bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IGF-IR cooperates with ERα to inhibit breast cancer cell aggressiveness by regulating the expression and localisation of ECM molecules
Authors: Afratis Nikolaos A. , Bouris Panagiotis , Skandalis Spyros S. , Multhaupt Hinke A. , Couchman John R. , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: January 2017

IGF-IR is highly associated with the behaviour of breast cancer cells. In ERα-positive breast cancer, IGF-IR is present at high levels. In clinical practice, prolonged treatment with anti-estrogen agents results in resistance to the therapy with activation of alternative signaling pathways. Receptor Tyrosine Kinases, and especially IGF-IR, have crucial roles in these processes. Here, we report a nodal role of IGF-IR in the regulation of ERα-positive breast cancer cell aggressiveness and the regulation of expression levels of several extracellular matrix molecules. In particular, activation of IGF-IR, but not EGFR, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells results in the reduction of specific matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors. In contrast, IGF-IR inhibition leads to the depletion by endocytosis of syndecan-4. Global important changes in cell adhesion receptors, which include integrins and syndecan-4 triggered by IGF-IR inhibition, regulate adhesion and invasion. Cell function assays that were performed in MCF-7 cells as well as their ERα-suppressed counterparts indicate that ER status is a major determinant of IGF-IR regulatory role on cell adhesion and invasion. The strong inhibitory role of IGF-IR on breast cancer cells aggressiveness for which E2-ERα signaling pathway seems to be essential, highlights IGF-IR as a major molecular target for novel therapeutic strategies.
Detecting N6-methyladenosine sites from RNA transcriptomes using ensemble Support Vector Machines
Authors: Chen Wei , Xing Pengwei , Zou Quan
Published: January 2017

As one of the most abundant RNA post-transcriptional modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) involves in a broad spectrum of biological and physiological processes ranging from mRNA splicing and stability to cell differentiation and reprogramming. However, experimental identification of m6A sites is expensive and laborious. Therefore, it is urgent to develop computational methods for reliable prediction of m6A sites from primary RNA sequences. In the current study, a new method called RAM-ESVM was developed for detecting m6A sites from Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome, which employed ensemble support vector machine classifiers and novel sequence features. The jackknife test results show that RAM-ESVM outperforms single support vector machine classifiers and other existing methods, indicating that it would be a useful computational tool for detecting m6A sites in S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, a web server named RAM-ESVM was constructed and could be freely accessible at http://server.malab.cn/RAM-ESVM/.
Functional Nanoarchitectures For Enhanced Drug Eluting Stents
Authors: Saleh Yomna E. , Gepreel Mohamed A. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: January 2017

Different strategies have been investigated to allow for optimum duration and conditions for endothelium healing through the enhancement of coronary stents. In this study, a nanoarchitectured system is proposed as a surface modification for drug eluting stents. Highly oriented nanotubes were vertically grown on the surface of a new Ni-free biocompatible Ti-based alloy, as a potential material for self-expandable stents. The fabricated nanotubes were self-grown from the potential stent substrate, which are also proposed to enhance endothelial proliferation while acting as drug reservoir to hinder Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMC) proliferation. Two morphologies were synthesized to investigate the effect of structure homogeneity on the intended application. The material was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanoindentation technique was used to study the mechanical properties of the fabricated material. Cytotoxicity and proliferation studies were performed and compared for the two fabricated nanoarchitectures, versus smooth untextured samples, using in-vitro cultured endothelial cells. Finally, the drug loading capacity was experimentally studied and further supported by computational modeling of the release profile.
Mechanical Transgressive Segregation and the Rapid Origin of Trophic Novelty
Authors: Holzman Roi , Hulsey C. Darrin
Published: January 2017

Hybrid phenotypes are often intermediate between those of parental species. However, hybridization can generate novel phenotypes when traits are complex. For instance, even when the morphologies of individual musculo-skeletal components do not segregate outside the parental range in hybrid offspring, complex functional systems can exhibit emergent phenotypes whose mechanics exceed the parental values. To determine if transgression in mechanics could facilitate divergence during an adaptive radiation, we examined three functional systems in the trophic apparatus of Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. We conducted a simulation study of hybridization between species pairs whose morphology for three functional systems was empirically measured, to determine how the evolutionary divergence of parental species influences the frequency that hybridization could produce mechanics that transgress the parental range. Our simulations suggest that the complex mechanical systems of the cichlid trophic apparatus commonly exhibit greater transgression between more recently diverged cichlid species. Because (1) all three mechanical systems produce hybrids with transgressive mechanics in Lake Malawi cichlids, (2) hybridization is common, and (3) single hybrid crosses often recapitulate a substantial diversity of mechanics, we conclude that mechanical transgressive segregation could play an important role in the rapid accumulation of phenotypic variation in adaptive radiations.
Lethal/sublethal responses of Daphnia magna to acute norfloxacin contamination and changes in phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions induced by this antibiotic
Authors: Pan Ying , Yan Shi-wei , Li Ruo-zhu , Hu Yi-wen , Chang Xue-xiu
Published: January 2017

Although the well-known antibiotic norfloxacin (NOR) is recognized as an important environmental pollutant, little is known about its impacts on ecological processes, particularly on species interactions. In this paper, we quantified Daphnia magna (Crustacea, Cladocera) responses in mortality rate at lethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L−1), and in heartbeat rate, swimming behavior and feeding rate (on the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa) at sublethal NOR concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100 mg L−1) to determine the effects of this antibiotic in plankton systems. In 96-h-long lethal experiment, mortality rates of D. magna increased significantly with increasing NOR concentration and exposure time. In sublethal experiments, heartbeat rate decreased, while time ratio of vertical to horizontal swimming (TVH) and the duration of quiescence increased in D. magna individuals exposed to increasing NOR concentrations after 4 and 12 h of exposure. These collectively led to decreases in both average swimming ability and feeding rate, consistent with the positive relationship between average swimming ability and feeding rate. Overall, results indicate that, by affecting zooplankton heartbeat rate and behavior, NOR decreased feeding efficiency of D. magna even at low doses, therefore, it might seriously compromise ecosystem health and function.
NF-κB activation is critical for bacterial lipoprotein tolerance-enhanced bactericidal activity in macrophages during microbial infection
Authors: Liu Jinghua , Xiang Jing , Li Xue , Blankson Siobhan , Zhao Shuqi , Cai Junwei , Jiang Yong , Redmond H. Paul , Wang Jiang Huai
Published: January 2017

Tolerance to bacterial components represents an essential regulatory mechanism during bacterial infection. Bacterial lipoprotein (BLP)-induced tolerance confers protection against microbial sepsis by attenuating inflammatory responses and augmenting antimicrobial activity in innate phagocytes. It has been well-documented that BLP tolerance-attenuated proinflammatory cytokine production is associated with suppressed TLR2 signalling pathway; however, the underlying mechanism(s) involved in BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity is unclear. Here we report that BLP-tolerised macrophages exhibited accelerated phagosome maturation and enhanced bactericidal activity upon bacterial infection, with upregulated expression of membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal enzymes. Notably, bacterial challenge resulted in a strong activation of NF-κB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages. Importantly, activation of NF-κB pathway is critical for BLP tolerance-enhanced antimicrobial activity, as deactivation of NF-κB in BLP-tolerised macrophages impaired phagosome maturation and intracellular killing of the ingested bacteria. Finally, activation of NF-κB pathway in BLP-tolerised macrophages was dependent on NOD1 and NOD2 signalling, as knocking-down NOD1 and NOD2 substantially inhibited bacteria-induced activation of NF-κB and overexpression of Rab10 and Acp5, two membrane-trafficking regulators and lysosomal enzymes contributed to BLP tolerance-enhanced bactericidal activity. These results indicate that activation of NF-κB pathway is essential for BLP tolerance-augmented antimicrobial activity in innate phagocytes and depends primarily on both NOD1 and NOD2.
Local anesthesia for transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mingchao , Wang Zhengyun , Li Hao , Yang Jun , Rao Ke , Wang Tao , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong
Published: January 2017

A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy of local anesthesia in alleviating pain during prostate biopsy. We searched relevant articles in PubMed and Embase. The included studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCT) using local anesthesia to alleviate pain during biopsy, which was recorded by a pain scale. Analgesic efficacy of different local anesthesia techniques were analyzed, including intrarectal local anesthesia (IRLA), periprostatic nerve block (PNB), pelvic plexus block (PPB) and intraprostatic local anesthesia (IPLA). We included 46 RCTs. PNB significantly reduced pain score compared with placebo (−1.27 [95% confidence interval [95% CI] −1.72, −0.82]) or no injection (−1.01 [95% CI −1.2, −0.82]). IRLA with prilocaine-lidocaine cream could also reduced pain (−0.45 [95% CI −0.76, −0.15]), while the IRLA with lidocaine gel was not effective (−0.1 [95% CI −0.24, 0.04]). PNB lateral to the neurovascular bundle had better analgesic effect than at prostate apex (P = 0.02). Combination use of PPB and IRLA considerably alleviated pain of patients compared with the combination of PNB and IRLA (−1.32 [95% CI −1.59, −1.06]). In conclusion, local anesthesia could alleviate patients’ pain during the prostate biopsy. PNB was not so effective as PPB.
Molecular dynamics studies unravel role of conserved residues responsible for movement of ions into active site of DHBPS
Authors: Shinde Ranajit Nivrutti , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Singh Balvinder
Published: January 2017

3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBPS) catalyzes the conversion of D-ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P) to L-3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate in the presence of Mg2+. Although crystal structures of DHBPS in complex with Ru5P and non-catalytic metal ions have been reported, structure with Ru5P along with Mg2+ is still elusive. Therefore, mechanistic role played by Mg2+ in the structure of DHBPS is poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations of DHBPS-Ru5P complex along with Mg2+ have shown entry of Mg2+ from bulk solvent into active site. Presence of Mg2+ in active site has constrained conformations of Ru5P and has reduced flexibility of loop-2. Formation of hydrogen bonds among Thr-108 and residues - Gly-109, Val-110, Ser-111, and Asp-114 are found to be critical for entry of Mg2+ into active site. Subsequent in silico mutations of residues, Thr-108 and Asp-114 have substantiated the importance of these interactions. Loop-4 of one monomer is being proposed to act as a “lid” covering the active site of other monomer. Further, the conserved nature of residues taking part in the transfer of Mg2+ suggests the same mechanism being present in DHBPS of other microorganisms. Thus, this study provides insights into the functioning of DHBPS that can be used for the designing of inhibitors.
Flood dynamics in urbanised landscapes: 100 years of climate and humans’ interaction
Authors: Sofia G. , Roder G. , Dalla Fontana G. , Tarolli P.
Published: January 2017

Raising interest in the interaction between humans and climate drivers to understand the past and current development of floods in urbanised landscapes is of great importance. This study presents a regional screening of land-use, rainfall regime and flood dynamics in north-eastern Italy, covering the timeframe 1900–2010. This analysis suggests that, statistically, both climate and land-use have been contributing to a significant increase of the contribution of short duration floods to the increase in the number of flooded locations. The analysis also suggests that interaction arises, determining land-use dynamics to couple with climatic changes influencing the flood aggressiveness simultaneously. Given that it is not possible to control the climatic trend, an effective disaster management clearly needs an integrated approach to land planning and supervision. This research shows that land management and planning should include the investigation of the location of the past and future social and economic drivers for development, as well as past and current climatic trends.
Sustained kidney biochemical derangement in treated experimental diabetes: a clue to metabolic memory
Authors: de Oliveira Antonio Anax F. , de Oliveira Tiago F. , Bobadilla Larissa L. , Garcia Camila C. M. , Berra Carolina Maria , de Souza-Pinto Nadja C. , Medeiros Marisa H. G. , Di Mascio Paolo , Zatz Roberto , de M. Loureiro Ana Paula
Published: January 2017

The occurrence of biochemical alterations that last for a long period of time in diabetic individuals even after adequate handling of glycemia is an intriguing phenomenon named metabolic memory. In this study, we show that a kidney pathway is gradually altered during the course of diabetes and remains persistently changed after late glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. This pathway comprises an early decline of uric acid clearance and pAMPK expression followed by fumarate accumulation, increased TGF-β expression, reduced PGC-1α expression, and downregulation of methylation and hydroxymethylation of mitochondrial DNA. The sustained decrease of uric acid clearance in treated diabetes may support the prolonged kidney biochemical alterations observed after tight glycemic control, and this regulation is likely mediated by the sustained decrease of AMPK activity and the induction of inflammation. This manuscript proposes the first consideration of the possible role of hyperuricemia and the underlying biochemical changes as part of metabolic memory in diabetic nephropathy development after glycemic control.
Correction: Corrigendum: Construction and application of a co-expression network in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Jiang Jun , Sun Xian , Wu Wei , Li Li , Wu Hai , Zhang Lu , Yu Guohua , Li Yao
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28422; published online: 22 June 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 A supplementary dataset containing 3411 genes and their expression profiles from 303 microarrays available in the public domain, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was omitted from the original version of this Article.
Correction: Corrigendum: nanoSQUID operation using kinetic rather than magnetic induction
Authors: McCaughan Adam N. , Zhao Qingyuan , Berggren Karl K.
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 28095; published online: 14 June 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 The authors neglected to cite previous studies related to the use of current injection as a viable means to control SQUIDs. These additional references are listed below as references 1, 2 and 3 and should appear in the Introduction section as below.
Differential cytotoxic effects of graphene and graphene oxide on skin keratinocytes
Authors: Pelin Marco , Fusco Laura , León Verónica , Martín Cristina , Criado Alejandro , Sosa Silvio , Vázquez Ester , Tubaro Aurelia , Prato Maurizio
Published: January 2017

Impressive properties make graphene-based materials (GBMs) promising tools for nanoelectronics and biomedicine. However, safety concerns need to be cleared before mass production of GBMs starts. As skin, together with lungs, displays the highest exposure to GBMs, it is of fundamental importance to understand what happens when GBMs get in contact with skin cells. The present study was carried out on HaCaT keratinocytes, an in vitro model of skin toxicity, on which the effects of four GBMs were evaluated: a few layer graphene, prepared by ball-milling treatment (FLG), and three samples of graphene oxide (GOs, a research-grade GO1, and two commercial GOs, GO2 and GO3). Even though no significant effects were observed after 24 h, after 72 h the less oxidized compound (FLG) was the less cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s of 62.8 μg/mL (WST-8 assay) and 45.5 μg/mL (propidium iodide uptake), respectively. By contrast, the largest and most oxidized compound, GO3, was the most cytotoxic, inducing mitochondrial and plasma-membrane damages with EC50s of 5.4 and 2.9 μg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that only high concentrations and long exposure times to FLG and GOs could impair mitochondrial activity associated with plasma membrane damage, suggesting low cytotoxic effects at the skin level.
SNP rs11185644 of RXRA gene is identified for dose-response variability to vitamin D3 supplementation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Mingzhi , Zhao Lan-Juan , Zhou Yu , Badr Rhamee , Watson Patrice , Ye An , Zhou Boting , Zhang Jigang , Deng Hong-Wen , Recker Robert R. , Lappe Joan M.
Published: January 2017

The level of serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] has high heritability, suggesting that genes may contribute to variations in serum 25(OH)D level and vitamin D dose-response. As vitamin D deficiency has been linked to numerous diseases, understanding how genetic variation contributes to vitamin D dose-response is important for personalized vitamin D treatment and cost-effective disease prevention. To identify genetic variants responsible for vitamin D status and dose-response, we performed two vitamin D3 and calcium clinical supplementation trials in 2,207 postmenopausal Caucasian women. We examined the association of 291 SNPs with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels and 25(OH)D dose-response. Five SNPs, rs10500804 (P = 4.93 × 10−7), rs2060793 (P = 6.63 × 10−7), rs10741657 (P = 1.49 × 10−6), rs10766197 (P = 1.05 × 10−5) and rs11023380 (P = 7.67 × 10−5) in the CYP2R1 gene, as well as 6 SNPs, rs4588 (P = 7.86 × 10−7), rs2298850 (P = 1.94 × 10−6), rs1155563 (P = 6.39 × 10−6), rs705119 (P = 2.80 × 10−5), rs705120 (P = 1.08 × 10−4) and rs222040 (P = 1.59 × 10−4) in the GC gene were associated with baseline serum 25(OH)D levels. SNP rs11185644 near the RXRA was significantly associated with 25(OH)D dose-response (P = 1.01 × 10−4). Our data suggest that polymorphisms in the CYP2R1 and GC gene may contribute to variation in baseline serum 25(OH)D concentration, and that polymorphism rs11185644 may contribute to variation in 25(OH)D dose-response in healthy postmenopausal Caucasian women.
Steady-state and dynamic network modes for perceptual expectation
Authors: Choi Uk-Su , Sung Yul-Wan , Ogawa Seiji
Published: January 2017

Perceptual expectation can attenuate repetition suppression, the stimulus-induced neuronal response generated by repeated stimulation, suggesting that repetition suppression is a top-down modulatory phenomenon. However, it is still unclear which high-level brain areas are involved and how they interact with low-level brain areas. Further, the temporal range over which perceptual expectation can effectively attenuate repetition suppression effects remains unclear. To elucidate the details of this top-down modulatory process, we used two short and long inter-stimulus intervals for a perceptual expectation paradigm of paired stimulation. We found that top-down modulation enhanced the response to the unexpected stimulus when repetition suppression was weak and that the effect disappeared at 1,000 ms prior to stimulus exposure. The high-level areas involved in this process included the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG_L) and left parietal lobule (IPL_L). We also found two systems providing modulatory input to the right fusiform face area (FFA_R): one from IFG_L and the other from IPL_L. Most importantly, we identified two states of networks through which perceptual expectation modulates sensory responses: one is a dynamic state and the other is a steady state. Our results provide the first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) evidence of temporally nested networks in brain processing.
Micro-Structured Two-Component 3D Metamaterials with Negative Thermal-Expansion Coefficient from Positive Constituents
Authors: Qu Jingyuan , Kadic Muamer , Naber Andreas , Wegener Martin
Published: January 2017

Controlling the thermal expansion of materials is of great technological importance. Uncontrolled thermal expansion can lead to failure or irreversible destruction of structures and devices. In ordinary crystals, thermal expansion is governed by the asymmetry of the microscopic binding potential, which cannot be adjusted easily. In artificial crystals called metamaterials, thermal expansion can be controlled by structure. Here, following previous theoretical work, we fabricate three-dimensional (3D) two-component polymer micro-lattices by using gray-tone laser lithography. We perform cross-correlation analysis of optical microscopy images taken at different sample temperatures. The derived displacement-vector field reveals that the thermal expansion and resulting bending of the bi-material beams leads to a rotation of the 3D chiral crosses arranged onto a 3D checkerboard pattern within one metamaterial unit cell. These rotations can compensate the expansion of the all positive constituents, leading to an effectively near-zero thermal length-expansion coefficient, or over-compensate the expansion, leading to an effectively negative thermal length-expansion coefficient. This evidences a striking level of thermal-expansion control.
A novel, density-independent and FTIR-compatible approach for the rapid extraction of microplastics from aquatic sediments
Authors: Crichton Ellika M. , Noël Marie , Gies Esther A. , Ross Peter S.
Published: January 2017

We present here a novel, density-independent, FTIR-compatible and inexpensive approach for extracting microplastics from aquatic sediments.
Pd/Cu-Catalyzed aerobic oxidative aromatic C–H bond activation/N-dealkylative carbonylation towards the synthesis of phenanthridinones
Authors: Shi Renyi , Niu Huiying , Lu Lijun , Lei Aiwen
Published: January 2017

A straightforward Pd/Cu-catalyzed oxidative C–H bond activation/N-dealkylative carbonylation of tertiary [1,1′-biphenyl]-2-anilines towards the synthesis of various biologically important phenanthridin-6(5H)-ones has been developed. A wide range of functional groups are well tolerated in this transformation.
An optical dynamic study of MAPbBr3 single crystals passivated with MAPbCl3/I3-MAPbBr3 heterojunctions
Authors: Lu Haizhou , Zhang Huotian , Yuan Sijian , Wang Jiao , Zhan Yiqiang , Zheng Lirong
Published: January 2017

Recently, perovskite based solar cells have attracted lots of research interest, some of which is in the passivation of perovskite surfaces, particularly the heterojunction based surface passivation.
Estimating carrier relaxation times in the Ba8Ga16Ge30 clathrate in the extrinsic regime
Authors: González-Romero Robert L. , Antonelli A.
Published: January 2017

The carrier relaxation process in single crystals is dominated by electron–phonon scattering. In polycrystals, scattering at grain boundaries dominates.
Group 12 metal complexes of (2-piperazine-1-yl-ethyl)-pyridin-2-yl-methylene-amine: rare participation of terminal piperazine N in coordination leads to structural diversity
Authors: Purkait Suranjana , Aullón Gabriel , Zangrando Ennio , Chakraborty Prateeti
Published: January 2017

Changing from 3d10–4d10–5d10in presence of a Schiff-base ligand we obtained complexes having different nuclearities with participation of piperazine nitrogen. DFT analysis confirms coordination environment around metal centre.
Hierarchical high internal phase emulsions and transparent oleogels stabilized by quillaja saponin-coated nanodroplets for color performance
Authors: Chen Xiao-Wei , Wang Jin-Mei , Guo Jian , Wan Zhi-Li , Yin Shou-Wei , Yang Xiao-Quan
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report novel high internal phase emulsions and transparent oleogels that exhibit a hierarchical configuration by manipulating the spatial assembly of a natural small molecular-weight quillaja saponin for color performance.
Mimicking liver sinusoidal structures and functions using a 3D-configured microfluidic chip
Authors: Du Yu , Li Ning , Yang Hao , Luo Chunhua , Gong Yixin , Tong Chunfang , Gao Yuxin , Lü Shouqin , Long Mian
Published: January 2017

Replicate key structures and functions in a liver chip integrating shear flow and primary hepatic cells.
Brillouin flow cytometry for label-free mechanical phenotyping of the nucleus
Authors: Zhang Jitao , Nou Xuefei A. , Kim Hanyoup , Scarcelli Giuliano
Published: January 2017

A flow cytometry technique featuring the all-optical measurement of nuclear mechanical properties is developed by integrating Brillouin spectroscopy with microfluidics.
Introducing tetramethylurea as a new methylene precursor: a microwave-assisted RuCl3-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling approach to bis(indolyl)methanes
Authors: Deb Mohit L. , Borpatra Paran J. , Saikia Prakash J. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: January 2017

The microwave-assisted synthesis of symmetrical/unsymmetrical bis(indolyl)methanes using tetramethylurea as a methylene source.
Anti-cancer effects of torulene, isolated from Sporidiobolus pararoseus, on human prostate cancer LNCaP and PC-3 cells via a mitochondrial signal pathway and the down-regulation of AR expression
Authors: Du Chao , Guo Yahui , Cheng Yuliang , Han Mei , Zhang Weiguo , Qian He
Published: January 2017

Torulene, inhibit LNCaP and PC-3 cells growth through Bcl-2/Bax mediated apoptosis and AR down-regulation.
Regulating C4-dicarboxylate transporters for improving fumaric acid production
Authors: Zhang Ting , Song Ruirui , Wang Meng , Deng Li , Fan Lihai , Wang Fang
Published: January 2017

Although many efforts have been made to engineerEscherichia colifor fumaric acid production, the fumarate efflux system has not been investigated as an engineering target to improve fumaric acid production.
Synthesis of graphene oxide/polyimide mixed matrix membranes for desalination
Authors: Feng Bo , Xu Kai , Huang Aisheng
Published: January 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated into polyimide (PI) to fabricate GO/PI mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), which show a high water flux (36.1 kg m−2 h−1) and a high salt rejection (99.9%) for desalination of 3.5 wt% seawater at 90 °C.
Carrier type change induced by fluorine doping in spin-chain compound Ca3Co2O6
Authors: Song Jiyue , Zhao Bangchuan , Huang Yanan , Qin Yanfeng , Zhou Jiafeng , Song Wenhai , Sun Yuping
Published: January 2017

Temperature dependence of thermopower for Ca3Co2O6−xFx.
A polycaprolactone/fish collagen/alginate biocomposite supplemented with phlorotannin for hard tissue regeneration
Authors: Im JeongHyeong , Choi Chang Hyun , Mun Frederick , Lee JaeHwan , Kim Hyunggun , Jung Won-Kyo , Jang Chul Ho , Kim GeunHyung
Published: January 2017

A biocomposite scaffold supplemented with collagen extracted from fish skin and phlorotannin from brown algae was proposed.
Study of structure–performance relationships of polymeric dispersants on particle dispersion and stabilisation
Authors: Fang Tommy , Huo Meng , Wan Zhengyi , Chen Hongge , Peng Liao , Liu Lei , Yuan Jinying
Published: January 2017

Three different structural types of polymeric dispersants were synthesised, optimised and systematically compared over SiO2 particle dispersion, developing structure–performance relationships.
CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite:poly(N-vinylcarbazole) blends for broadband optical limiting
Authors: Bai Ting , Dong Ningning , Cheng Hongxia , Cheng Qing , Wang Jun , Chen Yu
Published: January 2017

The superior optical limiting performance of the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite: poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (weight ratio: 1 : 1) blends was experimentally studied in both DMF and in the PMMA matrix, respectively, by open aperture Z-scan method.
A cobalt tungstate compound sensing electrode for hydrogen detection based upon mixed-potential type sensors
Authors: Li Y. , Li X. , Wang J. , Jun Y. , Tang Z.
Published: January 2017

An yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (YSZ) based mixed-potential sensor coupled with CoWO4 as the sensing electrode was developed for hydrogen detection at elevated temperatures.
Ligand- and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck couplings of (Het)aryl chlorides and bromides catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles supported on in situ generated Al(OH)3
Authors: Li Xing , Gong Xiaolei , Li Zhipeng , Chang Honghong , Gao Wenchao , Wei Wenlong
Published: January 2017

The ligand- and copper-free Sonogashira and Heck couplings catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles supported on newly generated Al(OH)3, were developed.
Superlubricity of hydrogenated carbon films in a nitrogen gas environment: adsorption and electronic interactions at the sliding interface
Authors: Wang Chengbing , Li Bingrui , Ling Xiaoming , Zhang Junyan
Published: January 2017

We proposed a superlubricity mechanism of hydrogenated carbon films based on surface hydrogen bonds. Theoretical calculations indicating the proposed is reasonable.
Two-dimensional confined electron donor–acceptor co-intercalated inorganic/organic nanocomposites: an effective photocatalyst for dye degradation
Authors: Zheng Shufang , Lu Jun , Shi Jingjing , Duan Xue
Published: January 2017

An effective photocatalyst for dye degradation based on two-dimensional confined electron donor–acceptor co-assembled layered double hydroxide nanocomposites was developed.
Structures of spin-coated and annealed monolayer and multilayer poly(3-dodecylthiophene) thin films
Authors: Roy I. , Hazra S.
Published: January 2017

The effects of film thickness and post annealing on the edge-on ordering and grain-size of spin-coated P3DDT films, which are of immense importance for their better device performances, were investigated using complementary XR and AFM techniques.
Mandelic acid derived ionic liquids: synthesis, toxicity and biodegradability
Authors: Prydderch Hannah , Haiβ Annette , Spulak Marcel , Quilty Brid , Kümmerer Klaus , Heise Andreas , Gathergood Nicholas
Published: January 2017

Novel ionic liquids have been synthesised directly from the renewable resource mandelic acid and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity and biodegradability.
A silica/PVA adhesive hybrid material with high transparency, thermostability and mechanical strength
Authors: Pingan Hu , Mengjun Jia , Yanyan Zuo , Ling He
Published: January 2017

Silica/PVA hybrids containing over 50 wt% silica were prepared, exhibiting high transmittance, Young's modulus, thermostability, adhesive strength and hygrothermal resistance.
Design and characterization of a microbial self-healing gel for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Wu Jun , Wang Hou-Feng , Wang Xian-Bin , Yang Hai-Yang , Jiang Ru-Yi , Zeng Raymond J.
Published: January 2017

Due to the heterogeneity of rock layers, the poor volumetric sweep efficiency of water and an invalid cycle have emerged as major problems in crude oil production.
Synthesis of a Fe3O4@P4VP@metal–organic framework core–shell structure and studies of its aerobic oxidation reactivity
Authors: Miao Zongcheng , Shu Xin , Ramella Daniele
Published: January 2017

A novel core–shell magnetic Fe3O4@P4VP@MIL-100(Fe) composite material has been synthesized and its aerobic oxidation activity has been extensively studied.
Experimental and kinetic studies of coal–CO2 gasification in isothermal and pressurized conditions
Authors: Liu Lang , Cao Yan , Liu Qingcai , Yang Jian
Published: January 2017

This study is to explicate the reaction mechanisms and kinetics of high-pressure char CO2 gasification via a joint experimental and model simulation approach.
Matrix isolation FTIR study of hydrogen-bonded complexes of methanol with heterocyclic organic compounds
Authors: Jiang Xiaotong , Liu Shijie , Tsona Narcisse T. , Tang Shanshan , Ding Lei , Zhao Hailiang , Du Lin
Published: January 2017

Hydrogen bonded complexes of heterocyclic compounds with methanol were studied using matrix isolation FTIR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
Ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets with an extended visible-light-responsive range for significant enhancement of photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Yanfang , Chen Jingjing , Mao Zhiyong , An Na , Wang Dajian , Fahlman Bradley D.
Published: January 2017

Ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride (UGCN) nanosheets with an extended region of visible light response and enhanced surface area were constructed for a significant enhancement in photocatalysis.
Novel core–shell structured Si/S-doped-carbon composite with buffering voids as high performance anode for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Shao Dan , Smolianova Inna , Tang Daoping , Zhang Lingzhi
Published: January 2017

Novel core–shell structured Si/S-doped carbon composite with buffering voids prepared by hydrothermal method and followed by carbonization and removal of template layer, exhibiting a reversible capacity of 664 mA h g−1 over 300 cycles.
Gas phase conversion of eugenol into various hydrocarbons and platform chemicals
Authors: Verma Anand Mohan , Kishore Nanda
Published: January 2017

The unprocessed bio-oil derived from pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is a mixture of hundreds of oxy-compounds which vitiate the quality of bio-oil; therefore, it needs to be upgraded.
Copper sulfide-functionalized molybdenum disulfide nanohybrids as nanoenzyme mimics for electrochemical immunoassay of myoglobin in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Yi , Liang Wenbin , Yu Xuejun , Tan Hu , Wang Guoqiang , Li Aimin , Jin Jun , Huang Lan
Published: January 2017

Myoglobin is one of the most commonly used cardiac biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide.
Preparation of high antistatic HDPE/polyaniline encapsulated graphene nanoplatelet composites by solution blending
Authors: Wang Quan , Wang Yuming , Meng Qingguo , Wang Tinglan , Guo Weihong , Wu Genhua , You Li
Published: January 2017

High antistatic HDPE composites were firstly prepared by solution blending with polyaniline encapsulated graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites.
A novel composite of W18O49 nanorods on reduced graphene oxide sheets based on in situ synthesis and catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Guo Jiahao , Shi Yantao , Zhou Huawei , Wang Xuchun , Ma Tingli
Published: January 2017

A novel composite catalyst based on in situ synthesis of W18O49 nanorods on reduced graphene oxide sheets was successfully fabricated through a one-pot solvothermal route.
CeO2@C derived from benzene carboxylate bridged metal–organic frameworks: ligand induced morphology evolution and influence on the electrochemical properties as a lithium-ion battery anode
Authors: Maiti Sandipan , Dhawa Tanumoy , Mallik Awadesh Kumar , Mahanty Sourindra
Published: January 2017

Spherically shaped MOF-derived CeO2@C shows a superior performance as a lithium-ion battery anode with high specific capacity, rate performance and cycling stability.
Shape-controlled synthesis of single-crystalline anatase TiO2 micro/nanoarchitectures for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ding Yong , Zhang Tingting , Liu Cheng , Yang Yi , Pan Jiahong , Yao Jianxi , Hu Linhua , Dai Songyuan
Published: January 2017

Single crystal TiO2 nanocrystals were assembled into different TiO2 micro/nanoarchitectures. Various characterizations are conducted to understand the correlation between particle morphology, crystallinity, surface energy and anisotropic crystal growth of the nanocrystals.
Development of hepatic blocks using human adipose tissue-derived stem cells through three-dimensional cell printing techniques
Authors: Lee Ji-Seon , Yoon Hyeon , Yoon Dajeong , Kim Geun Hyung , Yang Hyeong Tae , Chun Wook
Published: January 2017

Currently, most acute liver diseases are treated through liver transplantation.
Widely tunable and anisotropic charge carrier mobility in monolayer tin(ii) selenide using biaxial strain: a first-principles study
Authors: Zhou Mei , Chen Xiaobin , Li Menglei , Du Aijun
Published: January 2017

Our first-principles study demonstrate that biaxial tensile/compressive strain is vital in manipulating transport properties of monolayer SnSe.
Facile chemical solution synthesis of p-type delafossite Ag-based transparent conducting AgCrO2 films in an open condition
Authors: Wei Renhuai , Tang Xianwu , Hu Ling , Yang Jie , Zhu Xiaoguang , Song Wenhai , Dai Jianming , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: January 2017

p-Type transparent conducting delafossite AgCrO2 thin films with a wide bandgap (3.41 eV) are synthesized in an open system.
Correction: Polymer-bound antioxidants in grafted membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Buchmüller Yves , Wokaun Alexander , Gubler Lorenz
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘Polymer-bound antioxidants in grafted membranes for fuel cells’ by Yves Buchmüller et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 5870–5882.
Low‐cost fabrication of polymer substrate‐based piezoelectric microgenerator with PPE, IDE and ME
Authors: Balpande S.S. , Bhaiyya M.L. , Pande R.S.
Published: January 2017

Piezoelectric microgenerator is an incredible method which makes a self‐powered wireless sensor node. It is a process of converting ambient energy into electrical energy. Flexible microgenerator goes well with many natural curved, rough and arbitrary surfaces such as human bodies, organisms, clothes and structure surfaces. Zinc oxide and polymer have been used as piezoelectric material and substrate, respectively, for biocompatible device. The harmonic analysis was carried out using finite element method (FEM) tool to examine the effect of the electrodes on the output voltage. Microgenerators with different electrodes were fabricated and examined their performance. Traditional parallel plate metal electrodes (PPEs) are prone to cracks and internal defects on bending or stretching, thus mesh electrodes (MEs) has been proposed. Copper MEs based microgenerator has performed at par. Open‐circuit electric potential of 2.8 VPEAK, 435 mVRMS for ME against electric potential of 2.3 VPEAK, 430 mVRMS and 0.9 V, 340 VPEAK, 40 mVRMS for interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) and PPE, respectively, were recorded. Design, fabrication, electrical characterisation and comparative evaluation of microgenerator with three different electrodes are presented.
Containment analysis of Markov jump swarm systems with stationary distribution
Authors: Ji Huihui , Zhang He , Cui Baotong
Published: January 2017

Containment control problems for high‐order linear Markov jump swarm systems with a dynamic output feedback under directed interaction topologies are investigated. A necessary and sufficient condition for Markov jump swarm systems to guarantee output containment is proposed. A sufficient condition is further presented to ensure the scalability of the criteria. Finally, numerical simulations show that the swarm system achieves output containment under the sufficient condition.
Predicting Full Enteral Feeding in the Postoperative Period in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Triana Miryam , Madero Rosario , Abrams Steven , Martinez Leopoldo , Amesty Maria , Pipaón Miguel , Zozaya Carlos
Published: January 2017

Introduction The objective of the study is to examine the factors associated with time to achieve full enteral feeding after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Materials and Methods Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic data were retrospectively assessed, and uni- and multivariate Cox regression were performed to examine factors predictive of achieving full enteral feeding that was defined as time to achieve120 mL/kg/d after surgical repair.

Results Of 78 infants, 66 underwent intervention before hospital discharge. All infants who survived had reached full enteral feeding at the time of hospital discharge by a median of 22 days (range: 2–119 days) after surgery and 10 days (range: 1–91) after initiation of postoperative enteral feedings. Independent risk factors associated with a longer time to reach full enteral feeding achievement included gastroesophageal reflux and days of antibiotics in the postoperative period. Daily stool passage preoperatively predicted earlier enteral tolerance.

Conclusion Infants who survive congenital diaphragmatic hernia generally are able to achieve full enteral feedings after surgical repair. A longer time to full feeding is needed in the most severe cases, but some specific characteristics can be used to help identify patients at higher risk. Although some of these characteristics are unavoidable, others including rational antibiotic usage and active gastroesophageal reflux prevention and treatment are feasible and may improve enteral tolerance.
Memcapacitor model and its application in chaotic oscillator with memristor
Authors: Wang Guangyi , Zang Shouchi , Wang Xiaoyuan , Yuan Fang , Iu Herbert Ho-Ching
Published: January 2017

Memristors and memcapacitors are two new nonlinear elements with memory. In this paper, we present a Hewlett-Packard memristor model and a charge-controlled memcapacitor model and design a new chaotic oscillator based on the two models for exploring the characteristics of memristors and memcapacitors in nonlinear circuits. Furthermore, many basic dynamical behaviors of the oscillator, including equilibrium sets, Lyapunov exponent spectrums, and bifurcations with various circuit parameters, are investigated theoretically and numerically. Our analysis results show that the proposed oscillator possesses complex dynamics such as an infinite number of equilibria, coexistence oscillation, and multi-stability. Finally, a discrete model of the chaotic oscillator is given and the main statistical properties of this oscillator are verified via Digital Signal Processing chip experiments and National Institute of Standards and Technology tests.
Theoretical description of circular dichroism in photoelectron angular distributions of randomly oriented chiral molecules after multi-photon photoionization
Authors: Goetz R. E. , Isaev T. A. , Nikoobakht B. , Berger R. , Koch C. P.
Published: January 2017

Photoelectron circular dichroism refers to the forward/backward asymmetry in the photoelectron angular distribution with respect to the propagation axis of circularly polarized light. It has recently been demonstrated in femtosecond multi-photon photoionization experiments with randomly oriented camphor and fenchone molecules [C. Lux et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 51, 4755 (2012) and C. S. Lehmann et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 234307 (2013)]. A theoretical framework describing this process as (2+1) resonantly enhanced multi-photon ionization is constructed, which consists of two-photon photoselection from randomly oriented molecules and successive one-photon ionization of the photoselected molecules. It combines perturbation theory for the light-matter interaction with ab initio calculations for the two-photon absorption and a single-center expansion of the photoelectron wavefunction in terms of hydrogenic continuum functions. It is verified that the model correctly reproduces the basic symmetry behavior expected under exchange of handedness and light helicity. When applied to fenchone and camphor, semi-quantitative agreement with the experimental data is found, for which a sufficient d wave character of the electronically excited intermediate state is crucial.
Plasmonic silicon Schottky photodetectors: The physics behind graphene enhanced internal photoemission
Authors: Levy Uriel , Grajower Meir , Gonçalves P. A. D. , Mortensen N. Asger , Khurgin Jacob B.
Published: January 2017

Recent experiments have shown that the plasmonic assisted internal photoemission from a metal to silicon can be significantly enhanced by introducing a monolayer of graphene between the two media. This is despite the limited absorption in a monolayer of undoped graphene (∼πα=2.3%). Here we propose a physical model where surface plasmon polaritons enhance the absorption in a single-layer graphene by enhancing the field along the interface. The relatively long relaxation time in graphene allows for multiple attempts for the carrier to overcome the Schottky barrier and penetrate into the semiconductor. Interface disorder is crucial to overcome the momentum mismatch in the internal photoemission process. Our results show that quantum efficiencies in the range of few tens of percent are obtainable under reasonable experimental assumptions. This insight may pave the way for the implementation of compact, high efficiency silicon based detectors for the telecom range and beyond.
Path integral approach to the Wigner representation of canonical density operators for discrete systems coupled to harmonic baths
Authors: Montoya-Castillo Andrés , Reichman David R.
Published: January 2017

We derive a semi-analytical form for the Wigner transform for the canonical density operator of a discrete system coupled to a harmonic bath based on the path integral expansion of the Boltzmann factor. The introduction of this simple and controllable approach allows for the exact rendering of the canonical distribution and permits systematic convergence of static properties with respect to the number of path integral steps. In addition, the expressions derived here provide an exact and facile interface with quasi- and semi-classical dynamical methods, which enables the direct calculation of equilibrium time correlation functions within a wide array of approaches. We demonstrate that the present method represents a practical path for the calculation of thermodynamic data for the spin-boson and related systems. We illustrate the power of the present approach by detailing the improvement of the quality of Ehrenfest theory for the correlation function Czz(t)=Re⟨σz(0)σz(t)⟩ for the spin-boson model with systematic convergence to the exact sampling function. Importantly, the numerically exact nature of the scheme presented here and its compatibility with semiclassical methods allows for the systematic testing of commonly used approximations for the Wigner-transformed canonical density.