bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human amniotic membrane conditioned medium inhibits proliferation and modulates related microRNAs expression in hepatocarcinoma cells
Authors: Riedel Rodrigo , Pérez-Pérez Antonio , Carmona-Fernández Antonio , Jaime Mariana , Casale Roberto , Dueñas José Luis , Guadix Pilar , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Varone Cecilia L. , Maymó Julieta L.
Published: October 2019

The placental stem cells have called the focus of attention for their therapeutic potential to treat different diseases, including cancer. There is plenty evidence about the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and proapoptotic properties of the amniotic membrane. Liver cancer is the fifth cause of cancer in the world, with a poor prognosis and survival. Alternative treatments to radio- or chemotherapy have been searched. In this work we aimed to study the antiproliferative properties of the human amniotic membrane conditioned medium (AM-CM) in hepatocarcinoma cells. In addition, we have analyzed the regulation of pro and antiOncomiRs expression involved in hepatocarcinoma physiology. We have determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation assay that AM-CM inhibits DNA synthesis in HepG2 cells after 72 h of treatment. AM-CM pure or diluted at 50% and 25% also diminished HepG2 and HuH-7 cells viability and cell number. Furthermore, AM-CM induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M. When proliferation mechanisms were analyzed we found that AM-CM reduced the expression of both Cyclin D1 mRNA and protein. Nuclear expression of Ki-67 was also reduced. We observed that this CM was able to promote the expression of p53 and p21 mRNA and proteins, leading to cell growth arrest. Moreover, AM-CM induced an increase in nuclear p21 localization, observed by immunofluorescence. As p53 levels were increased, Mdm-2 expression was downregulated. Interestingly, HepG2 and HuH-7 cells treatment with AM-CM during 24 and 72 h produced an upregulation of antiOncomiRs 15a and 210, and a downregulation of proOncomiRs 206 and 145. We provide new evidence about the promising novel applications of human amniotic membrane in liver cancer.
Time origin and structural analysis of the induced CRISPR/cas9 megabase-sized deletions and duplications involving the Cntn6 gene in mice
Authors: Pristyazhnyuk Inna E. , Minina Julia , Korablev Alexey , Serova Irina , Fishman Veniamin , Gridina Maria , Rozhdestvensky Timofey S. , Gubar Leonid , Skryabin Boris V. , Serov Oleg L.
Published: October 2019

In a previous study using one-step CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in mouse zygotes, we created five founders carrying a 1,137 kb deletion and two founders carrying the same deletion, plus a 2,274 kb duplication involving the Cntn6 gene (encoding contactin-6). Using these mice, the present study had the following aims: (i) to establish stage of origin of these rearrangements; (ii) to determine the fate of the deleted DNA fragments; and (iii) to estimate the scale of unpredicted DNA changes accompanying the rearrangements. The present study demonstrated that all targeted deletions and duplications occurred at the one-cell stage and more often in one pronucleus only. FISH analysis revealed that there were no traces of the deleted DNA fragments either within chromosome 6 or on other chromosomes. These data were consistent with the Southern blot analysis showing that chromosomes with deletion often had close to expected sizes of removed DNA fragments. High-throughput DNA sequencing of two homozygotes for duplication demonstrated that there were no unexpected significant or scale DNA changes either at the gRNA and joint sites or other genome sites. Thus, our data suggested that CRISPR/Cas9 technology could generate megabase-sized deletions and duplications in mouse gametes at a reasonably specific level.
A pharmacokinetic model of lead absorption and calcium competitive dynamics
Authors: Rădulescu Anca , Lundgren Steven
Published: October 2019

Lead is a naturally-occurring element. It has been known to man for a long time, and it is one of the longest established poisons. The current consensus is that no level of lead exposure should be deemed “safe”. New evidence regarding the blood levels at which morbidities occur has prompted the CDC to reduce the screening guideline of 10 μg/dl to 2 μg/dl. Measurable cognitive decline (reduced IQ, academic deficits) have been found to occur at levels below 10 μg/dl, especially in children. Knowledge of lead pharmacology allows us to better understand its absorption and metabolization, mechanisms that produce its medical consequences. Based upon an original and very simplified compartmental model of Rabinowitz (1973) with only three major compartments (blood, bone and soft tissue), extensive biophysical models sprouted over the following two decades. However, none of these models have been specifically designed to use new knowledge of lead molecular dynamics to understand its deleterious effects on the brain. We build and analyze a compartmental model of lead pharmacokinetics, focused specifically on addressing neurotoxicity. We use traditional phase space methods, parameter sensitivity analysis and bifurcation theory to study the transitions in the system’s behavior in response to various physiological parameters. We conclude that modeling the complex interaction of lead and calcium along their dynamic trajectory may successfully explain counter-intuitive effects on systemic function and neural behavior which could not be addressed by existing linear models. Our results encourage further efforts towards using nonlinear phenomenology in conjunction with empirically driven system parameters, to obtain a biophysical model able to provide clinical assessments and predictions.
The expression of four pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) human variants in Drosophila impacts on genome integrity
Authors: Mascolo Elisa , Barile Anna , Mecarelli Lorenzo Stufera , Amoroso Noemi , Merigliano Chiara , Massimi Arianna , Saggio Isabella , Hansen Torben , Tramonti Angela , Di Salvo Martino Luigi , Barbetti Fabrizio , Contestabile Roberto , Vernì Fiammetta
Published: October 2019

In eukaryotes, pyridoxal kinase (PDXK) acts in vitamin B6salvage pathway to produce pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP), the active form of the vitamin, which is implicated in numerous crucial metabolic reactions. In Drosophila, mutations in the dPdxk gene cause chromosome aberrations (CABs) and increase glucose content in larval hemolymph. Both phenotypes are rescued by the expression of the wild type human PDXK counterpart. Here we expressed, in dPdxk1 mutant flies, four PDXK human variants: three (D87H, V128I and H246Q) listed in databases, and one (A243G) found in a genetic screening in patients with diabetes. Differently from human wild type PDXK, none of the variants was able to completely rescue CABs and glucose content elicited by dPdxk1 mutation. Biochemical analysis of D87H, V128I, H246Q and A243G proteins revealed reduced catalytic activity and/or reduced affinity for PLP precursors which justify this behavior. Although these variants are rare in population and carried in heterozygous condition, our findings suggest that in certain metabolic contexts and diseases in which PLP levels are reduced, the presence of these PDXK variants could threaten genome integrity and increase cancer risk.
Balanced, bi-planar magnetic field and field gradient coils for field compensation in wearable magnetoencephalography
Authors: Holmes Niall , Tierney Tim M. , Leggett James , Boto Elena , Mellor Stephanie , Roberts Gillian , Hill Ryan M. , Shah Vishal , Barnes Gareth R. , Brookes Matthew J. , Bowtell Richard
Published: October 2019

To allow wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings to be made on unconstrained subjects the spatially inhomogeneous remnant magnetic field inside the magnetically shielded room (MSR) must be nulled. Previously, a large bi-planar coil system which produces uniform fields and field gradients was used for this purpose. Its construction presented a significant challenge, six distinct coils were wound on two 1.6 × 1.6 m2 planes. Here, we exploit shared coil symmetries to produce coils simultaneously optimised to generate homogenous fields and gradients. We show nulling performance comparable to that of a six-coil system is achieved with this three-coil system, decreasing the strongest field component Bx by a factor of 53, and the strongest gradient dBx/dz by a factor of 7. To allow the coils to be used in environments with temporally-varying magnetic interference a dynamic nulling system was developed with a shielding factor of 40 dB at 0.01 Hz. Reducing the number of coils required and incorporating dynamic nulling should allow for greater take-up of this technology. Interactions of the coils with the high-permeability walls of the MSR were investigated using a method of images approach. Simulations show a degrading of field uniformity which was broadly consistent with measured values. These effects should be incorporated into future designs.
Chitin–glucan and pomegranate polyphenols improve endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Neyrinck Audrey M. , Catry Emilie , Taminiau Bernard , Cani Patrice D. , Bindels Laure B. , Daube Georges , Dessy Chantal , Delzenne Nathalie M.
Published: October 2019

The vascular dysfunction is the primary event in the occurrence of cardio-vascular risk, and no treatment exists until now. We tested for the first time the hypothesis that chitin-glucan (CG) - an insoluble fibre with prebiotic properties- and polyphenol-rich pomegranate peel extract (PPE) can improve endothelial and inflammatory disorders in a mouse model of cardiovascular disease (CVD), namely by modulating the gut microbiota. Male Apolipoprotein E knock-out (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high fat (HF) diet developed a significant endothelial dysfunction attested by atherosclerotic plaques and increasing abundance of caveolin-1 in aorta. The supplementation with CG + PPE in the HF diet reduced inflammatory markers both in the liver and in the visceral adipose tissue together with a reduction of hepatic triglycerides. In addition, it increased the activating form of endothelial NO-synthase in mesenteric arteries and the heme-nitrosylated haemoglobin (Hb-NO) blood levels as compared with HF fed ApoE−/− mice, suggesting a higher capacity of mesenteric arteries to produce nitric oxide (NO). This study allows to pinpoint gut bacteria, namely Lactobacillus and Alistipes, that could be implicated in the management of endothelial and inflammatory dysfunctions associated with CVD, and to unravel the role of nutrition in the modulation of those bacteria.
Reduced network extremal ensemble learning (RenEEL) scheme for community detection in complex networks
Authors: Guo Jiahao , Singh Pramesh , Bassler Kevin E.
Published: October 2019

We introduce an ensemble learning scheme for community detection in complex networks. The scheme uses a Machine Learning algorithmic paradigm we call Extremal Ensemble Learning. It uses iterative extremal updating of an ensemble of network partitions, which can be found by a conventional base algorithm, to find a node partition that maximizes modularity. At each iteration, core groups of nodes that are in the same community in every ensemble partition are identified and used to form a reduced network. Partitions of the reduced network are then found and used to update the ensemble. The smaller size of the reduced network makes the scheme efficient. We use the scheme to analyze the community structure in a set of commonly studied benchmark networks and find that it outperforms all other known methods for finding the partition with maximum modularity.
Modeling the global distribution of Culicoides imicola: an Ensemble approach
Authors: Leta Samson , Fetene Eyerusalem , Mulatu Tesfaye , Amenu Kebede , Jaleta Megarsa Bedasa , Beyene Tariku Jibat , Negussie Haileleul , Revie Crawford W.
Published: October 2019

Culicoides imicola is a midge species serving as vector for a number of viral diseases of livestock, including Bluetongue, and African Horse Sickness. C. imicola is also known to transmit Schmallenberg virus experimentally. Environmental and demographic factors may impose rapid changes on the global distribution of C. imicola and aid introduction into new areas. The aim of this study is to predict the global distribution of C. imicola using an ensemble modeling approach by combining climatic, livestock distribution and land cover covariates, together with a comprehensive global dataset of geo-positioned occurrence points for C. imicola. Thirty individual models were generated by ‘biomod2’, with 21 models scoring a true skill statistic (TSS) >0.8. These 21 models incorporated weighted runs from eight of ten algorithms and were used to create a final ensemble model. The ensemble model performed very well (TSS = 0.898 and ROC = 0.991) and indicated high environmental suitability for C. imicola in the tropics and subtropics. The habitat suitability for C. imicola spans from South Africa to southern Europe and from southern USA to southern China. The distribution of C. imicola is mainly constrained by climatic factors. In the ensemble model, mean annual minimum temperature had the highest overall contribution (42.9%), followed by mean annual maximum temperature (21.1%), solar radiation (13.6%), annual precipitation (11%), livestock distribution (6.2%), vapor pressure (3.4%), wind speed (0.8%), and land cover (0.1%). The present study provides the most up-to-date predictive maps of the potential distributions of C. imicola and should be of great value for decision making at global and regional scales.
ADMA as a possible marker of endothelial damage. A study in young asymptomatic patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Janes Francesco , Cifù Adriana , Pessa Maria Elena , Domenis Rossana , Gigli Gian Luigi , Sanvilli Nova , Nilo Annacarmen , Garbo Riccardo , Curcio Francesco , Giacomello Roberta , Fabris Martina , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: October 2019

Sporadic small vessel disease (SVD) has high prevalence in aging population and stroke patients, but also in younger asymptomatic subjects. In this last group it can represents a prelude to stroke and cognitive impairment. Still nowadays, its pathogenesis is unclear. 35 consecutive patients with SVD at brain MRI and 35 age- and sex-matched controls, between January 2016 and February 2018, underwent an extended screening for thrombophilia, autoimmunity and evaluated levels of blood markers of inflammation and endothelial activation. Asymmetric DiMethyl Arginine (ADMA) levels proved higher in patients (70.44 ± 36.25 ng/ml vs. 46.58 ± 30.67 ng/ml; p = 0.004), also after controlling for confounding factors. ADMA levels showed positive correlation with Fazekas score (r = 0.304; p = 0.01). ROC curve analysis showed a moderate accuracy in discriminating patients and controls (AUC = 0.70; CI 0.57–0.82; p = 0.004): a cut-off of 46 ng/ml is associated with 80% sensitivity, but limited (54%) specificity. Higher ADMA levels characterize selected subjects with sporadic SVD, asymptomatic for vascular diseases and without latent inflammatory conditions or coagulopathy. This reinforces the hypothesis of the key role of endothelial dysfunction in SVD. Further studies should explore the cause-effect relationship between ADMA pathway and SVD.
Strain diversity of Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue suggests rare interspecies transmission in African nonhuman primates
Authors: Chuma Idrissa S. , Roos Christian , Atickem Anagaw , Bohm Torsten , Anthony Collins D. , Grillová Linda , Hallmaier-Wacker Luisa K. , Kazwala Rudovick R. , Keyyu Julius D. , Lüert Simone , Maloueki Ulrich , Oppelt Jan , Petrželková Klára J. , Piel Alexander , Stewart Fiona A. , Šmajs David , Knauf Sascha
Published: October 2019

In our most recent study, we found that in Tanzania infection with Treponema pallidum (TP) subsp. pertenue (TPE) is present in four different monkey species. In order to gain information on the diversity and epidemiological spread of the infection in Tanzanian nonhuman primates (NHP), we identified two suitable candidate genes for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). We demonstrate the functionality of the MLST system in invasively and non-invasively collected samples. While we were not able to demonstrate frequent interspecies transmission of TPE in Tanzanian monkeys, our results show a clustering of TPE strains according to geography and not host species, which is suggestive for rare transmission events between different NHP species. In addition to the geographic stability, we describe the relative temporal stability of the strains infecting NHPs and identified multi-strain infection. Differences between TPE strains of NHP and human origin are highlighted. Our results show that antibiotic resistance does not occur in Tanzanian TPE strains of NHP origin.
Decoding multifarious role of cow dung bacteria in mobilization of zinc fractions along with growth promotion of C. annuum L.
Authors: Bhatt Kalpana , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar
Published: October 2019

Zinc is one of the micronutrients, required by all types of crops. About 10–100ppm of zinc is present in soil which is generally immobile. The cow dung sustains all life and being practice since aeons. Exploitation of cow dung bacteria can mobilize nutrients besides contributing in sustainable agriculture. Therefore, to examine mobilization of Zn, cow dung is used as a source of bacteria. The objectives of the present study were to isolate an array of bacteria from cow dung and to characterize them for their Zn (ZnO and ZnCO3) mobilization ability in addition to establish the optimum conditions for dissolution of zinc. A total of seventy bacterial isolates have been screened for Zn mobilization. Out of which most potent (CDK15 and CDK25) were selected to study the effect of various parameters viz. pH, temperature and concentration of Zn. These parameters were assessed qualitatively in diverse growth medium and quantitatively using Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Optimum pH and temperature for mobilization was recorded at pH 5 (ZnO) and 37 °C (ZnCO3) by CDK25, whereas, optimum zinc concentration for mobilization was recorded at 0.05% (ZnO) by CDK15. Maximum amount of Zn solubilized was recorded by CDK25 in ZnO (20ppm). Considering the abilities of most potent bacterial isolates with reference to P-mobilization and growth promoting traits, pot culture assay of C. annuum L. was carried out. The findings of which conclude that, bacterium CDK25 (Bacillus megaterium) could be exploited for factors viz. nutrient management of Zn, growth promoting agent, and Zn augmentation in soil.
MMP-2 and MMP-9 plasma levels are potential biomarkers for indeterminate and cardiac clinical forms progression in chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Medeiros Nayara I. , Gomes Juliana A. S. , Fiuza Jacqueline A. , Sousa Giovane R. , Almeida Eliane F. , Novaes Renata O. , Rocha Virgínia L. S. , Chaves Ana T. , Dutra Walderez O. , Rocha Manoel O. C. , Correa-Oliveira Rodrigo
Published: October 2019

One of the major challenges in chronic Chagas disease is to understand the mechanisms that predict the clinical evolution from asymptomatic to severe cardiac clinical forms. Our cohort consisted of twenty-eight Chagas disease patients followed for twenty years. Plasma levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinases and TIMPs were evaluated by multiplexed immunoassay at two points in time with an average interval of six years. MMP-2 plasma levels, but not MMP-9, increased in cardiac patients over time. TIMP-1 levels diminished in cardiac patients, while TIMP-3 dropped in asymptomatic patients in the course of the evaluated interval. An inversion of time lines was observed relative to the clinical asymptomatic and cardiac forms for MMP-2. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis identified MMP-2 as a biomarker to distinguish asymptomatic from cardiac clinical forms, while MMP-9 is a biomarker that segregates infected from non-infected patients. We have pointed out that MMP-2 and MMP-9 together can predict clinical evolution in Chagas disease. MMP-2 was suggested as a biomarker for fibrosis replacement in early remodeling and a sensitive predictor for initial changes in asymptomatic patients that may evolve into the cardiac clinical form. MMP-9 seems to be a biomarker for late fibrosis and severe cardiac remodeling in cardiac patients.
Acquisition of a side population fraction augments malignant phenotype in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yamanoi Koji , Baba Tsukasa , Abiko Kaoru , Hamanishi Junzo , Yamaguchi Ken , Murakami Ryusuke , Taki Mana , Hosoe Yuko , Murphy Susan K. , Konishi Ikuo , Mandai Masaki , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: October 2019

Side population (SP) cells harbor malignant phenotypes in cancer. The aim of this study was to identify genes that modulate the proportion of ovarian cancer SP cells. Using a shRNA library targeting 15,000 genes, a functional genomics screen was performed to identify genes whose suppression increased the SP percentage. The biological effects caused by alteration of those identified genes were investigated in vitro and in vivo. We found that suppression of MSL3, ZNF691, VPS45, ITGB3BP, TLE2, and ZNF498 increased the proportion of SP cells. Newly generated SP cells exhibit greater capacity for sphere formation, single cell clonogenicity, and in vivo tumorigenicity. On the contrary, overexpression of MSL3, VPS45, ITGB3BP, TLE2, and ZNF498 decreased the proportion of SP cells, sphere formation capacity and single cell clonogenicity. In ovarian cancer cases, low expression of MSL3, ZNF691 and VPS45 was related to poor prognosis. Suppression of these six genes enhanced activity of the hedgehog pathway. Cyclopamine, a hedgehog pathway inhibitor, significantly decreased the number of SP cells and their sphere forming ability. Our results provide new information regarding molecular mechanisms favoring SP cells and suggest that Hedgehog signaling may provide a viable target for ovarian cancer.
Pollinators enhance crop yield and shorten the growing season by modulating plant functional characteristics: A comparison of 23 canola varieties
Authors: Adamidis George C. , Cartar Ralph V. , Melathopoulos Andony P. , Pernal Stephen F. , Hoover Shelley E.
Published: October 2019

Insect pollination of flowers should change the within-season allocation of resources in plants. But the nature of this life-history response, particularly regarding allocation to roots, photosynthetic structures, and flowers, is empirically unresolved. This study uses a greenhouse experiment to investigate the effect of insect pollination on the reproductive output of 23 varieties of a globally important crop—canola (Brassica napus). Overall, insect pollination modified the functional characteristics (flower timing & effort, plant size & shape, seed packaging, root biomass) of canola, increasing seed production and quality, and pollinator dependence. Reproductive output and pollinator dependence were defined by strong trait trade-offs, which ranged from more pollinator-dependent plants favouring early reproductive effort, to less pollinator-dependent plants favouring a prolonged phenology with smaller plant size and lower seed quality. Seed production decreased with pollinator dependence in the absence of pollinators. The agricultural preference for hybrid varieties will increase seed production compared to open-pollinated varieties, but, even so, pollinators typically enhance seed production of both types. Our study elucidates how insect pollination alters the character and function of a globally important crop, supporting optimization of yield via intensification of insect pollination, and highlights the beneficial effects of insect pollination early in the season.
X-Ray Diffraction Tomography Recovery of the 3D Displacement-Field Function of the Coulomb-Type Point Defect in a Crystal
Authors: Chukhovskii F. N. , Konarev P. V. , Volkov V. V.
Published: October 2019

A successive approach to the solution of the inverse problem of the X-ray diffraction tomography (XRDT) is proposed. It is based on the semi-kinematical solution of the dynamical Takagi–Taupin equations for the σ-polarized diffracted wave amplitude. Theoretically, the case of the Coulomb-type point defect in a single crystal Si(111) under the exact conditions of the symmetric Laue diffraction for a set of the tilted X-ray topography 2D-images (2D projections) is considered provided that the plane-parallel sample is rotated around the diffraction vector [$$\bar{{\bf{2}}}$$

2
¯

20]. The iterative simulated annealing (SA) and quasi-Newton gradient descent (qNGD) algorithm codes are used for a recovery of the 3D displacement-field function of the Coulomb-type point defect. The computer recovery data of the 3D displacement-field function related to the one XRDT 2D projection are presented. It is proved that the semi-kinematical approach to the solution of the dynamical Takagi–Taupin equations is effective for recovering the 3D displacement-field function even for the one XRDT 2D projection.
Author Correction: Identification of stably expressed housekeeping miRNAs in endothelial cells and macrophages in an inflammatory setting
Authors: Link Fabian , Krohn Knut , Schumann Julia
Published: October 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper
Linker-free antibody conjugation for sensitive hydrogel microparticle-based multiplex immunoassay
Authors: Lee Hyun Jee , Kim Ju Yeon , Roh Yoon Ho , Kim Sun Min , Bong Ki Wan
Published: October 2019

Graphically encoded hydrogel microparticles were directly conjugated with reduced antibodies without linkers for highly sensitive multiplex immunoassay.
Sensitive analysis of multiple low-molecular-weight thiols in a single human cervical cancer cell by chemical derivatization-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Xiao Hua-Ming , Wang Xian , Liao Quan-Lan , Zhao Shuai , Huang Wei-Hua , Feng Yu-Qi
Published: October 2019

Simultaneous quantification of multiple low-molecular-weight thiols from a single HeLa cell was realized by chemical derivatization assisted LC-MS method.
A simple and rapid chemosensor for colorimetric detection of dimethoate pesticide based on the peroxidase-mimicking catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Hu Yang , Wang Jinlong , Wu Yuangen
Published: October 2019

A novel chemosensor based on the inhibition of the peroxidase-like activity of AuNPs has been proposed for the simple and rapid detection of dimethoate pesticide in agricultural products.
A benzothiazole-conjugated hemicyanine dye as a ratiometric NIR fluorescent probe for the detection and imaging of peroxynitrite in living cells
Authors: Guria Uday Narayan , Gangopadhyay Ankita , Ali Syed Samim , Maiti Kalipada , Samanta Sandip Kumar , Manna Srimanta , Ghosh Asim Kumar , Uddin Md. Raihan , Mandal Sukhendu , Mahapatra Ajit Kumar
Published: October 2019

We report here a new red emitting ratiometric fluorescent probe containing a benzothiazole–hemicyanine scaffold (BPVI) linked with a CC double bond, which is a highly selective and sensitive sensor for peroxynitrite (ONOO−) in biological systems.
Efficient blue light emitting materials based on m-carborane–anthracene dyads. Structure, photophysics and bioimaging studies
Authors: Chaari Mahdi , Kelemen Zsolt , Choquesillo-Lazarte Duane , Gaztelumendi Nerea , Teixidor Francesc , Viñas Clara , Nogués Carme , Núñez Rosario
Published: October 2019

Linking m-carborane to the anthracene dye produces an exceptional enhancement of the fluorescence properties, with quantum efficiencies close to 100% in solution. Dyads were internalized by HeLa cells through endocytosis showing intense blue emission.
Green and cytocompatible carboxyl modified gold–lysozyme nanoantibacterial for combating multidrug-resistant superbugs
Authors: Ahmady Islam M. , Hameed Mehavesh K. , Almehdi Ahmed M. , Arooj Mahreen , Workie Bizuneh , Sahle-Demessie Endalkachew , Han Changseok , Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: October 2019

The antibacterial functionalities of gold–carbon nanoparticles bioconjugated with lysozyme showed little or no damage to healthy human cells.
H2O2-activated oxidative stress amplifier capable of GSH scavenging for enhancing tumor photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Yadong , Zhou Zhanwei , Liu Yidi , Li Yanhui , Huang Xinzhi , Qian Chenggen , Sun Minjie
Published: October 2019

An oxidative stress amplifier (OSA) capable of GSH scavenging and accelerated release by positive feedback was fabricated for enhancing the efficacy of tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Light-controlled efficient photoluminescence based on an europium β-diketonate complex with single-crystal-to-single-crystal [2+2] cycloaddition
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Jing , Feng Xin , Kong Ming , Hu Zhao-Bo , Zheng You-Xuan , Song You
Published: October 2019

An europium β-diketonate complex is first reported with enhanced luminescence by single-crystal-to-single-crystal [2+2] cycloaddition, which is useful for security photo.
Highly isoselective ring-opening polymerization of rac-O-carboxyanhydrides using a zinc alkoxide initiator
Authors: Cui Yaqin , Jiang Jinxing , Pan Xiaobo , Wu Jincai
Published: October 2019

A highly isoselective ROP system using just a zinc alkoxide as an initiator for the isoselective ROP of OCAs with the best Pm value of 0.97 at −70 °C.
Fluorescence imaging of a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer cells using a peptide-functionalized fluorogenic 2D material
Authors: Dou Wei-Tao , Liu Li-Fang , Gao Jie , Zang Yi , Chen Guo-Rong , Field Robert A. , James Tony D. , Li Jia , He Xiao-Peng
Published: October 2019

A fluorogenic 2D material has been developed for the imaging of PROCR, a potential biomarker for triple-negative breast cancer.
Photoinduced-electron-transfer-driven surface modification to regulate adsorption behavior in a pyridinium-decorated metal–organic framework
Authors: Yang Xiao-Dong , Gao Na , Ma Shuai , Cui Jing-Wang , Jia Meng-Ze , Zhang Jie
Published: October 2019

Photoinduced-electron-transfer-driven surface modification was presented in a pyridinium-decorated metal–organic framework and found to be effective to regulate its adsorption behaviors toward polar molecules and halogens.
Polymyxin derivatives as broad-spectrum antibiotic agents
Authors: Su Ma , Wang Minghui , Hong Yuzhu , Nimmagadda Alekhya , Shen Ning , Shi Yan , Gao Ruixuan , Zhang En , Cao Chuanhai , Cai Jianfeng
Published: October 2019

A few polymyxin derivatives with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity were developed. Lead compound P1 disrupted bacterial membranes rapidly without developing resistance.
Nucleophilic halo-Michael addition under Lewis-base activation
Authors: Laina-Martín Víctor , Pérez Ignacio , Fernández-Salas Jose A. , Alemán José
Published: October 2019

A simple and general conjugate nucleophilic halogenation is presented. In addition, a straightforward diastereoselective halogen installation using α,β-unsaturated acyloxazolidinones as platforms has been developed.
Salen/salan metallic complexes as redox labels for electrochemical aptasensors
Authors: Ben Jrad Amani , Kanso Hussein , Raviglione Delphine , Noguer Thierry , Inguimbert Nicolas , Calas-Blanchard Carole
Published: October 2019

We provide a new route for the functionalization of electrode supporting aptamers conjugated to a salan chelator useful in biosensor devices.
Systematic investigation of hydrogen-bond propensities for informing co-crystal design and assembly
Authors: Sarkar Nandini , Sinha Abhijeet S. , Aakeröy Christer B.
Published: October 2019

Structure-informatics methods can provide important guidelines for defining the experimental space that needs to be explored in the efficient pursuit of new co-crystals.
13C–13C spin-coupling constants in crystalline 13C-labeled saccharides: conformational effects interrogated by solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Yoon Mi-Kyung , Meredith Reagan J. , Zajicek Jaroslav , Oliver Allen G. , Hadad Matthew , Frey Michael H. , Carmichael Ian , Serianni Anthony S.
Published: October 2019

Solid-state 13C NMR reveals differences in O-glycosidic linkage conformation in solution and in crystalline disaccharides. Experimental JCC values in crystalline samples provide a means of validating JCC calculated from density functional theory.
Atmospheric chemistry of the self-reaction of HO2 radicals: stepwise mechanism versus one-step process in the presence of (H2O)n (n = 1–3) clusters
Authors: Zhang Tianlei , Wen Mingjie , Zhang Yongqi , Lan Xinguang , Long Bo , Wang Rui , Yu Xiaohu , Zhao Caibin , Wang Wenliang
Published: October 2019

In the incorporation of the catalyst (H2O)n (n = 1–3) into the HO2 + HO2 → H2O2 + 3O2 reaction, the catalytic effect of water, water dimers and water trimers is mainly derived from the contribution of a single water vapor molecule by a stepwise route.
Rate constants for the N(2D) + C2H2 reaction over the 50–296 K temperature range
Authors: Nuñez-Reyes Dianailys , Loison Jean-Christophe , Hickson Kevin M. , Dobrijevic Michel
Published: October 2019

The reactions of metastable atomic nitrogen N(2D) are important processes in the gas-phase chemistry of several planetary atmospheres.
Understanding propyl cyanide and its isomers formation: ab initio study of the spectroscopy and reaction mechanisms
Authors: Kerkeni Boutheïna , Gámez Victoria , Senent Maria Luisa , Feautrier Nicole
Published: October 2019

Recent detection of propyl cyanide (C3H7CN) toward the Galactic Center star-forming source Sagittarius B2(N) with both linear and branched structures has stimulated many experimental and theoretical studies.
First principles investigation of the spectral properties of neutral, zwitterionic, and bis-cationic azaacenes
Authors: Guevara-Level Patricia , Pascal Simon , Siri Olivier , Jacquemin Denis
Published: October 2019

An in-depth investigation of the optical properties of recently-synthesized linear azaacene derivatives of various electronic nature (neutral, dicationic, and zwitterionic) is presented.
Unfolding the complexation and extraction of Am3+ and Eu3+ using N-heterocyclic aromatic diphosphonic acids: a combined experimental and DFT study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arunasis , Ansari Seraj A. , Matveev Petr I. , Zakirova Gladis G. , Borisova Nataliya E. , Petrov Vladimir G. , Sumyanova Tsagana , Verma Parveen Kumar , Kalmykov Stepan N. , Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar
Published: October 2019

Extraction behaviour of Am3+ with three ‘N,O’-donor N-heterocyclic aromatic diphosphonates is explained using spectroscopic and DFT studies.
Conformal monolayer contacts with lossless interfaces for perovskite single junction and monolithic tandem solar cells
Authors: Al-Ashouri Amran , Magomedov Artiom , Roß Marcel , Jošt Marko , Talaikis Martynas , Chistiakova Ganna , Bertram Tobias , Márquez José A. , Köhnen Eike , Kasparavičius Ernestas , Levcenco Sergiu , Gil-Escrig Lidón , Hages Charles J. , Schlatmann Rutger , Rech Bernd , Malinauskas Tadas , Unold Thomas , Kaufmann Christian A. , Korte Lars , Niaura Gediminas , Getautis Vytautas , Albrecht Steve
Published: October 2019

We introduce new hole-selective contacts for next-generation perovskite photovoltaics and point to design paths for molecular engineering of perfect interfaces.
Intramolecular electronic coupling in porous iron cobalt (oxy)phosphide nanoboxes enhances the electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution
Authors: Zhang Huabin , Zhou Wei , Dong Juncai , Lu Xue Feng , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: October 2019

The effective intramolecular electronic coupling between the Fe and Co atoms via P/O bridges greatly enhances the electrocatalytic activity of Fe–Co (oxy)phosphide nanoboxes.
Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from tap water using heterogeneously catalyzed ozonation
Authors: Franke Vera , Schäfers Miriam Dorothea , Joos Lindberg Johan , Ahrens Lutz
Published: October 2019

Heterogeneously catalyzed ozonation is successful in removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water, while persulfate can aid the treatment process.
Potassium sorbate suppresses intestinal microbial activity and triggers immune regulation in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Peng Qiannan , Chang Haibo , Wang Rui , You Zhengkai , Jiang Shuaiming , Ma Chenchen , Huo Dongxue , Zhu Xiaopeng , Zhang Jiachao
Published: October 2019

Potassium sorbate (PS) is a class of bacteriostatic antiseptic agent widely used in the food industry; the effects of its intake on host health are currently unclear.
Production and purification of crystallized levoglucosan from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Rover Marjorie R. , Aui Alvina , Wright Mark Mba , Smith Ryan G. , Brown Robert C.
Published: October 2019

Levoglucosan has significant potential in commercial applications for the synthesis of polymers, solvents and pharmaceuticals.
Excess adsorption of acetonitrile and water on MIL-100(Fe) and its potential application in mixed-mode chromatography
Authors: Tasaki-Handa Yuiko , Yoshikawa Maho , Saito Shingo , Shibukawa Masami
Published: October 2019

Potential application of MIL-100(Fe) to reversed- and-normal phase mixed-mode chromatography was suggested.
Does poly(ionic liquid) modulate the non-covalent interactions of chicken egg white lysozyme? Elucidation of biomolecular interactions between biomolecules and macromolecular solvents
Authors: Mogha Navin Kumar , Yadav Niketa , Sindhu Anamika , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: October 2019

Stabilizing and destabilizing effects of different poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) concentrations on chicken egg white lysozyme as a reason for bimolecular interactions.
Enhanced luminescence for detection of small molecules based on doped lanthanide compounds with a dinuclear double-stranded helicate structure
Authors: Xu Yuan-Yi , Sun Ou , Qi Yue , Xie Bo-Yu , Gao Ting
Published: October 2019

A family of isostructural lanthanide compounds was explored and enhanced luminescence accomplished by doping. A novel and multifunctional fluorescence probe was developed, which was able to detect CH3COOH, Al3+and Cr2O72−.
Aggregation-induced emission based PET probe for liver function imaging
Authors: Liu Song , Huang Yong , Liu Yajing , Wu Renbo , Yang Zequn , Sun Yuli , Xiao Hao , Cheng Xuebo , Wu Zehui
Published: October 2019

A novel aggregation-induced emission based PET probe for liver function imaging was developed.
Evidence of anomalous switching of the in-plane magnetic easy axis with temperature in Fe3O4 film on SrTiO3:Nb by v-MOKE and ferromagnetic resonance
Authors: Cuñado José Luis Fdez. , Camarero Julio , Pedrosa Francisco J. , Nemes Norbert M. , Sanz Mikel , Oujja Mohamed , Rebollar Esther , Marco José F. , de la Figuera Juan , Monti Matteo , Castillejo Marta , Feher Titusz , Nafradi Balint , Forró Laszlo , Bollero Alberto
Published: October 2019

The in-plane magnetic easy axis of Fe3O4 film grown on SrTiO3:Nb substrate by PLD (nanosecond IR laser) switches with temperature from 〈100〉 (above Verwey transition temperature, TV) to 〈110〉 (T < TV) directions.
Preparation of polymer gold nanoparticle composites with tunable plasmon coupling and their application as SERS substrates
Authors: Belhout Samir A. , Baptista Frederico R. , Devereux Stephen J. , Parker Anthony W. , Ward Andrew D. , Quinn Susan J.
Published: October 2019

The plasmonic properties of composites with controlled AuNP loading are found to be well described by a plasmon ruler equation, and Raman optical tweezer results show the SERS performance in the bulk is dominated by the discrete composite properties.
Mechanically strong and electrically conductive multilayer MXene nanocomposites
Authors: Lipton Jason , Weng Guo-Ming , Alhabeb Mohamed , Maleski Kathleen , Antonio Francisco , Kong Jaemin , Gogotsi Yury , Taylor Andre D.
Published: October 2019

A high-strength composite is formed by the hierarchical assembly of electrically conductive two-dimensional MXenes in a nacre-inspired structure.
Binder-free V2O5/CNT paper electrode for high rate performance zinc ion battery
Authors: Yin Bosi , Zhang Siwen , Ke Ke , Xiong Ting , Wang Yinming , Lim Boon Kiang David , Lee Wee Siang Vincent , Wang Zhenbo , Xue Junmin
Published: October 2019

This work reports a significant electrochemical performance enhancement (especially the rate performance and cycling stability) by adopting a freestanding V2O5/CNT composite paper (VCP) as the ZIB cathode.
Hafnium nanocrystals observed in a HfTiO compound film bring about excellent performance of flexible selectors in memory integration
Authors: Ye Cong , Xu Zhong , Chang Kuan-Chang , Li Lei , Lin Xinnan , Zhang Rui , Zhou Yi , Xiong Wen , Kuo Tzu-Peng
Published: October 2019

Hafnium nanocrystals are found and the corresponding physical models are proposed to explain the mechanism of the flexible Pt/HfTiO/ITO selector.
Synthesis of spirobarbiturate-pyrrolidinones via a domino aza-Michael/SN2 cyclization of barbiturate-derived alkenes with N-alkoxy α-haloamides
Authors: Wang Chuan-Chuan , Zhou Jing , Ma Zhi-Wei , Chen Xiao-Pei , Chen Ya-Jing
Published: October 2019

A variety of bioactive spirobarbiturate-3-pyrrolidinones were prepared by a highly efficient domino aza-MIRC reaction of barbiturate-derived alkenes with N-alkoxy α-haloamides under mild conditions.
Cucurbit[8]uril-based supramolecular polymer nanocapsules as an effective siRNA delivery platform for gene therapy
Authors: Li Fei , Wang Mingyang , Guan Shuwen , Huang Zupeng , Liu Shengda , Li Xiumei , Jiang Xiaojia , Luo Quan , Xu Jiayun , Liu Junqiu
Published: October 2019

An effective siRNA delivery platform was constructed by supramolecular self-assembly to achieve enhanced transfection efficiency and the gene silencing effect.
The unrevealed potential of elemental sulfur for the synthesis of high sulfur content bio-based aliphatic polyesters
Authors: Duarte Martín E. , Huber Birgit , Theato Patrick , Mutlu Hatice
Published: October 2019

We introduce a novel sulfur-containing polyester derivative based on a renewable monomer bearing secondary disulfide groups. Base-mediated sulfur exchange reaction of disulfide bonds using S8 delivers polyesters with tailored functional properties.
Chemically modified electrodes with MOFs for the determination of inorganic and organic analytesviavoltammetric techniques: a critical review
Authors: Pournara Anastasia D. , Tarlas Georgios D. , Papaefstathiou Giannis S. , Manos Manolis J.
Published: October 2019

Current status on MOF-modified electrodes for voltammetric analyses of inorganic/organic species is critically discussed. We provide future research directions and specific criteria that MOFs should satisfy prior to their use as electrode modifiers.
Zeolite-confined carbon dots: tuning thermally activated delayed fluorescence emission via energy transfer
Authors: Zhang Hongyue , Liu Jiancong , Wang Bolun , Liu Kaikai , Chen Guangrui , Yu Xiaowei , Li Jiyang , Yu Jihong
Published: October 2019

CD@zeolite composites with tunable TADF emission via an energy transfer process between confined CDs.
Palladium(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of indenones through the cyclization of benzenecarbaldehydes with internal alkynes
Authors: Kashanna Jajula , Aravind Kumar Rathod , Kishore Ravada
Published: October 2019

The palladium(ii)-catalyzed carbocyclization of benzenecarbaldehydes with internal alkynes to afford 2,3-disubstituted indenones was reported.
MMP-responsive in situ forming hydrogel loaded with doxorubicin-encapsulated biodegradable micelles for local chemotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Wei , Tao Cheng , Wang Jiexin , Le Yuan , Zhang Jianjun
Published: October 2019

The complex construction within the oral cavity causes incomplete surgical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) that may enhance the risk of recurrence and metastasis in the treatment.
Computational design of enhanced detoxification activity of a zearalenone lactonase from Clonostachys rosea in acidic medium
Authors: Lin Min , Tan Jian , Xu Zhaobin , Huang Jin , Tian Ye , Chen Bo , Wu Yandong , Tong Yi , Zhu Yushan
Published: October 2019

Computational design of pH-activity profiles for enzymes is of great importance in industrial applications.
A proposed protocol based on integrative metabonomics analysis for the rapid detection and mechanistic understanding of sulfur fumigation of Chinese herbal medicines
Authors: Shengyun Dai , Yuqi Wang , Fei Wang , Xiaodan Mei , Jiayu Zhang
Published: October 2019

In the current work, Lonicera japonica Flos (FLJ) was selected as a model Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and a protocol was proposed for the rapid detection of sulfur-fumigated (SF) CHMs.
Mechanism of methylphosphonic acid photo-degradation based on phosphate oxygen isotopes and density functional theory
Authors: Xia Congcong , Geng Huanhuan , Li Xiaobao , Zhang Yiyue , Wang Fei , Tang Xiaowen , Blake R. E. , Li Hui , Chang Sae Jung , Yu Chan
Published: October 2019

Methylphosphonic acid (MPn) is an intermediate in the synthesis of the phosphorus-containing nerve agents, such as sarin and VX, and a biosynthesis product of marine microbes with ramifications to global climate change and eutrophication.
A cobalt(ii) chain based on pymca generated in situ from the hydrolysis of 2-cyanopyrimidine: spin canting and magnetic relaxation
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhao Qian-Nan , Yang Feng , Yin Lei , Li Miao-Miao , Wang Zhenxing , Ouyang Zhongwen , Xia Zheng-Cai , Hu Tuo-Ping
Published: October 2019

A cobalt(ii) chain based on pymca generated in situ from the hydrolysis of 2-cyanopyrimidine. The magnetic properties indicate that complex 1 shows the single-chain magnet (SCM) behavior with the energy barrier of 31.2 K.
A graphene gold nanocomposite-based 5-FU drug and the enhancement of the MCF-7 cell line treatment
Authors: Sanad Mohamed Fathi , Shalan Ahmed Esmail , Bazid Shereen Magdy , Abu Serea Esraa Samy , Hashem Elhussein M. , Nabih Shimaa , Ahsan Md Ariful
Published: October 2019

Graphene–gold nanocomposite materials combined with (5-fluorouracil, 5-FU) drug show high potent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, can decrease HER-2 gene expression and cause cell cycle arrest.
Synthesis and characterization of sulfonated mesoporous NiO–ICG core–shell solid sphere catalyst with superior capability for methyl ester production
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Khanian Nasrin , Rashid Umer , Yaw Choong Thomas Shean
Published: October 2019

In the present research, a mesoporous NiO core–shell solid sphere was hydrothermally synthesized, using polyethylene glycol (PEG; 4000) as a surfactant and incomplete carbonized glucose (ICG) as a template.
Top-down strategy synthesis of fluorinated graphdiyne for lithium ion battery
Authors: Kang Huifang , Chen Yue , Xu Lanqing , Lin Yuda , Feng Qian , Yao Hurong , Zheng Yongping
Published: October 2019

Fluorine doped graphdiyne was synthesized by exposure to XeF2 under mild temperature. Owing to the enhanced conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties, the electrochemical performances are significantly improved.
Electrical, magnetic and magnetotransport properties of Na and Mo doped Ca3Co4O9 materials
Authors: Hira Uzma , Grivel Jean-Claude , Christensen Dennis Valbjørn , Pryds Nini , Sher Falak
Published: October 2019

We report the electrical, magnetic and magnetotransport properties of Na and Mo dual doped Ca3−2xNa2xCo4−xMoxO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) polycrystalline samples.
Mechanistic insight into mineral carbonation and utilization in cement-based materials at solid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Pan Shu-Yuan , Lai Barry , Ren Yang
Published: October 2019

Synchrotron-based X-ray analyses for understanding the reactions at mineral–water interfaces for CO2 mineralization and utilization using petroleum coke fly ash.
Novel waterborne polyurethanes containing long-chain alkanes: their synthesis and application to water repellency
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zou Xiaobin , Ge Zhen , Zhang Wenguo , Luo Yunjun
Published: October 2019

In the fabric finishing field, the water repellents have received increasing interest in recent years and the development of a fluorine-free water repellent has become an attractive prospect.
Improved uniaxial dielectric properties in aligned diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB) doped poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers
Authors: Bhugra Vaibhav Singh , Maddah Mohsen , Williams Grant V. , Plank Natalie , Nann Thomas
Published: October 2019

Diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB) doped poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers (5, 10 and 24 wt% DIPAB doping) with improved and tunable dielectric properties were synthesised via electrospinning.