bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic single-cell NAD(P)H measurement reveals oscillatory metabolism throughout the E. coli cell division cycle
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Milias-Argeitis Andreas , Heinemann Matthias
Published: January 2018

Recent work has shown that metabolism between individual bacterial cells in an otherwise isogenetic population can be different. To investigate such heterogeneity, experimental methods to zoom into the metabolism of individual cells are required. To this end, the autofluoresence of the redox cofactors NADH and NADPH offers great potential for single-cell dynamic NAD(P)H measurements. However, NAD(P)H excitation requires UV light, which can cause cell damage. In this work, we developed a method for time-lapse NAD(P)H imaging in single E. coli cells. Our method combines a setup with reduced background emission, UV-enhanced microscopy equipment and optimized exposure settings, overall generating acceptable NAD(P)H signals from single cells, with minimal negative effect on cell growth. Through different experiments, in which we perturb E. coli’s redox metabolism, we demonstrated that the acquired fluorescence signal indeed corresponds to NAD(P)H. Using this new method, for the first time, we report that intracellular NAD(P)H levels oscillate along the bacterial cell division cycle. The developed method for dynamic measurement of NAD(P)H in single bacterial cells will be an important tool to zoom into metabolism of individual cells.
Cinacalcet use and the risk of cardiovascular events, fractures and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Evans Marie , Methven Shona , Gasparini Alessandro , Barany Peter , Birnie Kate , MacNeill Stephanie , May Margaret T. , Caskey Fergus J. , Carrero Juan-Jesus
Published: January 2018

With the aim to expand the randomized controlled trial evidence of cinacalcet treatment to the unselected, general chronic kidney disease (CKD) population we analysed a large inception cohort of CKD patients in the region of Stockholm, Sweden 2006–2012 (both non-dialysis, dialysis and transplanted) with evidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). We used marginal structural models to account for both confounding by indication and time-dependent confounding. Over 37 months, 435/3,526 (12%) initiated cinacalcet de novo. Before cinacalcet initiation, parathyroid hormone (PTH) had increased progressively to a median of 636ng/L. After cinacalcet initiation, PTH declined, as did serum calcium and phosphate. In total, 42% of patients experienced a fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular event, 32% died and 9% had a new fracture. The unadjusted cardiovascular odds ratio (OR) associated with cinacalcet treatment was 1.01 (95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.22). In the fully weighted model, the cardiovascular odds was lower in cinacalcet treated patients (OR 0.67: 0.48, 0.93). The adjusted ORs for all-cause mortality and for fractures were 0.79 (0.56, 1.11) and 1.08 (0.59, 1.98) respectively. Our study suggests cinacalcet treatment improves biochemical abnormalities in the wider CKD population, and adds real-world support that treating SHPT with cinacalcet may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
A joint matrix minimization approach for seismic wavefield recovery
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Yanfei
Published: January 2018

Reconstruction of the seismic wavefield from sub-sampled data is important and necessary in seismic image processing; this is partly due to limitations of the observations which usually yield incomplete data. To make the best of the observed seismic signals, we propose a joint matrix minimization model to recover the seismic wavefield. Employing matrix instead of vector as weight variable can express all the sub-sampled traces simultaneously. This scheme utilizes the collective representation rather than an individual one to recover a given set of sub-samples. The matrix model takes the interrelation of the multiple observations into account to facilitate recovery, for example, the similarity of the same seismic trace and distinctions of different ones. Hence anl2,p(0 < p ≤ 1)-regularized joint matrix minimization is formulated which has some computational challenges especially whenpis in (0, 1). For solving the involved matrix optimization problem, a unified algorithm is developed and the convergence analysis is accordingly demonstrated for a range of parameters. Numerical experiments on synthetic and field data examples exhibit the efficient performance of the joint technique. Both reconstruction accuracy and computational cost indicate that the new strategy achieves good performance in seismic wavefield recovery and has potential for practical applications.
ATP-dependent conformational change in ABC-ATPase RecF serves as a switch in DNA repair
Authors: Tang Qun , Liu Yan-Ping , Shan Hai-Huan , Tian Li-Fei , Zhang Jie-Zhong , Yan Xiao-Xue
Published: January 2018

RecF is a principal member of the RecF pathway. It interacts with RecO and RecR to initiate homologous recombination by loading RecA recombinases on single-stranded DNA and displacing single-stranded DNA-binding proteins. As an ATP-binding cassette ATPase, RecF exhibits ATP-dependent dimerization and structural homology with Rad50 and SMC proteins. However, the mechanism and action pattern of RecF ATP-dependent dimerization remains unclear. Here, We determined three crystal structures of TTERecF, TTERecF-ATP and TTERecF-ATPɤS from Thermoanaerobacter tengcongensis that reveal a novel ATP-driven RecF dimerization. RecF contains a positively charged tunnel on its dimer interface that is essential to ATP binding. Our structural and biochemical data indicate that the Walker A motif serves as a switch and plays a key role in ATP binding and RecF dimerization. Furthermore, Biolayer interferometry assay results showed that the TTERecF interacted with ATP and formed a dimer, displaying a higher affinity for DNA than that of the TTERecF monomer. Overall, our results provide a solid structural basis for understanding the process of RecF binding with ATP and the functional mechanism of ATP-dependent RecF dimerization.
MiR-26a-5p regulates cardiac fibroblasts collagen expression by targeting ULK1
Authors: Zheng Liling , Lin Sihuang , Lv Chengyu
Published: January 2018

MiRNA is a class of small non-coding RNA which has an important effect on posttranscriptional gene regulation. It can regulate the expression of the target gene at the mRNA level and further influence the protein level of the target gene. We found that ULK1 may be the target gene of miR-26a-5p, and ULK1 (unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) is a key component in autophagy pathway. In this study, we overexpressed miR-26a-5p by transfecting miR-26a-5p mimic into cells and simultaneously inhibited miR-26a-5p by transfecting miR-26a-5p inhibitor into cells. We demonstrated that overexpression of miR-26a-5p can reduce the expression of ULK1 and collagen I, and decrease the activation of LC3-I to LC3-II. In contrast, inhibition of miR-26a-5p can increase the expression of ULK1 and collagen I, and increase the activation of LC3-I to LC3-II. The Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-26a-5p directly acted on the 3′UTR of ULK1 and thus affected the expression of ULK1. As such, our study demonstrated that miR-26a-5p might regulate the autophagy in cardiac fibroblasts by targeting ULK1, which may have an effect on cardiac fibrosis. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows miR-26a-5p regulates the autophagic pathway in cardiac fibroblasts.
Observation of Time Reversed Light Propagation by an Exchange of Eigenstates
Authors: Wimmer Martin , Peschel Ulf
Published: January 2018

As time flow dictates all evolution, its effective reversal is a topic of active research in a broad range of disciplines, including acoustics, hydrodynamics and optics. This multifarious set of environments is reflected by a great diversity of approaches to observe various echoes of wave functions. Here, we experimentally demonstrate time reversal of a pulse sequence propagating through a photonic mesh lattice realized by two coupled loops of telecommunication fibres. Our system features a symmetric band structure, which allows for almost perfect reversal of its evolution by exchanging the population between two opposing bands. The protocol applied is based on a non-adiabatic and instantaneous exchange of eigenstates resulting in highly efficient time reversal of a pulse chain.
Growth and structural characterisation of Sr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Dejiong , Jiang Wenxiang , Li Zhuojun , Han Chaoqun , Jia Jinfeng , Li Jixue , Qiao Shan , Qian Dong , Tian He , Gao Bo
Published: January 2018

We grew Sr-doped Bi2Se3 thin films using molecular beam epitaxy, and their high quality was verified using transmission electron microscopy. The thin films exhibited weak antilocalisation behaviours in magneto-resistance measurements, a typical transport signature of topological insulators, but were not superconducting. In addition, the carrier densities of the non-superconducting thin-film samples were similar to those of their superconducting bulk counterparts. Atom-by-atom energy-dispersive X-ray mapping also revealed similar Sr doping structures in the bulk and thin-film samples. Because no qualitative distinction between non-superconducting thin-film and superconducting bulk samples had been found, we turned to a quantitative statistical analysis, which uncovered a key structural difference between the bulk and thin-film samples. The separation between Bi layers in the same quintuple layer was compressed whereas that between the closest Bi layers in two neighbouring quintuple layers was expanded in the thin-film samples compared with the separations in pristine bulk Bi2Se3. In marked contrast, the corresponding changes in the bulk doped samples showed opposite trends. These differences may provide insight into the absence of superconductivity in doped topological insulator thin films.
Oral delivery of siRNA lipid nanoparticles: Fate in the GI tract
Authors: Ball Rebecca L. , Bajaj Palak , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: January 2018

Oral delivery, a patient-friendly means of drug delivery, is preferred for local administration of intestinal therapeutics. Lipidoid nanoparticles, which have been previously shown to deliver siRNA to intestinal epithelial cells, have potential to treat intestinal disease. It is unknown, however, whether the oral delivery of these particles is possible. To better understand the fate of lipid nanoparticles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, we studied delivery under deconstructed stomach and intestinal conditions in vitro. Lipid nanoparticles remained potent and stable following exposure to solutions with pH values as low as 1.2. Efficacy decreased following exposure to “fed”, but not “fasting” concentrations of pepsin and bile salts. The presence of mucin on Caco-2 cells also reduced potency, although this effect was mitigated slightly by increasing the percentage of PEG in the lipid nanoparticle. Mouse biodistribution studies indicated that siRNA-loaded nanoparticles were retained in the GI tract for at least 8 hours. Although gene silencing was not initially observed following oral LNP delivery, confocal microscopy confirmed that nanoparticles entered the epithelial cells of the mouse small intestine and colon. Together, these data suggest that orally-delivered LNPs should be protected in the stomach and upper intestine to promote siRNA delivery to intestinal epithelial cells.
Free-living greylag geese adjust their heart rates and body core temperatures to season and reproductive context
Authors: Wascher Claudia A. F. , Kotrschal Kurt , Arnold Walter
Published: January 2018

Animals adaptively regulate their metabolic rate and hence energy expenditure over the annual cycle to cope with energetic challenges. We studied energy management in greylag geese. In all geese, profound seasonal changes of heart rate (fH) and body temperature (Tb) showed peaks in summer and troughs during winter, and also daily modulation of fH and Tb. Daily mean fH was on average 22% lower at the winter trough than at the summer peak, whereas daily mean Tb at the winter trough was only about 1 °C below the summer peak. Daily means of Tb together with those of air temperature and day length were the most important predictors of daily mean fH, which was further modulated by precipitation, reproductive state, and, to a minor degree, social rank. Peaks of fH and Tb occurred earlier in incubating females compared to males. Leading goslings increased daily mean fH. Our results suggest that in greylag geese, pronounced changes of fH over the year are caused by photoperiod-induced changes of endogenous heat production. Similar to large non-hibernating mammals, tolerance of lower Tb during winter seems the major factor permitting this. On top of these major seasonal changes, fH and Tb are elevated in incubating females.
Flexible spectral manipulation property of a high power linearly polarized random fiber laser
Authors: Ye Jun , Xu Jiangming , Song Jiaxin , Wu Hanshuo , Zhang Hanwei , Wu Jian , Zhou Pu
Published: January 2018

Fiber lasers with flexible spectral manipulation property could provide a flexible tool for scenes where the temporal coherence property accounts, for example, coherent sensing/communication and nonlinear frequency conversion. Due to the good laser performance and relative simplicity of implementation, random fiber lasers (RFLs) based on random distributed feedback and Raman gain have earned more and more attention in the past few years, and a variety of RFLs with substantially different spectral properties have been developed. In this presentation, we demonstrate a high power linearly polarized RFL with flexible spectral manipulation property, in which the central wavelength and the linewidth of the spectrum can be tuned independently through a bandwidth-adjustable tunable optical filter (BA-TOF). The central wavelength of the RFL can be continuously tuned from 1095 to 1115 nm, while the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) linewidth has a maximal tuning range from ~0.6 to more than 2 nm. Moreover, the output power of 1102.5–1112.5 nm reaches ~23 W with polarization extinction ratio (PER) value > 20 dB. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a powerful linearly polarized RFL with both wavelength and linewidth tunability.
Combining asymmetric PCR-based enzymatic amplification with silicon photonic microring resonators for the detection of lncRNAs from low input human RNA samples
Authors: Cardenosa-Rubio Maria C. , Graybill Richard M. , Bailey Ryan C.
Published: January 2018

A method for quantifying long-non-coding RNAs by combining asymmetric PCR and silicon photonic microring resonators is described.
General rules of fragmentation evidencing lasso structures in CID and ETD
Authors: Jeanne Dit Fouque K. , Lavanant H. , Zirah S. , Hegemann J. D. , Fage C. D. , Marahiel M. A. , Rebuffat S. , Afonso C.
Published: January 2018

Lasso peptides are ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) characterized by a mechanically interlocked structure in which the C-terminal tail of the peptide is threaded and trapped within an N-terminal macrolactam ring.
One-pot preparation of polymer microspheres with different porous structures to sequentially release bio-molecules for cutaneous regeneration
Authors: Yuan Pingyun , Qiu Xinyu , Jin Ronghua , Bai Yongkang , Liu Shiyu , Chen Xin
Published: January 2018

Herein, we reveal a double emulsion method combining the sol–gel method to prepare poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres with different porous structures for sequential release of two types of biomolecules.
Evolutionary selection of personalized melanoma cell/tissue dual-homing peptides for guiding bionanofibers to malignant tumors
Authors: Yang Mingying , Li Yan , Huai Yanyan , Wang Chenyuan , Yi Wenfang , Mao Chuanbin
Published: January 2018

Both melanoma cells and tissues were allowed to interact with a phage library for discovering melanoma cell/tissue dual-homing tumor-destructing bionanofibers.
Synthesis and structure determinationviaultra-fast electron diffraction of the new microporous zeolitic germanosilicate ITQ-62
Authors: Bieseki Lindiane , Simancas Raquel , Jordá Jose L. , Bereciartua Pablo J. , Cantín Ángel , Simancas Jorge , Pergher Sibele B. , Valencia Susana , Rey Fernando , Corma Avelino
Published: January 2018

A new multipore zeolite of 12–8 × 8 × 8 channel system, named ITQ-62, has been synthesized and its structure solved using electron diffraction tomography.
Near-infrared electrochemiluminescence from orange fluorescent Au nanoclusters in water
Authors: Kim Jun Myung , Jeong Seonghyun , Song Jae Kyu , Kim Joohoon
Published: January 2018

We report the unusual generation of near-IR electrochemiluminescence from orange fluorescent Au nanoclusters soluble in water.
Light-induced cross-linking and post-cross-linking modification of polyglycidol
Authors: Marquardt F. , Bruns M. , Keul H. , Yagci Y. , Möller M.
Published: January 2018

A synthetic strategy for the light-induced cross-linking and post-cross-linking modification of polyglycidol towards amphiphilic polyethers.
Selectivity-switchable construction of benzo-fused polycyclic compounds through a gold-catalyzed reaction of enyne-lactone
Authors: Luo Kui , Zhang Ling , Jiang Huanfeng , Chen Lianfen , Zhu Shifa
Published: January 2018

A gold-catalyzed selectivity-switchable reaction of enyne-lactone is reported. The choice of the gold complex is the key for the chemoselectivity.
Large scale SnSe pyramid structure grown by gradient vapor deposition method
Authors: Liu Jinyang , Zhou Yuhan , Liang Yichun , Liu Mengyu , Huang Zhigao , Lin Limei , Zheng Weifeng , Lai Fachun
Published: January 2018

The SnSe pyramid structure has been successfully synthesized and further used in Raman spectroscopy to identify the crystal orientation.
The interfacial electrostatic potential modulates the insertion of cell-penetrating peptides into lipid bilayers
Authors: Via Matías A. , Klug Joaquín , Wilke Natalia , Mayorga Luis S. , Del Pópolo M. G.
Published: January 2018

A charge compensation mechanism, arising from the segregation of counter-ions while a cell-penetrating-peptide traverses a membrane, determines the shape and symmetry of the peptide insertion free-energy profile.
Toward a muon-specific electronic structure theory: effective electronic Hartree–Fock equations for muonic molecules
Authors: Rayka Milad , Goli Mohammad , Shahbazian Shant
Published: January 2018

A set of novel effective Hartree–Fock equations are derived for muonic molecules and implemented computationally for a number of species.
Thermally induced hopping model for long-range triplet excitation energy transfer in DNA
Authors: Blancafort Lluís , Voityuk Alexander A.
Published: January 2018

Long-range triplet excitation energy transfer in DNA occurs through hops between T bases, providing it with a shallow distance dependence. Hops over two thymines on the same strand are preferred.
Graphene induced electrical percolation enables more efficient charge transport at a hybrid organic semiconductor/graphene interface
Authors: Boulanger Nicolas , Yu Victor , Hilke Michael , Toney Michael F. , Barbero David R.
Published: January 2018

Self-assembly of semiconducting polymer chains during crystallization reveals a percolation induced mechanism of charge transport on graphene, which enhances current and carrier mobility.
A new transformation of coumarins via direct C–H bond activation utilizing an iron–organic framework as a recyclable catalyst
Authors: Pham Phuc H. , Doan Son H. , Tran Hang T. T. , Nguyen Ngoc N. , Phan Anh N. Q. , Le Ha V. , Tu Thach N. , Phan Nam T. S.
Published: January 2018

A new mixed-linker iron-based MOF VNU-20 [Fe3(BTC)(NDC)2·6.65H2O] was solvothermally synthesized, and utilized as catalyst for the coupling transformation of coumarins with N,N-dimethylanilines.
Control of nuclearity in heterometallic CuII–MnIIcomplexes derived from asymmetric Schiff bases: structures and magnetic properties
Authors: Mahapatra Prithwish , Giri Sanjib , Drew Michael G. B. , Ghosh Ashutosh
Published: January 2018

Among three asymmetric Schiff bases used for the synthesis of heterometallic CuII–MnIIcomplexes, the one with N2O2donor atoms yielded a tetranuclear and a trinuclear complex whereas two N2O3donor ligands produced solely dinuclear complexes. The results of magnetic measurements have been justified by DFT study.
Reversible anionic redox activity in Na3RuO4 cathodes: a prototype Na-rich layered oxide
Authors: Qiao Yu , Guo Shaohua , Zhu Kai , Liu Pan , Li Xiang , Jiang Kezhu , Sun Cheng-Jun , Chen Mingwei , Zhou Haoshen
Published: January 2018

We present a Na-rich layered cathode, Na3RuO4 (Ru5+), with solo oxygen-related anionic redox activity, which can be utilized as a prototype for electrode design in sodium-ion battery.
Frequent detection of a human fecal indicator in the urban ocean: environmental drivers and covariation with enterococci
Authors: Jennings Wiley C. , Chern Eunice C. , O'Donohue Diane , Kellogg Michael G. , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: January 2018

This study yields insights into the environmental processes and anthropogenic inputs that impact fecal pollution levels in the urban ocean.
A cobalt catalyst for reductive etherification of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural to 2,5-bis(methoxymethyl)furan under mild conditions
Authors: Li Xing-Long , Zhang Kun , Chen Shi-Yan , Li Chuang , Li Feng , Xu Hua-Jian , Fu Yao
Published: January 2018

Conversion of platform molecule 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into high-value-added derivatives has attracted significant interest.
Simple and label-free fluorescence detection of ascorbic acid in rat brain microdialysates in the presence of catecholamines
Authors: Zhu Shuyun , Lei Cuihua , Gao Yue , Sun Jing , Peng Hongwei , Gao Han , Zhang Ruixue , Wang Rui , Zhao Xian-En , Wang Hua
Published: January 2018

A facile and ultrasensitive sensor was constructed successfully for AA sensing based on the synergistic effect of reducing capability of AA and IFE.
Self-assembly of liquid crystalline polyethyleneimines bearing cholesteryl mesogens and ionic groups
Authors: Bai Lu , Tang Xinqiao , Gao Ying , Pan Dongfang , Wang Xiaodong , Meng Fanbao
Published: January 2018

Nanostructured liquid crystals based on poly(ethyleneimine)s produce SmA and bicontinuous cubic structures, and the cubic phase improves the electrorheological effect.
Pyridinic-nitrogen highly doped nanotubular carbon arrays grown on a carbon cloth for high-performance and flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Li Rui , Li Xiaodong , Chen Jin , Wang Jun , He Huichao , Huang Bing , Liu Yousong , Zhou Yong , Yang Guangcheng
Published: January 2018

Pyridinic-nitrogen highly doped nanotubular carbon arrays were synthesizedviaa one-step template strategy using 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene as both C/N precursors for high-performance supercapacitors.
Functionalized Cu3BiS3 nanoparticles for dual-modal imaging and targeted photothermal/photodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Yanke , Cai Dongdong , Wu Huixia , Fu Yu , Cao Yang , Zhang Yingjian , Wu Dongmei , Tian Qiwei , Yang Shiping
Published: January 2018

Multifunctional Cu3BiS3-PEG-(Ce6-Gd3+)-FA NPs were fabricated for tumour-targeted dual-modality CT/MR imaging and combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy.
A semi-permanent and durable nanoscale-crack-based sensor by on-demand healing
Authors: Park Byeonghak , Lee Sori , Choi Hyesu , Kim Jong Uk , Hong Haeleen , Jeong Chanho , Kang Daeshik , Kim Tae-il
Published: January 2018

Nanoscale-crack-based sensor achieves remarkable durability through the use of a self-healable polymer.
A mineralized cell-based functional platform: construction of yeast cells with biogenetic intracellular hydroxyapatite nanoscaffolds
Authors: Ma Xiaoming , Liu Peng , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan , Yang Ping , Wang Ge , Yang Lin
Published: January 2018

A unique mineralized cell-based functional platform with biogenic intracellular hydroxyapatite nanoscaffolds (nHAP@yeasts) has been intelligently constructed by a biomimetic mineralization approach.
Quantifying atom-scale dopant movement and electrical activation in Si:P monolayers
Authors: Wang Xiqiao , Hagmann Joseph A. , Namboodiri Pradeep , Wyrick Jonathan , Li Kai , Murray Roy E. , Myers Alline , Misenkosen Frederick , Stewart M. D. , Richter Curt A. , Silver Richard M.
Published: January 2018

We develop an atomically precise fabrication and metrology strategy to control single dopant movement and activation in Si:P monolayers.
Catalyst-free one step synthesis of large area vertically stacked N-doped graphene-boron nitride heterostructures from biomass source
Authors: Esteve-Adell Ivan , He Jinbao , Ramiro Fernando , Atienzar Pedro , Primo Ana , García Hermenegildo
Published: January 2018

A procedure for the one-step preparation of films of few-layer N-doped graphene on top of nanometric hexagonal boron nitride sheets based on the pyrolysis at 900 °C under an inert atmosphere is reported.
Nitroxide radical polymers – a versatile material class for high-tech applications
Authors: Hansen Kai-Anders , Blinco James P.
Published: January 2018

A comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies for the preparation of nitroxide radical polymer materials and a state-of-the-art perspective on their latest and most exciting applications.
Hydrothermal shape controllable synthesis of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 crystals and facet effect on electron transfer of oxygen reduction
Authors: Huang Keke , Yuan Long , Jiang Yilan , Zhang Jiaxin , Geng Zhibin , Luo Liqun , Feng Shouhua
Published: January 2018

Controllable growth of perovskite structure oxide crystals with well-defined facets is challenging, especially in the mixed-valence state manganites with both rare-earth and alkaline-earth cations in their A-site.
A green route for the crystallization of a chiral polymorph A-enriched zeolite beta
Authors: Lu Tingting , Zhu Liangkui , Wang Xiaohe , Yan Wenfu , Shi Wei , Xu Ruren
Published: January 2018

Alcohols, instead of highly toxic concentrated HF, can significantly promote the enrichment of polymorph A of zeolite beta.
One-pot synthesis of iron–nickel–selenide nanorods for efficient and durable electrochemical oxygen evolution
Authors: Du Jing , Yu Ailing , Zou Zehua , Xu Cailing
Published: January 2018

Fe–Ni–Se nanorods have been synthesized by a facile one-pot method and they acted as efficient and durable OER catalysts.
Orbital-specific electronic interaction in crystalline films of iron phthalocyanine grown on Au(111) probed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Yamane Hiroyuki , Carlier Andy , Kosugi Nobuhiro
Published: January 2018

Orbital-specific electronic interaction as a key to understanding unique molecular electronic and magnetic properties.
Iron nanoparticles-based supramolecular hydrogels to originate anisotropic hybrid materials with enhanced mechanical strength
Authors: Contreras-Montoya Rafael , Bonhome-Espinosa Ana B. , Orte Angel , Miguel Delia , Delgado-López Jose M. , Duran Juan D. G. , Cuerva Juan M. , Lopez-Lopez Modesto T. , Álvarez de Cienfuegos Luis
Published: January 2018

Novel iron nanoparticles-based supramolecular hydrogels are described. These materials present enhanced mechanical strength keeping a water-like diffusion behaviour.
A helically-twisted ladder based on 9,9′-bifluorenylidene: synthesis, characterization, and carrier-transport properties
Authors: Xu Jinjia , Takai Atsuro , Bannaron Alisa , Nakagawa Takafumi , Matsuo Yutaka , Sugimoto Manabu , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Takeuchi Masayuki
Published: January 2018

We synthesized a ladder-shaped 9,9′-bifluorenylidene cyclic dimer (CBF), in which the two 9,9′-bifluorenylidene units are connected directly with two covalent bonds.
Transition metal-free aminofluorination of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones: base-controlled regioselective synthesis of fluorinated dihydropyrazole and tetrahydropyridazine derivatives
Authors: Zhao Juan , Jiang Min , Liu Jin-Tao
Published: January 2018

Various base-controlled regioselective reactions of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones with Selectfluor were achieved under transition metal-free conditions.
Highly meta-selective halogenation of 2-phenylpyridine with a ruthenium(i) catalyst
Authors: Reddy Ganapam Manohar , Rao Naidu Sambasiva , Maheswaran H.
Published: January 2018

A practical method for PhI(OCOCF3)2 mediated direct meta-C–H monohalogenation of 2-phenylpyridine and its derivatives via an Ru(i) catalyzed reaction is reported.
Efficient carbazole-based small-molecule organic solar cells with an improved fill factor
Authors: Liu Yongtao , Sun Yanna , Li Miaomiao , Feng Huanran , Ni Wang , Zhang Hongtao , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: January 2018

In this study, a new acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) small molecule, DI3TCz, with carbazole as the central unit and 1,3-indanedione as the end group, was designed and synthesized for application in organic solar cells.
N-doped carbon dots from phenol derivatives for excellent colour rendering WLEDs
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Danting , Zhu Zhifeng , Yu Shimeng , Zhang Yan , Yu Dabin , Jiang Yang
Published: January 2018

Yellow-green photoluminescence carbon dots with different quantum yields were realized and used to fabricate white LEDs.
Conducting polymer-coated MIL-101/S composite with scale-like shell structure for improving Li–S batteries
Authors: Jin Wen-Wu. , Li He-Jun. , Zou Ji-Zhao. , Zeng Shao-Zhong. , Li Qing-Duan. , Xu Guo-Zhong. , Sheng Hong-Chao. , Wang Bei-Bei. , Si Yun-Hui. , Yu Liang. , Zeng Xie-Rong.
Published: January 2018

Lithium–sulfur batteries are regarded as a promising energy storage system.
Occurrence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and their associated environmental risks in Guanting Reservoir and its upstream rivers in north China
Authors: Zhang Panwei , Zhou Huaidong , Li Kun , Zhao Xiaohui , Liu Qiaona , Li Dongjiao , Zhao Gaofeng , Wang Liang
Published: January 2018

Eighteen selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were detected in surface water and sediments from the Guanting Reservoir (GTR) and its upstream rivers.
Pervaporation separation of ethyl acetate from aqueous solutions using ZSM-5 filled dual-layer poly(ether-block-amide)/polyethersulfone membrane
Authors: Vatani M. , Raisi A. , Pazuki G.
Published: January 2018

Dual-layer mixed matrix membranes were prepared by incorporating ZSM-5 zeolite into PEBA as an active layer on the PES membrane as a support layer for pervaporation separation of EAc from the EAc/water mixtures.
Bifunctional CO oxidation over Mn-mullite anchored Pt sub-nanoclustersviaatomic layer deposition
Authors: Liu Xiao , Tang Yuanting , Shen Meiqing , Li Wei , Chu Shengqi , Shan Bin , Chen Rong
Published: January 2018

Highly dispersed Pt sub-nanoclusters are anchored on SmMn2O5mullitesviaatomic layer deposition, and show excellent low-temperature CO oxidation activity.
Polyacrylamide “revisited”: UCST-type reversible thermoresponsive properties in aqueous alcoholic solutions
Authors: Asadujjaman Asad , Espinosa de Oliveira Tiago , Mukherji Debashish , Bertin Annabelle
Published: January 2018

Polyacrylamide shows experimentally a UCST-type phase transition behaviour in water/alcohol mixtures, which was confirmed by molecular dynamics simulations.
Surface elastic constants of a soft solid
Authors: Xu Qin , Style Robert W. , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: January 2018

Solid interfaces have intrinsic elasticity.
Thin CuOx-based nanosheets for efficient phenol removal benefitting from structural memory and ion exchange of layered double oxides
Authors: Guo Siyi , Jiang Yongrong , Li Liuyi , Huang Xiangdong , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: January 2018

Thin CuOx-based nanosheets with structural memory were prepared by ions exchange of layered double oxides for efficient phenol removal.
Interdigitated back-contacted crystalline silicon solar cells with low-temperature dopant-free selective contacts
Authors: Masmitjà G. , Ortega P. , Puigdollers J. , Gerling L. G. , Martín I. , Voz C. , Alcubilla R.
Published: January 2018

A new Al2O3/TiO2/Mg electron-contact scheme together with a V2Ox-based hole-contact is applied to cold-IBC solar cells achieving efficiencies beyond 19%.
Correction: Phosphorus-doped carbon–carbon nanotube hierarchical monoliths as true three-dimensional electrodes in supercapacitor cells
Authors: Patiño Julián , López-Salas Nieves , Gutiérrez María C. , Carriazo Daniel , Ferrer M. Luisa , Monte Francisco del
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Phosphorus-doped carbon–carbon nanotube hierarchical monoliths as true three-dimensional electrodes in supercapacitor cells’ by Julián Patiño et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 1251–1263.
A silk-based coating containing GREDVY peptide and heparin on Mg–Zn–Y–Nd alloy: improved corrosion resistance, hemocompatibility and endothelialization
Authors: Wang Pei , Xiong Pan , Liu Jing , Gao Shuang , Xi Tingfei , Cheng Yan
Published: January 2018

This work explores a multifunctional surface coating with anti-corrosion, anti-coagulation and quick re-endothelialization properties for MgZnYNd alloy stent application.
Magnetic resonance imaging quantification and biodistribution of magnetic nanoparticles using T1-enhanced contrast
Authors: Lv Y. B. , Chandrasekharan P. , Li Y. , Liu X. L. , P. Avila J. , Yang Y. , Chuang K. H. , Liang Xing-Jie , Ding J.
Published: January 2018

Monodispersed 4 nm Gd-doped iron oxide nanoparticles (GdIONPs) were fabricated, and were as T1-weighted contrast agents to confirm the feasibility of non-invasively quantify and monitor IONPs in vivo based on MRI longitudinal relaxation times.
Skin and respiratory chemical allergy: confluence and divergence in a hybrid adverse outcome pathway
Authors: Kimber Ian , Poole Alan , Basketter David A.
Published: January 2018

Sensitisation of the respiratory tract to chemicals resulting in respiratory allergy and allergic asthma is an important occupational health problem, and presents toxicologists with no shortage of challenges. A major issue is that there are no validated or, even widely recognised, methods available for the identification and characterisation of chemical respiratory allergens, or for distinguishing respiratory allergens from contact allergens. The first objective here has been review what is known (and what is not known) of the mechanisms through which chemicals induce sensitisation of the respiratory tract, and to use this information to construct a hybrid Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) that combines consideration of both skin and respiratory sensitisation. The intention then has been to use the construction of this hybrid AOP to identify areas of commonality/confluence, and areas of departure/divergence, between skin sensitisation and sensitisation of the respiratory tract. The hybrid AOP not only provides a mechanistic understanding of how the processes of skin and respiratory sensitisation differ, buy also a means of identifying areas of uncertainty about chemical respiratory allergy that benefit from a further investment in research.
1D–2D hybrids as efficient optoelectronic materials: a study on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets wrapped with zinc oxide rods
Authors: Sett A. , Das D. , Banerjee D. , Ghorai U. K. , Das N. S. , Das B. , Chattopadhyay K. K.
Published: January 2018

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) wrapped with graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheet (NS) hybrids have been synthesized by a simple chemical process.
Capturing Cd2+ ions from wastewater using PVA/α-MnO2–oleic acid nanocomposites
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Motirasoul Forough
Published: January 2018

A poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite containing α-MnO2–oleic acid has been fabricated as an efficient adsorbent for capturing Cd2+ ions from aqueous solution.
A carbon–oxygen-bridged hexacyclic ladder-type building block for low-bandgap nonfullerene acceptors
Authors: Li Ting , Zhang Honghong , Xiao Zuo , Rech Jeromy J. , Niu Helin , You Wei , Ding Liming
Published: January 2018

A ladder-type unit (COi6) and three related acceptors were developed. FTAZ:COi6FIC solar cells gave a power conversion efficiency of 9.12%.
Correction: A tetramer micelle: the smallest aggregation number corresponding to the vertex number of regular polyhedra in platonic micelles
Authors: Fujii Shota , Takahashi Rintaro , Lee Ji Ha , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘A tetramer micelle: the smallest aggregation number corresponding to the vertex number of regular polyhedra in platonic micelles’ by Shota Fujii et al., Soft Matter, 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c7sm02028g.
Loss of ABCB4 attenuates the caspase-dependent apoptosis regulating resistance to 5-Fu in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hu Hanqing , Wang Meng , Guan Xu , Yuan Ziming , Liu Zheng , Zou Chaoxia , Wang Guiyu , Gao Xu , Wang Xishan
Published: January 2018

The adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) is a large group of proteins involved in material transportation, cellular homeostasis, and closely associated with chemoresistance. ATP-binding cassette protein B4 (ABCB4) is a member of ABCs which has a similar structure to ABCB1, but fewer researches were performed. The present study is aimed to investigate the putative mechanism of ABCB4 in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) resistance. Then, we found that ABCB4 was significantly down-regulated in the 5-Fu resistant HCT8 cell lines by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. The knockdown of ABCB4 by small interfering RNA decreased the apoptosis by 5-Fu in resistant HCT8R cell lines without influencing the proliferation. Also, we found a lower expression of cleaved caspase and PARP by Western blot after the knockdown of ABCB4. However, the knockdown of ABCB4 did not influence the proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, the histological detection of ABCB4 mRNA level in human colorectal cancer tissues and even in the recurrent tissues after 5-Fu single-agent chemotherapy was employed to provide more concrete evidence that ABCB4 may be a tumor suppressor gene to regulate chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Moreover, a 109-patient cohort revealed that ABCB4 predicted a poor recurrence-free survival and overall survival. In summary, ABCB4 was down-regulated in the 5-Fu resistant cells and knockdown of ABCB4 alleviated the cell apoptosis and predicts a shorter recurrence-free survival and overall survival.
Elevated vasopressin in pregnant mice induces T-helper subset alterations consistent with human preeclampsia
Authors: Scroggins Sabrina M. , Santillan Donna A. , Lund Jenna M. , Sandgren Jeremy A. , Krotz Lindsay K. , Hamilton Wendy S. , Devor Eric J. , Davis Heather A. , Pierce Gary L. , Gibson-Corley Katherine N. , Sigmund Curt D. , Grobe Justin L. , Santillan Mark K.
Published: January 2018

The pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PreE), a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, involves imbalanced T helper (TH) cell populations and resultant changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine release. Elevated copeptin (an inert biomarker of arginine vasopressin (AVP)), secretion precedes the development of symptoms in PreE in humans, and infusion of AVP proximal to and throughout gestation is sufficient to initiate cardiovascular and renal phenotypes of PreE in wild-type C57BL/6J mice. We hypothesize that AVP infusion in wild-type mice is sufficient to induce the immune changes observed in human PreE. AVP infusion throughout gestation in mice resulted in increased pro-inflammatory interferon γ (IFNg) (TH1) in the maternal plasma. The TH17-associated cytokine interleukin (IL)-17 was elevated in the maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, and placenta following AVP infusion. Conversely, the TH2-associated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was decreased in the maternal and fetal kidneys from AVP-infused dams, while IL-10 was decreased in the maternal kidney and all fetal tissues. Collectively, these results demonstrate the sufficiency of AVP to induce the immune changes typical of PreE. We investigated if T cells can respond directly to AVP by evaluating the expression of AVP receptors (AVPRs) on mouse and human CD4+ T cells. Mouse and human T cells expressed AVPR1a, AVPR1b, and AVPR2. The expression of AVPR1a was decreased in CD4+ T cells obtained from PreE-affected women. In total, our data are consistent with a potential initiating role for AVP in the immune dysfunction typical of PreE and identifies putative signaling mechanism(s) for future investigation.
Well-Being and Resilience in Children With Speech and Language Disorders
Authors: Lyons Rena , Roulstone Sue
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Children with speech and language disorders are at risk in relation to psychological and social well-being. The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of these children from their own perspectives focusing on risks to their well-being and protective indicators that may promote resilience.

Method

Eleven 9- to 12-year-old children (4 boys and 7 girls) were recruited using purposeful sampling. One participant presented with a speech sound disorder, 1 presented with both a speech and language disorder, and 9 with language disorders. All were receiving additional educational supports. Narrative inquiry, a qualitative design, was employed. Data were generated in home and school settings using multiple semi-structured interviews with each child over a 6-month period. A total of 59 interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed to identify themes in relation to potential risk factors to well-being and protective strategies.

Results

Potential risk factors in relation to well-being were communication impairment and disability, difficulties with relationships, and concern about academic achievement. Potential protective strategies were hope, agency, and positive relationships.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of listening to children's narratives so that those at risk in relation to well-being can be identified. Conceptualization of well-being and resilience within an ecological framework may enable identification of protective strategies at both individual and environmental levels that can be strengthened to mitigate negative experiences.
Recursive regularisation parameter selection for sparse RLS algorithm
Authors: Sun Dajun , Liu Lu , Zhang Youwen
Published: January 2018

In this Letter, the authors propose a recursive regularisation parameter selection method for sparse recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. The proposed RLS algorithm is regularised by a convex function, which equals the linear combination of two convex functions, one to cope with random sparsity, and the other to cope with group sparsity. The normal equations corresponding to the RLS algorithm with the proposed convex regularised penalty function are derived, and a recursive algorithm to update the regularisation parameters (i.e. the coefficients of the linear combination) is proposed. As an example, by using the linear combination of an ‐norm and an ‐norm as the penalty function, simulation results show that the proposed sparse RLS with recursive regularisation parameter selection can achieve better performance in terms of mean square error for a slowly time‐varying sparse system with both random sparsity and group sparsity.
Antireflection properties of composite zeolite gold nanoparticles film
Authors: Fiorillo A.S. , Pullano S.A. , Rudenko S.P. , Stetsenko M.O. , Maksimenko L.S. , Krishchenko I.M. , Synyuk V.S.
Published: January 2018

The influence of gold nanoparticles on the antireflection properties of a thin film of zeolite 3A has been investigated. A low‐temperature technique combining zeolite deposition with pulsed‐laser gold deposition was used for the fabrication of a composite thin film on a silicon substrate. Experimental results obtained by modulation‐polarisation spectroscopy showed that the antireflection effects in polarised electromagnetic radiation can achieve a decreased degree of reflectivity in a wide spectral range due to the presence of plasmonic nanoparticles on the surface of the film.
Intelligent control of grid‐connected AC–DC–AC converters for a WECS based on T–S fuzzy interconnected systems modelling
Authors: Harrabi Naziha , Souissi Mansour , Aitouche Abdel , Chaabane Mohamed
Published: January 2018

Control of power converters is undoubtedly an essential issue in wind‐energy systems. This study focuses on the development of a control scheme dedicated to a wind‐energy conversion system (WECS) based on Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model. The treated system includes a wind turbine followed by a permanent magnet synchronous generator and power electronic converters. After describing the elements constituting the WECS, the main objectives of control are to extract the maximum amount of available power and to control the DC‐bus voltage. The proposed approach is based on the concept of decentralised stabilisation. First, as to reduce the complexity of the system, the WECS is divided into two interconnected non‐linear subsystems. Then, each subsystem is represented by a T–S fuzzy model. Using the parallel distributed compensation concept, a decentralised fuzzy controller is synthesised for each subsystem. Sufficient conditions are derived from Lyapunov theory and the local feedback gains for each controller are calculated by using linear matrix inequalities tools. Therefore, the whole closed‐loop fuzzy system is stable using the elaborated fuzzy control scheme. Simulation results are included to show the performance of the proposed algorithm.
Long‐term impact of variable generation and demand side flexibility on thermal power generation
Authors: Helistö Niina , Kiviluoma Juha , Holttinen Hannele
Published: January 2018

This study presents the potential role of thermal power generation in a future power system with high shares of variable generation while considering different sources of demand side flexibility such as heat pumps and heat storages in district heating, demand response from industries and electric vehicles. The study was carried out using a generation planning model combined with a unit commitment and economic dispatch model. The results from the planning model show a strong shift away from combined cycle gas turbines to open cycle gas turbines and gas engines as the share of wind power and solar photovoltaic increases. Demand side flexibility measures pushed this trend further. The results from the unit commitment and economic dispatch model demonstrate that the flexibility measures decrease the ramping frequency of thermal units, while the ramp rates of thermal units remain largely unchanged or increased. This indicates that the flexibility measures can cover smaller ramps in the net load more cost‐effectively but that thermal power plants are still valuable for larger ramps. Impacts on emissions and electricity prices are also explored.
Asymptotic Analysis of the parton branching equation at LHC Energies
Authors: Wang W. Y. , Lau H. P. , Leong Q. , Chan A. H. , Oh C. H.
Published: January 2018

An asymptotic solution to the QCD parton branching equation is derived using the method of Laplace transformation and saddle point approximation. The distribution is applied to charged particle multiplicity distributions in proton-proton collisions at √s = 0.9, 2.36, and 7 TeV for |ƞ| < 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.4, and 8 TeV for |ƞ| < 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, as well as 13 TeV data for |ƞ| < 0.8 and 2.5.
Locating the critical end point using the linear sigma model coupled to quarks.
Authors: Ayala Alejandro , Flores J. A. , Hernández L. A. , Hernández-Ortiz S.
Published: January 2018

We use the linear sigma model coupled to quarks to compute the effective potential beyond the mean field approximation, including the contribution of the ring diagrams at finite temperature and baryon density. We determine the model couplings and use them to study the phase diagram in the baryon chemical potential-temperature plane and to locate the Critical End Point.