bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High throughput cell-based assay for identification of glycolate oxidase inhibitors as a potential treatment for Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1
Authors: Wang Mengqiao , Xu Miao , Long Yan , Fargue Sonia , Southall Noel , Hu Xin , McKew John C. , Danpure Christopher J. , Zheng Wei
Published: September 2016

Glycolate oxidase (GO) and alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) are both involved in the peroxisomal glyoxylate pathway. Deficiency in AGT function causes the accumulation of intracellular oxalate and the primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). AGT enhancers or GO inhibitors may restore the abnormal peroxisomal glyoxylate pathway in PH1 patients. With stably transformed cells which mimic the glyoxylate metabolic pathway, we developed an indirect glycolate cytotoxicity assay in a 1,536-well plate format for high throughput screening. This assay can be used to identify compounds that reduce indirect glycolate-induced cytotoxicity by either enhancing AGT activity or inhibiting GO. A pilot screen of 4,096 known compounds identified two membrane permeable GO inhibitors: dichromate salt and colistimethate. We also developed a GO enzyme assay using the hydrogen peroxide-Amplex red reporter system. The IC50 values of potassium dichromate, sodium dichromate and colistimethate sodium were 0.096, 0.108 and 2.3 μM in the GO enzyme assay, respectively. Further enzyme kinetic study revealed that both types of compounds inhibit GO activity by the mixed linear inhibition. Our results demonstrate that the cell-based assay and GO enzyme assay developed in this study are useful for further screening of large compound libraries for drug development to treat PH1.
Systematic meta-analyses and field synopsis of genetic and epigenetic studies in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Li Xue , Song Peige , Timofeeva Maria , Meng Xiangrui , Rudan Igor , Little Julian , Satsangi Jack , Campbell Harry , Theodoratou Evropi
Published: September 2016

We provide a comprehensive field synopsis of genetic and epigenetic associations for paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). A systematic review was performed and included 84 genetic association studies reporting data for 183 polymorphisms in 71 genes. Meta-analyses were conducted for 20 SNPs in 10 genes of paediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) and for 8 SNPs in 5 genes of paediatric ulcerative colitis (UC). Five epigenetic studies were also included, but formal meta-analysis was not possible. Venice criteria and Bayesian false discovery probability test were applied to assess the credibility of associations. Nine SNPs in 4 genes were considered to have highly credible associations with paediatric CD, of which four variants (rs2066847, rs12521868, rs26313667, rs1800629) were not previously identified in paediatric GWAS. Differential DNA methylation in NOD2 and TNF-α, dysregulated expression in let-7 and miR-124 were associated with paediatric IBD, but not as yet replicated. Highly credible SNPs associated with paediatric IBD have also been implicated in adult IBD, with similar magnitudes of associations. Early onset and distinct phenotypic features of paediatric IBD might be due to distinct epigenetic changes, but these findings need to be replicated. Further progress identifying genetic and epigenetic susceptibility of paediatric IBD will require international collaboration, population diversity and harmonization of protocols.
Inverted Silicon Nanopencil Array Solar Cells with Enhanced Contact Structures
Authors: Liang Xiaoguang , Shu Lei , Lin Hao , Fang Ming , Zhang Heng , Dong Guofa , Yip SenPo , Xiu Fei , Ho Johnny C.
Published: September 2016

Although three-dimensional nanostructured solar cells have attracted extensive research attention due to their superior broadband and omnidirectional light-harvesting properties, majority of them are still suffered from complicated fabrication processes as well as disappointed photovoltaic performances. Here, we employed our newly-developed, low-cost and simple wet anisotropic etching to fabricate hierarchical silicon nanostructured arrays with different solar cell contact design, followed by systematic investigations of their photovoltaic characteristics. Specifically, nano-arrays with the tapered tips (e.g. inverted nanopencils) are found to enable the more conformal top electrode deposition directly onto the nanostructures for better series and shunt conductance, but its insufficient film coverage at the basal plane would still restrict the charge carrier collection. In contrast, the low-platform contact design facilitates a substantial photovoltaic device performance enhancement of ~24%, as compared to the one of conventional top electrode design, due to the shortened current path and improved lateral conductance for the minimized carrier recombination and series resistance. This enhanced contact structure can not only maintain excellent photon-trapping behaviors of nanostructures, but also help to eliminate adverse impacts of these tapered nano-morphological features on the contact resistance, providing further insight into design consideration in optimizing the contact geometry for high-performance nanostructured photovoltaic devices.
Bartonella quintana lipopolysaccharide (LPS): structure and characteristics of a potent TLR4 antagonist for in-vitro and in-vivo applications
Authors: Malgorzata-Miller Gosia , Heinbockel Lena , Brandenburg Klaus , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Netea Mihai G. , Joosten Leo A. B.
Published: September 2016

The pattern recognition receptor TLR4 is well known as a crucial receptor during infection and inflammation. Several TLR4 antagonists have been reported to inhibit the function of TLR4. Both natural occurring antagonists, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria as well as synthetic compounds based on the lipid A structure of LPS have been described as potent inhibitors of TLR4. Here, we have examined the characteristics of a natural TLR4 antagonist, isolated from Bartonella quintana bacterium by elucidating its chemical primary structure. We have found that this TLR4 antagonist is actually a lipooligosaccharide (LOS) instead of a LPS, and that it acts very effective, with a high inhibitory activity against triggering by the LPS-TLR4 system in the presence of a potent TLR4 agonist (E. coli LPS). Furthermore, we demonstrate that B. quintana LPS is not inactivated by polymyxin B, a classical cyclic cationic polypeptide antibiotic that bind the lipid A part of LPS, such as E. coli LPS. Using a murine LPS/D-galactosamine endotoxaemia model we showed that treatment with B. quintana LPS could improve the survival rate significantly. Since endogenous TLR4 ligands have been associated with several inflammatory- and immune-diseases, B. quintana LPS might be a novel therapeutic strategy for TLR4-driven pathologies.
Monocytic MKP-1 is a Sensor of the Metabolic Environment and Regulates Function and Phenotypic Fate of Monocyte-Derived Macrophages in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kim Hong Seok , Tavakoli Sina , Piefer Leigh Ann , Nguyen Huynh Nga , Asmis Reto
Published: September 2016

Diabetes promotes the S-glutathionylation, inactivation and subsequent degradation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) in blood monocytes, and hematopoietic MKP-1-deficiency in atherosclerosis-prone mice accelerates atherosclerotic lesion formation, but the underlying mechanisms were not known. Our aim was to determine the mechanisms through which MKP-1 deficiency in monocytes and macrophages promotes atherogenesis. Transplantation of MKP-1-deficient bone marrow into LDL-R−/− (MKP-1LeuKO) mice accelerated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerotic lesion formation. After 12 weeks of HFD feeding, MKP-1LeuKO mice showed increased lesion size in both the aortic root (1.2-fold) and the aorta (1.6-fold), despite reduced plasma cholesterol levels. Macrophage content was increased in lesions of MKP-1LeuKO mice compared to mice that received wildtype bone marrow. After only 6 weeks on a HFD, in vivo chemotactic activity of monocytes was already significantly increased in MKP-1LeuKO mice. MKP-1 deficiency in monocytes and macrophages promotes and accelerates atherosclerotic lesion formation by hyper-sensitizing monocytes to chemokine-induced recruitment, predisposing macrophages to M1 polarization, decreased autophagy and oxysterol-induced cell death whereas overexpression of MKP-1 protects macrophages against metabolic stress-induced dysfunction. MKP-1 serves as a master-regulator of macrophage phenotype and function and its dysregulation by metabolic stress may be a major contributor to atherogenesis and the progression of atherosclerotic plaques.
Reproductive switching analysis of Daphnia similoides between sexual female and parthenogenetic female by transcriptome comparison
Authors: Zhang Ya-Nan , Zhu Xiu-Yun , Wang Wen-Ping , Wang Yi , Wang Lu , Xu Xiao-Xue , Zhang Kun , Deng Dao-Gui
Published: September 2016

The water flea Daphnia are planktonic crustaceans commonly found in freshwater environment that can switch their reproduction mode from parthenogenesis to sexual reproduction to adapt to the external environment. As such, Daphnia are great model organisms to study the mechanism of reproductive switching, the underlying mechanism of reproduction and development in cladocerans and other animals. However, little is known about the Daphnia’s reproductive behaviour at a molecular level. We constructed a genetic database of the genes expressed in a sexual female (SF) and a parthenogenetic female (PF) of D. similoides using Illumina HiSeq 2500. A total of 1,763 differentially expressed genes (865 up- and 898 down-regulated) were detected in SF. Of the top 30 up-regulated SF unigenes, the top 4 unigenes belonged to the Chitin_bind_4 family. In contrast, of the top down-regulated SF unigenes, the top 3 unigenes belonged to the Vitellogenin_N family. This is the first study to indicate genes that may have a crucial role in reproductive switching of D. similoides, which could be used as candidate genes for further functional studies. Thus, this study provides a rich resource for investigation and elucidation of reproductive switching in D. similoides.
Unveiling the propagation dynamics of self-accelerating vector beams
Authors: Bar-David Jonathan , Voloch-Bloch Noa , Mazurski Noa , Levy Uriel
Published: September 2016

We study theoretically and experimentally the varying polarization states and intensity patterns of self-accelerating vector beams. It is shown that as these beams propagate, the main intensity lobe and the polarization singularity gradually drift apart. Furthermore, the propagation dynamics can be manipulated by controlling the beams’ acceleration coefficients. We also demonstrate the self-healing dynamics of these accelerating vector beams for which sections of the vector beam are being blocked by an opaque or polarizing obstacle. Our results indicate that the self-healing process is almost insensitive for the obstacles’ polarization direction. Moreover, the spatial polarization structure also shows self- healing properties and it is reconstructed as the beam propagates further beyond the perturbation plane. These results open various possibilities for generating, shaping and manipulating the intensity patterns and space variant polarization states of accelerating vector beams.
Effects of post-traumatic growth on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex after a disaster
Authors: Nakagawa Seishu , Sugiura Motoaki , Sekiguchi Atsushi , Kotozaki Yuka , Miyauchi Carlos Makoto , Hanawa Sugiko , Araki Tsuyoshi , Takeuchi Hikaru , Sakuma Atsushi , Taki Yasuyuki , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: September 2016

The relating to others factor of post-traumatic growth (PTG), which involves mutual help and a strong sense of connection with humanity, is important for young people who are coping with stress. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), especially the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC), may play an important role in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with regard to coping and resilience. We hypothesized that the neural correlates of PTG may be responsible for resilience to the correlates of PTSD. Our study tested this hypothesis by examining whether measures of PTG, particularly the measures of relating to others after a disaster, were associated with increased regional grey matter volume (rGMV) in the PFC by assessing individuals who had experienced the East Japan Great Earthquake. We calculated the delta-rGMV by subtracting the rGMV obtained 3 months before the disaster from the rGMV obtained after this disaster using voxel-based morphometry. The magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from 26 subjects (M/F: 21/5; age: 21.2 ± 1.6 yrs.) showed that the total scores on a PTG inventory and the subscore for relating to others at the post-assessment were positively and significantly associated with the delta-rGMV in the right DLPFC. The DLPFC seems to be the main neural correlate of PTG.
Animal choruses emerge from receiver psychology
Authors: Greenfield Michael D. , Esquer-Garrigos Yareli , Streiff Réjane , Party Virginie
Published: September 2016

Synchrony and alternation in large animal choruses are often viewed as adaptations by which cooperating males increase their attractiveness to females or evade predators. Alternatively, these seemingly composed productions may simply emerge by default from the receiver psychology of mate choice. This second, emergent property hypothesis has been inferred from findings that females in various acoustic species ignore male calls that follow a neighbor’s by a brief interval, that males often adjust the timing of their call rhythm and reduce the incidence of ineffective, following calls and from simulations modeling the collective outcome of male adjustments. However, the purported connection between male song timing and female preference has never been tested experimentally and the emergent property hypothesis has remained speculative. Studying a distinctive katydid species genetically structured as isolated populations, we conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis of the correlation between male call timing and female preference. We report that across 17 sampled populations male adjustments match the interval over which females prefer leading calls; moreover, this correlation holds after correction for phylogenetic signal. Our study is the first demonstration that male adjustments coevolved with female preferences and thereby confirms the critical link in the emergent property model of chorus evolution.
Targeting anandamide metabolism rescues core and associated autistic-like symptoms in rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid
Authors: Servadio M , Melancia F , Manduca A , di Masi A , Schiavi S , Cartocci V , Pallottini V , Campolongo P , Ascenzi P , Trezza V
Published: September 2016

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by altered sociability, compromised communication and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors, for which no specific treatments are currently available. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is a known, although still underestimated, environmental risk factor for ASD. Altered endocannabinoid activity has been observed in autistic patients, and endocannabinoids are known to modulate behavioral traits that are typically affected in ASD. On this basis, we tested the hypothesis that changes in the endocannabinoid tone contribute to the altered phenotype induced by prenatal VPA exposure in rats, with focus on behavioral features that resemble the core and associated symptoms of ASD. In the course of development, VPA-exposed rats showed early deficits in social communication and discrimination, compromised sociability and social play behavior, stereotypies and increased anxiety, thus providing preclinical proof of the long-lasting deleterious effects induced by prenatal VPA exposure. At the neurochemical level, VPA-exposed rats displayed altered phosphorylation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in different brain areas, associated with changes in anandamide metabolism from infancy to adulthood. Interestingly, enhancing anandamide signaling through inhibition of its degradation rescued the behavioral deficits displayed by VPA-exposed rats at infancy, adolescence and adulthood. This study therefore shows that abnormalities in anandamide activity may underlie the deleterious impact of environmental risk factors on ASD-relevant behaviors and that the endocannabinoid system may represent a therapeutic target for the core and associated symptoms displayed by autistic patients.
No effect of glucose administration in a novel contextual fear generalization protocol in rats
Authors: Luyten L , Schroyens N , Luyck K , Fanselow M S , Beckers T
Published: September 2016

The excessive transfer of fear acquired for one particular context to similar situations has been implicated in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent evidence suggests that glucose ingestion improves the retention of context conditioning. It has been speculated that glucose might exert that effect by ameliorating hippocampal functioning, and may hold promise as a therapeutic add-on in traumatized patients because improved retention of contextual fear could help to restrict its generalization. However, direct data regarding the effect of glucose on contextual generalization are lacking. Here, we introduce a new behavioral protocol to study such contextual fear generalization in rats. In adult Wistar rats, our procedure yields a gradient of generalization, with progressively less freezing when going from the original training context, over a perceptually similar generalization context, to a markedly dissimilar context. Moreover, we find a flattening of the gradient when the training-test interval is prolonged with 1 week. We next examine the effect of systemic glucose administration on contextual generalization with this novel procedure. Our data do not sustain generalization-reducing effects of glucose and question its applicability in traumatic situations. In summary, we have developed a replicable contextual generalization procedure for rats and demonstrate how it is a valuable tool to examine the neurobiological correlates and test pharmacological interventions pertaining to an important mechanism in the etiology of pathological anxiety.
Recognition of tumor cells by immuno-SERS-markers in a microfluidic chip at continuous flow
Authors: Freitag I. , Beleites C. , Dochow S. , Clement J. H. , Krafft C. , Popp J.
Published: September 2016

SERS active nanoparticles were labeled with a reporter molecule and conjugated with anti-EpCAM antibodies.
A photo-responsive metallomesogen for an optically and electrically tunable polarized light modulator
Authors: Kim Dae-Yoon , Kang Dong-Gue , Lee Myong-Hoon , Kim Jin-Soo , Lee Cheul-Ro , Jeong Kwang-Un
Published: September 2016

A palladium(ii)-based metallomesogen containing the photo-responsive azobenzene was newly synthesized and was demonstrated to be an optically and electrically tunable polarized light modulator.
Weakened negative effect of Au/TiO2 photocatalytic activity by CdS quantum dots deposited under UV-vis light illumination at different intensity ratios
Authors: Song Kang , Wang Xiaohong , Xiang Qun , Xu Jiaqiang
Published: September 2016

Herein, we have experimentally demonstrated the coexistence of photocatalytic dual opposite roles of Au nanoparticles in a UV-vis light irradiated Au/TiO2 system.
Carbon disulfide. Just toxic or also bioregulatory and/or therapeutic?
Authors: DeMartino Anthony W. , Zigler David F. , Fukuto Jon M. , Ford Peter C.
Published: September 2016

The overview presented here has the goal of examining whether carbon disulfide (CS2) may play a role as an endogenously generated bioregulator and/or has therapeutic value.
Polymeric cobalt(ii) thiolato complexes – syntheses, structures and properties of 1∞[Co(SMes)2] and 1∞[Co(SPh)2NH3]
Authors: Eichhöfer Andreas , Buth Gernot
Published: September 2016

Structural and magnetic characterization of the first examples of polymeric cobalt chalcogenolato complexes namely 1∞[Co(SMes)2] and 1∞[Co(SPh)2NH3].
In search of molecules displaying ferromagnetic exchange: multiple-decker Ni12 and Ni16 complexes from the use of pyridine-2-amidoxime
Authors: Efthymiou Constantinos G. , Cunha-Silva Luís , Perlepes Spyros P. , Brechin Euan K. , Inglis Ross , Evangelisti Marco , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina
Published: September 2016

Ferromagnetic multiple-decker Ni12 and Ni16 clusters consisting of stacked Ni4 layers based on pyridine-2-amidoxime are reported.
Defense mechanisms and nutrient displacement in Arabidopsis thaliana upon exposure to CeO2 and In2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Chuanxin , Liu Hong , Guo Huiyuan , Musante Craig , Coskun Sanem Hosbas , Nelson Bryant C. , White Jason C. , Xing Baoshan , Dhankher Om Parkash
Published: September 2016

We investigate the defense mechanisms of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to cerium oxide and indium oxide nanoparticle exposure.
Leveraging the new predictive toxicology paradigm: alternative testing strategies in regulatory decision-making
Authors: Malloy Timothy , Beryt Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

Although toxicity data is critical to effective risk prevention and management, comprehensive health and safety data is not available for the vast majority of chemicals in use today.
End-of-life thermal decomposition of nano-enabled polymers: effect of nanofiller loading and polymer matrix on by-products
Authors: Singh Dilpreet , Sotiriou Georgios A. , Zhang Fang , Mead Joey , Bello Dhimiter , Wohlleben Wendel , Demokritou Philip
Published: September 2016

The study investigates the effect of synthesis parameters of nano-enabled products on the potential release of engineered nanomaterials during thermal decomposition.
A review of recent developments in graphene-enabled membranes for water treatment
Authors: Jiang Yi , Biswas Pratim , Fortner John D.
Published: September 2016

Graphene based materials, including graphene and derivatives such as graphene oxide, have considerable potential as key components in next-generation membrane technologies.
Oral administration of Lentinus edodes β-glucans ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice via MAPK-Elk-1 and MAPK-PPARγ pathways
Authors: Shi Limin , Lin Qinlu , Yang Tao , Nie Ying , Li Xinhua , Liu Bo , Shen Junjun , Liang Ying , Tang Yiping , Luo Feijun
Published: September 2016

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of β-glucans fromLentinus edodes, and its molecular mechanism, the dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) induced colitis model of mice and the LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell inflammation model were used in this study.
Electrochemical reductive amination of furfural-based biomass intermediates
Authors: Roylance John J. , Choi Kyoung-Shin
Published: September 2016

The electrochemical reductive amination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and various HMF derivatives was achieved using water as the hydrogen source under ambient conditions.
Acid and base dual-controlled cargo molecule release from polyaniline gated-hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Xinyun , Zhao Jianliang , Wang Caiqi
Published: September 2016

Polyaniline chains grafted onto the surface of hollow mesoporous silica served as the gate to realize drug dual-controlled release.
Intermolecular oxidative dehydrogenative 3,3′-coupling of benzo[b]furans and benzo[b]thiophenes promoted by DDQ/H+: total synthesis of shandougenine B
Authors: Wirtanen T. , Muuronen M. , Hurmalainen J. , Tuononen H. M. , Nieger M. , Helaja J.
Published: September 2016

A synthetic method applied to the synthesis of shandougenine B.
Rh(i)-Catalyzed coupling of 2-bromoethyl aryldiazoacetates with tertiary propargyl alcohols through carbene migratory insertion
Authors: Liu Zhen , Xia Ying , Feng Sheng , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: September 2016

A Rh(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling of 2-bromoethyl aryldiazoacetates with tertiary propargyl alcohols has been successfully achieved.
Synthesis of spiro[indane-1,3-dione-1-pyrrolines] via copper-catalyzed heteroannulation of ketoxime acetates with 2-arylideneindane-1,3-diones
Authors: Duan Jindian , Cheng Yuyu , Li Rou , Li Pengfei
Published: September 2016

A cuprous cyanide-catalyzed heteroannulation reaction of 2-arylideneindane-1,3-dione with ketoxime acetates has been developed for the synthesis of novel spiro[indane-1,3-dione-1-pyrrolines] through the cleavage of N–O and C–H bonds and formation of C–C and C–N bonds.
Bisimino-functionalized dibenzo[a,c]acridines as highly conjugated pincer frameworks for palladium(ii): synthesis, characterization and catalytic performance in Heck coupling
Authors: Mahmood Qaiser , Yue Erlin , Zhang Wenjuan , Solan Gregory A. , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: September 2016

The NNC-Pd pincer complexes, systematically derived from phenanthrene-9,10-dione, are able to efficiently mediate the coupling of haloarenes with vinyl-containing substrates (up to TON = 174 000) with a broad substrate scope.
Donor- and acceptor-functionalized dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes: modulation of the electronic band gap
Authors: Wilbuer J. , Grenz D. C. , Schnakenburg G. , Esser B.
Published: September 2016

The syntheses, and optoelectronic and structural properties of 2,7-donor- and acceptor-functionalized dibenzo[a,e]pentalenes, accessed in a versatile synthetic route, are presented and discussed.
Irreversible fouling control of PVDF ultrafiltration membrane with “fouled surface” for mimetic sewage treatment
Authors: Zhao Xinzhen , Liu Changkun
Published: September 2016

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes with sodium alginate (SA) as the “fouled surface” were prepared, in an effort to control irreversible membrane fouling in mimetic sewage treatment processes.
Fabrication of ZnO nanowires array with nanodiamond as reductant
Authors: Li Xin , Feng Shuanglong , Liu Shuangyi , Li Zhenhu , Wang Liang , Zhan Zhaoyao , Lu Wenqiang
Published: September 2016

The availability of well-aligned high quality ZnO nanowires will extend the potential applications of such materials.
Novel approach of adaptive laboratory evolution: triggers defense molecules in Streptomyces sp. against targeted pathogen
Authors: Rathore Sudarshan Singh , Ramamurthy Vigneshwari , Allen Sally , Selva Ganesan S. , Ramakrishnan Jayapradha
Published: September 2016

Adaptive laboratory evolution by competition-based co-culture: triggers and enhance specific bioactive molecules against targeted pathogen.
Hydrothermal synthesis of vanadium dioxides/carbon composites and their transformation to surface-uneven V2O5 nanoparticles with high electrochemical properties
Authors: Zhang Yifu , Zheng Jiqi , Wang Qiushi , Hu Tao , Meng Changgong
Published: September 2016

VO2/C composites were converted to surface-uneven V2O5 nanoparticles with high electrochemical properties and improvement in organic electrolyte.
Modulating the release of Escherichia coli in double W1/O/W2 emulsion globules under hypo-osmotic pressure
Authors: Kadri Hani EL , Gun Ramazan , Overton Tim W. , Bakalis Serafim , Gkatzionis Konstantinos
Published: September 2016

Bacterial release from double W1/O/W2 emulsion globules under hypo-osmotic pressure is described for the first time.
Optimization of CdS@MoS2 core–shell nanorod arrays for an enhanced photo-response for photo-assisted electrochemical water splitting under solar light illumination
Authors: Ji Jing , Sun Baoliang , Shan Fei , Li Qian , Huang Fucheng , Song Ye , Wang Feng
Published: September 2016

We prepared CdS@MoS2 core–shell nanorod arrays using a hydrothermal method, followed by electrodeposition.
Phase transition, lithium ion conductivity and structural stability of tin substituted lithium garnets
Authors: Deviannapoorani C. , Ramakumar S. , Ud Din Mir Mehraj , Murugan Ramaswamy
Published: September 2016

The high Li+ conductive cubic phase (Ia3̄d) Li6.5La3Sn1.5Ta0.5O12 immersed with the solution of benzoic acid and ethanol, distilled water and exposed to humid condition for 2 weeks preserved its high conductive cubic structure (Ia3̄d).
Charge–discharge studies of all-solid-state Li/LiFePO4 cells with PEO-based composite electrolytes encompassing metal organic frameworks
Authors: Suriyakumar Shruti , Kanagaraj M. , Angulakshmi N. , Kathiresan Murugavel , Nahm Kee Suk , Walkowiak Mariusz , Wasiński Krzysztof , Półrolniczak Paulina , Stephan A. Manuel
Published: September 2016

Lithium batteries with high energy density can be achieved only with a metallic-lithium anode in conjunction with solid polymer electrolyte.
Antioxidative activity of methyl amygdalinate from the seeds of Prunus persica and neuroprotective effects on Aβ1–42-induced neurodegeneration models
Authors: Zhao Xu , Liao Zhengzheng , Qi Yu , Shen Xu , Bi Kaishun , Jia Ying
Published: September 2016

Prunus persicahas been frequently used as a functional and medicinal food in China and other Asian countries.
Predictive analytics for crystalline materials: bulk modulus
Authors: Furmanchuk Al'ona , Agrawal Ankit , Choudhary Alok
Published: September 2016

The machine learning-based generalized model developed for forecasting bulk moduli of various types of stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric crystalline materials. The web application (ThermoEl) deploying the developed predictive model is available for public use.
Computational investigation of the interaction mechanism between the estrogen related receptor α and its agonists
Authors: Li Fuxing , Sun Xianqiang , Cai Yingchun , Fan Defang , Li Weihua , Tang Yun , Liu Guixia
Published: September 2016

The agonists may promote the binding of coactivator PGC-1α to ERRα by stabilizing the conformation and the site of H12.
Structural investigation of calcium borosilicate glasses with varying Si/Ca ratios by infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lai Yuanming , Zeng Yiming , Tang Xiaoli , Zhang Huaiwu , Han Jiao , Su Hua
Published: September 2016

Si/Ca ratio-dependent structure of borosilicate.
Correction: Study on a hydrophobic Ti-doped hydroxyapatite coating for corrosion protection of a titanium based alloy
Authors: Surmeneva M. A. , Vladescu A. , Surmenev R. A. , Pantilimon C. M. , Braic M. , Cotrut C. M.
Published: September 2016

Correction for ‘Study on a hydrophobic Ti-doped hydroxyapatite coating for corrosion protection of a titanium based alloy‘ by M. A. Surmeneva et al., RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 87665–87674.
Reactivity of the copper(iii)-hydroxide unit with phenols
Authors: Dhar Debanjan , Yee Gereon M. , Markle Todd F. , Mayer James M. , Tolman William B.
Published: September 2016

Kinetic studies of the reactions of two previously characterized copper(III)-hydroxide complexes with a series of para substituted phenols (XArOH where X = NMe2, OMe, Me, H, Cl, NO2, or CF3) indicate competition between concerted CPET and sequential PT/ET pathways.
Fluorogenic protein labeling using a genetically encoded unstrained alkene
Authors: Shang X. , Song X. , Faller C. , Lai R. , Li H. , Cerny R. , Niu W. , Guo J.
Published: September 2016

A new fluorogenic bioorthogonal reaction between styrene (an unstrained alkene) and a tetrazine was developed.
A novel one-step synthesized and dopant-free hole transport material for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Zhang Fei , Yi Chenyi , Bi Dongqin , Bi Xiangdong , Wei Peng , Luo Jingshan , Liu Xicheng , Wang Shirong , Li Xianggao , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Grätzel Michael
Published: September 2016

A simple one-step synthesized hole transport material was developed for dopant-free perovskite solar cells with a PCE of 15.4%.
Unveiling the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of NaxFe(SO4)2 (x = 0–2): toward a high-capacity and low-cost cathode material
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Araujo Rafael B. , Ahuja Rajeev
Published: September 2016

Employing the density functional theory framework, we have investigated the phase stability, electrochemical properties and ionic diffusion of an eldfellite cathode material.
The organic-moiety-dominated Li+ intercalation/deintercalation mechanism of a cobalt-based metal–organic framework
Authors: Li Chao , Hu Xiaoshi , Lou Xiaobing , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Yong , Amoureux Jean-Paul , Shen Ming , Chen Qun , Hu Bingwen
Published: September 2016

A seashell-like Co-MOF employing an organic-moiety-dominated intercalation/deintercalation mechanism demonstrates unprecedented long-term cyclic stability in LIBs.
Highly active Ta2O5microcubic single crystals: facet energy calculation, facile fabrication and enhanced photocatalytic activity of hydrogen production
Authors: Tu Hao , Xu Leilei , Mou Fangzhi , Guan Jianguo
Published: September 2016

Ta2O5single crystals microcubic with large percentage of high-energy {001} facets are fabricated through topological transformation exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activities.
A silsesquioxane-based thiophene-bridged hybrid nanoporous network as a highly efficient adsorbent for wastewater treatment
Authors: Ge Mingtao , Liu Hongzhi
Published: September 2016

A novel nanoporous adsorbent THPP (a silsesquioxane-based, thiophene-containing hybrid porous polymer) shows highly efficient removal capability for wastewater treatment.
Using ionic liquids to reduce energy consumption for carbon fibre production
Authors: Maghe Maxime , Creighton Claudia , Henderson Luke C. , Huson Mickey G. , Nunna Srinivas , Atkiss Stephen , Byrne Nolene , Fox Bronwyn L.
Published: September 2016

Carbon fibre composites are lightweight, high performance materials with outstanding mechanical properties.
High performance polymer solar cells employing a low-temperature solution-processed organic–inorganic hybrid electron transport layer
Authors: Lee Woosung , Jung Jae Woong
Published: September 2016

The solution processed organic–inorganic hybrid electron transport layer (PEIE–LiQ) significantly improved the device performance of polymer solar cells.
Superior high-voltage aqueous carbon/carbon supercapacitors operating with in situ electrodeposited polyvinyl alcohol borate gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Jiang Mengjin , Zhu Jiadeng , Chen Chen , Lu Yao , Pampal Esra Serife , Luo Lei , Zhu Pei , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: September 2016

The special ionic conductive mechanism of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol borate gel polymer electrolytes leads to their high operating voltages.
Concave octahedral Pd@PdPt electrocatalysts integrating core–shell, alloy and concave structures for high-efficiency oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Suli , Che Zhiwen , Zhao Shuchen , Sheng Xuexi , Han Min , Bao Jianchun
Published: September 2016

A unique Pd@PdPt electrocatalyst that integrates three structural types, core–shell, concave and alloy, exhibits remarkable enhanced ORR and HER bifunctionality.
Development of a novel berberine-mediated mitochondria-targeting nano-platform for drug-resistant cancer therapy
Authors: Tuo Jue , Xie Yanqi , Song Jia , Chen Yizhen , Guo Qin , Liu Xin , Ni Xiaomin , Xu Dongling , Huang Huizhi , Yin Sheng , Zhu Wenbo , Wu Jun , Hu Haiyan
Published: September 2016

A novel berberine-mediated mitochondria-targeting nano-platform was constructed to inhibit tumor growth and bypass the multi-drug resistance problem by targeting doxorubicin to mitochondria of tumor cells.
Director configuration in the twist-bend nematic phase of CB11CB
Authors: Miglioli Isabella , Bacchiocchi Corrado , Arcioni Alberto , Kohlmeier Alexandra , Mehl Georg H. , Zannoni Claudio
Published: September 2016

Detailed EPR spectral analyses suggest a distributed rather than a fixed tilt angle in the twist-bend nematic phase.
Synthesis, characterization and second-order nonlinear optical behaviour of ferrocene–diketopyrrolopyrrole dyads: the effect of alkene vs. alkyne linkers
Authors: Kaur Sarbjeet , Van Steerteghem Nick , Kaur Paramjit , Clays Koen , Singh Kamaljit
Published: September 2016

New, thermally stable dipolar ferrocene–diketopyrrolopyrrole (Fc–DPP) dyads with alkene as a linker exhibited structure dependent first hyperpolarizabilities,βHRS, recorded by a femtosecond HRS technique using a femtosecond (120 fs) pulsed laser light system at 900 nm at ambient temperature.
Periodic nanostructured Au arrays on an Si electrode for high-performance electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide without an enzyme
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Hang Lifeng , Men Dandan , Li Huilin , Liu Dilong , Li Xinyang , Wen Lulu , Li Yue
Published: September 2016

Periodic gold nanosphere arrays were prepared on a planar silicon substrate, which could be directly developed as an electrode to sensitively and selectively detect H2O2 without an enzyme via an electrochemical method.
Targeting polyamine metabolism for cancer therapy and prevention
Authors: Murray-Stewart Tracy R. , Woster Patrick M. , Casero Robert A.
Published: September 2016

The chemically simple, biologically complex eukaryotic polyamines, spermidine and spermine, are positively charged alkylamines involved in many crucial cellular processes. Along with their diamine precursor putrescine, their normally high intracellular concentrations require fine attenuation by multiple regulatory mechanisms to keep these essential molecules within strict physiologic ranges. Since the metabolism of and requirement for polyamines are frequently dysregulated in neoplastic disease, the metabolic pathway and functions of polyamines provide rational drug targets; however, these targets have been difficult to exploit for chemotherapy. It is the goal of this article to review the latest findings in the field that demonstrate the potential utility of targeting the metabolism and function of polyamines as strategies for both chemotherapy and, possibly more importantly, chemoprevention.
TPL2 meets p38MAPK: emergence of a novel positive feedback loop in inflammation
Authors: Menon Manoj B. , Gaestel Matthias
Published: September 2016

The activation of p38MAPK by Toll-like receptor signalling is essential for the inflammatory response of innate immunity due to its role in post-transcriptional regulation of TNFα and cytokine biosynthesis. p38MAPK activation proceeds by the upstream MAP2Ks, MAPK kinase (MKK)3/6 as well as MKK4, which in turn are substrates for MAP3Ks, such as TGFβ-activated protein kinase-1 (TAK1). In contrast, TPL2 has been described as an exclusive MAP3K of MKK1/2-triggering activation of the classical ERKs, ERK1/2. In the recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Pattison et al. report their screening for TPL2 substrates in LPS-stimulated macrophages and the identification of MKK3/6. Using catalytic-dead TPL2 (Map3k8D270A/D270A) knockin macrophages, they demonstrated that activation of MKK3/6 by TPL2 significantly contributes to LPS-dependent TNFα biosynthesis and is also essential for TNF-receptor 1 signalling. Hence, a new signalling pathway from TAK1 via IκB kinase, p105 NFκB and TPL2 to MKK3/6 and p38MAPK is established in macrophages. Taking into account that some isoforms of p38MAPK are necessary for maintaining functional steady-state levels of TPL2, a positive feedback loop in inflammation emerges.
Identifying and Prioritizing Diseases Important for Detection in Adult Hearing Health Care
Authors: Kleindienst Samantha J. , Dhar Sumitrajit , Nielsen Donald W. , Griffith James W. , Lundy Larry B. , Driscoll Colin , Neff Brian , Beatty Charles , Barrs David , Zapala David A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this research note is to identify and prioritize diseases important for detection in adult hearing health care delivery systems.

Method

Through literature review and expert consultation, the authors identified 195 diseases likely to occur in adults complaining of hearing loss. Five neurotologists rated the importance of disease on 3 dimensions related to the necessity of detection prior to adult hearing aid fitting.

Results

Ratings of adverse health consequences, diagnostic difficulty, and presence of nonotologic symptoms associated with these diseases resulted in the identification of 104 diseases potentially important for detection prior to adult hearing aid fitting.

Conclusions

Current and evolving health care delivery systems, including direct-to-consumer sales, involve inconsistent means of disease detection vigilance prior to device fitting. The first steps in determining the safety of these different delivery methods are to identify and prioritize which diseases present the greatest risk for poor health outcomes and, thus, should be detected in hearing health care delivery systems. Here the authors have developed a novel multidimensional rating system to rank disease importance. The rankings can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative detection methods and to inform public health policy. The authors are currently using this information to validate a consumer questionnaire designed to accurately identify when pre- fitting medical evaluations should be required for hearing aid patients.
Integrity and its counterfeits: Shakespeare’s Henriad
Authors: Robinson Simon
Published: September 2016

The article will briefly and critically review philosophical views on integrity, focusing on integration, identity, standing up for moral principles and ethical decision-making practice. It will explore integrity as Aristotle’s virtue of truthfulness, noting how this leads to engagement with the self and the social network. This demands the practice of responsibility, involving: critical agency (developing authorship of the ethical narrative), accountability (involving plural and mutual dialogue), and creative (positive) responsibility (involving both narrative and dialogue around action). In light of this dynamic and social view of integrity the second part the article explores counterfeit integrity. It distinguishes counterfeit integrity based in unexamined ideology and identity from counterfeit integrity based in intentional deception of others about beliefs, values and motives. Each of these is illustrated by figures from Shakespeare’s Henriad, and parallel cases in business and sport. This article is published as part of a collection on integrity and its counterfeits.
Preface for Special Topic: Perovskite solar cells—A research update
Authors: Schmidt-Mende Lukas , Herz Laura M.
Published: September 2016

Over the last few years, tremendous progress has been made in the research field of perovskite solar cells. Not only are record power conversion efficiencies now exceeding 20%, but our understanding about the different mechanisms leading to this extraordinary performance has improved phenomenally. The aim of this special issue is to review the current state-of-the-art understanding of perovskite solar cells. Most of the presented articles are research updates giving a succinct overview over different aspects concerning perovskite solar cells.
Influence of external white noise on the formation of Tsallis' velocity distribution function: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Nouri Kadijani M. , Abbasi H.
Published: September 2016

Dynamics of a dust layer suspending in a plasma and interacting through a Yukawa-type potential is considered. In the small affinity limit, the influence of an external white noise on the formation of Tsallis' velocity distribution function is studied through molecular dynamics simulation. The characteristic length of the noise is much smaller than the system size that causes a number of subsystems (islands) to be formed with the size similar to the noise one. The external noise leads to the temperature fluctuation in each island. Therefore, a stochastic formalism based on a Langevin equation for the fluctuating temperature is presented. The approach provides a dynamical reason how a fluctuating temperature takes a system to a unique class of quasi-equilibrium states. In particular, the dependence of the model systems on the noise parameters is explained. The non-extensive parameter is obtained through which the small affinity limit can be defined.
Imaging and image restoration of lens-combined modulated wavefront coding
Authors: Wu Yijian , Dong Liquan , Zhao Yuejin , Liu Ming , Chu Xuhong , Jia Wei , Guo Xiaohu
Published: September 2016

In this paper, it presents a new wavefront coding (WFC) technology that we call lens-combined modulated wavefront coding (LM-WFC). Based on the LM-WFC design method, we establish a large depth of field and large aperture system. Simulation results indicate that the modulation transfer function of the system has a defocus invariant characteristic, which all typical WFC systems have, with a large depth of field. Experimental results for comparing the LM-WFC imaging system and a traditional imaging system are presented. The comparative results demonstrate that the LM-WFC system has an imaging performance invariant over a wide depth of field range.
A virtual instrument to standardise the calibration of atomic force microscope cantilevers
Authors: Sader John E. , Borgani Riccardo , Gibson Christopher T. , Haviland David B. , Higgins Michael J. , Kilpatrick Jason I. , Lu Jianing , Mulvaney Paul , Shearer Cameron J. , Slattery Ashley D. , Thorén Per-Anders , Tran Jim , Zhang Heyou , Zhang Hongrui , Zheng Tian
Published: September 2016

Atomic force microscope (AFM) users often calibrate the spring constants of cantilevers using functionality built into individual instruments. This calibration is performed without reference to a global standard, hindering the robust comparison of force measurements reported by different laboratories. Here, we describe a virtual instrument (an internet-based initiative) whereby users from all laboratories can instantly and quantitatively compare their calibration measurements to those of others—standardising AFM force measurements—and simultaneously enabling non-invasive calibration of AFM cantilevers of any geometry. This global calibration initiative requires no additional instrumentation or data processing on the part of the user. It utilises a single website where users upload currently available data. A proof-of-principle demonstration of this initiative is presented using measured data from five independent laboratories across three countries, which also allows for an assessment of current calibration.
Pathways to exotic metastable silicon allotropes
Authors: Haberl Bianca , Strobel Timothy A. , Bradby Jodie E.
Published: September 2016

The Group 14 element silicon possesses a complex free-energy landscape with many (local) minima, allowing for the formation of a variety of unusual structures, some of which may be stabilized at ambient conditions. Such exotic silicon allotropes represent a significant opportunity to address the ever-increasing demand for novel materials with tailored functionality since these exotic forms are expected to exhibit superlative properties including optimized band gaps for solar power conversion. The application of pressure is a well-recognized and uniquely powerful method to access exotic states of silicon since it promotes large changes to atomic bonding. Conventional high-pressure syntheses, however, lack the capability to access many of these local minima and only four forms of exotic silicon allotropes have been recovered over the last 50 years. However, more recently, significant advances in high pressure methodologies and the use of novel precursor materials have yielded at least three more recoverable exotic Si structures. This review aims to give an overview of these innovative methods of high-pressure application and precursor selection and the recent discoveries of new Si allotropes. The background context of the conventional pressure methods and multitude of predicted new phases are also provided. This review also offers a perspective for possible access to many further exotic functional allotropes not only of silicon but also of other materials, in a technologically feasible manner.