bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Biogeochemistry in the High Latitude North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Achterberg Eric P. , Steigenberger Sebastian , Marsay Chris M. , LeMoigne Frédéric A. C. , Painter Stuart C. , Baker Alex R. , Connelly Douglas P. , Moore C. Mark , Tagliabue Alessandro , Tanhua Toste
Published: January 2018

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for marine microbial organisms, and low supply controls productivity in large parts of the world’s ocean. The high latitude North Atlantic is seasonally Fe limited, but Fe distributions and source strengths are poorly constrained. Surface ocean dissolved Fe (DFe) concentrations were low in the study region (<0.1 nM) in summer 2010, with significant perturbations during spring 2010 in the Iceland Basin as a result of an eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano (up to 2.5 nM DFe near Iceland) with biogeochemical consequences. Deep water concentrations in the vicinity of the Reykjanes Ridge system were influenced by pronounced sediment resuspension, with indications for additional inputs by hydrothermal vents, with subsequent lateral transport of Fe and manganese plumes of up to 250–300 km. Particulate Fe formed the dominant pool, as evidenced by 4–17 fold higher total dissolvable Fe compared with DFe concentrations, and a dynamic exchange between the fractions appeared to buffer deep water DFe. Here we show that Fe supply associated with deep winter mixing (up to 103 nmol m−2 d−1) was at least ca. 4–10 times higher than atmospheric deposition, diffusive fluxes at the base of the summer mixed layer, and horizontal surface ocean fluxes.
Blocking Zika virus vertical transmission
Authors: Mesci Pinar , Macia Angela , Moore Spencer M. , Shiryaev Sergey A. , Pinto Antonella , Huang Chun-Teng , Tejwani Leon , Fernandes Isabella R. , Suarez Nicole A. , Kolar Matthew J. , Montefusco Sandro , Rosenberg Scott C. , Herai Roberto H. , Cugola Fernanda R. , Russo Fabiele B. , Sheets Nicholas , Saghatelian Alan , Shresta Sujan , Momper Jeremiah D. , Siqueira-Neto Jair L. , Corbett Kevin D. , Beltrão-Braga Patricia C. B. , Terskikh Alexey V. , Muotri Alysson R.
Published: January 2018

The outbreak of the Zika virus (ZIKV) has been associated with increased incidence of congenital malformations. Although recent efforts have focused on vaccine development, treatments for infected individuals are needed urgently. Sofosbuvir (SOF), an FDA-approved nucleotide analog inhibitor of the Hepatitis C (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) was recently shown to be protective against ZIKV both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that SOF protected human neural progenitor cells (NPC) and 3D neurospheres from ZIKV infection-mediated cell death and importantly restored the antiviral immune response in NPCs. In vivo, SOF treatment post-infection (p.i.) decreased viral burden in an immunodeficient mouse model. Finally, we show for the first time that acute SOF treatment of pregnant dams p.i. was well-tolerated and prevented vertical transmission of the virus to the fetus. Taken together, our data confirmed SOF-mediated sparing of human neural cell types from ZIKV-mediated cell death in vitro and reduced viral burden in vivo in animal models of chronic infection and vertical transmission, strengthening the growing body of evidence for SOF anti-ZIKV activity.
Comprehensive reduction of amino acid set in a protein suggests the importance of prebiotic amino acids for stable proteins
Authors: Shibue Rei , Sasamoto Takahiro , Shimada Masami , Zhang Bowen , Yamagishi Akihiko , Akanuma Satoshi
Published: January 2018

Modern organisms commonly use the same set of 20 genetically coded amino acids for protein synthesis with very few exceptions. However, earlier protein synthesis was plausibly much simpler than modern one and utilized only a limited set of amino acids. Nevertheless, few experimental tests of this issue with arbitrarily chosen amino acid sets had been reported prior to this report. Herein we comprehensively and systematically reduced the size of the amino acid set constituting an ancestral nucleoside kinase that was reconstructed in our previous study. We eventually found that two convergent sequences, each comprised of a 13-amino acid alphabet, folded into soluble, stable and catalytically active structures, even though their stabilities and activities were not as high as those of the parent protein. Notably, many but not all of the reduced-set amino acids coincide with those plausibly abundant in primitive Earth. The inconsistent amino acids appeared to be important for catalytic activity but not for stability. Therefore, our findings suggest that the prebiotically abundant amino acids were used for creating stable protein structures and other amino acids with functional side chains were recruited to achieve efficient catalysis.
Hemoglobin catalyzes CoA degradation and thiol addition to flavonoids
Authors: Nagakubo Toshiki , Kumano Takuto , Hashimoto Yoshiteru , Kobayashi Michihiko
Published: January 2018

In the presence of CoA, cell-free extracts prepared from porcine liver was found to convert 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) to a pantetheine conjugate, which was a novel flavonoid. We purified a 7,8-DHF-converting enzyme from the extracts, and identified it as hemoglobin (Hb). The purified Hb showed the following two activities: (i) degradation of CoA into pantetheine through hydrolytic cleavage to yield pantetheine and 3′-phospho-adenosine-5′-diphosphate (ADP) independently of heme, and (ii) addition of a thiol (e.g., pantetheine, glutathione and cysteine) to 7,8-DHF through C-S bond formation. Human Hb also exhibited the above flavonoid-converting activity. In addition, heme-containing enzymes such as peroxidase and catalase added each of pantetheine, glutathione and cysteine to the flavonoid, although no pantetheine conjugates were synthesized when CoA was used as a substrate. These findings indicated that the thiol-conjugating activity is widely observed in heme-containing proteins. On the other hand, only Hb catalyzed the hydrolysis of CoA, followed by the thiol conjugation to synthesize the pantetheine conjugate. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing that Hb has the catalytic ability to convert naturally occurring bioactive compounds, such as dietary flavonoids, to the corresponding conjugates in the presence of thiol donors or CoA.
Chloroplast genomic resources for phylogeny and DNA barcoding: a case study on Fritillaria
Authors: Bi Yu , Zhang Ming-fang , Xue Jing , Dong Ran , Du Yun-peng , Zhang Xiu-hai
Published: January 2018

The genus Fritillaria comprises approximately 130 perennial herbaceous species. In the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, the bulbs of 11 Fritillaria species are used in Chinese herbal medicines. However, the traditional methods of morphological classification cannot accurately identify closely related species of Fritillaria. Previous studies have attempted to identify these species with universal molecular markers, but insufficient phylogenetic signal was available. In this study, the complete chloroplast genomes of eight Fritillaria species were compared. The length of the eight Fritillaria chloroplast genomes ranges from 151,009 bp to 152,224 bp. A total of 136 SSR loci were identified, including 124 polymorphic SSR loci. For large repeat sequences, 108 repeat loci and four types of repeats were observed. Ten highly variable regions were identified as potential molecular markers. These SSRs, large repeat sequences and highly variable regions provide important information for the development of genetic markers and DNA fingerprints. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the topological structures of all data sets (except the IR regions) were in complete agreement and well resolved. Overall, this study provides comprehensive chloroplast genomic resources, which will be valuable for future studies of evolution and species identification in Fritillaria.
Advanced Modified Polyacrylonitrile Membrane with Enhanced Adsorption Property for Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Xinfeng , Yang Shujing , Yu Bing , Tan Qinglong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Cong Hailin
Published: January 2018

Advanced modified polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membrane with high adsorption property for heavy metal ions was designed and fabricated for the first time. The introduced diazoresin-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (DR-EDTA) layer could effectively absorb the metal ion, such as Cu2+, Pb2+, Hg2+ in the waste water. The effects of layers, metal ion concentration, pH, temperature and cycle time were investigated. The results showed that the adsorption isotherms for Cu2+ were well fitted by Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the modified membrane for Cu2+ was approximately 47.6 mg/g. In addition, the prepared PAN-(DR-EDTA)3 membrane could be regenerated more than 720 h based on their adsorption/desorption cycles. The results demonstrated that the modified PAN membrane could be used as effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal from waste water.
Molting site fidelity accounts for colony elimination of the Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by chitin synthesis inhibitor baits
Authors: Kakkar G. , Osbrink W. , Su N.-Y.
Published: January 2018

Site fidelity by molting termites in Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki colonies is a new addition to our understanding of lower termites’ behavior and biology. Our previous studies indicated that workers moved to the central nest to molt in the presence of eggs and reproductives. The current study showed that noviflumuron-affected workers also return to the central nest and died in the vicinity of reproductives and eggs. The aversion to the dead and decaying workers caused reproductives and brood to leave the original central nest site in a colony and refuge at newer sites every few days in response to newly dead workers near them. Because mortality was an event observed only in workers undergoing molting under the effect of noviflumuron- a CSI, the death of molting individuals was observed only around reproductives and brood. This study reveals a previously undiscovered behavior of molting termites and the mechanics behind a successful arsenal; noviflumuron baits used against subterranean termites.
Stochastic optimization of broadband reflecting photonic structures
Authors: Estrada-Wiese D. , del Río-Chanona E. A. , del Río J. A.
Published: January 2018

Photonic crystals (PCs) are built to control the propagation of light within their structure. These can be used for an assortment of applications where custom designed devices are of interest. Among them, one-dimensional PCs can be produced to achieve the reflection of specific and broad wavelength ranges. However, their design and fabrication are challenging due to the diversity of periodic arrangement and layer configuration that each different PC needs. In this study, we present a framework to design high reflecting PCs for any desired wavelength range. Our method combines three stochastic optimization algorithms (Random Search, Particle Swarm Optimization and Simulated Annealing) along with a reduced space-search methodology to obtain a custom and optimized PC configuration. The optimization procedure is evaluated through theoretical reflectance spectra calculated by using the Equispaced Thickness Method, which improves the simulations due to the consideration of incoherent light transmission. We prove the viability of our procedure by fabricating different reflecting PCs made of porous silicon and obtain good agreement between experiment and theory using a merit function. With this methodology, diverse reflecting PCs can be designed for any applications and fabricated with different materials.
Local structure, nucleation sites and crystallization behavior and their effects on magnetic properties of Fe81Si
x
B10P8−xCu1 (x = 0~8)
Authors: Cao C. C. , Wang Y. G. , Zhu L. , Meng Y. , Zhai X. B. , Dai Y. D. , Chen J. K. , Pan F. M.
Published: January 2018

In this work, an attempt has been made to reveal critical factors dominating the crystallization and soft magnetic properties of Fe81Si
x
B10P8−xCu1 (x = 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) alloys. Both melt spun and annealed alloys are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and magnetometry. The changes in magnetic interaction between Fe atoms and chemical homogeneity can well explain the variation of magnetic properties of Fe81Si
x
B10P8−xCu1 amorphous alloys. The density of nucleation sites in the amorphous precursors decreases in the substitution of P by Si. Meanwhile, the precipitated nanograins gradually coarsen, but the inhibiting effect of P on grain growth diminishes causing the increase of the crystallinity. Moreover, various site occupancies of Si are observed in the nanocrystallites and the Si occupancy in bcc Fe decreases the average magnetic moment of nanograins. Without sacrificing amorphous forming ability, we can obtain FeSiBPCu nanocrystalline alloy with excellent soft magnetic properties by optimizing the content of Si and P in the amorphous precursors.
Identification and quantification of plasma calciprotein particles with distinct physical properties in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Miura Yutaka , Iwazu Yoshitaka , Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Akimoto Tetsu , Kotani Kazuhiko , Kurabayashi Masahiko , Kurosu Hiroshi , Kuro-o Makoto
Published: January 2018

Calciprotein particles (CPP) are solid-phase calcium-phosphate bound to serum protein fetuin-A and dispersed as colloids in the blood. Recent clinical studies indicated that serum CPP levels were increased with decline of renal function and associated with inflammation and vascular calcification. However, CPP assays used in these studies measured only a part of CPP over a certain particle size and density. Here we show that such CPP are mostly artifacts generated during processing of serum samples in vitro. The native CPP in fresh plasma are smaller in size and lower in density than those artifactual CPP, composed of fetuin-A carrying amorphous and/or crystalline calcium-phosphate, and increased primarily with serum phosphate levels. We have identified several physicochemical factors that promote aggregation/dissolution of CPP and transition of the calcium-phosphate from the amorphous phase to the crystalline phase in vitro, including addition of anti-coagulants, composition of buffer for sample dilution, the number of freeze-thaw cycles, the speed for sample freezing, and how many hours the samples were left at what temperature. Therefore, it is of critical importance to standardize these factors during sample preparation in clinical studies on CPP and to investigate the biological activity of the native CPP.
Phylogenetic and Functional Structure of Wintering Waterbird Communities Associated with Ecological Differences
Authors: Che Xianli , Zhang Min , Zhao Yanyan , Zhang Qiang , Quan Qing , Møller Anders , Zou Fasheng
Published: January 2018

Ecological differences may be related to community component divisions between Oriental (west) and Sino-Japanese (east) realms, and such differences may result in weak geographical breaks in migratory species that are highly mobile. Here, we conducted comparative phylogenetic and functional structure analyses of wintering waterbird communities in southern China across two realms and subsequently examined possible climate drivers of the observed patterns. An analysis based on such highly migratory species is particularly telling because migration is bound to reduce or completely eliminate any divergence between communities. Phylogenetic and functional structure of eastern communities showed over-dispersion while western communities were clustered. Basal phylogenetic and functional turnover of western communities was significant lower than that of eastern communities. The break between eastern and western communities was masked by these two realms. Geographic patterns were related to mean temperature changes and temperature fluctuations, suggesting that temperature may filter waterbird lineages and traits, thus underlying geographical community divisions. These results suggest phylogenetic and functional divisions in southern China, coinciding with biogeography. This study shows that temperature fluctuations constitute an essential mechanism shaping geographical divisions that have largely gone undetected previously, even under climate change.
Relationship between serum cortisol level and degree of false lumen thrombosis in patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection
Authors: Wu Yani , Sun Yudong , Wei Xiaolong , Zhang Lei , Han Tonglei , Zhao Zhiqing , Zhou Jian , Jing Zaiping
Published: January 2018

Partial thrombosis of the false lumen in uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD) is associated with an increased late mortality risk. Whether the serum cortisol level can affect false lumen thrombosis in patients with uTBAD has not been well characterized. This study was performed on 87 patients with uTBAD. A curve-fitting method was used to analyze the relationship between serum cortisol and partial thrombosis of false lumen. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify false lumen partial thrombosis–associated serum cortisol. Curve-fitting’s result revealed a characteristic U shape, and 14.0 µg/dL was considered as the cutoff point for serum cortisol. The results of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested that when trisecting the serum cortisol level into three parts, the low and high levels of serum cortisol could significantly affect the occurrence of false lumen partial thrombosis compared with the middle level. The odds ratio value of the low and high levels of serum cortisol was 6.12 and 4.65, respectively, in the univariate analysis, and 24.32 and 3.93, respectively, in the multivariate analysis. Low or high levels of serum cortisol might influence the natural result of uTBAD through affecting the false lumen thrombosis.
Photonic spin Hall effect enabled refractive index sensor using weak measurements
Authors: Zhou Xinxing , Sheng Lijuan , Ling Xiaohui
Published: January 2018

In this work, we theoretically propose an optical biosensor (consists of a BK7 glass, a metal film, and a graphene sheet) based on photonic spin Hall effect (SHE). We establish a quantitative relationship between the spin-dependent shift in photonic SHE and the refractive index of sensing medium. It is found that, by considering the surface plasmon resonance effect, the refractive index variations owing to the adsorption of biomolecules in sensing medium can effectively change the spin-dependent displacements. Remarkably, using the weak measurement method, this tiny spin-dependent shifts can be detected with a desirable accuracy so that the corresponding biomolecules concentration can be determined.
Transcriptome Analysis in Spleen Reveals Differential Regulation of Response to Newcastle Disease Virus in Two Chicken Lines
Authors: Zhang Jibin , Kaiser Michael G. , Deist Melissa S. , Gallardo Rodrigo A. , Bunn David A. , Kelly Terra R. , Dekkers Jack C. M. , Zhou Huaijun , Lamont Susan J.
Published: January 2018

Enhancing genetic resistance of chickens to Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) provides a promising way to improve poultry health, and to alleviate poverty and food insecurity in developing countries. In this study, two inbred chicken lines with different responses to NDV, Fayoumi and Leghorn, were challenged with LaSota NDV strain at 21 days of age. Through transcriptome analysis, gene expression in spleen at 2 and 6 days post-inoculation was compared between NDV-infected and control groups, as well as between chicken lines. At a false discovery rate <0.05, Fayoumi chickens, which are relatively more resistant to NDV, showed fewer differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than Leghorn chickens. Several interferon-stimulated genes were identified as important DEGs regulating immune response to NDV in chicken. Pathways predicted by IPA analysis, such as "EIF-signaling", "actin cytoskeleton organization nitric oxide production" and "coagulation system" may contribute to resistance to NDV in Fayoumi chickens. The identified DEGs and predicted pathways may contribute to differential responses to NDV between the two chicken lines and provide potential targets for breeding chickens that are more resistant to NDV.
Plasma proteomic study of acute mountain sickness susceptible and resistant individuals
Authors: Lu Hui , Wang Rong , Li Wenbin , Xie Hua , Wang Chang , Hao Ying , Sun Yuhuan , Jia Zhengping
Published: January 2018

Although extensive studies have focused on the development of acute mountain sickness (AMS), the exact mechanisms of AMS are still obscure. In this study, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis to identify novel AMS−associated biomarkers in human plasma. After 9 hours of hypobaric hypoxia the abundance of proteins related to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, ribosome, and proteasome were significantly reduced in AMS resistant (AMS−) group, but not in AMS susceptible (AMS+) group. This suggested that AMS− individuals could reduce oxygen consumption via repressing TCA cycle and glycolysis, and reduce energy consumption through decreasing protein degradation and synthesis compared to AMS+ individuals after acute hypoxic exposure. The inflammatory response might be decreased resulting from the repressed TCA cycle. We propose that the ability for oxygen consumption reduction may play an important role in the development of AMS. Our present plasma proteomic study in plateau of the Han Chinese volunteers gives new data to address the development of AMS and potential AMS correlative biomarkers.
Word Mode: a crowding-free reading protocol for individuals with macular disease
Authors: Wallis Stuart , Yang Yit , Anderson Stephen J.
Published: January 2018

Central retinal loss through macular disease markedly reduces the ability to read largely because identification of a word using peripheral vision is negatively influenced by nearby text, a phenomenon termed visual crowding. Here, we present a novel peripheral reading protocol, termed Word Mode, that eliminates crowding by presenting each word in isolation but in a position that mimics its natural position in the line of text being read, with each new word elicited using a self-paced button press. We used a gaze-contingent paradigm to simulate a central scotoma in four normally-sighted observers, and measured oral reading speed for text positioned 7.5° in the inferior field. Compared with reading whole sentences, our crowding-free protocol increased peripheral reading speeds by up to a factor of seven, resulted in significantly fewer reading errors and fixations per sentence, and reduced both the critical print size and the text size required for spot reading by 0.2–0.3 logMAR. We conclude that the level of reading efficiency afforded by the crowding-free reading protocol Word Mode may return reading as a viable activity to many individuals with macular disease.
Correction: Chemical analysis in saliva and the search for salivary biomarkers – a tutorial review
Authors: Ngamchuea Kamonwad , Chaisiwamongkhol Korbua , Batchelor-McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: January 2018

Correction for ‘Chemical analysis in saliva and the search for salivary biomarkers – a tutorial review’ by Kamonwad Ngamchuea, et al., Analyst, 2018, 143, 81–99.
A G-quadruplex DNAzyme-based LAMP biosensing platform for a novel colorimetric detection ofListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Liu Zhanmin , Yao Chenhui , Wang Yanming , Yang Cuiyun
Published: January 2018

A LAMP-based method for the visual detection ofListeria monocytogeneshas been developed by employing DNAzyme-catalyzed cascade amplification of the colorimetric signal.
A peptide-based synthetic transcription factor selectively activates transcription in a mammalian cell
Authors: Roy Koushik , Mazumder Abhishek , Ghosh Piya , Naiya Gitashri , Ghosh Basusree , Roy Siddhartha
Published: January 2018

A peptide-based cell permeable synthetic transcription factor is reported, which binds to its target site with high affinity and specificity.
Fluoride-ion-binding promoted photoinduced charge separation in a self-assembled C60 alkyl cation bound bis-crown ether-oxoporphyrinogen supramolecule
Authors: Webre Whitney A. , Gobeze Habtom B. , Shao Shuai , Karr Paul A. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Hill Jonathan P. , D’Souza Francis
Published: January 2018

Floride anion binding triggers ultrafast charge separation in a four component supramolecular donor–acceptor assembly.
A highly stable MnII phosphonate as a highly efficient catalyst for CO2 fixation under ambient conditions
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Chao-Ying , Tian Hong-Rui , Ai Jing , Min Xue , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: January 2018

A highly stable microporous MnII phosphonate is rationally designed and it exhibits highly efficient performance in the context of CO2 chemical conversion into cyclic carbonates under ambient conditions.
The directional character of the piperazine double addition product, e{N(CH2CH2)2N}2C60, as a building block for forming crystalline fullerene polymers
Authors: Aghabali Amineh , Jun Sharon , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Balch Alan L.
Published: January 2018

The piperazine double addition product, e{N(CH2CH2)2N}2C60, has its donor atoms positioned to bind Lewis acids in two orthogonal directions. It has been used to construct crystalline, 1-d and 2-d polymers through reactions with diiodine and the rhodium(ii) acetate dimer.
Bound and continuum-embedded states of cyanopolyyne anions
Authors: Skomorowski Wojciech , Gulania Sahil , Krylov Anna I.
Published: January 2018

Equation-of-motion coupled-cluster calculations reveal systematic trends across bound and continuum-embedded excited states in cyanopolyyne anions.
Supramolecular photosensitizers rejuvenate photodynamic therapy
Authors: Li Xingshu , Lee Songyi , Yoon Juyoung
Published: January 2018

In this review, we will cover the recent progress made in the development of supramolecular photosensitizers (PSs) for rejuvenating photodynamic therapy.
Polymerizable ionic liquid as a precursor for N, P co-doped carbon toward the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Gao Jian , He Chongchong , Liu Jianguo , Ren Pengju , Lu Hongbin , Feng Jianyong , Zou Zhigang , Yin Zhen , Wen Xiaodong , Tan Xiaoyao
Published: January 2018

Preparing N, P co-doped carbon as a metal-free catalyst for ORR with a PIL as a precursor.
Dehydrohalogenation of proton responsive complexes: versatile aggregation via pyrazolate pincer ligand arms
Authors: Cook Brian J. , Chen Chun-Hsing , Pink Maren , Caulton Kenneth G.
Published: January 2018

The behavior of the complex (H2L)CoCl2, where H2L is a bis-(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine, towards Brønsted bases is studied, to evaluate peripheral NH deprotonation as a route to a dianionic pincer ligand on a d7 center.
Spectroscopic, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of Pt(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes of a chelating 1,10-phenanthroline appended perylene diimide
Authors: Işık Büyükekşi Sebile , Şengül Abdurrahman , Erdönmez Seda , Altındal Ahmet , Orman Efe Baturhan , Özkaya Ali Rıza
Published: January 2018

The triads exhibit pronounced semiconducting properties and have the potential for use in DSSCs as a sensitizer.
Synthesis and characterization of heteroleptic titanium MOCVD precursors for TiO2 thin films
Authors: Kim Euk Hyun , Lim Min Hyuk , Lah Myoung Soo , Koo Sang Man
Published: January 2018

Heteroleptic titanium alkoxides with three different ligands, i.e., [Ti(OiPr)(X)(Y)] (X = tridentate, Y = bidentate ligands), were synthesized to find efficient metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) precursors for TiO2 thin films.
Coffee consumption promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy and myoblast differentiation
Authors: Jang Young Jin , Son Hyo Jeong , Kim Ji-Sun , Jung Chang Hwa , Ahn Jiyun , Hur Jinyoung , Ha Tae Youl
Published: January 2018

Coffee increases skeletal muscle function and hypertrophy by regulating the TGF-β/myostatin – Akt – mTORC1.
Influence of Na and Nb co-substitution on electrochemical performance of ternary cathode materials for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Milad , Farhadi Saeed , Riahifar Reza , Hadavi S. M. M.
Published: January 2018

In the present study, Li1−xNax(Ni0.6Co0.2Mn0.2−yNby)O2, a novel layered cathodic compound, is synthesized using an economically feasible polymer pyrolysis method.
Controllable fabrication of a novel heterojunction composite: AgBr and Ag@Ag2O co-modified Ag2CO3 with excellent photocatalytic performance towards refractory pollutant degradation
Authors: Liang Chao , Niu Cheng-Gang , Shen Mao-Cai , Yang Shi-Feng , Zeng Guang-Ming
Published: January 2018

The prepared heterojunction composite showed excellent photocatalytic performance due to its high electron–hole separation efficiency.
Reverse-bias-driven whispering gallery mode lasing from individual ZnO microwire/p-Si heterojunction
Authors: Xu Yingtian , Li Ying , Shi Linlin , Li Danni , Zhang He , Jin Liang , Xu Li , Ma Xiaohui , Zou Yonggang , Yin Jingzhi
Published: January 2018

Electrically pumped whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing was observed from ZnO single microwire (SMW)/p-Si heterojunctions operated under reverse bias.
Recombinant phosphatidylserine-binding nanobodies for targeting of extracellular vesicles to tumor cells: a plug-and-play approach
Authors: Kooijmans Sander A. A. , Gitz-Francois Jerney J. J. M. , Schiffelers Raymond M. , Vader Pieter
Published: January 2018

Decoration of isolated extracellular vesicles with recombinant phosphatidylserine-binding nanobodies increases their uptake by tumor cells.
Enhanced planar perovskite solar cell efficiency and stability using a perovskite/PCBM heterojunction formed in one step
Authors: Zhou Long , Chang Jingjing , Liu Ziye , Sun Xu , Lin Zhenhua , Chen Dazheng , Zhang Chunfu , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: January 2018

Efficient perovskite/PCBM heterojunction is formed in one-step for perovskite solar cells with high performance and long-term stability.
Rb+ cations enable the change of luminescence properties in perovskite (RbxCs1−xPbBr3) quantum dots
Authors: Wu Hao , Yang Yong , Zhou Dacheng , Li Kuangran , Yu Jie , Han Jin , Li Zhencai , Long Zhangwen , Ma Jiao , Qiu Jianbei
Published: January 2018

All-inorganic metal halide perovskites of the formulation ABX3 (where A is Cs+, B is commonly Pb2+, and X is a halide, X = Cl, Br, I) have been studied intensively for their unique properties.
Total synthesis of pipecolic acid and 1-C-alkyl 1,5-iminopentitol derivatives by way of stereoselective aldol reactions from (S)-isoserinal
Authors: Baś Sebastian , Kusy Rafał , Pasternak-Suder Monika , Nicolas Cyril , Mlynarski Jacek , Martin Olivier R.
Published: January 2018

Asymmetric synthesis of the iminosugar moietyviadiastereoselective aldol addition of a pyruvate, a range of hydroxyketones and (S)-isoserinal, followed by catalytic reductive intramolecular amination.
Synthesis of branched and linear 1,4-linked galactan oligosaccharides
Authors: Andersen Mathias C. F. , Boos Irene , Kinnaert Christine , Awan Shahid I. , Pedersen Henriette L. , Kračun Stjepan K. , Lanz Gyrithe , Rydahl Maja G. , Kjærulff Louise , Håkansson Maria , Kimbung Raymond , Logan Derek T. , Gotfredsen Charlotte H. , Willats William G. T. , Clausen Mads H.
Published: January 2018

Strategic naphthylidine protection allows for the rapid assembly of linear and branched 1,4-galactans.
Luminescent solar concentrators based on PMMA films obtained from a red-emitting ATRP initiator
Authors: Mori Riccardo , Iasilli Giuseppe , Lessi Marco , Muñoz-García Ana Belén , Pavone Michele , Bellina Fabio , Pucci Andrea
Published: January 2018

PMMA_TPE_RED polymers containing 0.98–3.05 wt% of a red-emitting AIEgen were prepared and proposed as high performance luminescent solar concentrators.
Calcium ion-assisted lipid tubule formation
Authors: Jones Sandra , Huynh An , Gao Yuan , Yu Yan
Published: January 2018

Calcium ions at mM concentrations promote the self-assembly of SOPC lipids into inter-connected hollow lipid tubes.
Effects of heavy metals on health risk and characteristic in surrounding atmosphere of tire manufacturing plant, Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chia-Hsiang , Lin Chia-Hua , Liao Chang-Chun , Chuang Kuen-Yuan , Peng Yen-Ping
Published: January 2018

The health and environmental effects of metal-containing carbon black (CB) particles emitted from a CB feeding area near a tire manufacturing plant were investigated.
The aggregation of Fe3+ and their d–d radiative transitions in ZnSe:Fe3+ nanobelts by CVD growth
Authors: Liang B. B. , Hou L. P. , Zou S. Y. , Zhang L. , Guo Y. C. , Liu Y. T. , Farooq M. U. , Shi L. J. , Liu R. B. , Zou B. S.
Published: January 2018

Transition metal (TM) doped II–VI semiconductors have attracted great attention due to their luminescence and diluted magnetism.
Luminescent metal clusters/barium sulfate composites for white light-emitting devices and anti-counterfeiting labels
Authors: Wang Min , Huang Zhenzhen , Guo Zilong , Yang Wensheng
Published: January 2018

Metal NCs with blue, green and red emissions were incorporated into barium sulfate matrix to improve their stability and performance.
Fabrication of porosity-controlled polyethylene terephthalate porous materials using a CO2-assisted polymer compression method
Authors: Aizawa T.
Published: January 2018

Porosity-controlled polyethylene terephthalate porous materials can be easily fabricated by using a CO2-assisted polymer compression (CAPC) method.
Structural investigations of La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ under reducing conditions: kinetic and thermodynamic limitations for phase transformations and iron exsolution phenomena
Authors: Götsch Thomas , Schlicker Lukas , Bekheet Maged F. , Doran Andrew , Grünbacher Matthias , Praty Corsin , Tada Mizuki , Matsui Hirosuke , Ishiguro Nozomu , Gurlo Aleksander , Klötzer Bernhard , Penner Simon
Published: January 2018

A dependence of structural transformation and iron exsolution on chemical environment and reducing conditions is proven for the perovskite La0.6Sr0.4FeO3−δ.
Determination of brain injury biomarkers by surface-enhanced Raman scattering using hollow gold nanospheres
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Peng , Mao Leilei , Hou Yajun , Li Dawei
Published: January 2018

The development of rapid, highly sensitive detection methods for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100-β protein is very important as the levels of NSE and S100-β protein in the blood are closely related to brain injury.
Cations substitution tuning phase stability in hybrid perovskite single crystals by strain relaxation
Authors: Wu C. , Chen K. , Guo D. Y. , Wang S. L. , Li P. G.
Published: January 2018

Cations size induced phase tuning in hybrid perovskite single crystals: interplay of lattice distortion and strain relaxation.
Photocatalytic activity of Ag/Al2O3–Gd2O3photocatalysts prepared by the sol–gel method in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol
Authors: Barrera A. , Tzompantzi F. , Campa-Molina J. , Casillas J. E. , Pérez-Hernández R. , Ulloa-Godinez S. , Velásquez C. , Arenas-Alatorre J.
Published: January 2018

Ag/Al2O3–Gd2O3showed high efficacy to photodegradate 4-chlorophenol, the strong interaction between silver nano-particles and micro-particles and Al2O3–Gd2O3entities favors the decrease in the recombination rate.
Core–shell coaxially structured triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting and motion sensing
Authors: Tian Zhumei , He Jian , Chen Xi , Wen Tao , Zhai Cong , Zhang Zengxing , Cho Jundong , Chou Xiujian , Xue Chenyang
Published: January 2018

A core–shell coaxially structured triboelectric nanogenerator (CSTN) is fabricated by inserting the inner hollow circular tube into the outer hollow circular tube, which can be used for energy harvesting and motion sensing.
Metal-free oxidative isocyanides insertion with aromatic aldehydes to aroylated N-heterocycles
Authors: He Yimiao , Wang Xuelian , Xiao Jun-An , Pang Jinying , Gan Chunfang , Huang Yanmin , Huang Chusheng
Published: January 2018

A metal-free, mild and efficient method for construction of aroylated phenanthridines and isoquinolines quickly with high regioselectivity was developed.
Determination of ADH in textiles using the HPLC-MS/MS method and the study of its adsorption behaviour towards formaldehyde
Authors: Tao Jinxiong , Lin Ziwei , Zhang Haixuan , Wu Zhuoming , Cao Haihui
Published: January 2018

Study on the adsorption behaviour of textiles containing ADH towards formaldehyde under different placement environments.
Polypyrrole/tannin biobased nanocomposite with enhanced electrochemical and physical properties
Authors: Abdi Mahnaz M. , Mohd Azli Nur Farhana Waheeda , Lim Hong Ngee , Tahir Paridah Md , Karimi Gholamreza , Hoong Yeoh Beng , Khorram Mohammad
Published: January 2018

Tannin (TA) extracted from Acacia mangium and a cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), were used to modify and enhance the physical and electrochemical properties of polypyrrole (PPy) composite.
Laser irradiated vortex fluidic mediated synthesis of luminescent carbon nanodots under continuous flow
Authors: Luo Xuan , Al-Antaki Ahmed Hussein Mohammed , Vimalanathan Kasturi , Moffatt Jillian , Zheng Kun , Zou Yichao , Zou Jin , Duan Xiaofei , Lamb Robert N. , Wang Shujun , Li Qin , Zhang Wei , Raston Colin L.
Published: January 2018

High shear vortex fluidics coupled with NIR affords luminescent carbon dots as a scalable process.
Discrete Cu(i) complexes for azide–alkyne annulations of small molecules inside mammalian cells
Authors: Miguel-Ávila Joan , Tomás-Gamasa María , Olmos Andrea , Pérez Pedro J. , Mascareñas José L.
Published: January 2018

Cu(i) complexes do achieve azide–alkyne annulations of freely difusible small molecules inside mammalian cells.
Monitoring the dynamic photocatalytic activity of single CdS nanoparticles by lighting up H2 nanobubbles with fluorescent dyes
Authors: Su Hua , Fang Yimin , Chen Fangyuan , Wang Wei
Published: January 2018

Lighting up photocatalyzed H2 nanobubbles with fluorescent dyes allows for measurement of dynamic photocatalytic activity of single CdS nanoparticles.
The self-disproportionation of enantiomers (SDE): a menace or an opportunity?
Authors: Han Jianlin , Kitagawa Osamu , Wzorek Alicja , Klika Karel D. , Soloshonok Vadim A.
Published: January 2018

Herein we report on the well-documented, yet not widely known, phenomenon of the self-disproportionation of enantiomers (SDE): the spontaneous fractionation of scalemic material into enantioenriched and -depleted fractions when any physicochemical process is applied.
Control of collagen gel mechanical properties through manipulation of gelation conditions near the sol–gel transition
Authors: Holder A. J. , Badiei N. , Hawkins K. , Wright C. , Williams P. R. , Curtis D. J.
Published: January 2018

It is shown herein that it is possible to control the mechanical and microstructural properties of collagen gels by manipulating temperature in the vicinity of the sol–gel transition; the Fractional Maxwell Model is also shown to accurately describe the rheological behaviour of such gels.
Aggregate evolution in aqueous solutions of a Gemini surfactant derived from dehydroabietic acid
Authors: Feng Lin , Xie Danhua , Song Binglei , Zhang Jiayu , Pei Xiaomei , Cui Zhenggang
Published: January 2018

A Gemini surfactant containing rigid hydrophobic groups forms wormlike micelles, single and double-walled vesicles and tubular vesicles without any additives.
Engineering nanoscale p–n junctionviathe synergetic dual-doping of p-type boron-doped graphene hybridized with n-type oxygen-doped carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Putri Lutfi Kurnianditia , Ng Boon-Junn , Ong Wee-Jun , Lee Hing Wah , Chang Wei Sea , Chai Siang-Piao
Published: January 2018

A 2D–2D p–n junction heterointerface is formulated through the synergetic dual doping of boron-doped rGO and oxygen-doped gC3N4.
Highly porous carbon-coated silicon nanoparticles with canyon-like surfaces as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kim Bokyung , Ahn Jihoon , Oh Yunjung , Tan Jeiwan , Lee Daehee , Lee Jin-Kyu , Moon Jooho
Published: January 2018

Highly porous carbon-coated Si nanoparticles with canyon-like surfaces exhibit a stable cycle retention of 59.1% after 200 cycles because of sufficient free volume for expansion upon lithiation from their unique canyon-like porous surfaces and cavities formed upon MgO etching.
Acid–base catalysis over perovskites: a review
Authors: Polo-Garzon Felipe , Wu Zili
Published: January 2018

Perovskites are under-explored materials for acid–base catalysis. Their complexity demands synergistic experimental–computational approaches to find universal descriptors for acid–base reactions.
Balancing electrical and optical losses for efficient 4-terminal Si–perovskite solar cells with solution processed percolation electrodes
Authors: Ramírez Quiroz César Omar , Shen Yilei , Salvador Michael , Forberich Karen , Schrenker Nadine , Spyropoulos George D. , Heumüller Thomas , Wilkinson Benjamin , Kirchartz Thomas , Spiecker Erdmann , Verlinden Pierre J. , Zhang Xueling , Green Martin A. , Ho-Baillie Anita , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: January 2018

We present measured imputed efficiencies for 4-terminal perovskite–silicon solar cells of: 26.7% and 25.2% for PERL–perovskite and IBC–perovskite, respectively.
Genipin-crosslinked adipose stem cell derived extracellular matrix-nano graphene oxide composite sponge for skin tissue engineering
Authors: Nyambat Batzaya , Chen Chih-Hwa , Wong Pei-Chun , Chiang Chih-Wei , Satapathy Mantosh Kumar , Chuang Er-Yuan
Published: January 2018

3D Bioscaffold with relative high mechanical property was developed using rabbit ADSCs.
Synthetic glycopolymers as modulators of protein aggregation: influences of chemical composition, topology and concentration
Authors: Madeira do O J. , Mastrotto F. , Francini N. , Allen S. , van der Walle C. F. , Stolnik S. , Mantovani G.
Published: January 2018

Synthetic glycopolymers with a variable macromolecular architecture and carbohydrate moieties are utilised to modulate stress-induced aggregation of monoclonal antibodies.
Synergistic steric pairing effects of terfluorenes with ternary side groups on β-conformation transition: experiments and computations
Authors: Yuan Xiang-Ai , Yu Meng-Na , Zhu Qiang , Zhang Wan-Wan , Xie Ling-Hai , Huang Wei , Ma Jing
Published: January 2018

Rational molecular design has led to the achievement of β-conformations of terfluorenes that are usually difficult for oligoalkylfluorenes with less than 5 repeat units.
Contribution of TADF and exciplex emission for efficient “warm-white” OLEDs
Authors: Grybauskaite-Kaminskiene Gintare , Ivaniuk Khrystyna , Bagdziunas Gintautas , Turyk Pavlo , Stakhira Pavlo , Baryshnikov Gleb , Volyniuk Dmytro , Cherpak Vladyslav , Minaev Boris , Hotra Zenon , Ågren Hans , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas
Published: January 2018

Highly efficient “warm-white” OLEDs, the electroluminescence of which was close to candle emission, were fabricated.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles asT1contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bao Y. , Sherwood J. A. , Sun Z.
Published: January 2018

This review discusses several aspects regarding ultrasmall magnetic nanoparticles asT1contrast agents, including synthesis, parameters affectingT1, and applications.
Detection of procalcitonin (PCT) using the double antibody sandwich method based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer between upconversion nanoparticles and quantum dots
Authors: Zhou Yang , Shao Xiangming , Han Yuwang , Zhang Hongman
Published: January 2018

This is the first attempt to detect PCT using the antibody–antigen–antibody “sandwich” immunoassay based on FRET.
Computational evidence for a reaction pathway bifurcation in Sasaki-type (4 + 3)-cycloadditions
Authors: Burns Jed M.
Published: January 2018

Evidence for a post-transition state bifurcation in a (4 + 3)-cycloaddition is presented.
A highly efficient nano-graphite electron transport layer for high performance ZnO/Si solar cells
Authors: Chen Ming , Wu Gang , Zhang Minmin , Liu Jie , Zai Jiantao , Qian Xuefeng , Yu Xibin
Published: January 2018

A ZnO/Si solar cell with an efficient nano-graphite electron transport layer was designed and prepared via a simple sol–gel method, and showed significantly increased power conversion efficiency by 17.8%, compared to commercial c-Si solar cells.
Control of a back‐to‐back converter as a power transfer system using synchronverter approach
Authors: Oñate Marcelo , Posada Johnny , López Jesus , Quintero Jaime , Aredes Mauricio
Published: January 2018

This study presents an innovative approach where both sides of a back‐to‐back (BtB) system are controlled using the synchronverter approach, allowing to control the power transfer through the converters as it would be in a real motor–generator pair system. A novel way to transfer the DC voltage control loop in the BtB converter is proposed, letting to a softer and less noisy power transferring, as shown in simulation results. The modelling equations of the synchronverter and the traditional dq frame in a BtB converter are presented in this work. In addition, a comparison between these two control approaches using three different performance indexes is done, showing that the power transfer behaviour using the synchronverter approach is significantly improved. Finally, the ability of the BtB converter working as a power balancer system (PBS) to manage congestion between two distribution networks in a test bed case is tested. Results show that it is possible to obtain the PBS power quality benefits without the additional phase‐locked loop units and the decoupling process, necessary with the dq frame, resulting in a simpler controller design.
Improved normalised normal constraint method to solve multi‐objective optimal power flow problem
Authors: Rahmani Shima , Amjady Nima
Published: January 2018

This study proposes an improved normalised normal constraint (NNC) method for solving optimal power flow (OPF), which is formulated as a multi‐objective problem. While NNC is an efficient solution method to solve multi‐objective problems, it may not cover the entire Pareto frontier in the objective space when three or more objectives are present in the problem, i.e. when the Pareto frontier becomes a hyper‐surface. This research work aims to solve this limitation of NNC and propose a more effective solution method, named improved NNC (INNC), for multi‐objective optimisation problems with three or more objective functions. The proposed INNC is applied for solving multi‐objective OPF problem with three objectives of generation cost, transmission loss and voltage regulation. The effectiveness of the proposed INNC method for solving the multi‐objective OPF problem is extensively illustrated on the IEEE 30‐bus and IEEE 118‐bus test systems in comparison with several recently published multi‐objective solution approaches.
Adaptive particle filter based on Kullback–Leibler distance for underwater terrain aided navigation with multi‐beam sonar
Authors: Zhou Tian , Peng Dongdong , Xu Chao , Zhang Wanyuan , Shen Jiajun
Published: January 2018

Terrain aided navigation (TAN) is a promising approach to bound accumulated errors inherent to inertial navigation system by comparing terrain measurement with a reference map. Due to the non‐linear nature of terrain, particle filters (PFs) are extensively studied for TAN because of its strong capability of dealing with non‐linear problems. So far, most existing PFs for TAN manually select a fixed number of sampling particles during the entire filtering process. However, it can be highly inefficient, since the probability distribution of the state often varies drastically over time. To improve the efficiency, the Fox's adaptive PF based on Kullback–Leibler distance (KLD) is introduced for TAN, referred to as the normal KLD‐PF here. In the normal KLD‐PF, the number of sampling particles is adjusted online by KLD‐sampling according to the size of state space. However, the normal KLD‐PF has a fixed bin size, which easily causes the number of particles to surge at the early filtering stage. Thus, an improved KLD‐PF with a variable bin size is proposed through limiting the total number of particles below certain value. Using a multi‐beam sonar, simulation experiments with real underwater reference map demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.