bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reference document on Permissible Limits for solvents and buffers during in vitro antimalarial screening
Authors: Naidu Renugah , Subramanian Gowtham , Lim Ying Bena , Lim Chwee Teck , Chandramohanadas Rajesh
Published: October 2018

Antimalarial drug discovery expands on targeted and phenotype-based screening of potential inhibitory molecules to ascertain overall efficacy, phenotypic characteristics and toxicity, prior to exploring pharmacological optimizations. Candidate inhibitors may have varying chemical properties, thereby requiring specific reconstitution conditions to ensure solubility, stability or bioavailability. Hence, a variety of solvents, buffers, detergents and stabilizers become part of antimalarial efficacy assays, all of which, above certain threshold could interfere with parasite viability, invasion or red blood cell properties leading to misinterpretation of the results. Despite their routine use across malaria research laboratories, there is no documentation on non-toxic range for common constituents including DMSO, glycerol, ethanol and methanol. We herein constructed a compatibility reference guide for 14 such chemicals and estimated their Permissible Limit against P. falciparum asexual stages at which viability and replication of parasites are not compromised. We also demonstrate that at the estimated Permissible Limit, red blood cells remain healthy and viable for infection by merozoites. Taken together, this dataset provides a valuable reference tool for the acceptable concentration range for common chemicals during in vitro antimalarial tests.
An Evolutionarily Conserved Mesodermal Enhancer in Vertebrate Zic3
Authors: Odaka Yuri S. , Tohmonda Takahide , Toyoda Atsushi , Aruga Jun
Published: October 2018

Zic3 encodes a zinc finger protein essential for the development of meso-ectodermal tissues. In mammals, Zic3 has important roles in the development of neural tube, axial skeletons, left-right body axis, and in maintaining pluripotency of ES cells. Here we characterized cis-regulatory elements required for Zic3 expression. Enhancer activities of human-chicken-conserved noncoding sequences around Zic1 and Zic3 were screened using chick whole-embryo electroporation. We identified enhancers for meso-ectodermal tissues. Among them, a mesodermal enhancer (Zic3-ME) in distant 3′ flanking showed robust enhancement of reporter gene expression in the mesodermal tissue of chicken and mouse embryos, and was required for mesodermal Zic3 expression in mice. Zic3-ME minimal core region is included in the DNase hypersensitive region of ES cells, mesoderm, and neural progenitors, and was bound by T (Brachyury), Eomes, Lef1, Nanog, Oct4, and Zic2. Zic3-ME is derived from an ancestral sequence shared with a sequence encoding a mitochondrial enzyme. These results indicate that Zic3-ME is an integrated cis-regulatory element essential for the proper expression of Zic3 in vertebrates, serving as a hub for a gene regulatory network including Zic3.
Comparative transcriptomic profile of tolerogenic dendritic cells differentiated with vitamin D3, dexamethasone and rapamycin
Authors: Navarro-Barriuso Juan , Mansilla María José , Naranjo-Gómez Mar , Sánchez-Pla Alex , Quirant-Sánchez Bibiana , Teniente-Serra Aina , Ramo-Tello Cristina , Martínez-Cáceres Eva M.
Published: October 2018

Tolerogenic dendritic cell (tolDC)-based therapies have become a promising approach for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by their potential ability to restore immune tolerance in an antigen-specific manner. However, the broad variety of protocols used to generate tolDCin vitroand their functional and phenotypical heterogeneity are evidencing the need to find robust biomarkers as a key point towards their translation into the clinic, as well as better understanding the mechanisms involved in the induction of immune tolerance. With that aim, in this study we have compared the transcriptomic profile of tolDC induced with either vitamin D3 (vitD3-tolDC), dexamethasone (dexa-tolDC) or rapamycin (rapa-tolDC) through a microarray analysis in 5 healthy donors. The results evidenced that common differentially expressed genes could not be found for the three different tolDC protocols. However, individually,CYP24A1,MUCL1andMAP7for vitD3-tolDC;CD163,CCL18,C1QBandC1QCfor dexa-tolDC; andCNGA1andCYP7B1for rapa-tolDC, constituted good candidate biomarkers for each respective cellular product. In addition, a further gene set enrichment analysis of the data revealed that dexa-tolDC and vitD3-tolDC share several immune regulatory and anti-inflammatory pathways, while rapa-tolDC seem to be playing a totally different role towards tolerance induction through a strong immunosuppression of their cellular processes.
Berry phase theory of planar Hall effect in topological insulators
Authors: Nandy S. , Taraphder A. , Tewari Sumanta
Published: October 2018

The appearance of negative longitudinal magnetoresistance (LMR) in topological semimetals such as Weyl and Dirac semimetals is understood as an effect of chiral anomaly, whereas such an anomaly is not well-defined in topological insulators. Nevertheless, it has been shown recently in both theory and experiments that nontrivial Berry phase effects can give rise to negative LMR in topological insulators even in the absence of chiral anomaly. In this paper, we present a quasi-classical theory of another intriguing phenomenon in topological insulators – also ascribed to chiral anomaly in Weyl and Dirac semimetals– the so-called planar Hall effect (PHE). PHE implies the appearance of a transverse voltage in the plane of applied non-parallel electric and magnetic fields, in a configuration in which the conventional Hall effect vanishes. Starting from Boltzmann transport equations we derive the expressions for PHE and LMR in topological insulators in the bulk conduction limit, and show the important role played by orbital magnetic moment. Our theoretical results for magnetoconductance with non-parallel electric and magnetic fields predict detailed experimental signatures in topological insulators – specifically of planar Hall effect – that can be observed in experiments.
Human blastocysts of normal and abnormal karyotypes display distinct transcriptome profiles
Authors: Licciardi Frederick , Lhakhang Tenzin , Kramer Yael G. , Zhang Yutong , Heguy Adriana , Tsirigos Aristotelis
Published: October 2018

Unveiling the transcriptome of human blastocysts can provide a wealth of important information regarding early embryonic ontology. Comparing the mRNA production of embryos with normal and abnormal karyotypes allows for a deeper understanding of the protein pathways leading to viability and aberrant fetal development. In addition, identifying transcripts specific for normal or abnormal chromosome copy number could aid in the search for secreted substances that could be used to non-invasively identify embryos best suited for IVF embryo transfer. Using RNA-seq, we characterized the transcriptome of 71 normally developing human blastocysts that were karyotypically normal vs. trisomic or monosomic. Every monosomy and trisomy of the autosomal and sex chromosomes were evaluated, mostly in duplicate. We first mapped the transcriptome of three normal embryos and found that a common core of more than 3,000 genes is expressed in all embryos. These genes represent pathways related to actively dividing cells, such as ribosome biogenesis and function, spliceosome, oxidative phosphorylation, cell cycle and metabolic pathways. We then compared transcriptome profiles of aneuploid embryos to those of normal embryos. We observed that non-viable embryos had a large number of dysregulated genes, some showing a hundred-fold difference in expression. On the contrary, sex chromosome abnormalities, XO and XXX displayed transcriptomes more closely mimicking those embryos with 23 normal chromosome pairs. Intriguingly, we identified a set of commonly deregulated genes in the majority of both trisomies and monosomies. This is the first paper demonstrating a comprehensive transcriptome delineation of karyotypic abnormalities found in the human pre-implantation embryo. We believe that this information will contribute to the development of new pre-implantation genetic screening methods as well as a better understanding of the underlying developmental abnormalities of abnormal embryos, fetuses and children.
Separating sexual dimorphism from other morphological variation in a specimen complex of fossil marine reptiles (Reptilia, Ichthyosauriformes, Chaohusaurus)
Authors: Motani Ryosuke , Huang Jiandong , Jiang Da-yong , Tintori Andrea , Rieppel Olivier , You Hailu , Hu Yuan-chao , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2018

The Early Triassic Chaohu Fauna from Anhui Province, China, contains the oldest record of Mesozoic marine reptiles, such as Cartorhynchus and Sclerocormus. Most specimens from the fauna belong to the ichthyosauriform Chaohusaurus, more specifically resembling C. chaoxianensis. However, a wide range of morphological variation exists within about 40 skeletons that have been prepared, likely reflecting mixed signals from both sexual and taxonomic differences. We test whether the sexual and taxonomic signals are separable based on quantification, aided by the knowledge of sexual dimorphism in extant marine tetrapods. There are two different suites of dimorphism that divide the specimens differently from each other yet consistently within each suite, resulting in four morphotypes in combination, likely representing two sexes of two taxa. Presumed males have larger ‘organ of prehension’ sensu Darwin, specifically limbs in the present case, for a given body length. This sexing criterion is supported by the only specimen of a gravid female, which belongs to the morphotype with short limbs. Males also have larger skulls for the trunk length compared to females. This study demonstrates that sexual and taxonomic signals are separable in fossil reptiles, with a sufficient sample size and careful analyses.
Generation of two-cell cloned embryos from mouse faecal cell
Authors: Kamimura Satoshi , Wakayama Sayaka , Kuwayama Hiroki , Tanabe Yoshiaki , Kishigami Satoshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: October 2018

Cloning animals using nuclear transfer (NT) provides the opportunity to preserve endangered species. However, there are risks associated with the collection of donor cells from a body, which may cause accidental death of the animal. Here, we tried to collect faeces-derived cells and examined the usability of those nuclei as a donor for NT. A relatively large number of cells could be collected from GFP-Tg mouse faeces by this method. After NT, only 4.2% of the reconstructed oocytes formed pseudo-pronucleus. This rate increased up to 25% when GFP and Hoechst were used as a marker to select better cells. However, the reconstructed oocytes/embryos showed several abnormalities, such as shrunken nuclear membranes and abnormal distribution of tubulin, and none of them developed beyond one-cell stage embryos. These developmental failures were caused by not only toxic substances derived from faeces but also intrinsic DNA damage of donor cell nuclei. However, when the serial NT was performed, some of the cloned embryos could develop to the two-cell stage. This method may remove toxic substances and enhance DNA repair in the oocyte cytoplasm. Thus, these results indicate that faeces cells might be useful for the conservation of endangered species when technical improvements are achieved.
On-Chip Curing by Microwave for Long Term Usage of Electronic Devices in Harsh Environments
Authors: Park Jun-Young , Kim Weon-Guk , Bae Hagyoul , Jin Ik Kyeong , Kim Da-Jin , Im Hwon , Tcho Il-Woong , Choi Yang-Kyu
Published: October 2018

Microwave-induced thermal curing is demonstrated to improve the reliability and to prolong the lifetime of chips containing nanoscale electron devices. A film containing graphite powder with high microwave absorbing efficiency was fabricated at low cost. The film is flexible, bendable, foldable, and attachable to a chip. A commercial off-the-shelf chip and a representative 3-dimensional (3D) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), known as FinFET, were utilized to verify the curing behaviors of the microwave-induced heat treatment. The heat effectively cured not only total ionizing dose (TID) damage from the external environment, but also internal electrical stress such as hot-carrier injection (HCI), which are representative sources of damages in MOSFET insulators. Then, the characteristics of the pre- and post-curing electron devices are investigated using electrical measurements and numerical simulations.
Application of spin-crossover water soluble nanoparticles for use as MRI contrast agents
Authors: Tsukiashi Asami , Min Kil Sik , Kitayama Hikaru , Terasawa Hiroaki , Yoshinaga Sosuke , Takeda Mitsuhiro , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: October 2018

Water soluble spin-crossover (SCO) iron(II) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating of [Fe(Htrz)3-3×(NH2trz)3×](BF4)2 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1). The NPs with x = 0.1 show gradual SCO behavior over 280–330 K in water. The relaxation times, T1 and T2, were determined and the thermally-responsive T2 values making these NPs a candidate for use as a MRI contrast agent.
Increasing the distance between two monomers of topoisomerase IIβ under the action of antitumor agent 4β-sulfur-(benzimidazole) 4′-demethylepipodophyllotoxin
Authors: Sun Lin-Yang , Zhu Li-Wen , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: October 2018

Topoisomerases II (Top2s) are a group of essential enzymes involved in replication, transcription, chromosome condensation, and segregation via altering DNA topology. The mechanism of the Top2s poisons such as etoposide (VP-16) was reported as stabilizing the Top2-DNA complex and engendering permanent DNA breakage. As the structurally similar compound of VP-16, a novel 4β-sulfur-substituted 4′-demethylepipodophyllotoxin (DMEP) derivative (compound C-Bi) with superior antitumor activity was developed in our previous study. To understand the structural basis of the compound action, the crystal structure (2.54 Å) of human Top2 β-isoform (hTop2β) cleavage complexes stabilized by compound C-Bi was determined. However, compound C-Bi was not visible in the crystal structure. Through the comparison of the structures of hTop2β-DNA-etoposide ternary complex and hTop2β-DNA binary complex, it could be observed that the distance between drug-binding sites Arg503 of the two monomers was 26.62 Å in hTop2β-DNA-etoposide ternary complex and 34.54 Å in hTop2β-DNA binary complex, respectively. Significant twist were observed in the DNA chains of binary complex. It suggested that compound C-Bi played antitumor roles through increasing spacing of hTop2β monomers. The changes in hTop2β structure further caused double changes in the torsional direction and migration distance of the DNA chains, resulting in impeding religation of DNA.
Metallo-Curcumin-Conjugated DNA Complexes Induces Preferential Prostate Cancer Cells Cytotoxicity and Pause Growth of Bacterial Cells
Authors: Vellampatti Srivithya , Chandrasekaran Gopalakrishnan , Mitta Sekhar Babu , Lakshmanan Vinoth-Kumar , Park Sung Ha
Published: October 2018

DNA nanotechnology can be used to create intricate DNA structures due to the ability to direct the molecular assembly of nanostructures through a bottom-up approach. Here, we propose nanocarriers composed of both synthetic and natural DNA for drug delivery. The topological, optical characteristics, and interaction studies of Cu2+/Ni2+/Zn2+-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopy. The maximum release of metallo-curcumin conjugates from the DNA complexes, triggered by switching the pH, was found in an acidic medium. The bacterial growth curves of E. coli and B. subtilis displayed a prolonged lag phase when tested with the metallo-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes. We also tested the in vitro cytotoxicity of the metallo-curcumin-conjugated DNA complexes to prostate cancer cells using an MTS assay, which indicated potent growth inhibition of the cells. Finally, we studied the cellular uptake of the complexes, revealing that DNA complexes with Cu2+/Ni2+-curcumin exhibited brighter fluorescence than those with Zn2+-curcumin.
Gaseous flow through heterogeneous, partially connected networks of pipes
Authors: Bernabé Yves
Published: October 2018

Simulations of flow of an ideal gas through heterogeneous simple cubic pipe networks with different pipe radius distributions and variable bond coordination numbers were performed. Networks with monomodal and bimodal radius distributions were constructed. A very wide range of Knudsen numbers was achieved. Flow simulations of purely viscous gases and incompressible liquids were also carried out for comparison. The permeability to gas in the purely viscous regime was larger than the permeability to an incompressible liquid. Based on a variety of computational tests, this result was likely not a numerical artifact. The simulated macroscopic flow behavior differed from the underlying single pipe model, depending on the radius distribution, network connectivity and magnitude of the externally applied pressure gradient, and was compatible with the Klinkenberg analysis only when the maximum Knudsen number used in each simulation was lower than 1. In this condition, the Klinkenberg coefficient was nearly proportional to the inverse of the network hydraulic radius while the effect of the radius distribution was weak and that of the network connectivity essentially negligible. The bimodal simulations displayed a typical percolation behavior, with the Klinkenberg coefficient remaining constant as long as the large pipe population was connected.
Identification of pharmacological inhibitors of conventional protein secretion
Authors: Zhao Liwei , Liu Peng , Boncompain Gaelle , Loos Friedemann , Lachkar Sylvie , Bezu Lucillia , Chen Guo , Zhou Heng , Perez Franck , Kepp Oliver , Kroemer Guido
Published: October 2018

The retention using selective hooks (RUSH) system allows to withhold a fluorescent biosensor such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to a streptavidin-binding peptide (SBP) by an excess of streptavidin molecules that are addressed to different subcellular localizations. Addition of biotin competitively disrupts this interaction, liberating the biosensor from its hook. We constructed a human cell line co-expressing soluble secretory-SBP-GFP (ss-SBP-GFP) and streptavidin within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen and then used this system to screen a compound library for inhibitors of the biotin-induced release of ss-SBP-GFP via the conventional Golgi-dependent protein secretion pathway into the culture supernatant. We identified and validated a series of molecularly unrelated drugs including antianginal, antidepressant, anthelmintic, antipsychotic, antiprotozoal and immunosuppressive agents that inhibit protein secretion. These compounds vary in their capacity to suppress protein synthesis and to compromise ER morphology and Golgi integrity, as well as in the degree of reversibility of such effects. In sum, we demonstrate the feasibility and utility of a novel RUSH-based phenotypic screening assay.
The Duality of the MAPK Signaling Pathway in the Control of Metabolic Processes and Cellulase Production in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: de Paula Renato Graciano , Antoniêto Amanda Cristina Campos , Carraro Cláudia Batista , Lopes Douglas Christian Borges , Persinoti Gabriela Felix , Peres Nalu Teixeira Aguiar , Martinez-Rossi Nilce Maria , Silva-Rocha Rafael , Silva Roberto Nascimento
Published: October 2018

In this study, through global transcriptional analysis by RNA-Sequencing, we identified the main changes in gene expression that occurred in two functional mutants of the MAPK genes tmk1 and tmk2 in Trichoderma reesei during sugarcane bagasse degradation. We found that the proteins encoded by these genes regulated independent processes, sometimes in a cross-talk manner, to modulate gene expression in T. reesei. In the Δtmk2 strain, growth in sugarcane bagasse modulated the expression of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cell growth and development, and G-protein-coupled receptor-mediated cell signaling. On the other hand, deletion of tmk1 led to decreased expression of the major genes for cellulases and xylanases. Furthermore, TMK1 found to be involved in the regulation of the expression of major facilitator superfamily transporters. Our results revealed that the MAPK signaling pathway in T. reesei regulates many important processes that allow the fungus to recognize, transport, and metabolize different carbon sources during plant cell wall degradation.
Flow cytometry analysis of adrenoceptors expression in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Tyurin-Kuzmin Pyotr A. , Dyikanov Daniyar T. , Fadeeva Julia I. , Sysoeva Veronika Yu. , Kalinina Natalia I.
Published: October 2018

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) were identified in most tissues of an adult organism. MSCs mediate physiological renewal, as well as regulation of tissue homeostasis, reparation and regeneration. Functions of MSCs are regulated by endocrine and neuronal signals, and noradrenaline is one of the most important MSC regulators. We provided flow cytometry analysis of expression of adrenergic receptors on the surface of human MSCs isolated from ten different donors. We have found that the expression profile of adrenergic receptors in MSCs vary significantly between donors. We also showed that alpha1A-adrenoceptor expression is upregulated under the action of noradrenaline. We share our flow cytometry raw data, as well as processing of these data on a flow cytometry repository for freely downloading.
Transcriptomes of cochlear inner and outer hair cells from adult mice
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Huizhan , Giffen Kimberlee P. , Chen Lei , Beisel Kirk W. , He David Z. Z.
Published: October 2018

Inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs) are the two anatomically and functionally distinct types of mechanosensitive receptor cells in the mammalian cochlea. The molecular mechanisms defining their morphological and functional specializations are largely unclear. As a first step to uncover the underlying mechanisms, we examined the transcriptomes of IHCs and OHCs isolated from adult CBA/J mouse cochleae. One thousand IHCs and OHCs were separately collected using the suction pipette technique. RNA sequencing of IHCs and OHCs was performed and their transcriptomes were analyzed. The results were validated by comparing some IHC and OHC preferentially expressed genes between present study and published microarray-based data as well as by real-time qPCR. Antibody-based immunocytochemistry was used to validate preferential expression of SLC7A14 and DNM3 in IHCs and OHCs. These data are expected to serve as a highly valuable resource for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying different biological properties of IHCs and OHCs as well as to provide a road map for future characterization of genes expressed in IHCs and OHCs.
Free-electron laser data for multiple-particle fluctuation scattering analysis
Authors: Pande Kanupriya , Donatelli Jeffrey J. , Malmerberg Erik , Foucar Lutz , Poon Billy K. , Sutter Markus , Botha Sabine , Basu Shibom , Bruce Doak R. , Dörner Katerina , Epp Sascha W. , Englert Lars , Fromme Raimund , Hartmann Elisabeth , Hartmann Robert , Hauser Guenter , Hattne Johan , Hosseinizadeh Ahmad , Kassemeyer Stephan , Lomb Lukas , Montero Sebastian F. Carron , Menzel Andreas , Rolles Daniel , Rudenko Artem , Seibert Marvin M. , Sierra Raymond George , Schwander Peter , Ourmazd Abbas , Fromme Petra , Sauter Nicholas K. , Bogan Michael , Bozek John , Bostedt Christoph , Schlichting Ilme , Kerfeld Cheryl A. , Zwart Petrus H.
Published: October 2018

Fluctuation X-ray scattering (FXS) is an emerging experimental technique in which solution scattering data are collected using X-ray exposures below rotational diffusion times, resulting in angularly anisotropic X-ray snapshots that provide several orders of magnitude more information than traditional solution scattering data. Such experiments can be performed using the ultrashort X-ray pulses provided by a free-electron laser source, allowing one to collect a large number of diffraction patterns in a relatively short time. Here, we describe a test data set for FXS, obtained at the Linac Coherent Light Source, consisting of close to 100 000 multi-particle diffraction patterns originating from approximately 50 to 200 Paramecium Bursaria Chlorella virus particles per snapshot. In addition to the raw data, a selection of high-quality pre-processed diffraction patterns and a reference SAXS profile are provided.
2D g-C3N4–MnO2nanocomposite for sensitive and rapid turn-on fluorescence detection of H2O2and glucose
Authors: Zhou Yu-Jie , Li Li , Wan Yuan-Hui , Chen Ting-Ting , Chu Xia
Published: October 2018

2D g-C3N4–MnO2nanocomposite for sensitive and rapid turn-on fluorescence detection of H2O2and glucose.
Magnetothermal heating facilitates the cryogenic recovery of stem cell–laden alginate–Fe3O4nanocomposite hydrogels
Authors: Zhang Xiaozhang , Zhao Gang , Cao Yuan , Haider Zeeshan , Wang Meng , Fu Jianping
Published: October 2018

A report on the self-heating enabled cryopreservation of stem cell–laden magnetic nanocomposite hydrogels.
Molecular electronic spin qubits from a spin-frustrated trinuclear copper complex
Authors: Kintzel Benjamin , Böhme Michael , Liu Junjie , Burkhardt Anja , Mrozek Jakub , Buchholz Axel , Ardavan Arzhang , Plass Winfried
Published: October 2018

The trinuclear copper(ii) complex [Cu3(saltag)(py)6]ClO4(H5saltag = tris(2-hydroxybenzylidene)triaminoguanidine) was synthesized and characterized by experimental as well as theoretical methods.
Theoretical description of alkali metal closo-boranes – towards the crystal structure of MgB12H12
Authors: Maniadaki Aristea E. , Łodziana Zbigniew
Published: October 2018

Theoretical investigation of closo-boranes shows that dispersive interactions are important for such compounds. New structures of MgB12H12 are proposed.
The involvement of carbon-centered radicals in the aging process of coals under atmospheric conditions: an EPR study
Authors: Taub Tze'ela , Ruthstein Sharon , Cohen Haim
Published: October 2018

Measuring radical concentration in varied coals, as a function of reaction with O2. Dependency of radical formation within this process.
Asymmetric abstraction of two chemically-equivalent methylene hydrogens: significant enantioselectivity of endoperoxide presented by fumitremorgin B endoperoxidase
Authors: Ji Jian-Nan , Chen Shi-Lu
Published: October 2018

The unique enantioselectivity for an R-chiral endoperoxy ring in verruculogen biosynthesis originates from asymmetric abstraction of two chemically-equivalent methylene hydrogens.
Thein situgrowth of ultrathinFcc-NiPt nanocrystals on graphene for methanol and formic acid oxidation
Authors: Lin Liu , Yuan Mengwei , Sun Zemin , Li Huifeng , Nan Caiyun , Sun Genban , Ma Shulan
Published: October 2018

One-pot strategy to in-suit anchor NiPt nanocrystals on the graphene substrates which show outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic properties in DMFC and DFAFC.
Bio-waste chicken eggshells to store energy
Authors: Minakshi Manickam , Visbal Heidy , Mitchell David R. G. , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: October 2018

Chicken eggshell, a calcite mineral (CaCO3) along with an inner shell membrane, is crushed into a powder to be used as an electrode for a lithium-ion capacitor.
An unprecedented {CuII14TeIV10} core incorporated in a 36-tungsto-4-silicate polyoxometalate with visible light-driven catalytic hydrogen evolution activity
Authors: Chen Wei-Chao , Wu Si-Tong , Qin Chao , Wang Xin-Long , Shao Kui-Zhan , Su Zhong-Min , Wang En-Bo
Published: October 2018

The first tellurous copper cluster embedded within tungstosilicate exhibiting visible light-driven catalytic H2 evolution activity has been obtained.
Addition of adamantylammonium iodide to hole transport layers enables highly efficient and electroluminescent perovskite solar cells
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Tress Wolfgang , Milić Jovana V. , Kubicki Dominik , Emsley Lyndon , Grätzel Michael
Published: October 2018

Non-radiative recombination losses are reduced drastically by addition of adamantylammonium iodide (ADAHI) into the hole transporting layer (HTL) in a perovskite solar cell, resulting in high efficiency (∼22%), increased Voc up to 1245 mV, and enhanced electro-luminescence EQE to 2.5%.
Second generation periodic table-based descriptors to encode toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles to multiple species: QSTR modeling for exploration of toxicity mechanisms
Authors: De Priyanka , Kar Supratik , Roy Kunal , Leszczynski Jerzy
Published: October 2018

The application ofin silicomethods in the risk assessment of metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) and data gap filling has found profound usability.
Combining X-ray Kβ1,3, valence-to-core, and X-ray Raman spectroscopy for studying Earth materials at high pressure and temperature: the case of siderite
Authors: Weis Christopher , Spiekermann Georg , Sternemann Christian , Harder Manuel , Vankó György , Cerantola Valerio , Sahle Christoph J. , Forov Yury , Sakrowski Robin , Kupenko Ilya , Petitgirard Sylvain , Yavaş Hasan , Bressler Christian , Gawelda Wojciech , Tolan Metin , Wilke Max
Published: October 2018

The high spin to low spin transition of siderite is studied by simultaneous X-ray emission and X-ray Raman scattering spectroscopy.
Towards identifying potent new hits for glioblastoma
Authors: Sherer Chris , Prabhu Saurabh , Adams David , Hayes Joseph , Rowther Farzana , Tolaymat Ibrahim , Warr Tracy , Snape Timothy J.
Published: October 2018

Scaffolds have been identified which provide promising platforms for future development of chemotherapeutic agents against resistant glioblastoma subtypes.
Host dependence of the electron affinity of molecular dopants
Authors: Li Jing , Duchemin Ivan , Roscioni Otello Maria , Friederich Pascal , Anderson Marie , Da Como Enrico , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele , Wenzel Wolfgang , Zannoni Claudio , Beljonne David , Blase Xavier , D'Avino Gabriele
Published: October 2018

Accurate molecular modeling reveal the surprisingly large impact of the solid-state environment on the electron acceptor levels of molecular dopants.
Synthesis and structural chemistry of CoII, CuII, CuI and PdII complexes containing a flexible monoselenoether ligand
Authors: Cargnelutti Roberta , Delgado Cássia P. , Cervo Rodrigo , Tirloni Bárbara , Burrow Robert A. , Lang Ernesto S.
Published: October 2018

A monoselenoether ligand (PySeCH2Py) reacts with CoII, CuII, CuI and PdII resulting in the formation of molecular, polymeric or cyclometallated complexes depending on the starting material used and the reaction conditions applied.
A photo-responsive electrocatalyst: CdSe quantum dot sensitized WS2 nanosheets for hydrogen evolution in neutral solution
Authors: Zhong Yueyao , Chang Bin , Shao Yongliang , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: October 2018

Under visible light irradiation, the photoinduced electrons help CdSe QD/WS2 electrocatalysts to achieve a notable HER activity enhancement.
Synthesis of poly(α-olefins) containing rare short-chain branches by dinuclear Ni-based catalysts
Authors: Khoshsefat M. , Dechal A. , Ahmadjo S. , Mortazavi S. M. M. , Zohuri G. H. , Soares J. B. P.
Published: October 2018

Chain walking mechanism with regard to dinuclear Ni-based catalyst stereoisomers in the polymerization of α-olefins: the effects of bridge, backbone and ortho-substituents.
Graphene–silicon-on-insulator (GSOI) Schottky diode photodetectors
Authors: Selvi Hakan , Hill Ernie W. , Parkinson Patrick , Echtermeyer Tim J.
Published: October 2018

Graphene–silicon-on-insulator (GSOI) photodetectors for high-speed free space light detection.
NaYbF4@CaF2 core–satellite upconversion nanoparticles: one-pot synthesis and sensitive detection of glutathione
Authors: Chen Bing , Wang Feng
Published: October 2018

Core–satellite upconversion nanoparticles have been prepared by a sequential injection technique and further exploited for adsorption of layered MnO2 for glutathione detection.
Preparation of fluorinated PCL porous microspheres and a super-hydrophobic coating on fabrics via electrospraying
Authors: Wang Haipeng , Li Wulong , Li Zhanxiong
Published: October 2018

One-step single-solvent electrospray technology to produce fluorinated PCL honeycomb-like microspheres with a pore structure and a super-hydrophobic coating on fabrics via electrospraying.
A thirty-fold photoluminescence enhancement induced by secondary ligands in monolayer protected silver clusters
Authors: Khatun Esma , Ghosh Atanu , Chakraborty Papri , Singh Priya , Bodiuzzaman Mohammad , Ganesan Paramasivam , Nataranjan Ganapati , Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Pal Samir Kumar , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: October 2018

Replacement of secondary ligands enhance the luminescence 30-fold in Ag29 cluster.
Aqueous electromigration of single-walled carbon nanotubes and co-electromigration with copper ions
Authors: Raja Pavan M. V. , Esquenazi Gibran L. , Wright Kourtney D. , Gowenlock Cathren E. , Brinson Bruce E. , Alexander Shirin , Jones Daniel R. , Gangoli Varun Shenoy , Barron Andrew R.
Published: October 2018

The direction of electromigration of SWCNTs in the absence of surfactant depends on the presence of catalyst residue, surface functional groups and adsorbed metal ions.
Lifetime and nonlinearity of modulated surface plasmon for black phosphorus sensing application
Authors: Zhou Renlong , Peng Jing , Yang Sa , Liu Dan , Xiao Yingyi , Cao Guangtao
Published: October 2018

Black phosphorus surface plasmon (BPSP) is a new promising candidate material for electromagnetic field confinement at the subwavelength scale.
Understanding charge trapping/detrapping at the zinc oxide (ZnO)/MAPbI3 perovskite interface in the dark and under illumination using a ZnO/perovskite/ZnO test platform
Authors: Kim Youngjun , Park Byoungnam
Published: October 2018

We fabricated a zinc oxide (ZnO)/methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite/ZnO field effect transistor (FET) test platform device through which ZnO/perovskite interfacial contact properties can be probed in the dark and under illumination.
Precise synchronization of hyperthermia–chemotherapy: photothermally induced on-demand release from injectable hydrogels of gold nanocages
Authors: Wan Jiangshan , Geng Shinan , Zhao Hao , Peng Xiaole , Xu Jiabao , Wei Meihe , Mao Junxiong , Zhou Yang , Zhu Quan , Zhao Yanbing , Yang Xiangliang
Published: October 2018

Temperature sensitive polymers were modified onto gold nanocages, and the resultant temperature sensitive hydrogels achieved precise synchronization of hyperthermia and chemotherapy by the on-demand release.
Room temperature precipitated dual phase CsPbBr3–CsPb2Br5 nanocrystals for stable perovskite light emitting diodes
Authors: Zhu Bai-Sheng , Li Huai-Zhi , Ge Jing , Li Hao-Dong , Yin Yi-Chen , Wang Kun-Hua , Chen Chen , Yao Ji-Song , Zhang Qun , Yao Hong-Bin
Published: October 2018

A facile and easily scaled-up ligand assisted precipitation route has been reported to produce highly photoluminescent and stable dual-phase CsPbBr3–CsPb2Br5 NCs for improving the stability of PeLEDs.
Construction of Al-ZnO/CdS photoanodes modified with distinctive alumina passivation layer for improvement of photoelectrochemical efficiency and stability
Authors: Wang Ruyi , Li Xiaodong , Wang Lu , Zhao Xirui , Yang Guangcheng , Li Aidong , Wu Congping , Shen Qing , Zhou Yong , Zou Zhigang
Published: October 2018

Direct current magnetron sputtering-coated Al2O3 protective layer significantly enhances the conversion efficiency and stability of Al-ZnO/CdS photoanode.
Tandem radical cyclization of N-methacryloyl benzamides with CBr4 to construct brominated isoquinolinediones
Authors: Huang Songhai , Niu Pengfei , Su Yingpeng , Hu Dongcheng , Huo Congde
Published: October 2018

Cumene promoted auto-oxidation involved tandem radical cyclization of N-methacryloyl benzamides using CBr4 as the bromine source to construct brominated isoquinolinediones is described.
Transition metal-free coupling of terminal alkynes and hypervalent iodine-based alkyne-transfer reagents to access unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes
Authors: Schörgenhumer J. , Waser M.
Published: October 2018

Unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes can easily be accessed under catalyst-free conditions by reacting terminal alkynes with hypervalent iodine-based electrophilic alkyne-transfer reagents.
Variation in the main health-promoting compounds and antioxidant activity of whole and individual edible parts of baby mustard (Brassica juncea var. gemmifera)
Authors: Sun Bo , Tian Yu-Xiao , Jiang Min , Yuan Qiao , Chen Qing , Zhang Yong , Luo Ya , Zhang Fen , Tang Hao-Ru
Published: October 2018

The main differences of health-promoting compounds and antioxidant activity of whole and individual edible parts of baby mustard were demonstrated.
Characterization and osteogenic evaluation of mesoporous magnesium–calcium silicate/polycaprolactone/polybutylene succinate composite scaffolds fabricated by rapid prototyping
Authors: Kang Yun Gyeong , Wei Jie , Kim Ji Eun , Wu Yan Ru , Lee Eun Jin , Su Jiacan , Shin Jung-Woog
Published: October 2018

A new composite scaffold consisting of mesoporous magnesium–calcium silicate (m_MCS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polybutylene succinate (PBSu) was manufactured by a rapid prototyping technique, for stem cell-based bone tissue engineering.
Alkylhalovinylboranes: a new class of Diels–Alder dienophiles
Authors: Pisano Pablo L. , Pellegrinet Silvina C.
Published: October 2018

The Diels–Alder reactions of alkylhalovinylboranes have been investigated theoretically and experimentally.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of CNT/P3HT composites with low CNT content
Authors: Qu Sanyin , Wang Mengdi , Chen Yanling , Yao Qin , Chen Lidong
Published: October 2018

The maximum TE power factor of CNT (d < 8 nm)/P3HT composite films reached 49.0 μW mK−2 at the mass fraction of 5 wt% CNTs.
Al(OCArF3)3 – a thermally stable Lewis superacid
Authors: Kögel Julius F. , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Schröder Artem , Lork Enno , Beckmann Jens
Published: October 2018

Al(OCArF3)3 (ArF = C6F5) – a readily accessible, adduct free and highly stable Lewis superacid with an extreme fluoride ion affinity to store in your glove box!
Metal-free, intermolecular carbopyridylation of alkenes via visible-light-induced reductive radical coupling
Authors: Chen Dan , Xu Lei , Long Tianyu , Zhu Shengqing , Yang Jun , Chu Lingling
Published: October 2018

An efficient, metal-free strategy for the intermolecular three-component carbopyridylation of styrenes, enabled by Hantzsch ester and visible light, has been described.
Photon-upconverting chiral liquid crystal: significantly amplified upconverted circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Yang Xuefeng , Han Jianlei , Wang Yafei , Duan Pengfei
Published: October 2018

By blending a chiral acceptor and a sensitizer into a nematic liquid crystal, a chiral nematic liquid crystal showing amplified upconverted circularly polarized luminescence could be obtained.
Cu2+selective chelators relieve copper-induced oxidative stressin vivo
Authors: Rakshit Ananya , Khatua Kaustav , Shanbhag Vinit , Comba Peter , Datta Ankona
Published: October 2018

We report highly selective, novel Cu2+chelators that relieve copper induced oxidative stressin vivoindicating applicability toward assuaging copper-overload disorders.
Endothelial, smooth muscle and fibroblast cell sheet fabrication from self-assembled thermoresponsive poly(glycidyl ether) brushes
Authors: Stöbener Daniel David , Hoppensack Anke , Scholz Johanna , Weinhart Marie
Published: October 2018

Self-assembled thermoresponsive poly(glycidyl ether) brushes on polystyrene culture dishes facilitate the fabrication of vascular human cell sheets.
Synergistic actions of mixed small and large pores for capillary absorption through biporous polymeric materials
Authors: Lerouge Thibault , Pitois Olivier , Grande Daniel , Le Droumaguet Benjamin , Coussot Philippe
Published: October 2018

The imbibition rate of a biporous material is higher than the sum of rates obtained for its monoporous counterparts.
Highly reversible and long-life cycling aqueous zinc-ion battery based on ultrathin (NH4)2V10O25·8H2O nanobelts
Authors: Wei Tongye , Li Qian , Yang Gongzheng , Wang Chengxin
Published: October 2018

For the first time ultrathin (NH4)2V10O25·8H2O nanobelts are employed as a cathode material for high-rate and durable rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
Stitchable supercapacitors with high energy density and high rate capability using metal nanoparticle-assembled cotton threads
Authors: Shin Dongyeeb , Kwon Cheong Hoon , Ko Yongmin , Lee Byeongyong , Lee Seung Woo , Cho Jinhan
Published: October 2018

Highly porous metallic cotton-based supercapacitors exhibited remarkable areal energy and power density, exceeding the performance of conventional 1D supercapacitors.
Transforming bulk alloys into nanoporous lanthanum-based perovskite oxides with high specific surface areas and enhanced electrocatalytic activities
Authors: Si Conghui , Zhang Chi , Sunarso Jaka , Zhang Zhonghua
Published: October 2018

Direct transformation of bulk alloys into nanoporous lanthanum-based perovskite oxides with high specific surface areas and enhanced electrocatalytic activities.
Subcellular co-delivery of two different site-oriented payloads based on multistage targeted polymeric nanoparticles for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: You Chao-Qun , Wu Hong-Shuai , Gao Zhi-Guo , Sun Kai , Chen Fang-Hui , Tao W. Andy , Sun Bai-Wang
Published: October 2018

Smart nanoparticles which encapsulated two different site-oriented therapeutic agents for multistage targeted delivery and enhanced antitumor therapy.
von Willebrand factor rescued by miR-24 inhibition facilitates the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells in vitro
Authors: Liu Ling , Pan Jun , Wang Huan , Ma Zhenni , Yin Jie , Yuan Feng , Yuan Quanwen , Zhou Lu , Liu Xiaofeng , Zhang Yu , Bao Zhaohua , Yang Huilin , Ling Jing
Published: October 2018

von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a major procoagulant molecule that was shown to differentiate between metastatic and primary osteosarcoma (OS) tissues and associated with increased metastasis. However, its functional role in OS progression has been unclear yet. The expression profile of vWF and miR-24 in human OS tissues was characterized using immunofluorescence labeling and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The interaction between miR-24 and vWF was identified by dual luciferase reporter assay. The effects of vWF and miR-24 on OS cells were assessed by cell proliferation, colony formation, and migration. The clinical significance of miR-24 in OS patients was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analyses and Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Here, we reported that the expression of vWF was significantly increased, but miR-24 was significantly decreased in OS tissues (n=84). vWF was further validated as the target of miR-24 in MG-63 and U2OS cells. miR-24 obviously suppressed the proliferation and migration of MG-63 and U2OS cells. However, the migration-inhibiting activity of miR-24 was predominantly attenuated by vWF overexpression. Clinically, low miR-24 expression in human OS tissues was significantly associated with tumor metastasis and predicted a poor survival in OS patients. This work demonstrated that vWF, as a downstream effector of miR-24, played an important role in controlling OS cell progression. Target miR-24 or vWF, therefore, promises to be an effective biological target for OS treatment.
Super class AB RFC OTA using non‐linear current mirrors
Authors: Garde M.P. , Lopez‐Martin A.J. , Carvajal R.G. , Galan J.A. , Ramirez‐Angulo J.
Published: October 2018

An alternative approach to the design of super class AB recycling folded cascode operational transconductance amplifiers is proposed. Instead of using local common‐mode feedback for boosting dynamic currents, simple current mirrors with input transistors entering triode region for large currents are employed. Measurement results from a 0.5 μm CMOS test chip validate the proposal.
Analysis of the biomechanical characteristics of the knee joint with a meniscus injury
Authors: Zhou Tiguai
Published: October 2018

The knee joint is one of the most important joints in the human body. The meniscus is a half‐moon cartilage which locates between the medial and lateral condyle of the thighbone and the medial and lateral condyle of the shin in the knee joint, and it has multiple functions such as bearing load, cushioning and stabilising joints. It is easy to be injured because of its complex structure and functions. In this study, the physical fitness of patients with meniscus injury was tested using kinematic measurement, and the data were collected for biomechanical analysis on the parameters such as the angle and stress when the patient's bent knees during sports. The results demonstrated that the average values of bending angle, the rotation angle of the knee joint and intensity of pressure of the patients with meniscus injury were remarkably different with those of people without meniscus injury. Biomechanical characteristics are of extensive values to the treatment of meniscus injury.
Electromagnetic torque analysis‐based method for performance evaluation and optimisation of closed‐loop CPS regarding small signal stability
Authors: Sheng Yibiao , Lin Tao , Chen Rusi , Chen Baoping , Ding Guili , Xu Xialing , Xie Chang , Liu Lin
Published: October 2018

Low frequency oscillation occurs frequently in the smart grid, which threatens the security andstability of the physical system. Wide‐area damping controller (WADC), whichbelongs to cyber system, can effectively suppress inter‐area low frequencyoscillations and improve the small signal stability of the closed‐loopcyber‐physical system (CPS). However, with the introduction of global signals,time delays of communication are inevitable. Considering that, this paperdeduces the general mathematics expression among electromagnetic torquecoefficients, WADC control parameters and time delays, which makes it possibleto analyse the influence mechanism of time delay on small signal stability.Based on these analysis, on the one hand, the time‐delay small signal stabilityregion is established to evaluate the operation state of closed‐loop CPS, on theother hand, if small signal stability is not achieved due to the measured timedelays, optimisation scheme is proposed to carry out WADC control parameterscoordination to optimise small signal stability of the closed‐loop system.Finally, taking two time delays as example, this study verifies theeffectiveness and advantages of the proposed method by comparing the closed‐loopsystem performance considering two time delays with the cases of consideringsinge time delay and without time delay.
Automated glaucoma detection using retinal layers segmentation and optic cup‐to‐disc ratio in optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Ramzan Aneeqa , Usman Akram Muhammad , Shaukat Arslan , Gul Khawaja Sajid , Ullah Yasin Ubaid , Haider Butt Wasi
Published: October 2018

Glaucoma is a blindness causing eye disease if not treated in time and caused by the increase in the cup‐to‐disc region (CDR). A novel method for extraction of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers from optical coherence tomography scans is proposed. A new colour channels mean based quality assessment step is applied to segment out ILM layer for different quality images. During RPE segmentation, a new ‘centroid based thresholding’ method is proposed to remove extended ILM regions. The method uses both the ILM layer and RPE breakpoints for a cup and disc calculation, respectively. A novel criterion for horizontal/flat cup diameter based on the average RPE break points is proposed. Based on calculated CDRs, the system classifies the subject as normal or glaucomatous. The average sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity of the proposed system are 87, 79 and 72%, respectively, on the Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology dataset when correlated with clinical annotations and CDR computer generated values. The proposed system has shown the higher correlated result of 92.59% sensitivity with the senior most ophthalmologists. It promotes the e‐health field at the retinal level and employed as the decision support system by the young doctors.