bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liprin-α-1 is a novel component of the murine neuromuscular junction and is involved in the organization of the postsynaptic machinery
Authors: Bernadzki Krzysztof M. , Gawor Marta , Pęziński Marcin , Mazurek Paula , Niewiadomski Paweł , Rędowicz Maria J. , Prószyński Tomasz J.
Published: August 2017

Neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are specialized synapses that connect motor neurons to skeletal muscle fibers and orchestrate proper signal transmission from the nervous system to muscles. The efficient formation and maintenance of the postsynaptic machinery that contains acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are indispensable for proper NMJ function. Abnormalities in the organization of synaptic components often cause severe neuromuscular disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. The dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex (DGC) was shown to play an important role in NMJ development. We recently identified liprin-α-1 as a novel binding partner for one of the cytoplasmic DGC components, α-dystrobrevin-1. In the present study, we performed a detailed analysis of localization and function of liprin-α-1 at the murine NMJ. We showed that liprin-α-1 localizes to both pre- and postsynaptic compartments at the NMJ, and its synaptic enrichment depends on the presence of the nerve. Using cultured muscle cells, we found that liprin-α-1 plays an important role in AChR clustering and the organization of cortical microtubules. Our studies provide novel insights into the function of liprin-α-1 at vertebrate neuromuscular synapses.
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Emplacement by Advanced Laparoscopy: 8-year Experience from a Medical Center of China
Authors: Mo Min , Ju Yongle , Hu Haitang , Zhang Wei , Pan Jianyi , Zheng Qingkun , Chen Jinzhong , Su Lijuan , Dou Xianrui
Published: August 2017

Laparoscopic experience and relevant reports about PD catheter emplacement in Chinese patients are seldom. In this study, we described our experience with advanced laparoscopy for PD catheter implantation in Chinese patients. There were one hundred and thirty Chinese patients accepted advanced laparoscopic approach for PD catheter emplacement in this study. Six of 26 patients with prior abdominal operations had abdominal adhesion, while six of 104 patients without prior abdominal surgeries showed abdominal adhesion. Operation time required 10 to 180 minutes. During a mean follow-up time of 26.46 months, the catheter complications were shown as outflow obstruction (n = 6, 4.62%), pericatheter leaking (n = 3, 2.31%), hydrocele of tunica vaginalis (n = 1, 0.77% in all), and umbilical hernia (n = 2, 1.54%). Cumulative revision-free survival probability for catheter loss from mechanical complications at 8 years was 0.95. During the postoperative follow-up ranged between 6 and 106 months, 98 patients (75.38%) were still on CAPD, 17 patients (13.08%) died, 8 patients (6.15%) were transferred to hemodialysis, 6 patients (4.62%) received kidney transplantation, and 1 patient (0.77%) showed improved renal function. These results showed that PD catheter placement with advanced laparoscopy is a safe and effective approach in Chinese patients with or without prior abdominal surgeries.
Adult-Onset Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy caused by BEST1 p.Ile38Ser Mutation is a Mild Form of Best Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy
Authors: Jun Ikhyun , Lee Joon Suk , Lee Ji Hwan , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Choi Seung-il , Gee Heon Yung , Lee Min Goo , Kim Eung Kweon
Published: August 2017

Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy (AVMD) is a common and benign macular degeneration which can be caused by BEST1 mutation. Here, we investigated the clinical characteristics associated with a newly identified BEST1 mutation, p.Ile38Ser and confirmed the associated physiological functional defects. The 51-year-old patient presented bilateral small subretinal yellow deposits. Consistent with AVMD, the corresponding lesions showed hyperautofluorescence, late staining in fluorescein angiography, and subretinal hyper-reflective materials in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the patient presented with a heterozygous p.Ile38Ser BEST1 mutation. Surface biotinylation and patch clamp experiments were performed in transfected HEK293T cells. Although, the identified BEST1 mutant maintains normal membrane expression, p.Ile38Ser mutant showed significantly smaller currents than wild type (WT). However, it showed larger currents than other BEST1 mutants, p.Trp93Cys, causing autosomal dominant best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), and p.Ala195Val, causing autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB). The cells expressing both WT and each BEST1 mutant showed that the functional defect of p.Ile38ser was milder than that of p.Trp93Cys, whereas combination of p.Ala195Val with WT showed good current. We identified and described the phenotype and in vitro functions of a novel BEST1 mutation causing AVMD. AVMD induced by p.Ile38Ser BEST1 mutation is a mild form of BVMD.
Cyclocarya paliurus tea leaves enhances pancreatic β cell preservation through inhibition of apoptosis
Authors: Xiao Hai-tao , Wen Bo , Ning Zi-wan , Zhai Li-xiang , Liao Cheng-hui , Lin Cheng-yuan , Mu Huai-xue , Bian Zhao-xiang
Published: August 2017

Leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus are a sweet tea traditionally used to treat obesity and diabetes in China. However, its protective mechanisms against hyperglycemia remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the extract of C. paliurus leaves significantly decreased body loss, food intake and blood glucose level, and increased blood insulin level, β-cell number and insulin-producing β cells in high-fat diet-low dose STZ-induced diabetic mice. In vivo and in vitro studies also showed the extract of C. paliurus leaves significantly inhibited pancreatic β cell apoptosis by suppressing the expression of caspase 8, caspase 9 and cleaved caspase-3, as well as Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, down-regulating p38, ERK and JNK phosphorylation, and up-regulating Akt phosphorylation. These effects were significantly enhanced by inhibitor p-38 or ERK or JNK, and counteracted by inhibitor of PI3K. In addition, the extract of C. paliurus leaves also significantly improved hepatic steatosis, nephropathy and cardiac hypertrophy of diabetic mice. Taken together, these results provide the insight into the effects of C. paliurus leaves on pancreatic β cell preservation in standing glucolipotoxicity. Therefore, C. paliurus tea leaves may be used as a new remedy for diabetes through enhancing pancreatic β cell preservation by inhibiting β cell apoptosis.
Fungal lifestyle reflected in serine protease repertoire
Authors: Muszewska Anna , Stepniewska-Dziubinska Marta M. , Steczkiewicz Kamil , Pawlowska Julia , Dziedzic Agata , Ginalski Krzysztof
Published: August 2017

Fungi are able to switch between different lifestyles in order to adapt to environmental changes. Their ecological strategy is connected to their secretome as fungi obtain nutrients by secreting hydrolytic enzymes to their surrounding and acquiring the digested molecules. We focus on fungal serine proteases (SPs), the phylogenetic distribution of which is barely described so far. In order to collect a complete set of fungal proteases, we searched over 600 fungal proteomes. Obtained results suggest that serine proteases are more ubiquitous than expected. From 54 SP families described in MEROPS Peptidase Database, 21 are present in fungi. Interestingly, 14 of them are also present in Metazoa and Viridiplantae – this suggests that, except one (S64), all fungal SP families evolved before plants and fungi diverged. Most representatives of sequenced eukaryotic lineages encode a set of 13–16 SP families. The number of SPs from each family varies among the analysed taxa. The most abundant are S8 proteases. In order to verify hypotheses linking lifestyle and expansions of particular SP, we performed statistical analyses and revealed previously undescribed associations. Here, we present a comprehensive evolutionary history of fungal SP families in the context of fungal ecology and fungal tree of life.
BHX, a novel pyrazoline derivative, inhibits breast cancer cell invasion by reversing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and down-regulating Wnt/β-catenin signalling
Authors: Bao Hanmei , Zhang Qing , Zhu Zhongling , Xu Hui , Ding Fengxia , Wang Meisa , Du Shuangshuang , Du Yibo , Yan Zhao
Published: August 2017

The novel pyrazoline derivative, BHX, has recently been shown to exhibit potent anti-tumour activity by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, its effect on breast cancer growth and invasion are unknown. Our results show that BHX suppresses MDA-MB-231 cell viability and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner, and induces apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest. BHX-treated breast cancer cells showed morphological characteristics of cells undergoing apoptosis. Furthermore, BHX inhibited cell migration and invasion, which was associated with increased E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression, and down-regulation of SNAIL and vimentin. In addition, BHX induced the generation of intracellular ROS and decreased β-catenin protein and mRNA expression. We used a mouse xenograft model to investigate the effects of BHX in vivo, where the growth of MDA-MB-231 xenografted tumours was suppressed in nude mice treated continuously with BHX for 21 days. Finally, the rat plasma concentration of BHX was measured by ultra-performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and the pharmacokinetic parameters of BHX were processed by non-compartmental analysis. In conclusion, BHX merits further study as a novel therapeutic small molecule for the treatment of breast cancer.
Differential neurophysiological correlates of information processing in Internet gaming disorder and alcohol use disorder measured by event-related potentials
Authors: Park Minkyung , Kim Yeon Jin , Kim Dai Jin , Choi Jung-Seok
Published: August 2017

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) shares clinical and neuropsychological features with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but few studies have identified the neurophysiological characteristics of IGD. We investigated the N100 and P300 event-related potentials (ERPs) in patients with IGD to compare them with those of patients with AUD and healthy controls (HCs). Twenty-six patients with IGD, 22 patients with AUD, and 29 HCs participated in this study. ERPs were acquired from young male adults during an auditory oddball task. Between-group differences in N100 and P300 were investigated separately using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Correlations between the ERP values and neurocognitive functioning of each group were examined. Both the IGD and AUD groups showed reduced P300 amplitudes at the midline central and parietal area compared with the HCs. The IGD exhibited reduced N100 amplitudes at the midline frontal area compared with the HCs. The reduced P300 were correlated with a higher spatial span error rate in the IGD. The reduced N100 and P300 were not correlated with Internet addiction severity scores in the IGD. These results indicate that IGD have abnormalities in the P300 comparable to those in AUD. Moreover, the reduction in N100 could be considered a candidate trait marker for IGD.
Study on Physio-chemical Properties of plasma polymerization in C2H2/N2 plasma and Their Impact on COL X
Authors: Ghafouri Samaneh , Abdijahed Sara , Farivar Shirin , Hosseini Seyed Iman , Rezaei Fatemeh , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Shokri Babak
Published: August 2017

Nitrogen-containing plasma polymerization is of considerable interest for tissue engineering due to their properties on cell adhesion and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) response. In this study, low-pressure RF plasma of acetylene and nitrogen was used to deposit nitrogen-containing plasma polymerized coatings on several substrates. Deposition kinetics and surface characteristics of coatings were investigated in terms of RF power and gas flow ratio. OES was used to monitor the plasma process and investigate the relation between the film structure and plasma species. Presence of several bonds and low concentration of amine functional groups were determined using FTIR and Colorimetric methods. Contact angle goniometry results indicated about 30% increase in surface hydrophilicity. Stability of coatings in air and two different liquid environments was examined by repeating surface free energy measurements. Deposited films exhibited acceptable stability during the storage duration. Surface roughness measured by AFM was found to decrease with growing concentration of nitrogen. The deposition rate increased with increasing RF power and decreased with growing concentration of nitrogen. Zeta potential measurements of coatings revealed the negative potential on the surface of the thin films. Temporary suppression of collagen X in the presence of plasma coatings was confirmed by RT-PCR results.
Condition-dependence of pheomelanin-based coloration in nuthatches Sitta europaea suggests a detoxifying function: implications for the evolution of juvenile plumage patterns
Authors: Galván Ismael
Published: August 2017

Adult-like juvenile plumage patterns often signal genotypic quality to parents. During adulthood, the same patterns often signal quality to mates. This has led to assume that adult-like juvenile plumage is a developmental consequence of sexual selection operating in adults. Many of these patterns are produced by the pigment pheomelanin, whose synthesis may help remove toxic excess cysteine. Excess cysteine is likely to arise under conditions of relatively low stress, such as those experienced by nestling birds. Thus, adult-like plumage may be advantageous for juveniles if produced by pheomelanin. In the Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea, juveniles are sexually dichromatic and identical to adults. Nestling nuthatches in poorer condition develop more intense pheomelanin-based feathers, indicating greater pigment production. The same is not observed in adults. This is contrary to a function related to signaling quality and instead suggests that, at least in the Eurasian nuthatch, adult-like juvenile plumage has evolved because of the detoxifying function of pheomelanin-based pigmentation. Given the prevalence of colors typically conferred by pheomelanin in juvenile plumage patterns, the detoxifying capacity of pheomelanin under low stress levels should be considered as an explanation for the evolution of both adult-like and distinctively juvenile plumage patterns.
Research on the control strategy of distributed energy resources inverter based on improved virtual synchronous generator
Authors: Gao Changwei , Liu Xiaoming , Chen Hai
Published: August 2017

This paper focus on the power fluctuations of the virtual synchronous generator(VSG) during the transition process. An improved virtual synchronous generator(IVSG) control strategy based on feed-forward compensation is proposed. Adjustable parameter of the compensation section can be modified to achieve the goal of reducing the order of the system. It can effectively suppress the power fluctuations of the VSG in transient process. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy for distributed energy resources inverter, the simulation model is set up in MATLAB/SIMULINK platform and physical experiment platform is established. Simulation and experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed IVSG control strategy.
Magnetic Nanoparticle Assisted Self-assembly of Cell Penetrating Peptides-Oligonucleotides Complexes for Gene Delivery
Authors: Dowaidar Moataz , Abdelhamid Hani Nasser , Hällbrink Mattias , Freimann Krista , Kurrikoff Kaido , Zou Xiaodong , Langel Ülo
Published: August 2017

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs, Fe3O4) incorporated into the complexes of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs)-oligonucleotides (ONs) promoted the cell transfection for plasmid transfection, splice correction, and gene silencing efficiencies. Six types of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs; PeptFect220 (denoted PF220), PF221, PF222, PF223, PF224 and PF14) and three types of gene therapeutic agents (plasmid (pGL3), splicing correcting oligonucleotides (SCO), and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were investigated. Magnetic nanoparticles incorporated into the complexes of CPPs-pGL3, CPPs-SCO, and CPPs-siRNA showed high cell biocompatibility and efficiently transfected the investigated cells with pGL3, SCO, and siRNA, respectively. Gene transfer vectors formed among PF14, SCO, and MNPs (PF14-SCO-MNPs) showed a superior transfection efficiency (up to 4-fold) compared to the noncovalent PF14-SCO complex, which was previously reported with a higher efficiency compared to commercial vector called Lipofectamine™2000. The high transfection efficiency of the new complexes (CPPs-SCO-MNPs) may be attributed to the morphology, low cytotoxicity, and the synergistic effect of MNPs and CPPs. PF14-pDNA-MNPs is an efficient complex for in vivo gene delivery upon systemic administration. The conjugation of CPPs-ONs with inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) may open new venues for selective and efficient gene therapy.
Assembly of a functional and responsive microstructure by heat bonding of DNA-grafted colloidal brick
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Toyabe Shoichi
Published: August 2017

A micromachine constructed to possess various chemical and mechanical functions is one of the ultimate targets of technology. Conventional lithographic processes can be used to form complicated structures. However, they are basically limited to rigid and static structures with poor surface properties. Here, we demonstrate a novel method for assembling responsive and functional microstructures from diverse particles modified with DNA strands. The DNA strands are designed to form hairpins at room temperature and denature when heated. Structures are assembled through the simultaneous manipulation and heating of particles with “hot” optical tweezers, which incorporates the particles one by one. The flexible connection formed by DNA strands allows the responsive deformation of the structures with local controllability of the structural flexibility. We assembled a microscopic robot arm actuated by an external magnet, a hinge structure with a locally controlled connection flexibility and a three-dimensional double helix structure. The method is simple and can also be applied to build complex biological tissues from cells.
Target-induced cyclic DNAzyme formation for colorimetric and chemiluminescence imaging assay of protein biomarkers
Authors: Yang Kaili , Huo Min , Guo Yuehua , Yang Yizhuo , Wu Jie , Ding Lin , Ju Huangxian
Published: August 2017

A target-induced cyclic strategy for DNAzyme formation was developed for simple and sensitive colorimetric and chemiluminescence detection of protein biomarkers.
Liquid–liquid extraction as a sample preparation procedure for the determination of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in biodiesel
Authors: Barros Ariane Isis , de Oliveira Adriana Paiva , Gomes Neto José Anchieta , Villa Ricardo Dalla
Published: August 2017

Liquid–liquid extraction as a sample preparation procedure was employed for the determination of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in biodiesel by LS FAAS and Na and K by FP.
A silver/graphene oxide nanocomposite film as a flexible SERS substrate for reliable quantitative analysis using high-speed spiral scanning spectrometry
Authors: Choi Yejung , Song Si Won , Hooch Antink Wytse , Kim Hyung Min , Piao Yuanzhe
Published: August 2017

Excellent uniformity (∼1.5% RSD) in SERS signals was obtained from an Ag/GO decorated adhesive tape on a simple in-house cylindrical scanning system.
Hydrogen-bonded rosettes comprising π-conjugated systems as building blocks for functional one-dimensional assemblies
Authors: Adhikari Bimalendu , Lin Xu , Yamauchi Mitsuaki , Ouchi Hayato , Aratsu Keisuke , Yagai Shiki
Published: August 2017

One-dimensional nanoassemblies obtained by the columnar stacking of hydrogen-bonded supermacrocycles (rosettes) comprising π-conjugated molecules.
Rapid and specific luminescence sensing of Cu(ii) ions with a porphyrinic metal–organic framework
Authors: Li Linnan , Shen Sensen , Lin Ruoyun , Bai Yu , Liu Huwei
Published: August 2017

We herein present a porphyrinic metal–organic framework (MOF) as a highly sensitive fluorescent probe targeting Cu(ii) ions with a fast response.
Supramolecular chirality and symmetry breaking of fluoride complexes of achiral foldamers
Authors: Helttunen Kaisa , Annala Riia , Suhonen Aku , Nauha Elisa , Linnanto Juha , Nissinen Maija
Published: August 2017

Fluoride binding of achiral oligoamide foldamers produces polar and chiral crystal structures and induces exceptional symmetry breaking of the bulk sample.
Synthesis and characterization of HPHT large single-crystal diamonds under the simultaneous influence of oxygen and hydrogen
Authors: Fang Chao , Zhang Yuewen , Shen Weixia , Sun Shishuai , Zhang Zhuangfei , Xue Lisha , Jia Xiaopeng
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we report the influence of oxygen and hydrogen additives in the metal melt on the growth process, morphology, and defect-and-impurity structure of large single-crystal diamonds.
Significant enhancement of the selectivity of propylene epoxidation for propylene oxide: a molecular oxygen mechanism
Authors: Dai Yimeng , Chen Zongjia , Guo Yanglong , Lu Guanzhong , Zhao Yifang , Wang Haifeng , Hu P.
Published: August 2017

As an attractive and environmentally friendly process for propylene oxide (PO) production, direct epoxidation of propylene (DEP) with molecular oxygen catalyzed by metal-based catalysts such as Ag and Cu has drawn much attention, but remains one of the biggest challenges in chemistry.
Analyses of sizable ZFS and magnetic tensors of high spin metallocomplexes
Authors: Yamane Takeshi , Sugisaki Kenji , Nakagawa Tomoki , Matsuoka Hideto , Nishio Takahisa , Kinjyo Shigemori , Mori Nobuyuki , Yokoyama Satoshi , Kawashima Chika , Yokokura Naoki , Sato Kazunobu , Kanzaki Yuki , Shiomi Daisuke , Toyota Kazuo , Dolphin David H. , Lin Wei-Ching , McDowell Charles A. , Tadokoro Makoto , Takui Takeji
Published: August 2017

The exact and genuine Zeeman perturbation based analytical expressions of the eigen-energies/-functions and the geff–gtrue relationships for high spin metallocomplexes with sizable ZFS parameters are derived up to S = 7/2, determining the parameters for FeIII(Cl)OEP, CoIIOEP, and a ReIII,IV dinuclear complex.
Wheel-like, elongated, circular, and linear geometries in boron-based CnB7−n(n = 0–7) clusters: structural transitions and aromaticity
Authors: Feng Lin-Yan , Zhai Hua-Jin
Published: August 2017

Boron–carbon mixed clusters CnB7−n(n= 0–7) assume wheel-like, elongated, circular, and linear geometries, dictated by (π and σ) aromaticity and antiaromaticity.
Shallow trapping vs. deep polarons in a hybrid lead halide perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Kang Byungkyun , Biswas Koushik
Published: August 2017

Calculations show that small polarons are unstable in semiconducting hybrid perovskites, whereas shallow traps are possible and likely shape the carrier dynamics.
Trapping and sensing of hazardous insecticides by chemically modified single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arkamita , Ghosh Dibyajyoti , Pati Swapan K.
Published: August 2017

Computational study demonstrates transition metal incorporated nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes can efficiently trap various harmful insecticides at ambient condition.
Connection between macroscopic kinetic measurables and the degree of rate control
Authors: Jørgensen Mikkel , Grönbeck Henrik
Published: August 2017

Macroscopic kinetic measurables are linked to elementary reaction steps by the degree of rate control.
Formation of C–C, C–S and C–N bonds catalysed by supported copper nanoparticles
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Murashkina Arina V. , Martín-García Iris , Alonso Francisco , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: August 2017

Copper nanoparticles on different supports are effective reusable catalysts for the palladium- and ligand-free coupling of aryl halides with alkynes, thiols and azoles.
Carbon-nanotube sponges enabling highly efficient and reliable cell inactivation by low-voltage electroporation
Authors: Huo Zheng-Yang , Luo Yufeng , Xie Xing , Feng Chao , Jiang Kaili , Wang Jiaping , Hu Hong-Ying
Published: August 2017

Low-voltage (2 V) electroporation disinfection enabled by CNT sponge achieved highly efficient and reliable cell inactivation.
Photoorganocatalytic synthesis of lactones via a selective C–H activation–alkylation of alcohols
Authors: Kaplaneris Nikolaos , Bisticha Aikaterini , Papadopoulos Giorgos N. , Limnios Dimitris , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: August 2017

Photoorganocatalytic C–H activation of alcohols for the synthesis of lactones.
Acidic/amphiphilic silica nanoparticles: new eco-friendly Pickering interfacial catalysis for biodiesel production
Authors: Yang Bingyu , Leclercq Loïc , Clacens Jean-Marc , Nardello-Rataj Véronique
Published: August 2017

Silica nanoparticles have been designed by surface modification to stabilize solventless catalytic Pickering emulsions for effective biodiesel production.
Zirconocene-catalyzed direct (trans)esterification of acyl acids (esters) and alcohols in a strict 1 : 1 ratio under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Tang Zhi , Jiang Qiutao , Peng Lifen , Xu Xinhua , Li Jie , Qiu Renhua , Au Chak-Tong
Published: August 2017

A highly efficient way for the direct (trans)esterification of acyl acids (esters) and alcohols in a strict 1 : 1 ratio using a zirconocene complex (1, 1 mol%), a strong Lewis acid of good water tolerance, as a catalyst under solvent-free conditions has been developed.
Enabling miniaturised personalised diagnostics: from lab-on-a-chip to lab-in-a-drop
Authors: Koo Kevin M. , Wee Eugene J. H. , Wang Yuling , Trau Matt
Published: August 2017

“Lab-in-a-drop”: a miniaturised fabrication-free diagnostics platform by which traditional bioassays are downsized into a droplet and programmed for convenient detection.
Ag@Pd nanoparticles immobilized on a nitrogen-doped graphene carbon nanotube aerogel as a superb catalyst for the dehydrogenation of formic acid
Authors: Nabid Mohammad Reza , Bide Yasamin , Etemadi Bahare
Published: August 2017

Catalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid by silver palladium supported on a nitrogen-doped graphene carbon nanotube aerogel.
Brønsted–Lewis dual acidic ionic liquid immobilized on mesoporous silica materials as an efficient cooperative catalyst for Mannich reactions
Authors: Wang Hong Bo , Yao Nan , Wang Long , Hu Yu Lin
Published: August 2017

Novel mesoporous silica supported ILs have been prepared and successfully applied as a heterogeneous catalyst in Mannich reactions.
Three novel mononuclear Mn(iii)-based magnetic materials with square pyramidal versus octahedral geometries
Authors: Dolai Malay , Mondal Abhishake , Liu Jun-Liang , Ali Mahammad
Published: August 2017

Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that complexes 1 and 2 have square pyramidal geometry and 3 has octahedral geometry, which showed a dependence of negative anisotropy (D) values on the electronic, geometry and packing effects.
Supramolecular polymersomes constructed from water-soluble pillar[5]arene and cationic poly(glutamamide)s and their applications in targeted anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Guo Shuwen , Liang Tingxizi , Song Yongshang , Cheng Ming , Hu Xiao-Yu , Zhu Jun-Jie , Wang Leyong
Published: August 2017

Supramolecular polymersomes were successfully constructed using water-soluble pillar[5]arene and cationic poly(glutamamide)s for targeted anticancer drug delivery.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of anatase TiO2 for water splitting via surface codoping
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Huang Jing , Meng Jie , Li Qunxiang , Yang Jinlong
Published: August 2017

We explore the (Rh + F) surface codoping effect on anatase TiO2 (101) and (001) facets for solar water splitting by performing extensive density functional theory calculations.
Phytogenic magnetic nanoparticles for wastewater treatment: a review
Authors: Ali Imran , Peng Changsheng , Naz Iffat , Khan Zahid M. , Sultan Muhammad , Islam Tariqul , Abbasi Irfan Ahmed
Published: August 2017

Presently, there is an emerging research trend in the fabrication of the noble Phytogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles (PMNPs) and their application in the water/wastewater treatment (WWT).
Sensitive electrochemical determination of rifampicin using gold nanoparticles/poly-melamine nanocomposite
Authors: Amidi S. , Ardakani Y. Hosseinzadeh , Amiri-Aref M. , Ranjbari E. , Sepehri Z. , Bagheri H.
Published: August 2017

Green and facile method for fabrication of a conductive polymer–Au nanocomposite platform as a novel electrochemical sensing layer for rifampicin.
Metabolomics reveal the protective effect of Farfarae Flos against asthma using an OVA-induced rat model
Authors: Li Jing , Gao Wei , Gao Jining , Li Hong , Zhang Xiang , Qin Xuemei , Li Zhenyu
Published: August 2017

A1H NMR based metabolomics approach combined with biochemical assay and histopathological inspection has been employed to study the protective effect of PEFF against asthma on a rat model.
Characterization of blue-excited yellow phosphor (Y,Ca)6+x/3Si11(N,O)21:Ce by the bond valence sum model
Authors: Seto Takatoshi , Brik Mikhail G.
Published: August 2017

Our method of calculating Brown's bond valence sum clarified coordinations of N3− and O2− at each site in (Y,Ca)6+x/3Si11(N,O)21:Ce phosphor.
Targeted delivery of bromelain using dual mode nanoparticles: synthesis, physicochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Nasiri Rozita , Almaki Javad Hamzehalipour , Idris Ani , Nasiri Mahtab , Irfan Muhammad , Abdul Majid Fadzilah Adibah , Nodeh Hamid Rashidi , Hasham Rosnani
Published: August 2017

The engineering, characterization, and application of dual-functional delivery vehicle “SPIONs–Br–FA” are reported.
SAPO-34 with a low acidity outer layer by epitaxial growth and its improved MTO performance
Authors: Kong Chuiyan , Zhu Jiang , Liu Senyuan , Wang Yao
Published: August 2017

SAPO-34 catalyst with a low acidity outer layer was synthesized by epitaxial growth, and its MTO performance was improved.
Multi-responsive, bidirectional, and large deformation bending actuators based on borax cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol derivative hydrogel
Authors: Gao Liang , Guo Guoqiang , Liu Mengjuan , Tang Zeguo , Xie Liangxu , Huo Yanping
Published: August 2017

N-Alky-substituted carbamate-modified PVA as a layer material to enable multi-responsive, bidirectional and large deformation actuation.
An innovative strategy to obtain extraordinary specificity in immunofluorescent labeling and optical super resolution imaging of microtubules
Authors: Zong Shenfei , Chen Chen , Zhang Yizhi , Li Lang , Wang Zhuyuan , Cui Yiping
Published: August 2017

An innovative immunofluorescent labeling strategy for microtubules is presented, which can greatly reduce non-specific binding and improve the immunolabeling specificity.
Innovative gold-free carbon nanotube/chitosan-based competitive immunosensor for determination of HIV-related p24 capsid protein in serum
Authors: Giannetto M. , Costantini M. , Mattarozzi M. , Careri M.
Published: August 2017

The first competitive immunosensor for the determination of HIV-related p24 capsid protein, realized and validated in undiluted human serum.
Numerical study of the effect of wall temperature profiles on the premixed methane–air flame dynamics in a narrow channel
Authors: Kang Xin , Gollan Rowan J. , Jacobs Peter A. , Veeraragavan Ananthanarayanan
Published: August 2017

The effects of wall temperature profiles on micro-flame behaviours were studied with the underlying physics of the flame propagation provided.
Synthesis of poly(p-phenylene) containing a rhodamine 6G derivative for the detection of Fe(iii) in organic and aqueous media
Authors: Namgung Ho , Kim Jongho , Gwon Youngjin , Lee Taek Seung
Published: August 2017

A poly(p-phenylene) (PPP) containing rhodamine 6G (R6G) was synthesized by the Suzuki-coupling reaction, in which PPP acted as a blue-emitting energy donor and R6G acted as a ligand for Fe(iii) as well as the energy acceptor for Förster resonance energy transfer.
Aligned Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle films by magneto-electrospray method
Authors: Kartikowati Christina W. , Li Qing , Horie Shinji , Ogi Takashi , Iwaki Toru , Okuyama Kikuo
Published: August 2017

Application of magnetic field during film deposition by electrospray enhances the magnetic performances of the film. This enhancement increased as the diameter of the constituent nanoparticles increased.
Correction: Study on the efficient PV/TE characteristics of the self-assembled thin films based on bismuth telluride/cadmium telluride
Authors: Raman Vivekanandan , Punnoose Dinah , Baraneedharan Pari , Rao Sunkara Srinivasa , Gopi Chandu V. V. M. , R. Venkatesh , Brahadeeswaran S. , Kim Hee-Je
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘Study on the efficient PV/TE characteristics of the self-assembled thin films based on bismuth telluride/cadmium telluride’ by Vivekanandan Raman et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 6735–6742.
Correction: Adhesive-free adhesion between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) via heat-assisted plasma treatment
Authors: Ohkubo Y. , Ishihara K. , Sato H. , Shibahara M. , Nagatani A. , Honda K. , Endo K. , Yamamura K.
Published: August 2017

Correction for ‘Adhesive-free adhesion between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR) via heat-assisted plasma treatment’ by Y. Ohkubo et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 6432–6438.
Mechanistic analysis of a copper-catalyzed C–H oxidative cyclization of carboxylic acids
Authors: Banerjee Shibdas , Sathyamoorthi Shyam , Du Bois J. , Zare Richard N.
Published: August 2017

Experimental evidence supports a mechanism for oxidative conversion of carboxylic acids to lactones that initiates with C–H abstraction by sulfate radical anion. The reaction is found to proceed through a carbocationic intermediate with redox cycling of copper ion.
Reduction rate as a quantitative knob for achieving deterministic synthesis of colloidal metal nanocrystals
Authors: Yang Tung-Han , Gilroy Kyle D. , Xia Younan
Published: August 2017

The reduction rate of a salt precursor can be used as a quantitative knob for achieving deterministic synthesis of colloidal metal nanocrystals.
High rate and long cycle life porous carbon nanofiber paper anodes for potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Xiong Peixun , Meng Jianfang , Liang Yanqin , Wang Jiangwei , Xu Yunhua
Published: August 2017

Exceptional rate performance of porous carbon nanofiber anodes in potassium-ion batteries was demonstrated, showing that potassium-ion batteries are a promising system for low-cost and large scale energy storage applications.
Li-ion transport in a representative ceramic–polymer–plasticizer composite electrolyte: Li7La3Zr2O12–polyethylene oxide–tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether
Authors: Zheng Jin , Dang Heather , Feng Xuyong , Chien Po-Hsiu , Hu Yan-Yan
Published: August 2017

It is determined with isotope-replacement NMR that Li ions transport via TEGDME-containing phases in a representative composite electrolyte LLZO–PEO–TEGDME.
Inorganic adhesives for robust, self-healing, superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Liu Mingming , Hou Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Tie Lu , Peng Yubing , Guo Zhiguang
Published: August 2017

Inorganic adhesives are presented to construct robust, self-healing, superhydrophobic surfaces. The surfaces maintain superhydrophobicity after physical abrasion, and still show excellent mechanical robustness after treatment under harsh conditions. They also have a rapid self-healing ability against boiling-water treatment, O2-plasma etching, and amphiphilic pollution.
Hierarchical multi-shelled nanoporous mixed copper cobalt phosphide hollow microspheres as a novel advanced electrode for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Moosavifard Seyyed Ebrahim , Kaverlavani Saeid Kamari , Shamsi Javad , Bakouei Ali
Published: August 2017

Hierarchical multi-shelled nanoporous mixed copper cobalt phosphide microspheres have been for the first time developed as a novel advanced electrode with superior electrochemical properties.
A tumour microenvironment-responsive polymeric complex for targeted depletion of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs)
Authors: Wang Yu , Guo Guangxing , Feng Yanxian , Long Hongyan , Ma Dik-Lung , Leung Chung-Hang , Dong Lei , Wang Chunming
Published: August 2017

A dual-level targeting polymeric system to eliminate tumour-associated macrophages.
Improved surface imprinting based on a simplified mass-transfer process for the selective extraction of IgG
Authors: Ma Run-tian , Sun Xiao-yu , Ha Wei , Chen Juan , Shi Yan-ping
Published: August 2017

The adsorption and elution efficiencies of conventional MMIPs were almost doubled by preparing MMINs.
Protein–polysaccharide complexes for enhanced protein delivery in hyaluronic acid templated calcium carbonate microparticles
Authors: Ramalapa Bathabile , Crasson Oscar , Vandevenne Marylène , Gibaud Alain , Garcion Emmanuel , Cordonnier Thomas , Galleni Moreno , Boury Frank
Published: August 2017

Chimeric proteins facilitate protein–polysaccharide interactions for enhanced delivery and controlled release of proteins.
Polyethylenimine: a very useful ionic polymer in the design of immobilized enzyme biocatalysts
Authors: Virgen-Ortíz Jose J. , dos Santos José C. S. , Berenguer-Murcia Ángel , Barbosa Oveimar , Rodrigues Rafael C. , Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: August 2017

This review discusses the possible roles of polyethylenimine (PEI) in the design of improved immobilized biocatalysts from diverse perspectives.
Autophagy attenuates endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition by promoting Snail degradation in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zou Jin , Liu Yanhua , Li Bingong , Zheng Zeqi , Ke Xuan , Hao Yanqin , Li Xuelian , Li Xingxing , Liu Fuyou , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: August 2017

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) mainly exists in cardiovascular development and disease progression, and is well known to contribute to cardiac fibrosis. Recent studies indicated that autophagy also participates in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis. However, the precise role of autophagy in cardiac fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. The present study aimed to explore the role of autophagy in EndMT, reveal the underlying molecular mechanism, and seek new therapy for cardiac fibrosis. In the present study, we found that EndMT and autophagy were induced simultaneously by hypoxia in human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs). Rapamycin, an autophagy enhancer, attenuated EndMT with promoting angiogenesis, while 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ), agents that inhibit autophagy, accelerated the progression accompanied by the decrease in counts of tube formation under hypoxia conditions. Interestingly, intervening autophagy by rapamycin, 3-MA, or CQ did not affect hypoxia-induced autocrine TGFβ signaling, but changed the expression of Snail protein without alterations in the expression of Snail mRNA. Furthermore, the colocalization of LC3 and Snail indicated that autophagy might mediate Snail degradation under hypoxia conditions in HCMECs. Interaction of p62, the substrate of autophagy, with Snail by co-immunoprecipitation especially in hypoxia-incubated cells confirmed the hypothesis. In conclusion, autophagy serves as a cytoprotective mechanism against EndMT to promote angiogenesis by degrading Snail under hypoxia conditions, suggesting that autophagy targetted therapeutic strategies may be applicable for cardiac fibrosis by EndMT.
Circulating miR-200c is up-regulated in paediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia and correlates with miR-33a/b levels: implication of a ZEB1-dependent mechanism
Authors: D’Agostino Marco , Martino Francesco , Sileno Sara , Barillà Francesco , Beji Sara , Marchetti Lorenza , Gangi Fabio Maria , Persico Luca , Picozza Mario , Montali Anna , Martino Eliana , Zanoni Cristina , Avitabile Daniele , Parrotto Sandro , Capogrossi Maurizio Colognesi , Magenta Alessandra
Published: August 2017

Hypercholesterolaemia provokes reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. We previously showed that circulating miR-33a/b expression levels were up-regulated in children with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). miR-33a/b control cholesterol homoeostasis and recently miR-33b has been demonstrated to directly target the transcription factor zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). The latter acts in a negative feedback loop with the miR-200 family. Our previous studies showed that the ROS-dependent miR-200c up-regulation induces endothelial dysfunction and provokes a ZEB1-dependent apoptosis and senescence. In the present study, we aimed to verify whether circulating miR-200c was induced in FH children, and whether a correlation existed with miR-33a/b. Total RNA was extracted from plasma of 28 FH children and 25 age-matched healthy subjects (HS) and miR-200c levels were measured. We found that miR-200c was up-regulated in FH compared with HS (4.00 ± 0.48-fold increase, P<0.05) and exhibited a positive correlation with miR-33a/b. miR-200c did not correlate with plasma lipids, but correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels and glycaemia (GLI). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis revealed that miR-200c was significantly affected by GLI and by miR-33a (P<0.01; P<0.001 respectively). Moreover, we found that miR-33 overexpression, in different cell lines, decreased ZEB1 expression and up-regulated both the intracellular and the extracellular miR-200c expression levels. In conclusion, circulating miR-200c is up-regulated in FH, probably due to oxidative stress and inflammation and via a miR-33a/b-ZEB1-dependent mechanism. The present study could provide the first evidence to point to the use of miR-33a/b and miR-200c, as early biomarkers of CVD, in paediatric FH.
Novel approach for sleep disorder monitoring using a finite‐state machine for localities lacking specialist physicians
Authors: Swetapadma Aleena
Published: August 2017

This study proposes a novel method for sleep disorder monitoring based on a finite‐state machine (FSM) from various bio‐signals, namely electroencephalography (EEG), electro‐oculography (EOG) and electromyography (EMG) signals. The sleep signals have been obtained from physionet sleep repository, which includes horizontal EOG, submental‐EMG and EEG sampled at 100 Hz sampling frequency. Inputs given to the FSM‐based module are the processed signals from EMG, EEG and EOG signals. The FSM module for sleep analysis is composed of different states and the conditions to flow from one state to another state. In this study, two FSM modules are designed, one for sleep wave and another for sleep stage identification. Based on the outputs obtained from the above two FSM modules, the sleep disorder can be monitored. The accuracy of the proposed method has been calculated with percentage accuracy, false acceptance rate and false rejection ratio. The average classification accuracy of the finite‐state automaton (FSA)‐based method is up to 99% for all the tested fault cases. The proposed FSA method suggests a novel method and can be put to effective use in the rural areas for primary analysis.
Improving GRN re‐construction by mining hidden regulatory signals
Authors: Shi Ming , Shen Weiming , Chong Yanwen , Wang Hong‐Qiang
Published: August 2017

Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from gene expression data is an important but challenging issue in systems biology. Here, the authors propose a dictionary learning‐based approach that aims to infer GRNs by globally mining regulatory signals, known or latent. Gene expression is often regulated by various regulatory factors, some of which are observed and some of which are latent. The authors assume that all regulators are unknown for a target gene and the expression of the target gene can be mapped into a regulatory space spanned by all the regulators. Specifically, the authors modify the dictionary learning model, k ‐SVD, according to the sparse property of GRNs for mining the regulatory signals. The recovered regulatory signals are then used as a pool of regulatory factors to calculate a confidence score for a given transcription factor regulating a target gene. The capability of recovering hidden regulatory signals was verified on simulated data. Comparative experiments for GRN inference between the proposed algorithm (OURM) and some state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, e.g. GENIE3 and ARACNE, on real‐world data sets show the superior performance of OURM in inferring GRNs: higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the precision–recall curves.
Structure and ferromagnetism properties of leaf‐like ZnO nanostructures
Authors: Lijun Li
Published: August 2017

Leaf‐like macroscopic ZnO nanostructures have been synthesised via a conventional thermal evaporation method at 950°C, using a mixture of graphite, zinc oxide and CuO powders as a source material. The effect of CuO in a relevant growth mechanism was discussed. Its crystal structure properties were determined using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Photoluminescence spectra of the sample exhibit emission peaks centred at about 382, 525, 542 and 767 nm, respectively. The room temperature ferromagnetism was observed using a physical property measurement system.
Effects of various hydrogenated temperatures on photocatalytic activity of mesoporous titanium dioxide
Authors: Soo Chan Wai , Lai Chin Wei , Pan Guan‐Ting , Yang Thomas Chung‐Kuang , Lee Kian Mun , Yusop Rahimi Muhammad , Juan Joon Ching
Published: August 2017

Hydrogenated titanium dioxide (H‐TiO2) has drawn much research attention in the photocatalysis society since it has significantly improved solar absorption and enhanced photocatalytic activity. Nevertheless, the key factor that leads to the enhanced photocatalytic performance of H‐TiO2 is still debatable. To clarify this issue, the structural properties of H‐TiO2 and its effects on photogenerated charges are investigated. Mesoporous H‐TiO2 was subjected to different hydrogenation temperatures rate under the flow of purified H2 gas and its photocatalytic activities are evaluated by reactive black 5 photodegradation. The H‐TiO2 pretreated at different temperatures seems to have a detrimental effect on photocatalytic activity as compared with that of untreated H‐TiO2. Further investigations reveal that H‐TiO2 treated at high temperature can cause the formation of less photoactive rutile phase and agglomeration that leads to the inhibition of their photocatalytic activity.
Simple method for fabricating highly electrically conductive PU composite with carbon@polyaniline@silver core‐double‐shell microspheres
Authors: Yin Yuan , Zhang Bin , Han Jian
Published: August 2017

Design and fabrication of structurally optimised conductive materials are important for many energy applications. Here is reported a carbon(C)@polyaniline(PANI)@silver(Ag) core‐double‐shell microspheres with good conductive performance. These three components formed a well‐defined core‐double‐shell configuration that was distinct from simple core‐shell or hybrid structures. Synergistic effect from respective components (C, PANI and Ag) offers the polyurethane (PU) material a high electrically conductive performance. The C@PANI@Ag microsphere can significantly reduce the surface resistivity of PU and maintain the structure stability. The surface resistivities of PU/C@PANI@Ag composites were even lower than those of PU/C composites and PU/C@PANI composites. These encouraging results showed their great potential in flexible and wearable electronics.
Synthesis and Properties of Nitrogen-Containing Curved Heterosuperbenzene
Authors: Shi Yubai , Li Cheng , Ma Shaohua , Zhang Yin
Published: August 2017

A novel nitrogen-functionalized curved superbenzene was prepared via oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of a suitable hexaarylbenzene precursor under mild conditions. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties are detailed here and compared with those of permethoxylated hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene. The crystal structure analysis confirmed that the molecule has an unequal ‘double-concave’ aromatic core due to the inclusion of a pyrimidine subunit and the steric encumbrance of the methoxy groups at the periphery.