bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methane fluxes from coastal sediments are enhanced by macrofauna
Authors: Bonaglia Stefano , Brüchert Volker , Callac Nolwenn , Vicenzi Alessandra , Chi Fru Ernest , Nascimento Francisco J. A.
Published: October 2017

Methane and nitrous oxide are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to climate change. Coastal sediments are important GHG producers, but the contribution of macrofauna (benthic invertebrates larger than 1 mm) inhabiting them is currently unknown. Through a combination of trace gas, isotope, and molecular analyses, we studied the direct and indirect contribution of two macrofaunal groups, polychaetes and bivalves, to methane and nitrous oxide fluxes from coastal sediments. Our results indicate that macrofauna increases benthic methane efflux by a factor of up to eight, potentially accounting for an estimated 9.5% of total emissions from the Baltic Sea. Polychaetes indirectly enhance methane efflux through bioturbation, while bivalves have a direct effect on methane release. Bivalves host archaeal methanogenic symbionts carrying out preferentially hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, as suggested by analysis of methane isotopes. Low temperatures (8 °C) also stimulate production of nitrous oxide, which is consumed by benthic denitrifying bacteria before it reaches the water column. We show that macrofauna contributes to GHG production and that the extent is dependent on lineage. Thus, macrofauna may play an important, but overlooked role in regulating GHG production and exchange in coastal sediment ecosystems.
Genetic induction of hypometabolism by ablation of MC4R does not suppress ALS-like phenotypes in the G93A mutant SOD1 mouse model
Authors: Doshi Shachee , Gupta Preetika , Kalb Robert G.
Published: October 2017

Dysfunction and death of motor neurons leads to progressive paralysis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies have reported organism-level metabolic dysfunction as a prominent but poorly understood feature of the disease. ALS patients are hypermetabolic with increased resting energy expenditure, but if and how hypermetabolism contributes to disease pathology is unknown. We asked if decreasing metabolism in the mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mouse model of ALS (G93A SOD1) would alter motor function and survival. To address this, we generated mice with the G93A SOD1 mutation that also lacked the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). MC4R is a critical regulator of energy homeostasis and food intake in the hypothalamus. Loss of MC4R is known to induce hyperphagia and hypometabolism in mice. In the MC4R null background, G93A SOD1 mice become markedly hypometabolic, overweight and less active. Decreased metabolic rate, however, did not reverse any ALS-related disease phenotypes such as motor dysfunction or decreased lifespan. While hypermetabolism remains an intriguing target for intervention in ALS patients and disease models, our data indicate that the melanocortin system is not a good target for manipulation. Investigating other pathways may reveal optimal targets for addressing metabolic dysfunction in ALS.
Unwavering Pathobiology of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injury
Authors: Greising Sarah M. , Rivera Jessica C. , Goldman Stephen M. , Watts Alain , Aguilar Carlos A. , Corona Benjamin T.
Published: October 2017

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) resulting from extremity trauma presents chronic and persistent functional deficits which ultimately manifest disability. Acellular biological scaffolds, or decellularized extracellular matrices (ECMs), embody an ideal treatment platform due to their current clinical use for soft tissue repair, off-the-shelf availability, and zero autogenous donor tissue burden. ECMs have been reported to promote functional skeletal muscle tissue remodeling in small and large animal models of VML injury, and this conclusion was reached in a recent clinical trial that enrolled 13 patients. However, numerous other pre-clinical reports have not observed ECM-mediated skeletal muscle regeneration. The current study was designed to reconcile these discrepancies. The capacity of ECMs to orchestrate functional muscle tissue remodeling was interrogated in a porcine VML injury model using unbiased assessments of muscle tissue regeneration and functional recovery. Here, we show that VML injury incites an overwhelming inflammatory and fibrotic response that leads to expansive fibrous tissue deposition and chronic functional deficits, which ECM repair does not augment.
New insights into the degradation mechanism of metal-organic frameworks drug carriers
Authors: Li X. , Lachmanski L. , Safi S. , Sene S. , Serre C. , Grenèche J. M. , Zhang J. , Gref R.
Published: October 2017

A versatile method based on Raman microscopy was developed to follow the degradation of iron carboxylate Metal Organic Framework (MOF) nano- or micro-particles in simulated body fluid (phosphate buffer). The analysis of both the morphology and chemical composition of individual particles, including observation at different regions on the same particle, evidenced the formation of a sharp erosion front during particle degradation. Interestingly, this front separated an intact non eroded crystalline core from an amorphous shell made of an inorganic network. According to Mössbauer spectrometry investigations, the shell consists essentially of iron phosphates. Noteworthy, neither drug loading nor surface modification affected the integrity of the tridimensional MOF network. These findings could be of interest in the further development of next generations of MOF drug carriers.
Electrokinetic Analysis of Energy Harvest from Natural Salt Gradients in Nanochannels
Authors: He Yuhui , Huang Zhuo , Chen Bowei , Tsutsui Makusu , Shui Miao Xiang , Taniguchi Masateru
Published: October 2017

The Gibbs free energy released during the mixing of river and sea water has been illustrated as a promising source of clean and renewable energy. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one major strategy to gain electrical power from this natural salinity, and recently by utilizing nanochannels a novel mode of this approach has shown improved power density and energy converting efficiency. In this work, we carry out an electrokinetic analysis of the work extracted from RED in the nanochannels. First, we outline the exclusion potential effect induced by the inhomogeneous distribution of extra-counterions along the channel axis. This effect is unique in nanochannel RED and how to optimize it for energy harvesting is the central topic of this work. We then discuss two important indexes of performance, which are the output power density and the energy converting efficiency, and their dependence on the nanochannel parameters such as channel material and geometry. In order to yield maximized output electrical power, we propose a device design by stepwise usage of the saline bias, and the lengths of the nanochannels are optimized to achieve the best trade-off between the input thermal power and the energy converting efficiency.
Retinal Degeneration Protein 3 (RD3) in normal human tissues: Novel insights
Authors: Aravindan Sheeja , Somasundaram Dinesh Babu , Kam Kwok Ling , Subramanian Karthikeyan , Yu Zhongxin , Herman Terence S. , Fung Kar-Ming , Aravindan Natarajan
Published: October 2017

The 195-amino-acid-long human Retinal Degeneration Protein 3 (RD3) is critical in the regulation of guanylate cyclase (GC) signaling and photoreceptor cell survival. Recently, we identified significant loss of RD3 in high-risk neuroblastoma and the influential role of RD3 in tumor progression. However, the functional characterization of RD3 in tumor systems has been hampered by the dearth of information on its localization in normal tissue and by the lack of antibodies suitable for staining FFPE tissue, primarily due to the inaccessibility of the epitopes. In this study, we validated a custom-synthesized RD3 antibody and investigated the expression/localization of RD3 in assorted human tissues. We observed stratified expression of RD3 in different cell types and subcellular location of retina. We demonstrated extensive positive RD3 immunoreactivity in various normal tissues and particularly strong dot-like perinuclear staining in the lining epithelial cells, suggesting that RD3 may play an important role in the normal functioning of epithelial cells. RD3 expression is limited in the CNS. While neuroblastoma is often RD3-positive, the adrenal medulla, where many neuroblastomas originate, is RD3-negative. Meta-analysis of RD3 transcriptional expression across normal tissues confirmed tissue-specific RD3 mRNA levels. Our results revealed the tissue-specific expression/localization profile of RD3 for the first time.
Three-Dimensional Myoarchitecture of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter and Esophageal Hiatus Using Optical Sectioning Microscopy
Authors: Zifan Ali , Kumar Dushyant , Cheng Leo K. , Mittal Ravinder K.
Published: October 2017

Studies to date have failed to reveal the anatomical counterpart of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). We assessed the LES and esophageal hiatus morphology using a block containing the human LES and crural diaphragm, serially sectioned at 50 μm intervals and imaged at 8.2 μm/pixel resolution. A 3D reconstruction of the tissue block was reconstructed in which each of the 652 cross sectional images were also segmented to identify the boundaries of longitudinal (LM) and circular muscle (CM) layers. The CM fascicles on the ventral surface of LES are arranged in a helical/spiral fashion. On the other hand, the CM fascicles from the two sides cross midline on dorsal surface and continue as sling/oblique muscle on the stomach. Some of the LM fascicles of the esophagus leave the esophagus to enter into the crural diaphragm and the remainder terminate into the sling fibers of the stomach. The muscle fascicles of the right crus of diaphragm which form the esophageal hiatus are arranged like a “noose” around the esophagus. We propose that circumferential squeeze of the LES and crural diaphragm is generated by a unique myo-architectural design, each of which forms a “noose” around the esophagus.
Flow cytometry as a rapid analytical tool to determine physiological responses to changing O2 and iron concentration by Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense strain MSR-1
Authors: Fernández-Castané Alfred , Li Hong , Thomas Owen R. T. , Overton Tim W.
Published: October 2017

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a diverse group of bacteria that synthesise magnetosomes, magnetic membrane-bound nanoparticles that have a variety of diagnostic, clinical and biotechnological applications. We present the development of rapid methods using flow cytometry to characterize several aspects of the physiology of the commonly-used MTB Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1. Flow cytometry is an optical technique that rapidly measures characteristics of individual bacteria within a culture, thereby allowing determination of population heterogeneity and also permitting direct analysis of bacteria. Scatter measurements were used to measure and compare bacterial size, shape and morphology. Membrane permeability and polarization were measured using the dyes propidium iodide and bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol to determine the viability and ‘health’ of bacteria. Dyes were also used to determine changes in concentration of intracellular free iron and polyhydroxylakanoate (PHA), a bacterial energy storage polymer. These tools were then used to characterize the responses of MTB to different O2 concentrations and iron-sufficient or iron-limited growth. Rapid analysis of MTB physiology will allow development of bioprocesses for the production of magnetosomes, and will increase understanding of this fascinating and useful group of bacteria.
Fish perform like mammals and birds in inhibitory motor control tasks
Authors: Lucon-Xiccato Tyrone , Gatto Elia , Bisazza Angelo
Published: October 2017

Inhibitory control is an executive function that positively predicts performance in several cognitive tasks and has been considered typical of vertebrates with large and complex nervous systems such as primates. However, evidence is growing that some fish species have evolved complex cognitive abilities in spite of their relatively small brain size. We tested whether fish might also show enhanced inhibitory control by subjecting guppies,Poecilia reticulata, to the motor task used to test warm-blooded vertebrates. Guppies were trained to enter a horizontal opaque cylinder to reach a food reward; then, the cylinder was replaced by a transparent one, and subjects needed to inhibit the response to pass thought the transparency to reach the food. Guppies performed correctly in 58% trials, a performance fully comparable to that observed in most birds and mammals. In experiment 2, we tested guppies in a task with a different type of reward, a group of conspecifics. Guppies rapidly learned to detour a transparent barrier to reach the social reward with a performance close to that of experiment 1. Our study suggests that efficient inhibitory control is shown also by fish, and that its variation between-species is only partially explained by variation in brain size.
Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans not detected in U.S. survey of pet salamanders
Authors: Klocke Blake , Becker Matthew , Lewis James , Fleischer Robert C. , Muletz-Wolz Carly R. , Rockwood Larry , Aguirre A. Alonso , Gratwicke Brian
Published: October 2017

We engaged pet salamander owners in the United States to screen their animals for two amphibian chytrid fungal pathogens Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and B. salamandrivorans (Bsal). We provided pet owners with a sampling kit and instructional video to swab the skin of their animals. We received 639 salamander samples from 65 species by mail, and tested them for Bd and Bsal using qPCR. We detected Bd on 1.3% of salamanders (95% CI 0.0053–0.0267) and did not detect Bsal (95% CI 0.0000–0.0071). If Bsal is present in the U.S. population of pet salamanders, it occurs at a very low prevalence. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service listed 201 species of salamanders as “injurious wildlife” under the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. § 42) on January 28, 2016, a precautionary action to prevent the introduction of Bsal to the U.S. through the importation of salamanders. This action reduced the number of salamanders imported to the U.S. from 2015 to 2016 by 98.4%. Our results indicate that continued precautions should be taken to prevent the introduction and establishment of Bsal in the U.S., which is a hotspot of salamander biodiversity.
Brain activity to transitional objects in patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Kiefer Markus , Neff Ute , Schmid Markus M. , Spitzer Manfred , Connemann Bernhard J. , Schönfeldt-Lecuona Carlos
Published: October 2017

Adult patients with borderline personality disorders (BPD) frequently have attachments to inanimate transitional objects (TOs) such as stuffed animals. Using event-related potential (ERP) recordings, we determined in patients with BPD the neural correlates of the processing of these attachment-relevant objects and their functional significance. Sixteen female patients with BPD viewed pictures of their TOs, other familiar stuffed toys (familiar objects, FOs), and unfamiliar objects (UOs). ERPs in the patients were compared to those in 16 matched healthy controls who possessed a stuffed animal of comparably high familiarity. Here, we found a specific increase of frontal P3/LPP amplitude in patients with BPD, which was related to attachment anxiety and depression scores. Attachment-related TO stimuli in patients with BPD specifically modulated stages of emotional stimulus evaluation reflecting processing of self-relevance. The relation of the frontal ERP effect to patients’ attachment anxiety and depression highlights the function of TOs for coping with anxiety about being abandoned by significant others and for dealing with depressive symptoms.
Maternal consumption of fish oil programs reduced adiposity in broiler chicks
Authors: Beckford Ronique C. , Howard Sarah J. , Das Suchita , Farmer Abigail T. , Campagna Shawn R. , Yu Jiali , Hettich Robert L. , Wilson Jeanna L. , Voy Brynn H.
Published: October 2017

Maternal intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3) has been associated with reduced adiposity in children, suggesting the possibility to program adipose development through dietary fatty acids before birth. This study determined if enriching the maternal diet in fish oil, the primary source of EPA and DHA, affected adipose development in offspring. Broiler chickens were used because they are obesity-prone, and because fatty acids provided to the embryo can be manipulated through the hen diet. Hens were fed diets supplemented (2.8% wt:wt) with corn oil (CO; n-6) or fish oil (FO; n-3) for 28 d. Chicks from both maternal diet groups were fed the same diet after hatch. Maternal FO consumption enriched chick adipose tissue in EPA and DHA and reduced adiposity by promoting more, but smaller, adipocytes. This adipocyte profile was paralleled by lower expression of the adipogenic regulator PPARG and its co-activator PPARGC1B, and elevated expression of LPL. Proteomics identified 95 differentially abundant proteins between FO and CO adipose tissue, including components of glucose metabolism, lipid droplet trafficking, and cytoskeletal organization. These results demonstrate that the maternal dietary fatty acid profile programs offspring adipose development.
Dielectric imaging for differentiation between cancer and inflammation in vivo
Authors: Lee Rimi , Lee Sun-Mi , Kim Hyung Joon , Kim Sook Young , Son Mina , Song Jun Ho , Lkhamsuren Khulan , Park In Ho , Choi In Hong , Park Young Nyun , Shin Jeon-Soo , Yoo Kyung-Hwa
Published: October 2017

In this study, we develop an in vivo dielectric imaging technique that measures capacitance using pin-type electrode arrays. Compared to normal tissues, cancer tissues exhibit higher capacitance values, allowing us to image the cancer region and monitor the chemotherapeutic effects of cancer in real-time. A comparison with the histopathological results shows that the in vivo dielectric imaging technique is able to detect small tumors (<3 mm) and tumor-associated changes. In addition, we demonstrate that cancer and inflammation may be distinguished by measuring the capacitance images at different frequencies. In contrast, the positron emission tomography using 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose was not capable of discriminating between cancer and inflammation.
Monitoring cerebral hemodynamic change during transcranial ultrasound stimulation using optical intrinsic signal imaging
Authors: Kim Evgenii , Anguluan Eloise , Kim Jae Gwan
Published: October 2017

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (tUS) is a promising non-invasive approach to modulate brain circuits. The application is gaining popularity, however the full effect of ultrasound stimulation is still unclear and further investigation is needed. This study aims to apply optical intrinsic signal imaging (OISI) for the first time, to simultaneously monitor the wide-field cerebral hemodynamic change during tUS on awake animal with high spatial and temporal resolution. Three stimulation paradigms were delivered using a single-element focused transducer operating at 425 kHz in pulsed mode having the same intensity (ISPPA = 1.84 W/cm2, ISPTA = 129 mW/cm2) but varying pulse repetition frequencies (PRF). The results indicate a concurrent hemodynamic change occurring with all actual tUS but not under a sham stimulation. The stimulation initiated the increase of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and decrease of deoxygenated hemoglobin (RHb). A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in the amplitude change of hemodynamics evoked by varying PRF. Moreover, the acoustic stimulation was able to trigger a global as well as local cerebral hemodynamic alteration in the mouse cortex. Thus, the implementation of OISI offers the possibility of directly investigating brain response in an awake animal during tUS through cerebral hemodynamic change.
Pectin methylesterases contribute the pathogenic differences between races 1 and 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
Authors: Fan Huiyun , Dong Honghong , Xu Chunxiang , Liu Jing , Hu Bei , Ye Jingwen , Mai Guiwan , Li Huaping
Published: October 2017

Plant cell walls, which are mainly composed of pectin, play important roles in plant defence responses to pathogens. Pectin is synthesised in a highly esterified form and then de-esterified by pectin methylesterases (PMEs). Because of this, PMEs are directly involved in plant defence. However, the molecular mechanisms of their interactions with pectins remain unclear. In this study, we compared the expression level and enzyme activities of PMEs in a banana Cavendish cultivar (Musa AAA ‘Brazilian’) inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense pathogenic races 1 (Foc1) and 4 (Foc4). We further examined the spatial distribution of PMEs and five individual homogalacturonans (HGs) with different degree of pectin methylesterification (DM). Results suggested that the banana roots infected with Foc1 showed lower PME activity than those infected with Foc4, which was consisted with observed higher level of pectin DM. The level of HGs crosslinked with Ca2+ was significantly higher in roots infected with Foc1 compared with those infected with Foc4. Therefore, banana exhibited significantly different responses to Foc1 and Foc4 infection, and these results suggest differences in PME activities, DM of pectin and Ca2+-bridged HG production. These differences could have resulted in observed differences in virulence between Foc1 and Foc4.
Flexible Semiconductor Technologies with Nanoholes-Provided High Areal Coverages and Their Application in Plasmonic-Enhanced Thin Film Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Zhaozhao , Peng Linfa , Lin Zhongqin , Ni Jun , Yi Peiyun , Lai Xinmin , He Xiaolong , Lei Zeyu
Published: October 2017

Mechanical flexibility and advanced light management have gained great attentions in designing high performance, flexible thin film photovoltaics for the realization of building-integrated optoelectronic devices and portable energy sources. This study develops a soft thermal nanoimprint process for fabricating nanostructure decorated substrates integrated with amorphous silicon solar cells. Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells have been constructed on nanoholes array textured polyimide (PI) substrates. It has been demonstrated that the nanostructures not only are beneficial to the mechanical flexibility improvement but also contribute to sunlight harvesting enhancement. The a-Si:H solar cells constructed on such nanopatterned substrates possess broadband-enhanced light absorption, high quantum efficiency and desirable power conversion efficiency (PCE) and still experience minimal PCE loss even bending around 180°. The PCE performance without antireflection coatings increases to 7.70% and it improves 40% compared with the planar devices. Although the advantages and feasibility of the schemes are demonstrated only in the application of a-Si:H solar cells, the ideas are able to extend to applications of other thin film photovoltaics and semiconductor devices.
How to prevent the detrimental effects of two months of bed-rest on muscle, bone and cardiovascular system: an RCT
Authors: Kramer Andreas , Gollhofer Albert , Armbrecht Gabriele , Felsenberg Dieter , Gruber Markus
Published: October 2017

Physical inactivity leads to a deconditioning of the skeletal, neuromuscular and cardiovascular system. It can lead to impaired quality of life, loss of autonomy, falls and fractures. Regular exercise would be a logical remedy, but the generally recommended high-volume endurance and strength training programs require a lot of time and equipment. In this randomized controlled study with 23 healthy participants, we established that a short, intensive jump training program can prevent the large musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning effects caused by two months of physical inactivity during bed rest, particularly the loss of bone mineral mass and density, lean muscle mass, maximal leg strength and peak oxygen uptake. The jump training group showed no significant changes with respect to these indicators of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health after 60 days of bed rest, whereas the control group exhibited substantial losses: up to −2.6% in tibial bone mineral content and density, −5% in leg lean mass, −40% in maximal knee extension torque and −29% in peak oxygen uptake. Consequently, we recommend jump training as a very time-efficient and effective type of exercise for astronauts on long-term space missions, the elderly and sedentary populations in general.
X-ray spectroscopic study of amorphous and polycrystalline PbO films, α-PbO, and β-PbO for direct conversion imaging
Authors: Qamar A. , LeBlanc K. , Semeniuk O. , Reznik A. , Lin J. , Pan Y. , Moewes A.
Published: October 2017

We investigated the electronic structure of Lead Oxide (PbO) – one of the most promising photoconductor materials for direct conversion x-ray imaging detectors, using soft x-ray emission and absorption spectroscopy. Two structural configurations of thin PbO layers, namely the polycrystalline and the amorphous phase, were studied, and compared to the properties of powdered α-PbO and β-PbO samples. In addition, we performed calculations within the framework of density functional theory and found an excellent agreement between the calculated and the measured absorption and emission spectra, which indicates high accuracy of our structural models. Our work provides strong evidence that the electronic structure of PbO layers, specifically the width of the band gap and the presence of additional interband and intraband states in both conduction and valence band, depend on the deposition conditions. We tested several model structures using DFT simulations to understand what the origin of these states is. The presence of O vacancies is the most plausible explanation for these additional electronic states. Several other plausible models were ruled out including interstitial O, dislocated O and the presence of significant lattice stress in PbO.
Viscosity is an important factor of resistance to alcohol-based disinfectants by pathogens present in mucus
Authors: Hirose Ryohei , Nakaya Takaaki , Naito Yuji , Daidoji Tomo , Watanabe Yohei , Yasuda Hiroaki , Konishi Hideyuki , Itoh Yoshito
Published: October 2017

Alcohol-based disinfectants play an important role in the prevention of healthcare-acquired infection (HAI). We investigated whether pathogens present in mucus acquire resistance to alcohol-based disinfectants, and elucidated the underlying mechanism. Both the resistance of influenza A virus and Escherichia coli to alcohol-based disinfectants or ultraviolet irradiation and the diffusion rate of ethanol were determined in artificial mucus or sputum samples obtained from 27 individuals with acute upper respiratory infection. Pathogens in mucus (artificial mucus or sputum samples) were not completely inactivated by alcohol-based disinfectants (survival rate >10%), suggesting that the alcohol-based disinfectants were ineffective. Pathogen survival and mucus viscosity were strongly correlated (correlation coefficient >0.7, P < 0.001). Additionally, the ethanol diffusion rate decreased with increasing mucus viscosity, which contributed to ethanol resistance. Pronase treatment of sputum samples significantly decreased sputum viscosity and increased the disinfectant effect (P < 0.001 for all). In contrast, complete inactivation was achieved by ultraviolet irradiation independently of mucus viscosity. Thus, mucus viscosity contributes to resistance of pathogens to alcohol-based disinfectants by decreasing the alcohol diffusion rate. These findings can provide a basis for developing new strategies, including improved disinfectants, for overcoming HAI.
Synthetic/ECM-inspired hybrid platform for hollow microcarriers with ROS-triggered nanoporation hallmarks
Authors: Milcovich Gesmi , Contessotto Paolo , Marsico Grazia , Ismail Siti , Pandit Abhay
Published: October 2017

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key pathological signals expressed in inflammatory diseases such as cancer, ischemic conditions and atherosclerosis. An ideal drug delivery system should not only be responsive to these signals but also should not elicit an unfavourable host response. This study presents an innovative platform for drug delivery where a natural/synthetic composite system composed of collagen type I and a synthesized polythioether, ensures a dual stimuli-responsive behaviour. Collagen type I is an extracellular matrix constituent protein, responsive to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) cleavage per se. Polythioethers are stable synthetic polymers characterized by the presence of sulphur, which undergoes a ROS-responsive swelling switch. A polythioether was synthesised, functionalized and tested for cytotoxicity. Optimal conditions to fabricate a composite natural/synthetic hollow sphere construct were optimised by a template-based method. Collagen-polythioether hollow spheres were fabricated, revealing uniform size and ROS-triggered nanoporation features. Cellular metabolic activity of H9C2 cardiomyoblasts remained unaffected upon exposure to the spheres. Our natural/synthetic hollow microspheres exhibit the potential for use as a pathological stimuli-responsive reservoir system for applications in inflammatory diseases.
Phonon-assisted oscillatory exciton dynamics in monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Chow Colin M. , Yu Hongyi , Jones Aaron M. , Schaibley John R. , Koehler Michael , Mandrus David G. , Merlin R. , Yao Wang , Xu Xiaodong
Published: October 2017

In monolayer semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides, the exciton–phonon interaction strongly affects the photocarrier dynamics. Here, we report on an unusual oscillatory enhancement of the neutral exciton photoluminescence with the excitation laser frequency in monolayer MoSe2. The frequency of oscillation matches that of the M-point longitudinal acoustic phonon, LA(M), suggesting the significance of zone-edge acoustic phonons and hence the deformation potential in exciton-phonon coupling in MoSe2. Moreover, oscillatory behavior is observed in the steady-state emission linewidth and in time-resolved PLE data, which reveals variation with excitation energy in the exciton lifetime. These results clearly expose the key role played by phonons in the exciton formation and relaxation dynamics of two-dimensional van der Waals semiconductors.
Reversible hysteresis inversion in MoS2 field effect transistors
Authors: Kaushik Naveen , Mackenzie David M. A. , Thakar Kartikey , Goyal Natasha , Mukherjee Bablu , Boggild Peter , Petersen Dirch Hjorth , Lodha Saurabh
Published: October 2017

The origin of threshold voltage instability with gate voltage in MoS2 transistors is poorly understood but critical for device reliability and performance. Reversibility of the temperature dependence of hysteresis and its inversion with temperature in MoS2 transistors has not been demonstrated. In this work, we delineate two independent mechanisms responsible for thermally assisted hysteresis inversion in gate transfer characteristics of contact resistance-independent multilayer MoS2 transistors. Variable temperature hysteresis measurements were performed on gated four-terminal van der Pauw and two-terminal devices of MoS2 on SiO2. Additional hysteresis measurements on suspended (~100 nm air gap between MoS2 and SiO2) transistors and under different ambient conditions (vacuum/nitrogen) were used to further isolate the mechanisms. Clockwise hysteresis at room temperature (300 K) that decreases with increasing temperature is shown to result from intrinsic defects/traps in MoS2. At higher temperatures a second, independent mechanism of charge trapping and de-trapping between the oxide and p+ Si gate leads to hysteresis collapse at ~350 K and anti-clockwise hysteresis (inversion) for temperatures >350 K. The intrinsic-oxide trap model has been corroborated through device simulations. Further, pulsed current–voltage (I–V) measurements were carried out to extract the trap time constants at different temperatures. Non-volatile memory and temperature sensor applications exploiting temperature dependent hysteresis inversion and its reversibility in MoS2 transistors have also been demonstrated.
Monitoring of drinking water quality: a preliminary approach by an electronic tongue based on functionalized polymer membrane electrodes
Authors: Mahato Manmatha , Adhikari Basudam
Published: October 2017

Functionalized polymer membrane electrodes based multichannel sensor is used as an electronic tongue to monitor the drinking water (DW) quality simply by measuring the surface electric potential with respect to Ag/AgCl reference electrode in 1 mM aqueous KCl.
A highly selective Schiff base fluorescent chemosensor for Lu3+
Authors: Wang Lina , Tang Juanjuan , Sui Ning , Yang Xing , Zhang Luyao , Yao Xiaojun , Zhou Qinfei , Xiao Hailian , Kuang Shaoping , Yu William W.
Published: October 2017

A Schiff base derivative shows high selectivity to Lu3+ in both abiotic systems and living cells.
Electrochemical nanostructure platform for the analysis of glutathione in the presence of uric acid and tryptophan
Authors: Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Bananezhad Asma , Ganjali Mohammad R. , Norouzi Parviz
Published: October 2017

In this work, a NiO–CNT nanocomposite and 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (DPID) were used as modifiers for the modification of a carbon paste electrode (DPID/NiO–CNT/CPE) for the electro-catalytic analysis of glutathione (GSH).
A single stranded fluorescent peptide probe for targeting collagen in connective tissues
Authors: Cai Xiangdong , Liu Zhao , Zhao Sha , Song Chen , Dong Shouliang , Xiao Jianxi
Published: October 2017

A novel single stranded fluorescent collagen mimetic peptide has been constructed by introducing a bulky FAM dye in the central region rather than the N terminus. Without the need for any prior thermal or ultraviolet treatment, the peptide probe can be conveniently applied to specifically target collagen in connective tissues for fluorescence imaging.
Crystal structure of a DNA duplex containing four Ag(i) ions in consecutive dinuclear Ag(i)-mediated base pairs: 4-thiothymine–2Ag(i)–4-thiothymine
Authors: Kondo Jiro , Sugawara Toru , Saneyoshi Hisao , Ono Akira
Published: October 2017

The crystal structures of 4-thiothymine–2AgI–4-thiothymine base pairs in B-form DNA duplexes have been solved.
Polymer-mediated metallophilic interactions for gram-scale production, high-yield (∼90%) synthesis of ultrathin bismuth nanowires
Authors: Kao Tzu-Lun , Tuan Hsing-Yu
Published: October 2017

High-yields (∼90%) of ultrathin (<4 nm) bismuth nanowires (Bi UNWs) were obtained by reducing the polymeric strands of oleylamine-bismuth 2-ethylhexanoate complexes formed via metallophilic interactions with the mediation of a copolymer (PVP–HDE).
The first anion-exchange membrane fuel cell to exceed 1 W cm−2 at 70 °C with a non-Pt-group (O2) cathode
Authors: Wang Lianqin , Brink Jethro J. , Varcoe John R.
Published: October 2017

A sub-30 μm thick radiation-grafted ETFE-based anion-exchange membrane allowed high alkaline membrane fuel cell performance with a Ag/C cathode.
From boron clusters to gold clusters: new label-free colorimetric sensors
Authors: Qi Bin , Wu Chenchen , Xu Ling , Wang Wenjing , Cao Jin , Liu Jun , Zhang Shuai , Gabel Detlef , Zhang Haibo , Zhou Xiaohai
Published: October 2017

Based on boron clusters, AuNPs were successfully prepared and exhibited high performance in phase transfer and heavy-metal ion sensing.
Highly efficient Cs-based perovskite light-emitting diodes enabled by energy funnelling
Authors: Ng Yan Fong , Kulkarni Sneha A. , Parida Shayani , Jamaludin Nur Fadilah , Yantara Natalia , Bruno Annalisa , Soci Cesare , Mhaisalkar Subodh , Mathews Nripan
Published: October 2017

Incorporation of phenylethylammonium bromide into a fully inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite framework led to the formation of quasi-2D perovskites with exceptional energy funnelling via an energy cascade.
Tetraarylsuccinonitriles as mechanochromophores to generate highly stable luminescent carbon-centered radicals
Authors: Sumi Toshikazu , Goseki Raita , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: October 2017

This communication reports on the design and synthesis of mechanochromophores with a dynamic covalent system composed of a tetraarylsuccinonitrile skeleton that generate a metastable organic luminescent carbon radical.
Visible light-driven photogeneration of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Yi Seung Yeon , Moon Yu Kyung , Kim Sinheui , Kim Sonam , Park Gyurim , Kim Jin Ju , You Youngmin
Published: October 2017

The combined use of a singlet oxygen photosensitizer and 1,3-diarylisobenzothiophene enables efficient generation of hydrogen sulfide at tunable photoirradiation wavelengths.
Selenoureas for anion binding as molecular logic gates
Authors: Casula Arianna , Begines Paloma , Bettoschi Alexandre , Fernandez-Bolaños Josè G. , Isaia Francesco , Lippolis Vito , López Óscar , Picci Giacomo , Andrea Scorciapino M. , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: October 2017

The first example of a molecular logic gate based on selenourea/anion host–guest interaction that performs a ternary logic operation using an 1H-NMR easy to read response output is described here.
Photochemical upconversion in water
Authors: El Roz Karim A. , Castellano Felix N.
Published: October 2017

The current investigation achieves photochemical upconversion in pure water using combinations of water soluble Ru(ii) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) sensitizers in concert with 9-anthracenecarboxylate (AnCO2−) and 1-pyrenecarboxylate (PyCO2−).
Synthesis of indanes via carbene-catalyzed single-electron-transfer processes and cascade reactions
Authors: Wang Yuhuang , Wu Xingxing , Robin Chi Yonggui
Published: October 2017

An NHC-catalyzed cascade reaction involving an SET process and two sequential Michael addition steps for the synthesis of indanes is disclosed.
Centrifugal micropipette-tip with pressure signal readout for portable quantitative detection of myoglobin
Authors: Song Yanling , An Yuan , Liu Weizhi , Hou Wanfu , Li Xingrui , Lin Bingqian , Zhu Zhi , Ge Shengxiang , Yang Huang-hao , Yang Chaoyong
Published: October 2017

Integration of a centrifugal micropipette-tip for sample processing and a pressure meter for quantitative readout enables portable detection of disease biomarkers.
Double C–S bond formation via C–H bond functionalization: synthesis of benzothiazoles and naphtho[2,1-d]thiazoles from N-substituted arylamines and elemental sulfur
Authors: Zhu Xiaoming , Yang Yuzhong , Xiao Genhua , Song Jianxin , Liang Yun , Deng Guobo
Published: October 2017

An atom economic and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of benzothiazoles and naphtho[2,1-d]thiazoles has been developed under metal-free conditions.
Photolysis of polymeric self-assembly controlled by donor–acceptor interaction
Authors: Qian Tingjuan , Chen Feiyi , Chen Yulan , Wang Yi-Xuan , Hu Wenping
Published: October 2017

A photodegradable polymer was built using a light-inert monomer through self-assembly-mediated donor–acceptor interaction.
Self-reversible thermofluorochromism of D–A–D triphenylamine derivatives and the effect of molecular conformation and packing
Authors: Kundu Anu , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: October 2017

Triphenylamine based donor–acceptor–donor compounds exhibited conformation and packing dependent solid state fluorescence and self-reversible thermofluorochromism.
Facile solution combustion synthesis of MoO2 nanoparticles as efficient photocatalysts
Authors: Gu Siyong , Qin Mingli , Zhang Houan , Ma Jidong , Wu Haoyang , Qu Xuanhui
Published: October 2017

Efficient foam-like MoO2 photocatalysts assembled from 20–30 nm nanoparticles were one-step fabricated by a solution combustion synthesis method.
Catalytic reduction of SO2 by CO over Au4Pt2(CO)n and Au6Pt(CO)n clusters: a first-principles study
Authors: Xie Wei-Feng , Zhu Hao-Ran , Wei Shi-Hao , Hua Da-Yin
Published: October 2017

The catalytic properties of the magic gold–platinum bimetallic clusters (Au4Pt2 and Au6Pt) for the reduction of SO2 by CO, without or with preadsorbing CO molecules, are investigated using density functional theory calculations.
Effect of a heavy heteroatom on triplet formation and interactions in single conjugated polymer molecules and aggregates
Authors: Datko Benjamin D. , Thomas Alan K. , Fei Zhuping , Heeney Martin , Grey John K.
Published: October 2017

Triplet formation and interactions with emissive singlet excitons are investigated in poly(3-hexylselenophene) (P3HS) using single molecule spectroscopy.
Molecular emulsions: from charge order to domain order
Authors: Perera Aurélien
Published: October 2017

Aqueous mixtures of small molecules, such as lower n-alkanols for example, are known to be micro-segregated, with domains in the nano-meter range.
Band-edge engineering via molecule intercalation: a new strategy to improve stability of few-layer black phosphorus
Authors: Zhou Qionghua , Li Qiang , Yuan Shijun , Chen Qian , Wang Jinlan
Published: October 2017

Through embedding small molecules into few-layer black phosphorous, the production of photo-generated superoxide on its surface can be suppressed.
Spectroscopic identification of the chemical interplay between defects and dopants in Al-doped ZnO
Authors: Benedetti S. , Valenti I. , di Bona A. , Vinai G. , Castan-Guerrero C. , Valeri S. , Catellani A. , Ruini A. , Torelli P. , Calzolari A.
Published: October 2017

Contributions to the spectroscopic response of defects and dopants in Al-doped ZnO films are determined combining X-ray spectroscopies and DFT.
The role of association of ions in ionic liquid/molecular solvent mixtures on metal extraction
Authors: Andanson J.-M. , Papaiconomou N. , Cable P.-A. , Traïkia M. , Billard I. , Husson P.
Published: October 2017

Platinum extraction from aqueous phase into ionic liquid can be correlated to ionic association.
Insight into the multiple quasi-molecular states in ethylenediamine reduced graphene nanodots
Authors: Zhang Wenkai , Wang Yunjing , Liu Xiaohui , Meng Xianrui , Xu Hao , Xu Yuanqing , Liu Baoying , Fang Xiaomin , Li Hai-Bei , Ding Tao
Published: October 2017

Three cases of quasi-molecular fluorescence of graphene nanodots are examined by EDA reduction and converting blue light into white light through phosphor-based light-emitting diodes.
Chemical surface exchange of oxygen on CeO2−δ in an O2/H2O atmosphere
Authors: Ji Ho-Il , Xu Xin , Haile Sossina M.
Published: October 2017

As measured by the electrical conductivity relaxation method, oxidation of undoped ceria at 1400 °C under moist oxygen proceeds in a parallel process of uncorrelated oxidation by H2O and by O2.
Ionic liquids with anions based on fluorosulfonyl derivatives: from asymmetrical substitutions to a consistent force field model
Authors: Gouveia Andreia S. L. , Bernardes Carlos E. S. , Tomé Liliana C. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Vygodskii Yakov S. , Shaplov Alexander S. , Lopes José N. Canongia , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: October 2017

Herein, seven anions including four imide-based and two sulfonate anions are considered and compared.
Exploring the effect of fluorinated anions on the CO2/N2 separation of supported ionic liquid membranes
Authors: Gouveia Andreia S. L. , Tomé Liliana C. , Lozinskaya Elena I. , Shaplov Alexander S. , Vygodskii Yakov S. , Marrucho Isabel M.
Published: October 2017

The CO2 and N2 permeation properties of ionic liquids (ILs) based on a common imidazolium cation and different fluorinated anions were measured using supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs).
Polyaniline decorated Bi2MoO6 nanosheets with effective interfacial charge transfer as photocatalysts and optical limiters
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Cheng , Wang Aijian , Lv Cuncai , Zhu Weihua , Dou Shengping , Wang Qian , Zhong Qin
Published: October 2017

Polyaniline (PANI) decorated Bi2MoO6 nanosheets are capable of showing dual functionality, both as efficient optical limiters and recyclable photocatalysts, due to the efficient interfacial charge transfer.
Probing the communication of deoxythymidine triphosphate in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase by communication maps and interaction energy studies
Authors: Gnanasekaran Ramachandran
Published: October 2017

We calculate communication maps for HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase (RT) to elucidate energy transfer pathways between deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) and other parts of the protein.
From supramolecular polymers to multi-component biomaterials
Authors: Goor Olga J. G. M. , Hendrikse Simone I. S. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Meijer E. W.
Published: October 2017

This review features the translation of supramolecular fibers into elastomers and hydrogels for regenerative medicine.
Sulfur vacancy induced high performance for photocatalytic H2 production over 1T@2H phase MoS2 nanolayers
Authors: Liu Yuying , Xie Yu , Liu Lianjun , Jiao Julong
Published: October 2017

Mo-precursor has great impact on the morphology, surface chemistry and photocatalytic activity of MoS2 nanostructure.
Direct and selective hydrogenation of CO2 to ethylene and propene by bifunctional catalysts
Authors: Gao Jiajian , Jia Chunmiao , Liu Bin
Published: October 2017

A bifunctional catalyst was designed to directly and selectively hydrogenate CO2 to ethylene and propene with a high selectivity of 80–90% in hydrocarbons by combining the synthesis of methanol and methanol-to-olefins processes.
Investigation of Fe2N@carbon encapsulated in N-doped graphene-like carbon as a catalyst in sustainable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Chen Zhao-Yang , Li Ya-Nan , Lei Ling-Li , Bao Shu-Juan , Wang Min-Qiang , Heng-Liu Heng-Liu , Zhao Zhi-Liang , Xu Mao-wen
Published: October 2017

Nano-Fe2N@carbon encapsulated in N-doped graphene-like carbon (NC) was synthesized. Our catalysts can be used in zinc–air cells.
Facile synthesis of a molybdenum phosphide (MoP) nanocomposite Pt support for high performance methanol oxidation
Authors: Zhu Jinliang , Huang Shangli , Key Julian , Nie Shuangxi , Ma Shaojian , Shen Pei Kang
Published: October 2017

Molybdenum phosphide nanocrystals anchored on graphitic carbon are facilely synthesized and MoP highly improves the catalytic activity and stability of Pt in methanol electro-oxidation.
The facile synthesis of layered Ti2C MXene/carbon nanotube composite paper with enhanced electrochemical properties
Authors: Li Longfei , Wang Fen , Zhu Jianfeng , Wu Wenling
Published: October 2017

Ti2AlC has been investigated for several decades, but much less attention has been paid to its delamination and potential energy storage applications, mainly due to the difficulty of delamination and its oxidation features.
Solvothermal synthesis and enhanced photo-electrochemical performance of hierarchically structured strontium titanate micro-particles
Authors: Zhang Tao , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: October 2017

Homogeneous powders of almost spherical particles of SrTiO3 with diameters of about 1 μm and large surface areas of up to 186 m2 g−1 were obtained from a facile one-pot solvothermal synthesis.
A novel oxalate-based three-dimensional coordination polymer showing magnetic ordering and high proton conductivity
Authors: Mon Marta , Vallejo Julia , Pasán Jorge , Fabelo Oscar , Train Cyrille , Verdaguer Michel , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Tokoro Hiroko , Nakagawa Kosuke , Pardo Emilio
Published: October 2017

A novel example of an oxalate-based multifunctional material is reported here showing the coexistence of low-temperature magnetic ordering and high proton conductivity.
Synthesis of highly efficient flame retardant polypropylene nanocomposites with surfactant intercalated layered double hydroxides
Authors: Qiu Lei , Gao Yanshan , Zhang Cheng , Yan Qinghua , O'Hare Dermot , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2017

The thermal and flame retardant performances of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites with sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS) and stearic acid intercalated layered double hydroxides (DDS-LDHs and stearic-LDHs) were investigated in this study.