bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Regular Exercise on Circulating Cardiovascular-related MicroRNAs
Authors: Barber Jacob L. , Zellars Kia N. , Barringhaus Kurt G. , Bouchard Claude , Spinale Francis G. , Sarzynski Mark A.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of regular exercise on the abundance of targeted circulating microRNAs (miRNAs). The present analysis examined 20 previously sedentary adults from the HERITAGE Family Study who completed 20 weeks of endurance exercise training. The expression of 53 miRNAs related to cardiovascular disease were measured in serum collected at baseline and post-training by performing RT-qPCR on the Human Cardiovascular Disease miRNA array (Qiagen, Germany). The effect of regular exercise on circulating miRNAs was assessed using paired t-tests of baseline and post-training expression levels. A false discovery rate threshold of 5% was used to determine significance. Regular exercise resulted in significantly decreased mean serum expression of nine miRNAs (miR-486-5p, let-7b-5p, miR-29c-3p, let-7e-5p, miR-93-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-25-3p, miR-92a-3p, and miR-29b-3p; fold change range: 0.64–83, p = 0.0002–0.01) and increased mean expression of five miRNAs (miR-142-3p, miR-221-3p, miR-126-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-27b-3p; fold change range: 1.41–3.60, p = 0.001–0.006). Enrichment analysis found that these 14 miRNAs target genes related to over 345 different biological pathways. These results provide further evidence of the effects of regular exercise on the circulating miRNA profile.
Systematic analysis of TruSeq, SMARTer and SMARTer Ultra-Low RNA-seq kits for standard, low and ultra-low quantity samples
Authors: Palomares Marie-Ange , Dalmasso Cyril , Bonnet Eric , Derbois Céline , Brohard-Julien Solène , Ambroise Christophe , Battail Christophe , Deleuze Jean-François , Olaso Robert
Published: May 2019

High-throughput RNA-sequencing has become the gold standard method for whole-transcriptome gene expression analysis, and is widely used in numerous applications to study cell and tissue transcriptomes. It is also being increasingly used in a number of clinical applications, including expression profiling for diagnostics and alternative transcript detection. However, despite its many advantages, RNA sequencing can be challenging in some situations, for instance in cases of low input amounts or degraded RNA samples. Several protocols have been proposed to overcome these challenges, and many are available as commercial kits. In this study, we systematically test three recent commercial technologies for RNA-seq library preparation (TruSeq, SMARTer and SMARTer Ultra-Low) on human biological reference materials, using standard (1 mg), low (100 ng and 10 ng) and ultra-low (<1 ng) input amounts, and for mRNA and total RNA, stranded and unstranded. The results are analyzed using read quality and alignment metrics, gene detection and differential gene expression metrics. Overall, we show that the TruSeq kit performs well with an input amount of 100 ng, while the SMARTer kit shows decreased performance for inputs of 100 and 10 ng, and the SMARTer Ultra-Low kit performs relatively well for input amounts <1 ng. All the results are discussed in detail, and we provide guidelines for biologists for the selection of an RNA-seq library preparation kit.
Discrepancies between observed data and predictions from mathematical modelling of the impact of screening interventions on Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence
Authors: Smid Joost , Althaus Christian L. , Low Nicola
Published: May 2019

Mathematical modelling studies of C. trachomatis transmission predict that interventions to screen and treat chlamydia infection will reduce prevalence to a greater degree than that observed in empirical population-based studies. We investigated two factors that might explain this discrepancy: partial immunity after natural infection clearance and differential screening coverage according to infection risk. We used four variants of a compartmental model for heterosexual C. trachomatis transmission, parameterized using data from England about sexual behaviour, C. trachomatis testing, diagnosis and prevalence, and Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods for statistical inference. In our baseline scenario, a model in which partial immunity follows natural infection clearance and the proportion of tests done in chlamydia-infected people decreases over time fitted the data best. The model predicts that partial immunity reduced susceptibility to reinfection by 68% (95% Bayesian credible interval 46–87%). The estimated screening rate was 4.3 (2.2–6.6) times higher for infected than for uninfected women in 2000, decreasing to 2.1 (1.4–2.9) in 2011. Despite incorporation of these factors, the model still predicted a marked decline in C. trachomatis prevalence. To reduce the gap between modelling and data, advances are needed in knowledge about factors influencing the coverage of chlamydia screening, the immunology of C. trachomatis and changes in C. trachomatis prevalence at the population level.
Circulating Microbiota-Based Metagenomic Signature for Detection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cho Eun Ju , Leem Sangseob , Kim Sun Ah , Yang Jinho , Lee Yun Bin , Kim Soon Sun , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Sung Won , Kim Ji Won , Kim Sung-Min , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Park Taesung
Published: May 2019

Circulating microbial dysbiosis is associated with chronic liver disease including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we evaluated whether disease-specific alterations of circulating microbiome are present in patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their potential as diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. We performed cross-sectional metagenomic analyses of serum samples from 79 patients with HCC, 83 with cirrhosis, and 201 matching healthy controls, and validated the results in the same number of subjects. Serum bacterial DNA was analyzed using high-throughput pyrosequencing after amplification of the V3–V4 hypervariable regions of 16S rDNA. Blood microbial diversity was significantly reduced in HCC, compared with cirrhosis and control. There were significant differences in the relative abundances of several bacterial taxa that correlate with the presence of HCC, thus defining a specific blood microbiome-derived metagenomic signature of HCC. We identified 5 microbial gene markers-based model which distinguished HCC from controls with an area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC) of 0.879 and a balanced accuracy of 81.6%. In the validation, this model accurately distinguished HCC with an AUC of 0.875 and an accuracy of 79.8%. In conclusion, circulating microbiome-based signatures may be potential biomarkers for the detection HCC.
Common cuckoo females may escape male sexual harassment by color polymorphism
Authors: Lee Jin-Won , Kim Hae-Ni , Yoo Sohyeon , Yoo Jeong-Chil
Published: May 2019

Sexual conflict over mating rate is widely regarded as a selective force on the evolution of female-limited color polymorphism in invertebrates, such as damselflies and butterflies. However, evidence confirming its use in higher vertebrates remains limited. The common cuckoo,Cuculus canorus, is an avian brood parasite that does not provide parental care and represents a rare example of female-limited polymorphism in higher vertebrates. Specifically, males exhibit a monomorphic gray morph, while females are either gray or rufous colored, like juveniles. To test a prediction from the hypothesis that the rufous plumage of female cuckoos may help avoid excessive sexual harassment by males (the harassment avoidance hypothesis), we investigate color morph preference in male cuckoos. Mate choice experiments using playbacks of female calls with decoys mimicking both color morphs indicated that the attracted males immediately copulated with decoys without courtship displays, recognizing both color morphs as a sexual partner. However, the males attempted to copulate more frequently and excessively with the gray morph, which is consistent with the prediction from the harassment avoidance hypothesis. We propose that the absence of parental care augments sexual conflict over mating in cuckoos, resulting in the unusual evolution of female-limited polymorphism in this higher vertebrate.
Histopathology and expression of the chemokines CXCL10, CXCL13, and CXCR3 and the endogenous TLR-4 ligand S100A8/A9 in lymph nodes of patients with adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Kim Hyoun-Ah , Kim Yon Hee , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Yang Woo-Ick , Kwon Ji Eun , Han Jae Ho
Published: May 2019

Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease manifesting with a persistent high-spiking fever, a typical rash, and lymphadenopathy. Endogenous factors related to interleukin-1, such as S100A8/A9 and several chemokines including CXCL10, CXCR3, and CXCL13, potentially play roles in its pathogenesis. We describe the histopathological features and chemokine expression pattern in lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with AOSD. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded excisional LN tissues from 48 patients with AOSD were histologically reviewed. CXCL10, CXCR3, CXCL13, and S100A8/A9 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. The pathology of LN was characterized by paracortical hyperplasia with proliferation of histiocyte, immunoblast, CD8-positive lymphoid cell and blood vessel. Most cases required differential diagnosis from dermatopathic lymphadenitis (n = 16, 33.3%), T cell lymphoma (n = 11, 22.9%), and histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) (n = 9, 18.8%). The expression levels of CXCL10 and CXCR3 were higher in patients with AOSD than in those with T cell lymphoma, HNL, tuberculous lymphadenitis, and reactive hyperplasia. It is important to recognize the aforementioned histopathologic findings of nodal involvement of AOSD because improper diagnosis and treatment can be avoided. Immunohistochemical staining for chemokines, CXCL10 and CXCR3, may aid in differentiating AOSD from other mimickers.
A sulfur and nitrogen cycle informed model to simulate nitrate treatment of reservoir souring
Authors: Jahanbani Veshareh Moein , Nick Hamidreza M.
Published: May 2019

Nitrate treatment has been widely used in various seawater injection projects to treat biologic sulfate reduction or reservoir souring. To design a promising nitrate treatment plan, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of reactions that represent the microbial communities of the reservoir and mechanisms through which the souring process is inhibited. We employ a new approach of evaluating different reaction pathways to design reaction models that reflect governing microbial processes in a set of batch and flow experiments. Utilizing the designed models, we suggest dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium is the main reaction pathway. Additionally, we illustrate nitrite inhibition is the major mechanism of nitrate treatment process; independent of nitrate reduction being autotrophic or heterotrophic. We introduce an inhibitory nitrate injection concentration that can inhibit souring regardless of nitrite inhibition effect and the distance between injection and production wells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ratio of the nitrite-nitrate reduction rate can be used to estimate nitrate treatment effectiveness. Our findings in regard to importance of nitrite inhibition mechanism and the inhibitory nitrate concentration are in accordance with the field observations.
The Cdh5-CreERT2 transgene causes conditional Shb gene deletion in hematopoietic cells with consequences for immune cell responses to tumors
Authors: He Qi , Li Xiujuan , Singh Kailash , Luo Zhengkang , Meija-Cordova Mariela , Jamalpour Maria , Lindahl Björn , Kriz Vitezslav , Vuolteenaho Reetta , Ulvmar Maria , Welsh Michael
Published: May 2019

The tamoxifen-responsive conditional Cdh5-CreERT2 is commonly used for endothelial cell specific conditional deletion of loxP-flanked gene sequences. To address the role of endothelial cell Shb gene for B16F10 melanoma immune responses, tamoxifen-injected Cdh5-CreERT2/WT and Cdh5-CreERT2/Shbflox/flox mice received subcutaneous tumor cell injections. We observed a decrease of tumor myeloid cell Shb mRNA in the tamoxifen treated Cdh5-CreERT2/Shbflox/flox mice, which was not present when the mice had undergone a preceding bone marrow transplantation using wild type bone marrow. Differences in CD4+/FoxP3+ Tregs were similarly abolished by a preceding bone marrow transplantation. In ROSA26-mTmG mice, Cdh5-CreERT2 caused detectable floxing in certain bone marrow populations and in spleen cells. Floxing in bone marrow could be detected two months after tamoxifen treatment. In the spleen, however, floxing was undetectable two months after tamoxifen treatment, suggesting that Cdh5-CreERT2 is operating in a non-renewable population of hematopoietic cells in this organ. These data suggest that conditional gene deletion in hematopoietic cells is a potential confounder in experiments attempting to assess the role of endothelial specific effects. A cautious approach to achieve an endothelial-specific phenotype would be to adopt a strategy that includes a preceding bone marrow transplantation.
Refining the Genomic Region Containing a Major Locus Controlling Fruit Maturity in Peach
Authors: Elsadr H. , Sherif S. , Banks T. , Somers D. , Jayasankar S.
Published: May 2019

Maturity date (MD), defined as the duration between the first calendar day of the year and maturity, and fruit development period (FDP), defined as the duration between full bloom and maturity, are highly variable in peach [Prunus persica(L.) Batsch]. There is a need to discover molecular markers associated with these traits in order to enhance the efficiency and reliability of breeding for extending the harvest season in peach. An association mapping population consisting of 132 peach accessions was phenotypically evaluated for MD and FDP, and genotypically characterized using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach. The phenotypic and genotypic data collected were used to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The GWAS identified three SNPs on chromosome 4 that are significantly associated with both FDP and MD. These three SNPs covered a region of 43,067 bp; we referred to this region as the MD/FDP locus. Seven genes were identified in the MD/FDP locus. One or more of these genes is believed to regulate some aspect of maturity in peach. The data reported here is expected to aid in marker-assisted seedling selection (MASS) targeted towards widening peach germplasm for maturity, particularly early maturity.
BioTimer assay as complementary method to vortex-sonication-vortex technique for the microbiological diagnosis of implant associated infections
Authors: Rosa Luigi , Lepanto Maria Stefania , Cutone Antimo , Berlutti Francesca , De Angelis Massimiliano , Vullo Vincenzo , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Valenti Piera , Oliva Alessandra
Published: May 2019

To enumerate bacteria adherent to medical devices, Vortex-Sonication-Vortex Method (VSVM) and BioTimer Assay (BTA) have been applied. VSVM counts detached microorganisms whereas BTA enumerates adherent microorganisms through microbial metabolism. However, the limitation of VSVM consists in incomplete detachment of adherent microorganisms while BTA is unable to identify microbial genera and species. Herein, the combined use of VSVM and BTA for the diagnosis and enumeration of adherent microorganisms causing implant-associated-infections (IAIs) is reported. Over 2016–2018, 46 patients with IAIs were enrolled and their 82 explanted devices were submitted firstly to VSVM and then to BTA. VSVM plus BTA detected microorganisms in 39/46 patients (84.7%) compared with 32/46 (69.5%) and 31/46 (67.3%) by VSVM and BTA alone, respectively. Likely, combined methods led to microorganism detection in 54/82 devices (65.9%) compared with each method alone [43/82 (52.4%), 44/82 (53.6%) for VSVM and BTA, respectively]. The combination of both methods (concordance 75.6%) raised the sensitivity of microbial analysis in IAIs compared with either VSVM or BTA alone, thus representing a simple and accurate way for the identification and enumeration of microorganisms adherent on devices. Moreover, BTA reagent applied in a new apparatus allowed also the enumeration of the microorganisms adherent on different segments of cardiac electrodes, thus contributing to define IAIs pathogenesis.
Misophonia is associated with altered brain activity in the auditory cortex and salience network
Authors: Schröder Arjan , van Wingen Guido , Eijsker Nadine , San Giorgi Renée , Vulink Nienke C. , Turbyne Collin , Denys Damiaan
Published: May 2019

Misophonia is characterized by intense rage and disgust provoked by hearing specific human sounds resulting in social isolation due to avoidance. We exposed patients with symptom provoking audiovisual stimuli to investigate brain activity of emotional responses. 21 patients with misophonia and 23 matched healthy controls were recruited at the psychiatry department of the Amsterdam UMC. Participants were presented with three different conditions, misophonia related cues (video clips with e.g. lip smacking and loud breathing), aversive cues (violent or disgusting clips from movies), and neutral cues (video clips of e.g. someone meditating) during fMRI. Electrocardiography was recorded to determine physiological changes and self-report measures were used to assess emotional changes. Misophonic cues elicited anger, disgust and sadness in patients compared to controls. Emotional changes were associated with increases in heart rate. The neuroimaging data revealed increased activation of the right insula, right anterior cingulate cortex and right superior temporal cortex during viewing of the misophonic video clips compared to neutral clips. Our results demonstrate that audiovisual stimuli trigger anger and physiological arousal in patients with misophonia, associated with activation of the auditory cortex and salience network.
Carbon content-tuned martensite transformation in low-alloy TRIP steels
Authors: Shen Y. F. , Dong X. X. , Song X. T. , Jia N.
Published: May 2019

Ultrahigh strength and good ductility are obtained for two low-alloy transformation-induced-plasticity steels fabricated by the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) processing, respectively. Compared to 0.19 wt.% C steel in which γ → α′-martensite transformation is the dominant mechanism under deformation, the relatively high C content of austenite in 0.47 wt.% C steel is responsible for the transformation from γ to ε-martensite, suggesting that the transformation is not solely determined by the stacking fault energy. The study shows that during the Q&P process, strong and ductile steels with specific transformation procedures can be obtained by adjusting volume fraction and carbon content of the retained austenite.
Wavelet compression of off-axis digital holograms using real/imaginary and amplitude/phase parts
Authors: Cheremkhin P. A. , Kurbatova E. A.
Published: May 2019

Compression of digital holograms allows one to store, transmit, and reconstruct large sets of holographic data. There are many digital image compression methods, and usually wavelets are used for this task. However, many significant specialties exist for compression of digital holograms. As a result, it is preferential to use a set of methods that includes filtering, scalar and vector quantization, wavelet processing, etc. These methods in conjunction allow one to achieve an acceptable quality of reconstructed images and significant compression ratios. In this paper, wavelet compression of amplitude/phase and real/imaginary parts of the Fourier spectrum of filtered off-axis digital holograms is compared. The combination of frequency filtering, compression of the obtained spectral components, and extra compression of the wavelet decomposition coefficients by threshold processing and quantization is analyzed. Computer-generated and experimentally recorded digital holograms are compressed. The quality of the obtained reconstructed images is estimated. The results demonstrate the possibility of compression ratios of 380 using real/imaginary parts. Amplitude/phase compression allows ratios that are a factor of 2–4 lower for obtaining similar quality of reconstructed objects.
A novel label-free terbium(iii)-aptamer based aptasensor for ultrasensitive and highly specific detection of acute lymphoma leukemia cells
Authors: Wu Siwen , Yang Nuo , Zhong Liping , Luo Yiqun , Wang Huiling , Gong Wenlin , Zhou Sufang , Li Yanmei , He Jian , Cao Haopei , Huang Yong , Zhao Yongxiang
Published: May 2019

Acute leukemia is a malignant clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells with a high prevalence and mortality rate.
Advances in nanostructures fabricatedviaspray pyrolysis and their applications in energy storage and conversion
Authors: Leng Jin , Wang Zhixing , Wang Jiexi , Wu Hong-Hui , Yan Guochun , Li Xinhai , Guo Huajun , Liu Yong , Zhang Qiaobao , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2019

This review provides insight into various nanostructures designed by spray pyrolysis and their applications in energy storage and conversion.
Nature of the “Z”-phase in layered Na-ion battery cathodes
Authors: Somerville James W. , Sobkowiak Adam , Tapia-Ruiz Nuria , Billaud Juliette , Lozano Juan G. , House Robert A. , Gallington Leighanne C. , Ericsson Tore , Häggström Lennart , Roberts Matthew R. , Maitra Urmimala , Bruce Peter G.
Published: May 2019

In this article, the nature of the “Z”-phase, which forms on charging many P2-type compounds to high voltages, is probed.
Reactivity and relative reaction rates of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acetone coexisting with large quantities of acetone on 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine-impregnated filters
Authors: Inoue Naoko , Takaya Mitsutoshi
Published: May 2019

Effect of acetone on the DNPH derivatization of formaldehyde.
pH/redox dual-responsive amphiphilic zwitterionic polymers with a precisely controlled structure as anti-cancer drug carriers
Authors: Wu Zhengzhong , Gan Ziying , Chen Bin , Chen Fan , Cao Jun , Luo Xianglin
Published: May 2019

Stimuli responsive functional polymer isomers performed variously serving as drug carriers for cancer therapy.
Brighter near-IR emission of single-walled carbon nanotubes modified with a cross-linked polymer coating
Authors: Nagai Yukiko , Yudasaka Masako , Kataura Hiromichi , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko
Published: May 2019

Brighter near-IR emission of single-walled carbon nanotubes is achieved when a more hydrophobic polymer coating is realized.
Recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric alkylation of stabilized phosphorous ylides
Authors: Zhang Kai , Lu Liang-Qiu , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: May 2019

The Wittig reaction is a reliable method for synthesizing alkenes from phosphorous ylides (P-ylides) and carbonyls, and is thus widely applied in medicine and pharmaceutical production.
Ru(TAP)32+ uses multivalent binding to accelerate and constrain photo-adduct formation on DNA
Authors: Vanderlinden Willem , Kolbeck Pauline J. , Frederickx Wout , Konrad Sebastian F. , Nicolaus Thomas , Lampe Carola , Urban Alexander S. , Moucheron Cécile , Lipfert Jan
Published: May 2019

At high local DNA concentrations, a photoactive Ru(ii) complex forms photo-adducts more rapidly and with reduced promiscuity.
TMSOTf mediated ‘5/6-endo-dig’ reductive hydroamination for the stereoselective synthesis of pyrrolidine and piperidine derivatives
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Vishwakarma Dharmendra S. , Patel Raj K.
Published: May 2019

A TMSOTf mediated 5/6-endo-dig reductive hydroamination cascade on internal alkynylamines gave expedient, stereoselective access to pyrrolidine and piperidine derivatives. We also demonstrate that a protecting group on nitrogen has a profound effect on the reactivity as well as diastereoselectivity.
Selective and quantitative synthesis of a linear [3]catenane by two component coordination-driven self-assembly
Authors: Singh Jatinder , Kim Dong Hwan , Kim Eun-Hee , Singh Nem , Kim Hyunuk , Hadiputra Rizky , Jung Jaehoon , Chi Ki-Whan
Published: May 2019

Coordination-driven self-assembly and synergistic non-covalent intercycler interactions (π–π, CH–π and CH–N) for the selective formation of a linear [3]catenane.
Electrostatic attraction of nanoobjects – a versatile strategy towards mesostructured transition metal compounds
Authors: Bojer Carina , Ament Kevin , Schmalz Holger , Breu Josef , Lunkenbein Thomas
Published: May 2019

This highlight summarizes current challenges of mesostructuring and focuses on the scope and the potential of the ELAN – (electrostatic attraction of nanoobjects) strategy in mesostructuring of transition metal compounds.
On the preparation and NMR spectroscopic characterization of potassium aluminium tetrahydride KAlH4
Authors: Zibrowius Bodo , Felderhoff Michael
Published: May 2019

Conventional 1D 27Al MAS NMR spectroscopy allows the isotropic chemical shift and the quadrupole coupling parameters of Pnma KAlH4 to be determined precisely.
Correction: Influence of permittivity and energetic disorder on the spatial charge carrier distribution and recombination in organic bulk-heterojunctions
Authors: Albes Tim , Gagliardi Alessio
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Influence of permittivity and energetic disorder on the spatial charge carrier distribution and recombination in organic bulk-heterojunctions’ by Tim Albes et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 20974–20983.
Crystal chemistry and physical properties of the A2M3(H2O)2[B4P6O24(OH)2] (A = Cs, Rb; M = Ni, Cu, (Ni, Fe)) borophosphate family
Authors: Shvanskaya Larisa , Yakubovich Olga , Melchakova Lyubov , Ivanova Anna , Vasiliev Alexander
Published: May 2019

A flexible 3D framework in the A2M3(H2O)2[B4P6O24(OH)2] (A = Cs, Rb; M = Ni, Cu, (Ni, Fe)) borophosphates: synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic and thermal properties.
A novel sulfur quantum dot for the detection of cobalt ions and norfloxacin as a fluorescent “switch”
Authors: Wang Shan , Bao Xing , Gao Bei , Li Meng
Published: May 2019

Sulfur nanomaterials exceed carbon nanomaterials in terms of the antimicrobial or antifungal properties. A novel S QDs which were prepared by “top-down” methodology to detect Co2+and norfloxacin was constructed for the first time. S QDs can play a dual role for detection of Co2+as well as norfloxacin in aqueous media as a fluorescent switch.
endo- versus exo-Cyclic coordination in copper complexes with methylthiazolylcarboxylate tacn derivatives
Authors: Guillou Amaury , Lima Luís M. P. , Esteban-Gómez David , Delgado Rita , Platas-Iglesias Carlos , Patinec Véronique , Tripier Raphaël
Published: May 2019

We explore the impact of methylthiazolylcarboxylate pendant arms on the endo-or exo-cyclic coordination of Cu(ii) with tacn derivatives.
Cooperative catalysis at the metal–MOF interface: hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin over Pd nanoparticles covered with a UiO-66(Hf) MOF
Authors: Bakuru Vasudeva Rao , Davis Deljo , Kalidindi Suresh Babu
Published: May 2019

Cooperative catalysis has been demonstrated over metal–MOF hybrids for the conversion of vanillin (biomass based platform molecules) into value-added 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol.
Ferrocenyl metal–organic framework hollow microspheres forin situloading palladium nanoparticles as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Deng Zheng , Guo Yi , Li Zhuoyi , Wang Xiaobin , Peng Xinsheng , Zeng Yu-Jia
Published: May 2019

Zn–Fc MOF hollow microspheres were prepared for thein situreduction of Pd2+into Pd nanoparticles as a highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst.
Sensing alcohol vapours with novel unsymmetrically substituted metallophthalocyanines
Authors: Pamukçu Polat Merve , Akyüz Duygu , Yenilmez H. Yasemin , Koca Atıf , Altındal Ahmet , Altuntaş Bayır Zehra
Published: May 2019

Unsymmetrically substituted phthalocyanines were synthesized by the well-known statistical condensation method using two differently substituted precursors, 4-tert-butylphthalonitrile and 4-(4-pyrrol-1-yl)phenoxyphthalonitrile.
V2Se: a novel antifluorite-type cubic phase with a metal–metal bonding
Authors: Ryu Gihun , Duong Dinh Loc
Published: May 2019

A new antifluorite-type (Li2O-type) cubic compound, V2Se, has been synthesized for the first time by changing the amount of selenium in chemical vapor transport.
New frontiers for solid-state NMR across the periodic table: a snapshot of modern techniques and instrumentation
Authors: Bryce David L.
Published: May 2019

Advances in solid-state NMR spectroscopy which continue to open up the periodic table to further exploration are surveyed.
Pro-apoptotic genes as new targets for single and combinatorial treatments with resveratrol and curcumin in colorectal cancer
Authors: Gavrilas Laura Ioana , Cruceriu Daniel , Ionescu Corina , Miere Doina , Balacescu Ovidiu
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most diagnosed type of cancer worldwide with high mortality and an increased incidence rate.
Role of theFusarium oxysporummetallothionein Mt1 in resistance to metal toxicity and virulence
Authors: Lorenzo-Gutiérrez Damaris , Gómez-Gil Lucía , Guarro Josep , Roncero M Isabel G , Fernández-Bravo Ana , Capilla Javier , López-Fernández Loida
Published: May 2019

Soil organisms exhibit high tolerance to heavy metals, probably acquired through evolutionary adaptation to contaminated environments. Essentially, metal tolerance in fungi involves several specific and non-specific mechanisms that include metal efflux, metal binding to cell walls, extracellular and intracellular sequestration and complexation with proteins. However, fungi have adopted different strategies to detoxify heavy metals, although species differ in the mechanisms used. In this complex molecular framework, metallothioneins (MTs) are becoming increasingly relevant in metal homeostasis, even though little is known about their role in metal adaptation and virulence in fungal pathogens. With the aim to decipher the function of metallothioneins in the opportunistic fungus Fusarium oxysporum, we have carried out an in silico analysis that revealed the presence of a hypothetical metallothionein (mt1) that has multiple metal responsive elements in its promoter region and conserved cysteine motifs in its coding sequence. Characterization of strain Δmt1 deficient in the mt1 gene revealed higher sensitivity of this mutant to copper, cadmium and zinc compared to the wild type strain (wt). Expression analyses revealed that Zn specifically activates mt1, but the lack of this gene did not lead to a transcriptional up-regulation of genes gapdh and prx, associated with the oxidative stress response. The lack of mt1 did not alter the pathogenic capacity of the fungus, either in tomato plant or in a murine model of systemic infection. Nevertheless, Δmt1 displayed lower resistance to macrophage killing, suggesting a connection between the absence of mt1 and impaired defence capacity against copper and reactive oxygen species.
Poly-l-lysine-coated PLGA/poly(amino acid)-modified hydroxyapatite porous scaffolds as efficient tissue engineering scaffolds for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Guan Yonghong , Yu Haichi , Huang Ge , Zheng Changjun
Published: May 2019

Ideal bone tissue engineering scaffolds should be biocompatible, biodegradable, and mechanically robust and have the ability to regulate cell function.
Anomalous interplay of slip, shear and wettability in nanoconfined water
Authors: Bakli Chirodeep , Chakraborty Suman
Published: May 2019

Interfacial slip is the result of interplay of hydrodynamic fields imposed by wettability and shear distribution.
Atomic-scale selectivity of hydrogen for storage sites in Pd nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Yuan Wenjuan , Ge Mengke , Wang Kai , Hou Xingang , Liu Ning , Deng Ziliang , Guo Ruijie , Liu Siyu , Zhao Yunfeng , He Jia , Xi Wei , Luo Jun , Ding Yi
Published: May 2019

During H2diffusion, H atoms mainly occupy the centers of tetrahedral cages in Pd unit cells; until eventually, in the equilibrium state, they occupy the octahedral cage centers.
Diversion of the Arbuzov reaction: alkylation of C–Cl instead of phosphonic ester formation on the fullerene cage
Authors: Kraevaya Ol'ga A. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Godovikov Ivan , Fedorova Natalya E. , Klimova Regina R. , Sergeeva Vasilina A. , Kameneva Larisa V. , Ershova Elizaveta S. , Martynenko Vyacheslav M. , Claes Sandra , Kushch Alla A. , Kostyuk Svetlana V. , Schols Dominique , Shestakov Alexander F. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: May 2019

We report an “inversed” Arbuzov reaction of C60Ar5Cl with P(OR)3 producing C60Ar5R with an excellent selectivity.
TiCl4-n-Bu3N-mediated cascade annulation of ketones with α-ketoesters: a facile synthesis of highly substituted fused γ-alkylidene-butenolides
Authors: Palange Megha N. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Kontham Ravindar
Published: May 2019

A facile protocol for the synthesis of highly substituted fused γ-alkylidene butenolides using direct annulation of ketones with α-ketoesters, via TiCl4-n-Bu3N mediated aldol addition followed by an intramolecular enol-lactonization/cyclization cascade, is reported.
The electronic structure and the formation of polarons in Mo-doped BiVO4 measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Mohamed Mansour , May Matthias M. , Kanis Michael , Brützam Mario , Uecker Reinhard , van de Krol Roel , Janowitz Christoph , Mulazzi Mattia
Published: May 2019

Experimental investigation of the electronic structure of Mo-doped BiVO4 high-quality single-crystals with synchrotron radiation-excited angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES).
Preparation of graphene oxide/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite membrane and pervaporation performance for ethanol dehydration
Authors: Cheng Xue , Cai Weibin , Chen Xiaohan , Shi Zhen , Li Jiding
Published: May 2019

The separation factor of the composite GOP-2.0 membranes could reach 3 059, which is 16 times higher than PVA membranes.
Early detection of bacteria using SPR imaging and event counting: experiments withListeria monocytogenesandListeria innocua
Authors: Boulade Marine , Morlay Alexandra , Piat Felix , Roupioz Yoann , Livache Thierry , Charette Paul G. , Canva Michael , Leroy Loïc
Published: May 2019

A dedicated SPR apparatus optimized for individual bacteria observation and a new strategy for early detection of microorganisms in growth.
Silver derivatives of multi-donor heterocyclic thioamides as antimicrobial/anticancer agents: unusual bio-activity against methicillin resistantS. aureus,S. epidermidis, andE. faecalisand human bone cancerMG63cell line
Authors: Aulakh Jaspreet K. , Lobana Tarlok S. , Sood Henna , Arora Daljit S. , Kaur Raminderjit , Singh Jatinder , Garcia-Santos Isabel , Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: May 2019

A series of biosafe mixed-ligand complexes of silver with heterocyclic thioamides have been studied for their antimicrobial/anticancer activity.
Experimental and computational investigation of a DNA-shielded 3D metal–organic framework for the prompt dual sensing of Ag+ and S2−
Authors: Cai Shao-Lan , Yang Zi-Chuan , Wu Ke-Yang , Fan Cheng , Zhai Ling-Yan , Huang Nai-Han , Li Rong-Tian , Duan Wen-Jun , Chen Jin-Xiang
Published: May 2019

We herein report an efficient Ag+ and S2− dual sensing scenario by a three-dimensional Cu-based metal–organic framework shielded with a 5-carboxytetramethylrhodamine-labeled C-rich single-stranded DNA as a fluorescent probe.
Highly effective photocatalytic performance of {001}-TiO2/MoS2/RGO hybrid heterostructures for the reduction of Rh B
Authors: Gao Ya , Zheng Yongjie , Chai Jixing , Tian Jingzhi , Jing Tao , Zhang Deqing , Cheng Junye , Peng Huiqing , Liu Bin , Zheng Guangping
Published: May 2019

Effective separation and rapid transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pairs are key features of photocatalytic materials with high catalytic activity, which could be achieved by co-catalysts.
Correction: Flexible, micro-porous chitosan–gelatin hydrogel/nanofibrin composite bandages for treating burn wounds
Authors: Sudheesh Kumar P. T. , Praveen G. , Raj Mincy , Chennazhi K. P. , Jayakumar R.
Published: May 2019

Correction for ‘Flexible, micro-porous chitosan–gelatin hydrogel/nanofibrin composite bandages for treating burn wounds’ by P. T. Sudheesh Kumar et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 65081–65087.
Palladium-catalyzed enantioselective decarboxylative allylic alkylation of fully substituted N-acyl indole-derived enol carbonates
Authors: Alexy Eric J. , Fulton Tyler J. , Zhang Haiming , Stoltz Brian M.
Published: May 2019

The first enantioselective Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation of fully substituted N-acyl indole-derived enol carbonates generates acyclic all-carbon quaternary stereocenters in excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) using a new electron-deficient phosphinoxazoline (PHOX) ligand.
Unraveling the role of Ti in the stability of positive layered oxide electrodes for rechargeable Na-ion batteries
Authors: Zarrabeitia Maider , Gonzalo Elena , Pasqualini Marta , Ciambezi Matteo , Lakuntza Oier , Nobili Francesco , Trapananti Angela , Di Cicco Andrea , Aquilanti Giuliana , Katcho Nebil A. , López del Amo Juan M. , Carrasco Javier , Muñoz-Márquez Miguel Ángel , Rojo Teófilo
Published: May 2019

The cycling stability explained through the Ti doping role on the Jahn Teller distortion.
A functionalized membrane for lithium–oxygen batteries to suppress the shuttle effect of redox mediators
Authors: Chen Zi-Fang , Lin Xiaodong , Xia Hui , Hong Yuhao , Liu Xiaoyu , Cai Senrong , Duan Jia-Ning , Yang Junjie , Zhou Zhiyou , Chang Jeng-Kuei , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: May 2019

By combining steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion, a functionalized Nafion–PEO–graphene (NPG) composite membrane was constructed and used to suppress the shuttle effect of the I−/I3− redox couple.
Facile in situ synthesis of core–shell MOF@Ag nanoparticle composites on screen-printed electrodes for ultrasensitive SERS detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Dan , Cao Xiukai , Zhang Qinmei , Ren Xingang , Jiang Lei , Li Dawei , Deng Wei , Liu Haitao
Published: May 2019

An HKUST-1@Ag-based SERS chip is fabricated by an in situ electrodeposition method and used for on-site detection of PAHs in environmental samples.
Biological enrichment prediction of polychlorinated biphenyls and novel molecular design based on 3D-QSAR/HQSAR associated with molecule docking
Authors: Yang Jiawen , Gu Wenwen , Li Yu
Published: May 2019

Based on the experimental data of octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow, represents bioaccumulation) for 13 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) were used to establish 3D-QSAR models, combined with the hologram quantitative structure–activity relationship (HQSAR), the substitution sites (mono-substituted and bis-substituted) and substituent groups (electron-withdrawing hydrophobic groups) that significantly affect the octanol-water partition coefficients values of PCBs were identified, a total of 63 monosubstituted and bis-substituted were identified. Compared with using 3D-QSAR model alone, the coupling of 3D-QSAR and HQSAR models greatly increased the number of newly designed bis-substituted molecules, and the logKow reduction in newly designed bis-substituted molecules was larger than that of monosubstituted molecules. This was established to predict the Kow values of 196 additional PCBs and carry out a modification of target molecular PCB-207 to lower its Kow (biological enrichment) significantly, simultaneously maintaining the flame retardancy and insulativity after calculation by using Gaussian09. Simultaneously, molecular docking could further screen out three more environmental friendly low biological enrichment newly designed PCB-207 molecules (5-methyl-PCB-207, 5-amino-PCB-207, and 4-amino-5-ethyl-PCB-207).
Silencing of junctional adhesion molecule-like protein attenuates atherogenesis and enhances plaque stability in ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Sun Yu , Guan Juan , Hou Yunfeng , Xue Fei , Huang Wei , Zhang Wencheng , Zhang Yun , Zhang Cheng , Yang Jianmin
Published: May 2019

Background: Although junctional adhesion molecule-like protein (JAML) has recently been implicated in leukocyte recruitment during inflammation and wound repair, its role in atherosclerosis remains to be elucidated.

Methods and results: First, we showed that JAML was strongly expressed in atherosclerotic plaques of cardiovascular patients. Similar results were obtained with atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE−/− mice. Co-immunofluorescence staining showed that JAML was mainly expressed in macrophages. Enhanced expression of JAML in cultured macrophages was observed following exposure of the cells to oxLDL. The functional role of JAML in atherosclerosis and macrophages function was assessed by interference of JAML with shRNA in vivo and siRNA in vitro. Silencing of JAML in mice significantly attenuated atherosclerotic lesion formation, reduced necrotic core area, increased plaque fibrous cap thickness, decreased macrophages content and inflammation. In addition, histological staining showed that JAML deficiency promoted plaques to stable phenotype. In vitro, JAML siRNA treatment lowered the expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages treated with oxLDL. The mechanism by which JAML mediated the inflammatory responses may be related to the ERK/NF-κB activation.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that therapeutic drugs which antagonize the function of JAML may be a potentially effective approach to attenuate atherogenesis and enhance plaque stability.
Contribution of inrush current to mechanical failure of power transformers windings
Authors: Barros Rafael M.R. , da Costa Edson G. , Araujo Jalberth F. , de Andrade Filipe L.M. , Ferreira Tarso V.
Published: May 2019

This work presents a study regarding the contribution of inrush current to the occurrence of mechanical fatigue in windings of a power transformer and, consequently, the impact of that phenomenon on the equipment's lifetime. In order to perform the study, electromagnetic transient simulations were used to determine the inrush current in a three‐phase transformer model. Then, three‐dimensional simulations, based on the finite element method, were performed to determine the electromechanical stresses in the equipment windings, under the effect of the inrush current. Next, the methods of critical plans and Palmgren–Miner were applied to perform the fatigue study. From the results, the impact of inrush current on the integrity of the transformer's windings was determined, as well as, to estimate the reduction of lifespan of the equipment due to inrush occurrence. The number of inrushes needed for the total reduction of lifespan of the equipment due to mechanical fatigue was also determined. The results can be used in the transformers design stage, with the purpose of assisting the evaluation of mechanical withstand of equipment, which can minimise the possibility of failure and increase its lifespan.
Analysing the power transformer temperature limitation for avoidance of bubble formation
Authors: Hill James , Wang Zhongdong , Liu Qiang , Krause Christoph , Wilson Gordon
Published: May 2019

Failure of a transformer is a costly incident which can impact power system operation and result in loss of supply to customers. Transformers can fail through a number of mechanisms, one of which is from the formation of bubbles within the insulation. Currently, the loading guidance is set to avoid certain overload temperatures as high temperature is the main cause of bubbles forming. This paper analyses the limit set within the loading guides, comparing the most commonly cited temperature limit of 140°C with values taken from across the full spectra of available studies in literature. It is concluded that there is sufficient evidence for further investigation into formation of bubbles from transformer insulation as employing a single temperature limit may be inadequate. Use of a single temperature value is unsuitable, given the wide range of potential scenarios that the transformer fleet can present. It has become the go‐to rationale that the moisture content of the solid insulation is the key driver for transformer bubbling temperature. This is true, however, it is shown that other factors such as solid insulation aged condition (determined through degree of polymerisation value) and the insulation type are also important considerations.
Ranging and fingerprinting‐based indoor Wi‐Fi localisation using channel state information
Authors: Wang Yong , Yang Ju , Sun Guangwen , Wang Xiyuan
Published: May 2019

In this study, a hybrid indoor localisation scheme based on ranging and fingerprinting using the calibrated channel state information is presented. In ranging, regarding the serious indoor multipath effect, the authors propose a ranging scheme based on channel impulse response to improve the ranging accuracy and stability of the existing ranging scheme using received signal strength. In fingerprint extraction, they utilise phase difference between antennae to generate fingerprint. The phase difference is more stable and better represents a specific location. Different from the traditional fingerprint‐based scheme including establishing fingerprint database and matching all the fingerprints, they use multi‐layer perceptron to learn a classification model by training on a fingerprint dataset and the new fingerprints are feed to the model to predict the corresponding locations. Their scheme can significantly reduce the computational overhead by the introduction of the distance between transceivers. Finally, they conduct and validate the proposed scheme in two typical indoor environments by extensive experiments. The result shows that the localisation accuracy can be significantly enhanced using their scheme.
Collaborative data aggregation using multiple antennas sensors and fusion centre with energy harvesting capability in WSN
Authors: Choubin Morteza , Taherpour Abass , Rahmani Mehdi
Published: May 2019

In this study, the authors study the collaborative data aggregation using multiple antennas sensors and fusion centre (FC) with energy harvesting capability in the wireless sensor network (WSN). The optimisation problem is formulated to improve the data transfer rate, based on the parameters of collaboration among sensors, the energy harvesting, and storage of each sensor. In particular, they observe several practical constraints for energy harvesting and capability battery energy storage to maintain network connectivity. They propose three scenarios based on the number of antennas for transferring, collecting, and sharing the data on sensor and FC. It is shown these optimisation problems are a non‐convex and to resolve this issue, the objective function is converted to a convex function using a relaxation method. The numerical results show the impact of different parameters on the data rate at FC and improvement in network connection and throughput by using proposed collaborative data aggregation techniques compared to their counterparts.