bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
fam20C participates in the shell formation in the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata
Authors: Du Jinzhe , Liu Chuang , Xu Guangrui , Xie Jun , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing
Published: February 2018

Kinase-family with sequence similarity 20, member C (Fam20C) is a protein kinase, which can phosphorylate biomineralization related proteins in vertebrate animals. However, the function of Fam20C in invertebrate animals especially the role in biomineralization is still unknown. Herein, we cloned the cDNA offam20C from the pearl oyster,Pinctada fucata. It is showed that the expression offam20C in the mantle edge was much higher than other tissues.In situhybridization showed thatfam20C was expressed mostly in the outer epithelial cells of the middle fold, indicating it may play important roles in the shell formation. Besides,fam20C expression increased greatly in the D-shape stage of pearl oyster development, when the shell was first formed. During the shell repair process, the expression level offam20C increased 1.5 times at 6 h after shell notching. Knockdown offam20Cin vivoby RNA interference resulted in abnormally stacking of calcium carbonate crystals at the edges of nacre tablets, showing direct evidence thatfam20C participates in the shell formation. This study provides an insight into the role of kinase protein in the shell formation in mollusk and broaden our understanding of biomineralization mechanism.
Sequential Membrane Rupture and Vesiculation during Plasmodium berghei Gametocyte Egress from the Red Blood Cell
Authors: Andreadaki Maria , Hanssen Eric , Deligianni Elena , Claudet Cyrille , Wengelnik Kai , Mollard Vanessa , McFadden Geoffrey I. , Abkarian Manouk , Braun-Breton Catherine , Siden-Kiamos Inga
Published: February 2018

Malaria parasites alternate between intracellular and extracellular stages and successful egress from the host cell is crucial for continuation of the life cycle. We investigated egress of Plasmodium berghei gametocytes, an essential process taking place within a few minutes after uptake of a blood meal by the mosquito. Egress entails the rupture of two membranes surrounding the parasite: the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM), and the red blood cell membrane (RBCM). High-speed video microscopy of 56 events revealed that egress in both genders comprises four well-defined phases, although each event is slightly different. The first phase is swelling of the host cell, followed by rupture and immediate vesiculation of the PVM. These vesicles are extruded through a single stabilized pore of the RBCM, and the latter is subsequently vesiculated releasing the free gametes. The time from PVM vesiculation to completion of egress varies between events. These observations were supported by immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against proteins of the RBCM and PVM. The combined results reveal dynamic re-organization of the membranes and the cortical cytoskeleton of the erythrocyte during egress.
Nanodelivery of a functional membrane receptor to manipulate cellular phenotype
Authors: Patriarchi Tommaso , Shen Ao , He Wei , Baikoghli Mo , Cheng R. Holland , Xiang Yang K. , Coleman Matthew A. , Tian Lin
Published: February 2018

Modification of membrane receptor makeup is one of the most efficient ways to control input-output signals but is usually achieved by expressing DNA or RNA-encoded proteins or by using other genome-editing methods, which can be technically challenging and produce unwanted side effects. Here we develop and validate a nanodelivery approach to transfer in vitro synthesized, functional membrane receptors into the plasma membrane of living cells. Using β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a prototypical G-protein coupled receptor, as an example, we demonstrated efficient incorporation of a full-length β2AR into a variety of mammalian cells, which imparts pharmacologic control over cellular signaling and affects cellular phenotype in an ex-vivo wound-healing model. Our approach for nanodelivery of functional membrane receptors expands the current toolkit for DNA and RNA-free manipulation of cellular function. We expect this approach to be readily applicable to the synthesis and nanodelivery of other types of GPCRs and membrane receptors, opening new doors for therapeutic development at the intersection between synthetic biology and nanomedicine.
Disentangling thermal stress responses in a reef-calcifier and its photosymbionts by shotgun proteomics
Authors: Stuhr Marleen , Blank-Landeshammer Bernhard , Reymond Claire E. , Kollipara Laxmikanth , Sickmann Albert , Kucera Michal , Westphal Hildegard
Published: February 2018

The proliferation of key marine ecological engineers and carbonate producers often relies on their association with photosymbiotic algae. Evaluating stress responses of these organisms is important to predict their fate under future climate projections. Physiological approaches are limited in their ability to resolve the involved molecular mechanisms and attribute stress effects to the host or symbiont, while probing and partitioning of proteins cannot be applied in organisms where the host and symbiont are small and cannot be physically separated. Here we apply a label-free quantitative proteomics approach to detect changes of proteome composition in the diatom-bearing benthic foraminifera Amphistegina gibbosa experimentally exposed to three thermal-stress scenarios. We developed a workflow for protein extraction from less than ten specimens and simultaneously analysed host and symbiont proteomes. Despite little genomic data for the host, 1,618 proteins could be partially assembled and assigned. The proteomes revealed identical pattern of stress response among stress scenarios as that indicated by physiological measurements, but allowed identification of compartment-specific stress reactions. In the symbiont, stress-response and proteolysis-related proteins were up regulated while photosynthesis-related proteins declined. In contrast, host homeostasis was maintained through chaperone up-regulation associated with elevated proteosynthesis and proteolysis, and the host metabolism shifted to heterotrophy.
Trans-generational inheritance of herbivory-induced phenotypic changes in Brassica rapa
Authors: Kellenberger Roman T. , Desurmont Gaylord A. , Schlüter Philipp M. , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: February 2018

Biotic stress can induce plastic changes in fitness-relevant plant traits. Recently, it has been shown that such changes can be transmitted to subsequent generations. However, the occurrence and extent of transmission across different types of traits is still unexplored. Here, we assessed the emergence and transmission of herbivory-induced changes inBrassica rapaand their impact on interactions with insects. We analysed changes in morphology and reproductive traits as well as in flower and leaf volatile emission during two generations with leaf herbivory byMamestra brassicaeandPieris brassicaeand two subsequent generations without herbivory. Herbivory induced changes in all trait types, increasing attractiveness of the plants to the parasitoid waspCotesia glomerataand decreasing visitation by the pollinatorBombus terrestris, a potential trade-off. While changes in floral and leaf volatiles disappeared in the first generation after herbivory, some changes in morphology and reproductive traits were still measurable two generations after herbivory. However, neither parasitoids nor pollinators further discriminated between groups with different past treatments. Our results suggest that transmission of herbivore-induced changes occurs preferentially in resource-limited traits connected to plant growth and reproduction. The lack of alterations in plant-insect interactions was likely due to the transient nature of volatile changes.
Directed evolution of SIRT6 for improved deacylation and glucose homeostasis maintenance
Authors: Gertman Or , Omer Dotan , Hendler Adi , Stein Daniel , Onn Lior , Khukhin Yana , Portillo Miguel , Zarivach Raz , Cohen Haim Y. , Toiber Debra , Aharoni Amir
Published: February 2018

Mammalian SIRT6 is a well-studied histone deacetylase that was recently shown to exhibit high protein deacylation activity enabling the removal of long chain fatty acyl groups from proteins. SIRT6 was shown to play key roles in cellular homeostasis by regulating a variety of cellular processes including DNA repair and glucose metabolism. However, the link between SIRT6 enzymatic activities and its cellular functions is not clear. Here, we utilized a directed enzyme evolution approach to generate SIRT6 mutants with improved deacylation activity. We found that while two mutants show increased deacylation activity at high substrate concentration and improved glucose metabolism they exhibit no improvement and even abolished deacetylation activity on H3K9Ac and H3K56Ac in cells. Our results demonstrate the separation of function between SIRT6 catalytic activities and suggest that SIRT6 deacylation activity in cells is important for glucose metabolism and can be mediated by still unknown acylated cellular proteins.
Vertical Transmission of the Zika Virus Causes Neurological Disorders in Mouse Offspring
Authors: Shi Yingchao , Li Shihua , Wu Qian , Sun Le , Zhang Junjing , Pan Na , Wang Qihui , Bi Yuhai , An Jing , Lu Xuancheng , Gao George Fu , Wang Xiaoqun
Published: February 2018

The association between Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and congenital malformations such as microcephaly in infants is a public health emergency. Although various in vivo and in vitro models are used for ZIKV research, few animal models are available for resolving the effects of maternal ZIKV infection on neonatal development. Here, we established an immunocompetent mouse model via intrauterine inoculation. Our results confirmed that ZIKV, but not dengue virus, infection caused spontaneous abortions, brain malformations, ocular abnormalities, spinal cord defects and paralysis in mouse offspring. Aside from microcephaly and hippocampal dysplasia, eye abnormalities, including microphthalmia, thinner optic nerves, damaged retinae, and deficient visual projection, were also observed following ZIKV infection. Moreover, ZIKV-infected offspring showed a loss of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord and cerebellar malformation, which may cause paralysis. ZIKV also impaired adult neurogenesis in neonatal mice. Due to its intact immunity, our rodent model can be used to systematically evaluate the impact of ZIKV on embryonic and neonatal development and to explore potential therapies.
Protective effects of Chinese Fenggang zinc selenium tea on metabolic syndrome in high-sucrose-high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Yu Jie , Yang Jing , Li Mizhuan , Yang Xuesong , Wang Pan , Xu Jie
Published: February 2018

The protective effect of zinc selenium tea against metabolic syndrome (MetS) was tested by using a high-sucrose-high-fat diet (HSHFD)-induced MetS model. Fifty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal diet (C-group), HSHFD (CH-group), HSHFD + green tea (0.24 g/kg/day) (TH-group), HSHFD + low-dose zinc selenium organic tea (0.24 g/kg/day) (ZTHL-group), and HSHFD + high-dose zinc selenium organic tea (1.20 g/kg/day) (ZTHH-group). After 8 weeks, compared to both the C-group and CH-group, the hepatosomatic index (HI) was significantly reduced in the ZTHL-group (p < 0.05). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were highest in the TH-group, followed by the CH-group, then the ZTHL-group, then the ZTHH-group, and finally the C-group. Compared with the CH-group, the serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipid-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were significantly lower in the ZTHH-group (p < 0.05). Significant decreases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bile acids (TBA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels were observed in ZTHL-group versus the CH-group (p < 0.05). Serum alpha-L-fucosidase (AFU) levels in the ZTHH-group were lower than in the CH-group (P < 0.01). Histopathological examination of the liver and fat biopsies illustrates that the liver cells showed a decrease in the extent of necrosis and dropsy in the ZTHL-group and ZTHH-group versus the CH-group. Zinc selenium tea showed a protection effect against hepatic damage.
Horizontal transfer of code fragments between protocells can explain the origins of the genetic code without vertical descent
Authors: Froese Tom , Campos Jorge I. , Fujishima Kosuke , Kiga Daisuke , Virgo Nathaniel
Published: February 2018

Theories of the origin of the genetic code typically appeal to natural selection and/or mutation of hereditable traits to explain its regularities and error robustness, yet the present translation system presupposes high-fidelity replication. Woese’s solution to this bootstrapping problem was to assume that code optimization had played a key role in reducing the effect of errors caused by the early translation system. He further conjectured that initially evolution was dominated by horizontal exchange of cellular components among loosely organized protocells (“progenotes”), rather than by vertical transmission of genes. Here we simulated such communal evolution based on horizontal transfer of code fragments, possibly involving pairs of tRNAs and their cognate aminoacyl tRNA synthetases or a precursor tRNA ribozyme capable of catalysing its own aminoacylation, by using an iterated learning model. This is the first model to confirm Woese’s conjecture that regularity, optimality, and (near) universality could have emerged via horizontal interactions alone.
Investigation of the prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and its risk factors within the elderly population in Shanghai, China
Authors: Ren Longbing , Zheng Yongtao , Wu Lezhou , Gu Yijun , He Yusheng , Jiang Bo , Zhang Jie , Zhang Lijuan , Li Jue
Published: February 2018

To investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its risk factors among Chinese elders aged over 80 years, a community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2016 in Shanghai, China. Cognitive function was measured by using Mini-Mental Status Examination. Multiple logistic regression assessed associations between risk factors and cognitive impairment. Of 480 participants, 30% were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Women [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–2.83], solitary life (AOR: 3.15, 1.89–5.26), monthly income less than 2000 Chinese yuan (AOR: 3.47, 1.18–10.23) were significantly associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, compared with men, non-solitary life, and monthly income greater than 4000 Chinese yuan, respectively. Overweight (AOR: 0.59, 0.36–0.97), being physically active at least 60 minutes per day (AOR: 0.59, 0.35–0.95), antihypertensive drugs users (AOR: 0.45, 0.28–0.72), and lipid lowering drugs users (AOR: 0.21, 0.06–0.76) significantly lowered the risk of cognitive impairment, compared with normal weight, inadequate outdoor activity, and non-medication users, respectively. Accordingly, this study found that women, solitary life, lower income was associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment, while overweight, being physically active, and antihypertensive and lipid lowering drugs usage might lower the risk.
Semi-quantitative Analysis of EBUS Elastography as a Feasible Approach in Diagnosing Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes of Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ma Honghai , An Zhou , Xia Pinghui , Cao Jinlin , Gao Qiqi , Ren Guoping , Xue Xing , Wang Xianhua , He Zhehao , Hu Jian
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to semi-quantitatively evaluate the elastographic imaging color distribution of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes (LNs), and explored its utility in helping define malignant and benign LNs for lung cancer patients. We prospectively collected patients who underwent preoperative mediastinal staging of suspected lung cancer by EBUS-TBNA. We analyzed the elastography color distribution of each LN and calculated the blue color proportion (BCP). The LN elastographic patterns were compared with the final EBUS-TBNA pathological results. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of BCP. We sampled and analyzed 79 LNs from 60 patients. The average BCP in malignant LNs was remarkably higher than that in benign LNs (57.1% versus 30.8%, P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the BCP was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78–0.94). The best cutoff BCP for differentiating between benign and malignant LNs was determined as 36.7%. All the 16 LNs (20.3%) with a BCP lower than 27.9% were diagnosed as benign tissues. Our study suggests that elastography is a feasible technique that may safely help to predict LN metastasis during EBUS-TBNA. We found a clear BCP cutoff value to help define positive and negative LNs.
ATLANTIS - Attractor Landscape Analysis Toolbox for Cell Fate Discovery and Reprogramming
Authors: Shah Osama Shiraz , Chaudhary Muhammad Faizyab Ali , Awan Hira Anees , Fatima Fizza , Arshad Zainab , Amina Bibi , Ahmed Maria , Hameed Hadia , Furqan Muhammad , Khalid Shareef , Faisal Amir , Chaudhary Safee Ullah
Published: February 2018

Boolean modelling of biological networks is a well-established technique for abstracting dynamical biomolecular regulation in cells. Specifically, decoding linkages between salient regulatory network states and corresponding cell fate outcomes can help uncover pathological foundations of diseases such as cancer. Attractor landscape analysis is one such methodology which converts complex network behavior into a landscape of network states wherein each state is represented by propensity of its occurrence. Towards undertaking attractor landscape analysis of Boolean networks, we propose an Attractor Landscape Analysis Toolbox (ATLANTIS) for cell fate discovery, from biomolecular networks, and reprogramming upon network perturbation. ATLANTIS can be employed to perform both deterministic and probabilistic analyses. It has been validated by successfully reconstructing attractor landscapes from several published case studies followed by reprogramming of cell fates upon therapeutic treatment of network. Additionally, the biomolecular network of HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell line has been screened for therapeutic evaluation of drug-targets. Our results show agreement between therapeutic efficacies reported by ATLANTIS and the published literature. These case studies sufficiently highlight thein silicocell fate prediction and therapeutic screening potential of the toolbox. Lastly, ATLANTIS can also help guide single or combinatorial therapy responses towards reprogramming biomolecular networks to recover cell fates.
THz characterization and demonstration of visible-transparent/terahertz-functional electromagnetic structures in ultra-conductive La-doped BaSnO3 Films
Authors: Arezoomandan Sara , Prakash Abhinav , Chanana Ashish , Yue Jin , Mao Jieying , Blair Steve , Nahata Ajay , Jalan Bharat , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi
Published: February 2018

We report on terahertz characterization of La-doped BaSnO3 (BSO) thin-films. BSO is a transparent complex oxide material, which has attracted substantial interest due to its large electrical conductivity and wide bandgap. The complex refractive index of these films is extracted in the 0.3 to 1.5 THz frequency range, which shows a metal-like response across this broad frequency window. The large optical conductivity found in these films at terahertz wavelengths makes this material an interesting platform for developing electromagnetic structures having a strong response at terahertz wavelengths, i.e. terahertz-functional, while being transparent at visible and near-IR wavelengths. As an example of such application, we demonstrate a visible-transparent terahertz polarizer.
Role of nonresolving inflammation in hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression
Authors: Yu Le-Xing , Ling Yan , Wang Hong-Yang
Published: February 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a leading cause of cancer-related death, making the elucidation of its underlying mechanisms an urgent priority. Inflammation is an adaptive response to infection and tissue injury under strict regulations. When the host regulatory machine runs out of control, nonresolving inflammation occurs. Nonresolving inflammation is a recognized hallmark of cancer that substantially contributes to the development and progression of HCC. The HCC-associated inflammation can be initiated and propagated by extrinsic pathways through activation of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) by pathogen-associated molecule patterns (PAMPs) derived from gut microflora or damage-associated molecule patterns (DAMPs) released from dying liver cells. The inflammation can also be orchestrated by the tumor itself through secreting factors that recruit inflammatory cells to the tumor favoring the buildup of a microenvironment. Accumulating datas from human and mouse models showed that inflammation promotes HCC development by promoting proliferative and survival signaling, inducing angiogenesis, evading immune surveillance, supporting cancer stem cells, activating invasion and metastasis as well as inducing genomic instability. Targeting inflammation may represent a promising avenue for the HCC treatment. Some inhibitors targeting inflammatory pathways have been developed and under different stages of clinical trials, and one (sorafenib) have been approved by FDA. However, as most of the data were obtained from animal models, and there is a big difference between human HCC and mouse HCC models, it is challenging on successful translation from bench to bedside.
Viable aromatic BenHn stars enclosing a planar hypercoordinate boron or late transition metal
Authors: Zhao Xue-Feng , Li Jia-Jia , Li Hai-Ru , Yuan Caixia , Tian Xinxin , Li Si-Dian , Wu Yan-Bo , Guo Jin-Chang , Wang Zhi-Xiang
Published: February 2018

Similar to Bn rings, star-like BenHn rings can serve as the n-electron σ-donors for designing species with planar hypercoordinate atom.
Chirality switching of the self-assembled CuPc domains induced by electric field
Authors: Wang Ya-Li , Sun Kai , Tu Yu-Bing , Tao Min-Long , Xie Zheng-Bo , Yuan Hong-Kuan , Xiong Zu-Hong , Wang Jun-Zhong
Published: February 2018

A voltage pulse applied at STM tip leads to the chirality switching from R-enantiomeric to S-enantiomeric domain.
Efficient prediction of suitable functional monomers for molecular imprintingvialocal density of states calculations
Authors: Zink S. , Moura F. A. , Autreto P. Alves da Silva , Galvão D. S. , Mizaikoff B.
Published: February 2018

Computational screening of suitable functional monomersvialocal density of states calculations.
Reverse electrodialysis in bilayer nanochannels: salinity gradient-driven power generation
Authors: Long Rui , Kuang Zhengfei , Liu Zhichun , Liu Wei
Published: February 2018

To evaluate the possibility of nano-fluidic reverse electrodialysis (RED) for salinity gradient energy harvesting, we consider the behavior of ion transportation in a bilayer cylindrical nanochannel with different sized nanopores connecting two reservoirs at different NaCl concentrations.
Directing the mechanism of CO2 reduction by a Mn catalyst through surface immobilization
Authors: Walsh James J. , Forster Mark , Smith Charlotte L. , Neri Gaia , Potter Richard J. , Cowan Alexander J.
Published: February 2018

Immobilization of a Mn polypyridyl CO2 reduction electrocatalyst on nanocrystalline TiO2 electrodes yields an active heterogeneous system and also significantly triggers a change in voltammetric and catalytic behaviour, relative to in solution.
The peculiarities of complex formation and energy transfer processes in lanthanide complexes with 2-(tosylamino)-benzylidene-N-benzoylhydrazone
Authors: Kovalenko Anton D. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Burlov Anatolii S. , Lepnev Leonid S. , Ilina Elena G. , Utochnikova Valentina V.
Published: February 2018

The understanding of the peculiarities of the energy transfer processes in europium complexes allowed to obtain the luminescence thermometer materials with the highest sensitivity value at above the liquid-nitrogen temperatures.
Synthesis and some coordination chemistry of the PSnP pincer-type stannylene Sn(NCH2PtBu2)2C6H4, attempts to prepare the PSiP analogue, and the effect of the E atom on the molecular structures of E(NCH2PtBu2)2C6H4 (E = C, Si, Ge, Sn)
Authors: Brugos Javier , Cabeza Javier A. , García-Álvarez Pablo , Pérez-Carreño Enrique , Polo Diego
Published: February 2018

The title stannylene presents intramolecular P⋯Sn interactions and is prone to get inserted into M–Cl bonds to give a κ2Sn,P-coordinated chloridostannyl ligand.
Direct formation of Au(iii) acetyl, alkoxyl and alkynyl functionalities via halide free tricationic Au(iii) precursors
Authors: Corbo Robert , Albayer Mohammad , Hall Neville B. , Dutton Jason L.
Published: February 2018

Au(iii) methoxides, acetates and acetylides can be formed in one pot with no need for addition of a base via direct reaction with pyridine ligated Au(iii) trications.
A quantitative and spatially resolved analysis of the performance-bottleneck in high efficiency, planar hybrid perovskite solar cells
Authors: Draguta Sergiu , Christians Jeffrey A. , Morozov Yurii V. , Mucunzi Anselme , Manser Joseph S. , Kamat Prashant V. , Luther Joseph M. , Kuno Masaru
Published: February 2018

Intrinsic electron traps in perovskite active layers limit the performance of state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells.
The impact of the molecular weight of dextran on formation of whey protein isolate (WPI)–dextran conjugates in fibers produced by needleless electrospinning after annealing
Authors: Turan Deniz , Gibis Monika , Gunes Gurbuz , Baier Stefan K. , Weiss Jochen
Published: February 2018

The conjugation reaction of electrospun fibers of a mixture of whey protein isolate (WPI) and dextran using different molecular weights (40, 70, and 100 kDa) and mixing ratios was studied.
Synthesis and radioprotective effects of novel benzyl naphthyl sulfoxide (sulfone) derivatives transformed from Ex-RAD
Authors: Tang Lin , Peng Tao , Wang Gang , Wen Xiaoxue , Sun Yunbo , Zhang Shouguo , Liu Shuchen , Wang Lin
Published: February 2018

In this work, a series of novel benzyl naphthyl sulfoxides (sulfones) derived from Ex-RAD were designed and synthesized as potential radioprotective agents.
Controllable rotational inversion in nanostructures with dual chirality
Authors: Dai Lu , Zhu Ka-Di , Shen Wenzhong , Huang Xiaojiang , Zhang Li , Goriely Alain
Published: February 2018

The controllable rotational inversion is discovered in the helices with dual chirality: from gourd/cucumber tendrils to helical nanobelts.
Doping effect of non-metal group in porous ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets towards synergistically improved photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xing Weinan , Chen Gang , Li Chunmei , Han Zhonghui , Hu Yidong , Meng Qingqiang
Published: February 2018

A photocatalyst based on the non-metal group doped porous ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets was prepared through a combined methodology of precursor reforming and thermal condensation.
Electrohydrodynamic printing of silver nanowires for flexible and stretchable electronics
Authors: Cui Zheng , Han Yiwei , Huang Qijin , Dong Jingyan , Zhu Yong
Published: February 2018

High-resolution, large-scale printing of highly conductive AgNWs for flexible and stretchable electronics using EHD printing is presented. The printed patterns show the smallest line width of 45 μm and electrical conductivity as high as ∼5.6 × 106S m−1. AgNW-based wearable heaters and ECG electrodes are fabricated.
Photo-switchable patterning of gold nanoparticles along 3D DNA nanotubes
Authors: Dai Ziwen , Lo Pik Kwan
Published: February 2018

This reversible photo-responsive DNA nanotube system become not only a useful tool for drug delivery and nanorobotics but also a reversibly reconfigurable DNA-based plasmonic material for applications in optoelectronics and nanophotonics.
Zwitterionic polypeptides bearing carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine: synthesis, self-assembly, and their interactions with proteins
Authors: Tsai Yu-Lin , Tseng Yu-Chao , Chen Yan-Miao , Wen Tain-Ching , Jan Jeng-Shiung
Published: February 2018

Zwitterionic polypeptides bearing carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine were synthesized and their self-assembly and protein interactions were evaluated.
Solution-processed thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes using a new polymeric emitter containing non-conjugated cyclohexane units
Authors: Kim Hyung Jong , Lee Chiho , Godumala Mallesham , Choi Suna , Park Seo Yeon , Cho Min Ju , Park Sungnam , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: February 2018

A new solution-processable polymeric emitter containing non-conjugated cyclohexane units was developed for high-performing TADF-OLEDs.
A microfluidic biochip for locally confined stimulation of cells within an epithelial monolayer
Authors: Thuenauer Roland , Nicklaus Simon , Frensch Marco , Troendle Kevin , Madl Josef , Römer Winfried
Published: February 2018

We developed a microfluidic biochip that enables one to locally change the basolateral microenvironment of epithelial cells within a polarised monolayer.
A polyethersulfone–bisphenol sulfuric acid hollow fiber ultrafiltration membrane fabricated by a reverse thermally induced phase separation process
Authors: Liu Sheng-Hui , Liu Min , Xu Zhen-Liang , Wei Yong-Ming
Published: February 2018

A novel antifouling polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membrane was modified by the addition of bisphenol sulfuric acid (BPA-PS) using a reverse thermally induced phase separation (RTIPS) process.
Morphology and pervaporation performance of ionic liquid and waterborne polyurethane composite membranes
Authors: Xi Tao , Tang Lin , Hao Wentao , Yao Lulu , Cui Peng
Published: February 2018

Possible model of interactions in [emim][PF6]/WPU composite membranes.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of BiOBr by in situ reactable ionic liquid modification for pollutant degradation
Authors: Wei Zhidong , Li Ruishuo , Wang Rui
Published: February 2018

In this study, hierarchical BiOBr microspheres were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal method in the presence of imidazole ionic liquids.
Observation of a new type of aggregation-induced emission in nanoclusters
Authors: Kang Xi , Wang Shuxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: February 2018

A novel mechanism of aggregation-induced emission defined as the restriction of the ligand dissociation–aggregation process in the nanocluster range is proposed.
Understanding the slowdown of whole slurry hydrolysis of steam pretreated lignocellulosic woody biomass catalyzed by an up-to-date enzyme cocktail
Authors: Zhai Rui , Hu Jinguang , Saddler Jack N.
Published: February 2018

The key enzyme activities were selectively inhibited and/or deactivated by water-soluble components derived from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass.
Super-helical filaments at surfaces: dynamics and elastic responses
Authors: Chae Min-Kyung , Kim Yunha , Johner Albert , Lee Nam-Kyung
Published: February 2018

Superhelical model is called for the unusual behavior of bio-filaments when squeezed to a surface, confined in microfluidic channels or clamped by their end.
Feedback control of photoresponsive fluid interfaces
Authors: Grawitter Josua , Stark Holger
Published: February 2018

Switching light spots on and off by feedback response to Marangoni flow generates regular and irregular oscillatory patterns.
Tailoring the mechanical properties of gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels through manipulation of the photocrosslinking conditions
Authors: O'Connell Cathal D. , Zhang Binbin , Onofrillo Carmine , Duchi Serena , Blanchard Romane , Quigley Anita , Bourke Justin , Gambhir Sanjeev , Kapsa Robert , Di Bella Claudia , Choong Peter , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: February 2018

Strategies for controlling the properties of gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels are elucidated, with applications for biofabrication and tissue engineering.
Molecular mechanism of vesicle division induced by coupling between lipid geometry and membrane curvatures
Authors: Urakami Naohito , Jimbo Takehiro , Sakuma Yuka , Imai Masayuki
Published: February 2018

The vesicle division mechanism for a binary vesicle composed of zero and negative spontaneous curvature lipids is investigated.
Dynamics-based assessment of nanoscopic polymer-network mesh structures and their defects
Authors: Saalwächter Kay , Seiffert Sebastian
Published: February 2018

Multiple-quantum NMR and probe diffusion are dynamical methods that can quantify polymer-network structural irregularities and defects on the network-mesh scale.
Precision compatibilizers for composites: in-between self-aggregation, surfaces recognition and interface stabilization
Authors: Samsoninkova V. , Venkatareddy N. L. , Wagermaier W. , Dallmann A. , Börner H. G.
Published: February 2018

Peptide–polymer conjugates are applied as precision interface-stabilizers in hybrid-materials. Besides surface–peptide interactions also peptide–peptide interactions determine solubility and availability of stabilizers at internal interfaces.
N-rich carbon coated CoSnO3derived fromin situconstruction of a Co–MOF with enhanced sodium storage performance
Authors: Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Zhao Ganggang , Ge Peng , Yin Dulin , Ji Xiaobo
Published: February 2018

A series of CoSnO3–NC nanobox materials with controllable carbon content were acquired by thein situcarbonization of CoSnO3–MOFs, showing a controllable N-rich carbon content range from 7.5% to 24.6%.
The enhanced electrochemical response of Sr(Ti0.3Fe0.7Ru0.07)O3−δ anodes due to exsolved Ru–Fe nanoparticles
Authors: Glaser R. , Zhu T. , Troiani H. , Caneiro A. , Mogni L. , Barnett S.
Published: February 2018

The performance of an anode for solid oxide fuel cells, a mixed conducting oxide SrTi0.3Fe0.7O3−δ (STF), is improved by Ru0.8Fe0.2 nanoparticles formed by ex-solution, which promote the hydrogen adsorption.
Linearly polarized electroluminescence from ionic iridium complex-based metallomesogens: the effect of aliphatic-chain on their photophysical properties
Authors: Wu Xiugang , Xie Guohua , Cabry Christopher P. , Xu Xiaoyu , Cowling Stephen J. , Bruce Duncan W. , Zhu Weiguo , Baranoff Etienne , Wang Yafei
Published: February 2018

Clearly polarized electroluminescence was obtained from ionic iridium complex-based metallomesogens.
Facile and scalable carbon- and binder-free electrode materials for ultra-stable and highly improved Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Luo Cuiping , Li Jiade , Tong Shengfu , He Shiman , Li Jun , Yang Xianfeng , Li Xiaohui , Meng Yuying , Wu Mingmei
Published: February 2018

A scalable and ultra-stable carbon- and binder-free Ti@Ru material was synthesized which exhibited potential applications in Li–O2 batteries.
Impact of moderative ligand hydrolysis on morphology evolution and the morphology-dependent breathing effect performance of MIL-53(Al)
Authors: Liu Dandan , Yan Liting , Li Liangjun , Gu Xin , Dai Pengcheng , Yang Lingzhi , Liu Yunqi , Liu Chenguang , Zhao Guoming , Zhao Xuebo
Published: February 2018

The deferred release of a ligand could modulate the morphology of MIL-53(Al), and different morphologies affect the breathing effect process.
Transforming hemithioindigo from a two-way to a one-way molecular photoswitch by isolation in the gas phase
Authors: Navrátil Rafael , Wiedbrauk Sandra , Jašík Juraj , Dube Henry , Roithová Jana
Published: February 2018

Photoswitching of a permanently charged hemithioindigo switch was probed by two photon experiments in the gas phase at 3 K.
Phosphorus oxide clusters stabilized by carbon nanotubes for selective isomerization and dehydrogenation of β-isopentene
Authors: Huang Rui , Wang Jia , Zhang Bingsen , Wu Kuang-Hsu , Zhang Yajie , Su Dang Sheng
Published: February 2018

Phosphorus oxide clusters (POCs) exhibit more selective isomerization and dehydrogenation of β-isopentene than metal oxide clusters (MOCs).
General strategies for effective capture and separation of noble gases by metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Jing
Published: February 2018

In this frontier article, we provide a brief overview of recent progress in capture and separation of noble gases by microporous metal–organic framework-based adsorbents, with an emphasis on xenon and krypton.
Reactant or reagent? Oxidation of H2 at electronically distinct nickel-thiolate sites [Ni2(μ-SR)2]+ and [Ni–SR]+
Authors: Koch Felix , Berkefeld Andreas
Published: February 2018

The chemical bond between a Lewis-acidic metal and a Brønsted/Lewis-basic sulphur donor provides M–S structures with functional properties that are relevant for a variety of processes such as the heterolytic cleavage of H2.
Metallomic study on the metabolism of RAPTA-C and cisplatin in cell culture medium and its impact on cell accumulation
Authors: Holtkamp Hannah U. , Movassaghi Sanam , Morrow Stuart J. , Kubanik Mario , Hartinger Christian G.
Published: February 2018

The different extracellular speciation of cisplatin and the organoruthenium developmental anticancer agent RAPTA-C impacts the accumulation in cancer cells.
Unexpected compositional and structural modification of CoPt3nanoparticles by extensive surface purification
Authors: Mizrahi Martín D. , Krylova Galyna , Giovanetti Lisandro J. , Ramallo-López José M. , Liu Yuzi , Shevchenko Elena V. , Requejo Félix G.
Published: February 2018

Extensive surface purification of alloy NPs can significantly change their composition and transform them into core/shell nanostructures with improved catalytic properties.
Revealing the nature of low-temperature photoluminescence peaks by laser treatment in van der Waals epitaxially grown WS2 monolayers
Authors: Orsi Gordo V. , Balanta M. A. G. , Galvão Gobato Y. , Covre F. S. , Galeti H. V. A. , Iikawa F. , Couto O. D. D. , Qu F. , Henini M. , Hewak D. W. , Huang C. C.
Published: February 2018

Van der Waals epitaxially grown WS2 monolayers and laser effects on their optical properties are reported.
Site-selective phenol acylation mediated by thioacidsviavisible light photoredox catalysis
Authors: Shi Lili , Liu Hongxin , Huo Luqiong , Dang Yaqian , Wang Yu , Yang Bao , Qiu Shengxiang , Tan Haibo
Published: February 2018

Site-selective phenol acylation mediated by thioacidsviaphotoredox catalysis is described. This protocol provided facile access to an array of phenolic esters with exclusive acylation priority of phenol hydroxyl group to alcoholic one. Its utility was also demonstrated by the modification of biologically meaningful natural product.
A microwave synthesized mesoporous carbon sponge as an efficient adsorbent for Cr(vi) removal
Authors: Liu Yan-Jun , Liu Shan , Li Zhi-Wen , Ma Ming-Guo , Wang Bo
Published: February 2018

Mesoporous carbon sponge (MCS) is successfully prepared from a supramolecular microcrystalline cellulose–polymer system triggered by microwave-assisted treatment. The MCS exhibits high adsorption capacity for fast Cr(vi) removal within 5 min.
Highly sensitive determination of lead(ii) and cadmium(ii) by a large surface area mesoporous alumina modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Zheng Xinyu , Chen Shen , Chen Jiebo , Guo Yuheng , Peng Jun , Zhou Xuechou , Lv Rixin , Lin Jiandi , Lin Ruiyu
Published: February 2018

Nanosized mesoporous γ-alumina (M-γ-Al2O3) was first prepared and then modified into a carbon paste to fabricate a novel modified carbon paste electrode.
Structure, luminescence and temperature sensing in rare earth doped glass ceramics containing NaY(WO4)2 nanocrystals
Authors: Zou Zeshang , Wu Ting , Lu Hao , Tu Yuyuan , Zhao Shilong , Xie Shichao , Han Fang , Xu Shiqing
Published: February 2018

A novel rare earth doped glass ceramic containing NaY(WO4)2 nanocrystals was fabricated and its temperature sensing properties were investigated.
Gold-catalyzed [4+3]- and [4+2]-annulations of 3-en-1-ynamides with isoxazoles via novel 6π-electrocyclizations of 3-azahepta trienyl cations
Authors: Giri Sovan Sundar , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: February 2018

Gold-catalysed [4+3]- and [4+2]-annulations of 3-substituted 3-en-1-ynamides with isoxazoles were achieved with Au(i) and Au(i)/Zn(ii) catalysts respectively.
Metabolism and hydrophilicity of the polarised ‘Janus face’ all-cis tetrafluorocyclohexyl ring, a candidate motif for drug discovery
Authors: Rodil Andrea , Bosisio Stefano , Ayoup Mohammed Salah , Quinn Laura , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Murphy Cormac D. , Michel Julien , O'Hagan David
Published: February 2018

The metabolism and polarity of the all-cis tetra-fluorocyclohexane motif is explored in the context of its potential as a motif for inclusion in drug discovery programmes.
Efficient simulation method for nano-patterned charged surfaces in an electrolyte solution
Authors: Bakhshandeh Amin , dos Santos Alexandre P. , Levin Yan
Published: February 2018

We present a method to efficiently simulate nano-patterned charged surfaces inside an electrolyte solution.
Phonon glass behavior beyond traditional cage structures: synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and properties of KMg4Sb3
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Lin-Lin , Kovnir Kirill
Published: February 2018

Low-energy rattling of potassium cations in open channels of Mg–Sb framework causes a Phonon-Glass thermal behavior of novel antimonide KMg4Sb3.
Site-specific grafting on titanium surfaces with hybrid temporin antibacterial peptides
Authors: Masurier Nicolas , Tissot Jean-Baptiste , Boukhriss Douae , Jebors Said , Pinese Coline , Verdié Pascal , Amblard Muriel , Mehdi Ahmad , Martinez Jean , Humblot Vincent , Subra Gilles
Published: February 2018

Controlled orientation of silylated hybrid-temporins on titanium surfaces improved antibacterial activity.
Bi3.25La0.75Ti2.5Nb0.25(Fe0.5Co0.5)0.25O12, a single phase room temperature multiferroic
Authors: Li Zheng , Tao Kun , Ma Jing , Gao Zhipeng , Koval Vladimir , Jiang Changjun , Viola Giuseppe , Zhang Hangfeng , Mahajan Amit , Cao Jun , Cain Markys , Abrahams Isaac , Nan Cewen , Jia Chenglong , Yan Haixue
Published: February 2018

A new single phase Aurivillius structured ceramic shows room temperature multiferroic behavior.
Targeted deposition of organic semiconductor stripes onto rigid, flexible, and three-dimensional substrates
Authors: Yang Tong , Mehta Jeremy S. , Haruk Alexander M. , Mativetsky Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2018

Wetting-mediated two-phase dip coating enables deposition of high-performance organic semiconductor stripes at pre-specified locations on rigid, flexible, and three-dimensional substrates.
Generalised model-independent characterisation of strong gravitational lenses
Authors: Wagner J. , Tessore N.
Published: February 2018

We determine the transformation matrix that maps multiple images with identifiable resolved features onto one another and that is based on a Taylor-expanded lensing potential in the vicinity of a point on the critical curve within our model-independent lens characterisation approach. From the transformation matrix, the same information about the properties of the critical curve at fold and cusp points can be derived as we previously found when using the quadrupole moment of the individual images as observables. In addition, we read off the relative parities between the images, so that the parity of all images is determined when one is known. We compare all retrievable ratios of potential derivatives to the actual values and to those obtained by using the quadrupole moment as observable for two- and three-image configurations generated by a galaxy-cluster scale singular isothermal ellipse. We conclude that using the quadrupole moments as observables, the properties of the critical curve are retrieved to a higher accuracy at the cusp points and to a lower accuracy at the fold points; the ratios of second-order potential derivatives are retrieved to comparable accuracy. We also show that the approach using ratios of convergences and reduced shear components is equivalent to ours in the vicinity of the critical curve, but yields more accurate results and is more robust because it does not require a special coordinate system as the approach using potential derivatives does. The transformation matrix is determined by mapping manually assigned reference points in the multiple images onto one another. If the assignment of the reference points is subject to measurement uncertainties under the influence of noise, we find that the confidence intervals of the lens parameters can be as large as the values themselves when the uncertainties are larger than one pixel. In addition, observed multiple images with resolved features are more extended than unresolved ones, so that higher-order moments should be taken into account to improve the reconstruction precision and accuracy.
Perioperative Complications of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair
Authors: Correia-Pinto Jorge , Barroso Catarina
Published: February 2018

Although improvements have been made, the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a major challenge for perinatologists and neonatal surgeons. Many aspects of the disease remain unknown and, being a rare entity, evidence-based data are hard to find. Surgical morbidity is considerable and affects long-term quality of life. Perioperative complications have been reviewed focusing on thoracoscopic repair. Intraoperative acidosis was more severe during thoracoscopy when compared with open surgery (OS), though it is possible that later neurodevelopment was not affected. Even so, strategies have been outlined to reduce acidosis, such as decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation after reduction of the herniated viscera into the abdomen is complete. The risk of pleural complications decreased after introduction of gentle ventilation techniques and minimally invasive surgery (MIS); thus, the use of a prophylactic intraoperative thoracic tube is not routinely required. Recurrence rate was higher in large CDH and following MIS repair. Technical demands play an important role, therefore, in avoiding complications; every step of the OS technique must be strictly accomplished. In large defects, the use of prosthetic patch might reduce recurrence rate, even by MIS repair, once again only if technical demands are overcome with meticulous rules of suturing. Thoracoscopy significantly reduced the incidence of bowel obstruction and recovery time and improved cosmesis. The best approach of CDH is yet to be found, and it goes far beyond the management of perioperative complications. Meanwhile randomized controlled studies, namely on the outcome of thoracoscopic repair, are required to inform further practice.
Use of Bladder Filling to Prevent Urinary System Complications in the Management of Placenta Percreta: a Randomized Prospective Study
Authors: Özcan Hüseyin , Balat Özcan , Uğur Mete , Sucu Seyhun , Tepe Neslihan , Kazaz Tanyeli
Published: February 2018

Introduction The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of filling the bladder on peripartum genitourinary injuries (especially bladder complications) in women with placenta percreta and to compare patient characteristics.

Material and Methods Our prospective cohort study consisted of pregnant women with placenta percreta who underwent planned cesarean hysterectomy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Gaziantep University Hospital between January 2015 and July 2016. Bladders were filled with 300 ml saline solution to determine surgical borders better and enable dissection of the lower uterine segment without excessive bleeding or unintended injury.

Results A total of 66 women were included in the study: 32 women whose bladders were filled during surgery (filled-bladder group) and 34 women whose bladders were not filled (not filled-bladder group). Comparisons of demographic and obstetrical data, surgical parameters, the need for transfusion, and bladder injury rates revealed no significant differences between the two groups. We did not observe any beneficial effect of filling the bladder on preventing urinary complications compared with the women whose bladders were not filled (p = 0.339).

Conclusions Filling the bladder with saline solution and mobilization of the bladder from the lower uterine segment did not have a statistically significant beneficial effect on preventing complications of the genitourinary system. But although the beneficial effects were not significant, shorter operation times, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and fewer bladder injuries were noted in patients whose bladders were filled.