bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the role of vacancies in lead halide perovskite through electrical switching of photoluminescence
Authors: Li Cheng , Guerrero Antonio , Huettner Sven , Bisquert Juan
Published: November 2018

We address the behavior in which a bias voltage can be used to switch on and off the photoluminescence of a planar film of methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite (MAPbI3) semiconductor with lateral symmetric electrodes. It is observed that a dark region advances from the positive electrode at a slow velocity of order of 10 μm s–1. Here we explain the existence of the sharp front by a drift of ionic vacancies limited by local saturation, that induce defects and drastically reduce the radiative recombination rate in the film. The model accounts for the time dependence of electrical current due to the ion-induced doping modification, that changes local electron and hole concentration with the drift of vacancies. The analysis of current dependence on time leads to a direct determination of the diffusion coefficient of iodine vacancies and provides detailed information of ionic effects over the electrooptical properties of hybrid perovskite materials.
Cardiac specific PRMT1 ablation causes heart failure through CaMKII dysregulation
Authors: Pyun Jung-Hoon , Kim Hyun-Ji , Jeong Myong-Ho , Ahn Byeong-Yun , Vuong Tuan Anh , Lee Dong I. , Choi Seri , Koo Seung-Hoi , Cho Hana , Kang Jong-Sun
Published: November 2018

Dysregulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK)II is closely linked with myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the mechanisms that regulate CaMKII activity are incompletely understood. Here we show that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is essential for preventing cardiac CaMKII hyperactivation. Mice null for cardiac PRMT1 exhibit a rapid progression to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure within 2 months, accompanied by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis. Consistently, PRMT1 is downregulated in heart failure patients. PRMT1 depletion in isolated cardiomyocytes evokes hypertrophic responses with elevated remodeling gene expression, while PRMT1 overexpression protects against pathological responses to neurohormones. The level of active CaMKII is significantly elevated in PRMT1-deficient hearts or cardiomyocytes. PRMT1 interacts with and methylates CaMKII at arginine residues 9 and 275, leading to its inhibition. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII restores contractile function in PRMT1-deficient mice. Thus, our data suggest that PRMT1 is a critical regulator of CaMKII to maintain cardiac function.
Loss of peroxiredoxin-2 exacerbates eccentric contraction-induced force loss in dystrophin-deficient muscle
Authors: Olthoff John T. , Lindsay Angus , Abo-Zahrah Reem , Baltgalvis Kristen A. , Patrinostro Xiaobai , Belanto Joseph J. , Yu Dae-Yeul , Perrin Benjamin J. , Garry Daniel J. , Rodney George G. , Lowe Dawn A. , Ervasti James M.
Published: November 2018

Force loss in skeletal muscle exposed to eccentric contraction is often attributed to injury. We show that EDL muscles from dystrophin-deficient mdx mice recover 65% of lost force within 120 min of eccentric contraction and exhibit minimal force loss when the interval between contractions is increased from 3 to 30 min. A proteomic screen of mdx muscle identified an 80% reduction in the antioxidant peroxiredoxin-2, likely due to proteolytic degradation following hyperoxidation by NADPH Oxidase 2. Eccentric contraction-induced force loss in mdx muscle was exacerbated by peroxiredoxin-2 ablation, and improved by peroxiredoxin-2 overexpression or myoglobin knockout. Finally, overexpression of γcyto- or βcyto-actin protects mdx muscle from eccentric contraction-induced force loss by blocking NADPH Oxidase 2 through a mechanism dependent on cysteine 272 unique to cytoplasmic actins. Our data suggest that eccentric contraction-induced force loss may function as an adaptive circuit breaker that protects mdx muscle from injurious contractions.
High throughput ANI analysis of 90K prokaryotic genomes reveals clear species boundaries
Authors: Jain Chirag , Rodriguez-R Luis M. , Phillippy Adam M. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. , Aluru Srinivas
Published: November 2018

A fundamental question in microbiology is whether there is continuum of genetic diversity among genomes, or clear species boundaries prevail instead. Whole-genome similarity metrics such as Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) help address this question by facilitating high resolution taxonomic analysis of thousands of genomes from diverse phylogenetic lineages. To scale to available genomes and beyond, we present FastANI, a new method to estimate ANI using alignment-free approximate sequence mapping. FastANI is accurate for both finished and draft genomes, and is up to three orders of magnitude faster compared to alignment-based approaches. We leverage FastANI to compute pairwise ANI values among all prokaryotic genomes available in the NCBI database. Our results reveal clear genetic discontinuity, with 99.8% of the total 8 billion genome pairs analyzed conforming to >95% intra-species and <83% inter-species ANI values. This discontinuity is manifested with or without the most frequently sequenced species, and is robust to historic additions in the genome databases.
A fully inkjet-printed disposable glucose sensor on paper
Authors: Bihar Eloïse , Wustoni Shofarul , Pappa Anna Maria , Salama Khaled N. , Baran Derya , Inal Sahika
Published: November 2018

Inexpensive and easy-to-use diagnostic tools for fast health screening are imperative, especially in the developing world, where portability and affordability are a necessity. Accurate monitoring of metabolite levels can provide useful information regarding key metabolic activities of the body and detect the concomitant irregularities such as in the case of diabetes, a worldwide chronic disease. Today, the majority of daily glucose monitoring tools rely on piercing the skin to draw blood. The pain and discomfort associated with finger pricking have created a global need to develop non-invasive, portable glucose assays. In this work, we develop a disposable analytical device which can measure physiologically relevant glucose concentrations in human saliva based on enzymatic electrochemical detection. We use inkjet-printing technology for the rapid and low-cost deposition of all the components of this glucose sensor, from the electronics to the biorecognition elements, on commercially available paper substrates. The only electronic component of the sensor is the conducting polymer poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), while the biorecognition element comprises of the enzyme glucose oxidase coupled with an electron mediator. We demonstrate that one month after its fabrication and storage in air-free environment, the sensor maintains its function with only minor performance loss. This fully printed, all-polymer biosensor with its ease of fabrication, accuracy, sensitivity and compatibility with easy-to-obtain biofluids such as saliva aids in the development of next generation low-cost, non-invasive, eco-friendly, and disposable diagnostic tools.
Alpha-tubulin acetyltransferase/MEC-17 regulates cancer cell migration and invasion through epithelial–mesenchymal transition suppression and cell polarity disruption
Authors: Lee Cheng-Che , Cheng Yun-Ching , Chang Chi-Yen , Lin Chi-Min , Chang Jang-Yang
Published: November 2018

MEC-17, a newly identified alpha-tubulin-N-acetyltransferase 1, serves as the major α-tubulin acetyltransferase to promote α-tubulin acetylation in vitro and in vivo. Alteration of α-tubulin acetylation may be involved in morphology regulation, cell migration, and tumour metastasis. However, MEC-17’s role in cell physiology and its effect on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell polarity remain elusive. In the present study, we characterized the overexpressed or downregulated cell models through gene targeting as MEC-17 gain- or loss-of-function. Overexpression of MEC-17 enhanced the cell spreading area, suppressed pseudopods formation in a three-dimensional (3D) culture system, and inhibited cancer cell migratory and invasive ability and tumour metastasis by orthotopic lung cancer animal model. Furthermore, morphological change and migration inhibition of cancer cells were accompanied by EMT repression, Golgi reorientation, and polarity disruption caused by alteration of cdc42 activity via a decrease in Rho-GAP, ARHGAP21. By contrast, a reduction in endogenous MEC-17 accelerated the pseudopods formation and EMT, and facilitated cell migration and invasion. These results demonstrated the crucial role of MEC-17 in the modulation of intrinsic cell morphogenesis, migration, and invasive function through regulation of EMT and cell polarity.
Physiological outcomes of calming behaviors support the resilience hypothesis in horses
Authors: Scopa Chiara , Palagi Elisabetta , Sighieri Claudio , Baragli Paolo
Published: November 2018

To manage a stressful stimulus animals react both behaviorally and physiologically to restore the homeostasis. In stable horses, a stressful stimulus can be represented by social separation, riding discomfort or the presence of novel objects in their environment. Although Heart Rate Variability is a common indicator of stress levels in horses, the behavioral mechanisms concurrently occurring under stressful conditions are still unknown. The sudden inflation of a balloon was administered to 33 horses. Video-recording of self-directed behaviors (snore, vacuum chewing, snort, head/body shaking) and monitoring of heart activity (HR and SDRR) were conducted for five minutes before (Pre-test) and after the stimulus administration (Stress-test). During the Stress-test, only snore and vacuum chewing increased and a significant increase was also recorded in both HR and SDRR. Moreover, the snore variation between the two conditions showed a significant correlation with the variation of both HR and SDRR. With the snore acting as stress-releasing behavior to restore basal condition, the homeostasis recovered via the enactment of such behavior could be physiologically expressed by an increasing vagal activity. Hence, the capacity to maintain homeostasis (resilience) could correspond to a prevalence of parasympathetic control on heart activity, intervening when certain behaviors are performed.
1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase producing beneficial rhizobacteria ameliorate the biomass characters of Panicum maximum Jacq. by mitigating drought and salt stress
Authors: Tiwari Garima , Duraivadivel P. , Sharma Satyawati , P. Hariprasad
Published: November 2018

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) is a precursor molecule of ethylene whose concentration is elevated in the plant subjected to biotic and abiotic stress. Several soil microorganisms are reported to produce ACC deaminase (ACCd) which degrades ACC thereby reducing stress ethylene in host plants. This study is aimed to apply ACCd producing beneficial rhizobacteria to improve biochemical parameters and cell wall properties of Panicum maximum exposed to salt and drought stress, focusing on bioethanol production. Thirty-seven ACCd producing bacteria isolated from rhizospheric soil of field grown P. maximum and 13 were shortlisted based on their beneficial traits (root colonization, production of indole acetic acid, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, tolerance to salt and Polyethylene glycol) and a total score obtained. All shortlisted bacteria were found significant in enhancing the plant growth, water conservation, membrane stability, biocompatible solutes and protein, phenolic contents and photosynthetic pigments in plants grown under stress conditions. Cell wall composition (Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin) of the treated plants grown under stress conditions recorded a significant improvement over their respective controls and found equivalent to the plants grown under normal circumstances. Biomass from bacterial treatment recorded higher total reducing sugars upon pre-treatment and hydrolysis, and theoretical bioethanol yield.
Description of a personality syndrome in a common and invasive ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: Labaude Sophie , O’Donnell Niamh , Griffin Christine T.
Published: November 2018

Animal personality, defined as consistent differences among individuals in their behaviour, is being increasingly studied as it might lead to a new understanding of the evolution of behaviours. Despite a clear interest in studying personality in a wide range of taxa for comparative analyses, studies on invertebrates are still scarce. Here, we investigated the personality of a ground beetle, Nebria brevicollis, which is widespread in Europe and invasive in North America. We measured seven behavioural traits from an array of three different tests: (i) activity and exploration related traits; (ii) reaction to a threat, and (iii) phototaxis. The repeatability was tested by measuring all behaviours twice, on different days. All behavioural traits were consistent through time, highlighting the presence of personality in the beetle. In addition, we analysed the relationship between the different traits and highlighted two clusters of behaviours (behavioural syndrome), one grouping activity, exploration and boldness traits, and a second one consisting of responses to a threat. This study is the first to our knowledge to provide evidence for personality dimensions within the vast group of the Carabidae. It also constitutes a preliminary step in the experimental investigation of the importance of animal personality in invasive species.
Gene mutation associated with esl mediates shifts on fungal community composition in rhizosphere soil of rice at grain-filling stage
Authors: Letuma Puleng , Arafat Yasir , Waqas Muhammad , Lin Feifan , Lin Weiwei , Zhang Yiyang , Masita Mamello , Fan Kai , Li Zhaowei , Lin Wenxiong
Published: November 2018

Generally, plant roots shape the rhizosphere fungal community but how individual plant genes involved in senescence affect this shaping is less studied. We used an early senescence leaf (esl) mutant rice and compared it with its isogenic wild type variety to evaluate the effect of the vacuolar H+-ATPase (VHA-A1) gene mutation on the rhizosphere fungal community structure and composition using a metagenomic pyrosequencing approach. The most predominate fungal phyla identified for both isogenic lines belonged to Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Glomeromycota, where Ascomycota were more prevalent in the esl mutant than the wild type variety. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed a significant rise in the richness of Cladosporium cladosporioides in esl mutant rice than the wild type variety. Correlation analysis revealed four most abundant genera identified for the esl mutant and their close association with yield and biomass decline, lipid peroxidation, lower root vitality, chlorophyll degradation and limited VHA activity. Higher K+ efflux, H+ and a lower Ca2+ influx was also observed in the esl mutant which could be the reason for abnormal functioning of mutant plants. These results illustrate that besides the well-known effect of senescence on plant physiology and yield decline, it can further shape the rhizosphere fungal community.
A novel cloning strategy for one-step assembly of multiplex CRISPR vectors
Authors: Zuckermann Marc , Hlevnjak Mario , Yazdanparast Haniyeh , Zapatka Marc , Jones David T. W. , Lichter Peter , Gronych Jan
Published: November 2018

One key advantage of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in comparison with other gene editing approaches lies in its potential for multiplexing. Here, we describe an elaborate procedure that allows the assembly of multiple gRNA expression cassettes into a vector of choice within a single step, termed ASAP(Adaptable System for Assembly of multiplexed Plasmids)-cloning. We demonstrate the utility of ASAP-cloning for multiple CRISPR-mediated applications, including efficient multiplex gene editing, robust transcription activation and convenient analysis of Cas9 activity in the presence of multiple gRNAs.
The delta neutrophil index predicts development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and 30-day mortality in trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Kong Taeyoung , Park Yoo Seok , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Sinae , Lee Jong Wook , You Je Sung , Chung Hyun Soo , Park Incheol , Chung Sung Phil
Published: November 2018

No studies have examined the role of delta neutrophil index (DNI) reflecting on immature granulocytes in determining the severity of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) and short-term mortality. This study investigated the utility of the automatically calculated DNI as a prognostic marker of severity in trauma patients who were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). We retrospectively analysed prospective data of eligible patients. We investigated 366 patients. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher DNI values at 12 h (odds ratio [OR], 1.079; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.037–1.123; p < 0.001) and 24 h were strong independent predictors of MODS development. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that increased DNI at 12 h (hazard ratio [HR], 1.051; 95% CI, 1.024–1.079; p < 0.001) was a strong independent predictor of short-term mortality. The increased predictability of MODS after trauma was closely associated with a DNI > 3.25% at 12 h (OR, 12.7; 95% CI: 6.12–26.35; p < 0.001). A cut-off of >5.3% at 12 h was significantly associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR, 18.111; 95% CI, 6.988–46.935; p < 0.001). The DNI is suitable for rapid and simple estimation of the severity of traumatic injury using an automated haematologic analyser without additional cost or time.
Contrasting phylogeographic pattern among Eudyptes penguins around the Southern Ocean
Authors: Frugone M. J. , Lowther A. , Noll D. , Ramos B. , Pistorius P. , Dantas G. P. M. , Petry M. V. , Bonadonna F. , Steinfurth A. , Polanowski A. , Raya Rey A. , Lois N. A. , Pütz K. , Trathan P. , Wienecke B. , Poulin E. , Vianna J. A.
Published: November 2018

Since at least the middle-Miocene, the Antarctic Polar Front (APF) and the Subtropical Front (STF) appear to have been the main drivers of diversification of marine biota in the Southern Ocean. However, highly migratory marine birds and mammals challenge this paradigm and the importance of oceanographic barriers. Eudyptes penguins range from the Antarctic Peninsula to subantarctic islands and some of the southernmost subtropical islands. Because of recent diversification, the number of species remains uncertain. Here we analyze two mtDNA (HVRI, COI) and two nuclear (ODC, AK1) markers from 13 locations of five putative Eudyptes species: rockhopper (E. filholi, E. chrysocome, and E. moseleyi), macaroni (E. chrysolophus) and royal penguins (E. schlegeli). Our results show a strong phylogeographic structure among rockhopper penguins from South America, subantarctic and subtropical islands supporting the recognition of three separated species of rockhopper penguins. Although genetic divergence was neither observed among macaroni penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula and sub-Antarctic islands nor between macaroni and royal penguins, population genetic analyses revealed population genetic structure in both cases. We suggest that the APF and STF can act as barriers for these species. While the geographic distance between colonies might play a role, their impact/incidence on gene flow may vary between species and colonies.
Variability in sulfur isotope composition suggests unique dimethylsulfoniopropionate cycling and microalgae metabolism in Antarctic sea ice
Authors: Carnat Gauthier , Said-Ahmad Ward , Fripiat François , Wittek Boris , Tison Jean-Louis , Uhlig Christiane , Amrani Alon
Published: November 2018

Sea ice microbial communities produce large amounts of the sulfur metabolite dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a precursor of the climate cooling gas dimethylsulfide. Despite their importance to the polar sulfur cycle, drivers and metabolic pathways of sea ice DMSP are uncertain. Here we report the first measurements of sea ice DMSP sulfur isotopic composition (34S/32S ratio, δ34S). δ34S values in ice cores from the Ross Sea and Weddell Sea reveal considerable variability across seasons and between ice horizons (from +10.6 to +23.6‰). We discuss how the most extreme δ34S values observed could be related to unique DMSP cycling in the seasonally extreme physiochemical conditions of isolated brine inclusions in winter-spring. Using cell cultures, we show that part of the DMSP δ34S variability could be explained by distinct DMSP metabolism in sea ice microalgae. These findings advance our understanding of the sea ice sulfur cycle and metabolic adaptations of microbes in extreme environments.
Designing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platforms beyond hotspot engineering: emerging opportunities in analyte manipulations and hybrid materials
Authors: Lee Hiang Kwee , Lee Yih Hong , Koh Charlynn Sher Lin , Phan-Quang Gia Chuong , Han Xuemei , Lay Chee Leng , Sim Howard Yi Fan , Kao Ya-Chuan , An Qi , Ling Xing Yi
Published: November 2018

This review summarizes recent SERS developments, focusing on analyte manipulation strategies and hybrid SERS platforms that venture beyond hotspot engineering.
Visual dual dot immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of kanamycin and streptomycin in milk
Authors: Wei Dali , Meng Hui , Zeng Kun , Huang Zhe
Published: November 2018

Dual dot immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of kanamycin and streptomycin with visible readout in milk.
Stable and reproducible nano-electrospray ionization of aqueous solutions and untreated biological samples using ion current limitation combined with polarity reversing
Authors: Rahman Md. Matiur , Chingin Konstantin
Published: November 2018

Owing to its high chemical sensitivity and low sample consumption, nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nESI-MS) is nowadays widely used in various fields such as chemistry, biology, medicine, pharmaceutical industry, clinical assessment and forensic science.
Layer-by-layer deposition of chitosan nanoparticles as drug-release coatings for PCL nanofibers
Authors: Sydow Steffen , de Cassan Dominik , Hänsch Robert , Gengenbach Thomas R. , Easton Christopher D. , Thissen Helmut , Menzel Henning
Published: November 2018

Modified PCL fiber mat with fluorescently labeled CS-TPP nanoparticle systemviaLbL dip coating.
A new class of supramolecular ligands stabilizes 14-3-3 protein–protein interactions by up to two orders of magnitude
Authors: Gigante A. , Grad J.-N. , Briels J. , Bartel M. , Hoffmann D. , Ottmann C. , Schmuck C.
Published: November 2018

Identification of novel non-natural supramolecular ligands as stabilizers of 14-3-3ζ protein–protein interactions.
Alkenylation of unactivated alkyl bromides through visible light photocatalysis
Authors: Zhou Quan-Quan , Düsel Simon Josef Siegfried , Lu Liang-Qiu , König Burkhard , Xiao Wen-Jing
Published: November 2018

Two visible-light driven alkenylation reactions of unactivated alkyl bromides, which were enabled by the use of Ir(dF(CF3)ppy)2(dtbbpy)PF6 as the photocatalyst and (TMS)3SiH as the atom transfer reagent to activate the alkyl bromides, were described for the first time.
Oxidative NHC catalysis: direct activation of β sp3 carbons of saturated acid chlorides
Authors: Zhu Shi-Ya , Zhang Hua , Ma Qing-Wei , Liu Dou , Hui Xin-Ping
Published: November 2018

The first activation of saturated acid chlorides by an oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst has been utilized to synthesize enantio-enriched spirooxindole lactones and δ-lactones.
Computational and experimental studies on copper-mediated selective cascade C–H/N–H annulation of electron-deficient acrylamide with arynes
Authors: Chen Chao , Hao Yu , Zhang Ting-Yu , Pan Jin-Long , Ding Jun , Xiang Heng-Ye , Wang Man , Ding Tong-Mei , Duan Abing , Zhang Shu-Yu
Published: November 2018

An efficient and convenient copper-mediated method has been developed to achieve direct cascade C–H/N–H annulation to synthesize 2-quinolinones from electron-deficient acrylamides and arynes.
Topochemical pyrolytic synthesis of quasi-Mxene hybrids via ionic liquid-iron phthalocyanine as a self-template
Authors: Chen Ruixuan , Rui Kun , Yang Xiaofei , Huang Aoming , Zhang Yao , Lin Huijuan , Yan Yan , Zhu Jixin , Huang Wei
Published: November 2018

A novel quasi-Mxene structure hybrid is first realized through topochemical pyrolysis with the assistance of an ionic liquid.
Crystallization of aluminum polycation sulfates: transformation of tetrahedral crystals into block crystals in aqueous solutions
Authors: An Guangyu , Jiang Yuqian , Xi Jinyang , Liu Libing , Wang Pin , Xiao Feng , Wang Dongsheng
Published: November 2018

In situ crystalline transformation from tetrahedral crystals to block crystals occurred, which was induced by dissolution of Na+ from Al13 matrices.
Crystal structure of nickel manganese-layered double hydroxide@cobaltosic oxides on nickel foam towards high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Peng Huihua , Jing Chuan , Chen Jie , Jiang Deyi , Liu Xiaoying , Dong Biqin , Dong Fan , Li Shaochun , Zhang Yuxin
Published: November 2018

Rational design of the crystal structures of electrode materials is considered as an important strategy to construct high-performance supercapacitors.
Elucidating the multiple structures of pipecolic acid by rotational spectroscopy
Authors: Simão A. , Cabezas C. , León I. , Alonso E. R. , Mata S. , Alonso J. L.
Published: November 2018

The complex conformational space of the non-proteinogenic cyclic amino acid pipecolic acid has been explored in the gas phase for the first time, with 9 conformers characterized via a combination of CP-FTMW and LA-FTMW techniques, supported by theoretical data.
Observation of electrochemically active Fe3+/Fe4+ in LiCo0.8Fe0.2MnO4 by in situ Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Dräger Christoph , Sigel Florian , Witte Ralf , Kruk Robert , Pfaffmann Lukas , Mangold Stefan , Mereacre Valeriu , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut , Indris Sylvio
Published: November 2018

The reversible oxidation process of Fe3+ to Fe4+ in LiCo0.8Fe0.2MnO4 has been observed by in situ Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Temperature-dependent studies of a new two-dimensional cadmium dicyanamide framework exhibiting an unusual temperature-induced irreversible phase transition into a three-dimensional perovskite-like framework
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Gągor Anna , Ptak Maciej , Stefańska Dagmara , Sieradzki Adam
Published: November 2018

TPrACd can be grown in both layered and perovskite-like architectures. The layered polymorph transforms irreversibly to the perovskite one at 389 K.
Electronic structure of Al, Ga, In and Cu doped ZnO/Cu(111) bilayer films
Authors: Thang Ho Viet , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: November 2018

The effect of doping with group-III metals (Al, Ga and In) and Cu free standing and Cu(111) supported ZnO bilayer films has been investigated computationally by using the DFT+U method including dispersion contributions.
Selective production of aromatics from CO2
Authors: Xu Yuebing , Shi Chengming , Liu Bing , Wang Ting , Zheng Jiao , Li Wenping , Liu Dapeng , Liu Xiaohao
Published: November 2018

A composite Na/Fe and SiO2-coated HZSM-5 catalyst system has been developed for the highly selective production of aromatics (93–95%), especially para-xylene, in the liquid phase and light olefins in the gas phase from CO2.
Rare-earth ion exchanged Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite from organotemplate-free synthesis with enhanced hydrothermal stability in NH3-SCR of NOx
Authors: Zhao Zhenchao , Yu Rui , Shi Chuan , Gies Hermann , Xiao Feng-Shou , De Vos Dirk , Yokoi Toshiyuki , Bao Xinhe , Kolb Ute , McGuire Robert , Parvulescu Andrei-Nicolae , Maurer Stefan , Müller Ulrich , Zhang Weiping
Published: November 2018

Rare-earth Y exchanged Al-rich Cu-CHA shows significantly improved hydrothermal stability in NH3-SCR reaction.
Highly selective macrocyclic ring-closing metathesis of terminal olefins in non-chlorinated solvents at low dilution
Authors: Dumas Adrien , Colombel-Rouen Sophie , Curbet Idriss , Forcher Gwénael , Tripoteau Fabien , Caijo Frédéric , Queval Pierre , Rouen Mathieu , Baslé Olivier , Mauduit Marc
Published: November 2018

New ruthenium complexes featuring two unsymmetrical NHCs proved to be highly selective in macrocyclic RCM performed in green solvents at low dilution.
Thermal dehydrochlorination in the 4-fluoroaniline–trichloroborane system: identification of reactive intermediates involved in the formation of B,B′,B′′-trichloro-N,N′,N′′-tri((4-fluoro)phenyl)borazine
Authors: Hahn Jennifer , Krieg Matthias , Keck Constanze , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Fink Reinhold F. , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: November 2018

The mechanism of borazine formation from 4-fluoroaniline and trichloroborane is investigated.
Designing highly crystalline multifunctional multicolor-luminescence nanosystem for tracking breast cancer heterogeneity
Authors: Pramanik Avijit , Begum Salma , Rightsell Chris , Gates Kaelin , Zhang Qinku , Jones Stacy , Gao Ye , Ruppa-Kasani Vikram , Banerjee Rimika , Shukla Jayanti , Ignatius Ashley , Sardar Dhiraj , Han Fengxiang. X. , Chandra Ray Paresh
Published: November 2018

Fruit based nanosystem can identify triple negative breast cancer cells.
Are lanthanide-doped upconversion materials good candidates for photocatalysis?
Authors: Zhang Qingzhe , Yang Fan , Xu Zhenhe , Chaker Mohamed , Ma Dongling
Published: November 2018

The most recent progress in high-quality upconversion particle synthesis, rational composite material design, and the combination with plasmonic metals renders upconversion-enhanced NIR photocatalysis increasingly more attractive than ever before.
Unravelling the potency of 4,5-diamino-4H-1,2,4 triazole-3-thiol derivatives for kinase inhibition using a rational approach
Authors: Jain Arvind Kumar , Karthikeyan C. , McIntosh Kyle Douglas , Tiwari Amit K. , Trivedi Piyush , DuttKonar Anita
Published: November 2018

This report describes the design of potent kinase inhibitors by simply fine tuning the surroundings of triazole core with diversified derivatization.
Triazole-amide isosteric pyridine-based supramolecular gelators in metal ion and biothiol sensing with excellent performance in adsorption of heavy metal ions and picric acid from water
Authors: Panja Atanu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: November 2018

Pyridine-based gelators 1–4 of triazole-amide isosteric relationship have been considered in metal ion sensing, heavy metal and picric acid adsorption from water. The change from triazole to isosteric amide has marked effect on gelling properties of the gelators.
Catalytic performance of graphene quantum dot supported manganese phthalocyanine for efficient oxygen reduction: density functional theory approach
Authors: Pham Nguyet N. T. , Park Jong S. , Kim Hee-Tak , Kim Hyoung-Juhn , Son Young-A , Kang Sung Gu , Lee Seung Geol
Published: November 2018

The thermodynamic free-energy diagrams predict that MnPc/GQD is more active toward ORR than the isolated MnPc, clearly highlighting the effect of the GQD matrix on ORR activity from a thermodynamic perspective.
Hot off the press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: November 2018

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as kadsuraol A from Kadsura longipedunculata.
Ferroelectric mesocrystalline BaTiO3/BaBi4Ti4O15 nanocomposite: formation mechanism, nanostructure, and anomalous ferroelectric response
Authors: Zhang Wenxiong , Li Sen , Ma Hao , Hu Dengwei , Kong Xingang , Uemura Shinobu , Kusunose Takafumi , Feng Qi
Published: November 2018

Ferroelectric mesocrystalline nanocomposites are promising materials for the enhancement of ferroelectricity via lattice strain engineering due to their high density of heteroepitaxial interfaces.
Three-dimensional directed assembly of organic charge-transfer heterostructure
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hu Yong , Chang Shuquan , Guan Ying-Shi , Ren Shenqiang
Published: November 2018

Multicomponent crystalline heterostructures are a powerful approach to integrate different functional materials into the ordered structures.
Efficient synthesis and characterisation of the amyloid beta peptide, Aβ1–42, using a double linker system
Authors: Kasim Johanes K. , Kavianinia Iman , Ng Jin , Harris Paul W. R. , Birch Nigel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: November 2018

The amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide was prepared in high purity and yield enabling biophysical characterisation studies using a double linker system and the incorporation of pseudoprolines.
Understanding theZselectivity of the metal-free intermolecular aminoarylation of alkynes: a DFT study
Authors: Bai Huining , Zhang Huimin , Guo Yuen , Chen Hui , Wei Donghui , Li Shijun , Zhu Yanyan , Zhang Wenjing
Published: November 2018

The unusualZselectivity of the title reaction is revealed to be determined by the inherent requirements of dynamic preference of pathways that promise theZ-geometry product, rather than the isomerization of theE-productin situ.
Characterization of electrodeposited undoped and doped thin ZnO passive films on zinc metal in alkaline HCO3−/CO32− buffer solution
Authors: El-Taib Heakal F. , Abd-Ellatif W. R. , Tantawy N. S. , Taha A. A.
Published: November 2018

The trend of charge carrier density (ND) and film thickness (δf) dependence on the parameter is indicated on each arrow for undoped, Li-doped, and In-doped ZnO semiconductor materials.
Boron carbide composites with highly aligned graphene nanoplatelets: light-weight and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding materials at high temperatures
Authors: Tan Y. Q. , Luo H. , Zhou X. S. , Peng S. M. , Zhang H. B.
Published: November 2018

The incorporation of a small amount of highly aligned graphene nanoplatelets into boron carbide leads to light-weight and efficient high-temperature electromagnetic interference shielding composites.
Visible colorimetric fluoride and hydroxide sensing by asymmetric tris-urea receptors: combined experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Wang Ruyu , Shu Xi , Fan Yu , Li Shoujian , Jin Yongdong , Huang Chao
Published: November 2018

A series of asymmetric tris-urea receptors with electron withdrawing group (EWG) or electron donating group (EDG), L1–L4, were synthesized and characterized by HRMS, NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques.
Dropwise condensation on bioinspired hydrophilic-slippery surface
Authors: Guo L. , Tang G. H.
Published: November 2018

A hydrophilic-slippery copper surface is fabricated, reconciling two required factors, enhanced condensation and efficient water transport. Nucleation rate, droplet mobility and heat transfer are enhanced by the small contact angle and sliding angle.
Origin and mechanism analysis of asymmetric current fluctuations in single-molecule junctions
Authors: Gu Chunhui , Wang Hao , Sun Hantao , Liao Jianhui , Hou Shimin , Guo Xuefeng
Published: November 2018

The asymmetric current noise in a single-molecule device was observed, which is relevant to an inelastic electron transport process.
Adsorption separation of CO from syngas with CuCl@AC adsorbent by a VPSA process
Authors: Gao Fei , Wang Shougui , Wang Weiwen , Duan Jihai , Dong Jipeng , Chen Guanghui
Published: November 2018

High purity CO was obtained from syngas with low CO concentration utilizing CuCl@AC adsorbent by VPSA process at ambient temperature.
Integration of marker-free selection of single cells at a wireless electrode array with parallel fluidic isolation and electrical lysis
Authors: Li Min , Anand Robbyn K.
Published: November 2018

We present integration of selective single-cell capture at an array of wireless electrodes (bipolar electrodes, BPEs) with transfer into chambers, reagent exchange, fluidic isolation and rapid electrical lysis in a single platform, thus minimizing sample loss and manual intervention steps.
A synergistic use of microalgae and macroalgae for heavy metal bioremediation and bioenergy production through hydrothermal liquefaction
Authors: Piccini Marco , Raikova Sofia , Allen Michael J. , Chuck Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

In this investigation a novel synergistic approach for the bioremediation of metal-contaminated water and bioenergy production was developed.
Polarization-dependent deformation in light responsive polymers doped by dichroic dyes
Authors: Martella Daniele , Nocentini Sara , Micheletti Filippo , Wiersma Diederik S. , Parmeggiani Camilla
Published: November 2018

A polarization-dependence of the deformation in light-responsive materials can be induced through optimizing the dye dopant alignment.
Revisiting the strong stretching theory for pH-responsive polyelectrolyte brushes: effects of consideration of excluded volume interactions and an expanded form of the mass action law
Authors: Sachar Harnoor Singh , Sivasankar Vishal Sankar , Das Siddhartha
Published: November 2018

Polyelectrolyte brushes have been modeled using strong stretching theory with excluded volume effects and an expanded mass action law.
Hypervalent silicon-based, anionic porous organic polymers with solid microsphere or hollow nanotube morphologies and exceptional capacity for selective adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Xiong Gang , Wang Bin-Bin , You Li-Xin , Ren Bao-Yi , He Yong-Ke , Ding Fu , Dragutan Ileana , Dragutan Valerian , Sun Ya-Guang
Published: November 2018

Two silicon-based anionic porous organic polymers with solid microsphere or hollow nanotube morphologies exhibited unprecedented capacity for selective adsorption of cationic dyes.
Water oxidation catalysed by quantum-sized BiVO4
Authors: Olmo Lourdes del , Dommett Michael , Oevreeide Ingrid H. , Walsh Aron , Di Tommaso Devis , Crespo-Otero Rachel
Published: November 2018

First principle calculations show the effect of the reduction of dimensions on the mechanism of water oxidation catalysed by BiVO4.
Heterogeneous degradation of carbamazepine by Prussian blue analogues in the interlayers of layered double hydroxides: performance, mechanism and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Zeng Hanxuan , Deng Lin , Shi Zhou , Luo Jinming , Crittenden John
Published: November 2018

Prussian blue analogues (PBA) are efficient catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation.
Strain buffering effect of quasi-amorphous disordered microstructure enabling long-term fast sodium storage performance
Authors: He Qiming , Zhang Sanpei , Wu Xiangwei , Yang Jianhua , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: November 2018

The quasi-amorphous FLD-MoS2/NC has effectively buffered the volumetric strain and ensured high conductivity and high capacity.
Zn(ii) coordination to cyclen-based polycations for enhanced gene delivery
Authors: Yu Qing-Ying , Guo Yu , Zhang Ji , Huang Zheng , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: November 2018

Zn2+ coordination greatly improved the gene transfection efficiency of cyclen-based polycations.
Multifunctional luminescent immuno-magnetic nanoparticles: toward fast, efficient, cell-friendly capture and recovery of circulating tumor cells
Authors: Zhou Xiaoxi , Luo Bin , Kang Ke , Ma Shaohua , Sun Xiaohui , Lan Fang , Yi Qiangying , Wu Yao
Published: November 2018

A multifunctional luminescent immuno-magnetic nanoplatform has achieved fast, efficient, cell-friendly capture and recovery of circulating tumor cells.
Tunable fabrication of new theranostic Fe3O4-black TiO2 nanocomposites: dual wavelength stimulated synergistic imaging-guided phototherapy in cancer
Authors: Saeed Madiha , Iqbal M. Zubair , Ren Wenzhi , Xia Yuanzhi , Khan Waheed S. , Wu Aiguo
Published: November 2018

The development of a simplified theranostic system with high-efficiency for multifunctional imaging-guided photodynamic therapy/photothermal therapy (PDT/PTT) is a great challenge.
Magnetic nanoarchitectures for cancer sensing, imaging and therapy
Authors: Knežević Nikola Ž. , Gadjanski Ivana , Durand Jean-Olivier
Published: November 2018

The complexity and applicability of magnetic nanoparticles for sensing and theranostics of cancer has grown substantially in the last decade.
CosR is an oxidative stress sensing a MarR-type transcriptional repressor in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Si Meiru , Chen Can , Su Tao , Che Chengchuan , Yao Shumin , Liang Guangjie , Li Guizhi , Yang Ge
Published: November 2018

The MarR family is unique to both bacteria and archaea. The members of this family, one of the most prevalent families of transcriptional regulators in bacteria, enable bacteria to adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as the presence of antibiotics, toxic chemicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly by thiol-disulfide switches. Although the genome of Corynebacterium glutamicum encodes a large number of the putative MarR-type transcriptional regulators, their physiological and biochemical functions have so far been limited to only two proteins, regulator of oxidative stress response RosR and quinone oxidoreductase regulator QosR. Here, we report that the ncgl2617 gene (cosR) of C. glutamicum encoding an MarR-type transcriptional regulator plays an important role in oxidative stress resistance. The cosR null mutant is found to be more resistant to various oxidants and antibiotics, accompanied by a decrease in ROS production and protein carbonylation levels under various stresses. Protein biochemical function analysis shows that two Cys residues presenting at 49 and 62 sites in CosR are redox-active. They form intermolecular disulfide bonds in CosR under oxidative stress. This CosR oxidation leads to its dissociation from promoter DNA, depression of the target DNA, and increased oxidative stress resistance of C. glutamicum. Together, the results reveal that CosR is a redox-sensitive regulator that senses peroxide stress to mediate oxidative stress resistance in C. glutamicum.
TIMP-1 inhibits proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs through Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Liang Tangzhao , Gao Wenling , Zhu Lei , Ren Jianhua , Yao Hui , Wang Kun , Shi Dehai
Published: November 2018

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBMSCs). hBMSCs with stable TIMP-1 overexpression or TIMP-1 knockdown were generated. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by Alizarin Red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and expression of specific markers. Compared with the vehicle controls, TIMP-1 knockdown significantly promoted the growth of hBMSCs. TIMP-1 knockdown up-regulated β-catenin and cyclin D1 proteins. During osteogenic differentiation, TIMP-1 knockdown elevated the deposition of calcium nodules, ALP activity and the mRNA levels of the osteogenic markers sex determining region Y-box 9 (Sox9), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. During osteogenic differentiation, TIMP-1 knockdown significantly enhanced the up-regulation of osteocalcin proteins. Meanwhile, TIMP-1 overexpression attenuated the Wnt/activator Wnt3a-induced up-regulation cyclin D1 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2) (during osteogenic differentiation) proteins, while TIMP-1 knockdown restored the inhibitor Dickkopf 1-induced inhibition effect on the expression of β-catenin, cyclin D1 and RUNX-2. TIMP-1 plays a negative regulatory role in the proliferation and osteogenesis of hBMSCs, at least partially, through Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Efficacy of liraglutide in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tian Feng , Zheng Zhigang , Zhang Damin , He Si , Shen Jie
Published: November 2018

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is difficult to treat. The present study explored the efficacy of (liraglutide) Lira in treating T2DM complicated with NAFLD. A total of 127 patients suffering from T2DM complicated with NAFLD were enrolled in the present study, and randomly assigned to a Lira group (liraglutide injection: 0.6–1.2 mg/day, 12 weeks, n=52) or a Metformin (Met) group (oral metformin: 1000–1500 mg/day, 12 weeks, n=75). During the treatment phase, the values for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h plasma glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and adiponectin (APN) decreased in both the Lira and Met groups, and the levels of Δ2hPG, ΔAST/ALT, and ΔAPN in the Lira group were significantly lower than those in the Met group. The values for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), ALT, AST, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), and C-reactive protein were markedly increased in both groups, and levels of ΔAST, ΔALT, Δweight, ΔBMI, ΔWHR, and ΔCRP (C-reactive protein) in the Lira group were significantly higher than those in the Met group. An analysis of treatment efficacy showed that liraglutide was better than metformin in its ability to significantly decrease the ALT levels in patients with combined T2DM and NAFLD. Furthermore, liraglutide was more effective than metformin at ameliorating the severity of T2DM complicated with NAFLD, and produced its effects by alleviating liver inflammation and improving liver function.
Analysis of a long-lived, two-cell lightning storm on Saturn
Authors: Fischer G. , Pagaran J. A. , Zarka P. , Delcroix M. , Dyudina U. A. , Kurth W. S. , Gurnett D. A.
Published: November 2018

Lightning storms in Saturn’s atmosphere can last for a few days up to several months. In this paper we analyze a lightning storm that raged for seven and a half months at a planetocentric latitude of 35° south from the end of November 2007 until mid-July 2008. Thunderstorms observed by the Cassini spacecraft before this time were characterized by a single convective storm region of ~2000 km in size, but this storm developed two distinct convective storm cells at the same latitude separated by ~25° in longitude. The second storm cell developed in March 2008, and the entire two-cell convective system was moving with a westward drift velocity of about 0.35 deg per day, which differs from the zonal wind speed. An exhaustive data analysis shows that the storm system produced ~277000 lightning events termed Saturn electrostatic discharges (SEDs) that were detected by Cassini’s Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument, and they occurred in 439 storm episodes. We analyzed the SED intensity distributions, the SED polarization, the burst rates, and the burst and episode durations.

During this storm Cassini made several orbits around Saturn and observed the SEDs from all local times. A comparison with optical observations shows that SEDs can be detected when the storm is still beyond the visible horizon. We qualitatively describe this so-called over-the-horizon effect which is thought to be due to a temporary trapping of SED radio waves below Saturn’s ionosphere. We also describe the first occurrence of so-called SED pre- and post-episodes, which occur in a limited frequency range around 4 MHz separated from the main episode. Pre- and post-episodes were mostly observed by Cassini located at local noon, and should be a manifestation of an extreme over-the-horizon effect. Combined radio and imaging observations suggest that some decreases in SED activity are caused by splitting of the thunderstorm into a bright cloud and a dark oval.