bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomistic Representation of Anomalies in the Failure Behaviour of Nanocrystalline Silicene
Authors: Rakib Tawfiqur , Saha Sourav , Motalab Mohammad , Mojumder Satyajit , Islam Md Mahbubul
Published: November 2017

Silicene, a 2D analogue of graphene, has spurred a tremendous research interest in the scientific community for its unique properties essential for next-generation electronic devices. In this work, for the first time, we present a molecular dynamics (MD) investigation to determine the fracture strength and toughness of nanocrystalline silicene (nc-silicene) sheet of varying grain sizes and pre-existing cracks at room temperature. Our results suggest a transition from an inverse pseudo Hall-Petch to a pseudo Hall-Petch behaviour in nc-silicene at a critical grain size of 17.32 nm. This phenomenon is also prevalent in nanocrystalline graphene. However, nc-silicene with pre-existing cracks exhibits anomalous crack propagation and fracture toughness behaviour. We observed two distinct types of failure mechanisms (crack sensitive and insensitive failure) and devised mechano-physical conditions under which they occur. The most striking outcome is: despite the presence of a pre-existing crack, the crack sensitivity of nc-silicene is found to be dependent on the grain size and their orientations. The calculated Fracture toughness from both Griffith’s theory and MD simulations indicate that the former over-predicts the fracture toughness of nc-silicene. Finally, this study is the first direct comparison of atomistic simulations to the continuum theories to predict the anomalous behaviour in deformation and failure mechanisms of nc-silicene.
Evaporation of a sessile water drop and a drop of aqueous salt solution
Authors: Misyura S. Y.
Published: November 2017

The influence of various factors on the evaporation of drops of water and aqueous salt solution has been experimentally studied. Typically, in the studies of drop evaporation, only the diffusive vapor transfer, radiation and the molecular heat conduction are taken into account. However, vapor-gas convection plays an important role at droplet evaporation. In the absence of droplet boiling, the influence of gas convection turns out to be the prevailing factor. At nucleate boiling, a prevailing role is played by bubbles generation and vapor jet discharge at a bubble collapse. The gas convection behavior for water and aqueous salt solution is substantially different. With a growth of salt concentration over time, the influence of the convective component first increases, reaches an extremum and then significantly decreases. At nucleate boiling in a salt solution it is incorrect to simulate the droplet evaporation and the heat transfer in quasi-stationary approximation. The evaporation at nucleate boiling in a liquid drop is divided into several characteristic time intervals. Each of these intervals is characterized by a noticeable change in both the evaporation rate and the convection role.
Behavioural Differences and Neural Substrates of Altruistic and Spiteful Punishment
Authors: Yamagishi Toshio , Li Yang , Fermin Alan S. R. , Kanai Ryota , Takagishi Haruto , Matsumoto Yoshie , Kiyonari Toko , Sakagami Masamichi
Published: November 2017

Altruistic punishment following social norm violations promotes human cooperation. However, experimental evidence indicates that some forms of punishment are spiteful rather than altruistic. Using two types of punishment games and seven non-strategic games, we identified strong behavioural differences between altruistic and spiteful punishers. Altruistic punishers who rejected unfair offers in the ultimatum game and punished norm violators in the third-party punishment game behaved pro-socially in various non-strategic games. Spiteful punishers who rejected unfair offers in the ultimatum game but did not punish norm violators in the third-party punishment game behaved selfishly in non-strategic games. In addition, the left caudate nucleus was larger in spiteful punishers than in altruistic punishers. These findings are in contrast to the previous assumption that altruistic punishers derive pleasure from enforcement of fairness norms, and suggest that spiteful punishers derive pleasure from seeing the target experience negative consequences.
Internal Extractive Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry for Quantitative Determination of Fluoroquinolones Captured by Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers from Raw Milk
Authors: Zhang Hua , Kou Wei , Bibi Aisha , Jia Qiong , Su Rui , Chen Huanwen , Huang Keke
Published: November 2017

Antibiotics contamination in food products is of increasing concern due to their potential threat on human health. Herein solid-phase extraction based on magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers coupled with internal extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MMIPs-SPE-iEESI-MS) was designed for the quantitative analysis of trace fluoroquinolones (FQs) in raw milk samples. FQs in the raw milk sample (2 mL) were selectively captured by the easily-lab-made magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs), and then directly eluted by 100 µL electrospraying solvent biased with +3.0 kV to produce protonated FQs ions for mass spectrometric characterization. Satisfactory analytical performance was obtained in the quantitative analysis of three kinds of FQs (i.e., norfloxacin, enoxacin, and fleroxacin). For all the samples tested, the established method showed a low limit of detection (LOD ≤ 0.03 µg L−1) and a high analysis speed (≤4 min per sample). The analytical performance for real sample analysis was validated by a nationally standardized protocol using LC-MS, resulting in acceptable relative error values from −5.8% to +6.9% for 6 tested samples. Our results demonstrate that MMIPs-SPE-iEESI-MS is a new strategy for the quantitative analysis of FQs in complex biological mixtures such as raw milk, showing promising applications in food safety control and biofluid sample analysis.
Novel electrical and mechanical characteristics of composites composed of electrically conducting Ni-Cr alloy particles in non-conducting soda-lime glass
Authors: Waku Yoshiharu , Yamashita Teruyuki , Kitagawa Hiroyuki , Yoshinobu Masahiro , Katsuyama Hiromichi , Hamano Daiki , Harui Shinji
Published: November 2017

The bulk resistivity of Ni-Cr alloys is inherently constant. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate the cross-section and length of Ni-Cr alloys to achieve the desired electrical resistance. Here, we describe a composite, comprising a soda-lime glass matrix and disk-like Ni-Cr alloy particles, that has variable bulk resistivity. The bulk resistivity of the composite can be controlled accurately by adjusting the volume fraction (30–80 vol% Ni-Cr alloy) and aspect ratio of the particles. Furthermore, the composite’s strength and fracture toughness are both improved by microdispersion of the disk-like Ni-Cr alloy particles. A 1/100-scale model resistor based on this composite was found to have attractive properties for electrical power applications, such as an approximately 50% reduction in volume, a 65% reduction in weight, and a 95% reduction in inductance in comparison with a conventional neutral grounding resistor made from special cast iron. Clearly, use of this composite material for fabrication of ubiquitous electrical components would greatly reduce the demand and consumption of Ni and Cr for this application. Several benefits are envisioned from this development, including the fabrication of downsized devices and the availability of lower-cost home appliances and industrial products.
Bioinspired Synthesis of Mesoporous Gold-silica Hybrid Microspheres as Recyclable Colloidal SERS Substrates
Authors: Son Ho Yeon , Kim Kyeong Rak , Lee Jun Bae , Le Kim Trang Huyen , Jang Jihui , Kim Su Ji , Yoon Moung Seok , Kim Jin Woong , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: November 2017

Noble metal nanostructures have been intensively investigated as active substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) from visible to near-IR wavelengths. However, metal nanoparticle-based SERS analysis in solutions is very challenging due to uncontrollable and irreproducible colloid aggregation. Here we report the templated synthesis of porous gold-silica hybrid microspheres and their application as reusable colloidal SERS substrates. Mesoporous polymer microspheres are synthesized and used as templates for the synthesis of non-aggregated gold nanoparticles, followed by polydopamine-mediated silicification to fabricate mesoporous gold-silica hybrid microspheres. The mesoporous hybrid particles detect crystal violet in the order of 10–8 M and provide the structural durability of the immobilized gold nanoparticles, allowing them to be recycled for repeated SERS analyses for analytes in a solution with the similar sensitivity. This work suggests that the mesoporous gold-silica hybrid microspheres are attractive SERS substrates in terms of reusability, sensitivity, and stability.
Iodide capped PbS/CdS core-shell quantum dots for efficient long-wavelength near-infrared light-emitting diodes
Authors: Yang Xuyong , Ren Fuqiang , Wang Yue , Ding Tao , Sun Handong , Ma Dongling , Sun Xia Wei
Published: November 2017

PbS based quantum dots (QDs) have been studied in great detail for potential applications in electroluminescent devices operating at wavelengths important for telecommunications (1.3–1.6 μm). Despite the recent advances in field of quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), further improvements in near-infrared (NIR) emitting device performance are still necessary for the widespread use and commercialization of NIR emitting QLED technology. Here, we report a high-performance 1.51-μm emitting QLED with inverted organic–inorganic hybrid device architecture and PbS/CdS core-shell structured quantum dots as emitter. The resultant QLEDs show a record device performance for the QLEDs in 1.5 μm emission window, with a maximum radiance of 6.04 Wsr−1 m−2 and peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 4.12%, respectively.
Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling requires glycine to promote angiogenesis
Authors: Guo Dongqing , Murdoch Colin E. , Xu Hao , Shi Hui , Duan Dayue Darrel , Ahmed Asif , Gu Yuchun
Published: November 2017

Peripheral vascular occlusive disease (PVOD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis, and it has a high rate of morbidity. Therapeutic angiogenesis would re-establish blood perfusion and rescue ischemic tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and can potentially be used to treat ischemic diseases, yet in clinical trials VEGF has not fulfilled its full potential with side effects. Whether amino acids promote angiogenesis and the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we showed that (1) Glycine significantly promoted angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo and effectively protected mitochondrial function. (2) Activation of glycine transporter 1(GlyT1) induced by VEGF led to an increase in intracellular glycine. (3) Glycine directly bounded to voltage dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) on the mitochondrial outer membrane and inhibited its opening. These original results highlight glycine as a necessary mediator in VEGF signalling via the GlyT1-glycine-mTOR-VDAC1 axis pathway. Therefore, the findings in this study are of significance providing new mechanistic insights into angiogenesis and providing better understanding of glycine function in angiogenesis, which may provide valuable information for development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of angiogenic vascular disorders.
Evaluation of a range of mammalian and mosquito cell lines for use in Chikungunya virus research
Authors: Roberts Grace C. , Zothner Carsten , Remenyi Roland , Merits Andres , Stonehouse Nicola J. , Harris Mark
Published: November 2017

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is becoming an increasing global health issue which has spread across the globe and as far north as southern Europe. There is currently no vaccine or anti-viral treatment available. Although there has been a recent increase in CHIKV research, many of these in vitro studies have used a wide range of cell lines which are not physiologically relevant to CHIKV infection in vivo. In this study, we aimed to evaluate a panel of cell lines to identify a subset that would be both representative of the infectious cycle of CHIKV in vivo, and amenable to in vitro applications such as transfection, luciferase assays, immunofluorescence, western blotting and virus infection. Based on these parameters we selected four mammalian and two mosquito cell lines, and further characterised these as potential tools in CHIKV research.
Valid gene expression normalization by RT-qPCR in studies on hPDL fibroblasts with focus on orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis
Authors: Kirschneck Christian , Batschkus Sarah , Proff Peter , Köstler Josef , Spanier Gerrit , Schröder Agnes
Published: November 2017

Meaningful, reliable and valid mRNA expression analyses by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) can only be achieved, if suitable reference genes are chosen for normalization and if appropriate RT-qPCR quality standards are met. Human periodontal ligament (hPDL) fibroblasts play a major mediating role in orthodontic tooth movement and periodontitis. Despite correspondingin-vitrogene expression studies being a focus of interest for many years, no information is available for hPDL fibroblasts on suitable reference genes, which are generally used in RT-qPCR experiments to normalize variability between samples. The aim of this study was to identify and validate suitable reference genes for normalization in untreated hPDL fibroblasts as well as experiments on orthodontic tooth movement or periodontitis (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans). We investigated the suitability of 13 candidate reference genes using four different algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, comparative ΔCqand BestKeeper) and ranked them according to their expression stability. Overall PPIB (peptidylprolyl isomerase A), TBP (TATA-box-binding protein) and RPL22 (ribosomal protein 22) were found to be most stably expressed with two genes in conjunction sufficient for reliable normalization. This study provides an accurate tool for quantitative gene expression analysis in hPDL fibroblasts according to the MIQE guidelines and shows that reference gene reliability is treatment-specific.
Leptin regulates Granzyme-A, PD-1 and CTLA-4 expression in T cell to control visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Dayakar Alti , Chandrasekaran Sambamurthy , Veronica Jalaja , Bharadwaja Vadloori , Maurya Radheshyam
Published: November 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is responsible for several deaths in malnourished children accompanied by diminished circulating leptin and impaired cell-mediated immunity. Typically, leptin deficiency is associated with the Th2 polarization that markedly coincides with the pathogenesis of VL. The aim of the present study was to unravel the prophylactic role of leptin in malnutrition-coupled VL mice. Interestingly, we observed thatL. donovaniinfection itself reduces the serum leptin levels in malnutrition. Exogenous leptin restored severe body weight loss and parasite load in the spleen and liver of malnourished infected mice compared to controls. Leptin increases functional CD8+ T-cell population, Granzyme-A expression down-regulates anergic T-cell markers such as PD-1 and CTLA-4. It was also noticed that, leptin suppresses GM-CSF mRNA expression in parasite favored monocytes and reduced arginase activity in bone marrow derived macrophage indicate macrophages dependent T-cell activation and proliferation. Leptin-induced IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α cytokines in the culture supernatant of splenocytes upon soluble leishmanial antigen (SLA) stimulation and significantly up-regulates serum IgG2a titers, which help to generate Th1 immune response in VL. Furthermore, leptin induced a granulomatous response and restoredL. donovaniinduced tissue degeneration in the liver. Altogether, our findings suggest the exogenous leptin can restore T cell mediated immunity in malnourished VL mice.
Grassland Carbon Budget and Its Driving Factors of the Subtropical and Tropical Monsoon Region in China During 1961 to 2013
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhou GuangSheng , Ji YuHe , Bai YongFei
Published: November 2017

The southern grasslands are an integral part of the grassland ecosystems of China and play an essential role in the terrestrial carbon cycle of the country. We reproduced the spatiotemporal dynamics of the carbon budget of southern grasslands from 1961 to 2013 using the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model and our results showed that the annual carbon budget varied from −8.12 to 6.16 Tg C y−1with an annual average of 0.45 Tg C y−1during the study period. Overall, southern grasslands acted as a weak carbon sink and sequestrated 23.83 Tg C from 1961 to 2013. At the seasonal scale, southern grasslands acted as a carbon sink in wet seasons but as a carbon source in dry seasons. During the study period, temperature and precipitation were the main factors driving carbon budget dynamics at the seasonal scale, while soil moisture was the main driving factor at the annual scale. Over the entire study region, 71.81% of the area switched to being a carbon sink while only 5.90% remained stable and the strong carbon sinks were mainly found in the southern, northern and western areas of the southern grasslands.
Harvesting the Energy of Multi-Polarized Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Almoneef Thamer S. , Erkmen Faruk , Ramahi Omar M.
Published: November 2017

We present the idea and design of a dual polarized metasurface for electromagnetic energy harvesting. A 4 × 4 super cell with alternating vias between adjacent cells was designed to allow for capturing the energy from various incident angles at an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz. The collected energy is then channeled to a feeding network that collects the AC power and feeds it to a rectification circuitry. The simulation results yielded a radiation to AC and an AC to DC conversion efficiencies of around 90% and 80%, respectively. As a proof of concept, an array consisting of 9 super cells was fabricated and measured. The experimental results show that the proposed energy harvester is capable of capturing up to 70% of the energy from a planewave having various polarizations and converting it to usable DC power.
Causes of Death in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis: An Observational study
Authors: Minamino-Muta Eri , Kato Takao , Morimoto Takeshi , Taniguchi Tomohiko , Shiomi Hiroki , Nakatsuma Kenji , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji , Kanamori Norio , Murata Koichiro , Kitai Takeshi , Kawase Yuichi , Miyake Makoto , Izumi Chisato , Mitsuoka Hirokazu , Kato Masashi , Hirano Yutaka , Matsuda Shintaro , Nagao Kazuya , Inada Tsukasa , Murakami Tomoyuki , Takeuchi Yasuyo , Yamane Keiichiro , Toyofuku Mamoru , Ishii Mitsuru , Inoko Moriaki , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Komasa Akihiro , Tada Eiji , Ishii Katsuhisa , Hotta Kozo , Higashitani Nobuya , Jinnai Toshikazu , Kato Yoshihiro , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Maeda Chiyo , Morikami Yuko , Saito Naritatsu , Sakata Ryuzo , Minatoya Kenji , Kimura Takeshi
Published: November 2017

Whether patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) die because of AS-related causes is an important issue for the management of these patients. We used data from CURRENT AS registry, a Japanese multicenter registry, to assess the causes of death in severe AS patients and to identify the factors associated with non-cardiac mortality. We enrolled 3815 consecutive patients with a median follow-up of 1176 days; the 1449 overall deaths comprised 802 (55.3%) from cardiac and 647 (44.7%) from non-cardiac causes. Heart failure (HF) (25.7%) and sudden death (13.0%) caused the most cardiac deaths, whereas infection (13.0%) and malignancy (11.1%) were the main non-cardiac causes. According to treatment strategies, infection was the most common cause of non-cardiac death, followed by malignancy, in both the initial aortic valve replacement (AVR) cohort (N = 1197), and the conservative management cohort (N = 2618). Both non-cardiac factors (age, male, body mass index <22, diabetes, prior history of stroke, dialysis, anemia, and malignancy) and cardiac factors (atrial fibrillation, ejection fraction <68%, and the initial AVR strategy) were associated with non-cardiac death. These findings highlight the importance of close monitoring of non-cardiac comorbidities, as well as HF and sudden death, to improve the mortality rate of severe AS patients.
Incidence and Prognostic Relevance of Cardiopulmonary Failure in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Lang Siegfried , Ansari Uzair , Sattler Katherine , Behnes Michael , Schramm Katja , Fastner Christian , Tülümen Erol , Zhou Xiaobo , Hoffmann Ursula , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim
Published: November 2017

Recent studies have indicated that patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) have a higher mortality rate than the general population. There is a distinct possibility that TTC could be associated with adverse life-threatening complications like cardiopulmonary failure. Our institutional database constituted a collective of 114 patients diagnosed with TTC. The frequency, determinants and predictors of cardiopulmonary failure were assessed. The patients were subsequently classified into two groups based on the presence (n = 44, 38.6%) or absence (n = 70, 61.4%) of cardiopulmonary failure. Multivariable logistic-regression analysis identified impaired left ventricular function defined as ≤35% at presentation and life-threatening arrhythmia as a positive significant independent predictor of cardiopulmonary failure. A majority of the patients with cardiopulmonary failure were treated with either non-invasive or invasive ventilator support (88%), while 48% of the patients required treatment with catecholamine. The in-hospital mortality rate was greater in the cardiopulmonary failure group. Cardiopulmonary failure patients were at ongoing increased risk of death with a higher mortality at 30-day, 1-year and at 5 years of follow-up. Cardiopulmonary failure is a frequent complication in TTC with an increased short- and long-term mortality. Patient susceptible to this condition could be identified by a reduced ejection fraction and life-threatening arrhythmia.
Usefulness of 10-2 Matrix Frequency Doubling Technology Perimetry for Detecting Central Visual Field Defects in Preperimetric Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Jung Younhea , Park Hae-Young L. , Park Yi Ryeung , Park Chan Kee
Published: November 2017

It is generally acknowledged that structural loss can precede functional loss in some patients with early glaucoma. However, conventional standard automated perimetry (SAP) has limitations in the detection of functional loss, especially in the macular area. This study explores visual field loss in the macular areas of patients with preperimetric glaucoma exhibiting structural thinning in the area by examining the correlations between the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and the results of matrix frequency-doubling technology (FDT) 10-2 tests. The structure-function relationships between the GCIPL thicknesses and the mean sensitivities (MSs) of the corresponding areas based on conventional SAP 24-2, FDT 10-2, and FDT 24-2 were examined in 62 patients. The highest correlation was found for FDT 10-2 (r = 0.544, P < 0.001) followed by FDT 24-2 (r = 0.433, P = 0.002) and SAP (r = 0.346, P = 0.007). The correlation coefficients between each GCIPL sector and the corresponding central MS according to FDT 24-2 and 10-2 were all statistically significant, and the correlations were significantly stronger for FDT 10-2 than 24-2 in the inferior and inferonasal sectors. In conclusion, preperimetric glaucoma patients with structural loss in the macula as indicated by GCIPL thinning also exhibited functional loss as revealed by FDT 10-2, and the functional loss was less evident with conventional SAP.
Ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor based on ferrocene and carbon nanofibers for highly specific detection of tetracycline residues
Authors: Xu Qingcui , Liu Zengning , Fu Jiayun , Zhao Wenping , Guo Yemin , Sun Xia , Zhang Haiyun
Published: November 2017

A sensitive and efficient ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor was designed for tetracycline (TET) detection in milk. The ratiometric electrochemical aptasensor was constructed by integrating two aptasensors termed as aptasensor 1 and aptasensor 2. The aptasensor 1 was fabricated that based on ferrocene (Fc) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanocomposite. Meanwhile, the aptasensor 2 was prepared that based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and AuNPs nanocomposite. TET-aptamer was immobilized effectively onto screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) surface through forming Au-S bond between AuNPs and thiol of aptamer at 5′ end to construct the aptasensor 1 and aptasensor 2. And their detection results were calculated by ratio. Thus, the proposed ratiometric aptasensor solved the problem of low accuracy and large differences between batches. Under the optimized conditions, the TET was detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Taken advantage of ratio calculation, the as-prepared ratiometric aptasensor could detect TET quantitatively in the range of 10−8–10−3gL−1, with a detection limit of 3.3 × 10−7gL−1. Moreover, its applicability to TET-contaminated real samples (milk) showed an excellent agreement with the values determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). With high sensitivity, accuracy and reliability, the developed ratiometric aptasensor held a great potential in TET detection for food safety.
Serotonin drives the acquisition of a profibrotic and anti-inflammatory gene profile through the 5-HT7R-PKA signaling axis
Authors: Domínguez-Soto Ángeles , Usategui Alicia , Casas-Engel Mateo de las , Simón-Fuentes Miriam , Nieto Concha , Cuevas Víctor D. , Vega Miguel A. , Luis Pablos José , Corbí Ángel L.
Published: November 2017

Peripheral serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) regulates cell growth and differentiation in numerous cell types through engagement of seven types of cell surface receptors (HTR1–7). Deregulated 5-HT/HTR levels contribute to pathology in chronic inflammatory diseases, with macrophages being relevant targets for the physio-pathological effects of 5-HT. In fact, 5-HT skews human macrophage polarization through engagement of 5-HT2BR and 5-HT7R receptors. We now report that 5-HT primes macrophages for reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and IFN type I-mediated signaling, and promotes an anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic gene signature in human macrophages. The acquisition of the 5-HT-dependent gene profile primarily depends on the 5-HT7R receptor and 5-HT7R-initiated PKA-dependent signaling. In line with the transcriptional results, 5-HT upregulates TGFβ1 production by human macrophages in an HTR7- and PKA-dependent manner, whereas the absence of Htr7 in vivo results in diminished macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition in a mouse model of skin fibrosis. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic activity of 5-HT is primarily mediated through the 5-HT7R-PKA axis, and that 5-HT7R contributes to pathology in fibrotic diseases.
The Potential of Alkyl Amides as Novel Biomarkers and Their Application to Paleocultural Deposits in China
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Simoneit Bernd R. T. , Sheng Guoying , Chen Liqi , Xu Libin , Wang Xinming , Wang Yuhong , Sun Liguang
Published: November 2017

A series of alkyl amides was detected and identified in the sedimentary record from an archaeological site at Yuchisi, Mengcheng, Anhui, China. The alkyl amides profiles change abruptly at the depth corresponding to the transition between two prehistoric cultures, which also corresponds to an abrupt change in the fatty acid ratio C18:2/C18:0. The different patterns of variation of the longer and shorter chain alkyl amides at the depth of the cultural transition may reflect differences in their response to external environmental changes, as well as different sources. This is the first study of the stratigraphic variation of alkyl amides in sediments, and their first application to assess paleoenvironmental changes. We suggest that alkyl amides may have potential as new biomarkers in archeological and paleoenvironmental studies.
A Silk Fibroin Bio-Transient Solution Processable Memristor
Authors: Yong Jason , Hassan Basem , Liang You , Ganesan Kumaravelu , Rajasekharan Ranjith , Evans Robin , Egan Gary , Kavehei Omid , Li Jingliang , Chana Gursharan , Nasr Babak , Skafidas Efstratios
Published: November 2017

Today’s electronic devices are fabricated using highly toxic materials and processes which limits their applications in environmental sensing applications and mandates complex encapsulation methods in biological and medical applications. This paper proposes a fully resorbable high density bio-compatible and environmentally friendly solution processable memristive crossbar arrays using silk fibroin protein which demonstrated bipolar resistive switching ratio of 104 and possesses programmable device lifetime characteristics before the device gracefully bio-degrades, minimizing impact to environment or to the implanted host. Lactate dehydrogenase assays revealed no cytotoxicity on direct exposure to the fabricated device and support their environmentally friendly and biocompatible claims. Moreover, the correlation between the oxidation state of the cations and their tendency in forming conductive filaments with respect to different active electrode materials has been investigated. The experimental results and the numerical model based on electro-thermal effect shows a tight correspondence in predicting the memristive switching process with various combinations of electrodes which provides insight into the morphological changes of conductive filaments in the silk fibroin films.
Nuclear pore complex plasticity during developmental process as revealed by super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Sellés Julien , Penrad-Mobayed May , Guillaume Cyndélia , Fuger Alica , Auvray Loïc , Faklaris Orestis , Montel Fabien
Published: November 2017

Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) is of paramount importance for cellular processes since it is the unique gateway for molecular exchange through the nucleus. Unraveling the modifications of the NPC structure in response to physiological cues, also called nuclear pore plasticity, is key to the understanding of the selectivity of this molecular machinery. As a step towards this goal, we use the optical super-resolution microscopy method called direct Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (dSTORM), to analyze oocyte development impact on the internal structure and large-scale organization of the NPC. Staining of the FG-Nups proteins and the gp210 proteins allowed us to pinpoint a decrease of the global diameter by measuring the mean diameter of the central channel and the luminal ring of the NPC via autocorrelation image processing. Moreover, by using an angular and radial density function we show that development of the Xenopus laevis oocyte is correlated with a progressive decrease of the density of NPC and an ordering on a square lattice.
Adsorption dynamics of polyatomic molecules on planar surfaces
Authors: Burde Jared T. , Calbi M. Mercedes
Published: November 2017

Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations are used to explore the effects of molecular orientation and enhanced interactions during uptake of increasingly longer polyatomic chains.
On the selectivity of the NaChBac channel: an integrated computational and experimental analysis of sodium and calcium permeation
Authors: Guardiani Carlo , Fedorenko Olena A. , Roberts Stephen K. , Khovanov Igor A.
Published: November 2017

A single calcium ion strongly binds to the glutamate ring of NaChBac that leads to the tiny calcium influx current.
Rate constant for the H˙ + H2O → ˙OH + H2 reaction at elevated temperatures measured by pulse radiolysis
Authors: Muroya Y. , Yamashita S. , Lertnaisat P. , Sanguanmith S. , Meesungnoen J. , Jay-Gerin J.-P. , Katsumura Y.
Published: November 2017

Maintaining the structural integrity of materials in nuclear power plants is an essential issue associated with safe operation.
A laboratory heterodyne emission spectrometer at submillimeter wavelengths
Authors: Wehres N. , Maßen J. , Borisov K. , Schmidt B. , Lewen F. , Graf U. U. , Honingh C. E. , Higgins D. R. , Schlemmer S.
Published: November 2017

The first emission spectrum of methyl cyanide obtained with a novel laboratory heterodyne emission spectrometer at submillimeter wavelengths.
Lysophosphatidylcholine modulates the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide
Authors: Xing Yanting , Pilkington Emily H. , Wang Miaoyi , Nowell Cameron J. , Kakinen Aleksandr , Sun Yunxiang , Wang Bo , Davis Thomas P. , Ding Feng , Ke Pu Chun
Published: November 2017

Micellar lysophosphatidylcholine inhibits the aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP).
Gas adsorption efficacy of graphene sheets functionalised with carboxyl, hydroxyl and epoxy groups in conjunction with Stone–Thrower–Wales (STW) and inverse Stone–Thrower–Wales (ISTW) defects
Authors: Lalitha Murugan , Lakshmipathi Senthilkumar
Published: November 2017

The complete reduction of graphene oxide is difficult to achieve, and hence oxygen-containing functional groups do exist in graphene, along with structural defects.
Performance of edges on carbon for the catalytic hydroxylation of benzene to phenol
Authors: Lyu Ya-Jing , Qi Ting , Yang Hua-Qing , Hu Chang-Wei
Published: November 2017

The defect site plays an essential role in hydroxyl radical formation from H2O2, which is the rate-controlling step.
A newd-threonine aldolase as a promising biocatalyst for highly stereoselective preparation of chiral aromatic β-hydroxy-α-amino acids
Authors: Chen Qijia , Chen Xi , Cui Yunfeng , Ren Jie , Lu Wei , Feng Jinhui , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming
Published: November 2017

A newd-threonine aldolase was identified to tackle the “Cβ-stereoselectivity problem” in the enzymatic production of chiral aromatic β-hydroxy-α-amino acids.
Iridium(iii)-catalysed cross-linking of polysiloxanes leading to the thermally resistant luminescent silicone rubbers
Authors: Islamova Regina M. , Dobrynin Mikhail V. , Vlasov Andrey V. , Eremina Anzhelika A. , Kinzhalov Mikhail A. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Masloborodova Eleonora A. , Luzyanin Konstantin V.
Published: November 2017

Iridium(iii) cross-linking catalysts for silicones show a unique temperature-curing profile and lead to thermally resistant and luminescent silicone rubbers.
Tuning of the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4by polyoxometalates under visible light
Authors: Yan Gang , Feng Xiaojia , Xiao Liguang , Xi Wenguang , Tan Huaqiao , Shi Hongfei , Wang Yonghui , Li Yangguang
Published: November 2017

Polyoxometalate/g-C3N4composites were prepared with Keggin POMs and g-C3N4. POMs used as electron traps can efficiently promote the spatial separation of photogenerated electrons and holes of C3N4, which resulted in a high photocatalytic activity towards MO degradation.
Huge enhancement of upconversion luminescence by dye/Nd3+ sensitization of quenching-shield sandwich structured upconversion nanocrystals under 808 nm excitation
Authors: Zhao Feifei , Yin Dongguang , Wu Chenglong , Liu Bingqi , Chen Tao , Guo Mengting , Huang Kexian , Chen Zhiwen , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2017

A highly efficient UCL under excitation at 808 nm was achieved by dye/Nd3+ sensitization of quenching-shield sandwich structured upconversion nanocrystals.
A modular approach to carbene-stabilized diphosphorus species
Authors: Doddi Adinarayana , Bockfeld Dirk , Zaretzke Marc-Kevin , Kleeberg Christian , Bannenberg Thomas , Tamm Matthias
Published: November 2017

A modular approach has been developed for the synthesis of a series of neutral, cationic and dicationic heteroleptic dicarbene–diphosphorus species.
Exploring the effect of substituent in the hydrazone ligand of a family of μ-oxidodivanadium(v) hydrazone complexes on structure, DNA binding and anticancer activity
Authors: Patra Debashis , Paul Subhabrata , Majumder Indira , Sepay Nayim , Bera Sachinath , Kundu Rita , Drew Michael G. B. , Ghosh Tapas
Published: November 2017

The effect of substituent in the hydrazone ligand of each of two μ-oxidodivanadium(v) hydrazones on structure and anticancer activity has been explored.
Rapid nitrite production via partial denitrification: pilot-scale operation and microbial community analysis
Authors: Si Zheng , Peng Yongzhen , Yang Anming , Zhang Shujun , Li Baikun , Wang Bo , Wang Shuying
Published: November 2017

Achieving nitrite accumulation via partial denitrification (PD) is a novel technique to supply sufficient nitrite for the anammox process which is used to treat carbon-limited wastewater.
Sugar and mineral enriched fraction from olive mill wastewater for promising cosmeceutical application: characterization,in vitroandin vivostudies
Authors: Di Mauro Maria Domenica , Tomasello Barbara , Giardina Roberta Carla , Dattilo Sandro , Mazzei Veronica , Sinatra Fulvia , Caruso Massimo , D'Antona Nicola , Renis Marcella
Published: November 2017

SMEF from olive mill wastewater has been proven to be a safe bioactive blend with biological and cosmeceutical activities.
High performance man-made cellulosic fibres from recycled newsprint
Authors: Ma Y. , Hummel M. , Kontro I. , Sixta H.
Published: November 2017

High performance man-made cellulosic fibres from recycled newsprint.
Phosphorous acid functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers with a polarity tunable surface micro-environment for one-pot C–C and C–N bond formation reactions
Authors: Xu Gang , Wang Lu , Li Mengmeng , Tao Minli , Zhang Wenqin
Published: November 2017

Novel hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface micro-environment modified phosphoric acid-functionalized PANFs are prepared for one-pot C–C and C–N bond formation reactions with high efficiencies and preeminent reusability.
Temperature dependence of emission intensity in femtosecond laser-induced Ge plasma
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Chen Anmin , Sui Laizhi , Wang Ying , Zhang Dan , Li Suyu , Jiang Yuanfei , Jin Mingxing
Published: November 2017

The Ge(i) 422.66 nm line in femtosecond laser-induced germanium plasma at different initial sample temperatures is investigated.
Pharmacology of predatory and defensive venom peptides in cone snails
Authors: Prashanth Jutty Rajan , Dutertre Sebastien , Lewis Richard James
Published: November 2017

Cone snails use distinct venoms for defence and prey capture. The pharmacology of these neurotoxic peptides have been extensively studied for pharmacological probes, venom evolution mechanisms and potential therapeutics.
Spatially-controllable and uniform photochemical transfer printing of block copolymer nanopatterns
Authors: Janes Dustin W. , Inoue Takejiro , Prisco Nathan D. , Maher Michael J. , Nealey Paul F. , Ellison Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

This work describes the use of a bilayer conformal layer strategy to transfer print the chemical nanopatterns from one substrate to another, enabling the successful directed self-assembly of block copolymer thin films with 1 : 1 microdomain registration.
Synthesis and characterization of chiral and achiral diamines containing one or two BODIPY molecules
Authors: Treich Nicholas R. , Wimpenny Jacob D. , Kieffer Ian A. , Heiden Zachariah M.
Published: November 2017

The synthesis and characterization of chiral and achiral diamines containing one and two BODIPY fragments is described.
Signalling probes appended with two rhodamine derivatives: inter-component preferences, Fe(iii)-ion selective fluorescence responses and bio-imaging in plant species
Authors: Mallick Debajani , Biswal Biswonath , Thirunavoukkarasu M. , Mohanty Roshnara , Bag Bamaprasad
Published: November 2017

Molecular probes (1 and 2) incorporating two different xanthene dyes exhibited Fe(iii) selective dual mode signaling responses.
Nanomaterials for the optical detection of fluoride
Authors: Guo Yongming , Li Jing , Chai Shuming , Yao Jingjing
Published: November 2017

Recent advances in different nanomaterials-based approaches for optical F− detection via colorimetric, fluorescent and chemiluminescent response are presented.
New active leads for tuberculosis booster drugs by structure-based drug discovery
Authors: Tatum Natalie J. , Liebeschuetz John W. , Cole Jason C. , Frita Rosangela , Herledan Adrien , Baulard Alain R. , Willand Nicolas , Pohl Ehmke
Published: November 2017

Three new chemical scaffolds for the inhibition of the transcriptional regulator EthR from M. tuberculosis have been identified and verified by biophysical and biological assays.
NMR-based assignment of isoleucinevs.allo-isoleucine stereochemistry
Authors: Anderson Zoe J. , Hobson Christian , Needley Rebecca , Song Lijiang , Perryman Michael S. , Kerby Paul , Fox David J.
Published: November 2017

A simple1H and13C NMR spectrometric analysis is demonstrated that permits differentiation of isoleucine andallo-isoleucine residues by inspection of the chemical shift and coupling constants of the signals associated with the proton and carbon at the α-stereocentre.
Contribution of surface functional groups and interface interaction to biosorption of strontium ions by Saccharomyces cerevisiae under culture conditions
Authors: Liu Mingxue , Dong Faqin , Zhang Wei , Nie Xiaoqin , Wei Hongfu , Sun Shiyong , Zhong Xiaomei , Liu Yuqi , Wang Danni
Published: November 2017

Surface functional group contributions to biosorption of strontium ions bySaccharomyces cerevisiaeas well as interface interactions were elucidated.
One-pot synthesis of water-soluble near-infrared fluorescence RNase A capped CuInS2 quantum dots for in vivo imaging
Authors: Xi Yue , Yang Jianjun , Ge Yunshen , Zhao Shenli , Wang Jianguang , Li Yunxia , Hao Yuefeng , Chen Jun , Zhu Yuchang
Published: November 2017

Near-infrared (NIR) quantum dots (QDs) have been treated as a promising candidate of imaging agents for NIR fluorescence-guided surgery. Here, the RNase A-CuInS2 QDs is good candidate, which performers well in gastrointestinal system imaging.
Density functional theory study on the boron and phosphorus doping of germanium quantum dots
Authors: Ni Zhenyi , Jia Hui , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren
Published: November 2017

Doping is a crucial way of tuning the properties of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). The current theoretical work explained the experimental findings on the doping of germanium (Ge) QDs and predicted the properties of doped Ge QDs.
Tunable laser operations in a Nd-doped SrLaAlO4 crystal
Authors: Dong Lulu , Xu Yan , Yao Yongping , Wang Qiangguo , Liu Shande , Ren Tingqi , Zheng Lihe , Su Liangbi , Peng Yandong , Berkowski Marek
Published: November 2017

Tunable laser operations in a disordered crystal, Nd:SrLaAlO4, were experimentally reported.
Synthesis of a Co3O4@gold/MWCNT/polypyrrole hybrid composite for DMMP detection in chemical sensors
Authors: Ramesh Sivalingam , Lee Young-Jun , Msolli Sabeur , Kim Jong-Gyu , Kim Heung Soo , Kim Joo-Hyung
Published: November 2017

Chemical sensors based on a nanocrystalline Co3O4/gold@MWCNT/polypyrrole decorated hybrid composite were fabricated, and their sensitivity properties to stimulant dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP) were characterized.
A study on the synthesis and anion recognition of a chitosan-urea receptor
Authors: Rouzi Kuerbanjiang , Abulikemu Abuderixiti , Zhao Jie , Wu Biao
Published: November 2017

Chitosan-urea receptor for sensing PO43− and F− anions.
Quantitative detection of H2S and CS2 mixed gases based on UV absorption spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Cui Zhaolun , Cheng Zheng , Li Yalong , Xiao Hai
Published: November 2017

H2S and CS2 can be quantitatively detected, as the decomposition components of insulating gas SF6.
Fe-based metal organic framework/graphene oxide composite as an efficient catalyst for Fenton-like degradation of methyl orange
Authors: Tang Juntao , Wang Jianlong
Published: November 2017

A MIL-100(Fe)/graphene oxide (GO) composite was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method and utilized as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst for methyl orange (MO) degradation.
Synthesis and retention properties of molecularly imprinted polymers for antibiotics containing a 5-nitrofuran ring
Authors: Rusen Edina , Diacon Aurel , Mocanu Alexandra , Rizea Florica , Bucur Bogdan , Bucur Madalina Petruta , Radu Gabriel-Lucian , Bacalum Elena , Cheregi Mihaela , David Victor
Published: November 2017

Impedimetric sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers synthetized for antibiotics containing a 5-nitrofuran ring.
Strongly tricolor-emitting carbon dots synthesized by a combined aging–annealing route and their bio-application
Authors: Peng Ya , Zhou Xinyan , Zheng Nannan , Wang Lingyu , Zhou Xingping
Published: November 2017

A novel way has been established to make the FCDs with a very high QY, high stability, low cell cytotoxicity, and outstanding performance as a fluorescence probe.
C–C coupling reactions using a gold(iii) phosphorus complex confined within metal–organic framework fibers in aqueous solution
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen , Zhiani Rahele , Emrani Shokufe , Ghabdian Mahdieh
Published: November 2017

HPG@KCC-1/PPh2/Au NPs were used for the first time as a catalyst for the C–C cross-coupling between allylarenes or methyl acrylate and benzoxazole, and they showed excellent catalytic activities under green conditions.
Visible light-induced photocatalytic degradation of gas-phase acetaldehyde with platinum/reduced titanium oxide-loaded carbon paper
Authors: Kim Soonhyun , Kim Minsun , Lee Ha-Young , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: November 2017

A simply fabricated, high-surface-area substrate in a highly efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of air pollutant under visible light irradiation.
A durable monolithic polymer foam for efficient solar steam generation
Authors: Chen Qiaomei , Pei Zhiqiang , Xu Yanshuang , Li Zhen , Yang Yang , Wei Yen , Ji Yan
Published: November 2017

A self-floating sturdy polymer foam which by itself enables efficient solar steam generation without optical concentration.
Correction: Magnetic control of cellular processes using biofunctional nanoparticles
Authors: Monzel Cornelia , Vicario Chiara , Piehler Jacob , Coppey Mathieu , Dahan Maxime
Published: November 2017

Correction for ‘Magnetic control of cellular processes using biofunctional nanoparticles’ by Cornelia Monzel et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 7330–7338.
SnO2 nanorods encapsulated within a 3D interconnected graphene network architecture as high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Dan , Zhang Wei , Zhu Jianfeng , Zhang Tong , Guo Xinli , Zhang Yao , Sun Zhengming , Chen Jian
Published: November 2017

This manuscript reported a facile freeze-drying strategy to synthesize a SnO2 nanorods@graphene network composite with many desirable structural features and lithium storage properties.
Knittable energy storing fiber with high volumetric performance made from predominantly MXene nanosheets
Authors: Seyedin Shayan , Yanza Elliard Roswell S. , Razal Joselito M.
Published: November 2017

Novel fibers from predominantly MXene nanosheets (∼88 wt%) were produced that showed high mechanical properties and an excellent volumetric capacitance of ∼341 F cm−3.
Ultrathin molybdenum boride films for highly efficient catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Xufeng , Tai Guoan , Wu Zenghui , Hu Tingsong , Wang Rui
Published: November 2017

Ultrathin crystalline Mo3B films have been synthesized on molybdenum foils, exhibiting striking catalytic performance and fantastic cycling stability.
Optical trapping for biosensing: materials and applications
Authors: Rodríguez-Sevilla P. , Labrador-Páez L. , Jaque D. , Haro-González P.
Published: November 2017

Optical trapping has been evidence as a very powerful tool for the manipulation and study of biological entities. This review explains the main concepts regarding the use of optical trapping for biosensing, focusing its attention to those applications involving the manipulation of particles which are used as handles, force transducers and sensors.