bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative insult can induce malaria-protective trait of sickle and fetal erythrocytes
Authors: Cyrklaff Marek , Srismith Sirikamol , Nyboer Britta , Burda Kvetoslava , Hoffmann Angelika , Lasitschka Felix , Adjalley Sophie , Bisseye Cyrille , Simpore Jacques , Mueller Ann-Kristin , Sanchez Cecilia P. , Frischknecht Friedrich , Lanzer Michael
Published: November 2016

Plasmodium falciparum infections can cause severe malaria, but not every infected person develops life-threatening complications. In particular, carriers of the structural haemoglobinopathies S and C and infants are protected from severe disease. Protection is associated with impaired parasite-induced host actin reorganization, required for vesicular trafficking of parasite-encoded adhesins, and reduced cytoadherence of parasitized erythrocytes in the microvasculature. Here we show that aberrant host actin remodelling and the ensuing reduced cytoadherence result from a redox imbalance inherent to haemoglobinopathic and fetal erythrocytes. We further show that a transient oxidative insult to wild-type erythrocytes before infection with P. falciparum induces the phenotypic features associated with the protective trait of haemoglobinopathic and fetal erythrocytes. Moreover, pretreatment of mice with the pro-oxidative nutritional supplement menadione mitigate the development of experimental cerebral malaria. Our results identify redox imbalance as a causative principle of protection from severe malaria, which might inspire host-directed intervention strategies.
Correction: Corrigendum: Retinal transcriptome sequencing sheds light on the adaptation to nocturnal and diurnal lifestyles in raptors
Authors: Wu Yonghua , Hadly Elizabeth A. , Teng Wenjia , Hao Yuyang , Liang Wei , Liu Yu , Wang Haitao
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 33578; published online: 20 September 2016; updated: 08 November 2016.
MenaINV dysregulates cortactin phosphorylation to promote invadopodium maturation
Authors: Weidmann Maxwell D. , Surve Chinmay R. , Eddy Robert J. , Chen Xiaoming , Gertler Frank B. , Sharma Ved P. , Condeelis John S.
Published: November 2016

Invadopodia, actin-based protrusions of invasive carcinoma cells that focally activate extracellular matrix-degrading proteases, are essential for the migration and intravasation of tumor cells during dissemination from the primary tumor. We have previously shown that cortactin phosphorylation at tyrosine residues, in particular tyrosine 421, promotes actin polymerization at newly-forming invadopodia, promoting their maturation to matrix-degrading structures. However, the mechanism by which cells regulate the cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycle at invadopodia is unknown. Mena, an actin barbed-end capping protein antagonist, is expressed as various splice-isoforms. The MenaINV isoform is upregulated in migratory and invasive sub-populations of breast carcinoma cells, and is involved in tumor cell intravasation. Here we show that forced MenaINV expression increases invadopodium maturation to a far greater extent than equivalent expression of other Mena isoforms. MenaINV is recruited to invadopodium precursors just after their initial assembly at the plasma membrane, and promotes the phosphorylation of cortactin tyrosine 421 at invadopodia. In addition, we show that cortactin phosphorylation at tyrosine 421 is suppressed by the phosphatase PTP1B, and that PTP1B localization to the invadopodium is reduced by MenaINV expression. We conclude that MenaINV promotes invadopodium maturation by inhibiting normal dephosphorylation of cortactin at tyrosine 421 by the phosphatase PTP1B.
Capturing Structural Dynamics in Crystalline Silicon Using Chirped Electrons from a Laser Wakefield Accelerator
Authors: He Z.-H. , Beaurepaire B. , Nees J. A. , Gallé G. , Scott S. A. , Pérez J. R. Sánchez , Lagally M. G. , Krushelnick K. , Thomas A. G. R. , Faure J.
Published: November 2016

Recent progress in laser wakefield acceleration has led to the emergence of a new generation of electron and X-ray sources that may have enormous benefits for ultrafast science. These novel sources promise to become indispensable tools for the investigation of structural dynamics on the femtosecond time scale, with spatial resolution on the atomic scale. Here, we demonstrate the use of laser-wakefield-accelerated electron bunches for time-resolved electron diffraction measurements of the structural dynamics of single-crystal silicon nano-membranes pumped by an ultrafast laser pulse. In our proof-of-concept study, we resolve the silicon lattice dynamics on a picosecond time scale by deflecting the momentum-time correlated electrons in the diffraction peaks with a static magnetic field to obtain the time-dependent diffraction efficiency. Further improvements may lead to femtosecond temporal resolution, with negligible pump-probe jitter being possible with future laser-wakefield-accelerator ultrafast-electron-diffraction schemes.
Future climate impacts on maize farming and food security in Malawi
Authors: Stevens Tilele , Madani Kaveh
Published: November 2016

Agriculture is the mainstay of Malawi’s economy and maize is the most important crop for food security. As a Least Developed Country (LDC), adverse effects of climate change (CC) on agriculture in Malawi are expected to be significant. We examined the impacts of CC on maize production and food security in Malawi’s dominant cereal producing region, Lilongwe District. We used five Global Circulation Models (GCMs) to make future (2011 to 2100) rainfall and temperature projections and simulated maize yields under these projections. Our future rainfall projections did not reveal a strong increasing or decreasing trend, but temperatures are expected to increase. Our crop modelling results, for the short-term future, suggest that maize farming might benefit from CC. However, faster crop growth could worsen Malawi’s soil fertility problem. Increasing temperature could drive lower maize yields in the medium to long-term future. Consequently, up to 12% of the population in Lilongwe District might be vulnerable to food insecurity by the end of the century. Measures to increase soil fertility and moisture must be developed to build resilience into Malawi’s agriculture sector.
Peripheral and spinal 5-HT receptors participate in cholestatic itch and antinociception induced by bile duct ligation in rats
Authors: Tian Bin , Wang Xue-Long , Huang Ya , Chen Li-Hua , Cheng Ruo-Xiao , Zhou Feng-Ming , Guo Ran , Li Jun-Cheng , Liu Tong
Published: November 2016

Although 5-HT has been implicated in cholestatic itch and antinociception, two common phenomena in patients with cholestatic disease, the roles of 5-HT receptor subtypes are unclear. Herein, we investigated the roles of 5-HT receptors in itch and antinociception associated with cholestasis, which was induced by common bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. 5-HT-induced enhanced scratching and antinociception to mechanical and heat stimuli were demonstrated in BDL rats. 5-HT level in the skin and spinal cord was significantly increased in BDL rats. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed 5-HT1B, 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3A, 5-HT5B, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 were up-regulated in peripheral nervous system and 5-HT1A, 5-HT1F, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT3A were down-regulated in the spinal cord of BDL rats. Intradermal 5-HT2, 5-HT3, and 5-HT7 receptor agonists induced scratching in BDL rats, whereas 5-HT3 agonist did not induce scratching in sham rats. 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, 5-HT3, and 5-HT7 agonists or antagonists suppressed itch in BDL rats. 5-HT1A agonist attenuated, but 5-HT1A antagonist enhanced antinociception in BDL rats. 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 agonists or antagonists attenuated antinociception in BDL rats. Our data suggested peripheral and central 5-HT system dynamically participated in itch and antinociception under cholestasis condition and targeting 5-HT receptors may be an effective treatment for cholestatic itch.
Achieving high mobility, low-voltage operating organic field-effect transistor nonvolatile memory by an ultraviolet-ozone treating ferroelectric terpolymer
Authors: Xiang Lanyi , Wang Wei , Xie Wenfa
Published: November 2016

Poly(vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene) has been widely used as a dielectric of the ferroelectric organic field-effect transistor (FE-OFET) nonvolatile memory (NVM). Some critical issues, including low mobility and high operation voltage, existed in these FE-OFET NVMs, should be resolved before considering to their commercial application. In this paper, we demonstrated low-voltage operating FE-OFET NVMs based on a ferroelectric terpolymer poly(vinylidene-fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)] owed to its low coercive field. By applying an ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) treatment to modify the surface of P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) films, the growth model of the pentacene film was changed, which improved the pentacene grain size and the interface morphology of the pentacene/P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE). Thus, the mobility of the FE-OFET was significantly improved. As a result, a high performance FE-OFET NVM, with a high mobility of 0.8 cm2 V−1 s−1, large memory window of 15.4~19.2, good memory on/off ratio of 103, the reliable memory endurance over 100 cycles and stable memory retention ability, was achieved at a low operation voltage of ±15 V.
A structural and functional study on the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate cytidyltransferase (IspD) from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Jin Yun , Liu Zhongchuan , Li Yanjie , Liu Weifeng , Tao Yong , Wang Ganggang
Published: November 2016

2-C-Methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate cytidyltransferase (IspD) is an essential enzyme in the mevalonate-independent pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis. This enzyme catalyzes 2-C-Methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) and cytosine triphosphate (CTP) to 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methyl-d-erythritol (CDPME) and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). Bacillus subtilis was a kind of excellent isoprene producer. However, the studies on the key enzymes of MEP pathway in B. subtilis were still absent. In this work, the crystal structures of IspD and IspD complexed with CTP from B.subtilis were determined. For the first time, the intact P-loop was observed in the apo structure of IspD enzyme. Structural comparisons revealed that the concerted movements of the P-loop and loops close to the active site were essential in the reaction catalyzed by IspD. Meanwhile, kinetic analysis showed that the CTP hydrolytic activity of IspD from B.subtilis was over two times higher than that from Escherichia coli. These results will be useful for future target-based screening of potential inhibitors and the metabolic engineering for isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Correction: Corrigendum: Monitoring live human mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and subsequent selection using fluorescent RNA-based probes
Authors: Li Bojun , Menzel Ursula , Loebel Claudia , Schmal Hagen , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J.
Published: November 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26014; published online: 20 May 2016; updated: 08 November 2016.
Bacterial community structure and function shift along a successional series of tidal flats in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Lv Xiaofei , Ma Bin , Yu Junbao , Chang Scott X. , Xu Jianming , Li Yunzhao , Wang Guangmei , Han Guangxuan , Bo Guan , Chu Xiaojing
Published: November 2016

Coastal ecosystems play significant ecological and economic roles but are threatened and facing decline. Microbes drive various biogeochemical processes in coastal ecosystems. Tidal flats are critical components of coastal ecosystems; however, the structure and function of microbial communities in tidal flats are poorly understood. Here we investigated the seasonal variations of bacterial communities along a tidal flat series (subtidal, intertidal and supratidal flats) and the factors affecting the variations. Bacterial community composition and diversity were analyzed over four seasons by 16S rRNA genes using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. Bacterial community composition differed significantly along the tidal flat series. Bacterial phylogenetic diversity increased while phylogenetic turnover decreased from subtidal to supratidal flats. Moreover, the bacterial community structure differed seasonally. Canonical correspondence analysis identified salinity as a major environmental factor structuring the microbial community in the sediment along the successional series. Meanwhile, temperature and nitrite concentration were major drivers of seasonal microbial changes. Despite major compositional shifts, nitrogen, methane and energy metabolisms predicted by PICRUSt were inhibited in the winter. Taken together, this study indicates that bacterial community structure changed along the successional tidal flat series and provides new insights on the characteristics of bacterial communities in coastal ecosystems.
Cucurbitacin D exhibits potent anti-cancer activity in cervical cancer
Authors: Sikander Mohammed , Hafeez Bilal Bin , Malik Shabnam , Alsayari Abdulrhman , Halaweish Fathi T. , Yallapu Murali M. , Chauhan Subhash C. , Jaggi Meena
Published: November 2016

In this study, we for the first time, investigated the potential anti-cancer effects of a novel analogue of cucurbitacin (Cucurbitacin D) against cervical cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cucurbitacin D inhibited viability and growth of cervical cancer cells (CaSki and SiHa) in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 of Cucurbitacin D was recorded at 400 nM and 250 nM in CaSki and SiHa cells, respectively. Induction of apoptosis was observed in Cucurbitacin D treated cervical cancer cells as measured by enhanced Annexin V staining and cleavage in PARP protein. Cucurbitacin D treatment of cervical cancer cells arrested the cell cycle in G1/S phase, inhibited constitutive expression of E6, Cyclin D1, CDK4, pRb, and Rb and induced the protein levels of p21 and p27. Cucurbitacin D also inhibited phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 and Tyr705 residues as well as its downstream target genes c-Myc, and MMP9. Cucurbitacin D enhanced the expression of tumor suppressor microRNAs (miR-145, miRNA-143, and miRNA34a) in cervical cancer cells. Cucurbitacin D treatment (1 mg/kg body weight) effectively inhibited growth of cervical cancer cells derived orthotopic xenograft tumors in athymic nude mice. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic efficacy of Cucurbitacin D against cervical cancer.
High-throughput immuno-profiling of mamba (Dendroaspis) venom toxin epitopes using high-density peptide microarrays
Authors: Engmark Mikael , Andersen Mikael R. , Laustsen Andreas H. , Patel Jigar , Sullivan Eric , de Masi Federico , Hansen Christian S. , Kringelum Jens V. , Lomonte Bruno , Gutiérrez José María , Lund Ole
Published: November 2016

Snakebite envenoming is a serious condition requiring medical attention and administration of antivenom. Current antivenoms are antibody preparations obtained from the plasma of animals immunised with whole venom(s) and contain antibodies against snake venom toxins, but also against other antigens. In order to better understand the molecular interactions between antivenom antibodies and epitopes on snake venom toxins, a high-throughput immuno-profiling study on all manually curated toxins from Dendroaspis species and selected African Naja species was performed based on custom-made high-density peptide microarrays displaying linear toxin fragments. By detection of binding for three different antivenoms and performing an alanine scan, linear elements of epitopes and the positions important for binding were identified. A strong tendency of antivenom antibodies recognizing and binding to epitopes at the functional sites of toxins was observed. With these results, high-density peptide microarray technology is for the first time introduced in the field of toxinology and molecular details of the evolution of antibody-toxin interactions based on molecular recognition of distinctive toxic motifs are elucidated.
Depression-like phenotype by deletion of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: Role of BDNF-TrkB in nucleus accumbens
Authors: Zhang Ji-chun , Yao Wei , Ren Qian , Yang Chun , Dong Chao , Ma Min , Wu Jin , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: November 2016

The α7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a role in the inflammation which is implicated in depression. This study was undertaken to examine the role of α7 nAChR in depression using α7 nAChR knock-out (KO) mice. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interlukin-1β in KO mice were higher than wild-type mice, suggesting an inflammatory process in KO mice. α7 nAChR KO mice showed depression-like phenotype. Furthermore, KO mice showed increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB signaling, as well as increased synaptogenesis and spine density in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), although BDNF-TrkB signaling and synaptogenesis were not altered in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Systemic administration of the TrkB antagonist ANA-12, but not the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, showed a rapid antidepressant effect in KO mice by normalizing increased synaptogenesis in the NAc. In addition, bilateral infusion of ANA-12 into NAc promoted a rapid antidepressant effect in KO mice by normalizing increased synaptogenesis in the NAc. These findings suggest that increased BDNF-TrkB signaling and synaptogenesis in the NAc by deletion of α7 nAChR plays a key role in depression.
Random mutagenesis of the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus using in vitro mariner transposition and natural transformation
Authors: Guschinskaya Natalia , Brunel Romain , Tourte Maxime , Lipscomb Gina L. , Adams Michael W. W. , Oger Philippe , Charpentier Xavier
Published: November 2016

Transposition mutagenesis is a powerful tool to identify the function of genes, reveal essential genes and generally to unravel the genetic basis of living organisms. However, transposon-mediated mutagenesis has only been successfully applied to a limited number of archaeal species and has never been reported in Thermococcales. Here, we report random insertion mutagenesis in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. The strategy takes advantage of the natural transformability of derivatives of the P. furiosus COM1 strain and of in vitro Mariner-based transposition. A transposon bearing a genetic marker is randomly transposed in vitro in genomic DNA that is then used for natural transformation of P. furiosus. A small-scale transposition reaction routinely generates several hundred and up to two thousands transformants. Southern analysis and sequencing showed that the obtained mutants contain a single and random genomic insertion. Polyploidy has been reported in Thermococcales and P. furiosus is suspected of being polyploid. Yet, about half of the mutants obtained on the first selection are homozygous for the transposon insertion. Two rounds of isolation on selective medium were sufficient to obtain gene conversion in initially heterozygous mutants. This transposition mutagenesis strategy will greatly facilitate functional exploration of the Thermococcales genomes.
Identification of novel MYO18A interaction partners required for myoblast adhesion and muscle integrity
Authors: Cao Jian-Meng , Cheng Xiao-Ning , Li Shang-Qi , Heller Stefan , Xu Zhi-Gang , Shi De-Li
Published: November 2016

The unconventional myosin MYO18A that contains a PDZ domain is required for muscle integrity during zebrafish development. However, the mechanism by which it functions in myofibers is not clear. The presence of a PDZ domain suggests that MYO18A may interact with other partners to perform muscle-specific functions. Here we performed double-hybrid screening and co-immunoprecipitation to identify MYO18A-interacting proteins, and have identified p190RhoGEF and Golgin45 as novel partners for the MYO18A PDZ domain. We have also identified Lurap1, which was previously shown to bind MYO18A. Functional analyses indicate that, similarly as myo18a, knockdown of lurap1, p190RhoGEF and Golgin45 by morpholino oligonucleotides disrupts dystrophin localization at the sarcolemma and produces muscle lesions. Simultaneous knockdown of myo18a with either of these genes severely disrupts myofiber integrity and dystrophin localization, suggesting that they may function similarly to maintain myofiber integrity. We further show that MYO18A and its interaction partners are required for adhesion of myoblasts to extracellular matrix, and for the formation of the Golgi apparatus and organization of F-actin bundles in myoblast cells. These findings suggest that MYO18A has the potential to form a multiprotein complex that links the Golgi apparatus to F-actin, which regulates muscle integrity and function during early development.
Serotonergic modulation of ‘waiting impulsivity’ is mediated by the impulsivity phenotype in humans
Authors: Neufang S , Akhrif A , Herrmann C G , Drepper C , Homola G A , Nowak J , Waider J , Schmitt A G , Lesch K-P , Romanos M
Published: November 2016

In rodents, the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) has been established as a reliable measure of waiting impulsivity being defined as the ability to regulate a response in anticipation of reinforcement. Key brain structures are the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and prefrontal regions (for example, pre- and infralimbic cortex), which are, together with other transmitters, modulated by serotonin. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we examined 103 healthy males while performing the 5-CSRTT measuring brain activation in humans by means of a paradigm that has been widely applied in rodents. Subjects were genotyped for the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2; G-703T; rs4570625) variant, an enzyme specific for brain serotonin synthesis. We addressed neural activation patterns of waiting impulsivity and the interaction between the NAcc and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) using dynamic causal modeling. Genetic influence was examined via interaction analyses between theTPH2genotype (GG homozygotes vs T allele carriers) and the degree of impulsivity as measured by the 5-CSRTT. We found that the driving input of the vmPFC was reduced in highly impulsive T allele carriers (reflecting a reduced top-down control) in combination with an enhanced response in the NAcc after correct target processing (reflecting an augmented response to monetary reward). Taken together, we found a high overlap of our findings with reports from animal studies in regard to the underlying cognitive processes, the brain regions associated with waiting impulsivity and the neural interplay between the NAcc and vmPFC. Therefore, we conclude that the 5-CSRTT is a promising tool for translational studies.
Neuropathology of mood disorders: do we see the stigmata of inflammation?
Authors: Mechawar N , Savitz J
Published: November 2016

A proportion of cases with mood disorders have elevated inflammatory markers in the blood that conceivably may result from stress, infection and/or autoimmunity. However, it is not yet clear whether depression is a neuroinflammatory disease. Multiple histopathological and molecular abnormalities have been found postmortem but the etiology of these abnormalities is unknown. Here, we take an immunological perspective of this literature. Increases in activated microglia or perivascular macrophages in suicide victims have been reported in the parenchyma. In contrast, astrocytic markers generally are downregulated in mood disorders. Impairment of astrocytic function likely compromises the reuptake of glutamate potentially leading to excitotoxicity. Inflammatory cytokines and microglia/macrophage-derived quinolinic acid (QA) downregulate the excitatory amino acid transporters responsible for this reuptake, while QA has the additional effect of inhibiting astroglial glutamine synthetase, which converts glutamate to glutamine. Given that oligodendroglia are particularly vulnerable to inflammation, it is noteworthy that reductions in numbers or density of oligodendrocyte cells are one of the most prominent findings in depression. Structural and/or functional changes to GABAergic interneurons also are salient in postmortem brain samples, and may conceivably be related to early inflammatory insults. Although the postmortem data are consistent with a neuroimmune etiology in a subgroup of depressed individuals, we do not argue that all depression-associated abnormalities are reflective of a neuroinflammatory process or even that all immunological activity in the brain is deleterious. Rather, we highlight the pervasive role of immune signaling pathways in brain function and provide an alternative perspective on the current postmortem literature.
Altered gray matter organization in children and adolescents with ADHD: a structural covariance connectome study
Authors: Griffiths K R , Grieve S M , Kohn M R , Clarke S , Williams L M , Korgaonkar M S
Published: November 2016

Although multiple studies have reported structural deficits in multiple brain regions in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we do not yet know if these deficits reflect a more systematic disruption to the anatomical organization of large-scale brain networks. Here we used a graph theoretical approach to quantify anatomical organization in children and adolescents with ADHD. We generated anatomical networks based on covariance of gray matter volumes from 92 regions across the brain in children and adolescents with ADHD (n=34) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n=28). Using graph theory, we computed metrics that characterize both the global organization of anatomical networks (interconnectivity (clustering), integration (path length) and balance of global integration and localized segregation (small-worldness)) and their local nodal measures (participation (degree) and interaction (betweenness) within a network). Relative to Controls, ADHD participants exhibited altered global organization reflected in more clustering or network segregation. Locally, nodal degree and betweenness were increased in the subcortical amygdalae in ADHD, but reduced in cortical nodes in the anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate, mid temporal pole and rolandic operculum. In ADHD, anatomical networks were disrupted and reflected an emphasis on subcortical local connections centered around the amygdala, at the expense of cortical organization. Brains of children and adolescents with ADHD may be anatomically configured to respond impulsively to the automatic significance of stimulus input without having the neural organization to regulate and inhibit these responses. These findings provide a novel addition to our current understanding of the ADHD connectome.
Perspective on Analytical Sciences and Nanotechnology
Authors: Sharma Deepali , Kanchi Suvardhan , Bisetty Krishna , Nuthalapati Venkatasubba Naidu
Published: November 2016

This chapter discusses the reciprocal impact of analytical science and nanotechnology and demonstrates how this technology can be expected to reinforce the responsibility of chemists in the field of analytical chemistry. Does analytical nanotechnology constitute the last step in the technical trend for miniaturization via the macro-to-micro-to-nano sequence? It obviously does. However, the “nanoscale” concept has introduced a new scenario where physicochemical principles, laws and properties are quite different from those of the macro and micro worlds. Since then, this concept has been gaining interest, but it is only in recent years that a great development effort has been made to obtain analytical technologies that are able to do direct analysis, using miniaturized equipment, with reduced amounts of solvents, on-site and with reduced energy costs and wastes. These improvements were linked to advances in other research areas (e.g., microelectronics, material sciences, biochemistry and, recently, nanotechnology). To this end, this chapter defines the limits of actual nanotechnological approaches and uses selected examples to illustrate the major relationships between analytical science and nanotechnology, for example: the design and use of nanodevices; the use of nanoparticles (and nanostructures) in analytical processes; and the extraction of accurate chemical information from the nano-world.
Separation Techniques with Nanomaterials: Chromatography and Membrane Applications of Nanomaterials
Authors: Guihen Elizabeth
Published: November 2016

This chapter outlines the fundamentals and theory behind the use of nanomaterials (NMs) in separation science. To date, NMs have successfully been used in many branches of separation science, specifically in pharmaceutical, clinical and environmental applications. Here, the sole focus is on the latest innovations in separation science using NMs for environmental analysis. Firstly, the concepts and theory that underpin this technology will be detailed along with the reasoning behind the use of NMs with miniaturised chemical separation technologies. Some chosen applications involving NM membrane and chromatographic separation techniques will be detailed and discussed, followed by a reflection on the future direction of this exciting and promising technology.
Nanocellulose: A Novel Support for Water Purification
Authors: Wilson Runcy , Joy Jithin , George Gejo , Anuraj V.
Published: November 2016

Water pollution is a serious environmental and public concern all over the world. Many toxic metals (e.g., lead and cadmium) even at trace levels are believed to have adverse effects on human health. Thus, it is important to develop efficient technologies for enhanced removal of toxic metal ions from contaminated waters. Various technologies have been developed for the decontamination of water. Nanocellulose has attracted a great deal of interest as a source of nanometer-sized materials because of their biodegradability, easy availability, and the related characteristics, such as a very large surface-to-volume ratio and outstanding mechanical properties. This article assembles the current applications of nanocellulose in the environment, namely as an adsorbent for heavy metals, water purification, antimicrobial and catalytic activities, and a reinforcement for biodegradable materials. Water pollutant remediation by catalytic decomposition of organic pollutants is a growing application of nanocellulose-based nanocomposites.
Crown Ethers and Cryptands
Authors: Gokel George W
Published: November 2016

Crown Ethers and Cryptands introduces the broad and basic principles of crown ether and cryptand chemistry at the advanced undergraduate, graduate and working professional level. The book provides a brief introduction, outlining the history of the field and goes on to cover syntheses, complexation of cations and molecules, complex structures, applications and recent developments. It aims to acquaint readers with the scope and principles of the field, providing a bibliography of reviews and books as reference to further reading and citations of the original literature.
Supracolloidal fullerene-like cages: design principles and formation mechanisms
Authors: Li Zhan-Wei , Zhu You-Liang , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Sun Zhao-Yan
Published: November 2016

A vast collection of fascinating supracolloidal fullerene-like cages has been achievedviathe self-assembly of soft three-patch particles designed to mimic non-planar sp2hybridized carbon atoms in fullerenes, through the rational design of patch configuration, size, and interaction.
Competing quantum effects in the free energy profiles and diffusion rates of hydrogen and deuterium molecules through clathrate hydrates
Authors: Cendagorta Joseph R. , Powers Anna , Hele Timothy J. H. , Marsalek Ondrej , Bačić Zlatko , Tuckerman Mark E.
Published: November 2016

Depending on the temperature, competing quantum effects are found to accelerate or decelerate the diffusion rate of hydrogen compared to deuterium in clathrates.
Positive and negative linear compressibility and electronic properties of energetic and porous hybrid crystals with nitrate anions
Authors: Korabel’nikov D. V. , Zhuravlev Yu. N.
Published: November 2016

Within the framework of DFT-D calculations, the compressibility anisotropy of UN and DATN energetic nitrates and the Ag(en)N hybrid crystal is established.
Platinum complexes as light promoted anticancer agents: a redefined strategy for controlled activation
Authors: Mitra Koushambi
Published: November 2016

Platinum complexes can act as prodrugs which are non-cytotoxic in the dark but generate active platinum(ii) species and lethal reactive oxygen species on light exposure only in cancer cells, therefore leaving healthy cells unaffected.
Electrocatalytic water oxidation by a molecular catalyst incorporated into a metal–organic framework thin film
Authors: Johnson Ben A. , Bhunia Asamanjoy , Ott Sascha
Published: November 2016

A molecular ruthenium complex incorporated into FTO-grown thin films of UiO-67 catalyzes electrochemical water oxidation.
Biomimetic and bioinspired approaches for wiring enzymes to electrode interfaces
Authors: Saboe Patrick O. , Conte Emelia , Farell Megan , Bazan Guillermo C. , Kumar Manish
Published: November 2016

Our review focuses on biomimetic and bioinspired ideas to improve enzyme-driven bioelectrochemical systems for applications in energy, biomedical and environmental fields.
Selective hydrogenation of CO on Fe3S4{111}: a computational study
Authors: Roldan Alberto , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: November 2016

Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis has been a recursive method to form valuable molecules from syngas. Metal surfaces have been extensively studied as FT catalysts; among them, iron presents several phases under reaction conditions, oxides and carbides, as active sites for the FT and reverse water gas shift reaction. We present CO reduction on an iron sulfide phase with spinel structure, Fe3S4, also considering the pathways where C–O dissociates leaving CHx species on the surface, which may feed longer aliphatic chains via the FT process. We analysed the thermodynamic and kinetic availability of each step leading to O and OH species co-adsorbed on the surface as well as the formation of H2O from the hydrogenation of the alcohol group in the molecule. This detailed analysis led to energy profiles on both active sites of the surface, and we conclude that this Fe3S4 surface is highly selective towards the formation of methanol, in full agreement with experimental results. These findings point out that the C–C bond formation on greigite takes place through a hydroxycarbene FT mechanism.
Acid promoted C–C bond oxidative cleavage of β-O-4 and β-1 lignin models to esters over a copper catalyst
Authors: Wang M. , Li L. H. , Lu J. M. , Li H. J. , Zhang X. C. , Liu H. F. , Luo N. C. , Wang F.
Published: November 2016

The combination of Cu(OAc)2 and BF3·OEt2 is effective for the simultaneous C–C bond cleavage of β-1 and β-O-4 ketones, yielding esters and phenols.
Synthesis of α-functionalized α-indol-3-yl carbonyls through direct SN reactions of indol-3-yl α-acyloins
Authors: Suárez Anisley , Martínez Fernando , Sanz Roberto
Published: November 2016

A new and efficient synthesis of α-functionalized α-indol-3-yl ketones from easily available indolyl α-acyloins is reported.
Boronic esters as protective groups in carbohydrate chemistry: processes for acylation, silylation and alkylation of glycoside-derived boronates
Authors: Mancini Ross S. , Lee Jessica B. , Taylor Mark S.
Published: November 2016

Boronic esters are employed in streamlined protocols for protection, functionalization and deprotection of glycosides, avoiding isolation and purification of intermediates.
Polymerization of acetylene: polyynes, but not carbyne
Authors: Prenzel Dominik , Kirschbaum Rolf W. , Chalifoux Wesley A. , McDonald Robert , Ferguson Michael J. , Drewello Thomas , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: November 2016

Polymerization of acetylene in the presence of sterically-hindered endgroups leads to polyynes, but with lengths shorter than by stepwise syntheses.
In vitro toxicity, apoptosis and antimicrobial effects of phyto-mediated copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gopinath V. , Priyadarshini S. , Al-Maleki A. R. , Alagiri M. , Yahya Rosiyah , Saravanan S. , Vadivelu Jamuna
Published: November 2016

Herein, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are proposed for widespread use in emerging biomedical applications.
Influence of structure–property relationships of two structural isomers of thiophene-flanked diazaisoindigo on carrier-transport properties
Authors: Ashizawa Minoru , Hasegawa Tsukasa , Kawauchi Susumu , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Hikima Takaaki , Sato Hiroyasu , Matsumoto Hidetoshi
Published: November 2016

Two structural isomers of thiophene-flanked diazaisoindigo, 6,6′-substituted6,6′-T-DAIIand 5,5′-substituted5,5′-T-DAII, have been synthesized to study the influence of the connecting modes on the carrier-transport properties.
Rhabdomyolysis induced AKI via the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in PTECs
Authors: Feng Yuying , Ma Liang , Liu Linfeng , Hong Hyokyoung Grace , Zhang Xuemei , Guo Fan , Huang Rongshuang , Shi Min , Li Yi , Zhang Ling , Fu Ping
Published: November 2016

Mechanism for the role of ER stress and oxidative stress activation in rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI.
Multivariate curve resolution-assisted GC-MS analysis of the volatile chemical constituents in Iranian Citrus aurantium L. peel
Authors: Azimi F. , Fatemi M. H.
Published: November 2016

Graphical representation of the MCR-ALS mathematical decomposition for the two-dimensional GC-MS data set of one cluster.
First-principles study on quaternary Heusler compounds ZrFeVZ (Z = Al, Ga, In) with large spin-flip gap
Authors: Guo Ruikang , Liu Guodong , Wang Xiaotian , Rozale Habib , Wang Liying , Khenata Rabah , Wu Zhimin , Dai Xuefang
Published: November 2016

First-principles calculations were used to systematically investigate the structural, electronic and half-metallic properties of newly designed quaternary Heusler compounds ZrFeVZ (Z = Al, Ga, In).
Construction of biomolecular sensors based on quantum dots
Authors: Miao Yanming , Lv Jinzhi , Li Yan , Yan Guiqin
Published: November 2016

At this post-genomic era, the focus of life science research has shifted from life genetic information to general biofunctions. Biomolecular sensors based on QDs will play an important role in the identification and detection of biomolecules.
Easy directed assembly of only nonionic azoamphiphile builds up functional azovesicles
Authors: Sequeira M. A. , Herrera M. G. , Quirolo Z. B. , Dodero V. I.
Published: November 2016

We reported that C12OazoE3OH is a functional molecule which directed assembly in water builds up into functional azovesicles.
Structural characterizations and up-conversion emission in Yb3+/Tm3+ co-doped ZnO nanocrystals by tri-doping with Ga3+ ions
Authors: Li Yuemei , Wang Rui , Xu Yanling , Zhou Jianjun , Liu Zhihua , Yan Xiaojing , Ma Li
Published: November 2016

Doping Ga3+ ion are favored to enhance the UC luminescence intensity in Yb3+/Tm3+ co-doped ZnO nanocrystals.
Chiral Co(iii)–salen complex supported over highly ordered functionalized mesoporous silica for enantioselective aminolysis of racemic epoxides
Authors: Islam Md. Mominul , Bhanja Piyali , Halder Mita , Kundu Sudipta K. , Bhaumik Asim , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: November 2016

New mesoporous chiral Co(iii)-catalyst has been synthesed and used in the synthesis of chiral β-amino alcohols with excellent yield and enantioselectivity (ee > 99%) under neat conditions at RT.
An insight into Csp–H⋯π hydrogen bonds and stability of complexes formed by acetylene and its substituted derivatives with benzene and borazine
Authors: Khanh Pham Ngoc , Ngan Vu Thi , Hong Man Nguyen Thi , Ai Nhung Nguyen Thi , Chandra Asit K. , Trung Nguyen Tien
Published: November 2016

Theoretical calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level are used to investigate the Csp–H⋯π interactions of C2HX (X = H, F, Cl, Br, CH3, NH2) with C6H6and B3N3H6molecules.
Enhanced performance of perovskite solar cells with P3HT hole-transporting materials via molecular p-type doping
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Elawad Mohammed , Yu Ze , Jiang Xiaoqing , Lai Jianbo , Sun Licheng
Published: November 2016

Tetrafluoro-tetracyano-quinodimethane (F4TCNQ) was demonstrated to be an effective p-dopant for highly efficient PSCs based on P3HT as a hole-transporting material.
Molecular simulation of methane adsorption in slit-like quartz pores
Authors: Xiong Jian , Liu Kai , Liu Xiangjun , Liang Lixi , Zeng Qun
Published: November 2016

The GCMC and MD methods were used to investigate the structural properties and adsorption behaviors of methane in quartz nanopores.
Preparation of a zwitterionic polymer based on l-cysteine for recovery application of precious metals
Authors: Akbulut Huseyin , Yamada Shuhei , Endo Takeshi
Published: November 2016

l-Cysteine-grafted polystyrene was synthesized from a cysteine-styrene monomer (Cys-Sty) in aqueous solution and used as a facile and selective high-recovery material for palladium(ii), platinum(iv), and gold(iii) ions from aqueous media.
Green preparation of d-tryptophan imprinted self-supported membrane for ultrahigh enantioseparation of racemic tryptophan
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Cui Ke , Mao Yu , Chai Wenshuai , Wang Nian , Ren Zhongqi
Published: November 2016

Green and clean preparation of molecularly imprinted membrane for ultrahigh enantioseparation of racemic tryptophan.
Orientational ordering of guest induced structural phase transition coupled with switchable dielectric properties in a host–guest crystal: bis(thiourea) thiazolium chloride
Authors: Liu Yu-Ling , Wang Zhongxia , Han Xiang-Bin , Sun Yu-Ling , Pryor Donald E.
Published: November 2016

A host–guest crystal: (thiazolium)[(thiourea)2Cl] undergoes order-disorder structural phase transition at 213.7 K, accompanied by distinct switchable dielectric responses.
Cerium-induced changes in the π-band of graphene
Authors: Kim Jingul , Lee Paengro , Ryu Mintae , Park Heemin , Chung Jinwook
Published: November 2016

By doping magnetic Ce atoms on a single layer graphene, we report a new and efficient means of modifying structural and electronic properties of graphene that opens a temperature-dependent band gap of size up to 0.5 eV.
Selective surface modification in bimodal mesoporous CMK-5 carbon
Authors: Weinberger C. , Cao X. , Tiemann M.
Published: November 2016

Ordered, bimodal mesoporous carbon with distinct pore modes of different hydrophobicity is prepared by selective surface modification.
Standout electrochemical performance of SnO2 and Sn/SnO2 nanoparticles embedded in a KOH-activated carbonized porous aromatic framework (PAF-1) matrix as the anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dong Yan , Das Saikat , Zhu Liangkui , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun
Published: November 2016

Embedded SnO2-based nanoparticles in microporous carbon can efficiently solve drawbacks which occur during electrochemical cycling. The synergy between SnOx and carbon is manifested by the outstanding capacity and stability.
Direct synthesis of MOF-derived nanoporous CuO/carbon composites for high impedance matching and advanced microwave absorption
Authors: Ma Jianna , Zhang Xingmiao , Liu Wei , Ji Guangbin
Published: November 2016

A simple strategy to fabricate porous CuO/carbon composites by nitrate impregnation into a MOF template is reported in this study. The obtained CuO/carbon samples show improved impedance matching and excellent microwave absorbing properties.
A smart polymer with a high sensitivity to temperature and humidity based on polyacrylamide hydrogel doped with polyiodide
Authors: Yu Hongtao , Guo Yitong , Yao Chao , Perepichka Dmitrii F. , Meng Hong
Published: November 2016

A smart polymer with a high sensitivity to temperature and humidity based on polyacrylamide hydrogel doped with polyiodide was fabricated.
Exploring highly efficient light conversion agents for agricultural film based on aggregation induced emission effects
Authors: Qi Yunpeng , Wang Yongtao , Yu Yongjiang , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Yan , Qi Yu , Zhou Changtong
Published: November 2016

Five compounds and their corresponding light conversion films were prepared based on AIE effects and the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) phenomenon.
FTC-containing molecules: large second-order nonlinear optical performance and excellent thermal stability, and the key development of the “Isolation Chromophore” concept
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Yin Xiuyang , Xie Yujun , Li Shufang , Luo Shiyu , Zeng Huiyi , Guo Guocong , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: November 2016

The extended application of the concept of “Isolation Chromophore” produced ad33value of 384 pm V−1@ 1950 nm.
Calculation of TTC for multi‐area power systems based on improved Ward‐PV equivalents
Authors: Xu Shaoxiang , Miao Shihong
Published: November 2016

The total transfer capability (TTC) calculation is restricted by limited information exchanges in multi‐area power systems. This study presents a multi‐area TTC calculation method based on improved Ward‐PV equivalents. In this study, only boundary bus voltages and predictors need to be exchanged between individual areas during the calculation. An improved Ward‐PV external network equivalent is proposed as a network decomposition approach. The repeated power flow (RPF) algorithm with a self‐adaptive predictor is implemented in each area's TTC calculation. Each area uses network equivalent models to calculate its own TTC via RPF. A modified distributed power flow method is employed as a correction algorithm to adjust power flow in all individual areas during the TTC calculation. The proposed method is verified on the IEEE 118‐bus system with all operating limits and branch N − 1 contingencies considered. Results demonstrate the validity and the accuracy of this method.
Lohfert-Stiftung: Hinter diesem Preis steckt ein kritischer Kopf
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: November 2016

Oft ist es gar nicht leicht, Preise durch die sie umrankenden Phrasen hindurch zu verstehen – da ist von Innovationen die Rede und richtungsweisenden Projekten. Dies ist beim Lohfert-Preis anders.
Etappensieg
Authors: Häser Isabel
Published: November 2016

Die Kostenübernahme von Hilfsmitteln führt oft zu Streit zwischen Krankenhäusern und Kassen. Ein aktuelles Urteil lässt Klinikträger hoffen.
Nordfriesland: Küste ohne Kreißsaal
Authors: Wenzel Kirsten
Published: November 2016

Schwangerschaft ist keine Krankheit, doch in bevölkerungsschwachen Regionen wie Nordfriesland wird sie zum Problem. Ein Kreißsaal nach dem anderen muss im hohen Norden schließen. Während Experten von notwendigen Konzentrationsprozessen sprechen, wollen die Bürger sich mit langen Wegen und alternativen Versorgungsstrukturen nur schwer anfreunden.
CT, MRT & Co.: Die Wunschliste der Radiologen
Authors: Mau Jens
Published: November 2016

Wenn es um die Frage geht, wo Maschinen in Zukunft die Krankenbehandlung von uns Menschen übernehmen, steht die Radiologie meist an erster Stelle. Radionomics, automatische Befunderkennung und strukturierte Befundung – darüber diskutieren die Fachleute. Im Alltag haben Radiologen in deutschen Kliniken jedoch sehr unterschiedliche Baustellen.
Interview mit Ojan Assadian: „In England werden Hygieniker als Helden gefeiert“
Authors: König Romy
Published: November 2016

Der österreichische Hygiene- und Wundexperte Ojan Assadian leitet seit 2015 das Institut für Infektionsprävention an der britischen Universität Huddersfield. kma sprach mit ihm über Hygieneleitlinien, Verdienstorden – und rote Ampeln.
BuFaTa 2016: Kurs auf den Daten-Highway
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: November 2016

Schon heute führen immer mehr Kommunikationstrassen aus Krankenhäusern nach draußen. Im Gesundheitswesen entsteht ein riesiger Datenraum, der effektiv und vor allen Dingen sicher gestaltet und gemanagt werden muss. Nur 28 Prozent der deutschen Krankenhäuser jedoch haben bisher eine Strategie in Richtung Digitalisierung.
Sichere Elektroversorgung: Stromwärts
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: November 2016

Krankenhäuser brauchen immer mehr Strom. Die Abhängigkeit des klinischen Gesamtbetriebs von Elektrizität, die anderen Energieformen wie Gas und Dampf aus wirtschaftlichen Gründen mehr und mehr den Rang abläuft, ist entsprechend hoch. Gleichzeitig wird zu wenig in die erforderliche technische Infrastruktur investiert.