bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of indiscriminate fishing effects in one of the world’s largest inland fisheries
Authors: Ngor Peng Bun , McCann Kevin S. , Grenouillet Gaël , So Nam , McMeans Bailey C. , Fraser Evan , Lek Sovan
Published: June 2018

While human impacts like fishing have altered marine food web composition and body size, the status of the world’s important tropical inland fisheries remains largely unknown. Here, we look for signatures of human impacts on the indiscriminately fished Tonle Sap fish community that supports one of the world’s largest freshwater fisheries. By analyzing a 15-year time-series (2000–2015) of fish catches for 116 species obtained from an industrial-scale ‘Dai’ fishery, we find: (i) 78% of the species exhibited decreasing catches through time; (ii) downward trends in catches occurred primarily in medium to large-bodied species that tend to occupy high trophic levels; (iii) a relatively stable or increasing trend in catches of small-sized species, and; (iv) a decrease in the individual fish weights and lengths for several common species. Because total biomass of the catch has remained remarkably resilient over the last 15 years, the increase in catch of smaller species has compensated for declines in larger species. Our finding of sustained production but altered community composition is consistent with predictions from recent indiscriminate theory, and gives a warning signal to fisheries managers and conservationists that the species-rich Tonle Sap is being affected by heavy indiscriminate fishing pressure.
An immortalised mesenchymal stem cell line maintains mechano-responsive behaviour and can be used as a reporter of substrate stiffness
Authors: Galarza Torre Asier , Shaw Joshua E. , Wood Amber , Gilbert Hamish T. J. , Dobre Oana , Genever Paul , Brennan Keith , Richardson Stephen M. , Swift Joe
Published: June 2018

The mechanical environment can influence cell behaviour, including changes to transcriptional and proteomic regulation, morphology and, in the case of stem cells, commitment to lineage. However, current tools for characterizing substrates’ mechanical properties, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), often do not fully recapitulate the length and time scales over which cells ‘feel’ substrates. Here, we show that an immortalised, clonal line of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) maintains the responsiveness to substrate mechanics observed in primary cells, and can be used as a reporter of stiffness. MSCs were cultured on soft and stiff polyacrylamide hydrogels. In both primary and immortalised MSCs, stiffer substrates promoted increased cell spreading, expression of lamin-A/C and translocation of mechano-sensitive proteins YAP1 and MKL1 to the nucleus. Stiffness was also found to regulate transcriptional markers of lineage. A GFP-YAP/RFP-H2B reporter construct was designed and virally delivered to the immortalised MSCs for in situ detection of substrate stiffness. MSCs with stable expression of the reporter showed GFP-YAP to be colocalised with nuclear RFP-H2B on stiff substrates, enabling development of a cellular reporter of substrate stiffness. This will facilitate mechanical characterisation of new materials developed for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Microwave Heating-Assisted Catalytic Dry Reforming of Methane to Syngas
Authors: Hamzehlouia Sepehr , Jaffer Shaffiq A. , Chaouki Jamal
Published: June 2018

Natural gas is a robust and environmentally friendlier alternative to oil resources for energy and chemicals production. However, gas is distributed globally within shales and hydrates, which are generally remote and difficult reserves to produce. The accessibility, transportation, and distribution, therefore, bring major capital costs. With today’s low and foreseen low price of natural gas, conversion of natural gas to higher value-added chemicals is highly sought by industry. Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a technology pathway to convert two critical greenhouse gas components, CH4 and CO2, to syngas, a commodity chemical feedstock. To date, the challenges of carbon deposition on the catalyst and evolution of secondary gas-phase products have prevented the commercial application of the DRM process. The recent exponential growth of renewable electricity resources, wind and solar power, provides a major opportunity to activate reactions by harnessing low-cost carbon-free energy via microwave-heating. This study takes advantage of differences in dielectric properties of materials to enable selective heating by microwave to create a large thermal gradient between a catalyst surface and the gas phase. Consequently, the reaction kinetics at the higher temperature catalyst surface are promoted while the reactions of lower temperature secondary gas-phase are reduced.
Preventing iron(ii) precipitation in aqueous systems using polyacrylic acid: some molecular insights
Authors: Artola Pierre-Arnaud , Rousseau Bernard , Clavaguéra Carine , Roy Marion , You Dominique , Plancque Gabriel
Published: June 2018

We show that molecular simulations are able to describe iron(ii) complexation by polyacrylic acid, thus preventing oxide precipitation in the secondary coolant circuit of nuclear power plant. Complexation is favoured with increasing polymer chain length.
Hydrogen storage in Li, Na and Ca decorated and defective borophene: a first principles study
Authors: Haldar Sandip , Mukherjee Sankha , Singh Chandra Veer
Published: June 2018

Herein, we present a comprehensive study of H2 storage in alkali metal decorated and defect containing 2D borophene using density functional theory calculations..
Polymer non-fullerene solar cells of vastly different efficiencies for minor side-chain modification: impact of charge transfer, carrier lifetime, morphology and mobility
Authors: Awartani Omar M. , Gautam Bhoj , Zhao Wenchao , Younts Robert , Hou Jianhui , Gundogdu Kenan , Ade Harald
Published: June 2018

The performance of the 11.25% efficient PBDB-T : ITIC system degraded to 4.35% after a minor side-chain modification in PBDB-O : ITIC. In this study, the underlying reasons behind this vast difference in efficiencies are investigated.
A versatile method for the selective core-crosslinking of hyaluronic acid nanogels via ketone-hydrazide chemistry: from chemical characterization to in vivo biodistribution
Authors: Garcia Francielle Pelegrin , Rippe Marlène , Companhoni Mychelle V. P. , Stefanello Talitha Fernandes , Louage Benoit , Van Herck Simon , Sancey Lucie , Coll Jean-Luc , De Geest Bruno G. , Vataru Nakamura Celso , Auzély-Velty Rachel
Published: June 2018

Nanogels show long in vivo blood circulation time and high tumor accumulation.
Effect of ionic strength on shear-thinning nanoclay–polymer composite hydrogels
Authors: Sheikhi Amir , Afewerki Samson , Oklu Rahmi , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: June 2018

The effect of ionic strength on the structure and rheological properties of nanoclay–gelatin shear-thinning biomaterials (STBs) is investigated. A fundamental insight into nanoclay–polymer interactions in physiological environments is provided to design clay-based biomaterials for biomedical applications.
Structure, function and antagonism of semen amyloids
Authors: Röcker Annika , Roan Nadia R. , Yadav Jay Kant , Fändrich Marcus , Münch Jan
Published: June 2018

Amyloids in semen enhance HIV infection and promote clearance of defect sperm.
Aggregation-induced emission of luminol: a novel strategy for fluorescence ratiometric detection of ALP and As(v) with high sensitivity and selectivity
Authors: Tong Yuan-Jun , Yu Lu-Dan , Wu Lu-Lu , Cao Shu-Ping , Liang Ru-Ping , Zhang Li , Xia Xing-Hua , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: June 2018

Luminol is introduced as a ligand for Tb3+ which, combined with GMP, leads to a sensor which is more robust, sensitive, and efficient.
cis-Cyclodiphosph(v/v)azanes as highly stable and robust main group supramolecular building blocks
Authors: Tan Davin , Ng Zi Xuan , Sim Ying , Ganguly Rakesh , García Felipe
Published: June 2018

Bench-top stable cis-cyclodiphosph(v/v)azanes are demonstrated to form robust R21(8) bifurcated hydrogen-bonds and PSe⋯Br halogen bonds. This work highlights the potential of cyclodiphosph(v/v)azane building blocks in creating new supramolecular assemblies.
Promoter-free synthesis of monolayer MoS2 by chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Gnanasekar Paulraj , Periyanagounder Dharmaraj , Nallathambi Anbarasan , Subramani Sadhasivam , Palanisamy Manivel , Kulandaivel Jeganathan
Published: June 2018

Piranha treatment provides an ideal platform for the controlled growth of large-scale monolayer MoS2 on dielectric and semiconductor substrates for device applications.
Pressure induced evolution of structures and properties of iron tetraboride
Authors: Harran Ismail , Chen Yuanzheng , Wang Hongyan , Ni Yuxiang
Published: June 2018

Iron tetraboride (FeB4) is attracting increasing attention due to its attractive electronic and mechanical properties (e.g., superconductivity and superhard).
The formation mechanism of Al6(Fe, Mn) in die-cast Al–Mg alloys
Authors: Zhu Xiangzhen , Blake Paul , Ji Shouxun
Published: June 2018

The equilibrium morphology of Al6(Fe, Mn) is a rhombic prism covered by {110} and {002} faces. Due to the limitation of volume-diffusion, the larger primary Al6(Fe, Mn) has a hollow inside, and the small eutectic Al6(Fe, Mn) is solid.
Structural aspects of the topological model of the hydrogen bond in water on auto-dissociation via proton transfer
Authors: Lentz Jesse , Garofalini Stephen H.
Published: June 2018

Different H-bond structures of donor and acceptor water molecules significantly affect structure, H-bond lifetimes, and autodissociation via proton transfer.
Glass formation of a DMSO–water mixture probed with a photosynthetic pigment
Authors: Huerta-Viga Adriana , Nguyen Linh-Lan , Amirjalayer Saeed , Sim Jamie H. N. , Zhang Zhengyang , Tan Howe-Siang
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate an experimental method for probing the glass transition of hydrogen-bonded liquids and for identifying their dynamic heterogeneities.
Ultrasmall Ni nanoparticles embedded in Zr-based MOFs provide high selectivity for CO2 hydrogenation to methane at low temperatures
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Wei , Zhou Xiao , Liu Ya-Nan , Shen Cong-Cong , Yuan Cheng-Zong , Jiang Yi-Fan , Zhao Sheng-Jie , Ma Liu-Bo , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Xu An-Wu
Published: June 2018

Highly monodisperse Ni NPs in UiO-66 give both excellent activity and selectivity for CO2 methanation at low temperatures.
A new insight into the reaction behaviors of side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol over CsX
Authors: Li Peidong , Han Qiao , Zhang Xiaomin , Yuan Yangyang , Zhang Yanfei , Guo Hongchen , Xu Li , Xu Lei
Published: June 2018

The crucial step for styrene production and the formation paths for the main side-products in the side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol over CsX were unveiled.
3D LnIII-MOFs: slow magnetic relaxation and highly sensitive luminescence detection of Fe3+ and ketones
Authors: Zhao Fei , Guo Xiao-Yu , Dong Zhen-Peng , Liu Zhi-Liang , Wang Yan-Qin
Published: June 2018

Five Ln-MOFs were obtained: the Dy-MOF shows slow magnetic relaxation, and the Eu-MOF and Tb-MOF show selective and sensitive sensing towards Fe3+ ions and ketones in a water system.
The modular synthesis of rare earth-transition metal heterobimetallic complexes utilizing a redox-active ligand
Authors: Hickson James R. , Horsewill Samuel J. , Bamforth Christopher , McGuire Jake , Wilson Claire , Sproules Stephen , Farnaby Joy H.
Published: June 2018

The redox-active bridging ligand 1,10-phenathroline-5,6-dione, acts as the template for this modular synthetic route to f–d heterobimetallic complexes.
Bridging cyanides from cyanoiron metalloligands to redox-active dinitrosyl iron units
Authors: Ghosh Pokhraj , Quiroz Manuel , Pulukkody Randara , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Darensbourg Marcetta Y.
Published: June 2018

Cyanide, as an ambidentate ligand, plays a pivotal role in providing a simple diatomic building-block motif, for controlled metal aggregation, M–CN–M′.
Barley β-glucan increases fecal bile acid excretion and short chain fatty acid levels in mildly hypercholesterolemic individuals
Authors: Thandapilly Sijo J. , Ndou Saymore P. , Wang Yanan , Nyachoti Charles M. , Ames Nancy P.
Published: June 2018

The specific objective of the human feeding trial was to elucidate the role of bile acids and short chain fatty acids in mediating cholesterol lowering effects of barley β-glucan.
Thymus pulegioides L. as a rich source of antioxidant, anti-proliferative and neuroprotective phenolic compounds
Authors: Taghouti Meriem , Martins-Gomes Carlos , Schäfer Judith , Félix Luis M. , Santos João A. , Bunzel Mirko , Nunes Fernando M. , Silva Amélia M.
Published: June 2018

The potential of Thymus pulegioides L. as an alternative and valuable source of functional ingredients has been assessed.
Insight into effective denitrification and desulfurization of liquid fuel with deep eutectic solvents: an innovative evaluation criterion to filtrate extractants using the compatibility index
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Liu Dong , Men Zhuowu , Song Linhua , Lv Yijun , Wu PingPing , Lou Bin , Zhang Yadong , Shi Nan , Chen Qingtai
Published: June 2018

The compatibility index (CI and PCI) as a new criterion is feasible to evaluate the removal efficiency of heterocycles in green and economic DESs.
A borrowing hydrogen methodology: palladium-catalyzed dehydrative N-benzylation of 2-aminopyridines in water
Authors: Hikawa Hidemasa , Imamura Hirokazu , Kikkawa Shoko , Azumaya Isao
Published: June 2018

We demonstrate a borrowing hydrogen methodology using the p-benzylpalladium system, which offers an efficient and environmentally friendly dehydrative N-monobenzylation of 2-aminopyridines with benzylic alcohols in the absence of base.
Aerobic oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate by using homogeneous and heterogeneous PdCoBi/C catalysts under atmospheric oxygen
Authors: Li Feng , Li Xing-Long , Li Chuang , Shi Jing , Fu Yao
Published: June 2018

Conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) to dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (DMFDCA) by using homo- and heterogeneous PdCoBi/C catalysts under atmospheric oxygen.
Enhancing fluorescent protein photostability through robot-assisted photobleaching
Authors: Wiens M. D. , Hoffmann F. , Chen Y. , Campbell R. E.
Published: June 2018

Improving fluorescent proteins through the use of directed evolution requires robust techniques for screening large libraries of genetic variants.
A green analytical method for the determination of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in wheat flour using total reflection X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Machado Ignacio , Mondutey Sebastián , Pastorino Natalia , Arce Valeria , Pistón Mariela
Published: June 2018

A simple, fast and environmentally friendly method for sample preparation and subsequent determination of minerals in wheat flour using TXRF.
Generation of a long-acting fusion inhibitor against HIV-1
Authors: Guo Ye , Zhou Pan-Pan , Zhang Sen-Yan , Fan Xiao-Wen , Dou Yu-Wei , Shi Xuan-Ling
Published: June 2018

AIDS has evolved from a fatal infectious disease to a manageable chronic disease under the treatment of anti-AIDS medications.
Scaffold hopping from synthetic RXR modulators by virtual screening and de novo design
Authors: Merk Daniel , Grisoni Francesca , Friedrich Lukas , Gelzinyte Elena , Schneider Gisbert
Published: June 2018

The concept of virtual screening and automated de novo design has been corroborated as a viable strategy for scaffold hopping from bioactive natural products to isofunctional, synthetically accessible mimetics.
Structure and properties of DOTA-chelated radiopharmaceuticals within the225Ac decay pathway
Authors: Khabibullin Artem R. , Karolak Aleksandra , Budzevich Mikalai M. , McLaughlin Mark L. , Morse David L. , Woods Lilia M.
Published: June 2018

The stability of DOTA-chelated complexes coordinated with H2O has a strong correlation between the opening angle of DOTA and the atomic mass of the radioactive isotope.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors: a new antidiabetic drug class
Authors: da Silva Paula Nogueira , da Conceição Raissa Alves , do Couto Maia Rodolfo , de Castro Barbosa Maria Leticia
Published: June 2018

Novel SGLT-2 selective inhibitors, an innovative therapeutic approach for glycemia control in diabetic patients.
A siRNA-induced peptide co-assembly system as a peptide-based siRNA nanocarrier for cancer therapy
Authors: Li Wenjun , Wang Dongyuan , Shi Xiaodong , Li Jingxu , Ma Yue , Wang Yanding , Li Tingting , Zhang Jianing , Zhao Rongtong , Yu Zhiqiang , Yin Feng , Li Zigang
Published: June 2018

Herein, we report a unique siRNA-induced peptide co-assembly nanocarrier, which could efficiently co-assemble upon the addition of siRNA, forming nanospheres with high biocompatibility and transfection efficiency bothin vitroandin vivo.
Effect of thermal treatment on the photocatalytic behavior of TiO2 supported on zeolites
Authors: Guesh Kiros , Mayoral Álvaro , Chebude Yonas , López-Muñoz María José , Márquez-Álvarez Carlos , Diaz Isabel
Published: June 2018

Photocatalysts based on TiO2 supported on two different synthetic zeolites (faujasite CBV 760: SiO2/Al2O3 = 60 and mordenite CBV 21A, SiO2/Al2O3 = 20), containing 10 wt% and 40 wt% TiO2 loading, have been synthesized using a sol–gel method without any further calcination.
Preparation of Y2SiO5:Pr3+,Li and Na2NbxTa2−xO6/(Au/RGO) composites and investigation into visible-light driven photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Liu Xudong , Zhang Xu , Zhao Cheng , Shu Xiaoqing , Fang Dawei , Wang Jun , Song Youtao
Published: June 2018

A three-component photocatalytic system is constructed by using Na2NbxTa2−xO6 as the main catalyst, Y2SiO5:Pr3+,Li as the up-conversion luminescence agent and Au/RGO as the co-catalyst.
V2O5 nanorod electrode material for enhanced electrochemical properties by a facile hydrothermal method for supercapacitor applications
Authors: B. Balamuralitharan , Cho In-Ho , Bak Jin-Soo , Kim Hee-Je
Published: June 2018

Metal oxides have attracted considerable interest due to their distinguished electrochemical properties and applications in multiple fields such as supercapacitors and solar cells.
Influence of Eu-substitution on luminescent CH3NH3PbBr3 quantum dots
Authors: Liu Lijia , Li Jitao , McLeod John A.
Published: June 2018

Eu-Substitution in MAPbBr3 reduces toxicity, increases crystallinity, and provides blue photoluminescence.
Remote functionalization in surface-assisted dehalogenation by conformational mechanics: organometallic self-assembly of 3,3′,5,5′-tetrabromo-2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexafluorobiphenyl on Ag(111)
Authors: Lischka Matthias , Michelitsch Georg S. , Martsinovich Natalia , Eichhorn Johanna , Rastgoo-Lahrood Atena , Strunskus Thomas , Breuer Rochus , Reuter Karsten , Schmittel Michael , Lackinger Markus
Published: June 2018

Site-selective 3,5′-didebromination results in 1D chains. Further annealing yields 2D organometallic networks.
Twisted bio-nanorods serve as a template for constructing chiroptically active nanoflowers
Authors: Yu Huli , Huang Huajun , Liang Junya , Deng Jianping
Published: June 2018

Helical nanoflowers were generated by growth of CuO along a cellulose nanocrystal surface, and these showed broadband chiroptical activity.
Remote activation and detection of up-converted luminescenceviasurface plasmon polaritons propagating in a silver nanowire
Authors: Prymaczek A. , Cwierzona M. , Grzelak J. , Kowalska D. , Nyk M. , Mackowski S. , Piatkowski D.
Published: June 2018

In this paper we demonstrate remote activation and detection of the 2-photon up-conversion luminescenceviasurface plasmon polaritons propagating in a long silver nanowire.
Pearson's principle-inspired strategy for the synthesis of amorphous transition metal hydroxide hollow nanocubes for electrocatalytic oxygen evolution
Authors: Yang Linlin , Zhang Bin , Ma Wenjie , Du Yunchen , Han Xijiang , Xu Ping
Published: June 2018

Amorphous transition metal hydroxide hollow nanocubes provide promising electrocatalytic oxygen evolution activity.
Biodistribution and targeting potential assessment of mucoadhesive chitosan nanoparticles designed for ulcerative colitis via scintigraphy
Authors: Raj Pooja Mongia , Raj Rakesh , Kaul Ankur , Mishra Anil K. , Ram Alpana
Published: June 2018

In the present investigation we have prepared and characterized curcumin (CN)-containing chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) coated with Eudragit FS 30D for colon-specific drug delivery for treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Formation and photochemical investigation of brown carbon by hydroxyacetone reactions with glycine and ammonium sulfate
Authors: Gao Yan , Zhang Yunhong
Published: June 2018

Increasing attention has been paid to atmospheric “brown carbon” (BrC) aerosols due to their effect on the earth's climate.
Supercritical CO2 drying of alginate/zinc hydrogels: a green and facile route to prepare ZnO foam structures and ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Abou Oualid Hicham , Amadine Othmane , Essamlali Younes , Dânoun Karim , Zahouily Mohamed
Published: June 2018

In the present study, we investigate a simple and effective synthetic protocol to produce zinc oxide foams by a facile solution-based method using alginate gelation.
A low-cost average valence detector for mixed electrolytes in vanadium flow batteries
Authors: Li Dongzhi , Zhang Yunong , Li Zhuoyu , Liu Le
Published: June 2018

An optical average valence detector has been developed to enable the capacity recovery of VFBsviaelectrolyte mixing and online electrolysis.
Introducing carbon dots to moderate the blue emission from zinc vanadium oxide hydroxide hydrate nanoplates
Authors: Huang Peng , Yuan Guodong , Wei Tongbo , Li Jinmin , Ashfold Michael N. R.
Published: June 2018

Adding carbon quantum dots is shown to moderate the blue component of the photoluminescence from vanadium oxide hydroxide hydrate nanoplates.
Co-delivery of anti-PLK-1 siRNA and camptothecin by nanometric polydiacetylenic micelles results in a synergistic cell killing
Authors: Ripoll Manon , Pierdant Marie , Neuberg Patrick , Bagnard Dominique , Wagner Alain , Kichler Antoine , Remy Jean-Serge
Published: June 2018

Recently, it has been shown that the efficiency of antitumoral drugs can be enhanced when combined with therapeutic siRNAs.
Ag-exchanged NaY zeolite introduced polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid mixed matrix membrane for pervaporation separation of water/isopropanol mixture
Authors: Kwon YongSung , Chaudhari Shivshankar , Kim ChaEun , Son DaHae , Park JiHwan , Moon MyungJun , Shon MinYoung , Park YouIn , Nam SeungEun
Published: June 2018

Ag-exchanged NaY zeolite (Ag-NaZ) particles were prepared by ion exchange and introduced to a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane cross-linked with polyacrylic acid (PAA) for the pervaporation dehydration of an isopropanol (IPA) aqueous mixture.
Self-template construction of nanoporous carbon nanorods from a metal–organic framework for supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Yang Ya-Wen , Liu Xuan-He , Gao En-Peng , Feng Tian-Tian , Jiang Wen-Jie , Wu Jing , Jiang Hao , Sun Bing
Published: June 2018

The Ni-CAT-derived porous carbon materials at 800 °C remain regular with a rod-like morphology and exhibit enhanced capacitive performance.
Biomimetic cellulose/calcium-deficient-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds fabricated using an electric field for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kim MyoJin , Yeo MiJi , Kim Minseong , Kim GeunHyung
Published: June 2018

The fabricated ceramic scaffold showed a layer-by-layered mesh structure entangled with cellulose micro/nanofibers and the bioceramic phase. By varying processing parameters, the unique 3D fibrous mesh-structure could be achieved.
Efficient cleavage of aryl ether C–O linkages by Rh–Ni and Ru–Ni nanoscale catalysts operating in water
Authors: Bulut Safak , Siankevich Sviatlana , van Muyden Antoine P. , Alexander Duncan T. L. , Savoglidis Georgios , Zhang Jiaguang , Hatzimanikatis Vassily , Yan Ning , Dyson Paul J.
Published: June 2018

Rh–Ni and Ru–Ni nanocatalysts efficiently catalyze the hydrogenolysis of C–O bonds under mild operating conditions in water.
Construction of an enzyme-free concatenated DNA circuit for signal amplification and intracellular imaging
Authors: Wang Huimin , Li Chunxiao , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhou Xiang , Wang Fuan
Published: June 2018

A rationally and modularly engineered two-layered CHA–HCR circuit was constructed for amplified biosensing and bioimaging with high performance.
Synthesis and characterization of Co2−xRhxP nanoparticles and their catalytic activity towards the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Mutinda Samuel I. , Li Da , Kay Jacob , Brock Stephanie L.
Published: June 2018

Incorporation of small amounts of Rh results in a significant improvement in the electrocatalytic activity of Co2P for water oxidation.
Graphdiyne as an ideal monolayer coating material for lithium-ion battery cathodes with ultralow areal density and ultrafast Li penetration
Authors: Gong Sheng , Wang Shuo , Liu Junyi , Guo Yaguang , Wang Qian
Published: June 2018

Graphdiyne coating for cathodes of Li-ion batteries is proposed using first-principles calculations with ultralow areal density and ultrafast Li penetration.
Aluminum-incorporated p-CuO/n-ZnO photocathode coated with nanocrystal-engineered TiO2 protective layer for photoelectrochemical water splitting and hydrogen generation
Authors: Masudy-Panah Saeid , Eugene Y.-J. Kong , Khiavi Negar Dasineh , Katal Reza , Gong Xiao
Published: June 2018

The poor photocorrosion stability and low photovoltage of cupric oxide (CuO) are the main limiting factors of CuO-based photocathodes for solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and hydrogen evolution.
Evaporation above a bulk water surface using an oil lamp inspired highly efficient solar-steam generation strategy
Authors: Wu Xuan , Wu Limin , Tan Jeanette , Chen George Y. , Owens Gary , Xu Haolan
Published: June 2018

Inspired by a kerosene oil lamp, a highly efficient solar-evaporation system with the evaporation surface located above the bulk water surface is realized.
Highly active and stable electrocatalyst of Ni2P nanoparticles supported on 3D ordered macro-/mesoporous Co–N-doped carbon for acidic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Sun Tingting , Dong Jing , Huang Yan , Ran Wu , Chen Jianfeng , Xu Lianbin
Published: June 2018

The novel electrocatalyst with Ni2P nanoparticles supported on 3D ordered macro-/mesoporous Co–N-doped carbon was fabricated, showing excellent performance for hydrogen evolution reaction in strong acidic medium.
Boosting the oxygen reduction activity of a three-dimensional network Co–N–C electrocatalyst via space-confined control of nitrogen-doping efficiency and the molecular-level coordination effect
Authors: Guo Chaozhong , Li Yanrong , Liao Wenli , Liu Yao , Li Zhongbin , Sun Lingtao , Chen Changguo , Zhang Jin , Si Yujun , Li Lu
Published: June 2018

Self-assembled 3D-NaCl aggregates are used to boost the ORR activity of Co–N–C catalysts.
Structural and immunological characterization of E. coli derived recombinant CRM197 protein used as carrier in conjugate vaccines
Authors: Mishra Ravi P.N. , Yadav Ravi S.P. , Jones Christopher , Nocadello Salvatore , Minasov George , Shuvalova Ludmilla A. , Anderson Wayne F. , Goel Akshay
Published: June 2018

It is established that the immunogenicity of polysaccharides is enhanced by coupling them to carrier proteins. Cross reacting material (CRM197), a nontoxic variant of diphtheria toxin (DT) is widely used carrier protein for polysaccharide conjugate vaccines. Conventionally, CRM197 is isolated by fermentation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae C7 (β197) cultures, which often suffers from low yield. Recently, several recombinant approaches have been reported with robust processes and higher yields, which will improve the affordability of CRM197-based vaccines. Vaccine manufacturers require detailed analytical information to ensure that the CRM197 meets quality standards and regulatory requirements. In the present manuscript we have described detailed structural characteristics of Escherichia coli based recombinant CRM197 (rCRM197) carrier protein. The crystal structure of the E. coli based rCRM197 was found to be identical with the reported crystal structure of the C7 CRM197 produced in C. diphtheriae C7 strain (Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID: 4EA0). The crystal structure of rCRM197 was determined at 2.3 Å resolution and structure was submitted to the PDB with accession number ID 5I82. This is the first report of a crystal structure of E. coli derived recombinant CRM197 carrier protein. Furthermore, the rCRM197 was conjugated to Vi polysaccharide to generate Typhoid conjugate vaccine (Vi-rCRM197) and its immunogenicity was evaluated in Balb/C Mice. The Vi-rCRM197 conjugate vaccine was found to generate strong primary α-Vi antibody response and also showed a booster response after subsequent vaccination in mice. Overall data suggest that E. coli based recombinant CRM197 exhibits structural and immunological similarity with the C7 CRM197 and can be used as a carrier protein in conjugate vaccine development.
The preventive and therapeutic implication for renal fibrosis by targetting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling
Authors: Zhang Yun , Meng Xiao-Ming , Huang Xiao-Ru , Lan Hui Yao
Published: June 2018

It is well established that Smad3 is a key downstream effector of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in tissue fibrogenesis. We reported here that targetting Smad3 specifically with a Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 is able to prevent or halt the progression of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstructive nephropathy (UUO). We found that preventive treatment with SIS3 at the time of disease induction largely suppressed progressive renal fibrosis by inhibiting α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) + myofibroblast accumulation and extracellular matrix (collagen I (Col.I) and fibronectin (FN)) production. Importantly, we also found that treatment with SIS3 on established mouse model of UUO from day 4 after UUO nephropathy halted the progression of renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, the preventive and therapeutic effects of SIS3 on renal fibrosis were associated with the inactivation of Smad3 signaling and inhibition of TGF-β1 expression in the UUO kidney. In conclusion, results from the present study suggest that targetting Smad3 may be a specific and effective therapy for renal fibrosis.
Molecular line study of the S-type AGB star W Aquilae
Authors: Brunner M. , Danilovich T. , Ramstedt S. , Marti-Vidal I. , De Beck E. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , Lindqvist M. , Kerschbaum F.
Published: June 2018

Context. With the outstanding spatial resolution and sensitivity of the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array (ALMA), molecular gas other than the abundant CO can be observed and resolved in circumstellar envelopes (CSEs) around evolved stars, such as the binary S-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star W Aquilae.

Aims. We aim to constrain the chemical composition of the CSE and determine the radial abundance distribution, the photospheric peak abundance, and isotopic ratios of a selection of chemically important molecular species in the innermost CSE of W Aql. The derived parameters are put into the context of the chemical evolution of AGB stars and are compared with theoretical models.

Methods. We employ one-dimensional radiative transfer modeling – with the accelerated lambda iteration (ALI) radiative transfer code–of the radial abundance distribution of a total of five molecular species (CS, SiS, 30SiS, 29SiO and H13CN) and determine the best fitting model parameters based on high-resolution ALMA observations as well as archival single-dish observations. The additional advantage of the spatially resolved ALMA observations is that we can directly constrain the radial profile of the observed line transitions from the observations.

Results. We derive abundances and e-folding radii for CS, SiS, 30SiS, 29SiO and H13CN and compare them to previous studies, which are based only on unresolved single-dish spectra. Our results are in line with previous results and are more accurate due to resolution of the emission regions.
Disentangling hadronic from leptonic emission in the composite SNR G326.3−1.8
Authors: Devin J. , Acero F. , Ballet J. , Schmid J.
Published: June 2018

Context. G326.3−1.8 (also known as MSH 15−56) has been detected in radio as middle-aged composite supernova remnant (SNR) consisting of an SNR shell and a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) that has been crushed by the SNR reverse shock. Previous γ-ray studies of SNR G326.3−1.8 revealed bright and extended emission with uncertain origin. Understanding the nature of the γ-ray emission allows probing the population of high-energy particles (leptons or hadrons), but can be challenging for sources of small angular extent.

Aims. With the recent Fermi Large Area Telescope data release Pass 8, which provides increased acceptance and angular resolution, we investigate the morphology of this SNR to disentangle the PWN from the SNR contribution. In particular, we take advantage of the new possibility to filter events based on their angular reconstruction quality.

Methods. We performed a morphological and spectral analysis from 300 MeV to 300 GeV. We used the reconstructed events with the best angular resolution (PSF3 event type) to separately investigate the PWN and the SNR emissions, which is crucial to accurately determine the spectral properties of G326.3−1.8 and understand its nature.

Results. The centroid of the γ-ray emission evolves with energy and is spatially coincident with the radio PWN at high energies (E > 3 GeV). The morphological analysis reveals that a model considering two contributions from the SNR and the PWN reproduces the γ-ray data better than a single-component model. The associated spectral analysis using power laws shows two distinct spectral features, a softer spectrum for the remnant (Γ = 2.17 ± 0.06) and a harder spectrum for the PWN (Γ = 1.79 ± 0.12), consistent with hadronic and leptonic origin for the SNR and the PWN, respectively. Focusing on the SNR spectrum, we use one-zone models to derive some physical properties, and we find in particular, that the emission is best explained with a hadronic scenario in which the high target density is provided by radiative shocks in H I clouds struck by the SNR.
A unified accretion-ejection paradigm for black hole X-ray binaries
Authors: Marcel G. , Ferreira J. , Petrucci P.-O. , Belmont R. , Malzac J. , Clavel M. , Henri G. , Coriat M. , Corbel S. , Rodriguez J. , Loh A. , Chakravorty S.
Published: June 2018

Context. It has been suggested that the cycles of activity of X-ray binaries (XRB) are triggered by a switch in the dominant disk torque responsible for accretion. As the disk accretion rate increases, the disk innermost regions therefore change from a jet-emitting disk (JED) to a standard accretion disk (SAD).

Aims. While JEDs have been proven to successfully reproduce X-ray binary hard states, the existence of an outer cold SAD introduces an extra nonlocal cooling term. We investigate the thermal structure and associated spectra of such a hybrid disk configuration.

Methods. We use a two-temperature plasma code, allowing for outside-in computation of the disk local thermal equilibrium with self-consistent advection and optically thin-to-thick transitions in both radiation and gas supported regimes. The nonlocal inverse Compton cooling introduced by the external soft photons is computed by the BELM code.

Results. This additional cooling term has a profound influence on JED solutions, allowing a smooth temperature transition from the outer SAD to the inner JED. We explore the full parameter space in disk accretion rate and transition radius, and show that the whole domain in X-ray luminosities and hardness ratios covered by standard XRB cycles is well reproduced by such hybrid disk configurations. Precisely, a reasonable combination of these parameters allows us to reproduce the 3–200 keV spectra of each of five canonical XRB states. Along with these X-ray signatures, JED-SAD configurations also naturally account for the radio emission whenever it is observed.

Conclusions. By varying only the radial transition radius and the accretion rate, hybrid disk configurations combining an inner JED and an outer SAD are able to simultaneously reproduce the X-ray spectral states and radio emission of X-ray binaries during their outburst. Adjusting these two parameters, it is then possible to reproduce a full cycle. This will be shown in a forthcoming paper.
Photoinduced polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dehydrogenation The competition between H- and H2-loss
Authors: Castellanos P. , Candian A. , Zhen J. , Linnartz H. , Tielens A. G. G. M.
Published: June 2018

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a major component of the interstellar medium carbon budget, locking up to 10–20% of the elemental carbon. Sequential fragmentation induced by energetic photons leads to the formation of new species, including fullerenes. However, the exact chemical routes involved in this process remain largely unexplored. In this work, we focus on the first photofragmentation steps, which involve the dehydrogenation of these molecules. For this, we consider a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account the results from experiments, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and modeling using dedicated Monte-Carlo simulations. By considering the simplest isomerization pathways — i.e., hydrogen roaming along the edges of the molecule — we are able to characterize the most likely photodissociation pathways for the molecules studied here. These comprise nine PAHs with clearly different structural properties. The formation of aliphatic-like side groups is found to be critical in the first fragmentation step and, furthermore, sets the balance of the competition between H- and H2-loss. We show that the presence of trio hydrogens, especially in combination with bay regions in small PAHs plays an important part in the experimentally established variations in the odd-to-even H-atom loss ratios. In addition, we find that, as PAH size increases, H2formation becomes dominant, and sequential hydrogen loss only plays a marginal role. We also find disagreements between experiments and calculations for large, solo containing PAHs, which need to be accounted for. In order to match theoretical and experimental results, we have modified the energy barriers and restricted the H-hopping to tertiary atoms. The formation of H2in large PAHs upon irradiation appears to be the dominant fragmentation channel, suggesting an efficient formation path for molecular hydrogen in photodissociation regions (PDRs).
Médicaments orphelins : un nouveau concept à l’épreuve du temps
Authors: Nabarette Hervé , Peterka Juliette , Andoni Urtizberea J. , Nga Brignol Tuy
Published: June 2018

Les personnes atteintes de maladies rares ont été longtemps les laissées pour compte des systèmes de santé, faute de traitements adaptés à leurs cas. Leurs pathologies attirent désormais toute l’attention des laboratoires pharmaceutiques, devenant même pour ces derniers un enjeu important de leurs recherches et de leur croissance. Si la création du statut de médicament orphelin a constitué une avancée concrète dans le domaine des maladies rares, les payeurs, gouvernements, assureurs comme patients s’interrogent toutefois sur le prix et la prise en charge de ces traitements. Revenir sur 35 ans d’histoire des médicaments orphelins a donc du sens pour mieux comprendre la situation présente et les questionnements qu’elle suscite.
Les enjeux actuels de l’ETP pour les maladies neuromusculaires
Authors: Plançon Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2018

Les deux premiers plans nationaux maladies rares et la loi HPST, aidés dans leur mise en œuvre par les associations de patients, offrent une place singulière à l’éducation thérapeutique, un sujet dont les filières de santé se saisissent aujourd’hui pleinement. Répondant à la nécessité de mener une réflexion commune dans le domaine des maladies neuromusculaires (MNM), plus de 60 professionnels de santé, médecins, paramédicaux et représentants associatifs s’étaient donnés rendez-vous le 6 novembre 2017 à l’Institut de Myologie pour la première réunion organisée par la Filière maladies neuromusculaires rares FILNEMUS sur le thème de l’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP).
Palmar lokalisierter HPV16-positiver Morbus Bowen
Authors: Troyanova-Slavkova S. , Eickenscheidt L. , Aust D. , Gradistanac T. , Kowalzick L.
Published: June 2018

Der Morbus Bowen ist ein In-situ-Plattenepithelkarzinom der Haut und ist klinisch charakterisiert durch solitäre, rote oder braun-rote, scharf oder unregelmäßig begrenzte, gering erhabene Papeln und Plaques mit schuppiger Oberfläche. Diese können entweder durch UV-bedingte Sonnenschäden − meist in lichtbelichteten Bereichen bei älteren Personen − oder durch humane Papillomavirus-Infektion − meist im anogenitalen Bereich junger Erwachsener − verursacht werden. Es wurden Fälle beschrieben, bei denen HPV in Genitalläsionen und an Tumoren der Finger gleichzeitig nachgewiesen werden konnten, was durch einen genital-digitalen Infektionsweg erklärt werden könnte. Wir beschreiben den Fall eines 49-jährigen Mannes mit einem HPV16-positiven Morbus Bowen an der Handinnenfläche. Weder bei unserem Patient noch bei seiner Partnerin waren andere Warzen, v. a. Genitalwarzen oder Genitaltumoren bekannt und konnten auch bei der klinischen Untersuchung des Patienten nicht nachgewiesen werden. Gleichwohl kann eine Übertragung durch Kontakt mit einer Hochrisiko-HPV-infizierten Person nicht ausgeschlossen werden.
Pharmacodynamic Effects of a 6-Hour Regimen of Enoxaparin in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PENNY PCI Study)
Authors: Sumaya Wael , Parker William , Fretwell Rebekah , Hall Ian , Barmby David , Richardson James , Iqbal Javaid , Adam Zulfiquar , Morgan Kenneth , Gunn Julian , Mason Annah , Judge Heather , Gale Christopher , Ajjan Ramzi , Storey Robert
Published: June 2018

Delayed onset of action of oral P2Y12 inhibitors in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients may increase the risk of acute stent thrombosis. Available parenteral anti-thrombotic strategies, to deal with this issue, are limited by added cost and increased risk of bleeding. We investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of a novel regimen of enoxaparin in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Twenty patients were recruited to receive 0.75 mg/kg bolus of enoxaparin (pre-PPCI) followed by infusion of enoxaparin 0.75 mg/kg/6 h. At four time points (pre-anti-coagulation, end of PPCI, 2–3 hours into infusion and at the end of infusion), anti-Xa levels were determined using chromogenic assays, fibrin clots were assessed by turbidimetric analysis and platelet P2Y12 inhibition was determined by VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. Clinical outcomes were determined 14 hours after enoxaparin initiation. Nineteen of 20 patients completed the enoxaparin regimen; one patient, who developed no-reflow phenomenon, was switched to tirofiban after the enoxaparin bolus. All received ticagrelor 180 mg before angiography. Mean (± standard error of the mean) anti-Xa levels were sustained during enoxaparin infusion (1.17 ± 0.06 IU/mL at the end of PPCI and 1.003 ± 0.06 IU/mL at 6 hours), resulting in prolonged fibrin clot lag time and increased lysis potential. Onset of platelet P2Y12 inhibition was delayed in opiate-treated patients. No patients had thrombotic or bleeding complications. In conclusion, enoxaparin 0.75 mg/kg bolus followed by 0.75 mg/kg/6 h provides sustained anti-Xa levels in PPCI patients. This may protect from acute stent thrombosis in opiate-treated PPCI patients who frequently have delayed onset of oral P2Y12 inhibition.
Antikörpertitration bei der hämolytischen Erkrankung des Fetus und Neugeborenen – State of the Art
Authors: Flommersfeld Sabine , Ertl Birgit
Published: June 2018

Ergebnisse der immunhämatologischen Diagnostik stehen nicht immer in Einklang mit der klinischen Situation. Insbesondere bei der fetomaternalen Inkompatibilität, die zur hämolytischen Erkrankung des Fetus und Neugeborenen führen kann, ist eine Risikoabschätzung wichtig, um unnötige invasive Maßnahmen zu vermeiden. Hier hat sich die Antikörpertitration nach Antikörperspezifizierung durchgesetzt. Zu Methodik, Qualitätskontrollen und Interpretation gibt es keine differenzierten Handlungsempfehlungen in der Hämotherapie-Richtlinie der Bundesärztekammer. Wir stellen daher unsere Methodik vor und diskutieren die Vor- und Nachteile.
Structure and permeability of ionomers studied by atomistic molecular simulation combined with the theory of solutions in the energy representation
Authors: Kawakami Tomonori , Shigemoto Isamu , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2018

Ionomers play a key role in forming the catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In the present work, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations with the energy-representation method for sulfonated polyethersulfone (SPES) and its derivatives toward the rational design of ionomers for carbon alloy catalysts. It was observed that H2O aggregates strongly in the branched SPES systems with fluorocarbons and is located homogeneously in the systems without fluorocarbons. The O2 permeability was then examined within the framework of the solubility-diffusion mechanism. The permeability was seen to be large for the branched SPES with fluorocarbons, indicating that the performance of ionomers as a permeation medium for O2 may be tuned by the flexibility and branching of the polymer chain.
Robustness of spin polarization against temperature in multilayer structure: Triple quantum well
Authors: Ullah S. , Moraes F. C. D. , Gusev G. M. , Bakarov A. K. , Hernandez F. G. G.
Published: June 2018

We address the temperature influence on the precessional motion of electron spins under a transverse magnetic field, studied in GaAs/AlGaAs triple quantum wells, using pump-probe Kerr rotation. In the presence of an applied in-plane magnetic field, the TRKR measurements show the robustness of carrier's spin polarization against temperature, which can be easily traced in an extended range up to 250 K. By tuning the pump-probe wavelength to the exciton bound to a neutral donor transition, we observed a remarkably long-lasting spin coherence (with dephasing time T2*> 14 ns) limited by the spin hopping process and exchange interaction between the donor sites, as well as the ensemble spread of the g-factor. The temperature dependent spin dephasing time revealed a double linear dependence due to the different relaxation mechanisms active in respective temperature ranges. We observed that the increase in sample temperature from 5 K to 250 K leads to a strong T2* reduction by almost 98%/97% for the excitation wavelengths of 823/821 nm. Furthermore, we noticed that the temperature increase not only causes the reduction of spin lifetime, but can also lead to the variation of the electron g-factor. Additionally, the spin dynamics were studied through the dependencies on the applied magnetic field and optical pump power.