bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-Integrated Suspended Polymeric Microfluidics (SPMF) Platform for Ultra-Sensitive Bio-Molecular Recognition of Bovine Growth Hormones
Authors: Sadabadi Hamid , Packirisamy Muthukumaran
Published: September 2017

The development of sensitive platforms for the detection of biomolecules recognition is an extremely important problem in clinical diagnostics. In microcantilever (MC) transducers, surface-stress is induced upon bimolecular interaction which is translated into MC deflection. This paper presents a cost-effective and ultra-sensitive MC-based biosensing platform. To address these goals, the need for costly high-resolution read-out system has been eliminated by reducing the cantilever compliance through developing a polymer-based cantilever. Furthermore a microfluidic system has been integrated with the MC in order to enhance sensitivity and response time and to reduce analytes consumption. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are synthesized on the surface of suspended microfluidics as the selective layer for biomolecule immobilization. The biosensing results show significant improvement in the sensitivity of the proposed platform compared with available silicon MC biosensor. A detection limit of 2 ng/ml (100pM) is obtained for the detection of bovine growth hormones. The results validated successful application of suspended polymeric microfluidics (SPMF) as the next generation of biosensing platforms which could enable femtomolar (fM) biomolecular recognition detection.
TrkB-enhancer facilitates functional recovery after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Marshall John , Szmydynger-Chodobska Joanna , Rioult-Pedotti Mengia S. , Lau Kara , Chin Andrea T. , Kotla Siva K. Reddy , Tiwari Rakesh Kumar , Parang Keykavous , Threlkeld Steven W. , Chodobski Adam
Published: September 2017

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key player in regulating synaptic strength and learning, is dysregulated following traumatic brain injury (TBI), suggesting that stimulation of BDNF signaling pathways may facilitate functional recovery. This study investigates whether CN2097, a peptidomimetic ligand which targets the synaptic scaffold protein, postsynaptic density protein 95, to enhance downstream signaling of tropomyosin-related kinase B, a receptor for BDNF, can improve neurological function after TBI. Moderate to severe TBI elicits neuroinflammation and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, which is associated with memory deficits. Here we demonstrate that CN2097 significantly reduces the post-traumatic synthesis of proinflammatory mediators and inhibits the post-traumatic activation of JNK in a rodent model of TBI. The recordings of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in the hippocampal CA1 subfield demonstrate that TBI inhibits the expression of long-term potentiation (LTP) evoked by high-frequency stimulation of Schaffer collaterals, and that CN2097 attenuates this LTP impairment. Lastly, we demonstrate that CN2097 significantly improves the complex auditory processing deficits, which are impaired after injury. The multifunctionality of CN2097 strongly suggests that CN2097 could be highly efficacious in targeting complex secondary injury processes resulting from neurotrauma.
Preliminary evidence of olfactory signals of women’s fertility increasing social avoidance behavior towards women in pair-bonded men
Authors: Oren Chen , Shamay-Tsoory Simone G.
Published: September 2017

Previous studies suggest that women’s body odor is perceived as more attractive during ovulation and that exposure to women’s chemical signals of high fertility leads to increased mating motivation. Given that pair-bonded men react differently than single men to unfamiliar women, we investigated whether women’s chemical signals of fertility influence approach behavior among pair-bonded and single men. In the first experiment, men performed the Comfortable Interpersonal Distance task while exposed to body odor samples from women who were ovulating and from the same women during their luteal phase. We found that in the presence of the body odor from ovulation, pair-bonded, but not single men, maintained greater distance from different protagonists, particularly from women. In a second experiment we exposed men to women’s body odors while they rated the attractiveness and beauty of women’s faces. Although the ratings of women’s beauty did not differ across odor conditions, when the pair-bonded men were exposed to the high fertility odor they rated highly attractive women as less sexually attractive. The results suggest that exposure to fertility cues from unfamiliar women may trigger social avoidance in pair-bonded men, an outcome that may result from identifying such cues as threats to their relationship.
Graphene Improves the Biocompatibility of Polyacrylamide Hydrogels: 3D Polymeric Scaffolds for Neuronal Growth
Authors: Martín Cristina , Merino Sonia , González-Domínguez Jose M. , Rauti Rossana , Ballerini Laura , Prato Maurizio , Vázquez Ester
Published: September 2017

In tissue engineering strategies, the design of scaffolds based on nanostructures is a subject undergoing intense research: nanomaterials may affect the scaffolds properties, including their ability to interact with cells favouring cell growth and improving tissue performance. Hydrogels are synthetic materials widely used to obtain realistic tissue constructs, as they resemble living tissues. Here, different hydrogels with varying content of graphene, are synthesised by in situ radical polymerization of acrylamide in aqueous graphene dispersions. Hydrogels are characterised focusing on the contribution of the nanomaterial to the polymer network. Our results suggest that graphene is not a mere embedded nanomaterial within the hydrogels, rather it represents an intrinsic component of these networks, with a specific role in the emergence of these structures. Moreover, a hybrid hydrogel with a graphene concentration of only 0.2 mg mL−1 is used to support the growth of cultured brain cells and the development of synaptic activity, in view of exploiting these novel materials to engineer the neural interface of brain devices of the future. The main conclusion of this work is that graphene plays an important role in improving the biocompatibility of polyacrylamide hydrogels, allowing neuronal adhesion.
Pan-genome analysis of Bacillus for microbiome profiling
Authors: Kim Yihwan , Koh InSong , Young Lim Mi , Chung Won-Hyong , Rho Mina
Published: September 2017

Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology allow for in-depth studies on microbial genomes and their communities. While multiple strains of the same species could display genomic variations with different gene contents in diverse habitats and hosts, the essential functions for a specific species are conserved as core genes that are shared among strains. We have comprehensively analyzed 238 strains of five different Bacillus species to identify the properties of core and strain-specific genes. Core and strain-specific genes in each Bacillus species show significant differences in their functions and genomic signatures. Using the core genes defined in this study, we have precisely identified the Bacillus species that exist in food microbiomes. Without resorting to culture-based whole genome sequencing, an unexpectedly large portion of the core genes, 98.22% of core genes in B. amyloliquefaciens and 97.77% of B. subtilis, were reconstructed from the microbiome. We have performed a pan-genome analysis on the core gene data of multiple Bacillus species to investigate the Bacillus species in food microbiome. Our findings provide a comprehensive genetic landscape of the Bacillus species, which is also consistent with previous studies on a limited number of strains and species. Analysis based on comprehensive core genes should thus serve as a powerful profiling tool to better understand major constituents in fermented food microbiomes.
Stretchable conductive elastomer for wireless wearable communication applications
Authors: Chen Zhibo , Xi Jingtian , Huang Wei , Yuen Matthew M. F.
Published: September 2017

Wearable devices have provided noninvasive and continuous monitoring of physiological parameters in healthcare applications. However, for the comfortable applications of wearable devices on human body, two key requirements are to replace conventional bulky devices into soft and deformable ones and to have wireless wearable communication. In this paper we present a simple, low-cost and highly efficient all-elastomeric conductor that can be used in a soft radio-frequency (RF) transmission line and antenna. We show a stretchable transmission line and two stretchable antennas fabricated with conventional screen printing. The stretchable conductor used in this fabrication method, which is a mixture of Ag and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), can be stretched at high strains while maintaining a high conductivity, low attenuation and feasible radiation performance. The measured conductivity of the stretchable conductor reaches 1000 S/cm. Additionally, the highly conductive printed Ag-PDMS is utilized to construct transmission lines and antennas. The performance of these stretchable components, especially under different conditions of bending, stretching and twisting, are experimentally examined in common wireless-communication frequency bands. Our results demonstrate that printed Ag-PDMS enabled RF passive components have the desired property and quality for wireless wearable communication applications, which would provide new opportunities for wearable healthcare electronics.
Macrophages unlock progression of breast cancer cells experiencing matrigel-segregation in transplantation models
Authors: Ogura Misa , Bridgeman Victoria L. , Malanchi Ilaria
Published: September 2017

Basement membrane matrix proteins, such as matrigel, are able to improve the efficiency of tumour transplantation. This assay represents the gold standard to measure tumour initiation potential in vivo of a limited number of cancer cells. However, in culture conditions, matrigel directly signals to cancer cells altering their phenotype. We here investigate how matrigel influences the tumour reconstitution dynamics of breast cancer cells in vivo. This is particularly relevant in the setting of limiting dilution assay where cells are transplanted in a relatively high amount of Matrigel. We show that matrigel initially induces a normalized growth of transplanted MMTV-PyMT breast tumours cells. This occurs in the context of a matrigel-segregation effect where cancer cells are transiently isolated from host tissue. We identify macrophages as gatekeepers of the cancer-host cell interaction: depriving transplants from macrophages locked cancer cells in this isolated environment where they fail to form tumours despite retaining their intrinsic tumorigenic potential. This is a decisive proof of concept that cancer cells’ malignant behaviour can be dominated by their microenvironment. Moreover, considering that diverse breast cancer cells are differently subjected to a segregation effect, this needs to be considered when comparing tumour initiation potential of different cancer cells.
Interaction between G-Quadruplex and Zinc Cationic Porphyrin: The Role of the Axial Water
Authors: Yao Xiangzi , Song Di , Qin Tingxiao , Yang Chunfan , Yu Ze , Li Xiaohong , Liu Kunhui , Su Hongmei
Published: September 2017

The interaction of ligands with G-quadruplexes has attracted considerable attention due to its importance in molecular recognition and anticancer drugs design. Here, we utilize triplet excited state as a sensitive reporter to study the binding interaction of zinc cationic porphyrin (ZnTMPyP4) with three G-quadruplexes, AG3(T2AG3)3, (G4T4G4)2, and (TG4T)4. By monitoring the triplet decay dynamics of ZnTMPyP4 with transient absorption spectroscopy, the coexisted binding modes via π-π stacking of porphyrin macrocycle and the G-quartets are allowed to be identified quantitatively, which involve intercalation (25% and 36%) versus end-stacking (75% and 64%) for AG3(T2AG3)3 and (G4T4G4)2, and end-stacking (23%) versus partial intercalation (77%) for (TG4T)4. It is shown that the steric hindrance of the axial water decreases greatly the percentage of intercalation. Further, a rapid assessment of binding stoichiometry is fulfilled by measuring the triplet decay dynamics under various [G-quadruplex]/[ZnTMPyP4] ratios. The binding stoichiometric ratios of G-quadruplex/ZnTMPyP4 are 1:2 for AG3(T2AG3)3, 1:1 for (G4T4G4)2, and 1:2 for (TG4T)4, which agree well with results obtained by the conventional method of continuous variation analysis. These results reveal a clear scenario of G-quadruplex/ZnTMPyP4 interaction and provide mechanistic insights for the application of anticancer drug designs using G-quadruplex as target.
Monitoring the colonization and infection of legume nodules by Micromonospora in co-inoculation experiments with rhizobia
Authors: Benito Patricia , Alonso-Vega Pablo , Aguado Carolina , Luján Rafael , Anzai Yojiro , Hirsch Ann M. , Trujillo Martha E.
Published: September 2017

The discovery that the actinobacterium Micromonospora inhabits nitrogen-fixing nodules raised questions as to its potential ecological role. The capacity of two Micromonospora strains to infect legumes other than their original host, Lupinus angustifolius, was investigated using Medicago and Trifolium as test plants. Compatible rhizobial strains were used for coinoculation of the plants because Micromonospora itself does not induce nodulation. Over 50% of nodules from each legume housed Micromonospora, and using 16S rRNA gene sequence identification, we verified that the reisolated strains corresponded to the microorganisms inoculated. Entry of the bacteria and colonization of the plant hosts were monitored using a GFP-tagged Lupac 08 mutant together with rhizobia, and by using immunogold labeling. Strain Lupac 08 was localized in plant tissues, confirming its capacity to enter and colonize all hosts. Based on studying three different plants, our results support a non-specific relationship between Micromonospora and legumes. Micromonospora Lupac 08, originally isolated from Lupinus re-enters root tissue, but only when coinoculated with the corresponding rhizobia. The ability of Micromonospora to infect and colonize different legume species and function as a potential plant-growth promoting bacterium is relevant because this microbe enhances the symbiosis without interfering with the host and its nodulating and nitrogen-fixing microbes.
Metformin Improves Endothelial Function and Reduces Blood Pressure in Diabetic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Independent from Glycemia Control: Comparison to Vildagliptin
Authors: Hamidi Shishavan Mahdi , Henning Robert H. , van Buiten Azuwerus , Goris Maaike , Deelman Leo E. , Buikema Hendrik
Published: September 2017

Metformin confers vascular benefits beyond glycemia control, possibly via pleiotropic effects on endothelial function. In type-1-diabetes-mellitus (T1DM-)patients metformin improved flow-mediated dilation but also increased prostaglandin(PG)-F2α, a known endothelial-contracting factor. To explain this paradoxical finding we hypothesized that metformin increased endothelial-vasodilator mediators (e.g. NO and EDHF) to an even larger extent. Spontaneously-hypertensive-rats (SHR) display impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) involving contractile PGs. EDR was studied in isolated SHR aortas and the involvement of PGs, NO and EDHF assessed. 12-week metformin 300 mg/kg/day improved EDR by up-regulation of NO and particularly EDHF; it also reduced blood pressure and increased plasma sulphide levels (a proxy for H2S, a possible mediator of EDHF). These effects persisted in SHR with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM. Vildagliptin (10 mg/kg/day), targeting the incretin axis by increasing GLP-1, also reduced blood pressure and improved EDR in SHR aortas, mainly via the inhibition of contractile PGs, but not in STZ-SHR. Neither metformin nor vildagliptin altered blood glucose or HbA1c. In conclusion, metformin reduced blood pressure and improved EDR in SHR aorta via up-regulation of NO and particularly EDHF, an effect that was independent from glycemia control and maintained during T1DM. A comparison to vildagliptin did not support effects of metformin mediated by GLP-1.
Integration of deep transcriptome and proteome analyses of salicylic acid regulation high temperature stress in Ulva prolifera
Authors: Fan Meihua , Sun Xue , Xu Nianjun , Liao Zhi , Li Yahe , Wang Jianxin , Fan Yingping , Cui Dalian , Li Peng , Miao Zengliang
Published: September 2017

To investigate changes in transcript and relative protein levels in response to salicylic acid regulation of the thermotolerance in U. prolifera, complementary transcriptome and proteome analyses were performed with U. prolifera grown at 35 °C (UpHT) and with the addition of SA at high temperature (UpSHT). At mRNA level,12,296 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the comparison of UpSHT with UpHT. iTRAQ-labeling proteome analysis showed that a total of 4,449 proteins were identified and reliably quantified. At mRNA level, the up-regulated genes involved in antioxidant activity were thioredoxin,peroxiredoxin,FeSOD, glutathione peroxidase, partion catalase and MnSOD. The down-regulated genes were ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, catalase and MnSOD. In addition, the DEGs involved in plant signal transduction pathway (such as auxin response factors, BRI1 and JAZ) were down-regulated. At protein level, the up-regulated proteins involved in carbon fixation and the down-regulated protein mainly were polyubiquitin, ascorbate peroxidase. The expression of Ca2+-binding protein, heat shock protein and photosynthesis-related proteins, EDS1 were also significantly regulated both at mRNA and protein level. The results indicated that SA alleviated the high-temperature stimulus through partion antioxidant related proteins up-regulated, JA signal pathway enchanced, Ca2+-binding proteins, photosynthesis-related proteins significantly changed, antioxidant enzyme activities increased and photosynthesis index changed.
MicroRNA Profiling Reveals Distinct Profiles for Tissue-Derived and Cultured Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kuosmanen Suvi M. , Kansanen Emilia , Sihvola Virve , Levonen Anna-Liisa
Published: September 2017

Endothelial plasticity enables the cells to switch their phenotype according to the surrounding vascular microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that control endothelial plasticity. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in miRNA profiles of tissue-derived cells and cultured endothelial cells. To this end, miRNA expression was profiled from freshly isolated tissue-derived human vascular endothelial cells and endothelial cells cultured until cellular senescence using miRNA sequencing. In addition, the data was searched for putative novel endothelial miRNAs and miRNA isoforms. The data analysis revealed a striking change in endothelial miRNA profile as the cells adapted from tissue to cell culture environment and the overall miRNA expression decreased significantly in cultured compared to tissue-derived endothelial cells. In addition to changes in mechanosensitive miRNA expression, alterations in senescence-associated and endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition-associated miRNAs were observed in aging cells. Collectively, the data illustrates the adaptability of endothelial cell miRNA expression that mirrors prevailing cellular environment.
Identification of Purple Acid Phosphatases in Chickpea and Potential Roles of CaPAP7 in Seed Phytate Accumulation
Authors: Bhadouria Jyoti , Singh Ajit Pal , Mehra Poonam , Verma Lokesh , Srivastawa Rishi , Parida Swarup K. , Giri Jitender
Published: September 2017

Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) play important roles in phosphate (Pi) acquisition and utilization. These PAPs hydrolyze organic Phosphorus (P) containing compounds in rhizosphere as well as inside the plant cell. However, roles of PAPs in one of the most widely cultivated legumes, chickpea (Cicer arietnum L.), have not been unraveled so far. In the present study, we identified 25 putative PAPs in chickpea (CaPAPs) which possess functional PAP motifs and domains. Differential regulation of CaPAPs under different nutrient deficiencies revealed their roles under multiple nutrient stresses including Pi deficiency. Interestingly, most of the CaPAPs were prominently expressed in flowers and young pods indicating their roles in flower and seed development. Association mapping of SNPs underlying CaPAPs with seed traits revealed significant association of low Pi inducible CaPAP7 with seed weight and phytate content. Biochemical characterization of recombinant CaPAP7 established it to be a functional acid phosphatase with highest activity on most abundant organic-P substrate, phytate. Exogenous application of recombinant CaPAP7 enhanced biomass and Pi content of Arabidopsis seedlings supplemented with phytate as sole P source. Taken together, our results uncover the PAPs in chickpea and potential roles of CaPAP7 in seed phytate accumulation.
Interleukin-22 level is negatively correlated with neutrophil recruitment in the lungs in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia model
Authors: Broquet Alexis , Jacqueline Cédric , Davieau Marion , Besbes Anissa , Roquilly Antoine , Martin Jérôme , Caillon Jocelyne , Dumoutier Laure , Renauld Jean-Christophe , Heslan Michèle , Josien Régis , Asehnoune Karim
Published: September 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major threat for immune-compromised patients. Bacterial pneumonia can induce uncontrolled and massive neutrophil recruitment ultimately leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome and epithelium damage. Interleukin-22 plays a central role in the protection of the epithelium. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of interleukin-22 and its soluble receptor IL-22BP in an acute Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia model in mice. In this model, we noted a transient increase of IL-22 during Pseudomonas aeruginosa challenge. Using an antibody-based approach, we demonstrated that IL-22 neutralisation led to increased susceptibility to infection and to lung damage correlated with an increase in neutrophil accumulation in the lungs. On the contrary, rIL-22 administration or IL-22BP neutralisation led to a decrease in mouse susceptibility and lung damage associated with a decrease in neutrophil accumulation. This study demonstrated that the IL-22/IL-22BP system plays a major role during Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia by moderating neutrophil accumulation in the lungs that ultimately leads to epithelium protection.
Biodegradation of gentamicin by bacterial consortia AMQD4 in synthetic medium and raw gentamicin sewage
Authors: Liu Yuanwang , Chang Huiqing , Li Zhaojun , Feng Yao , Cheng Dengmiao , Xue Jianming
Published: September 2017

Gentamicin, a broad spectrum antibiotic of the aminoglycoside class, is widely used for disease prevention of human beings as well as animals. Nowadays the environmental issue caused by the disposal of wastes containing gentamicin attracts increasing attention. In this study, a gentamicin degrading bacterial consortia named AMQD4, including Providencia vermicola, Brevundimonas diminuta, Alcaligenes sp. and Acinetobacter, was isolated from biosolids produced during gentamicin production for the removal of gentamicin in the environment. The component and structure of gentamicin have a great influence on its degradation and gentamicin C1a and gentamicin C2a were more prone to being degraded. AMQD4 could maintain relatively high gentamicin removal efficiency under a wide range of pH, especially in an alkaline condition. In addition, AMQD4 could remove 56.8% and 47.7% of gentamicin in unsterilized and sterilized sewage in a lab-scale experiment, respectively. And among the isolates in AMQD4, Brevundimonas diminuta BZC3 performed the highest gentamicin degradation about 50%. It was speculated that aac3iia was the gentamicin degradation gene and the main degradation product was 3′-acetylgentamicin. Our results suggest that AMQD4 and Brevundimonas diminuta BZC3 could be important candidates to the list of superior microbes for bioremediation of antibiotic pollution.
Daytime REM sleep affects emotional experience but not decision choices in moral dilemmas
Authors: Cellini Nicola , Lotto Lorella , Pletti Carolina , Sarlo Michela
Published: September 2017

Moral decision-making depends on the interaction between automatic emotional responses and rational cognitive control. A natural emotional regulator state seems to be sleep, in particular rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We tested the impact of daytime sleep, either with or without REM, on moral decision. Sixty participants were presented with 12 sacrificial (6 Footbridge- and 6 Trolley-type) and 8 everyday-type moral dilemmas at 9 AM and at 5 PM. In sacrificial dilemmas, participants had to decide whether or not to kill one person to save more people (utilitarian choice), and to judge how morally acceptable the proposed choice was. In everyday-type dilemmas, participants had to decide whether to endorse moral violations involving dishonest behavior. At 12 PM, 40 participants took a 120-min nap (17 with REM and 23 with NREM only) while 20 participants remained awake. Mixed-model analysis revealed that participants judged the utilitarian choice as less morally acceptable in the afternoon, irrespective of sleep. We also observed a negative association between theta activity during REM and increased self-rated unpleasantness during moral decisions. Nevertheless, moral decision did not change across the day and between groups. These results suggest that although both time and REM sleep may affect the evaluation of a moral situation, these factors did not ultimately impact the individual moral choices.
Monitoring storage induced changes in the platelet proteome employing label free quantitative mass spectrometry
Authors: Rijkers Maaike , van den Eshof Bart L. , van der Meer Pieter F. , van Alphen Floris P. J. , de Korte Dirk , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Meijer Alexander B. , Voorberg Jan , Jansen A. J. Gerard
Published: September 2017

Shelf life of platelet concentrates is limited to 5–7 days due to loss of platelet function during storage, commonly referred to as the platelet storage lesion (PSL). To get more insight into the development of the PSL, we used label free quantitative mass spectrometry to identify changes in the platelet proteome during storage. In total 2501 proteins were accurately quantified in 3 biological replicates on at least 1 of the 7 different time-points analyzed. Significant changes in levels of 21 proteins were observed over time. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these proteins revealed that the majority of this set was involved in platelet degranulation, secretion and regulated exocytosis. Twelve of these proteins have been shown to reside in α-granules. Upon prolonged storage (13–16 days) elevated levels of α-2-macroglobulin, glycogenin and Ig μ chain C region were identified. Taken together this study identifies novel markers for monitoring of the PSL that may potentially also be used for the detection of “young” and “old” platelets in the circulation.
Multi-focal sequencing of a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma establishes PTEN loss as an early event
Authors: Koschmann Carl , Farooqui Zishaan , Kasaian Katayoon , Cao Xuhong , Zamler Daniel , Stallard Stefanie , Venneti Sriram , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Garton Hugh , Muraszko Karin , Franchi Luigi , Robertson Patricia L. , Leonard Marcia , Opipari Valerie , Castro Maria G. , Lowenstein Pedro R. , Chinnaiyan Arul , Mody Rajen
Published: September 2017

Improved molecular understanding is needed for rational treatment of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG). Here, using multi-focal paired tumor and germline exome DNA and RNA sequencing, we uncovered phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss as a clonal mutation in the case of a 6-year-old boy with a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, and incorporated copy number alteration analyses to provide a more detailed understanding of clonal evolution in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. As well, using the PedcBioPortal, we found alterations in PTEN in 16 of 326 (4.9%) cases of pediatric high-grade glioma (3 of 154 (1.9%) brainstem) for which full sequencing data was available. Our data strengthens the association with PTEN loss in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and provides further argument for the inclusion of PTEN in future targeted sequencing panels for pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and for the development and optimization of mTOR/PI3K inhibitors with optimal central nervous system penetration.
Prediction of a room-temperature eight-coordinate two-dimensional topological insulator: penta-RuS4 monolayer
Authors: Yuan Shijun , Zhou Qionghua , Wu Qisheng , Zhang Yun , Chen Qian , Hou Jing-Min , Wang Jinlan
Published: September 2017

We predict a stable eight-coordinate two-dimensional RuS4 monolayer, with a trilayer S–Ru–S and pentagonal rings tiling configuration by first-principles calculations. This monolayer exhibits unique anisotropic quadratic energy dispersion with two Dirac points emerging at the high-symmetric Γ point. When the spin-orbit coupling is included, a large nontrivial energy gap (70 meV) appears near the Fermi level. The topological nature of RuS4 monolayer is also confirmed by the nontrivial Z2 invariant and gapless edge states. A four-band tight-binding model is further proposed, which reveals that the topological states arise from the indirect interaction of the Ru-dxz and dyz orbitals.
Wafer-scale two-dimensional ferromagnetic Fe3GeTe2 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Yuan Xiang , Zou Yichao , Sheng Yu , Huang Ce , Zhang Enze , Ling Jiwei , Liu Yanwen , Wang Weiyi , Zhang Cheng , Zou Jin , Wang Kaiyou , Xiu Faxian
Published: September 2017

Recently, layered two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials (2D FMs) have attracted a great deal of interest for developing low-dimensional magnetic and spintronic devices. Mechanically exfoliated 2D FMs were discovered to possess ferromagnetism down to monolayer. It is therefore of great importance to investigate the distinct magnetic properties at low dimensionality. Here, we report the wafer-scale growth of 2D ferromagnetic thin films of Fe3GeTe2 via molecular beam epitaxy, and their exotic magnetic properties can be manipulated via the Fe composition and the interface coupling with antiferromagnetic MnTe. A 2D layer-by-layer growth mode has been achieved by in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction oscillations, yielding a well-defined interlayer distance of 0.82 nm along {002} surface. The magnetic easy axis is oriented along c-axis with a Curie temperature of 216.4 K. Remarkably, the Curie temperature can be enhanced when raising the Fe composition. Upon coupling with MnTe, the coercive field dramatically increases 50% from 0.65 to 0.94 Tesla. The large-scale layer-by-layer growth and controllable magnetic properties make Fe3GeTe2 a promising candidate for spintronic applications. It also opens up unprecedented opportunities to explore rich physics when coupled with other 2D superconductors and topological matters.
Investigation of the effects of metal ions in sample buffer on capillary electrophoresis coupled with laser-induced fluorescence analysis of thrombin using a dye-labeled 29-mer DNA aptamer
Authors: Bai Yunlong , Zhao Qiang
Published: September 2017

Metal ions in sample buffer show great effects on affinity CE-LIF analysis of thrombin using a TMR-labeled 29-nt DNA aptamer.
Dual-modal fluorescence and light-scattering sensor based on water-soluble carbon dots for silver ions detection
Authors: Liu Guoliang , Xuan Chenglei , Feng Da-Qian , Hua Dongliang , Liu Tianhao , Qi Gang , Wang Wei
Published: September 2017

A facile fluorometric and light-scattering dual-modal nanosensor for silver(i) ions detection was established based on target-responsive aggregation of carbon dots/cysteine system.
Regenerative nanobots based on magnetic layered double hydroxide for azo dye removal and degradation
Authors: Shan Zhi , Lu Mingsheng , Curry Dennis E. , Beale Stefanie , Campbell Stephen , Poduska Kristin M. , Bennett Craig , Oakes Ken D. , Zhang Xu
Published: September 2017

Azo dye removal and degradation protocol using magnetic LDH-based regenerative nanobots.
A (001) dominated conjugated polymer with high-performance of hydrogen evolution under solar light irradiation
Authors: Zhou Jun , Lei Yanhua , Ma Chenghai , Lv Wenhua , Li Na , Wang Ying , Xu Hu , Zou Zhigang
Published: September 2017

A self-organized polyimide supermolecule with high performance in photocatalytic hydrogen production (1640 μmol h−1 g−1).
Amorphous/crystalline hybrid MoO2nanosheets for high-energy lithium-ion capacitors
Authors: Zhao Xu , Wang Hong-En , Cao Jian , Cai Wei , Sui Jiehe
Published: September 2017

A carbon-free MoO2nanosheet with amorphous/crystalline hybrid domain exhibits high energy-high power lithium ion capacitors, which bridge the lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Growth mechanism and electrochemical properties of hierarchical hollow SnO2 microspheres with a “chestnut” morphology
Authors: Hu Huating , Wu Liming , Gebhardt Paul , Zhang Xiaofei , Cherevan Alexey , Gerke Birgit , Pöttgen Rainer , Balducci Andrea , Passerini Stefano , Eder Dominik
Published: September 2017

This work provides an in-depth study on the growth, crystallization and performance of hollow SnO2 spheres for Li-ion/Na-ion batteries.
Ni(ii) complex on a bispyridine-based porous organic polymer as a heterogeneous catalyst for ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Kim Min Jeong , Ahn Sol , Yi Jigyoung , Hupp Joseph T. , Notestein Justin M. , Farha Omar K. , Lee Suk Joong
Published: September 2017

A Ni(ii) catalyst incorporated into a new porous organic polymer, Ni(ii)-POP-1, is prepared via a click reaction followed by metalation with NiCl2. It shows good catalytic activity for ethylene dimerization.
A coordination polymer based on dinuclear (pyrazinyl tetrazolate) copper(ii) cations and Wells–Dawson anions for high-performance supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Wang Guangning , Chen Tingting , Li Shaobin , Pang Haijun , Ma Huiyuan
Published: September 2017

A new POM-based coordination polymer was used as supercapacitor electrode showing excellent performance, which can effectively solve the water solubility and low conductivity of traditional POM electrodes.
Anticancer kiteplatin pyrophosphate derivatives show unexpected target selectivity for DNA
Authors: Kasparkova Jana , Kostrhunova Hana , Novohradsky Vojtech , Pracharova Jitka , Curci Alessandra , Margiotta Nicola , Natile Giovanni , Brabec Viktor
Published: September 2017

This study demonstrates that unexpectedly DNA appears to be an important target of the biological activity of new anticancer derivatives of kiteplatin with a pyrophosphate carrier ligand.
A reactive oxygen species-generating, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibiting, cancer stem cell-potent tetranuclear copper(ii) cluster
Authors: Lu C. , Laws K. , Eskandari A. , Suntharalingam K.
Published: September 2017

Tetranuclear copper(ii) complexes containing multiple diclofenac and Schiff base moieties,1–4, are shown to kill bulk cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) with low micromolar potency.
Synthesis and characterisation of new Bi(iii)-containing apatite-type oxide ion conductors: the influence of lone pairs
Authors: Tate M. L. , Fuller C. A. , Avdeev M. , Brand H. E. A. , McIntyre G. J. , Radosavljevic Evans I.
Published: September 2017

New Bi-containing apatite-type germanates, characterised by X-ray and neutron diffraction, impedance spectroscopy and bond valence analysis, display high oxide ion conductivity.
Cohesiveness and flowability of particulated solid and semi-solid food systems
Authors: Tobin Aarti B. , Heunemann Peggy , Wemmer Judith , Stokes Jason R. , Nicholson Timothy , Windhab Erich J. , Fischer Peter
Published: September 2017

Cohesiveness and flowability of particulated food systems is of particular interest in the oral processing and swallowing of food products, especially for people suffering from dysphagia.
Study of curcumin antioxidant activities in robust oil–water nanoemulsions
Authors: Malik Parth , Singh Man
Published: September 2017

Symbolic representation of increased interactions from oil to CLFs, indicatedviaenhancedρandu.
Morphology of a self-doped conducting oligomer for green energy applications
Authors: Franco-Gonzalez Juan Felipe , Pavlopoulou Eleni , Stavrinidou Eleni , Gabrielsson Roger , Simon Daniel T. , Berggren Magnus , Zozoulenko Igor V.
Published: September 2017

The morphology of a novel promising material for green energy applications was described by combining two powerful techniques: GIWAXS and MD simulations.
An unsaturated metal site-promoted approach to construct strongly coupled noble metal/HNb3O8 nanosheets for efficient thermo/photo-catalytic reduction
Authors: Shen Lijuan , Xia Yuzhou , Lin Sen , Liang Shijing , Wu Ling
Published: September 2017

A Nb4+-promoted approach has been developed to construct Pd/HNb3O8 without a reducing agent or a capping agent. The resulting composites function as efficient thermo/photo-catalysts.
A fluorescent pH probe for acidic organelles in living cells
Authors: Chen Jyun-Wei , Chen Chih-Ming , Chang Cheng-Chung
Published: September 2017

The molecular design of pH sensor ADA is based on combining photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The fluorescent emission response against a pH value is suitable for probing acidic organelles in living cells.
One-pot synthesis of PLA-b-PHEA via sequential ROP and RAFT polymerizations
Authors: Yildirim Ilknur , Sungur Pelin , Crecelius-Vitz Anna C. , Yildirim Turgay , Kalden Diana , Hoeppener Stephanie , Westerhausen Matthias , Weber Christine , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2017

A block copolymer library of polylactide and poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) was prepared via sequential ring opening polymerization and RAFT polymerization in a one-pot approach.
Lamellar mesoscopic organization of supramolecular polymers: a necessary pre-ordering secondary structure
Authors: Lacombe J. , Soulié-Ziakovic C.
Published: September 2017

Thy-functionalized PPGs organize in lamellae due to the alignment of amide links in a β-sheet-like secondary structure analogous to proteins.
Metal-free sequential decarbonylative annulation of N-cyanamides for the construction of 2,3-dihydropyrrolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-9(1H)-ones
Authors: Liu Xueke , Qian Ping , Wang Yi , Pan Yi
Published: September 2017

A convenient metal-free sequential decarbonylative annulation of unactivated alkenes for the construction of quinazolinones and dihydroisoquinolinones has been developed.
Fangchinoline accumulates autophagosomes by inhibiting autophagic degradation and promoting TFEB nuclear translocation
Authors: Tang Zheng-Hai , Guo Xia , Cao Wen-Xiang , Chen Xiuping , Lu Jin-Jian
Published: September 2017

Fangchinoline, an alkaloid fromStephania tetrandraS. Moore, accumulates autophagosomes by inhibiting autophagic degradation and promoting TFEB nuclear translocation.
Propionic acid-based deep eutectic solvents: synthesis and ultra-deep oxidative desulfurization activity
Authors: Mao Chun-feng , Zhao Rong-xiang , Li Xiu-ping
Published: September 2017

Propionic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (C3H6O2/X ZnCl2, X from 0.1 to 0.6) were synthesized by stirring a mixture of propionic acid and zinc chloride at 100 °C.
Facile fabrication of lipase to amine functionalized gold nanoparticles to enhance stability and activity
Authors: Shikha Sristy , Thakur Krishan Gopal , Bhattacharyya Mani Shankar
Published: September 2017

Schematic illustration of the formation of a AuNPs-NH2-lipase nanozyme composite involving activation of accessible acidic amino acids (Step 1), and conjugation to amine functionalized gold nanoparticles (Step 2).
Preparation, characterization, bioactivity and degradation behavior in vitro of copper-doped calcium polyphosphate as a candidate material for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Guo Chengrui , Li Li , Li Shuangshuang , Wang Yaping , Yu Xixun
Published: September 2017

In this study, copper, as one of the essential trace elements in the human body, was introduced into calcium polyphosphate (CPP) to prepare a novel scaffold in bone tissue engineering: copper-doped calcium polyphosphate (CCPP) scaffolds.
A novel bioemulsifier produced by Exiguobacterium sp. strain N4-1P isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated coastal sediment
Authors: Cai Qinhong , Zhang Baiyu , Chen Bing , Zhu Zhiwen , Zhao Yuming
Published: September 2017

In this study,ExiguobacteriumN4-1P is reported as a bioemulsifier producer for the first time.
Comparison of morphological and functional restoration between asymmetric bilayer chitosan and bladder acellular matrix graft for bladder augmentation in a rat model
Authors: Xiao Dongdong , Wang Qiong , Yan Hao , Qin An , Lv Xiangguo , Zhao Yang , Zhang Ming , Zhou Zhe , Xu Jiping , Hu Qiaoling , Lu Mujun
Published: September 2017

Asymmetric bilayer chitosan promoted bladder reconstruction with enhanced smooth muscle regeneration and angiogenesis, and functional restoration with augmented bladder capacity.
Electronic and optical properties of metalloporphyrins of zinc on TiO2 cluster in dye-sensitized solar-cells (DSSC). A quantum chemistry study
Authors: Mendizabal Fernando , Mera-Adasme Raúl , Xu Wen-Hua , Sundholm Dage
Published: September 2017

Dye-sensitized solar-cell (DSSC) systems have been investigated by calculating light-absorption and electron-injection processes of zinc-porphyrin-dye based sensitizers adsorbed on a TiO2 cluster simulating the semiconductor.
Highly photostable wide-dynamic-range pH sensitive semiconducting polymer dots enabled by dendronizing the near-IR emitters
Authors: Chen L. , Wu L. , Yu J. , Kuo C.-T. , Jian T. , Wu I.-C. , Rong Y. , Chiu D. T.
Published: September 2017

A highly photostable, ultra-bright, biocompatible and NIR emissive semiconducting polymer dot (Pdot) based pH sensor was achieved by dendronizing the squaraine probe molecule.
Electrostatic interactions between particles through heterogeneous fluid phases
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Lee Mina , Kim Kyung Hak , Xia Ming , Im Sang Hyuk , Park Bum Jun
Published: September 2017

Gravitational confinement of polymer particles due to electrostatic repulsions between the particles through heterogeneous fluid media.
Two regions of microphase separation in ion-containing polymer solutions
Authors: Rumyantsev Artem M. , Kramarenko Elena Yu.
Published: September 2017

A new type of microphase separation driven by ion association is theoretically predicted in concentrated polyelectrolyte solutions.
A novel supramolecular organogel based on acylhydrazone functionalized pillar[5]arene acts as an I− responsive smart material
Authors: Lin Qi , Jiang Xiao-Mei , Liu Lu , Chen Jin-Fa , Zhang You-Ming , Yao Hong , Wei Tai-Bao
Published: September 2017

A novel organogel (OPZ) based on pillar[5]arene and acylhydrazone act as I− responsive material.
Oriented attachment growth of anisotropic meso/nanoscale MOFs: tunable surface area and CO2 separation
Authors: Sikdar Nivedita , Bhogra Meha , Waghmare Umesh V. , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: September 2017

Synthesis and mechanistic studies of multidimensional nano/mesoscale morphologies of MOFs and morphology dependent tunable adsorption properties as implemented in CO2/N2 separation.
Surface sodium functionalization of ordered mesoporous Co3O4 controls the enhanced simultaneous catalytic removal of soot and NOx
Authors: Jiang Zhi , Zhu Zhixin , Guo Weiqi , Chen Mingxia , Shangguan Wenfeng
Published: September 2017

We demonstrate a simple surface sodium functionalization effect introduced during silica removal step for controlling the enhanced simultaneous catalytic removal of soot and NOx by ordered mesoporous Co3O4.
Core–shell zeolite Y with ant-nest like hollow interior constructed by amino acids and enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Jian , Bai Shan , Chen Zhuwen , Wang Yanding , Dong Lei , Zheng Hairong , Cai Feiyan , Hong Mei
Published: September 2017

One-pot synthesis of core–shell zeolite Y with 3D interconnected mesochannels with enhanced crystallinity and catalytic activity by using amino acids.
Poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)-based poly(ionic liquids) as membranes for CO2 capture from flue gas
Authors: Nikolaeva D. , Azcune I. , Sheridan E. , Sandru Marius , Genua A. , Tanczyk M. , Jaschik M. , Warmuzinski K. , Jansen J. C. , Vankelecom I. F. J.
Published: September 2017

Poly(ionic liquid)-based thin film composite membranes capture carbon dioxide from mixed gas streams imitating flue gas separations under various process conditions.
Novel barium titanate based capacitors with high energy density and fast discharge performance
Authors: Li Wen-Bo , Zhou Di , Pang Li-Xia , Xu Ran , Guo Huan-Huan
Published: September 2017

Novel BaTiO3-based capacitors show promising energy storage performance with high breakdown strength and discharge energy density and outstanding energy efficiency.
An efficient porous molybdenum diselenide catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen generation
Authors: Poorahong Sujittra , Izquierdo Ricardo , Siaj Mohamed
Published: September 2017

A simple approach to fabricate a vertically aligned porous MoSe2 by a two-step co-electrodeposition/etching method was proposed. The etching process induces MoSe2 porous 3D structure formation. The porous MoSe2 nanosheet exhibits a high electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution.
Hydrogen evolution reaction activity of nickel phosphide is highly sensitive to electrolyte pH
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Wei Li , Wang Yanqing , Karahan H. Enis , Chen Zibin , Lei Yaojie , Chen Xuncai , Zhai Shengli , Liao Xiaozhou , Chen Yuan
Published: September 2017

Nickel phosphide has a much higher catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction in strongly acidic and basic electrolytes.
A high tenacity electrode by assembly of a soft sorbent and a hard skeleton for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Tang Xiaonan , Sun Zhenhua , Liang Ji , Zhao Jinping , Cheng Hui-Ming , Zhuo Shuping , Li Feng
Published: September 2017

The volume expansion of a sulfur cathode can be accommodated by fabricating a composite structure with a soft sorbent (graphene) and a hard skeleton (SiC) material in lithium sulfur batteries.
Retraction: Potential applications of functional porous organic polymer materials
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Aguila Briana , Ma Shengqian
Published: September 2017

Retraction of ‘Potential applications of functional porous organic polymer materials’ by Weijie Zhang et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 8795–8824.
Relaxor ferroelectric 0.9BaTiO3–0.1Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3ceramic capacitors with high energy density and temperature stable energy storage properties
Authors: Yuan Qibin , Yao Fangzhou , Wang Yifei , Ma Rong , Wang Hong
Published: September 2017

A relaxor ferroelectric ceramic for high energy storage applications based on 0.9BaTiO3–0.1Bi(Zn0.5Zr0.5)O3(0.9BT–0.1BZZ) was successfully fabricatedviaa conventional solid-state method.
Functionally graded ferroelectric polyetherimide composites for high temperature sensing
Authors: Khanbareh H. , Hegde M. , Bijleveld J. C. , van der Zwaag S. , Groen P.
Published: September 2017

High temperature flexible ferroelectrics for thermally stable devices that can detect pressure are fabricated by careful design of the microstructure.