bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRC2 specifies ectoderm lineages and maintains pluripotency in primed but not naïve ESCs
Authors: Shan Yongli , Liang Zechuan , Xing Qi , Zhang Tian , Wang Bo , Tian Shulan , Huang Wenhao , Zhang Yanqi , Yao Jiao , Zhu Yanling , Huang Ke , Liu Yujian , Wang Xiaoshan , Chen Qianyu , Zhang Jian , Shang Bizhi , Li Shengbiao , Shi Xi , Liao Baojian , Zhang Cong , Lai Keyu , Zhong Xiaofen , Shu Xiaodong , Wang Jinyong , Yao Hongjie , Chen Jiekai , Pei Duanqing , Pan Guangjin
Published: September 2017

Polycomb repressive complex 2 and the epigenetic mark that it deposits, H3K27me3, are evolutionarily conserved and play critical roles in development and cancer. However, their roles in cell fate decisions in early embryonic development remain poorly understood. Here we report that knockout of polycomb repressive complex 2 genes in human embryonic stem cells causes pluripotency loss and spontaneous differentiation toward a meso-endoderm fate, owing to de-repression of BMP signalling. Moreover, human embryonic stem cells with deletion of EZH1 or EZH2 fail to differentiate into ectoderm lineages. We further show that polycomb repressive complex 2-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells also release Bmp4 but retain their pluripotency. However, when converted into a primed state, they undergo spontaneous differentiation similar to that of hESCs. In contrast, polycomb repressive complex 2 is dispensable for pluripotency when human embryonic stem cells are converted into the naive state. Our studies reveal both lineage- and pluripotent state-specific roles of polycomb repressive complex 2 in cell fate decisions.
Tuning magnetoresistance in molybdenum disulphide and graphene using a molecular spin transition
Authors: Datta Subhadeep , Cai Yongqing , Yudhistira Indra , Zeng Zebing , Zhang Yong-Wei , Zhang Han , Adam Shaffique , Wu Jishan , Loh Kian Ping
Published: September 2017

Coupling spins of molecular magnets to two-dimensional (2D) materials provides a framework to manipulate the magneto-conductance of 2D materials. However, with most molecules, the spin coupling is usually weak and devices fabricated from these require operation at low temperatures, which prevents practical applications. Here, we demonstrate field-effect transistors based on the coupling of a magnetic molecule quinoidal dithienyl perylenequinodimethane (QDTP) to 2D materials. Uniquely, QDTP switches from a spin-singlet state at low temperature to a spin-triplet state above 370 K, and the spin transition can be electrically transduced by both graphene and molybdenum disulphide. Graphene-QDTP shows hole-doping and a large positive magnetoresistance ( ~ 50%), while molybdenum disulphide-QDTP demonstrates electron-doping and a switch to large negative magnetoresistance ( ~ 100%) above the magnetic transition. Our work shows the promise of spin detection at high temperature by coupling 2D materials and molecular magnets.
Cortical dendritic activity correlates with spindle-rich oscillations during sleep in rodents
Authors: Seibt Julie , Richard Clément J. , Sigl-Glöckner Johanna , Takahashi Naoya , Kaplan David I. , Doron Guy , de Limoges Denis , Bocklisch Christina , Larkum Matthew E.
Published: September 2017

How sleep influences brain plasticity is not known. In particular, why certain electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms are linked to memory consolidation is poorly understood. Calcium activity in dendrites is known to be necessary for structural plasticity changes, but this has never been carefully examined during sleep. Here, we report that calcium activity in populations of neocortical dendrites is increased and synchronised during oscillations in the spindle range in naturally sleeping rodents. Remarkably, the same relationship is not found in cell bodies of the same neurons and throughout the cortical column. Spindles during sleep have been suggested to be important for brain development and plasticity. Our results provide evidence for a physiological link of spindles in the cortex specific to dendrites, the main site of synaptic plasticity.
Observation of nanoscale magnetic fields using twisted electron beams
Authors: Grillo Vincenzo , Harvey Tyler R. , Venturi Federico , Pierce Jordan S. , Balboni Roberto , Bouchard Frédéric , Carlo Gazzadi Gian , Frabboni Stefano , Tavabi Amir H. , Li Zi-An , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Boyd Robert W. , McMorran Benjamin J. , Karimi Ebrahim
Published: September 2017

Electron waves give an unprecedented enhancement to the field of microscopy by providing higher resolving power compared to their optical counterpart. Further information about a specimen, such as electric and magnetic features, can be revealed in electron microscopy because electrons possess both a magnetic moment and charge. In-plane magnetic structures in materials can be studied experimentally using the effect of the Lorentz force. On the other hand, full mapping of the magnetic field has hitherto remained challenging. Here we measure a nanoscale out-of-plane magnetic field by interfering a highly twisted electron vortex beam with a reference wave. We implement a recently developed holographic technique to manipulate the electron wavefunction, which gives free electrons an additional unbounded quantized magnetic moment along their propagation direction. Our finding demonstrates that full reconstruction of all three components of nanoscale magnetic fields is possible without tilting the specimen.
Structural insights into the substrate binding adaptability and specificity of human O-GlcNAcase
Authors: Li Baobin , Li Hao , Hu Chia-Wei , Jiang Jiaoyang
Published: September 2017

The O-linked β-N-acetyl glucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification dynamically regulates the functions of numerous proteins. A single human enzyme O-linked β-N-acetyl glucosaminase (O-GlcNAcase or OGA) hydrolyzes this modification. To date, it remains largely unknown how OGA recognizes various substrates. Here we report the structures of OGA in complex with each of four distinct glycopeptide substrates that contain a single O-GlcNAc modification on a serine or threonine residue. Intriguingly, these glycopeptides bind in a bidirectional yet conserved conformation within the substrate-binding cleft of OGA. This study provides fundamental insights into a general principle that confers the substrate binding adaptability and specificity to OGA in O-GlcNAc regulation.
Density-matrix simulation of small surface codes under current and projected experimental noise
Authors: O’Brien T. E. , Tarasinski B. , DiCarlo L.
Published: September 2017

We present a density-matrix simulation of the quantum memory and computing performance of the distance-3 logical qubit Surface-17, following a recently proposed quantum circuit and using experimental error parameters for transmon qubits in a planar circuit QED architecture. We use this simulation to optimize components of the QEC scheme (e.g., trading off stabilizer measurement infidelity for reduced cycle time) and to investigate the benefits of feedback harnessing the fundamental asymmetry of relaxation-dominated error in the constituent transmons. A lower-order approximate calculation extends these predictions to the distance-5 Surface-49. These results clearly indicate error rates below the fault-tolerance threshold of the surface code, and the potential for Surface-17 to perform beyond the break-even point of quantum memory. However, Surface-49 is required to surpass the break-even point of computation at state-of-the-art qubit relaxation times and readout speeds.
Apicomplexan actin polymerization depends on nucleation
Authors: Kumpula Esa-Pekka , Pires Isa , Lasiwa Devaki , Piirainen Henni , Bergmann Ulrich , Vahokoski Juha , Kursula Inari
Published: September 2017

Filamentous actin is critical for apicomplexan motility and host cell invasion. Yet, parasite actin filaments are short and unstable. Their kinetic characterization has been hampered by the lack of robust quantitative methods. Using a modified labeling method, we carried out thorough biochemical characterization of malaria parasite actin. In contrast to the isodesmic polymerization mechanism suggested for Toxoplasma gondii actin, Plasmodium falciparum actin I polymerizes via the classical nucleation-elongation pathway, with kinetics similar to canonical actins. A high fragmentation rate, governed by weak lateral contacts within the filament, is likely the main reason for the short filament length. At steady state, Plasmodium actin is present in equal amounts of short filaments and dimers, with a small proportion of monomers, representing the apparent critical concentration of ~0.1 µM. The dimers polymerize but do not serve as nuclei. Our work enhances understanding of actin evolution and the mechanistic details of parasite motility, serving as a basis for exploring parasite actin and actin nucleators as drug targets against malaria and other apicomplexan parasitic diseases.
Efficient 3D-Silver Flower-like Microstructures for Non-Enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Amperometric Detection
Authors: El-Nagar Gumaa A. , Sarhan Radwan M. , Abouserie Ahed , Maticiuc Natalia , Bargheer Matias , Lauermann Iver , Roth Christina
Published: September 2017

We present an efficient non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide sensor composed of flower-like silver microstructures. The silver microstructures´ morphology is controlled by adding minute amounts of either succinic or malonic acid as directing agents. Morphologically, silver particles showed ball-like structures in the absence of both directing agents, while the presence of 50 ppm of succinic acid and malonic acid lead to monodisperse chrysanthemum and water-lily flower-like structure, respectively. A higher concentration of succinic acid resulted in a rose flower-like structures. Electrochemically, the rose flower-like silver microstructures exhibited the best performance for H2O2 detection as evaluated by their outstanding electrocatalytic activity (12 times higher) and sensitivity (2.4 mM−1 cm−2, 24 times higher) with lower detection limit (0.4 µM, 5 times smaller) together with their excellent H2O2 selectivity compared to that of the ball-shaped structures. Additionally, rose-flower microstructures exhibited excellent long-term stability; 11 and 3 times higher compared to ball- and water-lily structures, respectively. This substantial performance enhancement is attributed to their unique flower-like structure providing a higher number of active surface sites (at least 8 times higher) and a faster detachment rate of in-situ generated oxygen bubbles from their surface.
A Virological and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Emergence of New Clades of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Elawar Farah , Griffiths Cameron D. , Zhu Daniel , Bilawchuk Leanne M. , Jensen Lionel D. , Forss Lydia , Tang Julian , Hazes Bart , Drews Steven J. , Marchant David J.
Published: September 2017

The significant burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in pediatric and elderly populations is well recognized. However, questions remain about transmission and evolution of RSV in the community, between seasons, and the role played by viral genetics in viral replication. Therefore, we integrated next generation sequencing, patient viral load, and viral replication analysis with surveillance of RSV to initiate a better understanding of viral adaptation in communities. RSV type-A and B infections were most closely related to RSV sequences from the USA and Asia, respectfully. The sample titres between RSV types-A and B were not significantly different. However, when the patient sample titre was compared to the phylogenetics of RSV, emergent clades were identified that we termed High Titre (HiT) clades of RSV. In conclusion, the correlation between patient viral load and replication kinetics of RSV patient isolates in culture indicated that viral genetics may determine virus replicative ability within patients. There was evolution or introduction of high-titre RSV type-A and B infections that seeded HiT clades in the subsequent year. Therefore, virological analysis of RSV isolates in conjunction with RSV phylogenetics may be a tool for predicting new clades of RSV in impending seasons.
Metagenomic-based Surveillance of Pacific Coast tick Dermacentor occidentalis Identifies Two Novel Bunyaviruses and an Emerging Human Ricksettsial Pathogen
Authors: Bouquet Jerome , Melgar Michael , Swei Andrea , Delwart Eric , Lane Robert S. , Chiu Charles Y.
Published: September 2017

An increasing number of emerging tick-borne diseases has been reported in the United States since the 1970s. Using metagenomic next generation sequencing, we detected nucleic acid sequences from 2 novel viruses in the family Bunyaviridae and an emerging human rickettsial pathogen, Rickettsia philipii, in a population of the Pacific Coast tick, Dermacentor occidentalis in Mendocino County sampled annually from 2011 to 2014. A total of 250 adults of this human-biting, generalist tick were collected from contiguous chaparral and grassland habitats, and RNA from each individually extracted tick was deep sequenced to an average depth of 7.3 million reads. We detected a Francisella endosymbiont in 174 ticks (70%), and Rickettsia spp. in 19 ticks (8%); Rickettsia-infected ticks contained R. rhipicephali (16 of 250, 6.4%) or R. philipii (3 of 250,1.2%), the agent of eschar-associated febrile illness in humans. The genomes of 2 novel bunyaviruses (>99% complete) in the genera Nairovirus and Phlebovirus were also identified and found to be present in 20–91% of ticks, depending on the year of collection. The high prevalence of these bunyaviruses in sampled Dermacentor ticks suggests that they may be viral endosymbionts, although further studies are needed to determine whether they are infectious for vertebrate hosts, especially humans, and their potential role in tick ecology.
Sensing bacterial vibrations and early response to antibiotics with phase noise of a resonant crystal
Authors: Johnson Ward L. , France Danielle Cook , Rentz Nikki S. , Cordell William T. , Walls Fred L.
Published: September 2017

The speed of conventional antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is intrinsically limited by observation of cell colony growth, which can extend over days and allow bacterial infections to advance before effective antibiotics are identified. This report presents an approach for rapidly sensing mechanical fluctuations of bacteria and the effects of antibiotics on these fluctuations. Bacteria are adhered to a quartz crystal resonator in an electronic bridge that is driven by a high-stability frequency source. Mechanical fluctuations of cells introduce time-dependent perturbations to the crystal boundary conditions and associated resonant frequency, which translate into phase noise measured at the output of the bridge. In experiments on nonmotile E. coli exposed to polymyxin B, cell-generated frequency noise dropped close to zero with the first spectra acquired 7 minutes after introduction of the antibiotic. In experiments on the same bacterial strain exposed to ampicillin, frequency noise began decreasing within 15 minutes of antibiotic introduction and proceeded to drop more rapidly with the onset of antibiotic-induced lysis. In conjunction with cell imaging and post-experiment counting of colony-forming units, these results provide evidence that cell death can be sensed through measurements of cell-generated frequency noise, potentially providing a basis for rapid AST.
Plasticity of Human Meniscus Fibrochondrocytes: A Study on Effects of Mitotic Divisions and Oxygen Tension
Authors: Liang Yan , Idrees Enaam , Andrews Stephen H. J. , Labib Kirollos , Szojka Alexander , Kunze Melanie , Burbank Andrea D. , Mulet-Sierra Aillette , Jomha Nadr M. , Adesida Adetola B.
Published: September 2017

Meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) may be the optimal cell source to repair non-healing meniscus injuries using tissue engineering strategies. In this study, we investigated the effects of mitotic divisions and oxygen tension on the plasticity of adult human MFCs. Our assessment techniques included gene expression, biochemical, histological, and immunofluorescence assays. MFCs were expanded in monolayer culture with combined growth factors TGFβ1 and FGF-2 (T1F2) under normoxia (21% O2). Trilineage (adipogenesis, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis) differentiation was performed under both normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (3% O2) conditions. The data demonstrated that MFCs with a mean total population doubling of 10 can undergo adipogenesis and chondrogenesis. This capability was enhanced under hypoxic conditions. The MFCs did not undergo osteogenesis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that extensively expanded human MFCs have the capacity to generate tissues with the functional matrix characteristics of avascular meniscus. To this end, expanded MFCs may be an ideal cell source for engineering functional constructs for the replacement or repair of avascular meniscus.
An open-label, one-arm, dose-escalation study to evaluate safety and tolerability of extremely low frequency magnetic fields in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Capone Fioravante , Liberti Micaela , Apollonio Francesca , Camera Francesca , Setti Stefania , Cadossi Ruggero , Quattrocchi Carlo Cosimo , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: September 2017

Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) could be an alternative neuroprotective approach for ischemic stroke because preclinical studies have demonstrated their effects on the mechanisms underlying ischemic damage. The purpose of this open-label, one arm, dose-escalation, exploratory study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ELF-MF in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Within 48 hours from the stroke onset, patients started ELF-MF treatment, daily for 5 consecutive days. Clinical follow-up lasted 12 months. Brain MRI was performed before and 1 month after the treatment. The distribution of ELF-MF in the ischemic lesion was estimated by dosimetry. Six patients were stimulated, three for 45 min/day and three for 120 min/day. None of them reported adverse events. Clinical conditions improved in all the patients. Lesion size was reduced in one patient stimulated for 45 minutes and in all the patients stimulated for 120 minutes. Magnetic field intensity within the ischemic lesion was above 1 mT, the minimum value able to trigger a biological effect in preclinical studies. Our pilot study demonstrates that ELF-MF are safe and tolerable in acute stroke patients. A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study will clarify whether ELF-MFs could represent a potential therapeutic approach.
Anti-enterovirus 71 activities of Melissa officinalis extract and its biologically active constituent rosmarinic acid
Authors: Chen Sin-Guang , Leu Yann-Lii , Cheng Mei-Ling , Ting Siew Chin , Liu Ching-Chuan , Wang Shulhn-Der , Yang Cheng-Hung , Hung Cheng-Yu , Sakurai Hiroaki , Chen Kuan-Hsing , Ho Hung-Yao
Published: September 2017

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection is endemic in the Asia-Pacific region. No specific antiviral drug has been available to treat EV71 infection. Melissa officinalis (MO) is a medicinal plant with long history of usage in the European and Middle East. We investigated whether an aqueous solution of concentrated methanolic extract (MOM) possesses antiviral activity. MOM inhibited plaque formation, cytopathic effect, and viral protein synthesis in EV71-infected cells. Using spectral techniques, we identified rosmarinic acid (RA) as a biologically active constituent of MOM. RA reduced viral attachment and entry; cleavage of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 G (eIF4G); reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation; and translocation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) from nucleus to cytoplasm. It alleviated EV71-induced hyperphosphorylation of p38 kinase and EPS15. RA is likely to suppress ROS-mediated p38 kinase activation, and such downstream molecular events as hnRNP A1 translocation and EPS15-regulated membrane trafficking in EV71-infected cells. These findings suggest that MO and its constituent RA possess anti-EV71 activities, and may serve as a candidate drug for therapeutic and prophylactic uses against EV71 infection.
Kynurenine aminotransferase activity of Aro8/Aro9 engage tryptophan degradation by producing kynurenic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ohashi Kazuto , Chaleckis Romanas , Takaine Masak , Wheelock Craig E. , Yoshida Satoshi
Published: September 2017

Kynurenic acid (KA) is a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite that is synthesised in a branch of kynurenine (KYN) pathway. KYN aminotransferase (KAT) catalyses deamination of KYN, yielding KA. Although KA synthesis is evolutionarily conserved from bacteria to humans, the cellular benefits of synthesising KA are unclear. In this study, we constructed a KAT-null yeast mutant defective in KA synthesis to clarify the cellular function of KA. Amino acid sequence analysis and LC/MS quantification of KA revealed that Aro8 and Aro9 are the major KATs. KA was significantly decreased in the aro8Δ aro9Δ double mutant. We found that aro8Δ aro9Δ cells did not exhibit obvious defects in growth or oxidative stress response when proper amounts of amino acids are supplied in the media. We further found that aro8Δ aro9Δ cells were sensitive to excess Trp. The Trp sensitivity was not rescued by addition of KA, suggesting that Trp sensitivity is not due to the loss of KA. In conclusion, we propose that KAT activity is required for detoxification of Trp by converting it to the less toxic KA.
Cross-Talk Immunity of PEDOT:PSS Pressure Sensing Arrays with Gold Nanoparticle Incorporation
Authors: Karmakar Rajat Subhra , Lu Yu-Jen , Fu Yi , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chan Shun-Hsiang , Wu Ming-Chung , Lee Jyh-Wei , Lin Tzu-Kang , Wang Jer-Chyi
Published: September 2017

In this study, the cross-talk effects and the basic piezoresistive characteristics of gold nanoparticle (Au-NP) incorporated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) pressure sensing 2 × 2 arrays are investigated using a cross-point electrode (CPE) structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mappings were carried out to confirm the incorporation of Au-NPs in the PEDOT:PSS films. A solution mixing process was employed to incorporate the nanoparticles. When the diameter of the Au-NPs incorporated in the PEDOT:PSS films (Au-NPs/PEDOT:PSS) was 20 nm, the piezoresistive pressure sensing 2 × 2 arrays were almost immune to cross-talk effects, which enhances the pressure sensing accuracy of the array. The Au-NPs render the PEDOT:PSS films more resilient. This is confirmed by the high plastic resistance values using a nanoindenter, which reduce the interference between the active and passive cells. When the size of the Au-NPs is more than 20 nm, a significant cross-talk effect is observed in the pressure sensing arrays as a result of the high conductivity of the Au-NPs/PEDOT:PSS films with large Au-NPs. With the incorporation of optimally sized Au-NPs, the PEDOT:PSS piezoresistive pressure sensing arrays can be promising candidates for future high-resolution fingerprint identification system with multiple-electrode array structures.
Uptake and translocation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals by maize from soil irrigated with wastewater
Authors: Zhang Shichao , Yao Hong , Lu Yintao , Yu Xiaohua , Wang Jing , Sun Shaobin , Liu Mingli , Li Desheng , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Dayi
Published: September 2017

By investigating the uptake of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and five heavy metals from soils to maize at the farmlands with industrial wastewater irrigation, this study revealed the effects of heavy metals on PAHs uptake in terms of co-contamination. The results of 15 investigated soils showed medium contamination level and the vertical PAHs distribution in soils indicated that 2–3 rings PAHs with low octanol-water partition coefficient (log Kow < 4.5) were easier to transport in soils, causing a great potential risk immigrating to the groundwater. The 3-ring PAHs were most likely to be taken up by maize roots whereas 2- and 4–6 ring PAHs had the lower likelihood. The translocation of PAHs in maize tissues has positive relationship with log Kow less than 4.5, while negatively correlated otherwise. Redundancy analysis indicated the unexpected results that, except for soil PAHs concentration, the PAHs translocation by maize was reduced by Pb uptake, but not significantly affected by soil organic matters, pH or the other four heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn). This study for the first time provides the restricted factors of PAHs and heavy metal acropetal translocation by maize when they co-exist at wastewater irrigation sites.
Human-modified habitats facilitate forest-dwelling populations of an invasive predator, Vulpes vulpes
Authors: Hradsky Bronwyn A. , Robley Alan , Alexander Ray , Ritchie Euan G. , York Alan , Di Stefano Julian
Published: September 2017

Invasive and over-abundant predators pose a major threat to biodiversity and often benefit from human activities. Effective management requires understanding predator use of human-modified habitats (including resource subsidies and disturbed environments), and individual variation within populations. We investigated selection for human-modified habitats by invasive red foxes, Vulpes vulpes, within two predominantly forested Australian landscapes. We predicted that foxes would select for human-modified habitats in their range locations and fine-scale movements, but that selection would vary between individuals. We GPS-tracked 19 foxes for 17–166 days; ranges covered 33 to >2500 ha. Approximately half the foxes selected for human-modified habitats at the range scale, with some ‘commuting’ more than five kilometres to farmland or townships at night. Two foxes used burnt forest intensively after a prescribed fire. In their fine-scale nocturnal movements, most foxes selected for human-modified habitats such as reservoirs, forest edges and roads, but there was considerable individual variation. Native fauna in fragmented and disturbed habitats are likely to be exposed to high rates of fox predation, and anthropogenic food resources may subsidise fox populations within the forest interior. Coordinating fox control across land-tenures, targeting specific landscape features, and limiting fox access to anthropogenic resources will be important for biodiversity conservation.
Ecosystem biomonitoring with eDNA: metabarcoding across the tree of life in a tropical marine environment
Authors: Stat Michael , Huggett Megan J. , Bernasconi Rachele , DiBattista Joseph D. , Berry Tina E. , Newman Stephen J. , Harvey Euan S. , Bunce Michael
Published: September 2017

Effective marine management requires comprehensive data on the status of marine biodiversity. However, efficient methods that can document biodiversity in our oceans are currently lacking. Environmental DNA (eDNA) sourced from seawater offers a new avenue for investigating the biota in marine ecosystems. Here, we investigated the potential of eDNA to inform on the breadth of biodiversity present in a tropical marine environment. Directly sequencing eDNA from seawater using a shotgun approach resulted in only 0.34% of 22.3 million reads assigning to eukaryotes, highlighting the inefficiency of this method for assessing eukaryotic diversity. In contrast, using ‘tree of life’ (ToL) metabarcoding and 20-fold fewer sequencing reads, we could detect 287 families across the major divisions of eukaryotes. Our data also show that the best performing ‘universal’ PCR assay recovered only 44% of the eukaryotes identified across all assays, highlighting the need for multiple metabarcoding assays to catalogue biodiversity. Lastly, focusing on the fish genus Lethrinus, we recovered intra- and inter-specific haplotypes from seawater samples, illustrating that eDNA can be used to explore diversity beyond taxon identifications. Given the sensitivity and low cost of eDNA metabarcoding we advocate this approach be rapidly integrated into biomonitoring programs.
Observation of enhanced superconductivity in the vicinity of Ar-induced nano-cavities in Pb(111)
Authors: Song Sang Yong , Seo Jungpil
Published: September 2017

Local variations of superconductivity have been studied using scanning tunneling microscopy around nano-cavities formed by Ar ions embedded in Pb(111). Various factors including the density of states at Fermi energy, electron–phonon couplings, and quantum well states, which are known to affect superconductivity, have been examined. We show that the superconductivity is enhanced near the nano-cavities and propose that quantum effects such as quantum confinement, proximity effect and multi-gap effect are possibly involved in determining the superconducting gap of this system. These results have important implications for the characterization and understanding of superconductivity at a nanometer scale.
Morphologically normalized left ventricular motion indicators from MRI feature tracking characterize myocardial infarction
Authors: Piras Paolo , Teresi Luciano , Puddu Paolo Emilio , Torromeo Concetta , Young Alistair A. , Suinesiaputra Avan , Medrano-Gracia Pau
Published: September 2017

We characterized motion attributes arising from LV spatio-temporal analysis of motion distributions in myocardial infarction. Time-varying 3D finite element shape models were obtained in 300 Controls and 300 patients with myocardial infarction. Inter-individual left ventricular shape differences were eliminated using parallel transport to the grand mean of all cases. The first three principal component (PC) scores were used to characterize trajectory attributes. Scores were tested with ANOVA/MANOVA using patient disease status (Infarcts vs. Controls) as a factor. Infarcted patients had significantly different magnitude, orientation and shape of left ventricular trajectories in comparison to Controls. Significant differences were found for the angle between PC scores 1 and 2 in the endocardium, and PC scores 1 and 3 in the epicardium. The largest differences were found in the magnitude of endocardial motion. Endocardial PC scores in shape space showed the highest classification power using support vector machine, with higher total accuracy in comparison to previous methods. Shape space performed better than size-and-shape space for both epicardial and endocardial features. In conclusion, LV spatio-temporal motion attributes accurately characterize the presence of infarction. This approach is easily generalizable to different pathologies, enabling more precise study of the pathophysiological consequences of a wide spectrum of cardiac diseases.
Characterization of the antifungal functions of a WGA-Fc (IgG2a) fusion protein binding to cell wall chitin oligomers
Authors: Liedke Susie Coutinho , Miranda Daniel Zamith , Gomes Kamilla Xavier , Gonçalves Jorge Luis S. , Frases Susana , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Nimrichter Leonardo , Peralta José Mauro , Guimarães Allan J.
Published: September 2017

The majority of therapeutic strategies for mycosis require the protracted administration of antifungals, which can result in significant toxicities and have unacceptable failure rates. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of improved therapeutic approaches, and monoclonal antibody-based drugs are potentially a powerful alternative to standard antifungals. To develop a broad antibody-like reagent against mycosis, wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was linked to the effector Fc region of murine IgG2a. The resultant WGA-Fc displayed high affinity to purified chitin and bound efficiently to fungal cell walls, co-localizing with chitin, in patterns ranging from circular (Histoplasma capsulatum) to punctate (Cryptococcus neoformans) to labeling at the bud sites (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). WGA-Fc directly inhibited fungal growth in standard cultures. WGA-Fc opsonization increased fungal phagocytosis, as well augmented the antifungal functions by macrophages. Prophylactic administration of WGA-Fc fully protected mice against H. capsulatum, correlating with a reduction in lung, spleen and liver fungal burdens. Administration of WGA-Fc also dramatically diminished pulmonary inflammation. Hence, the opsonic activity of WGA-Fc effectively modulates fungal cell recognition and promotes the elimination of fungal pathogens. Therefore, we propose WGA-Fc as a potential “pan-fungal” therapeutic that should be further developed for use against invasive mycoses.
Cortical afferents onto the nucleus Reticularis thalami promote plasticity of low-threshold excitability through GluN2C-NMDARs
Authors: Fernandez Laura M. J. , Pellegrini Chiara , Vantomme Gil , Béard Elidie , Lüthi Anita , Astori Simone
Published: September 2017

Thalamus and cortex represent a highly integrated processing unit that elaborates sensory representations. Interposed between cortex and thalamus, the nucleus Reticularis thalami (nRt) receives strong cortical glutamatergic input and mediates top-down inhibitory feedback to thalamus. Despite growing appreciation that the nRt is integral for thalamocortical functions from sleep to attentional wakefulness, we still face considerable gaps in the synaptic bases for cortico-nRt communication and plastic regulation. Here, we examined modulation of nRt excitability by cortical synaptic drive in Ntsr1-Cre x ChR2tg/+ mice expressing Channelrhodopsin2 in layer 6 corticothalamic cells. We found that cortico-nRt synapses express a major portion of NMDA receptors containing the GluN2C subunit (GluN2C-NMDARs). Upon repetitive photoactivation (10 Hz trains), GluN2C-NMDARs induced a long-term increase in nRt excitability involving a potentiated recruitment of T-type Ca2+ channels. In anaesthetized mice, analogous stimulation of cortical afferents onto nRt produced long-lasting changes in cortical local field potentials (LFPs), with delta oscillations being augmented at the expense of slow oscillations. This shift in LFP spectral composition was sensitive to NMDAR blockade in the nRt. Our data reveal a novel mechanism involving plastic modification of synaptically recruited T-type Ca2+ channels and nRt bursting and indicate a critical role for GluN2C-NMDARs in thalamocortical rhythmogenesis.
Aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template for enhanced gas-sensing properties
Authors: Yin Zhouping , Wang Xiaomei , Sun Fazhe , Tong Xiaohu , Zhu Chen , Lv Qiying , Ye Dong , Wang Shuai , Luo Wei , Huang YongAn
Published: September 2017

Gas sensing performance can be improved significantly by the increase in both the effective gas exposure area and the surface reactivitiy of ZnO nanorods. Here, we propose aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays (h-Ag/ZnO-NAs) via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template, together with a subsequent hydrothermal synthesis and photoreduction reaction. The h-Ag/ZnO-NAs scatter at top for higher specific surface areas with the air, simultaneously contact at root for the electrical conduction. Besides, the ZnO nanorods are uniformly coated with dispersed Ag nanoparticles, resulting in a tremendous enhancement of the surface reactivity. Compared with pure ZnO, such h-Ag/ZnO-NAs exhibit lower electrical resistance and faster responses. Moreover, they demonstrate enhanced NO2 gas sensing properties. Self-assembly via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template paves a new way for the preparation of high performance gas sensors.
Neurons and a sensory organ in the pedipalps of male spiders reveal that it is not a numb structure
Authors: Sentenská Lenka , Müller Carsten H.G. , Pekár Stano , Uhl Gabriele
Published: September 2017

The primary function of male copulatory organs is depositing spermatozoa directly into the female reproductive tract. Typical male copulatory organs are sensorily active. This is in contrast to the copulatory organs of male spiders (i.e. palpal bulbi), which have been assumed to lack nerves and muscles until recently. Neurons have been found within the bulbus of the spider Hickmania troglodytes, a taxon basal to all Neocribellata. We provide the first evidence for neurons and an internalized multi-sensillar sensory organ in the bulbus of an entelegyne spider (Philodromus cespitum). The sensory organ likely provides mechanical or chemical feedback from the intromitting structure, the embolus. We found further neurons associated with two glands within the bulbus, one of which is likely responsible for sperm extrusion during mating. These findings provide a new framework for studies on reproductive behaviour and sexual selection in spiders.
Porous Ionic Liquid Materials
Authors: Dani Alessandro , Crocellà Valentina , Latini Giulio , Bordiga Silvia
Published: September 2017

Porous ionic liquid materials are a well-established reality in the field of functional porous materials. The combination of porosity with ionic liquid functionality gives rise to a large variety of materials useful for a broad range of applications, ranging from gas adsorption/separation to catalysis. This chapter gives an overview of all kinds of porous materials that bear an ionic liquid functionality ranging from porous poly(ionic liquid)s, to porous cationic polymers and ionic liquids supported or grafted on several kinds of pre-formed porous inorganic or hybrid materials. In particular, in hybrid materials, the ionic liquid moiety is an integrated part of the organic–inorganic hybrid structure, as in the case of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), and periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs). The porous materials described in this chapter bear the common ionic liquid functionalities, such as imidazolium, pyridinium and ammonium. A brief discussion is given on the synthetic approaches and on the evaluation of the porosity in terms of surface area and pore size distribution, distinguishing between microporous and mesoporous materials.
Ionic Liquid-modified Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride): from High Performance Anti-static Materials to Flexible Dielectric Materials
Authors: Xing C. Y. , Li Y. J.
Published: September 2017

Semi-crystalline poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is of great significance in the family of fluorine polymers and its modification has always been an active area of research both in industrial and academic research fields. Raw PVDF is known to crystallize into a non-polar crystal form that is insulative and hydrophobic, and has a low dielectric constant, restricting its direct practical application and thus stimulating huge research interest in the modification of PVDF by means of physical or chemical methods. On the other hand, room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) are molten salts with low melting points, non-volatility, high ion-conductivity, and high thermal, chemical and radiation stability. The modification of PVDF with RTILs leads to various functional PVDF materials with improved electric and dielectric performance. In this chapter, high performance anti-static PVDF/IL materials, as well as dielectric PVDF/IL materials, are introduced systematically. The former, anti-static PVDF/IL materials, are based on thermodynamically miscible systems, including miscible PVDF/IL films, PVDF/IL composite nanofibrous films and carbon nanotube (CNT)-integrated PVDF/IL nanocomposites (namely, PVDF/IL–CNT composites), which are fabricated by physical methods. In contrast, dielectric PVDF/IL materials are produced by radiation chemical grating of ILs onto the PVDF molecular chains. Furthermore, dielectric PVDF/IL materials with incorporation of carbon black (CB) into the IL-g-PVDF/IL are presented. The structure–property relationships of these two kinds of PVDF/IL-based materials have been discussed systematically.
Ionic Electrochemical Actuators
Authors: Maziz A. , Simaite A. , Bergaud C.
Published: September 2017

Ionic electroactive polymer (iEAP) actuators with ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes are distinguished by their ability to operate in ambient air with an enhanced lifetime. This chapter reports the developments in iEAP actuator technologies for several applications, with a particular focus on the use of conducting polymers (CPs). CPs have attracted attention because of their promising electronic, optical and electromechanical properties. These smart materials are characterized by their possible dimensional changes due to the migration or diffusion of ions upon electrochemical oxidation or reduction processes. In an adequate ionic conducting medium, CPs can be used as the active component in actuators and lead to interesting potential applications, including soft robotics, prosthetic devices, microsystems and medical devices. This chapter starts with an overview of existing iEAP actuators. CP actuation mechanisms and configurations are explained in detail, and existing and potential applications are discussed, emphasizing the benefits of using ionic liquids (high ionic conductivity, non-volatility, larger electrochemical window and biocompatibility). Finally, to conclude, the future developments and challenges in this area are discussed.
A 3-step chemiluminescence method for chemical oxygen demand measurement with dichromate oxidizing reagent
Authors: Hue Do Thi Kim , Shiba Takumi , Maeda Yasuaki , Takenaka Norimichi
Published: September 2017

In this study, the use of potassium dichromate as an oxidizing reagent in the 3-step chemiluminescence (CL) chemical oxygen demand (COD) method, based on the principle of the permanganate COD (CODMn) method (JIS K0102), was developed (3-step CL CODCr method).
Structural stability and uniformity of magnetic Pt13 nanoparticles in NaY zeolite
Authors: Di Paola Cono , Pavan Luca , D'Agosta Roberto , Baletto Francesca
Published: September 2017

Based on first-principles calculations, the structural stability and magnetic variety of Pt13 nanoparticles encapsulated in a NaY zeolite are investigated.
Volatile HRS asymmetry and subloops in resistive switching oxides
Authors: La Torre Camilla , Kindsmüller Andreas , Wouters Dirk J. , Graves Catherine E. , Gibson Gary A. , Strachan John Paul , Williams R. Stanley , Waser Rainer , Menzel Stephan
Published: September 2017

A volatile effect in non-volatile ReRAM memories that leads to a current asymmetry and the occurrence of subloops is presented.
Plasmonic sensor with high figure of merit based on differential polarization spectra of elliptical nanohole array
Authors: Ai Bin , Basnet Pradip , Larson Steven , Ingram Whitney , Zhao Yiping
Published: September 2017

The figure of merits (FOMs) of plasmonic sensors can be pushed to a new level (∼700 RIU−1) based on the differential polarization transmission spectra of elliptical nanoholes.
Synthesis and pH-dependent hydrolysis profiles of mono- and dialkyl substituted maleamic acids
Authors: Su Shan , Du Fu-Sheng , Li Zi-Chen
Published: September 2017

Controlled synthesis and in-depth study on pH-dependent hydrolysis profiles of substituted maleamic acid derivatives.
Discriminatory analysis based molecular docking study for in silico identification of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) derivatives as B-RafV600E inhibitors
Authors: Ying Huazhou , Xie Jiangfeng , Liu Xingguo , Yao Tingting , Dong Xiaowu , Hu Chunqi
Published: September 2017

Virtual screening and biological testing were utilized to identify novel B-RafV600E inhibitors.
Identification and characterization of epiphytic yeasts on apples in China
Authors: Wei Jianping , Niu Chen , Liu Bin , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: September 2017

The first report regarding yeast diversity on apples from the two largest producing areas in China.
MoO3 subnanoclusters on ultrasmall mesoporous silica nanoparticles: an efficient catalyst for oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Wang Jiasheng , Wu Wenpei , Ye Hongyang , Zhao Yahong , Wang Wan-Hui , Bao Ming
Published: September 2017

MoO3 subnanoclusters encapsulated in ultrasmall mesoporous silica nanoparticles (ca. 14 nm) exhibited enhanced catalytic activity for oxidative desulfurization.
A corn-inspired structure design for an iron oxide fiber/reduced graphene oxide composite as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Cai Jianxin , Zhao Pengfei , Li Zhipeng , Li Wei , Zhong Jing , Yu Ji , Yang Zhenyu
Published: September 2017

A porous iron oxide fiber/reduced graphene oxide composite with a corn-inspired structure design as a high-performance anode material for li-ion batteries.
Biomimetic hollow mesoporous hydroxyapatite microsphere with controlled morphology, entrapment efficiency and degradability for cancer therapy
Authors: Qiao Wei , Lan Xinmiao , Tsoi James K. H. , Chen Zhuofan , Su Richard Y. X. , Yeung Kelvin W. K. , Matinlinna Jukka P.
Published: September 2017

Hollow mesoporous carbonated hydroxyapatite microspheres produced via sodium dodecyl sulfate assisted precipitation can target cancer cells through acidic dependent release of loaded CDDP.
Separation performance of a large π-conjugated truxene-based dendrimer as stationary phase for gas chromatography
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Yinhui , Qi Meiling , Wang Jinliang
Published: September 2017

High-resolution performance of a π-conjugated truxene-based dendrimer as the stationary phase for gas chromatographic separations.
Solvent consumption in non-catalytic alcohol solvolysis of biorefinery lignin
Authors: Nielsen J. B. , Jensen A. , Schandel C. B. , Felby C. , Jensen A. D.
Published: September 2017

Identified solvent reaction routes in alcohol solvolysis of lignin where lignin-oil incorporation through covalent bonding is the only desired reaction.
Scale dependence of the mechanics of active gels with increasing motor concentration
Authors: Sonn-Segev Adar , Bernheim-Groswasser Anne , Roichman Yael
Published: September 2017

We study the effect of myosin concentration on the mechanical properties of actomyosin networks in steady state. We find that the fluctuations of tracer particles embedded in the network decrease in amplitude as motor concentration increases, while the networks' stiffness increases.
CuO/PbTiO3: A new-fangled p–n junction designed for the efficient absorption of visible light with augmented interfacial charge transfer, photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Reddy K. Hemalata , Parida Kulamani , Satapathy Pramoda Kumar
Published: September 2017

The asymmetric photocurrent in opposite directions and the rectifying behaviour of all the CuO/PbTiO3 samples reveal the formation of a p–n junction between them, this helps to augment the charge anti-recombination process at the interface and enhance the photocatalytic performance.
Highly efficient perovskite solar cells incorporating NiO nanotubes: increased grain size and enhanced charge extraction
Authors: Yun Juyoung , Jun Jaemoon , Yu Haejun , Lee Kisu , Ryu Jaehoon , Lee Jungsup , Jang Jyongsik
Published: September 2017

Incorporating NiO NTs in perovskite films provided an enhanced grain size and charge extraction, resulting in an improved PCE of 19.3%.
High-performance stretchable electrodes prepared from elastomeric current collectors and binders
Authors: Zhou Ao , Sim Richard , Luo Yingwu , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2017

Highly stretchable electrodes with conductive elastomers as current collectors achieve similar performance to those with metal current collectors.
Improved light emission of MoS2 monolayers by constructing AlN/MoS2 core–shell nanowires
Authors: Chen Fei , Wang Ting , Wang Lei , Ji Xiaohong , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: September 2017

Hybrid structure of one-dimensional AlN/1L-MoS2 core–shell nanowires exhibited enhanced PL emission due to the charge transfer across the interface of the heterostructure.
Performance enhancement of a ZnMgO film UV photodetector by HF solution treatment
Authors: Chen Xing , Liu Kewei , Wang Xiao , Li Binghui , Zhang Zhenzhong , Xie Xiuhua , Shen Dezhen
Published: September 2017

The performance of the ZnMgO UV photodetectors can be improved by HF solution treatment. This improvement is associated with the enhancement of the oxygen adsorption ability on the surface of ZnMgO films.
Rational molecular design of aggregation-induced emission cationic Ir(iii) phosphors achieving supersensitive and selective detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Wen Li-Li , Hou Xue-Gang , Shan Guo-Gang , Song Wei-Lin , Zhang Shu-Ran , Sun Hai-Zhu , Su Zhong-Min
Published: September 2017

Employing AIE-active cationic Ir(iii) phosphors as sensors, the supersensitive and selective detection of TNP was achieved.