bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weak functional connectivity in the human fetal brain prior to preterm birth
Authors: Thomason Moriah E. , Scheinost Dustin , Manning Janessa H. , Grove Lauren E. , Hect Jasmine , Marshall Narcis , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Berman Susan , Pappas Athina , Yeo Lami , Hassan Sonia S. , Constable R. Todd , Ment Laura R. , Romero Roberto
Published: January 2017

It has been suggested that neurological problems more frequent in those born preterm are expressed prior to birth, but owing to technical limitations, this has been difficult to test in humans. We applied novel fetal resting-state functional MRI to measure brain function in 32 human fetuses in utero and found that systems-level neural functional connectivity was diminished in fetuses that would subsequently be born preterm. Neural connectivity was reduced in a left-hemisphere pre-language region, and the degree to which connectivity of this left language region extended to right-hemisphere homologs was positively associated with the time elapsed between fMRI assessment and delivery. These results provide the first evidence that altered functional connectivity in the preterm brain is identifiable before birth. They suggest that neurodevelopmental disorders associated with preterm birth may result from neurological insults that begin in utero.
Association of Polymorphisms in three pri-miRNAs that Target Pepsinogen C with the Risk and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Ye-feng , Xu Qian , He Cai-yun , Li Ying , Liu Jing-wei , Deng Na , Sun Li-ping , Yuan Yuan
Published: January 2017

We aimed to explore the associations of polymorphisms in three microRNAs (miRNAs) (let-7e rs8111742, miR-365b rs121224 and miR-4795 rs1002765) that target PGC with the risk and prognosis of gastric cancer/atrophic gastritis. Sequenom’s MassArray was used to genotype the miRNA polymorphisms in 724 gastric cancer cases, 862 atrophic gastritis cases and 862 controls in a Chinese population. We found that let-7e rs8111742 and miR-4795 rs1002765 were associated with the risk of gastric cancer in the H. pylori-positive subgroup. MiR-365b rs121224 was associated with the risk of intestinal-type gastric cancer in the alcohol consumption subgroup. Intestinal-type gastric cancer patients at Borrmann stages III-IV who carry the miR-365b rs121224 GG genotype had better prognosis compared with those who carry the CG or CC genotypes. MiR-365b rs121224 was associated with Lauren typing and TNM staging, in which the distribution of GG genotype carriers in intestinal-type gastric cancer and the TNM stage I-II subgroup was higher than that of CG or CC genotypes, which contrasted with the distribution in diffuse-type gastric cancer or TNM III-IV groups. These findings suggested that the polymorphisms in these miRNAs might be biomarkers for gastric cancer risk and prognosis, especially for populations infected with Helicobacter pylori or who consume alcohol.
Serelaxin treatment reverses vascular dysfunction and left ventricular hypertrophy in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ng Hooi Hooi , Leo Chen Huei , Prakoso Darnel , Qin Chengxue , Ritchie Rebecca H. , Parry Laura J.
Published: January 2017

Serelaxin prevents endothelial dysfunction in the mouse aorta ex vivo and inhibits apoptosis in cardiomyocytes under acute hyperglycaemia. Less is known about the effects of serelaxin in an in vivo mouse model of diabetes. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice that serelaxin is able to reverse diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction and cardiac remodelling. Mice were divided into citrate buffer + placebo, STZ + placebo and STZ + serelaxin (0.5 mg/kg/d, 2 weeks) groups. After 12 weeks of diabetes, sensitivity to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine (ACh) was reduced in the mesenteric artery. This was accompanied by an enhanced vasoconstrictor prostanoid contribution and a decrease in endothelium-derived hyperpolarisation (EDH)-mediated relaxation. Serelaxin restored endothelial function by increasing nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation but not EDH. It also normalised the contribution of vasoconstrictor prostanoids to endothelial dysfunction and suppressed diabetes-induced hyper-responsiveness of the mesenteric artery to angiotensin II. Similarly, diabetes reduced ACh-evoked NO-mediated relaxation in the aorta which was reversed by serelaxin. In the left ventricle, diabetes promoted apoptosis, hypertrophy and fibrosis; serelaxin treatment reversed this ventricular apoptosis and hypertrophy, but had no effect on fibrosis. In summary, serelaxin reversed diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction by enhancing NO-mediated relaxation in the mouse vasculature and attenuating left ventricular hypertrophy and apoptosis.
Erratum: Detecting trap states in planar PbS colloidal quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Jin Zhiwen , Wang Aiji , Zhou Qing , Wang Yinshu , Wang Jizheng
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 37106; published online: 15 November 2016; updated: 09 January 2017 This Article contains a typographical error in equation 6, where should read:
Real-time oxide evolution of copper protected by graphene and boron nitride barriers
Authors: Galbiati M. , Stoot A. C. , Mackenzie D. M. A. , Bøggild P. , Camilli L.
Published: January 2017

Applying protective or barrier layers to isolate a target item from the environment is a common approach to prevent or delay its degradation. The impermeability of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) has generated a great deal of interest in corrosion and material science. Owing to their different electronic properties (graphene is a semimetal, whereas hBN is a wide-bandgap insulator), their protection behaviour is distinctly different. Here we investigate the performance of graphene and hBN as barrier coatings applied on copper substrates through a real-time study in two different oxidative conditions. Our findings show that the evolution of the copper oxidation is remarkably different for the two coating materials.
Sec16A is critical for both conventional and unconventional secretion of CFTR
Authors: Piao He , Kim Jiyoon , Noh Shin Hye , Kweon Hee-Seok , Kim Joo Young , Lee Min Goo
Published: January 2017

CFTR is a transmembrane protein that reaches the cell surface via the conventional Golgi mediated secretion pathway. Interestingly, ER-to-Golgi blockade or ER stress induces alternative GRASP-mediated, Golgi-bypassing unconventional trafficking of wild-type CFTR and the disease-causing ΔF508-CFTR, which has folding and trafficking defects. Here, we show that Sec16A, the key regulator of conventional ER-to-Golgi transport, plays a critical role in the ER exit of protein cargos during unconventional secretion. In an initial gene silencing screen, Sec16A knockdown abolished the unconventional secretion of wild-type and ΔF508-CFTR induced by ER-to-Golgi blockade, whereas the knockdown of other COPII-related components did not. Notably, during unconventional secretion, Sec16A was redistributed to cell periphery and associated with GRASP55 in mammalian cells. Molecular and morphological analyses revealed that IRE1α-mediated signaling is an upstream regulator of Sec16A during ER-to-Golgi blockade or ER stress associated unconventional secretion. These findings highlight a novel function of Sec16A as an essential mediator of ER stress-associated unconventional secretion.
Perceptual similarity and the neural correlates of geometrical illusions in human brain structure
Authors: Axelrod Vadim , Schwarzkopf D. Samuel , Gilaie-Dotan Sharon , Rees Geraint
Published: January 2017

Geometrical visual illusions are an intriguing phenomenon, in which subjective perception consistently misjudges the objective, physical properties of the visual stimulus. Prominent theoretical proposals have been advanced attempting to find common mechanisms across illusions. But empirically testing the similarity between illusions has been notoriously difficult because illusions have very different visual appearances. Here we overcome this difficulty by capitalizing on the variability of the illusory magnitude across participants. Fifty-nine healthy volunteers participated in the study that included measurement of individual illusion magnitude and structural MRI scanning. We tested the Muller-Lyer, Ebbinghaus, Ponzo, and vertical-horizontal geometrical illusions as well as a non-geometrical, contrast illusion. We found some degree of similarity in behavioral judgments of all tested geometrical illusions, but not between geometrical illusions and non-geometrical, contrast illusion. The highest similarity was found between Ebbinghaus and Muller-Lyer geometrical illusions. Furthermore, the magnitude of all geometrical illusions, and particularly the Ebbinghaus and Muller-Lyer illusions, correlated with local gray matter density in the parahippocampal cortex, but not in other brain areas. Our findings suggest that visuospatial integration and scene construction processes might partly mediate individual differences in geometric illusory perception. Overall, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind geometrical illusions.
Effect of hierarchically aligned fibrin hydrogel in regeneration of spinal cord injury demonstrated by tractography: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Zhenxia , Yao Shenglian , Xie Sheng , Wang Xiumei , Chang Feiyan , Luo Jie , Wang Jingming , Fu Jun
Published: January 2017

Some studies have reported that scaffold or cell-based transplantation may improve functional recovery following SCI, but no imaging information regarding regeneration has been provided to date. This study used tractography to show the regenerating process induced by a new biomaterial-aligned fibrin hydrogel (AFG). A total of eight canines subjected to SCI procedures were assigned to the control or the AFG group. AFG was implanted into the SCI lesion immediately after injury in 5 canines. A follow-up was performed at 12 weeks to evaluate the therapeutic effect including the hindlimb functional recovery, anisotropy and continuity of fibers on tractography. Using tractography, we found new fibers running across the SCI in three canines of the AFG group. Further histological examination confirmed limited glial scarring and regenerated nerve fibers in the lesions. Moreover, Repeated Measures Analysis revealed a significantly different change in fractional anisotropy (FA) between the two groups during the follow-up interval. An increase in FA during the post injury time interval was detected in the AFG group, indicating a beneficial effect of AFG in the rehabilitation of injured axons. Using tractography, AFG was suggested to be helpful in the restoration of fibers in SCI lesions, thus leading to promoted functional recovery.
Polarization-Controlled Broad Color Palette Based on an Ultrathin One-Dimensional Resonant Grating Structure
Authors: Koirala Ishwor , Shrestha Vivek Raj , Park Chul-Soon , Lee Sang-Shin , Choi Duk-Yong
Published: January 2017

Highly efficient polarization-tuned structural color filters, which are based on a one- dimensional resonant aluminum grating that is integrated with a silicon nitride waveguide, are proposed and demonstrated to feature a broad color palette. For such a metallic grating structure, transmissive color filtering is only feasible for the incident transverse-magnetic (TM) polarization due to its high reflection regarding the transverse-electric (TE) case; however, polarization-tuned customized colors can be efficiently achieved by optimizing the structural parameters like the duty ratio of the metallic grating. For the fabricated color filters, the transmission peaks, which are imputed to the resonance between the incident light and the guided modes that are supported by the dielectric waveguide, provided efficiencies as high as 90% and 70% for the TM and TE polarizations, respectively, as intended. Through the tailoring of the polarization, a group of filters with different grating periods were successfully exploited to produce a broad color palette spanning the entire visible band. Lastly, a nanoscale alphabetic pattern featuring a flexible combination of colorations was practically constructed via an arrangement of horizontal and vertical gratings.
A new method for assessing the risk of infectious disease outbreak
Authors: Liao Yilan , Xu Bing , Wang Jinfeng , Liu Xiaochi
Published: January 2017

Over the past few years, emergent threats posed by infectious diseases and bioterrorism have become public health concerns that have increased the need for prompt disease outbreak warnings. In most of the existing disease surveillance systems, disease outbreak risk is assessed by the detection of disease outbreaks. However, this is a retrospective approach that impacts the timeliness of the warning. Some disease surveillance systems can predict the probabilities of infectious disease outbreaks in advance by determining the relationship between a disease outbreak and the risk factors. However, this process depends on the availability of risk factor data. In this article, we propose a Bayesian belief network (BBN) method to assess disease outbreak risks at different spatial scales based on cases or virus detection rates. Our experimental results show that this method is more accurate than traditional methods and can make uncertainty estimates, even when some data are unavailable.
Unusual respiratory capacity and nitrogen metabolism in a Parcubacterium (OD1) of the Candidate Phyla Radiation
Authors: Castelle Cindy J. , Brown Christopher T. , Thomas Brian C. , Williams Kenneth H. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: January 2017

The Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) is a large group of bacteria, the scale of which approaches that of all other bacteria. CPR organisms are inferred to depend on other community members for many basic cellular building blocks and all appear to be obligate anaerobes. To date, there has been no evidence for any significant respiratory capacity in an organism from this radiation. Here we report a curated draft genome for ‘Candidatus Parcunitrobacter nitroensis’ a member of the Parcubacteria (OD1) superphylum of the CPR. The genome encodes versatile energy pathways, including fermentative and respiratory capacities, nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism, as well as the first complete electron transport chain described for a member of the CPR. The sequences of all of these enzymes are highly divergent from sequences found in other organisms, suggesting that these capacities were not recently acquired from non-CPR organisms. Although the wide respiration-based repertoire points to a different lifestyle compared to other CPR bacteria, we predict similar obligate dependence on other organisms or the microbial community. The results substantially expand the known metabolic potential of CPR bacteria, although sequence comparisons indicate that these capacities are very rare in members of this radiation.
Gastroprotective [6]-Gingerol Aspirinate as a Novel Chemopreventive Prodrug of Aspirin for Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhu Yingdong , Wang Fang , Zhao Yantao , Wang Pei , Sang Shengmin
Published: January 2017

A growing body of research suggests daily low-dose aspirin (ASA) reduces heart diseases and colorectal cancers. However, the major limitation to the use of aspirin is its side effect to cause ulceration and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Preclinical studies have shown that ginger constituents ameliorate ASA-induced gastric ulceration. We here report the design and synthesis of a novel prodrug of aspirin, [6]-gingerol aspirinate (GAS). Our data show that GAS exerts enhanced anti-cancer properties in vitro and superior gastroprotective effects in mice. GAS was also able to survive stomach acid and decomposed in intestinal linings or after absorption to simultaneously release ASA and [6]-gingerol. We further present that GAS inactivates both COX-1 and COX-2 equally. Our results demonstrate the enhanced anticancer properties along with gastroprotective effects of GAS, suggesting that GAS can be a therapeutic equivalent for ASA in inflammatory and proliferative diseases without the deleterious effects on stomach mucosa.
OsMYC2, an essential factor for JA-inductive sakuranetin production in rice, interacts with MYC2-like proteins that enhance its transactivation ability
Authors: Ogawa Satoshi , Miyamoto Koji , Nemoto Keiichirou , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Yamane Hisakazu , Nojiri Hideaki , Okada Kazunori
Published: January 2017

Biosynthesis of sakuranetin, a flavonoid anti-fungal phytoalexin that occurs in rice, is highly dependent on jasmonic acid (JA) signalling and induced by a variety of environmental stimuli. We previously identified OsNOMT, which encodes naringenin 7-O-methyltransferase (NOMT); NOMT is a key enzyme for sakuranetin production. Although OsNOMT expression is induced by JA treatment, the regulation mechanism that activates the biosynthetic pathway of sakuranetin has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we show that JA-inducible basic helix-loop-helix transcriptional factor OsMYC2 drastically enhances the activity of the OsNOMT promoter and is essential for JA-inducible sakuranetin production. In addition, we identified 2 collaborators of OsMYC2, OsMYC2-like protein 1 and 2 (OsMYL1 and OsMYL2) that further activated the OsNOMT promoter in synergy with OsMYC2. Physical interaction of OsMYC2 with OsMYL1 and OsMYL2 further supported the idea that these interactions lead to the enhancement of the transactivation activity of OsMYC2. Our results indicate that JA signalling via OsMYC2 is reinforced by OsMYL1 and OsMYL2, resulting in the inductive production of sakuranetin during defence responses in rice.
A novel chimeric lysin with robust antibacterial activity against planktonic and biofilm methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yang Hang , Zhang Huaidong , Wang Jing , Yu Junping , Wei Hongping
Published: January 2017

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most threatening pathogens due to its multi-drug resistance (MDR) and strong biofilm-forming capacity. Here, we described the screening of a novel chimeolysin (ClyF) that was active against planktonic and biofilm MRSA. Biochemical tests showed that ClyF was active against all S. aureus clinical isolates tested under planktonic and biofilm conditions. Structure analysis revealed that ClyF has an enhanced thermostability and pH tolerance than its parental lysin Pc by forming a hydrophobic cleft in the catalytic domain and an Ig-like structure in the cell-wall binding domain. A single intraperitoneally or topically administration of ClyF showed good MRSA removing efficacy in mouse models of bacteremia and burn wound infection, respectively. Our data collectively demonstrated that ClyF has good bactericidal activity against planktonic and biofilm MRSA both in vitro and in vivo, and therefore represents a useful antibacterial to combat MDR S. aureus.
Oleanolic acid ameliorates high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction via PPARδ activation
Authors: Zhang Zihui , Jiang Manli , Xie Xinya , Yang Haixia , Wang Xinfeng , Xiao Lei , Wang Nanping
Published: January 2017

Oleanolic acid (3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid, OA) is a pentacyclic triterpenes widely distributed in food, medicinal plants and nutritional supplements. OA exhibits various pharmacological properties, such as hepatoprotective and anti-tumor effects. In this study, we analyzed the effect of OA on endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose in human vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Western blotting showed that OA attenuated high glucose-reduced nitric production oxide (NO) as well as Akt-Ser473 and eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation in cultured human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs). Next, luciferase reporter assay showed that OA activated peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) activity. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated that OA increased the expressions of PPARδ target genes (PDK4, ADRP and ANGPTL4) in ECs. Meanwhile, the induced expressions of PDK4, ADRP and ANGPTL4 by OA were inhibited by GSK0660, a specific antagonist of PPARδ. In addition, inhibition of PPARδ abolished OA-induced the Akt-Ser473 and eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation, and NO production. Finally, by using Multi Myograph System, we showed that OA prevented high glucose-impaired vasodilation. This protective effect on vasodilation was inhibited in aortic rings pretreated with GSK0660. Collectively, we demonstrated that OA improved high glucose-impaired endothelial function via a PPARδ-mediated mechanism and through eNOS/Akt/NO pathway.
Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters for Selective Detection of Dopamine in Cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Govindaraju Saravanan , Ankireddy Seshadri Reddy , Viswanath Buddolla , Kim Jongsung , Yun Kyusik
Published: January 2017

Since the last two decades, protein conjugated fluorescent gold nanoclusters (NCs) owe much attention in the field of medical and nanobiotechnology due to their excellent photo stability characteristics. In this paper, we reported stable, nontoxic and red fluorescent emission BSA-Au NCs for selective detection of L-dopamine (DA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The evolution was probed by various instrumental techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The synthesised BSA-Au NCs were showing 4–6 nm with high fluorescent ~8% Quantum yield (QY). The fluorescence intensity of BSA-Au NCs was quenched upon the addition of various concentrations of DA via an electron transfer mechanism. The decrease in BSA-Au NCs fluorescence intensity made it possible to determine DA in PBS buffer and the spiked DA in CSF in the linear range from 0 to 10 nM with the limit of detection (LOD) 0.622 and 0.830 nM respectively. Best of our knowledge, as-prepared BSA-Au NCs will gain possible strategy and good platform for biosensor, drug discovery, and rapid disease diagnosis such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer diseases.
The autophagy elongation complex (ATG5-12/16L1) positively regulates HCV replication and is required for wild-type membranous web formation
Authors: Fahmy Ahmed M. , Labonté Patrick
Published: January 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces intracellular membrane rearrangements, thus forming a membranous web (MW) in which HCV replication and assembly occur. The HCV-induced MW is primarily composed of double membrane vesicles (DMVs) transfused by multi-membrane vesicles. The autophagy machinery has been proposed to participate in the formation of such vesicles. However, no clear evidence has been found linking autophagy to the formation of these DMVs. In this study, we evaluated the role of the autophagy elongation complex (ATG5-12/16L1) in HCV replication and MW formation. Using a dominant negative form of ATG12 and an siRNA approach, we demonstrated that the ATG5-12 conjugate, but not LC3-II formation, is crucial for efficient viral replication. Furthermore, purification of HCV MW revealed the presence of ATG5-12 and ATG16L1 along with HCV nonstructural proteins. Interestingly, LC3 was not recruited along with the elongation complex to the site of viral replication. Finally, inhibition of the elongation complex, but not LC3, greatly impaired the formation of the wild-type MW phenotype. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of the involvement of autophagy proteins in the formation of wild-type MWs.
Methylome-wide Association Study of Atrial Fibrillation in Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Lin Honghuang , Yin Xiaoyan , Xie Zhijun , Lunetta Kathryn L. , Lubitz Steven A. , Larson Martin G. , Ko Darae , Magnani Jared W. , Mendelson Michael M. , Liu Chunyu , McManus David D. , Levy Daniel , Ellinor Patrick T. , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: January 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms associated with AF arrhythmogenesis. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression and downstream biological processes. We hypothesize that DNA methylation might play an important role in the susceptibility to develop AF. A total of 2,639 participants from the Offspring Cohort of Framingham Heart Study were enrolled in the current study. These participants included 183 participants with prevalent AF and 220 with incident AF during up to 9 years follow up. Genome-wide methylation was profiled using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip on blood-derived DNA collected during the eighth examination cycle (2005–2008). Two CpG sites were significantly associated with prevalent AF, and five CpGs were associated with incident AF after correction for multiple testing (FDR < 0.05). Fourteen previously reported genome-wide significant AF-related SNP were each associated with at least one CpG site; the most significant association was rs6490029 at the CUX2 locus and cg10833066 (P = 9.5 × 10−279). In summary, we performed genome-wide methylation profiling in a community-based cohort and identified seven methylation signatures associated with AF. Our study suggests that DNA methylation might play an important role in AF arrhythmogenesis.
Stromal Cell Subsets Directing Neonatal Spleen Regeneration
Authors: Tan Jonathan K. H. , Watanabe Takeshi
Published: January 2017

Development of lymphoid tissue is determined by interactions between stromal lymphoid tissue organiser (LTo) and hematopoietic lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. A failure for LTo to receive appropriate activating signals during embryogenesis through lymphotoxin engagement leads to a complete cessation of lymph node (LN) and Peyer’s patch development, identifying LTo as a key stromal population for lymphoid tissue organogenesis. However, little is known about the equivalent stromal cells that induce spleen development. Here, by dissociating neonatal murine spleen stromal tissue for re-aggregation and transplant into adult mouse recipients, we have identified a MAdCAM-1+CD31+CD201+ spleen stromal organizer cell-type critical for new tissue formation. This finding provides an insight into the regulation of post-natal spleen tissue organogenesis, and could be exploited in the development of spleen regenerative therapies.
A Novel and Conserved Plasmodium Sporozoite Membrane Protein SPELD is Required for Maturation of Exo-erythrocytic Forms
Authors: Al-Nihmi Faisal Mohammed Abdul , Kolli Surendra Kumar , Reddy Segireddy Rameswara , Mastan Babu S. , Togiri Jyothi , Maruthi Mulaka , Gupta Roshni , Sijwali Puran Singh , Mishra Satish , Kumar Kota Arun
Published: January 2017

Plasmodium sporozoites are the infective forms of malaria parasite to vertebrate host and undergo dramatic changes in their transcriptional repertoire during maturation in mosquito salivary glands. We report here the role of a novel and conserved Plasmodium berghei protein encoded by PBANKA_091090 in maturation of Exo-erythrocytic Forms (EEFs) and designate it as Sporozoite surface Protein Essential for Liver stage Development (PbSPELD). PBANKA_091090 was previously annotated as PB402615.00.0 and its transcript was recovered at maximal frequency in the Serial Analysis of the Gene Expression (SAGE) of Plasmodium berghei salivary gland sporozoites. An orthologue of this transcript was independently identified in Plasmodium vivax sporozoite microarrays and was designated as Sporozoite Conserved Orthologous Transcript-2 (scot-2). Functional characterization through reverse genetics revealed that PbSPELD is essential for Plasmodium liver stage maturation. mCherry transgenic of PbSPELD localized the protein to plasma membrane of sporozoites and early EEFs. Global microarray analysis of pbspeld ko revealed EEF attenuation being associated with down regulation of genes central to general transcription, cell cycle, proteosome and cadherin signaling. pbspeld mutant EEFs induced pre-erythrocytic immunity with 50% protective efficacy. Our studies have implications for attenuating the human Plasmodium liver stages by targeting SPELD locus.
A colorimetric method for use within portable test kits for nitrate determination in various water matrices
Authors: Murray Eoin , Nesterenko Ekaterina P. , McCaul Margaret , Morrin Aoife , Diamond Dermot , Moore Breda
Published: January 2017

A method using zinc powder in conjunction with the common Griess assay was developed for the detection of nitrate in water.
A copper(ii) metal–organic hydrogel as a multifunctional precatalyst for CuAAC reactions and chemical fixation of CO2 under solvent free conditions
Authors: Karan Chandan Kumar , Sau Mohan Chandra , Bhattacharjee Manish
Published: January 2017

A copper(ii) metal–organic gel has been synthesized. This metal–organic gel is an efficient reusable catalyst for CuAAC and conversion of CO2 to cyclic carbonates.
Electronic spectroscopy of ethyl bromide probed by VUV photoabsorption and quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Shastri Aparna , Singh Param Jeet , Krishnakumar Sunanda , Das Asim Kumar , Raja Sekhar B. N.
Published: January 2017

A comprehensive study of the electronic absorption spectra of C2H5Br and C2D5Br using synchrotron radiation photoabsorption spectroscopy and TDDFT calculations.
Computational prediction of high thermoelectric performance in p-type half-Heusler compounds with low band effective mass
Authors: Fang Teng , Zheng Shuqi , Zhou Tian , Yan Lei , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2017

A high zT value of 1.54 at 1200 K in p-type RuTaSb is obtained due to the low band effective mass.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “trans-1,2-Disiloxybenzocyclobutene, an adequate partner for the auto-oxidation: EPR/spin trapping and theoretical studies”’ by H.-G. Korth, P. Mulder and T. Paul, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017,19, C6CP04187F
Authors: Carissan Yannick , Nava Paola , Tuccio Béatrice , Commeiras Laurent , Parrain Jean-Luc
Published: January 2017

New insights were provided for the understanding of the reaction mechanism of the auto-oxidation of atrans-1,2-disiloxybenzocyclobutene.
Conformational dynamics and self-association of intrinsically disordered Huntingtin exon 1 in cells
Authors: Büning Steffen , Sharma Abhishek , Vachharajani Shivang , Newcombe Estella , Ormsby Angelique , Gao Mimi , Gnutt David , Vöpel Tobias , Hatters Danny M. , Ebbinghaus Simon
Published: January 2017

In-cell temperature jump experiments induce monomer collapse, misfolding and self-association of the Huntingtin exon 1 protein.
Palladium-catalyzed dehydrogenation of dihydro-heterocycles using isoprene as the hydrogen acceptor without oxidants
Authors: Liu Xiao-Jun , Wang Wen-Peng , Huo Cong-De , Wang Xi-Cun , Quan Zheng-Jun
Published: January 2017

An efficient and general method for Pd-catalyzed dehydrogenative aromatization of dihydro-heteroatom compounds without external O2 and H2 is first described.
Dominant {100} facet selectivity for enhanced photocatalytic activity of NaNbO3in NaNbO3/CdS core/shell heterostructures
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Parthasarathy R. , Singh Aadesh P. , Wickman Björn , Thirumal Meganathan , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: January 2017

Facet-selective synthesis of NaNbO3crystals in cubic and orthorhombic phases and enhanced photocatalytic activity depending on the surface energy of the facets.
Reduced graphene oxide and MoP composite as highly efficient and durable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in both acidic and alkaline media
Authors: Ojha Kasinath , Sharma Manu , Kolev Hristo , Ganguli Ashok K.
Published: January 2017

Materials based on earth-abundant elements can be developed for hydrogen evolution reactions to meet the future demand for eco-friendly and renewable energy sources based on hydrogen.
The mechanism of activation of amidobenzylidene ruthenium chelates – latent catalysts of olefin metathesis
Authors: Rogalski Szymon , Żak Patrycja , Tadeuszyk Natalia , Pyta Krystian , Przybylski Piotr , Pietraszuk Cezary
Published: January 2017

Activation of amidobenzylidene ruthenium complexes – latent catalysts of olefin metathesis with hydrogen chloride leads to the formation of highly catalytically active carbamatobenzylidene ruthenium chelates.
Antibacterial property of graphene oxide: the role of phototransformation
Authors: Hou Wen-Che , Lee Pei-Ling , Chou Yu-Chieh , Wang Yi-Sheng
Published: January 2017

Solar phototransformation alters the antibacterial property of graphene oxide.
Light-responsive CO2 bubble-generating polymeric micelles for tumor cell ablation
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Guan Yuncai , Ge Sizhan , Yuan Ahu , Wu Jinhui , Hu Yiqiao
Published: January 2017

A polymeric micelle system decomposes into CO2 bubbles and ablates tumor cells without loading any drug.
Quantitative measurement of intracellular HDAC1/2 drug occupancy using a trans-cyclooctene largazole thiol probe
Authors: Xu Hua , Roberts Lee R. , Chou Song , Pierce Betsy , Narayanan Arjun , Jones Lyn H.
Published: January 2017

We developed a transcylcooctene-based chemical probe for quantitative measurement of intracellular HDAC1/2 occupancy.
Room-temperature synthesis of a cobalt 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic coordination polymer with enhanced capacity and cycling stability for lithium batteries
Authors: Lou Xiaobing , Hu Xiaoshi , Li Chao , Ning Yanqun , Chen Qun , Shen Ming , Hu Bingwen
Published: January 2017

A cobalt 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalic coordination-polymer named Co-TFBDC has been synthesized at room temperature and show a high capacity of 1074.6 mA h g−1 after 50 cycles at a current of 100 mA g−1 when applied as anode material for lithium-ion battery.
Near-room-temperature Chern insulator and Dirac spin-gapless semiconductor: nickel chloride monolayer
Authors: He Junjie , Li Xiao , Lyu Pengbo , Nachtigall Petr
Published: January 2017

We report NiCl3 monolayer as a novel near-room-temperature Chern insulator and Dirac spin-gapless semiconductor, rendering NiCl3 with great potential for spintronic application.
Influence of alkyl substitution on the supramolecular organization of thiophene- and dioxine-based oligomers
Authors: Zajaczkowski Wojciech , Nanajunda Shivananda Kammasandra , Eichen Yoav , Pisula Wojciech
Published: January 2017

The influence of the position and geometry of alkyl substituents on the supramolecular organization of thiophene- and dioxine-based oligomers is investigated.
Antioxidative, membrane protective and antiapoptotic effects of melatonin, in silico study of physico-chemical profile and efficiency of nanoliposome delivery compared to betaine
Authors: Kocic Gordana , Tomovic Katarina , Kocic Hristina , Sokolovic Dusan , Djordjevic Branka , Stojanovic Svetlana , Arsic Ivana , Smelcerovic Andrija
Published: January 2017

Hepatoprotective effects of melatonin mediated by the inhibition of apoptotic and oxidative processes and activation of survival pathways, in comparison with betaine, were studied in mouse hepatocytes undergone Fas-ligand apoptosis.
The development of sol–gel derived TiO2 thin films and corresponding memristor architectures
Authors: Prusakova Valentina , Collini Cristian , Nardi Marco , Tatti Roberta , Lunelli Lorenzo , Vanzetti Lia , Lorenzelli Leandro , Baldi Giacomo , Chiappini Andrea , Chiasera Alessandro , Ristic Davor , Verucchi Roberto , Bortolotti Mauro , Dirè Sandra
Published: January 2017

The electrical response of Pt/TiO2/Pt with an atmosphere-controlled structure of a switching layer depends on electroforming parameters and architecture.
A competitive excited state dynamical process for the 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-((3,3′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyl)-bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))-diphenol system
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Yang Guang , Zhao Jinfeng , Zheng Rui , Wang Yusheng
Published: January 2017

By applying DFT and TDDFT methods, we theoretically investigate the excited state dynamical process for the 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-((3,3′-dimethyl-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diyl)-bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))-diphenol system.
Mesoporous thin film WO3 photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting: a sol–gel dip coating approach
Authors: Hilliard Samantha , Baldinozzi Guido , Friedrich Dennis , Kressman Stéphane , Strub Henri , Artero Vincent , Laberty-Robert Christel
Published: January 2017

Mesoporous WO3 thin film exhibits a higher photocurrent compared to the dense thin film obtained in the same conditions.
Effect of spacers and anchoring groups of extended π-conjugated tetrathiafulvalene based sensitizers on the performance of dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Giribabu Lingamallu , Duvva Naresh , Prasanthkumar Seelam , Singh Surya Prakash , Han Liyuan , Bedja Idriss , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Islam Ashraful
Published: January 2017

Four novel metal-free organic sensitizers based on thioalkyl substituted tetrathiafulvalene scaffolds using the donor–π–acceptor approach were tested in dye-sensitized solar cells and had efficiency in the range of 4.55–6.36%.
A graphene/carbon nanotube biofilm based solar-microbial fuel device for enhanced hydrogen generation
Authors: Ngaw Chee Keong , Zhao Cui-e , Wang Victor Bochuan , Kjelleberg Staffan , Yang Tan Timothy Thatt , Zhang Qichun , Joachim Loo Say Chye
Published: January 2017

A sustainable hybrid device driven by solar and the metabolism of microorganisms for H2 generation.
Surfactant-assisted synthesis of porous TiO2 nanofibers as an anode material for secondary lithium ion batteries
Authors: T.D Deepa , Mohapatra Subhalaxmi , Nair Shantikumar V. , Nair A. Sreekumaran , Rai Alok Kumar
Published: January 2017

An optimized amount of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant was used for the first time to fabricate porous TiO2 nanofibers by an electrospinning technique combined with post-annealing at 500 °C for 5 h in air medium.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting using oxidized mass-selected Ti nanoclusters on metal oxide photoelectrodes
Authors: McInnes Andrew , Plant Simon R. , Ornelas Isabel Mecking , Palmer Richard E. , Wijayantha K. G. Upul
Published: January 2017

Mass-selected Ti nanoclusters have been used to enhance the photocurrent of BiVO4 photoelectrodes for enhanced solar water splitting.
Hydrogen evolution with nanoengineered ZnO interfaces decorated using a beetroot extract and a hydrogenase mimic
Authors: Pavliuk M. V. , Cieślak A. M. , Abdellah M. , Budinská A. , Pullen S. , Sokołowski K. , Fernandes D. L. A. , Szlachetko J. , Bastos E. L. , Ott S. , Hammarström L. , Edvinsson T. , Lewiński J. , Sá J.
Published: January 2017

Herein, we report a nano-hybrid photo-system based on abundant elements for H2 production with visible light.
Corn-cob like nanofibres as cathode catalysts for an effective microstructure design in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Jeon Yukwon , Myung Jae-ha , Hyun Sang-hoon , Shul Yong-gun , Irvine John T. S.
Published: January 2017

A microstructural design through unique corn-cob like ceramic nanofibers and investigation of the catalytic mechanisms depending on their material positions.
Nitrogen-rich activated carbon monoliths via ice-templating with high CO2 and H2 adsorption capacities
Authors: Roberts Aled D. , Lee Jet-Sing M. , Wong Siew Yee , Li Xu , Zhang Haifei
Published: January 2017

An ice-templating & solvent exchange approach has been developed to prepare porous carbons with tuneable surface area and N contents. These porous carbons exhibit a high uptake of both CO2 and H2.
Superhydrophobic self-floating carbon nanofiber coating for efficient gravity-directed oil/water separation
Authors: Siddiqui Abdul Rahim , Maurya Rita , Balani Kantesh
Published: January 2017

The fabrication of a superhydrophobic carbon nanofiber (CNF) on various substrates via a two-step process is reported, eliminating the need for multiple pre- and post-treatments with toxic chemicals.
Highly microporous graphite-like BCxO3−x/C nanospheres for anode materials of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Huiqi , Li Ying , Wang Yanzhong , Hu Shengliang , Hou Hua
Published: January 2017

An easy avenue was developed to fabricate graphite-like BCxO3−x/C nanospheres for anode materials of LIBs.
Long lifetime stable and efficient semitransparent organic solar cells using a ZnMgO-modified cathode combined with a thin MoO3/Ag anode
Authors: Yin Zhigang , Wei Jiajun , Chen Shan-Ci , Cai Dongdong , Ma Yunlong , Wang Meng , Zheng Qingdong
Published: January 2017

Long-term stable and efficient semitransparent organic solar cells with good color perception are demonstrated by combining a transparent ZnMgO-modified cathode with thin MoO3/Ag anodes.
Biodegradable nitric oxide precursor-loaded micro- and nanoparticles for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms
Authors: Hasan Sayeed , Thomas Nicky , Thierry Benjamin , Prestidge Clive A.
Published: January 2017

Bacteria in biofilms are more difficult to eradicate than planktonic bacteria and result in treatment challenges for many chronic infectious diseases.
Observing the emergence of phase biaxiality in a polar smectic A system via polarised Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Z. , Kaur S. , Kundu B. , Sadashiva B. K. , Gleeson H. F.
Published: January 2017

We report polarised Raman spectroscopy, and optical and dielectric properties of an asymmetric bent-core compound offering a new insight into the emergence of phase biaxiality in polar smectic phases.
Engineering of the interactions of volatile organic compounds with MoS2
Authors: Tian Xiao-Qing , Liu Lin , Wang Xiang-Rong , Wei Ya-Dong , Gu Juan , Du Yu , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: January 2017

We investigate the interactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs, including ethanol, acetone and propanal) and pristine, defective and transition metal-functionalized MoS2using the first-principles method.
Vacuum-process-based dry transfer of active layer with solvent additive for efficient organic photovoltaic devices
Authors: Lee Jong Hwa , Kim Kang Min , Jang Woongsik , Ahn Sunyong , Kim Young Yun , Park O. Ok , Wang Dong Hwan
Published: January 2017

PTB7:PC71BM-based organic photovoltaic cell with solvent additive fabricated by transferring a BHJ layer via stamping transfer. This photovoltaic cell exhibited enhanced long-term stability and similar cell performance as compared with those of the spin-coated cells.
Stretchable heaters with composites of an intrinsically conductive polymer, reduced graphene oxide and an elastomer for wearable thermotherapy
Authors: Zhou Rui , Li Pengcheng , Fan Zeng , Du Donghe , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: January 2017

A stretchable and conductive WPU/PEDOT:PSS/rGO composite was developed for wearable and long-term thermotherapy.
Ligand field fine-tuning on the modulation of the magnetic properties and relaxation dynamics of dysprosium(iii) single-ion magnets (SIMs): synthesis, structure, magnetism and ab initio calculations
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wu Haipeng , Sun Lin , Ke Hongshan , Chen Sanping , Yin Bing , Wei Qing , Yang Desuo , Gao Shengli
Published: January 2017

For dysprosium(iii) single-ion magnets (SIMs), it is crucial to explore their controllable synthesis and conduct a systematic theoretical investigation.
Cytotoxicity of T-2 and modified T-2 toxins: induction of JAK/STAT pathway in RAW264.7 cells by hepatopancreas and muscle extracts of shrimp fed with T-2 toxin
Authors: Wang Xing , Wang Yaling , Qiu Mei , Sun Lijun , Wang Xiaobo , Li Caihong , Xu Defeng , Gooneratne Ravi
Published: January 2017

T-2 and modified T-2s are cytotoxic. Activation of the JAK/STAT pathway in RAW264.7 cells by T-2 was greater in hepatopancreas and muscle extracts from Litopenaeus vannamei.
Photofragment ion imaging from mass-selected Mg+BrCH3 complex: Dissociation mechanism following photoinduced charge transfer
Authors: Okutsu Kenichi , Yamazaki Kenichiro , Ohshimo Keijiro , Misaizu Fuminori
Published: January 2017

We have observed fragment ion images produced by ultraviolet photodissociation of Mg+BrCH3 complex ions using a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer combined with an imaging detector. The BrCH3+ fragment ion was produced after the 266-nm excitation of Mg+BrCH3. In the image of the BrCH3+ ions, a split distribution was observed parallel to the polarization direction of the photolysis laser. In calculated potential energy curves, we found a repulsive potential correlated with a dissociation limit of Mg + BrCH3+: The calculation results indicate that the dissociation and the charge transfer occurred via non-adiabatic process after the 52A′ ← 12A′ photoexcitation. The obtained energy and angular distributions of BrCH3+ photofragments were consistent with the fast BrCH3+ formation process on the repulsive potential energy curve.
Carrier transport properties of MoS2 field-effect transistors produced by multi-step chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Heo S. , Hayakawa R. , Wakayama Y.
Published: January 2017

We report the transistor properties of MoS2 thin films formed with a multi-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The established multi-step CVD technique has four steps: MoO3 thermal evaporation, annealing for MoO3 crystallization, sulfurization, and post-annealing. We found that the MoS2 transistor properties were greatly affected by the post-annealing temperature (TPA). The films worked as ambipolar transistors below TPA = 1000 °C. Meanwhile, the transistor operation transited from ambipolar to n-type transport at a TPA of 1000 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed that the films annealed below 1000 °C had sulfur-rich compositions (S/Mo > 2). The excess S atoms were reduced by elevating the annealing temperature to produce an almost stoichiometric composition (S/Mo = 2) at 1000 °C. These results indicate that excess sulfurs are responsible for the ambipolar operation by acting as acceptors that generate holes. Moreover, the high-temperature annealing at 1000 °C had another distinct effect, i.e., it improved the crystallinity of the MoS2 films. The electron mobility consequently reached 0.20 ± 0 .12 cm2/V s.
High-efficiency selective boron emitter formed by wet chemical etch-back for n-type screen-printed Si solar cells
Authors: Tao Yuguo , Madani Keeya , Cho Eunhwan , Rounsaville Brian , Upadhyaya Vijaykumar , Rohatgi Ajeet
Published: January 2017

Front metal contact induced recombination and resistance are major efficiency limiting factors of large-area screen-printed n-type front junction Si solar cells with homogeneous emitter and tunnel oxide passivated back contact (TOPCON). This paper shows the development of a selective boron emitter (p+/p++) formed by a screen-printed resist masking and wet chemical etch-back process, which first grows a porous Si layer and subsequently removes it. Various wet-chemical solutions for forming porous Si layer are investigated. An industrial compatible process with sodium nitrite (NaNO2) catalyst is developed to uniformly etch-back the ∼47 Ω/◻ atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposited heavily doped boron emitter to ∼135 Ω/◻ by growing a 320 nm porous Si layer within 3 min and subsequently removing it. After etching back, the boron emitter was subjected to a thermal oxidation to lower the surface concentration and the emitter saturation current density J0e. Various etched-back emitters were evaluated by measuring J0e on symmetric test structures with atomic layer deposited aluminum oxide (Al2O3) passivation. Very low J0e of 21, 14, and 9 fA/cm2 were obtained for the 120, 150, and 180 Ω/◻ etched-back emitters, respectively. A solar cell with a selective emitter (65/180 Ω/◻) formed by this etch-back technology and with an Al/Ag contact on the front and TOPCON on the back gave an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 682.8 mV and efficiency of 21.04% on n-type Czochralski Si wafer. This demonstrates the potential of this technology for next generation high-efficiency industrial n-type Si solar cells.