Dong Wook , Chang Sung-A , Lee Ji Eun , Jeong Su-Min , Kim Sang Hyuck , Yun Jae Moon , Son Kiyoung
Published: July 2018

Adherence to antihypertensive medication is a critical factor to control blood pressure and prevent complications. However, cognitive impairment can negatively affect medication adherence. In this study, we investigated the association between cognitive function and antihypertensive medication adherence among elderly hypertensive patients using the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort Data of the Elderly Cohort. The study included 20,071 elderly hypertensive patients and the prevalence of poor medication adherence to antihypertensive medications was 16.4%. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower cognitive function was associated with poor medication adherence (adjusted odds ratio 0.980, 95% confidence interval 0.961–0.999). Additionally, high income levels, living in metropolitan areas, and comorbidities (such as stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia) were positively associated with medication adherence, while patients diagnosed with cancers showed poor medication adherence. Our study demonstrated that cognitive impairment is a possible risk factor for poor antihypertensive medication adherence, even in patients without dementia. Thus, clinicians involved with geriatric care should monitor patients’ cognitive function and medication adherence. And if a patient shows cognitive impairment, clinicians need to educate patients and caregivers about the importance of proper adherence, and consider proper interventions to optimize the cognitive function of elderly patients.
Full-length transcriptome of Misgurnus anguillicaudatus provides insights into evolution of genus Misgurnus
Authors: Yi Shaokui , Zhou Xiaoyun , Li Jie , Zhang Manman , Luo Shuangshuang
Published: July 2018

Reconstruction and annotation of transcripts, particularly for a species without reference genome, plays a critical role in gene discovery, investigation of genomic signatures, and genome annotation in the pre-genomic era. This study generated 33,330 full-length transcripts of diploid M. anguillicaudatus using PacBio SMRT Sequencing. A total of 6,918 gene families were identified with two or more isoforms, and 26,683 complete ORFs with an average length of 1,497 bp were detected. Totally, 1,208 high-confidence lncRNAs were identified, and most of these appeared to be precursor transcripts of miRNAs or snoRNAs. Phylogenetic tree of the Misgurnus species was inferred based on the 1,905 single copy orthologous genes. The tetraploid and diploid M. anguillicaudatus grouped into a clade, and M. bipartitus showed a closer relationship with the M. anguillicaudatus. The overall evolutionary rates of tetraploid M. anguillicaudatus were significantly higher than those of other Misgurnus species. Meanwhile, 28 positively selected genes were identified in M. anguillicaudatus clade. These positively selected genes may play critical roles in the adaptation to various habitat environments for M. anguillicaudatus. This study could facilitate further exploration of the genomic signatures of M. anguillicaudatus and provide potential insights into unveiling the evolutionary history of tetraploid loach.
Global genomic diversity and conservation priorities for domestic animals are associated with the economies of their regions of origin
Authors: Zhang Min , Peng Wei-Feng , Hu Xiao-Ju , Zhao Yong-Xin , Lv Feng-Hua , Yang Ji
Published: July 2018

Domestic animals play a key role in human survival and the development of civilization. However, the genetic resources of domestic animals are facing an alarming rate of erosion due to socioeconomic changes, economic globalization and financial constraints. In this study, through genome-wide SNP analysis, we estimated the heterozygosity, inbreeding coefficient, effective population size, and runs of homozygosity to identify the breeds facing the risk of extinction for sheep and cattle across the world. In particular, we quantified the contribution of 97 sheep breeds and 53 cattle breeds to genomic diversity (within-breed, between-breed and total) and prioritized the breeds for conservation. Additionally, we compared the average values of genomic diversity between breeds from regions (or countries) in different economic categories (underdeveloped, developing and developed), and found that breeds in developed regions exhibit significantly higher levels of total genomic diversity than those in underdeveloped and developing regions. Altogether, our results suggested that conservation priority should be given to breeds in developed regions to secure the future genomic diversity hotspots of domestic animal resources.
Interrupted reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells does not rejuvenate human mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Göbel Carolin , Goetzke Roman , Eggermann Thomas , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: July 2018

Replicative senescence hampers application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) because it limits culture expansion, impairs differentiation potential, and hinders reliable standardization of cell products. MSCs can be rejuvenated by reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which is associated with complete erasure of age- and senescence-associated DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns. However, this process is also associated with erasure of cell-type and tissue-specific epigenetic characteristics that are not recapitulated upon re-differentiation towards MSCs. In this study, we therefore followed the hypothesis that overexpression of pluripotency factors under culture conditions that do not allow full reprogramming might reset senescence-associated changes without entering a pluripotent state. MSCs were transfected with episomal plasmids and either successfully reprogrammed into iPSCs or cultured in different media with continuous passaging every week. Overexpression of pluripotency factors without reprogramming did neither prolong culture expansion nor ameliorate molecular and epigenetic hallmarks of senescence. Notably, transfection resulted in immortalization of one cell preparation with gain of large parts of the long arm of chromosome 1. Taken together, premature termination of reprogramming does not result in rejuvenation of MSCs and harbours the risk of transformation. This approach is therefore not suitable to rejuvenate cells for cellular therapy.
Quantifying Topological Uncertainty in Fractured Systems using Graph Theory and Machine Learning
Authors: Srinivasan Gowri , Hyman Jeffrey D. , Osthus David A. , Moore Bryan A. , O’Malley Daniel , Karra Satish , Rougier Esteban , Hagberg Aric A. , Hunter Abigail , Viswanathan Hari S.
Published: July 2018

Fractured systems are ubiquitous in natural and engineered applications as diverse as hydraulic fracturing, underground nuclear test detection, corrosive damage in materials and brittle failure of metals and ceramics. Microstructural information (fracture size, orientation, etc.) plays a key role in governing the dominant physics for these systems but can only be known statistically. Current models either ignore or idealize microscale information at these larger scales because we lack a framework that efficiently utilizes it in its entirety to predict macroscale behavior in brittle materials. We propose a method that integrates computational physics, machine learning and graph theory to make a paradigm shift from computationally intensive high-fidelity models to coarse-scale graphs without loss of critical structural information. We exploit the underlying discrete structure of fracture networks in systems considering flow through fractures and fracture propagation. We demonstrate that compact graph representations require significantly fewer degrees of freedom (dof) to capture micro-fracture information and further accelerate these models with Machine Learning. Our method has been shown to improve accuracy of predictions with up to four orders of magnitude speedup.
Coherent THz Emission Enhanced by Coherent Synchrotron Radiation Wakefield
Authors: Di Mitri S. , Perucchi A. , Adhlakha N. , Di Pietro P. , Nicastro S. , Roussel E. , Spampinati S. , Veronese M. , Allaria E. , Badano L. , Cudin I. , De Ninno G. , Diviacco B. , Gaio G. , Gauthier D. , Giannessi L. , Lupi S. , Penco G. , Piccirilli F. , Rebernik P. , Spezzani C. , Trovò M.
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate that emission of coherent transition radiation by a ∼1 GeV energy-electron beam passing through an Al foil is enhanced in intensity and extended in frequency spectral range, by the energy correlation established along the beam by coherent synchrotron radiation wakefield, in the presence of a proper electron optics in the beam delivery system. Analytical and numerical models, based on experimental electron beam parameters collected at the FERMI free electron laser (FEL), predict transition radiation with two intensity peaks at ∼0.3 THz and ∼1.5 THz, and extending up to 8.5 THz with intensity above 20 dB w.r.t. the main peak. Up to 80-µJ pulse energy integrated over the full bandwidth is expected at the source, and in agreement with experimental pulse energy measurements. By virtue of its implementation in an FEL beam dump line, this work promises dissemination of user-oriented multi-THz beamlines parasitic and self-synchronized to EUV and x-ray FELs.
A four year survey reveals a coherent pattern between occurrence of fruit bodies and soil amoebae populations for nivicolous myxomycetes
Authors: Dahl Mathilde Borg , Shchepin Oleg , Schunk Christian , Menzel Annette , Novozhilov Yuri K. , Schnittler Martin
Published: July 2018

Among soil-inhabiting protists, myxomycetes stand out by their macroscopic fructifications which have allowed studies on their ecology and distribution for more than two hundred years. One of the most distinct ecological guilds in myxomycetes are the nivicolous or “snowbank” myxomycete species, which produce fruit bodies at the edge of melting snowbanks in spring. Relationship between the occurrence of fructifications and myxamoebae remain unknown. In this study we used modern molecular techniques, by direct DNA amplification from soil extracts (NGS metabarcoding) to compare the distribution of soil-inhabiting myxamoebae found in 2016 with fructifications from the same sites collected over the course of four years (2013, 2015–17) along an elevational transect in the northern German Alps. A coherent community composition between fructification and soil myxamoebae, though with species-specific differences in relative abundance, was revealed. Although patterns varied among species, myxamoebae were found at both low and high elevations, whereas fruit bodies were mainly found at higher elevations, likely explained by the presence of a stable and long-lasting snow cover. In addition, a year to year comparison of fructification records support the hypothesis that the abundance of fructifications strongly depends on the onset of snowfall in the previous autumn and the soil temperature regime throughout the winter.
Clonal expansion of mtDNA deletions: different disease models assessed by digital droplet PCR in single muscle cells
Authors: Trifunov Selena , Pyle Angela , Valentino Maria Lucia , Liguori Rocco , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Burté Florence , Duff Jennifer , Kleinle Stephanie , Diebold Isabel , Rugolo Michela , Horvath Rita , Carelli Valerio
Published: July 2018

Deletions in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are an important cause of human disease and their accumulation has been implicated in the ageing process. As mtDNA is a high copy number genome, the coexistence of deleted and wild-type mtDNA molecules within a single cell defines heteroplasmy. When deleted mtDNA molecules, driven by intracellular clonal expansion, reach a sufficiently high level, a biochemical defect emerges, contributing to the appearance and progression of clinical pathology. Consequently, it is relevant to determine the heteroplasmy levels within individual cells to understand the mechanism of clonal expansion. Heteroplasmy is reflected in a mosaic distribution of cytochrome c oxidase (COX)-deficient muscle fibers. We applied droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to single muscle fibers collected by laser-capture microdissection (LCM) from muscle biopsies of patients with different paradigms of mitochondrial disease, characterized by the accumulation of single or multiple mtDNA deletions. By combining these two sensitive approaches, ddPCR and LCM, we document different models of clonal expansion in patients with single and multiple mtDNA deletions, implicating different mechanisms and time points for the development of COX deficiency in these molecularly distinct mitochondrial cytopathies.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial of closed-loop infraslow brain training in food addiction
Authors: Leong Sook Ling , Vanneste Sven , Lim Joyce , Smith Mark , Manning Patrick , De Ridder Dirk
Published: July 2018

The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is involved in food craving in obese food addicted individuals. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study explored the potential therapeutic effects of infraslow neurofeedback (ISF-NF) on food craving targeting the PCC in obese women with symptoms of food addiction. Participants received six sessions of either ISF-NF (n = 11) or placebo (n = 10) over a three-week period. There were no reported adverse effects. Electrophysiologically, there were significant increases in infraslow activity (p = 0.0002) and infraslow/beta nesting (p < 0.001) in the PCC in the ISF-NF group (mean r = 0.004 ± 0.002) compared to placebo (mean r = 0.02 ± 0.002) two days after the last intervention. Also, there was a significant decrease in different dimensions of state food craving compared to baseline and to placebo. Findings suggest that source localized IFS-NF results in electrophysiological changes and may be associated with reduced food craving. This trial is registered at www.anzctr.org.au, identifier, ACTRN12617000601336. This study was funded by the Otago Medical Research Grant: CT375.
Importance of household-level risk factors in explaining micro-epidemiology of asymptomatic malaria infections in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia
Authors: Bannister-Tyrrell Melanie , Srun Set , Sluydts Vincent , Gryseels Charlotte , Mean Vanna , Kim Saorin , Sokny Mao , Peeters Grietens Koen , Coosemans Marc , Menard Didier , Tho Sochantha , Van Bortel Wim , Durnez Lies
Published: July 2018

Heterogeneity in malaria risk is considered a challenge for malaria elimination. A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe and explain micro-epidemiological variation in Plasmodium infection prevalence at household and village level in three villages in Ratanakiri Province, Cambodia. A two-level logistic regression model with a random intercept fitted for each household was used to model the odds of Plasmodium infection, with sequential adjustment for individual-level then household-level risk factors. Individual-level risk factors for Plasmodium infection included hammock net use and frequency of evening outdoor farm gatherings in adults, and older age in children. Household-level risk factors included house wall material, crop types, and satellite dish and farm machine ownership. Individual-level risk factors did not explain differences in odds of Plasmodium infection between households or between villages. In contrast, once household-level risk factors were taken into account, there was no significant difference in odds of Plasmodium infection between households and between villages. This study shows the importance of ongoing indoor and peridomestic transmission in a region where forest workers and mobile populations have previously been the focus of attention. Interventions targeting malaria risk at household level should be further explored.
Multivariant synthesis, crystal structures and properties of four nickel coordination polymers based on flexible ligands
Authors: Lu Sheng-Quan , Fang Kang , Liu Yong-Yao , Li Ming-Xing , Liu Sui-Jun , He Xiang
Published: July 2018

Four new Ni(ii) metal–organic frameworks with diverse structures have been synthesized under different conditions. The structural transformation from compound 4 to 3 has also been investigated.
Determination of the protonation preferences of bilin pigments in cryptophyte antenna complexes
Authors: Corbella Marina , Toa Zi S. D. , Scholes Gregory D. , Luque F. Javier , Curutchet Carles
Published: July 2018

Structure-based simulations and pH-dependent spectra have been used to clarify the protonation preferences of bilin pigments in cryptophyte photosynthetic complexes.
Charge–dipole interactions in G-quadruplex thrombin-binding aptamer
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Rhee Young Min , Shin Seung Koo
Published: July 2018

As the charge increases, the charge–dipole interaction becomes stronger and distorts the planar G-tetrad geometry formed by hydrogen bonding.
Enabling strategies for step efficient syntheses
Authors: Schwan Johannes , Christmann Mathias
Published: July 2018

The field of natural product total synthesis has reached the point where synthetic efficiency has become more important than merely defining a viable (yet less ideal) route to the target molecule. Several synthesis of different types of natural products are compared using color-coded flow charts.
Make room for iodine: systematic pore tuning of multivariate metal–organic frameworks for the catalytic oxidation of hydroquinones using hypervalent iodine
Authors: Tahmouresilerd Babak , Larson Patrick J. , Unruh Daniel K. , Cozzolino Anthony F.
Published: July 2018

A multivariate approach has been to to establish the right balance between iodine loading and pore size for catalytic oxidative dearomatizations in MIL-53 (Al) and UiO-66 (Zr) MOFs.
Synthesis of Co–Mn oxides with double-shelled nanocages for low-temperature toluene combustion
Authors: Zhao Weitao , Zhang Yangyu , Wu Xiangwei , Zhan Yingying , Wang Xiuyun , Au Chak-Tong , Jiang Lilong
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we report a template-engaged strategy for the synthesis of Co–Mn oxides with double-shell box-in-box hollow nanocage (BHNC) structures.
High pH promoting the synthesis of V-Silicalite-1 with high vanadium content in the framework and its catalytic performance in selective oxidation of styrene
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Yifu , Tian Fuping , Zuo Yi , Mu Yang , Meng Changgong
Published: July 2018

V-Silicalite-1 with a high vanadium content in the framework was synthesized. OH− ions effectively promoted the entry of vanadium atoms into the framework. The V-Silicalite-1 exhibited good catalytic performance.
Two novel donor–acceptor hybrid heterostructures with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic properties
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Xiang Zheng , Guan Ying-Fang , Huang Chang-Cang , Lin Mei-Jin
Published: July 2018

The ternary combination of metal cations, CuI and viologen based carboxylate leads to two donor–acceptor hybrid heterostructures, which exhibit highly efficient photocatalytic degradation activities towards organic dyes under visible light irradiation.
Base-promoted ring-closing carbonyl–allene metathesis for the synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted pyrroles
Authors: Cheng Guolin , Lv Weiwei , Xue Lulu
Published: July 2018

The synthesis of 2,4-disubstituted pyrroles from N-propargyl β-enaminones via a ring-closing carbonyl–allene metathesis reaction is reported.
Ball-milling synthesized hydrotalcite supported Cu–Mn mixed oxide under solvent-free conditions: an active catalyst for aerobic oxidative synthesis of 2-acylbenzothiazoles and quinoxalines
Authors: Meng Xu , Bi Xiuru , Yu Chaoying , Chen Gexin , Chen Baohua , Jing Zhenqiang , Zhao Peiqing
Published: July 2018

Ball-milling results in excellent catalytic performance of bimetallic supported catalyst Cu–Mn/HT.
Size-controlled electron transfer rates determine hydrogen generation efficiency in colloidal Pt-decorated CdS quantum dots
Authors: Li Wei , Jäckel Frank
Published: July 2018

An acceleration of charge carrier dynamics is observed with smaller nanocrystals, which directly correlates with higher quantum efficiencies for water splitting.
Semiconductor SERS of diamond
Authors: Gao Ying , Gao Nan , Li Hongdong , Yuan Xiaoxi , Wang Qiliang , Cheng Shaoheng , Liu Junsong
Published: July 2018

In this work, we report a favorable diamond substrate to realize semiconductor surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for trace molecular probes with high sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, recyclability and universality.
Ru(ii)-Catalyzed C7-acyloxylation of indolines with carboxylic acids
Authors: De Pinaki Bhusan , Banerjee Sonbidya , Pradhan Sourav , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: July 2018

Ruthenium-catalyzed site-selective C7-acyloxyation of indolines with carboxylic acids is presented that can be oxidized to indoles with diverse functional groups.
Real-time simultaneous detection of microbial contamination and determination of an ultra low-content active pharmaceutical ingredient in tazarotene gel by near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Xie Qian , Wu Ruanqi , Zhong Xiaoxiao , Dong Yanhong , Fan Qi
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a real-time and non-destructive strategy for sensitive and simultaneous detection of microbial contamination and determination of an ultra low-content active pharmaceutical ingredient in tazarotene gel by NIR spectroscopy.
Development and validation of a dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method for the determination of phthalate esters in perfumes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed , Shaaban Heba
Published: July 2018

DLLME coupled to GC-MS method has been developed, optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of phthalates in perfumes.
Design of melt-recyclable poly(ε-caprolactone)-based supramolecular shape-memory nanocomposites
Authors: Pilate Florence , Wen Zhi-Bin , Khelifa Farid , Hui Yan , Delpierre Sebastien , Dan Luo , Mincheva Rosica , Dubois Philippe , Yang Ke-Ke , Raquez Jean-Marie
Published: July 2018

Novel melt-recyclable poly(ε-caprolactone)/cellulose nanocrystals supramolecular nanocomposite networks with shape-memory behavior have been successfully constructed by playing with UPy chemistry.
Fast removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution using coal-based activated carbon
Authors: Niu Taoxia , Zhou Jiawei , Zhang Chao , Li Shuang
Published: July 2018

A monolayer adsorption amount of MB (714.29 mg g−1) was found on a coal-based activated carbon prepared by a simple method.
Elucidating the mechanism behind the laccase-mediated modification of poly(ethersulfone)
Authors: Slagman Sjoerd , Jonkers Wendy A. , Zuilhof Han , Franssen Maurice C. R.
Published: July 2018

The mechanism behind the laccase-mediated functionalisation of poly(ethersulfone) was studied using a multifaceted approach, which revealed that surface modification had occurred through strong physical adsorption, rather than through grafting of phenolic oligomers.
A novel biosensor based on ball-flower-like Cu-hemin MOF grown on elastic carbon foam for trichlorfon detection
Authors: Song Yonggui , Shan Baixi , Feng Bingwei , Xu Pengfei , Zeng Qiang , Su Dan
Published: July 2018

The Cu-hemin MOFs/nitrogen-doped elastic carbon foam (Cu-hemin MOFs/NECF) composite structure was constructed as the supporting matrix to load acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for preparing pesticide biosensors.
Durable superoleophobic–superhydrophilic fabrics with high anti-oil-fouling property
Authors: Zhou Hua , Wang Hongxia , Yang Weidong , Niu Haitao , Wei Xin , Fu Sida , Liu Shuai , Shao Hao , Lin Tong
Published: July 2018

Although a number of methods have been reported for the preparation of superoleophobic–superhydrophobic surfaces, a challenge still remains in preparing a surface showing simultaneous superoleophobicity and superhydrophilicity.
Novel Mn4+-activated LiLaMgWO6far-red emitting phosphors: high photoluminescence efficiency, good thermal stability, and potential applications in plant cultivation LEDs
Authors: Liang Jia , Sun Liangling , Devakumar Balaji , Wang Shaoying , Sun Qi , Guo Heng , Li Bin , Huang Xiaoyong
Published: July 2018

Novel Mn4+-activated LiLaMgWO6far-red emitting double-perovskite phosphors with high photoluminescence efficiency and good thermal stability were developed for applications in plant cultivation LEDs.
An efficient and ecofriendly synthesis of highly functionalized pyridones via a one-pot three-component reaction
Authors: Hosseini Hajar , Bayat Mohammad
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of N-amino-3-cyano-2-pyridone derivatives in green solvent with simple procedure and high purity via a one-pot operation.
Correction: Materials with low dielectric constant and loss and good thermal properties prepared by introducing perfluorononenyl pendant groups onto poly(ether ether ketone)
Authors: Sun Handong , Lv Yunxia , Zhang Chongyang , Zuo Xiaodan , Li Mengzhu , Yue Xigui , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Materials with low dielectric constant and loss and good thermal properties prepared by introducing perfluorononenyl pendant groups onto poly(ether ether ketone)’ by Handong Sun et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 7753–7760.
Correlated dynamics in aqueous proton diffusion
Authors: Fischer Sean A. , Dunlap Brett I. , Gunlycke Daniel
Published: July 2018

Correlated hopping directions are observed in ab initio simulation of proton diffusion indicating that the simple random walk model is not valid for the interpretation of experimental results.
Tailored topography: a novel fabrication technique using an elasticity gradient
Authors: Parihar Vartika , Bandyopadhyay Saumyadwip , Das Soumen , Mukherjee Rabibrata , Chakraborty Suman , Dasgupta Sunando
Published: July 2018

A facile methodology to create a wrinkled surface with a tailored topography is presented herein.
A core–satellite structured Z-scheme catalyst Cd0.5Zn0.5S/BiVO4 for highly efficient and stable photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Zeng Chao , Hu Yingmo , Zhang Tierui , Dong Fan , Zhang Yihe , Huang Hongwei
Published: July 2018

Fabrication of a Z-scheme photocatalytic system for water splitting has huge potential in confronting the increasing worldwide energy crisis.
Porous NiCoP nanosheets as efficient and stable positive electrodes for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Wu Aiping , Wang Xiuwen , Tian Chungui , An Ruiyue , Fu Honggang
Published: July 2018

Porous TMP nanosheets have been prepared by the phosphorization of a sheet-like NiCo hydroxide precursor, and can be used as efficient and stable positive electrodes for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors with high specific capacitance, good rate performance and long-term stability.
Fully bio-based zwitterionic membranes with superior antifouling and antibacterial properties prepared via surface-initiated free-radical polymerization of poly(cysteine methacrylate)
Authors: Valencia Luis , Kumar Sugam , Jalvo Blanca , Mautner Andreas , Salazar-Alvarez German , Mathew Aji P.
Published: July 2018

This article proposes a strategy to prepare membranes that combine the network characteristics of micro/nanocellulose with grafted zwitterionic PCysMA to develop fully bio-based membranes with antifouling properties.
Alkali metal-ion assisted Michael addition reaction in controlled tailoring of topography in a superhydrophobic polymeric monolith
Authors: Rather Adil M. , Shome Arpita , Kumar Suresh , Bhunia Bibhas K. , Mandal Biman B. , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Manna Uttam
Published: July 2018

An alkali metal ion assisted Michael addition reaction between acrylate and amine groups is strategically exploited in the synthesis of a chemically reactive and tailored hierarchical topography for addressing important fundamental aspects of biomimicked interfaces.
Expression of concern: Bottom-up synthesis of fully sp2 hybridized three-dimensional microporous graphitic frameworks as metal-free catalysts
Authors: Keltie Sam
Published: July 2018

Expression of concern for ‘Bottom-up synthesis of fully sp2 hybridized three-dimensional microporous graphitic frameworks as metal-free catalysts’ by Siddulu Naidu Talapaneni et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 12080–12085.
A simple Schiff base as dual-responsive fluorescent sensor for bioimaging recognition of Zn2+ and Al3+ in living cells
Authors: Liu Haiyang , Liu Tianqi , Li Jia , Zhang Youming , Li Jiahua , Song Jun , Qu Junle , Wong Wai-Yeung
Published: July 2018

The chemosensor BDNOL can selectively recognize Al3+ and Zn2+ with significant fluorescence enhancement at 504 nm and 575 nm.
Understanding the crystallization behavior and structure of titanium addition in germanium antimony phase change thin films
Authors: Wu Weihua , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Liu Xinyi , Lai Tianshu , Song Sannian , Song Zhitang
Published: July 2018

The effects of a titanium dopant on the phase transition behavior and crystallization mechanism of Ge8Sb92 films were systematically investigated.
Hsa_circ_0000673 is down-regulated in gastric cancer and inhibits the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells by targetting miR-532-5p
Authors: Chang Peng , Wang Furong , Li Yumin
Published: July 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new class of endogenous non-coding RNAs, have recently been known to play critical roles in various cellular biological processes, including tumorigenesis, in which they act as an miRNA sponge that regulates gene expression. Thus, revealing the functions of circRNAs in carcinogenesis and cancer development has been of great interest. However, their expression and functions in gastric cancer (GC) development are still largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify novel deregulated circRNAs in GC and reveal their biological functions and molecular mechanisms in GC. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to measure the expression levels of circRNAs in GC tissues, cell lines, and plasma. The MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and tumor xenografts in vivo were used to evaluate the effects of circRNAs on the proliferation and invasion of GC. The abovementioned methods coupled with Western blotting were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms. The current study showed that hsa_circ_0000673 was significantly down-regulated in GC. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0000673 inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GC cells. In contrast, hsa_circ_0000673 down-regulation promoted the proliferation and invasion of GC cells. Further studies revealed that hsa_circ_0000673 targetted miR-532-5p and up-regulated the expression of RUNX3. The present study showed that hsa_circ_0000673 was decreased in GC and it exerted tumor-suppressing effects by targetting miR-532-5p and up-regulating RUNX3 expression level. Hsa_circ_0000673 may be a promising diagnosis biomarker and therapeutic target in GC.
STAT3 regulated miR-216a promotes ovarian cancer proliferation and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Jin Pengfei , Liu Yanjun , Wang Ruijuan
Published: July 2018

Cisplatin is the first-line treatment for ovarian cancer. However, the clinical outcome of cisplatin treatment in ovarian cancer is hindered by cancer resistance. Here we aim to explore the role and mechanism of miR-216a in the cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer. The effects of miR-216a overexpression and inhibition on ovarian cell proliferation, colony formation, and cisplatin resistance were investigated by MTT assay and soft agar colony formation assay. Bioinformatics analyses using TargetScan and rVista, qPCR, and luciferase assay were also used to explore and verify downstream effectors and regulators of miR-216a. Proliferation, colony formation, and cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer cells are promoted by miR-216a overexpression but inhibited by miR-216a inhibition. PTEN is a direct target of miR-216a and PTEN expression antagonizes the tumor-promoting function of miR-216a. STAT3 is a regulator of miR-216a, and PTEN is also regulated by STAT3. miR-216a up-regulation is associated with cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer and this effect is mediated by PTEN. STAT3 is a regulator of miR-216a. Strategies that inhibit miR-216a is a potential strategy for overcoming the cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.
Inhibition of microRNA-299-5p sensitizes glioblastoma cells to temozolomide via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Peng Yujiang , He Xijun , Chen Huihui , Duan Hongyu , Shao Bo , Yang Fan , Li Huiyong , Yang Pengxiang , Zeng Yu , Zheng Jinrong , Li Yongsheng , Hu Jiachang , Lin Liguo , Teng Lingfang
Published: July 2018

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are a lethal class of brain cancer, with a median survival <15 months in spite of therapeutic advances. The poor prognosis of GBM is largely attributed to acquired chemotherapy resistance, and new strategies are urgently needed to target resistant glioma cells. Here we report a role for miR-299-5p in GBM. The level of miR-299-5p expression was detected in glioma specimens and cell lines by qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blots were performed to verify GOLPH3 as a direct target of miR-299-5p. In vitro cell proliferation, invasion, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were assessed to determine whether or not miR-299-5p knockdown sensitized GBM cells to temozolomide (TMZ). We demonstrated that miR-299-5p levels were up-regulated in the GBM groups compared with the normal control group. The highest expression of miR-129-5p occurred in the highest GBM stage. miR-299-5p knockdown significantly inhibited the MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. We also showed that miR-299-5p knockdown enhanced sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion and promoting apoptosis. In addition, we demonstrated that GOLPH3 is a novel functional target of miR-299-5p. GOLPH3 regulates the MAPK/ERK axis under miR-299-5p regulation. In conclusion, we identified a link between miR-299-5p expression and the GOLPH3/MAPK/ERK axis, thus illustrating a novel role for miR-299-5p in GBM.
Treatment for Residual Rhotic Errors With High- and Low-Frequency Ultrasound Visual Feedback: A Single-Case Experimental Design
Authors: Preston Jonathan L. , McAllister Tara , Phillips Emily , Boyce Suzanne , Tiede Mark , Kim Jackie S. , Whalen Douglas H.
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore how the frequency with which ultrasound visual feedback (UVF) is provided during speech therapy affects speech sound learning.

Method

Twelve children with residual speech errors affecting /ɹ/ participated in a multiple-baseline across-subjects design with 2 treatment conditions. One condition featured 8 hr of high-frequency UVF (HF; feedback on 89% of trials), whereas the other included 8 hr of lower-frequency UVF (LF; 44% of trials). The order of treatment conditions was counterbalanced across participants. All participants were treated on vocalic /ɹ/. Progress was tracked by measuring generalization on /ɹ/ in untreated words.

Results

After the 1st treatment phase, participants who received the HF condition outperformed those who received LF. At the end of the 2-phase treatment, within-participant comparisons showed variability across individual outcomes in both HF and LF conditions. However, a group level analysis of this small sample suggested that participants whose treatment order was HF–LF made larger gains than those whose treatment order was LF–HF.

Conclusions

The order HF–LF may represent a preferred order for UVF in speech therapy. This is consistent with empirical work and theoretical arguments suggesting that visual feedback may be particularly beneficial in the early stages of acquiring new speech targets.
The anthropogenic pollutants in urban ponds based on the example of Słupsk
Authors: Antonowicz Józef Piotr , Panasiuk Damian , Machula Sylwia , Kubiak Jacek Florian , Opalińska Magdalena
Published: July 2018

In areas of urban infrastructure, ponds play an important role. They are places of rest and recreation, and they facilitate contact between city dwellers and the aquatic environment. They are also a place for living waterflow and ichthyofauna. Urban ponds are susceptible to anthropogenic influences, and their self-cleaning capacity is limited due to their small size. The city of Słupsk is located in northern Poland. Coal combustion in domestic boilers and transport cause dust emissions to be released into the atmosphere. The concentration of particulate matter and heavy metals in PM10 in Słupsk is much higher than in neighbouring village Gać. This affects metals deposition from the atmosphere. Two urban ponds in Słupsk were the object of the research. Sampling station No. 1 was located in the southern part of the Raj Pond situated deep into the forest area, a considerable distance from urban buildings. Sampling station No. 2 was located at the Juniorów Pond located near the city centre. Water samples were taken from a depth of 10 cm. To investigate the deposition from the atmosphere, atmospheric precipitation was collected in a collector located in the city of Słupsk. The concentrations of Li, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Se, As, V, Sr, Cd and Pb were analyzed in the obtained water samples. Measurements were made using an ICP-MS mass spectrometer. From the obtained results, it was observed that the concentrations of Li, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Se, Sr and Cd were higher at station No. 2 located near the city centre.