bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The core protein of a pestivirus protects the incoming virus against IFN-induced effectors
Authors: Riedel Christiane , Lamp Benjamin , Hagen Benedikt , Indik Stanislav , Rümenapf Till
Published: March 2017

A multitude of viral factors - either inhibiting the induction of the IFN-system or its effectors – have been described to date. However, little is known about the role of structural components of the incoming virus particle in protecting against IFN-induced antiviral factors during or immediately after entry. In this study, we take advantage of the previously reported property of Classical swine fever virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Pestivirus) to tolerate a deletion of the core protein if a compensatory mutation is present in the NS3-helicase-domain (Vp447∆c). In contrast to the parental virus (Vp447), which causes a hemorrhagic-fever-like disease in pigs, Vp447∆c is avirulent in vivo. In comparison to Vp447, growth of Vp447∆c in primary porcine cells and IFN-treated porcine cell lines was reduced >20-fold. Also, primary porcine endothelial cells and IFN-pretreated porcine cell lines were 8–24 times less susceptible to Vp447∆c. This reduction of susceptibility could be partially reversed by loading Vp447∆c particles with different levels of core protein. In contrast, expression of core protein in the recipient cell did not have any beneficial effect. Therefore, a protective effect of core protein in the incoming virus particle against the products of IFN-stimulated genes could be demonstrated.
SLX4 Prevents GEN1-Dependent DSBs During DNA Replication Arrest Under Pathological Conditions in Human Cells
Authors: Malacaria Eva , Franchitto Annapaola , Pichierri Pietro
Published: March 2017

SLX4 is a versatile protein serving as docking for multiple structure-specific endonucleases during DNA repair, however, little is known about its function at demised replication forks. Using RNAi or FA-P cells complemented with SLX4 mutants that abrogate interaction with MUS81 or SLX1, we show that SLX4 cooperates with MUS81 to introduce DSBs after replication stress but also counteracts pathological targeting of demised forks by GEN1. Such unexpected function of SLX4 is unrelated to interaction with endonucleases, but concerns the physical presence of the protein. Strikingly, ectopic expression of the Holliday junction-binding protein RuvA inhibits DSBs in SLX4-deficient cells by preventing GEN1 chromatin-association, and rescues proliferation and genome integrity upon replication stress. Altogether, our results indicate that SLX4 is crucial to prevent accidental processing of Holliday junction-like intermediates at demised forks also suggesting that spontaneous genome instability in FA-P cells may derive, at least partially, from unscheduled action of GEN1 in S-phase.
Nutritional control of IL-23/Th17-mediated autoimmune disease through HO-1/STAT3 activation
Authors: Brück Jürgen , Holstein Julia , Glocova Ivana , Seidel Ursula , Geisel Julia , Kanno Toshio , Kumagai Jin , Mato Naoko , Sudowe Stephan , Widmaier Katja , Sinnberg Tobias , Yazdi Amir S. , Eberle Franziska C. , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Nakayama Toshinori , Röcken Martin , Ghoreschi Kamran
Published: March 2017

The nutritional curcumin (CUR) is beneficial in cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying this food-mediated silencing of inflammatory immune responses are poorly understood. By investigating antigen-specific immune responses we found that dietary CUR impairs the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells in vivo during encephalomyelitis and instead promoted Th2 cells. In contrast, feeding CUR had no inhibitory effect on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation. Mechanistically, we found that CUR induces an anti-inflammatory phenotype in dendritic cells (DC) with enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation and suppressed expression of Il12b and Il23a. On the molecular level CUR readily induced NRF2-sensitive heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein in LPS-activated DC. HO-1 enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation, which enriched to Il12b and Il23a loci and negatively regulated their transcription. These findings demonstrate the underlying mechanism through which a nutritional can interfere with the immune response. CUR silences IL-23/Th17-mediated pathology by enhancing HO-1/STAT3 interaction in DC.
Platonic Micelles: Monodisperse Micelles with Discrete Aggregation Numbers Corresponding to Regular Polyhedra
Authors: Fujii Shota , Yamada Shimpei , Matsumoto Sakiko , Kubo Genki , Yoshida Kenta , Tabata Eri , Miyake Rika , Sanada Yusuke , Akiba Isamu , Okobira Tadashi , Yagi Naoto , Mylonas Efstratios , Ohta Noboru , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Sakurai Kazuo
Published: March 2017

The concept of micelles was first proposed in 1913 by McBain and has rationalized numerous experimental results of the self-aggregation of surfactants. It is generally agreed that the aggregation number (Nagg) for spherical micelles has no exact value and a certain distribution. However, our studies of calix[4]arene surfactants showed that they were monodisperse with a defined Nagg whose values are chosen from 6, 8, 12, 20, and 32. Interestingly, some of these numbers coincide with the face numbers of Platonic solids, thus we named them “Platonic micelles”. The preferred Nagg values were explained in relation to the mathematical Tammes problem: how to obtain the best coverage of a sphere surface with multiple identical circles. The coverage ratio D(N) can be calculated and produces maxima at N = 6, 12, 20, and 32, coinciding with the observed Nagg values. We presume that this “Platonic nature” may hold for any spherical micelles when Nagg is sufficiently small.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF1120 ameliorates inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis in CCl4-induced liver fibrogenesis mouse model
Authors: Öztürk Akcora Büsra , Storm Gert , Prakash Jai , Bansal Ruchi
Published: March 2017

Hepatic fibrosis, a progressive chronic disease mainly caused by hepatitis viral infections, alcohol abuse or metabolic syndrome leading to liver dysfunction and is the growing cause of mortality worldwide. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF1120 (Nintedanib) has been evaluated in clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma, but has not been explored for liver fibrosis yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of BIBF1120 in liver fibrogenesis. The effects of BIBF1120 were evaluated in TGFβ-activated mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, LX2 cells, primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and CCl4-induced liver fibrogenesis mouse model. Fibroblasts-conditioned medium studies were performed to assess the paracrine effects on macrophages and endothelial cells. In-vitro in TGFβ-activated fibroblasts, BIBF1120 significantly inhibited expression of major fibrotic parameters, wound-healing and contractility. In vivo in CCl4-induced acute liver injury model, post-disease BIBF1120 administration significantly attenuated collagen accumulation and HSC activation. Interestingly, BIBF1120 drastically inhibited intrahepatic inflammation and angiogenesis. To further elucidate the mechanism of action, 3T3-conditioned medium studies demonstrated increased 3T3-mediated macrophage chemotaxis and endothelial cells tube formation and activation, which was significantly decreased by BIBF1120. These results suggests that BIBF1120 can be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Influence of ad Libitum Feeding of Piglets With Bacillus Subtilis Fermented Liquid Feed on Gut Flora, Luminal Contents and Health
Authors: He Yuyong , Mao Chunxia , Wen Hong , Chen Zhiyu , Lai Tao , Li Lingyu , Lu Wei , Wu Huadong
Published: March 2017

Some scholars caution that long-term ad libitum feeding with probiotic fermented food poses potential health risks to baby animals. We conducted a feeding experiment to investigate the influence of ad libitum feeding of pre-and post-weaned piglets with a Bacillus subtilis fermented diet on the gut microbiome, gut metabolomic profiles, bile acid metabolism, proinflammatory cytokines and faecal consistency. Compared with piglets fed a Bacillus subtilis-supplemented pellet diet, piglets fed the Bacillus subtilis fermented liquid diet had lower intestinal bacterial diversity (P > 0.05), higher intestinal fungal diversity (P > 0.05), more Firmicutes (P > 0.05), fewer Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria (P > 0.05), higher concentrations of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (P < 0.05), orotic acid (P < 0.05), interleukin-6 (P < 0.01), lactic acid (P < 0.01), deoxycholic acid (P > 0.05) and lithocholic acid (P < 0.01) and a higher incidence of diarrhoea (P > 0.05). The data show that ad libitum feeding of piglets with a Bacillus subtilis fermented liquid diet during the suckling and early post-weaning periods promotes the growth of lactic acid bacteria, bile salt hydrolase-active bacteria and 7a-dehydroxylase-active bacteria in the intestinal lumen; disturbs the normal production of lactic acid, orotic acid and unconjugated bile acids; and increases circulating interleukin-6 levels and diarrhoea incidence.
Hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured graphene/polyaniline composites as high-capacitance electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Ronghua , Han Meng , Zhao Qiannan , Ren Zonglin , Guo Xiaolong , Xu Chaohe , Hu Ning , Lu Li
Published: March 2017

As known to all, hydrothermal synthesis is a powerful technique for preparing inorganic and organic materials or composites with different architectures. In this reports, by controlling hydrothermal conditions, nanostructured polyaniline (PANi) in different morphologies were composited with graphene sheets (GNS) and used as electrode materials of supercapacitors. Specifically, ultrathin PANi layers with total thickness of 10–20 nm are uniformly composited with GNS by a two-step hydrothermal-assistant chemical oxidation polymerization process; while PANi nanofibers with diameter of 50~100 nm are obtained by a one-step direct hydrothermal process. Benefitting from the ultrathin layer and porous structure, the sheet-like GNS/PANi composites can deliver specific capacitances of 532.3 to 304.9 F/g at scan rates of 2 to 50 mV/s. And also, this active material showed very good stability with capacitance retention as high as ~99.6% at scan rate of 50 mV/s, indicating a great potential for using in supercapacitors. Furthermore, the effects of hydrothermal temperatures on the electrochemical performances were systematically studied and discussed.
Optimizing ultrathin Ag films for high performance oxide-metal-oxide flexible transparent electrodes through surface energy modulation and template-stripping procedures
Authors: Yang Xi , Gao Pingqi , Yang Zhenhai , Zhu Juye , Huang Feng , Ye Jichun
Published: March 2017

Among new flexible transparent conductive electrode (TCE) candidates, ultrathin Ag film (UTAF) is attractive for its extremely low resistance and relatively high transparency. However, the performances of UTAF based TCEs critically depend on the threshold thickness for growth of continuous Ag films and the film morphologies. Here, we demonstrate that these two parameters could be strongly altered through the modulation of substrate surface energy. By minimizing the surface energy difference between the Ag film and substrate, a 9 nm UTAF with a sheet resistance down to 6.9 Ω sq−1can be obtained using an electron-beam evaporation process. The resultant UTAF is completely continuous and exhibits smoother morphologies and smaller optical absorbances in comparison to the counterpart of granular-type Ag film at the same thickness without surface modulation. Template-stripping procedure is further developed to transfer the UTAFs to flexible polymer matrixes and construct Al2O3/Ag/MoOx(AAM) electrodes with excellent surface morphology as well as optical and electronic characteristics, including a root-mean-square roughness below 0.21 nm, a transparency up to 93.85% at 550 nm and a sheet resistance as low as 7.39 Ω sq−1. These AAM based electrodes also show superiority in mechanical robustness, thermal oxidation stability and shape memory property.
Analysis of SOD1 mutations in a Chinese population with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case-control study and literature review
Authors: Wei QianQian , Zhou QingQing , Chen YongPing , Ou RuWei , Cao Bei , Xu YaQian , Yang Jing , Shang Hui-Fang
Published: March 2017

Although the copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene has been identified in both familial ALS (FALS) and sporadic ALS (SALS), it has rarely been studied in Chinese patients with ALS, and there are few studies with large samples. This study sought to assess the prevalence of SOD1 mutations in Chinese ALS patients. We screened a cohort of 499 ALS patients (487 SALS and 12 FALS) from the Department of Neurology at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and analyzed all coding exons of SOD1 by Sanger sequencing. In addition, we reviewed the mutation frequencies of common ALS causative genes in Chinese populations. Eight missense mutations in SOD1 were found in 8 ALS individuals: two novel mutations (p.G73D and p.V120F) and six previously reported mutations. The frequencies of SOD1 mutations were 1.03% (5/487) in SALS and 25% (3/12) in FALS from Southwest China. A literature review indicated that the mutation rates of major ALS causative genes were 53.55% in FALS and 6.29% in SALS. In Chinese SALS and FALS, the highest mutation frequency was in the SOD1 gene. Our results suggest that SOD1 mutation is the most common cause of ALS in Chinese populations and that the mutation spectrum of ALS varies among different ethnic populations.
Gene expression and proliferation biomarkers for antidepressant treatment resistance
Authors: Breitfeld J , Scholl C , Steffens M , Laje G , Stingl J C
Published: March 2017

The neurotrophic hypothesis of depression suggests an association between effects on neuroplasticity and clinical response to antidepressant drug therapy. We studied individual variability in antidepressant drug effects on cell proliferation in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from n=25 therapy-resistant patients versus n=25 first-line therapy responders from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Furthermore, the variability in gene expression of genes associated with cell proliferation was analyzed for tentative candidate genes for prediction of individual LCL donor’s treatment response. Cell proliferation was quantified by EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) assays after 21-day incubation of LCLs with fluoxetine (0.5 ng μl−1) and citalopram (0.3 ng μl−1) as developed and described earlier. Gene expression of a panel of candidate genes derived from genome-wide expression analyses of antidepressant effects on cell proliferation of LCLs from the Munich Antidepressant Response Signature (MARS) study was analyzed by real-time PCR. Significant differences in in vitro cell proliferation effects were detected between the group of LCLs from first-line therapy responders and LCLs from treatment-resistant patients. Gene expression analysis of the candidate gene panel revealed and confirmed influence of the candidate genes ABCB1, FZD7 and WNT2B on antidepressant drug resistance. The potential of these genes as tentative biomarkers for antidepressant drug resistance was confirmed. In vitro cell proliferation testing may serve as functional biomarker for individual neuroplasticity effects of antidepressants.
Circumcision does not alter long-term glucocorticoids accumulation or psychological effects associated with trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Authors: Ullmann E , Licinio J , Barthel A , Petrowski K , Oratovski B , Stalder T , Kirschbaum C , Bornstein S R
Published: March 2017

Male infants and boys through early adolescence can undergo circumcision either for the sake of upholding religious traditions or for medical reasons. According to both, Jewish as well as Islamic tenets, circumcision is a religious rite symbolizing the bond with God. The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Council (UNC) as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommend circumcision to promote hygiene and prevent disease. This procedure has frequently been criticized by various communities claiming that circumcision in infancy and early adolescence were psychologically traumatizing with medical implications up into old age. Due to the lack of evidence concerning an alleged increase in vulnerability, we measured objective and subjective stress and trauma markers, including glucocorticoids from hair samples, in circumcised and non-circumcised males. We found no differences in long-term limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity, subjective stress perception, anxiety, depressiveness, physical complaints, sense of coherence and resilience. Rather, an increase in the glucocorticoid levels indicated a healthy lifestyle and appropriate functioning. Thus, our findings provide evidence that male circumcision does not promote psychological trauma. Moreover, a qualitative approach, the ambivalence construct, was used for the discussion, aiming at a discourse devoid of biases.
Modeling anorexia nervosa: transcriptional insights from human iPSC-derived neurons
Authors: Negraes P D , Cugola F R , Herai R H , Trujillo C A , Cristino A S , Chailangkarn T , Muotri A R , Duvvuri V
Published: March 2017

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex and multifactorial disorder occurring predominantly in women. Despite having the highest mortality among psychiatric conditions, it still lacks robust and effective treatment. Disorders such as AN are most likely syndromes with multiple genetic contributions, however, genome-wide studies have been underpowered to reveal associations with this uncommon illness. Here, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from adolescent females with AN and unaffected controls. These iPSCs were differentiated into neural cultures and subjected to extensive transcriptome analysis. Within a small cohort of patients who presented for treatment, we identified a novel gene that appears to contribute to AN pathophysiology,TACR1(tachykinin 1 receptor). The participation of tachykinins in a variety of biological processes and their interactions with other neurotransmitters suggest novel mechanisms for how a disrupted tachykinin system might contribute to AN symptoms. AlthoughTACR1has been associated with psychiatric conditions, especially anxiety disorders, we believe this report is its first association with AN. Moreover, our human iPSC approach is a proof-of-concept that AN can be modeledin vitrowith a full human genetic complement, and represents a new tool for understanding the elusive molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease.
Can all bulk-phase reactions be accelerated in microdroplets?
Authors: Banerjee Shibdas , Gnanamani Elumalai , Yan Xin , Zare Richard N.
Published: March 2017

In contrast to bulk-phase reactions, microdroplet reactions can alter the kinetics or reaction route by its surface activity.
Facile synthesis of CuSO4/TiO2 catalysts with superior activity and SO2 tolerance for NH3-SCR: physicochemical properties and reaction mechanism
Authors: Yu Yanke , Miao Jifa , Wang Jinxiu , He Chi , Chen Jinsheng
Published: March 2017

A series of CuSO4/TiO2 binary oxide catalysts with different CuSO4 loadings (0–20 wt%) were prepared by a facile solid state impregnation protocol.
Fish oil supplementation inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and improves insulin resistance: involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase
Authors: Yang Wenqi , Chen Xu , Chen Ming , Li Yanping , Li Qing , Jiang Xinwei , Yang Yan , Ling Wenhua
Published: March 2017

ER stress inhibition through AMPK activation may explain the protective effects of fish oil against HFD-induced insulin resistance.
Monomer design strategies to create natural product-based polymer materials
Authors: Kristufek Samantha L. , Wacker Kevin T. , Tsao Yi-Yun Timothy , Su Lu , Wooley Karen L.
Published: March 2017

In an effort towards enhancing function and sustainability, natural products have become of interest in the field of polymer chemistry.
Biosynthesis of natural and non-natural genistein glycosides
Authors: Parajuli Prakash , Pandey Ramesh Prasad , Huyen Nguyen Trang Thi , Shrestha Biplav , Yamaguchi Tokutaro , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: March 2017

Biosynthesis of various genistein glycopyranoside scaffolds using versatile GTs and SOMTs. Each compound was structurally characterized and biological activity assay was carried out.
Optimizing the SERS enhancement of a facile gold nanostar immobilized paper-based SERS substrate
Authors: He Shuai , Chua Jefri , Tan Eddie Khay Ming , Kah James Chen Yong
Published: March 2017

Schematic of study to optimize the SERS enhancement factor of a low cost and facile gold nanostar (AuNS)-based paper-SERS substrate through optimizing the paper materials, immobilization strategies, and SERS acquisition conditions.
Titania nanotube stabilized BiOCl nanoparticles in visible-light photocatalysis
Authors: Buchholcz B. , Haspel H. , Oszkó A. , Kukovecz A. , Kónya Z.
Published: March 2017

Photocatalysis is a green approach in environmental organic pollutant decomposition.
Electrodeposition of PtNPs on the LBL assembled multilayer films of (PDDA-GS/PEDOT:PSS)nand their electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation
Authors: Li Hui , Jia Li-Ping , Ma Rong-Na , Jia Wen-Li , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: March 2017

In the present work, PDDA-functionalized graphene sheets (PDDA-GS) were prepared by reduction with hydrazine hydratein situin the presence of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA).
Synthesis of thermochemically stable tetraphenyladamantane-based microporous polymers as gas storage materials
Authors: Li Xiong , Guo Jianwei , Yue Hangbo , Wang Jiawei , Topham Paul D.
Published: March 2017

In view of environmental pollution control and purification of natural gases, developing ideal porous materials for small gas molecule (hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide) capture is an important, pressing challenge.
A quantitative mechanistic PK/PD model directly connects Btk target engagement and in vivo efficacy
Authors: Daryaee Fereidoon , Zhang Zhuo , Gogarty Kayla R. , Li Yong , Merino Jonathan , Fisher Stewart L. , Tonge Peter J.
Published: March 2017

Correlating target engagement with in vivo drug activity remains a central challenge in efforts to improve the efficiency of drug discovery.
Methyltransferase-directed covalent coupling of fluorophores to DNA
Authors: Lauer Milena Helmer , Vranken Charlotte , Deen Jochem , Frederickx Wout , Vanderlinden Willem , Wand Nathaniel , Leen Volker , Gehlen Marcelo H. , Hofkens Johan , Neely Robert K.
Published: March 2017

Highly efficient DNA labelling using an enzymatically-directed, strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition.
Protein modification via alkyne hydrosilylation using a substoichiometric amount of ruthenium(ii) catalyst
Authors: Kwan Terence T.-L. , Boutureira Omar , Frye Elizabeth C. , Walsh Stephen J. , Gupta Moni K. , Wallace Stephen , Wu Yuteng , Zhang Fengzhi , Sore Hannah F. , Galloway Warren R. J. D. , Chin Jason W. , Welch Martin , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , Spring David R.
Published: March 2017

The development of site-specific modification of alkyne-functionalized proteins using dimethylarylsilanes and substoichiometric or low-loading of Ru(ii) catalysts is reported. Furthermore, the resultant gem-vinylsilane can undergo further targeted chemical modifications, highlighting its potential for single-site, dual-modification applications.
Visible and near-infrared upconversion in α-sialon ceramics
Authors: Kshetri Yuwaraj K. , Joshi Bhupendra , Kim Tae-Ho , Lee Soo W.
Published: March 2017

Intense near-infrared to visible and near-infrared upconversion emissions are realized in Er3+/Ho3+/Tm3+ doped α-sialon ceramics.
In situ synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots in the interlayer region of a layered double hydroxide with tunable quantum yield
Authors: Liu Wendi , Xu Simin , Liang Ruizheng , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: March 2017

An N-CDs/LDH composite material is prepared via an in situ interlayer reaction, which exhibits a tunable quantum yield and high stability.
Performance optimization in gate-tunable Schottky junction solar cells with a light transparent and electric-field permeable graphene mesh on n-Si
Authors: Kim Su Han , Lee Jae Hyung , Park Jin-Sung , Hwang Min-Soo , Park Hong-Gyu , Choi Kyoung Jin , Park Won Il
Published: March 2017

Gate-tunable graphene mesh-on-Si Schottky junction solar cells are fabricated and the effect of the external gate voltage on the photovoltaic characteristics is investigated.
Adsorption of small inorganic molecules on a defective MoS2monolayer
Authors: González César , Biel Blanca , Dappe Yannick J.
Published: March 2017

Different molecules physisorbed, chemisorbed or dissociated on a defective MoS2layer.
Near-infrared emitting iridium(iii) complexes for mitochondrial imaging in living cells
Authors: Liu Yuying , Zhang Peipei , Fang Xiaoqiang , Wu Gongqing , Chen Shuting , Zhang Zhina , Chao Hui , Tan Wenying , Xu Li
Published: March 2017

Two NIR-emitting cationic iridium(iii) complexes with phenylbenzo[g]quinoline ligands were found to selectively accumulate in mitochondria, superior photostability, low cytotoxicity. Thus they were demonstrated to have good potential as NIR-emitting mitochondrial imaging agents.
Catalysis for fuels: Concluding Remarks
Authors: Gibson P.
Published: March 2017

The 2017 Faraday Discussion on the topic of “Catalysis for Fuels” was unique in the sense that it was the first Faraday Discussion to be held on the continent of Africa. “Catalysis” and “Fuels” are both topics that could be widely interpreted and the session topics proved to be a relevant spread of old and new i.e. Fischer–Tropsch chemistry, biomass refining, zeolite conversions and photocatalysis. Most of the papers were underpinned by fundamental studies, catalyst design approaches, reports of in operando characterization and detailed speciation and micro kinetic analyses. Examples of commercial application were offered under the headings of biomass conversion, Fischer–Tropsch and to some extent photocatalysis. Cognisance was given to the increasingly important role of catalytic metals in terms of scarcity, cost and environmental impact. The potential role of novel alloys in addressing some of the catalytic mechanistic challenges turned out to be one of the central themes during the discussions. The following remarks are an attempt to draw parallels between the topics under discussion and the author’s subjective view of current universal questions that could/should be highlighted under the “Catalysis for Fuels” heading.
Biomass-derived monomers for performance-differentiated fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Rorrer Nicholas A. , Vardon Derek R. , Dorgan John R. , Gjersing Erica J. , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: March 2017

Nearly all polymer resins used to manufacture critically important fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are petroleum sourced.
A dual-functional UiO-66/TiO2 composite for water treatment and CO2 capture
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Huijin , Zhang Manling , Duan Wubiao , Liu Bo
Published: March 2017

UiO-66/TiO2 composites were fabricated via self-assembly using a solvothermal method.
An approach for correlating the structural and electrical properties of Zr4+-modified SrBi4Ti4O15/SBT ceramic
Authors: Nayak Priyambada , Badapanda Tanmaya , Singh Anil Kumar , Panigrahi Simanchalo
Published: March 2017

In the present work, zirconium (Zr) modified strontium bismuth titanate (SBT) ceramics were prepared by soild state reaction route and its effects on the structural and electrical properties were thoroughly investigated.
Preparation and exceptional adsorption performance of porous MgO derived from a metal–organic framework
Authors: Shi Xian-He , Ban Jin-Jin , Zhang Li , Sun Zhi-Peng , Jia Dian-Zeng , Xu Guan-Cheng
Published: March 2017

Porous MgO-hex and MgO-dhp materials were synthesized by annealing metal–organic framework [NH4][Mg(HCOO)3], and exhibit excellent adsorption capacities toward Congo red.
Incorporating 131I into a PAMAM (G5.0) dendrimer-conjugate: design of a theranostic nanosensor for medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: He R. , Wang H. , Su Y. , Chen C. , Xie L. , Chen L. , Yu J. , Toledo Y. , Abayaweera G. S. , Zhu G. , Bossmann S. H.
Published: March 2017

We report the synthesis and purification of a targeting probe for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) by incorporating 131I into PAMAM (G5.0) dendrimers.
Dimetallofullerene M2@C100 or carbide cluster fullerene M2C2@C98 (M = La, Y, and Sc): which ones are more stable?
Authors: Mu Lei , Bao Xiaodi , Yang Shumei , Kong Xianglei
Published: March 2017

The geometric and thermodynamic stability of the M2C100 (M = La, Y, and Sc) series was systematically investigated using density functional theory calculations on the level of B3LYP/6-31G(d) ∼ Lanl2dz.
Flexible and wrinkle-free electrode fabricated with polyurethane binder for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Park Geun-gyung , Park Yang-kyu , Park Joon-ki , Lee Jae-won
Published: March 2017

Flexible and wrinkle-free electrodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been developed by using polyurethane as a binder. The electrodes provide LIBs with robust mechanical properties and good electrochemical performances along with MWNT.
Synergy of adsorption and photosensitization of graphene oxide for improved removal of organic pollutants
Authors: Li Chaobi , Xu Qiao , Xu Shuxia , Zhang Xinfeng , Hou Xiandeng , Wu Peng
Published: March 2017

The synergic effects of adsorption and photosensitization of graphene oxide were explored here for improved removal of phenolic pollutants.
Influence of micelle formation on the adsorption capacity of a biosurfactant extracted from corn on dyed hair
Authors: Rincón-Fontán M. , Rodríguez-López L. , Vecino X. , Cruz J. M. , Moldes A. B.
Published: March 2017

Biosurfactants obtained from corn steep liquor were applied to dyed hair and showed good adsorption while maintaining the dyed hair structure in a good state.
Synthesis and organic field effect transistor properties of isoindigo/DPP-based polymers containing a thermolabile group
Authors: Shaker Mohamed , Park Byoungwook , Lee Jong-Hoon , kim Wonbin , Trinh Cuc Kim , Lee Hong-Joon , Choi Jin woo , Kim Heejoo , Lee Kwanghee , Lee Jae-Suk
Published: March 2017

The effect of hydrogen bonding and π–π intermolecular stacking on the physical properties and device performance.
Enhanced morphology and stability of high-performance perovskite solar cells with ultra-smooth surface and high fill factor via crystal growth engineering
Authors: Ye Jiajiu , Zhang Xuhui , Zhu Liangzheng , Zheng Haiying , Liu Guozhen , Wang Hongxia , Hayat Tasawar , Pan Xu , Dai Songyuan
Published: March 2017

We report a highly reproducible method for controlling perovskite crystal growth by a spraying anti-solvent process. A PCE of 19.21% was obtained, with a fill factor as high as 80.84%.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of a nanoamorphous (Ni0.8,Fe0.2) oxide oxygen-evolving electrocatalyst containing only “fast” sites
Authors: Barforoush Joseph M. , Jantz Dylan T. , Seuferling Tess E. , Song Kelly R. , Cummings Laura C. , Leonard Kevin C.
Published: March 2017

Nickel–iron oxyhydroxides (Ni1−xFexOOH) are non-precious metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that have high efficiency in alkaline media.
Correction: Highly efficient fullerene/perovskite planar heterojunction solar cells via cathode modification with an amino-functionalized polymer interlayer
Authors: Xue Qifan , Hu Zhicheng , Liu Jiang , Lin Jiahui , Sun Chen , Chen Ziming , Duan Chunhui , Wang Jing , Liao Cheng , Lau Woon Ming , Huang Fei , Yip Hin-Lap , Cao Yong
Published: March 2017

Correction for ‘Highly efficient fullerene/perovskite planar heterojunction solar cells via cathode modification with an amino-functionalized polymer interlayer’ by Qifan Xue et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 19598–19603.
Biocompatible aggregation-induced emission nanoparticles with red emission for in vivo three-photon brain vascular imaging
Authors: Zhang Hequn , Alifu Nuernisha , Jiang Tao , Zhu Zhenggang , Wang Yalun , Hua Jianli , Qian Jun
Published: March 2017

AIE nanoparticles with large 3PA cross-sections were used for 3PL in vivo angiography of mouse brain, with a depth of 500 μm.
Highly circularly polarized broad-band emission from chiral naphthalene diimide-based supramolecular aggregates
Authors: Salerno Francesco , Berrocal José Augusto , Haedler Andreas T. , Zinna Francesco , Meijer E. W. , Di Bari Lorenzo
Published: March 2017

We report off-white circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from supramolecular aggregates formed by a chiral carboxylic acid-functionalized naphthalene diimide.
Bandgap tunable Zn1−xMgxO thin films as electron transport layers for high performance quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Shujie , Guo Yimeng , Feng Dandan , Chen Ling , Fang Yan , Shen Huaibin , Du Zuliang
Published: March 2017

ZMO, as an ETL, effectively balanced the injection of charge carriers into the quantum dot layer for a higher performance of QLEDs.
Information metamaterials and metasurfaces
Authors: Cui Tie Jun , Liu Shuo , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2017

Digital coding representation of metamaterials and metasurfaces allows information and signal processing operations to be performed directly on physical spaces.
Theoretical study on the self-assembly of 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene on Si(100)2 × 1 and in situ polymerization via reaction with CO to fabricate a single surface-grafted polymer
Authors: Yao Xiaojing , Wang Jinlan , Wu Gang , Goh Shermin S. , Zhu Hongjun , Yang Shuo-Wang
Published: March 2017

Fabricating conductive molecular wires on hydrogen-terminated Si(100)2 × 1 surfaces by a two-step surface reaction.
Considerations for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients With Unilateral or Asymmetric Hearing Loss: Assessment, Device Fitting, and Habilitation
Authors: Greaver Laura , Eskridge Hannah , Teagle Holly F. B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical report is to present case studies of children who are nontraditional candidates for cochlear implantation because they have significant residual hearing in 1 ear and to describe outcomes and considerations for their audiological management and habilitation.

Method

Case information is presented for 5 children with profound hearing loss in 1 ear and normal or mild-to-moderate hearing loss in the opposite ear and who have undergone unilateral cochlear implantation. Pre- and postoperative assessments were performed per typical clinic routines with modifications described. Postimplant habilitation was customized for each recipient using a combination of traditional methods, newer technologies, and commercial materials.

Results

The 5 children included in this report are consistent users of their cochlear implants and demonstrate speech recognition in the implanted ear when isolated from the better hearing ear.

Conclusions

Candidacy criteria for cochlear implantation are evolving. Children with single-sided deafness or asymmetric hearing loss who have traditionally not been considered candidates for cochlear implantation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Audiological management of these recipients is not vastly different compared with children who are traditional cochlear implant recipients. Assessment and habilitation techniques must be modified to isolate the implanted ear to obtain accurate results and to provide meaningful therapeutic intervention.
Evaluation of Hearing Sensitivity in Young Adults With Normal Hearing Using a 40-Hz Auditory Steady-State Response With CE-Chirp
Authors: Maeda Hidehiko , Tamashige Eiko , Iwasaki Narumi , Urano Daisuke , Kanazawa Ayaka
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The present study aimed to measure hearing sensitivity in young adults with normal hearing using a 40-Hz auditory steady-state response with CE-Chirp and to evaluate the speed and accuracy of this method.

Method

Twelve young adults (1 man, 11 women; mean age = 22.1 ± 3.1 years) each completed two auditory steady-state response measurement sessions with CE-Chirp. The difference score was calculated at each of the four pure-tone frequencies. The measurement time and residual noise level in all stimulus levels were also determined.

Results

The difference scores across the 4 frequencies ranged within ±10 dB (1st: 58% to 71%, 2nd: 54% to 79%), within 20 dB (1st: 79% to 96%, 2nd: 79% to 100%), and ≥ 30 dB (1st: 4% to 17%, 2nd: 0% to 17%). The measurement times for both ears were approximately 20 min in both sessions. There was a significant correlation between the measurement time and the mean residual noise level for pooled frequencies in all stimulus levels (
p
= .0001249,
r
= .70). The measurement time was reduced by approximately 50% from conventional auditory steady-state response measurement.

Conclusion

The results of this preliminary study support the use of this technology as a rapid and accurate method for behavioral auditory threshold evaluation.
E/Z-Selectivity Controlled by Participation of Internal Oxy Group During Electrophilic Substitution of Alk-1-enylboronate with Bis(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodonium Salt
Authors: Fujita Morifumi , Lee Hee , Ichihara Chisaki , Sugimura Takashi
Published: March 2017

Stereospecific inversion of configuration was observed in electrophilic iodo-substitution of 4-benzoyloxybut-1-enylboronate using bis(2,4,6-trimethylpyridine)iodine(I) salt, rationalized by participation of the internal benzoyloxy group.
Carbodiimides as Acid Scavengers in Aluminum Triiodide Induced Cleavage of Alkyl Aryl Ethers
Authors: Sang Dayong , Wang Jiahui , Zheng Yun , He Jianyuan , Yuan Caili , An Qing , Tian Juan
Published: March 2017

A practical procedure for the cleavage of alkyl aryl ethers containing labile functional groups has been developed using aluminum triiodide as the ether cleaving reagent. Carbodiimides, typically used as dehydration reagents for the coupling of amines and carboxylic acids to yield amide bonds, are found to be effective hydrogen iodide scavengers that prevent acid-labile groups from deterioration. The method is applicable to variant alkyl aryl ethers such as eugenol, vanillin, ortho-vanillin and methyl eugenol. Suitable substrates are not limited to alkyl o-hydroxyphenyl ethers.
Percutaneous Management of Benign and Postoperative Biliary Strictures
Authors: Arellano Ronald , Shao Haibo
Published: March 2017

Biliary strictures are an uncommon yet challenging clinical problem. They are often iatrogenic in nature, usually the consequence of hepatobiliary surgery. Although the etiology may be benign, the clinical consequences, if unrecognized, can progress to ascending cholangitis, sepsis, and hepatic abscesses. Optimal treatment requires expertise and input from multiple specialties, including gastroenterology, surgery, infectious disease, and interventional radiology. Currently, available interventional techniques play a critical role in the management of patients with benign biliary strictures.
Treatment Options in Gastrointestinal Cutaneous Fistulas
Authors: Ashkenazi Itamar , Turégano-Fuentes Fernando , Olsha Oded , Alfici Ricardo
Published: March 2017

Enterocutaneous fistulas occur most commonly following surgery. A minority of them is caused by a myriad of other etiologies including infection, malignancy, and radiation. While some fistulas may close spontaneously, most patients will eventually need surgery to resolve this pathology. Successful treatment entails adoption of various methods of treatment aimed at control of sepsis, protection of surrounding skin and soft tissue, control of fistula output, and maintenance of nutrition, with eventual spontaneous or surgical closure of the fistula. The aim of this article is to review the various treatment options in their appropriate context.
Increasing Calcium Level Limits Schwann Cell Numbers In Vitro following Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Yang Kai , Yan Yuhui , Zhang Lin-Ling , Agresti Michael , Matloub Hani , LoGiudice John , Havlik Robert , Yan Ji-Geng
Published: March 2017

Background After peripheral nerve injury, there is an increase in calcium concentration in the injured nerves. Our previous publications have shown that increase in calcium concentration correlated well with degree of nerve injury and that local infusion of calcitonin has a beneficial effect on nerve recovery. Schwann cells play a pivotal role in regeneration and recovery. We aim to examine cultured Schwann cell survivals in various concentrations of calcium-containing growth media and the effect of calcitonin in such media.

Methods To establish baseline in postinjury state, crush injury was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats' sciatic nerves. Extra- and intraneural calcium concentrations were measured. To study Schwann cell survival, uninjured sciatic nerve segment was harvested and cultured in media containing various amounts of calcium. To study the effect of calcitonin, nerve harvest and culture were done in four additional media: (1) normal control, (2) normal control with calcitonin, (3) high calcium medium, and (4) high calcium medium with calcitonin. Schwann cells were studied and analyzed under fluorescent conditions.

Results With increasing calcium concentration, there was a significant decrease in the number of Schwann cells. For the experimental groups, in which calcitonin had been added to the growth medium, there were similar amounts of Schwann cells present in both high and low calcium-containing medium.

Conclusion Schwann cells are sensitive to increasing calcium concentration. Calcitonin counteracts the detrimental effects of high calcium on Schwann cell survival. This can have significant future clinical implications for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy with parallel readout of energy and momentum
Authors: Ibach Harald , Bocquet François C. , Sforzini Jessica , Soubatch Serguei , Tautz F. Stefan
Published: March 2017

We introduce a high energy resolution electron source that matches the requirements for parallel readout of energy and momentum of modern hemispherical electron energy analyzers. The system is designed as an add-on device to typical photoemission chambers. Due to the multiplex gain, a complete phonon dispersion of a Cu(111) surface was measured in 7 min with 4 meV energy resolution.
Phloem fibres as motors of gravitropic behaviour of flax plants: level of transcriptome
Authors: Gorshkov Oleg , Mokshina Natalia , Ibragimova Nadezda , Ageeva Marina , Gogoleva Natalia , Gorshkova Tatyana
Published: March 2017

Restoration of stem vertical position after plant inclination is a widely spread version of plant orientation in accordance with gravity vector direction. Gravitropic behaviour of flax plants involves the formation of curvature in stem region that has ceased elongation long in advance of stem inclination. The important participants of such behaviour are phloem fibres with constitutively formed tertiary cell wall (G-layer). We performed the large-scale transcriptome profiling of phloem fibres isolated from pulling and opposite sides of gravitropic curvature and compared with control plant fibres. Significant changes in transcript abundance take place for genes encoding proteins of several ion channels, transcription factors and other regulating elements. The largest number of upregulated genes belonged to the cell wall category; many of those were specifically upregulated in fibres of pulling stem side. The obtained data permit to suggest the mechanism of fibre participation in gravitropic reaction that involves the increase of turgor pressure and the rearrangements of cell wall structure in order to improve contractile properties, and to identify the regulatory elements that operate specifically in the fibres of the pulling stem side making gelatinous phloem fibres an important element of gravitropic response in herbaceous plants.
Depth-related composition and structuring of tropical riverine fish assemblages revealed by baited video
Authors: Cousins Stephen , Kennard Mark J. , Ebner Brendan C.
Published: March 2017

The aim of the present study was to determine whether boat-based deployment of remote underwater video cameras is effective for surveying fish assemblages in the deepest reaches of two large tropical rivers in north-eastern Australia. In addition, we compared fish assemblages recorded on baited versus unbaited cameras, and evaluated the sampling effort (duration of recording) required to estimate fish assemblages using remote underwater videos. We found that fish assemblages differed according to the depth, with statistically significant differences largely attributable to the prevalence of small-bodied species (<10-cm total length, TL), such as Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia sp. and Pseudomugil signifer recorded in shallow (0.4–2.0m) and intermediate (2.1–4.9m) depths, and larger-bodied fish species (>10cm TL), such as Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Mesopristes argenteus and Caranx sexfasciatus, in deep water (>5.0m). Estimates of fish assemblage attributes generally stabilised after 60min recording duration, suggesting that interrogation of video footage beyond this duration may not be cost-effective. We conclude that depth is an important consideration when surveying large and deep river fish assemblages and that where water clarity is favourable, underwater video provides one of the means by which an assemblage can be investigated across the entire depth profile.
Ligand-induced allostery in the interaction of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
heme binding protein with heme oxygenase
Authors: Deredge Daniel J. , Huang Weiliang , Hui Colleen , Matsumura Hirotoshi , Yue Zhi , Moënne-Loccoz Pierre , Shen Jana , Wintrode Patrick L. , Wilks Angela
Published: March 2017

Significance

Heme is a critical source of iron for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
on infection of the host. The flux of heme into the cell is driven by the catalytic action of heme oxygenase (HemO) and regulated by the heme binding protein (PhuS). Despite advances in structural characterization of bacterial heme uptake proteins, the mechanism of heme transfer is poorly defined. In this study, we determined structural elements within PhuS that undergo conformational rearrangement on heme binding and further show that allosteric linkage between the N- and C-terminal domains of PhuS is critical for triggering heme release to HemO. These studies provide a first step in defining the role of protein conformation and allosteric contributions in heme transfer within bacterial heme uptake systems.
Wettability effect on nanoconfined water flow
Authors: Wu Keliu , Chen Zhangxin , Li Jing , Li Xiangfang , Xu Jinze , Dong Xiaohu
Published: March 2017

Significance

The flow of water confined in nanopores is significantly different from that of bulk water. Moreover, understanding and controlling the flow of the confined water remains an open question, especially concerning whether the flow capacity of the confined water increases or not compared with that of bulk water. Here, combining a theoretical analysis and data from molecular dynamics simulations and experiments in the literature we develop a simple model for the flow of water confined in nanopores. We find that a contact angle and a nanopore dimension may substantially affect the confined water flow. We also quantitatively explain a controversy over an increase or decrease in flow capacity.