bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreasing but still significant facilitation effect of cold-season macrophytes on wetlands purification function during cold winter
Authors: Zou Xiangxu , Zhang Hui , Zuo Jie , Wang Penghe , Zhao Dehua , An Shuqing
Published: June 2016

To identify the facilitation effect of a cool-season aquatic macrophyte (FEam) for use in effluent purification via constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) and to determine the possible pathways used during a winter period with an average temperature of less than 5 °C, pilot-scale CFWs were planted with the cold-season macrophyte Oenanthe clecumbens and were operated as batch systems. Although some leaves withered, the roots retained relatively high levels of activity during the winter, which had average air and water temperatures of 3.63 and 5.04 °C, respectively. The N and P removal efficiencies in CFWs decreased significantly in winter relative to those in late autumn. The presence of cool-season plants resulted in significant improvements in N and P removal, with a FEam of 15.23–25.86% in winter. Microbial N removal accounted for 71.57% of the total N removed in winter, and the decrease in plant uptake was the dominant factor in the wintertime decrease in N removal relative to that in late autumn. These results demonstrate the importance of cold-season plants in CFWs for the treatment of secondary effluent during cold winters.
Impact of HCV core gene quasispecies on hepatocellular carcinoma risk among HALT-C trial patients
Authors: El-Shamy Ahmed , Pendleton Matthew , Eng Francis J. , Doyle Erin H. , Bashir Ali , Branch Andrea D.
Published: June 2016

Mutations at positions 70 and/or 91 in the core protein of genotype-1b, hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in Asian patients. To evaluate this in a US population, the relationship between the percentage of 70 and/or 91 mutant HCV quasispecies in baseline serum samples of chronic HCV patients from the HALT-C trial and the incidence of HCC was determined by deep sequencing. Quasispecies percentage cut-points, ≥42% of non-arginine at 70 (non-R70) or ≥98.5% of non-leucine at 91 (non-L91) had optimal sensitivity at discerning higher or lower HCC risk. In baseline samples, 88.5% of chronic HCV patients who later developed HCC and 68.8% of matched HCC-free control patients had ≥42% non-R70 quasispecies (P = 0.06). Furthermore, 30.8% of patients who developed HCC and 54.7% of matched HCC-free patients had quasispecies with ≥98.5% non-L91 (P = 0.06). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, HCC incidence was higher, but not statistically significant, among patients with quasispecies ≥42% non-R70 (P = 0.08), while HCC incidence was significantly reduced among patients with quasispecies ≥98.5% non-L91 (P = 0.01). In a Cox regression model, non-R70 ≥42% was associated with increased HCC risk. This study of US patients indicates the potential utility of HCV quasispecies analysis as a non-invasive biomarker of HCC risk.
Endogenous sulfur dioxide is a novel adipocyte-derived inflammatory inhibitor
Authors: Zhang Heng , Huang Yaqian , Bu Dingfang , Chen Selena , Tang Chaoshu , Wang Guang , Du Junbao , Jin Hongfang
Published: June 2016

The present study was designed to determine whether sulfur dioxide (SO2) could be endogenously produced in adipocyte and served as a novel adipocyte-derived inflammatory inhibitor. SO2 was detected in adipose tissue using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. SO2 synthase aspartate aminotransferase (AAT1 and AAT2) mRNA and protein expressions in adipose tissues were measured. For in vitro study, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were cultured, infected with adenovirus carrying AAT1 gene or lentivirus carrying shRNA to AAT1, and then treated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). We found that endogenous SO2/AAT pathway existed in adipose tissues including perivascular, perirenal, epididymal, subcutaneous and brown adipose tissue. AAT1 overexpression significantly increased SO2 production and inhibited TNF-α-induced inflammatory factors, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion from 3T3-L1 adipocytes. By contrast, AAT1 knockdown decreased SO2 production and exacerbated TNF-α-stimulated MCP-1 and IL-8 secretion. Mechanistically, AAT1 overexpression attenuated TNF-α-induced IκBα phosphorylation and degradation, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation, while AAT1 knockdown aggravated TNF-α-activated NF-κB pathway, which was blocked by SO2. NF-κB inhibitors, PDTC or Bay 11-7082, abolished excessive p65 phosphorylation and adipocyte inflammation induced by AAT1 knockdown. This is the first report to suggest that endogenous SO2 is a novel adipocyte-derived inflammatory inhibitor.
A light-controlled switch after dual targeting of proliferating tumor cells via the membrane receptor EGFR and the nuclear protein Ki-67
Authors: Wang Sijia , Hüttmann Gereon , Scholzen Thomas , Zhang Zhenxi , Vogel Alfred , Hasan Tayyaba , Rahmanzadeh Ramtin
Published: June 2016

Using nanotechnology for optical manipulation of molecular processes in cells with high spatial and temporal precision promises new therapeutic options. Especially tumor therapy may profit as it requires a combination of both selectivity and an effective cell killing mechanism. Here we show a dual targeting approach for selective and efficient light-controlled killing of cells which are positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Ki-67. Liposomes with the covalently linked EGFR antibody Erbitux enabled selective uptake of FITC-labeled Ki-67 antibody TuBB-9 in EGFR-positive cells pre-loaded with the photoactive dye BPD. After irradiation at 690 nm, BPD disrupted the endosomal membranes and delivered the antibodies to the nucleoli of the cells. The second irradiation at 490 nm activated the FITC-labeled TuBB-9, which caused inactivation of the Ki-67 protein and subsequent cell death via apoptosis. Efficient cell killing was possible at nanomolar concentrations of TuBB-9 due to the effective transport by immune liposomes and the high efficacy of the Ki-67 light-inactivation. Delivery of the liposomal constructs and cell destruction correlated well with the EGFR expression pattern of different cell lines (HeLa, OVCAR-5, MCF-7, and human fibroblasts), demonstrating an excellent selectivity.
Prediction of miRNA-disease associations with a vector space model
Authors: Pasquier Claude , Gardès Julien
Published: June 2016

MicroRNAs play critical roles in many physiological processes. Their dysregulations are also closely related to the development and progression of various human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, identifying new microRNAs that are associated with diseases contributes to a better understanding of pathogenicity mechanisms. MicroRNAs also represent a tremendous opportunity in biotechnology for early diagnosis. To date, several in silico methods have been developed to address the issue of microRNA-disease association prediction. However, these methods have various limitations. In this study, we investigate the hypothesis that information attached to miRNAs and diseases can be revealed by distributional semantics. Our basic approach is to represent distributional information on miRNAs and diseases in a high-dimensional vector space and to define associations between miRNAs and diseases in terms of their vector similarity. Cross validations performed on a dataset of known miRNA-disease associations demonstrate the excellent performance of our method. Moreover, the case study focused on breast cancer confirms the ability of our method to discover new disease-miRNA associations and to identify putative false associations reported in databases.
The hydrogen sulfide metabolite trimethylsulfonium is found in human urine
Authors: Lajin Bassam , Francesconi Kevin A.
Published: June 2016

Hydrogen sulfide is the third and most recently discovered gaseous signaling molecule following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, playing important roles both in normal physiological conditions and disease progression. The trimethylsulfonium ion (TMS) can result from successive methylation reactions of hydrogen sulfide. No report exists so far about the presence or quantities of TMS in human urine. We developed a method for determining TMS in urine using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QQQ) and applied the method to establish the urinary levels of TMS in a group of human volunteers. The measured urinary levels of TMS were in the nanomolar range, which is commensurate with the steady-state tissue concentrations of hydrogen sulfide previously reported in the literature. The developed method can be used in future studies for the quantification of urinary TMS as a potential biomarker for hydrogen sulfide body pools.
The Wheat GT Factor TaGT2L1D Negatively Regulates Drought Tolerance and Plant Development
Authors: Zheng Xin , Liu Haipei , Ji Hongtao , Wang Youning , Dong Baodi , Qiao Yunzhou , Liu Mengyu , Li Xia
Published: June 2016

GT factors are trihelix transcription factors that specifically regulate plant development and stress responses. Recently, several GT factors have been characterized in different plant species; however, little is known about the role of GT factors in wheat. Here, we show that TaGT2L1A, TaGT2L1B, and TaGT2L1D are highly homologous in hexaploid wheat, and are localized to wheat chromosomes 2A, 2B, and 2D, respectively. These TaGT2L1 genes encode proteins containing two SANT domains and one central helix. All three homologs were ubiquitously expressed during wheat development and were responsive to osmotic stress. Functional analyses demonstrated that TaGT2L1D acts as a transcriptional repressor; it was able to suppress the expression of AtSDD1 in Arabidopsis by binding directly to the GT3 box in its promoter that negatively regulates drought tolerance. TaGT2L1D overexpression markedly increased the number of stomata and reduced drought tolerance in gtl1-3 plants. Notably, ectopic expression of TaGT2L1D also affected floral organ development and overall plant growth. These results demonstrate that TaGT2L1 is an ortholog of AtGTL1, and that it plays an evolutionarily conserved role in drought resistance by fine tuning stomatal density in wheat. Our data also highlight the role of TaGT2L1 in plant growth and development.
Differences in DNA Repair Capacity, Cell Death and Transcriptional Response after Irradiation between a Radiosensitive and a Radioresistant Cell Line
Authors: Borràs-Fresneda Mireia , Barquinero Joan-Francesc , Gomolka Maria , Hornhardt Sabine , Rössler Ute , Armengol Gemma , Barrios Leonardo
Published: June 2016

Normal tissue toxicity after radiotherapy shows variability between patients, indicating inter-individual differences in radiosensitivity. Genetic variation probably contributes to these differences. The aim of the present study was to determine if two cell lines, one radiosensitive (RS) and another radioresistant (RR), showed differences in DNA repair capacity, cell viability, cell cycle progression and, in turn, if this response could be characterised by a differential gene expression profile at different post-irradiation times. After irradiation, the RS cell line showed a slower rate of γ-H2AX foci disappearance, a higher frequency of incomplete chromosomal aberrations, a reduced cell viability and a longer disturbance of the cell cycle when compared to the RR cell line. Moreover, a greater and prolonged transcriptional response after irradiation was induced in the RS cell line. Functional analysis showed that 24 h after irradiation genes involved in “DNA damage response”, “direct p53 effectors” and apoptosis were still differentially up-regulated in the RS cell line but not in the RR cell line. The two cell lines showed different response to IR and can be distinguished with cell-based assays and differential gene expression analysis. The results emphasise the importance to identify biomarkers of radiosensitivity for tailoring individualized radiotherapy protocols.
Seven wood-inhabiting new species of the genus Trichoderma (Fungi, Ascomycota) in Viride clade
Authors: Qin Wen-Tao , Zhuang Wen-Ying
Published: June 2016

More than 200 recent collections of Trichoderma from China were examined and 16 species belonging to the Viride clade were identified based on integrated studies of phenotypic and molecular data. Among them, seven wood-inhabiting new species, T. albofulvopsis, T. densum, T. laevisporum, T. sinokoningii, T. sparsum, T. sphaerosporum and T. subviride, are found. They form trichoderma- to verticillium-like conidiophores, lageniform to subulate phialides and globose to ellipsoidal conidia, but vary greatly in colony features, growth rates, and sizes of phialides and conidia. To explore their taxonomic positions, the phylogenetic tree including all the known species of the Viride clade is constructed based on sequence analyses of the combined RNA polymerase II subunit b and translation elongation factor 1 alpha exon genes. Our results indicated that the seven new species were well-located in the Koningii, Rogersonii and Neorufum subclades as well as a few independent terminal branches. They are clearly distinguishable from any existing species. Morphological distinctions and sequence divergences between the new species and their close relatives were discussed.
The Role of Trap-assisted Recombination in Luminescent Properties of Organometal Halide CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Films and Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Yu , Wang Hai-Yu , Zhang Yan-Xia , Hao Ya-Wei , Sun Chun , Zhang Yu , Gao Bing-Rong , Chen Qi-Dai , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: June 2016

Hybrid metal halide perovskites have been paid enormous attentions in photophysics research, whose excellent performances were attributed to their intriguing charge carriers proprieties. However, it still remains far from satisfaction in the comprehensive understanding of perovskite charge-transport properities, especially about trap-assisted recombination process. In this Letter, through time-resolved transient absorption (TA) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements, we provided a relative comprehensive investigation on the charge carriers recombination dynamics of CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) perovskite films and quantum dots (QDs), especially about trap-assisted recombination. It was found that the integral recombination mode of MAPbBr3 films was highly sensitive to the density distribution of generated charge carriers and trap states. Additional, Trap effects would be gradually weakened with elevated carrier densities. Furthermore, the trap-assisted recombination can be removed from MAPbBr3 QDs through its own surface passivation mechanism and this specialty may render the QDs as a new material in illuminating research. This work provides deeper physical insights into the dynamics processes of MAPbBr3 materials and paves a way toward more light-harvesting applications in future.
Natural betanin dye extracted from bougainvillea flowers for the naked-eye detection of copper ions in water samples
Authors: Khairy Mohamed , Ismael Mohamed , El-Khatib Rafat M. , Abdelnaeem Mostafa , Khalaf Mariam
Published: June 2016

A betanin-based colorimetric probe was simply extracted from bougainvillea flowers for the selective detection of Cu2+ ions. The experimental results showed that the betanin pigment could be employed as an optical sensor for Cu2+ with significant color changes in tap water samples.
Pre-concentration of Ta(V) by solvent extraction before determination of trace amounts of Ta in Nb and Nb compounds
Authors: Turkowska Magdalena , Smolik Marek
Published: June 2016

The paper presents the results of a study on the efficiency of the separation of Ta(V) and Nb(v) from fluoride solutions by solvent extraction with methyl isobutyl ketone with a view to applying the extraction process to the purification of Nb from Ta and for the pre-concentration of Ta prior to its determination in Nb and its compounds over a wide range of initial concentrations.
Synthesis, electrochemical properties, and crystal packing of perfluororubrene
Authors: Zhang Zhuoran , Ogden William A. , Young Victor G. , Douglas Christopher J.
Published: June 2016

A synthesis of perfluorinated rubrene is reported. The electron-deficient molecule adopts unique crystal packing in different polymorphs.
High-throughput synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline porphyrinic zirconium metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Kelty M. L. , Morris W. , Gallagher A. T. , Anderson J. S. , Brown K. A. , Mirkin C. A. , Harris T. D.
Published: June 2016

We describe and employ a high-throughput screening method to accelerate the synthesis and identification of pure-phase, nanocrystalline metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).
Broadening substrate specificity of a chain-extending ketosynthase through a single active-site mutation
Authors: Murphy Annabel C. , Hong Hui , Vance Steve , Broadhurst R. William , Leadlay Peter F.
Published: June 2016

An in vitro model system based on a ketosynthase domain of the erythromycin polyketide synthase was used to probe the apparent substrate tolerance of ketosynthase domains of the mycolactone polyketide synthase.
Enhanced polysulphide redox reaction using a RuO2 nanoparticle-decorated mesoporous carbon as functional separator coating for advanced lithium–sulphur batteries
Authors: Balach J. , Jaumann T. , Mühlenhoff S. , Eckert J. , Giebeler L.
Published: June 2016

A multi-functional RuO2 nanoparticle-embedded mesoporous carbon-coated separator is used as an electrocatalytic and adsorbing polysulphide-net to enhance the redox reaction of migrating polysulphides.
Ammonia mobility in chabazite: insight into the diffusion component of the NH3-SCR process
Authors: O'Malley Alexander J. , Hitchcock Iain , Sarwar Misbah , Silverwood Ian P. , Hindocha Sheena , Catlow C. Richard A. , York Andrew P. E. , Collier P. J.
Published: June 2016

To assess the effect of counterion presence on NH3 mobility in commercial automotive emission control zeolite catalysts, NH3 mobility in NH3-SCR catalyst Cu-CHA was compared with H-CHA using quasielastic neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations.
Assessing covalency in equatorial U–N bonds: density based measures of bonding in BTP and isoamethyrin complexes of uranyl
Authors: Di Pietro Poppy , Kerridge Andrew
Published: June 2016

N-donor complexes of uranyl have been investigated with density-based analytical methods in order to quantify equatorial bond covalency and its effect on axial U–Oylbonding.
Comparing the catalytic strategy of ATP hydrolysis in biomolecular motors
Authors: Kiani Farooq Ahmad , Fischer Stefan
Published: June 2016

Three different ATP-driven biomolecular motors catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP using a strikingly similar catalytic strategy.
Surfactant free fabrication and improved charge carrier separation induced enhanced photocatalytic activity of {001} facet exposed unique octagonal BiOCl nanosheets
Authors: Haider Zeeshan , Zheng Jin You , Kang Young Soo
Published: June 2016

In situ iodine doping induced improved carrier dynamics and enhanced photocatalytic activity of unique octagonal shaped {001} BiOCl nanosheets.
High thermoelectric performance of the distorted bismuth(110) layer
Authors: Cheng L. , Liu H. J. , Zhang J. , Wei J. , Liang J. H. , Jiang P. H. , Fan D. D. , Sun L. , Shi J.
Published: June 2016

The thermoelectric properties of the distorted bismuth(110) layer are investigated using first-principles calculations combined with the Boltzmann transport equation for both electrons and phonons.
Cooling rate dependence of solidification for liquid aluminium: a large-scale molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Hou Z. Y. , Dong K. J. , Tian Z. A. , Liu R. S. , Wang Z. , Wang J. G.
Published: June 2016

The effect of the cooling rate on the solidification process of liquid aluminium is studied using a large-scale molecular dynamics method.
High-valent iron (FeVI, FeV, and FeIV) species in water: characterization and oxidative transformation of estrogenic hormones
Authors: Machalová Šišková Karolína , Jančula Daniel , Drahoš Bohuslav , Machala Libor , Babica Pavel , Alonso Paula Godoy , Trávníček Zdeněk , Tuček Jiří , Maršálek Blahoslav , Sharma Virender K. , Zbořil Radek
Published: June 2016

Transformation of estrogenic hormones using high-valent iron species is described.
Non-covalent adsorption of amino acid analogues on noble-metal nanoparticles: influence of edges and vertices
Authors: Hughes Zak E. , Walsh Tiffany R.
Published: June 2016

First-principles calculations on nanoscale-sized noble metal nanoparticles demonstrate that planes, edges and vertices show different noncovalent adsorption propensities depending on the adsorbate functional group.
A DFT and multi-configurational perturbation theory study on O2 binding to a model heme compound via the spin-change barrier
Authors: Kitagawa Y. , Chen Y. , Nakatani N. , Nakayama A. , Hasegawa J.
Published: June 2016

Potential energy surface of the O2 binding to a model heme compound via minimum energy intersystem crossing point (MEISCP) was investigated with DFT and MS-CASPT2. The porphyrin's symmetric shrinking vibration mode contributes to reach the MESICP from the T1 minimum.
Mechanistic investigations of CO-photoextrusion and oxidative addition reactions of early transition-metal carbonyls: (η5-C5H5)M(CO)4(M = V, Nb, Ta)
Authors: Su Shih-Hao , Su Ming-Der
Published: June 2016

A model study of the photoactivation reactions of Si–H bonds in trimethylsilane by group 5 (η5-C5H5)M(CO)4(M = V, Nb and Ta;Rea-S0-M) complexes is undertaken using the M06-2X/Def2-SVPD level of theory.
Significantly enhanced proteolytic activity of cyclen complexes by monoalkylation
Authors: Perera-Bobusch Chrischani , Hormann Jan , Weise Christoph , Wedepohl Stefanie , Dernedde Jens , Kulak Nora
Published: June 2016

The activity of Cu(ii) and Co(iii) cyclen complexes in the cleavage of proteins was remarkably improved by introducing long alkyl chains thus generating efficient proteolytic amphiphilic metal complexes.
Low coordinate iron derivatives stabilized by a β-diketiminate mimic. Synthesis and coordination chemistry of enamidophosphinimine scaffolds to generate diiron dinitrogen complexes
Authors: Hein Nicholas M. , Suzuki Tatsuya , Ogawa Takahiko , Fryzuk Michael D.
Published: June 2016

The reduction of the iron enamido-phosphinimine complex under N2 leads to dinitrogen activation and cleavage of the phosphinimine linkage to generate a di-iron complex with a bridging imido moiety.
Photochemical and electrochemical catalytic reduction of CO2with NHC-containing dicarbonyl rhenium(i) bipyridine complexes
Authors: Maurin Antoine , Ng Chi-On , Chen Lingjing , Lau Tai-Chu , Robert Marc , Ko Chi-Chiu
Published: June 2016

Efficient photochemical and electrochemical CO2-to-CO conversion using theN,OandN,S-NHC-containing dicarbonyl rhenium(i) bipyridine complexes is described.
Spiers Memorial Lecture : Introductory lecture: chemistry in the urban atmosphere
Authors: Baltensperger Urs
Published: June 2016

The urban atmosphere is characterised by a multitude of complex processes. Gaseous and particulate components are continuously emitted into the atmosphere from many different sources. These components are then dispersed in the urban atmosphereviaturbulent mixing. Numerous chemical reactions modify the gas phase chemistry on multiple time scales, producing secondary pollutants. Through partitioning, the chemical and physical properties of the aerosol particles are also constantly changing as a consequence of dispersion and gas phase chemistry. This review presents an overview of the involved processes, focusing on the contributions presented at this conference and putting them into a broader context. Advanced methods for aerosol source apportionment are presented as well, followed by some aspects of health effects related to air pollution.
Macrophage secretion heterogeneity in engineered microenvironments revealed using a microwell platform
Authors: McWhorter Frances Y. , Smith Tim D. , Luu Thuy U. , Rahim Maha K. , Haun Jered B. , Liu Wendy F.
Published: June 2016

A microwell system for detection of secreted products from adherent cells is used to demonstrate that macrophage adhesive context and cell shape regulate cytokine secretion and population heterogeneity.
A simple acoustofluidic chip for microscale manipulation using evanescent Scholte waves
Authors: Aubert Vivian , Wunenburger Régis , Valier-Brasier Tony , Rabaud David , Kleman Jean-Philippe , Poulain Cédric
Published: June 2016

Evanescent acoustic waves as a new mean for acoustofluidic manipulation: A simple device for exerting acoustic forces and torques on cells.
Largest perfluorometallate [Ti10F45]5−oligomer and polymeric ([Ti3F13]−)∞and ([TiF5]−)∞anions prepared as [XeF5]+salts
Authors: Mazej Zoran , Goreshnik Evgeny A.
Published: June 2016

[XeF5]5[Ti10F45] consists of the largest known discrete [Ti10F45]5−anion built from ten TiF6octahedra, in the shape of a double-star.
Synthesis of annulated pyridines as inhibitors of aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2)
Authors: Martin Rainer E. , Lehmann Johannes , Alzieu Thibaut , Lenz Mario , Carnero Corrales Marjorie A. , Aebi Johannes D. , Märki Hans Peter , Kuhn Bernd , Amrein Kurt , Mayweg Alexander V. , Britton Robert
Published: June 2016

A series of potent and selective aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) inhibitors were prepared in one step through an intermolecular Kondrat'eva reaction.
Enantioselective synthesis of cyanohydrins catalysed by hydroxynitrile lyases – a review
Authors: Bracco Paula , Busch Hanna , von Langermann Jan , Hanefeld Ulf
Published: June 2016

Ever since their first application in 1908, HNLs have been gaining strength in enantioselective cyanohydrin synthesis.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation/cyclization of oximes with alkenes for regioselective synthesis of isoquinolines
Authors: Chen Renjie , Qi Jifeng , Mao Zhenjun , Cui Sunliang
Published: June 2016

A Rh(iii)-catalyzed C–H activation/cyclization of oximes and alkenes for facile and regioselective access to isoquinolines has been developed.
Visible-light induced controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates with Cu(dap)2Cl as a photoredox catalyst
Authors: Ma Wenchao , Chen Dong , Ma Yuhong , Wang Li , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: June 2016

Under visible light irradiation, block copolymers of PPEGMA-b-PMMA with high molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained starting from a PPEGMA macroinitiator in the presence of the Cu(dap)2Cl/Me6TREN catalytic system.
A coacervate-forming biodegradable polyester with elevated LCST based on bis-(2-methoxyethyl)amine
Authors: Swanson J. P. , Martinez M. R. , Cruz M. A. , Mankoci S. G. , Costanzo P. J. , Joy A.
Published: June 2016

This work details a thermoresponsive, biodegradable coacervate-forming polyester, which exhibits tunable Tcp under various conditions.
Preparation and evaluation of PCL–PEG–PCL polymeric nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery against breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Linhua , Chen Zhuo , Wang Hai , Wu Shengjie , Zhao Kongyin , Sun Hongfan , Kong Deling , Wang Chun , Leng Xigang , Zhu Dunwan
Published: June 2016

DOX-loaded polymeric NPs based on PCL–PEG–PCL triblock copolymers were successfully prepared and showed highly efficient targeting and accumulation in tumor via EPR effect. The prepared NPs would be a promising nanosized DDS for cancer therapy.
Vertically grown nanowire crystals of dibenzotetrathienocoronene (DBTTC) on large-area graphene
Authors: Kim B. , Chiu C.-Y. , Kang S. J. , Kim K. S. , Lee G.-H. , Chen Z. , Ahn S. , Yager K. G. , Ciston J. , Nuckolls C. , Schiros T.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate controlled growth of vertical organic crystal nanowires on single layer graphene.
ZnO quantum dots decorated on optimized carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions exhibit superior field emission properties
Authors: Hu Chia-Te , Wu Jyh-Ming , Yeh Jien-Wei , Shih Han C.
Published: June 2016

Sensitive optical and superior field emission properties can be attained through the use of ZnO selective quantum well heterostructures grown on carbon nanotubes to fabricate carbon-zinc-oxide (CZO) nanotubes.
Long-term influence of aeration on arsenic trapping in a ZVI/sand bed reactor
Authors: Simon S. , Courtin-Nomade A. , Vasiliu A. , Sleiman N. , Deluchat V.
Published: June 2016

High influence of dissolved oxygen on ZVI support capacity to remove arsenic in bed reactor.
A graphene oxide incorporated TiO2 photoanode for high efficiency quasi solid state dye sensitized solar cells based on a poly-vinyl alcohol gel electrolyte
Authors: Khannam Momina , Sharma Shyamalima , Dolui Swapnil , Dolui Swapan Kumar
Published: June 2016

An effective self assembly method was used to synthesize hybrid nanocomposites of TiO2 nanoparticles on graphene oxide (GO) sheets for application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs).
Antimicrobial hydrogels based on autoclaved poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) mixtures for wound care applications
Authors: Caló Enrica , Barros Joao M. S. de , Fernández-Gutiérrez Mar , San Román Julio , Ballamy Lucy , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: June 2016

Novel antimicrobial hydrogels with good mechanical and physical properties were synthesized by autoclaving aqueous mixtures of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride).
Decoration of upconversion nanoparticles@mSiO2 core–shell nanostructures with CdS nanocrystals for excellent infrared light triggered photocatalysis
Authors: Li Yao-Wu , Dong Liang , Huang Chen-Xi , Guo Yan-Chuan , Yang Xian-Zhu , Xu Yun-Jun , Qian Hai-Sheng
Published: June 2016

Upconversion nanoparticles@mesoporous silica (mSiO2)/CdS nanostructures have been designed and fabricated for infrared light triggered photocatalytic degradation towards RhB dye.
NiO/Ag heterostructure: enhanced UV emission intensity, exchange interaction and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Majumder Santanab , Bhattacharjee Swarupananda , Ghosh Chandan Kr.
Published: June 2016

The effect of direct Ag coating on the optical and catalytic properties of NiO flake-like structures has been investigated in detail in this work.
Encapsulation of honokiol-loaded nanoparticles in lecithin microbubbles for targeted tumor therapy
Authors: Li Zhen , Hao Lan , Yuan Pei , Hu Wenjing , Zhang Liangke
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to develop a new drug delivery system that combines honokiol-loaded albumin nanoparticles (HKNs) with perfluorocarbon-filled microbubbles (MBs) to improve the target delivery of honokiol (HK).
Silver nanoparticle-enhanced hybrid photosensitizer for photoinactivation of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Authors: Ahmadov Tevhide Ozkaya , Ding Rui , Zhang Jinnan , Wang Peng , Tang Hong , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2016

We report a type of silver nanoparticle-enhanced hybrid photosensitizers for photodynamic inactivation against MRSA with outstanding killing efficacy.
Synthesis of substituted γ- and δ-lactams based on titanocene(iii)-catalysed radical cyclisations of trichloroacetamides
Authors: Diaba Faïza , Gómez-Bengoa Enrique , Cuerva Juan M. , Bonjoch Josep , Justicia José
Published: June 2016

Straightforward synthesis of dehalogenated γ- and δ-lactams based on a Cp2TiCl-catalysed radical cyclisation of trichloroacetamides under mild conditions.
Dual mode of cell death upon the photo-irradiation of a RuIIpolypyridyl complex in interphase or mitosis
Authors: Pierroz Vanessa , Rubbiani Riccardo , Gentili Christian , Patra Malay , Mari Cristina , Gasser Gilles , Ferrari Stefano
Published: June 2016

The modes of action of a Ru(ii) polypyridyl complex upon light irradiation are described.
Who's on base? Revealing the catalytic mechanism of inverting family 6 glycoside hydrolases
Authors: Mayes Heather B. , Knott Brandon C. , Crowley Michael F. , Broadbelt Linda J. , Ståhlberg Jerry , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: June 2016

Unbiased simulations reveal a water wire enabling and rescuing the catalytic base of an inverting glycoside hydrolase.
Influence of molecular structure on the antimicrobial function of phenylenevinylene conjugated oligoelectrolytes
Authors: Yan Hengjing , Rengert Zachary D. , Thomas Alexander W. , Rehermann Carolin , Hinks Jamie , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: June 2016

Structure/property relationships were obtained to understand the antimicrobial function of conjugated oligoelectrolytes toward Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of hydrogen peroxide in mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum during apoptosis
Authors: Xiao Haibin , Li Ping , Hu Xiufen , Shi Xiaohui , Zhang Wen , Tang Bo
Published: June 2016

We have developed two new organelle-specific fluorescent probes for the simultaneous imaging of hydrogen peroxide in the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum during apoptosis.
[A3X][Ga3PS8] (A = K, Rb; X = Cl, Br): promising IR non-linear optical materials exhibiting concurrently strong second-harmonic generation and high laser induced damage thresholds
Authors: Liu Bin-Wen , Zeng Hui-Yi , Jiang Xiao-Ming , Wang Guan-E , Li Shu-Fang , Xu Li , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: June 2016

We have developed a new series of salt-inclusion chalcogenides, which are promising IR-NLO materials exhibiting large second-harmonic generation and high laser-induced damage thresholds.
Photoelectrochemical water splitting strongly enhanced in fast-grown ZnO nanotree and nanocluster structures
Authors: Ren Xin , Sangle Abhijeet , Zhang Siyuan , Yuan Shuai , Zhao Yin , Shi Liyi , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Cho Seungho , Li Dongdong , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrated a versatile route to fast-fabricate hierarchical ZnO nanostructures which give rise to high photocurrents.
Porous PbI2films for the fabrication of efficient, stable perovskite solar cells via sequential deposition
Authors: Cao Jie , Wang Feng , Yu Hui , Zhou Yang , Lu Haipeng , Zhao Ni , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: June 2016

A new approach is introduced to synthesize porous PbI2, which produces a PbI2-free, crystallinity enhanced and air-stable MAPbI3perovskite film.
Monocrystalline Ni12P5hollow spheres with ultrahigh specific surface areas as advanced electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chang Jinfa , Li Songtao , Li Guoqiang , Ge Junjie , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei
Published: June 2016

Monocrystalline Ni12P5hollow spheres with ultrahigh specific surface areas were synthesized by a water-in-oil microemulsion method, which exhibited excellent catalytic activity and ultrastrong stability towards the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic solutions.
Highly insensitive and thermostable energetic coordination nanomaterials based on functionalized graphene oxides
Authors: Yan Qi-Long , Cohen Adva , Petrutik Natan , Shlomovich Avital , Burstein Larisa , Pang Si-Ping , Gozin Michael
Published: June 2016

GO-based energetic coordination polymers are very insensitive to heat and impact due to the high capacity of energy dissipation of GO sheets (M = Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+and Fe2+).
Interconnected urchin-like cobalt phosphide microspheres film for highly efficient electrochemical hydrogen evolution in both acidic and basic media
Authors: Zhou Dan , He Liangbo , Zhu Wenxin , Hou Xiandeng , Wang Kunyang , Du Gu , Zheng Chengbin , Sun Xuping , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: June 2016

Interconnected urchin-like cobalt phosphide microspheres film on Ti foil (u-CoP/Ti) shows high activity for hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis in acidic and basic media.
Electrochemical behavior of surgical 316L stainless steel eye glaucoma shunt (Ex-PRESS) in artificial aqueous humor
Authors: Fekry Amany M. , El-Kamel Renad S. , Ghoneim Azza A.
Published: June 2016

A novel system of electrodeposited gold nanoparticles on a carbon paste electrode was utilized as an electrochemical sensor to monitor the corrosion performance of 316L stainless steel alloy in aqueous humor containing moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MFH) drug.
Covalent functionalization and electrochemical tuning of reduced graphene oxide for the bioelectrocatalytic sensing of serum lactate
Authors: Manna Bhaskar , Retna Raj C.
Published: June 2016

A highly sensitive amperometric biosensing platform for serum lactate is developed using a functionalized reduced graphene oxide-based material.
The structural and photophysical properties of multibranched derivatives with curved conjugated aromatic cores
Authors: Li Weiqi , Hu Yangyang , Zhong Cheng , Zhou Xin , Wang Qiang , Tian Wei Quan , Goddard John D.
Published: June 2016

The goal is to search for more efficient as well as more practical nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophores.
Novel organoboron compounds derived from thieno[3,2-b]thiophene and triphenylamine units for OLED devices
Authors: Turkoglu G. , Cinar M. E. , Buyruk A. , Tekin E. , Mucur S. P. , Kaya K. , Ozturk T.
Published: June 2016

Two novel D–A (donor–acceptor) and one D–A–D small molecules containing mesitylborane as an acceptor and triphenylamine as a donor, linked through a thieno[3,2-b]thiophene π-conjugated spacer, are synthesized and characterized.
Development of a high-affinity peptide that prevents phospholemman (PLM) inhibition of the sodium/calcium exchanger 1 (NCX1)
Authors: Wanichawan Pimthanya , Hodne Kjetil , Hafver Tandekile Lubelwana , Lunde Marianne , Martinsen Marita , Louch William Edward , Sejersted Ole Mathias , Carlson Cathrine Rein
Published: June 2016

NCX1 (Na+/Ca2+ exchanger 1) is an important regulator of intracellular Ca2+ and a potential therapeutic target for brain ischaemia and for diastolic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. PLM (phospholemman), a substrate for protein kinases A and C, has been suggested to regulate NCX1 activity. However, although several studies have demonstrated that binding of phosphorylated PLM (pSer68-PLM) leads to NCX1 inhibition, other studies have failed to demonstrate a functional interaction of these proteins. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the biological function of the pSer68-PLM–NCX1 interaction by developing high-affinity blocking peptides. PLM was observed to co-fractionate and co-immunoprecipitate with NCX1 in rat left ventricle, and in co-transfected HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells. For the first time, the NCX1–PLM interaction was also demonstrated in the brain. PLM binding sites on NCX1 were mapped to two regions by peptide array assays, containing the previously reported PASKT and QKHPD motifs. Conversely, the two NCX1 regions bound identical sequences in the cytoplasmic domain of PLM, suggesting that NCX1-PASKT and NCX1-QKHPD might bind to each PLM monomer. Using two-dimensional peptide arrays of the native NCX1 sequence KHPDKEIEQLIELANYQVLS revealed that double substitution of tyrosine for positions 1 and 4 (K1Y and D4Y) enhanced pSer68-PLM binding 8-fold. The optimized peptide blocked binding of NCX1-PASKT and NCX1-QKHPD to PLM and reversed PLM(S68D) inhibition of NCX1 activity (both forward and reverse mode) in HEK-293 cells. Altogether our data indicate that PLM interacts directly with NCX1 and inhibits NCX1 activity when phosphorylated at Ser68.
WITHDRAWN: Differential molecular signature alterations of RBSP3, LIMD1 and CDC25A in normal oral epithelium during oral tumorigenesis
Authors: Sarkar Shreya , Alam Neyaz , Chakraborty Jayanta , Biswas Jaydip , Mandal Syam Sundar , Chatterjee Kabita , Ghosh Supratim , Roychoudhury Susanta , Sharp Tyson , Chinmay Kumar Panda Chinmay Kumar Panda
Published: June 2016

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 1 June 2016) was withdrawn on 24 November 2017 at the request of the authors.
Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammasome pathway in molecular mechanisms of fibrosis
Authors: Robert Sacha , Gicquel Thomas , Victoni Tatiana , Valença Samuel , Barreto Emiliano , Bailly-Maître Béatrice , Boichot Elisabeth , Lagente Vincent
Published: June 2016

Fibrosis is a basic connective tissue lesion defined by the increase in the fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) components in tissue or organ. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a major group of proteases known to regulate the turn-over of ECM and so they are suggested to be important in tissue remodelling observed during fibrogenic process associated with chronic inflammation. Tissue remodelling is the result of an imbalance in the equilibrium of the normal processes of synthesis and degradation of ECM components markedly controlled by the MMPs/TIMP imbalance. We previously showed an association of the differences in collagen deposition in the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice with a reduced molar pro-MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. Using the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) preclinical model of liver fibrosis in mice, we observed a significant increase in collagen deposition with increased expression and release of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 both at 24 h and 3 weeks later. This suggests an early altered regulation of matrix turnover involved in the development of fibrosis. We also demonstrated an activation of NLRP3-inflammasome pathway associated with the IL-1R/MyD88 signalling in the development of experimental fibrosis both in lung and liver. This was also associated with an increased expression of purinergic receptors mainly P2X7. Finally, these observations emphasize those effective therapies for these disorders must be given early in the natural history of the disease, prior to the development of tissue remodelling and fibrosis.
Folding biomolecules are caught in the act
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: June 2016

High-resolution measurements capture brief but informative moments in a molecule’s structural evolution.
An all-nanocrystal transistor emerges from solution
Authors: Chang Sung
Published: June 2016

The recipe for making the device paves the way for using the tunable materials as ingredients in flexible electronics.
Israel: A water innovator
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2016

A combination of desalination, wastewater reuse, and efficient irrigation have produced water independence.
A century of light
Authors: Johnson Anne Frances , Lamontagne Nancy D.
Published: June 2016

Since its founding in 1916, The Optical Society has brought together a global community of scientists, engineers, business leaders, and students whose work in optics and photonics has transformed the world.
Hypervelocity stars in the Milky Way
Authors: Brown Warren R.
Published: June 2016

Shooting out of the galaxy at speeds greater than the escape velocity, hypervelocity stars provide a window on black holes and the distribution of dark matter surrounding the glowing Milky Way.
Addressing the Anthropocene
Authors: Anbar A. D. , Romaniello S. J. , Allenby B. R. , Broecker W. S.
Published: June 2016

Environmental contextWe are entering an epoch – the Anthropocene – in which human activity is changing the face of the planet. To stabilise climate, we may consider deliberate intervention into Earth’s systems, on a global scale. Responsible stewardship requires that we develop a safe, economic and environmentally acceptable means of sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere.
AbstractThe Anthropocene is an evolutionary transition to an epoch in which human activity has become one of the most important Earth systems. To successfully navigate this transition, we must develop a fully integrated environmental science that anticipates the responses of the human system alongside other Earth systems. Applying this perspective to climate change, the signature global environmental challenge in the early part of the Anthropocene, we analyse the ongoing failures of climate policy and the prospects for serious investment in technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Saving wild ungulate diversity through enhanced management and sperm cryopreservation
Authors: Pukazhenthi Budhan S.
Published: June 2016

Wild ungulates throughout the world face the impending risk of extinction. Small founding population size, lack of interest in exhibiting wild ungulates and declining space in zoos are not sustaining ex situ populations. Animals managed in ex situ collections continue to experience >20% neonate loss globally. To ensure population sustainability there is a critical need to: (1) manage ungulates in large herds, increasing mate choice and reproductive efficiency; (2) improve husbandry and genetic management; and (3) develop consistent assisted reproductive technologies, including sperm cryopreservation and AI. Recently, new models in the management of ungulates have begun to emerge. Animal managers and researchers are also beginning to exploit advances in genomics to improve genetic management of their collections. Furthermore, the past decade has witnessed significant advances particularly in semen collection and cryopreservation in numerous species. Advances in gonadal tissue cryopreservation now offer additional opportunities to preserve male genomes. The new knowledge generated is enabling the creation of genetic (sperm) banks to rescue and enhance reproductive management of wild ungulates. The present paper reviews the threats to ungulate populations, the status and relevance of animal management and biomaterial banking efforts to ensure long-term survival of these charismatic species.
Cryopreservation and other assisted reproductive technologies for the conservation of threatened amphibians and reptiles: bringing the ARTs up to speed
Authors: Clulow John , Clulow Simon
Published: June 2016

Amphibians and reptiles are experiencing serious declines, with the number of threatened species and extinctions growing rapidly as the modern biodiversity crisis unfolds. For amphibians, the panzootic of chytridiomycosis is a major driver. For reptiles, habitat loss and harvesting from the wild are key threats. Cryopreservation and other assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) could play a role in slowing the loss of amphibian and reptile biodiversity and managing threatened populations through genome storage and the production of live animals from stored material. These vertebrate classes are at different stages of development in cryopreservation and other ARTs, and each class faces different technical challenges arising from the separate evolutionary end-points of their reproductive biology. For amphibians, the generation of live offspring from cryopreserved spermatozoa has been achieved, but the cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos remains elusive. With reptiles, spermatozoa have been cryopreserved in a few species, but no offspring from cryopreserved spermatozoa have been reported, and the generation of live young from AI has only occurred in a small number of species. Cryopreservation and ARTs are more developed and advanced for amphibians than reptiles. Future work on both groups needs to concentrate on achieving proof of concept examples that demonstrate the use of genome storage and ARTs in successfully recovering threatened species to increase awareness and support for this approach to conservation.
Spatial scale modulates the strength of ecological processes driving disease distributions
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , Civitello David J. , Brace Amber J. , Feichtinger Erin M. , Ortega C. Nicole , Richardson Jason C. , Sauer Erin L. , Liu Xuan , Rohr Jason R.
Published: June 2016

Significance

For four decades, ecologists have hypothesized that biotic interactions predominantly control species’ distributions at local scales, whereas abiotic factors operate more at regional scales. Here, we demonstrate that the drivers of three emerging diseases (amphibian chytridiomycosis, West Nile virus, and Lyme disease) in the United States support the predictions of this fundamental hypothesis. Humans are contributing to biodiversity loss, changes in dispersal patterns, and global climate change at an unprecedented rate. Our results highlight that common single-scale analyses can misestimate the impact that humans are having on biodiversity, disease, and the environment.