bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of lysosome-mimicking vesicles to study the effect of abnormal accumulation of sphingosine on membrane properties
Authors: Carreira Ana C. , de Almeida Rodrigo F. M. , Silva Liana C.
Published: June 2017

Synthetic systems are widely used to unveil the molecular mechanisms of complex cellular events. Artificial membranes are key examples of models employed to address lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions. In this work, we developed a new synthetic system that more closely resembles the lysosome – the lysosome-mimicking vesicles (LMVs) – displaying stable acid-to-neutral pH gradient across the membrane. To evaluate the advantages of this synthetic system, we assessed the distinct effects of sphingosine (Sph) accumulation in membrane structure and biophysical properties of standard liposomes (no pH gradient) and in LMVs with lipid composition tuned to mimic physiological- or NPC1-like lysosomes. Ternary 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/Sphingomyelin (SM)/Cholesterol (Chol) mixtures with, respectively, low and high Chol/SM levels were prepared. The effect of Sph on membrane permeability and biophysical properties was evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy, electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering. The results showed that overall Sph has the ability to cause a shift in vesicle surface charge, increase membrane order and promote a rapid increase in membrane permeability. These effects are enhanced in NPC1- LMVs. The results suggest that lysosomal accumulation of these lipids, as observed under pathological conditions, might significantly affect lysosomal membrane structure and integrity, and therefore contribute to the impairment of cell function.
The CA19-9 and Sialyl-TRA Antigens Define Separate Subpopulations of Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Barnett Daniel , Liu Ying , Partyka Katie , Huang Ying , Tang Huiyuan , Hostetter Galen , Brand Randall E. , Singhi Aatur D. , Drake Richard R. , Haab Brian B.
Published: June 2017

Molecular markers to detect subtypes of cancer cells could facilitate more effective treatment. We recently identified a carbohydrate antigen, named sTRA, that is as accurate a serological biomarker of pancreatic cancer as the cancer antigen CA19-9. We hypothesized that the cancer cells producing sTRA are a different subpopulation than those producing CA19-9. The sTRA glycan was significantly elevated in tumor tissue relative to adjacent pancreatic tissue in 3 separate tissue microarrays covering 38 patients. The morphologies of the cancer cells varied in association with glycan expression. Cells with dual staining of both markers tended to be in well-to-moderately differentiated glands with nuclear polarization, but exclusive sTRA staining was present in small clusters of cells with poor differentiation and large vacuoles, or in small and ill-defined glands. Patients with higher dual-staining of CA19-9 and sTRA had statistically longer time-to-progression after surgery. Patients with short time-to-progression (<2 years) had either low levels of the dual-stained cells or high levels of single-stained cells, and such patterns differentiated short from long time-to-progression with 90% (27/30) sensitivity and 80% (12/15) specificity. The sTRA and CA19-9 glycans define separate subpopulations of cancer cells and could together have value for classifying subtypes of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Temperature dependence of protein-water interactions in a gated yeast aquaporin
Authors: Aponte-Santamaría Camilo , Fischer Gerhard , Båth Petra , Neutze Richard , de Groot Bert L.
Published: June 2017

Regulation of aquaporins is a key process of living organisms to counteract sudden osmotic changes. Aqy1, which is a water transporting aquaporin of the yeast Pichia pastoris, is suggested to be gated by chemo-mechanical stimuli as a protective regulatory-response against rapid freezing. Here, we tested the influence of temperature by determining the X-ray structure of Aqy1 at room temperature (RT) at 1.3 Å resolution, and by exploring the structural dynamics of Aqy1 during freezing through molecular dynamics simulations. At ambient temperature and in a lipid bilayer, Aqy1 adopts a closed conformation that is globally better described by the RT than by the low-temperature (LT) crystal structure. Locally, for the blocking-residue Tyr31 and the water molecules inside the pore, both LT and RT data sets are consistent with the positions observed in the simulations at room-temperature. Moreover, as the temperature was lowered, Tyr31 adopted a conformation that more effectively blocked the channel, and its motion was accompanied by a temperature-driven rearrangement of the water molecules inside the channel. We therefore speculate that temperature drives Aqy1 from a loosely- to a tightly-blocked state. This analysis provides high-resolution structural evidence of the influence of temperature on membrane-transport channels.
Chemokine receptor CXCR4 regulates CaMKII/CREB pathway in spinal neurons that underlies cancer-induced bone pain
Authors: Hu Xue-Ming , Zhang Hui , Xu Heng , Zhang Hai-Long , Chen Li-Ping , Cui Wen-Qiang , Yang Wei , Shen Wen
Published: June 2017

We previously demonstrated that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays an important role in cancer-induced bone pain by activating spinal neurons and glial cells. However, the specific neuronal mechanism of CXCR4 signaling is not clear. We further report that CXCR4 contributes to the activation of the neuronal CaMKII/CREB pathway in cancer-induced bone pain. We used a tumor cell implantation (TCI) model and observed that CXCR4, p-CaMKII and p-CREB were persistently up-regulated in spinal neurons. CXCR4 also co-expressed with p-CaMKII and p-CREB, and mediated p-CaMKII and p-CREB expression after TCI. Intrathecal delivery of CXCR4 siRNA or CaMKII inhibitor AIP2 abrogated TCI-induced pain hypersensitivity and TCI-induced increase in p-CaMKII and p-CREB expression. Intrathecal injection of the principal ligand for CXCR4, SDF-1, promoted p-CaMKII and p-CREB expression in naive rats, which was prevented by post-administration of CXCR4 inhibitor Plerixafor or PLC inhibitor U73122. Plerixafor, U73122, or AIP2 also alleviated SDF-1-elicited pain behaviors. Intrathecal injection of CXCR4 siRNA significantly suppressed TCI-induced up-regulation of NMDAR1 mRNA and protein, which is a known gene target of CREB. Collectively, these results suggest that the CaMKII/CREB pathway in spinal neurons mediates CXCR4-facilitated pain hypersensitivity in cancer rats.
The stress response factor daf-16/FOXO is required for multiple compound families to prolong the function of neurons with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Farina Francesca , Lambert Emmanuel , Commeau Lucie , Lejeune François-Xavier , Roudier Nathalie , Fonte Cosima , Parker J. Alex , Boddaert Jacques , Verny Marc , Baulieu Etienne-Emile , Neri Christian
Published: June 2017

Helping neurons to compensate for proteotoxic stress and maintain function over time (neuronal compensation) has therapeutic potential in aging and neurodegenerative disease. The stress response factor FOXO3 is neuroprotective in models of Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease and motor-neuron diseases. Neuroprotective compounds acting in a FOXO-dependent manner could thus constitute bona fide drugs for promoting neuronal compensation. However, whether FOXO-dependent neuroprotection is a common feature of several compound families remains unknown. Using drug screening in C. elegans nematodes with neuronal expression of human exon-1 huntingtin (128Q), we found that 3ß-Methoxy-Pregnenolone (MAP4343), 17ß-oestradiol (17ßE2) and 12 flavonoids including isoquercitrin promote neuronal function in 128Q nematodes. MAP4343, 17ßE2 and isoquercitrin also promote stress resistance in mutant Htt striatal cells derived from knock-in HD mice. Interestingly, daf-16/FOXO is required for MAP4343, 17ßE2 and isoquercitrin to sustain neuronal function in 128Q nematodes. This similarly applies to the GSK3 inhibitor lithium chloride (LiCl) and, as previously described, to resveratrol and the AMPK activator metformin. Daf-16/FOXO and the targets engaged by these compounds define a sub-network enriched for stress-response and neuronally-active pathways. Collectively, these data highlights the dependence on a daf-16/FOXO-interaction network as a common feature of several compound families for prolonging neuronal function in HD.
Laser-ultrasonic delivery of agents into articular cartilage
Authors: Nieminen Heikki J. , Barreto Gonçalo , Finnilä Mikko A. , García-Pérez Alejandro , Salmi Ari , Ranjan Sanjeev , Eklund Kari K. , Pritzker Kenneth P. H. , Saarakkala Simo , Hæggström Edward
Published: June 2017

Research is ongoing to develop drug therapies to manage osteoarthritis (OA) and articular cartilage (AC) injuries. However, means to deliver drug to localized AC lesions are highly limited and not clinically available. This study investigates the capability of laser ultrasound (laser-induced plasma sound source) to deliver agents (methylene blue, MB, in PBS) into bovine AC. Treatment samples (n = 10) were immersed in MB solution simultaneously with LU exposure, while adjacent control 1 tissue (n = 10) was pre-treated with LU followed by immersion in MB and adjacent control 2 tissue (n = 10) was only immersed in MB. AC exposed (n = 22) or not exposed (n = 27) to LU were characterized for anomalies in structure, composition, viability or RNA expression. Optically detected MB content was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in treatment samples up to a depth of 500 µm from AC surface as compared to controls. No major unwanted short-term effects on AC structure, proteoglycan or collagen contents, chondrocyte viability or RNA expression levels were detected. In conclusion, LU can deliver agents into AC without major short-term concerns on safety. LU could reveal new strategies for the development of localized drug therapies in AC.
Combination of a high-fat diet with sweetened condensed milk exacerbates inflammation and insulin resistance induced by each separately in mice
Authors: Masi Laureane Nunes , Martins Amanda Roque , Crisma Amanda Rabello , do Amaral Cátia Lira , Davanso Mariana Rodrigues , Serdan Tamires Duarte Afonso , da Cunha de Sá Roberta Dourado Cavalcante , Cruz Maysa Mariana , Alonso-Vale Maria Isabel Cardoso , Torres Rosângela Pavan , Mancini-Filho Jorge , Pereira Joice Naiara Bertaglia , da Silva Righetti Marta Maria , Liberti Edson Aparecido , Hirabara Sandro Massao , Curi Rui
Published: June 2017

Obesogenic diets increase body weight and cause insulin resistance (IR), however, the association of these changes with the main macronutrient in the diet remains to be elucidated. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with: control (CD), CD and sweetened condensed milk (HS), high-fat (HF), and HF and condensed milk (HSHF). After 2 months, increased body weight, glucose intolerance, adipocyte size and cholesterol levels were observed. As compared with CD, HS ingested the same amount of calories whereas HF and HSHF ingested less. HS had increased plasma AST activity and liver type I collagen. HF caused mild liver steatosis and hepatocellular damage. HF and HSHF increased LDL-cholesterol, hepatocyte and adipocyte hypertrophy, TNF-α by macrophages and decreased lipogenesis and adiponectin in adipose tissue (AT). HSHF exacerbated these effects, increasing IR, lipolysis, mRNA expression of F4/80 and leptin in AT, Tlr-4 in soleus muscle and IL-6, IL-1β, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 protein in AT. The three obesogenic diets induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction. HS was more proinflammatory than the HF and induced hepatic fibrosis. The HF was more detrimental in terms of insulin sensitivity, and it caused liver steatosis. The combination HSHF exacerbated the effects of each separately on insulin resistance and AT inflammatory state.
Strain-balanced type-II superlattices for efficient multi-junction solar cells
Authors: Gonzalo A. , Utrilla A. D. , Reyes D. F. , Braza V. , Llorens J. M. , Fuertes Marrón D. , Alén B. , Ben T. , González D. , Guzman A. , Hierro A. , Ulloa J. M.
Published: June 2017

Multi-junction solar cells made by assembling semiconductor materials with different bandgap energies have hold the record conversion efficiencies for many years and are currently approaching 50%. Theoretical efficiency limits make use of optimum designs with the right lattice constant-bandgap energy combination, which requires a 1.0–1.15 eV material lattice-matched to GaAs/Ge. Nevertheless, the lack of suitable semiconductor materials is hindering the achievement of the predicted efficiencies, since the only candidates were up to now complex quaternary and quinary alloys with inherent epitaxial growth problems that degrade carrier dynamics. Here we show how the use of strain-balanced GaAsSb/GaAsN superlattices might solve this problem. We demonstrate that the spatial separation of Sb and N atoms avoids the ubiquitous growth problems and improves crystal quality. Moreover, these new structures allow for additional control of the effective bandgap through the period thickness and provide a type-II band alignment with long carrier lifetimes. All this leads to a strong enhancement of the external quantum efficiency under photovoltaic conditions with respect to bulk layers of equivalent thickness. Our results show that GaAsSb/GaAsN superlattices with short periods are the ideal (pseudo)material to be integrated in new GaAs/Ge-based multi-junction solar cells that could approach the theoretical efficiency limit.
Transcriptome changes between compatible and incompatible graft combination of Litchi chinensis by digital gene expression profile
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhao Jietang , Hu Fuchu , Qin Yonghua , Wang Xianghe , Hu Guibing
Published: June 2017

Plant grafting has been practiced widely in horticulture and proved as a useful tool in science. However, the mechanisms of graft healing or graft incompatibility remain poorly understood. In this study, Litchi chinensis cv. ‘Jingganghongnuo’ homograft (‘J/J’) and ‘Jingganghongnuo’/‘zhuangyuanhong’ heterograft (‘J/Z’) as compatible and incompatible combination, respectively, was used to study transcriptional changes between incompatible and compatible graft during graft union formation. Anatomical observation indicated that three stages (2 h, 14 d and 21 d after grafting) were critical for graft union formation and selected for high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated 6060 DEGs were differentially expressed in the compatible combination and 5267 DEGs exhibiting in the incompatible one. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were involved in metabolism, wound response, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction. The expression of 9 DEGs annotated in auxin pathway was up-regulated in compatible combination than that in incompatible combination. The IAA concentration confirmed that the IAA might promote the graft compatibility. In addition, 13 DEGs related to lignin biosynthesis were differentially expressed during graft healing process. Overall, our results provide abundant sequence resources for studying mechanisms underlying graft compatibility and establish a platform for further studies of litchi and other evergreen fruit trees.
On the interaction of toxic Heavy Metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) with graphene quantum dots and infinite graphene
Authors: Shtepliuk Ivan , Caffrey Nuala M. , Iakimov Tihomir , Khranovskyy Volodymyr , Abrikosov Igor A. , Yakimova Rositsa
Published: June 2017

The promise of graphene and its derivatives as next generation sensors for real-time detection of toxic heavy metals (HM) requires a clear understanding of behavior of these metals on the graphene surface and response of the graphene to adsorption events. Our calculations herein were focused on the investigation of the interaction between three HMs, namely Cd, Hg and Pb, with graphene quantum dots (GQDs). We determine binding energies and heights of both neutral and charged HM ions on these GQDs. The results show that the adsorption energy of donor-like physisorbed neutral Pb atoms is larger than that of either Cd or Hg. In contrast to the donor-like behavior of elemental HMs, the chemisorbed charged HM species act as typical acceptors. The energy barriers to migration of the neutral adatoms on GQDs are also estimated. In addition, we show how the substitution of a carbon atom by a HM adatom changes the geometric structure of GQDs and hence their electronic and vibrational properties. UV-visible absorption spectra of HM-adsorbed GQDs vary with the size and shape of the GQD. Based on our results, we suggest a route towards the development of a graphene-based sensing platform for the optical detection of toxic HMs.
Voxel-based morphometric brain comparison between healthy subjects and major depressive disorder patients in Japanese with the s/s genotype of 5-HTTLPR
Authors: Igata Natsuki , Kakeda Shingo , Watanabe Keita , Ide Satoru , Kishi Taro , Abe Osamu , Igata Ryouhei , Katsuki Asuka , Iwata Nakao , Yoshimura Reiji , Korogi Yukunori
Published: June 2017

Individuals with s/s genotype of serotonin transporter gene-linked promotor region (5-HTTLPR), which appear with a high frequency in Japanese, exhibit more diagnosable depression in relation to stressful life events than those with the s/l or l/l genotype. We prospectively investigated the brain volume changes in first-episode and medication naïve major depression disorder patients (MDD) with the s/s genotype in Japanese. We assessed the differences between 27 MDD with the s/s genotype and 44 healthy subjects (HS) with the same genotype using a whole-brain voxel-by-voxel statistical analysis of MRI. Gray matter volume in a brain region with significant clusters obtained via voxel-based morphometry analysis were measured and, as an exploratory analysis, evaluated for relationships to the subcategory scores (core, sleep, activity, psychic, somatic anxiety, delusion) of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). The brain volume in the left insula lobe was significantly smaller in the MDD than in the HS. The left insula lobe volume correlated negatively with the “psychic” score of HAM-D and the SRRS. In a Japanese population with the s/s genotype, we found an atrophy of the insula in the MDD, which might be associated with “psychic” symptom and stress events.
Correction: Corrigendum: Effect of age on pro-inflammatory miRNAs contained in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Fafián-Labora J. , Lesende-Rodriguez I. , Fernández-Pernas P. , Sangiao-Alvarellos S. , Monserrat L. , Arntz O. J. , van de Loo F. A. J. , Mateos J. , Arufe M. C.
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 43923; published online: 06 March 2017; updated: 15 June 2017. The original version of this Article contained a typographical error in the spelling of the author F. A. J. van de Loo, which was incorrectly given as F. J. Van de Loo. In addition, there were errorsin Affiliation 4 which was incorrectly listed as ‘Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc University Medical Center, Huispost 272, route 272, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands’.
Correction: Corrigendum: Inorganic Photocatalytic Enhancement: Activated RhB Photodegradation by Surface Modification of SnO2 Nanocrystals with V2O5-like species
Authors: Epifani Mauro , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Altamura Davide , Giannini Cinzia , Díaz Raül , Force Carmen , Genç Aziz , Arbiol Jordi , Siciliano Pietro , Comini Elisabetta , Concina Isabella
Published: June 2017

Scientific Reports 7: Article number: 44763; published online: 16 March 2017; updated: 15 June 2017. In this Article, an affiliation for Jordi Arbiol was omitted. The correct affiliations for Jordi Arbiol are listed below: Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Photoredox-catalysed chloro-, bromo- and trifluoromethylthio-trifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes with sodium triflinate
Authors: Fang Jing , Wang Zhong-Kui , Wu Shu-Wei , Shen Wei-Guo , Ao Gui-Zhen , Liu Feng
Published: June 2017

A convenient and practical protocol is developed for radical vicinal difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes under transition-metal-free conditions.
Nanocrystalline SnS2coated onto reduced graphene oxide: demonstrating the feasibility of a non-graphitic anode with sulfide chemistry for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Lakshmi V. , Chen Ying , Mikhaylov Alexey A. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Sultana Irin , Rahman Md Mokhlesur , Lev Ovadia , Prikhodchenko Petr V. , Glushenkov Alexey M.
Published: June 2017

An anode material incorporating a high capacity sulfide compound is reported for potassium-ion batteries.
Lanthanide doped coordination polymers with tunable afterglow based on phosphorescence energy transfer
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Wang Ke-Zhi , Yan Dongpeng
Published: June 2017

Lanthanide ion doped coordination polymers (CPs) exhibit an unusual red/green afterglow with long photoemission lifetimes (10.54 ms for Eu3+ and 57.66 ms for Tb3+) due to the phosphorescence energy transfer at room temperature.
Trimethyl-, triethyl- and trimethoxybenzene-based tripodal compounds bearing pyrazole groups: conformations and halogen-/hydrogen-bond patterns in the crystalline state
Authors: Koch Niklas , Seichter Wilhelm , Mazik Monika
Published: June 2017

X-ray analyses of a series of benzene-based tripodal molecules1–9provide interesting insights into the molecular recognition phenomena and give information about the different conformations which adopt the molecules in the solvent-free crystals and in solvates.
Magnetism in CoFe2O4nanoparticles produced at sub- and near-supercritical conditions of water
Authors: Stingaciu Marian , Andersen Henrik L. , Granados-Miralles Cecilia , Mamakhel Aref , Christensen Mogens
Published: June 2017

Size and size distribution investigation of magnetic CoFe2O4, hydrothermally synthesized using three different heating rates from 0.15 °C s−1to ∼500 °C s−1.
Aqueous dispersions of nanostructures formed through the self-assembly of iminolipids with exchangeable hydrophobic termini
Authors: Li Wen , McManus Daryl , Liu Han , Casiraghi Cinzia , Webb Simon J.
Published: June 2017

Cationic lipids that have an exchangeable imine terminus can self-assemble into vesicles and stabilize graphene dispersions in water.
Difference in chemical bonding between lithium and sodium salts: influence of covalency on their solubility
Authors: Chen Su , Ishii Jun , Horiuchi Shunsuke , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro , Izgorodina Ekaterina I
Published: June 2017

The current theoretical study explains the difference in solubility between lithium and sodium salts in ionic liquids due to increased covalency in lithium salts.
Towards high-yield lignin monomer production
Authors: Shuai Li , Saha Basudeb
Published: June 2017

This article discusses the formation of robust C–C linkages in lignin and proposes ways to avoid it.
Trace element analysis of urine by ICP-MS/MS to identify urinary tract infection
Authors: Subashchandrabose Sargurunathan , Pereira-Filho Edenir R. , Donati George L.
Published: June 2017

ICP-MS/MS is used to identify trace element biomarkers for urinary tract infection. Urine Mo, Sb and V levels are statistically different for UTI patients and healthy volunteers.
Photoactive PANI/TiO2/Si composite coatings with 3D bio-inspired structures
Authors: Shi Gang , Guo Junling , Wang Likui , Sang Xinxin , Wang Ju , Yang Jingguo , Li Ying
Published: June 2017

We showed that 3D compound-eye coatings with excellent photo-activity could be obtained by anisotropic wet etching, hydrothermal synthesis and chemical oxidation.
Supercritical fluid extraction of papaverine and noscapine from poppy capsules followed by preconcentration with magnetic nano Fe3O4@Cu@diphenylthiocarbazone particles
Authors: Tajik Mohammad , Yamini Yadollah , Baheri Tahmineh , Safari Meysam , Asiabi Hamid
Published: June 2017

A novel magnetite adsorbent modified with copper and diphenylthiocarbazone was synthesized and used as a sorbent for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of two opium alkaloids: papaverine and noscapine.
α,α-Difluoro-β-iminophosphonates, an alternative strategy towards the synthesis of α,α-difluoro-β-aminophosphonate derivatives
Authors: Szewczyk M. Z. , Rapp M. , Virieux D. , Pirat J.-L. , Koroniak H.
Published: June 2017

Herein, we described the efficient and straightforward synthesis ofN-substituted α,α-difluoro-β-aminophosphonates with the use of electrophilic fluorination by Selectfluor®.
Smart PDMS sponge with switchable pH-responsive wetting surface for oil/water separation
Authors: Zhang Sai , Guo Jiahong , Ma Xiangyan , Peng Xing , Qiu Zhoutong , Ying Jie , Wang Jikui
Published: June 2017

A smart pH-responsive wetting sponge with controllable absorption or release of water or oil for oil spill clean-up is prepared.
Influence of normal load on the three-body abrasion behaviour of monocrystalline silicon with ellipsoidal particle
Authors: Shi Junqin , Chen Juan , Wei Xinqi , Fang Liang , Sun Kun , Sun Jiapeng , Han Jing
Published: June 2017

Currently, monocrystalline silicon has been widely applied in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMSs).
Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of anisole over nickel supported on plasma treated alumina–silica mixed oxides
Authors: Taghvaei Hamed , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza , Bruggeman Peter
Published: June 2017

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of anisole, a representative of lignin-derived bio oil, was investigated on plasma treated SiO2–Al2O3 supported Ni nanocatalyst at low hydrogen pressure.
Exploring the diethylaminoflavylium derivatives multistate system of chemical reactions in the presence of CTAB micelles: thermodynamic reversibility achieved through different kinetic pathways
Authors: Pessêgo Márcia , Basílio Nuno , Mendoza Johan , Avó João , Cunha-Silva Luís , Parola A. Jorge , Pina Fernando
Published: June 2017

The flavylium cation and trans-chalcone species are thermodynamically stable at pH 0.5 and 6.0, respectively, switching reversibly between these two pH values. However, the thermodynamic stability is achieved through different pathways depending on whether pH is increasing or decreasing.
Curvature variation controls particle aggregation on fluid vesicles
Authors: Vahid Afshin , Šarić Anđela , Idema Timon
Published: June 2017

Physical interactions on membranes with anisotropic shapes can be exploited by cells to drive macromolecules to preferred regions of cellular or intracellular membranes.
Tuning Coulombic interactions to stabilize nematic and smectic ionic liquid crystal phases in mixtures of charged soft ellipsoids and spheres
Authors: Saielli Giacomo , Margola Tommaso , Satoh Katsuhiko
Published: June 2017

Ionic liquid crystal phases, including the elusive ionic nematic phase, can be stabilized with an appropriate balance of electrostatic vs. van der Waals interactions.
Enhanced proton conduction by post-synthetic covalent modification in a porous covalent framework
Authors: Samanta Partha , Desai Aamod V. , Anothumakkool Bihag , Shirolkar Mandar M. , Karmakar Avishek , Kurungot Sreekumar , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: June 2017

Ether linkage based chemically stable porous covalent framework has been synthesized which upon post-synthetic modification presents a remarkably high proton conductivity (∼0.026 S cm−1) with an ∼130 fold enhancement compared to parent compound.
Recent progress in two-dimensional COFs for energy-related applications
Authors: Zhan Xuejun , Chen Zhong , Zhang Qichun
Published: June 2017

Recent progress in two-dimensional COFs for energy-related applications, including storage of energy gases, rechargeable lithium batteries, conductivity study and capacitive storage, has been reviewed. Moreover, the challenges and prospects in this field have also been discussed.
A novel cathode architecture using Cu nanoneedle arrays as the cathode support for AAEMFC application
Authors: Jia Jia , Yu Hongmei , Gao Xueqiang , Chi Jun , Qin Bowen , Song Wei , Shao Zhigang , Yi Baolian
Published: June 2017

A novel cathode architecture using vertically aligned Cu nanoneedle arrays (NNAs) as an ordered support for alkaline anion-exchange membrane fuel cell (AAEMFC) application is developed.
Bioresponsive controlled glucose release from TiO2 nanotube arrays: a simple and portable biosensing system for cocaine with a glucometer readout
Authors: Li Guang-Zhou , Tang Dianping
Published: June 2017

Herein, we design a simple and portable biosensing platform for the quantitative detection of cocaine based on target-triggered glucose release from a TiO2 nanotube array (TiNTA) with a glucometer readout.
Influence of microporous gelatin hydrogels on chondrocyte functions
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Chen Ying , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: June 2017

Gelatin hydrogels with microporous structures were prepared by polymerization of GelMAGMA macromers and dissolution of gelatin hydrogel microcubes. The microporous gelatin hydrogels promoted proliferation of chondrocytes and showed different cellular effects compared to hydrogels without microporous structures.
Ni-Based metal–organic framework derived Ni@C nanosheets on a Ni foam substrate as a supersensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor
Authors: Zhang Li , Ding Yaru , Li Ranran , Ye Chen , Zhao Guangyu , Wang Yan
Published: June 2017

Uniform and compact porous Ni@C nanosheet membranes on Ni foam showing remarkable electrocatalytic activity for non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
Recent advances in free-standing single crystalline wide band-gap semiconductors and their applications: GaN, SiC, ZnO, β-Ga2O3, and diamond
Authors: Kim Munho , Seo Jung-Hun , Singisetti Uttam , Ma Zhenqiang
Published: June 2017

Free-standing single crystalline semiconductor membranes have gained intensive attention over the last few years due to their versatile usage in many applications.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin-induced HOTAIR activation promotes endothelial cell proliferation and migration in atherosclerosis
Authors: Peng Yudong , Meng Kai , Jiang Lili , Zhong Yucheng , Yang Yong , Lan Yin , Zeng Qiutang , Cheng Longxian
Published: June 2017

Endothelial cells’ (EC) injury is a major step for the pathological progression of atherosclerosis. Recent study demonstrated that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) exerts a protective role in atherosclerosis. However, the effect of TSLP and the exact molecular mechanism involved in EC remains unknown. In the present study, we found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR was much lower in EC from atherosclerotic plaque. Functional assays showed that HOTAIR facilitated cell proliferation and migration, and suppressed apoptosis in EC. Moreover, we demonstrated that TSLP functions upstream of HOTAIR. We found that serum level of TSLP was decreased in atherosclerosis patients and serum TSLP level positively correlated with HOTAIR expression in EC. Further investigation demonstrated that TSLP activated HOTAIR transcription through PI3K/AKT-IRF1 pathway and then regulates the EC proliferation and migration. TSLP-HOTAIR axis also plays a protective role in low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced EC injury. Taken together, TSLP-HOTAIR may be a potential therapy for EC dysfunction in atherosclerosis.
Molecular interactions shaping the tetraspanin web
Authors: van Deventer Sjoerd J. , Dunlock Vera-Marie E. , van Spriel Annemiek B.
Published: June 2017

To facilitate the myriad of different (signaling) processes that take place at the plasma membrane, cells depend on a high degree of membrane protein organization. Important mediators of this organization are tetraspanin proteins. Tetraspanins interact laterally among themselves and with partner proteins to control the spatial organization of membrane proteins in large networks called the tetraspanin web. The molecular interactions underlying the formation of the tetraspanin web were hitherto mainly described based on their resistance to different detergents, a classification which does not necessarily correlate with functionality in the living cell. To look at these interactions from a more physiological point of view, this review discusses tetraspanin interactions based on their function in the tetraspanin web: (1) intramolecular interactions supporting tetraspanin structure, (2) tetraspanin–tetraspanin interactions supporting web formation, (3) tetraspanin–partner interactions adding functional partners to the web and (4) cytosolic tetraspanin interactions regulating intracellular signaling. The recent publication of the first full-length tetraspanin crystal structure sheds new light on both the intra- and intermolecular tetraspanin interactions that shape the tetraspanin web. Furthermore, recent molecular dynamic modeling studies indicate that the binding strength between tetraspanins and between tetraspanins and their partners is the complex sum of both promiscuous and specific interactions. A deeper insight into this complex mixture of interactions is essential to our fundamental understanding of the tetraspanin web and its dynamics which constitute a basic building block of the cell surface.
Metal coordination in kinases and pseudokinases
Authors: Knape Matthias J. , Herberg Friedrich W.
Published: June 2017

Protein phosphorylation, mediated by protein kinases, is a key event in the regulation of eukaryotic signal transduction. The majority of eukaryotic protein kinases perform phosphoryl transfer, assisted by two divalent metal ions. About 10% of all human protein kinases are, however, thought to be catalytically inactive. These kinases lack conserved residues of the kinase core and are classified as pseudokinases. Yet, it has been demonstrated that pseudokinases are critically involved in biological functions. Here, we show how pseudokinases have developed strategies by modifying amino acid residues in order to achieve stable, active-like conformations. This includes binding of the co-substrate ATP in a two metal-, one metal- or even no metal-binding mode. Examples of the respective pseudokinases are provided on a structural basis and compared with a canonical protein kinase, Protein Kinase A. Moreover, the functional roles of both independent metal-binding sites, Me1 and Me2, are discussed. Lack of phosphotransferase activity does not implicate a loss of function and can easily point to alternative roles of pseudokinases, i.e. acting as switches or scaffolds, and having evolved as components crucial for cellular cross-talk and signaling. Interestingly, pseudokinases are present in all kingdoms of life and their specific roles remain enigmatic. More studies are needed to unravel the crucial functions of those interesting proteins.
CSBB: synthetic biology research at Newcastle University
Authors: Goñi-Moreno Angel , Wipat Anil , Krasnogor Natalio
Published: June 2017

The Centre for Synthetic Biology and the Bioeconomy (CSBB) brings together a far-reaching multidisciplinary community across all Newcastle University's faculties — Medical Sciences, Science, Agriculture and Engineering, and Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The CSBB focuses on many different areas of Synthetic Biology, including bioprocessing, computational design and in vivo computation, as well as improving understanding of basic molecular machinery. Such breadth is supported by major national and international research funding, a range of industrial partners in the North East of England and beyond, as well as a large number of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. The CSBB trains the next generation of scientists through a 1-year MSc in Synthetic Biology.
Signalling assemblies: the odds of symmetry
Authors: Maksay Gábor , Marsh Joseph A.
Published: June 2017

The assembly of proteins into complexes is fundamental to nearly all biological signalling processes. Symmetry is a dominant feature of the structures of experimentally determined protein complexes, observed in the vast majority of homomers and many heteromers. However, some asymmetric structures exist, and asymmetry also often forms transiently, intractable to traditional structure determination methods. Here, we explore the role of protein complex symmetry and asymmetry in cellular signalling, focusing on receptors, transcription factors and transmembrane channels, among other signalling assemblies. We highlight a recurrent tendency for asymmetry to be crucial for signalling function, often being associated with activated states. We conclude with a discussion of how consideration of protein complex symmetry and asymmetry has significant potential implications and applications for pharmacology and human disease.
Innovative calculation method of inductive reactive compensation capacity based on optimum injection current
Authors: Zhang Zhanlong , Dan Yihua , Jiang Chilong , Chen Yue , He Hongpeng
Published: June 2017

An innovative method based on optimal injection current is introduced to calculate reactive compensation capacity during unbalanced three‐phase distribution transformer operation. This method offers a new process that governs the three‐phase unbalanced distribution transformers compared with susceptance compensation and calculates the operation capacity of the reactive power compensation electric control equipment through reverse thinking. Compensation effect is further optimised by adding reasonable restrictive conditions and neglecting inductive compensation combined with practical electrical engineering computing. This study presents the calculation method of optimal injection current with pure capacitive reactive power control along with its basic principles, algorithm implementation, and practical analysis. Results show that calculation based on optimal injection current avoids the overcompensation and overcurrent of susceptance compensation while improving the governance of the unbalanced three‐phase distribution transformer effect.
Fatigue evaluation by detecting blink behaviour using eyeglass‐shaped optical sensor system
Authors: Horiuchi Ryogo , Ogasawara Tomohito , Miki Norihisa
Published: June 2017

Death from overwork and severe accidents caused by mental fatigue and sleepiness are becoming one of the more pressing social problems of developed countries. Such mental fatigue and sleepiness often comes from declines and/or changes in wakefulness in our daily life. Recently, numerous researchers have focused on possible ways of utilising physiological signals to deduce alertness; however, the characteristic behaviours that can be used to deduce wakefulness are difficult to measure. To better understand the indices of change in wakefulness states, the authors fabricated a micro‐optical sensor system that can measure physiological signals from eye and eyelid conditions without imposing stress on the user. Using the newly fabricated micro‐optical sensor system, they have found and reproduced characteristic blink behaviours that are indicative of changes in a person's wakefulness. Herein, new indices are proposed that have potential for use in fatigue evaluation tests. The experimental results demonstrate that the sensor system can detect declines in and/or changes in wakefulness that indicate mental fatigue and sleepiness.
Treatment of Chronic Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis with Homeopathy
Authors: Wandile Pranali
Published: June 2017

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are one of the most common chronic upper respiratory tract medical conditions. As they occur simultaneously or coexist together, the correct term for these conditions will be allergic rhinosinusitis. The challenging question arises in mind whether all allergic patients are immune deficient in some way. Therefore, samples from well-diagnosed allergic patients need to be evaluated genetically using a candidate gene and a whole-genome scan approach. A better understanding of the pathogenesis and the causative factors responsible for increased mucosal inflammation is important for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Previous research showed the association between sensitisation tendency and the genetic factors associated with allergic upper respiratory tract conditions. More research needs to be conducted on genetic factors component for allergic chronic rhinosinusitis. Homeopathy offers lot of potential in treating various genetic disorders and it has contributed in treating patients with allergic, autoimmune and hereditary disorders worldwide. In homeopathy science, more research needs to be published which includes patient cases—who has been treated successfully with homeopathy medicines for allergic chronic rhinosinusitis.
Proximal Left Main Bronchus Resection–Reconstruction through Left Thoracotomy with Tracheal Traction
Authors: Imanishi Naoko , Takenaka Masaru , Hirai Ayako , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: June 2017

Surgical approach for resection–reconstruction of the proximal left main bronchus has been a matter of discussion. Through standard left thoracotomy, the proximal main bronchus close to the carina is not easily exposed. Accordingly, median sternotomy or right thoracotomy may be commonly employed, but the exposure and management of the distal left main bronchus may be difficult through the approach. Here, we present a left thoracotomy approach with traction of the trachea, which may easily allow excellent exposure of the proximal end of the left main bronchus and the carina.
Clinical Neurophysiology in Neuromuscular Disorders: Old Fashioned or Still Relevant?
Authors: Vill Katharina , Müller-Felber Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

Clinical neurophysiology still has a role in the diagnostic process of pediatric neuromuscular disorders. It should be integrated into a stepwise diagnostic process which includes a first step clinical examination to build a clinical hypothesis, followed by muscle ultrasound, and finally clinical neurophysiology where it is necessary. There is still a need for further research if new techniques such as impedance myography, motor unit counting, and others give additional information and if they can be used to evaluate the efficacy of new drugs.
Rescue Decompressive Craniectomy in Children with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Poulos Panagiotis , Kazantzi Maria , Kalampalikis Panagiotis , Rallis Dimitrios
Published: June 2017

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is considered a rescue therapy in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). In this retrospective study, we examined the impact of craniectomy on ICP in children with severe TBI and their neurological outcome. A total of 14 patients were enrolled. Peak ICP was significantly lower (31 ± 2.9 to 19 ± 4.6, p < 0.001) and minimum cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) higher (41 ± 10.5 to 58 ± 11.4, p < 0.001) postcraniectomy. The survival rate was 71%. However, 57% of our cohort had a poor neurological outcome at 6 months postinjury. In conclusion, although rescue DC was effective in controlling ICP and CPP, the long-term neurological outcome remained poor.
Non-modal stability of Jeffery-Hamel flow
Authors: Jotkar Mamta R. , Govindarajan Rama
Published: June 2017

The destabilization of modal perturbations in the classical diverging Jeffery-Hamel (JH) flow has been long-known. The converging JH flow is far less-studied, but it is known that convergence suppresses modal instabilities. We make a parallel-flow approximation following previous studies, to examine its non-modal stability at small convergent and divergent angles and show that non-modal growth is extremely sensitive to the angle of convergence/divergence at high Reynolds numbers. The transient growth of energy is significantly suppressed at high Reynolds numbers as the wall angle is varied from divergence to convergence by just a few hundredths of a degree. This finding is especially relevant for convergent channels, where the flow is stable to linear modal perturbations up to the Reynolds numbers of the order of 105 or larger. In all the cases, streamwise-aligned rolls (which are a characteristic of the lift-up mechanism) are the initial perturbations that display the largest energy growth. The spanwise separation between the rolls decreases significantly with channel convergence. Our findings indicate that extremely small imperfections in the wall alignment in channel flows can drastically affect the experimental measurements of algebraic growth of the disturbance kinetic energy, as minute amounts of wall convergence can strongly reduce the maximum transient growth.
Liquid–liquid phase transition in an ionic model of silica
Authors: Chen Renjie , Lascaris Erik , Palmer Jeremy C.
Published: June 2017

Recent equation of state calculations [E. Lascaris, Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 125701 (2016)] for an ionic model of silica suggest that it undergoes a density-driven, liquid–liquid phase transition (LLPT) similar to the controversial transition hypothesized to exist in deeply supercooled water. Here, we perform extensive free energy calculations to scrutinize the model’s low-temperature phase behavior and confirm the existence of a first-order phase transition between two liquids with identical compositions but different densities. The low-density liquid (LDL) exhibits tetrahedral order, which is partially disrupted in the high-density liquid (HDL) by the intrusion of additional particles into the primary neighbor shell. Histogram reweighting methods are applied to locate conditions of HDL–LDL coexistence and the liquid spinodals that bound the two-phase region. Spontaneous liquid–liquid phase separation is also observed directly in large-scale molecular dynamics simulations performed inside the predicted two-phase region. Given its clear LLPT, we anticipate that this model may serve as a paradigm for understanding whether similar transitions occur in water and other tetrahedral liquids.
Hot electron inelastic scattering and transmission across graphene surfaces
Authors: Kong Byoung Don , Champlain James G. , Boos J. Brad
Published: June 2017

Inelastic scattering and transmission of externally injected hot carriers across graphene layers are considered as a function of graphene carrier density, temperature, and surrounding dielectric media. A finite temperature dynamic dielectric function for graphene for an arbitrary momentum q and frequency ω is found under the random phase approximation and a generalized scattering lifetime formalism is used to calculate the scattering and transmission rates. Unusual trends in scattering are found, including declining rates as graphene carrier density increases and interband transition excitations, which highlights the difference with out-of-plane as compared to in-plane transport. The results also show strong temperature dependence with a drastic increase in scattering at room temperature. The calculated scattering rate at T = 300 K shows a wide variation from 0.2 to 10 fs−1 depending on graphene carrier density, incident carrier momentum, and surrounding dielectrics. The analysis suggests that a transmission rate greater than 0.9 for a carrier with kinetic energy over 1 eV is achievable by carefully controlling the graphene carrier density in conjunction with the use of high-κ dielectric materials. Potential applications to electronic and electro-optical devices are also discussed.