bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon stocks and accumulation rates in Red Sea seagrass meadows
Authors: Serrano Oscar , Almahasheer Hanan , Duarte Carlos M. , Irigoien Xabier
Published: October 2018

Seagrasses play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, acting as natural CO2sinks and buffering the impacts of rising sea level. However, global estimates of organic carbon (Corg) stocks, accumulation rates and seafloor elevation rates in seagrasses are limited to a few regions, thus potentially biasing global estimates. Here we assessed the extent of soil Corgstocks and accumulation rates in seagrass meadows (Thalassia hemprichii,Enhalus acoroides,Halophila stipulacea,Thalassodendrum ciliatumandHalodule uninervis) from Saudi Arabia. We estimated that seagrasses store 3.4 ± 0.3 kg Corgm−2in 1 m-thick soil deposits, accumulated at 6.8 ± 1.7 g Corgm−2yr−1over the last 500 to 2,000 years. The extreme conditions in the Red Sea, such as nutrient limitation reducing seagrass growth rates and high temperature increasing soil respiration rates, may explain their relative low Corgstorage compared to temperate meadows. Differences in soil Corgstorage among habitats (i.e. location and species composition) are mainly related to the contribution of seagrass detritus to the soil Corgpool, fluxes of Corgfrom adjacent mangrove and tidal marsh ecosystems into seagrass meadows, and the amount of fine sediment particles. Seagrasses sequester annually around 0.8% of CO2emissions from fossil-fuels by Saudi Arabia, while buffering the impacts of sea level rise. This study contributes data from understudied regions to a growing dataset on seagrass carbon stocks and sequestration rates and further evidences that even small seagrass species store Corgin coastal areas.
Microclimate exerts greater control over litter decomposition and enzyme activity than litter quality in an alpine forest-tundra ecotone
Authors: Chen Yamei , Liu Yang , Zhang Jian , Yang Wanqin , He Runlian , Deng Changchun
Published: October 2018

Plant litter decomposition is an important biogeochemical process in terrestrial ecosystems. Although climate and substrate quality controls over litter decomposition are reasonably well understood, their impacts on lignocellulose degradation and lignocellulolytic enzymes remain elusive. Here, the decomposition of three leaf litters derived from Salix paraplesia (SP), Deyeuxia scabrescens (DS), and Ajuga ovalifolia (AO), was studied across an alpine forest-tundra ecotone during one snow-covered season with the objective of distinguishing between the effects of microclimate and litter quality on litter decomposition rates and lignocellulolytic enzymes. The results showed that both microclimate and litter quality affected lignocellulose degradation rates and lignocellulolytic enzyme activities; however, microclimate factors had the greater effects. Interestingly, freeze-thaw cycles and moisture were the predominant factors explaining the variations in decomposition rate and enzyme activities. Higher cellulose degradation rates were associated with higher cellulose concentrations. Cellulolytic enzymes had a greater effect on litter decomposition than did ligninolytic enzymes at the early decomposition stage. Litter decomposition and enzyme activities should be given more attention under global climate change, as the direction and magnitude of changes in microclimate factors and litter quality could strongly influence the nutrient cycling and energy fluxes of alpine ecosystems.
Positive effects of the catastrophic Hurricane Patricia on insect communities
Authors: Novais Samuel , Macedo-Reis Luiz Eduardo , Cristobal-Peréz E. Jacob , Sánchez-Montoya Gumersindo , Janda Milan , Neves Frederico , Quesada Mauricio
Published: October 2018

Highly seasonal conditions of tropical dry forests determine the temporal patterns of insect abundance. However, density-independent factors such as natural disturbances can abruptly change environmental conditions, affecting insect populations. We address the effects of the Hurricane Patricia (category 5) on species density and abundance of three feeding guilds of herbivorous insects (sap-sucking, folivorous beetles and xylophagous) and predatory beetles associated to the canopy of a tropical dry forest. Hurricane Patricia has been the strongest tropical hurricane ever reported in the Western Hemisphere. Herbivorous insects (sap-sucking and xylophagous) and predatory beetles increased in species density and abundance in the following months after the hurricane, compared to samples before it. The positive response of sap-sucking insects to Hurricane Patricia was probably related to an increase in the availability of new shoots and leaf meristems after the natural coppicing by the hurricane, while xylophagous guild seems to have been positively affected by the increase in the amount and diversity of deadwood resources. The positive response of predatory beetles may be the result of a bottom-up effect due to a greater availability of arthropod preys after the hurricane. We demonstrated that catastrophic hurricane disturbances could be important events that temporarily increase the species density and abundance of insects in tropical dry forests.
Verbal instructions override the meaning of facial expressions
Authors: Bublatzky Florian , Guerra Pedro , Alpers Georg W.
Published: October 2018

Psychological research has long acknowledged that facial expressions can implicitly trigger affective psychophysiological responses. However, whether verbal information can alter the meaning of facial emotions and corresponding response patterns has not been tested. This study examined emotional facial expressions as cues for instructed threat-of-shock or safety, with a focus on defensive responding. In addition, reversal instructions were introduced to test the impact of explicit safety instructions on fear extinction. Forty participants were instructed that they would receive unpleasant electric shocks, for instance, when viewing happy but not angry faces. In a second block, instructions were reversed (e.g., now angry faces cued shock). Happy, neutral, and angry faces were repeatedly presented, and auditory startle probes were delivered in half of the trials. The defensive startle reflex was potentiated for threat compared to safety cues. Importantly, this effect occurred regardless of whether threat was cued by happy or angry expressions. Although the typical pattern of response habituation was observed, defense activation to newly instructed threat cues remained significantly enhanced in the second part of the experiment, and it was more pronounced in more socially anxious participants. Thus, anxious individuals did not exhibit more pronounced defense activation compared to less anxious participants, but their defense activation was more persistent.
Intranasal delivery of a Fas-blocking peptide attenuates Fas-mediated apoptosis in brain ischemia
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Chung Kunho , Oh Jungju , Beloor Jagadish , Bae Sumin , Lee Sangah Clara , Lee Minhyung , Kumar Priti , Lee Sang-Kyung
Published: October 2018

Ischemic stroke-induced neuronal cell death results in the permanent disabling of brain function. Apoptotic mechanisms are thought to play a prominent role in neuronal injury and ample evidence implicates Fas signaling in mediating cell death. In this study, we describe the neuroprotective effects of a Fas-blocking peptide (FBP) that by obstructing Fas signaling in cerebral ischemia inhibits apoptosis. Using an intranasal administration route in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia, we demonstrate that nose-to-brain delivery of FBP after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery results in the delivery and retention of FBP in Fas-expressing ischemic areas of the brain. A single intranasal administration of 2 mg/kg FBP resulted in significantly reduced neuronal cell death by inhibiting Fas-mediated apoptosis leading to decreased infarct volumes, reduced neurologic deficit scores and recovery from cerebral ischemia. Intranasally delivered FBP might be a promising strategy for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke.
Promiscuous attraction of ligands within the ATP binding site of RyR2 promotes diverse gating behaviour
Authors: Lindsay Chris , Sitsapesan Mano , Chan Wei Mun , Venturi Elisa , Welch William , Musgaard Maria , Sitsapesan Rebecca
Published: October 2018

ATP is an essential constitutive regulator of cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2), enabling small changes in cytosolic Ca2+ to trigger large changes in channel activity. With recent landmark determinations of the full structures of RyR1 (skeletal isoform) and RyR2 using cryo-EM, and identification of the RyR1 ATP binding site, we have taken the opportunity to model the binding of fragments of ATP into RyR2 in order to investigate how the structure of the ATP site dictates the functional responses of ligands attracted there. RyR2 channel gating was assessed under voltage-clamp conditions and by [3H]ryanodine binding studies. We show that even the triphosphate (PPPi) moiety alone was capable of activating RyR2 but produced two distinct effects (activation or irreversible inactivation) that we suggest correspond to two preferred binding locations within the ATP site. Combinations of complementary fragments of ATP (Pi + ADP or PPi + AMP) could not reproduce the effects of ATP, however, the presence of adenosine prevented the inactivating PPPi effects, allowing activation similar to that of ATP. RyR2 appears to accommodate diverse types of molecules, including PPPi, deep within the ATP binding site. The most effective ligands, however, have at least three phosphate groups that are guided into place by a nucleoside.
Genetic variations in TAS2R3 and TAS2R4 bitterness receptors modify papillary carcinoma risk and thyroid function in Korean females
Authors: Choi Jeong-Hwa , Lee Jeonghee , Yang Sarah , Lee Eun Kyung , Hwangbo Yul , Kim Jeongseon
Published: October 2018

Type 2 taste receptors (T2Rs, TAS2Rs) mediate bitterness perception and are involved in diverse defence mechanisms in extraoral tissues. The thyrocyte-expressed T2Rs control thyroid hormone production, and this regulatory role may be associated with susceptibility to thyroid diseases. This study examined whether the variations in TAS2Rs modify the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and whether such T2R-related PTC risk is associated with genetically modified thyroid function. We conducted a case-control study with 763 Korean females, including 250 PTC cases. Seventy-three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in 13 TAS2R genes and the pre-diagnosis levels of 4 thyroid-related functional markers [total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroglobulin] were analysed. Individuals with TAS2R3/4 CC haplotype (rs2270009 and rs2234001) were at a lower risk for PTC than those with the remaining haplotypes (odds ratio = 0.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.36–0.97). Furthermore, TT3 levels were significantly reduced for TAS2R3/4 CC haplotype carriers compared with other haplotype carriers (p = 0.005). No other genetic variants exhibited critical associations with the PTC phenotype and biomarkers. In summary, genetic variations in T2R3/4 bitterness receptors may modify the PTC risk, and the genetically modified thyroid hormone level by those variations may be linked with the PTC-T2Rs association.
Selection of suitable reference genes for qRT-PCR normalisation under different experimental conditions in Eucommia ulmoides Oliv
Authors: Ye Jing , Jin Cang-Fu , Li Nan , Liu Min-Hao , Fei Zhao-Xue , Dong Li-Zheng , Li Long , Li Zhou-Qi
Published: October 2018

Normalisation of data, by choosing the appropriate reference genes, is fundamental for obtaining reliable results in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). This study evaluated the expression stability of 11 candidate reference genes with different varieties, developmental periods, tissues, and abiotic stresses by using four statistical algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The results indicated that ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme S (UBC) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 (UBC E2) could be used as reference genes for different E. ulmoides varieties and tissues, UBC and histone H4 (HIS4) for different developmental periods, beta-tubulin (TUB) and UBC for cold treatment, ubiquitin extension protein (UBA80) and HIS4 for drought treatment, and ubiquitin-60S ribosomal protein L40 (UBA52) and UBC E2 for salinity treatment. UBC and UBC E2 for the group “Natural growth” and “Total”, UBA80 and UBC for the group “Abiotic stresses”. To validate the suitability of the selected reference genes in this study, mevalonate kinase (MK), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) gene expression patterns were analysed. When the most unstable reference genes were used for normalisation, the expression patterns had significant biases compared with the optimum reference gene combinations. These results will be beneficial for more accurate quantification of gene expression levels in E. ulmoides.
Effects of coumaphos and imidacloprid on honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) lifespan and antioxidant gene regulations in laboratory experiments
Authors: Gregorc Ales , Alburaki Mohamed , Rinderer Nicholas , Sampson Blair , Knight Patricia R. , Karim Shahid , Adamczyk John
Published: October 2018

The main objective of this study was to test comparatively the effects of two common insecticides on honey bee Apis mellifera worker’s lifespan, food consumption, mortality, and expression of antioxidant genes. Newly emerged worker bees were exposed to organophosphate insecticide coumaphos, a neonicotinoid imidacloprid, and their mixtures. Toxicity tests were conducted along with bee midgut immunohistological TUNEL analyses. RT-qPCR assessed the regulation of 10 bee antioxidant genes linked to pesticide toxicity. We tested coumaphos at 92,600 ppb concentration, in combination with 5 and 20 ppb imidacloprid. Coumaphos induced significantly higher bee mortality, which was associated with down regulation of catalase compared to coumaphos and imidacloprid (5/20 ppb) mixtures, whereas, both imidacloprid concentrations independently had no effect on bee mortality. Mixture of coumaphos and imidacloprid reduced daily bee consumption of a control food patty to 10 mg from a coumaphos intake of 14.3 mg and 18.4 and 13.7 mg for imidacloprid (5 and 20) ppb, respectively. While coumaphos and imidacloprid mixtures induced down-regulation of antioxidant genes with noticeable midgut tissue damage, imidacloprid induced intensive gene up-regulations with less midgut apoptosis.
Overlapping motifs on the herpes viral proteins ICP27 and ORF57 mediate interactions with the mRNA export adaptors ALYREF and UIF
Authors: Tunnicliffe Richard B. , Tian Xiaochen , Storer Joanna , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M. , Golovanov Alexander P.
Published: October 2018

The TREX complex mediates the passage of bulk cellular mRNA export to the nuclear export factor TAP/NXF1 via the export adaptors ALYREF or UIF, which appear to act in a redundant manner. TREX complex recruitment to nascent RNA is coupled with 5′ capping, splicing and polyadenylation. Therefore to facilitate expression from their intronless genes, herpes viruses have evolved a mechanism to circumvent these cellular controls. Central to this process is a protein from the conserved ICP27 family, which binds viral transcripts and cellular TREX complex components including ALYREF. Here we have identified a novel interaction between HSV-1 ICP27 and an N-terminal domain of UIF in vivo, and used NMR spectroscopy to locate the UIF binding site within an intrinsically disordered region of ICP27. We also characterized the interaction sites of the ICP27 homolog ORF57 from KSHV with UIF and ALYREF using NMR, revealing previously unidentified binding motifs. In both ORF57 and ICP27 the interaction sites for ALYREF and UIF partially overlap, suggestive of mutually exclusive binding. The data provide a map of the binding sites responsible for promoting herpes virus mRNA export, enabling future studies to accurately probe these interactions and reveal the functional consequences for UIF and ALYREF redundancy.
Functional analysis of polyketide synthase genes in the biocontrol fungus Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Fatema Umma , Broberg Anders , Jensen Dan Funck , Karlsson Magnus , Dubey Mukesh
Published: October 2018

Clonostachys rosea is a mycoparasitic fungus used for biological control of plant diseases. Its genome contains 31 genes putatively encoding for polyketide synthases (PKSs), 75% of which are arranged in biosynthetic gene clusters. Gene expression analysis during C. rosea interactions with the fungal plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium graminearum showed common and species-specific induction of PKS genes. Our data showed a culture media dependent correlation between PKS gene expression and degree of antagonism in C. rosea. The pks22 and pks29 genes were highly induced during fungal-fungal interactions but not during pigmentation, and gene deletion studies revealed that PKS29 was required for full antagonism against B. cinerea, and for biocontrol of fusarium foot rot on barley. Metabolite analysis revealed that Δpks29 strains has a 50% reduced production (P = 0.001) of an unknown polyketide with molecular formula C15H28O3, while Δpks22 strains lost the ability to produce four previously unknown polyketides named Clonorosein A-D. Clonorosein A and B were purified, their structures determined, and showed strong antifungal activity against B. cinerea and F. graminearum. These results show that PKS22 is required for production of antifungal polyketide Clonorosein A-D, and demonstrate the role of PKS29 in antagonism and biocontrol of fungal plant diseases.
Persistent platelet activation and apoptosis in virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Mesquita Emersom C. , Hottz Eugenio D. , Amancio Rodrigo T. , Carneiro Alan B. , Palhinha Lohanna , Coelho Lara E. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Zimmerman Guy A. , Rondina Matthew T. , Weyrich Andrew S. , Bozza Patrícia T. , Bozza Fernando A.
Published: October 2018

Cardiovascular diseases and thrombotic events became major clinical problems in the combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. Although the precise mechanisms behind these clinical problems have not been fully elucidated, a persistent pro-inflammatory state plays a central role. As platelets play important roles on both, thrombus formation and inflammatory/immune response, we aimed at investigating platelet function in HIV-infected subjects virologically controlled through cART. We evaluate parameters of activation, mitochondrial function and activation of apoptosis pathways in platelets from 30 HIV-infected individuals under stable cART and 36 healthy volunteers. Despite viral control achieved through cART, HIV-infected individuals exhibited increased platelet activation as indicated by P-selectin expression and platelet spreading when adhered on fibrinogen-coated surfaces. Platelets from HIV-infected subjects also exhibited mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of apoptosis pathways. Finally, thrombin stimuli induced lower levels of P-selectin translocation and RANTES secretion, but not TXA2 synthesis, in platelets from HIV-infected individuals compared to control; and labeling of platelet alpha granules showed reduced granule content in platelets from HIV-infected individuals when compared to healthy subjects. In summary, platelets derived from HIV-infected individuals under stable cART exhibit a phenotype of increased activation, activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and undermined granule secretion in response to thrombin.
Stress-induced changes in social dominance are scaled by AMPA-type glutamate receptor phosphorylation in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Park Min-Jung , Seo Bo Am , Lee Boyoung , Shin Hee-Sup , Kang Myoung-Goo
Published: October 2018

The establishment and maintenance of social dominance are critical for social stability and the survival and health of individual animals. Stress lead to depression and a decrease in the social status of depressed persons is a risk factor for suicide. Therefore, we explored the mechanistic and behavioral links among stress, depression, and social dominance and found that mice subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS), an animal model of stress-induced depression, showed decreased social dominance as measured by a dominance tube test. Importantly, this submissive behavior was occluded by the antidepressant, fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is known that social dominance is controlled by synaptic efficacy in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and that AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPA-R) is a key molecule for synaptic efficacy. We found that the phosphorylation on AMPA-R was bidirectionally changed by CRS and fluoxetine in the mPFC of mice with CRS. Moreover, we found a strong correlation between social dominance and AMPA-R phosphorylation that regulates synaptic efficacy by modulating the synaptic targeting of AMPA-R. Our correlational analysis of the behavior and biochemistry of the CRS model suggests that AMPA-R phosphorylation in the mPFC may serve as a biomarker of social dominance related to stress.
Uncovering association networks through an eQTL analysis involving human miRNAs and lincRNAs
Authors: Branco Paulo R. , de Araújo Gilderlanio S. , Barrera Júnior , Suarez-Kurtz Guilherme , de Souza Sandro José
Published: October 2018

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) have an essential role in the complex landscape of human genetic regulatory networks. One area that is poorly explored is the effect of genetic variations on the interaction between ncRNA and their targets. By integrating a significant amount of public data, the present study cataloged the vast landscape of the regulatory effect of microRNAs (miRNA) and long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNA) in the human genome. An expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was used to identify genetic variants associated with miRNA and lincRNA and whose genotypes affect gene expression. Association networks were built for eQTL associated to traits of clinical and/or pharmacological relevance.
Tumor DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit expression is associated with hepatitis B surface antigen status and tumor progression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shimizu Takayuki , Aoki Taku , Mori Shozo , Iso Yukihiro , Kato Masato , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Kubota Keiichi
Published: October 2018

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs), which plays an important role in the DNA damage response, has been reported to be associated with tumor progression in various carcinomas. However, the clinical significance of DNA-PKcs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains unclear. In the present study, we determined the tumor expression of DNA-PKcs in 104 resected HCC specimens by immunohistochemistry. The DNA-PKcs expression was scored as follows; 0, negative staining; 1, staining of nuclei at the tumor edge; 2, staining of the nuclei deep within the tumor and/or the tumor cytoplasm. The relationships between tumor expression of DNA-PKcs and the clinical characteristics and patient outcomes were investigated. Among the 104 HCCs, the distribution of staining for DNA-PKcs was as follows: 32 tumors were assigned a score of 0, 27 tumors were assigned a score of 1, and 45 tumors were assigned a score of 2. Statistical analyses revealed that tumor DNA-PKcs expression was significantly associated with the HBs antigen (HBsAg) status, presence/absence of portal vein invasion, size of the largest tumor nodule (<3.0 cm/>3.0, cm), and the serum alpha-fetoprotein level. Significant differences in the overall survival and recurrence-free survival were observed between patients showing (staining score 1 or 2) and not showing (staining score 0) tumor DNA-PKcs expression (P = 0.049 and P = 0.045, respectively). Our results suggest that tumor expression of DNA-PKcs is associated with tumor progression, HBsAg status and the postoperative outcomes in patients with HCC.
Simultaneous evaluation of anti-EGFR-induced tumour and adverse skin effects in a microfluidic human 3D co-culture model
Authors: Hübner Juliane , Raschke Marian , Rütschle Isabel , Gräßle Sarah , Hasenberg Tobias , Schirrmann Kerstin , Lorenz Alexandra , Schnurre Susanne , Lauster Roland , Maschmeyer Ilka , Steger-Hartmann Thomas , Marx Uwe
Published: October 2018

Antibody therapies targeting the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) are being increasingly applied in cancer therapy. However, increased tumour containment correlates proportionally with the severity of well-known adverse events in skin. The prediction of the latter is not currently possible in conventional in vitro systems and limited in existing laboratory animal models. Here we established a repeated dose “safficacy” test assay for the simultaneous generation of safety and efficacy data. Therefore, a commercially available multi-organ chip platform connecting two organ culture compartments was adapted for the microfluidic co-culture of human H292 lung cancer microtissues and human full-thickness skin equivalents. Repeated dose treatment of the anti-EGFR-antibody cetuximab showed an increased pro-apoptotic related gene expression in the tumour microtissues. Simultaneously, proliferative keratinocytes in the basal layer of the skin microtissues were eliminated, demonstrating crucial inhibitory effects on the physiological skin cell turnover. Furthermore, antibody exposure modulated the release of CXCL8 and CXCL10, reflecting the pattern changes seen in antibody-treated patients. The combination of a metastatic tumour environment with a miniaturized healthy organotypic human skin equivalent make this “safficacy” assay an ideal tool for evaluation of the therapeutic index of EGFR inhibitors and other promising oncology candidates.
Losing half the conductive area hardly impacts the water status of mature trees
Authors: Dietrich Lars , Hoch Günter , Kahmen Ansgar , Körner Christian
Published: October 2018

The water status of transpiring tree crowns depends on a hydraulic continuum from the soil matrix around roots to the sub-stomatal cavity of leaves, with a multitude of hydraulic resistances along this path. Although the stem xylem path may not be the most critical of these resistances, it had been suggested that a >50% interruption of that path by drought-stress-induced embolization (air filling) of conduits is critical for tree survival. Here we show that cutting the sapwood of mature, 35 m tall trees in half hardly affects crown water status and transpiration. Counter expectation, this first adult tree sapwood interception experiment revealed that shoot water potential in the canopy (assessed by using a 45 m canopy crane) either remained unaffected (spruce) or became less negative (beech), associated with small reductions in leaf diffusive conductance for water vapour. We conclude that the stem xylem of these trees has a large overcapacity and the tree hydraulics debate requires a critical re-visitation.
Towards epitaxial graphene p-n junctions as electrically programmable quantum resistance standards
Authors: Hu Jiuning , Rigosi Albert F. , Kruskopf Mattias , Yang Yanfei , Wu Bi-Yi , Tian Jifa , Panna Alireza R. , Lee Hsin-Yen , Payagala Shamith U. , Jones George R. , Kraft Marlin E. , Jarrett Dean G. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Elmquist Randolph E. , Newell David B.
Published: October 2018

We report the fabrication and measurement of top gated epitaxial graphene p-n junctions where exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is used as the gate dielectric. The four-terminal longitudinal resistance across a single junction is well quantized at the von Klitzing constant $${{\boldsymbol{R}}}_{{\boldsymbol{K}}}$$

R

K

with a relative uncertainty of 10−7. After the exploration of numerous parameter spaces, we summarize the conditions upon which these devices could function as potential resistance standards. Furthermore, we offer designs of programmable electrical resistance standards over six orders of magnitude by using external gating.
Molecular signalling towards mitochondrial breakdown is enhanced in skeletal muscle of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Leermakers P. A. , Schols A. M. W. J. , Kneppers A. E. M. , Kelders M. C. J. M. , de Theije C. C. , Lainscak M. , Gosker H. R.
Published: October 2018

Loss of skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity is well-established in patients with COPD, but the role of mitochondrial breakdown herein is largely unexplored. Currently, we studied if mitochondrial breakdown signalling is increased in skeletal muscle of COPD patients and associates with the loss of mitochondrial content, and whether it is affected in patients with iron deficiency (ID) or systemic inflammation. Therefore, mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics and content markers were analysed in vastus lateralis biopsies of COPD patients (N = 95, FEV1% predicted: 39.0 [31.0–53.6]) and healthy controls (N = 15, FEV1% predicted: 112.8 [107.5–125.5]). Sub-analyses were performed on patients stratified by ID or C-reactive protein (CRP). Compared with controls, COPD patients had lower muscle mitochondrial content, higher BNIP3L and lower FUNDC1 protein, and higher Parkin protein and gene-expression. BNIP3L and Parkin protein levels inversely correlated with mtDNA/gDNA ratio and FEV1% predicted. ID-COPD patients had lower BNIP3L protein and higher BNIP3 gene-expression, while high CRP patients had higher BNIP3 and autophagy-related protein levels. In conclusion, our data indicates that mitochondrial breakdown signalling is increased in skeletal muscle of COPD patients, and is related to disease severity and loss of mitochondrial content. Moreover, systemic inflammation is associated with higher BNIP3 and autophagy-related protein levels.
A novel mitochondrial-targeting near-infrared fluorescent probe for imaging γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity in living cells
Authors: Liu Haijuan , Liu Feng , Wang Fenglin , Yu Ru-Qin , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: October 2018

A mitochondrial-targeting near infrared fluorescent probe with high sensitivity, excellent selectivity and desirable response rate is designed for GGT.
An ion imprinted amino-functionalized mesoporous sorbent for the selective minicolumn preconcentration of cadmium ions and determination by GFAAS
Authors: Minaberry Yanina Susana , Tudino Mabel
Published: October 2018

An amino-functionalized mesoporous sorbent with double imprinting of Cd(ii) and surfactant micelles was prepared via the sol–gel co-condensation method.
Triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations quantitative analysis in whole blood by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and FT-Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Zhigang , Lan Xifa , Jiang Xiaoxiao , Wang Qiaoyun , Ma Zhenhe , He Zhonghai
Published: October 2018

The triglyceride (TG) to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) and the TG level itself have both been identified as a biomarker of insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and a predictor for atherosclerosis.
Stabilized calcium phosphate hybrid nanocomposite using a benzoxaborole-containing polymer for pH-responsive siRNA delivery
Authors: Zhou Quan , Wang Yue , Xiang Jiajia , Piao Ying , Zhou Zhuxian , Tang Jianbin , Liu Xiangrui , Shen Youqing
Published: October 2018

Herein, we developed a PEG-PBO/siRNA/CaP hybrid nanocomposite with excellent stability and high siRNA loading content for effective pH-responsive siRNA delivery.
miR-96-5p and miR-101-3p as potential intervention targets to rescue TiO2NP-induced autophagy and migration impairment of human trophoblastic cells
Authors: Mao Zhilei , Yao Mengmeng , Li Yaqi , Fu Ziqiang , Li Shushu , Zhang Lina , Zhou Zhu , Tang Qiusha , Han Xiumei , Xia Yankai
Published: October 2018

Autophagy induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) has been realized nowadays, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.
Single-compartment hydrogen peroxide fuel cells with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) cathodes
Authors: Miglbauer Eva , Wójcik Paweł Jerzy , Głowacki Eric Daniel
Published: October 2018

Efficient single-compartment hydrogen peroxide fuel cells can be fabricated using the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT as a cathodic electrocatalyst.
Amorphous Y(OH)3-promoted Ru/Y(OH)3 nanohybrids with high durability for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in alkaline media
Authors: Liu Ying , Lu Xuyun , Che Zhiwen , Zhang Caihua , Han Min , Bao Jianchun , Dai Zhihui
Published: October 2018

A novel Ru/Y(OH)3 nanohybrid with high activity and excellent durability for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution in alkaline media was developed.
Defect reduction by liquid phase epitaxy of germanium on single-crystalline-like germanium templates on flexible, low-cost metal substrates
Authors: Li Yongkuan , Guo Haichao , Yao Yao , Dutta Pavel , Rathi Monika , Zheng Nan , Gao Ying , Sun Sicong , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Ahrenkiel Phil , Selvamanickam Venkat
Published: October 2018

Device-quality germanium is achieved using liquid phase epitaxy on single-crystalline-like germanium templates.
Facile synthesis of Ag/ZnO metal–semiconductor hierarchical photocatalyst nanostructures via the galvanic-potential-enhanced hydrothermal method
Authors: Shaislamov Ulugbek , Lee Heon-Ju
Published: October 2018

Hierarchical metal–semiconductor nanostructures composed of Ag nanowire and ZnO nanorod branches were prepared by using the galvanic-potential-enhanced hydrothermal method.
Thermal properties and CW laser performances of pure and Nd doped Bi2ZnB2O7single crystals
Authors: Chen Feifei , Wang Xinle , Wei Lei , Yu Fapeng , Tian Shiwei , Jiang Chao , Li Yanlu , Cheng Xiufeng , Wang Zhengping , Zhao Xian
Published: October 2018

The CW laser performances are realized along the optical axes of Nd:BZBO single crystals.
Laser-induced- and dispersed-fluorescence studies of rhodamine 590 and 640 ions formed by electrospray ionization: observation of fluorescence from highly-excited vibrational levels of S1 states
Authors: Honma Kenji
Published: October 2018

Fluorescence spectra of vibrationally very “hot” S1 states were observed for the first time under gas phase conditions.
PAW-mediated ab initio simulations on linear response phonon dynamics of anisotropic black phosphorous monolayer for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Behera Sushant Kumar , Deb Pritam
Published: October 2018

The first-order standard perturbation theory combined with ab initio projector augmented wave operator challenges the realization of the standard Sternheimer equation with linear computational efficiency.
Triplet photosensitization mechanism of thymine by an oxidized nucleobase: from a dimeric model to DNA environment
Authors: Francés-Monerris Antonio , Hognon Cécilia , Miranda Miguel A. , Lhiaubet-Vallet Virginie , Monari Antonio
Published: October 2018

An efficient triplet–triplet energy transfer between 5-formyluracil and a stacked thymine nucleobase is revealed by this theoretical study.
Highly efficient surface hopping dynamics using a linear vibronic coupling model
Authors: Plasser Felix , Gómez Sandra , Menger Maximilian F. S. J. , Mai Sebastian , González Leticia
Published: October 2018

A highly efficient protocol for performing nonadiabatic dynamics simulations is implemented and applied to ultrafast internal conversion and intersystem crossing in various molecules.
Hydrogenated Cu2O\Au@CeO2 Z-scheme catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of amines to imines
Authors: Liu Yingying , Chen Yajie , Zhou Wei , Jiang Baojiang , Zhang Xin , Tian Guohui
Published: October 2018

Hydrogenated Cu2O\Au@CeO2 Z-scheme yolk–shell photocatalysts have been prepared, which exhibited significantly enhanced visible light photocatalytic oxidation activity when converting amines to imines.
Nanostructured multi-block copolymer single-ion conductors for safer high-performance lithium batteries
Authors: Nguyen Huu-Dat , Kim Guk-Tae , Shi Junli , Paillard Elie , Judeinstein Patrick , Lyonnard Sandrine , Bresser Dominic , Iojoiu Cristina
Published: October 2018

Self-assembling, nanophase-separated multi-block copoly(arylene sulfone)s, selectively swelled with ethylene carbonate, provide excellent single-ion conductivity and cycling stability for high-energy lithium/Li[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]O2 batteries.
Thermodynamic assessment of (semi-)volatile hydrophobic organic chemicals in WWTP sludge – combining solid phase microextraction with non-target GC/MS
Authors: Knudsmark Sjøholm Karina , Flyckt-Nielsen Matias , Bucheli Thomas D. , Mayer Philipp
Published: October 2018

Equilibrium HS-SPME non-target GC/MS assessment of chemical potential of (semi-)volatile HOCs across treatment processes revealed increase from inlet to digested sludge, and effective reduction of the exposure level by co-composting.
Cellulose-based water purification using paper filters modified with polyelectrolyte multilayers to remove bacteria from water through electrostatic interactions
Authors: Ottenhall Anna , Henschen Jonatan , Illergård Josefin , Ek Monica
Published: October 2018

Bacteria are removed from contaminated waters through adsorption onto the modified cellulose fiber surface in paper filters with pores larger than the bacteria.
Screening of ordinary commercial varieties of apple fruits under different storage conditions for their potential vascular and metabolic protective properties
Authors: Soleti Raffaella , Hilairet Grégory , Mallegol Patricia , Dourguia Catherine , Frifra Mehdi , Guillou Marie Charlotte , Gacel Agnes , Guyot Sylvain , Pignon Pascale , Basset Laetitia , Cadot Yves , Renou Jean Pierre , Orsel Mathilde , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: October 2018

Apple samples exhibited a vascular tropism which is mainly effective on endothelial and smooth muscle cells especially in the processes involved in atherosclerosis development like proliferation and oxidative stress.
Hemilability of phosphine-thioether ligands coordinated to trinuclear Mo3S4 cluster and its effect on hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Gushchin Artem L. , Shmelev Nikita Y. , Malysheva Svetlana F. , Artem’ev Alexander V. , Belogorlova Nataliya A. , Abramov Pavel A. , Kompan’kov Nikolay B. , Manoury Eric , Poli Rinaldo , Sheven Dmitriy G. , Llusar Rosa , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: October 2018

Phosphine-thioether ligands were coordinated to the Mo3S4 cluster to afford [Mo3S4Cl3(PS)3]+ complexes. Their catalytic activity in nitrobenzene reduction reflects the different hemilabile behaviours of PS1, PS2 and PS3.
TiO2-nanosheet-assembled microspheres as Pd-catalyst support for highly-stable low-temperature CO oxidation
Authors: Zhai Xuefeng , Liu Chengwei , Chang Qiang , Zhao Chunqiu , Tan Rui , Peng Hailong , Liu Dan , Zhang Peng , Gui Jianzhou
Published: October 2018

The Pd-embedded-in-TiO2 structure could improve the activity and stability of the Pd/TiO2 catalyst.
Histidine-assisted synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles for improving the catalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts in methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Dai Shengdong , Zhang Jinli , Fu Yan , Li Wei
Published: October 2018

Histidine-assisted CeO2 Pt catalysts with more oxygen vacancies are synthesized to improve the catalytic performance in methanol electrooxidation.
Construction of a novel BiSI/MoS2 nanocomposite with enhanced visible-light driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Bargozideh Samin , Tasviri Mahboubeh
Published: October 2018

A BiSI/MoS2 nanocomposite was synthesized for the first time and used as a new efficient and stable visible light driven photocatalyst.
Solution behavior and magnetic properties of a novel nonanuclear copper(ii) cluster
Authors: Ji Bao-Qian , Jagodič Marko , Ma Hui-Yan , Su Hai-Feng , Li Yun-Wu , Tung Chen-Ho , Sun Di
Published: October 2018

A {Cu9} nanocluster was constructed from a new multidentate pyrazole–alcohol ligand and various small sterically-hindering anions. The ESI-MS was for the first time applied to Cu cluster chemistry to detect the solution behaviour and possible assembly mechanism of the {Cu9} cluster. The cluster also exhibited antiferromagnetic behaviour.
Ultra-sensitive and plasmon-tunable graphene photodetectors for micro-spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yu , Gong Tianxun , Zheng Yining , Wang Xiawa , Xu Jun , Ai Qinqin , Guo Junxiong , Huang Wen , Zhou Shifeng , Liu Zhiwei , Lin Yuan , Ren Tian-Ling , Yu Bin
Published: October 2018

We demonstrate an ultra-sensitive photodetector based on a graphene/monolayer MoS2 vertical heterostructure working at room temperature.
Tuning nanostructured surfaces with hybrid wettability areas to enhance condensation
Authors: Gao Shan , Liu Wei , Liu Zhichun
Published: October 2018

The condensation processes on various nanopillar surfaces, including the nucleation, growth and coalescence of nanodroplets are characterized through molecular dynamics simulation.
Synthesis of ultrathin WSe2 nanosheets and their high-performance catalysis for conversion of amines to imines
Authors: Zhang Bing-Qian , Chen Jing-Shuai , Niu He-Lin , Mao Chang-Jie , Song Ji-Ming
Published: October 2018

Here, a simple colloidal method is reported for the synthesis of WSe2 nanosheets, which were composed of flowerlike nanostructures including many ultrathin nanosheets.
Synergistic doping effects of a ZnO:N/BiVO4:Mo bunched nanorod array photoanode for enhancing charge transfer and carrier density in photoelectrochemical systems
Authors: Kim Donghyung , Zhang Zhuo , Yong Kijung
Published: October 2018

One-dimensional heterojunction nanorods are highly attractive as photoanodes for developing efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems for the effective photogeneration of charge carriers and transport.
The influence of ionothermal synthesis using BmimBF4 as a solvent on nanophosphor BaFBr:Eu2+ photoluminescence
Authors: Olchowka Jacob , Hagemann Hans , Delgado Teresa , Wickleder Claudia
Published: October 2018

In this work, an effort is made to understand the improved effect of ionothermal synthesis on the photoluminescence properties of nanophosphors.
Simultaneous enhancement of red upconversion luminescence and CT contrast of NaGdF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles via Lu3+ doping
Authors: Liu Miao , Shi Ziyu , Wang Xiao , Zhang Yanting , Mo Xiulan , Jiang Ruibin , Liu Zonghuai , Fan Li , Ma Chong-geng , Shi Feng
Published: October 2018

We design and synthesize an ultrasmall and high biocompatibility NH2-PEGylated-NaGdF4:Yb,Er,X% Lu nanoparticles with enhanced red upconversion luminescence and CT contrast performance.
Enhanced photocarriers separation of novel CdS/pt/Mo2C heterostructure for visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jing Xinbo , Peng Xueying , Cao Youzhi , Wang Wei , Wang Shufen
Published: October 2018

The production of H2 from water using photocatalysts is a promising way of generating clean, renewable and alternative energy.
Ab initio quantum transport in AB-stacked bilayer penta-silicene using atomic orbitals
Authors: Chatzikyriakou Eleni , Karafiloglou Padeleimon , Kioseoglou Joseph
Published: October 2018

A methodology for parameter-free calculations of current density from first-principles using density functional theory, Wannier functions and scattering matrices is presented. The methodology is used on free-standing AB-stacked bilayer penta-silicene.
Magnetic core–shell-structured Fe3O4@CeO2 as an efficient catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of benzoic acid
Authors: Qin Hangdao , Xiao Rong , Shi Wei , Wang Yong , Li Hui , Guo Lei , Cheng Hao , Chen Jing
Published: October 2018

Benzoic acid was degraded mainly by ·OH generated by the reaction of Fe2+ and Ce3+ species with H2O2.
Molecular insights into competitive adsorption of CO2/CH4 mixture in shale nanopores
Authors: Zhou Wenning , Zhang Zhe , Wang Haobo , Yan Yuying , Liu Xunliang
Published: October 2018

Competitive adsorption behaviour of CO2/CH4 mixture in shale slit nanopores under various geological conditions was explored by molecular simulations.
A quantitative connection of experimental and simulated folding landscapes by vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Davis Caitlin M. , Zanetti-Polzi Laura , Gruebele Martin , Amadei Andrea , Dyer R. Brian , Daidone Isabella
Published: October 2018

We break the barrier between simulation and experiment by comparing identical computed and experimental infrared observables.
Achieving efficient thick active layer and large area ternary polymer solar cells by incorporating a new fused heptacyclic non-fullerene acceptor
Authors: Yin Pan , Zheng Tao , Wu Yue , Liu Gangjian , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang , Shen Ping
Published: October 2018

A ternary PSC was constructed and exhibited a high PCE of 10.41% with a thicker film and a large area.
Simple air calcination affords commercial carbon cloth with high areal specific capacitance for symmetrical supercapacitors
Authors: Gu Yi-Jie , Wen Wei , Wu Jin-Ming
Published: October 2018

Air calcination at a moderate temperature endows commercial carbon cloth textiles with outstanding electrochemical performances for supercapacitors.
Polycaprolactone nanofibers functionalized with placental derived extracellular matrix for stimulating wound healing activity
Authors: Rameshbabu Arun Prabhu , Datta Sayanti , Bankoti Kamakshi , Subramani Elavarasan , Chaudhury Koel , Lalzawmliana V. , Nandi Samit K. , Dhara Santanu
Published: October 2018

Impaired wound healing is primarily associated with inadequate angiogenesis, repressed cell migration, deficient synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) component/growth factors, and altered inflammatory responses in the wound bed environment.
An isophorone-based far-red emitting ratiometric fluorescent probe for selective sensing and imaging of polysulfides
Authors: Zhao Liming , Sun Qian , Sun Chuanzhi , Zhang Changli , Duan Wenzeng , Gong Shuwen , Liu Zhipeng
Published: October 2018

An isophorone-based far-red emitting fluorescent probe (RPHS1) for selective ratiometric sensing and imaging of H2Sn in living cells was reported.
Erythrocyte–platelet hybrid membranes coating polypyrrol nanoparticles for enhanced delivery and photothermal therapy
Authors: Liu Yao , Wang Xuejun , Ouyang Boshu , Liu Xianping , Du Yang , Cai Xuzheng , Guo Huishu , Pang Zhiqing , Yang Wuli , Shen Shun
Published: October 2018

A dual-membrane coating technique was developed to camouflage polypyrrole nanoparticles with red blood cells and platelet membranes for enhanced delivery and photothermal tumor therapy.
Facile fabrication of a “Catch and Release” cellulose acetate nanofiber interface: a platform for reversible glycoprotein capture and bacterial attachment
Authors: Dong Yishi , Lu Xiaowen , Wang Peixi , Liu Wenying , Zhang Shuxiang , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: October 2018

We disclose boronic acid ligand-functionalized electrospun cellulose acetate nanofiber mats that can be used as a platform for reversible glycoprotein capture and bacterial attachment.
NIR-Absorbing water-soluble conjugated polymer dots for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal/photodynamic synergetic cancer therapy
Authors: Shi Huaxia , Wang Ya , Huang Xiaoyu , Liang Pingping , Tang Yunyun , Zhang Yewei , Fu Nina , Huang Wei , Dong Xiaochen
Published: October 2018

“Theranostics” become increasingly significant in current personalized precision medicine.
Correction: Intrinsically ferromagnetic Fe-doped TiO2 coatings on titanium for accelerating osteoblast response in vitro
Authors: Li Kai , Yan Ting , Xue Yang , Guo Lijun , Zhang Lan , Han Yong
Published: October 2018

Correction for ‘Intrinsically ferromagnetic Fe-doped TiO2 coatings on titanium for accelerating osteoblast response in vitro’ by Kai Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8tb01414k.
Poling effects on the structural, electrical and photoluminescence properties in Sm doped BCST piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Zhe , Hao Jigong , Fu Peng , Du Juan , Chu Ruiqing , Xu Zhijun
Published: October 2018

Piezoelectrics have shown great potential for controlling the piezoelectro-optical process in multifunctional materials.
Li8NaRb3(SO4)6·2H2O as a new sulfate deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical material
Authors: Li Yanqiang , Zhao Sangen , Shan Pai , Li Xianfeng , Ding Qingran , Liu Shuai , Wu Zhenyue , Wang Sasa , Li Lina , Luo Junhua
Published: October 2018

A new sulfate Li8NaRb3(SO4)6·2H2O exhibits a short cutoff edge belowλ< 190 nm and has a moderate second-harmonic generation response in type-I phase-matchable behavior.