bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: One-step assembly of 2H-1T MoS2:Cu/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets for highly efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: He H.-Y.
Published: April 2017

The transition metal dichagenides and their metallic 1T structure are attracting contemporary attentions for applications in high-performance devices because their peculiar optical and electrical properties. The single and few layers 1T structure is generally obtained by mechanical or chemical exfoliation. This work presents facile one-step synthesis of 2H-1T MoS2:Cu/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets. The experiment results indicated that the MoS2 and MoS2:Cu prepared by simple chemical solution reaction possessed 2H-1T structures. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO) incorporation further induced the phase transition from 2H-MoS2 to 1T-MoS2 and morphology transition from granular/nanosheet to more nanosheet. The 2H-1T structure and 2H → 1T phase transition, together with the Cu doping and interface effect between the MoS2 and rGO, remarkably enhanced the conduction and photoconduction of the nanostructures. Thus, Cu doping and rGO incorporation obviously enhanced the catalytic activity and its stability, making the MoS2:Cu/rGO nanosheet a most active and stable catalyst for hydrogen evolution. This work clearly indicates that the 1T-MoS2 nanosheets with high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution can be easily obtained by the facile low temperature chemical method and induction of rGO.
Proper time regularization and the QCD chiral phase transition
Authors: Cui Zhu-Fang , Zhang Jin-Li , Zong Hong-Shi
Published: April 2017

We study the QCD chiral phase transition at finite temperature and finite quark chemical potential within the two flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model, where a generalization of the proper-time regularization scheme is motivated and implemented. We find that in the chiral limit the whole transition line in the phase diagram is of second order, whereas for finite quark masses a crossover is observed. Moreover, if we take into account the influence of quark condensate to the coupling strength (which also provides a possible way of how the effective coupling varies with temperature and quark chemical potential), it is found that a CEP may appear. These findings differ substantially from other NJL results which use alternative regularization schemes, some explanation and discussion are given at the end. This indicates that the regularization scheme can have a dramatic impact on the study of the QCD phase transition within the NJL model.
Transcriptome analyses of differential gene expression in the bursa of Fabricius between Silky Fowl and White Leghorn
Authors: Han Deping , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Jianfei , Hua Guoying , Li Junying , Deng Xuegong , Deng Xuemei
Published: April 2017

Hyperpigmentation in Silky Fowl (SF) results in aberrant immune cell development. However, how melanocytes regulate B-cell proliferation in the bursa of Fabricius (BF) is unclear. To resolve this conundrum, we collected BFs from three-week-old SF and White Leghorn (WL) female chickens for RNA sequencing. The BF development was relatively weaker in SF than in WL. The transcriptome analyses identified 4848 differentially expressed genes, 326 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and 67 microRNAs in the BF of SF. The genes associated with melanogenesis was significantly higher, but that of the genes associated with the cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions and JAK-STAT signalling pathway was significantly lower in SF than in WL. Crucial biological processes, such as the receptor activity, cell communication, and cellular responses to stimuli, were clustered in SF. The predicted target lncRNAs genes were mainly associated with cell proliferation pathways such as JAK-STAT, WNT, MAPK, and Notch signalling pathways. Except for the above pathways, the target microRNA genes were related to the metabolism, melanogenesis, autophagy, and NOD-like and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways. The lncRNAs and microRNAs were predicted to regulate the JAK2, STAT3, and IL-15 genes. Thus, B-cell development in the BF of SF might be regulated and affected by noncoding RNAs.
Overexpression of heparanase enhances T lymphocyte activities and intensifies the inflammatory response in a model of murine rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Digre Andreas , Singh Kailash , Åbrink Magnus , Reijmers Rogier M. , Sandler Stellan , Vlodavsky Israel , Li Jin-Ping
Published: April 2017

Heparanase is an endo-glucuronidase that degrades heparan sulfate chains. The enzyme is expressed at a low level in normal organs; however, elevated expression of heparanase has been detected in several inflammatory conditions, e.g. in the synovial joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Herein, we have applied the model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) to transgenic mice overexpressing human heparanase (Hpa-tg) along with wildtype (WT) mice. About 50% of the induced animals developed clinical symptoms, i.e. swelling of joints, and there were no differences between the Hpa-tg and WT mice in the incidence of disease. However, Hpa-tg mice displayed an earlier response and developed more severe symptoms. Examination of cells from thymus, spleen and lymph nodes revealed increased innate and adaptive immune responses of the Hpa-tg mice, reflected by increased proportions of macrophages, antigen presenting cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells as well as Helios-positive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, splenic lymphocytes from Hpa-tg mice showed higher proliferation activity. Our results suggest that elevated expression of heparanase augmented both the innate and adaptive immune system and propagated inflammatory reactions in the murine RA model.
Auditory conditioned stimulus presentation during NREM sleep impairs fear memory in mice
Authors: Purple Ross J. , Sakurai Takeshi , Sakaguchi Masanori
Published: April 2017

Externally manipulating memories by presenting conditioned stimuli (CS) during sleep is a new approach to investigating memory processing during sleep. However, whether presenting a CS during REM or NREM sleep enhances or extinguishes fear memory has not been clearly delineated. In this study, mice underwent trace fear conditioning consisting of an auditory CS paired with a foot shock, and the auditory CS was re-presented during subsequent REM or NREM sleep. Mice that received auditory cueing during NREM but not REM sleep showed impaired fear memory upon later presentation of the auditory CS. These findings have implications for the use of cueing during sleep and advance our understanding of the role of REM and NREM sleep in memory consolidation.
New method for quantification of gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide in biological matrices by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Tan Bo , Jin Sheng , Sun Jiping , Gu Zhongkai , Sun Xiaotian , Zhu Yichun , Huo Keke , Cao Zonglian , Yang Ping , Xin Xiaoming , Liu Xinhua , Pan Lilong , Qiu Furong , Jiang Jian , Jia Yiqun , Ye Fuyuan , Xie Ying , Zhu Yi Zhun
Published: April 2017

Hydrogen sulfide exists widely in mammalian tissues and plays a vital role in physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, striking differences with orders of magnitude were observed for the detected hydrogen sulfide concentrations in biological matrices among different measurements in literature, which lead to the uncertainty for examination the biological relevance of hydrogen sulfide. Here, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of hydrogen sulfide in various biological matrices by determination of a derivative of hydrogen sulfide and monobromobimane named sulfide dibimane (SDB).36S-labeled SDB was synthesized and validated for using as an internal standard. This method has been successfully used to measure hydrogen sulfide levels in a broad range of biological matrices, such as blood, plasma, tissues, cells, and enzymes, across different species. Moreover, a novel mode that hydrogen sulfide could loosely and non-covalently bind to human serum protein (HSA) and hemoglobin (HB) was revealed by using the developed method.
Staphylococcus sciuri bacteriophages double-convert for staphylokinase and phospholipase, mediate interspecies plasmid transduction, and package mecA gene
Authors: Zeman M. , Mašlaňová I. , Indráková A. , Šiborová M. , Mikulášek K. , Bendíčková K. , Plevka P. , Vrbovská V. , Zdráhal Z. , Doškař J. , Pantůček R.
Published: April 2017

Staphylococcus sciuri is a bacterial pathogen associated with infections in animals and humans, and represents a reservoir for the mecA gene encoding methicillin-resistance in staphylococci. No S. sciuri siphophages were known. Here the identification and characterization of two temperate S. sciuri phages from the Siphoviridae family designated ϕ575 and ϕ879 are presented. The phages have icosahedral heads and flexible noncontractile tails that end with a tail spike. The genomes of the phages are 42,160 and 41,448 bp long and encode 58 and 55 ORFs, respectively, arranged in functional modules. Their head-tail morphogenesis modules are similar to those of Staphylococcus aureus ϕ13-like serogroup F phages, suggesting their common evolutionary origin. The genome of phage ϕ575 harbours genes for staphylokinase and phospholipase that might enhance the virulence of the bacterial hosts. In addition both of the phages package a homologue of the mecA gene, which is a requirement for its lateral transfer. Phage ϕ879 transduces tetracycline and aminoglycoside pSTS7-like resistance plasmids from its host to other S. sciuri strains and to S. aureus. Furthermore, both of the phages efficiently adsorb to numerous staphylococcal species, indicating that they may contribute to interspecies horizontal gene transfer.
Actomyosin contractility provokes contact inhibition in E-cadherin-ligated keratinocytes
Authors: Hirata Hiroaki , Samsonov Mikhail , Sokabe Masahiro
Published: April 2017

Confluence-dependent inhibition of epithelial cell proliferation, termed contact inhibition, is crucial for epithelial homeostasis and organ size control. Here we report that among epithelial cells, keratinocytes, which compose the stratified epithelium in the skin, possess a unique, actomyosin-dependent mechanism for contact inhibition. We have observed that under actomyosin-inhibited conditions, cell-cell contact itself through E-cadherin promotes proliferation of keratinocytes. Actomyosin activity in confluent keratinocytes, however, inhibits nuclear localization of β-catenin and YAP, and causes attenuation of β-catenin- and YAP-driven cell proliferation. Confluent keratinocytes develop E-cadherin-mediated punctate adhesion complexes, to which radial actin cables are connected. Eliminating the actin-to-E-cadherin linkage by depleting α-catenin increases proliferation of confluent keratinocytes. By contrast, enforced activation of RhoA-regulated actomyosin or external application of pulling force to ligated E-cadherin attenuates their proliferation, suggesting that tensile stress at E-cadherin-mediated adhesion complexes inhibits proliferation of confluent keratinocytes. Our results highlight actomyosin contractility as a crucial factor that provokes confluence-dependent inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation.
DNA methylation landscape of ocular tissue relative to matched peripheral blood
Authors: Hewitt Alex W , Januar Vania , Sexton-Oates Alexandra , Joo Jihoon E , Franchina Maria , Wang Jie Jin , Liang Helena , Craig Jamie E , Saffery Richard
Published: April 2017

Epigenetic variation is implicated in a range of non-communicable diseases, including those of the eye. However, investigating the role of epigenetic variation in central tissues, such as eye or brain, remains problematic and peripheral tissues are often used as surrogates. In this study, matched human blood and eye tissue (n = 8) were obtained post-mortem and DNA methylation profiling performed on blood, neurosensory retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid and optic nerve tissue using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 platform. Unsupervised clustering and principal components analysis revealed tissue of origin as the main driver of methylation variation. Despite this, there was a strong correlation of methylation profiles between tissues with >255,000 CpG sites found to have similar methylation levels. An additional ~16,000 show similarity across ocular tissues only. A small proportion of probes showing inter-individual variation in blood co-varied with eye tissues within individuals, however much of this variation may be genetically driven. An improved understanding of the epigenetic landscape of the eye will have important implications for understanding eye disease. Despite a generally high correlation irrespective of origin, tissue type is the major driver of methylation variation, with only limited covariation between blood and any specific ocular tissue.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-Methyl-4,5-Disubstituted Oxazoles as a Novel Class of Highly Potent Antitubulin Agents
Authors: Romagnoli Romeo , Baraldi Pier Giovanni , Prencipe Filippo , Oliva Paola , Baraldi Stefania , Salvador Maria Kimatrai , Lopez-Cara Luisa Carlota , Brancale Andrea , Ferla Salvatore , Hamel Ernest , Ronca Roberto , Bortolozzi Roberta , Mariotto Elena , Porcù Elena , Basso Giuseppe , Viola Giampietro
Published: April 2017

Antimitotic agents that interfere with microtubule formation are one of the major classes of cytotoxic drugs for cancer treatment. Multiple 2-methyl-4-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-substituted oxazoles and their related 4-substituted-5-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl) regioisomeric derivatives designed as cis-constrained combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against a panel of cancer cell lines and, for selected highly active compounds, interaction with tubulin, cell cycle effects and in vivo potency. Both these series of compounds were characterized by the presence of a common 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl ring at either the C-4 or C-5 position of the 2-methyloxazole ring. Compounds 4g and 4i, bearing a m-fluoro-p-methoxyphenyl or p-ethoxyphenyl moiety at the 5-position of 2-methyloxazole nucleus, respectively, exhibited the greatest antiproliferative activity, with IC50 values of 0.35-4.6 nM (4g) and 0.5–20.2 nM (4i), which are similar to those obtained with CA-4. These compounds bound to the colchicine site of tubulin and inhibited tubulin polymerization at submicromolar concentrations. Furthermore, 4i strongly induced apoptosis that follows the mitochondrial pathway. In vivo, 4i in a mouse syngeneic model demonstrated high antitumor activity which significantly reduced the tumor mass at doses ten times lower than that required for CA-4P, suggesting that 4i warrants further evaluation as a potential anticancer drug.
Persistence of a sugar-rejecting cockroach genotype under various dietary regimes
Authors: Jensen Kim , Wada-Katsumata Ayako , Schal Coby , Silverman Jules
Published: April 2017

Glucose-aversion is a heritable trait that evolved in a number of German cockroach (Blattella germanicaL.) populations in response to strong selection with glucose-containing insecticide baits. However, in the absence of glucose-containing bait, glucose-averse (GA) cockroaches have lower performance than wild-type (WT) cockroaches in several fitness-determining traits. We allocated 48 caged populations initiated with homozygous GA and WT adults to four dietary treatments consisting of either pure rodent chow, rodent chow mixed to yield a content of either 20% glucose or 20% fructose, or a treatment consisting of choice between the 20% glucose- and the 20% fructose-containing food. After 6 months we found significantly higher frequency of WT individuals in populations restricted to the 20% glucose food, and after 12 months all dietary treatments contained significantly more WT individuals than expected. In accompanying experiments, we found lower survival and longer development time of GA nymphs restricted to glucose-containing food. We furthermore found evidence for assortative mating of females with males from their own genotype, with significant differences within WT cockroaches. Our study shows experimental evidence that within heterogeneous populations, WT German cockroaches will over time prevail in abundance over GA individuals, even when glucose is not a dietary component.
Diamond-like carbon coating under oleic acid lubrication: Evidence for graphene oxide formation in superlow friction
Authors: De Barros Bouchet Maria Isabel , Martin Jean Michel , Avila José , Kano Makoto , Yoshida Kentaro , Tsuruda Takeshi , Bai Shandan , Higuchi Yuji , Ozawa Nobuki , Kubo Momoji , Asensio Maria C.
Published: April 2017

The achievement of the superlubricity regime, with a friction coefficient below 0.01, is the Holy Grail of many tribological applications, with the potential to have a remarkable impact on economic and environmental issues. Based on a combined high-resolution photoemission and soft X-ray absorption study, we report that superlubricity can be realized for engineering applications in bearing steel coated with ultra-smooth tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) under oleic acid lubrication. The results show that tribochemical reactions promoted by the oil lubrication generate strong structural changes in the carbon hybridization of the ta-C hydrogen-free carbon, with initially high sp3 content. Interestingly, the macroscopic superlow friction regime of moving mechanical assemblies coated with ta-C can be attributed to a few partially oxidized graphene-like sheets, with a thickness of not more than 1 nm, formed at the surface inside the wear scar. The sp2 planar carbon and oxygen-derived species are the hallmark of these mesoscopic surface structures created on top of colliding asperities as a result of the tribochemical reactions induced by the oleic acid lubrication. Atomistic simulations elucidate the tribo-formation of such graphene-like structures, providing the link between the overall atomistic mechanism and the macroscopic experimental observations of green superlubricity in the investigated ta-C/oleic acid tribological systems.
Distinct Soil Microbial Communities in habitats of differing soil water balance on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Yuntao , Adams Jonathan , Shi Yu , Wang Hao , He Jin-Sheng , Chu Haiyan
Published: April 2017

Global change may be a severe threat to natural and agricultural systems, partly through its effects in altering soil biota and processes, due to changes in water balance. We studied the potential influence of changing soil water balance on soil biota by comparing existing sites along a natural water balance gradient in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. In this study, the community structure of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes differed between the different soil water conditions. Soil moisture was the strongest predictor of bacterial and eukaryotic community structure, whereas C/N ratio was the key factor predicting variation in the archaeal community. Bacterial and eukaryotic diversity was quite stable among different soil water availability, but archaeal diversity was dramatically different between the habitats. The auxotype of methanogens also varied significantly among different habitats. The co-varying soil properties among habitats shaped the community structure of soil microbes, with archaea being particularly sensitive in terms of community composition, diversity and functional groups. Bacterial and archaeal phylogenetic community turnover was mainly driven by deterministic processes while stochastic processes had stronger effects on eukaryotic phylogenetic community turnover. Our work provides insight into microbial community, functional group and phylogenetic turnover under different soil conditions in low-latitude alpine ecosystem.
The Phosphatidylcholine Transfer Protein Stard7 is Required for Mitochondrial and Epithelial Cell Homeostasis
Authors: Yang Li , Na Cheng-Lun , Luo Shiyu , Wu David , Hogan Simon , Huang Taosheng , Weaver Timothy E.
Published: April 2017

Mitochondria synthesize select phospholipids but lack the machinery for synthesis of the most abundant mitochondrial phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine (PC). Although the phospholipid transfer protein Stard7 promotes uptake of PC by mitochondria, the importance of this pathway for mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis represents a significant knowledge gap. Haploinsufficiency for Stard7 is associated with significant exacerbation of allergic airway disease in mice, including an increase in epithelial barrier permeability. To test the hypothesis that Stard7 deficiency leads to altered barrier structure/function downstream of mitochondrial dysfunction, Stard7 expression was knocked down in a bronchiolar epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) and specifically deleted in lung epithelial cells of mice (Stard7epi∆/∆). Stard7 deficiency was associated with altered mitochondrial size and membrane organization both in vitro and in vivo. Altered mitochondrial structure was accompanied by disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis, including decreased aerobic respiration, increased oxidant stress, and mitochondrial DNA damage that, in turn, was linked to altered barrier integrity and function. Both mitochondrial and barrier defects were largely corrected by targeting Stard7 to mitochondria or treating epithelial cells with a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant. These studies suggest that Stard7-mediated transfer of PC is crucial for mitochondrial homeostasis and that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to altered barrier permeability in Stard7-deficient mice.
Nkx2-5 and Sarcospan genetically interact in the development of the muscular ventricular septum of the heart
Authors: Panzer Adam A. , Regmi Suk D. , Cormier DePorres , Danzo Megan T. , Chen Iuan-bor D. , Winston Julia B. , Hutchinson Alayna K. , Salm Diana , Schulkey Claire E. , Cochran Rebecca S. , Wilson David B. , Jay Patrick Y.
Published: April 2017

The muscular ventricular septum separates the flow of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood in air-breathing vertebrates. Defects within it, termed muscular ventricular septal defects (VSDs), are common, yet less is known about how they arise than rarer heart defects. Mutations of the cardiac transcription factor NKX2-5 cause cardiac malformations, including muscular VSDs. We describe here a genetic interaction between Nkx2-5 and Sarcospan (Sspn) that affects the risk of muscular VSD in mice. Sspn encodes a protein in the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. Sspn knockout (SspnKO) mice do not have heart defects, but Nkx2-5+/−/SspnKO mutants have a higher incidence of muscular VSD than Nkx2-5+/− mice. Myofibers in the ventricular septum follow a stereotypical pattern that is disrupted around a muscular VSD. Subendocardial myofibers normally run in parallel along the left ventricular outflow tract, but in the Nkx2-5+/−/SspnKO mutant they commonly deviate into the septum even in the absence of a muscular VSD. Thus, Nkx2-5 and Sspn act in a pathway that affects the alignment of myofibers during the development of the ventricular septum. The malalignment may be a consequence of a defect in the coalescence of trabeculae into the developing ventricular septum, which has been hypothesized to be the mechanistic basis of muscular VSDs.
Anchored but not internalized: shape dependent endocytosis of nanodiamond
Authors: Zhang Bokai , Feng Xi , Yin Hang , Ge Zhenpeng , Wang Yanhuan , Chu Zhiqin , Raabova Helena , Vavra Jan , Cigler Petr , Liu Renbao , Wang Yi , Li Quan
Published: April 2017

Nanoparticle-cell interactions begin with the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles, a process that eventually determines their cellular fate. In the present work, we show that the morphological features of nanodiamonds (NDs) affect both the anchoring and internalization stages of their endocytosis. While a prickly ND (with sharp edges/corners) has no trouble of anchoring onto the plasma membrane, it suffers from difficult internalization afterwards. In comparison, the internalization of a round ND (obtained by selective etching of the prickly ND) is not limited by its lower anchoring amount and presents a much higher endocytosis amount. Molecular dynamics simulation and continuum modelling results suggest that the observed difference in the anchoring of round and prickly NDs likely results from the reduced contact surface area with the cell membrane of the former, while the energy penalty associated with membrane curvature generation, which is lower for a round ND, may explain its higher probability of the subsequent internalization.
Peptidoglycan O-acetylation increases in response to vancomycin treatment in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Chang James D. , Foster Erin E. , Wallace Ashley G. , Kim Sung Joon
Published: April 2017

Vancomycin resistance is conferred upon vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) through the replacement of peptidoglycan (PG) stem terminal d-Ala-d-Ala with d-Ala-d-Lac. The d-Ala-d-Lac incorporation can affect both the fitness and virulence of VRE. Here we comprehensively investigate the changes to PG composition in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis following the growth in presence of vancomycin using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, 104 unique muropeptides fragments were identified and the relative abundance of each fragment was accurately quantified by integrating the ion current of a selected ion using extracted-ion chromatogram. The analysis indicates reduced PG cross-linking, increased carboxypeptidase activities, increased N-deacetylation, and increased O-acetylation in VRE when grown in the presence of vancomycin. We found that O-acetylation preferentially occurred on muropeptides fragments with reduced cross-linking with a pentapeptide stem that terminated in d-Ala-d-Lac. These findings show that O-acetylation preferentially occurred in regions of the cell wall with reduced PG cross-linking on PG units that have stems terminating in d-Ala-d-Lac, serving as markers to prevent both the PG-stem modification by carboxypeptidases and the cell wall degradation by autolysins. Accurate quantitative PG composition analysis provided compositional insights into altered cell wall biosynthesis and modification processes in VRE that contribute to lysozyme resistance and enhanced virulence for VRE grown in the presence of vancomycin.
Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor is Associated with Lower Risk of Ensuing Chronic Kidney Disease after Functional Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Chou Yu-Hsiang , Huang Tao-Min , Pan Szu-Yu , Chang Chin-Hao , Lai Chun-Fu , Wu Vin-Cent , Wu Ming-Shiou , Wu Kwan-Dun , Chu Tzong-Shinn , Lin Shuei-Liong
Published: April 2017

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent risk factor for ensuing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Animal studies have demonstrated that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor can reduce ensuing CKD after functional recovery from AKI. Here we study the association between ensuing CKD and use of RAS inhibitor including angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II type 1a receptor blocker starting after renal functional recovery in our prospectively collected observational AKI cohort. Adult patients who had cardiac surgery–associated AKI (CSA-AKI) are studied. Patients with CKD, unrecovered AKI, and use of RAS inhibitor before surgery are excluded. Among 587 eligible patients, 94 patients are users of RAS inhibitor which is started and continued after complete renal recovery during median follow-up period of 2.99 years. The users of RAS inhibitor show significantly lower rate of ensuing CKD (users vs. non-users, 26.6% vs. 42.2%) and longer median CKD-free survival time (users vs. non-users, 1079 days vs. 520 days). Multivariate Cox regression analyses further demonstrate that use of RAS inhibitor is independently associated with lower risk of ensuing CKD (hazard ratio = 0.46, P < 0.001). We conclude that use of RAS inhibitor in CSA-AKI patients after renal functional recovery is associated with lower risk of ensuing CKD development.
In vitro field potential monitoring on a multi-microelectrode array for the electrophysiological long-term screening of neural stem cell maturation
Authors: Seidel Diana , Jahnke Heinz-Georg , Englich Beate , Girard Mathilde , Robitzki Andrea A.
Published: April 2017

Combiningin vitroneuron cell models to automated electrophysiology monitoring allows the standardized identification of toxic and protective neuromodulators in pharmaceutical ingredient development.
A synthetic co-crystal prepared by cooperative single-crystal-to-single-crystal solid-state Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Khorasani S. , Fernandes M. A.
Published: April 2017

Solid-state Diels–Alder reaction in a 2 : 1 donor to acceptor charge-transfer complex leads to a synthetic co-crystal composed of product and unreacted donor. Analysis of close contacts and DFT energy calculations indicate that the reaction occurs cooperatively where the arrangement of molecules shown in (ii) is favoured.
Efficacy of ionic liquids on the growth and simultaneous xylanase production by Sporotrichum thermophile: membrane integrity, composition and morphological investigation
Authors: Sadaf Ayesha , Khare S. K.
Published: April 2017

Ionic liquids (ILs) are emerging as promising solvent systems for carrying out various biochemical reactions.
Zeolitic-imidazole framework thin film-based flexible resistive switching memory
Authors: Park Myung-Joo , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: April 2017

A flexible resistive switching memory device based on ZIF-8 is fabricated using a dip coating method. The device shows reliable resistive switching with mechanical stability.
Facile synthesis of novel spiroheterocycles via diastereoselective aziridination of cyclic enones
Authors: Yang Kai-Chuan , Li Jun-Long , Shen Xu-Dong , Li Qiang , Leng Hai-Jun , Huang Qian , Zheng Peng-Kun , Gou Xiao-Jun , Zhi Yong-Gang
Published: April 2017

A highly diastereoselective aziridination of cyclic enones has been developed under mild conditions, giving an efficient access to a class of novel spiroaziridines which show promising antibacterial activity.
Recent advances in protein analysis by capillary and microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Dawod Mohamed , Arvin Natalie E. , Kennedy Robert T.
Published: April 2017

This review article describes the significant recent advances in the analysis of proteins by capillary and microchip electrophoresis during the period from mid-2014 to early 2017.
Oligonucleotide promoted peptide bond formation using a tRNA mimicking approach
Authors: Mattelaer H.-P. , Mattelaer C.-A. , Papastavrou N. , Dehaen W. , Herdewijn P.
Published: April 2017

TransferRNA's role in protein translation is the prime example of an Informational Leaving Group (ILG). A simplified model produced oligophenylalanine with a modified uracil as an ILG in the presence of specific oligonucleotides. Our preliminary studies contribute to the importance of hybrid species in bridging the gap between peptides and nucleic acids.
High-throughput and ultratrace naked-eye colorimetric detection of Au3+ based on the gold amalgam-stimulated peroxidase mimetic activity in aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhang Shouting , Zhang Zhuoyue , Wang Tiansheng , Zhang Dongxu , Li Xuemei , Xue Zhonghua , Shan Duoliang , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: April 2017

Herein, we present a catalysis-based, label-free, and efficient strategy for a rapid, high-throughput, highly selective and ultrasensitive naked-eye colorimetric assay of Au3+ in aqueous solutions, based on the gold amalgam-stimulated peroxidase mimetic activity.
Synthesis of novel bis(Triol)-functionalized Anderson clusters serving as potential synthons for forming organic–inorganic hybrid chains
Authors: Xu Qinghong , Yuan Shanshan , Zhu Li , Hao Jian , Wei Yongge
Published: April 2017

Three novel bis(Triol)-functionalized Anderson cluster derivatives (POM–L–POM, POM–L, L–POM–L) were efficiently synthesized, which manifested interesting self-assembly and synergistic effect.
Conformational and hydration properties modulate ice recognition by type I antifreeze protein and its mutants
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Jana Biman
Published: April 2017

Mutation of wfAFP changes the intrinsic dynamics in such a way that it significantly influences water mediated AFP adsorption on ice.
Structure of liquid water – a dynamical mixture of tetrahedral and ‘ring-and-chain’ like structures
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , He Xiao , Zhang John Z. H.
Published: April 2017

The nature of the dynamical hydrogen-bond network of liquid water under ambient conditions has challenged both experimental and theoretical researchers for decades and remains a topic of intense debate.
Correction: The aromaticity of dicupra[10]annulenes
Authors: Grande-Aztatzi Rafael , Mercero Jose M. , Matito Eduard , Frenking Gernot , Ugalde Jesus M.
Published: April 2017

Correction for ‘The aromaticity of dicupra[10]annulenes’ by Rafael Grande-Aztatzi et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 9669–9675.
Carboranes: the strongest Brønsted acids in alcohol dehydration
Authors: Kostetskyy Pavlo , Zervoudis Nicholas Athanasis , Mpourmpakis Giannis
Published: April 2017

Alcohol dehydration mechanisms identified through the slopes of activation energies vs. carbenium ion stability of alcohols.
Disproportionation of hypophosphite and phosphite
Authors: Liu Dapeng , Li Xiang , Wei Ling , Zhang Tingting , Wang Anjie , Liu Chenguang , Prins Roel
Published: April 2017

31P NMR spectra showing that NaH2PO2 first disproportionates to NaH2PO3, Na2HPO3, Na2H2P2O5 and Na4P2O7, and finally reacts to yield Na5P3O10.
Silver and palladium alloy nanoparticle catalysts: reductive coupling of nitrobenzene through light irradiation
Authors: Peiris Sunari , Sarina Sarina , Han Chenhui , Xiao Qi , Zhu Huai-Yong
Published: April 2017

Silver and palladium alloy nanoparticle catalysts for reductive coupling of nitrobenzene through light irradiation.
The enhanced anti-obesity effect and reduced gastric mucosa irritation of capsaicin-loaded nanoemulsions
Authors: Lu Muwen , Cao Yong , Ho Chi-Tang , Huang Qingrong
Published: April 2017

Organogel-derived capsaicin nanoemulsions can inhibit diet-induced hepatic steatosis and reduce epididymal adipocyte size and tissue mass.
Towards nitrile-substituted cyclopropanes – a slow-release protocol for safe and scalable applications of diazo acetonitrile
Authors: Hock Katharina J. , Spitzner Robin , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: April 2017

Applications of diazo acetonitrile in cyclopropa(e)nation reactions are realized in a slow-release protocol with bench-stable reagents. Cyclopropyl nitriles are obtained in one step in good diastereoselectivity on a gram-scale providing an efficient entry into this class of fragrances and drug-like molecules.
Integrative meta-modeling identifies endocytic vesicles, late endosome and the nucleus as the cellular compartments primarily directing RTK signaling
Authors: Weddell Jared C. , Imoukhuede Princess I.
Published: April 2017

Recently, intracellular receptor signaling has been identified as a key component mediating cell responses for various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs).
Dependence of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization on cell geometry
Authors: Sung Wonmo , Ye Sung-Joon , McNamara Aimee L. , McMahon Stephen J. , Hainfeld James , Shin Jungwook , Smilowitz Henry M. , Paganetti Harald , Schuemann Jan
Published: April 2017

Detailed modeling of cell geometries was shown to be important to estimate radiosensitization effects of gold nanoparticles (GNPs).
Selective S-arylation of 2-oxazolidinethiones and selective N-arylation of 2-benzoxazolinones/2-benzimidazolinones
Authors: Sun Chu-Han , Lu Yi , Zhang Qing , Lu Rong , Bao Lin-Qing , Shen Mei-Hua , Xu Hua-Dong
Published: April 2017

Arynes enable highly selective S-arylation and N-arylation.
Application of oxygen tolerant PET-RAFT to polymerization-induced self-assembly
Authors: Ng Gervase , Yeow Jonathan , Xu Jiangtao , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2017

The inhibitory effects of molecular oxygen in PET-RAFT polymerization can be overcome by the addition of singlet oxygen quenchers. This oxygen tolerant approach is compatible with a range of organic solvents and can be used to synthesize nanoparticles according to a PISA process.
Light-responsive terpolymers based on polymerizable photoacids
Authors: Wendler Felix , Schneider Kilian R. A. , Dietzek Benjamin , Schacher Felix H.
Published: April 2017

We present the synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic terpolymers containing photoacids based on 1-naphthol using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT).
Resolution and quantification challenge of modern chemometric models in the determination of anti-migraine tablets containing ergotamine, caffeine, acetaminophen, and metoclopramide
Authors: Elkhoudary Mahmoud M. , Abdel Salam Randa A. , Hadad Ghada M.
Published: April 2017

Unique mixture of ergotamine (ERG), metoclopramide (MET), caffeine (CAF) and the study presents a comparison between five multivariate models in the determination of the paracetamol (PAR) in laboratory mixtures and in pharmaceutical formulations.
Cu@Ni core–shell nanoparticles/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for nonenzymatic glucose sensor
Authors: Wu Kong-Lin , Cai Ya-Miao , Jiang Bin-Bin , Cheong Weng-Chon , Wei Xian-Wen , Wang Weizhi , Yu Nan
Published: April 2017

Cu@Ni core–shell nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites are prepared and further employed as a novel sensing material for fabricating a sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor with excellent performance for glucose.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Sanghuangporus sanghuang by suppressing the TLR4-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR/IKKβ signaling pathway
Authors: Lin Wang-Ching , Deng Jeng-Shyan , Huang Shyh-Shyun , Lin Wan-Rong , Wu Sheng-Hua , Lin Hui-Yi , Huang Guan-Jhong
Published: April 2017

Sanghuangporus sanghuang (SS) is a mushroom that belongs to the genus Sanghuangporus and it is commonly called “Sangwhang” in Taiwan.
Silicic acid condensation under the influence of water-soluble polymers: from biology to new materials
Authors: Annenkov Vadim V. , Danilovtseva Elena N. , Pal'shin Viktor A. , Verkhozina Ol'ga N. , Zelinskiy Stanislav N. , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: April 2017

Silicic acid condensation under the influence of functional polymers is reviewed starting from biology to new materials.
Photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B on uranium-doped mesoporous titanium dioxide
Authors: Liu Yi , Becker Blake , Burdine Brandon , Sigmon Ginger E. , Burns Peter C.
Published: April 2017

Mesoporous uranium-doped TiO2anatase materials were studied to determine the influence of U-doping on the photocatalytic properties for Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation.
Preparation of polyurea microcapsules containing phase change materials in a rotating packed bed
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xu Weixing , Wang Ya-nan , Shi Bi
Published: April 2017

Polyurea microcapsules containing a phase change material with a much shorter preparation time, good morphology, high actual core content and encapsulation efficiency were firstly synthesized through interfacial polymerization in a rotating packed bed.
Polarization switching and fatigue characteristics of highly (117)-oriented Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti2.99Mn0.01O12 ferroelectric thin films at both low and elevated temperatures
Authors: Zhang W. L. , Tang M. H. , Xiong Y. , Yan S. A. , Cheng C. P. , Li G. , Xiao Y. G. , Li Z.
Published: April 2017

Polarization switching and fatigue properties of BNTM ferroelectric thin films were studied from 100 to 475 K. A combination of impedance spectra and PFM techniques was used to analyze the mechanisms of the dependence on temperature from 200 to 475 K.
Facile photo-flow synthesis of branched poly(butyl acrylate)s
Authors: Eckardt O. , Wenn B. , Biehl P. , Junkers T. , Schacher F. H.
Published: April 2017

We present the synthesis of branched poly(butyl acrylate)s using photo-induced free radical polymerization of (n/t)-butyl acrylate in the presence of tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate (TPGDA) as a crosslinker and varying amounts of dodecanethiol (DDT) as a chain transfer agent to prevent macroscopic gelation.
Binuclear Ru–Ru and Ir–Ru complexes for deep red emission and photocatalytic water reduction
Authors: Zhang Lu-Yin , Yin Shao-Yun , Pan Mei , Liao Wei-Ming , Zhang Jian-Hua , Wang Hai-Ping , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: April 2017

Four butterfly-like binuclear Ru(ii)–Ru(ii) and Ir(iii)–Ru(ii) complexes were designed and synthesized via a stepwise method by Ru(ii)/Ir(iii) metalloligands containing polypyridine (bpy)/phenylpyridine (ppy), phenanthroline (phen) and bibenzimidazole (BiBzIm) moieties.
A high performance lithium–selenium battery using a microporous carbon confined selenium cathode and a compatible electrolyte
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Yang Jun , Xu Zhixin , Zhang Tao , Chen Zhenying , Wang Jiulin
Published: April 2017

Exceptional performances are obtained for a lithium–selenium battery using a nanostructured Se/C cathode material and a compatible LiDFOB/EC-DMC-FEC carbonate electrolyte.
Design of a technical Mg–Al mixed oxide catalyst for the continuous manufacture of glycerol carbonate
Authors: Lari G. M. , de Moura A. B. L. , Weimann L. , Mitchell S. , Mondelli C. , Pérez-Ramírez J.
Published: April 2017

A Mg–Al oxide obtained by thermal activation of a hydrotalcite and extruded with bentonite enables the continuous manufacture of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and urea owing to its strong Lewis basicity and resistance to leaching.
Chitosan–PVA monodisperse millimeter-sized spheres prepared by electrospraying reduce the thromboembolic risk in hemorrhage control
Authors: Chen Qingchang , Liu Yuan , Wang Ting , Wu Jun , Zhai Xinyun , Li Yanqun , Lu William W. , Pan Haobo , Zhao Xiaoli
Published: April 2017

Chitosan–PVA monodisperse millimeter-sized spheres are efficient in hemorrhage control and also reduce the risk of thromboembolic complication.
The sweet side of the cell cycle
Authors: Tan Ee Phie , Duncan Francesca E. , Slawson Chad
Published: April 2017

Cell division (mitosis) and gamete production (meiosis) are fundamental requirements for normal organismal development. The mammalian cell cycle is tightly regulated by different checkpoints ensuring complete and precise chromosomal segregation and duplication. In recent years, researchers have become increasingly interested in understanding how O-GlcNAc regulates the cell cycle. The O-GlcNAc post-translation modification is an O-glycosidic bond of a single β-N-acetylglucosamine sugar to serine/threonine residues of intracellular proteins. This modification is sensitive toward changes in nutrient levels in the cellular environment making O-GlcNAc a nutrient sensor capable of influencing cell growth and proliferation. Numerous studies have established that O-GlcNAcylation is essential in regulating mitosis and meiosis, while loss of O-GlcNAcylation is lethal in growing cells. Moreover, aberrant O-GlcNAcylation is linked with cancer and chromosomal segregation errors. In this review, we will discuss how O-GlcNAc controls different aspects of the cell cycle with a particular emphasis on mitosis and meiosis.
Visualizing the life of mRNA in T cells
Authors: Nicolet Benoit P. , Salerno Fiamma , Wolkers Monika C.
Published: April 2017

T cells release ample amounts of cytokines during infection. This property is critical to prevent pathogen spreading and persistence. Nevertheless, whereas rapid and ample cytokine production supports the clearance of pathogens, the production must be restricted in time and location to prevent detrimental effects of chronic inflammation and immunopathology. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes determine the levels of cytokine production. How these regulatory mechanisms are interconnected, and how they regulate the magnitude of protein production in primary T cells is to date not well studied. Here, we highlight recent advances in the field that boost our understanding of the regulatory processes of cytokine production of T cells, with a focus on transcription, mRNA stability, localization and translation.
Effective power transfer scheme for a grid connected hybrid wind/photovoltaic system
Authors: Shanthi Pandurangan , Uma Govindarajan , Keerthana Muniyandi Selvanathan
Published: April 2017

A new topology and effective power transfer scheme with minimum number of converters is proposed for a grid connected wind/photovoltaic (PV) system. Distributed generation sources considered are permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)‐based wind energy conversion system and PV array system. Two voltage source converters with a common DC‐link serve as wind side converter (WSC) and grid side converter (GSC), respectively. The PV array is directly tied to the DC link without any power converter providing variable DC‐link voltage. The Perturb and Observe technique extracts the maximum power from PV and the DC‐link voltage is set to the maximum power point (MPP) voltage of the PV array. The output DC voltage of WSC is regulated to an MPP PV voltage using an outer proportional–integral voltage control loop. The maximum power from the PMSG and stator voltages is utilised to generate the reference currents for WSC to make stator currents to follow stator voltages. With unity power factor control, the overall VA of the WSC would contribute to the active power transfer and thereby reduce the kVA rating of the WSC in the proposed configuration. GSC tracks the maximum power from wind and PV array, and serves as a shunt active power filter to compensate for the current unbalance due to the connection of non‐linear loads at the grid. All these functions are accomplished simultaneously. Various power transfer modes of operation are simulated through MATLAB/Simulink software and its results are validated through dSPACE Digital Signal Processor.
Scale model technology for floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Bayati Ilmas , Belloli Marco , Bernini Luca , Giberti Hermes , Zasso Alberto
Published: April 2017

This study illustrates the aerodynamic and mechatronic design of a 1/75 scaled model of the DTU 10 MW wind turbine to perform wind tunnel tests in floating offshore configuration. Due to the strong discrepancy of the Reynolds number between full and model scale (up to 150), a dedicated low‐Reynolds airfoil (SD7032) was chosen for the aerodynamic design of the blades, and the final shape was defined based on a dedicated optimisation algorithm which had as target the matching of the scaled thrust force and the first flap‐wise bending frequency, as it is thoroughly explained in the study. Furthermore, the mechatronic design is reported in terms of the design choices adopted to get the best target‐oriented functionalities to the model (i.e. individual pitch control, bandwidth) and to reduce as much as possible the weights, greatly affecting the aero‐elastic scaling. The results gathered during experimental campaigns at Politecnico di Milano wind tunnel, are reported confirming the validity of the design and manufacturing choices.