bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-21-5p renal expression is associated with fibrosis and renal survival in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Hennino Marie-Flore , Buob David , Van der Hauwaert Cynthia , Gnemmi Viviane , Jomaa Zacharie , Pottier Nicolas , Savary Grégoire , Drumez Elodie , Noël Christian , Cauffiez Christelle , Glowacki François
Published: June 2016

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most prevalent primary glomerulonephritis, whose prognosis is highly variable. Interstitial fibrosis is a strong independent prognosis factor. Among microRNA involved in renal fibrogenesis, only few have been investigated in IgAN. In the context of IgAN, we aimed to analyze the role of miR-21-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-199a-5p, three established “fibromiRs” involved in renal fibrosis. Fifty-six IgAN biopsy specimens were retrospectively scored according to Oxford classification. Renal expression of miR-21-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-199a-5p were significantly associated with T score (miR-21-5p T0 RQ median = 1.23, T1 RQ = 3.01, T2 RQ = 3.90; miR-214-5p T0 RQ = 1.39, T1 RQ = 2.20, T2 RQ = 2.48; miR-199a-5p T0 RQ = 0.76, T1 RQ = 1.41, T2 RQ = 1.87). miR-21-5p expression was associated with S score (S0 RQ median = 1.31, S1 RQ = 2.65), but not miR-214-3p nor miR-199a-5p. In our cohort, poor renal survival was associated with high blood pressure, proteinuria and elevated creatininemia, as well as T and S scores. Moreover, renal expression of miR-21-5p, miR-214-3p were associated with renal survival. In conclusion, miR-21-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-199a-5p are three “fibromiRs” involved in renal fibrosis in the course of IgAN and miR-21-5p and miR-214-3p are associated with renal survival.
Oxygen-Deficient Zirconia (ZrO2−x): A New Material for Solar Light Absorption
Authors: Sinhamahapatra Apurba , Jeon Jong-Pil , Kang Joonhee , Han Byungchan , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: June 2016

Here, we present oxygen-deficient black ZrO2−x as a new material for sunlight absorption with a low band gap around ~1.5 eV, via a controlled magnesiothermic reduction in 5% H2/Ar from white ZrO2, a wide bandgap(~5 eV) semiconductor, usually not considered for solar light absorption. It shows for the first time a dramatic increase in solar light absorbance and significant activity for solar light-induced H2 production from methanol-water with excellent stability up to 30 days while white ZrO2 fails. Generation of large amounts of oxygen vacancies or surface defects clearly visualized by the HR-TEM and HR-SEM images is the main reason for the drastic alteration of the optical properties through the formation of new energy states near valence band and conduction band towards Fermi level in black ZrO2−x as indicated by XPS and DFT calculations of black ZrO2−x. Current reduction method using Mg and H2 is mild, but highly efficient to produce solar light-assisted photocatalytically active black ZrO2−x.
A carnosine intervention study in overweight human volunteers: bioavailability and reactive carbonyl species sequestering effect
Authors: Regazzoni Luca , de Courten Barbora , Garzon Davide , Altomare Alessandra , Marinello Cristina , Jakubova Michaela , Vallova Silvia , Krumpolec Patrik , Carini Marina , Ukropec Jozef , Ukropcova Barbara , Aldini Giancarlo
Published: June 2016

Carnosine is a natural dipeptide able to react with reactive carbonyl species, which have been recently associated with the onset and progression of several human diseases. Herein, we report an intervention study in overweight individuals. Carnosine (2 g/day) was orally administered for twelve weeks in order to evaluate its bioavailability and metabolic fate. Two carnosine adducts were detected in the urine samples of all subjects. Such adducts are generated from a reaction with acrolein, which is one of the most toxic and reactive compounds among reactive carbonyl species. However, neither carnosine nor adducts have been detected in plasma. Urinary excretion of adducts and carnosine showed a positive correlation although a high variability of individual response to carnosine supplementation was observed. Interestingly, treated subjects showed a significant decrease in the percentage of excreted adducts in reduced form, accompanied by a significant increase of the urinary excretion of both carnosine and carnosine-acrolein adducts. Altogether, data suggest that acrolein is entrapped in vivo by carnosine although the response to its supplementation is possibly influenced by individual diversities in terms of carnosine dietary intake, metabolism and basal production of reactive carbonyl species.
Mycobacteria emulsified in olive oil-in-water trigger a robust immune response in bladder cancer treatment
Authors: Noguera-Ortega Estela , Blanco-Cabra Núria , Rabanal Rosa Maria , Sánchez-Chardi Alejandro , Roldán Mónica , Guallar-Garrido Sandra , Torrents Eduard , Luquin Marina , Julián Esther
Published: June 2016

The hydrophobic composition of mycobacterial cell walls leads to the formation of clumps when attempting to resuspend mycobacteria in aqueous solutions. Such aggregation may interfere in the mycobacteria-host cells interaction and, consequently, influence their antitumor effect. To improve the immunotherapeutic activity of Mycobacterium brumae, we designed different emulsions and demonstrated their efficacy. The best formulation was initially selected based on homogeneity and stability. Both olive oil (OO)- and mineral oil-in-water emulsions better preserved the mycobacteria viability and provided higher disaggregation rates compared to the others. But, among both emulsions, the OO emulsion increased the mycobacteria capacity to induce cytokines’ production in bladder tumor cell cultures. The OO-mycobacteria emulsion properties: less hydrophobic, lower pH, more neutralized zeta potential, and increased affinity to fibronectin than non-emulsified mycobacteria, indicated favorable conditions for reaching the bladder epithelium in vivo. Finally, intravesical OO-M. brumae-treated mice showed a significantly higher systemic immune response, together with a trend toward increased tumor-bearing mouse survival rates compared to the rest of the treated mice. The physicochemical characteristics and the induction of a robust immune response in vitro and in vivo highlight the potential of the OO emulsion as a good delivery vehicle for the mycobacterial treatment of bladder cancer.
New Highly Oxygenated Germacranolides from Carpesium divaricatum and their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Zhang Tao , Si Jin-Guang , Zhang Qiu-Bo , Ding Gang , Zou Zhong-Mei
Published: June 2016

Eight highly oxygenated germacranolides (1–8) including four new ones (2–5) were isolated from the whole plant of Carpesium divaricatum. The planar structures and relative configurations of the new compounds were determined by NMR experiment and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by circular dichroism (CD) method and X-ray diffraction, and the stereochemistry of the new compounds 2–5 were determined by similar CD spectra with 1. Compound 2 is the first hydroperoxyl germacrane from the genus Carpesium. The 13C NMR data of 1, NMR data of 6–7, and their absolute configurations were reported for the first time. Two new compounds (2 and 4) and two known compounds (6 and 8) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells, superior to that of the positive control doxorubicin.
Perceptual Modalities Guiding Bat Flight in a Native Habitat
Authors: Kong Zhaodan , Fuller Nathan , Wang Shuai , Özcimder Kayhan , Gillam Erin , Theriault Diane , Betke Margrit , Baillieul John
Published: June 2016

Flying animals accomplish high-speed navigation through fields of obstacles using a suite of sensory modalities that blend spatial memory with input from vision, tactile sensing, and, in the case of most bats and some other animals, echolocation. Although a good deal of previous research has been focused on the role of individual modes of sensing in animal locomotion, our understanding of sensory integration and the interplay among modalities is still meager. To understand how bats integrate sensory input from echolocation, vision and spatial memory, we conducted an experiment in which bats flying in their natural habitat were challenged over the course of several evening emergences with a novel obstacle placed in their flight path. Our analysis of reconstructed flight data suggests that vision, echolocation and spatial memory together with the possible exercise of an ability in using predictive navigation are mutually reinforcing aspects of a composite perceptual system that guides flight. Together with the recent development in robotics, our paper points to the possible interpretation that while each stream of sensory information plays an important role in bat navigation, it is the emergent effects of combining modalities that enable bats to fly through complex spaces.
Triggering through NOD-2 Differentiates Bone Marrow Precursors to Dendritic Cells with Potent Bactericidal activity
Authors: Khan Nargis , Aqdas Mohammad , Vidyarthi Aurobind , Negi Shikha , Pahari Susanta , Agnihotri Tapan , Agrewala Javed N.
Published: June 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity by activating naïve T cells. The role of pattern recognition receptors like Toll-Like Receptors and Nod-Like Receptors expressed on DCs is well-defined in the recognition of the pathogens. However, nothing is precisely studied regarding the impact of NOD-2 signaling during the differentiation of DCs. Consequently, we explored the role of NOD-2 signaling in the differentiation of DCs and therefore their capability to activate innate and adaptive immunity. Intriguingly, we observed that NOD-2 stimulated DCs (nDCs) acquired highly activated and matured phenotype and exhibited substantially greater bactericidal activity by robust production of nitric oxide. The mechanism involved in improving the functionality of nDCs was dependent on IFN-αβ signaling, leading to the activation of STAT pathways. Furthermore, we also observed that STAT-1 and STAT-4 dependent maturation and activation of DCs was under the feedback mechanism of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 proteins. nDCs acquired enhanced potential to activate chiefly Th1 and Th17 immunity. Taken together, these results suggest that nDCs can be exploited as an immunotherapeutic agent in bolstering host immunity and imparting protection against the pathogens.
Imaging cellular structures in super-resolution with SIM, STED and Localisation Microscopy: A practical comparison
Authors: Wegel Eva , Göhler Antonia , Lagerholm B. Christoffer , Wainman Alan , Uphoff Stephan , Kaufmann Rainer , Dobbie Ian M.
Published: June 2016

Many biological questions require fluorescence microscopy with a resolution beyond the diffraction limit of light. Super-resolution methods such as Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM), STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy and Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy (SMLM) enable an increase in image resolution beyond the classical diffraction-limit. Here, we compare the individual strengths and weaknesses of each technique by imaging a variety of different subcellular structures in fixed cells. We chose examples ranging from well separated vesicles to densely packed three dimensional filaments. We used quantitative and correlative analyses to assess the performance of SIM, STED and SMLM with the aim of establishing a rough guideline regarding the suitability for typical applications and to highlight pitfalls associated with the different techniques.
Plasma Levels of Alanine Aminotransferase in the First Trimester Identify High Risk Chinese Women for Gestational Diabetes
Authors: Leng Junhong , Zhang Cuiping , Wang Peng , Li Nan , Li Weiqin , Liu Huikun , Zhang Shuang , Hu Gang , Yu Zhijie , Ma Ronald CW , Chan Juliana CN , Yang Xilin
Published: June 2016

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) predicts type 2 diabetes but it is uncertain whether it also predicts gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We recruited 17359 Chinese women with ALT measured in their first trimester. At 24–28 weeks of gestation, all women underwent a 50-gram 1-hour glucose challenge test (GCT) followed by a 75-gram 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test if GCT result was ≥7.8 mmol/L. Restricted cubic spline analysis was used to examine full-range risk associations of ALT levels with GDM. Relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion due to interaction and synergy index were used to estimate additive interaction between high ALT and overweight/obesity for GDM. Finally, 1332 (7.7%) women had GDM. ALT levels were positively associated with GDM risk without a clear threshold. Using ALT levels <22 U/L as the referent, the middle ALT levels (≥22 to <40 U/L) [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence intervals): 1.41(1.21–1.65)] and high ALT levels (≥40 U/L) [1.62 (1.31–2.00)] were associated with increased GDM risk. Maternal overweight/obesity greatly enhanced the OR of ALT ≥22 U/L from 1.44 (1.23–1.69) to 3.46 (2.79–4.29) with significant additive interactions. In conclusion, elevated ALT levels in the first trimester even within normal range predicted GDM risk, further enhanced by overweight/obesity.
Intense, stable and excitation wavelength-independent photoluminescence emission in the blue-violet region from phosphorene quantum dots
Authors: Ge Shuaipeng , Zhang Lisheng , Wang Peijie , Fang Yan
Published: June 2016

Nanoscale phosphorene quantum dots (PQDs) with few-layer structures were fabricated by pulsed laser ablation of a bulk black phosphorus target in diethyl ether. An intense and stable photoluminescence (PL) emission of the PQDs in the blue-violet wavelength region is clearly observed for the first time, which is attributed to electronic transitions from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) to the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and occupied molecular orbitals below the HOMO (H-1, H-2), respectively. Surprisingly, the PL emission peak positions of the PQDs are not red-shifted with progressively longer excitation wavelengths, which is in contrast to the cases of graphene and molybdenum disulphide quantum dots. This excitation wavelength-independence is derived from the saturated passivation on the periphery and surfaces of the PQDs by large numbers of electron-donating functional groups which cause the electron density on the PQDs to be dramatically increased and the band gap to be insensitive to the quantum size effect in the PQDs. This work suggests that PQDs with intense, stable and excitation wavelength-independent PL emission in the blue-violet region have a potential application as semiconductor-based blue-violet light irradiation sources.
Lethal exposure: An integrated approach to pathogen transmission via environmental reservoirs
Authors: Turner Wendy C. , Kausrud Kyrre L. , Beyer Wolfgang , Easterday W. Ryan , Barandongo Zoë R. , Blaschke Elisabeth , Cloete Claudine C. , Lazak Judith , Van Ert Matthew N. , Ganz Holly H. , Turnbull Peter C. B. , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Getz Wayne M.
Published: June 2016

To mitigate the effects of zoonotic diseases on human and animal populations, it is critical to understand what factors alter transmission dynamics. Here we assess the risk of exposure to lethal concentrations of the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis, for grazing animals in a natural system over time through different transmission mechanisms. We follow pathogen concentrations at anthrax carcass sites and waterholes for five years and estimate infection risk as a function of grass, soil or water intake, age of carcass sites, and the exposure required for a lethal infection. Grazing, not drinking, seems the dominant transmission route, and transmission is more probable from grazing at carcass sites 1–2 years of age. Unlike most studies of virulent pathogens that are conducted under controlled conditions for extrapolation to real situations, we evaluate exposure risk under field conditions to estimate the probability of a lethal dose, showing that not all reservoirs with detectable pathogens are significant transmission pathways.
Free-Standing Undoped ZnO Microtubes with Rich and Stable Shallow Acceptors
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yan Yinzhou , Zeng Yong , Lu Yue , Chen Liang , Jiang Yijian
Published: June 2016

Fabrication of reliable large-sized p-ZnO is a major challenge to realise ZnO-based electronic device applications. Here we report a novel technique to grow high-quality free-standing undoped acceptor-rich ZnO (A-ZnO) microtubes with dimensions of ~100 μm (in diameter) × 5 mm (in length) by optical vapour supersaturated precipitation. The A-ZnO exhibits long lifetimes (>1 year) against compensation/lattice-relaxation and the stable shallow acceptors with binding energy of ~127 meV are confirmed from Zn vacancies. The A-ZnO provides a possibility for a mimetic p-n homojunction diode with n+-ZnO:Sn. The high concentrations of holes in A-ZnO and electrons in n+-ZnO make the dual diffusion possible to form a depletion layer. The diode threshold voltage, turn-on voltage, reverse saturated current and reverse breakdown voltage are 0.72 V, 1.90 V, <10 μA and >15 V, respectively. The A-ZnO also demonstrates quenching-free donor-acceptor-pairs (DAP) emission located in 390–414 nm with temperature of 270–470 K. Combining the temperature-dependent DAP violet emission with native green emission, the visible luminescence of A-ZnO microtube can be modulated in a wide region of colour space across white light. The present work opens up new opportunities to achieve ZnO with rich and stable acceptors instead of p-ZnO for a variety of potential applications.
Interplay between hepatic mitochondria-associated membranes, lipid metabolism and caveolin-1 in mice
Authors: Sala-Vila Aleix , Navarro-Lérida Inmaculada , Sánchez-Alvarez Miguel , Bosch Marta , Calvo Carlos , López Juan Antonio , Calvo Enrique , Ferguson Charles , Giacomello Marta , Serafini Annalisa , Scorrano Luca , Enriquez José Antonio , Balsinde Jesús , Parton Robert G. , Vázquez Jesús , Pol Albert , Del Pozo Miguel A.
Published: June 2016

The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a specialized subdomain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) which acts as an intracellular signaling hub. MAM dysfunction has been related to liver disease. We report a high-throughput mass spectrometry-based proteomics characterization of MAMs from mouse liver, which portrays them as an extremely complex compartment involved in different metabolic processes, including steroid metabolism. Interestingly, we identified caveolin-1 (CAV1) as an integral component of hepatic MAMs, which determine the relative cholesterol content of these ER subdomains. Finally, a detailed comparative proteomics analysis between MAMs from wild type and CAV1-deficient mice suggests that functional CAV1 contributes to the recruitment and regulation of intracellular steroid and lipoprotein metabolism-related processes accrued at MAMs. The potential impact of these novel aspects of CAV1 biology on global cell homeostasis and disease is discussed.
Gain of BDNF Function in Engrafted Neural Stem Cells Promotes the Therapeutic Potential for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wu Cheng-Chun , Lien Cheng-Chang , Hou Wen-Hsien , Chiang Po-Min , Tsai Kuen-Jer
Published: June 2016

Stem cell-based therapy is a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, but its application to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains limited. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical in the pathogenesis and treatment of AD. Here, we present a novel therapeutic approach for AD treatment using BDNF-overexpressing neural stem cells (BDNF-NSCs). In vitro, BDNF overexpression was neuroprotective to beta-amyloid-treated NSCs. In vivo, engrafted BDNF-NSCs-derived neurons not only displayed the Ca2+-response fluctuations, exhibited electrophysiological properties of mature neurons and integrated into local brain circuits, but recovered the cognitive deficits. Furthermore, BDNF overexpression improved the engrafted cells’ viability, neuronal fate, neurite complexity, maturation of electrical property and the synaptic density. In contrast, knockdown of the BDNF in BDNF-NSCs diminished stem cell-based therapeutic efficacy. Together, our findings indicate BDNF overexpression improves the therapeutic potential of engrafted NSCs for AD via neurogenic effects and neuronal replacement and further support the feasibility of NSC-based ex vivo gene therapy for AD.
Quantitative volcanic susceptibility analysis of Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands based on kernel density estimation via a linear diffusion process
Authors: Galindo I. , Romero M. C. , Sánchez N. , Morales J. M.
Published: June 2016

Risk management stakeholders in high-populated volcanic islands should be provided with the latest high-quality volcanic information. We present here the first volcanic susceptibility map of Lanzarote and Chinijo Islands and their submarine flanks based on updated chronostratigraphical and volcano structural data, as well as on the geomorphological analysis of the bathymetric data of the submarine flanks. The role of the structural elements in the volcanic susceptibility analysis has been reviewed: vents have been considered since they indicate where previous eruptions took place; eruptive fissures provide information about the stress field as they are the superficial expression of the dyke conduit; eroded dykes have been discarded since they are single non-feeder dykes intruded in deep parts of Miocene-Pliocene volcanic edifices; main faults have been taken into account only in those cases where they could modified the superficial movement of magma. The application of kernel density estimation via a linear diffusion process for the volcanic susceptibility assessment has been applied successfully to Lanzarote and could be applied to other fissure volcanic fields worldwide since the results provide information about the probable area where an eruption could take place but also about the main direction of the probable volcanic fissures.
Photoelectrochemical Immunosensor for Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on 2D TiO2 Nanosheets and Carboxylated Graphitic Carbon Nitride
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Yaoguang , Zhang Yong , Wang Qi , Ren Xiang , Wu Dan , Wei Qin
Published: June 2016

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was used as the model, an ultrasensitive label-free photoelectrochemical immunosensor was developed using 2D TiO2 nanosheets and carboxylated graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as photoactive materials and ascorbic acid as an efficient electron donor. 2D TiO2 nanosheets was sythsized by surfactant self-assembly method and proved to have higher photoelectrochemical signals than TiO2 nanoparticles. Firstly, carboxylated g-C3N4 could be attached to 2D TiO2 nanosheets through the bond formed between carboxyl group of carboxylated g-C3N4 and TiO2. And the photocurrent of g-C3N4/TiO2 drastically enhances compared to carboxylated g-C3N4 and TiO2. Then, antibody of CEA was bonded to TiO2 through the dentate bond formed between carboxyl group of anti-CEA and TiO2, leading to the decrease of the photocurrents. As proven by PEC experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis, the fabrication process of the immunosensor is successful. Under the optimal conditions, the intensity decreased linearly with CEA concentration in the range of 0.01~10 ng/mL. The detection limit is 2.1 pg/mL. The work provides an effective method for the detection of tumor markers and can be extended for the application in food safety and environmental monitoring analysis.
Distinct Defects in Synaptic Differentiation of Neocortical Neurons in Response to Prenatal Valproate Exposure
Authors: Iijima Yoko , Behr Katharina , Iijima Takatoshi , Biemans Barbara , Bischofberger Josef , Scheiffele Peter
Published: June 2016

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social interactions and stereotyped behaviors. Valproic acid (VPA) is frequently used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorders. When taken during pregnancy, VPA increases the risk of the unborn child to develop an ASD. In rodents, in utero VPA exposure can precipitate behavioral phenotypes related to ASD in the offspring. Therefore, such rodent models may allow for identification of synaptic pathophysiology underlying ASD risk. Here, we systematically probed alterations in synaptic proteins that might contribute to autism-related behavior in the offspring of in utero VPA-exposed mice. Moreover, we tested whether direct VPA exposure of cultured neocortical neurons may recapitulate the molecular alterations seen in vivo. VPA-exposed neurons in culture exhibit a significant increase in the number of glutamatergic synapses accompanied by a significant decrease in the number of GABAergic synapses. This shift in excitatory/inhibitory balance results in substantially increased spontaneous activity in neuronal networks arising from VPA-exposed neurons. Pharmacological experiments demonstrate that the alterations in GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic proteins and structures are largely caused by inhibition of histone deacetylases. Therefore, our study highlights an epigenetic mechanism underlying the synaptic pathophysiology in this ASD model.
Silica ecosystem for synergistic biotransformation
Authors: Mutlu Baris R. , Sakkos Jonathan K. , Yeom Sujin , Wackett Lawrence P. , Aksan Alptekin
Published: June 2016

Synergistical bacterial species can perform more varied and complex transformations of chemical substances than either species alone, but this is rarely used commercially because of technical difficulties in maintaining mixed cultures. Typical problems with mixed cultures on scale are unrestrained growth of one bacterium, which leads to suboptimal population ratios and lack of control over bacterial spatial distribution, which leads to inefficient substrate transport. To address these issues, we designed and produced a synthetic ecosystem by co-encapsulation in a silica gel matrix, which enabled precise control of the microbial populations and their microenvironment. As a case study, two greatly different microorganisms: Pseudomonas sp. NCIB 9816 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 were encapsulated. NCIB 9816 can aerobically biotransform over 100 aromatic hydrocarbons, a feat useful for synthesis of higher value commodity chemicals or environmental remediation. In our system, NCIB 9816 was used for biotransformation of naphthalene (a model substrate) into CO2 and the cyanobacterium PCC 7942 was used to provide the necessary oxygen for the biotransformation reactions via photosynthesis. A mathematical model was constructed to determine the critical cell density parameter to maximize oxygen production and was then used to maximize the biotransformation rate of the system.
Enhanced ordering reduces electric susceptibility of liquids confined to graphene slit pores
Authors: Terrones Jeronimo , Kiley Patrick J. , Elliott James A.
Published: June 2016

The behaviours of a range of polar and non-polar organic liquids (acetone, ethanol, methanol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), carbon tetrachloride and water) confined to 2D graphene nanochannels with thicknesses in the range of 4.5 Å to 40 Å were studied using classical molecular dynamics and hybrid density functional theory. All liquids were found to organise spontaneously into ordered layers parallel to the confining surfaces, with those containing polar molecules having their electric dipoles aligned parallel to such surfaces. In particular, monolayers of NMP showed remarkable in-plane ordering and low molecular mobility, suggesting the existence of a previously unknown 2D solid-like phase. Calculations for polar liquids showed dramatically reduced static permittivities normal to the confining surfaces; these changes are expected to improve electron tunnelling across the liquid films, modifying the DC electrical properties of immersed assemblies of carbon nanomaterials.
Impermeable flexible liquid barrier film for encapsulation of DSSC metal electrodes
Authors: Yang Junghee , Min Misook , Yoon Yeoheung , Kim Won Jung , Kim Sol , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: June 2016

Encapsulation of electronic devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is prone to degradation under normal atmospheric conditions, even with hermetic barriers on the metal electrodes. Overcoming this problem is crucial to increasing DSSC lifetimes and making them commercially viable. Herein, we report a new impermeable flexible liquid barrier film using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and partially reduced graphene oxide (PrGO), which dramatically enhances the lifetime of Ag metal electrodes (typically used in DSSCs) immersed in a highly acidic iodolyte solution. The Ag metal electrode encapsulated by the PVA/PrGO film survived for over 500 hrs, superior to existing barriers of glass frits, epoxy resins and polymers. The PVA/PrGO film strongly adheres to the Ag metal surface, and the resulting PVA/PrGO/Ag electrode is stable even on a curved substrate, with a sheet resistance nearly independent of curvature. These results give new insight for the design of high-performance and solution-processable flexible liquid barrier films for a wide range of applications, in particular for the encapsulation of electronic devices with liquid electrolytes.
Exceptional high fatigue strength in Cu-15at.%Al alloy with moderate grain size
Authors: Liu Rui , Tian Yanzhong , Zhang Zhenjun , An Xianghai , Zhang Peng , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: June 2016

It is commonly proposed that the fatigue strength can be enhanced by increasing the tensile strength, but this conclusion needs to be reconsidered according to our study. Here a recrystallized α-Cu-15at.%Al alloy with moderate grain size of 0.62 μm was fabricated by cold rolling and annealing, and this alloy achieved exceptional high fatigue strength of 280 MPa at 107 cycles. This value is much higher than the fatigue strength of 200 MPa for the nano-crystalline counterpart (0.04 μm in grain size) despite its higher tensile strength. The remarkable improvement of fatigue strength should be mainly attributed to the microstructure optimization, which helps achieve the reduction of initial damage and the dispersion of accumulated damage. A new strategy of “damage reduction” was then proposed for fatigue strength improvement, to supplement the former strengthening principle. The methods and strategies summarized in this work offer a general pathway for further improvement of fatigue strength, in order to ensure the long-term safety of structural materials.
Shedding light on Aspergillus niger volatile exometabolome
Authors: Costa Carina Pedrosa , Gonçalves Silva Diogo , Rudnitskaya Alisa , Almeida Adelaide , Rocha Sílvia M.
Published: June 2016

An in-depth exploration of the headspace content of Aspergillus niger cultures was performed upon different growth conditions, using a methodology based on advanced multidimensional gas chromatography. This volatile fraction comprises 428 putatively identified compounds distributed over several chemical families, being the major ones hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ketones and aldehydes. These metabolites may be related with different metabolic pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, biosynthesis and metabolism of fatty acids, degradation of aromatic compounds, mono and sesquiterpenoid synthesis and carotenoid cleavage. The A. niger molecular biomarkers pattern was established, comprising the 44 metabolites present in all studied conditions. This pattern was successfully used to distinguish A. niger from other fungi (Candida albicans and Penicillium chrysogenum) with 3 days of growth by using Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). In addition, PLS-DA-Variable Importance in Projection was applied to highlight the metabolites playing major roles in fungi distinction; decreasing the initial dataset to only 16 metabolites. The data pre-processing time was substantially reduced and an improvement of quality-of-fit value was achieved. This study goes a step further on A. niger metabolome construction and A. niger future detection may be proposed based on this molecular biomarkers pattern.
Mangrove succession enriches the sediment microbial community in South China
Authors: Chen Quan , Zhao Qian , Li Jing , Jian Shuguang , Ren Hai
Published: June 2016

Sediment microorganisms help create and maintain mangrove ecosystems. Although the changes in vegetation during mangrove forest succession have been well studied, the changes in the sediment microbial community during mangrove succession are poorly understood. To investigate the changes in the sediment microbial community during succession of mangroves at Zhanjiang, South China, we used phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and the following chronosequence from primary to climax community: unvegetated shoal; Avicennia marina community; Aegiceras corniculatum community; and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza + Rhizophora stylosa community. The PLFA concentrations of all sediment microbial groups (total microorganisms, fungi, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and actinomycetes) increased significantly with each stage of mangrove succession. Microbial PLFA concentrations in the sediment were significantly lower in the wet season than in the dry season. Regression and ordination analyses indicated that the changes in the microbial community with mangrove succession were mainly associated with properties of the aboveground vegetation (mainly plant height) and the sediment (mainly sediment organic matter and total nitrogen). The changes in the sediment microbial community can probably be explained by increases in nutrients and microhabitat heterogeneity during mangrove succession.
Thermal transport in bismuth telluride quintuple layer: mode-resolved phonon properties and substrate effects
Authors: Shao Cheng , Bao Hua
Published: June 2016

The successful exfoliation of atomically-thin bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) quintuple layer (QL) attracts tremendous research interest in this strongly anharmonic quasi-two-dimensional material. The thermal transport properties of this material are not well understood, especially the mode-wise properties and when it is coupled with a substrate. In this work, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations and normal mode analysis to study the mode-resolved thermal transport in freestanding and supported Bi2Te3 QL. The detailed mode-wise phonon properties are calculated and the accumulated thermal conductivities with respect to phonon mean free path (MFP) are constructed. It is shown that 60% of the thermal transport is contributed by phonons with MFP longer than 20 nm. Coupling with a-SiO2 substrate leads to about 60% reduction of thermal conductivity. Through varying the interfacial coupling strength and the atomic mass of substrate, we also find that phonon in Bi2Te3 QL is more strongly scattered by interfacial potential and its transport process is less affected by the dynamics of substrate. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of heat transport in Bi2Te3 QL and is helpful in further tailoring its thermal property through nanostructuring.
Postoperative improvement in DASH score, clinical findings, and nerve conduction velocity in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome
Authors: Ido Yoshikazu , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Nakamura Koichi , Itsubo Toshiro , Hayashi Masanori , Hata Yukihiko , Imaeda Toshihiko , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: June 2016

We investigated a recovery pattern in subjective and objective measures among 52 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome after anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (primary outcome), numbness score, grip and pinch strength, Semmes-Weinstein (SW) score, static 2-point discrimination (2PD) score, and motor conduction velocity (MCV) stage were examined preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, 12, and ≥24 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate how each variable improved after surgery. A linear mixed-effects model was used for continuous variables (DASH score, numbness, grip and pinch strength), and a proportional odds model was used for categorical variables (SW and 2PD tests and MCV stages). DASH score significantly improved by 6 months. Significant recovery in numbness and SW test scores occurred at 1 month. Grip and pinch strength, 2PD test scores, and MCV stage improved by 3 months. DASH scores and numbness recovered regardless of age, sex, or disease severity. It was still unclear if both subjective and objective measures improved beyond 1-year postoperatively. These data are helpful for predicting postoperative recovery patterns and tend to be most important for patients prior to surgery.
Effects of inhomogeneity on triglyceride digestion of emulsions using an in vitro digestion model (Tiny TIM)
Authors: Oosterveld Alexander , Minekus Mans , Bomhof Esther , Zoet Franklin D. , van Aken George A.
Published: June 2016

The concentration of fatty acids in the small intestine duringin vitrodigestion of emulsions is reported.
Application of a quinone-based fluorophore for spectrofluorimetric determination of albendazole in pure form and pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Attia Khalid A. M. , Mohamad Ahmad A. , Emara Mohamed S.
Published: June 2016

A spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of albendazole (ALB) through charge transfer (CT) complex formation with 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ).
Development of a low pressure chromatographic flow system for monitoring the biodegradation of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Santos Inês C. , Mesquita Raquel B. R. , Amorim Catarina L. , Castro Paula M. L. , Rangel António O. S. S.
Published: June 2016

In this work, we propose a simple low pressure chromatography method with a high throughput for monitoring the biodegradation of fluoroquinolones.
Multi-metal element analysis for the identification of foodborne pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Zhang Xingxing , Li Xueling , Wang Yadi , Xu Qilong , Hu Jun , Lü Junhong
Published: June 2016

Foodborne pathogenic microorganisms can be classified based on the elemental composition determined by semiquantitative inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
[Au25(SR)18]22−: a noble metal cluster dimer in the gas phase
Authors: Baksi Ananya , Chakraborty Papri , Bhat Shridevi , Natarajan Ganapati , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: June 2016

Dimeric and trimeric Au25(SR)18 have been detected experimentally by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS) and separated by ion mobility (IM).
Copper(i)–Y zeolite catalyzed N-sulfonylketenimine mediated annulation of hydroxynaphthoquinones: syntheses of naphtho[2,1-b]furan-2,5-diones and benzo[de]chromene-2,6-diones
Authors: Ramanathan Devenderan , Namitharan Kayambu , Pitchumani Kasi
Published: June 2016

An efficient, one pot synthesis of novel naphtho[2,1-b]furan-2,5-diones and benzo[de]chromene-2,6-diones was reported using copper(i)–Y zeolite as catalyst.
Halogen bonding anion recognition
Authors: Brown Asha , Beer Paul D.
Published: June 2016

The development of solution-based anion receptor molecules which exploit halogen bonding interactions is an emerging area of research. ThisFeature Articlereviews recent advances which have been made in this rapidly developing field, surveying the use of iodoperfluoroarene, haloimidazolium and halotriazole/triazolium halogen-bond-donor motifs in anion receptor design and describing the application of mechanically interlocked rotaxane and catenane frameworks as halogen bonding anion host systems.
Stabilisation of self-assembled DNA crystals by triplex-directed photo-cross-linking
Authors: Abdallah Hatem O. , Ohayon Yoel P. , Chandrasekaran Arun Richard , Sha Ruojie , Fox Keith R. , Brown Tom , Rusling David A. , Mao Chengde , Seeman Nadrian C.
Published: June 2016

Cross-linked crystals: triplex-forming oligonucleotides can direct cross-linking reactions within or between tiles of a DNA crystal, improving their thermal stability.
The air-stable carbocation salt [(MeOC6H4)CPh2][BF4] in Lewis acid catalyzed hydrothiolation of alkenes
Authors: Mosaferi Eliar , Ripsman David , Stephan Douglas W.
Published: June 2016

Markovnikov hydrothiolation of 1,1-disubstituted and trisubstituted olefins (20 examples) is catalyzed by Lewis acids, including the air-stable trityl-cation salt [(MeOC6H4)CPh2][BF4]3.
A BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of gold ions: utilization of Z-enynol as the reactive unit
Authors: Üçüncü Muhammed , Karakuş Erman , Emrullahoğlu Mustafa
Published: June 2016

Using an irreversible intramolecular cyclisation pathway triggered by gold ions, a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) based fluorescent probe integrated with a reactive Z-enynol motif responds selectively to gold ions.
Anodic performance of black phosphorus in magnesium-ion batteries: the significance of Mg–P bond-synergy
Authors: Banerjee Swastika , Pati Swapan K.
Published: June 2016

Mg-ion storage within a covalent P-anode optimizes the anodic voltage and reduces the Mg-diffusion barrier, thereby can overcome the bottleneck in Mg-battery technology.
Modeling the melting temperature of nanoscaled bimetallic alloys
Authors: Li Ming , Zhu Tian-Shu
Published: June 2016

T
m(x,D,d) of Pd0.5Pt0.5 nanocrystals versus D with different dimensions.
Weak C–H acids as protonophores can carry hydrogen ions through lipid membranes and mitochondria: a case of o-carborane
Authors: Rokitskaya Tatyana I. , Khailova Ljudmila S. , Makarenkov Anton V. , Ol'shevskaya Valentina A. , Kalinin Valery N. , Antonenko Yuri N.
Published: June 2016

ortho-Carborane (1,2-C2B10H12) was found to be a carrier of protons in lipid membranes and mitochondria, suggesting that this dicarborane can reversibly release hydrogen ions and diffuse through the membrane.
Composition-dependent metallic glass alloys correlate atomic mobility with collective glass surface dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Duc , Zhu Zhi-Guang , Pringle Brian , Lyding Joseph , Wang Wei-Hua , Gruebele Martin
Published: June 2016

Glassy metallic alloys are richly tunable model systems for surface glassy dynamics.
Mirror symmetry breaking by mixing of equimolar amounts of two gyroid phase-forming achiral molecules
Authors: Kutsumizu Shoichi , Miisako Suguru , Miwa Yohei , Kitagawa Makoto , Yamamura Yasuhisa , Saito Kazuya
Published: June 2016

Mirror symmetry breaking was realised by mixing of two achiral molecules both of which form themselves achiral bicontinuous cubic phases.
Unconventional supercapacitors from nanocarbon-based electrode materials to device configurations
Authors: Liu Lili , Niu Zhiqiang , Chen Jun
Published: June 2016

We review here recent developments in unconventional supercapacitors from nanocarbon-based electrode materials to device configurations.
Accumulation of liquid hydrocarbons in catalyst pores during cobalt-catalyzed Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Pöhlmann F. , Kern C. , Rößler S. , Jess A.
Published: June 2016

Formation, vaporization and accumulation of liquid hydrocarbon products during FTS in a single catalyst pore.
Incorporation of a ruthenium–bis(pyridine)pyrazolate (Ru–bpp) water oxidation catalyst in a hexametallic macrocycle
Authors: Richmond Craig J. , Llobet Antoni
Published: June 2016

New terpyridine-functionalised analogues of the in,in-[{RuII(trpy)}2(μ-bpp)(H2O)2]3+ water oxidation catalyst (bpp = bis-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolate) have been synthesised and used to create a hexametallic {Fe2Ru4} macrocycle.
Conformational variety of flexible mono-dentate ligands in coordination compounds: influence of π-involving interactions
Authors: Khavasi Hamid Reza , Kavand Sima
Published: June 2016

Inspection of the packing of synthesized compounds clearly shows that π-involving intermolecular interactions including πnaph⋯πnaph and πimine⋯πpy/naph with the cooperation of Hg⋯πpy can lock the ligand conformational variety to a single conformer.
2-Trifluoromethylthiolation of glycals
Authors: Yu Yang , Xiong De-Cai , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: June 2016

The direct 2-trifluoromethylthiolation of glycals has been realized for the first time, benefiting the carbohydrate-based drug discovery.
Organocatalytic azomethine imine-olefin click reaction: high-yielding stereoselective synthesis of spiroindane-1,3-dione-pyrazolidinones
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Prabhakar Reddy T. , Suresh Kumar A.
Published: June 2016

We present herein a new click reaction for the synthesis of drug-like spiroindane-1,3-dione-pyrazolidinones from indane-1,3-diones, aldehydes and N,N-cyclic azomethine imines through amino acid-catalysis.
Chemoselective modifications for the traceless ligation of thioamide-containing peptides and proteins
Authors: Wang Yanxin J. , Szantai-Kis D. Miklos , Petersson E. James
Published: June 2016

Optimized reaction conditions permit selective desulfurization of thiols or deselenization of selenols in the presence of thioamides to enable traceless thioamide incorporation by peptide ligation.
Convenient synthesis of pentafluoroethyl thioethers via catalytic Sandmeyer reaction with a stable fluoroalkylthiolation reagent
Authors: Matheis C. , Bayarmagnai B. , Jouvin K. , Goossen L. J.
Published: June 2016

A Sandmeyer type process is disclosed that allows the straightforward synthesis of pentafluoroethyl thioethers from aromatic amines and tetramethylammonium pentafluoroethylthiolate.
Hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels with high strength and excellent self-recovery performance
Authors: Yang Jia , Zhu Lin , Yan Xiaoqiang , Wei Dandan , Qin Gang , Liu Baozhong , Liu Shuzheng , Chen Qiang
Published: June 2016

Hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels (NC gels) with physical and chemical crosslinkings exhibit improved mechanical properties and large hysteresis. Moreover, hybrid NC gels also demonstrate excellent self-recovery properties.
Chemical diversification of essential oils, evaluation of complex mixtures and identification of a xanthine oxidase inhibitor
Authors: García P. , Ramallo I. A. , Salazar M. O. , Furlan R. L. E.
Published: June 2016

A set of chemically engineered essential oils has been generated through chemical diversification by reaction with bromine, leading to the discovery of a new brominated xanthine oxidase inhibitor.
Surface plasmon enhanced photoluminescence from porous silicon nanowires decorated with gold nanoparticles
Authors: Tang Haiping , Liu Chao , He Haiping
Published: June 2016

About 8-fold photoluminescence enhancement is realized in porous Si nanowires via coupling with the surface plasmon of Au nanoparticles.
Vacancy-induced spin polarization in graphene and B–N nanoribbon heterojunctions
Authors: Jiang Xiaohui , Fang Changfeng , Zou Dongqing , Zhao Wenkai , Liu Wen , Kong Xiangmu , Liu Desheng
Published: June 2016

By using nonequilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) and density functional theory (DFT), we investigate the spin-separated electronic transport properties in heterojunctions constructed by zigzag graphene and boron nitride nanoribbons.
Mutual solubility of water and hydrophobic ionic liquids in the presence of hydrochloric acid
Authors: Mazan Valérie , Boltoeva Maria Yu. , Tereshatov Evgeny E. , Folden III Charles M.
Published: June 2016

Possible mechanism for ionic liquid dissolution in HCl solution.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy analysis of octameric o-phenylenes on Au(111)
Authors: Marqués-González Santiago , Fujii Shintaro , Nishino Tomoaki , Shoji Yoshiaki , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Fukushima Takanori , Kiguchi Manabu
Published: June 2016

STM microscopy allowed direct observation of perfectly- and partially-folded conformers of OP8Br and OP8NO2on Au(111). The metastable partially-folded conformation was stabilized by their more efficient electronic coupling with the Au substrate.
Rapid amplification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA on a paper substrate
Authors: Shetty Prasad , Ghosh Dipayan , Singh Minakshi , Tripathi Aparna , Paul Debjani
Published: June 2016

We have amplified DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis on a paper substrate in 10 minutes using helicase dependent amplification technique.
Co-cultivation of Synechocystis salina and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata under varying phosphorus concentrations evidences an allelopathic competition scenario
Authors: Gonçalves A. L. , Abreu A. C. , Coqueiro A. , Gaspar A. , Borges F. , Choi Y. H. , Pires J. C. M. , Simões M.
Published: June 2016

This study suggests growth inhibition ofSynechocystis salinawhen co-cultured withPseudokirchneriella subcapitatathrough the production of an allelochemical – lactic acid.