bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing Degradation of Black Phosphorus Using Liquid Crystals
Authors: Naqvi Bilal Abbas , Shehzad Muhammad Arslan , Cha Janghwan , Min Kyung-Ah , Khan M. Farooq , Hussain Sajjad , Seo Yongho , Hong Suklyun , Eom Jonghwa , Jung Jongwan
Published: August 2018

Black Phosphorus (BP) is an excellent material from the post graphene era due to its layer dependent band gap, high mobility and high Ion/Ioff. However, its poor stability in ambient poses a great challenge for its practical and long-term usage. The optical visualization of the oxidized BP is the key and the foremost step for its successful passivation from the ambience. Here, we have conducted a systematic study of the oxidation of the BP and developed a technique to optically identify the oxidation of the BP using Liquid Crystal (LC). It is interesting to note that we found that the rapid oxidation of the thin layers of the BP makes them disappear and can be envisaged by using the alignment of the LC. The molecular dynamics simulations also proved the preferential alignment of the LC on the oxidized BP. We believe that this simple technique will be effective in passivation efforts of the BP, and will enable it for exploitation of its properties in the field of electronics.
The Hepcidin/Ferroportin axis modulates proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ramakrishnan Latha , Pedersen Sofia L. , Toe Quezia K. , West Laura E. , Mumby Sharon , Casbolt Helen , Issitt Theo , Garfield Benjamin , Lawrie Allan , Wort S. John , Quinlan Gregory J.
Published: August 2018

Studies were undertaken to examine any role for the hepcidin/ferroportin axis in proliferative responses of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Entirely novel findings have demonstrated the presence of ferroportin in hPASMCs. Hepcidin treatment caused increased proliferation of these cells most likely by binding ferroportin resulting in internalisation and cellular iron retention. Cellular iron content increased with hepcidin treatment. Stabilisation of ferroportin expression and activity via intervention with the therapeutic monoclonal antibody LY2928057 reversed proliferation and cellular iron accumulation. Additionally, IL-6 treatment was found to enhance proliferation and iron accumulation in hPASMCs; intervention with LY2928057 prevented this response. IL-6 was also found to increase hepcidin transcription and release from hPASMCs suggesting a potential autocrine response. Hepcidin or IL-6 mediated iron accumulation contributes to proliferation in hPASMCs; ferroportin mediated cellular iron excretion limits proliferation. Haemoglobin also caused proliferation of hPASMCs; in other novel findings, CD163, the haemoglobin/haptoglobin receptor, was found on these cells and offers a means for cellular uptake of iron via haemoglobin. Il-6 was also found to modulate CD163 on these cells. These data contribute to a better understanding of how disrupted iron homeostasis may induce vascular remodelling, such as in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Computational characterization and identification of human polycystic ovary syndrome genes
Authors: Zhang Xing-Zhong , Pang Yan-Li , Wang Xian , Li Yan-Hui
Published: August 2018

Human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a highly heritable disease regulated by genetic and environmental factors. Identifying PCOS genes is time consuming and costly in wet-lab. Developing an algorithm to predict PCOS candidates will be helpful. In this study, for the first time, we systematically analyzed properties of human PCOS genes. Compared with genes not yet known to be involved in PCOS regulation, known PCOS genes display distinguishing characteristics: (i) they tend to be located at network center; (ii) they tend to interact with each other; (iii) they tend to enrich in certain biological processes. Based on these features, we developed a machine-learning algorithm to predict new PCOS genes. 233 PCOS candidates were predicted with a posterior probability >0.9. Evidence supporting 7 of the top 10 predictions has been found.
Germinated soy germ with increased soyasaponin Ab improves BMP-2-induced bone formation and protects against in vivo bone loss in osteoporosis
Authors: Choi Chan-Woong , Choi Sik-Won , Kim Han-Jun , Lee Kwang-Sik , Kim Shin-Hye , Kim Sun-Lim , Do Sun Hee , Seo Woo-Duck
Published: August 2018

Osteoporosis is frequently induced following menopause, and bone fractures result in serious problems including skeletal deformity, pain, and increased mortality. Therefore, safe and effective therapeutic agents are needed for osteoporosis. This study aimed to clarify the bone protecting effects of germinated soy germ extracts (GSGE) and their mode of action. GSGE increased expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCL) by stimulating the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx) through activation of Smad signaling molecules. Furthermore, germination of soy germ increased levels of nutritional components, especially soyasaponin Ab. The anabolic activity of soyasaponin Ab in GSGE was also evaluated. GSGE and soyasaponin Ab significantly protected against ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss and improved bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) level in mouse serum. These in vitro and in vivo study results demonstrated that GSGE and soyasaponin Ab have potential as therapeutic candidate agents for bone protection in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Targeted matrisome analysis identifies thrombospondin-2 and tenascin-C in aligned collagen stroma from invasive breast carcinoma
Authors: Tomko Lucas A. , Hill Ryan C. , Barrett Alexander , Szulczewski Joseph M. , Conklin Matthew W. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Keely Patricia J. , Hansen Kirk C. , Ponik Suzanne M.
Published: August 2018

Increasing evidence demonstrates an important role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in breast cancer progression. Collagen type I, a core constituent of the fibrous ECM, undergoes a significant set of changes that accompany tumor progression, termed Tumor Associated Collagen Signatures (TACS). Late stages of this progression are characterized by the presence of bundled, straight collagen (TACS-2) that become oriented perpendicular to the tumor-stromal boundary (TACS-3). Importantly, the presence of TACS-3 collagen is an independent predictor of poor patient outcome. At present, it remains unclear whether reorganization of the collagen matrix is the consequence of mechanical or compositional tissue remodeling. Here, we identify compositional changes in ECM correlating to collagen fiber reorganization from nineteen normal and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patient biopsies using matrisome-targeted proteomics. Twenty-seven ECM proteins were significantly altered in IDC samples compared to normal tissue. Further, a set of nineteen matrisome proteins positively correlate and five proteins inversely correlate with IDC tissues containing straightened collagen fibers. Tenascin-C and thrombospondin-2 significantly co-localized with aligned collagen fibers in IDC tissues. This study highlights the compositional change in matrisome proteins accompanying collagen re-organization during breast cancer progression and provides candidate proteins for investigation into cellular and structural influences on collagen alignment.
On the exact continuous mapping of fermions
Authors: Montoya-Castillo Andrés , Markland Thomas E.
Published: August 2018

We derive a rigorous, quantum mechanical map of fermionic creation and annihilation operators to continuous Cartesian variables that exactly reproduces the matrix structure of the many-fermion problem. We show how our scheme can be used to map a general many-fermion Hamiltonian and then consider two specific models that encode the fundamental physics of many fermionic systems, the Anderson impurity and Hubbard models. We use these models to demonstrate how efficient mappings of these Hamiltonians can be constructed using a judicious choice of index ordering of the fermions. This development provides an alternative exact route to calculate the static and dynamical properties of fermionic systems and sets the stage to exploit the quantum-classical and semiclassical hierarchies to systematically derive methods offering a range of accuracies, thus enabling the study of problems where the fermionic degrees of freedom are coupled to complex anharmonic nuclear motion and spins which lie beyond the reach of most currently available methods.
A novel molecular rotor facilitates detection of p53-DNA interactions using the Fluorescent Intercalator Displacement Assay
Authors: Goh Walter L. , Lee Min Yen , Lim Ting Xiang , Chua Joy S. , Brenner Sydney , Ghadessy Farid J. , Teo Yin Nah
Published: August 2018

We have investigated the use of fluorescent molecular rotors as probes for detection of p53 binding to DNA. These are a class of fluorophores that undergo twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT). They are non-fluorescent in a freely rotating conformation and experience a fluorescence increase when restricted in the planar conformation. We hypothesized that intercalation of a molecular rotor between DNA base pairs would result in a fluorescence turn-on signal. Upon displacement by a DNA binding protein, measurable loss of signal would facilitate use of the molecular rotor in the fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assay. A panel of probes was interrogated using the well-established p53 model system across various DNA response elements. A novel, readily synthesizable molecular rotor incorporating an acridine orange DNA intercalating group (AO-R) outperformed other conventional dyes in the FID assay. It enabled relative measurement of p53 sequence-specific DNA interactions and study of the dominant-negative effects of cancer-associated p53 mutants. In a further application, AO-R also proved useful for staining apoptotic cells in live zebrafish embryos.
Roles of Joule heating and spin-orbit torques in the direct current induced magnetization reversal
Authors: Li Dong , Chen Shiwei , Zuo Yalu , Yun Jijun , Cui Baoshan , Wu Kai , Guo Xiaobin , Yang Dezheng , Wang Jianbo , Xi Li
Published: August 2018

Current-induced magnetization reversal via spin-orbit torques (SOTs) has been intensively studied in heavy-metal/ferromagnetic-metal/oxide heterostructures due to its promising application in low-energy consumption logic and memory devices. Here, we systematically study the function of Joule heating and SOTs in the current-induced magnetization reversal using Pt/Co/SmOx and Pt/Co/AlOx structures with different perpendicular magnetic anisotropies (PMAs). The SOT-induced effective fields, anisotropy field, switching field and switching current density (Jc) are characterized using electric transport measurements based on the anomalous Hall effect and polar magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). The results show that the current-generated Joule heating plays an assisted role in the reversal process by reducing switching field and enhancing SOT efficiency. The out-of-plane component of the damping-like-SOT effective field is responsible for the magnetization reversal. The obtained Jc for Pt/Co/SmOx and Pt/Co/AlOx structures with similar spin Hall angles and different PMAs remains roughly constant, revealing that the coherent switching model cannot fully explain the current-induced magnetization reversal. In contrast, by observing the domain wall nucleation and expansion using MOKE and comparing the damping-like-SOT effective field and switching field, we conclude that the current-induced magnetization reversal is dominated by the depinning model and Jc also immensely relies on the depinning field.
Dynamic expression of HOPX in alveolar epithelial cells reflects injury and repair during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ota Chiharu , Ng-Blichfeldt John-Poul , Korfei Martina , Alsafadi Hani N. , Lehmann Mareike , Skronska-Wasek Wioletta , M. De Santis Martina , Guenther Andreas , Wagner Darcy E. , Königshoff Melanie
Published: August 2018

Mechanisms of injury and repair in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) are critically involved in the progression of various lung diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Homeobox only protein x (HOPX) contributes to the formation of distal lung during development. In adult lung, alveolar epithelial type (AT) I cells express HOPX and lineage-labeled Hopx+ cells give rise to both ATI and ATII cells after pneumonectomy. However, the cell function of HOPX-expressing cells in adult fibrotic lung diseases has not been investigated. In this study, we have established a flow cytometry-based method to evaluate HOPX-expressing cells in the lung. HOPX expression in cultured ATII cells increased over culture time, which was accompanied by a decrease of proSP-C, an ATII marker. Moreover, HOPX expression was increased in AECs from bleomycin-instilled mouse lungs in vivo. Small interfering RNA-based knockdown of Hopx resulted in suppressing ATII-ATI trans-differentiation and activating cellular proliferation in vitro. In IPF lungs, HOPX expression was decreased in whole lungs and significantly correlated to a decline in lung function and progression of IPF. In conclusion, HOPX is upregulated during early alveolar injury and repair process in the lung. Decreased HOPX expression might contribute to failed regenerative processes in end-stage IPF lungs.
Colorimetric Aptasensor of Vitamin D3: A Novel Approach to Eliminate Residual Adhesion between Aptamers and Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Alsager Omar A. , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Alswieleh Abdullah M. , Alyamani Baraa J.
Published: August 2018

Colorimetric aptasensors based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) commonly feature ssDNA probes nonspecifically adsorbed to surface gold particles. A major limitation of this versatile method is the incomplete dissociation of the adsorbed nontarget binding segments of the aptamer sequence upon target binding. This results in weak or nonexistent sensor performance by preventing the particles from aggregating when the optimized salt concentration is added. Rather than removing the nonbinding nucleotides flanking the binding region of the aptamer, proposed herein is an alternative strategy, simply introducing a centrifugation and resuspension step after target recognition that eliminates residual binding between the aptamer and the surface of the particles. The performance of two different vitamin D3 (VTD3) aptamers were tested. The method enhanced the performance of the sensor that used the higher detection limit (1 µM) aptamer by fourfold. The superiority of the proposed method became apparent in a nonworking colorimetric sensor became a highly sensitive sensor with a one nanomolar detection level and excellent discrimination against potential interfering molecules including VTD2 when the centrifugation and resuspension process was implemented. The level of VTD3 in human blood was determined colorimetrically after extraction with n-hexane. The results were in agreement with those obtained by HPLC. The proposed method could be applied to aptamers targeting small molecules with no need to reprocess the SELEX-isolated sequence by knowing the binding region and removing the flanking primers.
Neural Representations Behind ‘Social Norm’ Inferences In Humans
Authors: Pegado Felipe , Hendriks Michelle H. A. , Amelynck Steffie , Daniels Nicky , Bulthé Jessica , Masson Haemy Lee , Boets Bart , de Beeck Hans Op
Published: August 2018

Humans are highly skilled in social reasoning, e.g., inferring thoughts of others. This mentalizing ability systematically recruits brain regions such as Temporo-Parietal Junction (TPJ), Precuneus (PC) and medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC). Further, posterior mPFC is associated with allocentric mentalizing and conflict monitoring while anterior mPFC is associated with self-reference (egocentric) processing. Here we extend this work to how we reason not just about what one person thinks but about the abstract shared social norm. We apply functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate neural representations while participants judge the social congruency between emotional auditory utterances in relation to visual scenes according to how ‘most people’ would perceive it. Behaviorally, judging according to a social norm increased the similarity of response patterns among participants. Multivoxel pattern analysis revealed that social congruency information was not represented in visual and auditory areas, but was clear in most parts of the mentalizing network: TPJ, PC and posterior (but not anterior) mPFC. Furthermore, interindividual variability in anterior mPFC representations was inversely related to the behavioral ability to adjust to the social norm. Our results suggest that social norm inferencing is associated with a distributed and partially individually specific representation of social congruency in the mentalizing network.
Multifunctional Nanotherapeutics for the Treatment of neuroAIDS in Drug Abusers
Authors: Jayant Rahul Dev , Tiwari Sneham , Atluri Venkata , Kaushik Ajeet , Tomitaka Asahi , Yndart Adriana , Colon-Perez Luis , Febo Marcelo , Nair Madhavan
Published: August 2018

HIV and substance abuse plays an important role in infection and disease progression. Further, the presence of persistent viral CNS reservoirs makes the complete eradication difficult. Thus, neutralizing the drug of abuse effect on HIV-1 infectivity and elimination of latently infected cells is a priority. The development of a multi-component [antiretroviral drugs (ARV), latency reactivating agents (LRA) and drug abuse antagonist (AT)] sustained release nanoformulation targeting the CNS can overcome the issues of HIV-1 cure and will help in improving the drug adherence. The novel magneto-liposomal nanoformulation (NF) was developed to load different types of drugs (LRAs, ARVs, and Meth AT) and evaluated forin-vitro and in-vivoBBB transmigration and antiviral efficacy in primary CNS cells. We established the HIV-1 latency model using human astrocyte cells (HA) and optimized the dose of LRA for latency reversal, Meth AT inin-vitrocell culture system. Further, PEGylated magneto-liposomal NF was developed, characterized for size, shape, drug loading and BBB transportin-vitro. Results showed that drug released in a sustained manner up to 10 days and able to reduce the HIV-1 infectivity up to ~40–50% (>200 pg/mL to <100 pg/mL) continuously using single NF treatment ± Meth treatmentin-vitro. The magnetic treatment (0.8 T) was able to transport (15.8% ± 5.5%) NF effectively without inducing any toxic effects due to NF presence in the brain. Thus, our approach and result showed a way to eradicate HIV-1 reservoirs from the CNS and possibility to improve the therapeutic adherence to drugs in drug abusing (Meth) population. In conclusion, the developed NF can provide a better approach for the HIV-1 cure and a foundation for future HIV-1 purging strategies from the CNS using nanotechnology platform.
Identification and expression analysis of putative chemoreception genes from Cyrtorhinus lividipennis (Hemiptera: Miridae) antennal transcriptome
Authors: Wang Gui-Yao , Zhu Jing-Lei , Zhou Wen-Wu , Liu Su , Khairul Quais Md , Ansari Naved Ahmad , Zhu Zeng-Rong
Published: August 2018

Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) is an important egg predator of planthoppers which are destructive rice pests. The chemosensory genes in the mirid antennae play important roles in mating and prey-seeking behaviors. To gain a better understanding of the olfaction of C. lividipennis, we sequenced the antennal transcriptomes of the predator to identify the key olfaction genes. We identified 18 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), 12 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 1 Niemann-Pick C2 protein (NPC2), 15 odorant receptors (ORs), 6 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 3 gustatory receptors (GRs) and 3 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the relative transcript levels of three ClivORs (ClivOR6, 7 and 14) in the female antennae were 3 to 6 folds higher than that in the male antennae, indicating these genes were more related to oviposition site selection. The relative transcript levels of ClivCSP8 and ClivOR11 were 2.6 and 2.7 times higher in the male antennae than that of the female, respectively, indicating that these genes might be involved in mate searching. Moreover, the responses of dsorco treated predators to volatiles emitted from infested rice were significantly reduced, indicating these volatiles might serve as crucial cues in the host searching of C. lividipennis.
Scans for signatures of selection in Russian cattle breed genomes reveal new candidate genes for environmental adaptation and acclimation
Authors: Yurchenko Andrey A. , Daetwyler Hans D. , Yudin Nikolay , Schnabel Robert D. , Vander Jagt Christy J. , Soloshenko Vladimir , Lhasaranov Bulat , Popov Ruslan , Taylor Jeremy F. , Larkin Denis M.
Published: August 2018

Domestication and selective breeding has resulted in over 1000 extant cattle breeds. Many of these breeds do not excel in important traits but are adapted to local environments. These adaptations are a valuable source of genetic material for efforts to improve commercial breeds. As a step toward this goal we identified candidate regions to be under selection in genomes of nine Russian native cattle breeds adapted to survive in harsh climates. After comparing our data to other breeds of European and Asian origins we found known and novel candidate genes that could potentially be related to domestication, economically important traits and environmental adaptations in cattle. The Russian cattle breed genomes contained regions under putative selection with genes that may be related to adaptations to harsh environments (e.g., AQP5, RAD50, and RETREG1). We found genomic signatures of selective sweeps near key genes related to economically important traits, such as the milk production (e.g., DGAT1, ABCG2), growth (e.g., XKR4), and reproduction (e.g., CSF2). Our data point to candidate genes which should be included in future studies attempting to identify genes to improve the extant breeds and facilitate generation of commercial breeds that fit better into the environments of Russia and other countries with similar climates.
Complement regulatory protein CD46 induces autophagy against oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in normal and asthmatic airway epithelium
Authors: Tsai Yi-Giien , Wen Yung-Sung , Wang Jiu-Yao , Yang Kuender D. , Sun Hai-Lun , Liou Jia-Hung , Lin Ching-Yuang
Published: August 2018

Autophagy plays a major role in defending against oxidative stress in respiratory epithelial cells. The complement regulatory protein CD46 can enhance autophagy and decrease local complement activation at sites of inflammation. This study investigated the mechanism by which CD46 protects against oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in respiratory epithelium in asthmatic patients. Nasal mucosa samples were obtained from 60 adults with mild asthma who received turbinectomy and 30 controls. A decreased expression of CD46 and increased apoptosis were noted in the damaged nasal epithelium from the asthmatic patients. Primary epithelial cells cultured with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus 2 showed decreased CD46 and increased cleaved CASPASE-3A expressions. Crosslinking CD46 mAb could induce the formation of autophagosomes and LC3-II expression in primary epithelial cells. CD46 engagement could induce autophagy against hydrogen peroxide-induced epithelial cell death, whereas the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine decreased this effect. In addition, CD46 engagement decreased the expressions of PRO-IL-1β and NLRP3, enhanced the expression of scaffold protein GOPC, and diminished hydrogen peroxide-induced 8-OHdG, IL-1β and IL-6 production. Silencing ATG5 in human lung epithelial A549 cells decreased CD46-activated autophagy with LC3-II. CD46 induced autophagy and decreased the oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis of respiratory epithelium, and this may offer a new therapeutic strategy to treat asthma.
Metabotropic Acetylcholine and Glutamate Receptors Mediate PI(4,5)P2 Depletion and Oscillations in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in situ
Authors: Hackelberg Sandra , Oliver Dominik
Published: August 2018

The sensitivity of many ion channels to phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) levels in the cell membrane suggests that PIP2 fluctuations are important and general signals modulating neuronal excitability. Yet the PIP2 dynamics of central neurons in their native environment remained largely unexplored. Here, we examined the behavior of PIP2 concentrations in response to activation of Gq-coupled neurotransmitter receptors in rat CA1 hippocampal neurons in situ in acute brain slices. Confocal microscopy of the PIP2-selective molecular sensors tubbyCT-GFP and PLCδ1-PH-GFP showed that pharmacological activation of muscarinic acetylcholine (mAChR) or group I metabotropic glutamate (mGluRI) receptors induces transient depletion of PIP2 in the soma as well as in the dendritic tree. The observed PIP2 dynamics were receptor-specific, with mAChR activation inducing stronger PIP2 depletion than mGluRI, whereas agonists of other Gαq-coupled receptors expressed in CA1 neurons did not induce measureable PIP2 depletion. Furthermore, the data show for the first time neuronal receptor-induced oscillations of membrane PIP2 concentrations. Oscillatory behavior indicated that neurons can rapidly restore PIP2 levels during persistent activation of Gq and PLC. Electrophysiological responses to receptor activation resembled PIP2 dynamics in terms of time course and receptor specificity. Our findings support a physiological function of PIP2 in regulating electrical activity.
Effect of alloy element on weld pool dynamics in laser welding of aluminum alloys
Authors: Miyagi Masanori , Wang Hongze , Yoshida Ryohei , Kawahito Yousuke , Kawakami Hiroshi , Shoubu Takahisa
Published: August 2018

In this manuscript, weld pool dynamics in laser welding of various series of aluminum alloys were investigated by the in situ X-ray phase contrast imaging system. The experimental results showed that metal irradiated by laser was evaporated immediately, which generated the keyhole. Then metal surrounding the keyhole was melted gradually with the heat from keyhole. The growth rate of keyhole depth had a positive linear correlation with the total content of low boiling temperature elements (TCE), so did the keyhole depth and diameter at the stable stage. Longitudinal view area of the molten pool had a negative linear correlation with the thermal conductivity of aluminum alloy. The measured laser absorption rate had the same variation trend with the ratio of keyhole depth to diameter, and the highest absorption rate of 58% appeared in laser welding of aluminum alloy with TCE equal to 2.1%. Violent fluctuation in keyhole shape was avoided in aluminum alloy with TCE lower than 2.1%, where the surface tension and recoil pressure of metal vapor were balanced. To sum up, the effect of alloy element on weld pool dynamics in laser welding of aluminum alloys was firstly quantified in this manuscript.
Seaweed assemblages under a climate change scenario: Functional responses to temperature of eight intertidal seaweeds match recent abundance shifts
Authors: Piñeiro-Corbeira Cristina , Barreiro Rodolfo , Cremades Javier , Arenas Francisco
Published: August 2018

Field evidence is essential to assess the consequences of climate change but a solid causal link often requires additional information obtained under controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, the functional response to temperature may also help to discriminate species potentially more vulnerable to warming. Using a highly resolved temperature gradient, we examined the temperature dependence of photosynthesis and respiration in eight intertidal seaweeds that recently followed opposite abundance trends in NW Iberia. The temperature dependence of photosynthesis was consistently different between the macroalgae that increased and those that decreased their abundance in the last decade and a half, with photosynthesis twice more sensitive in the upward group. Unlike photosynthesis, the temperature dependence of respiration was unrelated to the abundance trend group, implying that the net metabolic scaling with temperature varied between the two groups of seaweeds. Overall, our results provide experimental support to the role of temperate as a likely driver of the changes in abundance recorded by field-monitoring studies. They also suggest that the temperature dependence of photosynthesis and respiration assessed in short-term experiments may serve as a biomarker of the potential vulnerability of some seaweed to the consequences of water warming.
Exfoliation of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides by a High-Power Femtosecond Laser
Authors: An Sung-Jin , Kim Yong Hwan , Lee Chanwoo , Park Dae Young , Jeong Mun Seok
Published: August 2018

Thin layer two-dimensional (2-D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials have distinctive optoelectronic properties. Therefore, several methods including mechanical exfoliation, chemical vapor deposition, and liquid-phase exfoliation have been attempted to obtain uniform TMDs. However, such methods do not easily produce high-quality few-layer TMDs with high speed. Here, we report the successful fabrication of few-layer TMD materials by femtosecond laser irradiation. It shows that TMD samples can be exfoliated from bulk to ~3 layers. This method is much faster and simpler than other exfoliation methods. The size and number of the layers were confirmed by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence experiments. It is expected to be used for the mass production of thin 2-D TMD materials.
Use of sucrose to diminish pore formation in freeze-dried heart valves
Authors: Vásquez-Rivera Andrés , Oldenhof Harriëtte , Dipresa Daniele , Goecke Tobias , Kouvaka Artemis , Will Fabian , Haverich Axel , Korossis Sotirios , Hilfiker Andres , Wolkers Willem F.
Published: August 2018

Freeze-dried storage of decellularized heart valves provides easy storage and transport for clinical use. Freeze-drying without protectants, however, results in a disrupted histoarchitecture after rehydration. In this study, heart valves were incubated in solutions of various sucrose concentrations and subsequently freeze-dried. Porosity of rehydrated valves was determined from histological images. In the absence of sucrose, freeze-dried valves were shown to have pores after rehydration in the cusp, artery and muscle sections. Use of sucrose reduced pore formation in a dose-dependent manner, and pretreatment of the valves in a 40% (w/v) sucrose solution prior to freeze-drying was found to be sufficient to completely diminish pore formation. The presence of pores in freeze-dried valves was found to coincide with altered biomechanical characteristics, whereas biomechanical parameters of valves freeze-dried with enough sucrose were not significantly different from those of valves not exposed to freeze-drying. Multiphoton imaging, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies revealed that matrix proteins (i.e. collagen and elastin) were not affected by freeze-drying.
The PPARα Agonist Fenofibrate Prevents Formation of Protein Aggregates (Mallory-Denk bodies) in a Murine Model of Steatohepatitis-like Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Nikam Aniket , Patankar Jay V. , Somlapura Meghana , Lahiri Pooja , Sachdev Vinay , Kratky Dagmar , Denk Helmut , Zatloukal Kurt , Abuja Peter M.
Published: August 2018

Chronic intoxication of mice with the porphyrinogenic compound 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) leads to morphological and metabolic changes closely resembling steatohepatitis, a severe form of metabolic liver disease in humans. Since human steatohepatitis (both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic type) is characterized by reduced expression of PPARα and disturbed lipid metabolism we investigated the role of this ligand-activated receptor in the development of DDC-induced liver injury. Acute DDC-intoxication was accompanied by early significant downregulation of Pparα mRNA expression along with PPARα-controlled stress-response and lipid metabolism genes that persisted in the chronic stage. Administration of the specific PPARα agonist fenofibrate together with DDC prevented the downregulation of PPARα-associated genes and also improved the stress response of Nrf2-dependent redox-regulating genes. Moreover, oxidative stress and inflammation were strongly reduced by DDC/fenofibrate co-treatment. In addition, fenofibrate prevented the disruption of hepatocyte intermediate filament cytoskeleton and the formation of Mallory-Denk bodies at late stages of DDC intoxication. Our findings show that, like in human steatohepatitis, PPARα is downregulated in the DDC model of steatohepatitis-like hepatocellular damage. Its downregulation and the pathomorphologic features of steatohepatitis are prevented by co-administration of fenofibrate.
Oxidative reactivity of alkali-like superatoms of group 5 metal-encapsulating Si16 cage nanoclusters
Authors: Shibuta Masahiro , Kamoshida Toshiaki , Ohta Tsutomu , Tsunoyama Hironori , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: August 2018

It is crucial to control the reactivity of surface silicon atoms for applications in miniaturized silicon-based nanodevices. Here we demonstrate that reactive silicon atoms are made unreactive by forming a Si16 cage that encapsulates a metal atom. Specifically, group 5 metal-encapsulating Si16 nanoclusters (M@Si16: M = V, Nb, and Ta) exhibit alkali-like superatomic behavior on n-type C60 substrates, where charge transfer between M@Si16 and C60 satisfies the 68-electron shell closure as M@Si16+. The oxidation properties of M@Si16+ are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing that the chemical stability of the caged silicon surface towards oxygen is enhanced by a factor of 104 compared to a crystalline silicon surface, and that M@Si16 are oxidized stepwise from the outer Si16 cage to the central metal atom. While the nanoclusters share a common Si16 cage, their chemical robustness depends on a superatomic “periodicity” (Ta@Si16 > V@Si16 > Nb@Si16) which is explained by the electron density distributions of M@Si16 investigated by DFT calculations.
Exfoliation of layered materials using electrochemistry
Authors: Ambrosi Adriano , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2018

There is a tremendous interest towards 2D layered materials. Electrochemically-assisted exfoliation of bulk crystals represents one of the most promising methods of large production of graphene and other 2D material sheets.
Rapid determination of water COD using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with partial least-squares and random forest
Authors: Ye Song , Chen Xiao , Dong Daming , Wang Jiejun , Wang Xinqiang , Wang Fangyuan
Published: August 2018

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a water quality indicator that is typically measured by lengthy chemical analysis methods in the laboratory, which indicates that obtaining rapid results is difficult.
Real-time characterization of negative air ion-induced decomposition of indoor organic contaminants by mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Ling , Li Yu , Khan Mashooq , Sun Jiashu , Lin Jin-Ming
Published: August 2018

We report an integrated system for real-time characterization of negative air ion-induced decomposition of indoor organic contaminants by mass spectrometry.
Preparation and structure of phenolic aryliodonium salts
Authors: Yoshimura Akira , Shea Michael T. , Guselnikova Olga , Postnikov Pavel S. , Rohde Gregory T. , Saito Akio , Yusubov Mekhman S. , Nemykin Victor N. , Zhdankin Viktor V.
Published: August 2018

para-Hydroxy- and oxy-phenyl(aryl)iodonium salts were prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Twinned copper nanoparticles modulated with electrochemical deposition for in situ SERS monitoring
Authors: Yang Hui , Liu Changqing , Tang Jia , Jin Wei , Hao Xin , Ji Xiaobo , Hu Jiugang
Published: August 2018

The SERS response of the Cu deposits depends on the deposition time and reaches its maximum value at about 150 s because of the formation of peanut-like copper particles.
Tuning the size of gold nanoparticles produced by multiple filamentation of femtosecond laser pulses in aqueous solutions
Authors: Belmouaddine Hakim , Shi Minghan , Sanche Léon , Houde Daniel
Published: August 2018

Trivial variations of the light intensity modulate the femtosecond laser multiple filamentation process in irradiated gold chloride aqueous solutions. The rate of energy deposited (in J L−1 s−1) by laser irradiation shapes the size distribution of the laser-induced gold nanoparticles.
Synergistic interplay of Zn and Rh-Cr promoters on Ga2O3based photocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Borges Ordoño Marta , Yasumura Shunsaku , Glatzel Pieter , Urakawa Atsushi
Published: August 2018

Synergy of the ZnGa2O4/Ga2O3heterojunction and Rh-Cr promoter on the Ga2O3photocatalyst elucidated by XAS/VtC-XES andin situillumination modulation spectroscopy.
Description of colloidal particles aggregation in the presence of Hofmeister effects: on the relationship between ion adsorption energy and particle aggregation activation energy
Authors: Luo Yaxue , Li Hang , Gao Xiaodan , Tian Rui
Published: August 2018

Upon extending the DLVO theory by taking into account the Hofmeister effects, the predicted CCC values match well with experimental CCCs.
Effects of non-covalent interactions on the electronic and electrochemical properties of Cu(i) biquinoline complexes
Authors: Martínez Natalia P. , Isaacs Mauricio , Oliver Allen G. , Ferraudi G. , Lappin A. Graham , Guerrero Juan
Published: August 2018

A Cu(i) complex {[CuI(biq)2]ClO4-biq} with biq = 2,2′-biquinoline was prepared, fully characterized and its properties compared with those of the well-known [CuI(biq)2]ClO4 complex.
Extending the excitation wavelength from UV to visible light for a europium complex-based mitochondria targetable luminescent probe for singlet oxygen
Authors: Ma Hua , Wang Xin , Song Bo , Wang Liu , Tang Zhixin , Luo Tianlie , Yuan Jingli
Published: August 2018

A visible-light-excitable Eu3+complex-based luminescent probe for the time-gated luminescence detection of singlet oxygenin vitroandin vivo.
Online solid phase extraction-HPLC-ICP-MS system for mercury and methylmercury preconcentration using functionalised carbon nanotubes for their determination in dietary supplements
Authors: Londonio Agustín , Hasuoka Paul Emir , Pacheco Pablo , Gil Raúl Andrés , Smichowski Patricia
Published: August 2018

An hyphenated system was developed for Hg(ii) and MeHg preconcentration and speciation analysis by the online coupling of SPE, HPLC and ICP-MS.
High-throughput cell focusing and separation via acoustofluidic tweezers
Authors: Wu Mengxi , Chen Kejie , Yang Shujie , Wang Zeyu , Huang Po-Hsun , Mai John , Li Zeng-Yao , Huang Tony Jun
Published: August 2018

Separation of particles and cells is an important function in many biological and biomedical protocols.
Comparative studies of the electronic, binding and photophysical properties of a new nona-dentate hemi-cage tripodal HQ pendant trizaza-macrocycle with unfilled, half-filled and completely filled lanthanide ions
Authors: Rohini Rohini , Baral Minati , Kanungo B. K.
Published: August 2018

The present paper describes the comparative studies of the electronic, photophysical and binding properties of a new C3-symmetric polydentate ligand and its complexes with 4f0, 4f7, and 4f14 metal ions (La3+, Gd3+, and Lu3+).
A novel sandwich-type photoelectrochemical sensor for SCCA detection based on Ag2S-sensitized BiOI matrix and AucorePdshell nanoflower label for signal amplification
Authors: Bao Chunzhu , Wang Chuanlei , Fan Dawei , Ma Hongmin , Hu Lihua , Fan Yingju , Wei Qin
Published: August 2018

Signal amplification was fulfilled for the interaction between BiOI/Ag2S and AucPds.
Insights into the aggregation-induced emission of 1,8-naphthalimide-based supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Felip-León Carles , Galindo Francisco , Miravet Juan F.
Published: August 2018

Molecular hydrogels showing excellent photophysical and mechanical features pave the way for biomedical-related applications. AIE of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives is regulated by the morphology of the aggregates formed: fibers nanoparticles or amorphous solids.
Self-assembled gold nanorime mesh conductors for invisible stretchable supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Yan , Gong Shu , Dong Dashen , Zhao Yunmeng , Yap Lim Wei , Shi Qianqian , An Tiance , Ling Yunzhi , Simon George. P. , Cheng Wenlong
Published: August 2018

Supercapacitors with high areal capacitance, high mechanical stretchability, and high optical transparency are achieved simultaneously using novel self-assembled gold nanorime mesh structures.
Occupational exposure to graphene based nanomaterials: risk assessment
Authors: Pelin Marco , Sosa Silvio , Prato Maurizio , Tubaro Aurelia
Published: August 2018

The most significant routes associated with occupational exposure to graphene-based materials (GBMs) are the inhalation, cutaneous, ocular and oral ones. The manuscript presents a review of the in vivo toxicity data of GBMs after these exposure routes.
Low-temperature wafer-scale synthesis of two-dimensional SnS2
Authors: Pyeon Jung Joon , Baek In-Hwan , Lim Weon Cheol , Chae Keun Hwa , Han Seong Ho , Lee Ga Yeon , Baek Seung-Hyub , Kim Jin-Sang , Choi Ji-Won , Chung Taek-Mo , Han Jeong Hwan , Kang Chong-Yun , Kim Seong Keun
Published: August 2018

Two-dimensional continuous SnS2 is synthesized over a wafer at low-temperature (≤350 °C) by sulfurization combined with atomic layer deposition.
Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on Au@Ag ultrananoclusters as electro-catalysts
Authors: Chang Le , Cheng Daojian , Sementa Luca , Fortunelli Alessandro
Published: August 2018

An atomistic view of hydronium (H3O+) attachment to a subnanometer Ag12AuH11− HER catalyst.
Semi-syntheses of the 11-hydroxyrotenoids sumatrol and villosinol
Authors: Russell David A. , Freudenreich Julien J. , Stewart Hannah L. , Bond Andrew D. , Sore Hannah F. , Spring David R.
Published: August 2018

We describe semi-syntheses of the 11-hydroxyrotenoids sumatrol (1) and villosinol (2), starting from rotenone (5), using an oxime-directed C11–H functionalisation approach.
Facile preparation of FeS@GO and its outstanding electrochemical performances for lithium storage
Authors: Xu Qian-Ting , Xue Huai-Guo , Guo Sheng-Ping
Published: August 2018

FeS microsheets wrapped by GO nanosheets show optimal electrochemical performance for FeS and deliver a capacity of 1671 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles.
Hydrofunctionalization of alkenols triggered by the addition of diverse radicals to unactivated alkenes and subsequent remote hydrogen atom translocation
Authors: Wang Na , Ye Liu , Li Zhong-Liang , Li Lei , Li Zhuang , Zhang Hong-Xia , Guo Zhen , Gu Qiang-Shuai , Liu Xin-Yuan
Published: August 2018

Concomitantanti-Markovnikov hydrofunctionalization of alkenes and oxidation of remote alcohols are achieved through intramolecular 1,5(6)-hydrogen atom transfer.
Dearomatization of naphthols using oxy-allyl cations: efficient construction of α-all-carbon quaternary center-containing 2-(2-oxocycloalkyl)cycloalkyl diketones
Authors: Yang Binmiao , Zhai Xuejie , Feng Shubo , Shao Zhihui
Published: August 2018

An efficient strategy for the dearomatization of both α- and β-naphthols usingin situgenerated oxy-allyl cations is reported.
Difference in structural and chemical properties of sol–gel spin coated Al doped TiO2, Y doped TiO2 and Gd doped TiO2 based on trivalent dopants
Authors: Mohd Said Nor Damsyik , Sahdan Mohd Zainizan , Nayan Nafarizal , Saim Hashim , Adriyanto Feri , Bakri Anis Suhaili , Morsin Marlia
Published: August 2018

Ti3+ state in metal doped TiO2 based on lattice distortion that encouraged the formation of oxygen vacancy defects.
Structural and metabolic adaptation of cellulolytic microcosm in co-digested Napier grass-swine manure and its application in enhancing thermophilic biogas production
Authors: Wongwilaiwalin Sarunyou , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Champreda Verawat , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Panichnumsin Pornpan , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok , Tachaapaikoon Chakrit
Published: August 2018

Structurally and functionally stable symbiotic cellulolytic consortium was established for enhancing the methane production from Napier grass co-digested with swine manure.
Insights into the role of electrostatics in temperature adaptation: a comparative study of psychrophilic, mesophilic, and thermophilic subtilisin-like serine proteases
Authors: Xia Yuan-Ling , Sun Jian-Hong , Ai Shi-Meng , Li Yi , Du Xing , Sang Peng , Yang Li-Quan , Fu Yun-Xin , Liu Shu-Qun
Published: August 2018

Differently charged surface patches contribute to temperature adaptation of subtilisin-like serine proteases through affecting/modulating the protein solubility and thermostability and the structural flexibility/rigidity/stability.
Superb adsorption capacity of biochar derived from leather shavings for Congo red
Authors: Huang Xueping , Yu Fan , Peng Qifan , Huang Yaqin
Published: August 2018

Leather shavings biochar can achieve high adsorption performance for Congo red through physical and chemical interactions.
Covariational reasoning and mathematical narratives: investigating students’ understanding of graphs in chemical kinetics
Authors: Rodriguez Jon-Marc G. , Bain Kinsey , Towns Marcy H. , Elmgren Maja , Ho Felix M.
Published: August 2018

Graphical representations are an important tool used to model abstract processes in fields such as chemistry. Successful interpretation of a graph involves a combination of mathematical expertise and discipline-specific content to reason about the relationship between the variables and to describe the phenomena represented. In this work, we studied students’ graphical reasoning as they responded to a chemical kinetics prompt. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed for a sample of 70 students through the use of an assessment involving short-answer test items administered in a first-year, non-majors chemistry course at a Swedish university. The student responses were translated from Swedish to English and subsequently coded to analyze the chemical and mathematical ideas students attributed to the graph. Mathematical reasoning and ideas related to covariation were analyzed using graphical forms and the shape thinking perspective of graphical reasoning. Student responses were further analyzed by focusing on the extent to which they integrated chemistry and mathematics. This was accomplished by conceptualizing modeling as discussing mathematical narratives, characterizing how students described the “story” communicated by the graph. Analysis provided insight into students’ understanding of mathematical models of chemical processes.
Two time scales for self and collective diffusion near the critical point in a simple patchy model for proteins with floating bonds
Authors: Bleibel J. , Habiger M. , Lütje M. , Hirschmann F. , Roosen-Runge F. , Seydel T. , Zhang F. , Schreiber F. , Oettel M.
Published: August 2018

In a simple patchy particle model for proteins with floating bonds, self and collective diffusion exhibits two time scales when approaching the critical point.
Sweet surfactants: packing parameter-invariant amphiphiles as emulsifiers and capping agents for morphology control of inorganic particles
Authors: Voggel Michael , Meinusch Rebecca M. , Siewert Vanessa , Kunkel Marius , Wittmann Valentin , Polarz Sebastian
Published: August 2018

Exploration of isomer effects on amphiphile properties (e.g.emulsification and as nanoparticle growth modifiers) using a library of glycoside-based surfactants.
Ultra-high selectivity COF-based membranes for biobutanol production
Authors: Fan Hongwei , Xie Yunfeng , Li Jiachen , Zhang Li , Zheng Qiyu , Zhang Guojun
Published: August 2018

A novel membrane material consisting of hydrazone-linked COF-42 incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exhibits ultra-high selectivity for n-butanol/water separation.
Facile synthesis of pH-responsive doxorubicin-loaded layered double hydroxide for efficient cancer therapy
Authors: Hakeem Abdul , Zhan Guiting , Xu Qingbo , Yong Tuying , Yang Xiangliang , Gan Lu
Published: August 2018

A method to load doxorubicin with positive charge into layered double hydroxide has been developed to improve its anticancer efficacy.