bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of colourless phosphate glass by stabilising higher Fe[II] in microwave heating
Authors: Mandal Ashis K. , Mandal B. , Illath Kavya , Ajithkumar T. G. , Halder A. , Sinha P. K. , Sen Ranjan
Published: April 2018

Iron impurity in raw material remains a major challenge in producing colourless glass. In this investigation, we report microwave (MW) heating capable of altering Fe-redox ratio (Fe2+/∑Fe) enabling preparation of colourless phosphate glass. The effect of Sn concentration in retention of Fe[II] in glass melted in MW was compared with conventional glasses. Colourimetric study developing Fe2+-ferrozine colour complex reveals Fe-redox ratio ≥0.49 required to obtain colourless phosphate glass. In microwave heating, addition of 1 wt.% Sn metal powder can impart the desired effect whereas addition of 1.9 wt.% Sn metal powder is required in conventional heating. The correlation equation of Fe-redox ratio with concentration of Sn metal is found to be different in microwave and conventional heating. Thus, exploiting this different redox changes in MW heating optical properties can be tailored. Preservation of higher Fe[II] in MW melted glass is also confirmed by XPS and TGA. 31P MAS NMR spectra suggest that transition from cross linked ultra phosphate to linear polymer metaphosphate network in incorporation of Sn is found different in glass prepared adopting microwave irradiation. 27A1 MAS NMR spectra suggest higher relative content of Al6+ in glass obtained from MW heating. Energy consumption analysis revels 3.4 kWh in MW heating while 14 kWh in conventional glass melting using resistance heating. Further, glass melting in MW can be completed within 2 h unlike ~5 h needed in conventional. MW heating plays a significant role in improving properties to make colourless phosphate glass in addition to significant energy and time saving.
Restoring functional neurofibromin by protein transduction
Authors: Mellert K. , Lechner S. , Lüdeke M. , Lamla M. , Möller P. , Kemkemer R. , Scheffzek K. , Kaufmann D.
Published: April 2018

In Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) germ line loss of function mutations result in reduction of cellular neurofibromin content (NF1+/−, NF1 haploinsufficiency). The Ras-GAP neurofibromin is a very large cytoplasmic protein (2818 AA, 319 kDa) involved in the RAS-MAPK pathway. Aside from regulation of proliferation, it is involved in mechanosensoric of cells. We investigated neurofibromin replacement in cultured human fibroblasts showing reduced amount of neurofibromin. Full length neurofibromin was produced recombinantly in insect cells and purified. Protein transduction into cultured fibroblasts was performed employing cell penetrating peptides along with photochemical internalization. This combination of transduction strategies ensures the intracellular uptake and the translocation to the cytoplasm of neurofibromin. The transduced neurofibromin is functional, indicated by functional rescue of reduced mechanosensoric blindness and reduced RasGAP activity in cultured fibroblasts of NF1 patients or normal fibroblasts treated by NF1 siRNA. Our study shows that recombinant neurofibromin is able to revert cellular effects of NF1 haploinsuffiency in vitro, indicating a use of protein transduction into cells as a potential treatment strategy for the monogenic disease NF1.
Soft X-ray Heterogeneous Radiolysis of Pyridine in the Presence of Hydrated Strontium-Hydroxyhectorite and its Monitoring by Near-Ambient Pressure Photoelectron Spectroscopy
Authors: Boucly Anthony , Rochet François , Arnoux Quentin , Gallet Jean-Jacques , Bournel Fabrice , Tissot Héloïse , Marry Virginie , Dubois Emmanuelle , Michot Laurent
Published: April 2018

The heterogeneous radiolysis of organic molecules in clays is a matter of considerable interest in astrochemistry and environmental sciences. However, little is known about the effects of highly ionizing soft X-rays. By combining monochromatized synchrotron source irradiation with in situ Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (in the mbar range), and using the synoptic view encompassing both the gas and condensed phases, we found the water and pyridine pressure conditions under which pyridine is decomposed in the presence of synthetic Sr2+-hydroxyhectorite. The formation of a pyridine/water/Sr2+ complex, detected from the Sr 3d and N 1s core-level binding energies, likely presents a favorable situation for the radiolytic breaking of the O-H bond of water molecules adsorbed in the clay and the subsequent decomposition of the molecule. However, decomposition stops when the pyridine pressure exceeds a critical value. This observation can be related to a change in the nature of the active radical species with the pyridine loading. This highlights the fact that the destruction of the molecule is not entirely determined by the properties of the host material, but also by the inserted organic species. The physical and chemical causes of the present observations are discussed.
Wogonin attenuates nasal polyp formation by inducing eosinophil apoptosis through HIF-1α and survivin suppression
Authors: Khalmuratova Roza , Lee Mingyu , Mo Ji-Hun , Jung YunJae , Park Jong-Wan , Shin Hyun-Woo
Published: April 2018

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an inflammatory sinonasal disorder characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and T-helper 2 skewing. Eosinophil accumulation in sinonasal mucosa comprises a major feature of CRSwNP. The study aimed to investigate the effect of the flavone wogonin in nasal polyposis by assessing its ability to induce eosinophil apoptosisin vitroand attenuate eosinophilic CRSwNP in mice. Double immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, survivin, and apoptotic markers in the human eosinophilic EoL-1 cell line or sinonasal tissues from patients with CRS with or without NPs. In sinonasal specimens from patients with CRS, HIF-1α and survivin were up-regulated in eosinophils from patients with NPs compared with levels in patients without NPs. Under hypoxia, HIF-1α and survivin expression was up-regulated in EoL-1 cells. Wogonin down-regulated both HIF-1α and survivin in EoL-1 cells. In addition, overexpression of survivin protected EoL-1 cells against apoptosis in response to wogonin. Moreover, wogonin attenuated nasal polyp formation in a murine model. Our findings suggest that wogonin could induce caspase-3 activation by suppressing HIF-1α and survivin expression in EoL-1 cells. Further studies regarding novel therapeutic options for CRSwNP targeting eosinophil apoptosis are needed.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and livestock in the mainland of China: a systematic review and hierarchical meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Huifang , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Liu Mingyuan , Li Jianhua , Wu Yongning , van der Giessen Joke W. B. , Opsteegh Marieke
Published: April 2018

Primary Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women may result in abortion, stillbirth, or lifelong disabilities of the unborn child. One of the main transmission routes to humans is consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing T. gondii tissue cysts. We aim to determine and compare the regional distribution of T. gondii seroprevalence in pregnant women and meat-producing livestock in China through a systematic literature review. A total of 272 eligible publications were identified from Medline, Scopus, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Apparent and true seroprevalence were analysed by region using a novel Bayesian hierarchical model that allowed incorporating sensitivity and specificity of the applied serological assays. The true seroprevalence of T. gondii in pregnant women was 5.0% or less in seven regions of China. The median of the regional true seroprevalences in pigs (24%) was significantly higher than in cattle (9.5%), but it was not significantly higher than in chickens (20%) and small ruminants (20%). This study represents the first use of a Bayesian hierarchical model to obtain regional true seroprevalence. These results, in combination with meat consumption data, can be used to better understand the contribution of meat-producing animals to human T. gondii infection in China.
Overexpression of HER2 in the pancreas promotes development of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms in mice
Authors: Shibata Wataru , Kinoshita Hiroto , Hikiba Yohko , Sato Takeshi , Ishii Yasuaki , Sue Soichiro , Sugimori Makoto , Suzuki Nobumi , Sakitani Kosuke , Ijichi Hideaki , Mori Ryutaro , Endo Itaru , Maeda Shin
Published: April 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has a 5-year survival rate of less than 5% and is the sixth leading cause of cancer death. Although KRAS mutations are one of the major driver mutations in PDA, KRAS mutation alone is not sufficient to induce invasive pancreatic cancer in mice model. HER2, also known as ERBB2, is a receptor tyrosine kinase, and overexpression of HER2 is associated with poor clinical outcomes in pancreatic cancer. However, no report has shown whether HER2 and its downstream signaling contributes to the pancreatic cancer development. By immunohistochemical analysis in human cases, HER2 protein expression was detected in 40% of PDAs and 29% of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinomas, another type of pancreatic cancer. In a mouse model, we showed overexpression of activated HER2 (HER2
NT
) in the pancreas, in which cystic neoplastic lesions resembling intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-like lesions in humans had developed. We also found that HER2
NT
cooperated with oncogenic Kras to accelerate the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms. In addition, using pancreatic organoids in 3D cultures, we found that organoids cultured from HER2
NT
/Kras double transgenic mice showed proliferative potential and tumorigenic ability cooperatively. HER2-signaling inhibition was suggested to be an new therapeutic target in some types of PDAs.
Temperature-dependent metabolic adaptation of Triticum aestivum seedlings to anoxia
Authors: Huang Shaobai , Shingaki-Wells Rachel N. , Petereit Jakob , Alexova Ralitza , Millar A. Harvey
Published: April 2018

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is considered anoxia intolerant but it shows variance in anoxia responses between genotypes and environmental treatments. We firstly examined 4 day old seedlings of five wheat genotypes in response to anoxia at 15 °C and 28 °C by assessing growth rate, tissue damage and changes in metabolite abundances. Significant genotypic variations in anoxia tolerance were observed, especially at 28 °C. Wheat seedlings grown at 15 °C appeared to be more anoxia tolerant and showed less genotypic variation than those at 28 °C. To minimize seedling size variations and define the temperature effects, we grew two contrasting genotypes at 15 °C for 3.5 d and adapted to 4 different temperatures for 0.5 d before exposing them to anoxia at each adapted temperature. Genotypic variation in abundance of anoxia induced metabolites occurred at 24 °C and 28 °C but not at 15 °C and 20 °C. Tissue- and temperature-dependent metabolic adaptations to anoxia were revealed. In roots, the ability to maintain sugar/sugar-phosphate and TCA cycle metabolite levels and the accumulation of amino acids when temperature was below 24 °C correlated with anoxia tolerance. Temperatures between 20 °C–24 °C are critical for metabolic adaptation and suggest that further assessment of waterlogging/flooding tolerance of wheat seedlings should consider the temperature-dependence of tolerance in evaluations.
Synergy between Diastolic Mitral Valve Function and Left Ventricular Flow Aids in Valve Closure and Blood Transport during Systole
Authors: Govindarajan Vijay , Mousel John , Udaykumar H. S. , Vigmostad Sarah C. , McPherson David D. , Kim Hyunggun , Chandran Krishnan B.
Published: April 2018

Highly resolved three-dimensional (3D) fluid structure interaction (FSI) simulation using patient-specific echocardiographic data can be a powerful tool for accurately and thoroughly elucidating the biomechanics of mitral valve (MV) function and left ventricular (LV) fluid dynamics. We developed and validated a strongly coupled FSI algorithm to fully characterize the LV flow field during diastolic MV opening under physiologic conditions. Our model revealed that distinct MV deformation and LV flow patterns developed during different diastolic stages. A vortex ring that strongly depended on MV deformation formed during early diastole. At peak E wave, the MV fully opened, with a local Reynolds number of ~5500, indicating that the flow was in the laminar-turbulent transitional regime. Our results  showed that during diastasis, the vortex structures caused the MV leaflets to converge, thus increasing mitral jet’s velocity. The vortex ring became asymmetrical, with the vortex structures on the anterior side being larger than on the posterior side. During the late diastolic stages, the flow structures advected toward the LV outflow tract, enhancing fluid transport to the aorta. This 3D-FSI study demonstrated the importance of leaflet dynamics, their effect on the vortex ring, and their influence on MV function and fluid transport within the LV during diastole.
Quantitative assessment of Pb sources in isotopic mixtures using a Bayesian mixing model
Authors: Longman Jack , Veres Daniel , Ersek Vasile , Phillips Donald L. , Chauvel Catherine , Tamas Calin G.
Published: April 2018

Lead (Pb) isotopes provide valuable insights into the origin of Pb within a sample, typically allowing for reliable fingerprinting of their source. This is useful for a variety of applications, from tracing sources of pollution-related Pb, to the origins of Pb in archaeological artefacts. However, current approaches investigate source proportions via graphical means, or simple mixing models. As such, an approach, which quantitatively assesses source proportions and fingerprints the signature of analysed Pb, especially for larger numbers of sources, would be valuable. Here we use an advanced Bayesian isotope mixing model for three such applications: tracing dust sources in pre-anthropogenic environmental samples, tracking changing ore exploitation during the Roman period, and identifying the source of Pb in a Roman-age mining artefact. These examples indicate this approach can understand changing Pb sources deposited during both pre-anthropogenic times, when natural cycling of Pb dominated, and the Roman period, one marked by significant anthropogenic pollution. Our archaeometric investigation indicates clear input of Pb from Romanian ores previously speculated, but not proven, to have been the Pb source. Our approach can be applied to a range of disciplines, providing a new method for robustly tracing sources of Pb observed within a variety of environments.
Modeling of anisotropic properties of double quantum rings by the terahertz laser field
Authors: Baghramyan Henrikh M. , Barseghyan Manuk G. , Kirakosyan Albert A. , Ojeda Judith H. , Bragard Jean , Laroze David
Published: April 2018

The rendering of different shapes of just a single sample of a concentric double quantum ring is demonstrated realizable with a terahertz laser field, that in turn, allows the manipulation of electronic and optical properties of a sample. It is shown that by changing the intensity or frequency of laser field, one can come to a new set of degenerated levels in double quantum rings and switch the charge distribution between the rings. In addition, depending on the direction of an additional static electric field, the linear and quadratic quantum confined Stark effects are observed. The absorption spectrum shifts and the additive absorption coefficient variations affected by laser and electric fields are discussed. Finally, anisotropic electronic and optical properties of isotropic concentric double quantum rings are modeled with the help of terahertz laser field.
Structure and Properties of DNA Molecules Over The Full Range of Biologically Relevant Supercoiling States
Authors: Bettotti Paolo , Visone Valeria , Lunelli Lorenzo , Perugino Giuseppe , Ciaramella Maria , Valenti Anna
Published: April 2018

Topology affects physical and biological properties of DNA and impacts fundamental cellular processes, such as gene expression, genome replication, chromosome structure and segregation. In all organisms DNA topology is carefully modulated and the supercoiling degree of defined genome regions may change according to physiological and environmental conditions. Elucidation of structural properties of DNA molecules with different topology may thus help to better understand genome functions. Whereas a number of structural studies have been published on highly negatively supercoiled DNA molecules, only preliminary observations of highly positively supercoiled are available, and a description of DNA structural properties over the full range of supercoiling degree is lacking. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a powerful tool to study DNA structure at single molecule level. We here report a comprehensive analysis by AFM of DNA plasmid molecules with defined supercoiling degree, covering the full spectrum of biologically relevant topologies, under different observation conditions. Our data, supported by statistical and biochemical analyses, revealed striking differences in the behavior of positive and negative plasmid molecules.
A four-microRNA classifier as a novel prognostic marker for tumor recurrence in stage II colon cancer
Authors: Jacob Havjin , Stanisavljevic Luka , Storli Kristian Eeg , Hestetun Kjersti E. , Dahl Olav , Myklebust Mette P.
Published: April 2018

About 20 percent of TNM-stage II colon cancer patients who are treated by surgical resection develop recurrence, and adjuvant chemotherapy in this group is still debated among researchers and clinicians. Currently, adverse histopathological and clinical factors are used to select patients for adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery. However, additional biomarkers to classify patients at risk of recurrence are needed. We have conducted a study using fresh frozen tumor tissue from 54 TNM-stage II colon cancer patients and performed microRNA profiling using next-generation sequencing. For the selection of the prognostic microRNAs, a LASSO Cox Regression model was employed. For the validation, we used the publically available TCGA-COAD cohort (n = 122). A prognostic panel of four micorRNAs (hsa-miR-5010-3p, hsa-miR-5100, hsa-miR-656-3p and hsa-miR-671-3p) was identified in the study cohort and validated in the TCGA-COAD cohort. The four-microRNA classifier successfully identified high-risk patients in the study cohort (P < 0.001) and the validation cohort (P = 0.005). Additionally, a number of established risk factors and the four-miRNA classifier were used to construct a nomogram to evaluate risk of recurrence. We identified a four-microRNA classifier in patients with TNM-stage II colon cancer that can be used to discriminate between patients at low- and high risk of recurrence.
Differential Medial Temporal Lobe and Parietal Cortical Contributions to Real-world Autobiographical Episodic and Autobiographical Semantic Memory
Authors: Brown Thackery I. , Rissman Jesse , Chow Tiffany E. , Uncapher Melina R. , Wagner Anthony D.
Published: April 2018

Autobiographical remembering can depend on two forms of memory: episodic (event) memory and autobiographical semantic memory (remembering personally relevant semantic knowledge, independent of recalling a specific experience). There is debate about the degree to which the neural signals that support episodic recollection relate to or build upon autobiographical semantic remembering. Pooling data from two fMRI studies of memory for real-world personal events, we investigated whether medial temporal lobe (MTL) and parietal subregions contribute to autobiographical episodic and semantic remembering. During scanning, participants made memory judgments about photograph sequences depicting past events from their life or from others’ lives, and indicated whether memory was based on episodic or semantic knowledge. Results revealed several distinct functional patterns: activity in most MTL subregions was selectively associated with autobiographical episodic memory; the hippocampal tail, superior parietal lobule, and intraparietal sulcus were similarly engaged when memory was based on retrieval of an autobiographical episode or autobiographical semantic knowledge; and angular gyrus demonstrated a graded pattern, with activity declining from autobiographical recollection to autobiographical semantic remembering to correct rejections of novel events. Collectively, our data offer insights into MTL and parietal cortex functional organization, and elucidate circuitry that supports different forms of real-world autobiographical memory.
Bulk RKKY signatures of topological phase transition in silicene
Authors: Duan Hou-Jian , Wang Chen , Zheng Shi-Han , Wang Rui-Qiang , Pan Da-Ru , Yang Mou
Published: April 2018

Silicene offers an ideal platform for exploring the phase transition due to strong spin-orbit interaction and its unique structure with strong tunability. With applied electric field and circularly polarized light, silicone is predicted to exhibit rich phases. We propose that these intricate phase transitions can be detected by measuring the bulk Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction. We have in detail analyzed the dependence of RKKY interaction on phase parameters for different impurity configurations along zigzag direction. Importantly, we present an interesting comparison between different terms of RKKY interaction with phase diagram. It is found that the in-plane and out-of-plane terms can exhibit the local extreme value or change of sign at the phase critical point and remarkable difference in magnitude for different phase regions. Consequently, the magnetic measurement provides unambiguous signatures to identify various types of phase transition simultaneously, which can be carried out with present technique.
SciRide Finder: a citation-based paradigm in biomedical literature search
Authors: Volanakis Adam , Krawczyk Konrad
Published: April 2018

There are more than 26 million peer-reviewed biomedical research items according to Medline/PubMed. This breadth of information is indicative of the progress in biomedical sciences on one hand, but an overload for scientists performing literature searches on the other. A major portion of scientific literature search is to find statements, numbers and protocols that can be cited to build an evidence-based narrative for a new manuscript. Because science builds on prior knowledge, such information has likely been written out and cited in an older manuscript. Thus, Cited Statements, pieces of text from scientific literature supported by citing other peer-reviewed publications, carry significant amount of condensed information on prior art. Based on this principle, we propose a literature search service, SciRide Finder (finder.sciride.org), which constrains the search corpus to such Cited Statements only. We demonstrate that Cited Statements can carry different information to this found in titles/abstracts and full text, giving access to alternative literature search results than traditional search engines. We further show how presenting search results as a list of Cited Statements allows researchers to easily find information to build an evidence-based narrative for their own manuscripts.
Quercetin attenuates AZT-induced neuroinflammation in the CNS
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Xiaokang , Wu Ting , Zhang Wenping , Shu Jianhong , He Yulong , Tang Shao-Jun
Published: April 2018

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is very effective in suppressing HIV-1 replication in patients. However, continuous HAART is required to prevent viral rebound, which may have detrimental effects in various tissues, including persistent neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we show that quercetin (3,5,7,3’,4’-pentahydroxy flavones), a natural antioxidant used in Chinese traditional medicines, suppresses the neuroinflammation that is induced by chronic exposure to Zidovudine (azidothymidine, AZT), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is commonly part of HAART regimens. We found that the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial and astrocytic markers induced by AZT (100 mg/kg/day; 8 days) was significantly inhibited by co-administration of quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) in the mouse cortex, hippocampus and spinal cord. We further showed that quercetin attenuated AZT-induced up-regulation of Wnt5a, a key regulator of neuroinflammation. These results suggest that quercetin has an inhibitory effect on AZT-induced neuroinflammation in the CNS, and Wnt5a signaling may play an important role in this process. Our results may further our understanding of the mechanisms of HAART-related neurotoxicity and help in the development of effective adjuvant therapy.
Simultaneous detection of eight avian influenza A virus subtypes by multiplex reverse transcription-PCR using a GeXP analyser
Authors: Li Meng , Xie Zhixun , Xie Zhiqin , Liu Jiabo , Xie Liji , Deng Xianwen , Luo Sisi , Fan Qing , Huang Li , Huang Jiaoling , Zhang Yanfang , Zeng Tingting , Wang Sheng
Published: April 2018

Recent studies have demonstrated that at least eight subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) can infect humans, including H1, H2, H3, H5, H6, H7, H9 and H10. A GeXP analyser-based multiplex reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (GeXP-multiplex RT-PCR) assay was developed in our recent studies to simultaneously detect these eight AIV subtypes using the haemagglutinin (HA) gene. The assay consists of chimeric primer-based PCR amplification with fluorescent labelling and capillary electrophoresis separation. RNA was extracted from chick embryo allantoic fluid or liquid cultures of viral isolates. In addition, RNA synthesised via in vitro transcription was used to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. After selecting the primer pairs, their concentrations and GeXP-multiplex RT-PCR conditions were optimised. The established GeXP-multiplex RT-PCR assay can detect as few as 100 copies of premixed RNA templates. In the present study, 120 clinical specimens collected from domestic poultry at live bird markets and from wild birds were used to evaluate the performance of the assay. The GeXP-multiplex RT-PCR assay specificity was the same as that of conventional RT-PCR. Thus, the GeXP-multiplex RT-PCR assay is a rapid and relatively high-throughput method for detecting and identifying eight AIV subtypes that may infect humans.
Slow-slip events in semi-brittle serpentinite fault zones
Authors: Goswami A. , Barbot S.
Published: April 2018

Slow-slip events are earthquake-like events only with much lower slip rates. While peak coseismic velocities can reach tens of meters per second, slow-slip is on the order of 10−7±2 m/s and may last for days to weeks. Under the rate-and-state model of fault friction, slow-slip is produced only when the asperity size is commensurate with the critical nucleation size, a function of frictional properties. However, it is unlikely that all subduction zones embody the same frictional properties. In addition to friction, plastic flow of antigorite-rich serpentinite may significantly influence the dynamics of fault slip near the mantle wedge corner. Here, we show that the range of frictional parameters that generate slow slip is widened in the presence of a serpentinized layer along the subduction plate interface. We observe increased stability and damping of fast ruptures in a semi-brittle fault zone governed by both brittle and viscoelastic constitutive response. The rate of viscous serpentinite flow, governed by dislocation creep, is enhanced by high ambient temperatures. When effective viscosity is taken to be dynamic, long-term slow slip events spontaneously emerge. Integration of rheology, thermal effects, and other microphysical processes with rate-and-state friction may yield further insight into the phenomenology of slow slip.
Sap flow of black locust in response to short-term drought in southern Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Qingyin , Jia Xiaoxu , Shao Mingan , Zhang Chencheng , Li Xiangdong , Ma Changkun
Published: April 2018

Soil water shortage is a major factor influencing the ecology and hydrology of vegetation in China’s semihumid Loess Plateau. However, few studies have experimentally assessed how expected changes in precipitation will affect sap flow in semihumid forest ecosystems. In this study, we measured the sap flow of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.) under ambient and drought (induced by throughfall exclusion) conditions in 2015 and 2016, and investigated the relationship between stand transpiration and environmental factors in the semihumid China’s Loess Plateau. Throughfall exclusion significantly decreased sap flux density and stand transpiration by 39% and 28%, respectively, in 2016, which may have been due to the cumulative droughts effect from both 2015 and 2016. Throughfall exclusion caused a significant reduction in soil moisture, leaf area index (LAI), and stem diameter. Stand transpiration was positively correlated with LAI (P < 0.01), but precipitation and soil moisture did not correlate with stand transpiration at a daily timescale, suggesting that LAI can be used as a proxy for stand transpiration. Our results highlight that precipitation must be considered when planting black locust in semihumid regions. These findings provide basic information about the management of water resources and vegetation restoration in the semihumid China’s Loess Plateau and possibly other water-limited regions around the world.
The paraspecific neutralisation of snake venom induced coagulopathy by antivenoms
Authors: Ainsworth Stuart , Slagboom Julien , Alomran Nessrin , Pla Davinia , Alhamdi Yasir , King Sarah I. , Bolton Fiona M. S. , Gutiérrez José María , Vonk Freek J. , Toh Cheng-Hock , Calvete Juan J. , Kool Jeroen , Harrison Robert A. , Casewell Nicholas R.
Published: April 2018

Snake envenoming causes several potentially lethal pathologies. The specific pathology is dictated by the toxin composition of venom, which varies by species, geography and ontogeny. This variation severely restricts the paraspecific efficacy of antivenoms used to treat snakebite victims. With a view to devising pathology-specific snakebite treatments, we assessed the procoagulant activity of 57 snake venoms and investigated the efficacy of various antivenoms. We find that procoagulant venoms act differentially on key steps of the coagulation cascade, and that certain monospecific antivenoms work in a previously unrecognised paraspecific manner to neutralise this activity, despite conventional assumptions of congener-restricted efficacy. Moreover, we demonstrate that the metal chelator EDTA is also capable of neutralising venom-induced lethality in vivo. This study illustrates the exciting potential of developing new, broad-spectrum, toxin-targeting antivenoms capable of treating key snakebite pathologies, and advocates a thorough re-examination of enzyme inhibiting compounds as alternative therapies for treating snakebite victims.
Continuous-wave multiphoton photoemission from plasmonic nanostars
Authors: Sivis Murat , Pazos-Perez Nicolas , Yu Renwen , Alvarez-Puebla Ramon , García de Abajo F. Javier , Ropers Claus
Published: April 2018

Highly nonlinear optical processes require high intensities, typically achieved with ultrashort laser pulses, and hence, they were first observed with the advent of picosecond laser technology. An alternative approach for reaching the required field intensities is offered by localized optical resonances in tailored plasmonic nanostructures, enabling the enhancement of a multitude of nonlinear phenomena. However, so far, plasmon-enhanced high-order nonlinear effects have been restricted to experiments involving short-pulsed and ultrafast laser sources. Here, we demonstrate localized three-photon photoemission from chemically synthesized plasmonic gold nanostars under continuous-wave illumination at sub-MWcm−2 incident intensities. Intensity- and polarization-dependent measurements confirm the nonlinearity of the photoemission process and agree with quantum mechanical calculations of the electron yield from nanostar tips with features smaller than 5 nm, which facilitate local intensity enhancement factors exceeding 1000. Our results open up new avenues for the design of accessible nanoscale coherent electron sources, with potential applications in microscopy, spectroscopy, sensing, and signal processing.
A novel metallogel based approach to synthesize (Mn, Cu) doped ZnS quantum dots and labeling of MCF-7 cancer cells
Authors: Bhowal Soumya , Ghosh Arijit , Chowdhuri Srijita Paul , Mondal Raju , Das Benu Brata
Published: April 2018

Labelling of adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells by the Al-PDCA gel based (Mn, Cu) doped QDs.
Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of cyanide-bridged complexestrans-RuII(dppe)2(CN)2(FeIIIX3)2(X = Cl and Br)
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhu Xiaoquan , Sheng Tianlu , Wu Xintao
Published: April 2018

Cyanide-bridged complexestrans-RuII(dppe)2(CN)2(FeIIIX3)2(X = Cl,2; X = Br,3) and their parenttrans-ClRuII(dppe)2(CN) (1) were synthesized and fully characterized. The magnetic properties of2and3have been investigated.
Pseudocapacitance-boosted ultrafast Na storage in a pie-like FeS@C nanohybrid as an advanced anode material for sodium-ion full batteries
Authors: Hou Bao-Hua , Wang Ying-Ying , Guo Jin-Zhi , Ning Qiu-Li , Xi Xiao-Tong , Pang Wei-Lin , Cao An-Min , Wang Xinlong , Zhang Jing-Ping , Wu Xing-Long
Published: April 2018

A novel pie-like FeS@C nanohybrid has been prepared, which exhibits pseudocapacitance-prompted ultrafast Na storage and superior Na-ion full-cell performance.
Scaffold-free three-dimensional cell culturing using magnetic levitation
Authors: Türker Esra , Demirçak Nida , Arslan-Yildiz Ahu
Published: April 2018

Magnetic levitation platform ensures a scaffold-free 3D cell culture formation by utilizing Gadolinium(iii) chelates, which provide paramagnetic environment for levitation; therefore, the cells are assembled into complex 3D structures.
Alkali-induced crumpling of Ti3C2Tx(MXene) to form 3D porous networks for sodium ion storage
Authors: Zhao Di , Clites Mallory , Ying Guobing , Kota Sankalp , Wang Jie , Natu Varun , Wang Xin , Pomerantseva Ekaterina , Cao Minhua , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: April 2018

A novel strategy for producing three-dimensional (3D) porous Ti3C2Tx(MXene) networks by alkali-induced crumpling of Ti3C2Txnanosheets is presented. These networks display high capacity and good rate performance as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
Cp*Co(iii)-catalyzed amidation of olefinic and aryl C–H bonds: highly selective synthesis of enamides and pyrimidones
Authors: Liu Yuan , Xie Fang , Jia Ai-Qun , Li Xingwei
Published: April 2018

A highly efficient synthesis of three classes of products has been realized via Co(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation of N-methoxy-acrylamide and coupling with dioxazolones.
A salen–Al/carbazole dyad-based guest–host assembly: enhancement of luminescence efficiency via intramolecular energy transfer
Authors: Kwak Sang Woo , Jin Hyomin , Shin Heuiseok , Lee Ji Hye , Hwang Hyonseok , Lee Junseong , Kim Min , Chung Yongseog , Kim Youngjo , Lee Kang Mun , Park Myung Hwan
Published: April 2018

A novel class of salen–Al/carbazole dyads was synthesized. The dyads exhibited enhanced luminescence efficiency through a significant IET process.
A 2-(1-methylhydrazinyl)pyridine-directed C–H functionalization/spirocyclization cascade: facile access to spirosuccinimide derivatives
Authors: Zhao Hua , Shao Xiaoru , Wang Taimin , Zhai Shengxian , Qiu Shuxian , Tao Cheng , Wang Huifei , Zhai Hongbin
Published: April 2018

A cobalt-catalyzed oxidative coupling of benzoic hydrazides with maleimides by utilizing 2-(1-methylhydrazinyl)pyridine as a bidentate directing group has been developed.
Spider-web inspired multi-resolution graphene tactile sensor
Authors: Liu Lu , Huang Yu , Li Fengyu , Ma Ying , Li Wenbo , Su Meng , Qian Xin , Ren Wanjie , Tang Kanglai , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2018

Inspired by discrepant microstructures of spider web, a multi-resolution tactile sensor was printed with integrating different structures graphene.
Well defined difluorogold(iii) complexes supported by N-ligands
Authors: Albayer Mohammad , Corbo Robert , Dutton Jason L.
Published: April 2018

Rare difluorogold(iii) complexes supported by N-ligands can be synthesized simply either from Au(i) precursors using XeF2 or Au(iii) using KF.
Highlights from the Faraday discussion on photoinduced processes in nucleic acids and proteins
Authors: Segarra-Martí Javier , Ramakrishnan Remya , Vinals Javier , Hughes Ashley J.
Published: April 2018

The Faraday meeting on photoinduced processes in nucleic acids and proteins was held in Thiruvananthapuram, India in January 2018, continuing the meetings initiated by the Royal Society over 110 years ago, with the first meeting taking place in London in 1907.
Infrared laser dissociation of single megadalton polymer ions in a gated electrostatic ion trap: the added value of statistical analysis of individual events
Authors: Halim Mohammad A. , Clavier Christian , Dagany Xavier , Kerleroux Michel , Dugourd Philippe , Dunbar Robert C. , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: April 2018

We report the unimolecular dissociation mechanism of trapped megadalton synthetic polymer cations and anions using infrared multiphoton dissociation.
Rippling of graphitic surfaces: a comparison between few-layer graphene and HOPG
Authors: Haghighian N. , Convertino D. , Miseikis V. , Bisio F. , Morgante A. , Coletti C. , Canepa M. , Cavalleri O.
Published: April 2018

The surface structure of Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) epitaxially grown on the C-face of SiC has been investigated by TM-AFM in ambient air and upon interaction with dilute aqueous solutions of bio-organic molecules (l-methionine and dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO).
Creation of oxygen reduction reaction active sites on titanium oxynitride without increasing the nitrogen doping level
Authors: Chisaka Mitsuharu
Published: April 2018

Active sites were created on ORR-active titanium oxynitride by low-temperature annealing without changing the nitrogen doping level to determine their origin.
Insight into the mechanism of methanol assistance with syngas conversion over partially hydroxylated γ-Al2O3(110D) surface in slurry bed
Authors: Bai Bing , Bai Hui , Cao Hao-Jie , Gao Zhi-Hua , Zuo Zhi-Jun , Huang Wei
Published: April 2018

The partially hydroxylated γ-Al2O3(110D) surface has particular reactivity for the C–C chain formation during the process of ethanol synthesis.
Synergistic design for enhancing solar-to-hydrogen conversion over a TiO2-based ternary hybrid
Authors: Xiao Jie , Luo Yanzhu , Yang Zixin , Xiang Yonggang , Zhang Xiaohu , Chen Hao
Published: April 2018

Sensitization of a conjugated polymer and SPR of Au are synergistically designed on TiO2 for photocatalytic H2 production.
Schiff-base -ate derivatives with main group metals: generation of a tripodal aluminate metalloligand
Authors: García-Valle Francisco M. , Tabernero Vanessa , Cuenca Tomás , Cano Jesús , Mosquera Marta E. G.
Published: April 2018

A new type of -ate derivatives is described, where the alkali metal exerts a strong influence on the final outcome.
Efficient rare-earth free red-emitting Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+,M(M = Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+) phosphors for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhong Jiasong , Chen Daqin , Chen Xiao , Wang Keyuan , Li Xinyue , Zhu Yiwen , Ji Zhenguo
Published: April 2018

The structure, luminescence and practical application of non-rare-earth doped double perovskite Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+red phosphors are reported.
(Ar–CO–CC)(PEt3)Au and (Ar–CC)(PEt3)Au complexes bearing pyrenyl and ferrocenyl groups: synthesis, structure, and luminescence properties
Authors: Głodek Marta , Makal Anna , Paluch Piotr , Kadziołka-Gaweł Mariola , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Zakrzewski Janusz , Plażuk Damian
Published: April 2018

ArCOCCAuPEt3(1aand1b) and ArCCCAuPEt3(2aand2b) bearing Ar = pyren-1-yl or ferrocenyl group were synthesized and the structure, ligand scrambling in solution and luminescence properties were investigated.
Data-driven learning and prediction of inorganic crystal structures
Authors: Deringer Volker L. , Proserpio Davide M. , Csányi Gábor , Pickard Chris J.
Published: April 2018

Machine learning-based interatomic potentials, fitting energy landscapes “on the fly”, are emerging and promising tools for crystal structure prediction.
Halogen bonding two-point recognition with terphenyl derivatives
Authors: Stoesser J. , Rojas G. , Bulfield D. , Hidalgo P. I. , Pasán J. , Ruiz-Pérez C. , Jiménez C. A. , Huber S. M.
Published: April 2018

Neutral terphenyl-based halogen bond donors form two-point halogen bonding motifs with oxadiazoles in the solid state.
Correction: Copper and cobalt nanoparticles embedded in naturally derived graphite electrodes for the sensing of the neurotransmitter epinephrine
Authors: Bala Kanchan , Suriyaprakash Jagadeesh , Singh Prem , Chauhan Kalpana , Villa Alberto , Gupta Neeraj
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘Copper and cobalt nanoparticles embedded in naturally derived graphite electrodes for the sensing of the neurotransmitter epinephrine’ by Kanchan Bala et al., New J. Chem., 2018, DOI: 10.1039/c8nj00881g.
Stable 1T-phase MoS2 as an effective electron mediator promoting photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Shi Jian-Wen , Zou Yajun , Ma Dandan , Fan Zhaoyang , Cheng Linhao , Sun Diankun , Wang Zeyan , Niu Chunming , Wang Lianzhou
Published: April 2018

Novel MoO3/1T-MoS2/g-C3N4 is developed for the first time, where 1T-MoS2 acts as an electron mediator to construct an all-solid-state Z-scheme photocatalyst.
Polymer-free electrospinning of tannic acid and cross-linking in water for hybrid supramolecular nanofibres
Authors: Allais Manon , Mailley Domitille , Hébraud Pascal , Ihiawakrim Dris , Ball Vincent , Meyer Florent , Hébraud Anne , Schlatter Guy
Published: April 2018

Polymer-free electrospinning of tannic acid and subsequent crosslinking with Fe(iii) in water was demonstrated resulting in hybrid supramolecular nanofibres.
3D superstructures with an orthorhombic lattice assembled by colloidal PbS quantum dots
Authors: Ushakova Elena V. , Cherevkov Sergei A. , Litvin Aleksandr P. , Parfenov Peter S. , Kasatkin Igor A. , Fedorov Anatoly V. , Gun'ko Yurii K. , Baranov Alexander V.
Published: April 2018

We report a new type of metamaterial comprising a highly ordered 3D network of 3–7 nm lead sulfide quantum dots self-assembled in an organic matrix formed by amphiphilic ligands (oleic acid molecules).
Optical transverse spin coupling through a plasmonic nanoparticle for particle-identification and field-mapping
Authors: Yang A. P. , Du L. P. , Meng F. F. , Yuan X. C.
Published: April 2018

The interplay between a nanoparticle-on-film configuration and a focused beam enables the identification of nanoparticles using a focused field, as well as electric field mapping of a specific field component of a focused beam using a plasmonic nanoparticle.
Bio-based reactive diluents as sustainable replacements for styrene in MAESO resin
Authors: Zhang Yuehong , Li Yuzhan , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Wang Liwei , Gu Jiyou , Gao Zhenhua , Fan Bo , Wu Qiong , Kessler Michael R.
Published: April 2018

This paper reports four promising, sustainable reactive diluents to completely replace styrene for a commercially available MAESO resin.
Synthesis of HKUST-1 and zeolite beta composites for deep desulfurization of model gasoline
Authors: Liang Xue , Zhang Ying , Qu Yuanyuan , Han Yang , Wang Xilong , Cheng Achao , Duan Aijun , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2018

Zeolite beta microspheres@nanosized HKUST-1 and micro-octahedron-shaped HKUST-1@nanosized zeolite beta composites were synthesized to remove thiophene from model oil.
Hierarchical CdMoO4 nanowire–graphene composite for photocatalytic hydrogen generation under natural sunlight
Authors: Kadam Sunil R. , Panmand Rajendra P. , Tekale Shashikant , Khore Supriya , Terashima Chiaki , Gosavi Suresh W. , Fujishima Akira , Kale Bharat B.
Published: April 2018

Herein, a facile in situ solvothermal technique for the synthesis of a CdMoO4/graphene composite photocatalyst for hydrogen generation under natural solar light.
Pd nanosheets with their surface coordinated by radioactive iodide as a high-performance theranostic nanoagent for orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma imaging and cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Mei , Guo Zhide , Chen Qinghua , Wei Jingping , Li Jingchao , Shi Changrong , Xu Duo , Zhou Dawang , Zhang Xianzhong , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: April 2018

We report a pH-sensitive multifunctional theranostic platform with radiolabeled Pd nanosheets through a simple mixture of ultra-small Pd nanosheets and radioisotopes utilizing the specific adsorption of 131I and 125I on their surfaces.
Boosting supercapacitive performance of ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays by surface sulfation
Authors: You Yuxiu , Zheng Maojun , Jiang Dongkai , Li Fanggang , Yuan Hao , Zhai Zhihao , Ma Li , Shen Wenzhong
Published: April 2018

Surface sulfation significantly boosts the supercapacitive performance of ultrathin mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanosheet arrays through enhancing surface reactivity.
In situ polymerization of poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) on mesoporous hydroxyapatite with high graft amounts for the direct fabrication of biodegradable cell microcarriers and their osteogenic induction
Authors: Li Linlong , Shi Xincui , Wang Zongliang , Wang Yu , Jiao Zixue , Zhang Peibiao
Published: April 2018

Through this method, PBLG-g-MHA microcarriers with particular properties could be prepared without any non-essential components, such as PLGA.
Fabrication of bioactive 3D printed porous titanium implants with Sr ion-incorporated zeolite coatings for bone ingrowth
Authors: Wang Shuang , Li Ruiyan , Li Dongdong , Zhang Zhi-Yong , Liu Guancong , Liang Haojun , Qin Yanguo , Yu Jihong , Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2018

Strontium ion incorporated zeolites are uniformly fabricated on a 3D printed porous titanium scaffold for bone ingrowth.
Deep blue thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitters using CN-modified indolocarbazole as an acceptor and carbazole-derived donors
Authors: Im Yirang , Han Si Hyun , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: April 2018

Deep blue thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitters having carbazole derivatives as donors and CN-modified indolocarbazole as an acceptor were developed.
Configuration-dependent optical properties and acid susceptibility of azulene compounds
Authors: Tang Tao , Lin Tingting , Erden Fuat , Wang FuKe , He Chaobin
Published: April 2018

Configuration-dependent optical and sensing properties of azulene compounds were achieved simply by changing the conjugation direction, either along or orthogonal to the dipole direction of azulene. Their application as chemical sensor with sensitivity at ppm level was also demonstrated.
In situdetermination of the complex permittivity of ultrathin H2-infused palladium coatings for plasmonic fiber optic sensors in the near infrared
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Cai Shunshuo , Liu Fu , Chen Hao , Yan Peiguang , Yuan Yong , Guo Tuan , Albert Jacques
Published: April 2018

In situdetermination of the complex permittivity of H2-infused palladium using near infrared plasmons over optical fibers.
Upper bound on capacity of 5G mmWave cellular with multi‐connectivity capabilities
Authors: Moltchanov D. , Ometov A. , Andreev S. , Koucheryavy Y.
Published: April 2018

Outage events caused by dynamic blockage of a radio signal propagation path are one of the key challenges in 5G millimetre‐wave (mmWave) cellular networks. To mitigate them, Third Generation Partnership Project standardisation has recently ratified multi‐connectivity techniques aiming to enable user connectivity to several base stations simultaneously, while switching between them whenever the currently active connection becomes blocked. A closed‐form upper bound on the probability density function of the respective system capacity in a random field of moving blockers is obtained.