bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of structural brain connectivity and network metrics using probabilistic diffusion tractography
Authors: Tsai Shang-Yueh
Published: July 2018

The structural connectivity network constructed using probabilistic diffusion tractography can be characterized by the network metrics. In this study, short-term test-retest reproducibility of structural networks and network metrics were evaluated on 30 subjects in terms of within- and between-subject coefficient of variance (CVws, CVbs), and intra class coefficient (ICC) using various connectivity thresholds. The short-term reproducibility under various connectivity thresholds were also investigated when subject groups have same or different sparsity. In summary, connectivity threshold of 0.01 can exclude around 80% of the edges with CVws = 73.2 ± 37.7%, CVbs = 119.3 ± 44.0% and ICC = 0.62 ± 0.19. The rest 20% edges have CVws < 45%, CVbs < 90%, ICC = 0.75 ± 0.12. The presence of 1% difference in the sparsity can cause additional within-subject variations on network metrics. In conclusion, applying connectivity thresholds on structural network to exclude spurious connections for the network analysis should be considered as necessities. Our findings suggest that a connectivity threshold over 0.01 can be applied without significant effect on the short-term when network metrics are evaluated at the same sparsity in subject group. When the sparsity is not the same, the procedure of integration over various connectivity thresholds can provide reliable estimation of network metrics.
A possible superconductor-like state at elevated temperatures near metal electrodes in an LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface
Authors: Kim Taeyueb , Kim Shin-Ik , Joo Sungjung , Kim Sangsu , Jeon Jeehoon , Hong Jinki , Doh Yong-Joo , Baek Seung-Hyub , Koo Hyun Cheol
Published: July 2018

We experimentally investigated the transport properties near metal electrodes installed on a conducting channel in a LaAlO3/SrTiO3interface. The local region around the Ti and Al electrodes has a higher electrical conductance than that of other regions, where the upper limits of the temperature and magnetic field can be well defined. Beyond these limits, the conductance abruptly decreases, as in the case of a superconductor. The samples with the Ti- or Al-electrode have an upper-limit temperature of approximately 4 K, which is 10 times higher than the conventional superconducting critical temperature of LaAlO3/SrTiO3interfaces and delta-doped SrTiO3. This phenomenon is explained by the mechanism of electron transfer between the metal electrodes and electronicd-orbitals in the LaAlO3/SrTiO3interface. The transferred electrons trigger a phase transition to a superconductor-like state. Our results contribute to the deep understanding of the superconductivity in the LaAlO3/SrTiO3interface and will be helpful for the development of high-temperature interface superconductors.
Microbiomes of gall-inducing copepod crustaceans from the corals Stylophora pistillata (Scleractinia) and Gorgonia ventalina (Alcyonacea)
Authors: Shelyakin Pavel V. , Garushyants Sofya K. , Nikitin Mikhail A. , Mudrova Sofya V. , Berumen Michael , Speksnijder Arjen G. C. L. , Hoeksema Bert W. , Fontaneto Diego , Gelfand Mikhail S. , Ivanenko Viatcheslav N.
Published: July 2018

Corals harbor complex and diverse microbial communities that strongly impact host fitness and resistance to diseases, but these microbes themselves can be influenced by stresses, like those caused by the presence of macroscopic symbionts. In addition to directly influencing the host, symbionts may transmit pathogenic microbial communities. We analyzed two coral gall-forming copepod systems by using 16S rRNA gene metagenomic sequencing: (1) the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina with copepods of the genus Sphaerippe from the Caribbean and (2) the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata with copepods of the genus Spaniomolgus from the Saudi Arabian part of the Red Sea. We show that bacterial communities in these two systems were substantially different with Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria more prevalent in samples from Gorgonia ventalina, and Gammaproteobacteria in Stylophora pistillata. In Stylophora pistillata, normal coral microbiomes were enriched with the common coral symbiont Endozoicomonas and some unclassified bacteria, while copepod and gall-tissue microbiomes were highly enriched with the family ME2 (Oceanospirillales) or Rhodobacteraceae. In Gorgonia ventalina, no bacterial group had significantly different prevalence in the normal coral tissues, copepods, and injured tissues. The total microbiome composition of polyps injured by copepods was different. Contrary to our expectations, the microbial community composition of the injured gall tissues was not directly affected by the microbiome of the gall-forming symbiont copepods.
Multidisciplinary studies on a sick-leader syndrome-associated mass stranding of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) along the Adriatic coast of Italy
Authors: Mazzariol Sandro , Centelleghe Cinzia , Cozzi Bruno , Povinelli Michele , Marcer Federica , Ferri Nicola , Di Francesco Gabriella , Badagliacca Pietro , Profeta Francesca , Olivieri Vincenzo , Guccione Sergio , Cocumelli Cristiano , Terracciano Giuliana , Troiano Pasquale , Beverelli Matteo , Garibaldi Fulvio , Podestà Michela , Marsili Letizia , Fossi Maria Cristina , Mattiucci Simonetta , Cipriani Paolo , De Nurra Daniele , Zaccaroni Annalisa , Rubini Silva , Berto Daniela , de Quiros Yara Beraldo , Fernandez Antonio , Morell Maria , Giorda Federica , Pautasso Alessandra , Modesto Paola , Casalone Cristina , Di Guardo Giovanni
Published: July 2018

Mass strandings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are rare in the Mediterranean Sea. Nevertheless, in 2014 a pod of 7 specimens stranded alive along the Italian coast of the Central Adriatic Sea: 3 individuals died on the beach after a few hours due to internal damages induced by prolonged recumbency; the remaining 4 whales were refloated after great efforts. All the dead animals were genetically related females; one was pregnant. All the animals were infected by dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) and the pregnant whale was also affected by a severe nephropathy due to a large kidney stone. Other analyses ruled out other possible relevant factors related to weather conditions or human activities. The results of multidisciplinarypost-mortemanalyses revealed that the 7 sperm whales entered the Adriatic Sea encountering adverse weather conditions and then kept heading northward following the pregnant but sick leader of the pod, thereby reaching the stranding site. DMV infection most likely played a crucial role in impairing the health condition and orientation abilities of the whales. They did not steer back towards deeper waters, but eventually stranded along the Central Adriatic Sea coastline, a real trap for sperm whales.
Transcriptome analysis based detection of Plasmodium falciparum development in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes
Authors: Oakley Miranda S. , Verma Nitin , Myers Timothy G. , Zheng Hong , Locke Emily , Morin Merribeth J. , Tripathi Abhai K. , Mlambo Godfree , Kumar Sanjai
Published: July 2018

The Plasmodium life cycle within the mosquito involves the gamete, zygote, motile ookinete, and the oocyst stage that supports sporogony and sporozoite formation. We mapped the P. falciparum transcriptome as the parasite progresses through the oocyst stage of development on days 2, 4, 6, and 8 post-P. falciparum infectious blood meal. Through these genomic studies, we identified 212 novel transmission stage biomarkers including genes that are developmentally expressed at a single time point and genes that are pan-developmentally expressed at all four time points in P. falciparum oocysts. Validation of a small subset of genes at the transcriptional and translational level resulted in identification of a signature of genes/proteins that can detect parasites within the mosquito as early as day 2 post-infectious blood meal and can be used to distinguish early versus late stage P. falciparum oocyst development in the mosquito. Currently, circumsporozoite protein (CSP), which is detectable only after day 7 post-infection, is the only marker used for detection of P. falciparum infection in mosquitoes. Our results open the prospect to develop a non-CSP based detection assay for assessment of P. falciparum infection in mosquitoes and evaluate the effect of intervention measures on malaria transmission in an endemic setting.
The Metabolomic Bioenergetic Signature of Opa1-Disrupted Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Highlights Aspartate Deficiency
Authors: Bocca Cinzia , Kane Mariame Selma , Veyrat-Durebex Charlotte , Chupin Stéphanie , Alban Jennifer , Kouassi Nzoughet Judith , Le Mao Morgane , Chao de la Barca Juan Manuel , Amati-Bonneau Patrizia , Bonneau Dominique , Procaccio Vincent , Lenaers Guy , Simard Gilles , Chevrollier Arnaud , Reynier Pascal
Published: July 2018

OPA1 (Optic Atrophy 1) is a multi-isoform dynamin GTPase involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fusion and organization of the cristae structure of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Pathogenic OPA1 variants lead to a large spectrum of disorders associated with visual impairment due to optic nerve neuropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolomic consequences of complete OPA1 disruption in Opa1−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to their Opa1+/+ counterparts. Our non-targeted metabolomics approach revealed significant modifications of the concentration of several mitochondrial substrates, i.e. a decrease of aspartate, glutamate and α-ketoglutaric acid, and an increase of asparagine, glutamine and adenosine-5′-monophosphate, all related to aspartate metabolism. The signature further highlighted the altered metabolism of nucleotides and NAD together with deficient mitochondrial bioenergetics, reflected by the decrease of creatine/creatine phosphate and pantothenic acid, and the increase in pyruvate and glutathione. Interestingly, we recently reported significant variations of five of these molecules, including aspartate and glutamate, in the plasma of individuals carrying pathogenic OPA1 variants. Our findings show that the disruption of OPA1 leads to a remodelling of bioenergetic pathways with the central role being played by aspartate and related metabolites.
Livestock trade network: potential for disease transmission and implications for risk-based surveillance on the island of Mayotte
Authors: Kim Younjung , Dommergues Laure , M’sa Ali Ben , Mérot Philippe , Cardinale Eric , Edmunds John , Pfeiffer Dirk , Fournié Guillaume , Métras Raphaëlle
Published: July 2018

The island of Mayotte is a department of France, an outermost region of the European Union located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and the coast of Eastern Africa. Due to its close connection to the African mainland and neighbouring islands, the island is under constant threat of introduction of infectious diseases of both human and animal origin. Here, using social network analysis and mathematical modelling, we assessed potential implications of livestock movements between communes in Mayotte for risk-based surveillance. Our analyses showed that communes in the central region of Mayotte acted as a hub in the livestock movement network. The majority of livestock movements occurred between communes in the central region and from communes in the central region to those in the outer region. Also, communes in the central region were more likely to be infected earlier than those in the outer region when the spread of an exotic infectious disease was simulated on the livestock movement network. The findings of this study, therefore, suggest that communes in the central region would play a major role in the spread of infectious diseases via livestock movements, which needs to be considered in the design of risk-based surveillance systems in Mayotte.
Astrocytic modulation of cortical oscillations
Authors: Bellot-Saez Alba , Cohen Greg , van Schaik André , Ooi Lezanne , W Morley John , Buskila Yossi
Published: July 2018

Brain waves are rhythmic voltage oscillations emerging from the synchronization of individual neurons into a neuronal network. These oscillations range from slow to fast fluctuations, and are classified by power and frequency band, with different frequency bands being associated with specific behaviours. It has been postulated that at least ten distinct mechanisms are required to cover the frequency range of neural oscillations, however the mechanisms that gear the transition between distinct oscillatory frequencies are unknown. In this study, we have used electrophysiological recordings to explore the involvement of astrocytic K+clearance processes in modulating neural oscillations at both network and cellular levels. Our results indicate that impairment of astrocytic K+clearance capabilities, either through blockade of K+uptake or astrocytic connectivity, enhance network excitability and form high power network oscillations over a wide range of frequencies. At the cellular level, local increases in extracellular K+results in modulation of the oscillatory behaviour of individual neurons, which underlies the network behaviour. Since astrocytes are central for maintaining K+homeostasis, our study suggests that modulation of their inherent capabilities to clear K+from the extracellular milieu is a potential mechanism to optimise neural resonance behaviour and thus tune neural oscillations.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor, CG200745 attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive kidney disease
Authors: Choi Hong Sang , Song Ji Hong , Kim In Jin , Joo Soo Yeon , Eom Gwang Hyeon , Kim Inkyeom , Cha Hyunju , Cho Joong Myung , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan , Bae Eun Hui
Published: July 2018

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common feature of kidney disease. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been reported to attenuate renal fibrosis progression. Here, we investigated the effect of CG200745, a novel HDAC inhibitor, on renal fibrosis development in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). To examine the effects of CG200745 on renal fibrosis in UUO, C57BL/6 J male mice were divided into three groups: control, UUO, and CG200745 (30 mg/kg/day)-treated UUO groups. CG 200745 was administered through drinking water for 1 week. Human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells were also treated with CG200745 (10 µM) with or without TGF-β (2 ng/mL). Seven days after UUO, plasma creatinine did not differ among the groups. However, plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were markedly increased in the UUO group, which were attenuated by CG200745 treatment. UUO kidneys developed marked fibrosis as indicated by collagen deposition and increased α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibronectin expression. CG200745 treatment attenuated these fibrotic responses and suppressed UUO-induced production of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β) and phosphorylation of Smad-2/3. CG200745 treatment also attenuated UUO-induced inflammation as indicated by the expression of inflammatory markers. Furthermore, CG200745 attenuated phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in UUO kidneys. In HK-2 cells, TGF-β induced the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, which were attenuated by CG200745 cotreatment. These results demonstrate that CG200745, a novel HDAC inhibitor, has a renoprotective effect by suppressing renal fibrosis and inflammation in a UUO mouse model.
Author Correction: Improving superconductivity in BaFe2As2-based crystals by cobalt clustering and electronic uniformity
Authors: Li L. , Zheng Q. , Zou Q. , Rajput S. , Ijaduola A. O. , Wu Z. , Wang X. P. , Cao H. B. , Somnath S. , Jesse S. , Chi M. , Gai Z. , Parker D. , Sefat A. S.
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
RDM1 plays an oncogenic role in human lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Tong Lu , Liu Jian , Yan Wangjun , Cao Wenjiao , Shen Shihui , Li Kun , Li Lei , Niu Guoping
Published: July 2018

RAD52 motif containing 1 (RDM1) is involved in DNA damage repair pathway and RDM1−/− cells increase sensitivity to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. However, the role of RDM1 in lung cancer is unknown. Here, we find that the mRNA and protein expression levels of RDM1 are significantly increased in human lung tumors, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. The lung adenocarcinoma patients with higher mRNA expression of RDM1 show the worse clinical outcomes. Knockdown of RDM1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells reduces cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis, consistent with the role RDM1 in the overexpression experiments. Xenograft mouse model shows stable knockdown of RDM1 significantly inhibits lung adenocarcinoma tumor growth. These in vitro and in vivo results conclude that RDM1 plays an oncogenic role in human lung adenocarcinoma. Interestingly, P53/RAD51/RAD52 can be regulated by RDM1, and the negative regulation of P53 by RDM1 may be one of major mechanisms for RDM1 to accomplish its oncogenic functions in lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, RDM1 may be a new target for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Blocking ion channels induced by antifungal lipopeptide syringomycin E with amide-linked local anesthetics
Authors: Zakharova Anastasiia A. , Efimova Svetlana S. , Schagina Ludmila V. , Malev Valery V. , Ostroumova Olga S.
Published: July 2018

The effects of the amide-linked (lidocaine (LDC), mepivacaine (MPV), prilocaine (PLC)) and ester-bound local anesthetics (benzocaine (BZC), procaine (PRC), and tetracaine (TTC)) on the pore-forming activity of the antifungal lipopeptide syringomycin E (SRE) in lipid bilayers were studied. Independently on electrolyte concentration in the membrane bathing solution the observed changes in conductance of SRE channels agreed with the altered membrane dipole potential under the action of ester-bound local anesthetics. Effects of aminoamides in diluted and concentrated solutions were completely different. At 0.1 M KCl (pH 7.4) the effects of amide-linked anesthetics were in accordance with changes in the membrane surface potential, while at 2 M KCl aminoamides blocked ion passage through the SRE channels, leading to sharp reductions in pore conductance at negative voltages and 100-fold decreases in the channel lifetimes. The effects were not practically influenced by the membrane lipid composition. The interaction cooperativity implied the existence of specific binding sites for amide-bound anesthetics in SRE channels.
Trace mono-atomically dispersed rhodium on zeolite-supported cobalt catalyst for the efficient methane oxidation
Authors: Hou Yuhui , Nagamatsu Shinichi , Asakura Kiyotaka , Fukuoka Atsushi , Kobayashi Hirokazu
Published: July 2018

The partial oxidation of methane is a promising method for the efficient production of syngas. To implement this process using common stainless steel reactors, an inexpensive catalyst that functions at 650 °C or below is necessary. However, base metal catalysts typically require much higher temperatures, and they are deactivated by re-oxidation and coke formation. Here we report that modification of a zeolite-supported 3 wt% cobalt catalyst with a trace amount of mono-atomically dispersed rhodium (0.005 wt%) dramatically improves catalytic performance and durability. Cobalt/mordenite is nearly inactive due to the oxidation of cobalt, but the catalyst modified with rhodium continuously gives 85–86% methane conversion and 90–91% CO selectivity with an H2/CO ratio of 2.0 without serious coking at 650 °C. During the reaction, mono-atomically dispersed rhodium converts cobalt oxide to Co0 active species via hydrogen spillover. Use of the zeolite support is key to the high catalytic performance.
Multifibrillar bundles of a self-assembling hyaluronic acid derivative obtained through a microfluidic technique for aortic smooth muscle cell orientation and differentiation
Authors: Palumbo Fabio Salvatore , Fiorica Calogero , Pitarresi Giovanna , Zingales Massimiliano , Bologna Emanuela , Giammona Gaetano
Published: July 2018

A hyaluronic acid derivative able to physically crosslink in a saline aqueous medium was employed for the production of fibers with a mean diameter of 50 μm using a microfluidic technique.
Autophagy is an important action mode for functionalized selenium nanoparticles to exhibit anti-colorectal cancer activity
Authors: Huang Guanning , Liu Zumei , He Lizhen , Luk Kar-Him , Cheung Siu-To , Wong Ka-Hing , Chen Tianfeng
Published: July 2018

This study demonstrates the high efficacy of PTR-SeNPs for therapy of colorectal cancer and reveals the important role of autophagy in promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest to induce cell death.
Pd(ii), Ni(ii) and Co(ii)-catalyzed enantioselective additions of organoboron reagents to ketimines
Authors: Quan Mao , Wu Liang , Yang Guoqiang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: July 2018

This feature article highlights the development of Pd(ii), Ni(ii), and Co(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric additions of organoboron reagents to ketimines.
N-Heterocyclic carbene–chromium-catalyzed alkylative cross-coupling of benzamide derivatives with aliphatic bromides
Authors: Tang Jinghua , Liu Pei , Zeng Xiaoming
Published: July 2018

Described here is a chromium-catalyzed alkylative cross-coupling of benzamide derivatives with aliphatic electrophiles under mild conditions.
Chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed enantioselective N-alkylation of indoles with in situ generated cyclic N-acyl ketimines
Authors: Zhang Lvye , Wu Binqiang , Chen Zhangtao , Hu Jinjin , Zeng Xiaofei , Zhong Guofu
Published: July 2018

A chiral SPINOL derived phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric N-alkylation reaction of indoles with cyclic α-diaryl-substituted N-acyl imines, which are generated in situ from 3-aryl 3-hydroxyisoindo-linones, has been demonstrated.
Synthesis of platinum nanoparticles templated by dendrimers terminated with alkyl chains
Authors: Chen Tianyou , Cheng Zhao , Yi Changfeng , Xu Zushun
Published: July 2018

A new approach to synthesize platinum nanoparticles templated by dendrimers terminated with alkyl chains was developed using hydrogen as a reducing agent.
Toward bidirectional photoswitchable colored photochromic molecules with visible light stability
Authors: Zhan Tian-Guang , Yin Huan-Huan , Zheng Si-Tai , Lin Wei-Cheng , Shen Nan-Li , Cui Jiecheng , Kong Li-Chun , Liu Li-Juan , Zhang Kang-Da
Published: July 2018

Novel bidirectional photoswitchable colored photochromic [2]rotaxanes were fabricated, whose colored states exhibit considerable visible-light stability and high thermal stability. These features are crucial for photochromic molecules to be applied in information displays and data storage.
CVD growth of molybdenum diselenide surface structures with tailored morphology
Authors: Sial M. Naeem , Usman Muhammad , Zheng Binjie , Yu Yanan , Mavrič Andraž , Qing Fangzhu , Valant Matjaz , Wang Zhiming M.
Published: July 2018

Controllable atmospheric pressure CVD has been optimized to grow transition metal dichalcogenide MoSe2 with tunable morphology at 750 °C on a silicon substrate with a native oxide layer of 250 nm.
Corrosion protection of Al(111) by 8-hydroxyquinoline: a comprehensive DFT study
Authors: Chiter Fatah , Bonnet Marie-Laure , Lacaze-Dufaure Corinne , Tang Hao , Pébère Nadine
Published: July 2018

The corrosion protective 8HQ monolayer on Al(111).
Achieving ultrahigh carrier mobilities and opening the band gap in two-dimensional Si2BN
Authors: Singh Deobrat , Gupta Sanjeev K. , Sonvane Yogesh , Hussain Tanveer , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: July 2018

Two-dimensional Si2BN material has been theoretically predicted that the superior carrier mobility. That's why we believe that it is a promising candidates for 2D electronics applications and has attracted interest in the scientific community for further research.
Bandgap tuning in MoSSe bilayers: synergistic effects of dipole moment and interlayer distance
Authors: Shang Chanjuan , Xu Bo , Lei Xueling , Yu Shicheng , Chen Diancheng , Wu Musheng , Sun Baozhen , Liu Gang , Ouyang Chuying
Published: July 2018

The gap of bilayer MoSSe is affected by the synergistic effects of dipole moment and interlayer distance.
Correction: Necessary and sufficient conditions for the successful three-phase photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by H2O over heterogeneous photocatalysts
Authors: Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro
Published: July 2018

Correction for ‘Necessary and sufficient conditions for the successful three-phase photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by H2O over heterogeneous photocatalysts’ by Kentaro Teramura et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018, 20, 8423–8431.
Mn doped CoP nanoparticle clusters: an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Xiumin , Li Shasha , Yoshida Akihiro , Sirisomboonchai Suchada , Tang Keyong , Zuo Zhijun , Hao Xiaogang , Abudula Abuliti , Guan Guoqing
Published: July 2018

Electrodeposited CoMn LDH was in situ converted to Mn-CoP electro-catalysts which show excellent HER activity in both acidic and alkaline solutions.
The NAMI A – human ferritin system: a biophysical characterization
Authors: Ciambellotti Silvia , Pratesi Alessandro , Severi Mirko , Ferraro Giarita , Alessio Enzo , Merlino Antonello , Messori Luigi
Published: July 2018

The NAMI A/HuHf adduct with selective binding of a Ru ion to His105 is described. This adduct is of potential pharmaceutical interest as a carrier of ruthenium ions.
Fluorescent phenoxy benzoxazole complexes of zirconium and hafnium: synthesis, structure and photo-physical behaviour
Authors: Kuhlmann Lisa , Methling Rafael , Simon Jasmin , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans-Georg , Strassert Cristian A. , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: July 2018

Ten new Zr(iv) and Hf(iv) complexes with phenoxy-benzoxazole ligands with high coordination numbers up to eight show ligand-centered fluorescence with emission maxima in the blue region.
Elucidation of the two-step relaxation processes of a tetranuclear dysprosium molecular nanomagnet through magnetic dilution
Authors: Fang Yu , Ji Xiao-Qin , Xiong Jin , Li Guanzheng , Ma Fang , Sun Hao-Ling , Zhang Yi-Quan , Gao Song
Published: July 2018

A new centrosymmetric tetranuclear aggregate [Dy4(L)2(OAc)8(CH3OH)2] (1) was assembled using a unique symmetrical Schiff base ligand 1,5-bis(salicylidene)-carbohydrazide (H2L).
High efficiency green OLEDs based on homoleptic iridium complexes with steric phenylpyridazine ligands
Authors: Tong Bihai , Wang Han , Chen Man , Zhou Shixiong , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhang Qianfeng , He Gufeng , Fu Lianshe , Shi Huatian , Jin Long , Zhou Huidong
Published: July 2018

The doped and non-doped OLED devices based on 3 exhibit very high EQE of 25.2% and 15.2%, respectively.
Sunlight-mediated inactivation of health-relevant microorganisms in water: a review of mechanisms and modeling approaches
Authors: Nelson Kara L. , Boehm Alexandria B. , Davies-Colley Robert J. , Dodd Michael C. , Kohn Tamar , Linden Karl. G. , Liu Yuanyuan , Maraccini Peter A. , McNeill Kristopher , Mitch William A. , Nguyen Thanh H. , Parker Kimberly M. , Rodriguez Roberto A. , Sassoubre Lauren M. , Silverman Andrea I. , Wigginton Krista R. , Zepp Richard G.
Published: July 2018

Inactivation occursviadirect and indirect processes in sunlit waters.
Active iron bound to SOM catalyzes the oxidization of alkanes in soil by H2O2
Authors: Xu Jinlan , Cao Qianqian , Zhang Miaojia , Yang Chengwei
Published: July 2018

To explore the oxidation effects and mechanisms for the oxidation of alkanes by H2O2 in a Fenton system catalyzed by two types of iron bound to soil organic matter (Fe-SOM) in crude oil-contaminated soil, an oxidation experiment was performed in active Fe-SOM and Fe-SOM systems.
Comment on “Crystal growth and aggregation in suspensions of δ-MnO2 nanoparticles: implications for surface reactivity” by F. F. Marafatto, B. Lanson and J. Peña, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018, 5, 497
Authors: Manceau Alain
Published: July 2018

We show that X-ray diffraction of δ-MnO2 nanoparticles is sensitive to the lognormal distribution of the crystallite size and to the strain gradient across the nanosheet.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Crystal growth and aggregation in suspensions of δ-MnO2 nanoparticles: implications for surface reactivity”’ by A. Manceau, Environ. Sci.: Nano, 2018, 5, DOI: 10.1039/C8EN00126J
Authors: Lanson Bruno , Marafatto Francesco F. , Peña Jasquelin
Published: July 2018

This reply clarifies the conservative assumptions underlying the XRD modeling performed in the initial article.
Electrosynthesis of new quinone sulfonimide derivatives using a conventional batch and a new electrolyte-free flow cell
Authors: Momeni Shima , Nematollahi Davood
Published: July 2018

The electroorganic synthesis of new quinone sulfonimide derivatives using a conventional batch and a new lab-made electrochemical flow cell, under electrolyte-free conditions was achieved.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 5-chloro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) salicylamide derivatives as tubulin polymerization inhibitors
Authors: Galal Alaaeldin M. F. , Soltan Maha M. , Ahmed Esam R. , Hanna Atef G.
Published: July 2018

A novel series of sulfonamide derivatives, coupled with a salicylamide scaffold, was designed and synthesized.
Using graphs to quantify energetic and structural order in semicrystalline oligothiophene thin films
Authors: Van Ellen , Jones Matthew , Jankowski Eric , Wodo Olga
Published: July 2018

In semicrystalline conjugated polymer thin films, the mobility of charges depends on the arrangement of the individual polymer chains.
Green effervescence assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent for determination of Sunset Yellow and Brilliant Blue FCF in food samples
Authors: Ghorbani Ravandi Mahboobeh , Fat’hi Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2018

In this study, a simple, fast and sensitive method called effervescence assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (EADLLME-DES) was used to extract synthetic dyes from food samples.
Ultrasensitive point-of-care testing of arsenic based on a catalytic reaction of unmodified gold nanoparticles
Authors: Xu Chengtao , Liu Deye , Zhang Dagan , Zhao Chao , Liu Hong
Published: July 2018

Ultrasensitive arsenic detection based on inhibition of a catalytic reaction between Rhodamine B and sodium borohydride.
Trapping interactions between catalytic domains and carrier proteins of modular biosynthetic enzymes with chemical probes
Authors: Gulick Andrew M. , Aldrich Courtney C.
Published: July 2018

A review of chemical probes used to characterize interactions between carrier and catalytic domains of modular NRPS and PKS enzymes.
Base-promoted diastereoselective α-alkylation of borane N-((S)-1′-phenylethyl)azetidine-2-carboxylic acid ester complexes
Authors: Tayama Eiji , Nishio Ryotaro , Kobayashi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2018

Synthesis of optically-active α-substituted azetidine-2-carboxylic acid esters starting from (S)-1-phenylethylamine was successfully demonstrated via diastereoselective N-boration followed by α-alkylation.
Simultaneous electrochemical determination of levodopa and piroxicam using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a ZnO–Pd/CNT nanocomposite
Authors: Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Sheikhshoaie Iran , Samadzadeh Ali
Published: July 2018

A highly conductive electrochemical sensor was constructed for the simultaneous electrochemical determination of levodopa and piroxicam by modification of a glassy carbon electrode with a ZnO–Pd/CNT nanocomposite (GCE/ZnO–Pd/CNTs).
Microwave assisted robust aqueous synthesis of Mn2+-doped CdSe QDs with enhanced electronic properties
Authors: Meladom Sandhya K. , Arackal Sarath , Sreedharan Anjusree , Sagar Srikrishna , Das Bikas C.
Published: July 2018

Doping of CdSe QDs with Mn(ii) was successfully developed in cost-effective aqueous medium resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity and memristor properties.
Development and characterisation of self-assembled graphene hydrogel-based anodes for bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Lescano Mariela I. , Gasnier Aurelien , Pedano Maria L. , Sica Mauricio P. , Pasquevich Daniel M. , Prados Maria B.
Published: July 2018

A cheap, robust and versatile hydrogel-electrode is easily obtained by reduction of graphene-oxide; its colonisation byGeobacterresulted in high current densities.
Development of tungsten bronze nanorods for redox-enhanced photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy of tumors
Authors: Gao Hongbo , Fang Xiangming , Xiang Jing , Liu Xiaohang , Zhang JianPing , Zhou Bingni , Gu Bingxin , Zhang Hua , Liu Wei , Zheng Yingying , Sun Yuyun , Li Yi , Tang Wei , Zhou LiangPing
Published: July 2018

Although various kinds of nanomaterials have been used as anticancer theranostics by exploiting the tumor microenvironment, relatively few nanomaterials can be efficiently activated by the tumor redox status for imaging and therapy.
Efficient bioconversion of furfural to furfuryl alcohol byBacillus coagulansNL01
Authors: Yan Yuxiu , Bu Chongyang , He Qin , Zheng Zhaojuan , Ouyang Jia
Published: July 2018

Bio-catalytic reduction of furfural to furfuryl alcohol was successfully carried out byBacillus coagulansNL01 whole-cells in the presence of glucose.
Self-assembly of semiflexible polymers confined to thin spherical shells
Authors: Khadilkar Mihir R. , Nikoubashman Arash
Published: July 2018

The effect of spherical confinement on semiflexible polymers is investigated through simulations as a function of chain stiffness, contour length and shell thickness, exploring the nature of ordering and topological defects.
Enhancing the photovoltaic performance of GaAs/graphene Schottky junction solar cells by interfacial modification with self assembled alkyl thiol monolayer
Authors: Wen Lei , Gao Fangliang , Yu Yuefeng , Xu Zhenzhu , Liu Zhikun , Gao Peng , Zhang Shuguang , Li Guoqiang
Published: July 2018

We demonstrate the fabrication of highly-efficient GaAs/graphene Schottky junction solar cells by interfacial modification with a self-assembled alkyl thiol monolayer.
Ionic vs. van der Waals layered materials: identification and comparison of elastic anisotropy
Authors: McKinney Robert W. , Gorai Prashun , Manna Sukriti , Toberer Eric , Stevanović Vladan
Published: July 2018

Computational identification of ionic layered materials and assessment of elastic anisotropy for comparison with van der Waals layered materials.
MOF derived iron oxide-based smart plasmonic Ag/Au hollow and porous nanoshells “ultra-microelectrodes” for ultra-sensitive detection of arsenic
Authors: Zhao Zhenlu , Zhang Ziwei , Li Chuanping , Wu Haoxi , Wang Jianrong , Lu Yizhong
Published: July 2018

Engineering sensitive gold-based nanostructured “ultra-microelectrode” systems have been an essential part of As(iii) sensing due to their high theoretical efficiency, high oxygen overpotential, high abundance and environmental benignity.
Vertically oriented TiS2−x nanobelt arrays as binder- and carbon-free intercalation electrodes for Li- and Na-based energy storage devices
Authors: Hawkins Casey G. , Whittaker-Brooks Luisa
Published: July 2018

Vertically-oriented TiS2 nanobelt arrays allow for the fabrication of carbon- and binder- free electrodes with high ion diffusion lengths.
Catalytic metal-induced crystallization of sol–gel metal oxides for high-efficiency flexible perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hou Cheng-Hung , Shyue Jing-Jong , Su Wei-Fang , Tsai Feng-Yu
Published: July 2018

A novel c-MIC mechanism is discovered, enabling solution-based fabrication of high-quality metal oxide films at low temperatures.
Metal/covalent–organic frameworks-based electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Yan Ya , He Ting , Zhao Bin , Qi Kai , Liu Hongfang , Xia Bao Yu
Published: July 2018

This review provides a focused overview on advanced metal/covalent–organic framework-based materials as electrocatalysts for efficient water splitting.
Using single molecule force spectroscopy to facilitate a rational design of Ca2+-responsive β-roll peptide-based hydrogels
Authors: Liu Lichao , Wang Han , Han Yueying , Lv Shanshan , Chen Jianfeng
Published: July 2018

Mechanical stability of Ca2+-responsive β-roll peptides (RTX) is largely responsible for the Ca2+-dependent mechanical properties of the RTX-based hydrogels.
Plasmonic Janus hybrids for the detection of small metabolites
Authors: Su Haiyang , Liu Tingting , Huang Lin , Huang Jingyi , Cao Jing , Yang Hengquan , Ye Jian , Liu Jian , Qian Kun
Published: July 2018

Janus hybrids with amphiphilic structures were used for the sensitive detection of small metabolites.
Pure OPM nanofibers with high piezoelectricity designed for energy harvesting in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Tong , Feng Zhang-Qi , Yan Ke , Yuan Tao , Wei Wuting , Yuan Xu , Wang Chao , Wang Ting , Dong Wei , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2018

Pure OPM nanofibers with unprecedented high piezoelectricity are successfully fabricated and applied on the skin as a motion sensor and in arterial blood vessels as a nanogenerator for energy harvesting.
Microscale screen printing of large-area arrays of microparticles for the fabrication of photonic structures and for optical sorting
Authors: Rose Mark A. , Vinod T. P. , Morin Stephen A.
Published: July 2018

This report describes a new strategy, microparticle screen printing (μSP), generally applicable to the fabrication of homo/heterogeneous arrays of functional particles with potential applications in photonics, optoelectronics, and optical sorting/barcoding.
Pressure-controlled synthesis of high-performance SrLiAl3N4:Eu2+ narrow-band red phosphors
Authors: Fang Mu-Huai , Tsai Yi-Ting , Sheu Hwo-Shuenn , Lee Jyh-Fu , Liu Ru-Shi
Published: July 2018

SrLiAl3N4:Eu2+ (SLA) phosphors have gained increasing attention worldwide due to their narrow emission bandwidth and excellent thermal stability.
Toxicity of dihydroxyacetone is exerted through the formation of methylglyoxal in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: effects on actin polarity and nuclear division
Authors: Nomura Wataru , Aoki Miho , Inoue Yoshiharu
Published: July 2018

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the smallest ketotriose, and it is utilized by many organisms as an energy source. However, at higher concentrations, DHA becomes toxic towards several organisms including the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the present study, we show that DHA toxicity is due to its spontaneous conversion to methylglyoxal (MG) within yeast cells. A mutant defective in MG-metabolizing enzymes (glo1Δgre2Δgre3Δ) exhibited higher susceptibility to DHA. Intracellular MG levels increased following the treatment of glo1Δgre2Δgre3Δ cells with DHA. We previously reported that MG depolarized the actin cytoskeleton and changed vacuolar morphology. We herein demonstrated the depolarization of actin and morphological changes in vacuoles following a treatment with DHA. Furthermore, we found that both MG and DHA caused the morphological change in nucleus, and inhibited the nuclear division. Our results suggest that the conversion of DHA to MG is a dominant contributor to its cytotoxicity.
A review of the multifunctionality of angiopoietin-like 4 in eye disease
Authors: Yang Xinyue , Cheng Yan , Su Guanfang
Published: July 2018

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a multifunctional cytokine regulating vascular permeability, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Dysregulations in these responses contribute to the pathogenesis of ischemic retinopathies such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion, and sickle cell retinopathy (SCR). However, the role of ANGPTL4 in these diseases remains controversial. Here, we summarize the functional mechanisms of ANGPTL4 in several diseases. We highlight original studies that provide detailed data about the mechanisms of action for ANGPTL4, its applications as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, and its use as a potential therapeutic target. Taken together, the discussions in this review will help us gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which ANGPTL4 functions in eye disease and will provide directions for future research.
microRNA-98 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, migration and promotes apoptosis of breast cancer cells by binding to HMGA2
Authors: Wang Mi-Jia , Zhang Hao , Li Jun , Zhao Hai-Dong
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer is a major contributor leading to cancer death in females worldwide. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of microRNA-98 (miR-98) on the processes of cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis by binding to high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) in breast cancer. Breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 112 patients suffering from breast cancer. The target relationship between miR-98 and HMGA2 was verified by in connection with the bioinformatics website as well as a dual-luciferase reporter assay, both of which provided evidence indicating that HMGA2 was a target gene of miR-98. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with miR-98 mimics, miR-98 inhibitors, siRNA-HMGA2 or miR-98 inhibitors + siRNA-HMGA2. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry methods were performed to determine cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis, respectively, while a Transwell assay was employed to detect cell migration and invasion. Breast cancer tissues exhibited decreased miR-98 expression, while increased expression levels of HMGA2 were recorded. The mRNA and protein expressions of HMGA2, cell proliferation, cells at the S phase, cell migration, invasion, expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 as well as MMP9 were all reduced in response to miR-98 mimics or siRNA-HMGA2, while a contradictory trend was observed in the miR-98 inhibitors group. In conclusion, the results of the study demonstrate that miR-98 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while acting to promote apoptosis by negatively regulating HMGA2 in breast cancer.
It's a protist-eat-protist world: recalcitrance, predation, and evolution in the Tonian–Cryogenian ocean
Authors: Cohen Phoebe A. , Riedman Leigh Anne
Published: July 2018

Predation, and how organisms respond to it, is an important ecological interaction across the tree of life. Much of our understanding of predation focuses on modern metazoa. However, predation is equally important in single-celled eukaryotes (commonly referred to as protists). In the fossil record, we see evidence of protists preying on other protists beginning in the Tonian Period (1000–720 Ma). In addition, the first evidence of eukaryotic biomineralization and the appearance of multiple unmineralized but recalcitrant forms are also seen in the Tonian and Cryogenian (720–635 Ma), potentially indirect evidence of predation. This fossil evidence, coupled with molecular clock analyses, is coincident with multiple metrics that show an increase in the diversity of eukaryotic clades and fossil assemblages. Predation, thus, may have played a critical role in the diversification of eukaryotes and the evolution of protistan armor in the Neoproterozoic Era. Here, we review the current understanding of predation in the Tonian and Cryogenian oceans as viewed through the fossil record, and discuss how the rise of eukaryotic predation upon other eukaryotes (eukaryovory) may have played a role in major evolutionary transitions including the origins of biomineralization.
On the edge of exceptional preservation: insights into the role of redox state in Burgess Shale-type taphonomic windows from the Mural Formation, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Sperling Erik A. , Balthasar Uwe , Skovsted Christian B.
Published: July 2018

Animals originated in the Neoproterozoic and ‘exploded’ into the fossil record in the Cambrian. The Cambrian also represents a high point in the animal fossil record for the preservation of soft tissues that are normally degraded. Specifically, fossils from Burgess Shale-type (BST) preservational windows give paleontologists an unparalleled view into early animal evolution. Why this time interval hosts such exceptional preservation, and why this preservational window declines in the early Paleozoic, have been long-standing questions. Anoxic conditions have been hypothesized to play a role in BST preservation, but recent geochemical investigations of these deposits have reached contradictory results with respect to the redox state of overlying bottom waters. Here, we report a multi-proxy geochemical study of the Lower Cambrian Mural Formation, Alberta, Canada. At the type section, the Mural Formation preserves rare recalcitrant organic tissues in shales that were deposited near storm wave base (a Tier 3 deposit; the worst level of soft-tissue preservation). The geochemical signature of this section shows little to no evidence of anoxic conditions, in contrast with published multi-proxy studies of more celebrated Tier 1 and 2 deposits. These data help confirm that ‘decay-limited’ BST biotas were deposited in more oxygenated conditions, and support a role for anoxic conditions in BST preservation. Finally, we discuss the role of iron reduction in BST preservation, including the formation of iron-rich clays and inducement of sealing seafloor carbonate cements. As oceans and sediment columns became more oxygenated and more sulfidic through the early Paleozoic, these geochemical changes may have helped close the BST taphonomic window.
Review on the techno‐commercial aspects of wind energy conversion system
Authors: Chatterjee Shantanu , Chatterjee Saibal
Published: July 2018

This study provides an overview of the different techno‐commercial aspects of a wind energy conversion system. The review includes the grid codes provided by the transmission system operator of different countries supplemented by various communication protocols, explanation of different types of conventional and advanced wind generators, discussions on different maximum power point algorithms along with various conventional and advanced pitch angle control systems. The study also describes a variable speed system using different types of power electronic converters at the generator and the grid side to maintain power quality, grid synchronisation and unity power factor operation along with various cooling techniques utilised. In a subsequent part, a clear overview of different control topologies such as field‐oriented control, direct torque control, voltage‐oriented control and direct power control has been provided along with the recent advancement of each and every topology. The study also provides the challenges of the prevailing technology along with the already available and possible ways of minimising these technological gaps. Finally, a techno‐commercial comparison of different commercially available wind systems by different companies has been presented along with their market share based on the current scenario.