bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavin Reductase Contributes to Pneumococcal Virulence by Protecting from Oxidative Stress and Mediating Adhesion and Elicits Protection Against Pneumococcal Challenge
Authors: Morozov Giora I. , Porat Nurith , Kushnir Tatyana , Najmuldeen Hastyar , Adawi Asad , Chalifa-Caspi Vered , Benisty Rachel , Ohayon Ariel , Liron Ofir , Azriel Shalhevet , Malka Itai , Dotan Shahar , Portnoi Maxim , Piotrowski Andrew A. , Kafka Daniel , Hajaj Barak , Fishilevich Tali , Shagan Marilou , Tal Michael , Ellis Ron , Morrison Donald A. , Mitchell Andrea M. , Mitchell Timothy J. , Dagan Ron , Yesilkaya Hasan , Nebenzahl Yaffa Mizrachi
Published: January 2018

Pneumococcal flavin reductase (FlaR) is known to be cell-wall associated and possess age dependent antigenicity in children. This study aimed at characterizing FlaR and elucidating its involvement in pneumococcal physiology and virulence. Bioinformatic analysis of FlaR sequence identified three-conserved cysteine residues, suggesting a transition metal-binding capacity. Recombinant FlaR (rFlaR) bound Fe2+and exhibited FAD-dependent NADP-reductase activity, which increased in the presence of cysteine or excess Fe2+and inhibited by divalent-chelating agents.flaR mutant was highly susceptible to H2O2compared to its wild type (WT) and complemented strains, suggesting a role for FlaR in pneumococcal oxidative stress resistance. Additionally,flaR mutant demonstrated significantly decreased mice mortality following intraperitoneal infection. Interestingly, lack of FlaR did not affect the extent of phagocytosis by primary mouse peritoneal macrophages but reduced adhesion to A549 cells compared to the WT and complemented strains. Noteworthy are the findings that immunization with rFlaR elicited protection in mice against intraperitoneal lethal challenge and anti-FlaR antisera neutralized bacterial virulence. Taken together, FlaR’s roles in pneumococcal physiology and virulence, combined with its lack of significant homology to human proteins, point towards rFlaR as a vaccine candidate.
Six domoic acid related compounds from the red alga, Chondria armata, and domoic acid biosynthesis by the diatom, Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries
Authors: Maeno Yukari , Kotaki Yuichi , Terada Ryuta , Cho Yuko , Konoki Keiichi , Yotsu-Yamashita Mari
Published: January 2018

Domoic acid (DA, 1), a potent neurotoxin that causes amnesic shellfish poisoning, has been found in diatoms and red algae. While biosynthetic pathway towards DA from geranyl diphosphate and l-glutamate has been previously proposed, its late stage is still unclear. Here, six novel DA related compounds, 7′-methyl-isodomoic acid A (2) and B (3), N-geranyl-l-glutamic acid (4), 7′-hydroxymethyl-isodomoic acid A (5) and B (6), and N-geranyl-3(R)-hydroxy-l-glutamic acid (7), were isolated from the red alga, Chondria armata, and their structures were determined. The compounds 4 and 7, linear compounds, are predictable as the precursors to form the DA pyrrolidine ring. The compounds 2 and 3 are thought as the cyclized products of 7; therefore, dehydration and electron transfer from the internal olefin of 7 is a possible mechanism for the pyrrolidine ring formation. One terminal methyl group of the side chain of 2 and 3 is predicted to be oxidized to hydroxymethyl (5, 6), and then to carboxylic acids, forming isodomoic acids A and B. Finally, the terminal olefin of isodomoic acid A would be isomerized to form DA. In addition, [15N, D]-labeled 4 was incorporated into DA using the diatom, Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries, demonstrating that 4 is the genuine precursor of DA.
Quantification of silver nanoparticle toxicity to algae in soil via photosynthetic and flow-cytometric analyses
Authors: Nam Sun-Hwa , Il Kwak Jin , An Youn-Joo
Published: January 2018

Soil algae, which have received attention for their use in a novel bioassay to evaluate soil toxicity, expand the range of terrestrial test species. However, there is no information regarding the toxicity of nanomaterials to soil algae. Thus, we evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles (0–50 mg AgNPs/kg dry weight soil) on the soil alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii after six days, and assessed changes in biomass, photosynthetic activity, cellular morphology, membrane permeability, esterase activity, and oxidative stress. The parameters measured were markedly affected by AgNP-induced stress at 50 mg AgNPs/kg dry weight soil, where soil algal biomass, three measures of photosynthetic activity (area, reaction center per absorption flux, and reaction center per trapped energy flux), and esterase activity decreased. AgNPs also induced increases in both cell size and membrane permeability at 50 mg AgNPs/kg dry weight soil. In addition to the increase in cell size observed via microscopy, a mucilaginous sheath formed as a protective barrier against AgNPs. Thus, the toxicity of AgNPs can be effectively quantified based on the physiological, biochemical, and morphological responses of soil algae, where quantifying the level of toxicity of AgNPs to soil algae could prove to be a useful method in terrestrial ecotoxicology.
Selective 6H-SiC White Light Emission by Picosecond Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Wang Sicong , Ji Lingfei , Li Lin , Wu Yan , Zhang Yongzhe , Lin Zhenyuan
Published: January 2018

Displaying a full or tuneable emission spectrum with highly efficient is significant for luminescent materials used in solid-state lighting. Silicon carbide (SiC) has potential for use in photoelectric devices that operate under extreme conditions. In this paper, we present a method to selectively modify the photoluminescence (PL) properties of SiC by ultrafast laser direct writing. Based on this method, visible white PL could be observed by the naked eye at room temperature under ultraviolet excitation. By increasing the laser power intensity from 40 to 80 MW/cm2, the PL of the irradiated samples increased and pure white sunlight-like emission with controlled colour temperature was realised. The optimised laser power intensity of 65 MW/cm2 achieved a desirable colour temperature similar to that of sunlight (x = 0.33, y = 0.33 and colour temperature of 5500 K) and suppressed blue emission. By direct laser irradiation along designed scanning path, a large-scale and arbitrary pattern white emission was fabricated. The origin of the white luminescence was a mixture of multiple luminescent transitions of oxygen-related centres that turned the Si-C system into silicon oxycarbide. This work sheds light on new luminescent materials and a preparation technique for next-generation lighting devices.
Effects of slit width on water permeation through graphene membrane by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yamada Taro , Matsuzaki Ryosuke
Published: January 2018

Graphene membranes can be used for nanoscale filtration to remove atoms and are expected to be used for separation. To realize high-permeability and high-filtration performance, we must understand the flow configuration in the nanochannels. In this study, we investigated the applicability of continuum-dynamics laws to water flow through a graphene slit. We calculated the permeability of the flow through a slit using classical molecular dynamics (MD) and compared the MD simulation results for different Knudsen numbers (Kn) to predictions based on the no-slip model and slip model. Consequently, the flow through the graphene nanoslit was treated as slip flow only in the range of Kn < 0.375. This study provides guidelines for the development of graphene filtration membranes.
Distribution analysis of epertinib in brain metastasis of HER2-positive breast cancer by imaging mass spectrometry and prospect for antitumor activity
Authors: Tanaka Yukari , Hirata Michinari , Shinonome Satomi , Torii Mikinori , Nezasa Ken-ichi , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: January 2018

Epertinib (S-222611) is a potent, reversible, and selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human EGFR2 (HER2), and human EGFR4. We developed experimental brain metastasis models by intraventricular injection (intraventricular injection mouse model; IVM) of HER2-positive breast cancer (MDA-MB-361-luc-BR2/BR3) or T790M-EGFR-positive lung cancer (NCI-H1975-luc) cells. After a single oral administration, epertinib and lapatinib concentrations in brain metastatic regions were analyzed by quantitative imaging mass spectrometry. In the NCI-H1975 lung cancer IVM, the concentration of epertinib in brain metastasis was comparable to that of lapatinib. However, in the MDA-MB-361 breast cancer IVM, the concentration of epertinib in brain metastasis was >10 times higher than that of lapatinib. Furthermore, the epertinib tumor-to-normal brain ratio was ~4 times higher than that of lapatinib. Blood-tumor barrier (BTB) permeability was assessed in each brain metastatic region. In the lung cancer model, fluorescently labeled dextran was more highly detected in brain metastatic regions than in brain parenchyma. However, in breast cancer models, dextran fluorescence intensity in brain metastatic regions and brain parenchyma were comparable, suggesting that the BTB remained largely intact. Epertinib would be promised as a therapeutic agent for HER2-positive breast cancer with brain metastasis.
Trends and Patterns of Cancer Mortality in North China (Hebei Province), 1973–2013
Authors: Liang Di , Li Daojuan , Liu Jianghui , Jin Jing , Shi Jin , Shan Baoen , He Yutong
Published: January 2018

Little was known about the cancer burden for the last 40 years in middle-income province in China. This study aimed to assess the overall, cause-specific mortality cancer trend and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) between 1973–1975 and 2011–2013 in North China (Hebei Province). The collected data were stratified by 5-year age groups, gender and different types of cancer. We found that mortality from cancer showed an upward trend in the 1973–2013. The mortality rate of 0–79 year-old in 2011–2013 was lower than that in other periods. It was about two times higher for the 80+ age group than it was in 1973–1975. The cancer pattern in 4 periods presented differently. Esophagus cancer ranked the first in 1973–1975, whereas in 2011–2013, the most common cancer was lung cancer. DALYs also showed an increasing cancer burden in Hebei Province. This study is the first to analyze cancer burden for the last 40 years in a middle-income province. It could provide a baseline for assessment of effectiveness of cancer prevention and control. Esophagus cancer had a significant declining trend because of endoscopy screening program. Enhancing screening programs in those aged 40–69 year-old is necessary for reducing the cancer burden.
Tyrosinase-based TLC Autography for anti-melanogenic drug screening
Authors: Hsu Kai-Di , Chan Yu-Hin , Chen Hong-Jhang , Lin Shi-Ping , Cheng Kuan-Chen
Published: January 2018

Tyrosinase-based TLC (thin layer chromatography) was developed for screening of anti-melanogenic drugs. In particular, this technique enables researchers to identify melanogenic inhibitor(s) in tested mixtures with the naked eye. In comparison with traditional colorimetric screening assays for tyrosinase inhibitor(s), not only is tyrosinase-based TLC a more cost-effective option (nearly one-tenth the enzyme cost of colorimetric methods) but also is a more sensitive detection approach for kojic acid (KA), a standard anti-melanogenic drug. The detection limit of tyrosinase-based TLC and colorimetric tyrosinase assay for KA was 0.0125 and 1.25 μg, respectively, demonstrating that the former was 100-fold more sensitive than the latter to determine the tyrosinase inhibitory rate of KA. Furthermore, the results of this method have demonstrated excellent precision by Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (Gage R&R), with the variation of total Gage R&R being 28.24%. To verify the applicability of tyrosinase-based TLC, this platform was employed to screen melanogenic inhibitor(s) from Ganoderma formosanum extracts and two of all fractions (GFE-EA F4, F5) obtained showed depigmenting activity. It is noteworthy that these two fractions also exerted anti-melanogenesis activity on zebrafish, therefore verifying the credibility of tyrosinase-based TLC. In sum, this technique provides new insight into the discovery of novel melanogenic inhibitor(s).
Responses in shoot elongation, carbohydrate utilization and growth recovery of an invasive species to submergence at different water temperatures
Authors: Ye Xiao qi , Zeng Bo , Meng Jin liu , Wu Ming , Zhang Xiao ping
Published: January 2018

Widely distributed amphibious exotic plant species may respond plastically to water temperatures when submerged. Alternanthera philoxeroides, a highly flood-tolerant species, originates from tropical regions and has successfully invaded temperate regions. The wide distribution of this species suggests it can respond to flooding at different water temperatures. In this study, the plastic responses of A. philoxeroides plants to submergence at water temperatures of 10 °C, 20 °C and 30 °C were investigated. The A. philoxeroides plants had large pools of non-structural carbohydrates, which were readily mobilized upon submergence. Submergence hindered biomass accumulation and decreased the carbohydrate content level and respiration rate (P < 0.05). Water temperature had remarkable effects on shoot elongation, carbohydrate utilization and recovery growth. With decreasing water temperature, the respiration rate was lower and carbohydrate content decreased more slowly, but the post-submergence biomass accumulation was faster (P < 0.05), indicating a beneficial effect of low water temperature for recovery. However, high water temperatures accelerated shoot elongation (P < 0.05), which benefitted the submerged plants more if contact with air was restored. These results suggest that the species can respond to different water temperatures plastically, which may provide hints for its invasion success in regions with diverse climates.
Evidence for energetic tradeoffs between physical activity and childhood growth across the nutritional transition
Authors: Urlacher Samuel S. , Kramer Karen L.
Published: January 2018

Despite broad implications for understanding human life history, energetics, and health, the impact of physical activity on childhood growth remains unclear. Particularly understudied is the effect of secular changes in physical activity on child development. We address these shortcomings using data spanning the transition from traditional to semi-developed economy among Yucatec Maya agriculturalists. Anthropometric and behavioral observation data were collected from children living in a subsistence-based rural community in 1992 and again in 2012 following the introduction of a school and mechanized technologies but minimal overt dietary change. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate dramatic twenty-year transformations in how children spent their time. This behavioral change was associated with large declines in estimated physical activity level (PAL), associated activity energy expenditure savings of several hundred kilocalories/day, and sizable increases in mean height, weight, and triceps skinfold thickness. Controlling for observed frequency of market food consumption, PAL was inversely related to child body size and subcutaneous fat stores and significantly mediated the effects of data collection year on anthropometric indices. These findings indicate that physical activity can considerably influence childhood growth, highlighting the role of energy allocation tradeoffs between physical activity and competing life tasks in shaping patterns of human ontogeny and health.
Formation of Two-dimensional Electron Gas at Amorphous/Crystalline Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Li ChengJian , Hong YanPeng , Xue HongXia , Wang XinXin , Li Yongchun , Liu Kejian , Jiang Weimin , Liu Mingrui , He Lin , Dou RuiFen , Xiong ChangMin , Nie JiaCai
Published: January 2018

Experimentally, we found the percentage of low valence cations, the ionization energy of cations in film, and the band gap of substrates to be decisive for the formation of two-dimensional electron gas at the interface of amorphous/crystalline oxide (a-2DEG). Considering these findings, we inferred that the charge transfer from the film to the interface should be the main mechanism of a-2DEG formation. This charge transfer is induced by oxygen defects in film and can be eliminated by the electron-absorbing process of cations in the film. Based on this, we propose a simple dipole model that successfully explains the origin of a-2DEG, our experimental findings, and some important properties of a-2DEG.
Increased heart rate after exercise facilitates the processing of fearful but not disgusted faces
Authors: Pezzulo G. , Iodice P. , Barca L. , Chausse P. , Monceau S. , Mermillod M.
Published: January 2018

Embodied theories of emotion assume that emotional processing is grounded in bodily and affective processes. Accordingly, the perception of an emotion re-enacts congruent sensory and affective states; and conversely, bodily states congruent with a specific emotion facilitate emotional processing. This study tests whether the ability to process facial expressions (faces having a neutral expression, expressing fear, or disgust) can be influenced by making the participants’ body state congruent with the expressed emotion (e.g., high heart rate in the case of faces expressing fear). We designed a task requiring participants to categorize pictures of male and female faces that either had a neutral expression (neutral), or expressed emotions whose linkage with high heart rate is strong (fear) or significantly weaker or absent (disgust). Critically, participants were tested in two conditions: with experimentally induced high heart rate (Exercise) and with normal heart rate (Normal). Participants processed fearful faces (but not disgusted or neutral faces) faster when they were in the Exercise condition than in the Normal condition. These results support the idea that an emotionally congruent body state facilitates the automatic processing of emotionally-charged stimuli and this effect is emotion-specific rather than due to generic factors such as arousal.
Defocus and magnification dependent variation of TEM image astigmatism
Authors: Yan Rui , Li Kunpeng , Jiang Wen
Published: January 2018

Daily alignment of the microscope is a prerequisite to reaching optimal lens conditions for high resolution imaging in cryo-EM. In this study, we have investigated how image astigmatism varies with the imaging conditions (e.g. defocus, magnification). We have found that the large change of defocus/magnification between visual correction of astigmatism and subsequent data collection tasks, or during data collection, will inevitably result in undesirable astigmatism in the final images. The dependence of astigmatism on the imaging conditions varies significantly from time to time, so that it cannot be reliably compensated by pre-calibration of the microscope. Based on these findings, we recommend that the same magnification and the median defocus of the intended defocus range for final data collection are used in the objective lens astigmatism correction task during microscope alignment and in the focus mode of the iterative low-dose imaging. It is also desirable to develop a fast, accurate method that can perform dynamic correction of the astigmatism for different intended defocuses during automated imaging. Our findings also suggest that the slope of astigmatism changes caused by varying defocuses can be used as a convenient measurement of objective lens rotation symmetry and potentially an acceptance test of new electron microscopes.
A dual layer broadband radar absorber to minimize electromagnetic interference in radomes
Authors: Beeharry Thtreswar , Yahiaoui Riad , Selemani Kamardine , Ouslimani Habiba Hafdallah
Published: January 2018

A thin broadband dual-layer radar absorber based on periodic Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) to tackle Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in radomes is presented in this article. The proposed structure consists of periodically arranged metallic patterns printed on two dielectric substrates separated by an optimized air gap. Under normal incidence, the proposed structure exhibits at least 89.7% of absorption in the whole band of 4.8 GHz to 11.1 GHz for both Transverse Electric (TE) and Magnetic (TM) polarizations. For oblique incidences, a very slight decrease in the bandwidth is observed in the upper frequency band until 30° and the absorption remains very interesting for higher incidences. The structure is λ/7.2 (λ is the wavelength in free space) thin compared to the center frequency (8.2 GHz). In addition, parametric studies have demonstrated that at least 90% of absorption can be produced with our structure by adjusting the thicknesses of the dielectric substrates. Another issue that is presented and discussed in this paper is a new approach for evaluating the performance of absorbers. In fact, studies show that the absorber can compete with other recent broadband absorbers. After fabricating the structure, the measurements were found to be in good agreement with the simulation results.
Human mesenchymal stem cells lose their functional properties after paclitaxel treatment
Authors: Münz Franziska , Lopez Perez Ramon , Trinh Thuy , Sisombath Sonevisay , Weber Klaus-Josef , Wuchter Patrick , Debus Jürgen , Saffrich Rainer , Huber Peter E. , Nicolay Nils H.
Published: January 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an integral part of the bone marrow niche and aid in the protection, regeneration and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells after exposure to myelotoxic taxane anti-cancer agents, but the influence of taxane compounds on MSCs themselves remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that bone marrow-derived MSCs are highly sensitive even to low concentrations of the prototypical taxane compound paclitaxel. While MSCs remained metabolically viable, they were strongly impaired regarding both their proliferation and their functional capabilities after exposure to paclitaxel. Paclitaxel treatment resulted in reduced cell migration, delays in cellular adhesion and significant dose-dependent inhibition of the stem cells’ characteristic multi-lineage differentiation potential. Cellular morphology and expression of the defining surface markers remained largely unaltered. Paclitaxel only marginally increased apoptosis in MSCs, but strongly induced premature senescence in these stem cells, thereby explaining the preservation of the metabolic activity of functionally inactivated MSCs. The reported sensitivity of MSC function to paclitaxel treatment may help to explain the severe bone marrow toxicities commonly caused by taxane-based anti-cancer treatments.
Instrumental Platforms for NMR-based Metabolomics
Authors: Dona Anthony C.
Published: January 2018

Advances and improvements in the hardware and automation of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technologies have enabled recent progression in strategies and technologies to aid comprehensive structural identification and new perspectives in the chemical sciences. Particularly, these developments have enabled the growing area of metabolomics by NMR. At the centre of the evolution of NMR hardware is the relative size reduction in NMR probes and NMR magnets, and computational support advances. Furthermore, automation advances and technical precision have allowed for epidemiological and clinical population analysis to become a reality by NMR. Metabolic laboratories inherent improvement in spectral deconvolution in areas of chemical and biological sciences also allow for better structural elucidation on a molecular level in a complex environment. This chapter details the modern state-of-the-art hardware and equipment that are currently used in NMR spectrometry and how they are exploited in the area of small-molecule profiling of complex fluid analysis.
Investigation of Tumor Metabolism by High-resolution Magic-angle Spinning (HR-MAS) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
Authors: Tessem May-Britt , Moestue Siver A. , Bathen Tone F.
Published: January 2018

Altered metabolism is now considered an emerging hallmark of cancer. The rapid proliferation rate of cancer cells is associated with a specific metabolic demand; the need to convert nutrients into biomass while maintaining energy production. Abnormal metabolism in cancer is increasingly recognized as a potential target for treatment in itself, but also as a source for novel biomarkers that can be used in diagnosis. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is one of several techniques that can be used for studies of cancer metabolism. Although MRS has limited analytical sensitivity, it is possible to assay a relatively large number of metabolites simultaneously, and the method is by nature quantitative. In cancer research, high-resolution magic-angle spinning (HR-MAS) MRS has become a popular tool as it allows analysis of intact tissue specimens with a spectral resolution similar to what can be achieved in cell extracts. HR-MAS MRS is highly suited for studies of cancer metabolomics in large patient cohorts as the need for sample preparation is limited and the tissue specimens are available for follow-up studies after the MRS analysis. In this chapter, we describe the current experience with use of HR-MAS MRS in studies of cancer metabolomics.
NMR Spectroscopy of Cell Culture, Tissues, and Other Biofluids
Authors: Athersuch Toby J. , Lau Chung-Ho , Behrends Volker , Keun Hector C.
Published: January 2018

NMR spectroscopy can provide a wealth of information on cellular metabolism and is frequently used in metabolomics application that use cultured cells, tissues, and whole organisms. Central to these analyses are the protocols for sample harvest, which incorporate procedures for quenching metabolic processes to preserve samples in a state that is representative of their source. In this chapter, the main considerations are discussed with reference to literature exemplars. In the latter half of the chapter, less commonly studied biofluids that also have specific sample preparation requirements are discussed, with a focus on cerebrospinal fluid, faeces, bile, seminal fluid, and milk.
Collection of amino acids and DNA from fingerprints using hydrogels
Authors: van Helmond Ward , O'Brien Vincent , de Jong Robin , van Esch Jan , Oldenhof Sander , de Puit Marcel
Published: January 2018

We detail the use of cross-linkable solutions of dextran-methacrylate to form hydrogels capable of collecting amino acids and DNA from fingerprints, while allowing for their increased visualisation at a later stage.
Spectrochemical analyses of growth phase-related bacterial responses to low (environmentally-relevant) concentrations of tetracycline and nanoparticulate silver
Authors: Jin Naifu , Semple Kirk T. , Jiang Longfei , Luo Chunling , Zhang Dayi , Martin Francis L.
Published: January 2018

Exposure to environmental insults mostly occur at low levels, making it challenging to measure bacterial responses.
Quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of glutathione in healthy and cancerous hen ovarian tissue sections by infrared matrix-assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization (IR-MALDESI)
Authors: Nazari Milad , Bokhart Mark T. , Loziuk Philip L. , Muddiman David C.
Published: January 2018

IR-MALDESI quantitative mass spectrometry imaging of glutathione in healthy and cancerous hen ovarian tissues.
Design of biomimetic substrates for long-term maintenance of alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Poon James C. H. , Liao Zhongfa , Suzuki Takaya , Carleton Miranda M. , Soleas John P. , Aitchison J. Stewart , Karoubi Golnaz , McGuigan Alison P. , Waddell Thomas K.
Published: January 2018

There is a need to establishin vitrolung alveolar epithelial culture models to better understand the fundamental biological mechanisms that drive lung diseases.
Microwave-induced covalent functionalization of few-layer graphene with arynes under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Sulleiro M. V. , Quiroga S. , Peña D. , Pérez D. , Guitián E. , Criado A. , Prato M.
Published: January 2018

A fast and efficient non-conventional modification of exfoliated few-layer graphene with different arynes under microwave irradiation and solvent-free conditions.
Achiral non-fluorescent molecule assisted enhancement of circularly polarized luminescence in naphthalene substituted histidine organogels
Authors: Niu Dian , Ji Lukang , Ouyang Guanghui , Liu Minghua
Published: January 2018

A naphthalene substituted histidine derivative was found to form an organogel showing circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) and the addition of non-fluorescent achiral benzoic acids could efficiently enhance the CPLvianon-covalent interactions.
Iridium catalysis: reductive conversion of glucan to xylan
Authors: Pedersen Martin Jæger , Madsen Robert , Clausen Mads Hartvig
Published: January 2018

Iridium catalyzed dehydrogenative decarbonylation is used to convert cellobiosides to xylobiosides, which is used in rapid assembly of oligoxylans.
A highly efficient waterborne photoinitiator for visible-light-induced three-dimensional printing of hydrogels
Authors: Wang Jieping , Stanic Sascha , Altun Altan Alpay , Schwentenwein Martin , Dietliker Kurt , Jin Lu , Stampfl Jürgen , Baudis Stefan , Liska Robert , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: January 2018

A highly efficient waterborne bis(acyl)phosphane oxide photoinitiator (PEG-BAPO) was conveniently synthesized for 3D printing of hydrogels under blue light irradiation.
Synthetic cells produce a quorum sensing chemical signal perceived byPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rampioni Giordano , D’Angelo Francesca , Messina Marco , Zennaro Alessandro , Kuruma Yutetsu , Tofani Daniela , Leoni Livia , Stano Pasquale
Published: January 2018

A minimal gene expression machinery is encapsulated inside giant vesicles, leading to the enzymatic production of a bacterial quorum sensing signal.
The effect of annealing temperature on the structure and optical properties of well-aligned 1D SnO2nanowires synthesized using template-assisted deposition
Authors: Sadeghzadeh-Attar A. , Bafandeh M. R.
Published: January 2018

We report the observations on the structural characterization and optical properties of SnO2nanowires post-treated under different annealing temperatures (300, 400, 500 & 600 °C) for 1 h.
Highly selective luminescence sensing for the detection of nitrobenzene and Fe3+ by new Cd(ii)-based MOFs
Authors: Yan Yang-Tian , Liu Jiao , Yang Guo-Ping , Zhang Fang , Fan Ya-Ke , Zhang Wen-Yan , Wang Yao-Yu
Published: January 2018

Herein, three Cd(ii)-based MOFs were assembled, and the complex 3 showed a high selectivity in the detection of nitrobenzene and Fe3+.
Efficient removal of low concentration methyl mercaptan by HKUST-1 membrane constructed on porous alumina granules
Authors: Ma Xiang , Peng Shengpan , Li Weiman , Liu Haidi , Chen Yunfa
Published: January 2018

A HKUST-1 metal–organic framework membrane was constructed on porous Al2O3 granules for the first time for the removal of low concentration CH3SH.
Linear humidity response of carbon dot-modified molybdenum disulfide
Authors: He Guili , Huang Da , Yang Zhi , Han Yutong , Hu Jun , Hu Nantao , Su Yanjie , Zhou Zhihua , Zhang Yafei , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2018

The humidity performance of MoS2 modified by carbon dots has been significantly improved due to the increased surface area and the increased activity sites.
Effects of structures of bidentate Schiff base type bonded-ligands derived from benzaldehyde on the photoluminescence performance of polymer–rare earth complexes
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Zhang Liqin , Zhang Dandan
Published: January 2018

Two kinds of bidentate Schiff base ligands derived from benzaldehyde, benzaldehyde/m-aminophenol (BAMA) type and benzaldehyde/glutamic acid (BAGL) type ligands, were synchronously synthesized and bonded on the backbone of polysulfone (PSF) through molecular design and by polymer reactions, and two functional polymers, PSF-BAMA and PSF-BAGL, were obtained.
Effects of adatom and gas molecule adsorption on the physical properties of tellurene: a first principles investigation
Authors: Wang Xiao Hua , Wang Da Wei , Yang Ai Jun , Koratkar Nikhil , Chu Ji Feng , Lv Pin Lei , Rong Ming Zhe
Published: January 2018

Tellurene is a new member of the two-dimensional (2D) materials’ family, whose existence has been recently confirmed by first principles calculation and experimental work.
Enhancement of catalytic activity of Pd-PVP colloid for direct H2O2synthesis from H2and O2in water with addition of 0.5 atom% Pt or Ir
Authors: Deguchi Takashi , Yamano Hitoshi , Takenouchi Sho , Iwamoto Masakazu
Published: January 2018

Atomically dispersed Pt or Ir atoms enhance H2O2and H2O formation on Pd nano-particles leaving the H2O2hydrogenation rate unchanged, while Ru, Rh, or Au atoms show little effect.
Size-dependent catalytic performance of ruthenium nanoparticles in the hydrogenolysis of a β-O-4 lignin model compound
Authors: Dong Lin , Yin Li-Li , Xia Qineng , Liu Xiaohui , Gong Xue-Qing , Wang Yanqin
Published: January 2018

One-pot depolymerization of lignin to well-defined chemicals and their further deoxygenation to arenes are extremely attractive.
Implication of iron nitride species to enhance the catalytic activity and stability of carbon nanotubes supported Fe catalysts for carbon-free hydrogen production via low-temperature ammonia decomposition
Authors: Zhang Hui , Gong Qinmei , Ren Shan , Arshid Mahmood Ali , Chu Wei , Chen Chen
Published: January 2018

This study prepared the Fe2N/CNTs catalysts by using wet-impregnation and followed by nitrogenization, for carbon-free hydrogen production from NH3 decomposition.
Homochiral hexanuclear nickel(ii) metallocyclic structures with high activity for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes
Authors: Malik Abaid Ullah , Zhou Xia-li , Kong Sheng-nan , Li Ling-ling , Bao Xiao-li , Shu Mou-hai
Published: January 2018

Two chiral hexanuclear nickel(ii) metallocyclic rings with new chiral ligands exhibit excellent activity for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes.
Exploration of megapixel hyperspectral LIBS images using principal component analysis
Authors: Moncayo Samuel , Duponchel Ludovic , Mousavipak Niloofar , Panczer Gérard , Trichard Florian , Bousquet Bruno , Pelascini Frédéric , Motto-Ros Vincent
Published: January 2018

A new methodology based on the well-known principal component analysis, designed for large, raw, and potentially complex dataset, is proposed for the multivariate hyperspectral analysis of LIBS images.
Rubidium purificationviaa single chemical column and its isotope measurement on geological standard materials by MC-ICP-MS
Authors: Zhang Zhuoying , Ma Jinlong , Zhang Le , Liu Ying , Wei Gangjian
Published: January 2018

A chromatographic procedure for Rb, K, Ba and Sr one-by-one separation from geological materials has been developed by using a single column with packing Sr-spec resin, followed by high-precision Rb isotope measurement by MC-ICP-MS.
Rational design of materials interface at nanoscale towards intelligent oil–water separation
Authors: Ge Mingzheng , Cao Chunyan , Huang Jianying , Zhang Xinnan , Tang Yuxin , Zhou Xinran , Zhang Keqin , Chen Zhong , Lai Yuekun
Published: January 2018

Oil–water separation is critical for the water treatment of oily wastewater or oil-spill accidents. In this review, we present the state-of-the-art developments in the rational design of materials at the nanoscale with special wettability for separation of immiscible/emulsified oil–water mixtures.
Chemical induced fragmentation of MOFs for highly efficient Ni-based hydrogen evolution catalysts
Authors: Wang Teng , Jin Rumei , Wu Yong , Zheng Jie , Li Xingguo
Published: January 2018

NH3 induces chemical fragmentation of the ligands in MOFs below their carbonization temperature and effectively removes the ligands.
Polymer brush on surface with tunable hydrophilicity using SAM formation of zwitterionic 4-vinylpyridine-based polymer
Authors: Murugan P. , Ramar P. , Mandal Asit Baran , Samanta Debasis
Published: January 2018

A zwitterionic vinylpyridine-based polymeric SAM was assembled on different surfaces to obtain tunable hydrophilicity.
ITO nanoparticle film as a hole-selective layer for PbS-sensitized photocathodes
Authors: Dong Yuming , Xia Shibin , Jiang Pingping , Wang Guangli , Zhao Shuang
Published: January 2018

This study opened a new door to fabricate semiconductor sensitized photocathodes using ITO as the holes transfer layer.
Improvement of photocatalytic activity of surfactant modified In2O3 towards environmental remediation
Authors: Sariket Debasis , Shyamal Sanjib , Hajra Paramita , Mandal Harahari , Bera Aparajita , Maity Arjun , Bhattacharya Chinmoy
Published: January 2018

TX-100 surfactant modification of In2O3 semiconductor thin films with better surface coverage and crystallinity for photoelectrochemical applications with improved catalytic properties.
In situ mechanical resonance behaviour of pristine and defective zinc blende GaAs nanowires
Authors: Pickering Edmund , Bo Arixin , Zhan Haifei , Liao Xiaozhou , Tan Hark Hoe , Gu YuanTong
Published: January 2018

Mechanical resonance of GaAs nanowires allows for measurement of the effect of stacking faults on Young's modulus and quality factor.
Introduction of axial chirality at a spiro carbon atom in the synthesis of pentaerythritol–imine macrocycles
Authors: Grajewski J. , Piotrowska K. , Zgorzelak M. , Janiak A. , Biniek-Antosiak K. , Rychlewska U. , Gawronski J.
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of novel doubly chiral macrocycles with spiro carbon atoms of defined chirality proceeds by either the freezing of a labile spiro-diboronate moiety or the diastereomeric fitting of a rigid spiro-acetal fragment.
Photolysis of sulfamethazine using UV irradiation in an aqueous medium
Authors: Yi Zhigang , Wang Juan , Tang Qiong , Jiang Tao
Published: January 2018

The role of reactive species in SMN photolysis and the effects of dissolved substances on SMN photochemical behavior.
Aggregation of catalytically active Ru nanoparticles to inactive bulk, monitored in situ during an allylic isomerization reaction. Influence of solvent, surfactant and stirring
Authors: Hitrik M. , Sasson Y.
Published: January 2018

To explain the decay of the activity of Ru-NPs catalysts, that formed in situ during allylic isomerization, we add a new step to a classic mechanism of transition-metal NPs self-assembly: the aggregation of two catalytically active NPs (C) to inactive bulk-metal (D).
Facile synthesis of MoO2/CaSO4 composites as highly efficient adsorbents for congo red and rhodamine B
Authors: Jia Xin-Jian , Wang Jinshu , Wu Junshu , Teng Weili , Zhao Bingxin , Li Hongyi , Du Yucheng
Published: January 2018

A new kind of rod-shaped MoO2/CaSO4 composite, in which MoO2 nanoparticles are supported on the surface of CaSO4 matrices, was prepared via a mixed-solvothermal method for efficient removal towards congo red and rhodamine B.
Pressure-driven supercritical CO2transport through a silica nanochannel
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Xiaoqi , Qi Chao , Mai Tingyi , Zhan Kaiyun , Zhao Li , Shen Yue
Published: January 2018

The mechanism of pressure-driven scCO2transport through silica nanochannels with different external force and pore size was invested.
Influence of crystallinity on the thermoelectric power factor of P3HT vapour-doped with F4TCNQ
Authors: Hynynen Jonna , Kiefer David , Müller Christian
Published: January 2018

The crystallinity of P3HT strongly benefits the electrical conductivity but not Seebeck coefficient, leading to an increase in power factor by one order of magnitude.
Effects of molecular architecture on morphology and photophysics in conjugated polymers: from single molecules to bulk
Authors: Hu Zhongjian , Shao Beiyue , Geberth Geoffrey T. , Vanden Bout David A.
Published: January 2018

A definitive comprehension of morphology and photophysics in conjugated polymers at multiple length scales demands both single molecule spectroscopy and well-controlled molecular architectures.
High throughput reaction screening using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wleklinski Michael , Loren Bradley P. , Ferreira Christina R. , Jaman Zinia , Avramova Larisa , Sobreira Tiago J. P. , Thompson David H. , Cooks R. Graham
Published: January 2018

We report the high throughput analysis of reaction mixture arrays using methods and data handling routines that were originally developed for biological tissue imaging.
Redox-active ligand controlled selectivity of vanadium oxidation on Au(100)
Authors: Tempas Christopher D. , Morris Tobias W. , Wisman David L. , Le Duy , Din Naseem U. , Williams Christopher G. , Wang Miao , Polezhaev Alexander V. , Rahman Talat S. , Caulton Kenneth G. , Tait Steven L.
Published: January 2018

Selective oxidation of V is observed when coordinated with a redox-active ligand, forming a single VO product.
Electronic modulation of transition metal phosphideviadoping as efficient and pH-universal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiao Xin , Tao Leiming , Li Man , Lv Xiaowei , Huang Dekang , Jiang Xingxing , Pan Haiping , Wang Mingkui , Shen Yan
Published: January 2018

The electronic modulation of the host catalystviadoping provides a new strategy to efficiently boost the HER activity of transition metal phosphides.
Synergistic relationship between the three-dimensional nanostructure and electrochemical performance in biocarbon supercapacitor electrode materials
Authors: Abouelamaiem Dina Ibrahim , He Guanjie , Parkin Ivan , Neville Tobias P. , Jorge Ana Belen , Ji Shan , Wang Rongfang , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Daniel J. L.
Published: January 2018

Different characterization techniques were used to analyse the chemically activated carbons in (i) one dimensional analysis including MIP and BET, (ii) two dimensions including SEM and TEM and (iii) three dimensional X-ray CT. This structure has been directly linked to the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors for the first time.
Complex patchy colloids shaped from deformable seed particles through capillary interactions
Authors: Meester V. , Kraft D. J.
Published: January 2018

We investigate the mechanisms underlying the reconfiguration of random aggregates of spheres through capillary interactions, the so-called “colloidal recycling” method, for fabricating a wide variety of patchy particles. We explore the influence of capillary forces on clusters of deformable seed particles by systematically varying the crosslink density of the spherical seeds.
An injectable supramolecular hydrogel hybridized with silver nanoparticles for antibacterial application
Authors: Niu Yanli , Guo Tiantian , Yuan Xiaoyan , Zhao Yunhui , Ren Lixia
Published: January 2018

Silver nanoparticle hybrid supramolecular hydrogels were prepared by in situ reduction of AgNO3 in the presence of PPEGMA-ran-PAA followed by complexation with α-CDs. The resulting injectable hydrogels showed excellent inhibition for bacteria.
HF-free synthesis of Si/C yolk/shell anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Huang Xingkang , Sui Xiaoyu , Yang Hannah , Ren Ren , Wu Yingpeng , Guo Xiaoru , Chen Junhong
Published: January 2018

A HF-free approach was designed for synthesizing a Si@C@void@C anode for high-performance Li-ion batteries.
Nitrogen-rich salts based on the combination of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole rings: a facile strategy for fine tuning energetic properties
Authors: Xu Zhen , Cheng Guangbin , Zhu Shunguan , Lin Qiuhan , Yang Hongwei
Published: January 2018

Twenty-one high performance monoanionic and dianionic energetic salts based on the combination of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole rings were studied.
Biomimetic organization of a ruthenium-doped collagen-based carbon scaffold for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Luo Dan , Zhou Boyang , Li Zhenxing , Qin Xiaoyun , Wen Yangyang , Shi Dongdong , Lu Qiong , Yang Meiyan , Zhou Hongjun , Liu Yan
Published: January 2018

A ruthenium-doped, collagen-based carbon scaffold (Ru-CCS), as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for the HER, is achievedviaa biomimetic approach.
Selective phosphidation: an effective strategy toward CoP/CeO2 interface engineering for superior alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Rong , Ren Xiang , Hao Shuai , Ge Ruixiang , Liu Zhiang , Asiri Abdullah M. , Chen Liang , Zhang Qiuju , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2018

In 1.0 M KOH, CoP–CeO2 nanosheets film on Ti mesh (CoP–CeO2/Ti) attains 10 mA cm−2 at overpotential of 43 mV due to its lower water dissociation free energy and more optimal hydrogen adsorption free energy than CoP.
Alkylthienyl substituted asymmetric 2D BDT and DTBT-based polymer solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 9.2%
Authors: Gu Chuantao , Liu Deyu , Wang Junyi , Niu Qingfen , Gu Chunyang , Shahid Bilal , Yu Bing , Cong Hailin , Yang Renqiang
Published: January 2018

An alkyl thiophene unit was employed for the first time as a side chain substituent on an asymmetric benzodithiophene (BDT) building block in the design of novel light-harvesting polymers.
A bioreducible supramolecular nanoparticle gene delivery system based on cyclodextrin-conjugated polyaspartamide and adamantyl-terminated polyethylenimine
Authors: Zhang Yunti , Jiang Qimin , Bi Bo , Xu Luming , Liu Jia , Zhuo Renxi , Jiang Xulin
Published: January 2018

Reduction degradable Pasp-SS-CD/Ad4-PEI/pDNA supramolecular nanoparticles via host–guest interaction exhibited improved cellular internalization and higher gene transfection efficiency with lower cytotoxicity.
Synthesis of artificial dental enamel by an elastin-like polypeptide assisted biomimetic approach
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhou Yanling , Gao Long , Wu Chengtie , Chang Jiang
Published: January 2018

The synthesized artificial enamel assisted by an elastin-like polypeptide revealed a similar structure and excellent mechanical properties to those of natural enamel.
Layer-by-layer fabrication of fluorescent microspheres using micelles as a spacer: simultaneously realizing fluorescence enhancement and introduction of bioconjugation sites
Authors: Sun Lijuan , Qiu Tian , Liu Jiangxin , Miao Ke , Zhao Youliang , Fan Li-Juan
Published: January 2018

Fluorescent microspheres fabricated using a conjugated polymer and micelles are demonstrated to have strong emission and are effective for bioconjugation.
Towards predicting the power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells from donor and acceptor molecule structures
Authors: Zhou Yecheng , Long Guankui , Li Ailin , Gray-Weale Angus , Chen Yongsheng , Yan Tianying
Published: January 2018

In this study, we developed a multiscale simulation framework to estimate the power conversion efficiencies of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells only based on the molecular structures of the donor and acceptor.