bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transitional correlation between inner-membrane potential and ATP levels of neuronal mitochondria
Authors: Suzuki R. , Hotta K. , Oka K.
Published: February 2018

The importance of highly active mitochondria and their contribution to neuronal function has been of recent interest. In most cases, however, mitochondrial activity is estimated using measurements of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (IMPmito), and little is known about the dynamics of native mitochondrial ATP (ATPmito). This study conducted simultaneous imaging of IMPmito and ATPmito in neurons to explore their behaviour and their correlation during physiological mitochondrial/neuronal activity. We found that mitochondrial size, transport velocity and transport direction are not dependent on ATPmito or IMPmito. However, changes in ATPmito and IMPmito during mitochondrial fission/fusion were found; IMPmito depolarized via mitochondrial fission and hyperpolarized via fusion, and ATPmito levels increased after fusion. Because the density of mitochondria is higher in growth cones (GCs) than in axonal processes, integrated ATPmito signals (density × ATPmito) were higher in GCs. This integrated signal in GCs correlated with axonal elongation. However, while the averaged IMPmito was relatively hyperpolarized in GCs, there was no correlation between IMPmito in GCs and axonal elongation. A detailed time-course analysis performed to clarify the reason for these discrepancies showed that IMPmito and ATPmito levels did not always correlate accurately; rather, there were several correlation patterns that changed over time.
Mesoscopic physical removal of material using sliding nano-diamond contacts
Authors: Celano Umberto , Hsia Feng-Chun , Vanhaeren Danielle , Paredis Kristof , Nordling Torbjörn E. M. , Buijnsters Josephus G. , Hantschel Thomas , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: February 2018

Wear mechanisms including fracture and plastic deformation at the nanoscale are central to understand sliding contacts. Recently, the combination of tip-induced material erosion with the sensing capability of secondary imaging modes of AFM, has enabled a slice-and-view tomographic technique named AFM tomography or Scalpel SPM. However, the elusive laws governing nanoscale wear and the large quantity of atoms involved in the tip-sample contact, require a dedicated mesoscale description to understand and model the tip-induced material removal. Here, we study nanosized sliding contacts made of diamond in the regime whereby thousands of nm3 are removed. We explore the fundamentals of high-pressure tip-induced material removal for various materials. Changes in the load force are systematically combined with AFM and SEM to increase the understanding and the process controllability. The nonlinear variation of the removal rate with the load force is interpreted as a combination of two contact regimes each dominating in a particular force range. By using the gradual transition between the two regimes, (1) the experimental rate of material eroded on each tip passage is modeled, (2) a controllable removal rate below 5 nm/scan for all the materials is demonstrated, thus opening to future development of 3D tomographic AFM.
Quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis (qFibrosis) reveals precise outcomes in Ishak “stable” patients on anti-HBV therapy
Authors: Sun Yameng , Zhou Jialing , Wu Xiaoning , Chen Yongpeng , Piao Hongxin , Lu Lungen , Ding Huiguo , Nan Yuemin , Jiang Wei , Wang Tailing , Liu Hui , Ou Xiaojuan , Wee Aileen , Theise Neil D. , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: February 2018

Current widely used semiquantitative histological assessment methods are insensitive to identify subtle changes of liver fibrosis. Therefore, to precisely assess therapeutic efficacy on chronic hepatitis B (CHB), we explored the utility of qFibrosis (a fully-quantitative morphometric method employing second harmonic generation/two photon excitation fluorescence) in liver fibrosis evaluation. Fibrosis changes were evaluated by Ishak fibrosis scoring and qFibrosis in CHB patients with paired liver biopsies before and after 78 weeks’ antiviral therapy. A total of 162 patients with qualified paired biopsies were enrolled. Ishak fibrosis scoring revealed that 42.6% (69/162) of the patients achieved fibrosis regression (≥1-point decrease), 51.9% (84/162) remained stable, and 5.5% (9/162) showed progression (≥1-point increase). qFibrosis showed similar trends in the groups of regression and progression patients as evaluated by Ishak. However, in Ishak stable patients, qFibrosis revealed hitherto undetected changes, allowing for further subcategorization into regression (“Regression by qFibrosis”; 40/84, 47.6%), stable (29/84, 34.5%), and progression (“Progression by qFibrosis”; 15/84, 17.9%) groups. These newly fine-tuned categories were supported by changes of morphological parameters of fibrosis, collagen percentage area, and liver stiffness measurements. In conclusion, qFibrosis can be used to quantitatively identify subtle changes of liver fibrosis in CHB patients after antiviral therapy.
Tuning the Optical Properties of Silicon Quantum Dots via Surface Functionalization with Conjugated Aromatic Fluorophores
Authors: Abdelhameed Mohammed , Martir Diego Rota , Chen Shalimar , Xu William Z. , Oyeneye Olabode O. , Chakrabarti Subrata , Zysman-Colman Eli , Charpentier Paul A.
Published: February 2018

Silicon Quantum Dots (SQDs) have recently attracted great interest due to their excellent optical properties, low cytotoxicity, and ease of surface modification. The size of SQDs and type of ligand on their surface has a great influence on their optical properties which is still poorly understood. Here we report the synthesis and spectroscopic studies of three families of unreported SQDs functionalized by covalently linking to the aromatic fluorophores, 9-vinylphenanthrene, 1-vinylpyrene, and 3-vinylperylene. The results showed that the prepared functionalized SQDs had a highly-controlled diameter by HR-TEM, ranging from 1.7–2.1 nm. The photophysical measurements of the assemblies provided clear evidence for efficient energy transfer from the fluorophore to the SQD core. Fӧrster energy transfer is the likely mechanism in these assemblies. As a result of the photogenerated energy transfer process, the emission color of the SQD core could be efficiently tuned and its emission quantum efficiency enhanced. To demonstrate the potential application of the synthesized SQDs for bioimaging of cancer cells, the water-soluble perylene- and pyrene-capped SQDs were examined for fluorescent imaging of HeLa cells. The SQDs were shown to be of low cytotoxicity
Holographic Traction Force Microscopy
Authors: Makarchuk Stanislaw , Beyer Nicolas , Gaiddon Christian , Grange Wilfried , Hébraud Pascal
Published: February 2018

Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) computes the forces exerted at the surface of an elastic material by measuring induced deformations in volume. It is used to determine the pattern of the adhesion forces exerted by cells or by cellular assemblies grown onto a soft deformable substrate. Typically, colloidal particles are dispersed in the substrate and their displacement is monitored by fluorescent microscopy. As with any other fluorescent techniques, the accuracy in measuring a particule’s position is ultimately limited by the number of evaluated fluorescent photons. Here, we present a TFM technique based on the detection of probe particle displacements by holographic tracking microscopy. We show that nanometer scale resolutions of the particle displacements can be obtained and determine the maximum volume fraction of markers in the substrate. We demonstrate the feasibility of the technique experimentally and measure the three-dimensional force fields exerted by colorectal cancer cells cultivated onto a polyacrylamide gel substrate.
Interactions between predation and disturbances shape prey communities
Authors: Karakoç Canan , Radchuk Viktoriia , Harms Hauke , Chatzinotas Antonis
Published: February 2018

Ecological disturbances are important drivers of biodiversity patterns. Many biodiversity studies rely on endpoint measurements instead of following the dynamics that lead to those outcomes and testing ecological drivers individually, often considering only a single trophic level. Manipulating multiple factors (biotic and abiotic) in controlled settings and measuring multiple descriptors of multi-trophic communities could enlighten our understanding of the context dependency of ecological disturbances. Using model microbial communities, we experimentally tested the effects of imposed disturbances (i.e. increased dilution simulating density-independent mortality as press or pulse disturbances coupled with resource deprivation) on bacterial abundance, diversity and community structure in the absence or presence of a protist predator. We monitored the communities immediately before and after imposing the disturbance and four days after resuming the pre-disturbance dilution regime to infer resistance and recovery properties. The results highlight that bacterial abundance, diversity and community composition were more affected by predation than by disturbance type, resource loss or the interaction of these factors. Predator abundance was strongly affected by the type of disturbance imposed, causing temporary relief of predation pressure. Importantly, prey community composition differed significantly at different phases, emphasizing that endpoint measurements are insufficient for understanding the recovery of communities.
Atrial Fibrillation Characteristics in Patients on Haemodialysis vs. Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Abuhasira Ran , Mizrakli Yuval , Shimony Avi , Novack Victor , Shnaider Alla , Haviv Yosef S.
Published: February 2018

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent in dialysis patients, however whether its impact differs between patients on haemodialysis (HD) vs. peritoneal dialysis (PD) is unknown. We aimed to compare the association of AF and clinical outcomes in different dialysis modalities. We performed a population based retrospective cohort study, including adult patients who initiated dialysis between the years 2002 and 2015. Clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory data were reviewed and correlated with outcomes in HD vs. PD. During the study period, 1,130 patients began dialysis. Of the 997 patients without AF before dialysis initiation, 17% developed new-onset AF after the initiation of dialysis (17.3% of HD vs. 13.7% of PD patients, p = 0.27). Using multivariate analysis, only enlarged left atrium at dialysis initiation (hazard ratio (HR) 2.82, CI95% 2.00–3.99) and age (HR 1.04, CI95% 1.03–1.06) were significantly associated with AF. Dialysis modality was not a significant predictor of AF in either univariate or multivariate analysis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that AF is common in dialysis patients irrespective of modality. In our cohort, the risk factors associated with AF were older age and enlarged left atrium. AF was associated with increased rates of heart failure and mortality, but not stroke.
Remodeling of the Actin/Spectrin Membrane-associated Periodic Skeleton, Growth Cone Collapse and F-Actin Decrease during Axonal Degeneration
Authors: Unsain Nicolas , Bordenave Martin D. , Martinez Gaby F. , Jalil Sami , von Bilderling Catalina , Barabas Federico M. , Masullo Luciano A. , Johnstone Aaron D. , Barker Philip A. , Bisbal Mariano , Stefani Fernando D. , Cáceres Alfredo O.
Published: February 2018

Axonal degeneration occurs in the developing nervous system for the appropriate establishment of mature circuits, and is also a hallmark of diverse neurodegenerative diseases. Despite recent interest in the field, little is known about the changes (and possible role) of the cytoskeleton during axonal degeneration. We studied the actin cytoskeleton in an in vitro model of developmental pruning induced by trophic factor withdrawal (TFW). We found that F-actin decrease and growth cone collapse (GCC) occur early after TFW; however, treatments that prevent axonal fragmentation failed to prevent GCC, suggesting independent pathways. Using super-resolution (STED) microscopy we found that the axonal actin/spectrin membrane-associated periodic skeleton (MPS) abundance and organization drop shortly after deprivation, remaining low until fragmentation. Fragmented axons lack MPS (while maintaining microtubules) and acute pharmacological treatments that stabilize actin filaments prevent MPS loss and protect from axonal fragmentation, suggesting that MPS destruction is required for axon fragmentation to proceed.
On the origins of transport inefficiencies in mesoscopic networks
Authors: Toussaint Sébastien , Martins Frederico , Faniel Sébastien , Pala Marco G. , Desplanque Ludovic , Wallart Xavier , Sellier Hermann , Huant Serge , Bayot Vincent , Hackens Benoit
Published: February 2018

A counter-intuitive behavior analogous to the Braess paradox is encountered in a two-terminal mesoscopic network patterned in a two-dimensional electron system (2DES). Decreasing locally the electron density of one channel of the network paradoxically leads to an increased network electrical conductance. Our low temperature scanning gate microscopy experiments reveal different occurrences of such puzzling conductance variations, thanks to tip-induced localized modifications of electron flow throughout the network’s channels in the ballistic and coherent regime of transport. The robustness of the puzzling behavior is inspected by varying the global 2DES density, magnetic field and the tip-surface distance. Depending on the overall 2DES density, we show that either Coulomb Blockade resonances due to disorder-induced localized states or Fabry-Perot interferences tuned by the tip-induced electrostatic perturbation are at the origin of transport inefficiencies in the network, which are lifted when gradually closing one channel of the network with the tip.
Iron Overload Accelerates the Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Association with Increased Retinal Renin Expression
Authors: Chaudhary Kapil , Promsote Wanwisa , Ananth Sudha , Veeranan-Karmegam Rajalakshmi , Tawfik Amany , Arjunan Pachiappan , Martin Pamela , Smith Sylvia B. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Kisselev Oleg , Ganapathy Vadivel , Gnana-Prakasam Jaya P.
Published: February 2018

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Increased iron accumulation is associated with several degenerative diseases. However, there are no reports on the status of retinal iron or its implications in the pathogenesis of DR. In the present study, we found that retinas of type-1 and type-2 mouse models of diabetes have increased iron accumulation compared to non-diabetic retinas. We found similar iron accumulation in postmortem retinal samples from human diabetic patients. Further, we induced diabetes in HFE knockout (KO) mice model of genetic iron overload to understand the role of iron in the pathogenesis of DR. We found increased neuronal cell death, vascular alterations and loss of retinal barrier integrity in diabetic HFE KO mice compared to diabetic wildtype mice. Diabetic HFE KO mouse retinas also exhibited increased expression of inflammation and oxidative stress markers. Severity in the pathogenesis of DR in HFE KO mice was accompanied by increase in retinal renin expression mediated by G-protein-coupled succinate receptor GPR91. In light of previous reports implicating retinal renin-angiotensin system in DR pathogenesis, our results reveal a novel relationship between diabetes, iron and renin-angiotensin system, thereby unraveling new therapeutic targets for the treatment of DR.
Individual and combined effects of herbicide tribenuron-methyl and fungicide tebuconazole on soil earthworm Eisenia fetida
Authors: Chen Jiqiang , Saleem Muhammad , Wang Caixia , Liang Wenxing , Zhang Qingming
Published: February 2018

Earthworms are soil engineers that alter the soil bio-physical properties to favor plant growth whereas pesticides represent a significant threat to their abundance and soil health. Thus, we investigated the toxic effects of tribenuron-methyl (TBM) and tebuconazole (TEB) on the soil earthworm, Eisenia fetida. The TBM demonstrated low toxicity to E. fetida in the contact filter paper and artificial soil tests, with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 135.6 μg cm−2 at 48 h and 511 mg kg−1 on day 14, respectively. Similarly, TEB also showed low toxicity to E. fetida in the artificial soil test with LC50 of 287 mg kg−1 on day 14. However, TEB was highly toxic to earthworm in the contact filter paper test with LC50 of 5.7 μg cm−2 at 48 h. The mixture of two pesticides had an antagonistic effect on the earthworm. Under 0.1 LC50 of TBM and TEB, either single or combined application of pesticides induced oxidative stress and inhibited cellulase activity in early days of the earthworm exposure. However, both pesticides did not damage the earthworm DNA. Our results suggest that pesticides can negatively affect soil earthworms and provide valuable information regarding the responses of soil biological engineers to the lethal agrochemicals.
Species-specified VOC emissions derived from a gridded study in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Mo Ziwei , Shao Min , Liu Ying , Xiang Yang , Wang Ming , Lu Sihua , Ou Jiamin , Zheng Junyu , Li Meng , Zhang Qiang , Wang Xuemei , Zhong Liuju
Published: February 2018

This study provides a top-down approach to establish an emission inventory of volatile organic compounds (VOC) based on ambient measurements, by combining the box model and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. Species-specified VOC emissions, source contributions, and spatial distributions are determined based on regional-scale gridded measurements between September 2008 to December 2009 in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. The most prevalent anthropogenic species in the PRD was toluene estimated by the box model to be annual emissions of 167.8 ± 100.5 Gg, followed by m,p-xylene (68.0 ± 45.0 Gg), i-pentane (49.2 ± 40.0 Gg), ethene (47.6 ± 27.6 Gg), n-butane (47.5 ± 40.7 Gg), and benzene (46.8 ± 29.0 Gg). Alkanes such as propane, i-butane, and n-pentane were 2–8 times higher in box model than emission inventories (EI). Species with fewer emissions were highly variable between EI and box model results. Hotspots of VOC emissions were identified in southwestern PRD and port areas, which were not reflected by bottom-up EI. This suggests more research is needed for VOC emissions in the EI, especially for fuel evaporation, industrial operations and marine vessels. The species-specified top-down method can help improve the quality of these emission inventories.
Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 suppresses the p53 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to promote human pluripotent stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Kim Ji Yea , Kim So Young , Choi Hong Seo , Kim Min Kyu , Lee Hyun Min , Jang Young-Joo , Ryu Chun Jeih
Published: February 2018

Progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is a multifunctional heme-binding protein involved in various diseases, including cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. Previously, we generated two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) 108-B6 and 4A68 against surface molecules on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here we show that PGRMC1 is the target antigen of both MAbs, and is predominantly expressed on hPSCs and some cancer cells. PGRMC1 is rapidly downregulated during early differentiation of hPSCs. Although PGRMC1 knockdown leads to a spread-out morphology and impaired self-renewal in hPSCs, PGRMC1 knockdown hPSCs do not show apoptosis and autophagy. Instead, PGRMC1 knockdown leads to differentiation of hPSCs into multiple lineage cells without affecting the expression of pluripotency markers. PGRMC1 knockdown increases cyclin D1 expression and decreases Plk1 expression in hPSCs. PGRMC1 knockdown also induces p53 expression and stability, suggesting that PGRMC1 maintains hPSC self-renewal through suppression of p53-dependent pathway. Analysis of signaling molecules further reveals that PGRMC1 knockdown promotes inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β and increased expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin, which leads to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The results suggest that PGRMC1 suppresses the p53 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways to promote self-renewal and inhibit early differentiation in hPSCs.
Kinesin 1 regulates cilia length through an interaction with the Bardet-Biedl syndrome related protein CCDC28B
Authors: Novas Rossina , Cardenas-Rodriguez Magdalena , Lepanto Paola , Fabregat Matías , Rodao Magela , Fariello María Inés , Ramos Mauricio , Davison Camila , Casanova Gabriela , Alfaya Lucía , Lecumberry Federico , González-Sapienza Gualberto , Irigoín Florencia , Badano Jose L.
Published: February 2018

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a ciliopathy characterized by retinal degeneration, obesity, polydactyly, renal disease and mental retardation. CCDC28B is a BBS-associated protein that we have previously shown plays a role in cilia length regulation whereby its depletion results in shortened cilia both in cells and Danio rerio (zebrafish). At least part of that role is achieved by its interaction with the mTORC2 component SIN1, but the mechanistic details of this interaction and/or additional functions that CCDC28B might play in the context of cilia remain poorly understood. Here we uncover a novel interaction between CCDC28B and the kinesin 1 molecular motor that is relevant to cilia. CCDC28B interacts with kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) and the heavy chain KIF5B. Notably, depletion of these kinesin 1 components results in abnormally elongated cilia. Furthermore, through genetic interaction studies we demonstrate that kinesin 1 regulates ciliogenesis through CCDC28B. We show that kinesin 1 regulates the subcellular distribution of CCDC28B, unexpectedly, inhibiting its nuclear accumulation, and a ccdc28b mutant missing a nuclear localization motif fails to rescue the phenotype in zebrafish morphant embryos. Therefore, we uncover a previously unknown role of kinesin 1 in cilia length regulation that relies on the BBS related protein CCDC28B.
Fluvastatin protects cochleae from damage by high-level noise
Authors: Richter Claus-Peter , Young Hunter , Richter Sonja V. , Smith-Bronstein Virginia , Stock Stuart R. , Xiao Xianghui , Soriano Carmen , Whitlon Donna S.
Published: February 2018

Exposure to noise and ototoxic drugs are responsible for much of the debilitating hearing loss experienced by about 350 million people worldwide. Beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants, there have been no other FDA approved drug interventions established in the clinic that would either protect or reverse the effects of hearing loss. Using Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) in a guinea pig model, we demonstrate that fluvastatin, an inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, protects against loss of cochlear function initiated by high intensity noise. A novel synchrotron radiation based X-ray tomographic method that imaged soft tissues at micrometer resolution in unsectioned cochleae, allowed an efficient, qualitative evaluation of the three-dimensional internal structure of the intact organ. For quantitative measures, plastic embedded cochleae were sectioned followed by hair cell counting. Protection in noise-exposed cochleae is associated with retention of inner and outer hair cells. This study demonstrates the potential of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, already vetted in human medicine for other purposes, to protect against noise induced hearing loss.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Zr4+-doped Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 Cathode Material for Lithium-ion Battery at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Lu Yi , Pang Min , Shi Shiliang , Ye Qing , Tian Zhaojun , Wang Tao
Published: February 2018

The typical co-precipitation method was adopted to synthesized the Li-excess Li1.20[Mn0.52−xZr
x
Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) series cathode materials. The influences of Zr4+ doping modification on the microstructure and micromorphology of Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 cathode materials were studied intensively by the combinations of XRD, SEM, LPS and XPS. Besides, after the doping modification with zirconium ions, Li1.20[Mn0.52Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 cathode demonstrated the lower cation mixing, superior cycling performance and higher rate capacities. Among the four cathode materials, the Li1.20[Mn0.50Zr0.02Ni0.20Co0.08]O2 exhibited the prime electrochemical properties with a capacity retention of 88.7% (201.0 mAh g−1) after 100 cycles at 45 °C and a discharge capacity of 114.7 mAh g−1 at 2 C rate. The EIS results showed that the Zr4+ doping modification can relieve the thickening of SEI films on the surface of cathode and accelerate the Li+ diffusion rate during the charge and discharge process.
Permeability and ammonia selectivity in aquaporin TIP2;1: linking structure to function
Authors: Lindahl Viveca , Gourdon Pontus , Andersson Magnus , Hess Berk
Published: February 2018

Aquaporin TIP2;1 is a protein channel permeable to both water and ammonia. The structural origin of ammonia selectivity remains obscure, but experiments have revealed that a double mutation renders it impermeable to ammonia without affecting water permeability. Here, we aim to reproduce and explain these observations by performing an extensive mutational study using microsecond long molecular dynamics simulations, applying the two popular force fields CHARMM36 and Amber ff99SB-ILDN. We calculate permeabilities and free energies along the channel axis for ammonia and water. For one force field, the permeability of the double mutant decreases by a factor of 2.5 for water and 4 for ammonia, increasing water selectivity by a factor of 1.6. We attribute this effect to decreased entropy of water in the pore, due to the observed increase in pore–water interactions and narrower pore. Additionally, we observe spontaneous opening and closing of the pore on the cytosolic side, which suggests a gating mechanism for the pore. Our results show that sampling methods and simulation times are sufficient to delineate even subtle effects of mutations on structure and function and to capture important long-timescale events, but also underline the importance of improving models further.
Development and application of a rapid Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection technique using polymerase spiral reaction
Authors: Liu Wei , Zou Dayang , He Xiaoming , Ao Da , Su Yuxin , Yang Zhan , Huang Simo , Zhao Qinghe , Tang Yue , Ma Wen , Lu Yongfeng , Wang Jing , Wang Xinjing , Huang Liuyu
Published: February 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an age-old bacterium that is difficult to eliminate. A simple and rapid diagnostic method is of great importance to prevent the spread of M. tuberculosis. Here, we developed a low-cost rapid M. tuberculosis nucleic acid detection technique, named GenePop, which enabled the storage and transport of M. tuberculosis diagnostic reagent at ambient temperatures, without the need for professional operations or expensive instrumentation. Using a vitrification method, we vitrified heat-unstable components onto the cap of a reaction tube, and placed heat-stable components at the bottom of the reaction tube by sealing them with paraffin wax. The all-in-one detection tube, when used together with our other invention—a multi-functional sample treatment tube pre-filled with a nucleic acid-releasing agent—only required three simple steps to yield results. A comparative analysis with a commercial qPCR kit for M. tuberculosis indicated that our new technique had a concordance rate of 91.6%, showing no cross-reactivity with 11 other bacteria. The complete operation time was only 65 min. It is suitable for use in field settings or by personnel in grass-root units, and is applicable in household activities, hence can be used in developing countries.
The effect of air pulse-driven whole eye motion on the association between corneal hysteresis and glaucomatous visual field progression
Authors: Aoki Shuichiro , Murata Hiroshi , Matsuura Masato , Fujino Yuri , Nakakura Shunsuke , Nakao Yoshitaka , Kiuchi Yoshiaki , Asaoka Ryo
Published: February 2018

Corneal hysteresis (CH) measured with Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert: ORA) has been reported to be closely related to the glaucomatous visual field (VF) progression. The air pulse applied to an eye not only induces corneal deformation, but also whole eye motion (WEM), which may result in an inaccurate measurement of CH. Here we investigated the influence of air pulse-driven WEM measured with the Corivs ST (CST®, OCULUS) on the relationship between CH and VF progression in primary open angle-glaucoma patients. Using the CST parameters of the maximal WEM displacement (WEM-d) and the time to reach that displacement (WEM-t), the eyes were classified into subgroups (WEM-d low- and high-group, and WEM-t short- and long-group). For the whole population and all subgroups, the optimal linear mixed model to describe mean of total deviation (mTD) progression rate with eight reliable VFs was selected from all combinations of seven parameters including CH. As a result, optimal models for the mTD progression rate included CH in the whole population, the WEM-d low- group and the WEM-t short-group, but not in the WEM-d high-group and the WEM-t long-group. Our findings indicated association between CH and glaucomatous progression can be weakened because of large WEM.
Origin, evolution, and distribution of the molecular machinery for biosynthesis of sialylated lipooligosaccharide structures in Campylobacter coli
Authors: Culebro Alejandra , Machado Miguel P. , Carriço João André , Rossi Mirko
Published: February 2018

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. Additionally, C. jejuni is the most common bacterial etiological agent in the autoimmune Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Ganglioside mimicry by C. jejuni lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is the triggering factor of the disease. LOS-associated genes involved in the synthesis and transfer of sialic acid (glycosyltranferases belonging to family GT-42) are essential in C. jejuni to synthesize ganglioside-like LOS. Despite being isolated from GBS patients, scarce genetic evidence supports C. coli role in the disease. In this study, through data mining and bioinformatics analysis, C. coli is shown to possess a larger GT-42 glycosyltransferase repertoire than C. jejuni. Although GT-42 glycosyltransferases are widely distributed in C. coli population, only a fraction of C. coli strains (1%) are very likely able to express ganglioside mimics. Even though the activity of C. coli specific GT-42 enzymes and their role in shaping the bacterial population are yet to be explored, evidence presented herein suggest that loss of function of some LOS-associated genes occurred during agriculture niche adaptation.
New insights into gelatinization mechanisms of cereal endosperm starches
Authors: Wang Shujun , Chao Chen , Xiang Fengjuan , Zhang Xiu , Wang Shuo , Copeland Les
Published: February 2018

A thorough understanding of starch gelatinization is needed to control starch functional properties for food processing and human nutrition. Here, we reveal the mechanism of structural disassembly of rice, maize and wheat starch granules during thermal transitions in which a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) was used to pre-heat the starches to certain transition points in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating profiles. This was done to generate sufficient material for structural analyses. The results from DSC, Raman, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses all showed that at the conclusion temperature (Tc) of the DSC endotherm rice starch gelatinization was complete, whereas residual structural order remained in maize and wheat starches. Gelatinization of wheat and maize starch was complete at a temperature higher than Tc in the profile, which we define as the end temperature (Te). We propose that Te would be better to define the completion point of starch gelatinization than Tc.
Effect of stacking order and in-plane strain on the electronic properties of bilayer GeSe
Authors: Mao Yuliang , Xu Congshen , Yuan Jianmei , Zhao Hongquan
Published: February 2018

Bilayer germanium selenide as a new layered material is promising for nanoelectronic applications due to its unique optoelectronic properties and tunable band gap.
Highly efficient aqueous phase reduction of nitroarenes catalyzed by phosphine-decorated polymer immobilized ionic liquid stabilized PdNPs
Authors: Doherty S. , Knight J. G. , Backhouse T. , Bradford A. , Saunders F. , Bourne R. A. , Chamberlain T. W. , Stones R. , Clayton A. , Lovelock K.
Published: February 2018

Phosphino-decorated polymer immobilised ionic liquid-stabilised PdNPs are highly efficient catalysts for the aqueous phase hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds in batch and continuous flow.
Color selective manipulation in Li2ZnGe3O8:Mn2+ by multiple-cation substitution on different crystal-sites
Authors: Cheng Jinge , Li Panlai , Wang Zhijun , Li Zhenling , Tian Miaomiao , Wang Chao , Yang Zhiping
Published: February 2018

Controlling the occupation sites of Mn2+ emitters by multiple-cation substitution, the Li2ZnGe3O8:Mn2+ phosphor could be optionally tuned in the green to NIR region.
An electrically conducting crystal composed of an octahedrally ligated porphyrin complex with high-spin iron(iii)
Authors: Nishi Miki , Ishii Ryuta , Ikeda Mitsuo , Hanasaki Noriaki , Hoshino Norihisa , Akutagawa Tomoyuki , Sumimoto Michinori , Matsuda Masaki
Published: February 2018

A porphyrin-based electrically conducting crystal with high-spin iron(iii) was designed and synthesised.
Selective growth of layered perovskites for stable and efficient photovoltaics
Authors: Cho Kyung Taek , Grancini Giulia , Lee Yonghui , Oveisi Emad , Ryu Jaehoon , Almora Osbel , Tschumi Manuel , Schouwink Pascal Alexander , Seo Gabseok , Heo Sung , Park Jucheol , Jang Jyongsik , Paek Sanghyun , Garcia-Belmonte Germà , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: February 2018

We achieved improvement in performance and stability of PSCs by growing 2D perovskite layer on top of 3D perovskite films.
Membrane-active antimicrobial poly(amino-modified alkyl) β-cyclodextrins synthesized via click reactions
Authors: Yamamura Hatsuo , Nonaka Miho , Okuno Shingo , Mitsuhashi Ryogo , Kato Hisato , Katsu Takashi , Masuda Kazufumi , Tanimoto Koichi , Tomita Haruyoshi , Miyagawa Atsushi
Published: February 2018

The modified cyclodextrins exhibited antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria and less hemolytic activity.
A programmable lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle system for localized, sustained antibiotic delivery to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial biofilms
Authors: Baek Jong-Suep , Tan Chuan Hao , Ng Noele Kai Jing , Yeo Yee Phan , Rice Scott A. , Loo Say Chye Joachim
Published: February 2018

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle enhances antibiotic efficacy through localised, sustained delivery to bacterial biofilms.
Porous nanocomposite membranes based on functional GO with selective function for lithium adsorption
Authors: Sun Dongshu , Meng Minjia , Lu Yao , Hu Bo , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: February 2018

An inorganic–organic composite membrane based on functional GO nanosheet for selective lithium adsorption from compound has great potential.
Unusual strain response of thermal transport in dimerized three-dimensional graphene
Authors: Han Yang , Yang Jia-Yue , Hu Ming
Published: February 2018

Newly synthesized 3D graphene with large porosity and hollow structure holds great potential in many applications.
A study of the diffusion dynamics and concentration distribution of gold nanospheres (GNSs) without fluorescent labeling inside live cells using fluorescence single particle spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Fangchao , Dong Chaoqing , Ren Jicun
Published: February 2018

A single particle fluorescence correlation spectroscopy method to study the concentration distribution of folic acid-modified GNSs (FA-GNSs) internalized via folate receptors and investigate their diffusion dynamics within live cells.
Fabrication and near-field visualization of a wafer-scale dense plasmonic nanostructured array
Authors: Yun Jungheum , Lee Haemi , Mun ChaeWon , Jahng Junghoon , Morrison William A. , Nowak Derek B. , Song Jung-Hwan , Lim Dong-Kwon , Bae Tae-Sung , Kim Hyung Min , Kim Nam Hoon , Nam Sang Hwan , Kim Jongwoo , Seo Min-Kyo , Kim Dong-Ho , Park Sung-Gyu , Suh Yung Doug
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the fabrication and near-field visualization of a wafer-scale dense plasmonic nanostructured array.
Configurable 2D nano-flows in mesoporous films using paper patches
Authors: Mercuri M. , Gimenez R. , Berli C. L. A. , Bellino M. G.
Published: February 2018

Mesoporous film-based nanofluidics has been converted into a versatile technique by using cut paper.
Twist-bend nematic phase in biphenylethane-based copolyethers
Authors: Stevenson Warren D. , An Jianggen , Zeng Xiang-bing , Xue Min , Zou Heng-xing , Liu Yong-song , Ungar Goran
Published: February 2018

The first twist-bend nematic phase in a polymer is confirmed and characterized by a range of experimental techniques.
Surprising transformation of a block copolymer into a high performance polystyrene ultrafiltration membrane with a hierarchically organized pore structure
Authors: Shevate R. , Kumar M. , Karunakaran M. , Canlas C. , Peinemann K.-V.
Published: February 2018

A novel strategy is developed for fabrication of high-flux isoporous polystyrene membranes from an ordered diblock copolymer by an alkaline degradation pathway.
Tunable 3D hierarchical Ni3S2superstructures as efficient and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for both H2and O2generation
Authors: Zeng Lingyou , Sun Kaian , Yang Zhichao , Xie Shengli , Chen Yanju , Liu Zhi , Liu Yaqing , Zhao Jinchong , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang
Published: February 2018

3D hierarchical Ni3S2superstructures arein situgrown on nickel foam to build self-supported electrode for overall water splitting.
The role of topology in organic molecules: origin and comparison of the radical character in linear and cyclic oligoacenes and related oligomers
Authors: Pérez-Guardiola A. , Sandoval-Salinas M. E. , Casanova D. , San-Fabián E. , Pérez-Jiménez A. J. , Sancho-García J. C.
Published: February 2018

We discuss the nature of electron-correlation effects in carbon nanorings and nanobelts by a combined approach based on FT-DFT and RAS-SF methods.
Systematic dimensional reduction of the layered β-FeSe structure by solvothermal synthesis
Authors: Stahl J. , Shlaen E. , Singer H. , Johrendt D.
Published: February 2018

Solvothermal reaction conditions control the dimensionality of iron selenide fragments.
A nitrogen-rich ligand as a scaffold for slow magnetic relaxation in dysprosium-based 0D and 1D architectures
Authors: Brunet Gabriel , Sebastiao Elena , Witkowski Tomasz G. , Korobkov Ilia , Gabidullin Bulat , Murugesu Muralee
Published: February 2018

A nitrogen-rich ligand is employed as a scaffold for lanthanide ions, leading to clear SMM-like behaviour and two well-isolated modes of magnetic relaxation.
Direct sequential C–H iodination/organoyl-thiolation for the benzenoid A-ring modification of quinonoid deactivated systems: a new protocol for potent trypanocidal quinones
Authors: Jardim Guilherme A. M. , Oliveira Willian X. C. , de Freitas Rossimiriam P. , Menna-Barreto Rubem F. S. , Silva Thaissa L. , Goulart Marilia O. F. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N.
Published: February 2018

Under a combination of AgSR with a copper source, sulfur-substituted benzenoid quinones were prepared in high yields (generally >90%). The compounds have presented significant activity againstT. cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu3+-activated BiF3 nanoparticles for optical thermometry and fluorescence imaging in rice root
Authors: Du Peng , Wu Yunfei , Yu Jae Su
Published: February 2018

The luminescence, optical thermometric properties, phytotoxicity, and fluorescence imaging in plant cells of Eu3+-activated BiF3 nanoparticles were systematically studied.
Unbiased, complete solar charging of a neutral flow battery by a single Si photocathode
Authors: Wedege Kristina , Bae Dowon , Dražević Emil , Mendes Adélio , Vesborg Peter C. K. , Bentien Anders
Published: February 2018

Solar redox flow batteries have attracted attention as a possible integrated technology for simultaneous conversion and storage of solar energy.
Accelerated multi-reagent copper catalysed coupling reactions in micro droplets and thin films
Authors: Iyer Kiran , Yi Jing , Bogdan Andrew , Talaty Nari , Djuric Stevan W. , Cooks R. Graham
Published: February 2018

Electrospray (ES) and paper spray (PS) mass spectrometry were used to create confined liquid volumes in which accelerated air and water sensitive, heterogeneous, copper catalysed C–O and C–N coupling reactions occur.
Intramolecular hydride transfer onto arynes: redox-neutral and transition metal-free C(sp3)–H functionalization of amines
Authors: Idiris Fahima I. M. , Majesté Cécile E. , Craven Gregory B. , Jones Christopher R.
Published: February 2018

Novel intramolecular hydride transfer onto arynes is exploited in a redox-neutral intermolecular α-functionalization of amines with diverse pronucleophiles.
Cardiomyocyte diffusible redox mediators controlTrypanosoma cruziinfection: role of parasite mitochondrial iron superoxide dismutase
Authors: Estrada Damián , Specker Gabriela , Martínez Alejandra , Dias Patricia Pereira , Hissa Barbara , Andrade Luciana O. , Radi Rafael , Piacenza Lucía
Published: February 2018

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, is a chronic illness in which parasites persist in the host-infected tissues for years. T. cruzi invasion in cardiomyocytes elicits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators [TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ; nitric oxide (·NO)], leading to mitochondrial dysfunction with increased superoxide radical (O2·−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite generation. We hypothesize that these redox mediators may control parasite proliferation through the induction of intracellular amastigote programmed cell death (PCD). In this work, we show that T. cruzi (CL-Brener strain) infection in primary cardiomyocytes produced an early (24 h post infection) mitochondrial dysfunction with H2O2 generation and the establishment of an oxidative stress evidenced by FoxO3 activation and target host mitochondrial protein expression (MnSOD and peroxiredoxin 3). TNF-α/IL-1β-stimulated cardiomyocytes were able to control intracellular amastigote proliferation compared with unstimulated cardiomyocytes. In this condition leading to oxidant formation, an enhanced number of intracellular apoptotic amastigotes were detected. The ability of H2O2 to induce T. cruzi PCD was further confirmed in the epimastigote stage of the parasite. H2O2 treatment induced parasite mitochondrial dysfunction together with intra-mitochondrial O2·− generation. Importantly, parasites genetically engineered to overexpress mitochondrial Fe-superoxide dismutase (Fe-SODA) were more infective to TNF-α/IL-1β-stimulated cardiomyocytes with less apoptotic amastigotes; this result underscores the role of this enzyme in parasite survival. Our results indicate that cardiomyocyte-derived diffusible mediators are able to control intracellular amastigote proliferation by triggering T. cruzi PCD and that parasite Fe-SODA tilts the process toward survival as part of an antioxidant-based immune evasion mechanism.
Cytosolic carnitine acetyltransferase as a source of cytosolic acetyl-CoA: a possible mechanism for regulation of cardiac energy metabolism
Authors: Altamimi Tariq R. , Thomas Panakkezhum D. , Darwesh Ahmed M. , Fillmore Natasha , Mahmoud Mohammad U. , Zhang Liyan , Gupta Abhishek , Al Batran Rami , Seubert John M. , Lopaschuk Gary D.
Published: February 2018

The role of carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) in regulating cardiac energy metabolism is poorly understood. CrAT modulates mitochondrial acetyl-CoA/CoA (coenzyme A) ratios, thus regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and glucose oxidation. Here, we propose that cardiac CrAT also provides cytosolic acetyl-CoA for the production of malonyl-CoA, a potent inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation. We show that in the murine cardiomyocyte cytosol, reverse CrAT activity (RCrAT, producing acetyl-CoA) is higher compared with the liver, which primarily uses ATP-citrate lyase to produce cytosolic acetyl-CoA for lipogenesis. The heart displayed a lower RCrAT Km for CoA compared with the liver. Furthermore, cytosolic RCrAT accounted for 4.6 ± 0.7% of total activity in heart tissue and 12.7 ± 0.2% in H9C2 cells, while highly purified heart cytosolic fractions showed significant CrAT protein levels. To investigate the relationship between CrAT and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the cytosolic enzyme catalyzing malonyl-CoA production from acetyl-CoA, we studied ACC2-knockout mouse hearts which showed decreased CrAT protein levels and activity, associated with increased palmitate oxidation and acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio compared with controls. Conversely, feeding mice a high-fat diet for 10 weeks increased cardiac CrAT protein levels and activity, associated with a reduced acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio and glucose oxidation. These data support the presence of a cytosolic CrAT with a low Km for CoA, favoring the formation of cytosolic acetyl-CoA, providing an additional source to the classical ATP-citrate lyase pathway, and that there is an inverse relation between CrAT and the ratio of acetyl-CoA/CoA as evident in conditions affecting the regulation of cardiac energy metabolism.
Cardiac troponin for predicting all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Yu , Jiang Menglin , Gong Dandan , Man Changfeng , Chen Yuehua
Published: February 2018

Cardiac troponins are specific biomarkers of cardiac injury. However, the prognostic usefulness of cardiac troponin in patients with acute ischemic stroke is still controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association of cardiac troponin elevation with all-cause mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies up to April 31, 2017. All observational studies reporting an association of baseline cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) or troponin-I (cTnI) elevation with all-cause mortality risk in patients with acute ischemic stroke were included. Pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained using a random effect model. Twelve studies involving 7905 acute ischemic stroke patients met our inclusion criteria. From the overall pooled analysis, patients with elevated cardiac troponin were significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.83–3.50). The prognostic value of cardiac troponin elevation on all-cause mortality risk was stronger (RR: 3.54; 95% CI: 2.09–5.98) during in-hospital stay. Further stratified analysis showed elevated cTnT (RR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.47–3.77) and cTnI (RR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.68–4.64) level conferred the similar prognostic value of all-cause mortality. Acute ischemic stroke patients with elevated cTnT or cTnI at baseline independently predicted an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Determination of cardiac troponin on admission may aid in the early death risk stratification in these patients.