bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of human pluripotent stem cells to insulin precipitation induced by peristaltic pump-based medium circulation: considerations on process development
Authors: Massai Diana , Bolesani Emiliano , Diaz Diana Robles , Kropp Christina , Kempf Henning , Halloin Caroline , Martin Ulrich , Braniste Tudor , Isu Giuseppe , Harms Vanessa , Morbiducci Umberto , Dräger Gerald , Zweigerdt Robert
Published: June 2017

Controlled large-scale production of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is indispensable for their envisioned clinical translation. Aiming at advanced process development in suspension culture, the sensitivity of hPSC media to continuous peristaltic pump-based circulation, a well-established technology extensively used in hydraulically-driven bioreactors, was investigated. Unexpectedly, conditioning of low protein media (i.e. E8 and TeSR-E8) in a peristaltic pump circuit induced severe viability loss of hPSCs cultured as aggregates in suspension. Optical, biochemical, and cytological analyses of the media revealed that the applied circulation mode resulted in the reduction of the growth hormone insulin by precipitation of micro-sized particles. Notably, in contrast to insulin depletion, individual withdrawal of other medium protein components (i.e. bFGF, TGFβ1 or transferrin) provoked minor reduction of hPSC viability, if any. Supplementation of the surfactant glycerol or the use of the insulin analogue Aspart did not overcome the issue of insulin precipitation. In contrast, the presence of bovine or human serum albumin (BSA or HSA, respectively) stabilized insulin rescuing its content, possibly by acting as molecular chaperone-like protein, ultimately supporting hPSC maintenance. This study highlights the potential and the requirement of media optimization for automated hPSC processing and has broad implications on media development and bioreactor-based technologies.
Outstanding compressive creep strength in Cr/Ir-codoped (Mo0.85Nb0.15)Si2 crystals with the unique cross-lamellar microstructure
Authors: Hagihara Koji , Ikenishi Takaaki , Araki Haruka , Nakano Takayoshi
Published: June 2017

A (Mo0.85Nb0.15)Si2 crystal with an oriented, lamellar, C40/C11b two-phase microstructure is a promising ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) structural material, but its low room-temperature fracture toughness and low high-temperature strength prevent its practical application. As a possibility to overcome these problems, we first found a development of unique “cross-lamellar microstructure”, by the cooping of Cr and Ir. The cross-lamellar microstructure consists of a rod-like C11b-phase grains that extend along a direction perpendicular to the lamellar interface in addition to the C40/C11b fine lamellae. In this study, the effectiveness of the cross-lamellar microstructure for improving the high-temperature creep deformation property, being the most essential for UHT materials, was examined by using the oriented crystals. The creep rate significantly reduced along a loading orientation parallel to the lamellar interface. Furthermore, the degradation in creep strength for other loading orientation that is not parallel to the lamellar interface, which has been a serious problem up to now, was also suppressed. The results demonstrated that the simultaneous improvement of high-temperature creep strength and room temperature fracture toughness can be first accomplished by the development of unique cross-lamellar microstructure, which opens a potential avenue for the development of novel UHT materials as alternatives to existing Ni-based superalloys.
Enhanced antiviral and antifibrotic effects of short hairpin RNAs targeting HBV and TGF-β in HBV-persistent mice
Authors: Ye Lei , Kan Fangming , Yan Tao , Cao Jiaqi , Zhang Leiliang , Wu Zhijian , Li Wuping
Published: June 2017

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic liver infection, which may lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments including interferons and nucleotide analogs, have limited therapeutic effects, underscoring the need to identify effective therapeutic options to inhibit HBV replication and prevent complications. Previous animal models mimicking chronic HBV infection do not faithfully reflect disease progression in humans. Here, we used our established HBV-persistent mouse line with liver fibrosis to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapies. The combination of two short hairpin RNAs (dual-shRNA) against different coding regions of HBV delivered by a self-complementary AAV vector showed better antiviral effects than single shRNA both in vitro and in HBV-persistent mice. The dual-shRNA also exhibited stronger antifibrotic activity in vivo. Vector carrying shRNA against TGF-β, though did not inhibit HBV replication alone, enhanced the antiviral and antifibrotic activities of single and dual HBV shRNAs. Co-administration of TGF-β shRNA and HBV dual-shRNA decreased HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and liver fibrosis markers in serum and tissues, and improved liver morphology more effectively than single treatments. Our results suggest that the combination of shRNAs against HBV and TGF-β could be developed into a viable treatment for human HBV infection.
Microbial Antigens Stimulate Metalloprotease-7 Secretion in Human B-Lymphocytes Using mTOR-Dependent and Independent Pathways
Authors: Ali Mohamed F. , Dasari Harika , Van Keulen Virginia P. , Cornec Divi , Vasmatzis George , Peikert Tobias , Carmona Eva M.
Published: June 2017

Metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to tissue remodeling and acute inflammation not only by degrading extracellular matrix proteins but also by controlling the influx of chemokines through the regulation and shedding of syndecans. B-lymphocytes, in addition to their well-known function as antibody producing cells, participate in the innate immune response by secreting inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. However, there is little information about the role of B-lymphocytes in the regulation of MMPs; consequently, herein we investigated whether activated human circulating B-lymphocytes contributed to the secretion of MMPs. We demonstrate that B-lymphocytes activated by un-methylated CpG motifs, found in bacterial DNA, and β-glucans, found in the cell wall of fungi, both induced MMP-7. Interestingly, while CpG-stimulated cells activated the mTOR pathwayviaTLR9 receptor to induced MMP-7, β-glucan-stimulated cells were mTOR-independent and used Dectin-1 receptor. B-lymphocytes did not seem to have a major role in the secretion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). However, secreted MMP-7 participated in the shedding of Syndecan-4 from the surface of B-lymphocytes. In conclusion, circulating human B-lymphocytes contribute to the regulation of the innate immune system by participating in the secretion of MMP-7 which in turn is important for the shedding of Syndecan-4 in response to infectious stimuli.
Enhancing KCC2 function counteracts morphine-induced hyperalgesia
Authors: Ferrini Francesco , Lorenzo Louis-Etienne , Godin Antoine G. , Quang Miorie Le , De Koninck Yves
Published: June 2017

Morphine-induced hyperalgesia (MIH) is a severe adverse effect accompanying repeated morphine treatment, causing a paradoxical decrease in nociceptive threshold. Previous reports associated MIH with a decreased expression of the Cl− extruder KCC2 in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord, weakening spinal GABAA/glycine-mediated postsynaptic inhibition. Here, we tested whether the administration of small molecules enhancing KCC2, CLP257 and its pro-drug CLP290, may counteract MIH. MIH was typically expressed within 6–8 days of morphine treatment. Morphine-treated rats exhibited decreased withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation and increased vocalizing behavior to subcutaneous injections. Chloride extrusion was impaired in SDH neurons measured as a depolarizing shift in EGABA under Cl− load. Delivering CLP257 to spinal cord slices obtained from morphine-treated rats was sufficient to restore Cl− extrusion capacity in SDH neurons. In vivo co-treatment with morphine and oral CLP290 prevented membrane KCC2 downregulation in SDH neurons. Concurrently, co-treatment with CLP290 significantly mitigated MIH and acute administration of CLP257 in established MIH restored normal nociceptive behavior. Our data indicate that enhancing KCC2 activity is a viable therapeutic approach for counteracting MIH. Chloride extrusion enhancers may represent an effective co-adjuvant therapy to improve morphine analgesia by preventing and reversing MIH.
Shape and Composition Control of Monodisperse Hybrid Pt-CoO Nanocrystals by Controlling the Reaction Kinetics with Additives
Authors: Woo Hyunje , Kim Eunji , Kim Jun-Hyuk , Yun Su-Won , Park Ji Chan , Kim Yong-Tae , Park Kang Hyun
Published: June 2017

Here, we report the effect of Fe(CO)5 additives in the synthesis of branched Pt-CoO nanowires (NWs) and core@shell concave nanocubes (NCs), in a one-pot system. Key to the success of this synthesis is control over the shape of the Pt seeds by controlling the quantity of Fe(CO)5 additive. In the absence of Fe(CO)5, branched Pt-CoO NWs were synthesized through the attachment of small Pt seed particles, followed by the growth of CoO by deposition. On the other hand, Pt@CoO concave NCs were obtained in the presence of Fe(CO)5 because of the stronger adsorption of Co on the Pt (100) surfaces than on the closely packed (111) surfaces. Also, various other conditions including the control of reducing agents, precursor concentrations, and stabilizing agents, were used to verify the effects of reaction kinetics on the synthesis of Pt-CoO nanoparticles. Compared to Pt/graphene oxide (GO) catalyst, branched Pt-CoO NWs supported on GO showed enhanced specific activity toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Increase in predation risk and trophic level induced by nocturnal visits of piscivorous fishes in a temperate seagrass bed
Authors: Shoji Jun , Mitamura Hiromichi , Ichikawa Kotaro , Kinoshita Hikari , Arai Nobuaki
Published: June 2017

The majority of surveys on food webs of aquatic ecosystems have been conducted during the day owning to difficulties in sampling animals at night. In this study, to examine diurnal changes in predator-prey interactions in a temperate seagrassZostera marinabed, a quantitative day/night survey of fish, the dominant animal community, coupled with acoustic telemetry of their predators, was conducted. The number of species, abundance, and biomass of piscivorous predators and mean trophic level during the night were significantly higher than those in the day in all seasons. Analysis of the stomach contents of 182 piscivorous predators showed that no fish predation occurred during the day whereas predation occurred during the night in winter, spring, and summer. Acoustic telemetry demonstrated nocturnal visits by dominant piscivorous fish species (rockfishes and conger eel) to the seagrass bed. We conclude that the nocturnal visits by piscivorous fishes increased the predation risk and trophic level in the fish nursery. The ecological functions of seagrass beds should be reevaluated accounting for day/night changes in food webs; these areas serve as nurseries for juvenile and small-sized fishes during the day and as foraging grounds for predators during the night.
Drug-Repositioning Screening for Keap1-Nrf2 Binding Inhibitors using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoshizaki Yuki , Mori Takayasu , Ishigami-Yuasa Mari , Kikuchi Eriko , Takahashi Daiei , Zeniya Moko , Nomura Naohiro , Mori Yutaro , Araki Yuya , Ando Fumiaki , Mandai Shintaro , Kasagi Yuri , Arai Yohei , Sasaki Emi , Yoshida Sayaka , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi , Sohara Eisei
Published: June 2017

The Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is the major regulator of cytoprotective responses to oxidative and electrophilic stress. The Cul3/Keap1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex interacts with Nrf2, leading to Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation. In this study, we focused on the disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction to upregulate Nrf2 expression and the transcription of ARE-controlled cytoprotective oxidative stress response enzymes, such as HO-1. We completed a drug-repositioning screening for inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interactions using a newly established fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) screening system. The binding reaction between Nrf2 and Keap1 was successfully detected with a KD of 2.6 μM using our FCS system. The initial screening of 1,633 drugs resulted in 12 candidate drugs. Among them, 2 drugs significantly increased Nrf2 protein levels in HepG2 cells. These two promising drugs also upregulated ARE gene promoter activity and increased HO-1 mRNA expression, which confirms their ability to dissociate Nrf2 and Keap1. Thus, drug-repositioning screening for Keap1-Nrf2 binding inhibitors using FCS enabled us to find two promising known drugs that can induce the activation of the Nrf2-ARE pathway.
High efficacy in vitro selection procedure for generating transgenic parasites of Plasmodium berghei using an antibiotic toxic to rodent hosts
Authors: Soga Akira , Bando Hironori , Ko-ketsu Mami , Masuda-Suganuma Hirono , Kawazu Shin-ichiro , Fukumoto Shinya
Published: June 2017

The malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei is one of the main rodent malaria models. A shortcoming of this model parasite is its low flexibility in genetic manipulation. As this parasite cannot be continuously propagated in cell cultures, in vivo drug selection procedures are necessary to isolate genetic mutants. Drugs harmful to rodents therefore cannot be used for drug selection, which restricts the range of genetic manipulation. In this study, we addressed this problem by establishing a novel in vitro culture drug selection method, which we used in combination with other established methods to successfully isolate genetically manipulated parasites. The target mutants were enriched to the desired level within two weeks. We show that our system can also be used for sequential genetic manipulation of parasites carrying the traditionally used selection markers, demonstrate the procedure’s versatility, and show its use in isolating specific genetically manipulated parasites. This novel in vitro selection method increases the number of available selection markers, allowing more extensive genetic manipulation in malaria parasite research.
Late-onset Circulatory Collapse and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure are Useful Predictors of Treatment-requiring Retinopathy of Prematurity: A 9-year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Arima Mitsuru , Tsukamoto Shoko , Fujiwara Kohta , Murayama Miwa , Fujikawa Kanako , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: June 2017

Abstracts

Visual loss caused by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) will be prevented if treatment-requiring ROP (TR-ROP) can be predicted. In this retrospective study including 418 infants with ≤32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and/or ≤1500 grams of birthweight, we attempted to identify useful predictors. We also examined the efficiency of significant predictors compared with existing predictive models, ROPScore and CHOP model. Multivariable logistic regression analyses supported the following factors were useful for predicting TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP: GA (odds ratio [OR], 0.47 and 0.48), history of late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) (OR, 2.76 and 2.44) and use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at 35 weeks of postmenstrual age (OR, 3.78 and 4.50). The comparison of areas under receiver operating characteristic curves indicated the combination of LCC, CPAP and ROPScore was better than ROPScore to predict TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP (P = 0.007 and 0.02) and the combination of LCC, CPAP and CHOP model was also better than CHOP model to predict TR-ROP from all infants and infants with any ROP (P = 0.01 and 0.02). Our results suggested infants with a history of LCC and a long CPAP support have a high incidence of TR-ROP.
Thioesterase YbgC affects motility by modulating c-di-GMP levels in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Gao Tong , Meng Qiu , Gao Haichun
Published: June 2017

Because of ubiquity of thioesters, thioesterases play a critical role in metabolism, membrane biosynthesis, signal transduction, and gene regulation. In many bacteria, YbgC is such an enzyme, whose coding gene mostly resides in the tol-pal cluster. Although all other proteins encoded in the tol-pal cluster are clearly involved in maintaining cell envelope integrity and cell division, little is known about the physiological role of YbgC. In this study, we identify in Shewanella oneidensis, a γ-proteobacterium used as a research model for environmental microbes, YbgC as a motility regulator. The loss of YbgC results in enhanced motility, which is likely due to the increased rotation rate of the flagellum. The regulatory function of YbgC requires its thioesterase activity but could not be replaced by YbgC homologues of other bacteria. We further show that the regulation of YbgC is mediated by the second message c-di-GMP.
Expression of P301L-hTau in mouse MEC induces hippocampus-dependent memory deficit
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Zeng Kuan , Li Mengzhu , Wang Qun , Liu Rong , Zhang Bin , Wang Jian-Zhi , Shu Xiji , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: June 2017

Intracellular accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau in different types of neurons is a pathological characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While tau modification and associated neuronal loss and hypometabolism start in the entorhinal cortex (EC) in early AD patients, the mechanism by which mutant P301L hTau leads to dementia is not fully elucidated. Here, we studied the effects of P301L hTau transduction in the medial EC (MEC) of mice on tau phosphorylation and accumulation, and cognitive deficit. We found that the exogenous mutant tau protein was restricted in MEC without spreading to other brain regions at one month after transduction. Interestingly, expression of the mutant tau in MEC induces endogenous tau hyperphosphorylation and accumulation in hippocampus and cortex, and inhibits neuronal activity with attenuated PP-DG synapse plasticity, leading to hippocampus-dependent memory deficit with intact olfactory function. These findings suggest a novel neuropathological mechanism of early AD, which is initiated by tau accumulation in MEC, and demonstrate a tau pathological model of early stage AD.
Full-time response of starch subjected to microwave heating
Authors: Fan Daming , Wang Liyun , Zhang Nana , Xiong Lei , Huang Luelue , Zhao Jianxin , Wang Mingfu , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2017

The effect of non-ionizing microwave radiation on starch is due to a gelatinization temperature range that changes starch structure and properties. However, the changes in starch upon microwave heating are observable throughout the heating process. We compared the effects on starch heating by microwaves to the effects by rapid and regular conventional heating. Our results show that microwave heating promotes the rapid rearrangement of starch molecules at low temperatures; starch showed a stable dielectric response and a high dielectric constant. Microwave heating changed the Cole-Cole curve and the polarization of starch suspension at low temperatures. A marked transition at 2.45 GHz resulted in a double-polarization phenomenon. At temperatures below gelatinization, microwave-induced dielectric rearrangement and changes in the polarization characteristics of starch suspensions reduced the absorption properties; at temperatures above gelatinization, these characteristics became consistent with conventional heating. Throughout the heating process, microwaves change the electrical response and polarization characteristics of the starch at low temperatures, but on the macro level, there is no enhancement of the material’s microwave absorption properties. In contrast, with the warming process, the starch exhibited a “blocking effect”, and the absorption properties of the starch quickly returned to the level observed in conductive heating after gelatinization.
Modelled responses of the Kalahari Desert to 21st century climate and land use change
Authors: Mayaud Jerome R. , Bailey Richard M. , Wiggs Giles F. S.
Published: June 2017

Drylands are home to over 2 billion people globally, many of whom use the land for agricultural and pastoral activities. These vulnerable livelihoods could be disrupted if desert dunefields become more active in response to climate and land use change. Despite increasing knowledge about the role that wind, moisture availability and vegetation cover play in shaping dryland landscapes, relatively little is known about how drylands might respond to climatic and population pressures over the 21stcentury. Here we use a newly developed numerical model, which fully couples vegetation and sediment-transport dynamics, to simulate potential landscape evolution at three locations in the Kalahari Desert, under two future emissions scenarios: stabilising (RCP 4.5) and high (RCP 8.5). Our simulations suggest that whilst our study sites will experience some climatically-induced landscape change, the impacts of climate change alone on vegetation cover and sediment mobility may be relatively small. However, human activity could strongly exacerbate certain landscape trajectories. Fire frequency has a primary impact on vegetation cover, and, together with grazing pressure, plays a significant role in modulating shrub encroachment and ensuing land degradation processes. Appropriate land management strategies must be implemented across the Kalahari Desert to avoid severe environmental and socio-economic consequences over the coming decades.
Identification of a flavonoid isolated from plum (Prunus domestica) as a potent inhibitor of Hepatitis C virus entry
Authors: Bose Mihika , Kamra Mohini , Mullick Ranajoy , Bhattacharya Santanu , Das Saumitra , Karande Anjali A.
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver diseases that often requires liver transplantation. The standard therapies are limited by severe side effects, resistance development, high expense and in a substantial proportion of cases, fail to clear the infection which bespeak the need for development of well-tolerated antivirals. Since most of the drug development strategies target the replication stage of viral lifecycle, the identification of entry inhibitors might be crucial especially in case of liver-transplant recipients. In the present study we have evaluated fruits which are known for their hepatoprotective effects in order to screen for entry inhibitors. We report the identification of a flavonoid, rutin, isolated from Prunus domestica as a new HCV entry inhibitor. Characterization and confirmation of the chemical structure was done by LC-ESI-MS, NMR and IR spectral analyses. Rutin significantly inhibited HCV-LP binding to hepatoma cells and inhibited cell-culture derived HCV (HCVcc) entry into hepatoma cells. Importantly, rutin was found to be non-toxic to hepatoma cells. Furthermore, rutin inhibits the early entry stage of HCV lifecycle possibly by directly acting on the viral particle. In conclusion, rutin is a promising candidate for development of anti-HCV therapeutics in the management of HCV infection.
Terahertz circular Airy vortex beams
Authors: Liu Changming , Liu Jinsong , Niu Liting , Wei Xuli , Wang Kejia , Yang Zhengang
Published: June 2017

Vortex beams have received considerable research interests both in optical and millimeter-wave domain since its potential to be utilized in the wireless communications and novel imaging systems. Many well-known optical beams have been demonstrated to carry orbital angular momentum (OAM), such as Laguerre-Gaussian beams and high-order Bessel beams. Recently, the radially symmetric Airy beams that exhibit an abruptly autofocusing feature are also demonstrated to be capable of carrying OAM in the optical domain. However, due to the lack of efficient devices to manipulate terahertz (THz) beams, it could be a challenge to demonstrate the radially symmetric Airy beams in the THz domain. Here we demonstrate the THz circular Airy vortex beams (CAVBs) with a 0.3-THz continuous wave through 3D printing technology. Assisted by the rapidly 3D-printed phase plates, individual OAM states with topological charge l ranging from l = 0 to l = 3 and a multiplexed OAM state are successfully imposed into the radially symmetric Airy beams. We both numerically and experimentally investigate the propagation dynamics of the generated THz CAVBs, and the simulations agree well with the observations.
Correction: Corrigendum: Low-dose add-on memantine treatment may improve cognitive performance and self-reported health conditions in opioid-dependent patients undergoing methadone-maintenance-therapy
Authors: Chang Yun-Hsuan , Chen Shiou-Lan , Lee Sheng-Yu , Chen Po See , Wang Tzu-Yun , Lee I. Hui , Chen Kao Chin , Yang Yen Kuang , Hong Jau-Shyong , Lu Ru-Band
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 5: Article number: 9708; published online: 19 May 2015; updated: 15 June 2017. In this Article, there are typographical errors in Table 2. The Continuous Performance Test (CPT) data for the MMT + P group was duplicated for the HC group. The correct Table 2 appears below as Table 1.
Protective effects of fraction 4a of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum against KBrO3-induced renal damage in rats
Authors: Li J. , Shi M. , Ma B. , Zheng Y. , Niu R. , Li K.
Published: June 2017

LBP-4a exhibits protective effects on KBrO3-induced renal damage, and the mechanism correlates with the increase of oxidation resistance in renal cells.
Easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry for tissue imaging
Authors: Alberici Rosana M. , Vendramini Pedro H. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: June 2017

Easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS) can be applied for tissue imaging when the application of high voltage is impractical or undesirable.
Carbon dots for tracking and promoting the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Shao Dan , Lu Mengmeng , Xu Duo , Zheng Xiao , Pan Yue , Song Yubin , Xu Jinying , Li Mingqiang , Zhang Ming , Li Jing , Chi Guangfan , Chen Li , Yang Bai
Published: June 2017

Carbon dots and their derivatives are capable of both tracking and enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.
Depleted upconversion luminescence in NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles via simultaneous two-wavelength excitation
Authors: Zhang Hongxin , Jia Tianqing , Chen Long , Zhang Yuchan , Zhang Shian , Feng Donghai , Sun Zhenrong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: June 2017

Depleted UCL in NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ UCNPs upon simultaneous excitation at 980 nm and 1550 nm is attributed to the STED process.
Raman scattering from single WS2 nanotubes in stretched PVDF electrospun fibers
Authors: Grinberg Olga , Deng Shengwei , Zussman Eyal , Livneh Tsachi , Zak Alla
Published: June 2017

Inorganic WS2 nanotubes (INT-WS2) were embedded into sub-μm polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluropropylene (PVDF–HFP) electrospun fibers. Raman scattering was measured from single nanotubes during the stretching of individual nanocomposite fibers in order to elucidate their interactions with the polymer matrix.
Surface lattice dynamics and electron–phonon interaction in cesium ultra-thin films
Authors: Campi D. , Bernasconi M. , Benedek G. , Graham A. P. , Toennies J. P.
Published: June 2017

The phonon dispersion curves of ultrathin films of Cs(110) on Pt(111) measured with inelastic helium atom scattering (HAS) are reported and compared with density-functional perturbation theory calculations. The mass-enhancement factor is derived from the temperature dependence of the HAS Debye–Waller exponent.
Iron-catalyzed dehydrogenation reactions and their applications in sustainable energy and catalysis
Authors: Balaraman Ekambaram , Nandakumar Avanashiappan , Jaiswal Garima , Sahoo Manoj K.
Published: June 2017

This review article describes recent developments of iron-based acceptorless dehydrogenation (AD) reactions of fundamentally important feedstock, as a route to sustainable chemical synthesis and energy storage applications.
Spectrally-resolved third-harmonic generation and the fundamental role of O–H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding in Oh, Td-cobalt(ii) tetraphenylmethane-based coordination polymers
Authors: Zaręba J. K. , Janczak J. , Samoć M. , Nyk M.
Published: June 2017

The structural, topological and spectrally-resolved THG properties of the Oh, Td-cobalt(ii) tetraphenylmethane-based coordination polymer have been characterized.
Aminoalcohols and benzoates-friends or foes? Tuning nuclearity of Cu(ii) complexes, studies of their structures, magnetism, and catecholase-like activities as well as performing DFT and TDDFT studies
Authors: Sama Farasha , Dhara Ashish Kumar , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Chen Yan-Cong , Tong Ming-Liang , Ansari Istikhar A. , Raizada Mukul , Ahmad Musheer , Shahid M. , Siddiqi Zafar A.
Published: June 2017

The Cu(ii) complexes of varying nuclearity are synthesized, characterized and assessed for catecholase activities.
Laccase–silica nanoparticle conjugates can efficiently reduce the early maturation risk due to BPA in female Oreochromis mossambicus and its toxic load from the contaminated effluent
Authors: Manna Abhijit , Amutha Chinnaiah
Published: June 2017

Purified intracellular laccase fromTrametes versicolorwas conjugated with synthesized silica nanoparticles (200 nm) and applied successfully in bioremediation research.
Fragile X mental retardation protein recognizes a G quadruplex structure within the survival motor neuron domain containing 1 mRNA 5′-UTR
Authors: McAninch Damian S. , Heinaman Ashley M. , Lang Cara N. , Moss Kathryn R. , Bassell Gary J. , Rita Mihailescu Mihaela , Evans Timothy L.
Published: June 2017

SMNDC1 mRNA adopts a 5′-UTR G quadruplex structure recognized specifically by FMRP, potentially affecting spliceosome assembly in FXS.
A nondestructive approach to study resistive switching mechanism in metal oxide based on defect photoluminescence mapping
Authors: Wang Xiaohu , Gao Bin , Wu Huaqiang , Li Xinyi , Hong Deshun , Chen Yuansha , Qian He
Published: June 2017

Resistive switching device with a transparent top electrode and laser excitation of conductive filament consisting of oxygen vacancies have been reported.
Surface and grain boundary energy as the key enabler of ferroelectricity in nanoscale hafnia-zirconia: a comparison of model and experiment
Authors: Park Min Hyuk , Lee Young Hwan , Kim Han Joon , Schenk Tony , Lee Woongkyu , Kim Keum Do , Fengler Franz P. G. , Mikolajick Thomas , Schroeder Uwe , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2017

The crystalline phases in hafnia-zirconia solid solution thin films are comprehensively studied by a comparison with the thermodynamic surface or interface/grain boundary energy model.
One-pot asymmetric synthesis of a spiro[dihydrofurocoumarin/pyrazolone] scaffold by a Michael addition/I2-mediated cyclization sequence
Authors: Xia Ai-Bao , Zhang Xiao-Long , Tang Cheng-Ke , Feng Kai-Xiang , Du Xiao-Hua , Xu Dan-Qian
Published: June 2017

One-pot synthesis of spiro[dihydrofurocoumarin/pyrazolone] scaffold by Michael addition/I2-mediated cyclization.
Iron catalyzed diastereoselective hydrogenation of chiral imines
Authors: Brenna D. , Rossi S. , Cozzi F. , Benaglia M.
Published: June 2017

Cyclopentadienone-based iron complexes successfully catalyzed the stereoselective hydrogenation of chiral imines, leading to enantiopure pharmaceutically active compounds.
Ru-Catalyzed highly diastereoselective hydrogenation of N-tert-butylsulfinyl ketimines for the synthesis of aryl glycine derivatives
Authors: Wei Qiaoling , Zhang Feng , Zhao Xiaofang , Wang Chao , Xiao Jianliang , Tang Weijun
Published: June 2017

A Ru-Pincer catalyst enables the diastereoselective hydrogenation of N-tert-butylsulfinyl ketimino esters, affording a promising method for the synthesis of aryl glycine derivatives.
Ultra-thin, transparent and flexible tactile sensors based on graphene films with excellent anti-interference
Authors: Xu Minxuan , Qi Junjie , Li Feng , Liao Xinqin , Liu Shuo , Zhang Yue
Published: June 2017

The graphene based tactile sensor features a high sensitivity and shows strong anti-interference ability to the disturbance signals.
The photoprocess effects of an amino group located at different positions along the polymethine chain in indodicarbocyanine dyes
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Fan Jiangli , Sun Wen , Guo Yu , Wu Hongmei , Peng Xiaojun
Published: June 2017

The amino group is a-ICT in the even position but is the ICT in the odd position.
A novel ionic liquid polymer electrolyte for quasi-solid state lithium air batteries
Authors: Bai Junjie , Lu Huimin , Cao Yuan , Li Xudong , Wang Junren
Published: June 2017

A novel ionic liquid polymer electrolyte with enhanced electrochemical properties is developed for improved lithium–air battery performance.
Molecular-level insight into the binding of arginine to a zwitterionic Langmuir monolayer
Authors: Klug Joaquín , Masone Diego , Del Pópolo Mario G.
Published: June 2017

Arginine molecules bind to a DPPC monolayer, altering the interfacial electrostatic potential and the lateral mobility of the lipids, while having little effect on the compression isotherm of the monolayer.
First-principles calculation of lithium insertion into homogeneous a-SiC2/5O6/5as high performance anode
Authors: Liao Ningbo , Zheng Beirong , Zhang Miao , Xue Wei
Published: June 2017

Amorphous silicon oxycarbide is considered as a promising anode material for new generation of lithium-ion batteries, and figuring out the lithiation mechanism is crucial for its application.
Defect segregation to grain boundaries in BaZrO3 from first-principles free energy calculations
Authors: Lindman Anders , Bjørheim Tor S. , Wahnström Göran
Published: June 2017

Grain boundaries determine the performance of proton-conducting BaZrO3. This contribution investigates the effects of a free energy treatment of defect and dopant segregation.
Correction: Palladium aerogel as a high-performance electrocatalyst for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media
Authors: Yazdan-Abad Mehdi Zareie , Noroozifar Meissam , Modarresi-Alam Ali Reza , Saravani Hamideh
Published: June 2017

Correction for ‘Palladium aerogel as a high-performance electrocatalyst for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media’ by Mehdi Zareie Yazdan-Abad et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 10244–10249.
Micellar nanoformulation of lipophilized bortezomib: high drug loading, improved tolerability and targeted treatment of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Wu Kaiqi , Cheng Ru , Zhang Jian , Meng Fenghua , Deng Chao , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: June 2017

Lipophilization of bortezomib with pinanediol enables efficacious drug loading and targeted tumor chemotherapy with reduction-sensitive self-crosslinked micellar systems.
Light harvesting in phototrophic bacteria: structure and function
Authors: Saer Rafael G. , Blankenship Robert E.
Published: June 2017

This review serves as an introduction to the variety of light-harvesting (LH) structures present in phototrophic prokaryotes. It provides an overview of the LH complexes of purple bacteria, green sulfur bacteria (GSB), acidobacteria, filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs (FAP), and cyanobacteria. Bacteria have adapted their LH systems for efficient operation under a multitude of different habitats and light qualities, performing both oxygenic (oxygen-evolving) and anoxygenic (non-oxygen-evolving) photosynthesis. For each LH system, emphasis is placed on the overall architecture of the pigment–protein complex, as well as any relevant information on energy transfer rates and pathways. This review addresses also some of the more recent findings in the field, such as the structure of the CsmA chlorosome baseplate and the whole-cell kinetics of energy transfer in GSB, while also pointing out some areas in need of further investigation.
CFTR protects against vascular inflammation and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Li Zhengzhang , Shen Zhe , Xue Haoping , Cheng Shi , Ji Qun , Liu Yutan , Yang Xiangjun
Published: June 2017

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vascular wall. Dysfunction of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been shown to result in inflammatory responses in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, little is known about the role of CFTR in vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. Our results showed that CFTR was dominantly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaque and reduced in aorta and aortic sinus from atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice. In vivo administration of adenovirus encoding CFTR (Ad-CFTR) with apoE−/− mice fed on high-fat diet (HFD) improved plaque stability by decreasing lipid accumulation and necrotic area and increasing smooth muscle cell content and collagen. The Ad-CFTR-treated mice also displayed reduced proinflammatory cytokines levels in aorta and peritoneal macrophages, whereas the anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage markers were increased. Confocal microscopy revealed that the infiltration of T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages in aortic sinus was markedly attenuated in Ad-CFTR-treated apoE−/− mice. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that overexpression of CFTR inhibited ox-LDL-induced the migration of peritoneal macrophages. Finally, it was observed that CFTR up-regulation suppressed NFκB and MAPKs activity induced by ox-LDL. Inhibition of JNK or ERK abrogated CFTR down-regulation induced NFκB activation, whereas NFκB inhibitor had no effect on JNK or ERK activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CFTR prevents inflammation and atherogenesis via inhibition of NFκB and MAPKs activation. Our data suggest that CFTR may present a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular inflammation and development of atherosclerotic disease.
Learning to read and write in evolution: from static pseudoenzymes and pseudosignalers to dynamic gear shifters
Authors: Abudukelimu Abulikemu , Mondeel Thierry D.G.A. , Barberis Matteo , Westerhoff Hans V.
Published: June 2017

We present a systems biology view on pseudoenzymes that acknowledges that genes are not selfish: the genome is. With network function as the selectable unit, there has been an evolutionary bonus for recombination of functions of and within proteins. Many proteins house a functionality by which they ‘read’ the cell's state, and one by which they ‘write’ and thereby change that state. Should the writer domain lose its cognate function, a ‘pseudoenzyme’ or ‘pseudosignaler’ arises. GlnK involved in Escherichia coli ammonia assimilation may well be a pseudosignaler, associating ‘reading’ the nitrogen state of the cell to ‘writing’ the ammonium uptake activity. We identify functional pseudosignalers in the cyclin-dependent kinase complexes regulating cell-cycle progression. For the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, we illustrate how a ‘dead’ pseudosignaler could produce potentially selectable functionalities. Four billion years ago, bioenergetics may have shuffled ‘electron-writers’, producing various networks that all served the same function of anaerobic ATP synthesis and carbon assimilation from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, but at different ATP/acetate ratios. This would have enabled organisms to deal with variable challenges of energy need and substrate supply. The same principle might enable ‘gear-shifting’ in real time, by dynamically generating different pseudo-redox enzymes, reshuffling their coenzymes, and rerouting network fluxes. Non-stationary pH gradients in thermal vents together with similar such shuffling mechanisms may have produced a first selectable proton-motivated pyrophosphate synthase and subsequent ATP synthase. A combination of functionalities into enzymes, signalers, and the pseudo-versions thereof may offer fitness in terms of plasticity, both in real time and in evolution.
A standard-enabled workflow for synthetic biology
Authors: Myers Chris J. , Beal Jacob , Gorochowski Thomas E. , Kuwahara Hiroyuki , Madsen Curtis , McLaughlin James Alastair , Mısırlı Göksel , Nguyen Tramy , Oberortner Ernst , Samineni Meher , Wipat Anil , Zhang Michael , Zundel Zach
Published: June 2017

A synthetic biology workflow is composed of data repositories that provide information about genetic parts, sequence-level design tools to compose these parts into circuits, visualization tools to depict these designs, genetic design tools to select parts to create systems, and modeling and simulation tools to evaluate alternative design choices. Data standards enable the ready exchange of information within such a workflow, allowing repositories and tools to be connected from a diversity of sources. The present paper describes one such workflow that utilizes, among others, the Synthetic Biology Open Language (SBOL) to describe genetic designs, the Systems Biology Markup Language to model these designs, and SBOL Visual to visualize these designs. We describe how a standard-enabled workflow can be used to produce types of design information, including multiple repositories and software tools exchanging information using a variety of data standards. Recently, the ACS Synthetic Biology journal has recommended the use of SBOL in their publications.
Long noncoding RNAs: lincs between human health and disease
Authors: Kwok Zhi Hao , Tay Yvonne
Published: June 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent one of the largest classes of transcripts and are highly diverse in terms of characteristics and functions. Advances in high-throughput sequencing platforms have enabled the rapid discovery and identification of lncRNAs as key regulatory molecules involved in various cellular processes and their dysregulation in various human diseases. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the functions and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA activity with a particular focus on cancer biology. We also discuss the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for clinical applications.
TSPAN7, effector of actin nucleation required for dendritic cell-mediated transfer of HIV-1 to T cells
Authors: Ménager Mickaël M.
Published: June 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) have essential roles in early detection of pathogens and activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Whereas human DCs are resistant to productive HIV-1 replication, they have a unique ability to take up virus and transmit it efficiently to T lymphocytes. By doing that, HIV-1 may evade, at least in part, the first line of defense of the immune system, exploiting DCs instead to facilitate rapid infection of a large pool of immune cells. While performing an shRNA screen in human primary monocyte-derived DCs, to gain insights into this cell biological process, we discovered the role played by tetraspanin-7 (TSPAN7). This member of the tetraspanin family appears to be a positive regulator of actin nucleation and stabilization, through the ARP2/3 complex. By doing so, TSPAN7 limits HIV-1 endocytosis and maintains viral particles on actin-rich dendrites for an efficient transfer toward T lymphocytes. While studying the function of TSPAN7 in the control of actin nucleation, we also discovered the existence in DCs of two opposing forces at the plasma membrane: actin nucleation, a protrusive force which seems to counterbalance actomyosin contraction.
3D‐spatial efficiency optimisation of MR‐WPT using a reconfigurable resonator‐array for laptop applications
Authors: Lee Hoon Hee , Kang Seok Hyon , Jung Chang Won
Published: June 2017

In this study, magnetic resonant wireless power transfer (MR‐WPT) system with a reconfigurable resonator using RF switches (PIN diodes) was studied to improve and optimise the transfer efficiency (TE) in a limited three‐dimensional (3D) zone for laptop applications. Generally, the TE of the MR‐WPT system is decreased by a 3D spatial variation (distance and location) in between the transmitter (Tx) source and the receiver (Rx) load. To improve and optimise the TE for this spatial variation, the authors utilised RF switches in a planar arrayed coils in the Rx. The TE was optimised by the status of the coil resonator (modes 1–6, open, and short) in the Rx. The average TE of the optimal mode increased >5% comparing with that of a certain mode in the whole range of the spatial variation (x, y, z directions; 80 × 80 × 40 cm3). In addition, they analytically and experimentally demonstrated the TE optimisation by the practical laptop model with the proposed MR‐WPT system installed into a desk (yz‐plane) and the wall (z‐direction). Through this research, the proposed reconfigurable resonator with RF switches was shown to be possible for use as a reconfigurable efficiency optimiser in the MR‐WPT system.
Effects of isopropyl alcohol and acetic acid on surface roughness of Z‐cut quartz etched by ammonium bifluoride solution
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Su Wei , Tang Bin , Xu Wei , Xiong Zhuang , Gao Yang , Peng Bo
Published: June 2017

Quartz has been widely used in modern microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) industry, and wet etching is one of the primary techniques used for its manufacturation. There are many reported literatures focused on the study of etched profiles or etching rate of quartz, but few on its surface quality. Inspired by the surface quality improved by using additives in the silicon wet etching process, the effects of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and acetic acid on the surface roughness of Z‐cut quartz etched by ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) solution were investigated for the first time. Different concentration of IPA or/and acetic acid was added into the NH4HF2 solution, and the morphology of the etched surface was observed using scanning electron microscope and measured by a surface profilometer. It was found that the surface roughness of the Z‐cut quartz decreased with the increasing of IPA or acetic acid concentration. Moreover, the etched surface roughness could be further decreased by using the ternary solution containing IPA and acetic acid. The best etched result (Ra = 0.12 μm) was obtained when the solution is composed of saturated NH4HF2 + 15% v/v IPA + 10% v/v acetic acid. This work provides a new method to improve the surface quality of Z‐cut quartz, and it will benefit the future design and manufacturation work of quartz MEMS devices.
Bars and boxy/peanut bulges in thin and thick discs
Authors: Fragkoudi F. , Di Matteo P. , Haywood M. , Gómez A. , Combes F. , Katz D. , Semelin B.
Published: June 2017

We explore trends in the morphology and line-of-sight (los) velocity of stellar populations in the inner regions of disc galaxies using N-body simulations with a thin (kinematically cold) and a thick (kinematically hot) disc which form a bar and a boxy/peanut (b/p) bulge. The bar in the thin disc component is ~50% stronger than the thick disc bar and is more elongated, with an axis ratio almost half that of the thick disc bar. The thin disc b/p bulge has a pronounced X-shape, while the thick disc b/p is weaker with a rather boxy shape. This leads to the signature of the b/p bulge in the thick disc being weaker and further away from the plane than in the thin disc. Regarding the kinematics, we find that the los velocity of thick disc stars in the outer parts of the b/p bulge can be higher than that of thin disc stars, by up to 40% and 20% for side-on and Milky Way-like orientations of the bar, respectively. This is due to the different orbits followed by thin and thick disc stars in the bar-b/p region, which are affected by two factors. First, thin disc stars are trapped more efficiently in the bar-b/p instability and thus lose more angular momentum than their thick disc counterparts and second, thick disc stars have large radial excursions and therefore stars from large radii with high angular momenta can be found in the bar region. We also find that the difference between the los velocities of the thin and thick disc in the b/p bulge (Δvlos) correlates with the initial difference between the radial velocity dispersions of the two discs (Δσ). We therefore conclude that stars in the bar-b/p bulge will have considerably different morphologies and kinematics depending on the kinematic properties of the disc population they originate from.